This is a unique one off episode. It is a conversation with 3 other dads and authors who wrote their story of grief in the book The Last Hug. You can purchase the book Here

Avni Panchal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has her own private practice in the Bay Area. In addition to therapy services, she provides training to social workers in the field, teaches at San Francisco State University and is the Clinical Advisor for Kaya. She continues to facilitate dialogue circles on various topics in both the public and private sectors. Her mission is to de-stigmatize mental health and help people recognize their inner strength and practice self-love.   TikTok Youtube Website   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

I have never told this story in public and I have not told everything that is here, probably ever. I have always felt a pulling to the children and families who are or have been involved in this system, or have suffered in the darkness of our world. I’m going to include a bio that is taken from the first chapter of my book. That first chapter is a letter to my reader and it is the heart of that letter. However, that bio in grounded much more in the recovery years, and I it is important when talking to foster families to talk about the tough stuff that comes first.  I have a strong desire to tell the story of healing, but in order to appreciate being saved, it is necessary to recognize the conditions that precipitated the need for it. For these reasons, I have added a much more detailed account of my childhood for consideration.             I know the story that follows is overly dramatic and may at times seem sensational. However, it is important to offer the following disclaimer: as I will mention below, It has been clearly demonstrated first within my own meditation and consideration and later confirmed in my medical and psychological records that my early (Oregon and before) memories have been compromised by intentional manipulation, I also have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. Consequently, my memory of this entire period and even presently has been greatly affected. I have recounted my history as I remember it and as I have pieced it together. It is impossible that any child’s memories not be influenced by the accounts of those around us. This is certainly true in my case. Furthermore, many of the people who surrounded me as I was growing up shared some common traits that make their influence wholly unreliable. However, I have done my very best to apply as much perspective and logic to these recollections as possible; to give an accurate accounting of events as they seem to have taken place. I have intentionally left out points that cannot be substantiated by multiple sources. And as this is a trait I had to devise and develop early just to gain the most basic concept of who I am or where I came from: I am confident that this is as accurate a narrative as I can offer at this time. Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Nikki Hertzler resides in northern Nevada. She and her husband have lived in several states before settling with their three children in Nevada. Nikki is an elementary teacher and as a speaker, she speaks on the importance of early childhood development as well as on foster care. Her family enjoys participating in their church ministries and being on outdoor adventures. A few years ago, with their biological children on the brink of leaving home, the Hertzlers felt God calling them to foster. Since then, they have been introducing their foster children to the fun of hiking, skiing, and Lake Tahoe.   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt is an autistic self-advocate and father of two neurodiverse daughters. He earned a doctorate while researching online education for students with autism spectrum disorders. His experiences living with physical and neurological differences shape his parenting. Wyatt consults with schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations on issues of autism, Neurodiversity, and active inclusion.   C. S. Wyatt, MFA, PhD  autisticme@tameri.com   Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/ Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/   https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/ https://twitter.com/autisticme   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Imagine the stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and the audience is waiting with bated breath. This is where my journey began - in the theater. I spent over two decades honing my craft, perfecting my skills, and pouring my heart and soul into every performance. But in 2005, I knew it was time to step away from the spotlight and serve something greater than myself. So I joined the US Army and dedicated myself to defending our country for the next 9 1/2 years.        When my military service ended in 2015, I thought my life was set on a different course. I returned to school to get a degree in Supply Chain Management, but fate had other plans. Life brought me back to my passion, but this time with a twist. I found inspiration in tabletop role-playing games, which reignited the fire in my soul.        As I built my portfolio and connected with clients from all over the world, I knew it was time to take my skills to the next level. That's when Beyond the Pen was born. This podcast is my way of bringing characters to life, one way or another. I'm a full-time voice actor, character development coach, and creator, and I'm on a mission to share my love of storytelling with as many people as possible.        So, here I am today, living proof that life is full of surprises. My journey has been a winding path, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Every step has led me to this moment, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next. https://www.beyondthepenpodcast.com/ FACEBOOK   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Andrea has worked with clients across the globe who are seeking a deep recalibration from a state of trauma response to a state of self-love, creativity, wholeness, and flow.   Andrea has dedicated years training to become highly specialized and effective in artfully blending a mosaic of techniques from body movement, somatic release, integration, breathwork, psychedelic-assistance, and much more to provide gentle, yet life-changing bespoke intensives for clients who are ready for a big shift.  www.andreahanson.net   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Hannah is a passionate advocate for authentic happiness, and sustainable healthy relationships, starting with the one we have with ourselves. She is a Licensed Authentic Tantra Practitioner, Board Certified Clinical Sexologist, and Relationship & Life Coach specializing in helping individuals become their happiest selves through inner & outer work while learning to understand and relate to their partners & family in the best ways possible. She is a trauma-informed practitioner who works with techniques designed to get to the root of the issues. She incorporates astrology, human design, Tibetan Buddhist Tantra, along with other spiritual teachings to ensure the most holistic approach to creating a happy life for herself and her clients. Hannah is not afraid to speak her mind and shares openly about her unorthodox past, as a way to empower others to live a life authentic to THEM, heal from their past, and become educated on how they can avoid unnecessary trauma in the future.   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch!   Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare   https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Website   https://fostercarenation.com   Connect with us on our Facebook Page   https://facebook.com/7timedad   Connect on Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Michelle McGough is an adoptee and individual who survived the foster care system as an infant. After being placed with a family she endured constant abuse until she reached adulthood. Left with only the coping mechanisms she developed to survive, she entered the military followed by the private sector before working through the trauma. Once she got to the other side of healing she found new ways to live and thrive that enabled her to find purpose by helping others to heal and grow. Today you can find Michelle on Instagram as ThePracticalCatalyst and on her website: https://www.thepracticalcatalyst.com.    Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch!   Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare   https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Website   https://fostercarenation.com   Connect with us on our Facebook Page   https://facebook.com/7timedad   Connect on Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

I am a mom of 2 very different children – in regard to their biology, their needs, their attachment, their experiences. I have worked in the special education field for more than 2 decades intimately hearing, seeing, and feeling parents struggle to connect with their children who have developmental delays. https://linktr.ee/connectedparentswithangie AngieGrandt@outlook.com ConnectedParentsWithAngie I am also a certified mindset coach, and have seen firsthand how, with the right tools and support, real connections are possible. My mission is to guide as many parents as possible toward building strong, connected relationships with their children. I have built a coaching program to provide a whole new level of support for growth that parents raising exceptional, emotionally intense children need. As an adoptive mom and former foster mom, speech pathologist, early interventionist, coach, and autism specialist, I have a wide range of insight to pull from. I’ve been through the trenches both personally and professionally of disability, trauma, behaviors, and loss of hope. I guide parents back to hope, growth, and building a stronger relationship than they ever thought possible.   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch!   Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare   https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Website   https://fostercarenation.com   Connect with us on our Facebook Page   https://facebook.com/7timedad   Connect on Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Zachary Daniel is a Midwest native. He comes to Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey to discuss how his adoption experience shaped himself and his family. He graduated with a degree in Nuclear Medicine but eventually founded his own investment firm Digital Edge Wealth Management. He draws his energy from family and friends. Zach recently authored his debut novel, Manifest Destiny.   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch!   Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare   https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Website   https://fostercarenation.com   Connect with us on our Facebook Page   https://facebook.com/7timedad   Connect on Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Karen Robinson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW Trauma Recovery Expert I'm a licensed therapist with 24 years of clinical experience specializing in trauma recovery, anxiety, and depression. I provide holistic care to create transformation and healing for trauma survivors.   https://www.Karenrobinson360.com https://www.healthrivedream.com/ Heal Thrive Dream Podcast     Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with  NO sales pitch!   Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare   https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Website   https://fostercarenation.com   Connect with us on our Facebook Page   https://facebook.com/7timedad   Connect on Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Episode description not available.

I’m a former politico-turned stay-at-home mom. I married my college sweetheart and a week later began working for an actor-turned-Governator. After a few years, I put that life on hold to raise several amazing tiny people. I assumed stay-at-home mom life would prove easier than the fast pace and stress of the working world. Nope. But I wouldn’t trade the time spent loving and pouring into my precious humans for anything. https://mollydefrank.com/ Instagram LinkedIn Digital Detox   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch!   Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare   https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Website   https://fostercarenation.com   Connect with us on our Facebook Page   https://facebook.com/7timedad   Connect on Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Episode description not available.

David Ambroz is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. President Obama recognized him as an American Champion of Change. He currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon, coordinating with non-profits and community leaders for social good. Previously he led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television and served as the Los Angeles City Planning Commission's President and a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing up homeless and in foster care, he graduated from Vassar and later from UCLA School of Law (J.D.). He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA. A Place to call Home - the book David's Website Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Merch! http://tee.pub/lic/RwiARsuuDHs Call the Voicemail Line 413-foster 3 (413) 367-8373 Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch!   Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare   https://patreon.com/fostercarenation   Website   https://fostercarenation.com   Connect with us on our Facebook Page   https://facebook.com/7timedad   Connect on Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Darren W Carter and Theresa Carter join us in this episode to talk about their lives, struggles, and joys through the lens of being foster parents. They are both strong parents and business owners located in Cleveland, Ohio. We talked all about bio kids, adopted kids, foster kids, and godchildren. We dove into tough questions about learning to guard your heart and working diligently to help bio parents get their lives on track so they can care for their own kids.

This is me Fiona Myles, born in the mid-60s. I’m married to the amazing Brian a gorgeous redhead. We have one daughter Georgie and a son Connor. Manchester has been our home for the past 18 years, a fabulous metropolis full of energy and history. I started writing and telling stories from a fairly young age. My Mum bought me a typewriter when I was eight or nine years old. I battered away at that little typewriter day in and day out. Life moved on and the typewriter was laid to rest. Fast forward 45 years and the laptop becomes my new typewriter. My passion as an author and blogger was reignited with a strong desire to bring hope in an awful period of time called “Lockdown.” Visit the website HERE

Episode description not available.

Episode description not available.