Wandering Tree ®, LLC Podcast

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 

When Ohio native Dana Ozak was brought home on her mother's birthday, little did she know that her life would unfold as a tale both profound and inspiring. Our latest Wandering Tree Podcast episode encapsulates Dana's journey as an adoptee, weaving through family dynamics, identity formation, and the ceaseless quest for belonging. Her narrative is not just her own but echoes the experiences of many who've grappled with the complexities of adoption—a story punctuated with familial pride and the inevitable curiosity about one's origins.

Settle in as we navigate the nuanced roles that birth order and adoption play in a family. Dana candidly recounts how being the eldest daughter influenced her position within her family and, more intriguingly, how it intersected with her identity as an adoptee. The emotional resonance of her quest to unravel her biological roots is palpable, especially when sealed records and the search for resemblance reveal heartrending truths and unexpected connections. Dana's discovery of her biological father's identity exemplifies a profound balancing act between the pull of nature and the shaping hands of nurture.

Our conversation culminates with Dana sharing the emotional whirlwind of reuniting with her biological family. The breakthroughs and the setbacks, including the bittersweet knowledge of a brother passed and siblings found, craft a narrative so rich that it becomes universally moving. We're honored Dana chose to share her story with us, and by doing so, she offers a beacon of hope and understanding for others navigating the emotional waters of adoption. Her courage in sharing her story is a testament to the strength found in the search for one's roots and the power of family, both given and chosen.

Website: https://girland4families.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/girland4families
FB: https://www.facebook.com/4awesomefamilies

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

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

A Tapestry of Belonging in the Complex World of Adoption with Adoptee Julie McGue

When the quest for identity entwines with the intricacies of adoption, it's a journey worth sharing. This is precisely what Julie McGue, the award-winning author of "Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family and Belonging," offers as she unfolds her narrative of self-discovery as an adoptee on our latest Wandering Tree Podcast episode. Her story, marked by the complexities of closed adoptions and a lack of medical history, reveals the nuanced challenges adoptees face in understanding where they come from and the evolving legal landscape of adoptee rights.

The conversation takes an emotional turn as we delve into the silent struggles of birth mothers and the identity crises plaguing both them and the adoptees they've parted with. Julie sheds light on the weight of initial rejections, the secrecy shrouding their decisions, and the misleading information that adoptees often grapple with. It's a raw look at the powerful need for compassion in navigating these relationships and the unanticipated discoveries that DNA analysis can unveil, reshaping one's sense of self and ethnicity.

Lastly, we tackle the delicate matters of loyalty, authenticity, and the language we use to speak about adoption. Julie passionately makes the case for terms that honor all members of the adoption triad, dismantling misconceptions and highlighting the importance of positive language. We wrap up our profound discussion with a nod of gratitude to Julie for her openness and extend an invitation to our listeners: If Julie's candidness resonates with you, your voice and story are welcome here, adding to the diverse experiences that make the Wandering Tree Podcast a beacon for those seeking connection and understanding in the world of adoption.

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

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

When Edward Di Gangi sat down with us, we knew we were about to embark on a journey unlike any other—a quest for identity that turns the pages of the past to illuminate the present. He mesmerizes us with his narrative, one that began with his adoption during a time known as the baby scoop era and flourished into an idyllic upbringing by his loving adoptive parents. His story, detailed in "A Gift Best Given," unravels the complexities of adoption experiences and society's evolving views on the practice, punctuated by his own positive outlook and the warm embrace of family bonds that extend beyond genetics.

The heart of Edward's tale lies in the artistic legacy of his biological mother, an aspiring professional ice skater with a story that could fill novels. With the scant details of an old document and the digital troves of Ancestry.com, Edward pieces together a rich tapestry of a life once hidden from him. It's a narrative punctuated by serendipitous encounters—from a photograph that finally puts a face to a name, to a visa application shedding light on her dreams and aspirations. As Edward reveals the intricate details of his mother's journey and the discoveries that led to his poignant book, our listeners are invited to witness how the convergence of past and present can enrich our understanding of self.

Our conversation culminates in the emotional resonance of family reunions and the revelation of long-held secrets, as Edward recounts his encounter with an elderly woman named Isabelle, who unknowingly held the missing pieces of his lineage. Through a treasure trove of memorabilia and the endearing discovery of a half-brother, Edward's personal history becomes a kaleidoscope of shared experiences, heartfelt connections, and the enduring question of what truly makes us who we are. This episode isn't merely about tracing lineage; it's a testament to the power of human connection and the relentless pursuit of one's story, which can bring unexpected closeness and a profound sense of belonging.

When it comes to the amplification of male adoptee voices, it is crucial to recognize the unique experiences and perspectives they bring to the table. Each male adoptees has a valuable role to play in helping to shape the narrative around adoption by providing insights into their own personal journeys. This last episode in the series which has us on a spectacular journey of meaningful conversations, were male adoptees have been empowered to share their stories, break down stereotypes, and contribute to a greater understanding of the adoption experience as a whole. 

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

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