Devanie grew up in a very open adoption during a time when open adoption was so rare, a local news station in California, where she grew up, did a special about her open adoption when she was a baby. While she grew up with a very open adoption and visited her biological mother and her side of the family, Devanie did not know her biological father as a child. Devanie loves family history, and shares how she used Genetic Genealogy to search for her biological father as she grew older. She also talks about the struggles of experiencing infertility as an adoptee, transparency, trust, support in adoption, and the self-confidence she feels her open adoption instilled in her.

Sara was adopted at birth during a time when open adoption was nearly unheard of, but she grew up in a very open adoption. In today’s episode, she shares her thoughts regarding her experiences, talking about many of the complexities of adoption and relationships. She talks about creating psychological safety for individuals to share their feelings openly, and the importance of truly listening to these individuals with the goal of learning. She also discusses how her thoughts have evolved as she came to adopt her second child.

We continue our Adoption in the Media series in this episode, where foster parents Alisha and Shane lead a discussion of themes in the movie “Instant Family.” They answer questions from listeners regarding expectations and realities of being foster care providers, and discuss how supporting and continuing relationships with first families enriches the lives of the children they care for.

“Goodbye Again” author Candace Cahill shares her story of placing her son for adoption, reuniting with him 18 years later, and then tragically losing him again shortly after. She shares how she and the adoptive father of her son have grieved and supported each other together since her son’s passing, and how their relationship has supported them both through immense struggles. She talks about the complex emotions of adoption, and the elements of coercion, deceit, secrecy, and money that taint it.

What does open adoption look like in practice? What are some of the challenges for adoptees, biological, and adoptive family members in these relationships? How can parents (both adoptive and biological) build better relationships with and for their children? We include thoughts from adult adoptees who grew up in both open and closed adoptions.

If you’re new to our podcast, this is a great place to start! In this episode, we discuss what open adoption is, why it matters, and what we can do to build better open adoption relationships with the ultimate goal of empowering adoptees with a more complete portrait of their identity. We discuss answers to listener-submitted questions, like whether it’s possible to have too much openness, and how to navigate fears and insecurities.

Coach John Saintignon shares his story and perspectives on the podcast this week. John is an adoptee who was born in Mexico and raised in Arizona. Basketball has been part of his life since he was a child.He was the leading scorer in country when playing college basketball, and went on to play professionally. He currently lives in Japan where he coaches basketball. In John’s discussion with Shaun, John shares about his search for his bio family starting when he was 50 years old and his reunion experience. He talks about how one can’t understand someone else’s perspective unless they are that person, and the importance of staying away from judgement and asking questions for understanding instead. We’re so excited to share his perspective and story with you. This is a phenomenal episode, give it a listen!Connect with John on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn

We are excited to introduce a new, special “Adoption in the Media” series on the podcast. In this episode we host a live discussion led by our friend, adoptee Melaina Rogers. We're starting the series off with a holiday-themed discussion, about the movie "Elf" and the portrayal of adoption in that film. Questions and themes discussed include submissions from our listeners and Instagram followers. We’ll post about our next Adoption in Media recording at openadoptionproject.org. Happy holidays from the Open Adoption Project!

Chilean adoptee Amy Wilkerson, LCSW, shares her adoption story in this episode. Amy was adopted as an infant by a family in the United States, and, uniquely, was able to reconnect with her biological family as a teenager. She shares the struggles of balancing honoring and remembering culture in adoption, including her biological heritage as a Chilean and her adopted heritage being raised in a Jewish family.Amy Wilkerson is a therapist and social worker who wrote the book “Being Adopted” to help adoptive families discuss adoption with adoptees in a way that empowers kids to share their feelings and feel psychological safety. “Being Adopted” was written for younger adoptees of any background, and outlines adoption experiences aimed at helping adoptees process and reflect on their individual circumstances and emotions. This book offers an opportunity for adoptees to normalize thoughts and feelings. Additionally, this book comes with a guide for caregivers to adopted children. You can find Amy at growhealblossom.com or check out her new podcast Adoptees Dish.

This week we're excited to share another adoptee voice on the podcast. Amanda Justice, a Black adoptee, was adopted by a white family at three days old in a closed adoption. Amanda coaches adoptive families through transracial adoption scenarios and the importance of racial identity for adoptees in particular. Of adopting children of different races than the adoptive family, Amanda says: "It’s not for everyone. It’s going to take commitment and constant learning. If you are not willing to learn about new things and keep an open mind you can do more damage to your child than you think." Amanda reminds us all that adoptees are the experts in adoption, and challenges listeners to keep listening and learning from adoptees. This is such important advice, and is really at the heart of why we do this podcast! We're so grateful for Amanda and the other adoptees who share with us. Learn more about what Amanda is doing on Instagram @blackgrilwhitefamily or by visiting her website, blackgirlwhitefamily.com.