Let's Talk Adoption

Adoption doesn’t end on the day the papers are signed—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King sits down with adoptive mom and blogger MaryAnne Budden of Openly Parenting to talk about the joys, surprises, and challenges of parenting after placement.

MaryAnne shares her family’s experience with open adoption, how staying connected with her daughter’s birth mother has been both meaningful and practical, and what she wishes she had known before becoming a parent.

MaryAnne’s adoption journey began with Lifetime Adoption, a licensed child-placing agency. She first learned about Lifetime through family members who had successfully adopted with them. Inspired by their experiences, she moved forward with her own adoption through Lifetime—and later, another relative also completed a successful adoption with the agency.

Whether you’re waiting to adopt, just beginning your parenting journey, or years into it, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone—and that support, reassurance, and encouragement are always within reach.

Connect with MaryAnne: openlyparenting.com

Instagram: @openlyparenting

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast belong solely to the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of Let's Talk Adoption, its hosts, or affiliates.

The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, or medical advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for personal matters. While we aim to provide helpful content and resources, Let's Talk Adoption does not assume responsibility or liability for any decisions made based on what is shared in this podcast.

Adoption doesn’t end on the day the papers are signed—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King sits down with adoptive mom and blogger MaryAnne Budden of Openly Parenting to talk about the joys, surprises, and challenges of parenting after placement.

MaryAnne shares her family’s experience with open adoption, how staying connected with her daughter’s birth mother has been both meaningful and practical, and what she wishes she had known before becoming a parent.

MaryAnne’s adoption journey began with Lifetime Adoption, a licensed child-placing agency. She first learned about Lifetime through family members who had successfully adopted with them. Inspired by their experiences, she moved forward with her own adoption through Lifetime—and later, another relative also completed a successful adoption with the agency.

Whether you’re waiting to adopt, just beginning your parenting journey, or years into it, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone—and that support, reassurance, and encouragement are always within reach.

Connect with MaryAnne: openlyparenting.com | Instagram: @openlyparenting

Adopting a child doesn’t always mean adopting a newborn. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather break down the three main ways families can adopt a child who’s already been born: foster care adoption, international adoption, and private/independent adoption. Learn what each path involves, from costs and timelines to the emotional realities and do’s and don’ts you’ll want to know. If you’ve been wondering where to start—or which option might be the best fit for your family—this episode will help bring clarity.

Adoption conversations on social media often swing between two extremes: either it’s celebrated as the ultimate act of love, or condemned as harmful and exploitative.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim unpack why adoption gets painted in such black-and-white terms online. Together, they explore the truths behind both perspectives, ask the hard questions adoption raises, and offer practical ways to sort through the noise.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged or confused by what you’ve read about adoption on social media, this conversation will help you find balance and hope.

Starting the adoption process can feel exciting and overwhelming. Many hopeful parents find themselves waiting for the “perfect” time: for more savings, fewer risks, or the feeling that every detail is in place. But what if waiting is actually holding you back from becoming the parent you’re meant to be?

In this episode of the Let’s Talk Adoption Podcast, hosts Kim King and Heather Featherston dive into one of the biggest questions adoptive families face: When is the right time to start adoption?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✔️ Why waiting for perfection can delay your path to parenthood

✔️ The most common fears and hesitations hopeful parents experience

✔️ How to take your “next step” in adoption—even if you don’t feel fully ready

✔️ The powerful reminder to “do it afraid” and trust the process

✔️ Resources and encouragement for Christians who feel called to adopt

Heather also shares insights from her book, Called to Adoption, available on Amazon. It’s a guide for Christians exploring adoption or supporting others who are called to adopt.

Take the Next Step in Your Adoption Journey

Every step you take brings you closer to the child who is meant to be in your family. If this episode speaks to you, we’d love to hear your story or answer your questions.

Connect with us at [email protected]

Is adoption right for every couple? In this candid conversation, Heather and Kim explore the heart-check questions every hopeful parent should ask before starting the adoption process. From emotional and relational readiness to practical considerations and motivations, they share real-world insight from years of working with adoptive families.

You’ll hear why adoption isn’t a one-size-fits-all path, the difference between healthy and unhealthy reasons to adopt, and how to know when it might be time to wait.

Whether you’re just starting to explore adoption or are already deep in research, this episode offers the honest, compassionate guidance you need to discern your next step.

Not sure if adoption is right for you?

What questions should you be asking yourself?

How do you know you’re ready — as a couple and as a family?

Heather and Kim share the honest truth about readiness, motivations, and why it’s okay if your answer is “not right now.”

If you're adopting or even considering it, this episode is a must-listen. Heather and Kim break down the latest updates to the federal Adoption Tax Credit, including the new 2025 limit of $17,280, partial refundability, and expanded access for families with lower or moderate incomes.

We explain what the credit is, how it works, and what makes the changes in the “Big Beautiful Bill” so impactful. You’ll also learn how the special needs exception can benefit families, how tribal governments now play a role, and what to keep in mind when tracking expenses or working with a tax professional.

Whether you’re adopting privately, through foster care, or with the help of an employer benefit, this practical episode will help you understand how to take advantage of the financial help that’s available.

Resources Mentioned:

IRS Adoption Credit Information

Dave Thomas Foundation: Adoption-Friendly Workplace Toolkit

Starting the adoption process can feel overwhelming—but what if a little honest insight could save you heartache and set you up for success? In this episode, Heather and Kim share the top three things every hopeful adoptive family should know before beginning their newborn domestic adoption journey. From shifting your mindset away from “purchasing a baby” to preparing for unexpected twists and honoring the birth mother’s role, this conversation is filled with real talk, wisdom, and encouragement. Whether you’re just starting out or reassessing your journey, this episode will help you walk forward with humility, empathy, and hope.

During this episode we reference Called to Adoption by Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P., this is a great reference for anyone thinking about growing their family through adoption.

Feeling lost in the alphabet soup of adoption? In this episode, Heather and Kim decode the most common acronyms used in the adoption world—from ICPC and TPR to PRE, AP, and even PPC. You’ll laugh, learn, and leave feeling more confident about what those mysterious letters actually mean. Plus, we share a few made-up acronyms that perfectly describe the emotional rollercoaster of adoption.

What You'll Learn:

What ICPC is—and why it keeps you stuck in the hotel longer than expected

The respectful way to refer to an expectant or placing parent

What Pregnancy-Related Expenses (PRE) really cover

Helpful terms to know when baby is born and in care

Fun, fictional acronyms that adoption families will totally relate to!

Play along during the episode or use this bingo card as a fun way to learn adoption terms! Mark off each acronym as you hear or recognize it. (Click on the image to download a copy)

Meet the Host – Kim King