This episode’s guests feels like a childhood best friend. From seeing his fashion, photography skills, and enjoying his humor, you wouldn’t guess everything he went through growing up in a large family facing poverty in California. Richard entered foster care along with many of his siblings when he was 15-years-old. Through his story, we get a unique look and perspective into teenagers who enter care for the first time. Richard shares about what helped him to fight for himself and continue growing into a healthy person and how we can people the type of people teens in care need. This episode will make you laugh and have hope, and break your heart in the best way. A must-listen for any hopeful foster parent or anyone interacting with kids in the foster care system. Enjoy! You can find Richard on Instagram @richardgierman

Listen along to Cathy Crossno, the first birth mom guest on What They’re Worth, talk about the decision to choose adoption for her daughter nineteen years ago. Cathy talks about it all — the pregnancy, hospital stay, forming a relationship, guilt, shame, and God’s hand and forgiveness in the whole thing. We really appreciate her vulnerability, honesty, and reflection as she shares with us the hardest decision she ever made, along with the beautiful relationship she now holds with her daughter. You can find Cathy on Instagram @chasingcrossnos

“Nothing goes to waste when it comes to love.” Annie Marek-Barta entered foster care at the age of 17 and was adopted when she was 26 years old. Take a seat and listen to Annie tell her story of an abusive past, God’s handiwork in her adult adoption, and the impact of foster parents saying yes. She is truly an inspiration, and we feel so privileged we had the chance to connect with her. We promise this is an episode you won’t want to pause. You can find Annie on Instagram @anniemarekbarta

Today’s episode is a first! Our first male adoptee voice on the show and our first professional athlete! Steven Benedict shares his story of growing up in foster care and as an adoptee, from his bond with his passionate and fierce adoptive mother, learning and broadening his perspective about his birth mother, coping with loss, to developing a healthy masculinity and providing the support our boys need. This episode is for anyone who knows or loves young men or simply needs an empowering and thought-provoking story. Connect with Steven: Instagram @steviey_b and @fostering_success Website: https://www.stevieyb.com/ Enjoy!

Today’s guest, Kaycee, saw a need in her community and filled it. She and her husband started a nonprofit, Reel Hope, which creates video interviews with children waiting for adoptive families in Minnesota. While creating these videos, they met their then 12-year-old son! On this episode we get real about the perceptions of adoption in the church and the world, Mom-guilt and unrealistic expectations, the importance of jumping in, and the difference building relationships makes in gaining the courage to step into foster care and adoption. If you’re considering foster care or adoption, or are simply curious about a role you can play, this episode is for you!

Melissa Corkum is a transracial adoptee and adoptive mom, parent trainer and enneagram coach. She is also a cohost over at The Adoption Connection podcast. What doesn't this superwoman do? Grab some coffee and sit down with us as Melissa shares with us her personal story of adoption, adopting her children, and her passion for post-placement support. Melissa has kindly gifted our listeners free access to her and her cohost, Lisa's Compassion Challenge for foster and adoptive parents. Check it out at www.theadoptionconnection.com/wtw

There couldn’t be a more timely episode as our nation wrestles with issues of racial injustice. We recorded this episode prior to the murder of George Floyd, but the content is even more relevant now. Our guest on this episode, Lydia, is a transracial adoptee turned adoption worker. Lydia reflects on her experience of being a different race within the family, the community, and the church. Lydia is transparent about her journey in discovering her identity as an adoptee, a Christian, and a Black woman. She reminds us that adoptee and biological mom voices are not heard nearly enough. Grab your thinking caps and a heart to listen to this powerful testimony. To hear more from Lydia, be sure to follow her on Instagram. Her handle is @adoptee2adoptionworker

Kristina Pihanich 7:55 AM (16 minutes ago) to me Healing is not a one time gig. Our guest, Tina Bauer, shares her journey of healing as an adoptee and past foster youth against the odds. There is nothing more powerful than a story of a life lived and learned. Join us as we reflect on attachment, labels, and how adoptive parents can foster and support healing in the lives of their children. We are inspired by this passionate, vulnerable, young woman who is allowing her pain to become a bridge for others. You won’t want to miss this. You can find Tina on Instagram- c.m.db

On today's episode, Olivia and Jordan join us to tell us their heart and mission of helping those in foster care. Olivia, her husband, and her family head a nonprofit organization, Champions of Change, where their missions statement is, "Little Deeds. Huge Impact." Not currently foster or adoptive parents, they've helped thousands of children in foster care and others in need through their philanthropy. Learn the little deeds and huge impact this family has spearheaded as we interview Olivia and her ten year old daughter, Jordan. Visit their website at https://championsofchangeusa.org/

On today’s episode, our guest Courtney tells a tale of her family’s journey to bring home their son. The details? Their son is overseas and he has a heart condition that is exactly what Courtney and her husband resolved they couldn’t handle. Join us to learn about the international adoption process, selection process, travel, waiting, and the joys and struggles of caring for a medically high needs child. There is nothing easy about this journey, but it’s beautiful, and it’s especially clear that the Lord and this family have a heart for this.