The Adoption Journey Podcast

In this powerful episode, Tanisha Bankston shares her harrowing journey from childhood trauma and abuse to finding her voice and purpose. Adopted at a young age, Tanisha faced unimaginable challenges, including sexual abuse and domestic violence. Despite these adversities, she emerged as a survivor, using her experiences to empower others and break the cycle of abuse. Her story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the importance of speaking out.

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith welcomes back repeat guest Koko and her brother Eric Shaw to discuss their experiences as Black adoptees. They reflect on the recent Black Adoptee Meetup 2024, sharing how it was a profound and healing experience for them. The conversation delves into their personal stories of growing up adopted, the dynamics of their adoptive family, and the impact of their adoptive parents on their lives. Eric and Koko share their differing experiences with their adoptive mother, highlighting the complexities of their relationships and the challenges they faced. They also discuss the effects of trauma and the importance of addressing it to break the cycle for future generations. In this conversation, Eric and Koko delve into their experiences with trauma, family dynamics, and the impact of narcissism on their lives. They discuss the challenges of reconnecting with their birth families, the complexities of their relationships with their adoptive mother, and the importance of setting boundaries for self-love and healing. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of understanding narcissistic traits and the necessity of prioritizing one's well-being in the face of familial challenges.

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Jade, a transracial adoptee who shares her harrowing experiences of growing up in foster care and navigating multiple adoptive families. Jade recounts her early life in a chaotic home, her time in a therapeutic foster home where she faced abuse, and her struggles with cultural identity in a conservative adoptive family. The conversation highlights the complexities of adoption, the impact of trauma, and the resilience required to overcome such challenges. In this conversation, Jade shares her profound journey through childhood trauma, foster care, and the complexities of adoption. She discusses the challenges she faced while growing up in an abusive foster home, her decision to run away, and the eventual adoption by a loving family. Jade also reflects on her reconnection with her biological family, the struggles of navigating cultural identity as a transracial adoptee, and the importance of advocacy for foster children. Her story is one of resilience, personal growth, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.

Summary

In this episode, host Tarsha Smith connects with her cousin Jerome, whom she recently discovered through her paternal side of the family. Jerome shares his experience as an adoptive parent and discusses why he and his wife decided to adopt. They also talk about the challenges and adjustments their biological children had to make when they welcomed foster children into their home. The conversation explores the process of fostering and adoption, as well as the importance of empathy and living out one's faith. In this conversation, Jerome Chandler discusses his experience as a foster and adoptive parent. He talks about the process of becoming a foster parent, including the extensive background checks and home inspections. Jerome emphasizes the importance of maintaining therapy appointments and documenting the child's progress. He also addresses the concern of children being lost in the system and assures that in his case, the agency and state were actively involved in checking on the children. Jerome shares that the adjustment of the adoptive children has had its ups and downs, but overall, they have been doing well. He highlights the importance of open communication and family therapy in resolving conflicts and building stronger relationships. Jerome also discusses the role of faith and therapy in his parenting journey. He encourages potential foster and adoptive parents to do inner work, take classes, practice discipline techniques, and seek support from a support group.

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Kimberly Carter, a fellow adoptee, about her experiences growing up knowing she was adopted, the emotional complexities of her journey, and her eventual search for her birth family. Kimberly shares her feelings of shame and relief, the challenges of navigating relationships with both her adoptive and biological families, and the importance of self-care and community support during the search process. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding one's identity and the healing journey for adoptees.

Summary

The conversation revolves around the Black Adoptee Meetup, highlighting the experiences, connections, and cultural significance of the event. The speakers share their personal stories, the importance of creating a safe space for dialogue, and the unique challenges faced by Black adoptees. They reflect on the impact of the meetup and express gratitude for the community formed, emphasizing the need for such gatherings in the future.

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Dominique Williams, who shares his unique story of searching for his father after growing up without him. Dominique discusses his childhood experiences, the challenges of not having a father figure, and the emotional journey of discovering his family through DNA testing. He recounts the steps he took to find his father, the initial contact, and the subsequent building of relationships with newfound family members. Dominique offers insights and advice for others who may be on a similar journey of searching for lost family connections.

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tony Hynes, who shares his personal experiences with adoption, foster care, and identity. Tony reflects on his early awareness of being adopted, the complexities of his family dynamics, and the impact of cultural differences on his upbringing. He discusses the challenges faced by interracial adoptive families, the motivations behind adoption, and the importance of understanding one's identity, especially in the context of race and family. The conversation also touches on the significance of hair as a cultural marker, navigating relationships in a gay household, and the ongoing complexities of relationships with birth families. Tony emphasizes the importance of support for adoptees and the need to hold space for all emotions related to adoption.

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Harsha Smith speaks with Adrienne Tucker, an adoptive mother who shares her emotional and transformative journey to motherhood through adoption. Adrienne discusses her background in working with victims of sex trafficking, her struggles with infertility, and the unique circumstances that led her to adopt a child. She highlights the challenges of navigating the adoption process, including cultural considerations and the importance of community support. Adrienne also shares her experiences with fundraising for adoption, the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for a child, and the joy of finally holding her baby. The conversation emphasizes the significance of open adoption and the importance of being honest with adopted children about their origins. Ultimately, Adrienne's story is one of hope, love, and the power of community in the adoption journey.

Summary

In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith engages in a heartfelt conversation with Morgan Harvey about her experiences with adoption, DNA testing, and the search for her birth family. Morgan shares her emotional journey of discovering her roots, connecting with her birth family, and navigating complex relationships with her birth parents. The discussion highlights the impact of identity, the significance of family connections, and the ongoing process of self-discovery and healing that comes with understanding one's origins.