In part two of this eye-opening conversation, Kendall Stulce and Rich Uhrlaub pick up where they left off, diving even deeper into the emotional highs and lows of the adoption journey. This episode unveils the unfiltered realities adoptees face, from unexpected family rejections to the healing power of creative expression. Rich continues sharing insights into his musical For the Record(s), a powerful work that voices the silenced stories of adoptees and birth families, capturing the struggle to reclaim identity amid a culture of secrecy.

This Episode Will Change How You See Adoption

Kendall and Rich also explore the social and psychological impact of adoption. They discuss their own paths to self-discovery, reflecting on how the need for answers transcends personal histories and taps into universal human questions. For anyone who has ever felt like a “second-tier” relative or struggled to make sense of their past, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—even in the face of silence and denial.

Key Takeaways:

• Art as a Means of Healing: Rich shares how creating For the Record(s) allowed him to process deep-seated emotions around his adoption, turning personal pain into a universally resonant story.
• The Complexities of Family Reunions: Kendall and Rich reflect on the bittersweet reunions with biological families, revealing how relationships don’t always meet the expectations that adoptees carry with them.
• Navigating Rejection and Silence: This episode shines a light on the emotional impact of being excluded from family milestones and the frustration adoptees face when denied basic truths about their origins.
• Advocating for Adoptee Rights: Rich discusses his continued work in adoption advocacy, including his role in legislative changes that aim to give adoptees the right to know their biological roots.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “Sometimes reconnecting with family doesn’t feel like a happy ending; it feels like starting a whole new story with no guarantees.” - Kendall Stulce
• “Art gives us a way to channel the emotions we can’t put into words. For me, For the Record(s) became that voice.” - Rich Uhrlaub
• “The right to know where we come from is as fundamental as it gets—why is that still so controversial?” - Rich Uhrlaub

Episode Highlights:

1. Turning Pain into Performance - Rich reveals how the creation of For the Record(s) helped him make sense of his adoption story, transforming personal struggles into a story that resonates widely.
2. Expectations vs. Reality in Family Reunions - Both Kendall and Rich share candid stories of meeting biological family members and the challenges that arise when reality doesn’t align with dreams.
3. Breaking the Silence - This conversation unpacks the pain and frustration adoptees feel when denied basic truths about their origins, and the emotional toll of facing family rejections.
4. Fighting for Adoptees’ Rights - Rich emphasizes the importance of advocating for adoptee rights, sharing his experience of helping to bring legislative change in Colorado.