Adoptee Thoughts

The Adoptee Thoughts Podcast will offer an inside look from a transracial adoptee’s perspective on international adoption, race, identity, and more. This podcast will delve into the nuances of adoption, and will not shy away from the tough topics. In Season Four of the Adoptee Thoughts podcast, I will be shining a spotlight on ADOPTION CHANGEMAKERS, ranging from adoptees, former foster youth, birth mothers, adoptive parents, and professionals who are revolutionizing the adoption and foster care community.

Adoptee Thoughts on "An Update on Our Family" ft. Hannah Cho on Family, Identity & Social Media

Welcome to Adoptee Thoughts, where each week, we dive deep into the nuanced world of adoption—unpacking challenges, perspectives, and the tough conversations that too often go unspoken. Whether you're an adoptee, an adoptive parent, or simply curious about the realities beyond the mainstream narrative, this is a space for raw, thought-provoking discussions.     In this powerful episode, we dive into the world of adoption blogging with one of the key figures from the documentary An Update on the Family--Hannah Cho.   She is a transnational Korean American Adoptee, small business owner, mother and wife. Even though she knew from a very young age that she was adopted - she didn’t start accepting and ultimately embracing her adoption story until her twenties. Thanks to finding an amazing community online, first on youtube and then other social media platforms, she is now creating a space in the beauty industry for people who look like her and who like her, didn’t see others like them when growing up. We also discuss the darker side of influencer culture, the commodification of adoption stories, and how viral fame can shape (and distort) narratives around adoptees and family life. What happens when content creation blurs the lines between storytelling and exploitation? And how do we shift the conversation to center adoptees rather than views and engagement metrics?     Find Hannah here: https://www.instagram.com/hellohannahcho/ and https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahchobeauty **Join us as we break down the complexities of adoption, social media, and the responsibilities that come with storytelling in the digital age.**   We don’t shy away from the hard topics—because they matter.   **Subscribe & Stay Connected:** If this conversation resonates with you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep these discussions going. Your support helps bring more visibility to adoptee voices.   #AdopteeThoughts #AdoptionEthics #FamilyVlogging #HannahCho #AdopteeVoices   Resources:   Adoption & Foster Parent Influencing:   https://www.thedailybeast.com/should-foster-parents-be-allowed-to-monetize-their-kids/       Who Adopts: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db12.pdf   Family Vlogger Laws:   https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Family/parenting-influencers-speak-new-law-designed-protect-kids/story?id=111580202   Rehoming:   https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/11/children-who-have-second-adoptions/575902/   https://www.newsweek.com/how-this-legal-woman-exposes-child-rehoming-ad-adoption-agency-viral-video-1667464   Adoption Disruption and Dissolutions:   https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-HE23_1200-PURL-gpo145740/pdf/GOVPUB-HE23_1200-PURL-gpo145740.pdf   Books to Read: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/House-My-Mother/Shari-Franke/9781668065396?gQT=2   _____________________________________________   Music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/better-off License code: 0EIGKMEX90LYK9K4

02-07
01:12:18

Exploring the Complexities of Birth Mothers and Adoption in the United States with Gretchen Sisson, PhD and Author of “Relinquished”

Welcome to our latest episode of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast! In this thought-provoking discussion, I delve into the complexities surrounding the decisions made by birth mothers and pregnant individuals to place children for adoption in the United States with Gretchen Sisson, PhD.    She is a sociologist with Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health at the University of California, San Francisco, and the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, a critical, ten-year examination of domestic adoption. Centering the stories of relinquishing mothers, the book chronicles our country's refusal to care for families at the most basic level, and instead allow cultural and political ideas of adoption to advance an individual, private solution to large-scale social problems. A "comprehensive and harrowing debut" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) that "contributes to our national conversation of what reproductive justice really means" (Gloria Steinem), Relinquished is a necessary examination for our post-Dobbs era.   Adoption is a deeply personal and often emotionally charged journey, shaped by a myriad of factors including societal pressures, personal circumstances, and individual beliefs. Through insightful interviews and expert analysis, we unravel the layers of this complex topic, shedding light on the diverse experiences and perspectives of birth mothers and pregnant people.   Join us as we explore the nuanced reasons behind adoption decisions, from considerations of financial stability and educational opportunities to the emotional toll of unexpected pregnancies and societal stigma. We'll also discuss the importance of providing comprehensive support and resources to birth mothers throughout the adoption process, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met with empathy and understanding.   Whether you're an adoptive parent, adoption professional, or simply interested in understanding the dynamics of adoption in the United States, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives that will deepen your understanding of this important topic.   Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes. Together, let's foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the complexities of adoption and the individuals impacted by this profound journey.   GIVEAWAY INFORMATION: As a thank you for being such an amazing community I am giving away one (1) copy of Gretchen’s book, “Relinquished.” T To enter you must:   Subscribe to my Youtube Channel @adoptee_thoughts Comment your favorite part of the episode For additional entries tag a friend in the comments that you think would benefit from listening to this podcast episode Enter within 10 days from the release of this episode on March 25th, 2024 Winner Will be announced on April 5th, 2024   Connect with Gretchen here:   https://www.instagram.com/gretchen.sisson/ You can purchase her book here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/relinquished-the-politics-of-adoption-and-the-privilege-of-american-motherhood-gretchen-sisson/19995515?ean=978125028 _______________________________________________  For more adoption content, please like and follow: @adoptee_thoughts    https://www.tiktok.com/@adoptee_thoughts  https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/  https://www.adopteethoughts.com    ___________________________________________________  When I wrote an essay about finding out I was adopted much later in life for @huffpost I never expected it to go viral and then find my passion in adoption education and advocacy for ethical, trauma-informed, and child-centered adoption practices. Reviews of "What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption"    “A powerful, worthwhile addition to the growing body of work on race and parenting.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review    “Melissa Guida-Richards lays bare a painful truth: That loss is central to adoption. For those who are adopted transracially and transnationally, the disappearance of culture, familiarity, and language carry added complexity. With grace and sensitivity, Guida-Richards offers clear, insightful guidance for adoptive parents to help their sons and daughters navigate the isolation, racism, and longing they inevitably feel.” —Gabrielle Glaser, author of American Baby    You can purchase my books here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2247656/melissa-guida-richards/    You can read the essay here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/transracial-adoption-racial-identity_n_5c94f7eae4b01ebeef0e76e6  @TamronHallShow Hall Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfSuIqd8RfY Good Day LA Interview with Michaela : https://www.foxla.com/video/989201 Good Day La: ___________________

03-25
01:02:30

An Interview with an Adoptee, Who Exposed his Illegal Adoption in a Viral TikTok Challenge.

On Season 3, Episode 6 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Christian Aragon and host Melissa Guida-Richards discuss the shocking story of his illegal adoption and reunion with his biological family. You may recognize some of his story from his viral video with "Put a Finger Down" challenge.    About the Adoptee: Christian Matthew Aragon was illegally adopted and raised by a woman who claimed to be my birth mother. He found his biological family at 36 and is just now getting to start his life with them.     How to connect: Follow him @mattaragon87 on TikTok!  _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards and resources available for purchase from panels to workshops, to book club information go to adopteethoughts.com or her Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/     Her book are available anywhere books are sold. What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices   Preorder the companion Workbook here: 

06-02
01:19:42

An Interview with Lynn Woo Mykytyn, Adoptee & Therapist

On Season 3, Episode 3 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Lynn Woo Mykytyn, MA LPCC LADC, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Paige's experience as an adoptee and her role as a therapist. They dig into the nuance of this work, how it felt to grow up in a white majority family, and how she advocates for adoptees and birth parents.    About Lynn Woo Mykytyn, MA LPCC LADC: Lynn Woo Mykytyn, MA LPCC LADC, is the founder of Sando Wellness & Counseling in Minnesota and works as a counselor supporting teens, adults, parents, and couples. Lynn built her practice on the concept that identifying what is right with us can support and motivate change in the areas of our life that no longer serve us. She believes that mental health and wellness has to do with all elements of our lives and all aspects of self; something that cannot be captured in a diagnosis and specializes in issues related to anxiety, depression, and addiction, as well as identity and transracial adoption.    How to connect website: https://www.sandowellness.com/ instagram and twitter: @sandowellness email: Lynn@sandowellness.com _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   Her book is now available anywhere books are sold. 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Buy here!        

09-20
52:36

An Interview with Paige Knipfer, Adoptive Parent & Adoption Consultant

On Season 3, Episode 2 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Paige Knipfer, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Paige's experience as an adoptive mother and her role as an adoption consultant. They dig into the nuance of this work, what she does to make sure her business is ethical, and how she advocates for adoptees and birth parents.    About Paige Knipfer: She is the owner of Love Grown Adoption Consulting to assist prospective families through the adoption journey. She is an adoption educator and adoptive mom.   https://www.lovegrownadoptionconsulting.com   _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   Her book is now available anywhere books are sold. 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Buy here!        

09-06
57:42

An Interview with Alessia, Adopted from the USA to Italy

Hi Friends! Thank you so much for your wonderful support, I am so excited to share this episode with you. It was recorded in 2020, but due to my father's passing around that time I didn't have a chance to edit it until now. I hope you enjoy, and check out Alessia's work.   On Season 3, Episode 1 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Alessia Petrolito, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Alessia's experience as a Black adoptee from the United States and what it was like growing up in Italy and later visiting America.    About Alessia Petrolito: Born in the U.S., adopted and raised in Italy. Interested in Visual and Critical Studies and the connection between Art, Adoption and virtual communities, she presented her artistic research at 5th and 7th ICAR - International Conference on Adoption Research, respectively held in New Zealand and Italy. She currently lives in Turin, where she is working for an Art Foundation. linktr.ee/arpadoptic Personal blog arpadoptic.com  Adoption Cloud project blog adoptcloud   _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   Her book is now available anywhere books are sold. 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Buy here!  

06-29
42:30

An Interview with Astrid Castro, of Adoption Mosaic

On Season 2, Episode 5 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Astrid Castro, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Astrid’s work in the adoption community, reunion, as well as the nuances of learning our language from our birth culture.    About Astrid Castro:   Astrid has a degree in sociology with an emphasis in adoption. For twenty plus years, she has traveled the country to lead youth groups, present workshops on transracial parenting, talking with children about adoption and various other workshops focusing on adoption. Prior to creating Adoption Mosaic, Astrid worked in both the private and public sectors of various adoption organizations such the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC), Holt International, Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange, to name just a few.   Astrid co-authored Adoption in the Movies, which takes the reader on a guided tour of 27 movies and documentaries that are ‘dripping with adoption’ asking questions that encourage the viewer to engage in ongoing dialogue and discussion. She also developed an innovative, evidence-based, 27-minute training DVD titled, Adoptive Parent Training: Developing Communication Skills. The training demonstrates how adoptive parents can communicate openly and honestly with family, friends and especially children.   Astrid is a former member of the board of directors of the North American Council on Adoptable Children, the author of many articles on the subject of adoption and contributed a chapter to the book Parents As Adoptees.   Website: https://adoptionmosaic.com/     Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/adoptionmosaic/       _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   Her book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Buy here!   Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

08-23
56:16

An interview with Annie Goodchild, Singer, Songwriter, and Transracial Adoptee

On Season 2, Episode 4 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Annie Goodchild, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Annie's new video project, "I Used to Be Sam." This project will use interviews of fellow adoptees to an EP and audio visual project series discussing transracial adoptee experiences in addition to the one that is unique to her own.    Anyone interested in participating can submit to:  iusedtobesam@gmail.com Deadline: May 15, 2021 6:59 am (EST)   About Annie Goodchild:   On the day Annie Goodchild was adopted, her name changed. I Used to Be Sam is an American music artist whose career has left remarkable traces around the world. From selling out arenas as the lead singer to Scott Bradlee's Post Modern Jukebox, to opening for Alicia Keys, I Used to Be Sam's journey now leads her to expose all in her most emotional and personal project yet. I Used to Be Sam's self-titled EP strips away years of emotional armor to bare all and share her personal experience of self-discovery and self-love, as a transracial adoptee who grew up in the care of a white family.   Website: http://anniegoodchild.com Instagram: @goodchild.annie     _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   Her book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Buy here!   Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

05-14
44:17

An Interview with Jenny Heijun Wills, Award Winning Author

On Season 2, Episode 3 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Jenny Heijun Wills, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Jenny's Memoir Older Sister, Not Necessarily Related (now available in paperback) and the intricacies of reunion with birth family.    Jenny Heijun Wills is the author of Older Sister, Not Necessarily Related (McClelland & Stewart, Penguin Random House Canada, 2019), which won the 2019 Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Non-Fiction Prize and the 2020 Eileen McTavish Sykes Best First Book Award. She is also the co-editor of Adoption & Multiculturalism: Europe, The Americas, and the Pacific (University of Michigan Press, 2020).   Purchase her memoir here and follow Jenny on Instagram.     _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Buy here!   Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

02-25
52:33

An Interview with Christine, Founder of Adoptee Bridge

On Season 2, Episode 2 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Christine Heimann, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss their experience as international adoptees and the complexities of searching for birth family. Christine discusses why she created Adoptee Bridge and a little about her work with adoptees and adoptive families.    Christine's Bio:   Christine Heimann 정주빈 is a Korean American, transracial adoptee who has volunteered or worked with adoptees and adoptive families for over 15 years. In 2017, Christine founded AdopteeBridge, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, providing post-adoption support services to transracial and transnational adoptees and their families. Christine is passionate about providing post adoption services and resources to the adoptee community and this can be seen through the vision and programming of AdopteeBridge.    Connect with Christine here:   www.adopteebridge.org www.facebook.com/adopteebridge www.instagram.com/adopteebridge   Email: info@adopteebridge.org     _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Buy here!     Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

01-26
50:45

An Interview with Nicole Chung, Bestselling Author

On Season 2, Episode 1 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Nicole Chung, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss their experience with losing a loved one as an adoptee, as well as their writing process. Nicole shares some of her story as an adoptee, and advice for adoptees looking to get into writing.   Nicole’s Bio:   Nicole Chung is the author of the nationally bestselling memoir All You Can Ever Know (Catapult, US; Pushkin Press, UK). Named a Best Book of the Year by two dozen publications, All You Can Ever Know was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, a semifinalist for the PEN Open Book Award, an Indies Choice Honor Book, and an official Junior Library Guild Selection.  Chung’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, The Guardian, GQ, TIME, Longreads, and Vulture, among others, and she also writes a weekly Care and Feeding advice column for Slate. She is the editor-in-chief of the National Magazine Award-winning Catapult magazine and the former managing editor of The Toast. Her next book is forthcoming from Ecco Books/HarperCollins.  Find Nicole on Twitter: @nicolesjchung & Instagram: @nicolesjchung _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Buy here!   Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

01-04
53:35

An Interview with Louise, an International Adoptee in An Open Adoption

On Episode 11 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Louise, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss the unique experience as an international adoptee who grew up in an open adoption, coming out of the fog, and more.   Louise's Bio: Louise Shepherd was born as “Fenny” on the island of Java, in Indonesia in 1982. At 6 months old she was adopted by a white Australian family. It was then her name was changed to Louise.   The family consisted of mum, dad, two biological sons, and then Louise. Two and half years later the family adopted her sister from Seoul, South Korea. Louise grew up in Adelaide, South Australia. Louise lives on Kaurna Land.   In 2009 Louise completed her Bachelors of Social Work and Social Planning. She is currently working in the Homelessness sector and has previous experience working in Child Protection. Louise feels passionate about many human rights topics, in particular the plight of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.   Louise is mum to one healthy and boisterous, thriving 6-year-old little boy. She enjoys going to the beach, trying different food cuisines, and spending time with friends and family. Louise also says a good afternoon nap never goes astray either.   Follow Louise on Instagram!     -------- To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Buy here! Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

10-17
53:27

An Interview with Shelley, An International Adoptee from China to Canada

On Episode 10 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Shelley, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss the intricacies of being an international adoptee, the benefits of having an adopted sibling, and the experience of being raised by a single mom.   Shelley's Bio: My name is Shelley Rottenberg and I'm a Chinese adoptee. I was adopted from Zhejiang province when I was 8 months old and I now live in Southern Ontario. I have a Masters in Human Geography and am really interested in exploring the connections between people and places. I conducted research on the Lived Experiences of Chinese Adoptees in Canada for my undergraduate thesis. My desire to connect with other adoptees and to learn more about their experiences continues to grow over time.   Follow Shelley on Instagram!   -------- To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices   Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

09-10
43:01

An Interview with Maria, On Finding Birth Family During a Pandemic

On Episode 9 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Maria, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss how they handled finding birth family during a pandemic, the nuances of sharing the journey with adoptive parents, and how being adopted has impacted their parenting.   My name is Maria Fernanda. I am a Transracial Adoptee. I was born in Quito, Ecuador, South America. I was adopted at age 2 and brought to the United States where I have lived ever since. I have always known I was adopted, but it was not really until I was pregnant with my first child that I began to feel that I wanted to search for answers. It has been thirteen years since I began my journey to deep healing and self-discovery. Right before the world shifted due to the pandemic, I began doing more intense birth family searching. Suddenly, I found my birth mother, my birth father, and my birth siblings. The journey to healing does not end for adoptees, in fact, once the reunion occurs it is as if we go back to the beginning with everything. My hope is to share my story, connect with other adoptees, and give support.   Instagram: A Butterfly Series   -------- To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices   Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

08-18
55:40

Interview with Aliyah Santos, a Mixed Race Domestic Adoptee

On Episode 8 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Aliyah, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss her experience growing up in a predominantly white community, racism, and her experience working in foster care after seeing the flaws in the system.     Aliyah Santos is a TRA, writer, podcaster, and single mother of 4. After finally leaving the fog at the age of 30, Aliyah set out to heal the trauma of growing up adopted in an abusive home through world travel with her kids. Now she's made a temporary home for herself and her family in Morocco and podcasts about traveling and breaking cycles of trauma. Her podcast is  4 Kids & Me Overseas.   Insta: broken2brave  Facebook:broken2brave     -------- To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices   Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

08-11
50:31

An Interview with Lauren Sharkey, adoptee & author of 'Inconvenient Daughter'

Episode 7: An Interview with Lauren Sharkey, adoptee & author of 'Inconvenient Daughter'   In Episode 7 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Lauren and host, Melissa Guida-Richards have a chat about her debut book that reflects some of her experiences as an adoptee, how being an adoptee impacts other relationships in our lives, and her thoughts on the industry of adoption.   Lauren J. Sharkey is a writer, teacher, and transracial adoptee. After her birth in South Korea, she was adopted by Irish Catholic parents and raised on Long Island. Sharkey’s creative nonfiction has appeared in the Asian American Feminist Collective’s digital storytelling project, First Times, as well as several anthologies including, I Am Strength! and Women under Scrutiny. Inconvenient Daughter is her debut novel and loosely based on her experience as a Korean adoptee. You can follow her at ljsharks.com   Buy her book, INCONVENIENT DAUGHTER!   Social Media:   Facebook Instagram or @inconvenientdaughterInstagram   Twitter @theljsharks #InconvenientDaughter   -------- To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

07-31
58:33

An Interview with Anissa Druesedow, a Deported Adoptee

Episode 6: An Interview with Anissa Druesedow   Anissa E. Druesedow, mother, adoptee, activist, and deportee. In episode 6, she shares her story of family separation and deportation as an adoptee without citizenship.   Adoptees for Justice   Ways to Help   -------- To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

07-24
01:23:07

An Interview with Jessica Luciere, Colombian Adoptee and Mentorship Director

On Episode 5 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Guida-Richards talks with Jessica and discusses her experience finding and reuniting with her birth family, her work in mentoring fellow Adoptees, and helpful advice for adoptive parents.   Mentorship at Spence-Chapin: NYC based Mentorship All Together Now: Brooklyn based Mentorship   Bio: Based in New York, Jessica M. Luciere (she/hers), is a mother, photographer, transracial adoptee, and adoptee advocate who has spent 15+ years working with adoptive families from all around the world. Jessica is the President of All Together Now, a mentoring program based in Brooklyn NY, and the Director of the Spence-Chapin Mentorship program in New York City, both serving adoptees and their families. Her involvement in mentorship has given her the opportunity to witness the adoptee experience from many different lenses and learn from all of those within the adoption constellation. This has been the most important work Jessica has done and she continues to develop and grow programming for this community that is so close to her heart.   Email Jessica at JMLuciere.nyc@ gmail DOT com Follow her on Instagram   -------- To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices   Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

07-15
55:42

An Interview with Kylie Peterson, a Black TRA

  On Episode 4 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, I have the honor of interviewing fellow transracial adoptee, Kylie Peterson. She talks about growing up as a Black TRA with white adoptive parents and how she has been discussing race and BLM with her family during this time. Kylie also shares some great tips for fellow transracial adoptees and we delve into some great insights that are essential for adoptive parents. Find Kylie on Instagram here!   -------- To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices   Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

06-30
54:08

Adoption Influencers and 'Rehoming' Adoptees

In episode 3 we discuss adoption influencer, Myka Stauffer, and the practice of rehoming adopted children. As an adoptee with disabilities I share my opinion on Adoption influencers and why it is problematic.   For more information about Stauffer and her son Huxley, check out my article on Insider- 'I was adopted outside of the US and have disabilities. I'm tired of the savior narrative among white adoptive parents.'   -------- To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.   My book is now available for preorder and in stores on October 5th! 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices     Social: Twitter Instagram Facebook   Mailing List: Subscribe Here

06-15
44:12

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