Each episode will feature a conversation between host Rebecca Harvin and foster/adoptive caregivers or members of the community who support foster care and adoption.
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Foster Care, Adoption, and Beyond: Untold Stories is an educational podcast centering on foster care, adoption, youth homelessness and related urban and social work topics. The host, Dr. Zayda Sorrell-Medina, is a professor, social scientist, and social work educator. She is also an advocate and member of the foster, adoption, and homeless youth community, which is also a population that she studies. FAB Untold Stories combines storytelling, expert interviews, and research to raise awareness ...
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Podcast by Erick Alvarez
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Called to Love: An Adoption Podcast for Christian Parents - Christian Adoption, Trauma and Healing, Foster Care, Parenting Adopted Children
Somer Colbert and Christian Parenting
Whether you seek to add to your family through foster care, private domestic adoption or you are called to travel internationally, every adoption story is uniquely beautiful. Yet, each shares a common language of calling, loss, and hardship. As Christian parents we have a deep desire to love and shepherd our children well, but it can be challenging to navigate loss, trauma and how to best love and guide our adopted children. One thing is for sure, adoption is more than a process, it is an in ...
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Adopted By God: The Spiritual Healing in Adoption & Foster Care
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33:42Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by author and adoptive father, Matt Lambert. Matt and his wife live in the UK with their two adopted children. Through the adoption experience, Matt unpacked some of his own brokenness and began to experience spiritual healing as he was “adopted by God.” This inspired him to write …
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Foster Care: The Altar of Motherhood
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47:03Jessica Miles shares her raw, powerful story of loving through the hardest seasons of foster care, demonstrating how her own difficult childhood prepared her to show up authentically for children experiencing trauma. She offers profound insight into what it means to love intentionally when behaviors are extreme and systems are failing. • Loving chi…
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Episode 19 | Foster Care License Requirements: Interview with Researchers Jasmine Mitchell and Maggie Reddington
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24:17Send us a text Happy foster care awareness month! In this episode, child welfare workers and Maggie Reddington and Jasmine Mitchell disseminate their research from their master's thesis, which examines the exclusionary requirements of the U.S. foster care licensing process. If you've ever wondered, what is the process to become a foster parent, thi…
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Should You Adopt Your Foster Children?
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25:38Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I ask the question posed by many in the foster care system: should I adopt my foster kids? How will I know if that is what God is calling me to do? Or… what if He says no? I share statistics, information, but also share my personal experience where God told our family “no” to an adoption and I…
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Single, Fostering and Figuring it Out: One Foster Mom's Journey into the Unknown
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37:09Kate shares her journey from teacher to single foster parent, reflecting on the profound identity shift that occurs the moment a child enters your home and the unique challenges of navigating the system alone. • Background in early childhood and special education creating a strong foundation for advocacy • Building a house with kids in mind before …
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Rebecca Unedited: Motherhood Unfiltered
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25:18Welcome back to season two where we dive into the complicated reality of Mother's Day for foster and adoptive moms, exploring how joy and grief often coexist in our parenting journey. I share my personal struggles with balancing celebration, complicated emotions, and the mantra that helps me navigate it all: "two things can be true." • Mother's Day…
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What Every Christian Parent Needs to Know About Foster Care
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33:43Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by author and adoptive mama, Jessica Mathisen. In light of Foster Care Awareness Month, we discuss Jessica’s profound journey into foster care and adoption. We dive into unique family dynamics, the calling to foster care, the challenges faced by foster parents, and the importance o…
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Supporting Foster and Adoptive Families as a Church
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37:51Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Scott Fuller, vice president of advancement at Murphy Harpst Children's Centers. We discuss the importance of community support in foster care, the various programs offered by Murphy Harpst, and share inspiring stories of transformation in the lives of children who have experien…
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Teaching Our Kids to Talk to God
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32:57Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Tanner Olson. Tanner said when he went to college he knew he was picking a major where he would end up poor and it was a matter of how. He bounced around until finally landing on spoken word poetry and writing. Today, he performs his spoken word poetry with friends who play musi…
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Unplanned but Good - Discussing Open Adoption with Terri Marcroft
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29:12Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! I am joined by Terri Marcroft. Terri Marcroft is an adoptive mom, author, and adoption advocate who works hard spreading the word on adoption through Unplanned Good. In 2008 Terri identified the need to more actively suggest adoption: today only 1% of young US women facing unplanned pregnancy choose adoption f…
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Episode 18 | Becoming a Foster Parent: 5 Things I Wish I Knew
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19:16Send us a text Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent? Save yourself a headache and tune in to these five things you need to know before becoming a foster parent. Support the show About Me Dr. Zayda Sorrell-Medina is a professor, social scientist, educator, and author. She is also a member and advocate of the foster, adoption, and hom…
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Tools for Self-Regulation, Anger Management and Coping Mechanisms
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29:03Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Kimberly Dubose. Kimberly is a Family Centered Therapy Clinical Caseworker with Connected Families. She shares her expertise on managing challenging behaviors in children, particularly those who have experienced trauma. She emphasizes the importance of caregivers in modeling sel…
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Teaching Your Child They Are Chosen With Dorian Stewart
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34:42Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined with the amazing author and adoptive mom, Dorian Stewart. Dorian has written the “Promise Pals” series, which was envisioned when she realized there weren’t many resources and books out there for adopted kids. Adopted kids are just as much chosen and wanted as biological children, …
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Episode 17 | Child Story: Wings to Fly
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7:51Send us a text This story is for children as much as it is for adults, inviting the listener to tap into their inner child to cultivate imagination. Alas para volar means wings to fly in Spanish. This is a special episode release to recognize International Multilingual Day on March 27th. I practice multilingual parenting, and this story that I shar…
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Episode 16 | Cuento Infantil: Alas Para Volar
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8:32Send us a text This story is for children as much as it is for adults, inviting the listener to tap into their inner child to cultivate imagination. Alas para volar means wings to fly in Spanish. This is a special episode release to recognize International Multilingual Day on March 27th. I practice multilingual parenting, and this story that I shar…
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Understanding Blocked Care with Lisa C. Qualls
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44:32Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined with an incredible guest: Lisa C. Qualls. Lisa is the proud mother of both biological and adopted children, twelve in fact, and is an accomplished author, speaker, and Enneagram coach with TBRI training. Together, we focus on the concept of 'blocked care'—a self-protective mechanis…
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Advice From A Trauma Informed Sleep Expert Allison Ezell
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56:36Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by a very special guest! I first met Allison when she taught at an adoption support group last Fall, and I just knew she had to be on the podcast! Allison is a trauma informed sleep expert, something which did not exist when she was raising her adopted son who struggled at night. N…
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Send us a text Have you ever wondered: What is DEI? There is a lot of misinformation about what it is and what it is not. In this episode, I present a basic definition of DEI in lay terms. Stay tuned for the special episode release on March 27th in recognition of International Multi-lingual Day! I will be sharing a cuento infantil, or child story. …
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Answering the Call for Older Teen Adoption with Della Lago
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39:55Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Della Lago, an adoptive mom and advocate for how Christians everywhere can play a role in supporting teens in the foster care system. Della shares her personal journey of adopting a 17-year-old girl from a group home, discussing the challenges and triumphs of building trust and …
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Lifting Our Eyes to God as Foster and Adoptive Parents
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34:08Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Whitney Newby, author of the new book “Lift Your Eyes: Daily Invitations to Behold Christ in Motherhood”, founder of Brighter Day Press, and a homeschooling mom of four. Whitney joins me to talk about the challenges and beauty of motherhood, particularly in the context of foster…
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Trusting God With What We Cannot Control: Waiting for Adoption
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26:01Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I discuss the challenges and realities of waiting for adoption. The most important thing is trusting God during this process and part of that is managing expectations and actively engaging in the waiting process through praise, seeking God, and serving others. Throughout today’s conversation, …
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Send us a text This podcast is an official announcement regarding the podcast's name change, from "The Voice" to "Foster Care, Adoption and Beyond: Untold Stories", also revealing in more detail what this podcast is about and what you can expect. Support the show About Me Dr. Zayda Sorrell-Medina is a professor, social scientist, educator, and auth…
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Trusting God With What We Cannot Control: Our Kids Choices
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22:01Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I discuss what to do and how to respond to the choices our adopted or foster children make. This topic is one of the first inspirations for this podcast as many families have asked me what to do when a situation arises where your child is making problematic, concerning, even destructive and ha…
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Rebecca Unedited: Unknotting Our Stories
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37:06Vulnerability and authenticity are explored through personal experiences of motherhood, therapy, and relationships. By unpacking the burdensome narratives around love and acceptance, the episode inspires listeners to reflect on their own stories and choose healthier paths toward autonomy. • Navigating the complexities of vulnerability in relationsh…
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Episode 13 | Self-Love: A Lifelong Journey
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14:36Send us a text How can I love myself? What is self-love? This episode provides a basic definition of self-love and strategies to embark on a life long journey of self-love. Support the show About Me Dr. Zayda Sorrell-Medina is a professor, social scientist, educator, and author. She is also a member and advocate of the foster, adoption, and homeles…
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Trusting God With What We Cannot Control Sexual Abuse
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20:54Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I discuss the complex and multifaceted issue of trusting God in the face of abusive situations within the foster care system. This episode topic was inspired by a listener’s question - this is a very real issue that so many foster parents face. That is why this episode is focused on some pract…
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Empowering Change: Child Advocacy, Foster Care, and Finding Your Voice with Olivia Smith
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58:39This episode focuses on the vital role of advocacy in supporting children, particularly in foster care and educational systems. We touch on personal experiences, the importance of knowledge about rights and relationships, and strategies for effectively advocating within complex systems. • Understanding the role and significance of PACE • Navigating…
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Journeying Through Family Dynamics and Resilience
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56:09The episode delves into the transformative journey of foster care and adoption, highlighting the emotional complexities and realities faced by families involved. Megan Hampton-Pusey shares her experiences as a foster mother, addressing the importance of community support, the challenges of attachment, and the often-overlooked struggles of fostering…
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Trusting God With What We Cannot Control: Failed Adoption
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22:26Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I discuss what it means to trust God with what we cannot control when it comes to adoption and foster care. I am honest with you, sharing my personal journey through failed adoptions, especially my emotional struggles. I wrestled a lot but also learned about control, God's sovereignty, and the…
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Helping Heal Destructive Patterns With Tori Hope Petersen
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43:10Welcome to the Called To Love Podcast. In this powerful episode, I am fortunate enough to welcome back advocate, speaker, author, and foster mom Tori Hope Petersen. Drawing from her journey through foster homes, aging out of the system at 18, and overcoming labels like "self-sabotager," Tori shares how destructive patterns rooted in past trauma can…
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Finding Joy in the Everyday of Adoption
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40:37Our conversation today dives deep into the joys of foster care and adoption, sharing heartfelt stories of connection and triumph amidst the challenges. We explore the significant moments that define our experiences as foster parents, offer practical parenting strategies, and celebrate the little victories that shape our family narrative. • Navigati…
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Nurturing Connections: Trust-Based Relational Intervention in Adoption and Foster Care with Jennifer Lake
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56:12This episode highlights the transformative impact of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) on families navigating foster care and adoption. By understanding emotional needs behind behaviors, caregivers can build stronger connections and foster healing, while also addressing their own emotional challenges in the process. • Introduction to TBRI …
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From Abortion to Adoption With Robin Gerblick
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46:04Welcome to the Called To Love Podcast. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I get to dive into a topic of deep significance: the sanctity of life and the journey of redemption after abortion. I am joined by Robin Gerblick who is the founder of the Exodus Women’s Retreat, author of Giving Up Grace, and an adoptive mom. Robin candidly shares her j…
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The Truth About Abortion in 2025 and What Christians Can Do About It With Bradley Pierce
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38:37Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast. In this powerful episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bradley Pierce, attorney and co-founder of Abolish Abortion Texas, to discuss the church’s role in addressing the issue of abortion. We explore the challenges faced by pro-life advocates, the importance of equal protection legislation, and how th…
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Rebecca Unedited: Answering Questions from Our Listeners
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57:21Rebecca and Courtney answer questions submitted by listeners. This episode is off the cuff, unedited and offers an unfiltered view as Rebecca answers those questions. We discuss various aspects of adoption, including timelines, processes for domestic and international adoptions, advocacy for children, and ways to support families in this journey. •…
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Episode 12 | A Poem Dedicated to Birth Moms
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7:23Send us a text This episode presents a poem and song dedicated to all birth mothers, and especially birth mothers who had their child taken away. This episode is inspired by my experience as a former foster and homeless youth, adoptive parent, and professor of social work. Share this episode with someone who you believe can resonate. Support the sh…
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What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience with Dr. Nicole Wilke
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35:54Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Nicole Wilke, author and director at the Christian Alliance for Orphans Center on Applied Research for Vulnerable Children and Families. Nicole helps to explore the powerful intersection of scripture and science in building resilience in children and families. Her passion fo…
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Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Sarah Graves on Therapy, Foster Care, and Building Supportive Communities
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56:04Through a conversation between Rebecca Harvin and Sarah Graves, listeners explore the essential support needed in foster and adoptive families’ journeys. The episode stresses the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and community involvement to help these families thrive amidst challenges. • Explores Sarah's background and journey into therapy and…
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2024 Highlight: Infertility & Adoption - Does One Lead to the Other?
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54:49Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast. As 2024 comes to a close, Somer wants to highlight one of the best episodes from this year -- in case you missed it! Often people think infertility leads to adoption. It isn't always the case, but it can be for some. Joined with Somer on the podcast are authors Jenn Hesse and Kelley Ramsey who were connected f…
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Lori Serber's journey into foster care is a testament to the power of calling and the evolution of family dynamics. Lori had always felt drawn to fostering, though her husband Larry needed time to embrace the idea. Eventually, their family of five welcomed the transformative experience, navigating the multifaceted challenges and joys that fostering…
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2024 Highlight: Hard is Not the Same as Bad
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35:45Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast. As 2024 comes to a close, Somer wants to share the best from this year. This episode is a 2024 highlight, to make sure you didn't miss it! The conversation is about how hard isn't the same as bad, and we all know how hard adoption and foster care is. Joined with Somer on this insightful conversation is the aut…
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Trials and Triumphs of Fostering the Whole Family
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1:03:23What does it mean to truly support a birth family while fostering? In this episode, we uncover the complexities with the insightful Jordan Whitmarsh, whose journey from teen mom to foster parent offers a fresh perspective on empathy and community support. Her candid stories about navigating these challenges without a safety net highlight the incred…
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The Best Moments from Called to Love
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39:31Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast. This is a special episode where Somer shares clips from the five most downloaded, most popular episodes from Called to Love thus far: Reframing Your Mindset As A Christian Adoptive Parent: Reflect on Your Calling Lessons Learned in Our Adoption Journey with Somer & Corey Everything You Need to Know from an Ado…
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Balancing Hopes and Realities in Adoption
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41:32On this episode we'll share personal insights on maintaining the delicate balance between accepting our children for who they are and the natural urge to shape their world. The heart of our discussion lies in the emotional tug-of-war between hopes and reality. Feelings of loss and sadness come into play when all the love and effort poured into crea…
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Episode 11 | Supporting First Generation College Students
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18:16Send us a text This episode sheds light on the role of caring adults in paving the way for first generation college students and tips for success for first gen college students. Support the show About Me Dr. Zayda Sorrell-Medina is a professor, social scientist, educator, and author. She is also a member and advocate of the foster, adoption, and ho…
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Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child
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40:51Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast. In this episode, I am focused on talking about our neurodivergent kiddos, whether they're our biological ones, adopted, or being fostered. "Neurodivergent" has been a popular term in the past few years but what does it mean? And how do we love our kids well when we struggle to understand them? I explore all of…
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Forging Lifelong Bonds: Navigating Foster Care and Adoption Through Friendship with Danielle Browning
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57:35How does a missed meeting at Starbucks transform into a lifelong friendship that helps navigate the challenges of foster care and adoption? Join us as Danielle Browning and I share the story of our unique bond, forged through shared experiences and mutual support. We open up about the unspoken rules of friendship that have been our lifeline as we j…
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Helping Our Kids With Holiday Anxiety
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51:34Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast. In this episode, I am focused on talking about how to help our kids with holiday anxiety. Christmas is quickly approaching and maybe you've already experienced some the holiday stress with this past Thanksgiving. There is so much overstimulating our kids, from school activities, sugary sweets, family and frien…
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Building Bridges in Foster Care
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1:06:04Embark on an unexpected journey with Ted Stackpole, a pastor who, alongside his wife Angie, opened their hearts and home to foster care and adoption, transforming their lives and those of the many children they've welcomed. Initially hesitant, their adventure began through a connection with a church family and an exploration of adoption ministry. T…
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Tracing HIS Promise with Donna Amidon
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30:02Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast. Christmas is quickly coming around the corner which is why I thought this would be a great opportunity to talk with Donna Amidon about the connection between Jesus and the Old Testament, how God is the same through all the ages and the promise of Jesus is woven throughout scripture. As foster and adoptive pare…
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