I sit down with Jim Serrano for an honest, unfiltered conversation about how adversity can shape—and remake—us. As an adoptee at 6 months old, Jim faced adversity early on in life.

He brings us into his story, letting us feel the weight of childhood trauma, the confusion of searching for belonging, and the raw reality of being both lost and hopeful at the same time.

Nothing here is sugarcoated: Jim’s journey asks what it means to face pain, name it, and let faith help chart a new path forward.

Jim’s quest to find his biological parents brings us to the messy truth of complex family and forgiveness—not the Instagram highlight reel, but the struggles, boundaries, and real moments spent longing for connection.

Through sharing his experience as a victim of sexual abuse as a child from the ages of 9 to 11, we’re reminded that being seen and valued takes tremendous courage.

Storytelling and writing became Jim’s way through the storm.

His vulnerability isn’t just a gift to listeners—it’s how he’s healing, too.

Jim shows why sharing isn’t weakness, why turning pain into purpose unlocks hope, and why mentorship starts with honest conversations about what we’ve lived through.

This episode is a call to break the cycles that hold us back—to choose growth, boundaries, faith, and full-on self-care practices like Muay Thai.

Jim isn’t here to promise perfect endings, but to prove that community and grace can turn scars into strength.

If you’re holding onto hurt or learning to name your own experience, Jim’s journey is for you.

Find FREE resources for adoptees that Jim has personally recommended below!

FIND RESOURCES FOR ADOPTEES BELOW

Fireside Adoptees Instagram Page

Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group

"Welcome to Fireside Adoptees!

Our motto in a nutshell is:

C community

A advocate

M mentor

P pace

We want to encourage and empower adoptees to work within their Community, Advocate for themselves and others, Mentor those who are farther behind in the journey called life, and set a slow and steady Pace so we don’t burn out and to help others also learn to pace their journey

We aim to help adoptees see the heroes within themselves and how they can draw strength from their pain/challenges."

Join us!

Thursdays @ 6:30 to 7:30pm EST

Sundays @ 3:00 to 4:00pm EST on Zoom for fun and fellowship, where we discuss adoption from surviving to thriving!

"We may not have a choice in how our story starts, but we have a say in the now!

Keep thriving, adoptee... you are worth it!"

⁠Adoptee Garage Facebook Group⁠

"Welcome to Adoptee Garage!

This group is meant to be a safe space for adoptees to express themselves within a community that will hear you and see you.

We all have different stories and experiences, but we are joined here together by the trauma of relinquishment and adoption.

This is a judgment-free zone, and bullying of any kind will not be permitted.

Our goal is to help adoptees find their voices while supporting one another on our journeys.

Please be sure to check out our pinned posts for other group information."