Let's Talk Adoption

Choosing an adoption agency is one of the most important decisions hopeful adoptive parents will make—yet many families aren’t sure what questions to ask or what values truly matter. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption with Kim and Heather, we explore what ethical adoption really looks like and how families can discern whether an agency’s philosophy aligns with their own. From transparency and...

Thinking about adoption but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. In this entry-level episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather walk through the very first steps of the adoption journey in a clear, approachable way. From identifying your adoption preferences to researching agencies, applying, and understanding what typically comes next, this episode is designed to bring clarity and conf...

There are seasons when life quietly shifts, and suddenly the future you imagined no longer feels certain. For some, that uncertainty comes after pregnancy loss or infertility. For others, it follows unexpected changes, like being single longer than planned, walking through divorce, or losing a spouse and facing life in a way you never anticipated.   In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim explore the deeply human mix of hope and fear that women experience when they begin considering adoption for their child. This honest, compassionate conversation offers insight for both hopeful adoptive parents and women who may be navigating this decision themselves.   Together, Heather and Kim walk through the most common fears—   “Am I a b...

Today we focus on waiting adoptive families during the holidays. This episode explores what hope realistically looks like during the waiting season—especially during the holidays. Heather and Kim offer grounding guidance, emotional support, and professional tools to help families stay steady, protect their emotional space, and remain connected to the adoption process. The conversation covers refra...

In this heartfelt Christmas episode, Kim sits down with adoptive mom and popular creator MaryAnne Budden of OpenlyParenting.com to talk honestly about the holiday season at every stage of the adoption journey. From the ache of Christmas during infertility… to the emotional tension of waiting to be chosen… to the joy—and new complexities—of celebrating Christmas after adoption, MaryAnne shares wisd...

In this first episode of our December “Hope in Adoption” series, Heather and Kim explore how hope shows up in adoption from every perspective—often quietly, sometimes unexpectedly, but always powerfully. They look beyond the usual ideas of hope and talk honestly about how it appears for: Women considering adoption: the hope for stability, safety, and being understood Waiting adoptive families: the...

In this powerful episode, Kim and Heather unpack the surprising truths about birth fathers in adoption. From learning they can sometimes sign consent before birth, to discovering they can be involved in every part of the adoption plan — even have their own open adoption connection — this conversation challenges old assumptions. You’ll also hear about the “Wait what?! Adoption isn’t giving up” mome...

Are you thinking about searching for your birth mom but don’t know where to begin? In this episode, Kim and Heather walk you through how to start the search, who to contact depending on the type of adoption (private, state, or international), and how to approach the conversation with your adoptive parents.

Let’s Talk Adoption, host Kim King sits down with Alice H. Murray — award-winning writer, longtime adoption attorney, and author of God Adopted Us First: Faith Lessons From an Adoption Attorney’s Adventures. With over three decades of experience guiding adoptive families, Alice shares the joys and challenges of her work, how faith shaped her practice, and the surprising ways humor and miracles sho...

In this episode of the “Wait, What? Unexpected Things in Adoption” series, Heather and Kim share heartfelt insights from the voices often least heard in adoption — birth mothers. Discover the surprising “wait, what?!” moments they experience: the mix of deep love and grief, the comfort that open adoption can bring, the empowerment of planning an adoption their way, and the realization that the per...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption with Heather & Kim, we explore those “wait—what?!” moments every adoptee experiences. From realizing many birth moms chose adoption out of love, to understanding that identity grows over time, and that reunion isn’t always the ending imagined — we unpack the layers of adoption and what adoptees wish people knew.  Join us for encouragement, reflection, an...

Adoption can be one of the most meaningful journeys a family ever takes — but it’s also one of the most confusing. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather unpack the biggest “Wait, what?” moments that hopeful adoptive parents experience as they begin their journey.

Infertility, loss, and the waiting that comes before adoption can strain even the strongest marriages. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather share practical tips and biblical guidance to help couples stay connected, communicate openly, and keep their marriage strong while navigating the journey to parenthood. From date-night conversation prompts to faith-filled encouragement and...

Communication is the heartbeat of every adoption journey. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, hosts Kim and Heather dive into the importance of clear, honest conversations on every level—between spouses, with friends and family, with adoption professionals, with your child’s birth mother, and with your child as they grow. You'll hear practical tips for navigating sensitive conversations, setti...

In this important episode of Let's Talk Adoption, hosts Heather Featherston and Kim King address a difficult topic: emotional scams targeting hopeful adoptive families. Although adoption scams are rare, understanding how they work is crucial for protecting yourself on your adoption journey.   The hosts discuss a recent high-profile federal case that highlights the devastating impact of emotional s...

At a recent conference, someone asked: "Are there actual studies that prove open adoption is good for children?"   In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim dive into the research and share findings from decades of studies on open adoption.   We’ll explore what the evidence shows about benefits for adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents — and also talk honestly about the chall...

Adoption doesn’t end on the day the papers are signed—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King sits down with adoptive mom and blogger MaryAnne Budden of Openly Parenting to talk about the joys, surprises, and challenges of parenting after placement. MaryAnne shares her family’s experience with open adoption, how staying connected with her daughter...

Adopting a child doesn’t always mean adopting a newborn. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather break down the three main ways families can adopt a child who’s already been born: foster care adoption, international adoption, and private/independent adoption. Learn what each path involves, from costs and timelines to the emotional realities and do’s and don’ts you’ll want to know....

Adoption conversations on social media often swing between two extremes: either it’s celebrated as the ultimate act of love, or condemned as harmful and exploitative. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim unpack why adoption gets painted in such black-and-white terms online. Together, they explore the truths behind both perspectives, ask the hard questions adoption raises, and of...

Starting the adoption process can feel exciting and overwhelming. Many hopeful parents find themselves waiting for the “perfect” time: for more savings, fewer risks, or the feeling that every detail is in place. But what if waiting is actually holding you back from becoming the parent you’re meant to be? In this episode of the Let’s Talk Adoption Podcast, hosts Kim King and Heather Featherston div...

Is adoption right for every couple? In this candid conversation, Heather and Kim explore the heart-check questions every hopeful parent should ask before starting the adoption process. From emotional and relational readiness to practical considerations and motivations, they share real-world insight from years of working with adoptive families. You’ll hear why adoption isn’t a one-size-fits-all pat...

If you're adopting or even considering it, this episode is a must-listen. Heather and Kim break down the latest updates to the federal Adoption Tax Credit, including the new 2025 limit of $17,280, partial refundability, and expanded access for families with lower or moderate incomes. We explain what the credit is, how it works, and what makes the changes in the “Big Beautiful Bill” so impactful. Y...

Starting the adoption process can feel overwhelming—but what if a little honest insight could save you heartache and set you up for success? In this episode, Heather and Kim share the top three things every hopeful adoptive family should know before beginning their newborn domestic adoption journey. From shifting your mindset away from “purchasing a baby” to preparing for unexpected twists and hon...

Feeling lost in the alphabet soup of adoption? In this episode, Heather and Kim decode the most common acronyms used in the adoption world—from ICPC and TPR to PRE, AP, and even PPC. You’ll laugh, learn, and leave feeling more confident about what those mysterious letters actually mean. Plus, we share a few made-up acronyms that perfectly describe the emotional rollercoaster of adoption. What You'...