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Today’s phenomenal guest you NEED to hear from is Mariama J. Lockington, author of For Black Girls Like Me (which releases this month on July 30, 2019). We talk about her experiences growing up as a transracial adoptee, how writing was always one of her passions, and Sweet Valley High may have come up. I can’t wait for you to hear this interview. It’s one of our favourites and I promise you’re going to want to order For Black Girls Like Me immediately! Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Mariama J. Lockington: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | www.forblackgirlslikeme.com | www.mariamajlockington.com | Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

Today Janet Nordine, MS, LMFT teaches us all about grief. Perhaps some of the anger you’ve been experiencing is actually masking some deep grief. We talk about disenfranchised grief and why we think it is a critical topic for adoptees to understand. Full Show Notes Here   Connect With Us Janet Nordine, MS, LMFT: www.experiencecourage.com | Twitter | Instagram | Experience Courage on Facebook | Janet on Facebook Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

We are revisiting another amazing interview from 2018! One of our favourite therapists, Pam Cordano is back! This time we chat with Pam and her two adult daughters, Sarah and Lauren. Pam’s daughters tell us all about what it was like for them to grow up with a mother who was adopted. We discuss how Pam chose to parent differently than her adoptive parents, what were some positive and negative things about living with an adoptee in the house, and what their family has done to build healthy relationships with each other, especially in the teen through young adult years.   Full Show Notes Here

Revisiting a favourite episode from 2018! It’s an honour to bring you this mother/daughter duo, Fleurette and Amy, for an in-depth view of a long-term reunion. We talk about the unusual circumstances surrounding Amy’s adoption, the disappointment they both felt after their first official in-person meeting, how bringing grandkids into the equation shifted their relationship, and how many years it took them before they felt their reunion relationship was “normal”. Spoiler alert - it was a loooong time. Full show notes here Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail  

Macy Oosthuizen, LCSW shares her story with us, and I may have gasped in shock a few times! Macy also teaches us the reasons so many adopted people feel disconnected or unmoored, and what we can do to feel anchored at last. This episode is a must-listen! You’ll be surprised by the twists in Macy’s story as she sought after the truth, and wowed by her wisdom and insights as a therapist. Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Macy Oosthuizen, LCSW: www.centerformindfulfamilies.com | www.floridaacts.com | Facebook Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

Inez Cook shares her story with us, how she spent time searching for identity all around the world and how she came to find it back in Canada. We discuss finding out about the sixties scoop as an adult, the power and importance of food as a way to explore her culture and how her new book will be available to educate children across Canada about the sixties scoop. Full Show Notes Here Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

We are back with Lesli A. Johnson, MFT answering your questions about navigating boundaries as an adopted person. We address boundaries with adoptive parents, money issues in reunion, and we wrap up with Lesli’s tips for saying no. Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Lesli A. Johnson, MFT: leslijohnson.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

We are continuing our series on the Canadian Sixties Scoop, and today I’m honoured to introduce you to Christine Miskonoondinkwie Smith. Christine shares her story of being apprehended from her original family, adopted with her sister, and then ultimately going back into care as a young girl. She tells us about how she reconnected with her indigenous heritage and how some influential role models made all the difference for her. Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | chrissy.miskonoodinkwesmith[at]gmail[dot]com Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

Do you struggle with establishing guidelines or “edges” in relationships? Lesli A. Johnson, MFT is back on the podcast to answer your questions about navigating boundaries. Lesli gives us some helpful tips in how to open up a conversation around boundaries even when it’s scary. Most of this show’s questions were related to navigating reunion which can be so tricky! Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Lesli A. Johnson, MFT: leslijohnson.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

We are starting a new series focusing on the Canadian Sixties Scoop, and if you’re not familiar yet with that terminology, my guest today, Dr. Raven Sinclair is a sought-after expert in this area. Dr. Sinclair shares some of her personal story with us, how she re-discovered her indigenous culture, and she teaches us about the Sixties Scoop. We also talk about how to connect with other Sixties Scoop survivors and access information about the Sixties Scoop Settlement. Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Dr. Raven Sinclair: Twitter | Facebook | International Indigenous Speakers Bureau | University of Regina Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

Are you incredibly hard on yourself? Adopted people often struggle with loving ourselves because our very first experiences were ones of rejection. One way to cultivate self-worth is self-compassion. Kristin Jones, CMHC teaches us what self-compassion looks like, why adopted people could really benefit from this practice, and she also walks us through a self-compassion exercise. I’m guessing you’re going to want to replay this episode a few times to soak in all of Kristin’s wisdom! Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Kristin Jones, CMHC: www.tradewindscounseling.com | Instagram | Facebook Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

This is a special episode where I bring you some live on-the-spot-recordings from the American Adoption Congress Conference in Washington, DC. I talked with attendees and presenters about their highlights and key takeaways from the conference (encompassing personal, legislative work, and professional topics). I share about the Adoptees On listener meet-up and a clip from my keynote speech. This episode also includes an uncomfortable update about an incredibly challenging moment during the conference. Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

Dear Adoption, is joining up with Adoptees On today! Reshma McClintock, the founder of Dear Adoption, brought a letter that we explore together. We discuss the power of hearing this letter vs. reading it, the impact of the words shared, and the insight and wisdom the anonymous letter writer has. Join us as we explore a letter that we are sure most adopted people will relate to. Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Reshma McClintock: Instagram | Facebook | reshmamcclintock.com | Calcutta is My Mother | Dear Adoption, Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

Janet Nordine, MS, LMFT is back and talking with us about when relinquishment and adoption is not our only trauma. Janet teaches us about how plastic our brains are, we talk about the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire and we even discuss Play Therapy! Janet will leave you feeling hopeful even while discussing challenging topics. Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Janet Nordine, MS, LMFT: www.experiencecourage.com | Twitter | Instagram | Experience Courage on Facebook | Janet on Facebook Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

We are welcoming back a guest from season 1, Becky Drinnen. Becky shares some life and reunion updates with us, including some tears and very special moments, and then we shift gears and talk about what adoptee activism and advocacy really look like. If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to get involved, this is the episode for you! Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Becky Conrad Drinnen: Facebook | puzzlesandpossibilities.com Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

Last week Dr. Julie Lopez taught us why is it so important for adopted people to understand implicit memory. Today she returns to Adoptees On to teach us about the PACT Method which can empower you to find the hidden roadblocks in your implicit memory!

Why is it so important for adopted people to understand implicit memory? Dr. Julie Lopez returns to Adoptees On to teach us how unhealthy patterns in our behaviour can be linked back to the wiring in our implicit memory AND what we can do about it! Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Dr. Julie Lopez: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | drjulielopez.com | www.vivapartnership.com | resilientbrainproject.com Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

Maeve Kelly is back on the show giving us some huge updates. She was a favourite guest in Season 1 of the podcast, sharing about her secondary rejection from her first mother. Maeve shares how she reached out to her half-siblings, what it took for her to face the possibility of more rejections, and how DNA is leaving no room for secrets in adoption anymore. There is also a brand new update in her search for her biological father. Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Maeve Kelly: Twitter | Facebook Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

How can you cope when your reunion fails? Pam Cordano, MFT returns to the Healing Series to help us acknowledge the pain of reunion failure. She gives us some helpful tools to survive secondary rejection, being ghosted, or even when you’re the one to pull the plug after a lukewarm reception. Full Show Notes Here   Connect With Us Pamela Cordano, MFT: www.pamelacordanomft.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Email pcordano(at)comcast(dot)net for info on the Adoptee Healing Retreat or the Pilgrimage for Women Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail

Today my dear friend Reshma McClintock, creator of Dear Adoption, and Producer, Co-Director, and Subject of the documentary, Calcutta is My Mother is here to celebrate 100 episodes with us! I asked Reshma to be the guest for my 100th episode because she is passionate about the same thing as I am, adoptee voices. Reshma shares what shifted her view of adoption, what it’s like for her to talk about India and adoption with her daughter, and the paradox of navigating cultural appropriation for a transracially adopted person. Full Show Notes Here Connect With Us Reshma McClintock: Instagram | Facebook | reshmamcclintock.com Haley Radke: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Adoptees On: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | Spotify | Stitcher | YouTube Support Adoptees On One Time Donation | Monthly | Secret Facebook Group Connect Monthly Newsletter | Send a Note or Record a Voicemail