Best FosterCare Podcasts (2026)

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Starting Subversive Discipleship Movements with Craig Greenfield 51:22

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1h ago51:22

51:22

As we start 2026, we should be asking how to join the things that God is already doing. Where is he moving and how do we join such movements? Our old friend Craig Greenfield returns to the show to discuss the growth and impact of Alongsiders International, a movement focused on discipleship and mentorship for vulnerable children. He emphasizes the …

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Episode 285: Tera Melber 52:09

16h ago52:09

52:09

Join host Jami for a powerful conversation with experienced foster parent and trauma-informed care expert, Tera Melber. Tera, the founder of Resound Trauma Education, brings her extensive background—including a master’s degree in human services counseling and a commitment to integrating faith with the latest interpersonal neurobiology research—to t…

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Reviewing Masaka Kids Movie with Dr. Laura Horvath 45:11

7d ago45:11

45:11

In this episode of Think Global, Do Justice, Brandon Stiver and Dr. Laura Horvath critically analyze the Netflix documentary 'Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within.' They discuss the portrayal of orphanages, the commodification of children, and the importance of family and community in child welfare. The conversation highlights the need for systemic change …

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Reimagining Traditions: Adoption, Identity & Belonging with Dr. Anthony Hynes 53:08

19d ago53:08

53:08

In this heartfelt conversation, host April Dinwoodie invites Dr. Anthony Hynes to explore what it means to break and remake traditions through the lens of adoption. Dr. Hynes reflects on childhood memories, evolving holiday practices, and the emotional complexity that often surfaces for adopted persons during the holiday season. He also shares insi…

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AI Theology, Practice and Ethics for Nonprofits with Albert Chen 48:35

21d ago48:35

48:35

In this enlightening episode, Brandon Stiver is joined by Albert Chen, who is the cofounder and CEO of Anago. The two discuss the profound impact of AI on Christian nonprofits. Albert shares his journey from community development in Mexico to the tech world and emphasizes the interconnectedness of global issues with the ethical considerations surro…

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Episode 222: Trauma Parenting Will Expose Your Scars 44:02

28d ago44:02

44:02

Summary: In this episode, you're invited into a personal, honest conversation about what really happens when you say yes to trauma parenting. Peter Mutabazi joins you for a heartfelt discussion about why fostering doesn't just change the lives of children—it changes the adults who step in for them. If you're fostering now or considering stepping in…

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Nonprofit Governance 101 with Kelly Strong 50:51

1M ago50:51

50:51

Are the internal structures of our organizations fit for the mission that God has called us to? In this episode, Brandon Stiver welcomes Kelly Strong of Safe International for a conversation on organizational identity and healthy global partnerships. They explore why mission must remain central and the role of values in shaping behavior, culture, a…

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Episode 284: Celebrating 10 Years of The Forgotten Podcast (w/ Jamie Finn) 32:00

1M ago32:00

32:00

In this very special episode, our usual host, Jami Kaeb, is taking a turn in the guest seat. Stepping in to act as the host is our dear friend (and repeat guest) Jamie Finn! The Forgotten Podcast is celebrating 10 years of creating content that serves, equips, and encourages those in the foster care community, as well as exalts the name of Jesus. T…

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Setting Our Holiday and Community Tables with Melissa Guida-Richards 42:35

1M ago42:35

42:35

In this November episode of Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World, April sits down with author, educator, and Late Discovery adopted person Melissa Guida-Richards (@adopteethoughts) for a grounding, honest, and deeply human conversation. Fresh off co-hosting the Adoption Changemakers Conference, Melissa returns to reflect…

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Formation, AI and Finding Community in Christian Humanitarian Work 38:46

1M ago38:46

38:46

*Brandon's Note: In step with the topic at hand, I've turned over all show notes and interview audio editing to AI for this week's episode. In this conversation, Brandon Stiver and Michael Cerna reflect on the challenges and changes faced by non-profit organizations in 2025. They discuss the importance of community, the impact of funding changes, a…

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Episode 221: November's Presidential Executive Order: Fostering the Future 36:03

1M ago36:03

36:03

Summary: In this week's episode of Fostering Voices, Kim and Brian dig into the recent presidential executive order released on November 13th: Fostering the Future for American Children and Families. After receiving many questions about what the order means for the foster care community, Kim and Brian break down the key components, highlight potent…

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Episode 283: Fourteen Children, One Family (w/ Beth van der Wel) 39:17

1M ago39:17

39:17

My guest for this conversation didn’t set out to have fourteen children in her home. But through every step of her journey, she boldly trusted in the Lord and kept stepping out in faith. Beth van der Wel is not only a biological mom to three, but she is also an adoptive and foster parent to an additional 11 children. Throughout their nearly three d…

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Discipleship is About Taking Jesus Seriously with Alan Hirsch 58:17

2M ago58:17

58:17

What does it mean to be a gospel-centered church and should we be a gospel-centered church? As we think through taking the Gospel into the world and fulfilling the Great Commission, have we short changed discipleship by making Matthew 28 all about evangelism? In this conversation with Brandon Stiver, author and missiologist Alan Hirsch joins the sh…

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Episode 220: The Role Trauma and Stress Play in Disease 50:32

2M ago50:32

50:32

Summary: This week, we're diving into a topic that many of us would rather avoid—how stress and trauma affect our bodies. If you're like Kim, it's not a conversation you're eager to have, but it's one that matters deeply if we want to live as our healthiest, most authentic selves. Joining the discussion is our friend and regular guest, Estefana Joh…

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Episode 282: How to Serve When Your Home is Full (w/ Hanna Thrower) 34:50

2M ago34:50

34:50

What should I do if I have a heart for the foster care community, but I can’t open my home to foster right now? We hear this question often. Sometimes it comes from individuals who have fostered before and are simply in a season where they need to pause. Other times we hear it from people who don’t feel called to foster, but still have a deep passi…

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A Movement to End Global Poverty with Carissa Youssef 59:11

2M ago59:11

59:11

Global poverty is ubiquitous and seemingly intractable, but what if we had a way to mobilize people and a fundraising mechanism that invites ubiquitous participation? In this episode we're joined by Carissa Youssef who is the Executive Director at One Day's Wages. She emphasizes the need for Christians to expand their definition of neighbor to incl…

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How Leaders Lose Their Way with Peter Greer 1:03:29

2M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

One out of three leaders don't finish well in the work that they undertake. Striking, isn't it? As our podcast celebrates 300 episodes of engaging global nonprofit leaders, we strive to be that minority that stay the course God gave us and there's no one better to talk to than today's guest. Making his record sixth interview on the show, we're join…

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Episode 219: When Grandparents Become Parents 44:50

2M ago44:50

44:50

Summary: This week, we're diving into an important and often overlooked topic — when grandparents step into the role of parent. In 2024, Duet reported that more than 64,000 grandparents in Arizona are raising their grandchildren, and census data shows the state ranks above the national average for grandparents providing care. For every one child ra…

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Episode 281: Behind the Scenes with an Agency Worker (w/ Abraham Choate) 31:47

2M ago31:47

31:47

It’s no secret that the child welfare system can be frustrating for children, their biological families, and foster families alike. More often than not, agency workers are the people who have to carry the brunt of this frustration. Yet, if we were to take a look behind the scenes, we would see individuals who care deeply about children and families…

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Behind the Mask: Belonging, Identity, and Community with Melissa Guida-Richards 28:50

3M ago28:50

28:50

This October, we're going Behind the Mask — looking at what we hide, what we reveal, and how adopted people learn to show up as their full selves. April sits down with Melissa Guida-Richards — adopted person, author, and creator of the Adoption Changemakers Conference — to talk about authenticity, culture, and the importance of real connection in t…

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Addressing Unregistered Orphanages with Obed Masese and Meredith Caleb 56:38

3M ago56:38

56:38

If our commitment is that every child grow up in a safe and loving family, how do we address that so many children are living in orphanages that are unregistered and operating outside of the public eye? It's challenging work to map, find and even collaborate with such institutions, but we've got the right guides to learn from. Brandon is joined tod…

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Episode 218: Supporting Young Adults with Addiction 44:42

3M ago44:42

44:42

Summary: This week on the podcast, we wrap up our series on substance use with an honest and compassionate conversation about supporting young adults who are struggling with addiction. Joining us again are Kim McWilliams and Sarah Grado, who bring both personal insight and professional experience to this deeply important topic. We begin by explorin…

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Episode 280: Working Together to Support and Redeem Families (w/ Norm Suire) 53:17

3M ago53:17

53:17

The child welfare system is far from perfect. However, numerous individuals, agency workers, and organizations like us are working faithfully to help support and uplift the children and families within that system. Our guest today knows this system intimately, as he has worked within it for over 40 years. Norm Suire worked first at Elgin Mental Hea…

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Land Grabbing, Violence and Persecution in Nigeria with Clint Lyons and Paul U. 57:01

3M ago57:01

57:01

Did you know that 90% of the persecution that Christians face throughout the world comes from one region? Nigeria has seen a trajectory of violence aimed at Christians in recent years and in today's episode we're unpacking all the layers behind targeted massacres in the area. Joining the show are Clint Lyons and Paul U. who are with iReach Global, …

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DOGE, Millenial Donors and The (Potential) End of the NGO Era with Michael Cerna 46:46

3M ago46:46

46:46

This year has seen a tremendous amount of change for Christian NGOs doing transformational development throughout the world. In many ways, we are entering a new era of global mission and international development. To talk about some of those changes and to help us keep a pulse on what God is up to, we're joined by Michael Cerna who serves as the CE…

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Episode 217: The Impact of Marijuana on the Adolescent Brain 44:51

3M ago44:51

44:51

Summary: In our last episode, we explored how substances affect infants. But what about adolescents? Is marijuana really a big deal for today's youth, and what do parents and communities need to know to keep them safe? In this episode, we welcome Kim McWilliams, an award-winning licensed counselor, and Sarah Grado, Executive Director of Not My Kid,…

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Episode 279: Space in Our Hearts and in Our Homes (w/ Crystal Paine) 39:25

3M ago39:25

39:25

Foster care has a way of changing how we see the world. It asks us to step into hard places, stay present, and let God reshape our perspective. For our latest guest, that’s meant gaining a richer perspective on biological parents, a deeper appreciation for the beauty and challenges of caring for children with disabilities, and so much more. Crystal…

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Back to School with Student Questions & Inclusive Classrooms 52:35

3M ago52:35

52:35

In this back-to-school episode of Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World, April Dinwoodie and podcast producer Kyle Ferreira get into a conversation about the powerful and often surprising questions April has received from students—both adopted and not—about adoption, identity, and belonging. From "What happens when someon…

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Episode 216: The Impact of Substance Use on the Infant Brain 39:36

4M ago39:36

39:36

Summary: From the very first breaths of life, some babies face challenges most of us can hardly imagine. Born substance-exposed, these newborns often enter the world in pain, their tiny bodies working through the effects of addiction before they even have a chance to begin. In the Phoenix Valley, Jacob's Hope is stepping into that story with compas…

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God's Movement Among the Iranian Church with Lana Silk 1:02:32

4M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

There is no place on Earth that God is not working. Even in authoritarian regimes that make following Christ illegal, He still moves. Iran is one of those countries. While we hear about Iran pretty regularly in the news, we don't typically hear about what God is doing through His Spirit and in His Church there. Today we're joined by the CEO of Tran…

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Episode 278: Looking Back at Our Trauma to Move Forward (w/ Byron Kehler) 37:43

4M ago37:43

37:43

“When trauma is our teacher, we are ill-equipped to live healthy lives in healthy environments. What we learn, we live.” We know that trauma often accompanies children when they enter the child welfare system. Usually, we talk about the effects of trauma and how caregivers can respond with support. Today, we’re looking at trauma through the lens of…

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Episode 215: Empowering Children with Learning Disabilities 48:53

4M ago48:53

48:53

Summary: School is back in session, and for parents raising kids who need extra support, the start of the year can bring more than just new routines; it can stir up anxiety, frustration, and countless questions about navigating the system to get the right resources. In this episode, we sit down with Joey Taylor, an education advocate, foster parent…

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Care Reform in an Urbanizing Africa with Chantry Mweemba 48:50

4M ago48:50

48:50

Families are the center piece of how God created societies to flourish, yet there are so many things that can tear down this fundamental part of God's design. We know that orphanages are spread out throughout the world and we know that those children should be allowed to grow up in families. In today's episode, we have Chantry Mweemba of Alliance f…

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Episode 277: Pursuing Reckless Faith (w/ Beth Guckenberger) 39:56

4M ago39:56

39:56

Whether it’s across the world or in all four corners of her home, my guest today has over two decades of experience in the foster care and adoptive community. Beth Guckenberger lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, Todd. Together, they serve as the Co-Executive Directors of Back2Back Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to providing comprehensiv…

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The Messy Middle of Monitoring and Evaluation 44:27

4M ago44:27

44:27

One of our great passions behind the show is equipping practitioners globally to serve the poor and develop communities. Today's episode is all about that. We've invited our friend Jeremy Macias back onto the show to share with us about the "messy middle" of monitoring and evaluation and the critical role that it plays in community interventions. J…

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Episode 214: Keep Goaling! 41:19

4M ago41:19

41:19

Summary: In this episode, Brian and Kim dive into the struggles parents face when life feels stuck in worry about our kids, our future, and the unknown. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Edith Eger's wisdom, they remind us that "you're going to be 50 anyways," so why not keep moving toward growth and possibility? Together, they unpack what it means to g…

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Back to School, Back to Truth: Conversations on Race, Adoption & Journalism with Ahna Fleming and Libby Hobbs 48:02

5M ago48:02

48:02

This August, as we embrace the "Back to School" season of Continued Learning & Growth, I welcome two incredible young journalists, Ahna Fleeming and Libby Hobbs, for a conversation rooted in truth-telling, identity, and resilience. After a painful racial slur was used toward me during a public process in my own town, I was searching for connection …

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Episode 276: More Than How Your Story Began (w/ Hope Watts) 28:56

5M ago28:56

28:56

Adoption and foster care are often depicted in dramatic ways in the media. Whether it’s an adult suddenly discovering the truth that they were adopted or a depiction of constant conflict between a child involved in the foster care system and their caregivers, media can easily give us a skewed perspective of what life is actually like for the real p…

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Understanding the History Behind Gaza with Dr. Ben Norquist 1:07:26

5M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

There is no more salient, no more pressing global event right now for the Church to engage than what is happening currently in Gaza. Gaza presents not just a lightning rod for conversation (or controversy), but also serves as a moral compass for all humankind. The global Church is wrestling with questions like, "is Israel justified in their offensi…

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Episode 213: The Housing Crisis' Impact on Youth 43:58

5M ago43:58

43:58

Summary: Today we're talking about the youth housing crisis with Matt Finley, who leads Maricopa County's efforts to improve the youth homelessness response system. From direct services to policy, Matt brings deep experience to this urgent conversation. We explore what's driving the crisis, how the needs of youth have changed, and what solutions ar…