The Fearless Fostering Podcast

When it hurts to hope, remember that hope is holy, foster mama. This short but sweet episode is one I hope you will return to time and again when you feel tired, weary, and overwhelmed by the weight of your foster care journey, or just plain frustrated. And if you're looking for more foster care resources, you can find them here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

Today's guest is Abby Mortensen, a mama who entered the world of foster care after being a victim of adoption scams. Since becoming foster parents, she and her husband have fostered many children in two states. Abby shares about how her faith plays a vital role in her ability to keep fostering, despite how difficult it can be, and encourages us all to get support, ask for help, and make self-...

I absolutely couldn't wait to share this conversation I had with former foster youth, adoptee and advocate (and Ivy League college student!!) Melody Welles. Melody was so gracious to share vulnerably about the trauma she endured growing up in an adoptive home where she didn't feel part of the family or wanted, and how she is today using her platform to show foster youth what is possible...

On today's episode, former foster youth and Court Appointed Special Advocate Joan Ulsher shares her experience and expertise on two different sides of the foster care system. Particularly passionate about advocating for teens, Joan highlights the influence a CASA can have in the life of a foster youth and their family. You can connect with Joan and read her book here: https://www.joanulsher.c...

What do you do when bio parents do a little at the last minute and the case drags on and on? How do you handle burnout in foster care? And how do you keep the faith when it seems like everything is SO broken about the system and the world? I'm answering all these questions and more on this episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast. Sign up for your FREE 15 minute call with me right here: http...

In today's episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast, I'm sharing a live Q+A I did on Instagram: feeling pressure to adopt, hoping to spread the word about foster care, feeling like you're ready to be done but the end is nowhere in sight. Find info on my free resources and groups here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

No matter which part of the foster care triad we embody, it's important to recognize that our own lived experience is valid AND so are the experiences of the other members of the triad. We cannot say one voice is more important than another without invalidating and tearing another part down. What are your thoughts on this? Find more support on your foster care journey here:https://stan.store/...

Join the BETA group of Fearless Adoption, a deeply connected community for mamas who have adopted from foster care. This group is for you if you’re looking to:Connect with other adoptive mamas who get what you're going throughEmpower yourself by making space for all of your emotions (and process through them!)Learn skills that will enhance your connection with your child and manage difficult...

On this episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast, Dr. Kate Truitt shares her wisdom as a psychologist and neroscientist. Focusing on the different types of trauma that both foster mamas and kids in care might encounter, she also shares practical (and easy to remember!) ways to stop trauma triggers in their tracks. Follow Dr. Truitt here and check out her new book, Keep Breathing:https://drtruitt....

Such a huge fan of my guest today, foster and adoptive mama (and former Fearless Fostering member!) Erika Vance. Erika shares how she got started fostering, ultimately ended up adopting, and how she manages 4 young kiddos as a single foster mama. She recently began work in the world of foster care as well, so she is a wealth of knowledge! You can follow Erika's journey here: https://www.tikto...

Today, I'm speaking with Cassie Stroman, a foster and adoptive mama who has recently closed her home after the adoption of her two little boys. Cassie didn't set out to adopt from foster care, but shares her decision making around saying "yes" when her boys needed permanency through adoption. She also shares valuable wisdom about her time as a single foster mama that anyone can...

On today's episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast, I'm joined again by foster/adoptive mama and TBRI practitioner Jules Thompson. Jules shares the importance of educating churches and schools about trauma and how it can impact kids from hard places so there can be more spaces willing to welcome these kids and families with openness and understanding. For foster care support and freebi...

Picture this: a home filled with laughter, love, and children. It’s the ideal image of foster care, but it’s not always the reality. There’s a side to this story that often goes untold: the unseen struggle of foster mamas. The glossy image of happy, harmonious families is frequently just a veneer the shields the true reality. Behind closed doors, foster mamas grapple with a myriad of challenges. I...

magine the dread and uncertainty that comes with stepping into the unknown, especially when it involves caring for a child who’s not your own. It’s a journey filled with a unique set of challenges and yes, fears. Fears that are as real as the child’s need for love and support. Perhaps you fear becoming too attached to a child who might leave. Or maybe you’re worried about dealing with a child’s tr...

Imagine the feeling of being judged, misunderstood, or even criticized for the way you handle situations in your foster home. It’s a common misconception: this idea that there’s one, and only one right way to be a foster mom. It’s a myth that’s been perpetuated, creating undue pressure and judgement on the very shoulders of those who’ve chosen to open their hearts and homes to children and familie...

My guest today is Tina Bauer, a mama, former foster youth, adoptee, and foster and adoptive parent consultant. Tina generously shares her perspective with us and gives many helpful tips for foster and adoptive mamas, especially those wondering if they are "doing it right." Follow Tina on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tinaa_bauerr/Find her consulting services here: https://l.i...

On this episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast, I sit down for a chat with Mark Daley, author of Safe: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take For Family. Mark shares about his time as a foster dad, and why he felt the need to write this book. He shares how the broken system is failing kids and first families and what foster families (and EVERYONE else) can do to help. Find M...

As foster and adoptive mamas open their hearts and homes to kids from hard places, they often find themselves neglecting their own well-being. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, self-care often takes a backseat. However, it’s crucial for us to recognize that our own self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. In this episode, we’ll delve into the importance of self-care for foster and adoptive...

As you navigate the ups and downs of foster care, you may find yourself wanting to share your experiences on social media. Whether it’s to connect with other foster parents, raise awareness about fostering, or simply document your personal growth, telling your story online can be a powerful and meaningful endeavor. In this episode, we’ll explore some valuable tips for foster mamas who are consider...

The world of foster care is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges that can leave you feeling stressed and worried about your kids’ cases. It’s crucial to acknowledge these feelings and seek support. In this episode, we’ll explore ways to maintain peace and calm on your foster care journey, no matter what curve balls come your way. Get your personalized foster care audit here:https:/...

Dear Foster and Adoptive Mamas,As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s a profound moment to reflect not only on the challenges we’ve overcome but also on the intentional choices we’re making for our future selves. The daily labor of love, the vulnerability of attachment, and the unique journey of foster and adoptive parenting are not easy feats. In this letter, let’s explore the power of...

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy for foster and adoptive mamas to get caught up in the whirlwind of preparations, expectations, and extra responsibilities. Amidst the chaos, it’s crucial to take a step back and remember the true essence of the season and how precious the gift of time and presence is for our children. In this episode, we’ll explore why these gifts are the m...

As foster and adoptive mamas, navigating the complex landscape of trauma is an integral part of our parenting journey. The term “trauma” carries weight, often evoking a sense of fear and concern for the well-being of our children. In this episode of the Fearless Fostering podast, we’re going to delve into the clinical definition of trauma, emphasizing its nature as a nervous system response rather...

As foster mamas, we navigate the complex terrain of caregiving, often finding ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks and responsibilities. The holiday season, with its festive chaos and endless to-do lists, can exacerbate the already demanding nature of our roles. However, what if this December became the month we collectively committed to slowing everything down? What if we embraced...

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness. Yet balancing the excitement of the festivities with the uncertainties of the foster care journey requires resilience and coping strategies. Let’s explore practical ways to navigate the holiday season, finding joy amid the challenges. Get the Embrace the Unknown Support Bundle and Good Grief Live Training info here:h...