This is a unique one off episode. It is a conversation with 3 other dads and authors who wrote their story of grief in the book The Last Hug. You can purchase the book Here

    Avni Panchal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has her own private practice in the Bay Area. In addition to therapy services, she provides training to social workers in the field, teaches at San Francisco State University and is the Clinical Advisor for Kaya. She continues to facilitate dialogue circles on various topics in both the public and private sectors. Her mission is to de-stigmatize mental health and help people recognize their inner strength and practice self-love.   ...

   I have never told this story in public and I have not told everything that is here, probably ever. I have always felt a pulling to the children and families who are or have been involved in this system, or have suffered in the darkness of our world. I’m going to include a bio that is taken from the first chapter of my book. That first chapter is a letter to my reader and it is the heart of that letter. However, that bio in grounded much more in the recovery years, and I it is important...

Nikki Hertzler resides in northern Nevada. She and her husband have lived in several states before settling with their three children in Nevada. Nikki is an elementary teacher and as a speaker, she speaks on the importance of early childhood development as well as on foster care. Her family enjoys participating in their church ministries and being on outdoor adventures. A few years ago, with their biological children on the brink of leaving home, the Hertzlers felt God calling them to...

Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt is an autistic self-advocate and father of two neurodiverse daughters. He earned a doctorate while researching online education for students with autism spectrum disorders. His experiences living with physical and neurological differences shape his parenting. Wyatt consults with schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations on issues of autism, Neurodiversity, and active inclusion.   C. S. Wyatt, MFA, PhD  [email protected]   ...

   Imagine the stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and the audience is waiting with bated breath. This is where my journey began - in the theater. I spent over two decades honing my craft, perfecting my skills, and pouring my heart and soul into every performance. But in 2005, I knew it was time to step away from the spotlight and serve something greater than myself. So I joined the US Army and dedicated myself to defending our country for the next 9 1/2 years.        When my military...

Andrea has worked with clients across the globe who are seeking a deep recalibration from a state of trauma response to a state of self-love, creativity, wholeness, and flow.   Andrea has dedicated years training to become highly specialized and effective in artfully blending a mosaic of techniques from body movement, somatic release, integration, breathwork, psychedelic-assistance, and much more to provide gentle, yet life-changing bespoke intensives for clients who are ready for a big...

Hannah is a passionate advocate for authentic happiness, and sustainable healthy relationships, starting with the one we have with ourselves. She is a Licensed Authentic Tantra Practitioner, Board Certified Clinical Sexologist, and Relationship & Life Coach specializing in helping individuals become their happiest selves through inner & outer work while learning to understand and relate to their partners & family in the best ways possible. She is a trauma-informed practitioner...

Michelle McGough is an adoptee and individual who survived the foster care system as an infant. After being placed with a family she endured constant abuse until she reached adulthood. Left with only the coping mechanisms she developed to survive, she entered the military followed by the private sector before working through the trauma. Once she got to the other side of healing she found new ways to live and thrive that enabled her to find purpose by helping others to heal and grow. Today you...

I am a mom of 2 very different children – in regard to their biology, their needs, their attachment, their experiences. I have worked in the special education field for more than 2 decades intimately hearing, seeing, and feeling parents struggle to connect with their children who have developmental delays. https://linktr.ee/connectedparentswithangie [email protected] ConnectedParentsWithAngie I am also a certified mindset coach, and have seen firsthand how, with the right ...

Zachary Daniel is a Midwest native. He comes to Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey to discuss how his adoption experience shaped himself and his family. He graduated with a degree in Nuclear Medicine but eventually founded his own investment firm Digital Edge Wealth Management. He draws his energy from family and friends. Zach recently authored his debut novel, Manifest Destiny.   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! ...

Karen Robinson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW Trauma Recovery Expert I'm a licensed therapist with 24 years of clinical experience specializing in trauma recovery, anxiety, and depression. I provide holistic care to create transformation and healing for trauma survivors.   https://www.Karenrobinson360.com https://www.healthrivedream.com/ Heal Thrive Dream Podcast     Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! ...

I’m a former politico-turned stay-at-home mom. I married my college sweetheart and a week later began working for an actor-turned-Governator. After a few years, I put that life on hold to raise several amazing tiny people. I assumed stay-at-home mom life would prove easier than the fast pace and stress of the working world. Nope. But I wouldn’t trade the time spent loving and pouring into my precious humans for anything. https://mollydefrank.com/ Instagram LinkedIn Digital Detox   ...

David Ambroz is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. President Obama recognized him as an American Champion of Change. He currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon, coordinating with non-profits and community leaders for social good. Previously he led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television and served as the Los Angeles City Planning Commission's President and a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing up...

Darren W Carter and Theresa Carter join us in this episode to talk about their lives, struggles, and joys through the lens of being foster parents. They are both strong parents and business owners located in Cleveland, Ohio. We talked all about bio kids, adopted kids, foster kids, and godchildren. We dove into tough questions about learning to guard your heart and working diligently to help bio parents get their lives on track so they can care for their own kids.

This is me Fiona Myles, born in the mid-60s. I’m married to the amazing Brian a gorgeous redhead. We have one daughter Georgie and a son Connor. Manchester has been our home for the past 18 years, a fabulous metropolis full of energy and history. I started writing and telling stories from a fairly young age. My Mum bought me a typewriter when I was eight or nine years old. I battered away at that little typewriter day in and day out. Life moved on and the typewriter was laid to rest. ...

Patty Waters enjoys bringing people, ideas, and inspiration together and hopes to form a dialogue that shares a unique perspective from an adopted teenager. Patty and her 3 siblings were adopted by the Waters family at the age of 13 and grew up in Austin, Texas. Patty and her siblings were in the foster care system for 5 years. She earned her Masters in Healthcare Administration and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Houston – Clear Lake and currently works as a...

Carmen María is a stepmom of four, a biological mom of two, and a foster mom of a few children who she loves, sometimes at a distance. With her memoir, Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope, she endeavors to bring awareness to the issues surrounding the foster care system and share her passion for protecting vulnerable youth. Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope Carmen Maria's Website Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation ...

I help brain injury survivors find the tools and support they need to LIVE again. I have over 10 years of training and experience in brain injury therapy and neuropsychological testing. My superpower is curiosity, out-of-the-box thinking, and a huge heart for people who are trying to rebuild their lives after an accident or illness. WEBSITE PODCAST Email Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! ...

Kyle is a father of 6 kids through adoption and we dive into his story today. Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch!   Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare   https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Website   https://fostercarenation.com   Connect with us on...