PODCAST · kids
Wards of the State
by Dillard Management LLC
Hosted by Karlos Dillard — author, speaker, and outspoken foster care advocate — this powerful podcast pulls back the curtain on the hidden realities of the foster care and adoption systems. Each week, Karlos sits down with former foster youth and adoptees to share raw, unfiltered stories of resilience, survival, and truth. With his background in entertainment and production, Karlos brings a unique blend of depth, authenticity, and unexpected humor to each episode. Expect real conversations that are eye-opening, moving, and even laugh-out-loud at times. If you would like to share your lived experience, fill out this form
Episodes
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Ep: 87 "Jeanette"
In this episode of the podcast, Karlos Dillard speaks with Jeanette Yoffe, a psychotherapist and advocate in the field of foster care and adoption. Jeanette shares her personal journey through the foster care system, her experiences with adoption, and the complexities of identity and attachment....
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Ep: 86 "Brittany"
In this episode of Wards of the State, host Karlos Dillard introduces Brittany, a guest with a profound story of being a foster youth and an adoptee. Brittany shares her early life in foster care, the challenges she faced in her adoptive family, and her eventual reunion with her biological…
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Ep: 85 "Shanae"
In this episode of Wards of the State, host Karlos Dillard engages with Shanae who shares her profound journey through the child welfare system. Shanae recounts her early experiences with trauma, her struggles with mental health, and the challenges of motherhood. The conversation delves into the...
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EP: 84 "Priscilla"
In this episode of the podcast, Karlos Dillard engages in a deep conversation with Priscilla, an adoptee from New York City, about her experiences in the foster care and adoption system. They discuss the importance of including birth parents in adoption conversations, the complexities of the...
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Ep: 83 "Tag"
In this episode, Karlos Dillard and Tag discuss the often overlooked experiences of men in the foster care system. They explore the stigma surrounding men's mental health, the impact of trauma, and the importance of sharing stories. Tag shares his personal journey through neglect, abuse, and...
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Ep: 82 "Ron"
In this episode, Karlos Dillard introduces the podcast 'Wards of the State,' focusing on the lived experiences of adoptees and foster youth. The conversation with Ron delves into his traumatic childhood, navigating the foster care system, and the complexities of family dynamics. Ron shares his...
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Ep: 81 "Patricia"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, Karlos Dillard speaks with Patricia about her tumultuous journey through the foster care system. Patricia shares her experiences of being taken from her biological family, the challenges she faced in various foster homes, and her eventual transition to a group...
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Ep: 80 "Abner"
In this episode of the Wards of the State podcast, host Karlos Dillard speaks with Abner Sage, who shares their harrowing experiences growing up in the foster care system and later being adopted. Abner discusses the challenges they faced, including frequent separations from their siblings, the...
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Ep: 79 "Diana"
In this episode, Karlos Dillard interviews Diana Colon, who shares her harrowing journey from being born in Russia and living in orphanages to being adopted in America. Diana recounts her traumatic experiences in the orphanage, including abuse and neglect, and the challenges she faced in her...
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Ep: 78 "Shantel"
In this episode, Karlos Dillard speaks with Shantel about her experiences as a kinship adoptee. They discuss the challenges of growing up in an adoptive home, the impact of abuse and neglect, and the importance of resilience and support systems. Shantel shares her journey through teenage…
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Ep: 77 "Shana"
In this episode, Karlos Dillard and Shana discuss the complexities of adoption, including the importance of sharing personal stories, the trauma associated with being adopted, and the role of therapists in understanding adoptee experiences. Shana shares her own adoption story, the challenges of...
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Ep: 76 "Dr. Cre"
Hey Lightshiners! In this engaging conversation, Karlos Dillard and Dr. Cre explore the importance of building relationships and support systems for youth, particularly those in foster care. They discuss the significance of creating safe spaces, effective communication, and the role of structure...
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Ep: 75 "Jasmine"
Hey, Light Shiners! I am joined by Jasmine, a foster youth who shares her experience. She also speaks to us about what it is like being a kinship caregiver herself! Watch the Video Podcast Join me for the “Bring the Light to Truth Book Tour 2025! If you would like to be on the show, please sign…
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Ep: 74 "Hart & Michael"
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Hart, who is a pre-birth match adoptee who is joined by their biological brother Michael. They speak about how reunification has been for them and Hart speaks about having a net-positive adoption, but still feeling the loss of their sibling Watch the Video…
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Ep: 73 "Jasmine"
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Jasmine a former foster youth who has just aged out of foster care. She speaks about life in group homes and how she made a plan to make it out of the system without being institutionalized. Watch the Video Podcast HERE! Check me out on Patreon and get 1 on 1…
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Ep: 72 "Lisa"
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Lisa an adoptee who didn’t find out she was adopted until she was 7 or 8. She also shares about the abuse she survived at the hands of her stepbrother. We share reunification stories and end the podcast with advice for one another. Watch the Video Podcast!...
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Ep: 71 "MGD"
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by MGD a former foster youth. She speaks about her struggle with her identity and how a DNA test helps discover who she truly is. www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here...
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Ep: 70 "Tara"
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Tara who is a transracial adoptee and she shares her experience with dealing with religious trauma from the Mormon church. She also speaks about how she still loves her white adoptive parents but struggles with her racial identity. Watch the video of this episode...
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EP: 69 "Cassidy"
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Cassidy a former foster youth who was being abused by her birth brother in their home. She speaks about how hard reunification can be and how child abuse can cause lifelong trauma in families. Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon!...
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We Are Back!
I am so excited to share with you more stories of lived experiences so we can all learn and grow! If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url Please help us keep shining...
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Biological Parents Special: Laura
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Laura a birth mom who almost lost her kids to the system because of a mental health crisis. She speaks about co-parenting with an abusive Ex-spouse and how she was alienated as a mom. Follow the guest on social media! @Iwinnard1982 also check out her business at...
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Biological Parent Special: CJ (update)
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by CJ a birth father who was on the show 2 years ago. He gives us an update and how he has been advocating for himself and his daughter. Follow the guest on social media! @Childlessparent Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon!...
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Biological Family Special: ShaVonnda
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by ShaVonnda, a birth aunt who helped her brother fight the family policing system and tried to adopt his daughter out to foster parents. They fought for 8 years and won! Follow the guest on social media! @kinship.is.care (tiktok) @Emily_brooks_foundation Support…
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Ep: 68 "George"
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by George a native adoptee who had a net positive adoption experience. He talks about how his adoptive parents keep his birth family and culture involved while growing up and why ICWA is so important. Follow the guest on social media! @Ibakedinupiaq Watch the video…
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Ep: 67 "Scottie"
Hey Light Shiners! THERE IS A SUICIDE TRIGGER WARNING in this episode. I am joined by Scottie a same-race Black adoptee who shares about their net-positive adoption experiences and religion trauma. We do speak about assisted suicide so please use caution listening and speak to mental health...
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Ep: 66 "Petrea"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Petrea an international adoptee who was adopted from Russia. She speaks on her net-positive adoption and how isolating it was to grow up in a single-mother household. Follow the guest on social media! @dosvidaniyababy6669 Watch the video of this...
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Ep: 65 "Tiffany"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Tiffany and adoptee who shares her story about her adoption, her adoptive parents divorce and how that affected her life. Follow the guest on social media! @Sistatiph Join the BLACK MOTHERS MARCH! https://www.blackmothersmarch.com/ Watch the…
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Ep: 63 "Sandra"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Sandra a foster youth and adoptee whose story will shock you. She shares her experience of being adopted twice...will at least she THOUGHT she was adopted. Follow the guest on social media! @chickanddog PRESELL for BOOK @ HERE Watch the video of...
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The Truth About Will
Hey, Lightshiners! In this episode, I am interviewing Will Powerrr an adoptive father who went viral on TikTok for brushing his Transracial adoptee's hair. After going viral and facing backlash Will came onto my Tiktok Live to share his lived experience. Please be sure to check out the 2024 Black...
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Ep: 62 "Rosie"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Rosie who speaks about her childhood and reuniting with her birth family. She explains that reunification is not easy and explains why. Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true If…
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Ep: 61 "Ginger"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Ginger, a foster youth bounced between many foster placements and group homes. She speaks about how she could age out and access the resources but how difficult that process was. Follow the guest on social media! @gingerchaney07 Watch the video…
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Ep: 60 "Holly"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Holly who explains to us how she was illegally adopted and how that affected her life. Follow the guest on social media! @YAYA Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true If you would...
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Ep: 59 "Keziah"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Keziah an adoptee who was separated from her twin sister at birth. She speaks about the death of her adoptive mother and how her adoptive father supported her. Keziah also talks about how it is growing up without her Romani culture. Follow the...
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Ep: 57 "David"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by David a foster youth who shares his experiences bouncing between group homes and foster homes as a child growing up. He shares how he created safety nets for himself like going to college to become successful/ Follow the guest on social media! @...
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Ep: 56 "Barbara"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Barbara a former foster youth and adoptee. With over 25 years of private practice as a ministerial counselor, Barbara Lane has dedicated herself to serving individuals and families. Her educational background in human development, social…
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Ep: 55 "Diamond"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Diamond who aged out of foster care. She shares her experience entering the foster care system and how it has affected her. Follow the guest on social media! @Theelevenshop_ Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon!...
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Ep: 54 "Kristyn"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Kristyn an adoptee who was given up at birth by her biological mother. She speaks about how her adoption was positive overall but had an issue with reunification as an adult. Follow the guest on social media! @ThaNuggetsMom17 Do you want to see...
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Ep: 53 "Cult Adoptee"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Cult Adoptee who was adopted into a religious cult… hence their name! They tell us about their experience as a young child being brainwashed into a cult that made them think that everything they did wrong would send them to hell. Follow the guest...
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Ep 52: "Cammie"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Cammie a fictive kin adoptee whose birth mother died of cancer and was placed for adoption. Cammie talks about the trials she experienced as a Black child growing up in a white household. This is a POWERFUL episode. Follow the guest on social...
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Ep: 51 "Carrie"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Carrie who grew up in kinship care. She shares her experience with her birth parents and her family guardians. We speak about mental health and how she has been able to navigate the trauma she experienced as a child. Do you want to see Karlos…
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2 Year Anniversary!
See you in September! Always Shine Your Light!
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Ep: 49 "Jen"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Jen an adoptee adoptee who was left in the hospital as an infant was started the first couple years of her life in and out of foster care until she was adopted at 5. Be sure to follow the guest on social media: @TranceJen Check out Macy's Wine…
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Biological Parents Special "Carlos"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Carlos a biological father whose daughter was unjustly taken from his custody. This is a very emotional episode because we speak to this father as he is going to the CPS to pick up his daughter for the first time since she was removed. Check out...
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Biological Parents Special "Stâurm"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Stâurm a biological parent who is disabled and fighting for her children. She has faced many challenges but says she will never give up. Be sure to follow the guest on social media: @OperationRhiannon Check out Macy's Wine Shop here...
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Biological Parents Special "Ebony"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Ebony a former foster who is a 32-year-old Afro-Caribbean mother of 4 children, her Afro-Indiginous Son ( my eldest) was apprehended in 2016 by Family and Children Services. They refused to turn the file over to Native Child and family services…
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Ep: 45 "DNA Picasso"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Devin AKA DNA Picasso, a Black adoptee who was on the Maury Show with his twin brother to advertise them for adoption. He informs us about that experience as well as growing up and reunifying with his biological family. This episode completely…
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Ep: 43 "Karpoozy"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Karpoozy an adoptee adopted at birth. She shares her troubling experience growing up with a medically fragile adoptive mother who used her as a live in nurse aid. She also speaks about how great her relationship is with her adoptive father and...
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Ep: 42 "DA"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by DA a kinship adoptee who later in life found out that her cousin was actually her mother. DA’s story lets us know that Kinship placements aren’t always better. She also speaks about reunification and how hard but rewarding it can be. Be sure to...
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Ep: 41 "Caitlin"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Caitlin who was adopted at birth. We speak about adoption trauma, bio-parent trauma, and corruption in the adoption industry. She shares some really touching experiences. Be sure to follow the guest on social media: @Riley.and.scout Check out...
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Ep: 40 "Mia"
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Mia an International Transracial Adoptee from Haiti who shares her experience of being adopted into a white family. She shares how her adoptive parents have learned to address the racism she faced as a child and what she faces today as a Black...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosted by Karlos Dillard — author, speaker, and outspoken foster care advocate — this powerful podcast pulls back the curtain on the hidden realities of the foster care and adoption systems. Each week, Karlos sits down with former foster youth and adoptees to share raw, unfiltered stories of resilience, survival, and truth. With his background in entertainment and production, Karlos brings a unique blend of depth, authenticity, and unexpected humor to each episode. Expect real conversations that are eye-opening, moving, and even laugh-out-loud at times.
If you would like to share your lived experience, fill out this form
HOSTED BY
Dillard Management LLC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Wards of the State have?
Wards of the State currently has 92 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Wards of the State about?
Hosted by Karlos Dillard — author, speaker, and outspoken foster care advocate — this powerful podcast pulls back the curtain on the hidden realities of the foster care and adoption systems. Each week, Karlos sits down with former foster youth and adoptees to share raw, unfiltered stories of...
How often does Wards of the State release new episodes?
Wards of the State has 92 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Wards of the State?
You can listen to Wards of the State 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 Wards of the State?
Wards of the State is created and hosted by Dillard Management LLC.
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