Best April Shepard Podcasts (2025)

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Celebrating Us With Anita Bucher 53:13

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1d ago53:13

53:13

How do we celebrate ourselves when we don't know how we came about, feel unwanted or an accident? Listen in as adoptee, adoptive parent and adoption professional Anita shares profound insights on finding meaning, a reason for being and more. She also shares how following Christ has helped her along the way. Find out more about Anita here: https://w…

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Seeing The Big Picture With Cindy Stogel 49:26

6d ago49:26

49:26

So many of have so much going on we can't see the wood for the trees. Today's interview is a chance to stand back and see the big picture - what helps us thrive, what helps our kids thrive and much more. Listen in - adoption professional Cindy really knows her stuff! https://www.allforkids.org/ https://www.facebook.com/AllForKids.CA/ https://www.fa…

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Our Past Doesn't Define Us With Krystal Trocki 38:59

27d ago38:59

38:59

How do we free ourselves from the past? By seeing that it doesn't define us. Listen in as Krystal, adopted in her 30's talks about getting stronger through adversity, processing tough emotions and more. Connect with Krystal here https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-trocki-1372321a3/ Find out about her employer here https://26health.org/ Guests and t…

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Our Spirit Isn't Traumatised with Dana Hargus 59:56

29d ago59:56

59:56

What if there's part of us that's not traumatised? Because it can't traumatised? Wouldn't that be a great place to find and live from? Listen in as we dive deep into thriving, touch on religion and explore the part of us that's beyond trauma. Adoptive mother Dana Hargus, M.Ed., LPC, is a seasoned health professional with over 25 years of experience…

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Love AND Heartbreak With Lisa Chism 47:48

30d ago47:48

47:48

What happens when your search for belonging leads to both love and heartbreak? Listen in as adoptee Lisa shares what she's learned from her rollercoaster ride of reunion including lovebombing, jet black darkness and, eventually, light. Very powerful. Deeply profound. Listen with big ears. Find out more about Lisa here: https://www.instagram.com/drm…

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Reconnecting With Heritage With Tami Garcia 48:56

1M ago48:56

48:56

Do you feel disconnected from your cultural heritage or identity? Tami did - even though she wasn't adopted. She was determined her daughter who was born in Ethiopia would feel connected with her heritage. Listen in as we dive into cultural heritage, identity and more. Here's a bit about Tami from her website: I grew up disconnected from my Dominic…

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Thriving No Matter What With Wilson Munsterman 49:09

1M ago49:09

49:09

Can we thrive despite what happened in to us? If so how? Listen in as Wilson describes how he turned his life around after some difficult years in his mid-teens. It's an incredibly uplifting interview from the youngest guest we've ever had on the show. Wilson is just 19! Here's a bit about Wilson.. "Hi! I’m Wilson. I’m a transracial international a…

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Meaning & Community With Andrew Lewis 44:23

1M ago44:23

44:23

Looking for inspiration? Andrew, father of three - including one through adoption - shares his insights on igniting our passion, finding meaning and community. A powerful and empowering episode. Andrew is a passionate supporter of foster care and adoption. Andrew launched the KPMG National Foster Care and Adoption Network in 2021, which has now gro…

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Moving Beyond Pain With Tanya Kaanta 51:04

1M ago51:04

51:04

Looking for more peace and less pain? Listen in as Korean adoptee Tanya shares her learnings so far. We dive into healing, freedom with painful emotions and much more. Tanya is a Korean adoptee and former academic. She has a Ph.D. in Sociology and an M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education with a focus on intercountry adoption, identity formati…

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Getting Comfortable With Meredith Shepard 55:08

1M ago55:08

55:08

What if thriving is being comfortable with where we are on our journey? Comfortable with what we don't know? Comfortable in our own skin? Listen in as adoption professional Meredith dives into comfort and lots more... Meredith Shepard joined Heart of Adoptions in August 2013 as the Adoptive Parent Coordinator. She works closely with waiting adoptiv…

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Choosing To Thrive With Sharla Kinman 36:13

1M ago36:13

36:13

What if you could choose to thrive? Forgive others more easily. Feel spontaneous gratitude from within. Rise above your circumstances. Listen in as adoptee Sharla talks about choosing, her birth mother and much more. This is a truly incredible episode. Listen in with big ears. https://www.facebook.com/sharla.kinman Guests and the host are not (unle…

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Holding Onto Hope With Morganne Crouser 49:48

1M ago49:48

49:48

Some believe that some kids and adults broken. That's downright demoralising, depressing and disheartening. There's no hope. Listen in as Morganne brings hope as we explore life beyond fear, finding new identities and more. www.facebook.com/people/Kaleidoscopes-Consulting/61575749055036/ www.instagram.com/kaleidoscopesconsulting/ www.linkedin.com/i…

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Open To Change With Irene Steffas 53:37

1M ago53:37

53:37

Some say change is hard. What if believing that is keeping us stuck? Even if it's change for the better? What if we were open to change? Held our expectations more loosely? Questioned our beliefs more? Saw that our beliefs are made of thoughts so we can see them crumble? Listen in as we dive into changing expectations, giving up regrets and coming …

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Thriving Together With Linda R. Sexton 37:03

1M ago37:03

37:03

If we want adoptees to thrive, adoptive parents and birth parents all need to thrive. Listen in as we dive into thriving across the adoption triad. And how openness helps us thrive. Adoptive mother Linda R. Sexton is an open adoption pioneer who seeks to educate on today’s practice of open adoption where the biological parents and adoptive families…

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Goodbye Shame With Anna Schocket 35:37

2M ago35:37

35:37

Guilt is feeling bad about what we've done. Shame is feeling bad about who we are. And it's the feeling that fuels imposter syndrome. What if there was another way? Listen in as adoptive mother Anna talks about owning our own story WITHOUT shame. Anna Schocket, a single adoptive mother, embarked on a heartfelt journey to pen this book as a way to o…

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Flow & Purpose Francine Apy 51:09

2M ago51:09

51:09

Are you looking for more ease and flow in your life? Who isn't? Listen in adoptive mother and coach Francine shares her insights on flow helps us thrive. We also explore how meaning enriches our lives. Here's a bit about Francine from her website: Adoption is a way some of us are called to grow our families, and I’m here to support that journey how…

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From Stuck To Thriving With Jackson Terkeurst 50:43

2M ago50:43

50:43

Left for dead in a war zone. Now Jackson Terkeurst is speaking to the world. Listen in as this truly inspirational adoptee shares what helped move from stuck to thriving. Jackson is an entrepreneur and leader who continues to defy the odds as a first-generation immigrant from West Africa who owns and runs a small business. The adopted son of bestse…

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Finding New Solutions with Kelly Henderson 52:47

2M ago52:47

52:47

If we always do what we've always done, we'll always get what we've always got. We need new solutions if we are going to move forward with the tough stuff. Listen in as Kelly shares learnings on persistence, creativity and much more. Kelly Henderson, Ph.D. is Executive Director of Formed Families Forward. A special educator by profession, Kelly is …

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Going For Growth Jenifer Jarriel and Jesse Booher 52:42

2M ago52:42

52:42

How do we grow? What kind of environment helps us grow? How do we harness our mistakes for growth? Listen in to this empowering, metaphor rich dive into all things growth. Powerful and insightful. Just as we love our episodes here on Thriving Adoptees. Jenifer Jarriel is Board President & Chief Executive Officer of Depelchin. Jesse Booher is Chief …

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Thriving with FASD Brian Roberts 40:32

2M ago40:32

40:32

FASD is caused by exposure to alcohol in utero. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition with lifelong cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. Listen in as Brian shares his learnings on how families thrive with FASD. Brian Is Director of Education & Well-being for the National Organisation for FASD and has been the…

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Lifelong Learning With Dr Rick Morton 55:58

2M ago55:58

55:58

How does lifelong learning help us show up better with our families, friends and the rest of the world. Dr Rick's passion is palpable. Listen in as we dive into his learnings from raising 3 kids adopted internationally and a huge Italian Mastif. Humility, self awareness and God play their part in a great episode. We both hope you love it. As Vice P…

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From Eruption To Peace With Diana Kayla Hochberg 1:01:59

2M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Finding out she was adopted at 38 caused a seismic eruption for Diana. The world disappeared from under her feet. Everything she'd believed about herself was lies. And the lies continued as she searched for her truth. Settle back for a masterclass in stubborn, persistence, acceptance and finally, peace. DIANA KAYLA HOCHBERG is an accomplished photo…

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Joy Is An Inside Job Leigh Lincoln 59:37

3M ago59:37

59:37

How much are you enjoying life? The more deeply we can see that joy is an inside job the more we can enjoy life. Listen in as we dive into accepting missing pieces of our story, finding joy and more. Leigh Lincoln is an author whose narratives resonate deeply with the human experience. With a passion for storytelling that touches hearts and provoke…

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Want to be in our new book for adoptive parents? 36:03

3M ago36:03

36:03

Want to be in our new book for adoptive parents? Listen in as fellow adoptee and friend Jude interviews me about the book. I'm gathering wisdom from across the adoption constellation for a book on how adoptive parents can help their kids thrive. The ebook will be available widely and free. Any profits from the printed book will go towards supportin…

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Unlimited Potential Meghan Anderson 1:02:10

3M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

Unlimited potential. A tantalising idea isn't it? One that seems a long way from our experience. So what brings it closer? What takes it further away. Listen in as we explore realising that unlimited potential, getting out of our own way and more. Meghan Anderson has been the director of Connecting Hearts (now Adoption Life), since 2018 and has wor…

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Grace, Safety & Vulnerability With Jenn Hook 52:34

3M ago52:34

52:34

What does thriving mean to you? Everyone has a different definition. One that feels authentic to them. Giving ourselves grace, feeling safe and being vulnerable help us see our true self and being true to who we truly are. Listen to a lovely, deep dive into authenticity. Jenn Hook, MA is Founder and Executive Director of Replanted Ministry Jenn rec…

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Feeling We Belong With Amiee Sadler 1:01:11

3M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

Do you feel you belong? Do the ones you love feel they belong? Listen in as we explore belonging, grace and the power of unconditional love. Profound and poignant. A conversation we both hope you love. Amiee earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She also has a Master’s in Conflict Managemen…

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Relishing Ourselves With Kelly Tronstad 50:39

3M ago50:39

50:39

"We act how we feel" what a truthbomb! But how do you feel? How do you feel about yourself? Listen in as we dive deep into acceptance, gratitude so we relish ourselves. Kelly has extensive experience as a Family Support Coach with Children’s Home Society and has also served as the co-leader of Bellis' innovative Tuesday morning peer-support group f…

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UNFOLDING THE CALENDAR - July, August, September 2025 30:12

3M ago30:12

30:12

In our new Unfolding the Calendar episode, Film Forum programmers Sonya Chung and Mike Maggiore discuss upcoming premieres on our calendar for July - September 2025. With these conversations, we hope to introduce the people behind the programming here at Film Forum – and to provide some fun inside intel and trivia along the way. Please enjoy.…

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At Peace with Anna Maria DiDio 58:06

3M ago58:06

58:06

We all have trauma. Infertility traumatises and miscarriage takes that to a different level of pain. For Anna Maria miscarriage prompted depression. Listen in as she shares her learnings from bouncing back from that, raising her daughters and finding peace. Anna Maria DiDio, MSW is a writer, speaker and educator who has devoted her time and talents…

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Constructive Selfishness With Abby Hasberry 58:17

3M ago58:17

58:17

Who do you prioritise? Whose needs come first? Putting ourself first is seen as selfish and therefore, bad. Listen in as Abby and I discover constructive selfishness. Abby also shares her reflect, release and re-invent process that's empowered her as a transracial adoptee. Dr. Abigail Hasberry splits residence in Texas and Maryland. Her work focuse…

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Self Awareness For Adoptive Parents With Annette Williams 53:06

3M ago53:06

53:06

Thriving starts with us. If we want our kids to thrive, we need to be thriving. And that all starts with self awareness. Listen in as Annette shares insights into self awareness and how it helps us tackle the tough stuff and thrive. Annette Williams, PhD, M.Ed., LPC, RPT, CAS is a Professional Member of the Association of Play Therapy and is a Nati…

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Slowing Down With David Melber 59:37

3M ago59:37

59:37

How fast are you living your life? Today's frantic pace of life means opportunities to learn, grow and connect with the people we love the most pass us by. Listen in as David shares his learnings on slowing down, becoming a better parent and much more. Rev. David Melber is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Baptist Children’s Homes of North Caro…

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The Cure Is In The Pain With Stacey Gagnon 59:28

3M ago59:28

59:28

Trauma can be so painful that we back off it. We numb it. We suppress it. And so it lingers. What if we did the opposite? We embrace it. When do so, miracles and magic can happen. Listen in as Stacey and I dive deep into pain and cures. Darren and Stacey Gagnon are passionate advocates for children in the areas of special needs, adoption, and foste…

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Regardless Of Our Mood - Adrian Burks 56:51

3M ago56:51

56:51

If we are ok with not feeling ok, we are always ok. One of my favourite sayings. Listen in as Adrian shares his learnings on navigating life with more ease. We go deep because that's where all the treasure is. You're going to love this. Check out Adrian's film https://seedandspark.com/fund/finding-home-a-journey-to-biological-roots https://www.adri…

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JOHN CAZALE - A 90TH ANNIVERARY TRIBUTE - Richard Shepard 25:42

4M ago25:42

25:42

In this edition of UNFOLDING THE CALENDAR, we welcome back filmmaker Richard Shepard, who joined us previously to discuss last year's "Out of the 80s" series, which was inspired by his docu-memoir FILM GEEK. In today's episode, Shepard talks to our repertory artistic director Bruce Goldstein about the actor John Cazale, whose remarkable and all-too…

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Following Our North Star - Niall McKeever 52:17

4M ago52:17

52:17

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. They become a lot easier with a North Star to follow. Podcaster Niall has interviewed an incredible array of talent in the worlds of healing, consciousness and psychology including my favourite author Rupert Spira. Listen in as we riff on intention, course correction and more. Here's the link to the interview with J…

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Walking With Humility With Kristin Orphan 49:57

4M ago49:57

49:57

Do you want change for the better? There's a part of us that always thinks it is right. And it feels good to be right. But it gets in the way of the change we want. Of being better. Of connecting better. Listen in as Kristin shares profound lessons on humility, insight and change. Listen to Kristin's previous interview here: https://thriving-adopte…

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At Ease With Jean Widner 56:31

4M ago56:31

56:31

Who doesn't want more ease? More peace? How? That's the question. Listen in as Jean shares her insights on how insights help us to more ease. With ourselves. With others. As she says so wisely "Compassion is free". That compassion oils our relationships. Jean Kelly Widner is the author of The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption into Perspective, a p…

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Advance Your Advocacy With Marcy Bursac 47:09

4M ago47:09

47:09

Do you want to take your advocacy to the next level? When we know more, we achieve more. When we focus more, we achieve more. Listen as adoptive mother and advocate Marcy shares learnings about learnings, focus, experimentation and much more. Here's the link to Marcy's previous interview: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/reasons-fo…

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Getting Comfortable With Rabail Ahmed 54:35

4M ago54:35

54:35

Do you feel comfortable in your own skin? Being adopted can feel distinctly uncomfortable. Whether that's due to others or ourselves. Listen in as Rabail shares what she learned coming through tricky teenage years and out of the other side. Find out more about Rabail here: https://www.adoptionmatters.org/podcasts/exploring-transracial-adoption/ htt…

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Resilience & Persistence With Betsy Arnold 50:04

4M ago50:04

50:04

How do we bounce back? Keep going when all seems lost? Listen in as adoptive mother Besty and I explore answers to these big questions and more... Betsy Armstrong grew up on a farm in Minnesota, but Chicago captured her country-mouse heart thirty-plus years ago, so she stayed. Betsy is a writer, mom, athlete, and philanthropist who wants to change …

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Advocating, Fiercely With Becky Fawcett 47:09

4M ago47:09

47:09

"Other people's opinions of us are none of our business." Winston Churchill. I love that quote. For me it's about doing what feels authentic to me. Being me. Doing me. I could never have imagined that the starting point for our conversation - stigma - was going to empower my advocacy. Make me bolder. Listen in and see where this episode takes you. …

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Deserving To Thrive With Doug Henderson 1:00:53

5M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Do feel different? Less than? Do you deserve to thrive? Doug always felt different. But he didn't know he was adopted until he was 12. Listen as we dive into insights, sobriety and more in this profound and empowering episode. Check out Doug's book - There Are More Like Me: Search, Reunion, and Synchronicity in Adoption here: https://www.amazon.co.…

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The Path To Empathy Laura Engel & Hannah Andrews 39:52

5M ago39:52

39:52

Another episode with a difference courtesy of two ladies with huge hearts. Empathy for others in the adoption constellation is foundational to thriving and communication. Listen in as birth mother Laura and adoptee Hannah explore the path to empathy. Hannah Andrews was born in Chicago and was adopted as an infant during the Baby Scoop Era. She was …

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Delivering On The Promise With Fraser McKinlay 46:18

5M ago46:18

46:18

The Promise is that Scotland's children and young people will grow up loved, safe and respected. This episode dives into how Fraser, his team and partners are delivering on that. We explore resilience, expectations and more. Fraser has been Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland since September 2022. Prior to that, he spent 16 years working for Au…

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Bigger Than Our Trauma Cher Ofstedahl 56:39

5M ago56:39

56:39

At times our trauma threatens to overwhelm us. To overcome us. But how would it be to see that we are bigger than our trauma? Not just to see that. To feel it. To let go of blame. To be free. Listen in as Cher and I dive deep into understanding, forgiveness and more. Cher became a passionate advocate for children and decided to help children break …

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A Broader Perspective With Danny Huerta 42:01

5M ago42:01

42:01

Are you feeling out of balance? I know I do sometimes. And often because our perspective is to narrow. Listen in as Danny shares a broader, and deeper, perspective on thriving. Powerful and thought provoking. If we want our kids to grow, we need to grow. So how do we do that? Danny shares a wealth of insights into how we can grow based on a lifetim…

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Seeing Our Inherent Goodness With Matthew McCall 52:57

5M ago52:57

52:57

There's no such thing as bad kid. There's no such thing as a bad adult. Although that doesn't stop us feeling bad right? Listen in as Matthew and I dive under our beliefs and trauma to see the inherent goodness at our core. Matthew McCall started at The Home in 1998 as a Child Care Worker. Matthew has held virtually every client serving role at The…

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Walking Each Other Home With Chasity Galyon 58:44

6M ago58:44

58:44

Is trauma getting in the way on your journey to home? To peace? Is your ego pulling you off the path? Adoptive mom Chasity was adopted by her step-father whilst she was in pre-school. Listen in as we explore the journey home, obstacles and more... Connect with Chasity at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasity-galyon-2b4994250/ https://alovingoptionado…