Beauty For Ashes

You just got the call — a child is on the way. Whether it's your first placement or your fifth, those first few hours and days can feel overwhelming. You Got a Placement… Now What? is a podcast created for foster families who want to meet those early moments with calm, confidence, and compassion.

In each episode, we offer practical advice on what to do right after a child arrives, how to create a sense of safety and stability, and how to care for your own family — and yourself — in the process. With honest conversations, supportive guidance, and real-life insights, this podcast is your companion through the early days of foster care and beyond.

In this powerful episode, we tackle the damaging myths that surround foster care—myths that don’t just misinform the public but actively harm children, families, and caregivers. From the idea that kids in care are “bad” to misconceptions about who can foster, we’re breaking it all down with truth, empathy, and lived experience.

Join us as we debunk stereotypes, challenge stigmas, and shine a light on the realities of the foster care system. Whether you're a foster parent, advocate, social worker, or just curious, this episode will open your eyes and shift your perspective.

Foster parents hear it all—from the well-meaning to the wildly unhelpful. In this episode, we get real about the things foster parents are tired of hearing—and the words that actually make a difference. Whether you’re a friend, family member, caseworker, or just curious, this honest conversation will help you understand what support really sounds like. It’s not about praise—it’s about presence. Tune in to learn how to show up in meaningful, respectful ways for those doing the hard, heart work of fostering.

Foster parents hear it all—from the well-meaning to the wildly unhelpful. In this episode, we get real about the things foster parents are tired of hearing—and the words that actually make a difference. Whether you’re a friend, family member, caseworker, or just curious, this honest conversation will help you understand what support really sounds like. It’s not about praise—it’s about presence. Tune in to learn how to show up in meaningful, respectful ways for those doing the hard, heart work of fostering.

Welcome Back to Beauty for Ashes
This week, we're diving into an important topic—the difference between fostering through DHR (Department of Human Resources) and fostering through a private agency. We'll share our honest opinions on the pros and cons of each path, drawing from personal insight and experience.

Whether you're considering fostering through the state or a private organization, we believe you can do it. The most important thing is having a strong support system—a village around you—and keeping God at the center of your journey. With faith and community, fostering is possible, and you're never alone in it.

In this powerful episode, Phillip Fuller and Matt Lanier share their personal journeys into fatherhood — how their hearts softened to the idea of fostering, how they found their place, and why a father’s presence is so vital in a child’s life. They dive deep into recognizing God’s voice, understanding when you’re being called to foster, and the importance of staying rooted in Scripture along the way. Full of encouragement, faith, and real-life wisdom, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone exploring foster care, fatherhood, or simply what it means to say “yes” to God’s call.

This is Kayla Lanier’s story—a tender, honest journey into the world of foster care, rooted in childhood memories, quiet callings, and the kind of love that changes everything. From the moment she first learned what it meant to foster, to the day she and her husband opened their home to a child for the first time, Kayla takes you through every step—raw, unfiltered, and full of heart. She speaks openly about the emotional weight of her first placement: the fear, the guilt, the shame of feeling unprepared… and the beauty that somehow bloomed in the middle of it all.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into the unknown for the sake of love, this podcast is for you.

In this heartfelt episode, Carmen Fuller opens up about the journey that led her to become a foster mom. From her own childhood experiences to the challenges and triumphs in her marriage and starting her family, Carmen shares the moments that. made her certain she was called to foster. She also reflects on her very first placement- how it didn't go the way she had imagined, and what she learned through the heartbreak. This is a powerful story of purpose, faith, and choosing love even when it's hard.

Join us as we embark on a powerful new journey in Beauty For Ashes. In this inaugural episode, we dive into the world of foster care and adoption, sharing personal insights, heartfelt stories, and the challenges and triumphs of those navigating this often-overlooked system. Whether you're a foster parent, adoptive parent, or simply curious about this transformative process, this episode sets the stage for a series dedicated to healing, hope, and creating new beginnings. Tune in and be a part of this meaningful adventure.