The Adoption Roadmap Podcast

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, hosts Rebecca Gruenspan and Kerry Hackett discuss the often-overlooked topic of post-adoption support and community. They reflect on their personal experiences as adoptive parents, the evolving nature of their relationships with birth families, and the importance of open communication about adoption with their children. The conversation highlights t...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan discusses the importance of refreshing your adoption journey during the spring season. She emphasizes the need to update your adoption profile, review your preferences, and ensure that your adoption professionals are aligned with your current goals. Additionally, she encourages listeners to prepare themselves for parenthood by enga...

In this heartfelt episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan and her guests: Francine Apy, Katy Kinirons Mejia, and Allison Olson, explore the multifaceted experiences of motherhood within the adoption community. They discuss the emotional complexities surrounding Mother's Day, the importance of acknowledging birth mothers, and the unique perspectives of adoptees. The conversa...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan discusses the complexities of motherhood, particularly in the context of mental health and adoption. She emphasizes that struggling with mental health does not equate to being a bad parent and highlights the importance of seeking help. The conversation also touches on the mental health challenges faced by adopted children and the n...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan is joined by Kelly Ellison , founder of Your Adoption Finance Coach , to demystify the financial side of adoption. Together, they break down the real costs of adoption and explore how to fund your journey using a powerful combination of cash, loans, grants, fundraising, and tax credits . Kelly shares strategies that have helped ove...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan discusses the unique and complex journey of adoption, highlighting common mistakes that hopeful adoptive parents often make. She emphasizes the importance of understanding individual circumstances, the pitfalls of relying on social media for information, and the need to explore various agency options beyond local choices. The conve...

In this powerful episode, adoptee, trauma coach, and therapist Julie Brumley joins Rebecca to explore how adoption trauma shows up in the body—and how somatic healing can help. Julie shares her personal journey from survival to self-discovery, the moment that changed everything, and how early trauma can shape physical and emotional responses. They dive into the seven phases of healing, nervous sys...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan discusses the current state of adoption, highlighting a decrease in families wanting to adopt despite the number of adoptions remaining stable. She shares insights from RG Adoption Consulting's quarterly meeting, emphasizing the company's core values and service pillars, including education, community, ethics, and collaboration. Th...

In this powerful episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with 19-year-old adoptee, author, and advocate Wilson Munsterman to explore identity, self-worth, and healing through the lens of adoption. Wilson opens up about his adoption from China, the scar that shaped his early beliefs about himself, and the moment he chose to rewrite his internal narrative. Wilson sh...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan shares her personal journey through adoption, highlighting the challenges and emotional experiences she faced. She discusses the importance of having an adoption consultant to guide hopeful parents through the complex process of adoption. Rebecca reflects on her own experiences with fertility treatments, the transition to adoption,...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan and Dr. Sara Silvestri discuss the complexities of health and medical concerns in adoption. They explore the definition of 'healthy' in the context of adopted children, the impact of prenatal substance exposure, the importance of prenatal care, and the challenges faced by adoptive parents. The conversation also covers the risk...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast , Rebecca Gruenspan shares real-time insights from her community on a topic many hopeful adoptive parents overlook: traveling home with your baby . From car seats and baby-wearing tips to what not to pack, Rebecca dives into what actually matters during this emotional and life-changing trip. She also touches on passport application quirks, gives a we...

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast , Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Jessie Mattos—a birth mother, passionate advocate, and director of birth mother programs at Abiding Love Charities. Known online as @ittakesatriad, Jessie brings raw honesty and powerful insight into what it truly means to support every member of the adoption triad. Jessie bravely shares her own adoption journey, th...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan shares her insights and experiences as an adoption consultant. She discusses the complexities of the adoption journey, including real-life scenarios that can arise, the emotional and financial aspects of adoption, and the importance of community support. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content and seek guidance as they...

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast , Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with an adoptee and adoptive mother who bravely shares her deeply personal journey navigating mental health within adoption. From uncovering her own biological family's history of schizophrenia to supporting her son's mental health challenges, she sheds light on the realities of genetics, environment, and early intervent...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Brian Murphy and Shaneetra Gross from the Gift of Adoption Fund to tackle one of the biggest questions hopeful adoptive parents ask: “Can we afford to adopt?” They walk us through how the nonprofit has awarded over $20 million in adoption grants since 1996—supporting over 640 families each year—and explain how these...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan and Donna Pope delve into the complexities of adoption, particularly focusing on the unique landscape of adoption in Utah. They discuss the emotional journey of birth mothers, the ethical considerations in adoption practices, and the importance of providing support to both birth mothers and adoptive families. The conversation also...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan delves into the complex emotional landscape of adoption, discussing the rights of birth mothers, the challenges faced by hopeful adoptive parents, and the importance of community support. Through personal anecdotes and listener feedback, she highlights the heartache and beauty intertwined in the adoption journey, emphasizing the ne...

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast , Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Donna Pope, Executive Director of Heart to Heart Adoptions , to tackle the controversy surrounding Utah’s adoption laws and the ethics of adoption. With over 26 years of experience in adoption , Donna shares her perspective on birth mother rights, consent laws, and the scrutiny Utah agencies face. Together, they exp...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan discusses the profound themes of love, accountability, and community in the context of adoption. She reflects on personal experiences with loss and the importance of mourning, emphasizing that the journey of adoption is often intertwined with grief. Rebecca encourages listeners to dream big, take risks, and embrace the power of com...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan and Rachel Patten discuss the multifaceted journey of adoption, emphasizing the importance of education, support, and empathy for both expectant mothers and adoptive families. They explore the role of adoption consultants, the characteristics of ideal clients, and the challenges faced by families during the adoption process. The co...

RG Adoption Consulting is here to hold your hand through every step of the domestic adoption process from home study to finalization, so you never feel confused, lost, or on your own. With our proven (pinky swear) 4-step Adoption Roadmap℠, my team’s goal is to help you bring your baby home in less than one year, whether you’re…single, gay, already have kids, or are over 40. Important Links RG Adop...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan and Becky Fawcett, Founder of HelpUsAdopt and an Adoptive mom, dive into the complexities of adoption, tackling financial barriers, adoption myths, and systemic challenges. They debunk the "saving a child" narrative, highlight the need for open adoption, and discuss how HelpUsAdopt.org is making adoption more accessible. Becky shar...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan discusses the intricacies of adoption consulting, reflecting on her personal journey and the importance of diverse family representation in adoption. She shares insights on the adoption process, the significance of strong profiles, and the differences between consultants and facilitators. Additionally, she provides statistics from...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan speaks with Cam Lee Small, a Korean American transracial adoptee and licensed clinical counselor. They discuss the complexities of adoption, including the importance of understanding parenting goals, the emotional journey of adoptees, and the significance of adoption literacy. Cam shares his personal experiences with reunion,...