"When I was nine years old,...my parents just looked at each other and looked back at me and said, Michael, we just want to tell you that we love you very much and that you're adopted." -- Mike Thorne

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EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Thorne, an adoptee and community leader. Mike shared his journey of discovering his adoption at age nine, which profoundly impacted his self-worth. We discussed the importance of building personal trust communities—supportive networks that provide emotional and intellectual guidance, especially for those navigating the complexities of adoption.

Mike also reflected on his time as a board member of the National Council for Adoption (NCFA), emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives in adoption discussions. He encouraged listeners to seek out their own support systems and focus on their dreams rather than being held back by past experiences.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of connection and understanding within the adoption community. I hope you find inspiration in Mike's insights and encourage you to explore his TEDx Talk and memoir for further understanding. Thank you for joining us, and I look forward to continuing this important conversation in future episodes.

 

RESOURCES:

Mike Thorne’s information:

• Watch Mike’s TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_thorne_three_words_that_can_transform_our_lives_they_aren_t_what_you_think?subtitle=en

• Read Mike’s memoir Hustle With Heart: Unlocking Self-Worth Through Personal Trust Communities: https://www.amazon.com/Hustle-Heart-Unlocking-Self-Worth-Communities/dp/1958729698/

 

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• NCFA - National Council for Adoption: https://adoptioncouncil.org/

• Simon Benn’s organization & podcast Thriving Adoptees: https://www.thrivingadoptees.com/

 

Other resources:

 

• APtitude Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption’s Challenges: http://UnravelingAdoption.com/APtitude

• Other Parents Like Me - http://oplm.com

• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to [email protected]

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Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: http://Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

Check out our website: http://UnravelingAdoption.com

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Unraveling Adoption Welcome to the podcast and introduction of host Beth Syverson and her son Joey.

00:01:00 - Mike Thorne's Adoption Story Mike shares his vivid experience of discovering he was adopted at the age of nine.

00:02:30 - Navigating Adoption Conversations Discussion on the lack of resources and conversations around adoption during Mike's childhood.

00:03:55 - Understanding Late Discovery Adoptees Exploration of the term "late discovery adoptee" and its implications.

00:05:00 - Age-Appropriate Communication in Adoption The importance of age-appropriate discussions about adoption with children.

00:06:00 - Adoptee Perspectives in Education Mike discusses his daughter's experiences as a teacher and the impact of sharing adoption stories.

00:07:00 - Mike's Leadership in Adoption Advocacy Mike's involvement with the National Council for Adoption and the importance of adoptee voices.

00:08:30 - Adoptee Panel at NCFA Conference Insights from the adoptee panel at the NCFA conference and its impact on attendees.

00:10:00 - The Need for Male Voices in Adoption The significance of including male and non-binary perspectives in the adoption conversation.

00:11:00 - Evolution of NCFA Discussion on the changes within the National Council for Adoption and its leadership.

00:12:00 - Mike's Future Goals in Maine Mike shares his plans to connect with local organizations in Maine to support adoption and foster care.

00:13:00 - Corporate Leadership Background Mike discusses his corporate experience and how it informs his approach to leadership.

00:15:00 - The Importance of Personal Trust Communities Introduction to the concept of personal trust communities and their role in personal growth.

00:18:00 - Overcoming Perfectionism in Adoptees Mike reflects on the perfectionism often experienced by adoptees and its roots.

00:20:00 - Building Supportive Networks The importance of finding the right people to support you in various aspects of life.

00:22:00 - Adoptee Spaces and Support The value of finding supportive spaces for adoptees to share their experiences.

00:24:00 - Challenges for Adoptive Parents Discussion on the struggles adoptive parents face in understanding and supporting their children.

00:26:00 - Collaboration Among Organizations The need for collaboration among nonprofits to improve outcomes for children in the adoption system.

00:28:00 - Mike's Vision for the Future Mike shares his aspirations for making a difference in the adoption community.

00:30:00 - Encouragement for Listeners Mike encourages listeners to focus on their dreams and find supportive communities.

00:32:00 - Conclusion and Resources Wrap-up of the episode, including resources for listeners to connect with Mike and Beth.