As we approach Mother's Day, Lisa and I find ourselves wrapped in the warmth of gratitude for the incredible women who raised us—our adoptive mothers. Their love and influence run deep, and in this heartfelt episode, we examine the layered emotions adoptees may experience during this time. From the personal tales of country music's Faith Hill to the surprising family discovery of Jack Nicholson, we thread stories of identity, reunion, and the complex tapestry of family dynamics woven by both birth and adoptive parents.During our  conversation John is sharing how reuniting with his biological mother brought new dimensions to his life. Together, we navigate the bittersweet terrain of Mother's Day, discussing how it can be both a celebration and a moment of reflection for those with intricate family relationships. We consider the balance of honoring all parental figures and reveal personal coping mechanisms that help manage the holiday's emotional triggers, offering solace and understanding to anyone finding their way through the joys and pangs of such occasions.Encircling the theme of maternal love, we reminisce on cherished memories—from the simplicity of Southern wit to the profound impact of shared wisdom. Our hosts stories create a vibrant mosaic of family life, illustrating how moments of humor and humanity bind us to our loved ones. These narratives underscore the beauty of nurture over nature and how the essence of family can transcend traditional boundaries. Join us for an honest and touching exploration that celebrates the indelible mark of mothers, both given and chosen, and the lifetime of memories they gift us.Music by Curtis Rodgers IG @itsjustcurtisProduce and Edited by Lisa Sapp Executive Producer Lisa SappExecutive Producer Johnnie Underwood Tell us your story or leave a comment by following us on IG soimadoptedpodFB so.i'm adoptedYoutube SO...I'M ADOPTEDEmail soimadopted@gmail.com

Embarking on a heartwarming journey, we honor the intricate stories of adoption that have influenced lives from the humblest beginnings to the heights of influence. We pay tribute to the riveting adoption tales of figures like Nelson Mandela, whose story resonates with the biblical Moses, and actress Lynn Moody, biological daughter who uncovered her as her mother in the most surprising way. These narratives not only shed light on their personal identities but also weave into the broader human experience, capturing our imaginations and anchoring our latest discussion.Navigating the complex web of family dynamics, we sit down with an adoptee turned mother, who gives us a raw look into the emotional kaleidoscope found in families with both adopted and biological children. Her candid sharing unravels the layers of love, anger, and reconciliation that accompany the lifelong adoption journey. The conversation goes beyond personal anecdotes, illuminating the significance of the first family, the nuances within the adoption lexicon, and the solidarity found in support groups and podcasts—a testament to the resilience and community within the adoption narrative.In our final chapter, we find courage in vulnerability as our guest recount her own adoption story and its profound impact on her approach to parenting and professional life. The past and present collide, revealing how pre-verbal memories and trauma can resurface in unexpected ways, particularly when forging connections in our roles as a parent. We also delve into the emotional complexities of reuniting with biological relatives, exploring the multifaceted nature of gratitude and familial love. It's an intimate look at how the quest for identity and connection shapes us, binds us, and inspires us to evolve in our understanding of family and self. Join us as we traverse this deeply human experience, seeking understanding in the shared and unique paths of adoption.Music by Curtis Rodgers IG @itsjustcurtisProduce and Edited by Lisa Sapp Executive Producer Lisa SappExecutive Producer Johnnie Underwood Tell us your story or leave a comment by following us on IG soimadoptedpodFB so.i'm adoptedYoutube SO...I'M ADOPTEDEmail soimadopted@gmail.com

Embark on an emotional expedition with social worker and foster parent trainer, Allison Davidson, as we uncover the layers of the foster-to-adopt journey. Allison brings a wealth of knowledge from her 25 years in the field, guiding us through the process with a focus on its financial approachability and the rigorous background checks designed to safeguard the children's welfare. Together, we bust myths about adoption disqualifiers and lay bare the heart and soul that goes into creating forever families.Navigating the foster care system can feel like threading a needle with a tapestry of legal and emotional threads. This episode delicately balances the two, delving into the complexities of adoption laws, the importance of cultural representation in foster homes, and the impact of maintaining biological connections. We traverse through Virginia's legal landscape, where I share my personal adoption narrative, revealing the profound influence of access to birth family information on identity and sense of self.Concluding our journey, Allison inspires with stories of resilience and transformation, highlighting the profound satisfaction of witnessing children find their permanent havens. For those moved by our discourse and considering fostering with the intent to adopt, she details the initial steps to take with local agencies. We're reminded that while the path of foster care to adoption can be an emotional labyrinth, the rewards of providing love and stability to a child in need are boundless. Join us as we embrace the spirit of compassion and commitment inherent in the foster-to-adopt adventure.Music by Curtis Rodgers IG @itsjustcurtisProduce and Edited by Lisa Sapp Executive Producer Lisa SappExecutive Producer Johnnie Underwood Tell us your story or leave a comment by following us on IG soimadoptedpodFB so.i'm adoptedYoutube SO...I'M ADOPTEDEmail soimadopted@gmail.com

magine standing at a crossroads, the path behind you a tapestry of silence and secrets, the way ahead promising a reunion with a piece of your soul you didn't know was missing. As we reveal our personal experiences with adoption and the significant impact of reuniting with our biological mothers, our tales intertwine with the heart-stirring stories of others, including the public reunion of Kirk Franklin with his father, offering a guiding light for anyone navigating the complexities of identity and belonging.Through reflections on Kirk Franklin's own odyssey and the transformative power of such experiences, we underscore the essential role of acceptance and ongoing growth, not just for adoptees, but for everyone forging connections with their past.As the tapestry continues to unfurl, we touch upon the broader implications of family ties and the unexpected ways in which life's serendipities can lead to healing, acceptance, and a deeper understanding of our heritage. From the catharsis of an emotional church reunion to the revelation of hidden truths join us as we journey together through the lives and loves that shape us, both through birth and the families we choose.Music by Curtis Rodgers IG @itsjustcurtisProduce and Edited by Lisa Sapp Executive Producer Lisa SappExecutive Producer Johnnie Underwood Tell us your story or leave a comment by following us on IG soimadoptedpodFB so.i'm adoptedYoutube SO...I'M ADOPTEDEmail soimadopted@gmail.com

Discovering that you're adopted can be like opening a book mid-story; you scramble to piece together the narrative that led you here. Our podcast, "So I'm Adopted," is that space where the adoption narrative unfolds, where stories of emotional complexity within adoptive families, biological parents, and adoptees heal and connect us. Adoptees often wander between identities and relationships, and it is through the raw honesty of their stories that we unearth the importance of acceptance and maintenance in these unique bonds. Join us as we share tales from Manchester to Hampton and beyond, inviting you to reflect on the power of relationships in shaping who we are.The journey of understanding adoption doesn't stop at the personal; it ripples through every layer of our lives, influencing how we perceive and engage with the world. This podcast episode doesn't shy away from the complexities, whether it's the impact of non-traditional relationships on adoptive communities or how past traumas might shadow our present realities. It's a candid exploration of how being raised in one environment can wholly affect one's approach to marriage and family life. As your host, I interlace my anecdotes with insights from professionals, prioritizing emotional intelligence and patience as cornerstones for nurturing change in those we love.Through the lens of my own story, as someone who didn't discover their adoption story until later in life, we navigate the delicate process of sharing vulnerabilities and fostering transparency. The episode unfolds with tales of unexpected family revelations and the transformative potential of love, patience, and nurturing. Every adoption story holds a unique significance, and we're here to amplify these voices, encouraging our listeners to seek understanding and healing in their narratives. Get ready to connect deeply with a community that celebrates the strength found in our shared vulnerabilities.Music by Curtis Rodgers IG @itsjustcurtisProduce and Edited by Lisa Sapp Executive Producer Lisa SappExecutive Producer Johnnie Underwood Tell us your story or leave a comment by following us on IG soimadoptedpodFB so.i'm adoptedYoutube SO...I'M ADOPTEDEmail soimadopted@gmail.com

Have you ever pondered the intricate layers of identity that come with being adopted? Join us as we welcome a special guest to share in the heartfelt exploration of this profound journey, a path marked by discovery, acceptance, and a quest for a sense of self. Together with Lisa and John, we unravel the emotional tapestry that adoptees navigate, from the simplicity of a childhood revelation to the complexities of forming an adoptive identity and the lifelong impact it has on individuals and families.This episode offers an earnest look into the poignant process of uncovering biological roots, and the delicate balance between curiosity and respect for the bonds of an adoptive family. Our guest brings humor and heartache to the conversation, recounting those late-night rituals with an adoptive mother, the challenge of insensitive comments, and the search for answers that leads to surprising discoveries and new family connections. The intimate accounts shared reveal not just the adoptee’s experience, but also the crucial support systems that provide guidance and reflection along the way.We close with a candid discussion on the importance of personal closure, gratitude, and the strength found in the stories that shape our lives. Whether adoption touches your life personally, or you're seeking to understand its profound impact, this episode illuminates the powerful narratives that can define a life. Tune in for a conversation that promises to connect, enlighten, and perhaps even offer a sense of closure to those on their own adoption journey.Music by Curtis Rodgers IG @itsjustcurtisProduce and Edited by Lisa Sapp Executive Producer Lisa SappExecutive Producer Johnnie Underwood Tell us your story or leave a comment by following us on IG soimadoptedpodFB so.i'm adoptedYoutube SO...I'M ADOPTEDEmail soimadopted@gmail.com

Discovering my own adoption story felt like unearthing a hidden chapter of my life, one that explained so much yet raised countless questions. We, Lisa and John, both adoptees, invite you to traverse this complex terrain with us in our podcast, "So I'm Adopted." By bringing to light the myriad emotions and experiences surrounding adoption, we craft a narrative that extends beyond our personal revelations to encompass the diverse stories within the adoption community.The journey of adoption is layered with love, loss, secrecy, and the quest for identity. Our conversations traverse the silent struggles of adoptive families, the heartache of foster siblings who come and go, and the poignant quest for normalcy in a life punctuated by change. With the wisdom of psychologists and social workers, we delve into the psychological impact of these dynamics, offering a beacon of hope and understanding for anyone touched by the adoption process. Our candid discussions reveal not only our own stories but also the courage it takes to confront the past and forge a path toward reconciliation and healing.As each chapter unfolds, we peel back the veil on topics too often shrouded in silence—like the reasons some mothers keep adoptions secret and how these truths, once revealed, ripple through families. We share our personal anecdotes, such as the life-altering moment of learning about my adoption from my elderly grandmother, and stories from our guests that span the spectrum of adoptive experiences. It's through these shared narratives that we find solace, build community, and extend a hand to those still grappling with their own adoption journeys. Join us as we embrace these stories with compassion, opening the door to deeper connections and collective understanding.Music by Curtis Rodgers IG @itsjustcurtisProduce and Edited by Lisa Sapp Executive Producer Lisa SappExecutive Producer Johnnie Underwood Tell us your story or leave a comment by following us on IG soimadoptedpodFB so.i'm adoptedYoutube SO...I'M ADOPTEDEmail soimadopted@gmail.com