Best Beth Basham Podcasts (2025)

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Book Club: The Baby Thief with Heather Rodriguez 41:17

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25d ago41:17

41:17

This National Adoption Month Book Club episode dives into the shocking true story of Georgia Tann, a once-celebrated American adoption pioneer who was, in fact, a baby trafficker. This book, written by Journalist Barbara Raymond, who uncovered this dark history, shares how Tann’s legacy continues to influence adoption laws and practices. We discuss…

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Book Club: All You Can Ever Know with Anna Lehnardt 35:02

1M ago35:02

35:02

In this special book club episode, we’re joined by adoptee Anna Lehnardt to discuss All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung—a powerful memoir about transracial adoption, identity, and the search for belonging. We explore themes of race, family, and truth as Nicole retraces her roots and confronts the myths she was told about her adoption. Anna offers…

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Representation Matters with Allison Olson 28:35

2M ago28:35

28:35

In this episode, Allison Olson, an adoptee and adoptive parent, returns to the podcast, sharing her unique perspective from two sides of the adoption journey. She discusses her upcoming children’s books, which aim to offer authentic and balanced narratives for adoptees—especially those in LGBTQ+ families. Our conversation explores the representatio…

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Broken Adoptions, Bold Advocacy with Dawn J. Post 47:00

3M ago47:00

47:00

In this episode with Dawn J. Post, a New York City–based children’s rights attorney, we talk about her work addressing critical issues within the adoption system—particularly broken adoptions and the warehousing of children in unregulated facilities. Dawn shares about the tragedy that inspired her to become an advocate for youth and how that led to…

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The Power of Support with Janelle Basham, Executive Director of Brave Love 48:03

4M ago48:03

48:03

In this episode, we sit down with Janelle Basham, Executive Director of BraveLove. Janelle shares her personal journey as a birth mother, beginning at age 17 and leading to her current role with BraveLove. She reflects on the evolving identity of birth mothers, the importance of community and therapy, and the need for greater empathy and support in…

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An International Adoptee's Journey with Anna Lehnardt 32:41

10M ago32:41

32:41

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Lehnardt, an international adoptee, to learn about the personal and emotional challenges from her experience of growing up in a family across borders. From navigating identity to facing the complexities of belonging, this conversation sheds light on the realities of international adoption.…

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Adoption and Suicidal Ideation: A Conversation with Beth Syverson 44:16

11M ago44:16

44:16

In 2019, when Beth Syverson's adopted son Joey was 15, he was hospitalized with a mental health crisis. While there, Beth discovered he had been using cannabis, psychedelics, and more. It has been a sometimes-excruciating marathon since then, with runaways, overdoses, psych hospitals and treatment centers, relapses, suicidal ideation, and anxiety &…

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Pioneering Openness with Linda R. Sexton 35:13

12M ago35:13

35:13

Linda R. Sexton shares her experiences and insights regarding open adoption, including the challenges and benefits involved. She also discusses the importance of prioritizing the child's needs, maintaining open communication with birth parents, and the potential for intergenerational trauma to impact adoptees. Additionally, Linda shares about her b…

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An Adoption Triad Interview 37:40

1y ago37:40

37:40

Birth mom, Sara Jane, returns to the podcast with her daughter, Courtney, who she placed for adoption, and Courtney's adoptive mom, Jeanette. We get to hear thoughts from these three women who are from different parts of the adoption triad, and who have all become family. They share what open adoption looks like for them and how their relationships…

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Book Club: Selling Transracial Adoption 31:31

1y ago31:31

31:31

Anna Lehnardt, a Chinese-born adoptee, shares her experience and thoughts after reading "Selling Transracial Adoption" by Elizabeth Raleigh. She shares some of her own experiences as a transracial adoptee and thoughts on how policy and practice can be improved to focus more on adoptees rather than adoptive parents.…

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Book Club: Orphan Train 29:23

1y ago29:23

29:23

Sharolyn Swenson, an adoptee, joins our special NAM book club episode to discuss Christina Baker Kline’s book “Orphan Train.” If you haven’t read the book yet, please skip this episode to avoid potential spoilers. Sharolyn shares her thoughts and insights after reading the novel. Lanette and Sharolyn delve into the book’s portrayal of adoption and …

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Book Club: The Girls Who Went Away 48:42

1y ago48:42

48:42

An adoptee shares her personal journey of adoption and the impact of the book, "The Girls Who Went Away," by Ann Fessler, also an adoptee, in this special NAM book club episode. "The Girls Who Went Away" is a memoir/biography about mothers who relinquished their children for adoption before Roe v. Wade on her perspective towards his birth mother, l…

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Book Club: Far From the Tree 56:50

1y ago56:50

56:50

Adoptee Devanie Roberts discusses the book "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway in this special National Adoption Month book club episode. Please do not listen to these episodes if you have not read these books and do not want to potentially hear spoilers. "Far From the Tree" is discussed through lenses of adoption, and Devanie shares her thoughts a…

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Establishing Psychological Safety with Dr. Jeff Thompson 44:09

1y ago44:09

44:09

Dr. Jeff Thompson discusses how we can establish and maintain psychological safety within relationships. He shares how active listening can enhance connections. We also discuss how to address conflict and find resolutions. This episode offers incredibly valuable insights for anyone looking to improve important relationships, both within the adoptio…

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Improving Family Communication Patterns 29:03

1y ago29:03

29:03

In our last episode, we discussed Family Communication Patterns Theory (FCPT), which describes how families communicate and create a shared social reality. The theory was developed by Koerner and Fitzpatrick in 2002. In this episode, we discuss how FCPT and how families can improve and enrich communication, applying Dr. Murray Bowen’s Family System…

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Identifying Family Communication Patterns 36:26

1+ y ago36:26

36:26

In this episode, Shaun and Lanette discuss the Family Communication Pattern Theory, by McLeod and Chaffee, and its adoption application. focusing on conformity and conversation orientation, and how these patterns can impact families, particularly in the context of adoption. They analyzed various family dynamics portrayed in movies and TV shows, ide…

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Substance Exposure in Utero: A Guide For Prospective Adoptive Parents 2:44

1+ y ago2:44

2:44

Get the guide, FREE of charge, here: Substance Exposure in Utero: A Guide For Prospective Adoptive Parents Hi Adoption Friends, We’re Shaun and Lanette, co-hosts and creators of the Open Adoption Project. We hope this guide is a helpful tool for you as you counsel and discuss how you are able to support and help children exposed to substances in ut…

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49. Principle 10: How to honor your health with gentle nutrition 50:26

1+ y ago50:26

50:26

Discover your right to savor meals judgment-free, embrace whole foods, and find balance in nutrition without the stress of perfection. Learn practical tips, hear personal stories, and explore the transformative impact of mindful eating. CONNECT MORE WITH BETH! Loving the podcast? You are not alone! If you’re like most women, this podcast will kick …

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The First Families Project - Research Opportunity For Birth Mothers 2:29

1+ y ago2:29

2:29

The purpose of this research is to understand the context and the decisions women made when deciding to place a child for adoption. To Participate, need to: Be age 18 or older Identify as a woman Speak & Understand English Have placed a child for adoption in the US after ‘94 Currently reside in the US Participants will complete: (1) approx. 90 min.…

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48. Principle 9: How to move intuitively with Dr Bri 1:11:05

1+ y ago1:11:05

1:11:05

Explore the art of tuning into your body's signals, honoring its needs, and finding joy in movement. From overcoming gym intimidation to understanding the link between menstrual cycles and energy levels, this episode is packed with expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips for moving intuitively. Join us and transform how you connect with…

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The Lost Coin with Dr. Stephen Rowley 42:29

1+ y ago42:29

42:29

Stephen Rowley, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist practicing in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Dr. Rowley's book, The Lost Coin: A Memoir of Adoption and Destiny, was published by Chiron Publications, Sept. 2023. With his background as a psychotherapist and educator, his interest in Jungian psychology and Zen Buddhism, Dr. Rowley discusses what fundament…

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47. Principle 8: How to respect your body 47:49

1+ y ago47:49

47:49

Let's dive into Principle 8 of Intuitive Eating: respecting your body. Explore the harmful effects of diet culture and societal judgment, and discover the liberating power of body acceptance. Beth shares actionable tips to prioritize self-care, embrace your unique genetic blueprint, and integrate the Healthy at Every Size (HAES) approach. CONNECT M…

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46. Principle 7: How to cope with your emotions with kindness 41:08

1+ y ago41:08

41:08

Join your empathetic host, Beth Basham, as she delves into the heart of emotional eating—a shared struggle we all know too well. Discover research-backed strategies like heart-centered breathing to calm your mind and body, and learn how to nurture yourself with compassion rather than food. With Beth's professional insights and heartfelt advice, you…

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Reflections and Regrets with Amy Seek 1:03:18

1+ y ago1:03:18

1:03:18

Amy Seek shares her experiences with adoption as a birth mom, and how her relationship with her son has evolved. She shares about the importance of transparency and honesty in open adoption conversations and the need for improved ethical practices as we strive to better support mothers and their children. Amy’s book “God and Jetfire: Confessions of…

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45. Principle 6: How to feel your fullness 32:17

1+ y ago32:17

32:17

Ever struggle with knowing when to say "I'm full" or battle the clean plate club mentality? Discover how to build a harmonious relationship with food by tuning into your body's natural cues. In this episode, Beth shares insights on combating diet culture, practicing conscious eating, and empowering self-compassion. Plus, get the scoop on her transf…

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44. Principle 5: How to discover your satisfaction factor 42:54

1+ y ago42:54

42:54

Let's journey through Principle 5 of intuitive eating: Discovering Your Satisfaction Factor. Dive deep into the connections between decluttering your space and enhancing meal enjoyment, and uncover how tight-fitting clothes, ravenous hunger, and negative self-talk can steal satisfaction right off your plate. Learn about the magic of Vitamin P (Plea…

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43. Principle 4: How to challenge the food police 36:02

1+ y ago36:02

36:02

Beth unpacks the keys to neutralizing the power of food over our lives, highlighting practical insights on silencing negative self-talk, understanding the "nutrition informant", and harnessing the wisdom of intuitive eating. From revealing the rebellious "diet rebel" to embodying the balanced "food anthropologist", this episode promises a deep dive…

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42. Principle 3: How to make peace with food 36:53

1+ y ago36:53

36:53

Dive into "Beyond Intuitive Eating" with host Beth Basham as she explores the life-changing journey of making peace with food. Discover how giving yourself unconditional permission to eat can break the destructive cycles of deprivation, cravings, and overeating, leading to a healthier, guilt-free relationship with food. Beth unpacks the psychologic…

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41. Principle 2: How to honor your hunger 42:58

1+ y ago42:58

42:58

Unlock the secrets to truly honoring your hunger in this enlightening episode! Join host Beth Basham as she delves deep into understanding different types of hunger—taste, practical, and emotional—and the crucial role biological hunger plays in our lives. Beth shares practical tools, personal anecdotes, and revolutionary ideas to help you relearn a…

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Rallying Around Adoptees and Children in Care with Lexi Condie 41:56

1+ y ago41:56

41:56

Adoptee Lexi Condie shares her experience in this touching episode. Lexi was adopted by Aymee and Reed at age 8 along with her older brother Tyler, who was the son of Reed. Aymee and Reed decided it would be best to let Lexi and Tyler stay in contact with their mother (Stevoni), who was in prison at that time. Over the years Lexi developed a fantas…

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40. Principle 1: How to reject diet culture 43:17

1+ y ago43:17

43:17

We kick off a VERY special series in the podcast this week with access to Beth's Intuitive Eating Crash Course! Over the next 10 weeks we will review each of the principles of intuitive eating to help you understand the intuitive eating systems from Beth's unique approach. This first episode of the series breaks down why rejecting the diet mentalit…

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39. Sex, intuitive eating, and body image with Blakely Hunze-Austin, LPC, NCC 46:18

1+ y ago46:18

46:18

Dive into the profound intersection of body image, sensuality, and sexuality with host Beth Basham and special guest Blakely Hunze. Discover how healing your relationship with food and physical intimacy can transform your life. Join us as we explore intuitive eating, self-advocacy, and the power of feeling safe and grounded in your own body. Perfec…

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Giving Grace with Cadon Riley 47:25

1+ y ago47:25

47:25

In this episode, we learn about the experience of foster care alumni Cadon Riley, including his experience being adopted and later returning to the foster care system. Cadon and Shaun discuss some of the challenges Cadon has experienced, and his hopes for how our community can improve experiences for other youth in care and in need of support. Cado…

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38. Why selling weight loss is unethical and damaging 29:07

1+ y ago29:07

29:07

Uncover the flawed premises of BMI, the harmful impact of intentional weight loss, and how our obsession with thinness sabotages true wellness. With powerful insights from her own clients and a call to embrace self-worth, emotional regulation, and holistic health, Beth dismantles diet culture and sheds light on the benefits of intuitive eating. Dis…

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37. Breaking down myths- Anti-diet doesnt equal anti-weight loss with Krista Muench, RD, CIEC 39:48

1+ y ago39:48

39:48

Anti-diet does not mean anti-weight loss. In this episode, Beth talks to colleague, Krista Muench about this common misconception and they dismantle the myths surrounding dieting and weight loss. They dive deep into discussions about the misconceptions that link intuitive eating to obesity, the damage caused by diet culture, and the necessity of fo…

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A Birth Mom's Perspective on Child-Centered Openness with Kaira Dark 44:22

1+ y ago44:22

44:22

Kaira Dark is a birth mom who placed her son for adoption about 20 years ago. The adoption began as semi-open, and became open later. Kaira shares about her struggles with the trauma she experienced and how her experiences and perceptions have shifted over time. We love hearing from birth moms and really enjoyed learning from Karia's experiences.…

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36. 5 ways to embrace your present moment body 35:56

1+ y ago35:56

35:56

Join Beth Basham, registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, and liberated body coach, on this transformative episode of 'Beyond Intuitive Eating.' Dive into the world of body confidence with practical tips to embrace your present moment body. Learn to navigate societal pressures, challenge diet culture, and cultivate gratitude for…

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35. How to overcome nighttime eating without losing your sanity 31:46

1+ y ago31:46

31:46

Struggling with nighttime eating? Join Beth in this solo episode where she dives deep into the whys and hows of nighttime cravings. Discover 5 practical tips to overcome this common habit without losing your sanity. From understanding emotional triggers to ensuring you're nourished throughout the day, Beth shares actionable advice with a focus on h…

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Establishing and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries 39:41

1+ y ago39:41

39:41

In this episode, Lanette and Alisha discuss establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries, both in open adoptions and when caring for children in foster care. We address some frequently asked questions regarding this subject, including how to create healthy communication patterns and how to mediate challenging situations.…

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34. Overcoming body image and food concerns as a Team USA women's wrestler with Jenna Burkert 32:47

1+ y ago32:47

32:47

Explore the profound journey of a professional women's wrestler, Jenna Burkert, as she opens up about overcoming deep-seated body image and food concerns within the highly competitive world of athletics. You'll be amazed at the profound insight and discussion on the transformative power of intuitive eating and self-compassion, the pernicious pressu…

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33. What is intuitive eating and what is it NOT? 32:09

1+ y ago32:09

32:09

We'll demystify the true essence of intuitive eating and dispel widely held misconceptions. Beth dives deep into the reality of intuitive eating, carefully dissecting what it entails and what it does not. She shines a light on the common pitfalls and myths that ensnare many who seek a more harmonious relationship with food, emphasizing that intuiti…

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32. How to go shopping for clothes without having a meltdown 31:04

1+ y ago31:04

31:04

Navigating the challenges of clothes shopping can be a dauntingn thing for a woman learning more about food and body freedom, but have no fear, we're here to equip you with some actionable tips in this episode. Beth dispels the myths of dressing room deceit and equips listeners with strategies to shop with serenity and self-love. Beth covers everyt…

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Why Open Adoption? 35:43

1+ y ago35:43

35:43

There are two kinds of openness in adoption—structural and communicative. Both are important in supporting identity and development of adopted individuals, as supported by academic research. We discuss the differences between structural and communicative openness and tips for adoptive parents for practicing openness in a more adoptee-centered way. …

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31. Healing body image concerns through the pelvic floor with Brianne Grogan 46:21

1+ y ago46:21

46:21

Join us on this transformative episode of 'Beyond Intuitive Eating' as host Beth Basham welcomes pelvic health expert Brianne Grogan to explore the deep connection between healing body image concerns and engaging with the power of the pelvic floor. Through their enlightening conversation, they shed light on the cultural and historical shame associa…

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30. 3 reasons you eat when you're not hungry and how to shift it 21:58

1+ y ago21:58

21:58

Let's explore 3 reasons you might eat when you're not hungry - and then how to shift it (or decide if we even want to!). If you've ever felt guilt or shame at the call of an empty plate, this episode promises a gentle shift towards food freedom, ensuring that you leave nourished not just in body, but in heart and mind. CONNECT MORE WITH BETH! Lovin…

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Challenges in Transracial International Adoption with Christelle Pellecuer 1:06:17

1+ y ago1:06:17

1:06:17

Christelle Pellecuer returns to the podcast to discuss some tough questions and challenging aspects of adoption, particularly transracial and international adoption, in this episode. She discusses the importance of honesty and transparency in adoption. She also considers what potential impacts of a lack of structural and communication openness may …

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The Openness Guide for Adoptive Parents: What You Should Know About Open Adoption 5:54

1+ y ago5:54

5:54

We have a new adoption openness guide, “The Openness Guide for Adoptive Parents: What You Should Know About Open Adoption,” which was released today. The message we often see in the adoption community is, "Open adoptions are good! Do them!" with little guidance on how to make it work. This guide and workbook bridges that gap and teaches adoptive pa…

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29. How to raise kids who love food, their bodies, and themselves with Heidi Schauster MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-S, SEP 50:32

1+ y ago50:32

50:32

Unlock secrets on how to foster happy, food-loving kids and support their body image in this interview with Heidi Schauster, author and eating disorder dietitian! Discover the art of positive parenting, body positivity, and managing media influences. It's a must-listen for building self-compassionate families. Speaker bio: Heidi Schauster, MS, RD, …

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28. How to stop overeating in 3 steps 23:59

1+ y ago23:59

23:59

Let's stop overeating in 3 steps in this episode! Beth addresses the concerns and struggles that her clients face with overeating and unveils three steps to begin overcoming this behavior. Through the discussion, Beth emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, understanding the role of the nervous system in regulating eating behaviors, and culti…

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“It’s Not Me, It’s You” 32:17

2y ago32:17

32:17

Cultivating and nurturing any relationship takes work and dedication. Relationships in open adoption are sometimes hard to maintain. In this episode, we discuss some questions we’re asked frequently regarding how to move forward in adoption relationships when things get complicated, and considerations when trying to choose a path forward. In partic…