What happens when you grow up loved and supported, but there is still a part of you wondering where you came from?

In this episode of Conversations That Heal, I sit down with Dr. Adam Anthony for a powerful conversation about foster care, adoption, identity, faith, and the journey of finding yourself.

Dr. Anthony was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, abandoned at the hospital, placed in foster care, and eventually adopted through a foster-to-adopt program. Although he grew up in a stable and loving family, there was still a longing to understand his biological roots—what he describes as the “ghost kingdom” many adoptees experience.

We talk about the complicated emotions that can come with searching for your biological family, the fears adoptive parents may carry, and why adoptees need community, mentorship, therapy, and support as they navigate questions about identity and belonging.

Dr. Anthony also shares how his faith shaped his journey, how telling his story helped remove the shame once attached to it, and how his experiences eventually became part of his purpose.

Today, through Mpowerment, he equips and supports those working with young men of color who come from foster care and adoption backgrounds.

One thing that stayed with me from this conversation is the power of knowing your story without allowing the painful parts of that story to determine who you become.

Sometimes healing isn't about finding every missing piece.

Sometimes, somewhere along the journey, you realize:

I found me.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Adam Anthony, his work, or the services and support he offers, you can connect with him here:

Website: https://www.empowermentbydradam.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adam-anthony

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowermentby_dradam

Dr. Anthony offers services and resources for individuals, families, organizations, and professionals connected to foster care, adoption, identity development, mentorship, and the support of young men of color. Visit his website for additional information about his current services and offerings.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StephanieJeffreys

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-that-heal/id1805456580

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uQXlvyY97Nv6kALy6cxo9

iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/271336545

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eb49e137-b976-41b6-9351-a33e3792994f

🎙️ Conversations That Heal Healing One Conversation at a Time.

#ConversationsThatHeal #IFoundMe #Adoption #FosterCare #Identity #FaithAndHealing #HealingJourney #Mpowerment