The Foster Friendly Podcast

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Travis engage in a deep conversation with Isaac Etter, a transracial adoptee and social entrepreneur. They explore the complexities of adoption, particularly transracial adoption, and the grief that often accompanies it. Isaac shares his personal journey, highlighting the importance of open conversations about race and identity within adoptive families. The discussion also touches on cultural differences, code switching, and the concept of ghost kingdoms, emphasizing the need for unconditional love and understanding in the adoption process.Checkout Isaac's website with helpful parenting tips, tools, and resources:https://www.parentingdifferent.com/TakeawaysIsaac was adopted at age two and faced challenges in understanding his identity.Adoption is complex and often involves grief and loss.Conversations about race should be normalized in transracial families.Grief in adoption can manifest during significant life transitions.Cultural differences play a crucial role in shaping identity for adoptees.Code switching is a common experience for transracial adoptees.Ghost kingdoms represent unexpressed curiosity about birth families.Unconditional love is essential for adopted youth.Adoptees often need compassion and grace as they navigate their identities.Open dialogues about race can help adoptees feel secure in their identities.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Pam Bauer, a mother of 14 adopted children, to discuss the complexities of adoption, grief, and parenting. Pam shares her insights on the challenges of raising a large family, the importance of addressing grief in adopted children, and the need for open conversations about their birth families. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding loss, building connections, and providing emotional support to adopted children as they navigate their unique journeys.TakeawaysAdopted children often experience grief related to their biological families.Grief can be an opportunity for attachment and healing.Open conversations about adoption are crucial for children's understanding.Children may feel divided loyalties between adoptive and biological parents.Rituals can help children process their grief and loss.Understanding emotions and body language is essential in parenting adopted children.Grief is a lifelong journey that evolves over time.Adoptive parents should encourage their children to express their feelings.Children need to know they are loved and valued regardless of their background.It's important to recognize the mixed emotions surrounding adoption.Whether you’re considering becoming a foster parent or just want to better understand the adoption ecosystem, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and practical insight from someone who’s lived it out for decades.

In this kickoff to National Adoption Month, host Brian Mavis sits down with his cohosts (and adoptive parents) Courtney and Travis to discuss the real-world challenges and beauty of adoption. Together they unpack common myths about adoption, share their own powerful stories—from fostering to international adoption—and explore the ethical and emotional complexities that come with saying “yes” to a child.Key topics covered:Their family stories: international adoption, adoption through foster care, and breaking “birth order”The biggest myths about adoption—cost, home ownership, and who’s eligibleWhy “foster to adopt” isn’t the right mindsetThe ethical advantages of adoption through foster careThe “marriage of adoption” and the lifelong commitment it representsWhat support (and lack thereof) adoptive families can expectThe I Belong Project and how it’s helping connect waiting kids with forever familiesPractical, heartfelt advice for those considering adoptionWhether you’re just exploring adoption or already in the process, this episode offers honest insight, encouragement, and direction from those who’ve lived it.Resources MentionedAmerica’s Kids Belong – www.americaskidsbelong.orgLearn more about the I Belong Project and watch videos of kids waiting for adoptionExplore “The Fostering Front Door” to learn about ways to get involved

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Brian Mavis discuss the themes of foster care and adoption as outlined in Brian's book, Upstream. They explore the importance of self-assessment for potential foster parents, the preparation needed for welcoming a child, and the realities of transitioning from foster care to adoption. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the role of businesses and faith communities in fostering a supportive environment, and the introduction of the Foster Friendly app as a resource for families. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to take their next steps in supporting foster care and adoption efforts.Grab a copy of Go Upstream: Diving into Foster Care To Heal 10 Social WoundsTakeawaysSelf-reflection is crucial before becoming a foster parent.Creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential for children.Adoption is a journey that involves ongoing support and understanding.Community support is vital for the success of foster families.Businesses can play a significant role in supporting foster care initiatives.Faith communities can provide essential resources and support for foster families.The Foster Friendly app connects families with local resources and support.Every small action can contribute to a larger impact in foster care.Understanding trauma is key to supporting children in foster care.Flexibility in approach is important for foster and adoptive families.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams and co-host Travis Vangsnes welcome Liz Sutherland, a former foster youth and author. Liz shares her journey through foster care, the challenges of aging out, and the importance of resilience and support.She discusses her experiences of finding family in unexpected places, the power of education, and the impact of her memoir, 'No Ordinary Liz.' Liz also highlights the need for kindness and unconditional love for children in foster care, and her hopes for her children's book, 'The Extraordinary Story of No Ordinary Liz,' to foster understanding and compassion.Checkout her books: The Extraordinary Story of No Ordinary LizNo Ordinary Liz: Surviving and Thriving After Foster CareTakeawaysLiz Sutherland is a former foster youth and author.She entered foster care at age 13 after an abusive home life.Aging out of foster care means turning 18 and becoming independent.Support from strangers was crucial for Liz during her transition to adulthood.Education became a key focus for Liz to build a better future.Liz found a sense of family and belonging while working at Walmart.Reuniting with her siblings was a pivotal moment in Liz's life.Writing her memoir was a therapeutic process for Liz.Liz aims to inspire others through her story and advocacy.Unconditional love is essential for children in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Travis Vangsnes engage with Jason Weber, a seasoned advocate for foster care and co-founder of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). They explore Jason's journey into fostering, the challenges faced in the foster care system, and the importance of community collaboration. Jason emphasizes the need for unconditional love and support for children in foster care, while also discussing the vision of 'More Than Enough' to ensure every child has a safe and loving environment. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships and working together to create effective solutions for vulnerable children and families.Checkout all the great resources at More Than EnoughGrab a copy of Jason's book: Until There's More Than EnoughTakeawaysJason Weber has been working with vulnerable children and families for 28 years.Foster care is about restoring families, not just caring for children.The journey into fostering often begins with a personal commitment to serve.Collaboration among community members is essential for effective foster care solutions.The Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) was formed to unite organizations working in foster care and adoption.More Than Enough is a vision to ensure every child has an ideal placement.Children in foster care need unconditional love and support from their communities.The government alone cannot solve the foster care crisis; it requires community involvement.Building relationships is key to successful collaboration in foster care.Love is defined as doing what is best for another person, regardless of the cost.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Brian Mavis delve into the critical social issues surrounding foster care, including homelessness, incarceration, teen pregnancy, and generational foster care. They discuss the alarming statistics related to these social wounds and emphasize the importance of family connections and mentorship in preventing these issues. The conversation highlights personal stories and insights, aiming to raise awareness and encourage community involvement in supporting foster youth.Grab a copy of Go Upstream: Diving into Foster Care To Heal 10 Social WoundsTakeawaysOne in five youth aging out of foster care become homeless immediately.Connections and relationships are crucial for preventing homelessness.Teen pregnancy among foster youth is often a desire for family.Generational foster care perpetuates cycles of disadvantage.Mentorship can provide essential life skills to foster youth.Foster care is a significant predictor of future incarceration.Housing alone does not solve the problem; connection is key.Support for foster youth should include practical life skills training.Community involvement can make a difference in the lives of foster youth.Wisdom and worth are essential in preventing teen pregnancy.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Travis Vangsnes and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Jason Salamun, the mayor of Rapid City, South Dakota. They discuss Jason's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a community leader. Jason has a profoundly unique lens of seeing foster career and ways to support foster families having been in foster care, to later being a pastor, and then eventually a mayor galvanizing his city on the many ways to become involved. Jason shares insights on the growth of Rapid City, the beauty of the Dakotas, and the need for qualified foster families. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of social issues, the importance of resilience in youth, and the vital role faith communities can play in supporting foster families and foster care initiatives. This conversation is encouraging and inspiring! TakeawaysJason Salamun emphasizes the beauty and hospitality of the Dakotas.Rapid City is experiencing significant growth, attracting families.The importance of community support for children in foster care.Resilience is key for youth facing challenges.Faith communities can play a crucial role in foster care.Foster families are essential for providing stability and love.Every child deserves a place to belong.Community engagement is vital for addressing social issues.Jason's personal story highlights the impact of family support.The need for qualified foster families is critical.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Travis engage with Kelly and Tracie Ward, a couple deeply involved in foster care and adoption. They share their personal journey, the challenges and joys of fostering, and how their church has embraced a mission to support families in crisis. The Wards emphasize the importance of community involvement, the need for churches to open their homes, and the profound impact of fostering on both children and families. They discuss the I Belong Project and the significance of reaching out to biological parents, highlighting that true ministry involves loving and supporting families in need.Travis's That's So Rad! PodcastCheckout out our resources for Faith CommunitiesTakeawaysThe Wards have been married for 29 years and have eight children, including adopted and foster children.They have fostered 29 kids in the past two years and recently became grandparents.Their church's mission evolved to focus on foster care and adoption care.Fostering is not just about the children; it's also about supporting their biological parents.The church community can play a vital role in supporting foster families and children.Fostering can change the trajectory of lives, both for children and their families.The I Belong Project helps connect children in need with potential adoptive families.Churches should open their homes to foster children and their families.True ministry involves meeting families where they are and providing support.Fostering creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved. 

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Courtney and Brian Mavis delve into critical social issues affecting foster youth, including sex trafficking, addiction, and poverty. They discuss the alarming realities of sex trafficking in the U.S., particularly how foster youth are disproportionately affected. The conversation shifts to the cycle of addiction, exploring how trauma leads to substance abuse among youth in care. Finally, they address the economic challenges faced by former foster youth, emphasizing the importance of family support and community involvement in breaking the cycle of poverty.Grab a copy of Go Upstream: Diving into Foster Care To Heal 10 Social WoundsTakeawaysSex trafficking is a significant issue in the U.S., often overlooked.Foster youth are particularly vulnerable to trafficking due to lack of family support.Addiction often stems from trauma experienced in childhood.The majority of youth in foster care have experienced some form of addiction.Poverty is a major issue for former foster youth, often linked to lack of education and support.Continuity in care and relationships is crucial for the well-being of foster youth.Predators often pose as family figures to exploit vulnerable youth.Community involvement is essential in supporting foster families and youth.Teaching life skills, such as budgeting, can help foster youth succeed after care.Connection and support can significantly reduce the risk of addiction and poverty.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis discuss the challenges of parenting in the digital age, particularly focusing on the impact of electronics on children and foster youth. They explore the complexities of managing technology access, the implications of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights, and the importance of establishing rules for electronics in the home. The conversation also delves into the dangers of technology for kids in foster care, the significance of location tracking, and the necessity of open communication about online safety. The episode concludes with resources for foster parents to navigate these challenges effectively.Bark: Parental controls and device monitoring toolhttps://www.bark.us/TakeawaysParenting is inherently challenging, and electronics add complexity.Electronics can affect children's focus and attention.The Foster Youth Bill of Rights grants kids access to technology.Establishing rules for electronics is crucial for safety.Location tracking can pose risks for foster youth.Open communication about online dangers is essential.Foster parents should be proactive in discussing technology use.It's important to balance freedom and safety in technology access.Foster youth may have different experiences with technology than biological children.Resources and support are vital for foster parents managing electronics.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview bestselling author Kate Angelo, who shares her inspiring journey from foster care to becoming a successful writer. Kate discusses the impact of her traumatic childhood experiences on her writing and the themes of belonging and family in her work. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, relationship skills, and mentorship for foster youth, and how her own experiences have shaped her mission to help others. The conversation also touches on the significance of breaking generational cycles and the need for emotional support in navigating life's challenges.Follow Kate, subscribe to her newsletter, and checkout her best selling books:TakeawaysKate Angelo's journey from foster care to bestselling author is inspiring.Writing has been a therapeutic outlet for Kate.The importance of empathy in relationships is crucial for foster youth.Foster care experiences shape one's understanding of family and belonging.Kate's book 'Girl Lost' explores themes of trauma and redemption.Mentorship can significantly impact the lives of foster youth.Breaking generational cycles is essential for personal growth.Emotional support is vital for navigating life's challenges.Foster youth need relationship skills to thrive in adulthood.Dreaming beyond trauma is possible with the right support.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Courtney and Brian Mavis delve into the critical social wounds affecting youth in foster care, focusing on trauma, physical illness, and suicide. They discuss the complexities of trauma experienced by foster youth, the link between trauma and physical health issues, and the alarming rates of suicide among this vulnerable population. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these issues to foster healing and support for these children.Grab a copy of Go Upstream: Diving into Foster Care To Heal 10 Social WoundsTakeawaysThe term 'trauma' is often overused and misunderstood.Foster youth experience complex trauma that can lead to various mental health issues.Physical health is significantly impacted by trauma and neglect in foster care.Many foster youth enter care with pre-existing medical conditions.Neglect can be as harmful as abuse, often leading to long-term effects.Suicide rates among foster youth are alarmingly high compared to their peers.Healing relationships are crucial for the recovery of foster youth.Community support is essential for foster families and youth.Understanding the root causes of behaviors in foster youth can lead to better support.Hope and belonging are vital for the mental health of foster youth.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams welcome Danny and Ashley Smith, who share their journey as foster parents and their experiences working with children in foster care in various settings. They discuss the importance of consistency, understanding root causes of behaviors, and the challenges faced by foster parents. They also have some really practical tips to help navigate difficult behaviors. They remind foster parents to focus on the big picture and have patience to know that they may not always see dramatic changes in their kids at the time. However, that doesn't mean foster parents aren't making a huge impact in their lives. Danny and Ashley have lots of encouragement for future and current foster parents and share some of what they've learned and experienced talking to the kids (previously in their care) who are now adults. The conversation really highlights the transformative power of relationships and in the lives of kids in foster care. Listen to their music from their band WasperjawsEmpowered to Connect TrainingTakeawaysFoster care can start as a job but evolve into a calling.Understanding children's behaviors requires patience and training.Consistency is key in fostering relationships with children.It's important to regulate your own emotions before addressing a child's behavior.Building relationships through challenges can lead to deeper connections.Children in foster care need to feel cared for and valued.Consequences should be addressed after emotions have settled.Foster parents should seek community support and mentorship.Children often test boundaries to see if adults will remain consistent.The way we communicate with children shapes their self-perception.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams engage with Ryan O'Donnell, a tech entrepreneur and former foster parent, who discusses his journey from organizing a record-breaking food drive to creating a technology platform aimed at improving communication and collaboration within the foster care system.Ryan shares his personal experiences as a foster parent, the challenges he faced, and how these experiences inspired him to develop 'Your Case Plan', an app designed to streamline communication among all parties involved in a child's welfare. The conversation also touches on the importance of legal representation for families, the need for affordable housing solutions for foster youth, and the broader implications of technology in enhancing the foster care system.TakeawaysRyan O'Donnell is a tech entrepreneur and former foster parent.He organized a record-breaking food drive during high school.His experiences as a foster parent highlighted communication issues in the system.'Your Case Plan' was developed to improve collaboration in foster care.The app is free for families and aims to streamline communication.Ryan emphasizes the importance of legal representation for families in the system.Affordable housing solutions are crucial for youth aging out of foster care.The foster care system often lacks transparency, leading to poor outcomes.Ryan's work aims to break the cycle of families entering the system.The conversation highlights the need for multifaceted solutions in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams, Travis Vangsnes, and Brian Mavis discuss Brian's new book, 'Go Upstream,' (releasing soon) which explores the connection between foster care and various social issues such as homelessness, addiction, and trafficking. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early intervention in children's lives and the role of family in healing social wounds. Brian outlines ten social wounds that often affect youth in foster care and shares his vision for a future where every child feels loved and cared for. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved in supporting foster care and the families that provide it.Grab a copy of Go Upstream: Diving into Foster Care To Heal 10 Social WoundsCheckout all the resources and ways you can get involved fostering, adopting from foster care, or supporting foster families. https://americaskidsbelong.org/TakeawaysThe book 'Go Upstream' addresses the connection between foster care and social issues.Early intervention is crucial for healing children's trauma.Foster care is often overlooked in discussions about social wounds.Good families can provide better outcomes than programs alone.The ten social wounds include trauma, physical illness, and homelessness.Every child deserves to feel loved and cared for.The system is a response to harm, not the cause of it.Not everyone is called to foster, but everyone can care.Communities play a vital role in supporting foster families.Awareness and understanding of these issues can lead to change.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky 2025. Ariana shares her inspiring journey from being a homeless child in foster care to winning the title of Miss Kentucky! She discusses her advocacy work through The Lucky Ones Foundation, which aims to empower youth in foster care and educate the public about the foster care system. Ariana emphasizes the importance of amplifying the voices of children in care and the need for social support. The conversation also touches on the role of pageantry in advocacy and the life skills necessary for youth aging out of foster care. They also discuss the critical importance of equipping kids in foster care with crucial life skills. This is a great conversation and Ariana's resiliency and drive to dream big while amplifying the voices of others is really inspiring. Checkout Ariana's nonprofit, The Lucky Ones, which provides essential resources and support for kids in foster care. She also has a podcast--The Lucky OnesTakeawaysAriana's journey from foster care to Miss Kentucky is inspiring.The importance of social support for youth in foster care.Advocacy for children's voices in the foster care system is crucial.The Lucky Ones Foundation aims to educate and empower foster youth.Life skills education is essential for youth aging out of foster care.Ariana's podcast amplifies the voices of those in the foster care system.Social workers need to listen to children to make effective changes.The pageant platform can be a powerful tool for advocacy.Ariana's initiatives focus on both foster care and agricultural education.Community support is vital for the success of initiatives like The Lucky Ones.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian and co-host Travis welcome Greg and Valerie, a couple who have made a significant impact in the foster care community. They share their journey of becoming foster parents, the challenges and joys of raising four adopted children, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation touches on the importance of sibling relationships, the chaos of parenting, and the resilience required in foster care. Greg and Valerie emphasize the need for compassion and understanding in their home, creating a supportive environment for both their children and the foster kids that come through their doors. In this conversation, Greg and Valerie share their journey in foster care and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of community support and engagement. They discuss their experiences with fundraising, the role of faith in fostering, and how businesses can contribute to the cause. Their insights highlight the ripple effect of advocacy and the need for more families to step up and support children in need.TakeawaysValerie is the driving force in their household.Fostering involves taking risks for the sake of children.Every yes to something means a no to something else.Horses teach us about beauty and unpredictability, similar to parenting.The couple went from zero to four children in under a year.Chaos in a large family can lead to happiness and bonding.Their children learned compassion through welcoming foster kids.The dynamics of fostering can be complex, especially with biological children.It's important to remember the trauma that foster kids have experienced.Creating a stable environment helps foster kids feel secure. Foster care requires community support and advocacy.Fundraising events can significantly impact foster care initiatives.Corporate support is crucial for fostering awareness and funding.Faith communities have a unique opportunity to engage in foster care.Normalizing foster care can encourage more families to participate.Building relationships is essential for successful foster care outcomes.Awareness is as important as recruiting new foster families.Foster care impacts various societal issues, including homelessness and mental health.Every individual can contribute to foster care in meaningful ways.The journey of fostering can be rewarding despite its challenges.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian and co-host Travis welcome Kim Botto, an author and advocate for children in foster care and those with disabilities. They discuss the importance of trauma-informed care, the need for inclusive spaces in churches, and the role of hope and belonging in the lives of children. Kim shares her experiences and insights on how to create environments where every child can thrive, emphasizing the need for safe adults who believe in them. The conversation highlights practical strategies for churches and communities to better support children facing challenges, ultimately aiming to foster a sense of belonging and hope.TakeawaysEvery child deserves to belong in a safe environment.Trauma-informed care is essential for supporting children.Churches need to change their mindset to be more inclusive.Hope is the expectation that something good will happen.Belonging is about being accepted for who you are.Children with trauma need safe adults who believe in them.Behavior is a form of communication for children in distress.Visual schedules can help children feel secure and prepared.It's important to connect with children before correcting their behavior.Creating inclusive spaces benefits all children, not just those with visible disabilities.Checkout Kim's resources including her book and podcast:https://kimbotto.com/

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Laura Mobley, who shares her extensive experience in the foster care and adoption space. They discuss the launch of the Fostering Front Door initiative, aimed at providing a curated resource for individuals interested in foster care. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the differences between fostering and adoption, and the need for accessible information to guide potential foster parents on their journey. They also discuss the challenges and needs of the foster care system, emphasizing the importance of providing resources and support for potential foster parents. They explore the necessity of creating a space for individuals to learn about fostering, the role of continuing education, and the significance of relationships in the lives of children in foster care. The introduction of FosterCon as an educational initiative is highlighted, along with the various support options available for those involved in the foster care system.Foster Front Door website: https://americaskidsbelong.org/lp/fostering-front-door-program