Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Jackson Terkeurst, who shares his harrowing story of growing up in Liberia during the Civil War. Jackson recounts his experiences of fleeing into the jungle, surviving in orphanages, and eventually finding his way to America. He discusses the challenges of adjusting to a new culture, the impact of trauma on his life, and the power of music in his journey. Jackson's story is one of resilience, hope, and the importance of sharing one's narrative to heal and inspire others.

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Anna Linde, a transracial adoptee from Brazil raised in Sweden. Anna shares her experiences of growing up as the only black child in a predominantly white society, the challenges of cultural identity, and the complexities of navigating race and colorblindness in Sweden. She discusses her early life, adoption story, and the impact of her upbringing on her self-perception and relationships, including her experiences with hair and dating. In this conversation, Anna Linde shares her journey of self-discovery through dance, relationships, and her quest to find her biological family. She discusses the complexities of navigating her cultural identity, the challenges of understanding her racial background, and the emotional impact of her reunion with her biological family. The conversation delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, the struggles of being a mixed-race individual, and the profound effects of adoption on personal identity. In this conversation, Anna Linde, Msc, shares her personal journey as an adoptee navigating complex family dynamics, the impact of DNA testing, and the search for identity. She discusses the unique challenges adoptees face regarding belonging and acceptance, particularly in relation to sexual health and mental well-being. Anna emphasizes the importance of understanding the function of sexual connections and how personal experiences can shape professional paths in counseling and therapy. The dialogue highlights the need for open conversations about sexual health, especially for adoptees, and the intersection of mental health and sexual well-being.

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Kim Hill, an adoptee and founder of a nonprofit organization. They discuss Kim's journey of discovering her adoption, the challenges she faced growing up, including rebellion and isolation, and her experience as a teenage mother. The conversation highlights the complexities of identity, family dynamics, and the search for belonging within the context of adoption. In this conversation, Kim Hill shares her journey of early motherhood, the challenges of finding her identity, and the emotional process of reconnecting with her birth family. She reflects on her experiences as a young mother, the struggles with her own family dynamics, and the pivotal moments that led her to search for her birth parents. The discussion highlights the importance of emotional maturity in navigating these complex relationships and the profound impact of reconnecting with one's roots. In this conversation, Kim Hill shares her emotional journey of searching for her birth parents after being adopted. She discusses the complexities of family dynamics, the challenges of meeting her birth mother and father, and the impact of communication on relationships. Kim reflects on her experiences of disappointment, the importance of understanding one's identity, and offers advice for others on similar journeys of self-discovery and reunion.

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Jae, a transracial adoptee from Korea. Jae shares her lifelong awareness of her adoption, her experiences growing up in a predominantly white community, and the challenges of cultural identity. She discusses her journey of self-discovery, including her awakening to her Korean heritage while working at a ramen shop. Jae also talks about her efforts to connect with her biological family and her plans to visit Korea. The conversation highlights the importance of community, cultural exposure, and the complexities of adoption. In this conversation, Jae discusses the seven core issues of adoption, including shame, guilt, and identity, and how these themes are reflected in their music. They share personal experiences of growing up in a religious environment, the journey of self-discovery, and the impact of therapy on mental health. Jae also highlights the importance of addressing substance abuse as a coping mechanism and the significance of upcoming musical performances that explore these themes.

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Astrid Castro, who shares her experiences as a transracial adoptee. Astrid discusses her early life, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the complexities of family dynamics in an adoptive setting. She reflects on her childhood memories, the impact of language loss, and the search for her birth family in Colombia. The conversation delves into the nuances of being adopted, the differences in treatment between biological and adopted children, and the importance of cultural connection. In this conversation, Astrid Castro shares her journey of searching for her birth family and the complexities of navigating her identity as an adoptee. She discusses the challenges and emotions involved in reunion, the ripple effects of adoption on families, and the importance of creating spaces for open conversations about adoption. Through her organization, Adoption Mosaic, she aims to provide education and support for all members of the adoption constellation, emphasizing the need for dialogue around the hard parts of adoption.Adoption Mosaic:https://adoptionmosaic.com/

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Angie Legg, a fellow adoptee, about her unique life story. Angie shares her experiences from being born two months premature to a Haitian immigrant mother, her struggles in the NICU, and the decision made by her birth mother to give her up for adoption due to her medical needs. Angie recounts her journey through foster care, the challenges of being adopted by a white family in the 1980s, and her cultural identity as a Haitian American. The conversation delves into the complexities of her health challenges, the role of her foster mother, and the eventual name change that marked a new chapter in her life. Throughout the discussion, Angie emphasizes the importance of resilience and the unique purpose that her life story holds. In this conversation, Angie Legg shares her journey of navigating cultural identity as a Haitian adoptee raised in a predominantly white environment. She discusses the challenges of maintaining her Haitian culture, the complexities of racial identity, and her eventual reconnection with her birth family. Angie reflects on her childhood experiences, the privilege she recognizes in her life, and the emotional impact of meeting her sister for the first time. The conversation highlights the nuances of identity, family dynamics, and the importance of understanding one's roots. In this conversation, Angie Legg shares her profound journey of reconnecting with her biological family after years of separation. She discusses the complexities of sisterly relationships, the emotional impact of meeting her birth mother, and the challenges faced during her family's reunion. Angie also reflects on the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake and her efforts to support her family during that crisis. Finally, she offers heartfelt advice to adoptees who are considering seeking out their biological families, emphasizing the importance of navigating their unique experiences with openness and hope.

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Tanesha Lawrence about the complexities of abandonment, particularly in the context of adoption. They explore the definition of abandonment, its emotional impact, and the connection to identity issues. Dr. Lawrence shares her personal journey of recognizing her own abandonment issues and the healing process she underwent, emphasizing the importance of community support and self-acknowledgment in healing. The discussion also highlights the need for open conversations about mental health within the Black community and the various resources available for those struggling with abandonment issues.

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith engages in a heartfelt conversation with Morocca, who shares her experiences of being adopted and the challenges she faced throughout her childhood. From discovering her adoption at the age of 11 to enduring physical and emotional abuse, Morocca recounts her tumultuous journey. She discusses her time at House of Hope, a safe haven that provided her with stability and support, and reflects on the complexities of returning to her adoptive home. The conversation delves into the silence surrounding adoption and the search for her biological roots, highlighting the emotional struggles and resilience that come with such experiences. In this conversation, Tarcia shares her profound journey of searching for her biological family after being adopted. She recounts the emotional rollercoaster of discovering her mother's name, learning about her siblings, and navigating the complexities of family dynamics. Through her story, she emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the courage to share one's truth, inspiring others who may be on similar paths.Order your cakes from Morocca!IG:  @oneslicemissing ​

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Callie, a birth mom and founder of Talk About Adoption. Callie shares her personal journey of becoming a birth mom at the age of 15, the challenges she faced, and the support she received from her family and organizations. The conversation delves into the emotional complexities of unexpected pregnancy, the decision against abortion, and the experiences in a maternity home. Callie also discusses the evolution of open adoption and her experiences with the adoptive parents of her son. In this conversation, Callie shares her personal journey of placing a child for adoption and the emotional complexities involved. She discusses the importance of self-improvement, the challenges of navigating open adoption, and the evolution of adoption practices over the years. Callie emphasizes the need for a supportive community for birth mothers and offers advice for women facing unexpected pregnancies, highlighting the importance of exploring all options available to them.

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia speaks with David, a transracial adoptee from the UK. David shares his lifelong awareness of his adoption, growing up in a multicultural environment, and the unique challenges he faced as the only black child in his small town. He discusses his experiences with racism, family dynamics, and the motivations behind his adoptive parents' decision to adopt. David also reflects on his childhood, the impact of a structured upbringing, and his journey to find his birth mother, which was sparked by the birth of his own daughter. In this conversation, David shares his profound journey of reconnecting with his birth family, exploring themes of gratitude, identity, and emotional growth. He reflects on the complexities of navigating relationships with his birth mother and father, the impact of grief after losing his birth mother, and the challenges of being a transracial adoptee. David emphasizes the importance of feeling emotions rather than just thinking about them, offering insights into personal growth and the significance of family connections.