Best Simon Benn Podcasts (2025)

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Thankful For My Scars With Trent Taylor 52:30

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2h ago52:30

52:30

Sexual abuse and neglect leave deep scars. How can anyone become grateful for these? In one of our most profound turnaround stories ever, Trent shares how adoptive family, faith and therapy have fuelled his healing, recovery from PTSD and more. 100% inspirational. Trent leaves me speechless and stumbling. Epic. Trent entered foster care at the age …

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Handling Pain With Cindy Boecking 49:56

1d ago49:56

49:56

How do you handle pain, like when your son says he hates you? There's something that us humans don't like about complexity. And yet adoption IS complex. Painful and wonderful. When it's painful it can be very painful. Listen as we dive into complexity, emotional intelligence and more. Cindy and her husband, Michael have three children through birth…

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What Do You Need Right Now? With Rebecca Harvin 47:10

6d ago47:10

47:10

So many of us so much time ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. What Do You Need Right Now? The question can shock us into the present and unleash our wisdom. Listen in as Rebecca shares how that question changed everything and could do the same for you. Rebecca Harvin is the founder and Executive Director of Haven. Rebecca, and her…

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Our Best Selves With Rob Lamarche 56:23

7d ago56:23

56:23

We all want to be our best selves, not just for ourself but for our family. So what does that mean? How do we do that? Listen in as adoptive dad, adoption attorney, social worker and adoption agency executive director Rob shares his learnings on self worth, expectations and much more. Rob has been in the adoption field since 1996. He has worked in …

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Beyond What's Possible With Karyn Kunst 55:49

8d ago55:49

55:49

Do you suspect you may be playing life small? Do you want more? Perhaps something is holding you back? Listen in as adoptee Karyn explores growing beyond what she thought was possible, doing that afraid and more... Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/karyn.kunst.9 https://www.instagram.com/karynellenk/ Check out her book on Amazon https://a.c…

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Thriving With Joy With Marcia Earhart 55:10

9d ago55:10

55:10

Grief touches us all. Sometimes we resist it, but what we resist persists. So what do we do? Marcia has experienced a lifetime of grief including the unbelievable loss of 2 sons. Listen in as she shares her take on embracing grief, thriving with joy and how her faith empowers her. Poignant and powerful. You're going to love this. Here's a bit about…

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God Adopted Us First With Alice Murray Adoption Attorney & Writer 50:26

10d ago50:26

50:26

How does being adopted into God's family shift our ideas on family and identity? What role does faith play? Listen in as Alice and I dive into riding the emotional rollercoaster with more grace. Here's Alice's previous interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/leaning-on-30-years-learning-with-alice-murray-adoption-attorney-writer…

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Fear & Faith With Matthew Straeb 38:20

14d ago38:20

38:20

Fear & Faith. Two words we don't usually hear together. How does fear hold us back, how does faith spur us on? Listen in as Matthew and I dive deep into how we grow and help our kids do the same. In September 2006, Matthew co-founded the Heart Gallery of Broward in response to the need he observed in his community for this service. During its short…

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Lost Boys, Fairies & Real Life: Daf x James on Adoption & Storytelling 1:07:16

17d ago1:07:16

1:07:16

In this episode of Family Matters, James talks with Daf, the writer and creator of BBC’s Lost Boys & Fairies. Together they explore adoption and representation on screen, the inspiration behind Lost Boys & Fairies, and how stories like Doctor Who can help adoptees make sense of identity, belonging and loss. They also discuss the importance of authe…

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The Feeling Of Thriving With Jodi Jackson Tucker 47:54

19d ago47:54

47:54

What help us feel that we are thriving? Feeling it. Not thinking it. Not judging it. Feeling it. Listen as Jodi and I dive deep into the feeling of thriving. Insights aplenty on peace, purpose, people and more. You are going to love this... Jodi loves being a wife to Jerry and mom to her large family of world-changers, including eight children, fiv…

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Celebrating Us With Anita Bucher 53:13

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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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Far Beyond the Adoption Order: Trauma, love, and the fight for support 1:00:13

3M 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…

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Meaning & Community With Andrew Lewis 44:23

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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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'What Has Worked for You?' Simon Benn asks for your insights on trauma and healing 1:00:52

4M 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 …

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

4M 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…

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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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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At Peace with Anna Maria DiDio 58:06

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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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Parenting From A Distance 32:23

5M ago32:23

32:23

In this episode, Sarah talks to Penny and Philippa, two adoptive parents and Adoption UK staff, about what it means to parent from a distance. They share honest, moving stories about keeping relationships alive when a child can no longer live at home, the impact of trauma, and the practical and emotional strategies they’ve used to stay connected th…

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Through a Trauma Lens: What adoption support gets wrong 58:07

5M ago58:07

58:07

Adopted, adopter, and social worker Fiona Wells joins us to share her powerful personal journey and why she founded PATCH - Passionate Adopters Targeting Change with Hope. We discuss rising crisis levels among adoptive families, the failures of current support systems, and Fiona’s call for trauma-informed, compassionate change. She introduces the I…

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Following Our North Star - Niall McKeever 52:17

6M 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…