In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, host Emily and Gene Trowbridge speaks with Thomas Mason about his adoption story. Thomas shares his experiences growing up adopted, the curiosity he had about his biological family, and the impact of adoption on his identity. He discusses the challenges of not having a medical history and how he navigated his teenage years with the knowledge of being adopted. 

The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of connecting with biological family members and the reflections on nature versus nurture. In this episode, the conversation delves into the complexities of adoption, exploring themes of identity, curiosity about biological families, and the dynamics within adoptive families. 

Thomas shares personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's background and the impact of adoption on personal identity. They also discuss the significance of creating awareness and support for adoptive families, highlighting the need for open conversations and shared experiences.

• Thomas was adopted at birth and always knew about it.
• He feels blessed to have been adopted into a loving family.
• Thomas's mother wrote letters to his biological mother for years without a response.
• Curiosity about his biological background was a recurring theme in his life.
• He experienced phases of wanting to know more about his origins and then not caring.
• Thomas's brother was excited about his arrival but faced challenges with the adjustment.
• He has a strong resemblance to his own children, which helped with his identity.
• The fear of rejection is a common theme among adoptees.
• Thomas's mother was very supportive of his curiosity about his biological family.
• The conversation highlights the complexities of identity for adopted individuals. Emily reflects on her curiosity about her biological parents.
• Thomas shares his experience of feeling different from his adoptive family.
• The importance of shared experiences in understanding family dynamics.
• Emily discusses the impact of birthdays on adoptees' feelings of belonging.
• Thomas acknowledges the curiosity that arises with having children.
• They stress the need for awareness and support for adoptive families.

In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily, Gene, and Kay Trowbridge discuss the complexities of Mother's Day from the perspective of adoptees. They explore the emotional challenges that many adoptees face on this day, contrasting their experiences with those of birth mothers. 

The conversation delves into the significance of biological and adoptive relationships, the societal influences on adoption narratives, and the concept of being "chosen" in the context of adoption. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the adoption experience, particularly on Mother's Day.

• Many adoptees find Mother's Day to be a triggering holiday.
• The emotional impact of being adopted can vary greatly among individuals.
• Adoptees often have complex feelings about their biological and adoptive mothers.
• The societal narrative around adoption often overlooks the birth mother's perspective.
• Celebrating Mother's Day can be a challenge for those with adoption backgrounds.
• The act of giving a child up for adoption is often seen as selfless.
• Adoptees may feel a sense of rejection tied to their adoption experience.
• The relationship with adoptive parents can be deeply influential in an adoptee's life.
• Understanding the birth mother's experience can provide valuable insights into adoption.
• Intergenerational storytelling can help bridge gaps in understanding within adoptive families.

In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Gene and Emily Trowbridge discuss Emily and her husband David's journey into adoption. They explore the foster to adopt program they are entering, the personal motivations behind their decision, and the unique challenges and considerations that come with adopting older children. The conversation also touches on generational adoption stories within their family, the importance of family support, and the financial aspects of the adoption process. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the emotional journey of adoption and the hope of creating a loving family for children in need.

• Emily and David are starting the adoption process in Utah.
• They are pursuing a foster to adopt program.
• Emily has always wanted to adopt older children.
• The foster situation allows for adjustment time.
• 50% of kids in foster care are not reunified with their families.
• Adoption can be a way to heal both the child and the parent.
• The process requires legal marriage and background checks.
• Family support is crucial in the adoption journey.
• Adoption can be financially burdensome.
• There is no perfect timing for starting a family through adoption.

In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily, Gene, and Kay Trowbridge delve into the complexities of adoption through personal anecdotes and reflections. They explore the emotional nuances of being adopted, the challenges of identity, and the risks involved in searching for biological parents. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding family dynamics and the impact of adoption on relationships. In this episode, Gene and Emily Trowbridge delve into the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in the context of adoption. They explore the significance of familial roots, the emotional challenges of navigating relationships, and the fear of rejection when seeking biological connections. The conversation also touches on the themes of grief and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and acceptance in the journey of understanding one's identity and relationships.

• The emotional complexities of adoption can lead to feelings of rejection.
• Adoptees often navigate a dual identity, balancing their adoptive and biological backgrounds.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in the experiences of adoptees.
• The fear of hurting adoptive parents can deter adoptees from seeking their biological families.
• Personal experiences shape the narratives around adoption and identity.
• Adoption can create a sense of loss that manifests in various ways.
• The importance of open communication within adoptive families is essential.
• Understanding the motivations behind an adoptee's actions can provide insight into their experiences.
• The risks of searching for biological parents can be significant and multifaceted.

In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily and Gene Trowbridge reflect on their journey over the past year, discussing the purpose of their podcast, which focuses on adoption from the adoptee's perspective. They share insights on adoption statistics, personal experiences, and the importance of community engagement in sharing adoption stories. 

The conversation emphasizes the emotional complexities of adoption and encourages listeners to connect and share their own narratives.

• The podcast aims to highlight the adoptee's perspective on adoption.
• Adoption stories can vary greatly even within the same family.
• Statistics show a decline in adoptions from foster care and inter-country adoptions.
• Personal experiences in adoption can lead to positive outcomes and relationships.
• The importance of community in sharing and discussing adoption stories.
• Listeners are encouraged to reach out and share their own adoption experiences.

In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily and Gene Trowbridge delve into the complexities of adoption, focusing on the implications of being told or not told about one's adoption. They explore themes of identity, the emotional impact of adoption, and the relationship between adoption and addiction. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they discuss the importance of open conversations about adoption and the feelings of loss and connection that often accompany the experience. 

The episode emphasizes the need for understanding and empathy in discussions surrounding adoption, highlighting that regardless of when someone learns about their adoption, there is often a sense of something missing in their identity.

• Being told about adoption can shape one's identity.
• The primal wound theory suggests deep emotional impacts from adoption.
• Secrets surrounding adoption can lead to feelings of betrayal.
• Addiction may be influenced by adoption but is not solely caused by it.
• Every adoptee experiences a sense of difference or disconnection.
• The search for biological connections can be a significant part of an adoptee's journey.
• Open conversations about adoption can help break the stigma.
• The emotional weight of adoption can vary greatly among individuals.
• Environmental factors play a role in how adoption is experienced.
• Understanding and empathy are crucial in discussions about adoption.

In this follow-up episode of the Hey! Am I Adopted podcast, hosts Emily and Gene Trowbridge continue the conversation on unexpected family discoveries. This time, they sit down with Rob, who shares his emotional journey of uncovering his biological family through DNA testing.

Building on themes from the previous episode, Rob reflects on growing up in a large family, the secrets that shaped his identity, and the life-changing impact of finding his true heritage. The discussion delves deeper into the complexities of family dynamics, the power of connection, and the emotional challenges of embracing newfound relatives.

Rob’s story highlights the significance of identity, personal growth, and the joy that can come from understanding one’s roots. If you were intrigued by Part 1, this episode provides even more insight into the transformative power of family and the unexpected journeys that DNA testing can reveal.

• Rob's journey began unexpectedly when he discovered family secrets.
• Family dynamics can be complex, especially in large families.
• DNA testing can reveal surprising connections and identities.
• The importance of family is defined by love and connection, not just blood.
• The emotional weight of discovering one's heritage can be overwhelming.
• Secrets in families can lead to confusion and questions about identity.

In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, host Emily Trowbridge engages with brothers Johnny and Jimmy, who share their unique reverse adoption story. They discuss their experiences with ancestry research, the surprising discovery of a new family member, and the emotional dynamics that come with such revelations. The conversation delves into the importance of family connections, the impact of secrets, and the curiosity that drives individuals to seek out their roots. Through their journey, they highlight the significance of understanding family history and navigating new relationships with empathy and care. In this engaging conversation, Emily Trowbridge shares her journey of discovering family connections through adoption. The discussion delves into the complexities of family dynamics, the impact of shared experiences, and the emotional journey of meeting newfound relatives. Emily reflects on the importance of embracing new relationships and the power of storytelling in understanding one's family history. The conversation highlights the significance of connection and the potential for positive outcomes in exploring family ties.

• The concept of reverse adoption can lead to unexpected family discoveries.
• Ancestry research can reveal surprising connections and relationships.
• Emotional reactions to discovering new family members can vary widely.
• Family dynamics can shift dramatically with the introduction of new relatives.
• Curiosity about one's heritage often drives the search for identity.
• Secrets within families can have lasting impacts on relationships.
• Building new connections requires sensitivity and understanding.

In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, Gene Trowbridge and his family engage in a heartfelt discussion with several guests about their personal adoption stories. The conversation explores the motivations behind sharing these stories, the impact of community and connection among adoptees, and the complexities of biological relationships. Each guest brings a unique perspective, highlighting the importance of openness and education in the adoption journey.

In this episode, the conversation delves into the complexities of adoption, exploring personal journeys of discovery, family connections, and the emotional impacts of being adopted. The speakers share their experiences with identity, self-perception, and the importance of therapy in navigating these feelings. They also discuss the emotional weight of birthdays for adoptees, coping mechanisms such as alcoholism, and the need for supportive environments. 

The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of community and future conversations about adoption.

• The adoption journey is diverse and fascinating.
• Sharing personal stories can educate and help others.
• Community plays a vital role in the adoption experience.
• Many adoptees have positive experiences when searching for biological parents.
• Rejection is a common fear among those seeking their origins.
• The podcast creates a unique space for adoptees to connect.
• Personal stories can empower others in similar situations.
• Adoption can lead to unexpected and positive family dynamics.
• Transparency in sharing experiences fosters understanding.
• The narrative of being adopted can shape one's self-identity.

In this recap episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily, Kay, and Gene Trowbridge discuss the multifaceted world of adoption, reflecting on their personal experiences and the common themes that arise in the stories of adoptees. They explore core characteristics of adoptees, including feelings of loss, rejection, shame, and guilt, and how these traits impact identity and relationships. The conversation also delves into the importance of advocacy and support from adoptive parents, the emotional complexities surrounding the search for biological parents, and the significance of community among adoptees.

In this episode, Emily and Gene explore the emotional complexities of adoption, including the impact of DNA testing on family discovery, the significance of birthdays, and the importance of open communication about adoption experiences. They discuss the challenges adoptees face regarding identity and relationships, emphasizing the need for understanding and respect for birth parents' choices. The conversation highlights the value of sharing stories to foster connection and understanding within adoptive families.

• Adoptees often share common traits such as loss and rejection.
• Abandonment issues can manifest in various ways for adoptees.
• Creating a personal narrative is a common coping mechanism.
• Support from adoptive parents is crucial for adoptees.
• Many adoptees feel guilt about seeking out biological parents.
• Medical unknowns drive some adoptees to search for their origins.
• Community among adoptees fosters connection and understanding.
• The search for biological parents can be a positive experience.