PODCAST · business
Thriver Stories
by Foster Greatness
Welcome to Thriver Stories, the podcast series brought to you by the Foster Greatness Community! I’m your host, Isabel Stasa, and I’m thrilled to be your guide through these inspiring tales of resilience and triumph. And the not so sweet parts, too.In each episode, we spotlight incredible individuals who share a common thread: they’ve all navigated the foster care system. These are not just stories; they’re powerful testaments to strength, hope, and the determination to thrive against all odds.
Episodes
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Not A Nickname: The System Refused to Say My Name w/ Niko Sanford
Most foster systems fail the very youth they’re supposed to protect—especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ young people. In this episode of Thrivers Stories, Nico—a formerly fostered trans youth from Georgia—shares raw, powerful insights into the emotional toll of being misnamed, misunderstood, and...
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The Pleasure of Being a Diamond - Dejuna Rodriguez
In this episode, host Isabel Stasa welcomes Dejuna Rodriguez, who shares her journey through the foster care system and her mission to uplift voices with lived experiences. Dejuna discusses the challenges she faced entering foster care at 14, the impact of her mother's decisions, and the...
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Burdened to Believed: A Foster Youth’s Narrative Shift w/ Joe Dolash
In this episode of the Thriver Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa sits down with Joe Dolash, a former foster youth who shares his transformative journey from feeling burdened to believing in his potential. Joe opens up about the challenges he faced in the foster care system, the pivotal moments...
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Miss Goody Two Shoes: When Compliance is a Trauma Response
In the premiere episode of Season 2 of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa is joined by Tai-Isha Jack to delve into the complexities of compliance as a trauma response. Join them as they explore Tai-Isha's personal journey from foster care to becoming a licensed clinical social…
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Seeing Through Stained Glass w. Rowan Arquette
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, Rowan Arquette shares his journey of navigating an unconventional childhood marked by foster care and the complexities of morality and identity. He reflects on the importance of community, empathy, and understanding different perspectives,...
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Raised in Silence, Rooted in Resilience
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Charissa, a passionate advocate for foster youth. Charissa shares her journey of growing up in a challenging environment, navigating identity suppression, and finding her voice through advocacy. The conversation delves...
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The System Didn't Break Me, It Taught Me How to Fix It - Dashaan Jennings
In this episode of the Thriving Stories podcast, Dashaan Jennings shares his journey from navigating the complexities of the New Jersey child welfare system to founding Str8 Up Employment Services. He discusses the importance of lived experience in shaping effective community support and…
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Loud to Live: When Self-Advocacy is Survival
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Christina Travis, a passionate advocate for youth in foster care. Christina shares her personal journey through the foster care system, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges she faced, and the...
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29 Placements Apart: How the Foster System Broke A Twin Bond
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Elise Durham about her experiences in the foster care system, particularly focusing on the impact of being separated from her twin sister. Elise shares her journey through 32 placements over six years, the emotional…
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What I Carried: Survival, Success & Starting Over
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Jacqueline Robles, a passionate advocate for foster youth. They discuss Jacqueline's journey through the foster care system, her experiences with trauma, and the importance of healing. Jacqueline shares her insights on...
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When the Helpers Need Help w. Madelina Villagrana
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa and guest Madeline Villagrana discuss the complexities of lived experience in foster care, the importance of support systems, and the challenges faced by those advocating for others. They explore mental health issues, the need for...
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Validation Hunting: How the "Bad Crowd" Recruits Foster Youth
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Alejandro Rocha, a college student who shares his journey through the foster care system and juvenile justice. Alejandro discusses his early life, family dynamics, and the challenges he faced as a child provider and...
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The Healthy Selfishness of Sustainable Change-Making
In this powerful episode of Thriver Stories, host Isabel Stasa sits down with youth advocate Jamarri Kane-White for an unfiltered conversation about the heart of foster care advocacy. Jamarri opens up about his personal journey, the challenges of tokenization in the movement, and why knowing your...
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Empowering Foster Youth through Education with Karla Padilla
This week on Thriver Stories, Isabel Stasa sits down with Karla Padilla for a powerful conversation about:🚧 The real obstacles foster youth face in higher ed💡 Programs changing the game🔧 Fixing a broken system💛 How YOU can helpKarla’s journey from foster care to academia proves: With the…
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The Importance of Visibility for LGBTQ+ Youth - Thriver Stories w. Elliott Hinkle
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa and guest Elliott Hinkel discuss the pressing issues facing the LGBTQ community. They explore the importance of visibility, support for LGBTQ youth, and the significance of gender-affirming care. The conversation also delves into...
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Building Community - The Impact of Storytelling
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa and guest host Rimy Morris engage with the Foster Greatness Storyteller Collective ambassadors, who share their experiences in foster care and the impact of storytelling. The conversation explores themes of vulnerability, mental...
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Understand Identity in Foster Care with Antoinette Gutierrez
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, Isabel Stasa and Antoinette Gutierrez discuss the emotional journey of revisiting court records as a foster care alumni. They explore the healing process, the importance of understanding family dynamics, and the impact of foster care on identity…
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Finding Hope through Storytelling with Abril Leonyvelez
In this inspiring new episode of Thriver Stories, host Isabel Stasa sits down with Abril Leonyvelez from the Storyteller Collective for an unforgettable conversation about turning struggle into strength. Abril shares her powerful journey from foster care to becoming a fierce advocate…
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Understanding Your ‘WHY’ for Impact - Majd
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa interviews Majd Abdallah, a member of the Foster Greatness Storyteller Collective and founder of Foster Friendz. Majd shares his personal journey as a foster care advocate and the inspiration behind his business, Foster Friendz,...
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The Healing Power of Storytelling - Taylor Rockhold
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa and guest Taylor Rockhold discuss the importance of storytelling in the context of foster care awareness. They explore Taylor's personal journey through foster care and incarceration, the healing power of sharing one's story, and...
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The Flowers Will Bloom w. Jennifer Tai
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, Isabel and Jennifer Tai discuss the importance of the Storyteller Collective, a program designed to empower individuals with lived experience in the foster care system. Jennifer shares her personal journey of advocacy, resilience, and the...
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Measuring Your Impact Through Storytelling with Chyenne Santini
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel engages with Chyenne Santini, a Storyteller Collective Ambassador and former foster youth, discussing her journey from foster care to becoming an advocate. They explore themes of resilience, the importance of sharing personal stories…
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The Story Doesn't Get Old with Emmerald Evans
In this episode of Thrive Our Stories, Isabel interviews Emmerald Evans, a member of the Storyteller Collective, discussing her journey as an advocate for foster youth. They explore the importance of sharing personal stories, the definition of resilience, and the role of community support in...
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First-Gen, Not Last in Line with Ray Barboza
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Ray Barboza, a first-generation college student navigating the challenges of higher education after experiencing foster care. They discuss the importance of support systems like the RISE program at Ohio State…
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My Rise Strong Story & Sic ‘Em with Latasha J Williams
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Latasha Williams, a former foster youth and current doctoral student, about her journey through the foster care system. Latasha shares her 'rise strong story,' emphasizing the importance of self-love, faith, and...
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Navigating Foster Care with MK Sills
In this episode of Thrivers Stories, MK Sills shares her profound journey through the foster care system, detailing her experiences from a seemingly normal childhood to the traumatic events that led her into care. She discusses the challenges of transitioning into foster care, navigating high...
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What it Means to Not Give Up with Taylor Rockhold
Join us for an inspiring episode of Thriver Stories with host Isabel Stasa as she sits down with Taylor Rockhold, a passionate youth advocate and former foster youth. In this conversation, Taylor shares her experiences within the juvenile justice system, her challenges growing up in foster care,...
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Learning to Live in the Beyond with MDDT Speaks
Join us on Thrivers Stories Podcast for a powerful conversation with the amazing Michael D. Davis-Thomas (@MDDTSpeaks). 🎙️We delve into Michael's incredible journey of:➡️ Overcoming adversity and trauma➡️ Finding resilience through faith 🙏➡️ The importance of self-care and forgiveness➡️ Healing...
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Too Heavy to Carry with Taylor Lee
Ever wondered what it's like to navigate life's transitions after foster care? 🤔Join us as we chat with the incredible Tay Lee (@taystunnaaaa), a former foster youth who bravely shares her journey through the system and into adulthood. 💪We dive deep into:➡️ Entering foster care as an older...
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The Transformational Impact of Community
In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa and guest Jas Snell delve into the complexities of relationships, particularly in the context of the foster care system. They explore how early experiences shape perceptions of trust and vulnerability, the importance of informal...
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Can You Parent Better Than a 9-year-old?
Summary In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, Isabel Stasa and Rimy Morris discuss the complexities of relationships within the foster care system. They explore how unique family dynamics can flourish despite societal expectations, the importance of communication and grace, and the…
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“Life is all about relationship, the rest is just details” with Carloe Moser
In this conversation, Isabel Stasa and Carloe Moser explore the complexities of relationships, particularly in the context of trauma and foster care. They discuss how relationships shape our identities, the importance of empathy and forgiveness, and the role of vulnerability in building lasting...
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‘Friend’ is My Least Favorite F Word
In this episode, Isabel Stasa and Faith Sharp delve into the complex topic of grief, exploring its various forms and the challenges of navigating relationships while grieving. They discuss the societal perceptions of grief, the importance of community support, and the necessity of acknowledging…
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To Be Loved Is to Be Understood: Mental Healing in Foster Care with Reannon Matulewich
Summary In this episode of Thrivers Stories, Isabel Stasa and Rhiannon Matulewich discuss the critical intersection of mental health and foster care. Rhiannon shares her personal journey through foster care, her experiences with bipolar disorder, and the importance of understanding and empathy in...
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Nothing About Us, Without Us: Remembering the Roots of Disability Justice with Ash Barcus
In this episode of Thriver Stories, Isabel Stasa and Ash Barcus discuss the critical intersection of mental health, disability, and the foster care system. Ash shares their personal experiences navigating care with disabilities, highlighting the systemic issues that lead to misdiagnosis, lack of...
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Fueling our Education and Success with Brandon Youngblood
In this episode, Isabel Stasa and Brandon Youngblood discuss the importance of education for individuals with lived experience in foster care. They highlight the barriers and challenges that these individuals face, such as placement disruptions, unstable housing, and lack of financial resources....
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Opening the Doors to Higher Education with Eugenia Wallace
In this episode of Thrivers Stories, Isabel Stasa interviews Eugenia Wallace, an NFYI delegate and advocate for foster youth. They discuss the challenges and barriers that people wiht lived experience in foster care face in higher education and the importance of providing resources and support....
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Campus Based Support Programs w/ Brina Williams
Brina Williams shares their experience transitioning into higher education as a young person with lived experience in foster care. They discuss the importance of campus-based support programs and how they provide holistic support in various life domains. Brina also highlights the challenges and...
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Addressing the Advocacy Struggle w/ Stormy Lukasavage
Summary In this episode of Thriver Stories, host Isabel Stasa interviews Stormy Lucas Savage, a foster care advocate, about the experience of being tokenized in the foster care advocacy space and the need for equitable opportunities. Stormy shares his journey into advocacy and the pros and cons…
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Story Thieves w/ Dr. Danisha Keating
Dr. Danisha Keating discusses the concept of story thieves, which refers to individuals who take other people's stories for their own benefit without giving credit. She shares her personal experience of encountering story thieves in the foster care advocacy space. Dr. Keating highlights how fear...
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The Advocate Experience & Moving Forward w. Faith Sharp
In this episode of Thrivers Stories, Faith Sharp discusses her experience as an advocate in the foster care space and the need for improvement in the advocacy experience. She shares how she got involved in advocacy and the various opportunities she has pursued. Faith emphasizes the importance of...
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Bursting the Bubble of Advocacy w/ Scout Hartley
In this conversation, host Isabel Rodriguez interviews Scout Hartley, a longtime advocate and public administration scholar, about the foster care movement and the importance of intergenerational collaboration. They discuss the need to burst the bubble of the movement and expand its reach beyond...
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The Harms of Tokenization w/ Tony Parsons
In this episode, host Isabel Rodriguez interviews Tony Parsons, an advocate and expert in the child welfare space. They discuss the harms of tokenization in advocacy and the importance of authentic engagement and lived expertise. Tony shares his journey into advocacy and the lessons he has…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Thriver Stories, the podcast series brought to you by the Foster Greatness Community! I’m your host, Isabel Stasa, and I’m thrilled to be your guide through these inspiring tales of resilience and triumph. And the not so sweet parts, too.In each episode, we spotlight incredible individuals who share a common thread: they’ve all navigated the foster care system. These are not just stories; they’re powerful testaments to strength, hope, and the determination to thrive against all odds.
HOSTED BY
Foster Greatness
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Thriver Stories have?
Thriver Stories currently has 43 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Thriver Stories about?
Welcome to Thriver Stories, the podcast series brought to you by the Foster Greatness Community! I’m your host, Isabel Stasa, and I’m thrilled to be your guide through these inspiring tales of resilience and triumph. And the not so sweet parts, too.In each episode, we spotlight incredible...
How often does Thriver Stories release new episodes?
Thriver Stories has 43 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Thriver Stories?
You can listen to Thriver Stories on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Thriver Stories?
Thriver Stories is created and hosted by Foster Greatness.
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