Wandering Tree ®, LLC Podcast
by Adoptee Lisa Ann
Wandering Tree ®, LLC Podcast is the ultimate audio companion for curious and adventurous minds, offering a journey through thought-provoking discussions and unique perspectives on life, culture, and the journey of an adoptee. This show has been established with the simple goal of reaching other adoptees who may benefit from just hearing other adoptees share on the lived experience. Host, Adoptee Lisa Ann, will share the tangled roots of the life long journey as an adoptee, the search for biological connections, the good and bad of reunions and how saying "I am adopted" has connected to so many others. The candid discussions between Adoptee Lisa Ann and her guests will tackle the term "adoption" and how it is covers so many aspects of our society.
Episodes
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S6:E3 Finding Adoption Journey Harmony with Mark Wills
Born amidst cultural complexities in Korea to an American soldier and a Korean mother, Mark Wills faced an extraordinary start to life. Discover how Mark's journey from an orphanage to a diverse family of 25 siblings in America shaped him into the notary coach and family man he is today. This...
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S6:E2 Healing and Transformation Beyond Trauma with Thriving Adoptees Host Simon Benn
What if the very essence of who you are could remain untouched, even in the face of profound rejection and trauma? Join us for an insightful conversation with Simon Benn, the creative force behind the Thriving Adoptees Podcast, who courageously shares his personal journey of reaching out to his...
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S6:E1 Swimming Back to Shore: Melissa Brunetti's Journey Healing in Adoption
What if reclaiming your true identity felt like swimming back to shore after being adrift in the ocean? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Melissa Brunetti, host of Mind Your Own Karma, the Adoption Chronicles, as she shares her own transformative journey as a domestic adoptee from the…
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S5:E4 Birthmothers and Adoptees Healing Through Honest Conversations
The Wandering Tree Podcast is peeling back the layers of adoption narratives in a heartfelt roundtable featuring adoptees and birth mothers who are bravely sharing their stories. Join Jenny Becknell as she sheds light on the complexities of open adoption and Amy Seek as she reflects on her…
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S5:E3 Jenny Becknell's Story of Resilience and Hope Series 3 of 3: Balancing Boundaries and Honest Conversation on Adoption
Join us with our esteemed guest Jenny Becknell as she offers an intimate look into the emotional aftermath of the next two decades of the open adoptions journey, from the touching creation of a heartfelt video for her daughters' 18th birthday to the raw emotions stirred by an unexpected request...
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S5:E2 Jenny Becknell's Story of Resilience and Hope Series 2 of 3: The Open Adoptions Experience from a Birthmother.
What would you do if you had to make one of the toughest decisions of your life? Join us on the Wandering Tree Podcast as we explore the heartfelt and emotional journeys of a birth mother navigating the experience of open adoption. In this episode, Jenny Becknell candidly shares her lived…
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S5:E1 Jenny Becknell's Story of Resilience and Hope Series 1 of 3: Navigating Teenage Pregnancy and Adoption
What happens when your world is turned upside down at 18? Jenny Becknell knows firsthand the whirlwind of emotions that come with an unexpected pregnancy during college and the life-altering decision of adoption. Join us as Jenny, a birth mother, shares her intimate story, beginning with her…
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S4:E9 Theater as a Catalyst for Change in the Adoption Community with Suzanne Bachner
Art meets advocacy when the transformative power of storytelling takes the spotlight. As a playwright, Suzanne Bachner channeled the raw emotions and experiences of the adoptee's pursuit into narratives that resonate beyond the stage, touching hearts and influencing legislative change. This…
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S4:E8 Unlocking Secrets of the Adoption Narrative with Lori Knisely
When Lori Knisely offers a window into her soul, revealing the intertwined paths of being an adoptee and storyteller, we're reminded that life is rich with complex patterns. Our hearts travel with Lori to the remnants of St. Anthony's Home for Infants, feeling the gravity of each stone and the...
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S4:E7 The Intertwined Histories of Adoption, Loss and Hope with Author Rebecca Wellington
Have you ever pondered the threads of history of adoption and how it intertwines to shape lives? Rebecca Wellington joins us in a thought provoking conversation that reaches into the depths of her own adoption story, the heartache of losing her sister, and the impetus behind her touching book…
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S4:E6: From Isolation to Understanding A Mother and Son's Adoption Story: Adoption and Addiction Insights with Joe and Beth
Sometimes the bonds of family and the fabric of our identities need mending, a truth that Joe Beth know all too well. On this episode of Wandering Tree Podcast, we hear their powerful journey through adoption, suicide and addiction. The conversation leads up down a path which involves unraveling...
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S4:E5 The Emotional Odyssey of an Adoptee and Birth Mother
Have you ever stood at the crossroads of identity, where the past and present collide in a mosaic of loss and discovery? Monica Hall's life is a living embodiment of such a crossroads, as she gracefully carries the dual mantle of being both an adoptee and a birth parent. In this episode, Monica...
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S4:E4 Bridging Two Worlds An Actress's Tale of Adoption and Self-Discovery
When Kira Omans opens up about her life as a transracial adoptee, you can't help but be drawn into her world. Her narrative is not just a story of adoption but a profound testament to the search for identity and belonging. In today's conversation, we navigate Kira's childhood and growth into a...
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S4:E3 A Journey to Wholeness for A Baby Scoop Era Adoptee with Mary Ellen Gambutti
Have you ever felt like a piece of your identity was missing? Mary Ellen Gambuti joins us to weave the heartfelt narrative of her life as an adoptee from the baby scoop era, a time when societal pressures and moral expectations often forced the hand of birth parents. Her candid recollection…
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S4:E2 Finding Her Wings: Dana Ozak's Touching Story of Adoption, Identity, and Family Reunion
When Ohio native Dana Ozak was brought home on her mother's birthday, little did she know that her life would unfold as a tale both profound and inspiring. Our latest Wandering Tree Podcast episode encapsulates Dana's journey as an adoptee, weaving through family dynamics, identity formation, and...
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S4:E1 A Tapestry of Belonging in the Complex World of Adoption with Adoptee Julie McGue
A Tapestry of Belonging in the Complex World of Adoption with Adoptee Julie McGue When the quest for identity entwines with the intricacies of adoption, it's a journey worth sharing. This is precisely what Julie McGue, the award-winning author of "Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family…
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S3:E18 Her Ice Skating Dreams and My Adoption with Edward Di Gangi
When Edward Di Gangi sat down with us, we knew we were about to embark on a journey unlike any other—a quest for identity that turns the pages of the past to illuminate the present. He mesmerizes us with his narrative, one that began with his adoption during a time known as the baby scoop era and...
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S3:E17 Portrait of Resilience, Adaptation and Adoption: The Miracle of Life with Matt
As your host, I'm thrilled to welcome our guest, Matt, a beacon of hope and resilience who brings us an extraordinary tale of adoption, medical adversity, and the quest to find, define and anchor to his family roots. Born as a premature baby with an array of health complications, Matt's story...
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S3:E16 Adoption - Nurture, nature and free will with Jack F. Rocco, MD
Ever wonder how it feels to grow up feeling chosen, only to discover that your life's narrative was built on a web of half-truths? Get ready for an adoptee rollercoaster as we sit down with Jack Rocco MD, author of "Recycled." Jack takes us through his adoption journey from his loving upbringing…
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S3:E15 A Hidden Identity Revealed: Fred Nicora Path to Self-Understanding
Imagine being 41 years old and discovering at a family gathering that you were adopted. That's exactly what happened with our guest, author and adoptee, Fred Nicora. A unintentional disclosure sparked a massive transformation in Fred's understanding of his identity and started him on an ongoing...
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S3: E14 Running Towards Mental Health and Self-Discovery in Adoption - Andy Wallis
Have you ever wondered about the deeper psychological impacts of adoption? Join us as we plunge into the emotionally charged story of Andy Wallis, a man adopted in 1973 who has grappled with undiscovered impacts of adoption trauma for over a decade. Andy's unique and poignant tale navigates…
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S3:E13 Ryan Anderson's Unabated Pursuit of Family;The Threefold Connection
Ryan Anderson, who imparts his moving journey of self-discovery and acceptance take us on an unforgettable journey of discovery and growth. Born and raised as an outsider in Scotland, Ryan opens up about his unique experience of grappling with various socio-cultural and economic factors that set...
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S3:E12 Living in the Light with Michelle Madrid
Do you need to find some light within you during the daily wins and losses of the adoptee journey? This episode welcomes international adoptee, author, and adoptee empowerment life coach Michelle Madrid. She shares intimate insights from her own experiences growing up in foster care, being…
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S3:E11 From Strangers to Family: The Healing Impact of Retreats with Hiraeth, Hope and Healing
Have you ever felt the transformative power of community and connections? Join us as we dive into deep conversations with Erin, Cindy and Annie from Hiraeth, Hope, and Healing about their journeys of self-healing and discovery. They share their poignant stories of self-discovery, revealing how a...
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S3:E10 The Unbreakable Bond: Linda and Louise's Adoption Reunion Journey
It gets real and emotional in this episode where we welcome our special guests, Linda and Louise, a birth mother and adoptee duo, who bravely share their poignant journey of reunion, self-discovery, and bonding. Prepare to be moved as together, we unpack the life-altering experiences that marked...
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S3:E9 Unveiling a Birth Mother's Perspective on Adoption, Grief, and Healing with Candice Cahill
What does it mean to be a birth mother? How do you navigate the emotional terrain of unplanned pregnancies, the heart-rending decision of adoption, and the aftermath of that choice? These are the raw realities we tackle in this potent episode, guided by the strength and resilience of author and...
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S3:E8 Healing Tree with Danielle Gaudette - Her Story of Self-Discovery
What if you had the chance to hear a powerful story of adoption, mental illness, and healing from someone who experienced it firsthand? We're honored to have Danielle Gaudette, author of Healing Tree, share her incredible journey with us. From being adopted just 10 days after her birth to…
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S3:E7 Exploring Adoptee Experiences through Art, Connection, and Healing
What happens when two domestic adoptees and passionate artists join forces in advocating for their community? In a captivating episode of Wandering Tree Podcast, we're thrilled to have Rebecca Autumn Sansom and Liz DeBetta sharing their stories, artistry, and insights on the adoptee experience....
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S3:E6 When Searching Goes Up and Down and Up Again with Nicole
Guest Nicole shares with us her early desires to give back to adoptee community, how she think she wanted to search for her biological family and the point in time when she realized the moment was now. Nicole is a domestic, transracial adoptee born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She grew up…
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S3:E5 Coming Full Circle: My Adoption and Family with Laurie
Welcome to Season 3, Episode 5. Let's keep moving forward adoptees, sharing our life experiences and bonding in community. The collective goal of our guests and host is to create a safe space and have key conversations regarding the adoption reunion experience with biological family members.…
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S3:E4 I Am Adopted - My Go To Answer with Amy H.
Guest Amy shares how the longing to find and meet biological family did not manifest until later in life. Growing up she was surrounded by a loving and accepting adopted family; and she felt content with the situation. It was only later, and after having a family of her own, did Amy start to...
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S3:E3 Accepted by Biological Family with Emma and Stephanie
Accepted by Biological Family Get your box of Kleenex out for this episode! All I can say about this one is WOW! It is packed with so many amazing moments between Guests Emma Stevens and her cousin Stephanie. They speak on the impact of meeting, attending a showing of Reckoning with The Primal...
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S3:E2 Sisters Connected with Lorah and Banner
Welcome to Season 3, Episode 2. Let's keep moving forward adoptees, sharing our life experiences and bonding in community. The collective goal of our guests and host is to create a safe space and have key conversations regarding the adoption reunion experience with biological family members…
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S3:E1 Reunion Experience: Siblings and Creating Space with Greg Gentry
Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1. We are glad to be back with everyone in 2023 and we are kicking this season off with a bang! Have you found your biological roots? Learned you have a sibling or two in the process of searching? Now what? What is the best method to approach them? Lacking a clue? So...
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S2:E19 Using Social Media to Create a Thriving Adoptee Community
In today's conversation with host Adoptee Lisa Ann, our guests touch on the use of social media to connect to other adoptees. We tackle the benefits of using the various platforms such as Facebook pages, Facebook groups, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to create a thriving community. Please join…
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S2:E18 Building Community with Fireside Adoptees Leadership
Connecting to the adoptee community can be very helpful to the adoptee in search and reunion. In the second instance of a four part series, Host Lisa Ann sits down with the leadership of Fireside Adoptees. This group of dedicated humans are setting the adoptee community on fire by offering a…
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S2:E17 Reunion Musings with Damon Davis
In the third of a four part series on adoptees attending biological family reunions, Host Lisa Ann and podcaster Damon Davis have a great conversation. They cover the blessing of a fairytale reunion with a biological mother to the all-in aspects of a family reunion event. Wandering Tree was so...
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S2:E16 We Attended a Bio Family Reunion with Elle
Adoptees Lisa Ann and Elle attended biological family reunions and have lived to share out their experience. In this session they share some of their thoughts and insights into the anxiety, excitement and details of what it was like to be in the presence of so many new people. Was it horrid or...
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S2:E15 Connecting to the Adoptee Community with Jennifer D Ghoston
Connecting to the adoptee community can be very helpful to the adoptee in search and reunion. Several months ago, Host Lisa Ann sat down with Author and Podcaster Jennifer Dyan Ghoston to discuss the benefits of connection adoptee-to-adoptee. Their lived experiences spawned a creative shared...
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S2:E14: Family Reunions with Elle Klassen
July is National Family Reunion month, who knew? Adoptees Lisa Ann and Elle are invited to biological family reunions and both have decided to attend. In this session they share some of their thoughts on the why to attend, how they have prepared and their overall fears of meeting several new…
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S2:E13 Adoptee and Adopter with The Sibling
Wandering Tree welcomes the Sibling to the show. The Sibling is one of Lisa Ann's three paternal biological sisters, a domestic adoptee from Baby Scoop era and an adopter of three in the late 1990's. Host Lisa Ann and The Sibling connected via their shared DNA match on Ancestry.com in 2019 and...
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S2:E12 The Ups and Downs of Mary's Search
Guest Mary shares the many ups and downs on the years of search for her birth mother, how the longing to find and meet her became a cycle associated with birthdays and holidays and how she never gave up. We listen as Mary talks about the first planned visit to the final goodbye of the woman she…
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S2:E11 Fathers, Why It Is Different with Elle Klassen
Guest Elle Klassen and Host Lisa Ann prepare for another weekend where the ideology of great parenting is celebrated. You guessed it, we jump right in, speak our lived experience and it gets real! We sit down and spend our time together to address another key topic for many adoptees - Fathers. We...
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S2:E10b Spotify Reposted - Sitting down Paige Adams Strickland
Host Lisa Ann sits down with two-time author Paige Adams Strickland, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and adopted at 13 months of age. In this episode, Paige shares bits of her story and how her search for biological family began in 1987. While we agree not all adoptees have a great life, and…
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S2:E10 Sitting down Paige Adams Strickland
Host Lisa Ann sits down with two-time author Paige Adams Strickland, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and adopted at 13 months of age. In this episode, Paige shares bits of her story and how her search for biological family began in 1987. While we agree not all adoptees have a great life, and…
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S2:E9 Mothers, It Is Complicated with Elle Klassen
Guest Elle Klassen and Host Lisa Ann decided to dive into one of the most difficult topics for many adoptees - Mothers. You guessed it, we jump right in, speak our lived experience and it gets real! We want to extend a warm welcome to Elle Klassen. Elle is an artist, wife, mother, friend. She was...
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S2:E8 Reflecting with Rebecca Autumn Sansom
Rebecca Autumn Sansom, director of Reckoning with The Primal Wound, spends time with Host Lisa Ann sharing her love of the book, the process of creative projects and what is on the horizon. A beautiful conversation covering so many thoughts and feelings. It was an honor to have Rebecca read a…
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S2:E7 Chatting with The Adopted Chameleon, Lorah Gerald
Host Lisa Ann sits with The Adopted Chameleon, Lorah Gerald and talks all things adoption. The double quest in Tennessee to find her biological mother and father, three generations of rejections and how a book revered by adoptees was written out of love. To close us out, Lorah shares information…
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S2:E6 Connecting with Emma Stevens - Author of The Gathering Place
Wandering Tree welcomes Author Emma Stevens, The Gathering Place, to the show. In today's conversation with host Adoptee Lisa Ann, our guest touches on her multi-decade journey of search and reunion; even teasing a bit on the adventures and detective skills needed to find ourselves. Having...
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S2:E5 Mary: A first mother's viewpoint
Wandering Tree welcomes Mary to the show; a first mother who was forced to relinquish her child for adoption. The day we spoke was a first for both myself and Mary. Neither of us really knew what to expect when it came to having a conversation on the topic of adoption from our differing…
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About this show
Wandering Tree ®, LLC Podcast is the ultimate audio companion for curious and adventurous minds, offering a journey through thought-provoking discussions and unique perspectives on life, culture, and the journey of an adoptee. This show has been established with the simple goal of reaching other adoptees who may benefit from just hearing other adoptees share on the lived experience. Host, Adoptee Lisa Ann, will share the tangled roots of the life long journey as an adoptee, the search for biological connections, the good and bad of reunions and how saying "I am adopted" has connected to so many others. The candid discussions between Adoptee Lisa Ann and her guests will tackle the term "adoption" and how it is covers so many aspects of our society.
Hosted by
Adoptee Lisa Ann
Categories