The Adoption Roadmap Podcast

In this powerful continuation of their conversation, Connie Going goes even deeper into what it really means to pursue ethical, child-centered adoption. She talks about why hopeful adoptive parents must process their own trauma before stepping into adoption, the danger of trying to be the “perfect” Facebook family, and how truly loving a child means also honoring and supporting their birth parents. Connie breaks down creative, attachment-focused parenting strategies (including why traditional discipline and “cry it out” can backfire for kids with trauma), and shares real-life stories from older child adoption, foster care, and reunions with birth families. She also unpacks intervention cases in Florida, federal and state subsidies, and how race and funding impact private and foster adoption. Throughout, Connie returns again and again to the same core message: build your toolbox, stay flexible, care for your own nervous system, and keep the child’s story—and their connections—at the center of every decision.🔗 Important LinksRG Adoption Consulting→ https://rgadoptionconsulting.comBook a 30-Minute Consult with Rebecca→ https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contactLearn More About Connie Going→ https://conniegoing.com/Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco→ https://gulfcoastjfcs.org/heart-gallery-kids/Sweet Peach Tree→ https://sweetpeachtree.com — use code ROADMAP10 for 10% offChapters00:00 Sponsor + Part 1 Recap01:40 Why You Must Process Your Own Trauma Before Adopting04:10 The Myth of the “Perfect” Home Study & Facebook Families06:05 Loving Birth Moms Through the Fire, Not Just With Resources08:20 Florida’s “Wild West” of Adoption, Money & Scams11:50 Full-Circle Healing With Taylor’s Birth Mom13:36 What Connie Looks For in Older-Child Adoptive Families15:30 Flexible, Creative Parenting vs. Rigid “Perfect” Parenting19:41 Attachment for Infants & Kids Who’ve Survived Neglect24:00 Time-In vs. Time-Out, Spanking & When Discipline Becomes Harm29:21 What Is an Intervention Case in Florida?35:10 Federal Subsidies, State Assistance & Who Qualifies40:10 Race, Private vs. Foster Adoption & “Biracial” Openness43:47 Building Your Trauma-Informed Parenting Toolbox45:14 Self-Care, Quiet Moments & Listening to Your Body47:12 What Kids Need Most From New Adoptive Parents49:14 Rapid-Fire Questions & Connie’s Final AdviceTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this enlightening conversation, Connie Going shares her extensive experience in child welfare and adoption, emphasizing the importance of connection for children in foster care. She discusses the challenges faced by adoptive parents, the role of birth parents, and the impact of media on adoption awareness. Connie also highlights the significance of support systems, creative parenting strategies, and federal assistance programs for adoptive families. Throughout the discussion, she stresses the need for self-care among adoptive parents and the importance of building trust and consistency in the adoption process.🔗 Important LinksRG Adoption Consulting→ https://rgadoptionconsulting.comBook a 30-Minute Consult with Rebecca→ https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contactLearn More About Connie Going→ https://conniegoing.com/Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco→ https://gulfcoastjfcs.org/heart-gallery-kids/Join The Adoption Continuum Community→ https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/waitlistChapters00:00 Introduction to Adoption and Child Welfare02:42 Connie's Journey in Child Welfare05:25 The Importance of Connection in Adoption07:51 Connie's Personal Adoption Story10:50 The Impact of Media on Adoption Awareness13:27 Challenges in the Adoption System16:10 Navigating Parenting in Adoption18:58 Transitioning from Public to Private Adoption21:47 Understanding Trauma in Adoption24:15 The Need for Support in Adoption26:51 Conclusion and Future of Adoption Awareness26:59 Navigating Adoption Concerns29:43 Understanding Personal Trauma Before AdoptionTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Rebecca Gruenspan Summary explores the evolving landscape of adoption, highlighting significant trends such as the decline in infant adoptions, rising costs, changing family dynamics, and the increasing selectivity of expectant parents. It emphasizes the importance of openness in adoption, the role of technology, and the need for support systems for adoptive families. The discussion also addresses the significance of identity and truth in adoption, the differences between consultants and facilitators, and the influence of social media on the adoption process. Overall, it provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of adoption and its future direction.Important Links• RG Adoption Consulting → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠• Book a 30-Minute Consult → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact• Solace Gift Boxes → AdoptSolace.comChapters00:00 The Evolving Landscape of Adoption00:56 Decline in Infant Adoptions02:23 Understanding Adoption Costs05:41 Changing Family Dynamics in Adoption08:12 The Need for Diverse Families09:53 Longer Wait Times and Selectivity12:53 Expectant Parent Trends16:33 The Importance of Openness18:17 Technology's Role in Adoption21:39 The Shift Towards Open Adoption24:44 Navigating Identity and Truth27:38 Consultants vs. Facilitators29:01 The Power of Authenticity in Profiles30:39 The Future of AdoptionTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Part 2, Dr. Tony Hynes (author of The Son with Two Moms and training specialist at the Center for Adoption Support and Education) goes deeper on what adoptive parents must understand about race, language, and true openness. We unpack the Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) and its real-world ripple effects, why “love is enough” and colorblind approaches fail kids, and practical ways white adoptive parents can prepare to raise Black children well. Tony explains why the language we use (interracial vs. transracial) shapes outcomes, how faith communities can unintentionally reinforce colorblindness, and concrete steps to keep teens close—even when they roll their eyes. We close with what a truly healthy open adoption looks like beyond visits: ongoing, courageous conversations, shared history, and permission for your child to love all of their family.Important Links• RG Adoption Consulting → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact• The Son with Two Moms by Tony Hynes• Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) → https://adoptionsupport.orgAdoption Mosaic → https://adoptionmosaic.com/BIPOC Adoptees → https://www.bipocadoptees.org/Families Rising → https://wearefamiliesrising.org/On Your Feet Foundation (support for birth parents) → https://onyourfeetfoundation.org/The Adoption Continuum (Founding Member Waitlist) → https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/waitlistChapters00:00 – 02:15 Sponsor: Introducing The Adoption Continuum02:15 – 04:40 Recap of Part 1 + Tony’s return04:41 – 07:00 The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA) explained07:03 – 09:24 Why there’s a shortage of Black families adopting Black children09:25 – 11:47 Training gaps and bias in interracial adoption11:48 – 14:10 Helping white parents prepare to raise children of color14:11 – 16:31 Confronting racism inside extended families16:32 – 19:00 “Transracial” vs. “Interracial” — Why language matters19:01 – 21:25 Same-sex parents and child well-being research21:26 – 23:47 Dr. Hynes’s PhD study on connectedness and community23:48 – 26:08 Religion and colorblind messages in adoptive homes26:09 – 28:33 Talking about race protects relationships long-term28:34 – 30:55 Keeping teens close through repetition and modeling30:56 – 33:19 Redefining openness beyond visits33:20 – 35:42 How to normalize birth family conversations35:43 – 37:23 Reunion, search, and the right to know one’s story37:24 – 39:40 Top lessons for adoptive parents (+ grace and curiosity)39:41 – 42:00 Rapid fire: Organizations and influences in adoption42:00 – 43:25 Final insight — Adoptees can experience trauma after adoption43:26 – End Rebecca’s closing reflection & review reminderTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan—adoptive parent, consultant, and founder of RG Adoption Consulting—sits down with Dr. Tony Hynes, an adoptee, author, and educator whose story challenges nearly every stereotype about adoption.Adopted by two white moms as a young Black boy in the 1990s, Tony’s early years were marked by both love and loss. When a court overturned his adoption—declaring that two white women couldn’t raise a Black child—his life became the center of a decade-long custody battle that would forever shape his identity.Important Links• RG Adoption Consulting → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact• The Son with Two Moms by Tony Hynes• Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) → https://adoptionsupport.org• Solace Gift Boxes → AdoptSolace.comChapters00:00 — Sponsor: Solace Gift Boxes for birth mothers01:00 — Meet Tony Hynes: adoptee, author, and advocate02:10 — Growing up in the orphanage and early separations05:30 — Understanding attachment, safety, and “home”07:40 — Mental health, disclosure, and what parents should know12:00 — When love meets bias: the adoption overturned16:00 — “They’re going to take Tony”: the moment everything changed18:50 — Living as an adoptee—but not legally adopted20:00 — Navigating loyalty, identity, and two families at odds22:00 — What children need most when families clash25:00 — Racism, homophobia, and learning to self-advocate28:00 — The family member her mom cut off—and why it mattered30:30 — Seeing both sides: race, policy, and systemic bias in adoption33:00 — End of Part 1 + teaser for next week’s episodeTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan—adoptive parent, consultant, and founder of RG Adoption Consulting—continues her powerful conversation with Jennifer Skiles, an adoptee, author, and survivor whose journey is one of deep faith, forgiveness, and full-circle healing.In Part II, Jennifer shares how she navigated profound grief after losing her birth mother, found peace through forgiveness, and followed a trail of faith and DNA that led her to her biological father—who never knew she existed. From sleepless nights and emotional discovery to the moment she heard her dad’s voice for the first time, Jennifer’s story reminds us that healing and belonging are never out of reach.🔗 Important Links• RG Adoption Consulting → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact• Jennifer Skiles • Vault of Treasures: A Journey of Adoption, Family, Faith, and Forgiveness by Jennifer Skiles• Ancestry.com → https://www.ancestry.com• Julie Brumley, Coming Home to Self → https://cominghometoself.co• Sweet Peach Tree → https://sweetpeachtree.com — use code ROADMAP10 for 10% offChapters00:00 – Sponsor: Sweet Peach Tree01:15 – Recap of Part I02:00 – Grieving Her Birth Mother’s Passing04:30 – The Power of Friendship and Community06:00 – Learning to Forgive09:00 – The Search for Her Birth Father Begins11:30 – The Facebook Messages That Changed Everything13:40 – “He Felt Like Home”: The First Conversation16:00 – A Pact to Never Lose Time Again17:30 – Redefining Family and Belonging20:00 – Embracing Her Sicilian Roots25:00 – Writing Vault of Treasures as Therapy28:00 – The Hotel Card He Kept for 40 Years32:00 – Overcoming a Rare Illness with Faith34:30 – The Ripple Effect of Sharing Her Story35:50 – Shoutouts and Advice for Adoptive Parents37:40 – Final Reflections: Adoption in Three Words39:10 – Closing Message from RebeccaTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan—adoptive parent, consultant, and founder of RG Adoption Consulting—sits down with Jennifer Skiles, an adoptee, author, and survivor whose story is one of extraordinary courage and grace.Adopted at three years old, Jennifer’s early life was marked by both love and deep pain. After enduring years of abuse in her adoptive home, she found the strength to reclaim her story—reuniting with her birth mother, uncovering long-held family secrets, and eventually seeking out the biological father who never knew she existed.Jennifer’s story reminds us that while we are not defined by our past, we can be refined by it. Her resilience offers hope to anyone navigating pain, identity, and healing after adoption.🔗 Important Links• RG Adoption Consulting → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠• Book a 30-Minute Consult → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contactJennifer Skiles⁠• Vault of Treasures: A Journey of Adoption, Family, Faith, and Forgiveness by Jennifer Skiles • Solace Gift Boxes → AdoptSolace.comChapters00:00 — Sponsor: Solace Gift Boxes for birth mothers01:00 — Meet Jennifer Skiles: adoptee, author, survivor02:30 — Early childhood memories and being adopted at age three03:45 — The moment everything changed: discovering abuse at age 1205:30 — Secrets and silence inside her adoptive family07:00 — Learning she was adopted—and keeping it a secret herself09:45 — The start of six years of abuse and isolation12:45 — Why she stayed quiet and how fear shaped her choices15:30 — Losing her adoptive father and the complex feelings that followed17:00 — Choosing faith and forgiveness instead of anger19:15 — How compassion became her path to healing20:30 — Reuniting with her birth mother after decades apart24:00 — The shock of discovering she was born in Germany26:00 — Finding her biological mom through an AOL search and a letter27:30 — Their emotional reunion after years apart29:15 — Learning the truth about her birth parents’ relationship31:00 — Losing her birth mother unexpectedly after 12 years

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan—adoptive parent, consultant, and founder of RG Adoption Consulting—takes you inside her signature presentation: a masterclass on the basics of domestic adoption.From her own story of 26 failed IUIs to becoming a single mom through adoption, Rebecca walks you step by step through what it really takes to build your family this way. She covers the questions hopeful parents ask most often—about open adoption, profiles, timelines, and costs—and doesn’t shy away from the realities, risks, and emotional work required.You’ll learn why readiness (emotional and financial) is critical, how to manage fears and expectations, and why building the right team around you makes all the difference. Whether you’re just beginning to explore adoption or you’ve already started your journey, this episode gives you the clarity, encouragement, and practical insight you need.🔗 Important Links• RG Adoption Consulting → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠• Book a 30-Minute Consult → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact⁠• Sweet Peach Tree (Sponsor) → ⁠sweetpeachtree.com⁠ – use code ROADMAP10 for 10% offChapters00:00 – Welcome & Sponsor Message00:42 – Rebecca’s Story: From Infertility to Adoption02:36 – The Emotional Storm of Family Building04:22 – Common Questions & Fears Around Adoption05:10 – Why Open Adoption Is the Norm Today06:59 – “Will We Ever Get Picked?” (Singles, LGBTQ+, Parents in Their 40s+)08:49 – Adoption Timelines, Dead Ends & Staying Committed09:54 – Readiness: Grief, Healing & Opening Your Heart12:45 – Managing Fear & Knowing the Risks13:55 – Why There’s No “Entitlement” in Adoption15:20 – Building Your Adoption Team (Home Study, Attorney, Consultant & More)19:20 – The Adoption Profile: Why It Matters More Than You Think22:40 – Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket (Diversifying Agencies)24:08 – Questions to Ask When Presented with a Situation26:32 – Preparing for Transracial, Special Needs & Drug-Exposed Adoptions27:33 – The Rising Costs of Adoption & How to Plan for Them30:04 – Grants, Loans, Fundraising & the 2025 Tax Credit31:13 – How Consultants Support Families Step by Step32:35 – Final Encouragement: “You’ve Got This”Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca continues her conversation with Dr. Ellen Weber Libby—psychotherapist, adoptive parent, and author of The Calling to Adopt: Should I or Shouldn’t I?Part two dives deeper into the hard truths and family dynamics that shape the adoption journey. Dr. Libby unpacks the warning signs that signal someone may not be ready to adopt, why openness is non-negotiable, and how favoritism plays out in families (yes, there’s usually a “favorite child”). She also shares strategies for handling unsupportive relatives, protecting your child, and navigating the ripple effects adoption has on extended family.Whether you’re just beginning to explore adoption or you’re already parenting, this episode offers powerful insights into the challenges—and gifts—of building your family through adoption.🔗 Important LinksRG Adoption Consulting → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠Dr. Ellen Weber Libby⁠Dr. Ellen Weber Libby’s ⁠The Calling to Adopt: Should I or Shouldn’t I?⁠Sweet Peach Tree (Sponsor) → ⁠sweetpeachtree.com⁠ – use code ROADMAP10 for 10% offChapters00:00 – Welcome Back & Sponsor Message01:19 – Introduction to Part 2 with Dr. Ellen Weber Libby01:54 – Warning Signs: When You’re Not Ready to Adopt04:22 – Soul-Searching Around Donor Conception vs. Adoption05:56 – Why Rigidity Doesn’t Work in Adoption07:33 – The “Favorite Child” Discussion09:12 – How Favoritism Shapes Children (for better or worse)12:45 – Will Parents Love Adopted & Biological Children Equally?14:29 – Why Secrets Hurt Families More Than Favoritism16:27 – How Adoption Impacts Extended Family Dynamics18:30 – Sharing a Child’s Needs Without Oversharing Their Story20:25 – Transracial Adoption & Shifting Family Legacy21:40 – Handling Negative or Toxic Family Reactions23:28 – Standing Up for Your Child in Hard Situations25:03 – The Calling to Adopt: A Life’s Gift26:37 – Why Dr. Libby Wrote The Calling to Adopt29:00 – Writing Honestly Without Telling Her Children’s Stories31:27 – Parenting Differences & Lessons from Risk-Taking Kids32:30 – Finding a Therapist Who Truly Understands Adoption33:33 – Attachment, Loss & the Roots of Trauma35:44 – Dr. Libby on Retirement & Staying Connected36:13 – Quickfire Round with Dr. Libby37:22 – Closing Thoughts & Rebecca’s Sign-OffTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca sits down with Dr. Ellen Weber Libby—psychotherapist, adoptive parent, and author of The Calling to Adopt: Should I or Shouldn’t I?Adoption is one of the few life decisions where there’s truly no turning back. But how do you know if adoption is your calling or simply a hopeful wish? Dr. Libby shares decades of wisdom from her clinical practice and her own adoption journey, guiding listeners through the soul-searching questions every hopeful parent must face before moving forward.🔗 Important LinksRG Adoption Consulting → https://rgadoptionconsulting.comDr. Ellen Weber LibbyDr. Ellen Weber Libby’s The Calling to Adopt: Should I or Shouldn’t I?Sweet Peach Tree (Sponsor) → sweetpeachtree.com – use code ROADMAP10 for 10% offChapters:00:00 – Welcome & Sponsor: Sweet Peach Tree01:20 – Introducing Dr. Ellen Weber Libby (psychotherapist, adoptive parent, and author)03:30 – The Power and Danger of Dreams in the decision to adopt05:30 – Is Adoption a Calling—or Just a Wish?07:20 – Hidden Motivations (guilt, loss, religion, personal narratives)09:40 – Attachment Fears & Personal Stories from Dr. Libby11:30 – Balancing Support vs. Opposition from family and loved ones13:55 – The Role of Community in adoption decisions15:45 – Secrecy in Adoption Journeys: Pros & Cons18:30 – Processing Loss in Adoption vs. Pregnancy20:30 – Essential Conversations Before Adopting (partners, family, closest support)24:10 – Using Ellen’s Book for Dialogue & Journaling26:10 – Why Boundaries Matter with Friends & Family28:40 – When Grandparents Cross the Line (a client story)30:30 – How to Hold Boundaries with Love31:45 – Educating Family: Resources to Share (The Adoption Roadmap, The Calling to Adopt)32:30 – Closing Thoughts & Part Two TeaserTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Brianna and Shay share their emotional journey through adoption, discussing the challenges of fall-throughs, the importance of support systems, and the need for cautious optimism. They reflect on their experiences with adoption consulting and the significance of community support, emphasizing the need for flexibility in preferences and the emotional toll of waiting. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of adoption and the importance of education and self-reflection throughout the process.🔗 Important Links • RG Adoption Consulting → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com • The Adoption Continuum Community (our post-adoption online membership space) → WAITLISTChapters00:00 Introduction to the Adoption Journey01:46 Navigating Emotional Ups and Downs in Adoption05:18 Understanding Fall-Throughs in Adoption10:48 The Role of Support Systems in Adoption12:11 Cautious Optimism and Community Support15:49 Trusting the Process of Adoption18:33 Flexibility in Adoption Preferences22:08 The Challenge of Waiting in Adoption24:40 Current Status and Future Prospects26:44 The Impact of Adoption Consulting29:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Final ThoughtsTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

Season 3 of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast kicks off with a bold, heartfelt story. In this two-part conversation, host Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Brianna and Shay Cherry, a vibrant Black same-sex couple from Charlotte, North Carolina—and proud RG Adoption Consulting clients—to share the beginnings of their adoption journey.Married for two years and partners for six, Brianna and Shay open up about:What first sparked their desire to adoptThe financial and emotional barriers they had to navigateHow they found RG Adoption Consulting and why they trusted their gut to sign onWhy visibility as a Black same-sex couple in adoption is powerful, even when it comes with painful biasRejection, resilience, and how they lean on their support systemsWhat it means to set boundaries with loved ones while waiting for “the call”This episode is full of laughter, real talk, and wisdom for any hopeful adoptive parent—especially if you’re navigating adoption as a couple of color, an LGBTQ+ family, or anyone who’s ever wondered how to handle the ups and downs of this process.🔗 Important LinksRG Adoption Consulting → https://rgadoptionconsulting.comThe Adoption Continuum Community (our post-adoption online membership space) → WAITLISTChapters00:00 – Welcome to Season 3 + About The Adoption Continuum Community01:28 – Meet Brianna & Shay: Partners, Fashion, and Their Adoption Dreams02:22 – What Sparked Their Decision to Adopt04:29 – Overcoming Financial Barriers & Choosing Parenthood Together05:30 – How They Found RG Adoption Consulting (Google → Gut Feeling)07:15 – Why They Chose to Work With RG as Clients08:14 – The Power of Visibility as a Black Same-Sex Couple in Adoption09:34 – Facing Biases and Barriers Along the Way11:03 – Rejection Before Being Seen: How It Feels Different12:19 – Support Systems: Family, Friends, and Surprising Reactions13:54 – Boundaries While Waiting & Healthy Ways Loved Ones Check In17:09 – Preferences: Hoping for a Girl, Raising Boys, and Honest Reflections18:13 – Part 2 Teaser: Navigating Fall-Throughs and HeartbreakTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan reflects on the journey of the podcast through 100 episodes, highlighting key themes and insights from various guests. The conversation covers the complexities of adoption, including the importance of community support, financial planning, cultural identity, and the roles of birth parents. Rebecca emphasizes the emotional aspects of adoption, including joy and grief, and the need for open communication and understanding in the adoption process. The episode serves as a comprehensive recap of the valuable lessons learned throughout the podcast's journey.Important LinksDr. Joyce Maguire Pavao Aida Phillips Kerry Hackett 1 Kerry Hackett 2 Mother's DayJulie Brumley Wilson Munsterman Dr. Sara Silvestri Jessie Mattos Mental Health Episode (Anonymous) Gift of Adoption Fund Donna Pope 1 Donna Pope 2 Rachel Patten Becky Fawcett Cam Lee Small Sara Cole Katy Kinirons Mejia Helena Angela Jeff Dunn Simon Benn Ramya Gruneisen Lindsay Bruggeman Jennifer Kelly Laurie Shelton Josie Mi Tarcia Smith Damon Davis IIDamon Davis I Kate Papkin Kelly Ellison Tamika Swint Dan Miller, Ben Greenberg Natalie Bauman Francine Apy Diana Schimmel Matt Joyner Maureen Dykinga Lucrece Bundy Whitney Michael Kate Shanahan Kathryn Russell Allison Olson Linda Sexton Kerry Hackett Amy Imber Sweet Peach TreeOur Chosen ChildRG Adoption ConsultingChapters00:00 Introduction to the Adoption Roadmap Podcast02:53 Reflections on the Journey of Podcasting06:05 Understanding the Home Study Process08:52 Single Motherhood and Adoption12:14 The Importance of Open Adoption14:54 Navigating Power Dynamics in Adoption18:10 Building Resilience and Embracing Diversity21:03 Transitioning from Private to Foster Care Adoption23:53 Financial Planning for Adoption27:08 Legal Considerations in Adoption29:50 Positive Perspectives on Adoption33:07 Exploring Identity and Heritage in Adoption35:58 The Role of Social Media in Adoption Success39:41 The Duality of Joy and Pain in Adoption41:10 Navigating Mental Health in Adoption49:09 Financial Barriers and Support in Adoption52:00 The Role of Birth Mothers in Adoption53:53 Health Concerns and Medical Records in Adoption55:46 Identity and Self-Worth in Adoption57:37 Somatic Healing and Adoption Trauma01:00:51 Celebrating Mother's Day in the Adoption Community01:01:45 Post-Adoption Support and Community01:02:42 Cultural Dynamics in Adoption01:04:06 The Psychology of Adoption and Emotional CareTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao—a pioneer in the world of adoption, an adoptee herself, and the author of The Family of Adoption. With over five decades of clinical experience, Dr. Pavao challenges the idea that adoption is something to be “fixed,” and instead invites us to see it as a lifelong experience that demands truth, openness, and deep emotional care.In this powerful conversation, Dr. Pavao unpacks the psychology of adoption, the concept of ambiguous loss, and the invisible grief so often overlooked. She shares practical guidance for adoptive parents—how to talk about adoption, how to recognize adoption-related trauma, and how to support their children through it without over-pathologizing them. From early separation and normative crises to adoption-competent therapy and systemic change, this episode is filled with wisdom every member of the adoption constellation needs to hear.Important LinksDr. Joyce Maguire PavaoEmail: kinnect@gmail.comThe Family of AdoptionSweet Peach Tree – Clean, natural hair + skin products for melanin-rich families.Use code ROADMAP10 for 10% off your first orderRG Adoption ConsultingTake our FREE quiz: “Am I Ready to Adopt?”Chapters00:00 Celebrating Milestones and Community Engagement03:14 Understanding Adoption: A Lifelong Journey05:48 The Child-Centric Approach in Adoption09:13 Normative Crises in Adoption12:05 The Impact of Early Adoption Experiences14:55 Creating Adoption Competent Therapists18:05 Ambiguous Loss in Adoption20:50 Supporting Children Through Invisible Loss24:01 Indirect Communication Strategies for Parents26:54 Recognizing Trauma in Adopted Children30:06 Understanding Behavioral Responses in Adoptees33:02 The Complexity of Adoption Experiences36:13 Encouraging Open Conversations in Adoption38:57 The Role of Parents in Navigating Adoption Challenges41:58 Empowering Adoptees to Share Their Stories46:31 Navigating Family Dynamics in Adoption49:41 The Vulnerability of Pre-Adoptive Parents55:29 The Need for Honest Conversations in Adoption57:40 Challenges in the Adoption System01:02:33 The Importance of Community in Healing01:10:31 Therapeutic Approaches for Adoptive Families01:12:32 Understanding Healing vs. Fixing01:16:29 Building Connections and Community01:23:59 Embracing the Truth of AdoptionTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

If it feels like your adoption journey has hit a wall—you're not alone. In this honest and encouraging solo episode, Rebecca gets real about the emotional rollercoaster of waiting to adopt. From navigating guilt and doubt to understanding why things come in waves, you'll walk away feeling seen, grounded, and empowered with actionable steps you can take right now.Whether you're wondering if you're being "too choosy," struggling with silence from agencies, or just need to know that someone gets it—this one’s for you.Important Links- RG Adoption Consulting- Want support on your journey? Let’s chat- Tarcia Smith's EpisodeChapters00:00 Navigating the Adoption Journey03:09 Understanding Guilt in Adoption06:07 The Waves of Adoption Activity12:07 The Long Haul of Adoption16:54 The Importance of Asking Questions19:13 Building a Supportive Community🎧 Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, we’d love a follow and a 5-star rating & review!💌 For questions about adoption, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest, email:support@rgadoptionconsulting.com