Sooki Jalali was part of the first wave of Korean adoptees and grew up in her orphanage as a “house mother” from age 5 until approximately 12 or 14 yrs old, when she was adopted to a single mother and her sister and grew up in Minnesota.

Join us as Sooki sits down with Laurie and Claire and intimately shares her unique experiences as an independent adoptee and how her own curiosity about self worth, happiness, and inward journey to live a life of purpose has led her down a path of self empowerment and personal development.

She is a certified life coach and also a certified yoga instructor. She continually works towards personal transformation and she is following her calling to be a facilitator of inner work.

Get ready to hear our vulnerable stories and connect. We share practical tools for empowerment and the challenges we have experienced along the way.


Join us as we share our personal experiences, vulnerabilities, and insights, offering inspiration and support for the Adoptee Healing Journey.


Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to be inspired and empowered on your own journey of healing and transformation.


If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:

Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/
Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee 
Instagram: the.empowered.adoptee
Email: [email protected]


If you are interested in attending The Empowered Adoptee Retreat, our upcoming retreat will be help Oct 25-28 in Shenandoah Valley, VA. Tickets are available now.


Don't miss your chance — reserve your spot today before tickets sell out!


Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.


New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show

In this episode of the podcast, Jolie Wermter joins Laurie and Claire for a panel discussion on Intersectional Identity, which will be a topic of one of the workshops at our upcoming KAD retreat - The Empowered Adoptee Retreat.

The Big 8 social identities are often tied to power, privilege, and oppression in our society. These include Ability, Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Race/Color, and Socioeconomic Status. We explore how other identities like Immigrant status impact and shape us, while acknowledging that these identities are just a starting point.

We share our own personal experiences with these identities and how they have shaped our lives as Korean adoptees. We also discuss the unique challenges that come with being an immigrant, specifically the idea that "Immigrant" is not the narrative we're told is part of our story. Instead, many Korean adoptees have experienced "forced emigration without immigrant community."

Throughout the discussion, we emphasize the importance of recognizing and understanding the various intersections of our identities, and how this can help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. We encourage listeners to consider how their own identities have shaped their experiences and to be mindful of the ways in which power, privilege, and oppression intersect in their own lives.

This episode provides a valuable insight into the complexities of intersectional identity and how it relates to the experiences of Korean adoptees. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring their own identity and understanding the experiences of others.


Get ready to hear our vulnerable stories and connect. We share practical tools for empowerment and the challenges we have experienced along the way.


Join us as we share our personal experiences, vulnerabilities, and insights, offering inspiration and support for the Adoptee Healing Journey.


Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to be inspired and empowered on your own journey of healing and transformation.


If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:

Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/
Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee 
Instagram: the.empowered.adoptee
Email: [email protected]


If you are interested in attending The Empowered Adoptee Retreat, our upcoming retreat will be help Oct 25-28 in Shenandoah Valley, VA. Tickets are available now.


Don't miss your chance — reserve your spot today for 15% off the full price until September 2nd!



Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.


New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show

In this episode, we sit down with Ji Young, a Korean adoptee who has been living in Seoul for five years and she shares how her unique experiences has led her to incredible strength, resiliency, inner wisdom, peace, and personal growth. She is a true inspiration and a light in this community!

As someone who is differently abled with cerebral palsy, Ji Young has done extensive research on accessibility in Korea and wants to share her experiences with others who may be considering moving here. She discusses the challenges she has faced and the resources she has found to help navigate life in Korea with a disability.

Ji Young is a valuable resource for anyone who is differently abled and considering visiting or moving to Korea. She is passionate about helping others and wants to share her experiences to make life in Korea more accessible for all.

 We invite you to reach out to Ji Young at [email protected]



*Trigger warning:* This episode may contain sensitive topics related to childhood and adolescence abuse and neglect. If you feel you are not emotionally ready to listen, please take care of yourself and consider returning to this episode at a later time. 


If you are needing emotional support, please reach out to Claire and Laurie here: [email protected]


Get ready to hear our vulnerable stories and connect. We share practical tools for empowerment and the challenges we have experienced along the way.


Join us as we share our personal experiences, vulnerabilities, and insights, offering inspiration and support for the Adoptee Healing Journey.


Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to be inspired and empowered on your own journey of healing and transformation.


If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:

Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee 
Instagram: the.empowered.adoptee
Email: [email protected]



Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.


New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show

Join Laurie, Claire, and Jolie while we share exciting live updates about our upcoming Empowered Adoptee Retreat!

The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.

Build Your Community - Find meaningful connections with other Korean Adoptees on a similar journey.

Explore Your Identity - Connect with your heritage through Korean cooking, music, tea ceremonies, and more.

Discover Your Power - A safe, nurturing space to help you process your emotions, build resilience, and grow.

Our second retreat will be held October 25-28 in Shenandoah Valley, VA (1 hour from Charlottesville).

Check out more information and sign up now until September 2nd with our Early Bird Discount!

https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/

Get ready to hear our vulnerable stories and connect. We share practical tools for empowerment and the challenges we have experienced along the way.


Join us as we share our personal experiences, vulnerabilities, and insights, offering inspiration and support for the Adoptee Healing Journey.


Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to be inspired and empowered on your own journey of healing and transformation.


If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:

Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee 
Instagram: the_empowered_adoptee_podcast


Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.


New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show

DeLa Dos is a Korean adoptee from Washington, D.C. who works in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Join us as DeLa shares their story of growing up Asian in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee. The unique experiences and the challenges they faced in navigating multiple identities has shaped their perspective on identity and belonging. 


By the end of the episode, listeners will have a deeper understanding of the experiences of Korean adoptees and the importance of embracing multiple identities. We hope this episode will inspire us all to take steps towards creating more inclusive spaces and fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals.

DeLa Dos currently lives in Washington, DC where they serve as the senior director, Learning + Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Association of Research Libraries—a nonprofit membership organization of research libraries and archives in major public and private universities, federal government agencies, and large public institutions in Canada and the US. Prior to this role, they worked in higher education administration for over a decade serving in a number of capacities including directing multicultural affairs and social justice education departments as well as an instructor and adjunct professor. DeLa holds a PhD in counselor education and supervision with a cognate in educational leadership as well as an MS in community counseling from Mercer University. They earned their BA from Emory University with majors in dance & movement studies and religion and a minor in sociology.

If you would like to reach out to DeLa, please do so here: [email protected]


Get ready to hear our vulnerable stories and connect. We share practical tools for empowerment and the challenges we have experienced along the way.


Join us as we share our personal experiences, vulnerabilities, and insights, offering inspiration and support for the Adoptee Healing Journey.


Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to be inspired and empowered on your own journey of healing and transformation.


If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:

Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Podcast
Instagram: the_empowered_adoptee_podcast


Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.


New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show

In this episode of the podcast, Laurie and Claire share podcast updates and exciting upcoming events. 


Claire is currently in Seoul, and the Dream Team will be livestreaming from The Empowered Adoptee Podcast Facebook page soon. We are excited to announce that we will open up registrations for our second Empowered Adoptee Retreat soon!

Throughout the episode, we offer support for anyone interested in attending a retreat or exploring their adoption journey. We also discuss the broader mission of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast and how we strive to create a supportive community for adoptees around the world.


Get ready to hear our vulnerable stories and connect. We share practical tools for empowerment and the challenges we have experienced along the way.


Join us as we share our personal experiences, vulnerabilities, and insights, offering inspiration and support for the Adoptee Healing Journey.


Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to be inspired and empowered on your own journey of healing and transformation.


If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:

Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Podcast
Instagram: the_empowered_adoptee_podcast


Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.


New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Mihyun Lee, a Somatic Movement Therapist who works with Korean adoptees on their healing journeys. She uses somatic movement to help her clients tap into the unconscious memories and emotions that are being stored in the body.

We discuss how somatic movement therapy can be particularly effective for adoptees, who often carry a lot of unprocessed trauma and emotion in their bodies. We explore the ways in which somatic movement can help adoptees gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, develop self-awareness, and release emotional blockages.


Mihyun is a Somatic Movement Therapist, Associate Marriage Family Therapist, a dancer, improviser, and mother of 3, who studied Korean traditional dance and is now living in The Bay Area, in San Francisco CA. Mihyun leads many workshops and supports KADs on their healing journeys. She recently facilitated a powerful workshop at The Empowered Adoptee Retreat this past April in CA.


Please connect with Mihyun at https://www.movementflow.org/
and also on social media @kinesiopsychotherapy


Get ready to hear our vulnerable stories and connect. We share practical tools for empowerment and the challenges we have experienced along the way.


Join us as we share our personal experiences, vulnerabilities, and insights, offering inspiration and support for the Adoptee Healing Journey.


Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to be inspired and empowered on your own journey of healing and transformation.


If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:

Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Podcast
Instagram: the_empowered_adoptee_podcast


Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.


New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show

Join us as we explore the significance of community, support networks, and chosen family for adoptees who are seeking true belonging and happiness. We discuss how adoptees can often feel disconnected from the world, why we struggle to feel at home, and how we create that feeling of home within ourselves.

Throughout the episode, Laurie and Claire offer practical tips and advice for adoptees who are seeking to build stronger connections and find their sense of belonging. We discuss the importance of healthy attachment, authenticity, and actively pursuing opportunities for connection and growth.

By the end of the episode, listeners will have a better understanding of the unique challenges adoptees face when it comes to feeling at home and finding true belonging. 


Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us!

If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:

Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Podcast
Instagram: the_empowered_adoptee_podcast



Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.


New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show

In this episode, we delve into the complex and problematic history of Asian misrepresentation in media. From enduring stereotypes and personal impacts, to the broader impact on society, we uncover the layers of this issue and discuss ways to move forward. 


Listen in while Laurie and Claire explore how these portrayals have shaped perceptions and discuss what we believe can be done to challenge and change the narrative.


Connect with us as we share our vulnerable stories, connect, and offer practical tools for empowerment. We discuss the challenges faced along the way and the steps we have taken to overcome them.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Asian misrepresentation in the media and learn how to navigate breaking the stereotypes. We hope that you listen to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, get inspired and empowered on your own journey of healing and transformation.


Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us!

If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:

Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Podcast
Instagram: the_empowered_adoptee_podcast



Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.


New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show

In this episode, we delve into the complex issue of estrangement in adoption, exploring the nuanced experiences of adoptees while we navigate relationships. Understanding the adoptee experience is crucial to repairing and nurturing relationships with adoptees and adopted families.

Listen in while Laurie and Claire discuss causes of estrangement, personal experiences with estrangement in our adopted families and other relationships, estrangement vs. ghosting, and pathways to repair. Connect with us as we share our vulnerable stories, connect, and offer practical tools for empowerment. We discuss the challenges faced along the way and the steps we have taken to overcome them.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of estrangement in adoption and learn how to navigate these challenging relationships. We hope that you listen to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, get inspired and empowered on your own journey of healing and transformation.


Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us!

If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:

Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Podcast
Instagram: the_empowered_adoptee_podcast


Big announcement: We just announced the location and dates of our next retreat! Listen to the end of this episode to hear where The Empowered Adoptee Retreat will be held next!!


Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.


New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show