The Fearless Fostering Podcast

Between managing the emotions of your kids, navigating family gatherings, and trying to create a joyful atmosphere, the holidays can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there, and I know how heavy it can feel to balance the joy of the season with the complexities of foster care or adoption.

The good news is that you don’t have to just survive the holidays—you can thrive. That's what this episode is all about!

Apply here for the next round of Fearless Fostering: https://fearlessfostering.selfcarebestie.com/fearless-fostering

Get your FREE Holiday Planner here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

As a foster or adoptive mom, one of the most heart-wrenching yet meaningful moments comes when your child begins to ask about their story. Questions about their biological family, their past, and their identity can bring up a whirlwind of emotions—not only for them but for you as well. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these moments with empathy, clarity, and openness.

Need more support on your journey? Check out my Foster Mama Essentials Bundle and 1:1 sessions for foster and adoptive mamas here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

Many people outside the foster care community have this misconception that fostering is a way to make money. I’ve heard it before, and I’m sure many of you have too—"Oh, you must be getting paid a lot to take care of these kids!"But the truth, as you all know, is that foster care is anything but a moneymaker. In fact, for 60% of foster parents, it brings more financial strain than they anticipated.

Grab the PLR bundle here to start your digital product journey today: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Beth Hewitt, a passionate advocate in the foster care community. In this episode, we discuss the challenges and triumphs of fostering, share valuable insights on supporting foster children and families, and explore ways to create a nurturing environment for all.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others in the community! Join my Foster Care Support Group this Thursday, October 17 at 8 pm eastern for an open discussion and support. Save your spot here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering/p/foster-mama-support-group

Be sure to follow Beth on Instagram for more encouragement and inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/bethnhewitt/

When it hurts to hope, remember that hope is holy, foster mama. This short but sweet episode is one I hope you will return to time and again when you feel tired, weary, and overwhelmed by the weight of your foster care journey, or just plain frustrated.

And if you're looking for more foster care resources, you can find them here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

Today's guest is Abby Mortensen, a mama who entered the world of foster care after being a victim of adoption scams. Since becoming foster parents, she and her husband have fostered many children in two states. Abby shares about how her faith plays a vital role in her ability to keep fostering, despite how difficult it can be, and encourages us all to get support, ask for help, and make self-care a priority. You can follow Abby's journey here: https://www.abbymortenson.com/

AND, I'm now accepting applications for my 6 month Fearless Fostering group and retreat! You can learn more and apply here:

https://fearlessfostering.selfcarebestie.com/fearless-fostering

I absolutely couldn't wait to share this conversation I had with former foster youth, adoptee and advocate (and Ivy League college student!!) Melody Welles. Melody was so gracious to share vulnerably about the trauma she endured growing up in an adoptive home where she didn't feel part of the family or wanted, and how she is today using her platform to show foster youth what is possible when they believe their story is just part of their experience and it doesn't define them. She also shares amazing wisdom for foster and adoptive parents, so you don't want to miss this episode!!

Follow Melody here: https://www.instagram.com/melody.adoptee/

Get more support on your foster care journey here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

On today's episode, former foster youth and Court Appointed Special Advocate Joan Ulsher shares her experience and expertise on two different sides of the foster care system. Particularly passionate about advocating for teens, Joan highlights the influence a CASA can have in the life of a foster youth and their family.

You can connect with Joan and read her book here: https://www.joanulsher.com/

For more support on your foster care journey click here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

What do you do when bio parents do a little at the last minute and the case drags on and on? How do you handle burnout in foster care? And how do you keep the faith when it seems like everything is SO broken about the system and the world? I'm answering all these questions and more on this episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast.

Sign up for your FREE 15 minute call with me right here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering

In today's episode of the Fearless Fostering Podcast, I'm sharing a live Q+A I did on Instagram: feeling pressure to adopt, hoping to spread the word about foster care, feeling like you're ready to be done but the end is nowhere in sight.

Find info on my free resources and groups here: https://stan.store/fearless_fostering