Kim Noonan is a filmmaker and the host of the podcast "Multi-Racial White Boy." Kim and I talk about the idea of “whiteness” which is pervasive in the interracial adoptee community. Some adoptees grow up wanting to “be white” in order to fit in. I was lucky enough to have black role models in the dance world who encouraged me to love my skin.
James Baldwin wrote an exquisite short essay called “White…and other lies,” which I've included in show notes below. As participants in this community we must acknowledge how detrimental it is to perpetuate whiteness as something one becomes because of their upbringing. If a white child was raised by a black family in a black community, would they be black? No. Our upbringing informs, it is not an indictment. 
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

GUEST: Kim Noonan
@kimnoonan

Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Exercises I love:
African dance
https://youtu.be/cAXepObYN6E

Stretch/Barre workout
Coach Kel
https://youtu.be/FlokyngRBYc

Black beauty influencer:
Jackie Aina
https://youtu.be/9-oW7F9T9IE

Weight management:
https://youtu.be/YuR51ktq1k8
Quit Sugar
https://youtu.be/hx4Kr1HJ79E

Plant care:
Planterina
https://youtu.be/9vDpgaoynhY

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Here!

MERCH here "I am my Hero" and "Courage, my love" Tees

SPONSORSHIPS:
BetterHelp Show Link HERE!

DISCOUNT on WeUNIK Cosmetic Hair products
15% off Code: WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS: Here!

JAMES BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":

HISTORY of the word “Colored”:

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":

RESOURCES ON ...

Warning! This episode mentions sexual violence.

This episode unpacks the healing powers of the blog "The Lost Daughters." Amanda created the blog, whose group of adoptee contributors is ever growing, to propagate her mission of empowerment and peace. I found the blog on facebook and submitted a piece on racism. Amanda is a licensed master social worker, a therapist, an author, a speaker, podcast host and teacher. She is also the co-founder and co-owner of Roots Incorporated. This conversation illuminates the importance of holding our stories sacred, being our authentic selves no matter the history, and embracing one another in solidarity. All things we desperately need right now!

GUEST: Amanda Transue-Woolston:
http://www.declassifiedadoptee.com/

Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Exercises I love:
African dance
https://youtu.be/cAXepObYN6E

Stretch/Barre workout
Coach Kel
https://youtu.be/FlokyngRBYc

Black beauty influencer:
Jackie Aina
https://youtu.be/9-oW7F9T9IE

Weight management:
https://youtu.be/YuR51ktq1k8
Quit Sugar
https://youtu.be/hx4Kr1HJ79E

Plant care:
Planterina
https://youtu.be/9vDpgaoynhY

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Here!

MERCH here "I am my Hero" and "Courage, my love" Tees

SPONSORSHIPS:
BetterHelp Show Link HERE!

DISCOUNT on WeUNIK Cosmetic Hair products
15% off Code: WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS: Here!

JAMES BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":

HISTORY of the word “Colored”:

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":

RESOURCES ON ...

This week I spend time with my dear friend, Canadian actress Brigit Wilson. She and I played witches in stratford Shakespeare Festival's 2016 production of Macbeth. This week we examine the definition of "orphan" and how it has been depicted throughout our favorite plays in Shakespeare and stories like Anne of Green Gables. Brigit graced the boards of stratford for 14 years in acclaimed roles in As You Like It, The Alchemist, King John, Pericles, Peter Pan and many others. One day in rehearsal we discovered that we were both adoptees and became sisters for life. 
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

GUEST: Brigit Wilson

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Macbeth HD:
https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WatchandExplore/OnDemand

Watch witch interview:
https://youtu.be/t2fzyYDRwSk

Cast reunion:
https://youtu.be/_aIcuRij36k
Macbeth Trailer:
https://youtu.be/gl5lfsyBE04

Brene Brown:
https://brenebrown.com/books-audio/

Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Here!

MERCH here "I am my Hero" and "Courage, my love" Tees

SPONSORSHIPS:
BetterHelp Show Link HERE!

DISCOUNT on WeUNIK Cosmetic Hair products
15% off Code: WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS: Here!

JAMES BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":

HISTORY of the word “Colored”:

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":

RESOURCES ON ...

I sit down with William Uhrlaub, a Haitian adoptee who has taught himself Creole after reunifying with his biological family. He was a panelist on the Interracial Adoptee Panel Series: Biological Family where he shared his reunification story and how he managed to assimilate into Haitian culture. William encapsulates the power of finding your "people" and merging your life with a culture you thought you had lost. He found it, ya'll! Let this inspire you to do the same. 

GUEST: William Uhrlaub

LINKS:
Coach Kel (Pure Barre)
https://youtu.be/QYncATlC3Mg

WEBSITES:
http://www.findingpaola.com/
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Exercises I love:
African dance
https://youtu.be/cAXepObYN6E

Stretch/Barre workout
Coach Kel
https://youtu.be/FlokyngRBYc

Black beauty influencer:
Jackie Aina
https://youtu.be/9-oW7F9T9IE

Weight management:
https://youtu.be/YuR51ktq1k8
Quit Sugar
https://youtu.be/hx4Kr1HJ79E

Plant care:
Planterina
https://youtu.be/9vDpgaoynhY

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Here!

MERCH here "I am my Hero" and "Courage, my love" Tees

SPONSORSHIPS:
BetterHelp Show Link HERE!

DISCOUNT on WeUNIK Cosmetic Hair products
15% off Code: WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS: Here!

JAMES BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":

HISTORY of the word “Colored”:

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":

RESOURCES ON ...

Dr Borda, PHD, LMFT, LMHC, ACC, CHT joined us as an expert for the third panel: Myth Busters. She returns to give us an in-depth view of her work in the adoption realm, combating “compassion fatigue” for doctors, the re-traumatizing nature of “re-homing” children who’ve been adopted into the wrong family and grief counseling for parents who’ve struggled having a child biologically. Dr. Borda founded The Wellness Project, Inc for practitioners suffering from exhaustion fatigue to increase their own wellness and self-care and to normalize that they don’t have to be perfect. The non-profit creates support for those who support us. 

TRIGGER WARNING: Mention of suicide 

GUEST: Dr. Charmaine Borda (Therapist)
https://www.thebluecouch.org/about

Watch panels:
https://www.facebook.com/USFCH/videos/806431379903046



Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Exercises I love:
African dance
https://youtu.be/cAXepObYN6E

Stretch/Barre workout
Coach Kel
https://youtu.be/FlokyngRBYc

Black beauty influencer:
Jackie Aina
https://youtu.be/9-oW7F9T9IE

Weight management:
https://youtu.be/YuR51ktq1k8
Quit Sugar
https://youtu.be/hx4Kr1HJ79E

Plant care:
Planterina
https://youtu.be/9vDpgaoynhY

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Here!

MERCH here "I am my Hero" and "Courage, my love" Tees

SPONSORSHIPS:
BetterHelp Show Link HERE!

DISCOUNT on WeUNIK Cosmetic Hair products
15% off Code: WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS: Here!

JAMES BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":

HISTORY of the word “Colored”:

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":

RESOURCES ON ...

I reached out to Melissa who is actively on the front lines of educating people in the adoption community. We discuss the harmful language Abby Johnson uses to describe her own adopted son in the infamous youtube video. There are misconceptions about the black community that she perpetuates with alarming conviction. Melissa is a formidable essayist, mother, blogger, author (THE WHITE SAVIOR MENTALITY will be out in Fall 2021) and podcast host. 

GUEST:  Melissa Guida-Richards
 guida-richards.com 
https://adopteethoughts.com/
https://www.mother.ly/u/melissaguida-richards
https://spoonie-mama.com/index.php/about-melissa-guida-richards/

@adoptee-thoughts
@guidarichards

Resources:
Anti-racism recourses
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/resources

Article Abby Johnson’s Comments About Her Adopted Brown Son are Problematic. Here’s Why:

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/how-we-rise/2020/08/26/abby-johnsons-comments-about-her-adopted-black-son-are-problematic-heres-why/

Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Exercises I love:
African dance
https://youtu.be/cAXepObYN6E

Stretch/Barre workout
Coach Kel
https://youtu.be/FlokyngRBYc

Black beauty influencer:
Jackie Aina
https://youtu.be/9-oW7F9T9IE

Weight management:
https://youtu.be/YuR51ktq1k8
Quit Sugar
https://youtu.be/hx4Kr1HJ79E

Plant care:
Planterina
https://youtu.be/9vDpgaoynhY

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Here!

MERCH here "I am my Hero" and "Courage, my love" Tees

SPONSORSHIPS:
BetterHelp Show Link HERE!

DISCOUNT on WeUNIK Cosmetic Hair products
15% off Code: WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS: Here!

JAMES BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":

HISTORY of the word “Colored”:

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":

RESOURCES ON ...

This week I reach out to my biological aunt Dr. Juliana Olson-Deans who is a fellow adoptee as well as an adoption therapist. We discuss the 9 character types of the enneagram and how we're using the information to navigate our budding relationship. You may recognize Dr. Deans from the Interracial Adoptee Panel series, where she was co-host.
I was first introduced to the Enneagram by Dr. Barbara Rila's podcast on Trauma and adoption. This episode distills how important it is to process one's grief and trauma through acknowledging the traits that either help or hinder your healing journey.

GUEST: Juliana Olson-Deans
@_dr_Juliana_Deans

Watch panels:
https://www.facebook.com/USFCH/videos/806431379903046

Resources:
Take the free test!
www.truity.com
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
Podcast: The Journey Enneagram with Suzanne Stabile
Episode 73
https://www.theenneagramjourney.org/podcast/2019/episode73

Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Exercises I love:
African dance
https://youtu.be/cAXepObYN6E

Stretch/Barre workout
Coach Kel
https://youtu.be/FlokyngRBYc

Black beauty influencer:
Jackie Aina
https://youtu.be/9-oW7F9T9IE

Weight management:
https://youtu.be/YuR51ktq1k8
Quit Sugar
https://youtu.be/hx4Kr1HJ79E

Plant care:
Planterina
https://youtu.be/9vDpgaoynhY

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Here!

MERCH here "I am my Hero" and "Courage, my love" Tees

SPONSORSHIPS:
BetterHelp Show Link HERE!

DISCOUNT on WeUNIK Cosmetic Hair products
15% off Code: WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS: Here!

JAMES BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":

HISTORY of the word “Colored”:

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":

RESOURCES ON ...

This week I discuss the exquisite poetry of Schai Belair-Toussaint Schairer, a fellow sister in adoption, spoken word poet and founder of F.I.S.T. (Fighting Injustice Standing Together) a non-profit organization working to empower incarcerated women through writing. Schai was a panelist on three of the four International Adoptee Panels sponsored by USFCH. She and I unpack her motivation for writing and confront our own privilege, resilience and Haitian pride.

GUEST: Schai Belair-Toussaint Schairer
www.fistdc.org

Watch panels:
https://www.facebook.com/USFCH/videos/806431379903046

Resources:
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

Audre Lorde
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/12425-when-i-dare-to-be-powerful-to-use-my-strength

Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Exercises I love:
African dance
https://youtu.be/cAXepObYN6E

Stretch/Barre workout
Coach Kel
https://youtu.be/FlokyngRBYc

Black beauty influencer:
Jackie Aina
https://youtu.be/9-oW7F9T9IE

Weight management:
https://youtu.be/YuR51ktq1k8
Quit Sugar
https://youtu.be/hx4Kr1HJ79E

Plant care:
Planterina
https://youtu.be/9vDpgaoynhY

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Here!

MERCH here "I am my Hero" and "Courage, my love" Tees

SPONSORSHIPS:
BetterHelp Show Link HERE!

DISCOUNT on WeUNIK Cosmetic Hair products
15% off Code: WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS: Here!

JAMES BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":

HISTORY of the word “Colored”:

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":

RESOURCES ON ...

I have the rare opportunity to interview my mother, Karla Shelley-Albert and my godmother Heidi Husted-Armstrong. It’s an incredibly unique thing for an adoptee to interview their parental figures, most parents refuse, but mine were eager to support me in this endeavor. They, like myself are committed to educating the adoption community, which means getting vulnerable and embracing all perspectives. 

Throughout this podcast series you will hear more conversations with adoptees and parents as we strive to deepen connections and broaden our understanding of each other’s journey. 

GUEST: Karla Shelley-Albert & Heidi Husted Armstrong

Watch panels:
https://www.facebook.com/USFCH/videos/806431379903046

Get a bike!
Recyclery Collective
https://www.therecyclery.org

Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Exercises I love:
African dance
https://youtu.be/cAXepObYN6E

Stretch/Barre workout
Coach Kel
https://youtu.be/FlokyngRBYc

Black beauty influencer:
Jackie Aina
https://youtu.be/9-oW7F9T9IE

Weight management:
https://youtu.be/YuR51ktq1k8
Quit Sugar
https://youtu.be/hx4Kr1HJ79E

Plant care:
Planterina
https://youtu.be/9vDpgaoynhY

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Here!

MERCH here "I am my Hero" and "Courage, my love" Tees

SPONSORSHIPS:
BetterHelp Show Link HERE!

DISCOUNT on WeUNIK Cosmetic Hair products
15% off Code: WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS: Here!

JAMES BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":

HISTORY of the word “Colored”:

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":

RESOURCES ON ...

I continue my conversation with The president and CEO of Fondation pour les Enfants d’Haiti, Gladys Thomas. Gladys addresses why she stopped facilitating adoptions, how she introduced her adopted son to his family and what adoptees should do under the pressure of supporting their biological family once they grow up. 

She is the recipient of recipient of its 2013 William Jefferson Clinton and Goodwill for Haiti Award.

GUEST: Gladys Thomas
http://www.usfch.org/

Watch panels:
https://www.facebook.com/USFCH/videos/806431379903046

Therapists:
https://www.laniseantoineshelley.com/blog
betterhealth.com

Exercises I love:
African dance
https://youtu.be/cAXepObYN6E

Stretch/Barre workout
Coach Kel
https://youtu.be/FlokyngRBYc

Black beauty influencer:
Jackie Aina
https://youtu.be/9-oW7F9T9IE

Weight management:
https://youtu.be/YuR51ktq1k8
Quit Sugar
https://youtu.be/hx4Kr1HJ79E

Plant care:
Planterina
https://youtu.be/9vDpgaoynhY

Support the show

CONNECT WITH HOST:
@youngadoptee
@lantoines
www.laniseantoineshelley.com

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Here!

MERCH here "I am my Hero" and "Courage, my love" Tees

SPONSORSHIPS:
BetterHelp Show Link HERE!

DISCOUNT on WeUNIK Cosmetic Hair products
15% off Code: WTWY

ADOPTEE CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS:
14 through18, and episode 28, and 29.

WATCH PANELS: Here!

JAMES BALDWIN'S ESSAY ON "WHITENESS":

HISTORY of the word “Colored”:

NYC ARTICLE ON THE USE OF "BIPOC":

RESOURCES ON ...