In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Lorna Little, a late discovery adoptee who shares her profound journey of discovering her adoption at the age of 33. Lorna recounts the shocking moment she learned about her adoption while applying for a passport, leading to a cascade of revelations about her birth parents and the complex family dynamics that ensued. Throughout the conversation, Lorna reflects on her emotional journey, the challenges of keeping her adoption a secret, and her eventual search for her birth family, culminating in a heartfelt reunion. In this conversation, Lorna Little shares her profound journey of discovering her birth family, the emotional complexities of adoption, and the importance of open communication about family histories. She reflects on her experiences of connecting with her birth mother and siblings, the challenges of navigating relationships, and the significance of understanding one's identity. Lorna emphasizes the need for honesty in adoption narratives and offers valuable advice for late discovery adoptees, highlighting the emotional stages of grief and the importance of feeling one's feelings.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.