The Cost of Being a Child in the System: A Conversation with Adriene Caldwell

In this episode, I sit down with author Adriene Caldwell to talk about what it was really like growing up in the foster care system. Adriene shares her story honestly—what happened behind closed doors, how it shaped her mental health, and what it takes to heal when the adults who were supposed to protect you didn’t. This conversation isn’t sugar-coated or dramatic for the sake of it. It’s real, it’s heavy at times, and it matters. We talk about survival, resilience, and why telling these stories out loud is so important. Content warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma and foster care abuse.Check out Adriene Caldwellhttps://www.unbrokencaldwell.com/ Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@MentallyABadass⁠Join our mental health community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FvMkEuAT1/⁠Check out our clothing line: ⁠www.mentallyabadass.com⁠Join our newsletter! https://mentally-a-badass.kit.com/38b8c56fc7  We would love your support! https://buymeacoffee.com/mentallyabadass Paypal: @mentallyabadass Subscribe & Review: Love this episode? Subscribe to Mentally a Badass and leave a review to help others discover these impactful conversations!