In this deeply personal and moving episode, we sit down with Gianna Peterson, who vulnerably shares her story as a Korean American adoptee. Born in Busan, South Korea, Gianna was adopted at six months old and raised in a white adoptive family in New Jersey. She grew up with an older brother (her parents' biological son) and a younger sister adopted from China.

Gianna’s adoption story took on a new twist when she became a mother herself. The birth of her son prompted a deep dive into her own identity and a sparked a longing to connect with her Korean heritage as well as a curiosity around her adoption narrative. Gianna shares her real and honest experience of growing up as a transracial adoptee and discusses the challenging, emotional reality of going through a birth family search.

This episode is a powerful testament to the strength found in vulnerability. Gianna reminds us that true healing comes from leaning into all of our parts, especially the difficult ones, and connecting with them on a deeper level. She proves that even when the journey is hard, showing up with courage to own your identity can be one of the most empowering ways to change your narrative.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Growing Up Transracial: The unique experience of being raised in a white adoptive family and the challenges of breaking through the dominant narrative of adoption.
• The Power of Parts: How to lean into all the parts of your story and find strength in your full identity.
• The Emotional Reality of Search: The honest and raw truth about the challenges and complexities of a birth family search.
• Healing Through Heritage: The beautiful and emotional journey of connecting with Korean culture as an adult and the profound impact of owning your narrative.

This is a must-listen for anyone who has felt lost in their identity, is navigating the complexities of adoption, or is simply seeking a reminder that sharing our truths can be part of our powerful path to healing and empowerment.

If Gianna's story touched you and sparked an interest to learn more, feel free to connect with her!

email: [email protected]

Instagram: journeyswithgianna

Update about The Empowered Adoptee Retreat in the Hudson River Valley, NY (10/16 - 10/19) - we have 2 spots left for a single accommodation! We will be offering this chance to sign up until September 30th, or whenever we sell out.

This isn’t just another retreat. It’s an opportunity to step into a powerful, transformative container of collective healing, connection, and empowerment.

When we come together as adoptees in sacred space, something magical happens. It’s not about “just talking about it” it’s about deeply experiencing healing through the body, the heart, and the spirit.

I know this to be true because I am living proof.
I once yearned for a space like this. I needed support to heal my adoptee wounds and the shifts didn’t come from talking alone. They came from:

• Reprogramming my nervous system
• Cleaning up the biochemical responses to trauma
• Upgrading my relationship with myself and others
• Finally owning my self-worth
• And most importantly… the support of a healing community

So if you’re feeling it, if your heart is nudging you… this is your moment to say YES to YOU.

Register here: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

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