Best Adoptee Lisa Ann Podcasts (2025)

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86. God Is Bigger Than All of It: A Story of Surrender and Strength with Carly Souza 43:25

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22h ago43:25

43:25

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Carly Souza, the director of Fostering Hope in Las Vegas. Fostering Hope is an organization that supports foster families, children in foster care, and biological parents by creating pathways for reconciliation and full restoration. Fostering Hope builds care communities and offers support groups that surround an…

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Nadia Levett - Part One 46:27

7d ago46:27

46:27

In this episode, we're joined by someone whose story weaves through early foster care, complex family connections, and the enduring search for belonging and identity. Nadia Levett was born in 1982 and adopted at the age of five after spending her early years moving between foster homes and biological family members. Her story is unique, layered, an…

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Nadia Levett - Part Two 58:22

7d ago58:22

58:22

In Part Two, Nadia Levett continues her story. Nadia's experience weaves through early foster care, complex family connections, and the enduring search for belonging and identity. She was born in 1982 and adopted at the age of five after spending her early years moving between foster homes and biological family members. Her story is unique, layered…

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85. Spiritual Formation: The Power of Scripture Memory 32:31

8d ago32:31

32:31

We’re back with another episode in our Spiritual Formation series, and today we’re focusing on the practice of scripture memory. This conversation is all about what it means to tuck God’s Word into our hearts—setting our minds on truth and learning to depend on Him in our everyday lives. We talk about the many benefits of memorizing scripture, incl…

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84. How to Talk to Your Kids About Adoption & Foster Care — Even If It's Not Your Family’s Story with Trisha White Priebe 52:39

15d ago52:39

52:39

In this episode, Trisha White Priebe—an adult adoptee, writer, and speaker—joins the show to talk about something we don’t always think about: how families who aren’t part of the adoption or foster care world can still help their kids understand it. There are plenty of resources out there for adoptive families, but what about the parents whose kids…

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83. Faith in Action: The Church and Foster Care with Vince Smith 25:25

22d ago25:25

25:25

In this episode of The ReStoried Podcast, we sit down with Vince Smith, former foster parent and director of Keystone Family Alliance, an organization committed to educating, motivating, and equipping churches across Pennsylvania to care for vulnerable children both locally and globally. Vince shares his journey as a foster parent to 35 children an…

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Across Oceans, Through Time: Lisa Preston's Reunion Revisited 46:51

29d ago46:51

46:51

Lisa Preston returns to Adopt Perspective with the next chapter of her extraordinary adoption journey — including her recent solo trip to the UK to spend time with her father, Richard. You can also catch Lisa on SBS Insight tonight (13 May 2025 at 8.30pm) in the episode 'DNA Doesn’t Lie', or watch on replay via SBS On Demand. Born in England in 197…

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82. Replay- From Awareness to Action: Empowering Churches to Support Foster Families with Brannon Marshall & Judy McClintock 43:05

29d ago43:05

43:05

In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, we're sharing a replay of a powerful and important conversation with Brannon Marshall and Judy McClintock as they share practical ways to empower churches to support foster families. In this episode, we're joined by Brannon Marshall, the pastor of North Canton Chapel, and Judy, the director of family life. T…

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81. A Foster Mom’s Why: Billie Jo’s Story of 21+ Years of Fostering 34:13

1M ago34:13

34:13

May is Foster Care Month, and we're kicking it off with an incredible conversation with Billie Jo Muckley. Billie Jo has been a foster mom for over 21 years. In this episode, she shares the heart behind her long journey in foster care and how her faith in God gives her the strength to keep going, even when things get hard. Billie Jo also opens up a…

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Bill Esman 23:31

1M ago23:31

23:31

One of the voices we hear from least often on Adopt Perspective is that of fathers who lost children to adoption. It’s a perspective that is vital but often left untold, and so we are deeply grateful whenever a father feels ready to step forward and share his experience. In this episode, we are joined by Bill Esman, who is the father of Tracy Shand…

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80. Spiritual Formation: Discovering God Through Fasting 28:00

1M ago28:00

28:00

What do you think of when you hear the word fasting? In today’s episode, we continue our spiritual formation series with a look at the powerful practice of fasting. Often misunderstood or overlooked, fasting is more than just giving something up—it's an invitation to deny ourselves in order to become more aware of God’s presence. We explore how fas…

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79. Empower U: Teaching Real-Life Skills to Empower Real-Life Moms 20:08

2M ago20:08

20:08

In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Jen Zwick, the Family Support Specialist in the Single Moms Program at Hope Bridge. Jen shares her heart for walking alongside single mothers and highlights some of the challenges these families often face. Did you know that 1 in 4 children under the age of 18 are raised by a single mother? That’s about 1…

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78. Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience with Dr. Nicole Wilke 1:04:09

2M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

In this episode of ReStoried, we are in conversation with Dr. Nicole Wilke—a researcher, missionary, author, and therapist—about her new book Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience. Nicole has such a hopeful and practical perspective, especially for foster and adoptive parents or anyone caring for kids who’ve been through hard …

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Tracy Shand - Sequel 36:33

2M ago36:33

36:33

You’ll often hear us at Jigsaw Queensland speaking about the lifelong issues of adoption. How we feel about our experience or where we find ourselves in our lives can vary greatly over the passage of time. Today’s guest, Tracy Shand, is an adopted person who has undergone many transitions in her adoption story and her life since we last spoke to he…

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77. Are You a New Foster Family? Listen for Our Favorite Tips 29:16

2M ago29:16

29:16

Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite tips and lessons we’ve learned along the way in our foster care journeys. After years of experience, we’ve picked up a few things that have helped us navigate both the challenges and joys of fostering. In this episode, we’re chatting about the importance of staying flexible, building a solid support system,…

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76. Building a Possum Trot in Every Community with Bishop W.C. Martin 35:45

2M ago35:45

35:45

Today, we sit down with Bishop W.C. Martin, whose story inspired the movie Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. Alongside his wife, Donna, and 22 families in their small East Texas church, they adopted 77 children from the foster care system, sparking a movement of faith and action. Bishop Martin shares why adoption is God’s work and why every …

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75. Why Every Child Needs a Trauma-Informed Community with Kim Botto 44:08

3M ago44:08

44:08

Today on ReStoried, we’re joined by Kim Botto, a passionate advocate for kids and families. With over 30 years of experience working with children and teens in churches, schools, nonprofits, and foster care initiatives, Kim has a heart for creating safe spaces where kids can heal and thrive. She’s a Trauma Free World Affiliate Trainer, a TBRI Pract…

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12th Anniversary of the National Apology - Online Training 43:50

3M ago43:50

43:50

On March 21, 2013, Prime Minister Julia Gillard delivered a formal apology on behalf of the Australian Government to people affected by forced adoption. At the 10th anniversary commemoration in Canberra in 2023, The Hon. Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Social Services, announced $700,000 in funding to strengthen support services for those impacted b…

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74. Spiritual Formation: Resting in Jesus, Not Just Working for Him 36:23

3M ago36:23

36:23

How do you make sure that your heart is set on Jesus and not always focused solely on the work at hand? In this episode, we talk about the importance of spiritual formation and how we can intentionally keep our focus on Jesus in the midst of life's busyness. It’s easy to get caught up in doing good work, but how do we ensure that our hearts remain …

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Dorothy (Dot) Peel 28:54

3M ago28:54

28:54

Dorothy Peel or Dot as she likes to be known, was just 18 years old when she lost her daughter to adoption in Perth in 1973. At the time, she was sent from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia to an unmarried mother’s home in Perth, just six weeks before giving birth. Since then, Dot has struggled with memory gaps regarding her experience, particularly su…

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73. Stepping into Foster Care with a Desire to Adopt 32:34

3M ago32:34

32:34

Many people enter foster care with the hope of adoption, but is that wrong? This question has sparked discussion and even some controversy in the foster care community. For some, the desire to adopt stems from infertility or simply wanting to grow their family. In this episode, we discuss the realities of fostering with the heart to adopt and what …

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72. Why Hope Bridge Invests in Single Moms—And How You Can Too 37:47

3M ago37:47

37:47

In this episode, we discuss the heart behind our Single Moms Program and the vital support it provides. Our approach focuses on prevention, intervention, and restoration, with this program serving as a key piece of prevention—offering resources, encouragement, and community to help single moms thrive. We also explore the stereotypes single moms oft…

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71. Full Circle: From Foster Youth to Adoptive Mama with Sarah Sikora 38:39

4M ago38:39

38:39

In this heartfelt episode of the ReStoried Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Sikora—a dear friend, former foster youth, adoptee, and adoptive mama—whose life has come full circle. Born addicted to drugs, Sarah faced many challenges growing up in foster care, navigating life with multiple siblings and a longing for stability. Now, as a wife and mother…

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Sharlene Vonhoff 59:37

4M ago59:37

59:37

Sharlene Vonhoff was born and adopted in Brisbane in 1977. She was the first of two girls adopted into a farming family in regional Queensland. Today, she continues to farm with her husband, a third-generation farmer on the Darling Downs, where they have raised four children. Growing up adopted in a close-knit farming community has shaped Sharlene’…

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70. Being Known with Curt Thompson, MD 43:23

4M ago43:23

43:23

In this week’s compelling episode of the ReStoried Podcast, we welcome Curt Thompson, MD, a renowned psychiatrist, speaker, and author, who masterfully weaves together neuroscience, faith, and the power of storytelling. Curt Thompson, MD, shares how our deep longing to be known is connected to telling truer stories about ourselves. He explores how …

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Overcoming Negative Self-Talk and Learning Self-Compassion 20:21

4M ago20:21

20:21

At Jigsaw Queensland, we have some really exciting plans for this year, and we’re kicking things off with something especially designed for people impacted by forced adoption. We’ve teamed up with Axis Clinic to offer an 8-week program called Overcoming Negative Self-Talk and Learning Self-Compassion. To tell us all about it and how you can get inv…

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69. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Healing Blocked Care in Parenting with Lisa Qualls 30:11

4M ago30:11

30:11

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa C. Qualls—author, speaker, and adoptive mom—to discuss the complexities of adoption, parenting, and connection. Lisa brings a wealth of wisdom from her personal experience as both a birth mom and adoptive mom, as well as her expertise as a TBRI Practitioner and Christian spiritual director. She is the co-autho…

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68. The Willow House: A Beacon of Hope for Vulnerable Families in Carroll County 30:02

4M ago30:02

30:02

In this episode, we’re sharing the story behind The Willow House, an exciting new hub created to support foster, adoptive, and kinship families in Carroll County. The Willow House provides essential resources and spaces designed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of these families. Some of the key features include a clothing closet, a welcomi…

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67. Breaking Generational Cycles: Supporting Single Moms with Jesse Coontz from Moms on Target 1:17:06

4M ago1:17:06

1:17:06

In this episode, we speak with Jesse Coontz, founder of Moms on Target: A Safe & Supportive Community for Moms to Raise Happy, Healthy Children. Jesse shares her journey and the inspiration behind creating a nonprofit dedicated to empowering single moms. We explore how providing meaningful support to moms can help prevent family involvement in the …

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Dr. Alison Ingram 50:04

5M ago50:04

50:04

Dr. Alison Ingram is an actor, theatre director, aresearcher of adult adoptees’ lived experience and an adopted person. She recently completed her doctorate in theatre and performance at Monash University in Melbourne, focusing her research on a group of adult adoptees working as a performing ensemble—that is, actors telling their own stories. In 2…

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66. Supporting Bio Kids in Foster Families with Daniela Coats 46:31

5M ago46:31

46:31

In this episode, we’re excited to sit down with Daniela Coats, a speaker at our upcoming Mobilize Ohio Conference, founder of With Siblings, licensed social worker, and children’s book author. Daniela’s passion for serving foster families focuses on supporting the often-overlooked biological children in foster and adoptive families. As a “birth kid…

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65. Anne Pace’s Journey: From Foster Care to Ministry Advocate 23:21

5M ago23:21

23:21

In this episode, we sit down with Anne Pace, a new staff member at Hope Bridge who has a personal history with foster care and adoption. Anne serves as the Family Advocacy Ministry (FAM) Specialist, where she provides coaching and support to partner churches, equipping them to minister to foster and adoptive families in their congregations. Through…

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64. Choosing 'Yes' Every Day with Jamie Finn 43:25

5M ago43:25

43:25

Today, we are thrilled to welcome Jamie Finn to the podcast! Jamie is a bestselling author, the founder and President of Foster the Family, the host of the Real Mom podcast, and the founder and owner of Goods and Better. She is a sought-after speaker for retreats, conferences, and events, offering encouragement and support to foster and adoptive pa…

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63. The Hot Seat: Get to Know the Hope Bridge Staff 38:40

5M ago38:40

38:40

We’re wrapping up the year with something special and light-hearted—a “Hot Seat” episode featuring our amazing staff! Join us as we put Lisa, Nicole, Brian, and Mel in the Hot Seat with rapid-fire questions, surprising answers, and plenty of laughs. Get to know the people behind the scenes a little better as they share their quirks, favorite moment…

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S6:E2 Healing and Transformation Beyond Trauma with Thriving Adoptees Host Simon Benn 35:30

5M ago35:30

35:30

What if the very essence of who you are could remain untouched, even in the face of profound rejection and trauma? Join us for an insightful conversation with Simon Benn, the creative force behind the Thriving Adoptees Podcast, who courageously shares his personal journey of reaching out to his biological father. Despite facing rejection once again…

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62. Come and See What God Has Done in 2024 41:47

6M ago41:47

41:47

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that God has accomplished through Hope Bridge this year. This episode is a heartfelt look back at the milestones we’ve reached, the lives we’ve impacted, and the ways God’s strength and provision have carried us through every step of the journey. Before we dive int…

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S6:E1 Swimming Back to Shore: Melissa Brunetti's Journey Healing in Adoption 39:15

6M ago39:15

39:15

What if reclaiming your true identity felt like swimming back to shore after being adrift in the ocean? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Melissa Brunetti, host of Mind Your Own Karma, the Adoption Chronicles, as she shares her own transformative journey as a domestic adoptee from the baby scoop era. Melissa opens up about the emotional com…

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61. Spiritual Formation at Hope Bridge and Why it Matters 40:25

6M ago40:25

40:25

In this episode, we’re excited to highlight Brian’s new role at Hope Bridge as the Director of Discipleship. We dive into the heart behind this position, exploring what it looks like in practice and how it’s being implemented to further our mission. This role is all about supporting our team’s spiritual growth and helping us stay rooted in our purp…

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S5:E4 Birthmothers and Adoptees Healing Through Honest Conversations 1:20:47

6M ago1:20:47

1:20:47

The Wandering Tree Podcast is peeling back the layers of adoption narratives in a heartfelt roundtable featuring adoptees and birth mothers who are bravely sharing their stories. Join Jenny Becknell as she sheds light on the complexities of open adoption and Amy Seek as she reflects on her 24-year journey in the adoption world. Together with guests…

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60. Belonging: Created to Belong in Community, Mobilize OH 2025 Intro 28:26

6M ago28:26

28:26

Loneliness is an epidemic in today’s world—but there’s hope in community. In this episode, we explore why community matters and how it serves as the heart of everything we do at Hope Bridge. We’re also unveiling the theme of the 2025 Mobilize Ohio Conference: Belonging. Together, we’ll dive into the heart behind this theme and why creating spaces o…

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Helen Angela Taylor - CEO Jigsaw Qld 49:14

6M ago49:14

49:14

In the final episode of Season 5, 2024, we have the pleasure of introducing Jigsaw Qld's CEO, Helen Angela Taylor. Helen has been in the CEO seat since July and has been an absolute gift. She is an adoptee who discovered Jigsaw in 1991 following a move to Brisbane from Sydney. A few years later, she reunited with her mother and father and attended …

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59. The Recipe for Trust: How Chef Kibby Transformed His Parenting Journey 30:42

6M ago30:42

30:42

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Kibby, a biological, foster, and adoptive dad who discovered a unique way to build trust and connection with his kids through the everyday act of cooking and sharing meals. At the start of 2020, Chef Kibby seemed to have it all—a thriving catering business, a new event space, a podcast, and a side gig teaching…

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58. Partner with Hope Bridge this GivingTuesday 28:17

7M ago28:17

28:17

In this episode, we’re diving into GivingTuesday—a global day dedicated to generosity and making an impact. Learn what GivingTuesday is all about, why it’s such an important time of year, and how you can partner with Hope Bridge to support vulnerable families and communities. We discuss our mission at Hope Bridge and our monetary goal for this year…

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57. National Adoption Month: Real Stories, Real Challenges, Real Support 32:40

7M ago32:40

32:40

November is National Adoption Month, a time to shine a light on the critical need for adoptive families and to celebrate those who have welcomed children into their homes. In this episode, we share our personal journeys, having both adopted three children from foster care and discuss the unique challenges adoptive families often face. We also dive …

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56. Navigating the Holiday Season as Foster and Adoptive Families 31:26

7M ago31:26

31:26

In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges the holiday season brings for foster and adoptive families. For children from hard places, the holidays can be an especially sensitive time, filled with triggers and memories that may bring up grief or trauma. We discuss practical tips for navigating this season with empathy and care, including st…

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S5:E3 Jenny Becknell's Story of Resilience and Hope Series 3 of 3: Balancing Boundaries and Honest Conversation on Adoption 42:40

7M ago42:40

42:40

Join us with our esteemed guest Jenny Becknell as she offers an intimate look into the emotional aftermath of the next two decades of the open adoptions journey, from the touching creation of a heartfelt video for her daughters' 18th birthday to the raw emotions stirred by an unexpected request from Anna's adoptive mother. This episode promises a h…

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Phil Kenward 30:41

7M ago30:41

30:41

We often receive feedback from people who have listened to a particular episode that has deeply resonated with them, changed the trajectory of their experience or helped them stay the course. Today’s guest, Phil Kenward contacted us after listening to Alan Hill’s episode of the 31 August 2022. Phil is a Brisbane father who lost a daughter to adopti…

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55. Untangling Hope and Healing: Johnna Stein on Foster Care Awareness 26:34

7M ago26:34

26:34

In this episode, we are joined by Johnna Stein, Vice President of Training at Promise686. As affiliates of Promise686 here at Hope Bridge, we share a common mission to support vulnerable children and families. Promise686’s vision is rooted in God’s promise "to set the lonely in families," and they are dedicated to mobilizing church communities to c…

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54. Celebrating Our Shepherds: National Pastor Appreciation Month 22:50

8M ago22:50

22:50

October is National Pastor Appreciation Month, and in this episode, we reflect on the often-overlooked work pastors do every day. Pastors don't just preach on Sundays; they are present with us during life’s most significant moments—both the joyful milestones and the heartbreaking challenges. Whether it’s celebrating a new chapter, grieving a loss, …

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53. Where’s the Salt?: How Living Missionally Serves Foster Parent Recruitment Efforts 37:58

8M ago37:58

37:58

In this episode, we explore the impact of living in the community and how it plays a powerful role in foster care recruitment. We share our personal foster care stories and experiences and reflect on how our journeys began by being surrounded by people who were obedient to their calling as foster parents. While formal recruitment efforts are import…