ReStoried

On this episode, we sit down with Reuben Watson , one of the breakout speakers for Mobilize Ohio , to hear his incredible story of faith, resilience, and redemption. Reuben grew up in foster care, facing abuse and neglect, and even attempted suicide at just eight years old. Adopted as a teenager, he found hope and healing through Jesus, who carried him through every dark season and gave him a new...

In our annual December end-of-year update episode, we take time to reflect on all the incredible ways God has been moving through Hope Bridge over the past year. This season has brought so much growth and blessing, like settling into our new home at the Compassion Center, launching new support groups, introducing The Bridge to help meet practical needs, and celebrating our first mom graduating fro...

Even though it’s December, we’re jumping ahead to spring to talk about Mobilize Ohio 2026 on March 21st ! In this episode, we’re talking into this year’s theme, “Surrounded,” what to expect, and how the conference has grown over the years.  We’ll revisit the very first Mobilize and the story behind Hope Bridge , then share how this year we’re focusing on foster and adoptive families . You’ll hear...

In this episode, we are discussing our next spiritual formation discipline: Pruning & Simplicity .  Pruning is about cutting back so we can grow more fruitfully. It’s recognizing the areas of our lives that are chaotic or distracting and making intentional choices to remove them. As we prune, we create space for God to work in us and in those around us.  Simplicity goes hand-in-hand with pruni...

We’re bringing back this episode because it’s the perfect one to revisit as we head into Thanksgiving and Christmas. The holidays can be really special, but they can also be a lot, especially for foster and adoptive families.  In this replay, we chat about why this season can feel extra sensitive for kids from hard places, how old memories and big feelings can pop up, and why all the schedule chan...

November is National Adoption Month , and we’re taking some time to talk about the real, everyday side of adoption, from one adoptive mom to another.  We’re sitting down as two adoptive mamas, one a little more seasoned, one still new to the journey, to talk honestly about what life looks like after adoption. Because let’s be real… once the paperwork is done, everyone tends to assume everything’s...

In today’s episode, we’re jumping back into our spiritual formation series and talking all about spending intentional time with God. This isn’t about following a strict formula or checking off a spiritual to-do list. It’s about genuinely connecting with Him in ways that feel natural and meaningful to you. Whether it’s through prayer, Scripture, stillness, or simply being aware of His presence duri...

This November, in honor of Adoption Awareness Month, we’re sharing real stories on the Restoried Podcast about foster care and adoption. Adoption isn’t just paperwork. It’s a journey of faith, trust, and transformation. In this episode, some of our Hope Bridge staff share their own adoption experiences, showing both the challenges they’ve faced and the incredible joys that have shaped their famili...

We’re wrapping up our Aged-Out Youth Series with an important and practical conversation about how you can make a difference. In this episode, we’re sharing tangible ways to step in and support aged-out youth —one of the most vulnerable demographics in our community.  You’ll learn:  Practical steps for getting involved with Hope Bridge  How to use your time, talents, and treasures to make an impac...

This October, for our series highlighting former foster youth, we’re talking with Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky and an incredible advocate for foster youth.  Ariana grew up bouncing between kinship placements and foster homes. After aging out of the system, she even experienced homelessness, living out of her car. Looking for ways to pay for college, she entered the pageant world, and everything...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Lyric, a former foster youth whose story is a powerful testimony of resilience, faith, and transformation. Lyric grew up in and out of foster care, navigating kinship placements, residential care, and multiple foster homes after the loss of her mom. Along the way, she experienced the heartbreak of instability, the pain of losing people she loved, including a fo...

In this episode, we’re leaning into an important conversation about aged-out youth in foster care and the challenges they face when transitioning into adulthood. Without consistent support or resources, many young adults leaving foster care struggle to break free from generational cycles of dysfunction, often feeling isolated and unprepared for life on their own.  At Hope Bridge, we’re committed t...

In this episode, we’re excited to introduce one of our newest team members, Alesia Jarrard . Married for 17 years and mom to three boys, Alesia brings a unique perspective to our community as an adoptee who has firsthand experience with the adoption journey.  Alesia’s story begins in South Korea, where her parents met while her father was serving in the military. After moving back to Ohio, her ear...

Today on the podcast, we’re continuing our series on spiritual formation with a focus on prayer . For many, prayer can feel like a last resort or a quick ritual before meals. But what does it really mean to commune with God in prayer?  Prayer is more than words. It’s pushing back against the darkness. It shapes our hearts to look more like His, and it moves the needle in ways we can’t always see. ...

We can’t believe it; this is the 100th episode of the Restoried podcast! To celebrate, we’re switching things up with another “hot seat” episode, where we put each other on the spot with some of the most hilarious, outrageous, and unexpected questions yet.  This episode is lighthearted, full of laughs, and the perfect chance to really get to know the people behind the mic.  We’re beyond grateful f...

Every July, our team takes a step back to look at where we’ve been and where we’re headed. This year, that meeting didn’t quite go the way we expected. We realized something important; our growth and referrals were outpacing what our staff could realistically handle. That made us stop and ask: How can we invite more people to come alongside us in this work.   That’s where The Bridge comes in.  It’...

In this Spiritual Formation episode, we’re talking about how technology shapes our daily lives and what it looks like to set some healthy boundaries around it. With phones, TVs, and social media always at our fingertips, it’s so easy to get distracted and miss out on the moments that really matter.  This month, we challenged ourselves to try a few simple shifts, like no phones at the table, not sc...

In this episode, we’re talking with Kim Meeder: author, speaker, and co-founder of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Oregon. Kim’s story is full of redemption and purpose. After walking through her own childhood trauma, she created a space where broken kids and rescued horses could heal together.  At Crystal Peaks, every session is one-on-one: one child, one horse, one leader. It’s completely fre...

We’re back with another episode in our Spiritual Formation series, and this time we’re exploring the quiet, but powerful, practice of solitude.  In a culture that celebrates busyness and constant activity, solitude can feel counter-cultural, even uncomfortable. But solitude isn’t simply about stepping away from noise or slowing down our schedules. It’s about intentionally stepping toward God, maki...

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how foster care has impacted our families: the hard parts and the really good ones. Foster care is mission work, and like anything meaningful, it comes with its share of challenges and rewards. If you’re curious about foster care or are already in it and looking for people who truly understand, this conversation is for you. We share how this journey has stre...

This week, we’re talking with Sandra Flach, mom of 8 (5 through adoption), advocate for foster and adoptive families, and someone who knows firsthand what it’s like to parent kids with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Two of Sandra’s children are diagnosed with FASD, and she’s passionate about helping other parents understand and navigate this journey. Sandra shares her own parenting story,...

Today, we're wrapping up our July Replay Series with an episode that continues to inspire and uplift. We're thrilled to revisit our conversation with Jamie Finn—bestselling author, founder and President of Foster the Family, host of the Real Mom podcast, and owner of Goods and Better. Jamie is a trusted voice in the foster and adoptive community, known for her authenticity, wisdom, and h...

This July, we’re revisiting some of the most powerful and moving episodes of The ReStoried Podcast in our Replay Series. These stories have left a lasting impact—and we believe they’re worth hearing again. In this replay episode, we revisit the unforgettable story of Stacey, a devoted foster and adoptive mom, and Asia, a courageous biological mom whose journey through addiction and mental health s...

This episode is part of our special July Replay Series, where we're revisiting some of our most meaningful and impactful conversations. In this episode, we dive into the crucial role foster families play in the reunification process. Our discussion aims to encourage foster families to embrace their part in the team effort required for successful reunification. We'll provide an overview o...

We’re bringing back this episode because it’s especially fitting for summer. Maybe this season has felt heavy—hard to juggle new rhythms, tiring for your biological family, or filled with questions about whether foster care is still good for your home. This conversation is a timely reminder: foster care can be good for your family. It’s not about dragging them through it, but leading them well—anc...