In this powerful episode, we dive into the world of adoption blogging with one of the key figures from the documentary An Update on the Family--Hannah Cho.

She is a transnational Korean American Adoptee, small business owner, mother and wife. Even though she knew from a very young age that she was adopted - she didn’t start accepting and ultimately embracing her adoption story until her twenties. Thanks to finding an amazing community online, first on youtube and then other social media platforms, she is now creating a space in the beauty industry for people who look like her and who like her, didn’t see others like them when growing up.

We also discuss the darker side of influencer culture, the commodification of adoption stories, and how viral fame can shape (and distort) narratives around adoptees and family life. What happens when content creation blurs the lines between storytelling and exploitation? And how do we shift the conversation to center adoptees rather than views and engagement metrics?  

Welcome to our latest episode of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast! In this thought-provoking discussion, I delve into the complexities surrounding the decisions made by birth mothers and pregnant individuals to place children for adoption in the United States with Gretchen Sisson, PhD. 

She is a sociologist with Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health at the University of California, San Francisco, and the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, a critical, ten-year examination of domestic adoption. Centering the stories of relinquishing mothers, the book chronicles our country's refusal to care for families at the most basic level, and instead allow cultural and political ideas of adoption to advance an individual, private solution to large-scale social problems. A "comprehensive and harrowing debut" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) that "contributes to our national conversation of what reproductive justice really means" (Gloria Steinem), Relinquished is a necessary examination for our post-Dobbs era.

Adoption is a deeply personal and often emotionally charged journey, shaped by a myriad of factors including societal pressures, personal circumstances, and individual beliefs. Through insightful interviews and expert analysis, we unravel the layers of this complex topic, shedding light on the diverse experiences and perspectives of birth mothers and pregnant people.

Join us as we explore the nuanced reasons behind adoption decisions, from considerations of financial stability and educational opportunities to the emotional toll of unexpected pregnancies and societal stigma. We'll also discuss the importance of providing comprehensive support and resources to birth mothers throughout the adoption process, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met with empathy and understanding.

Whether you're an adoptive parent, adoption professional, or simply interested in understanding the dynamics of adoption in the United States, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives that will deepen your understanding of this important topic.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes. Together, let's foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the complexities of adoption and the individuals impacted by this profound journey.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

As a thank you for being such an amazing community I am giving away one (1) copy of Gretchen’s book, “Relinquished.” T

To enter you must:

1. Subscribe to my Youtube Channel @adoptee_thoughts

Connect with Gretchen here:

https://www.instagram.com/gretchen.sisson/

You can purchase her book here:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/relinquished-the-politics-of-adoption-and-the-privilege-of-american-motherhood-gretchen-sisson/19995515?ean=978125028

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For more adoption content, please like and follow: @adoptee_thoughts 

https://www.tiktok.com/@adoptee_thoughts 

https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/ 

https://www.adopteethoughts.com 

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When I wrote an essay about finding out I was adopted much later in life for @huffpost I never expected it to go viral and then find my passion in adoption education and advocacy for ethical, trauma-informed, and child-centered adoption practices. Reviews of "What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption" 

“A powerful, worthwhile addition to the growing body of work on race and parenting.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review 

“Melissa Guida-Richards lays bare a painful truth: That loss is central to adoption. For those who are adopted transracially and transnationally, the disappearance of culture, familiarity, and language carry added complexity. With grace and sensitivity, Guida-Richards offers clear, insightful guidance for adoptive parents to help their sons and daughters navigate the isolation, racism, and longing they inevitably feel.” —Gabrielle Glaser, author of American Baby 

You can purchase my books here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2247656/melissa-guida-richards/ 

You can read the essay here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/transracial-adoption-racial-identity_n_5c94f7eae4b01ebeef0e76e6 

@TamronHallShow Hall Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfSuIqd8RfY Good Day LA Interview with Michaela : https://www.foxla.com/video/989201 Good Day La: ___________________

On Season 3, Episode 6 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Christian Aragon and host Melissa Guida-Richards discuss the shocking story of his illegal adoption and reunion with his biological family. You may recognize some of his story from his viral video with "Put a Finger Down" challenge.

About the Adoptee:

Christian Matthew Aragon was illegally adopted and raised by a woman who claimed to be my birth mother. He found his biological family at 36 and is just now getting to start his life with them.  

How to connect:

Follow him @mattaragon87 on TikTok! 

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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards and resources available for purchase from panels to workshops, to book club information go to adopteethoughts.com or her Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/

Her book are available anywhere books are sold.

What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices

Preorder the companion Workbook here: 

On Season 3, Episode 5 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Scott McCreary, Leigh Ann Baglin, Katie Ares, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss the siblings reunion journey, including the ups and downs.

About the Adoptees:

Scott McCreary is a 39-year old adoptee from South Korea. He grew up in Oklahoma and presently lives in Missouri with his wife. Currently working at a local hospital and extremely happy to experience life with my siblings and catch up on all the time passed by.

Leigh Ann Baglin is a 37 year-old South Korean adoptee residing in New Jersey with her husband and two biological children. She currently holds her LSW and works as a school therapist at the middle and high school levels. She has worked in various mental health settings such as adoption agencies, school-based youth programs, child welfare agencies, and group homes. Leigh is in active reunion with her birth father and is looking forward to growing with and sharing experiences with Katie and Scott. 

Katie Ares is a 40-year-old Korean adoptee. Born in Kyungsan, South Korea, Katie was adopted at the age of three months. Raised as an only child, she lived in Pennsylvania before her family moved to Central Florida (which she considers her hometown). Most of Katie's career has been spent in roles within the nonprofit sector. Katie now calls Arizona home, where she spends her free time exploring the outdoors with her husband and two dogs. Katie is grateful to have connected with Leigh and Scott, and is enjoying the important role of being an unni and noona.

How to connect:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/scott_a_mccreary/

https://www.instagram.com/leighanners/

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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards and resources available for purchase from panels to workshops, to book club information go to adopteethoughts.com or her Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/

Her book are available anywhere books are sold.

📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices

Preorder the companion Workbook here: 

On Season 3, Episode 4 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Molly McLaurin , and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss their upcoming Transracial Adoption 101 course and Molly's experience as a transracial adoptee. They dig into how the course came to be, connecting via social media, and the impact of educating on adoption.

About Molly McLaurin:

Molly E. McLaurin is an adoptee, twin, wife, mom and business owner. Molly founded Monarch Connections to bring people together, find what’s missing and to make meaningful connections. In 36 months, she has connected with 675 people at events and 25 through Life Coaching. One thing Monarch Connections created an adoptee community called Adoptee Talk, and  Adoptee Talk: Teens, to empower adoptees. Growing up as a transracial adoptee, Molly often felt left out, and/or that she stood out in a way that was isolating. Monarch Connections and Adoptee Talk operate so others can belong. Molly authored, EXPLORING TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION AND THE INVISIBLE PROTECTION OF PRIVILEGE, while serving as a member of the Field Center’s Young Professionals Council. She is glad you are here and hope you decide you can learn from this course and improve your adoptee(s) lives.  

How to connect:

website: https://www.monarch-connections.com

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarchconnections/

email:

[email protected]

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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.

Her book is now available anywhere books are sold.

📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices

On Season 3, Episode 3 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Lynn Woo Mykytyn, MA LPCC LADC, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Paige's experience as an adoptee and her role as a therapist. They dig into the nuance of this work, how it felt to grow up in a white majority family, and how she advocates for adoptees and birth parents.

About Lynn Woo Mykytyn, MA LPCC LADC:

Lynn Woo Mykytyn, MA LPCC LADC, is the founder of Sando Wellness & Counseling in Minnesota and works as a counselor supporting teens, adults, parents, and couples. Lynn built her practice on the concept that identifying what is right with us can support and motivate change in the areas of our life that no longer serve us. She believes that mental health and wellness has to do with all elements of our lives and all aspects of self; something that cannot be captured in a diagnosis and specializes in issues related to anxiety, depression, and addiction, as well as identity and transracial adoption. 

How to connect

website: https://www.sandowellness.com/

instagram and twitter: @sandowellness

email: [email protected]

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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.

Her book is now available anywhere books are sold.

📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices

On Season 3, Episode 2 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Paige Knipfer, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Paige's experience as an adoptive mother and her role as an adoption consultant. They dig into the nuance of this work, what she does to make sure her business is ethical, and how she advocates for adoptees and birth parents.

About Paige Knipfer:

She is the owner of Love Grown Adoption Consulting to assist prospective families through the adoption journey. She is an adoption educator and adoptive mom.

https://www.lovegrownadoptionconsulting.com

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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.

Her book is now available anywhere books are sold.

📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices

Hi Friends! Thank you so much for your wonderful support, I am so excited to share this episode with you. It was recorded in 2020, but due to my father's passing around that time I didn't have a chance to edit it until now. I hope you enjoy, and check out Alessia's work.

On Season 3, Episode 1 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Alessia Petrolito, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Alessia's experience as a Black adoptee from the United States and what it was like growing up in Italy and later visiting America.

About Alessia Petrolito:

Born in the U.S., adopted and raised in Italy. Interested in Visual and Critical Studies and the connection between Art, Adoption and virtual communities, she presented her artistic research at 5th and 7th ICAR - International Conference on Adoption Research, respectively held in New Zealand and Italy. She currently lives in Turin, where she is working for an Art Foundation. linktr.ee/arpadoptic

Personal blog arpadoptic.com 

Adoption Cloud project blog adoptcloud

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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.

Her book is now available anywhere books are sold.

📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices

On Season 2, Episode 5 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Astrid Castro, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Astrid’s work in the adoption community, reunion, as well as the nuances of learning our language from our birth culture.

About Astrid Castro:

Astrid has a degree in sociology with an emphasis in adoption. For twenty plus years, she has traveled the country to lead youth groups, present workshops on transracial parenting, talking with children about adoption and various other workshops focusing on adoption. Prior to creating Adoption Mosaic, Astrid worked in both the private and public sectors of various adoption organizations such the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC), Holt International, Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange, to name just a few.

Astrid co-authored Adoption in the Movies, which takes the reader on a guided tour of 27 movies and documentaries that are ‘dripping with adoption’ asking questions that encourage the viewer to engage in ongoing dialogue and discussion. She also developed an innovative, evidence-based, 27-minute training DVD titled, Adoptive Parent Training: Developing Communication Skills. The training demonstrates how adoptive parents can communicate openly and honestly with family, friends and especially children.

Astrid is a former member of the board of directors of the North American Council on Adoptable Children, the author of many articles on the subject of adoption and contributed a chapter to the book Parents As Adoptees.

Website: https://adoptionmosaic.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/adoptionmosaic/

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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.

Her book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th!

📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices

Social:

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On Season 2, Episode 4 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Annie Goodchild, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Annie's new video project, "I Used to Be Sam." This project will use interviews of fellow adoptees to an EP and audio visual project series discussing transracial adoptee experiences in addition to the one that is unique to her own. 

Anyone interested in participating can submit to:

 [email protected]

Deadline: May 15, 2021 6:59 am (EST)

About Annie Goodchild:

On the day Annie Goodchild was adopted, her name changed. I Used to Be Sam is an American music artist whose career has left remarkable traces around the world. From selling out arenas as the lead singer to Scott Bradlee's Post Modern Jukebox, to opening for Alicia Keys, I Used to Be Sam's journey now leads her to expose all in her most emotional and personal project yet. I Used to Be Sam's self-titled EP strips away years of emotional armor to bare all and share her personal experience of self-discovery and self-love, as a transracial adoptee who grew up in the care of a white family.

Website: http://anniegoodchild.com

Instagram: @goodchild.annie

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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.

Her book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th!

📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices

Social:

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Mailing List: Subscribe Here