In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, guest Michelle Madrid delves into the complexities of identity, healing, and acceptance in the adoption journey. Michelle shares her personal experiences as an international adoptee and the importance of reconnecting with one's 'first me.' The conversation explores various healing modalities, the significance of supporting adoptees in their journeys, and the impact of reunion with birth families. Michelle emphasizes the importance of embracing ancestral connections and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Important Links

RG Adoption Consulting

• Website → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com

• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

Our Chosen Child

• Use code ROADMAP for $100 off the Social Media Plan + Post Program.→ https://ourchosenchild.com

Michelle Madrid

• Website → https://themichellemadrid.com/

• Instagram

• Unboxed, Unburdened, Unstoppable Podcast

→ https://themichellemadrid.com/podcast

• Book: "Let Us Be Greater" → https://themichellemadrid.com/book

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Identity and Acceptance

09:11 Reconnecting with the First Me

14:34 Exploring Healing Modalities

22:12 Supporting Adoptees in Their Journey

27:01 The Impact of Reunion and Healing

39:05 Embracing Ancestral Connections

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Dr. Max Weinberg discusses the seven core issues of adoption and their impact on children in school settings. He emphasizes the importance of creating adoption-affirming classrooms and the role of teachers in fostering a sense of belonging for adopted children. The conversation also touches on the challenges of disclosure and advocacy for parents navigating the school system, highlighting the need for supportive relationships between families and educators. In this conversation, the speakers explore the multifaceted experience of adoption, emphasizing the importance of community support, the joys and challenges of parenting through adoption, and the need for trauma-informed education in schools. They discuss the significance of building connections within communities, the surprising joys that come from parenting adopted children, and the complexities of navigating trauma in educational settings. The conversation also highlights the domains of belonging for adopted children and offers valuable advice for adoptive parents, ultimately framing adoption as a journey filled with love, resilience, and growth.

Important Links

RG Adoption Consulting

→ https://rgadoptionconsulting.com

Book a 30-Minute Call with our an Adoptive Parent on our Team

→ https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

Solace Gift Boxes

→ https://adoptsolace.com

Dr. Max Weinberg

→ Belonging Education → https://www.belonging.education/

→ IG → https://www.instagram.com/belongingeducation/

→ ⁠Strengthening School Belongingness for Adopted/Looked After Students

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Seven Core Issues of Adoption

07:57 Creating Adoption-Affirming Classrooms

18:01 Navigating Disclosure and Advocacy in Schools

24:37 Building Community Support for Adoptive Families

27:44 The Surprising Joys of Parenting Through Adoption

30:45 Navigating Trauma-Informed Education

34:42 Domains of School Belonging for Adopted Children

40:09 Advice for Adoptive Parents

45:20 The Complexity and Privilege of Adoption

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Dr. Max Weinberg discusses the importance of belonging in educational settings, particularly for adopted children. He shares insights from his personal experiences as a white father raising Black children and emphasizes the need for inclusive, trauma-informed classrooms. The conversation explores the challenges faced by students who feel marginalized and the role of educators in fostering a sense of community and care. Dr. Weinberg advocates for a shift in educational practices to better support diverse learners and highlights the significance of building relationships between students and teachers.

Important Links

RG Adoption Consulting

→ https://rgadoptionconsulting.com

Book a 30-Minute Call with our an Adoptive Parent on our Team

→ https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

Sweet Peach Tree

→ https://sweetpeachtree.com — use code ROADMAP10 for 10% off

Dr. Max Weinberg

→ Belonging Education → https://www.belonging.education/

→ IG → https://www.instagram.com/belongingeducation/

→ Strengthening School Belongingness for Adopted/Looked After Students

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Max Weinberg and His Work

03:50 Understanding Belonging in Education

08:05 The Importance of Welcoming Environments

10:05 Creating a Community of Care

15:17 In Loco Parentis: The Role of Educators

22:21 Personal Experiences Shaping Perspectives on Equity

28:50 The Complexity of Homework and Relationships

31:09 Understanding Learning Differences in Adopted Children

39:41 Building Student Agency and Connection to the World

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, the Rebecca Gruenspan and Birth Mother, Sydney Curtin delve into the complexities of adoption, addressing common myths and emotional realities faced by both adoptive and birth parents. They discuss the importance of open communication, the emotional impact of adoption on children, and the need for clear agreements in open adoption scenarios. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of adoption, as well as preparing for unexpected situations that may arise.

Important Links

RG Adoption Consulting

• Website → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com

• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

Sydney Curtin

• Website → https://www.coachcurtin.com/

• Instagram

• Our Chosen Child - Use code ROADMAP for $100 off the Social Media Plan + Post Program.→ https://ourchosenchild.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adoption Roadmap Podcast

01:17 Understanding Adoption Myths and Realities

03:49 The Emotional Impact of Adoption on Children

07:18 Navigating Open Adoption Agreements

11:36 The Importance of Communication in Adoption

17:22 Preparing for Unexpected Scenarios in Adoption

18:47 Navigating Open Communication in Adoption

21:14 The Impact of Adoption on Identity

25:32 Coaching Women Through Trauma

28:33 Radical Acceptance in Adoption

32:26 Advice for Birth Moms Considering Adoption

33:58 Courageous Considerations: A Resource for Adoption

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan—adoptive parent, consultant, and founder of RG Adoption Consulting—sits down with Sydney Curtin, a birth mother, life coach, speaker, and author of Courageous Considerations: A Guide to Open Adoption, for a raw and deeply honest conversation.

In Part 1, Sydney shares her personal adoption story—one marked by coercion, broken promises, and profound loss. After placing her daughter into what was promised to be an open adoption, Sydney describes how contact slowly diminished, boundaries were repeatedly shifted, and eventually her daughter was moved overseas, dramatically limiting their relationship. Through her lived experience, Sydney sheds light on how power imbalances, lack of informed consent, and unsupported openness agreements can leave birth mothers—and children—bearing long-term emotional consequences.

This first part centers on the human cost of adoption when integrity breaks down. Sydney’s story challenges listeners to reconsider what openness truly requires, how promises in adoption impact a child’s identity, and why adoption must be approached as a lifelong relationship rather than a transaction. Part 1 invites hopeful and adoptive parents alike to sit with discomfort, listen closely, and reflect on the responsibility that comes with saying “yes” to adoption.

Important Links

RG Adoption Consulting

• Website → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com

• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

Sydney Curtin

• Website → https://www.coachcurtin.com/

• Instagram

• Solace Gift Boxes → AdoptSolace.com

Chapters

00:00 – Sponsor Message
01:55 – Episode Introduction
02:10 – “This Isn’t About Intention, It’s About Integrity”
03:08 – Coercion and Family Pressure
04:57 – What She Asked for in an Open Adoption
06:36 – Being Told She Was Asking Too Much
08:30 – What the Open Adoption Agreement Actually Said
09:44 – The Adoption Was Finalized Without Her
10:58 – Her Daughter Was Moved to France
12:15 – Openness Reduced and Mediation Requested
14:30 – The Agreement Is Nullified
15:40 – Adoption Compared to a Marriage
16:24 – Profit, Power, and the Role of Agencies
17:04 – Post-Placement Support and Counseling
18:29 – Legal Rights and PACA Agreements
20:38 – When the Relationship Began to Break Down
22:10 – Losing Her Daughter More Than Once
23:45 – How She Survived the Early Days After Placement
25:56 – A Birthday Call That Changed Everything
26:45 – The Impact on Siblings
27:30 – End of Part 1 / Tease for Part 2

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠ [email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, adoption attorney Genie Gillespie discusses critical aspects of the adoption process, including the importance of putative father registries, the necessity of legal representation, navigating birth mother expenses, and identifying red flags in independent matches. The conversation emphasizes the need for adoptive parents to be informed and proactive in their journey, ensuring they understand their rights and responsibilities while securing the best outcomes for all parties involved. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of adoption, focusing on the financial aspects related to birth parent expenses, the legalities involved in the adoption process, and the critical role of attorneys. They also discuss the importance of understanding legislative changes that could impact adoption, particularly the adoption tax credit, and offer valuable advice for prospective adoptive parents, emphasizing patience and transparency in the adoption journey.

Important Links

RG Adoption Consulting• Website → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com

• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

Genie Miller Gillespie, Esq.

• Website → https://illinoisadoptionlawyer.com/

Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA / Quad A)• Website → https://adoptionart.org

Our Chosen Child - Use code ROADMAP for $100 off the Social Media Plan + Post Program.→ https://ourchosenchild.com

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Putative Father Registries

07:30 The Role of Attorneys in Adoption

15:32 Navigating Birth Mother Expenses

23:50 Red Flags in Independent Matches

23:55 Navigating Birth Parent Expenses

26:02 Understanding Adoption Legalities

29:04 The Role of Attorneys in Adoption

33:52 Legislative Changes Impacting Adoption

37:51 Advice for Adoptive Parents

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Genie Miller Gillespie, one of the most respected adoption attorneys in the country, for a clear, grounded conversation about the legal realities of adoption—without the fear-mongering.

With more than 30 years of experience in adoption, guardianship, and reproductive law, Genie breaks down what hopeful adoptive parents actually need to know about openness, contested adoptions, and legal risk. Together, Rebecca and Jeannie unpack common myths fueled by “Lifetime movie” narratives and replace them with real-world context, clarity, and reassurance.

Important Links

Solace Gift Boxes

→ https://adoptsolace.com

RG Adoption Consulting• Website → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

Genie Miller Gillespie, Esq.

• Website → https://illinoisadoptionlawyer.com/

Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA / Quad A)• Website → https://adoptionart.org

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Adoption Landscape

02:35 The Evolution of Openness in Adoption

06:03 Understanding Legal Risks in Adoption

15:53 The Complexities of Fatherhood in Adoption

21:33 Defining Legal Relationships in Adoption

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Leah Outten and Raquel McCloud share their profound experiences as birth mothers, discussing the emotional complexities of adoption, resilience, and the impact of their viral reunion video. They explore themes of personal growth, the challenges of navigating open adoption, and the importance of being a safe space for their children. The conversation delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, the significance of identity, and the journey of breaking generational cycles. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of adoption, focusing on the relationships between birth mothers, adoptive parents, and children. They discuss the importance of open communication, the need for education about birth mothers, and the impact of trauma on children. The speakers also highlight the significance of storytelling in the adoption journey and introduce the Ampersand Initiative, which aims to build community and resilience among those affected by adoption.

Important Links

Our Chosen Child - Use code ROADMAP for $100 off the Social Media Plan + Post Program.→ https://ourchosenchild.com

RG Adoption Consulting

• Website → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

The Ampersand Initiative

• Website → https://theampersandinitiative.org• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/theampersandinitiative

Raquel McCloud

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/mccloudlife/?__pwa=1

Leah Outten

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/leahoutten/?__pwa=1

Chapters

00:00 Resilience Through Pain

06:22 Breaking Cycles and Thriving

11:31 The Impact of Viral Moments

16:48 Navigating Open Adoption Dynamics

23:30 The Complexities of Reunion and Parenting

31:37 Navigating College Transitions and Relationships

34:05 Understanding Birth Mothers: Misconceptions and Realities

40:03 Supporting Children Through Trauma

42:34 The Power of Storytelling in Adoption

46:47 The Ampersand Initiative: Building Community and Resilience

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Guests Leah Outten and Raquel McCloud share their deeply personal stories as birth mothers navigating the complexities of adoption. They discuss their unique experiences, the challenges they faced, and the support systems that helped them through their journeys. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, the impact of isolation, and the role of adoption agencies in shaping their paths. Leah and Raquel also emphasize the need for open communication and understanding in the adoption process, advocating for the voices of birth mothers to be heard and respected.

Important Links

Our Chosen Child - Use code ROADMAP for $100 off the Social Media Plan + Post Program.→ https://ourchosenchild.com

RG Adoption Consulting

• Website → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

The Ampersand Initiative

• Website → https://theampersandinitiative.org• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/theampersandinitiative

Raquel McCloud

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/mccloudlife/?__pwa=1

Leah Outten

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/leahoutten/?__pwa=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Adoption Journey

03:09 Personal Stories of Resilience

05:59 Navigating Adoption Decisions

09:02 Support Systems in Adoption

12:01 The Impact of Isolation

14:59 Emancipation and Independence

17:47 The Role of Agencies in Adoption

21:13 Resilience Born from Pain

24:13 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this unforgettable conversation, former NFL superstar Ricky Watters—Super Bowl champion, five-time Pro Bowler, and one of the most versatile running backs in football history—opens up about the story most people don’t know: his journey as an adoptee and now as an adoptive father.

Ricky shares how he accidentally learned he was adopted at age 10, the confusion and hurt that followed, and the sense of belonging he struggled to piece together as a child. He talks about the moments he wishes someone had spoken directly to his younger self—words he now pours into his son Shane with intention, honesty, and unconditional love.

Together, Ricky and Rebecca explore how raising his son through interracial and international adoption helped him heal parts of his own identity story, and how transparency, openness, and affirmation became non-negotiables in his home. Ricky also reflects on the moment he met his biological family, the creative passions he inherited from them, and how rediscovering his roots helped complete the puzzle of who he is today.

Important Links

🔗 Important LinksRG Adoption Consulting

https://rgadoptionconsulting.com

Book a 30-Minute Consult with Rebecca
https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

Official Site → https://rickywatters.com

About Ricky WattersInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/rickywatters/?hl=en
A Gift Called Shane (children’s book) →⁠ https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Called-Shane-Ricky-Watters/dp/1965438008

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adoption Challenges

02:55 Ricky Waters: A Journey of Identity and Healing

07:04 Navigating Adoption: Ricky's Experience and Lessons

10:35 Raising Shane: Healing Through Fatherhood

15:57 The Gift Called Shane: A Children's Book on Adoption

20:09 Cultural Identity and Family Dynamics

23:21 Advice for Adoptive Parents

26:32 Conclusion: The Ultimate Love of Adoption

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠