In today's episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast, we're joined by a recurring guest, the wonderful Rhonda Roorda. Rhonda joined us early in our show's history, if you never listened to that episode, you can (and should) find it right here!

She's not only an award-winning author but also a transracial adoptee, bringing a unique perspective to the table. Apart from her work as an author, Rhonda has been a contributor and consultant in a litany of settings from CNN to People Magazine and the Emmy Award Winning NBC TV Series "This is Us". You're going to love hearing from her!

Rhonda dives into the real, sometimes tough, and always important aspects of transracial adoption. From identity to embracing cultural diversity, this chat is a down-to-earth conversation about the sometimes beautiful, sometimes ugly, but always messy nuances of transracial adoption.

Rhonda shares practical tips for adoptive families and parents. Her experiences and insights are a roadmap for navigating the unique challenges and and opportunities that come with transracial adoption.

Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that goes straight to the heart of transracial adoption. 

Also, don't miss the opportunity to see world renowned, Grammy Nominated comedian Nate Bargatze at the first annual Investing in Hope event this November! Sunday night, November 12th in Memphis, Tennessee, come hear a brand new hour of Nate Bargatze stand up comedy, have dinner and drinks on us and support the global impact of Empowered to Connect all in one night! Details can be found at empoweredtoconnect.org/investinginhope - but hurry, a limited number of tickets are available! 

In today's episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast, we're joined by ETC Training Specialist Jesse Faris, along with host JD Wilson and ETC Institute Program Manager Becca McKay, to explore the complex world of parenting in the digital age. As technology continues to play an integral role in our lives, it's crucial to strike a balance between maintaining a strong connection with our children and ensuring their safety online.

Jesse, JD and becca bring their expertise to the forefront, guiding us through practical strategies for approaching technology with our kids. Whether you're a seasoned parent or just beginning to navigate the digital landscape, you'll find valuable insights on fostering healthy digital habits, open communication, and setting boundaries that empower both parents and children.

Also - BREAKING NEWS - Today we announce the mystery guest we've been hinting at for the last several weeks. Joining us at our first ever global connection event is none other than Grammy-Nominated comedian Nate Bargatze! 

You heard right, November 12 in Memphis, Tennessee at Investing in Hope, our first ever global connection event fundraiser, catch the one and only Nate Bargatze live and in person! Seats are going fast, so if you want to join us for a night of laughter and hope, head to empoweredtoconnect.org/investinginhope to reserve your seat now and invest in hope for the next generation of world-changing work happening here at Empowered to Connect!

If you are or have been a part of a church, you know childcare can be a minefield for parents whose children have experienced early trauma, adversity or loss. Well-meaning volunteers can become frazzled not knowing how to help, kids become unsure of what to expect and parents wonder "Is it safe for my child to be here the whole service?" 

Obviously this isn't everyone's experience, but for those who have or might experience some of these factors, we want everyone to be equipped to know how to make church a safe environment for your kids where you can know they're being taken care of well. That's why we brought Anteelah Love into the mix today to help us learn how to advocate for our kids at church! Anteelah talks through everything from an ideal setup, some ideas of how to help your church get started thinking through these issues, ideas to scaffold care as your church becomes equipped - all of this and more is in today's episode with Becca McKay, JD Wilson and our guest, Anteelah Love!

Also - to find out who our HILARIOUS special guest is at our upcoming Global Connection Event: Investing in Hope, to find out how to get tickets and learn all the details about this incredible night, check out our website here! 

Today Josh and Ava Conley join us to discuss the intersection of youth sports and parenting. When choosing to parent through lenses of attachment and connection, sports can be one of the toughest activities to figure out. How should you approach a coach when there's a complaint or a request to serve your child in a different way? How do we prepare our kids for these environments, how do we prepare coaches and those teams to embrace families whose skin colors or ethnic backgrounds don't match? We're glad you asked! 

As you can imagine, because this world is so broad with so many different nuances based on sport, age, etc, we tried to fly above the clouds on this episode! Josh has an extensive sports background, having played and coached at nearly every level of sport from pee wee leagues to collegiate athletics - combine that with Ava's black belt martial arts background and you've got a recipe for great conversation!

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**!!

We would like to extend a special invitation for you to join us at our FIRST EVER Global Connection Event in Memphis Tennessee Sunday night, November 12th from 6-8:30pm at the historic Peabody Hotel! Join our special Grammy Nominated guest (whose name we cannot reveal in this promo, but CAN reveal on the event page right here) for a night of laughter and hope! For more information and to buy tickets for what is sure to be an unforgettable night, click here!

Today we've got a very special guest - Dr. Lauren Chipman, a Pediatrician in Memphis, TN joins us to help us learn how to navigate the tricky world of advocating for your kids in the medical sector. Lauren joins Tona Ottinger and host JD Wilson and brings hear years of experience as a Physician and as a Mom to the table to help us understand how to navigate the world of Pediatricians/hospitals/medical care and you do not want to miss it! Lauren shares everything from a powerful story of her connection to the Ottinger family to the encouragement EVERY parent needs to know, to her own story of realizing how much information about trauma, the brain, attachment and behaviors she DIDN'T learn through Med School, but DID learn about through Empowered to Connect Parenting courses. 

You can learn more about Empowered to Connect here!

We also make reference in the intro and outro to a special event coming up that you'll want to know about - and we are confident you do want to know more about this one - to learn more about that event, check it out on our website here!

Also, to snag one of the 15 remaining spots in our beta test group for individualized parent coaching from ETC, send an email to [email protected] and let them know you'd like to join the beta test group - make sure to mention that you heard about it on the podcast to get 25% off of the cost of this course!

In today's Empowered to Connect Podcast episode, we're sitting down with MO and Tona Ottinger from ETC and diving into a crucial topic: how to be an advocate for your children within your own family and friends circle! Parenting comes with its own set of challenges, but you don't have to face them alone. MO and Tona are here to help you understand how to communicate your child's needs effectively and seek support from the people who matter most.

Learn the ropes of advocating for your kids. From sharing trauma-informed parenting principles to setting boundaries and creating a strong support system, MO and Tona offer practical tips to help you speak up confidently.

We also make reference in the intro and outro to a special event coming up that you'll want to know about - and we are confident you do want to know more about this one - to learn more about that event, check it out on our website here!

Also, to snag one of the 15 remaining spots in our beta test group for individualized parent coaching from ETC, send an email to [email protected] and let them know you'd like to join the beta test group - make sure to mention that you heard about it on the podcast to get 25% off of the cost of this course!

In today's episode, we are joined by school psychologists Rachel Peterman, PhD and Teressa Davis, PhD with special guest host (and former Dean of Students and School Social Worker) Becca McKay who unveil a treasure trove of insights for parents, especially as it pertains to getting to know the special education system. Delve into the minds of these experts as they share what they wish every parent knew about supporting their child's emotional and academic growth. From nurturing mental well-being to navigating learning challenges, IEP's and 504 plans, this conversation is a valuable guide for parents seeking to empower their children's success!

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

It's August, so kids are going back to school all over the place! Join us today as we throw it back to one of our favorite conversations! We delve into a crucial Back to School conversation with author of Beyond Behaviors, Brain Body Parenting and acclaimed pediatric psychologist, Mona Delahooke! The ETC Team join Mona as this episode delves into effective strategies grounded in neuroscience to navigate the upcoming school year, focusing on emotional well-being, academic success, and social adjustment. Tune in for a concise yet impactful dialogue that empowers parents and caregivers with actionable insights for fostering resilience, positive connections, and overall growth as children transition back to school.

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

In today's episode, we're excited to bring you a masterclass on the art of transitions, led by none other than Becca McKay and Jesse Faris! Becca and Jesse bring a wise and compassionate approach, guiding us through the intricate world of transitions, offering essential insights and practical strategies to navigate your child's (and your own) life's shifts with grace and resilience. Whether it's moving homes, starting a new school year, or even daily transitions, their wisdom shines a light on how these moments can be powerful opportunities for connection, growth, and building a strong foundation of trust.

Tune in as Becca and Jesse delve into the nuances of understanding the impact transitions have on children and adults alike. Drawing from their rich experiences as educators and advocates, they share stories that exemplify the transformative potential of intentional transitions. This episode equips parents, caregivers, and professionals with valuable tools to ease anxieties, embrace change, and create environments where both young and old can thrive during life's many transitions.