Best Shaw Family Issues Podcasts (2026)

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264. Jaciara Bayer: "A Transracial/International Adoptee Reclaims Her Cultural Traditions" 50:38

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1h ago50:38

50:38

Jaciara is a transracial/international adoptee. She was adopted from Brazil in 1985 when she was 11 months old and raised in Northern California by a Jewish single parent mother, in a small and very minimally diverse town. Jaciara has obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She currently works as a medic…

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263. Julian Mack: "Search and Connection With More Family" 57:34

2d ago57:34

57:34

Julian Mack is a transracial adoptee in reunion/contact with his family of origin. He is a Black American music artist living in Atlanta. Julian continues to move through questions of identity and societal issues with a thoughtful, grey-lens perspective. Music by Corey Quinn

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262. Sonia Morgan: "Choosing Opportunities to Heal" 40:26

9d ago40:26

40:26

Sonia Morgan is a late discovery adoptee born in Pennsylvania. She searched for her biological family and is currently appreciating reunion/contact with them. Music by Corey Quinn

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261. Anna Bryant: "A Search For Identity" 51:32

17d ago51:32

51:32

Anna Bryant is a transracial adoptee from Iowa. She grew up in a multiracial household with White parents and international adoptee sisters from South Korea. She has been in reunion with her family of origin for 8 years which has brought both joys and heartbreaks. She is currently working on her memoir Cultural Fraud which explores her reunion jour…

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260. Nikole "Koko" Shaw: "The Black AdopTea and the BADAN Community" 1:00:31

24d ago1:00:31

1:00:31

Koko is a same-race Black adoptee with 15 years of experience in community behavioral health. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Professional Clinical Counselor. A mother and a healer, Koko brings a trauma-informed, liberation-focused lens to her work with individuals and communities impacted by adoption. Her …

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259. Garrett Lee: "Mixed Emotions After The Search" 43:48

1M ago43:48

43:48

Garrett Lee is a same race domestic adoptee residing in Orlando, FL. He is in reunion with DNA family members and the journey continues putting the pieces together about his relinquishment/adoption story. Website: https://www.oldskoolcakes.com/ Music by Corey Quinn

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258. Janeen Jackson: "Hello Sweet Baby" 49:47

1M ago49:47

49:47

Janeen Jackson is an adoptee, children's book author, and powerful advocate for adult adoptees—especially those who discover the truth about their adoption later in life. Through her blog Mixed Up Diary and her book Hello, Sweet Baby!, Janeen creates space for honest conversations about identity, race, and healing. Her mission is to provide comfort…

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257. Eric Shaw: "The BAM, BADAN and Life Coaching" 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

Eric Shaw in Southern California is an educator (Elementary School PE and High School basketball coach), adopted at birth by same race and adopted siblings with Koko, @TheBlackAdoptea on IG. Resource: https://adoptionmosaic.com/adoptee-beacon Music by Corey Quinn

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256. Kevin Hodge-Niblack Barnett Sr.: "Living My Shadows" and "Shadows of Emotions" 44:34

2M ago44:34

44:34

Kevin Hodge-Niblack Barnett Sr. is a retired Army veteran and a product of the foster care/adoption system. He is the author of two books: Living My Shadows: Dreams Do Come True and Shadows of Emotion: Life After the Dream, which outline his experiences as an adoptee and person who lived in foster care. Website: https://www.livingmyshadows.org/ Res…

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255. Jasmin: "Once An Orphan" 1:01:32

2M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Jasmin, a New York adoptee, host of the Once an Orphan podcast kept the story of her adoption to herself until she was in her 30’s. Today, she’ll talk about why the silence for so long and what finally brought about the change. https://www.youtube.com/@OnceanOrphan https://www.blackadopteesmeetup.org/ Recommended Resource: https://events.adoptionmo…

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Building a village for neurodivergent families (with Jessica Shaw of the “Everyone Gets A Juice Box” podcast) 31:21

2M ago31:21

31:21

In this final episode of In It, we talk with Jessica Shaw, who’s launching a new podcast called TBD — it’s about the beautiful roller coaster that is parenting neurodivergent kids. As a mom to two teenage daughters, Jessica reflects on what she wishes she’d known earlier, what she’s learned along the way, and why finding a community of parents who …

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254. Katie: "Further Along the Healing Journey" 48:13

2M ago48:13

48:13

Katie is an adoptee who has always known she was adopted. Abuse and neglect by adoptive parents growing up led her to feeling unloved or unwanted by them. As a younger person, Katie felt so broken and joined Al-Anon and (ACA) Adult Children of Alcoholics for healing. She still felt like something was missing in her recovery. A friend gave Katie the…

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253. Jennifer Hiltebeitel: "A Book for Adoptees and Those Who Love Them; Journey of The Adopted Self: A Quest For Wholeness" 59:44

3M ago59:44

59:44

Jennifer Hiltebeitel (HILL-ta-bite-el) is a returning guest. Jennifer is an adopted person on a lifelong healing journey. As an Enneagram Coach, she loves talking with other adoptees about how this tool for growth builds understanding and compassion for our whole selves. She believes healing happens in community and through the telling of our stori…

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When teachers say your child is “too smart” for special ed services 25:38

3M ago25:38

25:38

When a teacher says your child is “too smart” for special education services, it doesn’t feel like a compliment — it’s more like a roadblock! Parent advocate Danielle Ward joins us to unpack what this response often means and how it might signal twice exceptionality, where giftedness masks real struggles. She shares practical strategies for moving …

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252. Katie: "Taking Agency and Setting Boundaries" 1:05:56

3M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

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251. Debbie Nahid: "Adult Adoptee Movement UK" 44:30

3M ago44:30

44:30

Debbie Nahid is a transracial intercountry adoptee born in 1968 in the UK. She was raised in foster care in a white English community and was adopted as a teenager by her foster mother. It was at this time that she also discovered the truth about her parents and heritage. Debbie has spent her life searching for birth relatives and cultural connecti…

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How to make mornings easier for ADHD brains 24:07

3M ago24:07

24:07

Mornings can be chaos, especially when neurodivergence is part of the mix — for your kids or for you. This week, we’re joined by Jon Zeitlin from HabitCoach, who’s been in the thick of it. Jon and his son both have ADHD, so they’ve had to build routines that work for brains like theirs. Spoiler: It starts the night before. HabitCoach helps neurodiv…

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250. Linda Pevac/Emma Stevens: "Choosing To Breathe" 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

Linda Pevac (aka Emma Stevens) is a returning guest. Linda is a U.S. domestic adoptee from birth and has survived layers of trauma that have put her on multiple journeys. She developed the inner strength and courage to surmount the many struggles she faced. Her traumas were born from being an adoptee who struggled with being forced to wear an impos…

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249. Solo: "Transitions; Summer to Autumn" 22:44

4M ago22:44

22:44

This solo episode embodies the anticipation of Autumn. https://adoptee-voices.com/ Music by Corey Quinn

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When kids say “I’m stupid”: How to rebuild confidence and self-esteem 23:24

4M ago23:24

23:24

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to hear your child say “I’m stupid.” Whether it comes after a tough day at school, a frustrating homework session, or a comment that hit the wrong nerve, that feeling can really stick. Dr. Kristin Carothers joins us to unpack where this kind of negative self-talk comes from. What’s happening beneath the surface? And …

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248. Emma Stevens: "Linda Pevac aka Emma Stevens" 35:29

4M ago35:29

35:29

Original air date: April 5, 2022 Emma Stevens is a U.S. domestic adoptee from birth and has survived layers of trauma that have put her on multiple journeys. She developed the inner strength and courage to surmount the many struggles she faced. Her traumas were born from being an adoptee who struggled with being forced to wear an impossible mask of…

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247. Astrid Castro and Nomi Kaie: "Building and Collaborating In Our Community" 1:07:36

4M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Astrid Castro, founder and CEO of Adoption Mosaic—an adoptee-led, BIPOC woman-founded nonprofit—has dedicated over three decades to serving the adoption constellation through innovative, adoptee-centered programs, events, courses, and consultations. Adopted from Colombia at the age of four (along with her older sister), Astrid’s life's work and int…

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How a teen with dyslexia found her voice 20:09

4M ago20:09

20:09

What happens when we stop talking about kids with learning differences — and start listening to them? Kids are the experts in their own experience. When we truly listen, we all learn. Today we’re joined by 15-year-old Caris, a smart and determined teen with dyslexia, and her dad, Kevin. In this honest conversation, they talk about the everyday chal…

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246. Greta Handgis (Fadness): "Looking For Me In All The Right Places" 1:09:39

4M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

Greta Handgis (Fadness) is a domestic same-race adoptee adopted through Lutheran Welfare Services in a closed adoption in 1968. She was relinquished immediately at birth and spent no time with her teenage biological mother. After a month in foster care, she was adopted. She was raised in a family with a younger sister, who was also adopted, and an …

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245. Danielle Orr: "I Wanted To Heal My Heart" 53:14

5M ago53:14

53:14

Original air date: August 16, 2022 Danielle Orr is a writer, painter and animal lover. She is currently working on her memoir. Music by Corey Quinn

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Child psychologist explains how kids' therapy works - and if your child needs it 32:47

5M ago32:47

32:47

There’s a lot of talk these days — on social media and in parenting circles — about kids and therapy. But with all the noise, it can be hard to know what’s true and what actually applies to your child. Psychologist (and friend of the pod) Dr. Andy Kahn joins us today to clear up any confusion. He unpacks common questions and offers honest, stigma-f…

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244. Jenna Lowe: "Frequency Astrology As An Adoptee's Tool" 1:10:51

5M ago1:10:51

1:10:51

Jenna Lowe is a domestic same race adoptee, adopted through Catholic Charities in a closed adoption. Her biological half-brother was also placed into the same family when Jenna was 17 months old. She is in reunion with both her paternal and maternal birth families and finds it her personal mission to spread awareness around relinquishment trauma to…

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243. Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins: "Voice Isn’t Just Expression—It’s Equity" 1:02:12

5M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins is an award-winning international speaker, author, and publisher who energizes audiences and empowers voices. A late discovery adoptee, Bridgett found out at the age of 31 that she was adopted, an experience that reshaped her understanding of identity, family, trust, and truth. Today, she shares her story to support others …

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From the archives: Back-to-school action plan 20:14

5M ago20:14

20:14

It’s hard to believe, but back-to-school is almost upon us! We’re bringing back a favorite episode to help kick off the school year. Hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek chat with DeJunne’ Clark Jackson — education consultant, parent advocate, and mom of two. She shares smart, doable strategies for setting goals and easing back-to-school stress…

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242. Jackson TerKeurst: "The Only Way Forward Is Back" 53:49

5M ago53:49

53:49

Jackson TerKeurst’s new book, The Only Way Forward is Back: A Story of War, Adoption, and Finding Your Purpose in God’s Plan, is an inspirational memoir taking the reader on a journey through war-torn Liberia to the United States, watching God do a mighty work during difficult and heart-breaking circumstances. Jackson is an entrepreneur and leader …

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241. Dan Smith: "Sharing is a Part of My Healing" 41:19

5M ago41:19

41:19

Original air date: January 10, 2023 Dan Smith is an adoptee in reunion who co-facilitates a support group with Adoption Network Cleveland for all members of the constellation. It meets the last Thursday of each month online. He resides in Ohio and enjoys his retirement after a career as a firefighter. Music by Corey Quinn…

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From the archives: Summer survival guide 27:15

6M ago27:15

27:15

Summer’s in full swing and routines are out the window, which can be both fun — and frustrating! That’s why we’re replaying this episode with psychologist Dr. Andy Kahn, who shares practical, low-stress tips for surviving and thriving this summer. From managing screen time to making travel more manageable with kids who learn and think differently, …

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240. Zhen E (pronounced like Jenny): "Abducted Through Holt" 54:18

6M ago54:18

54:18

Original air date: June 14, 2022 Zhen E (pronounced like Jenny) is a transnational transracial Korean Adoptee who was abducted through Holt in the 1970s to an all white family and community. She and her husband Robert (also white) are foodies and travelers and cat-parents to 4 cats and proud parents to Jordan and his wife Skyler and grandparents to…

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239. Laura L. Engel: "You'll Forget This Ever Happened: Secrets, Shame and Adoption in the 1960's" 1:17:13

6M ago1:17:13

1:17:13

Original air date: May 2, 2023 Laura L. Engel likes to say she is late to the game as a budding new author. Originally from Biloxi, Mississippi, Laura has lived in Southern California for over 50 years. She and her husband, Gene are the proud parents of six grown children along with their significant others. They are delighted to be Grammy and PaPa…

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Parenting Behavior: Is melatonin safe to give to kids? 15:03

6M ago15:03

15:03

We’re taking a quick summer break for the holiday weekend here at Team In It. Instead of a new episode this week, we’re sharing a great episode from our sister show, Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. In this episode, Dr. Andy teams up with pediatrician Dr. Liz Harstad to discuss whether melatonin is safe for kids. Check out Parenting Behavior …

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238. Rosalyn "Roz" Carter: "I Found Her" 56:38

6M ago56:38

56:38

Rosalyn “Roz" Carter is the co-host of the I Found Her podcast and Taya's birthmother. At the age of 16, Roz became pregnant and placed Deana, now Taya for adoption. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from University of Phoenix and is a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). She was a member of Toastmistress in the early 1970’s before women could …

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237. Taya Reed: "I Found Her" 59:07

6M ago59:07

59:07

Taya Reed is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor with over 15 years of therapeutic experience. She established her private practice, Sound House Therapy, 5 years ago. Adopted in 1970 during the Baby Scoop Era through the LA County Adoption Agency, Taya's personal experience within a closed same-race domestic adoption has profoundly sha…

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From fidget to focus: Why movement matters for kids with ADHD 30:47

7M ago30:47

30:47

It’s no secret that physical activity can make a big difference for kids with ADHD. The hard part is figuring out how to give kids the time and space to move when they need to. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy is a licensed psychologist and the associate director of behavior change and e…

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236. Angie: "Interconnectivity Among Adoptees" 49:23

7M ago49:23

49:23

Angie was born in Washington, DC in 1971. She spent the first couple of months at St. Ann's Maternity Home before being adopted by a somewhat older couple. She learned about her adoption as a young child after asking her mother if she had been adopted, as suggested by some classmates. Angie searched for and found her biological family in her early …

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235. Danna Schmidt: "Rituals of Healing From Birth to Worth" 1:03:44

7M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Danna Schmidt is an end-of-life navigator, ceremonialist, and adoptee who often writes about ritual and threshold moments at the bedside or graveside. Her writings have appeared in Adoptee Voices, Severance Magazine, Grown and Flown and in Maggie Oman Shannon’s Crafting Love: Sharing Our Hearts Through the Work of Our Hands. She has two works in pr…

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When your child is labeled the “bad kid” 24:00

7M ago24:00

24:00

What happens when a child with learning and thinking differences gets labeled as the “bad kid”? In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Aleesha, a parent of five children, four of whom have an ADHD diagnosis. Aleesha has seen the effects of a child being perceived — and named — as the “bad kid.” She shares what it…

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234. Ed Di Gangi: "Gliding Through Goodbye" 44:14

7M ago44:14

44:14

Ed Di Gangi is a returning guest. He was adopted at the time of his birth. It wasn't until late in his adulthood that he chose to explore the identity of the woman who had placed him for adoption so many years before. His meticulous research led to his learning the circumstances of his birth and subsequent adoption. A dna sample helped him identify…

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233. Jean Widner: "The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption in Perspective" 51:01

7M ago51:01

51:01

Jean Widner is the author of a new book, The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption in Perspective. Today we’re talking about her road to understanding adoption and why she wrote this important book. Jean was born in 1965 and raised in Washington State as an adoptee. After having a mostly positive adoption experience growing up, she shares her story, a…

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Where do I start? Talking about sex to your kid with ADHD 32:50

8M ago32:50

32:50

In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Amy Lang. Amy is a sex educator who works with kids with learning and thinking differences. She is also the founder of birdsandbeesandkids.com. She helps the hosts tackle a tricky but essential topic: talking to kids with ADHD about sex. Here are just a few of the topics Amy talks ab…

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232. Chris Benton: "Why Can't We Talk About My Relinquishment and Adoption?" 55:54

8M ago55:54

55:54

Chris Benton from the UK (Birmingham) was fostered until 2 years of age prior to adoption. He listens to OUATIA podcast while doing landscaping work for his business. He recently transitioned from tree surgery to grounds maintenance (landscaping). He has an adoptive older brother (troubled) and in contact with bio brother who is 4 years younger (al…

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231. Stacey Gatlin: "Yes We Adopt" 53:23

8M ago53:23

53:23

Stacey Gatlin, a passionate servant leader, is on a mission to transform the lives of children, women, and families through her commitment to personal, professional, and community development. She transitioned her corporate experience in talent management, leadership, and project management into entrepreneurship and advocacy. Stacey was compelled t…

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Hyperfocus: Did my ADHD make me more likely to have postpartum depression? 30:37

8M ago30:37

30:37

This week on In It, we’re sharing an episode from another Understood podcast. It’s called Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson, and we’re big fans. When she first became a parent, Rae experienced a bout of severe postpartum depression. But at the time, there wasn’t much information about ADHD and women, let alone ADHD and postpartum mental health. Rae had …

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230. Part 2/2 with Leslie Lee: "Connection with a Community That Gets Me" 55:10

8M ago55:10

55:10

Music by Corey QuinnBy Jennifer Dyan Ghoston

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229. Part 1/2 with Leslie Lee: "Connection with a Community That Gets Me." 1:10:16

8M ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Leslie Lee at the age of 58, is just beginning to explore what it truly means to be adopted. As a same-race adoptee, she was placed with her family at eight weeks old, according to the transcript she received from the agency (Louise Wise) that facilitated the adoption. For most of her life, she carried this part of her identity in silence—only shar…

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Sorry not sorry: Why you shouldn’t apologize for your kid 27:58

8M ago27:58

27:58

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Christina Cipriano, PhD, MEd. Dr. Chris is a psychologist, and an associate professor at the Yale University Child Study Center. She is also the author of Be Unapologetically Impatient, which comes out this summer. Dr. Chris has four children, including a daughter who has AD…