Bridging the Gap with Love

Bridging the Gap with Love

A Birthmom and an Adoptive Mom coming together to provide education around adoption and support Birthmoms, pre and post placement. read less

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BONUS Episode: Sweat 4 Impact

BONUS Episode: Sweat 4 Impact

Former MLB pitcher and World Series Champion Kyle McClellan started Brace for IMPACT 46 in 2014 after he and his wife, Bridget, took a life-changing mission trip to Haiti, along with Adam and Jenny Wainwright. Why the name? They went on the trip planning to help those in need, but were not braced for the IMPACT it would have on their lives. And 46 was Kyle’s number when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals. At Brace for IMPACT 46, we demonstrate how giving back can enrich your life every bit as much as those you serve. Our goal is to IMPACT the lives of others. Through partnerships and trips to Haiti, we support the IDADEE Children’s Home and sustain community development in the area. In our hometown of St. Louis, we partner with local corporations to develop community through youth in the inner city. In this episode, you will hear about how Sweat 4 Impact is raising money at the end of January! There is time to join and donate to help this incredible cause! It was an honor to interview these guys and to help spread the word! Website: https://www.braceforimpact46.com/ Sweat 4 Impact IG: @sweat4impact Join our Meraki team here: www.bfi46.com/teammeraki

Episodes

BONUS Episode: Sweat 4 Impact

BONUS Episode: Sweat 4 Impact

Former MLB pitcher and World Series Champion Kyle McClellan started Brace for IMPACT 46 in 2014 after he and his wife, Bridget, took a life-changing mission trip to Haiti, along with Adam and Jenny Wainwright. Why the name? They went on the trip planning to help those in need, but were not braced for the IMPACT it would have on their lives. And 46 was Kyle’s number when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals. At Brace for IMPACT 46, we demonstrate how giving back can enrich your life every bit as much as those you serve. Our goal is to IMPACT the lives of others. Through partnerships and trips to Haiti, we support the IDADEE Children’s Home and sustain community development in the area. In our hometown of St. Louis, we partner with local corporations to develop community through youth in the inner city. In this episode, you will hear about how Sweat 4 Impact is raising money at the end of January! There is time to join and donate to help this incredible cause! It was an honor to interview these guys and to help spread the word! Website: https://www.braceforimpact46.com/ Sweat 4 Impact IG: @sweat4impact Join our Meraki team here: www.bfi46.com/teammeraki

Exploring the Role of a Birthmother

Exploring the Role of a Birthmother

You nurtured and carried your baby for 9 months, then placed him or her in the arms of another woman to raise....now what? It can be confusing to figure out what your role as a Birthmother is, but come with us as we navigate this role, how it changes, and how you can remember to honor yourself.

What’s Next in 2023

What’s Next in 2023

We are SO excited for this new year and all the fun and important things we have planned! Check out this episode to find out more! Also, if you are a member of the adoption triad (Adoptive parent, birthparent or adoptee) you can join our NEW facebook group!! Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3053169281651189/

Trauma in Adoption

Trauma in Adoption

Whether we like it or not, trauma is present in adoption. In today's episode, you will hear us navigate and discuss trauma with care and compassion. Although we aren't experts in this area, we share a few ways we can honor and accept those with deep trauma wounds and scars. A couple articles that we found helpful: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/parenting/understanding-adoption-trauma/ https://www.verywellmind.com/i-am-grateful-to-be-adopted-and-adoption-is-still-traumatic-5224328

Phil’s Story Part 2 - Transracial Adoption

Phil’s Story Part 2 - Transracial Adoption

Phil shares a very important part of his story. The fact that they are white parents raising a black son and a mixed race son. He shares how this experience has helped him learn and grow himself, and how he wants to help others learn and grow so that we can ensure a better future for all of our children. This is such an important topic that you won't want to miss!

The Naegle Family

The Naegle Family

Thirteen years ago, Scott and Grace Naegle became the foster parents to 3 children, ages 2, 5 and 7. They thought it would be just a short term placement but it ended up being the beginning of their forever family. Listen as Scott, Grace, and their son, Tony, share their heartwarming story.

Phil’s Story - Part 1

Phil’s Story - Part 1

So often in adoption stories, we hear the female perspectives, but hearing from the males in these stories is also important! Today, we will hear from Phil, a father of 3 boys. He shares his story on how his sons joined their family.

The Forgotten Adoption Option with Marcy Bursac

The Forgotten Adoption Option with Marcy Bursac

Did you know that there are 115,000 children who are in the foster care system that are just waiting to go to their forever families? Marcy Bursac shares her passion to help others navigate the process of adopting through foster care. Her books and ways you can find her are posted below. Founder - The Forgotten Adoption Option USOA Mrs. Ohio 2022 * People's Choice * Top 16 2x Author. Adoptive Mom of 2. Podcast Host. Read: "Are You a Forever Family?" & "The Forgotten Adoption Option" Listen: The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast Facebook Community / Instagram / LinkedIn Meet waiting children and get tools to pursue foster care adoption.

National Adoption Month

National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month! This month we are excited to spread the good news of adoption!

Alex’s Story - Part 2

Alex’s Story - Part 2

In this episode, we reunite with Alex, but this time in person! We dive deeper into her story as a teenager and how it has lead her to this point in her relationship with Heidi.

Healthy Boundaries

Healthy Boundaries

In this episode, we talk about the importance of healthy boundaries. They aren't meant to restrict us, but to create a safe space for everyone to be able to grow.

A Parent’s Perspective - Part 2

A Parent’s Perspective - Part 2

This is a continuation of our interview with Heidi's parents. What has happened over the last twenty years? And how have they felt meeting Alex and her family? Listen to this episode as they continue to share their heart and gratitude.

A Parent’s Perspective - Pt.1

A Parent’s Perspective - Pt.1

In this episode, we talk with Kevin and Tally Wyatt, Heidi's parents. They take us back 20 years and share their thoughts and feelings about finding out that their young, unwed daughter was pregnant. You will also hear them share their hopes and heartache of when they first met their Birth-Granddaughter, Alex. They open up about their reactions, and give great advice to those who may find themselves in this similar situation.

Our Review of Lifemark

Our Review of Lifemark

The Lifemark movie is a beautiful story about adoption. In this episode, we highlight and discuss a few parts of the movie that we thought represented adoption very well. It's exciting to see stories like this on the big screen, and we hope you watch it!

Danielle’s Story Pt. 2

Danielle’s Story Pt. 2

Danielle continues to share her story on today's episode. Because she has been through so much, so is able to help so many others. Her giving heart makes her so special. Danielle continues to share her thoughts on open adoption and her hope for the future with the girls. Jessica also shares how she feels about Danielle and the incredible gift that they were given.

Danielle’s Story Pt. 1

Danielle’s Story Pt. 1

Danielle shares part one of her story in today's episode. She shares about finding out she was pregnant, with not one baby, but two! She shares her process of making the excruciating decision to place her perfect twin girls into the arms of another couple to raise. She talks candidly about what open adoption means to her and how the ability to see the girls and talk to them helps her through the hard parts. You don't want to miss this eposide!

Jessica’s Story Pt. 2

Jessica’s Story Pt. 2

After our interview we kept on chatting, and we decided to just hit record. Listen as we continue to talk about grief, sadness, pain, but also happiness and gratitude.

Jessica’s Story Pt. 1

Jessica’s Story Pt. 1

Jessica Thomson, Bradley's Birthmom, and Jessica Johns share their beautiful story. It's hard, it's real, and it's raw. But it's a beautiful story of love. You don't want to miss this highly anticipated episode.

Where We Are Now

Where We Are Now

Get a fun, quick insight into Heidi and Jessica's relationship. Find out what has happened over the Summer with our own adoption stories. We share our insecurities, intense gratitude, and our deep desire to share the good news and potential amazingness of open adoptions.

In this episode, Alex bravely shares her thoughts and feelings around being adopted, meeting new family members and gives advice for those in the adoption triad. Listen as tender moments between Birthmother and Birthdaughter are shared in this episode. You won't want to miss it.