2 Adoptive Mamas

The Main Thing:
This week for Episode 088 we’re wrapping up Season 4 with some highlights and encouragement as we all step into the summer months. For both of us (Liz & Sarah) we have experienced a lot of transitions in recent months, and it’s not lost on us that the summer brings feelings of excitement but also lots of change. We’re excited to take a few moments to reflect on where we’ve been and some thoughts for the months ahead before we start our very own “summer break” for the show!

Episode Resources:

Liz and Sarah are going local this summer through partnering with local agencies on events and connecting through support groups. Check out the 2AM website and Instagram for more details as they become available!

2AM Connect:
If you enjoyed today’s episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We’re grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!

Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it’s been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you’ve got this mama.

Support the show

The Main Thing:
 
One of our primary goals here at Two Adoptive Mamas is to take a deep dive when we need one. When Andrea Pollack's name came across our desk, we knew we needed this for Episode 087. While Andrea's work is not specific to families navigating foster care and adoption, her work resonates with the needs of many parenting kids from hard places.

Oftentimes we're not ready or willing to throw up our hands and sound the alarm for help, but Andrea's approach will remind us that finding the right resources and support is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our families. Together we're taking a close look at what it means to support parents of children with an autism diagnosis. Andrea's expertise and personal experience have empowered her to make a difference in the lives of those longing to see their families thrive amidst the challenges that an autism diagnosis can bring. Her heart, passion, and commitment to education make for an informative episode that we hope will empower families to find the support they need. 

Episode Resources:

For more with Andrea and Parenting Autism Coaching, click HERE.

Check out our 2 A.M. resource page HERE.

2 A.M. Connect:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We’re grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!

Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it’s been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you’ve got this mama.

Support the show

The Main Thing:
 
There's something extra-sweet about popping in your earbuds and having the opportunity to hear an adoption story from a mama. Sometimes through different seasons of our walk, we forget about the moments that made us families, and when we take a moment to reflect we see God's hand in each step.

For Episode 086 Sarah Nichols is sharing her family's walk through adoption and how God's purposeful timing challenged and refined them. We connected with Sarah simply because she is a follower of the show, and once we got a glimpse into her narrative we knew it was one we had to share with all of you! Her steadiness and resiliency are fueled by her faith. Her insight is refreshing and their story is an encouragement to the trials of the "wait" and a long-anticipated "match."   We so enjoyed our chat with Sarah, and know you will too! 

Episode Resources:

For more with Sarah Nichols, click HERE.

Check out our 2 A.M. resource page HERE.

2 A.M. Connect:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We’re grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!

Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it’s been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you’ve got this mama.

Support the show

The Main Thing:
 
We've said it before, and we'll say it again, there's so much to consider when we discuss the adoption triad. For Episode 085 we're taking a deep dive with Daniela Coats to discuss what it looks like to support the biological children in foster and adoptive families.

Daniela is a social worker by trade, but also a "bio kid of a foster/adoptive family" and is now an adoptive and bio mom herself. Her perspective is uniquely informed by her personal experiences and her professional training. We found the conversation to be informative and enlightening. Daniela provides opportunities for further education to families that find themselves in this niche, and we're thrilled to have had this time with her --- and to share it with all of you!

Episode Resources:

Find Daniela on Instagram @with_siblings for more on upcoming training opportunities, recommended resources, and more! 

Check out our 2 A.M. resource page HERE.

2 A.M. Connect:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We’re grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!

Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it’s been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you’ve got this mama.

Support the show

The Main Thing:
 
The dads are back! We’re thrilled to share this fun conversation for Episode 084 with Chris Telesco — you may remember his better half, Melissa, who joined us for Season 3 to share about their roller coaster ride to becoming a family of 6. Chris is so down to earth and gets real with the dads when it comes to navigating the unexpected of adoptive fatherhood. He’s sharing the ups and downs of 3 very unique adoptive situations and how he combatted the feelings of inadequacy and replaced it with a strong desire to love his children and make sure they knew the love of Jesus.

It goes without saying that together, Chris and Melissa are a few steps ahead of our families, and they’re someone we look up to and continue to learn from as they share their hearts. Grab your other half and first listen to Episode 060 and then listen to the Dadcast with Chris, Dan & Drew — they’re just the best!

Episode Resources:

It's not about adoption/foster care, but it is a favorite podcast for Drew, and we're sharing it with you! Check out Dad Tired on your favorite podcast-listening app.

Check out our 2 A.M. resource page HERE.

2 A.M. Connect:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We’re grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!

Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it’s been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you’ve got this mama.

Support the show

The Main Thing:
 
For Episode 083 we're pleased to share the privilege of having a conversation with Sharon Denny. You name it, she's got the experience when it comes to foster care and adoption. Her heart is caring for the most vulnerable and her passion is helping us show up for our kids from hard places.

Sharon is a wealth of knowledge and a breath of fresh air among challenging circumstances --- her heart is for Jesus and family.  It's not every day that we have the honor of rubbing shoulders (or Zoom frames!) with someone that has committed her life's work to loving others and making a difference amidst the brokenness that comes with foster care and adoption.  We're so thankful for her time of sharing with this community!

Episode Resources:

We love highlighting what our guests are reading. Sharon recently read What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry and recommends this conversation about trauma, resilience and healing.

We also have a new resource page! It's prettier, easier to navigate, and has easy-access links so you can quickly add to your library while also supporting the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast. Check it out HERE.

2 A.M. Connect:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We’re grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!

Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it’s been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you’ve got this mama.

Support the show

The Main Thing:
 
We’re taking a trip! Down memory lane to take a closer look at what it looks like to prepare and actually travel for both international and domestic adoption. There are so many moving pieces to the adoption process, and the more you can do to prepare in advance, the less chaotic it will be in the moment. Or at least we can try to make it that way, right?!

During Episode 082 we are sharing our personal experiences and touching upon some of the nuances that transcend states and country lines. While we would never claim to know it all, we both have had our own experiences and have learned much from them and those who have gone before us. Whether you’re thinking about the process or preparing to travel we hope this conversation gives some hope, levity, and tangible help in preparing for this part of the journey.

Episode Resources:

We have a new resource page! It's prettier, easier to navigate, and has easy-access links so you can quickly add to your library while also supporting the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast. Check it out HERE.

2 A.M. Connect:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We’re grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!

Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it’s been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you’ve got this mama.

Support the show

The Main Thing:

If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's that through sharing stories we don't feel so alone. It's with this in mind that we recorded Episode 081 with Kelsey Knodel. She's sharing her mama-heart as she reflects on the adoption of their sweet girl and as they prepare their hearts and home to hopefully continue growing their family through adoption. 

Kelsey's transparency amidst the hard coupled with her faith, hope, and commitment to the journey of adoption makes for a time of encouragement that you won't want to miss. Whether you're waiting, in the midst of parenting, or considering what's next for your family, Kelsey's perspective has something for everyone. Enjoy!

Episode Resources:

We have a new resource page! It's prettier, easier to navigate, and has easy-access links so you can quickly add to your library while also supporting the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast. Check it out HERE.

2 A.M. Connect:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We’re grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!

Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it’s been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you’ve got this mama.

Support the show

The Main Thing:

They're back! It's the dad-cast for Episode 080 and they're joined by Nate Smith to talk about finding perseverance and hope in the midst of foster care.  You'll remember our time with Melinda on the podcast, and hearing their family's story through foster care. We've been so encouraged by their insight and courage to step into the broken and trust God to do the rest.  Drew and Dan's conversation with Nate is a reflection of their heart for the most vulnerable and how to build a foundation of trust and respect with parents who find themselves amidst very challenging circumstances. 

This one is for the dads (but you might like it too!) so join them for a deep dive into a family's story that will leave you encouraged, hopeful, and reminded of God's grace and provision through each part of the journey. Enjoy!

Episode Resources:

We have a new resource page! It's prettier, easier to navigate, and has easy-access links so you can quickly add to your library while also supporting the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast. Check it out HERE.

2 A.M. Connect: 

If you enjoyed today’s episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We’re grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!

Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it’s been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you’ve got this mama.

Support the show

The Main Thing:

We're back! With Part 2 of our Parenting Teens mini-series with Abby Keiser from COBYS Family Services. This week we're taking a closer look at what it means to help a teen find their voice and how to effectively facilitate this in your home.  Once again Abby starts with the basics and then takes us deeper to help with the day-to-day application of coming alongside our teens in this journey. 

Whether your family is impacted by foster care or adoption, the teen years can be challenging but so, so transformative. Abby reminds us of the privilege we have to step into the mess with our teens, lean into our faith, and provide the space and opportunity these children need to find security and the courage to thrive.

Episode Resources:

COBYS has access to cutting-edge training and programming to equip teens to "look after their emotional well-being" --- it's called the "Blues Program," and you've got to check it out! Click HERE to learn more.
 
2 A.M. Connect:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We’re grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!

Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it’s been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you’ve got this mama.

Support the show