In this episode, I reflect on my childhood in Khabarovsk, Russia, sharing stories of iconic cathedrals and my time at Children’s Home 1, an orphanage with harsh conditions. I explore how these experiences shaped me and discuss adoption, with resources on orphanage conditions.

In this inaugural episode of Honoring My Kokoshnik, I take you on a deeply personal journey back to the origins of my birth name and the place where it all began. I explore the significance of my name, the story of my birthplace, and how adoption records and medical histories have shaped my understanding of who I am today. Join me as I connect the threads of my past and lay the foundation for a lifelong journey of honoring my Kokoshnik.