The Defender Podcast

Most conversations about transracial and transcultural adoption miss one vital piece: the heart of every child is made in God's image—and that's where the true starting point lies. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about whether to adopt across cultures or felt overwhelmed by the complexity of identity and ethnicity, this episode is for you. Join host Rick Morton as he tackles the difficult,...

We're glad you are joining our discussion on the hidden complexities of kinship care and discover how faith, community, and wisdom can transform the way we care for children through the foster care system. We're exploring critical aspects family support in complex situations involving kinship care including the pressures on CPS, the need for equipping kinship caregivers to care for kids from hard...

Welcome back to The Table! In this second episode, Rick Morton gathers with Emily Richards and Herbie Newell to continue our vital discussions on child welfare. We explore various aspects of the child protection system and the critical role of family support in these complex situations. Join us as we dive deeper into the world of foster care and adoption.  In this episode, the group discusses the...

Child Welfare is broken worldwide. Is there hope? We say yes, and it's found right in our communities in the form of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ In this inaugural episode of The Table, host Rick Morton (SVP of Engagement, Lifeline Children's Services) gathers three of the most respected voices in Christian child welfare for a conversation that's honest, warm, and theologically grounded. Gu...

After eight incredible years, the Defender Podcast is taking a short sabbatical. In this episode, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the journey so far, share exciting plans for the future, and discuss how the podcast will continue to equip and encourage the body of Christ in orphan care and adoption. Tune in to hear what’s ahead, when to expect new episodes, and how you can stay engaged...

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Kirti Pickard—adoptee, advocate, and podcast host—who shares her powerful adoption journey and how it fuels her passion for serving vulnerable children. Adopted from India at the age of four, Kirti has a deep, firsthand understanding of the lifelong impact of adoption. She discusses the challenges adoptees face, how faith shapes her work, and the...

🎙️In this episode of The Defender Podcast , we welcome Jamie Finn —author, nonprofit leader, and advocate for vulnerable children. As a foster and adoptive mom , she shares her journey, the biggest challenges foster families face , and how the Church can offer meaningful support . Jamie and her husband, Alan, have been foster parents for over 11 years , welcoming more than 30 children into their h...

In this episode of The Defender Podcast , Herbie Newell is joined by Karla Thrasher, Lifeline’s Senior Director of International Adoption, to discuss the heartbreaking impact of China’s five-year suspension of international adoptions, which left 400 children—many with special needs—waiting for families. Recent developments, including China’s September 2024 decision to end all international adoptio...

In this episode of The Defender Podcast , Christy Mack Segars, Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children’s Services, introduces the new Design Adoption Counseling Certificate, a free online resource created in partnership with Stand For Life. This course equips counselors, church leaders, and pregnancy center staff to compassionately guide women facing unplanned pregnancies, present...

In today's episode of The Defender Podcast , Rick Morton welcomes Sarah Gable Seifert, co-founder of EveryLife—the first pro-life diaper and wipe company in America. Sarah shares her journey from life-changing experiences at JH Ranch to pivotal roles at Public Square and a pregnancy resource center in San Clemente. She reveals how her faith and passion for the pro-life movement led to the creation...

In this episode of The Defender Podcast , Herbie Newell is joined by Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International , to discuss the evolving landscape of the pro-life movement. Heartbeat International is at the forefront of supporting pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, and adoption services worldwide. Jor-El shares his insights on how the abortion industry is shifting, with a rise in c...

In this first episode of 2025, Herbie Newell is joined by Pastor Chris Johnson, Lifeline Children's Services' Senior Director of Church Partnerships, to discuss the significance of Sanctity of Human Life Month. Pastor Chris, a seasoned pastor and adoptive father of seven, shares how valuing and protecting life is central to Lifeline’s mission. Together, they reflect on the evolution of the pro-lif...

In this final episode of our Advent series, Herbie Newell reflects on the greatest gift of Christmas—God’s love. He shares a powerful story from Lifeline Children's Services that beautifully exemplifies sacrificial love and the transformation it can bring. Exploring the scriptures from Luke and Mark, Herbie highlights how God's love is active, relational, and sacrificial, and how it compels us to...

In this special Christmas episode of The Defender Podcast , Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the profound lessons of Advent and their parallels to adoption and foster care. Together, they discuss the challenges and joys of waiting—whether for the fulfillment of God's promises, the arrival of a new family member, or the hope of ultimate restoration through Christ.  HOST Herbie Newell is...

In this Advent edition of The Defender Podcast, host Herbie Newell reflects on the joy found in the true meaning of Christmas. As we approach the third week of Advent, we examine the shepherds’ joy at the birth of Jesus—not a happiness tied to circumstances, but a deep, eternal joy rooted in God’s presence. Herbie shares a personal story of unexpected joy from his own life and invites us to consid...

In this special Best of 2024 episode, originally aired on May 15, 2024, we revisit a heartfelt conversation with Matthew and Makyna Hart, ministry leaders from Movement Church in Madison, Alabama. Together for 13 years and serving as Worship Pastor and Family Pastor, respectively, the Harts are biological, adoptive, and foster parents. Their passion for family reunification and building enduring r...

In this second week of our Advent series, Herbie Newell reflects on the theme of preparation. As we enter the busy holiday season, he challenges us to pause amidst the chaos and make room in our hearts for the coming of Christ. Drawing from the example of Mary and the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth, Herbie explores how we can prepare spiritually by simplifying our lives, practicing humility,...

In this rebroadcast of one of the best episodes from 2024, The Defender Podcast revisits a powerful conversation between Herbie Newell and Karla Thrasher, Lifeline's Senior Director of International Adoption, about the devastating announcement from the People's Republic of China regarding the suspension of intercountry adoptions. In this episode, Herbie and Karla delve into the profound impact of...

In this special Advent edition of The Defender Podcast , Herbie Newell explores the theme of waiting as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Reflecting on the promises of God throughout scripture—from the Israelites' longing for deliverance to the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus—this episode reminds us that waiting is not passive but an active expression of trust and worship. Herbie sh...

As 2024 draws to a close, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the significance of cultivating gratitude, even amidst life’s challenges. Drawing from Scripture, they explore themes of God’s enduring goodness, the joy of community, and the peace that comes from Christ. Join this heartfelt conversation as they discuss how thankfulness can transform our perspective, bolster our faith, and rem...

In this episode of The Defender Podcast , Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton welcome Andy Cook, President and CEO of Promise 686, a ministry dedicated to equipping churches to serve vulnerable children and families. Andy shares his journey of starting Promise 686, rooted in the biblical mandate of Psalm 68:6, and the organization’s model, Family Advocacy Ministries (FAM), which helps churches launc...

Join Herbie Newell and Karla Thrasher on this special National Adoption Month episode of The Defender Podcast as they explore the profound impact of adoption on vulnerable children around the world. Karla, Lifeline's Senior Director of International Programs, shares insights on the evolving landscape of international adoption, including the unique challenges and rewards families experience. They d...

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, co-host Dr. Rick Morton sits down with David E. Prince at this year’s 2024 Southern Baptist Convention to discuss the importance of staying grounded in faith by reflecting God's love through action. Together, they explore the call to care for vulnerable children, underscoring how living out the gospel means embodying values like adoption and compassion that...

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Dr. Rick Morton and Herbie Newell sit down with Josh Benton, National Vice President of Send Relief, recorded live at the Southern Baptist Convention in June. Josh shares his insights on the work of Send Relief, a collaborative platform that provides support to vulnerable people worldwide, focusing on disaster relief, crisis ministry, adoption, and foster c...

On today's episode of the Defender Podcast, Rick Morton sits down with Ann Maura Hinton, Director of Bridge Educational Services, to discuss how families can move from frustration to hope when it comes to their children's learning challenges. Ann Maura shares insights from her years of experience in education and cognitive development therapy, providing practical steps for parents who may feel stu...