2Adoptive Mamas

10/01/2024

It's something special when a mama can put into words and pictures a children's book that addresses one of those "hard to start" conversations. In this episode we're sitting down with Jessica Whipple to talk about her book, "I Think I Think a Lot." She openly shares how her household is navigating the day-to-day of neurodivergence and what it looks like to take a deeper dive into the way God has uniquely made all of us in His perfect image. Jessica's thoughtful reflection and refreshing perspective are something we can all benefit from, especially as foster and adoptive mamas.

Check out the episode wherever you listen to your podcasts or at twoadoptivemamas.com!

26/12/2023

We're in the holiday season and 2 Adoptive Mamas is taking a break this week to spend extra time with family and friends. We've pulled one of our most downloaded episodes from Season 3 for this week with the one and only Jamie Finn. Merry Christmas!!

Take a look at our shownotes from the original published episode:

"To those who follow her, she's a constant resource, encouragement, and much-needed dose of reality when navigating the ups and downs of foster care. Her heart for the Lord, care for vulnerable children, and desire to keep educating and supporting adoptive and foster families are unmatched.

For Episode 050 of the Two Adoptive Mama's Podcast, we're sitting down with Jamie Finn from Foster the Family to talk about love and loss. She's sharing her family's story, her work with Foster the Family, and more about authoring her very first book. Together our conversation spanned a variety of topics that together make up the complicated, challenging, yet necessary components of stepping into foster care. Whether you're considering foster care or find yourself in the "thick of it," Jamie's words will meet you right where you're at. We so enjoyed our time together, and know this episode will be an encouragement to you!"

06/12/2023

If there's one thing we can likely all agree on, it's that having some sort of system in our home just makes everything flow better. But sometimes, change happens quickly, systems have to adapt, and the day-to-day triage of managing our homes can become more than overwhelming. Well --- we have good news...

Meet Laura Hernandez --- the queen of navigating the day-to-day with "mama systems." Their proven success has transformed their own family (of 10!) rhythm and she's passionate about sharing her discoveries with others seeking similar support in this area. As an adoptive mom she has a special story to share and a message for every listener. Enjoy!

28/11/2023

2 Adoptive Mamas is taking a quick holiday break! We spent last week with our families and saved producing a new episode for next week...stay tuned!

For this week, we're taking a look back at one of our most popular episodes. Rosie Mann (yes, from last week's episode 100 panel!) goes into the practical navigation of trauma. A timely reminder as we head into the holiday season.

Listen at the link in our bio or your favorite listening app!

09/11/2023

24/10/2023

Sitting at soccer practice - my dad asked me, “did you ever think you’d be a soccer mom?”

In a word, no. Haha! When I was living my 20-something-kid-free life, I definitely had a stereotypical view of what a “soccer mom” meant - minivans, leggings, Starbucks, etc.

And while yes, I now have all those things 🤣 I think my dads deeper question was, did you think this was the life you were going to live?

Our parenting journey is unique, nuanced, challenging, traumatic, broken, and BEAUTIFUL.
No, it’s not at all what I expected. And honestly, I don’t know what to expect in the years to come.
But my faith and my hope rest in a God who is already there. Who planned my steps before I could ever imagine them. And better yet, He walks with me as I take each next step. And this makes each step, unexpected or expected, worthy and purposeful.

Live the unexpected life, mamas. You got this. ❤️

20/10/2023

Come hear some amazing guests on a live recording of our show, connect and network with other families, and talk with us about strengthening the community in our area!

Community Matters Live Podcast and Conversation Thursday, November 9, 2023 – 5:00-6:30 pm Lancaster County Library, The Community Room 151 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603   RSVP for … Continue reading "Community Matters Podcast"

17/10/2023

We could not be more thrilled to invite Raquel McCloud back to the show! Every time we sit down with Raquel her words absolutely capture us. She is so gracious, honest, and passionate about her work, who God has called her to be, and how she's embracing what's next for her and for her family.

For Episode 95 Raquel is back to help us tackle the topic of "preventing shame" in parenting. She's sharing her heart because of her own lived experiences while also shedding light on the bigger picture of "shame" when it comes to foster care and adoption. She is so intentional in how she shares and encourages others --- we know you're going to love this episode! Find today's episode at www.twoadoptivemamas.com or on your favorite podcast listening app!

10/10/2023

There's something about seeing things through the eyes of children that opens a way for deeper understanding and conversation.

Children's author, Laura Khoury joined us for Episode 94 to share about her connection to the foster care and adoption world, and why she decided to write a book that specifically marks the journey of a child through the foster to adopt process. Laura's openness and kind heart make a great combination for the care and compassion behind The Tale of Mallory Mouse.

We loved our time together, and know you will too --- plus, Mallory Mouse is a cutie! You'll be adding this book to your home library before you know it!

Find today's episode at www.twoadoptivemamas.com or on your favorite podcast listening app!

07/10/2023

We’re excited to partner with COBYS next month for a live recording and conversation about the heart of true community. We hope to see you there!

Coming Soon: The Community Matters Live Podcast with Mamas!!

Come sit in on the live recording of the “2 Adoptive Mamas” podcast and learn about the importance of community in the journey. There will be an All-Star panel, on Thursday November 9 from 5:00- 6:30 PM, ready to answer questions about finding support, creating relationships, and how faith plays a role. Meeting at the Lancaster Library, in the Community Room, and ready to share encouraging strategies to equip parents and a take-home craft to build on new relationships.
This interactive conversation about the importance of the whole community will be presented with light food fare.

03/10/2023

for the power of relationship - it's community at its core; whether we're talking about the healing relationship we have with our kids, or the healing relationship we ourselves can have with others. Be encouraged this Monday that there is hope for healing and that God has and is working through those trusted and safe relationships in your life. He's already there!

26/09/2023

There are some people in our world doing some pretty amazing things for the children from hard places in our community. Mike Shapiro is one of those people. Mike is the Executive Director of The Swappow Plus Foundation, a nonprofit that connects with foster youth through skateboarding. Yes, you heard right, skateboarding. Their mission is to change the trajectory of extraordinary youth through skateboarding. The lessons about life and faith that are learned through this experience are astounding and not only applicable to the youth, but to adults as well.

We're thrilled to have Mike share his story of faith and perseverance in beginning this work and finding a way to connect his interests and passions and serving the needs of foster youth in his community. Listen to be encouraged and empowered on how you can do the same.

25/09/2023

Swappow Plus is an amazing organization that’s changing lives of some pretty extraordinary kids in foster care…through skateboarding. We were honored to have Mike Shapiro on the show and cannot wait for you all to hear his story. There are a lot of lessons learned that don’t just apply to skateboarding - like this one. Tune in tomorrow to hear about this amazing work!!

20/09/2023

We were so happy to have you Leeann Hale, Author!!

12/09/2023

There's no on better to welcome as our first guest of Season Five than Herbie Newell. He is the President and Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services, host of The Defender Podcast, and author of "Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-Birth to Pro-Life."

Lifeline is the single largest Evangelical Christian adoption agency in the United States. Their work is remarkable and their take on "community" is like none other. Herbie shares some show-stopping realities of the foster care crisis in America and the role we all have in better caring for mothers and vulnerable children.

His wisdom and insight made for an incredible conversation, and will leave you challenged and inspired to create community, invest in community, and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need it most.

Find today's episode on on your favorite podcast listening app or at www.twoadoptivemamas.com.

11/09/2023

We need community, we need each other, we were not created to do this alone. Get connected.

Not sure how? Keep listening! 🎙️

We've got a good one for ya this week. 😉

09/09/2023

IT’S INTERNATIONAL
FASD AWARENESS DAY! Part 4

This is Natalie of FASD Hope . Our family has been on our for over 21 years. We are so thankful and grateful for the advocates, organizations, educators, supporters, authors, clinicians, professionals and support groups that are in the !

Today, we’d like to share some of the many guests (and upcoming guests) that we’ve been able to have amazing conversations with over the past three years :

Patricia Kasper, MA, MTh, Training Services
2Adoptive Mamas
AlexT FASD Awareness & Advocacy
Foster Blessings
Miranda Lynne Bezell
Lynn Alsup
Kathy Kuhl
Lucas Boyce
Kansas FASD Support Network
FASD Momma's Retreat
FASD Ottawa
Dig Fasd
Nevada Families for FASD Awareness
CAMP- A FASD Community
The FASD Collaborative Project
FASD Hub Scotland

05/09/2023

We're back! And couldn't be more excited to bring you Season 5 of the Two Adoptive Mamas Podcast.

This season is all about "community." We have been privileged over the past five seasons to build a community in this space, but we want to highlight the need and incredible value of having community right where you are. We have an awesome line-up of guests who have so willingly shared their hearts, expertise, passion, and personal stories. It's because of them that we are able to share Season Five with such excitement and with hopeful anticipation of how these episodes will challenge and teach us.

We're opening the season with a quick "hello," podcast update, and some more details about what we'll focus on this season.

Remember - we're in this together! And you've got this, mama!

Find today's episode on your favorite podcast listening app or at www.twoadoptivemamas.com.

04/09/2023

Happy Labor Day for those in the US!

As we head back into a school and work week, we can’t wait to bring you season 5 tomorrow.
We have an awesome line-up of guests who have so willingly shared their hearts, expertise, passion, and personal stories. Tune in tomorrow to hear our podcast update and more details about what we’ll focus on this season.

Remember, you’ve got this mama!

16/08/2023

We’re thrilled to be partnering with COBYS in the fall on a live podcast recording and conversation about community. Season 5 of 2 Adoptive Mamas is highlighting real community - what it is, what it isn’t, and how we can combat isolation in the adoption and foster care community… together.

Join us and our panel of all star podcast guests as we dive into this topic and give some practical takeaways and interactive elements of recording the conversation.

We’d love to see you there!

It's an exciting time to be involved with COBYS as we head toward the fall with a lot of community opportunities on the horizon.

- Sunday August 27th is the Taylor Chip Cookie Co. 5 Year Anniversary Family Fun Day Celebration with proceeds benefiting COBYS.
https://www.facebook.com/taylorchipcc/

- Sunday September 24th is the Colebrook Road Fall concert and family friendly activities to benefit COBYS.
https://cobys.org/colebrook-road-concert/

- Thursday October 19th come celebrate our Mark Cunningham and he heads into retirement and reflect on the enormous impact he has had over the past 27 years.

- Thursday November 9th we're hosting a live Podcast with the 2Adoptive Mamas to learn about the importance of community support.
https://twoadoptivemamas.com/podcast/

Email us with questions to [email protected].

15/08/2023

As much of the US is gearing up for another school year to begin, we can’t help but think about all the gold nuggets of wisdom Sharon gave in her episode. Pop in your earbuds and listen to her encouragement and hope for helping children from hard places!

For Episode 083 we're pleased to share the privilege of having a conversation with Sharon Denny. You name it, she's got the experience when it comes to foster care and adoption.

Her heart is caring for the most vulnerable and her passion is helping us show up for our kids from hard places.

Sharon is a wealth of knowledge and a breath of fresh air among challenging circumstances --- her heart is for Jesus and family.

It's not every day that we have the honor of rubbing shoulders (or Zoom frames!) with someone that has committed her life's work to loving others and making a difference amidst the brokenness that comes with foster care and adoption.

We're so thankful for her time of sharing with this community! Find today's episode at www.twoadoptivemamas.com or on your favorite podcast listening app!

23/05/2023

This week for Episode 088 we’re wrapping up Season 4 with some highlights and encouragement as we all step into the summer months.

For both of us (Liz & Sarah) we have experienced a lot of transitions in recent months, and it’s not lost on us that the summer brings feelings of excitement but also lots of change.

We’re excited to take a few moments to reflect on where we’ve been and some thoughts for the months ahead before we start our very own “summer break” for the show!

Find the finale at www.twoadoptivemamas.com or on your favorite podcast listening app.

03/05/2023

We've said it before, and we'll say it again, there's so much to consider when we discuss the adoption triad. For Episode 085 we're taking a deep dive with Daniela Coats to discuss what it looks like to support the biological children in foster and adoptive families.

Daniela is a social worker by trade, but also a "bio kid of a foster/adoptive family" and is now an adoptive and bio mom herself. Her perspective is uniquely informed by her personal experiences and her professional training. We found the conversation to be informative and enlightening. Daniela provides opportunities for further education to families that find themselves in this niche, and we're thrilled to have had this time with her --- and to share it with all of you!

Check out https://twoadoptivemamas.com/ep85 for the episode or your favorite podcast listening app!

18/04/2023

For Episode 083 we're pleased to share the privilege of having a conversation with Sharon Denny. You name it, she's got the experience when it comes to foster care and adoption.

Her heart is caring for the most vulnerable and her passion is helping us show up for our kids from hard places.

Sharon is a wealth of knowledge and a breath of fresh air among challenging circumstances --- her heart is for Jesus and family.

It's not every day that we have the honor of rubbing shoulders (or Zoom frames!) with someone that has committed her life's work to loving others and making a difference amidst the brokenness that comes with foster care and adoption.

We're so thankful for her time of sharing with this community! Find today's episode at www.twoadoptivemamas.com or on your favorite podcast listening app!

05/04/2023

If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's that through sharing stories we don't feel so alone. It's with this in mind that we recorded Episode 081 with Kelsey Knodel. She's sharing her mama-heart as she reflects on the adoption of their sweet girl and as they prepare their hearts and home to hopefully continue growing their family through adoption.

Kelsey Knodel's transparency amidst the hard coupled with her faith, hope, and commitment to the journey of adoption makes for a time of encouragement that you won't want to miss.

Whether you're waiting, in the midst of parenting, or considering what's next for your family, Kelsey's perspective has something for everyone. 🌷

Find today’s episode at www.twoadoptivemamas.com or on your favorite podcast listening app 🎙️

28/03/2023

They're back! It's the dad-cast for Episode 080 and they're joined by Nate Smith to talk about finding perseverance and hope in the midst of foster care.

You'll remember our time with Melinda on the podcast, and hearing their family's story through foster care. We've been so encouraged by their insight and courage to step into the broken and trust God to do the rest.

Drew and Dan's conversation with Nate is a reflection of their heart for the most vulnerable and how to build a foundation of trust and respect with parents who find themselves amidst very challenging circumstances.

This one is for the dads (but you might like it too!) so join them for a deep dive into a family's story that will leave you encouraged, hopeful, and reminded of God's grace and provision through each part of the journey.

Find today's episode at www.twoadoptivemamas.com or on your favorite podcast listening app.

21/03/2023

We're back! With Part 2 of our Parenting Teens mini-series with Abby Keiser from COBYS Family Services.

This week we're taking a closer look at what it means to help a teen find their voice and how to effectively facilitate this in your home.

Once again Abby starts with the basics and then takes us deeper to help with the day-to-day application of coming alongside our teens in this journey.

Whether your family is impacted by foster care or adoption, the teen years can be challenging but so, so transformative.

Abby reminds us of the privilege we have to step into the mess with our teens, lean into our faith, and provide the space and opportunity these children need to find security and the courage to thrive.

Find today's episode at www.twoadoptivemamas.com or on your favorite podcast listening app!

14/03/2023

Two words that can inflict some uncertainty --- parenting teens.

Even more so, is parenting teens from hard places. But here's the thing, they need us and we have so much to learn from them.

For Episode 078 Abby Keiser from COBYS Family Services is joining us for Part 1 of a mini-series on parenting your teen. We're starting with the basics and then getting even more specific as we identify what it takes in the day-to-day and how it impacts the big picture.

Whether you have a blip on the radar with a foster placement or a lifetime through adoption, these years are tough --- but we have a profound opportunity to plant a seed, lean into our faith, and help guide the way for these kiddos that we love so much.

Find today's episode on your favorite podcast listening app or at www.twoadoptivemamas.com!

28/02/2023

Heidi Glick is so full of heart, and our conversation with her is like a warm hug from a fellow adoptive mama who has been in the trenches and holds so much hope for the future. She’s opening up about her family’s journey through adoption and embracing the promise of hope we have in Jesus amidst the heartbreak that accompanies any adoption journey.

In addition to her personal story, for the first time we’re talking about ethical adoption, care for birth families, and what it looks like to navigate openness in an adoption relationship. Heidi’s honesty and compassion is refreshing, and we’re so thankful for her willingness to share with our listeners!

Find today's episode on your favorite podcast listening app or at www.twoadoptivemamas.com.

21/02/2023

We first welcomed Chelsea Sobolik during Season 2 to talk about her work in advocating for families at our nation’s capital.

Her personal story of adoption, journey to international adoption with her husband, and her professional work allow Chelsea to share one-of-a-kind insight.

During our conversation Chelsea addresses high-level matters in a way that meets us in our day-to-day and reminds us there is a role for everyone to play. She’s sharing some recent personal highlights, a book update, and joins us as we take a closer look at advocacy, policy, and what it means to live in a post Roe v. Wade world.

Her compassion, faith in Jesus, and commitment to caring for families is unmatched, and we’re so grateful to have her joining us for another episode!

Find today's episode at www.twoadoptivemamas.com or on your favorite podcast listening app!