Best Kim and Brian Vehon Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 210: Missing Children - Who's Looking? 47:06

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12d ago47:06

47:06

Summary: Today, we’re talking about the heartbreaking reality of missing children. If you live in Arizona, you’ve likely heard the tragic story of Emily Pike—who disappeared from a group home and was later found dismembered off Highway 60 near Globe. One case like this is one too many. Every day, children who go missing—many of them runaways—face u…

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Episode 209: What to do in a Mental Health Emergency 44:57

26d ago44:57

44:57

Summary: In this episode, we’re diving deep into the growing mental health challenges affecting our communities. Licensed professional counselor Wade Cordell joins us to share his expertise in trauma, ADHD, and crisis intervention. As a Mental Health First Aid trainer and passionate mental health advocate, Wade helps us understand how to recognize …

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Episode 208: The Child Catcher 52:34

1M ago52:34

52:34

Summary: New York Times bestselling author Andrew Bridge joins us to share his powerful journey from foster care to Harvard Law and beyond. In this episode, we discuss his memoir Hope’s Boy and his new release The Child Catcher, a bold exposé on the child welfare system. Andrew reflects on beating the odds, the stigma surrounding foster youth, and …

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Episode 207: What is Happening with Our Teens 43:03

2M ago43:03

43:03

Summary: In this episode, Meagan Ku returns to explore the mental health challenges facing today’s teens—and how parents can respond with wisdom and awareness. As a mom of three teenagers, Meagan shares personal insight and professional perspective on what's really going on with youth today, and why it's so different from past generations. Kim and …

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Episode 206: Top 5 Tips for Parenting 35:56

2M ago35:56

35:56

Summary: We're back with a bonus episode to celebrate April's five-Tuesday month! This special release features Meagan Ku, who first joined us in February for our Foster Cooperative training event. Her insights were so impactful, we had to bring her back for more. Meagan has spent over a decade working with children and families, specializing in su…

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Episode 205: Fighting for Change 41:54

3M ago41:54

41:54

Summary: In this episode, we're diving into the power of advocacy and what it means to fight for lasting change—especially for those who are often invisible and unheard. At the top of that list: Arizona kids in foster care. In this episode, we sit down with Darcy Olsen, founder of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, to explore what it tak…

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Episode 204: The Road to an Autism Diagnosis 49:41

3M ago49:41

49:41

Summary: In this heartfelt episode, we invite you to join us on a journey of learning, empathy, and growth as we recognize Autism Awareness Month. After our own child received an autism diagnosis last year, we’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and questions that come with navigating this path. With 1 in 36 children—1 in 30 boys—receiving an a…

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Episode 203: Finding Joy in Everyday Spaces 51:46

3M ago51:46

51:46

Summary: In today’s episode, we’re diving into a question that so many of us wrestle with: How do we shift our focus from the daily grind and truly embrace joy? Joining us is Anika Robinson—foster parent of over 15 years, dedicated mom and wife, and founder of ASA Now, a local non-profit. With a life constantly in motion, Anika has learned firsthan…

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Episode 202: Pediatric Feeding Disorder: When Food Becomes the Enemy 46:45

4M ago46:45

46:45

Summary: Did you know that Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) affects more children than autism, yet it remains largely unknown unless it directly impacts your family? Based on a national prevalence study, an estimated 1 in 23 children are diagnosed with PFD, a condition that goes beyond picky eating and is not related to body image issues like other…

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Episode 201: Connecting with Friends: Chris and Jihae Watson 44:59

4M ago44:59

44:59

Summary: Today is a special day on Fostering Voices! A couple of episodes ago, we celebrated our 200th episode and reflected on how this podcast began—not with us, but with a powerful vision. Fostering Voices started as an idea to spark meaningful conversations and raise awareness about the urgent need for community engagement in foster care. It al…

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Episode 199: Good Boundaries in Love 39:46

5M ago39:46

39:46

Summary: In this episode, Brian and Kim dive into the theme of love—not just for others, but for ourselves—by exploring the power of healthy boundaries. First, we break down Boundaries 101, discussing what boundaries really mean, why they aren’t about being mean, and how they help us navigate relationships with clarity and confidence. Then, we get …

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Episode 200: Know the Risk: Sex Trafficking 40:46

5M ago40:46

40:46

Summary: Welcome to an extra special episode of Fostering Voices as we celebrate our 200th milestone! This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and dedication of Chris and Jihae Watson, who worked tirelessly to create this impactful educational space. We’re deeply grateful to continue fostering authentic conversations within our c…

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Episode 198: New Year - New You? 47:47

6M ago47:47

47:47

Summary: Happy New Year, and welcome to 2025! While the start of a new year often brings talk of resolutions, research from Pew shows that 70% of Americans skip them—mostly because they’re too easy to break. So, how can we approach personal growth in a way that truly sticks? In this episode, we explore realistic ways to make incremental changes tow…

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Episode 197: Championing Community Change 33:42

7M ago33:42

33:42

Summary: In the final episode of our mini-series, we explore the transformative power of community support and how it can truly change and uplift lives. Over the last two episodes, we heard from two inspiring individuals who have directly benefited from the incredible work of Foster Arizona. Now, we’re flipping the script. Today, we’re thrilled to …

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Episode 196: Community Impact: Jenny's Story 36:35

7M ago36:35

36:35

Summary: In this episode of our mini-series on the transformative power of community support, we dive into another inspiring story of connection and resilience. Last week, we heard from Joseph, who shared how the community shaped his journey from foster care to adulthood. This week, we’re thrilled to continue the conversation with Jenny Montgomery.…

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Episode 195: Community Impact: Joseph’s Story 30:02

8M ago30:02

30:02

Summary: Welcome to our podcast mini-series, where we dive into the transformative power of community support. Join us as we explore how fostering connections can truly change lives. To kick things off, we’re thrilled to welcome Joseph Layton to the show. Joseph has been a vital part of Foster Arizona’s housing initiative for over a year and a half…

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Episode 194: Refugee and International Foster Care in Arizona 31:52

8M ago31:52

31:52

Summary: Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the important and often misunderstood topic of refugee and international foster care in Arizona. Misinformation around this issue tends to spread, especially around election seasons, making it hard to separate fact from fiction. Our goal is to shed light on the realities of refugee and interna…

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Episdoe 193: Real Talk: Public Challenges with Invisible Disabilities 35:04

9M ago35:04

35:04

Summary: In this episode, released during Invisible Disability Awareness Week, we shine a light on the often-overlooked challenges of living with invisible disabilities. We share our personal experiences navigating a world where assumptions are based on what can be seen. From expectations about how a child should behave to judgments about what adul…

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Episode 192: Now What? How to Support Your LGBTQ Youth 32:22

9M ago32:22

32:22

Summary: In this episode, we’re diving into an essential conversation about the role we all play—parents, caregivers, and community members—in supporting the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth. Even if you don’t feel this is directly relevant to your life, we encourage you to listen. Statistically, more than one in five Gen Z adults and one in ten millennia…

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Episode 191: Fostered for Greatness 39:33

10M ago39:33

39:33

Summary: In this episode, we are honored to sit down with Mari Ramsey, whose inspiring journey began when he and his brother entered foster care at the age of 14. While many teens in his situation end up in group homes, Mari was fortunate to find a loving foster family where he could thrive. Through the challenges he faced, Mari discovered his pass…

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Episode 190: Real Talk: Group Homes in Arizona 37:39

10M ago37:39

37:39

Summary: In today’s episode, we dive into the world of group homes for children in foster care. When family or foster families aren't an option, group homes become the next step for many kids. But what is life really like inside these homes? We’re joined by Shevaun Sullivan, Director of Group Home Relations at OCJ Kids, who shares her insights from…

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Episode 189: Learning & Growing Together - On Location @ FC Training Day 22:21

10M ago22:21

22:21

Summary: Join us on location at Central Christian Church in Glendale, Arizona, for Foster Arizona’s semi-annual Foster Cooperative Training. This episode is packed with insightful talks from experts dedicated to empowering caregivers and community champions. Discover valuable knowledge and practical tools to better support the children who need us …

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Episode 188: How Art Helps Build Resilience 42:17

11M ago42:17

42:17

Summary: In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of building resilience, particularly in children. We often hear about the importance of resilience, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, how can we help our kids develop this crucial skill? Resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges—it’s about learning to bounce ba…

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Episode 187: Behavior Interventions that Work for Us 45:03

12M ago45:03

45:03

Summary: In our last episode, we shared how our family embraces summer adventures. This time, we're diving into the real struggles we face, not just in summer, but every day. Join us as we explore the challenges and interventions that work for us. We tackle road trips and outings, discussing how the struggle is real and how we manage in-car and out…

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Episode 186: Vacation Planning & Tips - Vehon Style 41:16

12M ago41:16

41:16

Summary: As summer blazes in Arizona, we’re constantly on the move, seeking cooler escapes to preserve our sanity. Traveling with a family of nine is no small feat, and we’ve gathered a treasure trove of tips and tricks to make it smoother. In this episode, we dive into Intentional Travel. Fresh from a recent timeshare presentation, we discuss the …

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Episode 185: Consider Yourself a Mandated Supporter 37:24

1y ago37:24

37:24

Summary: In this week's episode, we continue the important conversation started in Episode 184 “The Link Between Foster Care and Social Disparities”. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, we highly recommend checking it out to gain a deeper understanding of today’s discussion. June is Family Reunification Month, a time to celebrate famil…

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Episode 184: The Link Between Foster Care and Social Disparities 39:25

1y ago39:25

39:25

Summary: In honor of June being Family Reunification Month, today's episode sheds light on a crucial yet often overlooked issue in our community: the challenges and misconceptions surrounding birth families involved in the foster care system. As foster parents, we initially held unfair biases towards these families. However, through our journey, we…

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Episode 183: A Single Mom’s FosterAdopt Journey 41:55

1y ago41:55

41:55

Summary: In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, join us for an inspiring episode featuring a heartfelt conversation with my sister-in-law, Tara Armstrong. Tara played a pivotal role in our family's foster care journey, guiding us as we transitioned from having two kids to seven. Now, she has embarked on her own remarkable path. As a single mom of…

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Episode 182: Life-Changing Connections in Foster Care 37:53

1y ago37:53

37:53

Summary: In today's episode, we explore the profound impact of connections on well-being, particularly in the context of foster care. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the pivotal role of social connections in fostering healthy choices and better mental and physical health outcomes. However, many children entering foster care…

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Episode 181: It's OK to Say, "I'm Not OK." 48:12

1y ago48:12

48:12

Summary: Today, it’s just the two of us, engaging in a candid conversation about mental health. Ironically, we find ourselves easing into a month dedicated to both mental health and foster care awareness. For those who have experienced life within the foster care system, the intricate connection between these two realms becomes evident. So, let’s d…

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Episode 180: How Caregiver Stress Impacts Our Bodies 48:12

1y ago48:12

48:12

Summary: In honor of Stress Awareness Month, our podcast delves into the crucial topic of stress reduction and self-care. While this is important for everyone, it holds even greater significance for caregivers of children with special needs and those working in social services fields. The toll of constant stress can adversely affect our health, lea…

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Episode 179: What is Critical Memory Integration and How Can it Help? 56:49

1+ y ago56:49

56:49

Summary: Today, we’re delving into an exciting new therapy modality called Critical Memory Integration. This groundbreaking approach focuses on healing trauma by exploring unresolved critical memories and integrating them with neutral memories, fostering resilience in individuals. At the forefront of this creation, our incredible team of panelists …

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Episode 178: Learning and Growing Together - On Location at Foster Cooperative Training Day: Part 2 30:14

1+ y ago30:14

30:14

Summary: Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast! In today’s episode, we’re picking up where we left off last week. Our microphones are live on location at Foster Cooperative’s first training day of 2024, where we’re soaking up knowledge and growing together. 🌱 Last time, you had the pleasure of meeting some of our incredible presenters. This …

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Episode 177: Learning and Growing Together - On Location at Foster Cooperative Training Day: Part 1 22:29

1+ y ago22:29

22:29

Summary: Today is all about something extra special! We've packed our gear and hit the road to bring you an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. Right now, we're on location at Foster Cooperative's training day, immersing ourselves in a day of learning and growth. Foster Arizona, a beacon of support and empowerment, hosts these training events t…

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Episode 176: All You Need is Love (Not!) 39:53

1+ y ago39:53

39:53

Summary: It’s officially Hallmark’s week of love! 🌟 When it comes to parenting kids with trauma, we often hear the words, “All You Need is Love.” But is that really true? This week, we dive deep into this question. We’re thrilled to have Estefana Johnson joining us in the conversation. Estefana, a clinical social worker, began her career working wi…

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Episode 175: I Want to Foster! Now What? 45:21

1+ y ago45:21

45:21

Summary: Discover the profound journey of becoming a foster parent in a nation grappling with a staggering shortage. In this episode, we explore the critical issue of the national decline in foster parent numbers, intensified by a 60% drop since the onset of the pandemic. Arizona, mirroring this trend, has witnessed a drastic decrease from 5,559 li…

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Episode 174: Moms Get Real 46:12

1+ y ago46:12

46:12

Summary: Welcome to the Fostering Voices podcast with your host Kim! Join us as we shake things up in this episode by delving into some authentic mom talk. We've given Brian the boot for now to bring you a heartfelt discussion on the joys and challenges of parenting within the realms of foster care and adoption. As a mom personally touched by these…

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Episode 173: Kids’ Perspective on Foster Care and Adoption 39:56

1+ y ago39:56

39:56

Summary: Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast! Happy 2024, everyone! We're thrilled to kick off another year of heartfelt conversations and insightful stories. In today's episode, we have a special discussion with our 'bigs'—Maisey, Liesey, and Sam—sharing their unique perspectives on foster care and adoption. Join us as we delve into their…

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Episode 172: Foster Care Land Between: Planning Your Future in the Unknown 43:49

1+ y ago43:49

43:49

Summary: As we wrap up 2024, we're diving into the complexities of foster care planning. Unlike the conventional New Year's resolutions, the foster care journey is a unique landscape filled with uncertainties. In today's raw and unfiltered discussion, it's just the two of us sharing our personal experiences without any guests. We want to pull back …

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Episode 171: Laughing all the Way: Vehon Christmas Traditions 31:27

1+ y ago31:27

31:27

Summary: Welcome to a festive episode of our podcast, where we dive into the heartwarming world of holiday traditions and intentional joy. As we usher in the holiday season, we're joined by some special guests – the Vehon kids! In this intimate conversation, we explore how our family of 9 embraces the spirit of togetherness and crafts unique tradit…

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Episode 170: A Look Into Tribal Foster Care 39:56

1+ y ago39:56

39:56

Summary: In this episode we peel back the curtain and take a look into tribal foster care. Joining us are Brad and Karin Dahlman, a remarkable couple who have dedicated themselves to fostering children for many years. Through tribal foster care, they've opened their hearts and homes to dozens of kids, making an immeasurable impact on our community.…

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Episode 169: Talking Adoption with an Adoption Attorney 52:06

1+ y ago52:06

52:06

Summary: Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast with Kim and Brian! In celebration of Adoption Awareness Month this November, join us for a special episode dedicated to all things adoption. Our guest, Ed Johnson, a revered local attorney deeply embedded in foster and adoption circles, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. In this i…

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Episode 168: Mental Health: Where do I go from Here? 39:17

1+ y ago39:17

39:17

Summary: In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial topic of mental health and finding a path forward when you're grappling with the question, "Where do I go from here?" Today, we are thrilled to have Carol Melim join our conversation. Carol is not only a Licensed Clinical Social Worker but also a specialist in trauma therapy, certified in EMDR…

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Episode 167: Trauma’s Impact on Marriage 40:30

1+ y ago40:30

40:30

Summary: Today, on our 20th wedding anniversary, we embark on a meaningful journey, delving deep into the intricate layers of marriages affected by trauma. Join us as we explore the profound impact that caring for children with special needs has on marital relationships, acknowledging the challenges without getting lost in statistics. We are honore…

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Episode 166: Journey to Becoming a Foster Parent 37:07

2y ago37:07

37:07

Summary: In this episode we delve into the transformative journey of becoming a foster parent. Join us as we sit down with Katie O’Dell, the passionate Executive Director of AZ127, a steadfast advocate for fostering life within a supportive community. AZ127 firmly believes that children require families, and families thrive with a strong support ne…

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Episode 165: Celebrating 10 Years of Impact 44:02

2y ago44:02

44:02

Summary: Today is all about celebration as Foster Arizona turns 10 years old. Join us as we take a delightful trip down memory lane, reflecting on the invaluable lessons and heartwarming joys we've encountered throughout this incredible journey. In this special episode, we're honored to have Al Moore, one of our founding board members and the curre…

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Episode 164: All Things School - When you Need an Advocate 43:20

2y ago43:20

43:20

Summary: As we continue exploring the return to school season, today's discussion delves into a crucial topic. Join us as we sit down with Amanda Glass, an esteemed legal professional with a passion for advocating for children's rights. Amanda's journey, post-graduation from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, led he…

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Episode 163: All Things School - IEP /504 47:11

2y ago47:11

47:11

Summary: Join us in celebrating the return to school as we dive into an enlightening discussion on IEPs and 504s with the incredible Nancy Williams. Our guest, Nancy, brings a wealth of expertise to the table as the Executive Director of the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents, an organization that has personally touched our lives. …

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Episode 162: An Adoptee's Story - The Blessing; the Heartbreak 35:39

2y ago35:39

35:39

Summary: In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we delve into the world of adoption through the eyes of Mea Han Fajardo, an extraordinary international adoptee and the visionary behind FostAdopt Connections. Join us as we explore Mea's deeply personal journey and how she has transformed her experiences into a powerful platform, fostering meanin…

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Episode 161: Real Talk - Self Care with Matthew Blades 45:19

2y ago45:19

45:19

Summary: Matthew Blades is a familiar and friendly voice known to many in Arizona from the successful Matthew and Priscilla in the Morning show on Mix 96.9 FM. Matthew's own journey of battling physical and mental health challenges led him to step away from broadcasting and embark on a healing journey. Now, he sits in front of the podcast mic, host…

Kim And Brian Vehon Podcasts