The Adoption Roadmap Podcast

In this episode of This Week in Adoption, Rebecca Gruenspan shares personal and professional updates, starting with her son's Bar Mitzvah, which also served as a celebration of open adoption, highlighting the involvement of her son's birth family. She discusses recent developments in adoption regulations, including a Federal Trade Commission warning to intermediaries about misleading practices. The episode also covers various adoption subsidies, grants, and financial assistance options shared by families in the adoption community, offering insights into navigating financial challenges. Finally, she answers listener questions on topics like Ronald McDonald House stays and thoughtful gift ideas for birth mothers.

Important Links

https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/ 

https://www.vestaforfamilies.com/ 

 Kelly Ellison Episode of The Adoption Roadmap

https://ohiokan.ohio.gov/ 

FTC New Regulations on Intermediaries Misleading Parents 

Ronald McDonald House Charities  

Ohio PASS Program Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy

Solace Box

RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:59 Celebrating Milestones in Adoption

06:40 Navigating Adoption Regulations and Ethics

11:51 Financial Support and Resources for Adoption

22:40 Community Insights and Support Systems

25:41 Addressing Concerns and Communication in Adoption

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. 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 Adoption Roadmap Podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Josie Mi, a Chinese-American adoptee and the newest member of the RG Adoption Consulting team. Josie shares her journey of self-discovery, reflecting on her experiences growing up as a transracial adoptee in Los Angeles and Michigan. From celebrating Chinese traditions to reconnecting with her heritage through cooking, Josie provides insight into how she has navigated her identity and her complex relationship with her birth culture. Rebecca and Josie’s conversation covers key topics such as the significance of finding a supportive community, the challenges of growing up in predominantly white spaces, and the healing power of embracing one's culture on one's own terms. This episode is an insightful exploration of identity, heritage, and self-acceptance for adoptees and adoptive parents alike. 

Important Links

Adopteen IG 

The Park Adoption Community Center 

https://www.23andme.com/

Tipping Point Theatre - The Chinese Lady

RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:21 Cultural Heritage and Identity

13:16 Returning to Roots: A Trip to China

18:17 The Impact of Cooking on Identity

30:04 Navigating Creativity and Expression

37:24 The Decision Not to Search for Birth Parents

44:20 Pride in Being an Adoptee

57:09 Advice for Adoptees and Adoptive Parents

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. 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 This Week in Adoption, Rebecca Gruenspan shares her busy week preparing for her son's bar mitzvah while managing multiple adoption situations. She discusses the emotional challenges faced by adoptive families who experience a failed match, the lingering trauma, and the complexities of rematching. Rebecca also addresses the legalities of adoption for unmarried couples, advising on the need to adopt as a single person or get married before proceeding. Additionally, she touches on an increase in medically complex adoption cases and the recent closure of adoptions from China, emphasizing the challenges in international adoption. Lastly, she encourages hopeful adoptive parents to take the "Are You Ready to Adopt?" quiz on RG Adoption Consulting’s website.

Important Links

Gift of Adoption Fund

RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:59 Navigating the Adoption Process

04:29 The Emotional Impact of Adoption

09:07 Adoption as a Single Parent

11:41 Current Trends in Adoption

12:53 International Adoption Challenges

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. 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 interviews Tarcia Smith, a wellness coach, certified extreme hip-hop instructor, and host of the Adoption Journey podcast. Tarcia shares her journey as a Black adoptee raised by a Black family in a predominantly white community. She discusses the challenges of navigating her identity, her curiosity about her birth family, and the emotional complexities of her reunion with both her biological mother and father. Tarcia emphasizes the importance of transparency in adoption, learning to navigate both worlds as a Black adoptee, and the nuances of adoption within the Black community. Through her podcast and wellness coaching, Tarcia reflects on how her adoption experience shaped her worldview and professional approach. This candid and powerful conversation delves into themes of identity, family dynamics, and the healing power of embracing one's story.

Important Links

The Adoption Journey Podcast with Tarcia Smith

The Birth Parent Finder

Jay Rosenzweig and Team at The Birth Parent Finder  

Yes, We Adopt - Online Source of Hope and Inspiration for Adoption in the Black Community 

Styles 4 Kidz

In Search of A Salve by Dr. Katherine Garland

Black Adoptee Meetup October 11th and 12th  

The Dash Poem by Linda Ellis  

https://www.ancestry.com/  

RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Surrounded by Love by Allison Olson

Learning About my Friend's Adoption by Allison Olson

Brianna's Brave Day at School by Francine Apy 

Chapters

02:21 Tarsha's Adoption Journey

03:47 Discovering Identity and Adoption

08:58 Navigating Closed Adoptions

12:36 Curiosity About Birth Family

19:15 Growing Up in a Predominantly White Community

23:39 The Nuances of Black Adoption

27:00 Community Perceptions of Adoption

31:11 Challenges in Formal Adoption

38:25 The Importance of Sharing Stories

42:23 Reunion with Birth Family

50:31 Finding My Birth Father

01:01:22 Grief and Connection

01:07:42 Lessons from the Podcast

01:12:27 Influence on Professional Life

01:14:58 Obedience and Purpose

01:19:27 Advice for Black Families and Adoptees

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. 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 This Week in Adoption, host Rebecca Gruenspan provides a personal example of the beauty of open adoption by sharing her excitement for her son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah, which will include his birth family. This episode also offers practical advice for adoptive parents on preparing for newborn withdrawal symptoms in cases of substance exposure and stresses the importance of seeing the baby and consulting a doctor before finalizing an adoption in baby-born situations. Rebecca stresses the need to be aware of the signs and offers comfort strategies, like skin-to-skin contact, for parents. Rebecca wraps up with tips for the first call with a birth mother and highlights RG Adoption’s "Honor the Triad" t-shirts, with proceeds supporting the Gift of Adoption Fund. 

Important Links

Gift of Adoption Fund 

Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys 

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:58 Personal Reflections on Adoption

06:10 Understanding Withdrawal in Newborns

10:40 Preparing for the Adoption Process

14:41 Navigating the First Call with Birth Parents

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. 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, host Rebecca Gruenspan continues a deep conversation with guest Damon Davis about mental health, adoption, and the complex emotions surrounding the journey to find biological family members. Damon shares his personal story about growing up with an adoptive mother who struggled with paranoid schizophrenia and dementia, and how her mental illness affected their relationship. He discusses the emotional challenges of searching for his biological mother while grappling with his adoptive mother’s deteriorating health. The episode explores themes of self-reflection, balancing expectations, and the importance of preparing mentally for potential outcomes in reunions. Damon also touches on his experiences as an adoptee, an adoptive parent, and a podcast host, emphasizing the need for open communication, empathy, and self-healing in the adoption process. 

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Who Am I Really: An Adoptee Memoir  

Who Am I…Really? Podcast 

Damon Davis - Linkedin 

Gift of Adoption Fund 

23andme

AncestryDNA  

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:48 Mental Health and Adoption

10:02 Searching for Biological Family

20:39 Parenting Challenges in Adoption

39:51 Open vs Closed Adoption

51:18 The Power of Storytelling in Adoption

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. 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 This Week in Adoption, host Rebecca Greenspan broadcasts live from the Florida Adoption Council Conference, where she discusses key adoption topics with adoption professionals and attendees. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of early education for hopeful adoptive parents and highlights the value of having a trusted support team, including consultants and adoption-competent therapists. Guests, including attorney Ellen Kaplan and others from the adoption field, discuss topics such as the rising costs of adoption, the power dynamics between adoptive parents and agencies, and the need for authenticity in adoption profiles. Rebecca encourages hopeful adoptive parents to approach the process with hope and excitement rather than fear, reinforcing the importance of being prepared and real throughout the journey.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Florida Adoption Council

Ellen Kaplan Adoptions

Destiny Adoption Services 

Lisa Cuffaro   

Rob Harrell - Adoption Attorney & Founder of the Florida Adoption Council 

Your Adoption Finance Coach

Surrounded by Love by Allison Olson

Learning About my Friend's Adoption by Allison Olson
Brianna's Brave Day at School by Francine Apy

RG Adoption Finance Coaching 

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

03:00 Insights from the Florida Adoption Council Conference

06:09 The Importance of Education in Adoption

08:57 Understanding Power Dynamics in Adoption

12:12 Navigating the Adoption Process

15:05 Creating Authentic Adoption Profiles

18:07 Embracing Hope in the Adoption Journey

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. 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, host Rebecca Greenspan interviews Damon Davis, creator of the podcast Who Am I Really? Damon shares his personal adoption story, including the emotional journey of reuniting with his biological family and the challenges of navigating relationships with both his adoptive and birth parents. He also discusses the importance of adoptees finding community, the complexities of identity, and the varied experiences of adoptees on their journeys. Damon emphasizes the need for adoptive parents to prepare for future conversations about their child's adoption, highlighting the importance of being supportive when adoptees search for their biological families. This episode provides deep insights into the emotional layers of adoption, the importance of openness, and the challenges adoptees face as they explore their identity.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Who Am I Really: An Adoptee Memoir  

Who Am I…Really? Podcast 

Damon Davis - Linkedin 

Gift of Adoption Fund 

23andme

AncestryDNA  

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:55 The Journey of Adoption: Insights from Damon Davis

14:57 Common Themes in Adoptee Experiences

24:34 The Search for Identity and Biological Roots

39:43 The Role of Adoptive Parents in Storytelling

55:16 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. 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 This Week in Adoption, host Rebecca Gruenspan shares practical advice for adoptive parents preparing to bring home their newborns. Topics include essential items for travel and temporary stays, such as portable bassinets, baby wraps, diapers, and bottles. Rebecca also discusses the benefits of staying in Airbnb’s versus hotels during the adoption process, highlighting the convenience of having laundry facilities and baby supplies. She emphasizes setting boundaries with expectant moms and offers words of encouragement for families facing challenges in their adoption journey.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Babyquip 

New Parents Academy 

www.amazon.com/baby 

Airbnb 

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

03:00 Preparing for Your Adopted Baby: Newborn Essentials and Sleeping Arrangements

09:30 Choosing Between Airbnb and Hotel During the Adoption Process

13:37 Using Selfies in Adoption Profiles: Dos and Don'ts

15:18 Setting Boundaries with Financial Assistance for Expectant Mothers

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. 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, Rebecca Gruenspan interviews Kate Papkin, a breast cancer survivor and real estate professional, who shares her emotional journey of battling cancer, infertility, and eventually adopting her daughter, Alexandra. Kate reflects on the challenges of losing her fertility at 33, navigating failed IVF and surrogacy attempts, and the strength it took to pursue adoption. Despite initial hesitancy from her husband, Sam, they found hope through the adoption process, which led to a deeper connection with their adopted daughter and a sense of completeness in their family. Kate emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in medical, professional, and personal settings, and how her mindset coaching played a crucial role in her perseverance. This episode highlights Kate’s resilience, love for her family, and the life-changing impact of adoption.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

The Parent's Report Card by Kate Papkin

Keller Williams BOLD Mindset Training Program

Mel Robins - (Mel Robins 5 second rule)

Rachel Patten - Senior Adoption Consultant at RG Adoption   

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:27 Facing Breast Cancer and Fertility Challenges

04:24 Kate Papkin's Adoption Journey

08:35 Grieving and Exploring Alternative Paths

14:09 Sam's Initial Resistance to Adoption

20:15 The Power of Intention and Letter Writing

26:40 Learning About Adoption and the Home Study Process

30:31 The Strength of a Partnership and the Love of a Family

33:05 Navigating the Adoption Journey: One Step at a Time

37:00 The Power of Mindset and Self-Advocacy in Adoption

48:16 The Parents Report Card: Fostering Open Dialogues

53:42 Leading by Example: Lessons from Parenting

57:13 Gratitude and a Positive Mindset in Adoption

59:01 Sharing Your Story: Support and Inspiration

01:02:44 The Importance of Hope in the Adoption Journey

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. 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]⁠⁠⁠