Thriver Stories

Most foster systems fail the very youth they’re supposed to protect—especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ young people. In this episode of Thrivers Stories, Nico—a formerly fostered trans youth from Georgia—shares raw, powerful insights into the emotional toll of being misnamed, misunderstood, and marginalized by a system meant to care. He talks about the dangerous impact of systemic refusal to honor his identity, from being denied gender-affirming clothing to having his name and pronouns dismissed. His message is clear: when your environment ignores or erases you, your act of simply existing is an act of rebellion. Perfect for social workers, foster parents, advocates, or anyone committed to transforming the foster care system, this episode challenges us to see the humanity behind the statistics. Nico’s courage reminds us that honoring identity isn’t just kindness—it’s survival. Tune in to understand how affirming a young person’s true self can be the first step toward systemic change.

In this episode, host Isabel Stasa welcomes Dejuna Rodriguez, who shares her journey through the foster care system and her mission to uplift voices with lived experiences. Dejuna discusses the challenges she faced entering foster care at 14, the impact of her mother's decisions, and the transformative power of finding community and support through organizations like Foster Success. The conversation delves into systemic issues within child welfare, the importance of compassionate leadership, and Dejuna's commitment to breaking generational cycles of foster care. The episode concludes with a powerful message about the role everyone plays in creating a supportive environment for foster youth.

In this episode of the Thriver Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa sits down with Joe Dolash, a former foster youth who shares his transformative journey from feeling burdened to believing in his potential. Joe opens up about the challenges he faced in the foster care system, the pivotal moments that reshaped his narrative, and the foster parent who helped him see beyond the labels. Join us as we explore themes of resilience, trust, and the power of a supportive community in rewriting one's story. Tune in to discover how Joe's experiences have shaped his path to becoming a psychology doctorate student and his message of hope for others navigating similar journeys.

In the premiere episode of Season 2 of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa is joined by Tai-Isha Jack to delve into the complexities of compliance as a trauma response. Join them as they explore Tai-Isha's personal journey from foster care to becoming a licensed clinical social worker. Through candid conversations, they uncover the hidden struggles behind being the "easy" case and the long-term effects of parentification. This episode offers a powerful narrative on resilience, healing, and the importance of creating spaces for authentic dialogue. Tune in to discover how past experiences shape our present and future.

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, Rowan Arquette shares his journey of navigating an unconventional childhood marked by foster care and the complexities of morality and identity. He reflects on the importance of community, empathy, and understanding different perspectives, emphasizing that trauma is subjective and should not be compared. Rowan discusses the significance of forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the power of reinvention, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their unique stories and find purpose in their experiences.

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Charissa, a passionate advocate for foster youth. Charissa shares her journey of growing up in a challenging environment, navigating identity suppression, and finding her voice through advocacy. The conversation delves into the impact of generational trauma, the importance of self-love, and the power of asking questions. Charissa emphasizes the significance of resilience and the role of advocacy in creating change for future generations. The episode concludes with a powerful message about self-worth and the journey of personal growth.

In this episode of the Thriving Stories podcast, Dashaan Jennings shares his journey from navigating the complexities of the New Jersey child welfare system to founding Str8 Up Employment Services. He discusses the importance of lived experience in shaping effective community support and employment initiatives for youth aging out of the foster care system. Dashaan emphasizes the need for policy reform, community engagement, and creative solutions to bridge gaps in employment access and support for marginalized individuals. The conversation highlights the critical role of empathy, understanding, and collaboration in driving meaningful change within communities.

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Christina Travis, a passionate advocate for youth in foster care. Christina shares her personal journey through the foster care system, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges she faced, and the impact of supportive adults in her life. The conversation delves into the struggles of navigating mental health, the significance of assertiveness, and the biases that youth in care often encounter. Christina emphasizes the need for youth to find their voice and seek support while navigating the complexities of the foster care system.

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Elise Durham about her experiences in the foster care system, particularly focusing on the impact of being separated from her twin sister. Elise shares her journey through 32 placements over six years, the emotional toll of losing her twin bond, and the cultural context of family dynamics. The conversation delves into the instinct to protect siblings, the long-term effects of separation, and the struggles of reconnection. They also discuss the challenges of mental health treatment in foster care and the importance of honoring past selves while healing. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the power of family beyond blood ties and the necessity of grieving lost relationships.

In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Jacqueline Robles, a passionate advocate for foster youth. They discuss Jacqueline's journey through the foster care system, her experiences with trauma, and the importance of healing. Jacqueline shares her insights on navigating higher education as a first-generation college student, the challenges of financial independence, and the complexities of building healthy relationships. The conversation emphasizes the significance of owning one's story while also recognizing the risks involved in sharing personal experiences. Jacqueline offers valuable advice for both foster youth and professionals working in the field, encouraging resilience and the pursuit of personal goals.