Stork'd

They were the perfect family of four. Their life was full of love and Ash and her husband were reaching all of their goals. After the unexpected passing of her husband, Ashe was suddenly a young widow and single mom. In this episode, Ashe Hornsby joins Julia, as she shares her interesting tale about loss, growth and family blending. Ashe candidly shares her journey through grief and healing and how losing her husband reshaped her family life, challenged her business, allowed her to grow and find love again.

Show notes: https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2

In This Episode:

• [2:30] Ashe discusses her own podcast, Flawed and Fabulous
• [3:38] Ashe begins her journey of grief and loss
• [10:00] Beginning to navigate after losing her husband
• [11:00] Discussing loss with her children
• [14:25] Creating boundaries around death when children are present
• [17:11] Ashe discusses seeing a therapist
• [18:15] Financial worries
• [25:29] Ashe shares her experience with more unconventional ways of healing
• [30:18] Evolving family life since the passing of her husband
• [33:00] Different parenting styles and challenges
• [44:00] Starting new family traditions
• [46:25] What Ashe misses about her old life
• [48:27] Growing together as a blended family
• [53:20] Ashe shares her definition of family

Key Takeaways:

• When one half of a partnership is missing there is an added burden of trying to fill that gap.
• The grieving process is one that is never fully healed.
• Blending two families can be challenging and rewarding.
• Don't give up easily. If it is hard, it will be worth it.
• Have important conversations with children when they lose a parent that allows a safe space to be able to grieve and feel the emotions of that loss.
• It's okay to reach out to friends, families, and/or mental health professionals for help if you've lost a spouse. Properly reaching out to the right channels can positively aid in the process of grief.
• Learn to blend a family when both partners have previously lost their spouses
• Keep the spirit of a lost parent alive in that child's life through new traditions and routines
• Find healthy, creative ways to work through grieving the loss of a spouse and former life

Links Mentioned:

https://www.instagram.com/withloveashe/

https://www.instagram.com/flawedandfabulous_podcast/

Flawed and Fabulous Podcast - Spotify

Flawed and Fabulous Podcast - Apple

Instagram - Ashe's Personal

Disclaimer:

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.

The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

In this week's episode, we are joined by Kelly Fay. In this episode, Kelly shares her experience as an adoptee and her journey to explore her own self-identity. She will share her experience discovering her adoption as a child, her personal evolution, her relationship with her adoptive parents, and her experience reconnecting with her biological family. This episode, digs deep into the crevices and corners of her soul, exploring her relationship and feelings about adoption. Enjoy a Stork'd first, as our guest shares with us a poem she wrote about the emotions surrounding adoption. This poem is so powerful and raw and will leave you with chills!

Show notes: https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2

In This Episode:

• [ 2:20 ] Hear Kelly's powerful poem about herself as an adoptee.
• [ 6:48 ] Emotions Kelly felt while writing her poem.
• [ 9:07 ] The news that rocked Kelly's world when she was eight years old.
• [ 11:42 ] How the adult relationships in Kelly's life played out as she grew into her teenage years and then into adulthood.
• [ 15:21 ] Recognizing the powerful first moment of experiencing self love.
• [ 16:35 ] Kelly's feelings around the word adoption and how those feelings have evolved over time.
• [ 20:38 ] After going through deep, transformational work, what is now opening up to Kelly in this part of her life?
• [ 22:11 ] Delving into Kelly's birth parents and family.
• [ 26:41 ] Was the adoption path that Kelly was put on the right path for her?
• [ 29:19 ] Kelly's relationship with her adoptive parents.
• [ 33:20 ] The emotions Kelly feels today about her adoption.
• [ 35:07 ] What Kelly would like other people to know about adoption from sharing her story.
• [ 38:59 ] How Kelly defines family.
• [ 41:52 ] Where to find Kelly on social media.

Takeaways:

• The turbulent emotions Kelly felt after finding out she was adopted from a friend when she was eight years old.
• Understanding the mix of valid emotions adoptees feel in their life and needing adoptive parents who can be empathetic and understanding towards those emotions.
• Kelly channels her potent thoughts and feelings into a dynamic poem about her life and her adoption.
• Going through deep, transformational work in Kelly's life to finally learn how to unapologetically love herself.
• Knowing that the path Kelly was put on as an adoptee was ultimately the right path for her life.

Links:

• Poem https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4smlos9jjhca8k/Poem_a%20work%20by%20kelly%20fay_untitled_10152020.pdf?dl=0
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thekellyfay/

Disclaimer:

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.

The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host, and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

When we hear about fertility issues, we often hear stories from the female's perspective. In the middle of his own family building process, Director Tom Webb realized that he didn't often hear the male's point of view as a couple battles infertility. Because of this, Tom set out to make a documentary, The Easy Bit, that focused on some of the physical aspects, but mostly the emotional journey a male goes through as he supports his partner and they navigate the challenge together.

The Easy Bit explores the lives of six men who tell their stories openly and honestly about the male perspective of fertility treatment—looking through the camera lens, examining maleness through society's perception, and how fertility impacts maleness.

Tom shares the experience of creating the Easy Bit along with his difficult personal fertility journey with his wife, addressing the difference between the United States and United Kingdom's healthcare systems when trying to have a baby and the extreme process his wife needed to meet to qualify for paid IVF treatment in the UK. Tom also addresses the experience of being a partner who is going through a physically and emotionally painful fertility journey with a positive surprise result. Finally, Tom describes in one word what family means to him.

Show notes: https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2

In This Episode:

• [ 1:27 ] Tom's introduction
• [ 3:17 ] Tom's fertility journey with his partner
• [ 5:08 ] Differences between US and UK healthcare systems and navagitating different requirements of the UK system when trying to have a baby
• [ 9:17 ] Gastric Bypass Surgery, the extreme process Tom's wife went through to meet the UK's healthcare system to qualify for IVF treatment
• [ 13:17 ] Tom's wife starts the IVF process
• [ 14:50 ] The trauma that unfolded from the IVF process
• [ 17:06 ] Addressing the topic of toxic masculinity and how to support your partner during the fertility process
• [ 19:07 ] How Tom's documentary came to fruition
• [21:31] The start of the documentary and getting men's perspective going through the infertility treatments
• [ 24:15 ] Points of similarity between the men's fertility experiences in the documentary
• [ 26:49 ] What surprises Tom learned from making the documentary
• [30:26] Giving the male perspective on infertility to clinical and medical staff community
• [ 31:03 ] Why the medical community was shocked when they first saw the documentary
• [ 33:09 ] Circling back to find out the outcome of Tom's fertility journey
• [ 38:49 ] Tom's playlist that would describe his fertility journey
• [ 40:36] The word that defines family for Tom
• [ 41:26] Where to watch The Easy Bit and how to find Tom

Takeaways:

• Men feel like it's all on them to provide the best emotional and physical support to their partner going through the fertility journey together. However, this can lead to men overlooking their own emotional and physical needs. By providing adequate mental health care to men during fertility journeys, they are better equipped to care for their partner's needs, leading to both parties having their needs adequately met.
• Tackling the concept of "toxic masculinity," which is exceedingly prevalent in today's society, needs to be addressed. By taking the first steps to dismantle it and provide mental health support to men, the emotional burden is processed more productively which is beneficial to both partners in the fertility journey.
• While facing fertility issues- finding a supportive community can be a helpful tool as you manage through treatments.
• Infertility affects both men and women, however you generally know the female's perspective. Helping men also have a voice during this time can be helpful for the couple as they experience it together.
• People who haven't faced infertility will probably not understand what you're going through. Connecting them to some resources on how to help family and friends cope through this time is important and helpful for all.
• Providing more support to men in a fertility journey can be beneficial to women
• Fertility treatments including IVF are not a guarantee for success and even though it may not work out for you and your partner, you may come out with a stronger relationship.

Links

• Facebook: Facebook.com/theeasybit
• Tom on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tomwebbdirector/
• Website: https://www.tomwebbfilms.com
• "The Easy Bit" Documentary - Watch on Amazon Prime
• "The Easy Bit" Documentary - Watch on Vimeo
• Instagram - The Easy Bit
• Instagram - Tom's Personal
• Twitter - The Easy Bit
• Twitter - Tom's Personal
• Facebook - The Easy Bit

Disclaimer:

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.

The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

In this episode, we talk about the tools and resources one can use to support family building, starting from the journey of fertility and conceiving. Ali Vadber Baan, a master acupuncturist whose passion for whole health, provides an integrative style of care to help her patients achieve their unique wellness and fertility goals. After years of unexplained medical symptoms from stress and hormone imbalance, she set out to resolve her issues through integrative medicine. She is here to share her knowledge about how acupuncture can support and nourish the fertility and pregnancy process.

Ali provides the tools and resources to help navigate the stressors of fertility, conceiving, and family building through holistically healing and aligning our bodies. By implementing customized plans based on individual needs, and by offering online coursework to empower individuals to support their own wellness and fertility, Ali incorporates acupuncture and important lifestyle changes, to increase the success of fertility goals. Lastly, Ali emphasizes the significance of finding a community of supporters, to share the highs and lows of the fertility journey, discovering a new meaning to the question "what is family?" https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2

In This Episode:

• [ 2:17 ] Ali shares her story about acupuncture and launching her business, Yintuition
• [ 4:10 ] The medical community is changing its perception around acupuncture in how it relates to fertility
• [ 5:16 ] How do acupuncture and fertility go together?
• [ 7:15 ] How Ali supports clients who want to build a family during the stress of a pandemic
• [ 8:42 ] The difference between acupuncture and acupressure
• [ 14:05] Determine your fertility type from Ali's online quiz
• [ 17:56] Using your fertility type to implement a customized plan
• [ 23:21] Providing support mechanisms for anyone undergoing medical assistance with fertility.
• [24:00] Conceiving Zen Program during the IVF Process
• [33:15] How participating in family building has changed the way Ali thinks about family
• [35:13] Finding your tribe/community during the process of conceiving
• [36:00] The importance of finding your tribe and empowering resources and tribe during the fertility process.
• [37:20] How Ali defines the term family
• [38:59] Where to find Ali and her program

Takeaways:

• Using acupuncture and implementing lifestyle changes to align yourself with what your body needs during the fertility process
• Different fertility types outlined in Ali's online program offerings
• Defining the term "family" as it relates to community
• Knowing your body and your cycle and body can help you with a deeper sense of understanding as you go through the phases. Acupuncture can support your body through each of these phases.
• Using acupuncture and acupressure can help give you a valuable tool to help you in your family planning & fertility journey. With the Conceiving Zen course, you can even choose to use it at home or in a clinic.
• Finding your tribe of people during your fertility treatment can help you not feel so alone and can actually empower you along the way.

Meet Ali Vadber Baan

Ali graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in Psychology. After working in psychiatric research at Brown University, she decided to pursue a career in which she could have a more direct impact on the health and well-being of her patients. She received her Master's Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from New England School of Acupuncture, the oldest accredited institution for Oriental Medicine in the United States. She completed over 700 hours of clinical internship in Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine with renowned Chinese medical practitioners, Winnie Chow and Yan Ping Jin.

Ali continues to enhance her practice with extensive post-graduate continuing education training in Women's Health, Infertility, Pregnancy, and Pain Management.

Disclaimer:

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.

The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

Could you be happy in life without finding love and having a family? This was the question that Ambi Kavanah was asking herself in her mid 30's. She did indeed find love in the coming years, only to be faced with fertility issues after marriage. Several failed IUI attempts, surgeries and about to move forward with IVF, Ambi was tired of the pressure to get pregnant and the anxious energy she felt. Ambi, a Lawyer, turned modern day Alchemist, healer and author, allowed modern medicine and intuitive wisdom to shape her journey into motherhood. Tune in and listen to Ambi's story of her struggles with fertility, and listening to her deep intuition. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2

Key Takeaways:

• Sometimes, taking the pressure off of yourself will help you relax and in turn, may help with your fertility.
• There is no right or wrong age to become a mother. Each person's situation is unique when it comes to conceiving.
• Respect the facts and statistics of science and modern medicine, but also understand and believe in your body.
• Have hope and faith, but ensure to back it up with action and be accountable

Links Mentioned:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemyambi/

Website/Podcast info: https://alchemywithambi.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Chakras-Self-Care-Activate-Healing-Everyday/dp/0593196686/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ambi+kavanah&qid=1619120006&s=books&sr=1-1-spell

Disclaimer:

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.

The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

In this week's episode, we are joined with Dara Kurtz, a mother, author, and cancer survivor. Dara navigates the depths of difficult and complicated questions, and the question she is exploring today deals with the dynamics of intergenerational mother-daughter relationships. Twenty years after her mother's passing, Dara unexpectedly found several letters written to her from her mother and grandmother.

While reading these letters, Dara went through a self-exploration journey and gained priceless wisdom that she now shares with her own daughters. This special episode is focused on the way mothers and daughters connect, the challenges of raising a daughter, and the importance of sharing wisdom across generations. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2

In This Episode:

• [ 1:30 ] The start of Dara's story, the pain of losing a mother and the joys of gaining a daughter
• [ 5:11 ] Navigating becoming a mom for the first time without the guidance and support of her own mother
• [ 9:07 ] How Dara tried to convey her mother to her children to create a connection
• [ 10:36 ] The biggest gift the letters from her mother gave to Dara
• [ 16:01 ] Using mother/daughter journals to connect with each other
• [ 18:31 ] Different activities to connect past generations with future generations in family
• [ 21:28 ] How the relationship with her daughters has evolved over time
• [ 24:21 ] Advice for parents who are currently in a difficult season of parenting
• [ 27:43 ] What Dara has learned from her mother/daughter relationships
• [ 31:04 ] Dara's definition of family
• [ 32:47 ] Speaking out about guilt and how to work on feeling guilt
• [ 37:46 ] Tools Dara has used in her journey to personal development
• [ 40:02 ] How to approach the world with new eyes after a difficult period in life
• [ 41:32 ] Where to find resources written by Dara

Takeaways:

• The importance of connecting the past with the present and how it can impact the future of a family. Being connected from one generation to the next, mother to daughter.
• Trying to navigate the challenges of becoming a new mom without the guidance and support from your own mother.
• Embracing each "season" as a parent and understanding the role the parent needs to play for their child in each of those seasons.
• Learning how to recognize and deal with guilt as a parent.
• Different ways of being intentional with connecting past generations with future generations of family.

Links:

• Crazy Perfect Life Website - https://crazyperfectlife.com
• Book: https://bookshop.org/books/i-am-my-mother-s-daughter-wisdom-on-life-loss-and-love/9781942134657

Disclaimer:

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.

The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

Caroline Priebe's journey to Motherhood is what some would consider unconventional. Living in New York City and not feeling confident she would meet someone, Caroline made the decision to pursue motherhood without a partner. After feeling resentful towards the fertility clinics and processes in the United States, Caroline researched clinics overseas, and in the end decided to celebrate her 40th birthday in Denmark, with an intrauterine insemination. Caroline joins Julia in this episode to discuss her journey in becoming a single mother by choice, the challenges the process brings, the benefits of travelling abroad for fertility treatments and how her life has changed since welcoming her daughter into her life. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2

In This Episode:

• [1:49] Introduction to Caroline Priebe
• [2:55] Single mother, by choice
• [5:00] Choosing the medical process of building a family
• [7:00] Caroline is first introduced to the idea of travelling to Denmark for treatment
• [9:11] Caroline begins the preliminary IUI process
• [14:09] Caroline's experience with IUI in Denmark
• [19:17] A journey into single motherhood
• [25:00] Caroline is raising her daughter in the midwest, but misses New York
• [25:58] What is it like to date now?
• [31:44] Caroline's experience with loneliness
• [34:05] Communicating the sperm donor process
• [36:06] Caroline's definition of family
• [36:49] What it means to show up for somebody
• [40:30] Information about Caroline's coaching business

Key Takeaways:

• You do not have to wait for a partner to become a parent.
• Denmark seems to offer a very pleasant experience for those pursuing Intrauterine insemination via a sperm donor.
• Intrauterine insemination is a cheaper venture in Denmark than in the United States.
• Becoming a single mother comes with its challenges, but it is also very fulfilling.

Links Mentioned:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_priebe_life_coach/

Website: https://www.carolineskeltonpriebe.com/links

CAGM insta: https://www.instagram.com/the_cagm/

CUT interview: https://www.thecut.com/2018/05/how-i-got-this-baby-the-mom-who-went-abroad-to-make-a-baby.html

CAGM web: https://www.thecenterfortheadvancementofgarmentmaking.com/

Bio:

Caroline is a sustainable fashion design pioneer and the founder of The Center for the Advancement of Garment Making; a consultancy working to educate and inspire a new guard of fashion leadership that channels the same energy and creativity poured into the design of a garment, into designing business models characterized by their beauty, ethics and ability to create net-positive impact. Caroline is also a Martha Beck certified Life Coach who coaches women through challenging professional and personal transitions and supports them in manifesting a life of their own design.

Disclaimer:

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.

The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

As Jenna Guadagni walked away with her three month old daughter from a relationship that was no longer serving her, she knew she was making the best decision for herself and her child. In this week's episode, we talk with Jenna, a multi hyphenated woman exploring all levels of what strikes her passion in life. She is a trained Shaman, master yoga instructor, meditation teacher, student in Ayurvedic doctor school, and a proud mom. Jenna takes us on her family journey and embraces the ever changing definition of the term "family"; balancing single parenthood, empowering her daughter through spirituality, and how her race and ethnicity affected her as an adopted child and how that has influenced the way in which she raises her daughter.

Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jduhnnie/

Show notes: https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2

In This Episode:

• [ 2:01 ] Jenna's introduction
• [ 5:40 ] What Jenna's path to parenthood looked like
• [ 6:52 ] How becoming a mom changed her perspective on her relationship of eight years
• [ 8:41 ] The values she wanted her daughter to be brought up with
• [ 10:04 ] How Jenna walked away from an eight year relationship
• [ 11:51 ] What co-parenting looks like looks like with her daughter's father
• [ 14:43 ] How Jenna fosters her daughter's spiritual development
• [ 18:00 ] How Jenna's adoptive upbring has shaped how she parents her daughter
• [ 24:53 ] What dating as a single parent looked like for Jenna
• [ 30:48 ] Insights for single parents as they explore their journey forward into dating and to integrating families
• [34:26] How she navigates raising a child of color in an upbringing similar to her own in a predominantly white community
• [37:54] Jenna's definition of family
• [39:42 ] Where Jenna thinks the direction of her family dynamic and journey is heading

Takeaways:

• Knowing when to walk away from a relationship that is no longer serving you
• Leaning in and nurturing spirituality in the development and growth of her daughter
• Dating as a single parent and being valued as an individual first, not as a parent. Having a child shouldn't be the defining factor in establishing a relationship as a single parent.
• How communication for single parents as they explore their journey forward into dating and to integrating families is very important
• Fostering heritage and race in parenting while asking questions and keeping an open dialogue
• The ever growing and evolving concept of family

Disclaimer:

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content that may not be suited to them.

The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

In this episode, Jorge shares his perspective and experience of going through a divorce and blending two families. He reveals to us his journey in love, relationships, and spirituality. I once opened up to Jorge about a complicated relationship I was going through. He gave me an interesting perspective on what to understand and how to think about that relationship. I'm glad he's here today to share his wisdom about the dynamics of relationships and how to honor each other in a respectful, cherishing way that equally builds each other up. Jorge makes a comment about love that is truly intriguing and how one becomes "lovely" when they're in love, which leads to showing your best self to the world and being adored in the eyes of our partners. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2

In This Episode:

• [ 2:07 ] Jorge's introduction to his life and family
• [ 4:52 ] Integrating his children with his second marriage
• [ 7:09 ] The guilt Jorge felt blending his families
• [ 12:01 ] How Jorge acted in his relationship during his youth
• [ 15:51 ] The dynamics of giving and receiving in relationships
• [ 21:29 ] How Jorge wants to receive love from his partner to feel like a King while treating his woman as a Queen
• [ 25:22 ] Did Jorge change his dynamics to approach his second marriage differently?
• [ 29:50 ] What Jorge's blended family life looks like now
• [ 34:10 ] Jorge opened up capacity for love by moving his thoughts from his head to his heart
• [ 35:28 ] The advice Jorge wants others to know who are blending families
• [ 43:13 ] How Jorge defines family for himself

Takeaways:

• Finding ways in a relationship to treat each other like a King and a Queen and honoring those roles in the relationship
• The pain of being in a relationship where you are being treated like a thing that is there to only provide, rather than a loving partner
• Feeling resentment after ending a toxic relationship and finding a new relationship where you feel love for the first time
• Maneuvering the tough dynamics of blending families
• Jorge had feelings of guilt when integrating a new family together because he could not save his previous marriage.
• Spoiling a partner in a relationship and asking for nothing in return can lead to feelings of entitlement from one partner and worthlessness in another. It is essential for partners to show up on equal terms in order to satisfy each other's wants and needs in a healthy, balanced, reciprocal manner.

Disclaimer:

The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.

The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.

For this episode, we are joined by an incredible woman named Laney, who is here to talk about her important journey as a transracial and transnational adoptee. We get a glimpse of her life as she shares her resiliency in trying to find her biological family, yearning to experience that moment of reunification. As a Chinese national adopted by an American family, Laney was determined to follow a path of meaningful exploration of cultural and self identity, digging deep to decipher who she was at her core. Laney offers insightful information for reframing and reshaping the way we think about adoption- to stop looking at adoption through the lens of the adopter but to change the focus to the more important perspective of the adoptee. Today, Laney takes on a key leadership role in supporting other people who are adopted from China. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2

In This Episode:

• [ 3:00 ] Laney's introduction about herself and what her family composition currently looks like
• [ 6:29 ] Laney's experiences growing up as a transracial and transnational adoptee
• [ 9:44 ] Laney's cultural reclamation
• [13:26 ] Where Laney currently is in her reflection around her self identity
• [ 15:40 ] Steps Laney took to learn her more about her culture
• [ 17:54 ] The relationship with her adoptive mom
• [ 19:46 ] The fear of hurting or letting down your adoptive parent as an adoptee
• [ 23:54 ] How she pulled herself out of a deep depression she struggled with as a teenager
• [ 25:45 ] Potentially having a reunion with a family who could be Laney's biological family
• [ 30:36 ] Laney's emotional resilience to continue going through the searching process
• [ 34:32 ] The beautiful and not so beautiful parts of Laney's adoption
• [ 35:55 ] What she wants others to hear about the adoptive experience
• [ 40:43 ] If Laney could go back and tell her younger self something she's learned, what would she want her to know?
• [ 41:38 ] How Laney's adoptive experiences shape her definition of family
• [ 43:35 ] What she hopes people listening will get from hearing her story
• [ 47:18] Where to find Laney
• [ 47:48] What the China's Children International organization Laney co-founded does

Takeaways:

• When looking into the adoption process, it's important to look at the perspective of the adoptee who may hold a different perspective from the adopter
• The struggles and trauma of self and cultural identity being a transracial and transnational adoptee
• As an adoptee, not having the permission to experience your own full range of emotions around your own adoption
• Laney's work with China's Children International, empowering Chinese adoptees from all over the world by providing an inclusive and supportive community for all who share this common beginning.
• Moving away from society's "savior" narrative in relation to adoptions

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