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  • The Power of Communication in Adoption

    The Power of Communication in Adoption
    2025/10/15

    Communication is the heartbeat of every adoption journey. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, hosts Kim and Heather dive into the importance of clear, honest conversations on every level—between spouses, with friends and family, with adoption professionals, with your child’s birth mother, and with your child as they grow.

    You'll hear practical tips for navigating sensitive conversations, setting healthy boundaries, and building trust at every stage of the process

    Whether you’re just beginning your adoption journey or are already matched, this episode will help you strengthen your relationships and create a strong foundation for the road ahead.
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    40 分
  • Emotional Adoption Scams in Adoption

    Emotional Adoption Scams in Adoption
    2025/10/07
    In this important episode of Let's Talk Adoption, hosts Heather Featherston and Kim King address a difficult topic: emotional scams targeting hopeful adoptive families. Although adoption scams are rare, understanding how they work is crucial for protecting yourself on your adoption journey. The hosts discuss a recent high-profile federal case that highlights the devastating impact of emotional scams. Unlike financial scams focused on money, emotional scams revolve around manipulation for attention, power, or control. These aren't situations where an expectant mother legitimately changes her mind—they involve people who never intended to place a child at all. Heather and Kim outline key red flags families should watch for, including urgency and control, story inconsistencies, constant crises, isolation tactics, and over-the-top manipulation. They conclude with an important message: don't let fear of scams keep you from pursuing adoption. Experienced adoption professionals regularly field potential scams, so families don't have to. Far more real, life-changing stories of hope and connection exist than stories of scammers. When you work with a trusted agency, you have experienced advocates protecting your family and helping you navigate the adoption journey safely. For more details and practical advice, listen to the full episode. If you suspect you've encountered a scam, reach out to your adoption professional immediately.
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    31 分
  • What Research Really Says About Open Adoption

    What Research Really Says About Open Adoption
    2025/09/30
    At a recent conference, someone asked: "Are there actual studies that prove open adoption is good for children?" In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim dive into the research and share findings from decades of studies on open adoption. We’ll explore what the evidence shows about benefits for adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents — and also talk honestly about the challenges and situations where openness may not be possible or wise. If you’ve ever wondered whether open adoption is just a trend or a well-supported practice, this episode brings clarity and balance straight from the research.
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    34 分
  • Parenting Beyond Placement: An Open Adoption Journey with MaryAnne Budden

    Parenting Beyond Placement: An Open Adoption Journey with MaryAnne Budden
    2025/09/24
    Adoption doesn’t end on the day the papers are signed—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King sits down with adoptive mom and blogger MaryAnne Budden of Openly Parenting to talk about the joys, surprises, and challenges of parenting after placement. MaryAnne shares her family’s experience with open adoption, how staying connected with her daughter’s birth mother has been both meaningful and practical, and what she wishes she had known before becoming a parent. MaryAnne’s adoption journey began with Lifetime Adoption, a licensed child-placing agency. She first learned about Lifetime through family members who had successfully adopted with them. Inspired by their experiences, she moved forward with her own adoption through Lifetime—and later, another relative also completed a successful adoption with the agency. Whether you’re waiting to adopt, just beginning your parenting journey, or years into it, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone—and that support, reassurance, and encouragement are always within reach. Connect with MaryAnne: openlyparenting.com Instagram: @openlyparenting
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    41 分
  • The 3 Ways to Adopt a Child Already Born

    The 3 Ways to Adopt a Child Already Born
    2025/09/18
    Adopting a child doesn’t always mean adopting a newborn. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather break down the three main ways families can adopt a child who’s already been born: foster care adoption, international adoption, and private/independent adoption. Learn what each path involves, from costs and timelines to the emotional realities and do’s and don’ts you’ll want to know. If you’ve been wondering where to start—or which option might be the best fit for your family—this episode will help bring clarity.
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    41 分
  • When Adoption Is Glorified or Demonized Online

    When Adoption Is Glorified or Demonized Online
    2025/09/08
    Adoption conversations on social media often swing between two extremes: either it’s celebrated as the ultimate act of love, or condemned as harmful and exploitative. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim unpack why adoption gets painted in such black-and-white terms online. Together, they explore the truths behind both perspectives, ask the hard questions adoption raises, and offer practical ways to sort through the noise. If you’ve ever felt discouraged or confused by what you’ve read about adoption on social media, this conversation will help you find balance and hope.
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    24 分
  • Is Today the Day to Begin Adoption?

    Is Today the Day to Begin Adoption?
    2025/08/26
    Starting the adoption process can feel exciting and overwhelming. Many hopeful parents find themselves waiting for the “perfect” time: for more savings, fewer risks, or the feeling that every detail is in place. But what if waiting is actually holding you back from becoming the parent you’re meant to be? In this episode of the Let’s Talk Adoption Podcast, hosts Kim King and Heather Featherston dive into one of the biggest questions adoptive families face: When is the right time to start adoption? What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why waiting for perfection can delay your path to parenthood ✔️ The most common fears and hesitations hopeful parents experience ✔️ How to take your “next step” in adoption—even if you don’t feel fully ready ✔️ The powerful reminder to “do it afraid” and trust the process ✔️ Resources and encouragement for Christians who feel called to adopt Heather also shares insights from her book, Called to Adoption, available on Amazon. It’s a guide for Christians exploring adoption or supporting others who are called to adopt. Take the Next Step in Your Adoption Journey Every step you take brings you closer to the child who is meant to be in your family. If this episode speaks to you, we’d love to hear your story or answer your questions. Connect with us at info@letstalkadoption.com
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    32 分
  • Is Adoption Right for Every Couple?

    Is Adoption Right for Every Couple?
    2025/08/15
    Is adoption right for every couple? In this candid conversation, Heather and Kim explore the heart-check questions every hopeful parent should ask before starting the adoption process. From emotional and relational readiness to practical considerations and motivations, they share real-world insight from years of working with adoptive families. You’ll hear why adoption isn’t a one-size-fits-all path, the difference between healthy and unhealthy reasons to adopt, and how to know when it might be time to wait. Whether you’re just starting to explore adoption or are already deep in research, this episode offers the honest, compassionate guidance you need to discern your next step. Not sure if adoption is right for you? What questions should you be asking yourself? How do you know you’re ready — as a couple and as a family? Heather and Kim share the honest truth about readiness, motivations, and why it’s okay if your answer is “not right now.”
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    52 分