The Empowered Adoptee Podcast

Laurie and Claire dive deep into the anatomy of a trigger, reframing it from a moment of suffering into a sacred invitation for self-reflection and healing. They get personal about the challenges of navigating white adoptive families who gaslight lived experiences and the deep biological disconnect of growing up without genetic mirroring. Plus, don't miss a "mind-blowing" discussion on how hormones like estrogen impact our tendency to people-please and why perimenopause might actually be an adoptee’s secret weapon for reclaiming autonomy.Whether you are trying to hold onto your center during a triggering phone call with your family or looking for tools to heal a "festering" emotional wound, this episode offers a roadmap for becoming your own inner healer.Key TakeawaysTriggers as Invitations: Learn to see a trigger not as an attack, but as a mirror reflecting a "blind spot" or a "festering wound" that is finally ready for your own attention, curiosity, and compassion.The Power of Boundaries: Discover why setting a boundary isn't about shutting people out; it’s about protecting your inner peace so you can show up as your authentic self on your own terms.The "People-Pleasing Hormone" Reframe: A fascinating look at how declining estrogen in perimenopause and menopause can lead to a newfound sense of autonomy and the strength to stop "giving fucks" about external approval.The Biological Disconnect: Addressing the specific grief of transracial adoptees navigating significant bodily changes—from puberty to menopause—without the guidance or mirroring of biological kin.Jeong & Community Healing: The power of communal love and the emotional glue or "jeong" found in shared experiences, like the kitchen duty at Plum Village or the Empowered Adoptee retreats.If this episode resonates, we invite you to listen with curiosity and compassion and maybe ask yourself:Where in my life am I running from my triggers? Are they stealing my peace?We want to invite you to lean in. Treat that trigger like a sacred guest—a mirror showing you exactly where you are ready to heal.Your story matters. If you’d like to connect or share your adoptee journey, we’d be honored to hear from you.Email us at: [email protected] would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we come together to honor Seollal and the Lunar New Year, while also grounding into the reality of where we are in these changing times.While we touch on the traditions of Seollal, this conversation is less about doing things “the right way” and more about meeting ourselves exactly where we are. As adoptees, connecting to culture can bring up a mix of emotions and we hold space for all of it.We explore the energy of the Year of the Fire Horse, a time associated with movement, transformation, and bold change and reflect on how this energy is showing up in our lives. Rather than pushing or striving, we focus on how to move through this year with awareness, compassion, and intention.This episode is a gentle and honest conversation about:Tips on navigating the year of the fire horseGiving ourselves permission to slow down and feelFinding balance within intense or shifting energyReconnecting with ourselves, our truth, and our inner resilienceWe also share simple, supportive ways to move through this year with care, reminding ourselves that we don’t have to rush our growth or have everything figured out.Above all, this episode is an invitation to soften, to listen inward, and to remember that wherever you are right now is enough. You are allowed to move at your own pace as you step into this new year.We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this raw and deeply personal conversation, Claire and Laurie discuss the recent spike in ICE violence—including the high-profile murders of U.S. citizens—and how these events can trigger ancestral and personal trauma for the adoptee community. We are NOT staying small and quiet, we are fighting back!Here are 5 ways to empower yourself and fight back against inhumane acts of violence and racial profiling by federal agents in your communities:1. Economic Resistance: The BoycottThe Resource: Boycott Citizens - ICE2. Legislative Action: Calling Your RepresentativesDirect pressure on senators and representatives is essential to stop the funding of mass detention and profiling.Who to Call: Find your local officials at commoncause.org.What to Say (Script):"My name is [Name], and I am a resident of [City/State]. I am calling to demand that Senator/Representative [Name] vote to defund ICE's mass detention expansion and support the Adoptee Citizenship Act. I am deeply concerned by the recent reports of U.S. citizens being racially profiled and murdered by federal agents. We need an end to 'absolute immunity' for federal officers and a restoration of our 4th Amendment rights. Our tax dollars should fund community care, not concentration camps."3. Support the Frontlines: Where to DonateAdoptees for Justice (A4J): Specifically supports the legislative fight for adoptee rights. adopteesforjustice.orgNational Bail Fund Network: Provides immediate release for those caught in the detention system. communityjusticeexchange.orgThe ACLU: Leading the legal battles against the 2025/2026 administrative shifts in profiling laws. aclu.orgBAJI (Black Alliance for Just Immigration): Direct support and advocacy at the intersection of Black and immigrant rights. baji.org4. Community Defense: Prepare Your CityBuilding a "Community Defense" plan is a radical act of love and safety.Establish a Rapid Response Network: Use encrypted apps (like Signal) to create a neighborhood alert system. If ICE is spotted, the community can be notified instantly to film, provide legal support, or offer sanctuary.Know Your Local "Safe Havens": Identify restaurants, churches, or community centers that are committed to opening their doors during raids.Host "Know Your Rights" Workshops: Partner with local legal aid to teach your neighbors their constitutional rights.5. Know Your Rights (Constitutional Literacy)Informed citizens are harder to oppress. Here are some legal reminders:The 4th Amendment: You have the right to be free from "unreasonable searches and seizures." You do not have to open your door to ICE unless they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge (not just an administrative warrant signed by an ICE official).The 5th Amendment: You have the right to remain silent. If stopped, you can say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent and I would like to speak to an attorney."The Right to Record: You have the right to film federal agents in public spaces as long as you do nWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore how collective trauma is impacting us on both an adoptee level and a human level. With so much uncertainty and constant information coming at us, it’s understandable if you’re feeling anxious, numb, overwhelmed, or disconnected.We talk about how our nervous systems were never meant to be in a constant state of alert, and how this moment is inviting us to slow down, reconnect, and come back into the present. Through a gentle and empowering lens, we share why gathering in community, resting without guilt, limiting digital overwhelm, and updating old beliefs around safety are essential acts of care.This episode is an invitation to offer yourself compassion, to remember you’re not alone, and to reconnect with what truly supports healing, regulation, and freedom especially in times like these.If you are looking for support or tools for connection and regulation check these out:1. Vagal Nerve Awakening Ear Massage: Gently massaging the vagus nerve branch in the ear to signal safety to the brain.The "Basic Exercise" (Stanley Rosenberg): Lying down or sitting up, interlocking fingers behind the head, and moving only the eyes to the far right, then far left, until a sigh, yawn, or swallow occurs.https://www.youtube.com/@BrainEducationTV/videos2. The Power of Flow: Qi Gong & Tai Chi "Shaking the Tree" (Qi Gong): A simple, accessible practice of bouncing gently on the heels and shaking the arms to "discharge" stagnant stress energy.Tai Chi Opening Breath: Slow, circular arm movements coordinated with deep inhalations to ground the energy into the lower abdomen (Dantian).https://www.youtube.com/@BrainEducationTV/search?query=qi%20gong3. Targeted Release: EFT Tapping The "Overwhelmed to Empowered": Focus on tapping points (brow, side of eye, under nose, collarbone) while acknowledging the "heaviness" of the world and choosing to feel safe in the body.https://www.youtube.com/@BrainEducationTV/search?query=eft%20tapping4. The Anchor: Somatic Breathwork The "Sigh of Relief": A double inhale through the nose followed by a long, audible "Aaah" exhale through the mouth.Box Breathing: A 4-4-4-4 count to bring the prefrontal cortex back online when feeling "victimized" by external stressors.https://insighttimer.com/adamcarbary/guided-meditations/10-min-somatic-breathwork-daily-practiceReclaim Your Peace Workshop 1/24, 12pm - 2pm ESTJoin us for a powerful online workshop specifically designed for anyone experiencing fear and the physical state of carrying the weight of the world's collective trauma in your nervous system. This unique event combines the transformative power of Somatic Breathwork™ with the accessible grounding technique of EFT Tapping to help you gently shed layers of stress and trauma and step into your personal power.https://www.eWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

What happens when we stop trying to "fix" ourselves and start allowing healing to happen? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kyla Mitsunaga, a business and life mindset magician and subconscious mind expert, to explore the profound world of Family Constellations and collective healing.Kyla shares her vulnerable journey from deep depression in 2016 to discovering over 25 alternative healing modalities. We dive into how she uses Theta Healing®, Integrative Hypnosis, and her trademarked Mitsunaga Method™ to help BIPOC and adoptee communities in the Bay Area (and globally) navigate the complexities of identity and intergenerational trauma. Whether you are deep in your healing journey or just beginning to look for the "light," this conversation offers a roadmap for transformation that begins in the subconscious.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Power of Family Constellations: Understanding how we carry the stories and traumas of those who came before us.Healing Without a Map: Learning to hold space for healing even when you don’t know how it will happen.The Mitsunaga Method™: How Kyla’s years of experience working in personal growth and healing around the globe transformed into this method used to help her clients heal at the deepest levels (Mitsunaga means "everlasting light" in Japanese.Support Systems: The role of "emotional support friends" and building a conscious community.BIPOC & Adoptee Visibility: Kyla’s specific work in the Bay Area and how she creates safe spaces for these unique lived experiences.Global Perspectives on Happiness: Insights from a Forbes Coach and TED speaker who has taught and coached in over 16 countries.About Kyla MitsunagaKyla Mitsunaga is a subconscious mind expert, author, and award-winning educator. After a successful career teaching at Harvard and in Korea, a personal health crisis led her to master 25+ healing modalities. She is the author of WITH vs AT and On Growing: Thoughts from the Field, and was named one of the "Top 51 Most Fabulous Global Happiness Leaders" by the World HRD Congress. Through her Mitsunaga Method™, she helps clients find and embody their inner light regardless of life's darkness.When not coaching or running retreats, you can find Kyla swimming, cooking (without processed sugar and salt), writing, finding the best eats around town, drinking matcha lattes, and mulling over women’s rights. Kyla has delivered workshops in 16 countries, traveled to 51 countries and calls 5 countries “home.”Kyla would LOVE to connect WITH you here: www.kylamitsunaga.comWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we dive into Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory and explore how this simple yet radical mindset shift can be deeply liberating for adoptees.As adoptees, many of us grew up hyper-aware of other people’s emotions, expectations, and needs. We learned early how to adapt, people-please, stay quiet, or shape-shift in order to feel safe, loved, or accepted. Over time, this can leave us disconnected from ourselves, our boundaries, and our truth.The Let Them Theory offers a powerful reframe: 👉 Let them think what they think. 👉 Let them feel what they feel. 👉 Let them do what they’re going to do.And then, we choose ourselves.In this episode, we share personally from our own adoptee journeys and unpack how “letting them” has helped us:Release the pressure to be understood, approved of, or validatedStep out of fear, obligation, and guilt (F.O.G.)Build healthier boundaries without shamePractice deeper self-acceptance and self-trustReclaim our energy for healing, rest, and joyWe also explore how Let Them doesn’t mean bypassing emotions or disconnecting - it means allowing others to have their experience without abandoning ourselves in the process.This conversation is especially meaningful for adoptees navigating:Complicated family dynamicsPeople-pleasing patternsFeeling responsible for others’ emotionsThe desire to be “good,” grateful, or easyAt its core, this episode is an invitation to soften, to come home to yourself, and to remember that your needs, boundaries, and truth matter.✨ You don’t need permission to live your life. ✨ You don’t need to explain your healing. ✨ You are allowed to choose peace.If this episode resonates, we invite you to listen with curiosity and compassion and maybe ask yourself:Where in my life am I ready to let them… and choose me instead?Your story matters. If you’d like to connect or share your adoptee journey, we’d be honored to hear from you.Email us at: [email protected] would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In celebration of National Adoptee Awareness Month (NAAM), we are honored to feature the voices of four incredible Korean adoptees: Margot, Mihyun, Josh, and Kim.This episode is dedicated to the truth that adoptees are the experts on adoption because of our lived experience. Our intention is to bring more understanding, compassion, and much-needed awareness to the complexities of adoption.Margot, Mihyun, Josh, and Kim generously share their unique and varied perspectives as they respond to a series of prompts and honest, vulnerable questions about their lives. This is a powerful, essential listen for everyone—adoptees, adoptive parents, and allies of adoptees.Join us as we center adoptee voices and shift the narrative toward compassion and awareness!Featured Guests:Margot LyonsMihyun: [email protected]://www.movementflow.org/Instagram Josh Oberg: FacebookKim: [email protected] Adoptee Workshop: Somatic Breathwork and EFT TappingSaturday Dec. 6, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ESTRegister here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1968878951946?aff=oddtdtcreatorJoin us for a powerful online workshop specifically designed for adoptees seeking deeper healing, emotional release, and self-connection. This unique event combines the transformative power of Somatic Breathwork™ with the accessible grounding technique of EFT Tapping to help you gently shed layers of stress and trauma and step into your authentic self. Give yourself the gift of an embodied experience and create space for profound integration and personal growth.Can't wait to see you there!XOXOLaurie and ClaireWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore the evolution of National Adoption Month (NAAM) and how adoptees across the world are reclaiming it as National Adoptee Month.What began as a government initiative to promote adoption has transformed into a powerful movement led by adoptees, a movement rooted in truth-telling, healing, advocacy, and empowerment.We break down the history of NAAM, how it was originally created, and why its messaging often centered adoptive parents and agencies rather than the lived experiences of adoptees. And most importantly, we talk about why adoptees today are flipping the script and reshaping the month into a space that reflects complexity, honesty, and the full emotional landscape of adoption.In this episode, we discuss:The origins of National Adoption Month and its original purposeWhy the traditional narrative felt incomplete and often silencing for adopteesThe rise of #FlipTheScript, #AdopteeVoices, and the shift toward National Adoptee MonthHow centering adoptee truth brings more compassion, awareness, and integrity to the conversationThe emotional impact NAAM can have on adoptees and how this reclamation offers healingOur personal reflections on how NAAM has changed for us over the yearsWhat this shift means for advocacy, identity, and community connection todayWe hope this episode helps listeners understand how adoptees are expanding the narrative not to erase the joy or gratitude some feel, but to create space for the whole story: the loss, the grief, the resilience, the identity work, and the empowerment that comes from owning our truth.If you're an adoptee, we see you. If you're reclaiming National Adoption Month in your own way, we honor you.We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

As we enter National Adoptee Awareness Month (NAAM), we’re dedicated to giving adoptees the seat at the table to tell their own stories and define their own narrative. Join us for an incredibly heartfelt discussion with Kim, a Korean Adoptee (KAD) who shares her unique, and often-criticized, story of having a very positive adoptee experience.Kim is close to her adoptive parents and currently has no interest in a birth search. Yet, after attending her first KAAN conference in 2022, she was surprised to realize the vast spectrum of adoptee experiences. In This Episode:Finding Her Voice: Kim opens up about initially suppressing her positive story after being criticized and told she must be "in the fog" or "too young" to know the truth.The Power of Community: Hear how connecting with her "tribe" within the KAD community gave her the courage to step into leadership roles and share her joyful narrative, which has since inspired others with positive experiences to speak up.Why It Matters: Kim explains why she feels called to ensure that positive stories are represented and celebrated, affirming that all adoptee stories deserve to be heard.Creating Connection: Learn about the local and virtual communities Kim is building, including her KAD Health & Fitness Facebook Group.Tune in to be encouraged by Kim’s warmth, leadership, and commitment to inclusivity within the adoptee community.Connect with Kim & Her Work:Local Group Instagram: @SouthCentralPAKADsKAD Health & Fitness (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17bA9FTby1/?mibextid=wwXIfrKim's Personal Instagram: @hye_kimmmKim's Photography Instagram: @GaileyFittingPhotographyWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore how coping mechanisms and addictions often develop as survival strategies for adoptees navigating loss, identity, and attachment wounds.Through personal stories and open conversation, we talk about how emotional and physical addictions can take root from people-pleasing and perfectionism to substance use, workaholism, or emotional avoidance and how these patterns were once necessary forms of protection.Together, we uncover how healing begins when we bring compassion to these parts of ourselves, understand the deeper needs beneath them, and begin to replace survival patterns with true self-nurturing, connection, and community care.This episode invites adoptees to gently shift from shame to self-understanding honoring that our coping strategies were not flaws, but signs of our resilience and will to survive.🌿 What We Discuss:The emotional and physical coping mechanisms adoptees often turn toOur own stories of coping, breaking cycles, and finding new ways to healHow connection, community, and self-compassion support recovery💛 Reflection Prompts:Which coping mechanisms helped me survive, and how did they serve me?What am I ready to release or soften?How can I create more safety and support in my daily life?🌟  Update about The Empowered Adoptee Retreat in the Hudson River Valley, NY (10/16 - 10/19)  - New special day passes and discount bunk rooms!  This isn’t just another retreat. It’s an opportunity to step into a powerful, transformative container of collective healing, connection, and empowerment.When we come together as adoptees in sacred space, something magical happens. It’s not about “just talking about it” it’s about deeply experiencing healing through the body, the heart, and the spirit.I know this to be true because I am living proof.I once yearned for a space like this. I needed support to heal my adoptee wounds and the shifts didn’t come from talking alone. They came from:Reprogramming my nervous systemCleaning up the biochemical responses to traumaUpgrading my relationship with myself and othersFinally owning my self-worthAnd most importantly… the support of a healing communitySo if you’re feeling it, if your heart is nudging you… this is your moment to say YES to YOU.Register here: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/🧠 If You or Someone You Know Needs Support:You are not alone, and help is available.988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) — Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 emotional support.Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline — Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text "HelpLine" to 62640 for mental health information and support.SAMHSA National Helpline (for substance use and mental health) — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), available 24/7.International Resources: Visit [findahelpline.com], a global directory of emotional support hotlines by country.💬 We’d Love to Hear From You:If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to reach out, share your reflections, or tell us your story. Healing happens in community and your voice matters.We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this deeply personal and moving episode, we sit down with Gianna Peterson, who vulnerably shares her story as a Korean American adoptee. Born in Busan, South Korea, Gianna was adopted at six months old and raised in a white adoptive family in New Jersey. She grew up with an older brother (her parents' biological son) and a younger sister adopted from China.Gianna’s adoption story took on a new twist when she became a mother herself. The birth of her son prompted a deep dive into her own identity and a sparked a longing to connect with her Korean heritage as well as a curiosity around her adoption narrative. Gianna shares her real and honest experience of growing up as a transracial adoptee and discusses the challenging, emotional reality of going through a birth family search.This episode is a powerful testament to the strength found in vulnerability. Gianna reminds us that true healing comes from leaning into all of our parts, especially the difficult ones, and connecting with them on a deeper level. She proves that even when the journey is hard, showing up with courage to own your identity can be one of the most empowering ways to change your narrative.What You'll Hear in This Episode:Growing Up Transracial: The unique experience of being raised in a white adoptive family and the challenges of breaking through the dominant narrative of adoption.The Power of Parts: How to lean into all the parts of your story and find strength in your full identity.The Emotional Reality of Search: The honest and raw truth about the challenges and complexities of a birth family search.Healing Through Heritage: The beautiful and emotional journey of connecting with Korean culture as an adult and the profound impact of owning your narrative.This is a must-listen for anyone who has felt lost in their identity, is navigating the complexities of adoption, or is simply seeking a reminder that sharing our truths can be part of our powerful path to healing and empowerment.If Gianna's story touched you and sparked an interest to learn more, feel free to  connect with her!email: [email protected] Instagram: journeyswithgiannaUpdate about The Empowered Adoptee Retreat in the Hudson River Valley, NY (10/16 - 10/19)  - we have 2 spots left for a single accommodation!  We will be offering this chance to sign up until September 30th, or whenever we sell out.  This isn’t just another retreat. It’s an opportunity to step into a powerful, transformative container of collective healing, connection, and empowerment.When we come together as adoptees in sacred space, something magical happens. It’s not about “just talking about it” it’s about deeply experiencing healing through the body, the heart, and the spirit.I know this to be true because I am living proof.I once yearned for a space like this. I needed support to heal my adoptee wounds and the shifts didn’t come from talking alone. They came from:Reprogramming my nervous systemCleaning up the biochemical responses to traumaUpgrading my relationship with myself and othersFinally owning my self-worthAnd most importantly… the support of a healing communitySo if you’re feeling it, if your heart is nudging you… this is your moment to say YES to YOU.Register here: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this inspiring episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we sit down with Min-Ae (Mindy), a Korean American adoptee whose journey is marked by resilience, strength, and deep faith. Mindy is an intuitive face reader who uses her gifts to help people better understand themselves and others, illuminating personality traits, emotional tendencies, and behavioral patterns that support authenticity and self-discovery.Mindy opens up about her personal story as an adoptee and how her close relationship with faith has guided her through challenges, helping her find courage and resilience along the way. She shares how her intuitive work is not just about reading faces, but about creating safe, compassionate spaces where people feel truly seen, connected, and understood.This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of authenticity, community, and healing and how discovering our truth can empower us to live with more connection and purpose.What you’ll hear in this episode:Mindy’s journey as a Korean American adoptee and how faith has been a source of strength and guidance.How intuitive face reading works and what it can reveal about personality and emotional patterns.The courage it takes to live authentically and the healing that comes from community.The importance of resilience in the adoptee journey and embracing your unique truth.Connect with Mindy: 🌐 Email: [email protected]: https://intuitivereadingsbyminae.com/Jewelry Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575040635190Note: Use coupon code KAD for 10% discountDisclaimer: The intuitive reading services offered are for entertainment and personal insight only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional advice in psychological, medical, legal, or career-related matters. All interpretations are subjective and should be viewed as general guidance.🎉Special Announcement - It’s finally here!! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our fall Empowered Adoptee Retreat, in collaboration with @Kimchi.Healing - a truly unique experience designed by adoptees, for adoptees.  These retreats have become more than just weekends away. They’ve become sacred spaces of laughter, healing, nourishment, and deep connection. Whether it’s sitting around a fire, moving through somatic healing practices, or sharing a meal with people who just get it, we hope you’ll feel deeply seen, heard, and at home.We hope you’ll join us this fall, with a heart open to connection, to healing, and to being fully yourself with others who know this journey too.This is your moment. Our special early bird discount is available now, but only for a limited time. Register by September 7th to secure your spot at this life-changing event!Learn more and register now at theempoweredadoptee.com/retreats/fall-2025-retreat.Please share this retreat with another empowered adoptee. HopingWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

Welcome back to another vulnerable episode where we get really personal and dive into two concepts that have shaped our lives as Korean adoptees: Han and Jeong.You know those feelings you have that are too big for words? That's what Han and Jeong are for us. We'll be talking about how Han is the deep, unresolved grief and anger we feel—both individually from our own adoption narratives, and collectively from a history of oppression. And then there's Jeong, the profound and healing love we feel for our people, a connection that’s a source of incredible resilience.In this episode, we're sharing a raw, honest discussion about why these two feelings hit so deep. We'll explore:Where our Han comes from—the pain of losing our culture, our language, and our first families, and how the trauma from our past and from our ancestors' past still affects us.How moments of collective struggle, like anti-Asian hate, can amplify our Han but also strengthen our Jeong.The beautiful and healing power we find in community, whether it's sharing a meal with other adoptees or simply being in a space where we feel a deep sense of belonging.This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt a grief they couldn't name or a powerful connection to a community they never knew they had. We hope it gives you a new way to understand these emotions. It’s an invitation to see how our deepest wounds can also be the very things that create our most profound connections.Special Announcement - It’s finally here!! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our fall Empowered Adoptee Retreat, in collaboration with @Kimchi.Healing - a truly unique experience designed by adoptees, for adoptees.  These retreats have become more than just weekends away. They’ve become sacred spaces of laughter, healing, nourishment, and deep connection. Whether it’s sitting around a fire, moving through somatic healing practices, or sharing a meal with people who just get it, we hope you’ll feel deeply seen, heard, and at home.We hope you’ll join us this fall, with a heart open to connection, to healing, and to being fully yourself with others who know this journey too.This is your moment. Our special early bird discount is available now, but only for a limited time. Register by September 7th to secure your spot at this life-changing event!Learn more and register now at theempoweredadoptee.com/retreats/fall-2025-retreat.Please share this retreat with another empowered adoptee. Hoping to see you there!!We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

This week, we're joined by a returning guest and dear friend, Kirsten Mathis. We want to start by wishing Kirsten a very happy 40th birthday! In honor of her big day, let's all participate in her Birthday Love Challenge by making a commitment to show ourselves and others more love and compassion this week.In this powerful episode, Kirsten vulnerably shares her journey of growth and change as it relates to her adoption story. She opens up about the surprising emotions that have surfaced, particularly after reunion, as she navigates what it truly means to find her identity as a daughter.Topics you will hear on this episode:Motherhood and how it has influenced her understanding of her own identity.The challenges of finding her place in new and existing family dynamics.Navigating relationships and how the childhood roles she held have shaped her identity today.The struggle with owning her own ability to receive love and feel worthy of it.Kirsten's honesty is both moving and relatable. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by big emotions or struggled with finding your place, you'll definitely resonate with her story.Thank you again, Kirsten, for sharing your journey with us. We're so grateful for your wisdom and your commitment to this important work.Save the Date! The Fall 2025 Empowered Adoptee Retreat is here 🍁It’s that time of year again and we’re so excited to announce the location of our next Empowered Adoptee Retreat!Join us this fall in the breathtaking Catskill Mountains of New York, nestled along the Hudson River Valley, from October 16–19, 2025.We choose beautiful natural settings intentionally, because nature is healing. And when we gather as adoptees in safe, grounded spaces like this, something powerful always happens.These retreats have become more than just weekends away. They’ve become sacred spaces of laughter, healing, nourishment, and deep connection. Whether it’s sitting around a fire, moving through somatic healing practices, or sharing a meal with people who just get it, we hope you’ll feel deeply seen, heard, and at home.We hope you’ll join us this fall, with a heart open to connection, to healing, and to being fully yourself with others who know this journey too.🗓 Save the Date: October 16–19, 2025 (3 nights)💌 Registration opens August 18th - with an early bird discount!Connect with us here: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

The Mother Wound: A Deep Dive into Loss, Love & HealingIn this powerful and tender episode, we explore the mother wound, a wound that lives in the body, heart, and spirit of many adoptees. From the primal loss of our first mother to the complex dynamics with adoptive mothers, this episode opens a space for truth-telling, grief, compassion, and healing.Whether your relationship with your mother was loving, strained, nonexistent, or unknown—this conversation offers language, insight, and community for making sense of the invisible layers that shape our sense of safety, self-worth, confidence and belonging.We share:What the mother wound is and why it mattersHow it shows up in adoptee experiencesThe connection between the mother wound and core wounds like abandonment, shame, and mistrustOur personal stories around mother loss and healingHow community, self-parenting, and ancestral reconnection can begin to mend the acheIf you’ve ever felt the longing for a mother’s love, struggled with guilt or grief around your mother story, or wondered how to begin healing these tender places—this episode is for you.💬 Topics We Explore:Healthy boundaries with our MothersThe inherited pain of maternal separation, especially in intercountry and transracial adoptionBreaking the silence around grief, anger, and unmet needsNavigating ambivalent feelings toward our mothers—both birth and adoptiveThe power of collective healing spaces and learning to mother ourselves📣 📣 📣 Announcement:  We have thoughtfully decided to change from weekly episodes to Bi-weekly.  Every other Monday we will be dropping a new episode!🆘 Mental Health Resources:If you're struggling or feeling overwhelmed, please know you're not alone. Reach out for support:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (US)Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741SAMHSA Treatment Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)For AAPI communities: https://www.asianmhc.org💌 We’d love to hear from you:If this episode resonated, feel free to reach out, ask questions, or share your story. You are not alone. You are deeply worthy of love and healing.If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a comment on The Empowered Adoptee Podcast. Share this episode with others who may benefit from understanding and overcoming self-sabotage in their relationships! We love you and appreciate all of your support <3If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this enlightening and deeply heartfelt follow-up episode, we welcome back Mike Malloy, a Korean American adoptee, veteran, and community builder. Mike returns to share his powerful experience with psilocybin-assisted therapy, originally sought to support his PTSD from military service, and how it unexpectedly brought long-buried aspects of his adoption story to light.Mike speaks vulnerably about how this journey helped him access core emotional wounds—some stemming not only from his time in the military but from his earliest beginnings as an adoptee. Through plant medicine and supported integration, he began to process layers of loss, disconnection, and identity, finding new pathways toward wholeness.We also explore the healing power of community and being witnessed in our truth. For Mike, healing didn’t just happen in isolation—it deepened through sharing his story, being held in compassionate spaces, and realizing he’s not alone.💬 In This Episode, You'll Hear:Why Mike turned to psilocybin-assisted therapy for PTSDHow the experience unexpectedly illuminated adoption-related traumaWhat surfaced around identity, loss, and the core wounds of early separationThe role of community in helping him integrate and feel seen in his storyReflections on the emotional toll of service and survivalWhat healing can look like when we’re open to new tools and safe support🌿 This Episode Is For You If:You’re curious about alternative approaches to healing traumaYou’re an adoptee or trauma survivor seeking deeper understanding of your emotional patternsYou’ve ever felt like your pain was “too much” or “too complicated” to nameYou believe in the power of community, storytelling, and shared healing💌 We’d love to hear how this episode resonates with you. Reach out anytime if you feel inspired to share your story—or if you’re looking for support on your healing path.If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a comment on The Empowered Adoptee Podcast. Share this episode with others who may benefit from understanding and navigating the adoptee journey. We love you and appreciate all of your support <3If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode, Laurie and Claire delve into the nuanced topic of microaggressions within the adoption community. This discussion was inspired by a KAAN (Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network) Conference workshop that Laurie and Claire attended. We want to help bring microaggressions into the light so that we can talk about them, normalize our feelings around them, and give us tools to navigate through them.Key Discussion Points:What is a Microaggression?A comment or action that subtly expresses a hostile, derogatory, or prejudiced attitude (intentionally or unintentionally) toward a member of a marginalized group.What are Adoption Microaggressions?These are microaggressions based on identities, relationships, and/or experiences connected to adoption. They often stem from societal misunderstandings or biases about adoption.What you can expect to learn:A clear understanding of microaggressions: What they are and how they impact marginalized groups and individuals.Insights into adoption-specific microaggressions: Common phrases and interactions adoptees often encounter.An exploration of the themes of adoption microaggressions (Baden, 2016): Including Microinvalidation, Microinsult, and Microfiction.Personal stories and reflections: Hearing firsthand accounts of how these moments shape identity and belonging and how we navigate through them.Actionable strategies for empowered responses: Practical tools like Boundary Setting, Re-Framing, Educating, Disengaging, and Grounding.Resources cited:Naming & NavigatingAdoption MicroaggressionsAeriel A. Ashlee, PhD (she/her) & DeLa Dos, PhD (they/them)KAAN Conference ~ June 20-22, 2025 ~ Atlanta, GABaden, A. L. (2016). Do you know your real parents?” and other adoptionmicroaggressions. Adoption Quarterly, 19(1), 1-25.Lu, J. & Tseng, A. (2021, June 1). Verbal jiujitsu, disarming and other tips for dealingwith microaggressions. Los Angeles Times.https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2021-06-01/what-is-a-microagression-how-to-address-subtle-racismSue, E. W. (2010). Microaggressions and marginality: Manifestations, dynamics, and impact. John Wiley & Sons.If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a comment on The Empowered Adoptee Podcast. Share this episode with others who may benefit from understanding and navigating adoptee microaggressions. We love you and appreciate all of your support <3If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this follow-up conversation, we welcome back Julie Duvall—an aged-out Korean orphan, late-life adoptee, and fierce advocate for adult Korean orphans. Julie returns to share more deeply about her ongoing journey of healing, faith, and purpose.We dive into the realities faced by those who grow up in orphanages without ever being adopted, and the emotional landscape that unfolds in adulthood—from identity formation to grief, resilience, and love. Julie opens her heart about what has helped her not only survive, but thrive, and how she’s using her story to uplift others through her nonprofit, Love Beyond the Orphanage.This episode is an invitation to listen with compassion, to learn from narratives often left out of adoption conversations, and to reflect on how we support one another in healing.💬 What You'll Hear in This Episode:Julie’s reflections on how adulthood continues to reveal new layers of healing and grief as an aged-out orphanThe emotional journey of being adopted at 23 and how this impacted her sense of self and belongingHow faith, mentorship, and community have shaped Julie’s path forwardInsights on how society can better support orphans who age out of institutional careUpdates on Love Beyond the Orphanage and its mission to walk alongside adult orphans with dignity and loveEncouragement and wisdom for adoptees, orphans, and allies navigating their own healing journey📚 Resources & Connect:🌐 Website: Love Beyond the Orphanage 📧 Email: [email protected]📚 Additional Resources & Support:Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741Therapy & Emotional Support: Look for identity-affirming therapists on https://www.inclusivetherapists.com💌 We’d love to hear from you:If this episode resonated, feel free to reach out, ask questions, or share your story. You are not alone. You are deeply worthy of love and healing.If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a comment on The Empowered Adoptee Podcast. Share this episode with others who may benefit from understanding and overcoming self-sabotage in their relationships! We love you and appreciate all of your support <3If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

This week, join Laurie and Claire for a special mini-episode as they share their pre-KAAN conference jitters and excitement! Heading to a large conference, even one filled with supportive community, can bring on a mix of emotions. Laurie and Claire open up about their feelings and, in true Empowered Adoptee fashion, offer some quick and easy tools to help you navigate any nervousness or anxiety you might be feeling about attending KAAN or any other emotional events.Connect with Us at KAAN!We would love to connect with you in person this weekend! Please join Laurie and Claire (and Hollee) for our Morning Wellness Moment: Growing By Letting Go. This special session will be held on Saturday morning at 7:00 AM at the KAAN conference. It's a wonderful opportunity to start your day with intention and connect with others in a supportive space.A Special Gift for Our Listeners!As a thank you for being a part of our community, we have a special gift for all of our listeners attending KAAN! Be sure to stop by and say hello to Laurie and Claire to receive your gift. We can't wait to see you, connect, and hold space for our incredible KAD community.In this episode, Laurie and Claire discuss:Their personal feelings and anticipation about attending the KAAN conference.Simple, actionable tips for managing nerves and anxiety before and during a conference.An invitation to our Morning Wellness Moment: Growing By Letting Go on Saturday at 7:00 AM.Details about a special gift for listeners attending KAAN.We're so excited to connect with you all this weekend!If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a comment on The Empowered Adoptee Podcast. Share this podcast with anyone who would like some support on their own adoptee journey. We love you and appreciate all of your support <3If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this powerful and validating episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore the real reasons why breakups and loss can feel so devastating—not just emotionally, but physically and biochemically.Whether it’s the end of a romantic relationship, the loss of a close friendship, estrangement, heartbreak activates some of the deepest parts of our nervous system and attachment wounds—especially for adoptees and anyone who has experienced early separation or relational trauma.We break down:🧠 What happens in the brain and body during a breakup💔 The roles of dopamine, oxytocin, cortisol, and serotonin🌪️ Why rejection and loss can feel like withdrawal or even danger🛠️ Science-backed tools and nervous system support to help you heal💌 Daily practices and gentle affirmations to remind you that you are worthy of love, connection, and safety—even in the midst of loss🔄 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The neuroscience behind romantic grief and emotional painHow our body reacts to emotional separation and lossWhy it’s normal to feel disoriented, exhausted, or even physically ill after a breakup8 ways to support your healing: from movement and nervous system regulation to emotional support and rewiring your routines💗 This episode is for you if:You’re going through a breakup or grieving lossYou’ve ever wondered why heartbreak feels so intenseYou’re looking for grounded, compassionate tools to regulate your body and emotionsYou're ready to start healing—gently, intentionally, and with love🧘‍♀️ Journaling Prompts for Reflection:What is the story I’m telling myself about this loss? Is it true?How can I support myself with love and care this week?Where in my body am I feeling this pain—and what does it need?📚 Additional Resources & Support:Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741Therapy & Emotional Support: Look for identity-affirming therapists on https://www.inclusivetherapists.com💌 We’d love to hear from you: If this episode resonated, feel free to reach out, ask questions, or share your story. You are not alone. You are deeply worthy of love and healing.If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a comment on The Empowered Adoptee Podcast. Share this episode with others who may benefit from understanding and overcoming self-sabotage in their relationships! We love you and appreciate all of your support <3If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this vulnerable episode, Laurie and Claire dive deep into the complex topic of self-sabotage, particularly among adoptees. We explore the subconscious strategies that lead us to undermine our own relationships and goals, often driven by fear and core wounds. Join us as we uncover the common triggers, patterns of behavior, and the beliefs that perpetuate self-sabotaging actions. More importantly, we discuss practical steps to change these behavior patterns and foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships.What you will learn about self-sabotage:Understanding the subconscious strategies we use to address unmet needs, which can ultimately harm our relationships.Identifying feelings of abandonment, rejection, and core wounds linked to adoption experiences.Recognizing fears of intimacy and vulnerability that lead to avoidance of deep connections.Learning how to spot recurring negative behaviors and their origins in past experiences.Examining core beliefs about self-worth and unfulfilled needs and how they fuel self-sabotaging behaviors.Steps to Change Self-Sabotaging Behaviors:The importance of self-reflection and mindfulness in recognizing triggers and patterns.Developing skills to identify and process emotions, rather than avoiding them.Strategies for learning that art of open communication about our needs, boundaries, trust, and vulnerability with others.The value of joining support groups or adoptee led spaces which hold space for our adoption-related issues.Practicing kindness towards oneself and celebrating progress in the journey toward change.By understanding and addressing self-sabotaging behaviors, adoptees can pave the way for healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life. This episode offers both insights and actionable steps for listeners eager to transform their relational patterns and enhance their emotional well-being.If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a comment on The Empowered Adoptee Podcast. Share this episode with others who may benefit from understanding and overcoming self-sabotage in their relationships! We love you and appreciate all of your support <3If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Kari Rudd, a Korean adoptee based in Santa Barbara, California. Kari shares her transformative journey of searching for identity and belonging after her challenging experiences with adoption.Kari was adopted at around six months old into a family that faced significant struggles. After being removed from her adoptive family as a teenager, she has lived a life marked by resilience and quest for understanding. Now serving alongside her husband, Eric, as ministers and administrators of a transitional living center and church, Kari offers a unique perspective on healing and community. She has embraced the KAD community over the past year, discovering a whole new world—and a whole new version of herself.What to Expect in This Episode:Kari candidly discusses her adoption experience and the profound effect it has had on her sense of self and belonging. We discuss themes such as identity, her struggles with her faith, fear, obligation, and guilt within the context of the church, racism, scarcity mindset and people pleasing as a trauma response, mental health issues, self-compassion and healing, and heartbreaks from corruption of government and privatized adoption agencies.  Connect with Kari here: [email protected] your thoughts on this episode and connect with us on social media. Let’s continue the conversation on the importance of amplifying every adoptee’s story.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] Mini Retreat in Atlanta Now Open to All Adoptees! June 22–24, 2025 | Atlanta, GAThe intention of this summer retreat will be to continue the KAAN theme of “Growth and Change” We see you. We understand the complexities of your journey, and we invite you to join us for a transformative summer retreat designed specifically for you—a space to heal, connect, and reclaim your identity.And we are excited to share that Laurie, Claire, and Hollee Mcginnis will all be attending KAAN this year! Please reach out if you are attending we would love to connect with you.Imagine being in a sanctuary created by adoptees, for adoptees—surrounded by people who truly understand your story and the complexities of your experience. This retreat is not just an event; it's a chance to empower yourself, make meaningful connections, and foster transformation.Expect a beautiful balance of rest, reflection, and empowerment, surrounded by supportive adoptee kin who truly understand the complexities of this journey.What you can expect: Ancestral Healing: Dive deep into the rich tradition of making whole napa pogi kimchi with Hollee McGinnis, reclaiming the wisdom of those who came before us as we honor our heritage. Healing Modalities: Experience emotional release and nervous system regulation with EFT Tapping, Somatic Movement, and Somatic Breathwork—tools that will serve you long after the retreat. Nourishing Meals: Indulge in delicious, homemade Korean meals, prepared with love to nourish your body and soul. Ease of Travel: Enjoy free transportation from the KAAN event and the airport, making your journey as effortless as possible.This is not just a retreat; it’s an invitation to transform your narrative. Register by June 7th, We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we honor Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing personal stories from our own journeys with mental health as adoptees. We speak honestly about the challenges we’ve faced—grief, anxiety, depression, isolation—and the tools, practices, and moments of connection that helped us keep going.We explore:The unique mental health challenges adoptees often experienceThe hidden layers of grief, identity loss, and survival that can surface over timeWhat has helped us regulate our nervous systems and reconnect to hopeWhy it's so important to talk about mental health in the adoptee communityHow you are not alone—even when it feels like itWhether you’re in the depths of it, supporting someone who is, or just starting to look inward—this episode is for you.🛠️ Resources & SupportIf you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988 https://988lifeline.org Free, confidential support 24/7Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org For immediate support via textAsian Mental Health Collective – https://www.asianmhc.org A directory of Asian mental health professionals and support spacesNAAPIMHA (National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association) https://www.naapimha.orgTherapy for Black Girls / Therapy for Latinx / Inclusive Therapists – If you're seeking identity-affirming therapistsAdoptee Mental Health Resources:Adoptees Connect https://www.adopteesconnect.comAdoptees for Justice https://www.adopteesforjustice.orgShare your thoughts on this episode and connect with us on social media. Let’s continue the conversation on the importance of amplifying every adoptee’s story.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected]’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us!We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Julie Duvall, a Korean aged-out orphan who was adopted later in life. Julie’s unique perspective sheds light on the complexities of growing up in an orphanage in Korea and her journey through finding her way in life without any support from a family of her own. With heartfelt honesty, she shares her experiences, the challenges she faced, and how she transformed her life from struggles and sadness to one of hope and joy. Through Julie's stories, we aim to bring insights and awareness to adoptees and orphans, emphasizing the message that every story matters and deserves to be heard.What you will hear in this episode:-Life in the Orphanage: Julie provides an intimate look at her childhood experiences growing up in a Korean orphanage, sharing the realities and challenges faced by children in similar situations.- Perceptions of Orphans in Korea: Julie discusses societal views and treatment of orphans in Korea, offering a perspective that differs from many traditional adoption narratives.- Influence of Molly Holt: Julie shares her memories of time spent working under the guidance of Molly Holt, a well known figure in many adoption stories, and how this experience shaped her journey and her identity.- Transformation Through Adversity: Julie shares her inspiring story of resilience, detailing the struggles she faced and the steps she took to overcome them, ultimately leading to a life filled with hope.- Empowerment of Adoptees: Together, we reflect on the importance of amplifying the voices of adoptees and orphans, encouraging listeners to appreciate and learn from stories that may differ from their own experiences.-Julie's advocacy work through her non-profit organization Love Beyond The Orphanage. Her mission is to empower adult orphans with opportunities and support.Love Beyond the Orphanage is a Christian Nonprofit Organization that focuses on giving loving support to aged-out orphans, especially in Korea, through educating, counseling, assisting and mentoring.This organization was inspired by Julie, who had aged-out of an orphanage and then experienced being adopted as an adult.Her passion to give a voice to aged out orphans was shared by another adult adoptee, and they co-founded this nonprofit to give hope and spread awareness.Connect with Julie:https://lovebeyondtheorphanage.org/Email: [email protected] Julie’s story resonated with you, please consider writing to us or sending us your own story to share on the podcast! If you would like the opportunity to ask Julie more questions and hear more about her story, please reach out.Share your thoughts on this episode and connect with us on social media. Let’s continue the conversation on the importance of amplifying every adoptee’s story.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected]’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us!We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore a tender and complex question: “What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to Asian American adoptees?”For many of us, this month brings up a mix of celebration and sorrow — pride in our cultural roots, grief for what was lost, and sometimes uncertainty about where we belong. Together, we unpack these emotions and share how adoptees are finding ways to reclaim identity, reconnect to heritage, and show up authentically in AAPI spaces.We also reflect on some of the meaningful moments from our recent Empowered Adoptee Retreat in Lake Tahoe — a powerful weekend of connection, healing, and joy. These experiences remind us that community and shared story are essential parts of the healing journey.💬 Topics We Cover:The emotional complexity of AAPI Heritage Month for adopteesReclaiming culture in ways that feel authenticGrief, pride, and the feeling of being “in-between”Visibility and inclusion within AAPI communitiesHealing reflections from our Lake Tahoe retreat✍️ Journaling Prompts for Reflection:We’re including a few journaling prompts in the show notes to support deeper personal reflection. These are gentle invitations to explore your story and identity at your own pace.https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R5wL7J1zZeovoD5C1p-NVNyRc0tVAT-dKLAYZX5hplo/edit?usp=sharing💌 We’d love to hear from you:If this episode resonates with you, or you would like to share your story, we’d be honored to hear from you. Reach out to us if you have questions, reflections, or are interested in being a guest on the podcast. Your voice matters — and we’re here for it.If you enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with friends and your KAD community so it reaches more adoptees. If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us!We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

Get ready for an incredibly validating and eye-opening discussion for adoptees preparing for (or processing) a visit to Korea. Laurie and Claire share vulnerably about their experiences visiting Korea and all the feelings, emotions, and awarenesses around their journey back to their homeland as an adoptee.What to Expect in This Episode:Join Laurie and Claire as they explore their personal motivations for this episode, expressing the hopes and fears that accompanied their journeys. They reflect on the surprises and emotional revelations they encountered, shedding light on aspects they were unprepared for.We want to remind our listeners that your experience is valid, no matter what it looked like. This episode serves as both a guide and a source of companionship for anyone navigating the emotional journey of returning to a place that is, in one way or another, home. Tune in for an honest exploration of what no one tells you about visiting Korea as an adoptee.Resource mentioned: South Korea Is Overhttps://youtu.be/Ufmu1WD2TSk?si=qridqK7nja2uVbf9The Empowered Adoptee Kimchi Healing With Our Ancestors Retreat!June 22-24 in Atlanta, GAhttps://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/We would love to see you at one of our upcoming retreats!If you enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with friends and your KAD community so it reaches more adoptees. If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us!We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore attachment theory—a powerful psychological framework that helps us understand how we connect, love, and feel safe in relationships.We take a closer look at the four core attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and how these show up in the lives of adoptees. From early separation to inconsistent caregiving or the deep longing for connection, adoptees often experience unique challenges in bonding and trust. But there's also so much hope.We talk about:What attachment theory is and why it mattersHow early life and adoption experiences impact attachmentSigns of each attachment style in adult relationshipsWhy disorganized attachment is often common among adopteesWhat secure attachment is and how healing is possibleHow co-regulation, nervous system work, and loving relationships can support transformationThis conversation offers compassionate insight and validation for anyone who’s struggled to feel safe in connection or has wondered why relationships sometimes feel so hard. You're not broken—your story matters, and there are real pathways to healing.✨ Whether you're an adoptee, a loved one, or someone on your own healing journey, this episode offers tools, hope, and encouragement.Resources Mentioned:John Bowlby & Mary Ainsworth’s work on attachment theoryIf this episode speaks to you, please consider sharing it with a fellow adoptee, and don’t forget to leave a review to help more listeners find us.We are super excited to announce our upcoming Empowered Adoptee Retreats!Connection. Healing. Empowerment. The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.The Empowered Adoptee RetreatApril 25-28 in Lake Tahoe, CA Registration is now closed but don't worry you still have time to register for our next retreat!The Empowered Adoptee Kimchi Healing With Our Ancestors Retreat!June 22-24 in Atlanta, GAhttps://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the showWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode, we delve into how adoptees can find their path back to calm and connection by tapping into the power of the vagus nerve. This crucial nerve helps regulate your nervous system and supports feelings of safety and belonging.Practicing these tools for just 10 minutes or less each day can significantly help improve your body's ability to regulate it's nervous system and become healthier and more calm.Understanding the Vagus Nerve:Discover its role as the longest cranial nerve, connecting the brain to major organs and activating the parasympathetic nervous system.Learn how activating the vagus nerve helps shift the body from 'survival mode' to a state of ease and connection, particularly beneficial for adoptees who have experienced stress or trauma.Simple Tools to Activate the Vagus Nerve:Humming: Experience soothing throat and chest vibrations.Slow, Deep Belly Breathing: Harness the power of long exhales to stimulate your vagus nerve.Gargling or Singing: Utilize vibrations in your throat to foster nerve activation.10-Minute Belly Button Routine: A step-by-step guide to a meditative physical touch technique designed to activate the vagus nerve effectively. Tap, push, and massage specific abdominal points to find relief and calm.Guided Vagus Nerve Technique (Inspired by Stanley Rosenberg): A gentle method using eye movements to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote nervous system reset.Rosenberg brought Polyvagal Theory into a more practical, body-based realm by creating simple, non-invasive exercises that anyone can do at home.Please practice, share, and save these vagus nerve activation tools and experience more healing on your adoptee journey.We are super excited to announce our upcoming Empowered Adoptee Retreats!Connection. Healing. Empowerment. The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.The Empowered Adoptee RetreatApril 25-28 in Lake Tahoe, CA Registration is now closed but don't worry you still have time to register for our next retreat!The Empowered Adoptee Kimchi Healing With Our Ancestors Retreat!June 22-24 in Atlanta, GAhttps://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode, we dive into the shocking findings of South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which has exposed systemic fraud and human rights violations in the country’s international adoption program. With over 140,000 Korean adoptees sent overseas, many under falsified circumstances, this revelation forces us to reexamine the ethical failures of adoption policies and the profound impact on adoptees worldwide.We explore the emotional toll of these findings, the urgent need for policy reform, and the steps adoptees can take to reclaim their agency. We also discuss advocacy efforts, legal actions, and the responsibility of adoption agencies in providing reparations.This is a conversation about truth, validation, and empowerment. You are not alone in this—your voice matters, and together, we can create change.Adoptee Resources for Empowerment & Advocacy•National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC) – Supports adoptees in birth family searches•Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link (G.O.A.’L) – Assists with birth searches, translations, and Korean citizenship applications•325Kamra – Provides free DNA testing for Korean adoptees searching for biological family•Adoptee Hub – Offers search and reunion assistance, plus a database of adoptee resources•Also-Known-As, Inc. – Provides mentorship and community support for adoptees•Asian Adoptees of Canada - Connecting the adoptee community to share information, resources, and provide a forum for connection and collaboration•International Korean Adoptee Association (IKAA) - Fosters community connections across North America, Europe, and Australia•The Korean Adoptee Adoptive Family Network (KAAN) -  connecting the community and providing opportunities for dialogue, education, and support.•Inclusion Initiative - A Community for adoptees, fosters, and our allies to change the future of work and close the professional opportunity gap due to a lack of established network•Paperslip - Connecting Korean adoptees from Korean Social Service (KSS) adopted to the US, Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland between 1964-2012•Banet - A group of Korean women supporting and helping Korean adoptees searching for birth familiesLegal & Human Rights Advocacy•Adoptee Rights Campaign – Advocates for adoptee citizenship rights in the U.S.•Truth and Reconciliation for the Adoption Community of Korea (TRACK) – Works to uncover adoption fraud and advocate for policy change•Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Intercountry adoptees can request their own immigration and federal agency records•Korean Adoptees for Justice (KAJ) – Focuses on adoptee activism and legal advocacy•Adoptees for Justice – A movement fighting for adoptee rights and reparationsMental Health & Healing•IAMAdoptee – Provides mental health resources and support groups for adoptees•The Adoptee Mentoring Society – Offers mentoring and identity-based support for adoptees•The Empowered Adoptee - Provides healing and empowerment retreats for Korean Adoptees and free workshops •Omija - Supporting Korean American adoptee women and adoptees in reunion with birth familyPetitions & Activism•Petition for Justice and Reform: Stand with Overseas Adopted KoreansWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this special panel discussion, we sit down with fellow Korean adoptees Nate Choi and Kirsten Mathis to explore the complexities of the adoptee experience—from finding strength in community to navigating deeply personal emotions. Together, we reflect on the importance of taking pauses, honoring our individual journeys, and creating safe spaces for open expression.Nate Choi is a Korean adoptee who overcame open heart surgery as a baby and on a previous episode (#19, season 1), he shared his inspiring journey of healing and resilience.Nate describes himself as a "like able asshole, KAD, father, and husband."Connect with Nate Choi here:https://bsky.app/profile/natechoi.bsky.socialnatechoi.bsky.socialhttps://www.tiktok.com/@nathanchoi0906?_t=ZP-8uxObLANhnC&_r=1Kirsten Mathis is a KAD from PA. She has been in reunion with her birth mother for 7 years. In April 2024 she traveled to Korea to meet her omma for the first time since she was adopted. She also found her birth father shortly after returning home and has started communicating with him recently. She is a mom, wife, daughter, and someone with "a gentle curiosity" about her identity which led to seeking answers inside KAD spaces and by traveling to Korea. Her journey and story is over a decade in the making. In her spare time she enjoys iced coffee, reading, and cooking and has even started learning how to make Korean dishes. If you would like to connect with Kirsten, she can be reached here:Instagram @khyejin85Here’s what you will hear in this episode:•The impact of connecting with other adoptees•Processing emotions while engaging with adoptee stories•The importance of rest and reflection in the adoptee journey•Respecting individual paths while fostering collective support•Messages of reassurance for those struggling•Encouraging each other to seek help and celebrate small victoriesWe also address the critical issue of deportation among Korean adoptees, highlighting real cases and the ongoing fight for adoptee rights. With the realities of adult Korean adoptees at risk of deportation due to incomplete citizenship processes, we discuss the need for all adoptees to learn to advocate for themselves and for our adoptee community.Join the Conversation:We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with us! How has your community supported you? What messages of hope would you share with other adoptees?Let’s keep the dialogue going—because healing happens togetherWe are super excited to announce our upcoming Empowered Adoptee Retreats!Connection. Healing. Empowerment. The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.The Empowered Adoptee RetreatApril 25-28 in Lake Tahoe, CA Registration is now open until March 30th.https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/The Empowered Adoptee KimchiWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

Finding Safety in Uncertain Times: A Guided Meditation for AdopteesIn this special episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, Laurie offers a gentle, grounding guided meditation to help adoptees regulate their nervous systems and cultivate a sense of safety amidst uncertainty.With so much unknown in the world, especially for Korean American adoptees facing the fear of deportation, it is essential to have tools that help us feel anchored and supported. This meditation is an invitation to reconnect with your breath, your body, and the deep knowing that you are safe, held, and loved.Let this be a space where you can exhale, soften, and come back home to yourself.This episode also serves as a compassionate container for our next discussion, which will touch on the difficult and complex realities of adoptee deportation. May this practice support you in navigating any emotions that arise with love and kindness.Take a deep breath, and let’s begin.We are super excited to announce our upcoming Empowered Adoptee Retreats!Connection. Healing. Empowerment. The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.The Empowered Adoptee RetreatApril 25-28 in Lake Tahoe, CA Registration is now open! https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/The Empowered Adoptee Kimchi Healing With Our Ancestors Retreat!June 22 - 24 in Atlanta, GAIn Collaboration with Dr. Hollee McGinnisRegistration opens soon - stay tuned and reach out to receive more info here:[email protected] Empowered Adoptee Retreat at Camp RiceJuly 17 - 19 in Reisterstown, MDin Collaboration with Grace Song, MSWRegistration is now open! https://www.asiafamilies.org/camp-rice-korean-culture-campWe would love to see you at any of our retreat and please share this post with friends and your KAD community.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us!We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore how befriending our anxiety can help us navigate the adoptee journey with more ease and self-compassion. Instead of seeing anxiety as something to fix or get rid of, we discuss how it can actually be a protector, a messenger, and even a guide to deeper self-awareness.We dive into how anxiety often shows up in the adoptee experience—whether through hypervigilance, perfectionism, or fear of rejection—and how we can shift our relationship with it. By learning to listen to our anxiety with curiosity rather than fear, we can transform it into intuition and inner wisdom that supports our well-being and balance.Join us as we discuss:Why anxiety is so common in the adoptee experience.How anxiety can act as both a protector and a guide.Practical tools to regulate anxiety.Reframing anxious thoughts and creating a sense of inner safety.How self-compassion helps us move from fear to trust.Tune in as we explore how embracing our anxiety, rather than resisting it, can bring us closer to healing, self-trust, and a deeper connection to ourselves.We are super excited to announce our upcoming Empowered Adoptee Retreats!Connection. Healing. Empowerment. The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.The Empowered Adoptee RetreatApril 25-28 in Lake Tahoe, CA Registration is now open! https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/The Empowered Adoptee Kimchi Healing With Our Ancestors Retreat!June 22 - 24 in Atlanta, GAIn Collaboration with Dr. Hollee McGinnisRegistration opens soon - stay tuned and reach out to receive more info here:[email protected] Empowered Adoptee Retreat at Camp RiceJuly 17 - 19 in Reisterstown, MDin Collaboration with Grace Song, MSWRegistration is now open! https://www.asiafamilies.org/camp-rice-korean-culture-campWe would love to see you at any of our retreat and please share this post with friends and your KAD community. If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us!We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode, we dive into the complex emotions tied to feelings of unworthiness experienced by many adoptees and explore paths to healing and empowerment. By understanding primal wound theory, societal influences, and cultural displacement, we aim to uncover why these feelings emerge and how adoptees can reclaim their sense of self-worth.Laurie and Claire sit down for a super vulnerable and honest conversation about what led them to confront and begin to heal their feelings of not being enough. Listen in to hear them share their tools for healing feelings of unworthiness and how to cultivate self worth.You ARE worthy and you are LOVED!!We are super excited to announce our upcoming Empowered Adoptee Retreats!Connection. Healing. Empowerment. The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.The Empowered Adoptee RetreatApril 25-28 in Lake Tahoe, CA Registration is now open! https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/The Empowered Adoptee Kimchi Healing With Our Ancestors Retreat!June 22 - 24 in Atlanta, GAIn Collaboration with Dr. Hollee McGinnisRegistration opens soon - stay tuned and reach out to receive more info here:[email protected] Empowered Adoptee Retreat at Camp RiceJuly 17 - 19 in Reisterstown, MDin Collaboration with Grace Song, MSWRegistration is now open! https://www.asiafamilies.org/camp-rice-korean-culture-campWe would love to see you at any of our retreat and please share this post with friends and your KAD community. If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us!We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast we’re amplifying adoptee voices to share what we want adoptive families to understand in order to help us feel truly supported and seen. Transnational and transracial adoptees often have complex, layered experiences that can be difficult to articulate to their adoptive families. While every adoptee’s journey is unique, we see common themes that emerge from adoptee spaces and we hope that we were able to touch on some of the many themes through our voices here.This episode is an opportunity for adoptive families to listen, reflect, and grow in their understanding of what it means to support adoptees with compassion, understanding, and openness.  Adoptive parents who listen, learn, and commit to growth can help build bridges with us or advocate for some of the issues that impact us deeply. We truly want to feel seen, understood, and empowered.  Thank you for tuning in to The Empowered Adoptee Podcast. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who may benefit from these insights. And as always, we invite you to continue these conversations with us.  We are super excited to announce our upcoming Empowered Adoptee Retreats!Connection. Healing. Empowerment. The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.The Empowered Adoptee RetreatApril 25-28 in Lake Tahoe, CA Registration is now open! https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/The Empowered Adoptee Kimchi Healing With Our Ancestors Retreat!June 22 - 24 in Atlanta, GAIn Collaboration with Dr. Hollee McGinnisRegistration opens soon - stay tuned and reach out to receive more info here:[email protected] Empowered Adoptee Retreat at Camp RiceJuly 17 - 19 in Reisterstown, MDin Collaboration with Grace Song, MSWRegistration is now open! https://www.asiafamilies.org/camp-rice-korean-culture-campWe would love to see you at any of our retreat and please share this post with friends and your KAD community. If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us!We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this powerful episode of the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Hollee A. McGinnis, a Korean adoptee, educator, scholar, and healer with nearly 30 years of experience in adoption and child welfare. Hollee’s work focuses on amplifying adoptee perspectives, advocating for socially just child welfare policies, and supporting individuals raised in alternative care—including adoptees, foster youth, and those from orphanages—so they can thrive across their lifespan.Hollee shares her personal and professional journey, from being adopted from South Korea to founding Also-Known-As, Inc., a pioneering nonprofit for intercountry adoptees. We explore the complexities of adoptive identity, cultural loss, trauma, and healing, and discuss how adoptees can reclaim their narratives and empower themselves through community, research, and self-exploration.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Intention vs. impact—how adoption narratives shape our experiences and healingHollee’s role as a pioneer and creator of adoptee spaces and how they’ve evolved over timeThe importance of bringing healing and empowerment to the adoptee communityDismantling the socialization that “others” people and reclaiming our place in the worldThe difference between power over vs. power with and how it affects adoptee experiencesKimchi healing and accessing the wisdom within—connecting to ancestral knowledge and self-trustJoin us for this thought-provoking conversation as we discuss the intersection of identity, healing, and social justice in the adoptee experience.We are super excited to announce our upcoming Empowered Adoptee Retreats!APR 25-28 in Lake Tahoe, CA Connect, heal, and empower yourself with Hollee, Laurie, and Claire at our next Empowered Adoptee Kimchi Healing With Our Ancestors Retreat!June 22 - 24 in Atlanta, GARegistration opens soon - stay tuned and reach out to receive more info here:[email protected]. Healing. Empowerment. The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.A retreat to nature.Experience the natural beauty, serenity, and charm of California's Lake Tahoe. Immerse yourself in nature and find healing in our restorative accommodations.Registration for Lake Tahoe Retreat is open now! Check out our accommodations, schedule of events, pictures from past retreats, and much more https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/We would love to see you there and please share this post with friends and your KAD community  If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel cWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of self-love from the unique perspective of Korean adoptees. Self-love isn’t just about bubble baths and positive affirmations—it’s about creating safety, trust, and embodiment. Join us as we share our personal experiences and practical tips for cultivating a deep and unconditional love for ourselves.What you can expect to hear in this Episode:•Creating Safety & Trust for Embodiment – Feeling safe in our own bodies and experiences is the foundation of self-love.•Getting to Know Ourselves – How can we love ourselves if we don’t truly know who we are?•Understanding Our Emotional Triggers – Our triggers are clues guiding us toward what still needs healing.•Practicing Unconditional Self-Love – Loving ourselves through all of our seasons, not just when we feel “worthy.”•Taking Responsibility for Our Healing – Our trauma isn’t our fault, but healing is our responsibility. Choosing to do the work is choosing ourselves.•Rebuilding Self-Trust – Learning to listen to our needs, feelings, and emotions while showing up for ourselves consistently.•Protecting Ourselves with Boundaries – Boundaries create safety, both internally and in our relationships.•Practicing Self-Care – Checking in with ourselves, meeting our own needs, and regulating our nervous system.•Finding Evidence That We Are Lovable – We are already worthy of love, and we can seek out proof of that in our everyday lives.Self-love is a lifelong journey, and as adoptees, we often face unique challenges in feeling secure in our identity and worth. But through awareness, intentional practice, and deep self-compassion, we can cultivate a love for ourselves that is unshakable.Tune in as we share our insights, experiences, and encouragement for anyone on this path.Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to continue the conversation and find connection and community in your journey of healing and transformation.We are super excited to announce our next Empowered Adoptee Retreat!APR 25-28 in Lake Tahoe, CA Connection. Healing. Empowerment. The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered.A retreat to nature.Experience the natural beauty, serenity, and charm of California's Lake Tahoe. Immerse yourself in nature and find healing in our restorative accommodations.Registration is open now! Check out our accommodations, schedule of events, pictures from past retreats, and much more https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/We would love to see you there and please share this post with friends and your KAD community  If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean tWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we sit down with Leah Brighton, a Korean Canadian adoptee, passionate advocate, and the founder of the first adoptee-led organization in Canada. As the President of the Asian Adoptees of Canada, Leah has been instrumental in creating spaces where adoptees can connect, learn, and embrace their histories.Leah shares her personal adoption journey, her experience reuniting with her birth family in 2007, and how that transformative experience fueled her mission to build community and support for adoptees across Canada and beyond. With a background in speech-language pathology and executive coaching, Leah also speaks about the power of communication and leadership in shaping an adoptee’s confidence and sense of self.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Leah’s personal adoption and reunion journeyThe importance of adoptee-led spaces and building communityHow identity, leadership, and communication intersect in the adoptee experienceTools for empowerment, healing, and connectionJoin us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the strength, resilience, and power of adoptees coming together.Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to be inspired and find connection in your own adoptee journey!If you would like to connect with Leah:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahkimbrighton/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahkimbrighton_/Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to continue the conversation and find connection and community in your journey of healing and transformation.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode, we sit down with Rob ‘Loebz,’ a talented Korean Canadian b-boy, to explore his inspiring journey through hip hop culture and dance. Rob shares his experiences growing up as a Korean adoptee (KAD) in Canada, navigating questions of identity, and finding a sense of belonging within the global b-boy and hip hop community.What you can expect from this episode:•How Rob discovered b-boying and fell in love with hip hop culture.•The challenges and triumphs of being a Korean adoptee and how he has found his place in the world.•How dance became a medium for self-expression, connection, and cultural exploration.•Stories from Rob’s journey, including memorable battles, mentorship, and what keeps him motivated.•The lessons Rob has learned about identity, resilience, and finding your own sense of purpose.Whether you’re passionate about hip hop culture, curious about the adoptee experience, or just love hearing inspiring stories, this episode is packed with insights, personal reflections, and creative energy.Rob ‘Loebz’, a 38 years old Transracial Korean Adoptee. Born in Seoul, and adopted at 6 months. Rob grew up in Windsor Ontario Canada (Borders Detroit Michigan) and currently living in London Ontario Canada. A semi retired professional bboy or break dancer for over 15 years and also co-founding member of ‘ill at will crew’. Rob has performed all over Canada and parts of the US for such names as Caesars, Adidas, Lexus, Nokia and Canada’s walk of fame to name a few.  Currently, Rob is working with elementary children as a Librarian at Montessori Private School. Today he hopes to inspire listeners through sharing his journey growing up in Canada and in hip hop culture.Connect with Rob ‘Loebz’:Follow Rob’s journey on @LOEBZ86 (Instagram) or "Adoptumentary" on FacebookTune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to continue the conversation and find connection and community in your journey of healing and transformation.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Your support helps us bring more powerful stories to light.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode, Laurie and Claire are joined by Kaleena Bliss, a KAD who grew up in WA and is now living and working in Chicago as an executive chef. Kaleena shares her experiences navigating racism and identity challenges, how building relationships with other Asians helped to foster a sense of belonging and pride for her heritage, and the impact of adoption on her relationships as well as her journey of empowerment and personal growth. Kaleena Bliss developed a passion for the Pacific Northwest's ingredients early on. After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America, she built a successful career in top restaurants across Portland, Seattle, and Chicago.  She is currently the Executive Chef at the Chicago Athletic Association and Cindy's Rooftop. She has appeared on Season 21 of Top Chef Milwaukee and won several Food Network competitions. She was crowned the Champion on Food Network, featured on Chopped Casino Royale, triumphed on Beat Bobby Flay, and secured first place on the first season of The Beachside Brawl series, where she represented the coastal cuisine of the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, Kaleena was named a "40 Under 40" honoree by the Puget Sound Business Journal in 2022. Outside the kitchen she enjoys backpacking, foraging, and advocating for mental wellness awareness. Kaleena welcomes you to reach out via her socials:@chicagoathletichotel@cindysrooftop@kaleenablissTune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to continue the conversation and find connection and community in your journey of healing and transformation.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

After the incredible response to our first episode on how adoption impacts relationships, we’re diving even deeper into this important topic. In this heartfelt follow-up, Laurie and Claire explore the lasting effects of adoption on attachment styles, emotional intimacy, and relationship dynamics, sharing new insights from their personal journeys.We discuss how understanding these patterns has helped us empower our connections—with ourselves and others—and offer actionable tools for healing and growth. Whether it’s navigating trust, setting boundaries, or fostering meaningful relationships, this episode provides a safe space to reflect on the challenges and celebrate the triumphs.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How adoption stories shape attachment and connection.Practical tools for building healthy, empowered relationships.Vulnerable stories of growth, healing, and resilience.A bonus meditation to help reprogram your subconscious beliefs around your core wounds so that you can start healing yourself and improving your relationships.Join us for an open and honest conversation that aims to inspire, empower, and support you on your own Adoptee Healing Journey.Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to continue the conversation and find connection and community in your journey of healing and transformation.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

What are you bringing into 2025?When it comes to manifestation, how do we know we are doing it right? Join Laurie and Claire on their very first episode of season 2, kicking off a brand new year!This just might be the podcast episode that will help you transform your life, re-write your narrative, and manifest that thing you have always wanted in your life.Laurie and Claire get even more real, more vulnerable, and more committed to diving deep through all the layers of our adoption journeys with you. Listen in while they have honest conversations about manifesting and reveal what to do and what not to do while trying to manifest what you want. We all want to embody our best versions of ourselves so that we can reach our goals.What if we are trying really hard to establish healthier habits but the energy that we’re bringing each day is coming from a place of fear? Fear of failing, fear of judgement, or fear of not being enough?Now think about all the possibilities if the energy we felt was from a place of love instead of fear?The opposite of fear is love. Let’s focus on releasing our fears so that we can show more love, kindness, and compassion to ourselves. Let’s shed the layers of ourselves that are no longer serving us and step into our true selves, our power. When we are better aligned with the higher version of ourselves and feel those elevated emotions, we will have a much easier time making our habits stick and we can show up how we want to show up in the world.This is the key to manifesting what we do want.Somatic breathwork and EFT Tapping can be a tool to release the blockages, negative emotions, and the stress that’s being stored in your body. It helps to regulate your nervous system so that you can get out of your fight or flight and into your rest and digest part of the nervous system. It can be the tool to help you connect with more elevated emotions like love, peace, gratitude, and expansiveness.Join Laurie and Claire on Saturday, Jan 11 @12pm EST for a powerful workshop.This virtual workshop is designed especially for adoptees who want to release fears and stuck emotions and learn tools to manifest amazing things like joy, peace, abundance, connection, better relationships, and more safety while we navigate our journeys.We are offering this workshop free of charge to adoptees with the option to donate. Your contribution supports the continuation of this important work in our adoptee community and helps others access it as well.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1135511949809?aff=oddtdtcreatorLooking forward to sharing tools and holding space for you this year!If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this final podcast episode of this Season 1, Laurie and Claire reflect and highlight some of our guests over the year. Join us while we share some of the messages, lessons, and special moments from our beloved guests that we have treasured and taken to heart.Freeing Your Voice: A Journey with Phoenix Song, Trans Korean Adoptee and Sound Healer (Episode 32)Phoenix Song is a queer, nonbinary, trans Korean adoptee singer, musician, performer, sound healer, writer, facilitator, dharma teacher, and bad-ass human being who has been helping people free their voices, rhythms, body stories, and lives since 2006. Phoenix specializes in helping people sing, sound and speak their truths. Mental Health Awareness: Lauren Schlesinger’s Journey From Depression to Freedom (Episode 14)Lauren Schlesinger, an empowered KAD, shares her inspirational mental health journey and the impact that adoption trauma had on her life. She also shares tools and healing modalities that helped her transform her mental health and become free from depression and suicidal ideation. Jenna Lee Kim: Connector, Ally, and Advocate For Adoptees On A Journey to Finding Their Truth (Episode 40)Jenna is an American, transracial Korean adoptee currently residing on Jeju-Do, South Korea. Jenna’s life journey reflects a deep commitment to exploring the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-discovery through meaningful connection and storytelling.Jenna advocates for all who seek their origin story, empowering adoptees on the journey to finding their truths. By inquiring about others' stories, her goal is to discover more about her own. Dr. Hollee McGinnis: Reclaiming Korean Culture Through food (Episode 16)Dr. Hollee A, McGinnis, MSW, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Social Work and has nearly 30 years of community organizing, practice, policy, and research experience on adoption, child welfare, and alternative care. Her research broadly examines the social and cultural determinants of mental health and well-being, including the effects of early childhood adversity, attachment trauma, cultural loss, and racial and ethnic identity,  that centers the lived experiences of individuals with histories of child welfare with a focus on racially minoritized individuals of Asian descent. Prior to her doctorate at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr.  McGinnis was the Policy Director at the Donaldson Adoption Institute in New York City. She received her Master of Science from Columbia University School of Social Work, and a post-Master’s Clinical Fellowship at the Yale Child Study Center. In 1996 she founded Also-Known-As, Inc., a non-profit adult intercountry adoptee organization in New York City.Dr. Hollee McGinnis shared her journey of reclamation of her culture and all that she lost that day she was adopted - including her language, her food, and her people. Kirsten’s Birth Mother Search and Reunion Story (Episode 15)Kirsten is a KAD from PA who has been in reunion with her birth mother for over 10 years. Earlier this year, she traveled to Seoul, Korea to meet her birth mother for the first time since she was adopted.Kirsten Mathis shared her journey visiting her homeland of Korea where she met her birth mother for the first time. She shared her heartfelt and courageous stories of how she has navigated being a KAD, a mom, a daughter, and as someone with "a gentle curiosity" about her identity which led to seeking aWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this heartfelt episode, Laurie and Claire sit down to reflect on the lessons, challenges, and growth they’ve experienced in 2024. As the year comes to a close, they share what they’re leaving behind and what they’re taking into 2025.•Laurie on Letting Go of People-Pleasing:Laurie opens up about how people-pleasing has shaped her life and the steps she’s taking to set boundaries and prioritize her own needs. She shares her personal journey of self-discovery and how learning to say "yes" to herself is helping her embrace authenticity.•Claire on Growth in Relationships:Claire dives deep into the lessons she’s learned about fostering meaningful connections. She discusses how growth in relationships requires vulnerability and courage, especially when it means confronting fears or having hard conversations.•Facing Fears and Moving Forward:Both Laurie and Claire reflect on how fear has shown up in their lives and how they’re working to face it head-on in the new year. They explore the importance of embracing discomfort as a path to growth.Tune in for:A conversation full of insights, relatable moments, and inspiration as Laurie and Claire prepare to step boldly into 2025.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we sit down with Jenna, an American, transracial Korean adoptee currently residing on Jeju-Do, South Korea. Jenna’s life journey reflects a deep commitment to exploring the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-discovery through meaningful connection and storytelling.Jenna’s path has been anything but conventional. Before relocating to Korea in 2023, she made history as the first female mayor of Royersford, Pennsylvania, where she served her community with passion and vision from 2018 to 2023. Prior to her time in public service, Jenna spent a decade as a student affairs professional in higher education, earning her MA in education at Bucknell University.In this heartfelt conversation, Jenna shares how her experiences have shaped her advocacy for adoptees seeking their origin stories. She opens up about finding her birth parents and siblings, her transition to life in South Korea, the intersectional layers of her identity, and how asking others about their stories has helped her uncover her own truths.Stay Connected with Jenna:Get a more detailed glimpse into Jenna's life in Korea. Subscribe to Jenna's Substack to follow her insights, reflections, interviews, and stories: linktr.ee/jennaleekimConnect with her on Instagram: @mayor.jenna.exploresPlease reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of our podcast, Laurie and Claire delve into the often challenging topic of navigating holiday triggers. With the holiday season approaching, many adoptees find themselves facing emotional triggers that can disrupt their peace and joy. Laurie and Claire share personal stories about their own experiences with holiday triggers, offering a candid look at the lessons they've learned along the way.Listeners will gain insights into how Laurie and Claire have managed their relationships amidst these challenges, and the practical tools they've developed to handle future triggers more effectively. From setting boundaries to practicing mindfulness, they discuss strategies that can help anyone maintain emotional balance during the holidays.Whether you're dealing with family dynamics, stress, or past memories that resurface during this time of year, this episode provides valuable insights and encouragement. Join us for an honest conversation about turning holiday triggers into opportunities for growth and connection.We're hosting an EFT Tapping and Somatic Breathwork virtual event for adoptees on Sunday, Dec. 8 @9:00AM PST/ 12:00PM EST we hope to see you there!Register soon because space is limited.https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1092407392919?aff=oddtdtcreatorIf you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

Get ready to meet April Williamson, a Korean Adoptee who grew up in West Virginia and is now living in Bedford, OH. She shares stories from her childhood, stories of identity formation, and her challenges while growing up in white spaces in small town America. April shares her mental health journey and some of the tools she has used to feel more safe, more joyful, more aligned with her true self, and also empowered.We also talk about processing the fear that comes with the current social climate around the election and the difficult conversations some may face with their adopted families. If you would like to learn more about April, or connect/follow you can find her here:Tiktok: DeepSouthKoreanInstagram: deepsouthkoreanIf you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee podcast, In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we’re joined by Su Brooks, a Korean American adoptee, as she shares her unique journey of healing and finding unconditional love through her dog, Chewy, and her deep love for animals. Su opens up about how connecting with Chewy has been a powerful source of comfort, resilience, and emotional healing, offering a path to unconditional love.This episode carries a trigger warning for sensitive listeners, as Su shares personal stories involving traumatic life events. Her openness and vulnerability reveal the transformative power of animals in the healing journey, showing how unconditional love and connection can come from surprising places. Join us as we dive into Su’s inspiring story of resilience, healing, and the strength she’s found through her connection with animals.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee podcast, we are honoring National Adoptee Awareness Month by sharing stories and voices of Korean adoptees. We believe that our messages and experiences as Korean adoptees matter, and that it is important to amplify our voices in order to raise awareness and promote understanding and acceptance.In this episode, we will be featuring interviews with Korean adoptees Nate, AJ, and Kirsten, who share their stories and messages about adoptee awareness.  Join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation that highlights the importance of truth-telling, understanding, and empowerment within the adoptee community.We hope that this episode will serve as a powerful reminder that our voices matter and that we have the power to make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. Whether you are a Korean adoptee yourself or simply an ally, we invite you to join us in celebrating National Adoptee Awareness Month and supporting the empowerment of the Korean adoptee community.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.If you feel called to support The Empowered Adoptee Podcast it would mean the world to us. Support the show and get subscriber only content, access to workshops, and personalized adoptee support from Laurie and Claire! 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we sit down with Mike Malloy to explore the complexities and truths behind adoption stories. Mike opens up about his personal adoption journey, sharing insights into the nuanced and often overlooked layers that go beyond the simplistic narrative of "black and white." He discusses how his experiences have shaped his understanding of identity, belonging, and the importance of embracing the full spectrum of our stories as adoptees.Mike also shares his time volunteering with the Holt Adoption Agency, offering a unique perspective on how adoption agencies function and how they shape the lives of adoptees. Together, we delve into the truths, challenges, and healing processes that many adoptees experience, offering inspiration and clarity for those navigating their own adoption stories.Join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation that highlights the importance of truth-telling, understanding, and empowerment within the adoptee community.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered Adoptee Instagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] you are interested in attending The Empowered Adoptee Retreat, our upcoming retreat will be held Oct 25-28 in Shenandoah Valley, VA. Don't miss your chance — reserve your spot today before tickets sell out!Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜Support the showWe would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com

In this episode, Laurie, Jolie, and Claire discuss the importance of connecting with our ancestors and the practices and rituals we have developed to honor and heal from the past. We share our personal experiences and the ways in which we have used ancestral healing to help us on our own journey of self-discovery and personal growth.Tune in to the Empowered Adoptee Podcast to be inspired and empowered on your own journey of healing and transformation.If you would like to connect with us, you can find us here:Website: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/Facebook: The Empowered AdopteeInstagram: the.empowered.adopteeEmail: [email protected] you are interested in attending The Empowered Adoptee Retreat, our upcoming retreat will be help Oct 25-28 in Shenandoah Valley, VA.Don't miss your chance — reserve your spot today before tickets sell out!Please reach out and ask us your questions and share your own stories! Together, we are empowering Adoptees through community.New episodes drop every Monday, it would mean the world to us if you share it with a friend and share the love 💜We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜Support the [email protected]@theempoweredadoptee.com