In this episode, we sit down with Lisa C. Qualls—author, speaker, and adoptive mom—to discuss the complexities of adoption, parenting, and connection. Lisa brings a wealth of wisdom from her personal experience as both a birth mom and adoptive mom, as well as her expertise as a TBRI Practitioner and Christian spiritual director. She is the co-author of The Connected Parent (written with Dr. Karyn Purvis) and the host of The Adoption Wise Podcast. Through her work, Lisa equips parents with practical tools and compassionate insight to navigate the joys and challenges of adoption and foster care.

During our conversation, Lisa shares her personal journey of adoption and the lessons she has learned along the way. We discuss the importance of attachment, practical ways to build trust and connection with children, and the role of faith in parenting through difficult moments. We also dive into blocked care—what it is, why it happens, and strategies to overcome it. Lisa provides encouragement and actionable tools for parents who may be feeling emotionally drained or disconnected, offering hope for restoring connection and strengthening relationships.

Lisa and her husband, Russ, live in Idaho, where they have raised twelve children and are now proud grandparents. In addition to her writing and speaking, she offers coaching, retreats, and resources for parents seeking support.

To connect with Lisa, check out the links listed below.

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Episode Highlights: 

• Lisa’s personal journey as a birth and adoptive mom
• Lisa’s Books
• What is Blocked Care?
• 10 Signs of Blocked Care 
• The realities of adoption and the importance of attachment
• Practical ways to build trust and connection with children
• The role of faith in parenting through hard moments
• Resources and tools for adoptive and foster parents

Find more on Guest:

• Check out Lisa’s Website 
• Follow Lisa on Instagram 
• Follow Lisa on Facebook
• The Adoption Wise Podcast

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Visit Our Website 
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook 
• Foster Our Community Instagram 
• Buy The Connected Parent: Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment
• Buy Healing for Every Heart in Adoption: Redemptive Prayers and Strategies for Adoptive Parents, Adoptees, and Birth Parents
• Buy Reclaim Compassion: The Adoptive Parent's Guide to Overcoming Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.