Best Simon Benn Podcasts (2025)

1
Simon Benn & Thrive Book 28:00

Play Pause

26d ago28:00

28:00

Simon Benn's Vision: How Your 250 Words Can Transform Adoptee Lives | The moment that changes everything often looks ordinary. For Simon Benn, it was learning at age 40 that his childhood teddy bear came from his birth mother. "A volcano of anger erupted," he shared on The Anna Jinja Show. That moment launched him into a journey that would eventual…

1
Anna Sheffield & Kristin Cotterell Sheffield 28:00

5h ago28:00

28:00

In this deeply moving episode, host Anna Jinja sits down with Anna Sheffield, a young adoptee from Iowa City, and her mother, Kristin Cotterell Sheffield, to explore the layers of identity, belonging, and love that define adoption. The conversation flows between mother and daughter perspectives—offering both honesty and tenderness—as they recount t…

1
Love AND Heartbreak With Lisa Chism 47:48

5h 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…

1
Reconnecting With Heritage With Tami Garcia 48:56

4d 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…

1
Thriving No Matter What With Wilson Munsterman 49:09

6d 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…

1
Far Beyond the Adoption Order: Trauma, love, and the fight for support 1:00:13

6d ago1:00:13

1:00:13

In this powerful episode, Sarah speaks to Euan Preston and Gillian Elam from the Potato Group (Parents of Traumatised Adopted Teens Organisation) about their groundbreaking report Far, Far Beyond the Adoption Order. They explore the lived experiences of hundreds of adoptive families parenting teens and young adults impacted by trauma — including al…

1
Meaning & Community With Andrew Lewis 44:23

7d 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…

1
Moving Beyond Pain With Tanya Kaanta 51:04

8d 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…

1
Ephesians 1:7-10 - Robert Norriss - 17_08_2025 38:01

8d ago38:01

38:01

Part three of Ephesians exploring our redemption in ChristBy St Albans Baptist Church

1
Ephesians 1:3-6 - Sarah Chalmers - 10_08_2025 30:52

8d ago30:52

30:52

Part two of the Ephesians series exploring what it means to be found 'in Christ' regarding our electionBy St Albans Baptist Church

1
Getting Comfortable With Meredith Shepard 55:08

11d 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…

1
Introduction to Ephesians - Sarah Chalmers - 03_08_25 34:01

11d ago34:01

34:01

The introduction to our new series on the book of Ephesians: join us as we explore the context and background of the book and what it means to be God's holy people today.By St Albans Baptist Church

1
Choosing To Thrive With Sharla Kinman 36:13

12d 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…

1
Holding Onto Hope With Morganne Crouser 49:48

13d 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…

1
Max Wieland & Ian Vidovic 28:00

14d ago28:00

28:00

Finding Home in Two Worlds: Max's Journey from China to Minneapolis and Beyond: A Story of Courage, Identity, and Belonging What does it mean to belong when you're caught between two worlds? In this deeply moving episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja sits down with Max, a Chinese-American adoptee whose story challenges everything we think…

1
Open To Change With Irene Steffas 53:37

14d 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 …

1
Thriving Together With Linda R. Sexton 37:03

15d 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…

1
Goodbye Shame With Anna Schocket 35:37

18d 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…

1
Flow & Purpose Francine Apy 51:09

20d 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…

1
Lane Igoudin & Bruce Dalzell 28:00

20d ago28:00

28:00

From Heartache to Hope In our latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja brings together three extraordinary voices for a conversation that will change how you think about adoption, family, and resilience. Meet Lane Igoudin, the author whose memoir "A Family Maybe" chronicles his and partner Jonathan's journey through the Los Angeles Co…

1
From Stuck To Thriving With Jackson Terkeurst 50:43

25d 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…

1
Finding New Solutions with Kelly Henderson 52:47

26d 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 …

1
Going For Growth Jenifer Jarriel and Jesse Booher 52:42

27d 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 …

1
Thriving with FASD Brian Roberts 40:32

28d 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…

51
27.07.2025 - Simon Dodge - Open Worship morning 10:32

29d ago10:32

10:32

27.07.2025 - Simon Dodge - Open Worship morning by St Albans Baptist ChurchBy St Albans Baptist Church

51
20.07.2025 - Tara Morris - As You Go 31:09

29d ago31:09

31:09

20.07.2025 - Tara Morris - As You Go by St Albans Baptist ChurchBy St Albans Baptist Church

51
22.06.2025 - Steve Hill - Renew Pt 1 50:35

29d ago50:35

50:35

22.06.2025 - Steve Hill - Renew Pt 1 by St Albans Baptist ChurchBy St Albans Baptist Church

1
Lifelong Learning With Dr Rick Morton 55:58

1M 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…

1
'What Has Worked for You?' Simon Benn asks for your insights on trauma and healing 1:00:52

1M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

In this episode of Family Matters, host Sarah speaks with Simon Benn - adoptee, trainer, and host of the Thriving Adoptees podcast. They explore identity, healing, and how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives. Simon shares personal insights from his own adoption experience, introduces his new book project for adoptive parents, and invites …

1
Linda Sistrunk, Lish Greiner, & Kim Kaler 28:00

1M ago28:00

28:00

Step by Step, Bit by Bit: How Two Women Created a Community of Love for 30+ Children What started as children visiting friends turned into something extraordinary. Linda Sistrunk and Lish Greiner never intended to become unofficial foster parents. But when children in their community needed safety, love, and stability, their home became a haven. Ov…

1
Inside the Psychology and Therapy Hub (PATH): Support that truly ‘gets it’ 53:12

1M ago53:12

53:12

In this episode of Family Matters we speak with Dr Julie Elliott, Clinical Director of Adoption UK’s Psychology and Therapy Hub (PATH), about what therapy really means for adoptive families, kinship carers, long-term foster carers, and adopted adults. Julie shares insights from her decades of experience, busts common therapy myths, and explains why…

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

1M 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…

1
Kristina Denbow & Mather Family 27:59

1M ago27:59

27:59

An Adoptee’s Story of Courage, Connection, and Coming Full Circle Kristina's journey isn't just about going back to Kazakhstan – it's about the universal human need to understand where we come from and how that shapes who we become. Her story begins in a baby house in Taldikorgan, moves through multiple placements, and eventually lands in Ohio, whe…

1
13.07.2025 - Don Benn NHT - Renew Pt4 37:43

1M ago37:43

37:43

13.07.2025 - Don Benn NHT - Renew Pt4 by St Albans Baptist ChurchBy St Albans Baptist Church

1
Joy Is An Inside Job Leigh Lincoln 59:37

2M 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…

1
Want to be in our new book for adoptive parents? 36:03

2M 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…

1
Meredith Jensen & Sydney Roberts 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

Like Dandelions: How Two Women Redefine Belonging and Family The Anna Jinja Show welcomes Meredith Jensen and Sydney Roberts for a conversation that blooms with unexpected wisdom There's something magical about discovering that your family story isn't what you expected—it's better. In our latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we sit down with comm…

1
Unlimited Potential Meghan Anderson 1:02:10

2M 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…

1
Grace, Safety & Vulnerability With Jenn Hook 52:34

2M 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…

1
Feeling We Belong With Amiee Sadler 1:01:11

2M 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…

1
15.06.2025 -Ps Chris Chalmers - Pentecost Sunday 55:46

2M ago55:46

55:46

15.06.2025 -Ps Chris Chalmers - Pentecost Sunday by St Albans Baptist ChurchBy St Albans Baptist Church

1
Relishing Ourselves With Kelly Tronstad 50:39

2M 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…

1
Roxanne Male-Brune & Bernhard Debatin 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

Finding Home in the Journey: When Life Takes Unexpected Turns The latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show proves that some of the most profound conversations happen when strangers discover their stories are beautifully intertwined. An Unlikely Connection Host Anna Jinja brought together two guests who had never met but shared remarkably similar exper…

1
At Peace with Anna Maria DiDio 58:06

2M 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…

1
Constructive Selfishness With Abby Hasberry 58:17

2M 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…

1
Self Awareness For Adoptive Parents With Annette Williams 53:06

2M 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…

1
Slowing Down With David Melber 59:37

2M 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…

1
Muffin's Mom & Marshall McKellar Part 2 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

The Five-Minute Bond: Part 2 – Unraveling the Threads of Fate The story of Shannon and Jan captivated listeners in Part 1, leaving us with the warmth of a bond formed in just five powerful minutes. But what happens when the hidden threads of fate begin to unravel, revealing even deeper connections? In Part 2 of "The Five-Minute Bond," we delve furt…

1
The Cure Is In The Pain With Stacey Gagnon 59:28

2M 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…

1
Regardless Of Our Mood - Adrian Burks 56:51

2M 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…