In this episode of the Foster Fathers Podcast, we dive into one of the most nuanced and debated topics in the world of fostering and adoption: should we openly use the word “adoption” around our adopted kids?

This isn’t just a provocative question; it’s a reflection of the real-world tension that parents feel as they navigate when and how to discuss adoption. Should it be a word spoken freely in everyday life, or should it be introduced with intentionality and care? We explore the diverse perspectives of adoptive parents, therapists, and even adoptees themselves.

Join us as we share personal stories, professional insights, and practical advice to help foster and adoptive parents make informed decisions that prioritize their children's emotional well-being. Whether you’re in the fostering journey, an adoptive parent, or someone passionate about child welfare, this episode offers a candid and compassionate look at one of the most important conversations families can have.

In this eye-opening episode of the Foster Fathers Podcast, we tackle the reality of operating from a deficit—starting from behind and having to work harder than most just to reach a sense of normalcy. For foster parents, adoptive families, and the children in their care, the journey often begins with gaps to fill, whether emotional, physical, or systemic. This episode is all about acknowledging those challenges while finding hope and strength to move forward.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What it means to operate from a deficit in foster care and adoption, including the unique hurdles faced by both parents and children.
• The emotional toll of feeling like you’re always catching up and strategies to stay resilient.
• Practical advice for addressing developmental delays, emotional healing, and trust-building.
• Stories of families who’ve overcome deficits and built a strong foundation for growth, healing, and success.
• Encouragement for those who feel like the mountain is too steep to climb and why every small step forward matters.

This candid conversation is for anyone who feels the weight of starting behind but is determined to press on for the sake of the children they love. You’ll walk away with validation, encouragement, and tools to navigate the extra work it takes to get to “normal.”

Subscribe to the Foster Fathers Podcast for more raw, real, and relatable conversations about the challenges and joys of foster care and adoption. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your own story with us!

In this uplifting episode of the Foster Fathers Podcast, we shine a light on the importance of friendship during the toughest seasons of foster care and adoption. While the journey can be incredibly rewarding, it’s also filled with emotional challenges, and having strong friendships can be a lifeline for foster parents, adoptive families, and even the children in their care.

In this episode, we explore:

• How to maintain and prioritize friendships when life feels overwhelming and chaotic during foster placements or adoption transitions.
• The unique role that friends play in providing emotional support, perspective, and sometimes just a needed break.
• Real stories of how close friendships have helped foster parents and adoptive families navigate the toughest moments.
• Tips on building a community that understands the demands of foster care and how to foster meaningful relationships in the midst of it all.
• The benefits of modeling healthy friendships for the children in your care, teaching them about trust, connection, and support.

Whether you're deep in the foster care process, recently adopted, or just needing a reminder that you're not alone, this episode will encourage you to lean on those around you. Because, after all, everyone needs a friend in hard times.

Subscribe to the Foster Fathers Podcast for more heartwarming stories and practical advice on navigating the ups and downs of foster care and adoption. Don’t forget to leave a review and share how friendship has impacted your journey!

In this deeply emotional episode of the Foster Fathers Podcast, we tackle one of the most difficult and complex topics in foster care—when termination of parental rights (TPR) becomes the best option for a child’s well-being. While every foster parent hopes for family reunification, sometimes the most loving and necessary decision is to create a permanent path forward for the child through adoption.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The emotional, legal, and ethical considerations that come with the decision to pursue termination of parental rights.
• Real stories of foster parents who have faced this challenging situation and how they navigated the complex feelings of grief, relief, and hope.
• The impact of TPR on children, families, and birth parents, and how to approach this difficult process with compassion and care.
• How foster parents can prepare themselves and the child for the next steps, whether it’s moving toward adoption or helping the child through the emotional transition.

This episode is for foster parents grappling with the difficult decision of TPR or for those who want to better understand the realities of the foster care system. We offer guidance, support, and empathy as we explore what it means to put the child’s best interests first, even when it means letting go of the hope for reunification.

Subscribe to the Foster Fathers Podcast for more honest discussions and real-life stories about the triumphs and challenges of foster care and adoption. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your experiences with us!

In this reflective episode of the Foster Fathers Podcast, we explore the powerful lessons that only become clear after the moment has passed. From navigating tricky situations to facing the unexpected, we often don’t fully understand the weight of our decisions or experiences until we’ve had time to reflect. Join us as we share stories of growth, insight, and wisdom gained in hindsight.

In this episode, we cover:

• Personal experiences where the significance wasn’t clear in the moment but became profound after looking back.
• The surprising things we learned about ourselves, our families, and the foster care process that we didn’t fully grasp at the time.
• How these "after the fact" realizations helped shape the way we approach parenting, fostering, and adoption today.
• Practical advice for current or prospective foster parents on how to handle confusing or overwhelming situations in the moment, with the benefit of hindsight in mind.

Whether you’re currently fostering, adopting, or just looking for perspective on how to grow through life’s challenges, this episode offers relatable stories and valuable takeaways that remind us of the power of learning through experience.

In this episode of the Foster Fathers Podcast, we take a deep dive into life after adoption day. Kyle, fresh from adopting his kids, shares his raw and honest reflections on what it’s really like in the days and weeks that follow this life-changing event. While adoption day is filled with celebration, what happens after is often unexpected and emotional in ways you might not anticipate.

In this candid conversation, Kyle talks about:

• The expectations he had going into adoption and how the reality differed in both beautiful and challenging ways.
• Navigating the unknown—what changes (and what doesn’t) when adoption becomes official.
• The one surprising thing Kyle didn’t realize would happen after adoption day, and how it impacted him and his family.
• The emotional and practical transitions that occur as you move from fostering to being a permanent family.

Whether you're preparing for your own adoption day, already on the other side of it, or just curious about what happens next, Kyle’s insights offer comfort, validation, and a few surprises. Tune in for an honest look at the joys and adjustments that come with this new chapter.

The Foster Fathers Podcast is back after a short summer break, and we’re returning with an incredible story you won’t want to miss! In this heartfelt episode, we celebrate a major milestone as we dive into Kyle’s journey to officially adopting his kids. From the court hearing to adoption day, Kyle and his family experienced a whirlwind of emotions, and he’s here to share every step of the way.

Join us as we explore:

• The anticipation leading up to the court hearing, the legal process, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with finalizing an adoption.
• Unique perspectives from Kyle, his partner, and even their kids, as they share what this moment meant for each of them.
• The joy and relief of adoption day—how it feels to finally have "forever" become official.
• Reflections on the challenges and triumphs that led to this moment, offering inspiration and hope for others on similar paths.

This episode is a celebration of love, family, and the culmination of a long and rewarding journey. Whether you’re in the foster-to-adopt process, considering adoption, or just looking for an uplifting story, Kyle’s experience will resonate with you.

Don't miss this powerful episode, and be sure to subscribe to the Foster Fathers Podcast for more stories, insights, and support as we continue to share the real journeys of foster and adoptive parents.

In this special episode of the Foster Fathers Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome our first in-person guest, DJ, who shares his poignant and inspiring journey through foster care in California. Join us as we delve into the profound experiences of first foster placements and the unique challenges and rewards of caring for NICU babies.

In this episode, you'll hear:

DJ's personal story of entering the foster care system, the emotions he faced, and the resilience he discovered along the way.

Insight into the realities of first foster placements, including the anticipation, the adjustments, and the unexpected moments that shape this initial experience.

The specific challenges and heartwarming moments of fostering NICU babies, from the specialized care they require to the deep bonds that form during this critical time.

Practical advice and heartfelt reflections from DJ and our hosts on navigating the foster care system, managing the emotional rollercoaster, and finding joy in the journey.

Whether you are a prospective foster parent, currently fostering, or simply interested in the foster care system, DJ's story will offer you valuable perspectives, empathy, and encouragement. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the strength, love, and dedication required to make a positive impact in the lives of foster children.

In this special episode of the Foster Fathers Podcast, we sit down with Alex Adams, Idaho Director of Health and Welfare, and Monty Prow, Deputy Director of Child, Youth, & Family Services. They discuss the state's initiatives to improve foster care, the challenges faced by foster families, and their vision for a more supportive system. Tune in to hear about the critical efforts underway to ensure the well-being of Idaho's children and how these leaders are driving positive change in the community.

In this brutally honest episode of Foster Fathers, Kyle and Chris open up about a topic that's often difficult but incredibly important: "Our Biggest Failures as Fathers." Join them as they share their most challenging moments and the lessons they've learned from their missteps along the way.

Kyle and Chris reflect on their personal experiences, discussing times when they felt they fell short as foster and adoptive dads. With honesty and vulnerability, they reveal the struggles, mistakes, and regrets that have shaped their parenting journeys. By sharing these stories, they aim to normalize the reality that every parent faces tough times and to highlight the growth that comes from these experiences.

In "Our Biggest Failures as Fathers," Kyle and Chris explore how they've used their failures as opportunities for learning and improvement. They offer practical advice on how to navigate and recover from parenting missteps, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-compassion, and continual growth.

This episode is not just about acknowledging failures but about understanding that these moments are a natural part of the parenting journey. Kyle and Chris discuss the importance of seeking support, learning from each other, and creating a community where foster and adoptive parents can share their challenges without judgment.

Whether you're a foster dad, an adoptive dad, or any parent looking for reassurance and solidarity, tune in to Foster Fathers for an honest and uplifting conversation. Because acknowledging our failures is a crucial step toward becoming better, more compassionate fathers.

Join us as we embrace our imperfections and celebrate the ongoing journey of fatherhood. Because every mistake is a chance to grow, learn, and become the best dads we can be.