Wandering Tree ®, LLC Podcast

Join us with our esteemed guest Jenny Becknell as she  offers an intimate look into the emotional aftermath of the next two decades of the open adoptions journey, from the touching creation of a heartfelt video for her daughters' 18th birthday to the raw emotions stirred by an unexpected request from Anna's adoptive mother. This episode promises a heartfelt exploration of what it means to navigate these deeply personal experiences, shedding light on the interconnected lives of birth mothers, adoptees, and adoptive families.

As her daughter turns 18, we tackle the shifting dynamics within the adoption triad, exploring the evolving roles and emotions as Jenny grapples with feelings of connection and threat. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of honest communication, revealing the delicate balance between maintaining relationships and acknowledging the fear of being cut off. Jenny's candid reflections on this transformative phase highlight the critical role of empathy and understanding in preventing breakdowns in dialogue, offering listeners valuable insights into the nuances of adoption relationships.

Our discussion further unveils the intricate dynamics of sharing difficult truths and understanding the often-overlooked perspective of birth mothers. Jenny courageously speaks about the challenges of expressing her feelings and the societal perceptions that contribute to her sense of alienation. Through her story, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the birth mother's journey, emphasizing the need for unconditional love, respect, and open communication. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to understand the complex, emotional world of adoption, leaving listeners with a renewed empathy for all involved.

What would you do if you had to make one of the toughest decisions of your life? Join us on the Wandering Tree Podcast as we explore the heartfelt and emotional journeys of a birth mother navigating the experience of open adoption. In this episode, Jenny Becknell candidly shares her lived journey, from the moment she went into labor with her daughter Anna, through the tender hours spent in the hospital surrounded by family, friends, and Anna's adoptive parents. Through Jenny's moving journal to her daughter, listeners gain an intimate glimpse into the profound bonds and emotions forged during this life-changing process. The narrative reaches its emotional peak as she describes her last night in the hospital, holding her baby and grappling with the impending separation. 

What happens when your world is turned upside down at 18? Jenny Becknell knows firsthand the whirlwind of emotions that come with an unexpected pregnancy during college and the life-altering decision of adoption. Join us as Jenny, a birth mother, shares her intimate story, beginning with her shock and initial excitement upon discovering she was pregnant while balancing school and family expectation. She opens up about navigating her complex family dynamics, where her sister's simultaneous pregnancy and an abusive home added immense pressure to her situation.

Jenny’s candid storytelling takes us through the emotional labyrinth of facing familial  and societal pressures. Listen as she reads from her journal entries, revealing the profound internal conflict she faced. Was placing her baby for adoption truly in her child's best interest, or was it a desperate attempt to satisfy her parents? Jenny reflects on the cultural and religious influences that shaped her decisions, and how these themes echo in her interactions with the birth father and the broader adoption community.

Throughout the episode, we explore the lasting impact of adoption on Jenny's life, including the ongoing pain and what-ifs that she continues to grapple with. She speaks on the importance of creating safe spaces for birth mothers and adoptees to share their stories and the critical need for empathy and understanding. Despite the heartache, Jenny highlights the fulfilling life she's built with her husband and other children, offering a message of hope and resilience to our listeners. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the deep emotional layers of adoption.

Art meets advocacy when the transformative power of storytelling takes the spotlight. As a playwright, Suzanne Bachner channeled the raw emotions and experiences of the adoptee's pursuit into narratives that resonate beyond the stage, touching hearts and influencing legislative change. This episode doesn't merely trace Suzanne's path to discovering her beginnings; it also celebrates the broader victories for adoptee rights, highlighting the vital role of the arts in this movement. Through the craft of live performances, we've seen the adoption narrative shift and gain momentum, even as we continue to advocate for unrestricted access to original birth certificates and the fulfillment of every adoptee's right to know their heritage.

When Suzanne speaks, we listen - the echoes of a past era and the soul-searching journey of an adoptee become palpable - a narrative woven from the threads of the Baby Scoop Era, where the controversial practices of Louise Wise Services and the emotional odyssey of finding one's roots take center stage. Suzanne's candid recounting are far from a tale of disloyalty to her adoptive family, it emerges as a tender testament to the complex layers of identity and the hunger for truth that defines many adoptees' lives.

Listening to Suzanne's journey, our hearts are woven into the fabric of her experiences, reflecting the spirit of resilience that defines the adoptee community. We discuss the significance of these shared stories, the advocacy that propels us forward, and the interconnectedness that fosters a sense of belonging within our ranks. Join us as we traverse the emotional landscape of adoption, celebrate the strides made in adoptee rights, and affirm the enduring strength found in the community's collective voice.

🎭 Award-Winning Play by @suzannejouvay
Suzanne Bachner

Artistic Director | JMTC Theatre

Playwright & Director | The Good Adoptee | More

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodAdoptee

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodadoptee/

Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

When Lori Knisely offers a window into her soul, revealing the intertwined paths of being an adoptee and storyteller, we're reminded that life is rich with complex patterns. Our hearts travel with Lori to the remnants of St. Anthony's Home for Infants, feeling the gravity of each stone and the stories they carry as we follow her quest for information. Imagine holding a piece of your origin in your hands, a doorknob from a place that once held you but left no memory—such is the profound longing shared by many adoptees. Lori's pilgrimage through physical spaces and metaphorical gaps in life's timeline paints a vivid picture of the adoption narrative, echoing the universal human search for identity and belonging. 

Lori’s advocacy story is a testimonial to the strength found in community, the transformative power of shared experiences and exemplifies resilience and compassion required to navigate the intricate relationship between adoption, identity, and faith. At the close of this beautiful conversation we are left with a sense of gratitude for the courage and openness that Lori, and those like her, bring to the table. Join us as we continue to unearth and share these powerful narratives, fostering a space for understanding and connection within the vast community of adoption. 

Find your people, cherish your people and love your people. 

#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee 

Have you ever pondered the threads of history of adoption and how it intertwines to shape lives? Rebecca Wellington joins us in a thought provoking conversation that reaches into the depths of her own adoption story, the heartache of losing her sister, and the impetus behind her touching book, "Who is a Worthy Mother? An Intimate History of Adoption." Through her eyes, we journey across the emotional landscape adoptees traverse, with societal pressures lurking like shadows along the path, and discover how shared stories can light the way for many in search of connection and understanding.

The episode unfurls the adoption narrative across time, from the ancient world's openness to the shrouded practices of today. We scrutinize the stark contrasts in history, from Hammurabi's Code to modern America, casting a light on the complexities and transformations of adoption ethics. Notably, we ponder the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings on the rights of adoptive and birth parents alike. Rebecca's analysis is both historic and timely, offering a window into the enduring search for identity that adoptees often face, amidst a culture shrouded in secrecy and stigma.

IG: _rebecca_wellington
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawellington/
LinkTree: linktr.ee/rebeccawellington
Website: rebeccawellington.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccawelling10
Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.
#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee 

Sometimes the bonds of family and the fabric of our identities need mending, a truth that Joe Beth know all too well. On this episode of Wandering Tree Podcast, we hear their powerful journey through adoption, suicide and addiction. The conversation leads up down a path which involves unraveling the deep emotional complexities that come with Joe courageously sharing his story, from the trauma of being adopted from Japan to the solace he sought in substances; all painting a picture of the isolation and rejection he felt as an adoptee and minority. Beth, with the wisdom only a mother's heart can hold, reveals her side of their shared path — the awakening to her son's unique needs and the crucial steps taken to navigate the turbulence of his crises.

This dialogue is more than just a recounting of past struggles; it's a beacon of hope for those entangled in similar battles. Joe and Beth's raw conversation emphasizes the transformative power of vulnerability and open communication, spotlighting the potential for healing within adoptive families. By sharing their experiences, they not only reinforce the significance of acknowledging adoption trauma but also celebrate the resilience found in facing these challenges head-on.

Website: UnravelingAdoption.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/unravelingadoption/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/UnravelingAdoption/

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Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee 

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of identity, where the past and present collide in a mosaic of loss and discovery? Monica Hall's life is a living embodiment of such a crossroads, as she gracefully carries the dual mantle of being both an adoptee and a birth parent. In this episode, Monica recounts her story of growing up in a Catholic family in Alaska, the heart-wrenching decisions she faced as a teenager, and the complex journey of self-discovery that followed. Join us to unravel the intricate layers of Monica's identity as she opens up about her upcoming memoir and the challenges that led her to write it.

Her narrative doesn't shy away from the painful realities of her past, including the immense pressure of a young girl navigating an unplanned pregnancy within the confines of her religious upbringing. Listen closely as Monica reflects on her determination to hold her baby despite overwhelming opposition, and witness the transformation that unfolds from her darkest moments to a life-affirming reunion with her daughter after 18 years of separation.

Website: monicahall.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/monicahallauthor/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Monica.hall27

Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee 

When Kira Omans opens up about her life as a transracial adoptee, you can't help but be drawn into her world. Her narrative is not just a story of adoption but a profound testament to the search for identity and belonging. In today's conversation, we navigate Kira's childhood and growth into a confident Chinese American, actress, and advocate for the adoptee community. Her candid reflections on the complexities of fitting in and the evolving nature of her relationship with her own adoption narrative give voice to the struggles and victories that color the experiences of countless others like her.

Our conversation takes a turn towards the broader cultural conversation, examining how adoptees are portrayed in media and public perception. Kira's insights into these portrayals and the often misunderstood motives behind adoptees' searches for biological connections challenge the oversimplified narratives perpetuated by society. This discussion is an invitation to consider the depth behind each adoptee's story and to appreciate the nuanced representation that authentic voices like Kira's can provide.

Perhaps most impactful is the chapter in which Kira and I explore the often-overlooked issue of pre-verbal trauma and its deep-seated effects on adoptees. Our intimate dialogue on abandonment fears, anxiety, and the journey towards healing challenges listeners to acknowledge and validate the emotional complexities that lay hidden beneath the surface of many adoption stories. This episode not only aims to shed light on these intricate emotions and behaviors but also serves as a call to action for advocacy, education, and adoption reform. 

Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kiraomans/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kira.omans
Website: https://www.kiraomans.com/actor

Have you ever felt like a piece of your identity was missing? Mary Ellen Gambuti joins us to weave the heartfelt narrative of her life as an adoptee from the baby scoop era, a time when societal pressures and moral expectations often forced the hand of birth parents. Her candid recollection begins with the harrowing tale of her abandonment at birth, her experience in a foundling home, and the eventual adoption by a military family—an upbringing that carved a unique background against the backdrop of growing up in the vibrant tapestry of multiple states and countries. 

As if life's puzzle wasn't complex enough, imagine grappling with the "primal wound"—the deep-seated trauma faced by adoptees from early separation. Mary Ellen bravely shares her internal struggle, reflecting on how this early rift sowed seeds of identity challenges and loss that lingered into her adult life. Adding another layer, we discuss the hero narrative of military families and how that shaped her emotions and understanding of gratitude, obligation, and belonging. Her insights serve as a beacon for the adoption community, illuminating the crucial need for specialized therapy and support systems.

Our conversation underscores the universal right for adoptees to access their adoption records—a vital piece in the puzzle of self-understanding. Her story, chronicled in "I Must Have Wandered: An Adopted Air Force Daughter Recalls," provides an intimate look into an adoptee's search for connection and the profound layers that shape a life story. 

Connect with Mary Ellen here: https://linktr.ee/SCMel
Check out her book:  https://a.co/d/0htiDkP

Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee