A true story about adopting a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Listen to the unabridged award-winning audiobook here.
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This discussion focuses on healing modalities for trauma as well as personal stories of parenting kids with early childhood trauma: foster care, adoption, divorce, domestic violence in the home, and more. Our nonprofit, Trauma Drama University, provides education, resources, and support to parents raising kids exhibiting trauma behaviors. Hosted by our founder, Gina Heumann.
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Adoptive parents are more than aware that their child has suffered great loss in relinquishment, and they long to create a haven of love for their child. However, many times, the adopted child pushes love away. This can be because of RAD and the trauma that keeps hijacking the child’s brain. Some children don’t exhibit pushback behavior until their teen years or when they are searching for their biological roots. Adoptive parents must prepare themselves for this possibility by hearing the st ...
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Alaska State Representative Andrew Gray offers a weekly broadcast aimed at his constituents in the UMED district of Anchorage. The goal is to share important news from the Capitol, but also to offer frank conversations with Alaskans of interest, including many who work in the legislature.
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Jocelyn Williams' Adoption Journey and Attachment Theory
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Send us a Text Message. Jocelyn Williams, a developmental movement consultant, discusses the importance of movement-based solutions for infant and child development. She emphasizes the significance of the first year of life in building the foundation of neurology and explains how movement patterns and sensory experiences contribute to brain develop…
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Healing Roots: Cannabis, Trauma, and Functional Medicine
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Join us on Erase the Chaos this month as we delve into the intersection of cannabis and trauma recovery with a leading functional medicine doctor, Dr. Sharon Montes. Discover the latest medical insights, patient stories, and how cannabis can play a crucial role in healing and wellness. Sharon Louise Montes MD https://LivingWellWholeHealth.com/ http…
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Dafna Lender, LCSW, Explains Why RAD Diagnosis Is Outdated
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Send us a Text Message. Dafna Lender, LCSW, is a Licensed Social Worker and Certified Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist. Experts such as Besssel van der Koklk applaud her work. When Sherrie Eldridge asks her about the term "Reactive Attachment Disorder," quite the conversation occurred. Sherrie shared her story of how she has recovered from this…
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52 Ways to Chill Out and Take Control of Your Life
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Meet Tara Arhakos, MS, LPS, NCC, CGP... author of an incredible workbook called 52 Ways to Chill Out and Take Control of Your Life. This book would be highly useful for both parents and kids working together to learn new ways to calm the brain and de-escalate themselves so more productive discussions can happen. Listen to her words of wisdom and le…
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Author Keri Williams Addresses Reactive Attachment Disorder
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I talk with award-winning author and advocate, Keri Williams, about her two-decade journey as a foster and adoptive parent, highlighting the challenges of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Keri shares her personal adoption experiences and the behavioral challenges she faced. She discusses navigating mental…
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Mobile Home Owner Town Hall: attorney Charles Ward, park owner David Andrew, AK Workforce Services Asst. Director Demetria Veasy
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The Mobile Home Owner Town Hall Episode Today our show is about mobile home parks. As the state representative for house district 20, I have several mobile home parks in my district. Mobile home owners face unique challenges: they own their home but must rent the land on which their home sits. Every year that rent goes up – yet the value of their h…
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EAST ANCHORAGE BOOK CLUB: Chelsea Foster & Bailey Stuart: Alaska Marijuana 101
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Chelsea Foster of Anchorage is a director on the board of the Alaska Marijuana Industry Association and a long-time cannabis advocate. She is COO for Birch Alaskan Naturals CBD, and a consultant for the Alaskan cannabis industry. She has successfully pursued regulatory and statuary changes for the Alaska cannabis industry with a focus on social equ…
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Foster Care in Alaska: Angel Gonzalez, Mateo Jaime, Kxlo Stone, Anna Redmon, Sarah Lewis, & Abbey Redmon
1:12:57
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Facing Foster Care in Alaska (FFCA) is a non-profit group made up of folks with lived experience in the foster care system. As former foster youth themselves, these individuals can offer expertise to make Alaska's system better from the inside out. Today on the show we hear from the most recent FFCA board president, Angel Gonzalez, Mateo Jaime, Kxl…
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Meet Dr. Terry Levy of Evergreen Psychotherapy Center in Colorado, and find out how family intensive therapy can be a great start to healing and connection. Featuring my son (formerly diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder) and his incredible story of transformation after our own journey into Family Intensive with Dr. Levy. Support the Show. T…
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Keri Ladner: author on Jerry Falwell, the Moral Majority, and QAnon
54:50
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Keri Ladner is the author of the 2024 book End Time Politics: From the Moral Majority to QAnon. She earned her doctorate in Divinity from the University of Edinburgh and much of her doctoral research focused on researching the theological roots of Jerry Falwell, the co-founder of the Moral Majority. She exposes the racism, contempt for the poor, an…
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Former House Rep Ivan Ivan (D-Akiak) on Yupiit language, subsistence, & Politics; Jena Crafton, Chair of Governor's Council on Disabilities & Special Education
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Jena Crafton is the chair of the Governors Council on Disabilities and Special Education. She has been a vocal advocate for people with disabilities since she was young as Crafton has developmental disabilities herself. We discuss her childhood including how she learned about her own disabilities and what she most wants the community at large to un…
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Author Karen Springs Encourages Parents Who Adopted Children Internationally
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Send us a Text Message. Karen Springs provides cutting-edge research about how adoptive families wit kids adopted from overseas have progressed. In her new book—THE BACKSEAT OF ADOPTION, she shares How the families she worked with in Europe are currently progressing. Are the children thriving? Are the parents thriving? What are the joys of parentin…
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Ed Wesley & Shenee Williams: Shiloh Community Housing's planned Community Resource Center
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Ed Wesley was born in Bolivar County, Mississippi, on January 9, 1951. He moved to Fort Greeley, Alaska, in 1973 after being drafted into the Army. His wife joined him shortly thereafter and the two raised all five of their children here and the two have never lived outside Alaska since. He was elected president of the Anchorage NAACP in 1981 and l…
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Paul Peterson: Harvard Professor on Alaska Charter Schools
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Today's episode is about Alaska's Charter Schools which were recently ranked #1 in the country. The lead author of the study is Dr. Paul Peterson of Harvard University, and he is our guest today. Paul E. Peterson is the Henry Lee Shattuck Professor of Government and Director of the Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard University, a…
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Alaska State Senator Shelley Hughes (R - Palmer): on Hoonah, parenting, & bipartisanship
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AK State Senator Shelley Hughes of Palmer moved to Hoonah, Alaska, in the late 70s as a young adult to help establish a religious community with her parents. We talk about that experience, as well as her travels around Alaska with her husband and young family, and ultimately how she ended up involved in Alaska politics. We also discuss some of her …
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State Rep. CJ McCormick (D-Bethel) on youth, suicide, & strength
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Representative C. J. McCormick of Bethel is 26 years old and the youngest member of the Alaska State House. Prior to serving in the legislature, he served on city council and as vice mayor of Bethel. Bethel is the 8th largest city in Alaska with just over 6,200 residents. Today, we discuss why his parents settled in the YK Delta, how he ended up in…
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Adoptee Julie Ryan McGue's Search for Origins
24:38
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Send us a Text Message. What could be more exciting than to be an adopted person and find the family that you never knew existed? All Rights Reserved. @sherrieeldridgeBy Sherrie Eldridge
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Former AK State Senator Lesil McGuire (R - South Anchorage): on partisanship, love, & leadership
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Lesil McGuire is a lifelong Alaskan, former state senator, women’s and rural rights advocate, and mother. She lives in Anchorage and works as a consultant in the aerospace, technological innovation and Arctic policy sectors. We discuss why she became a lawyer, why she identifies as a Republican, and how she served for 16 years in the House and Sena…
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Keri reflects on what could have made a difference for her family, and families like hers, and highlights how listeners can advocate for change. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov …
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Devon’s relationship with Keri and the family is on a path of healing, however, he is not safe to move back home. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay…
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Safety & Self-Care Plan: Good Mental Health
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Today we speak with Kelli Reinhart, founder and CEO of BCC Evolution, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention. As our trauma kids are more prone to suicidal ideation, it's important we make our own Safety & Self-care Plan. Listen to hear all the details! Safety Plan: https://www.bccevolution.org/free-download-safety-plan Kelli Reinhart, founder…
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A distressing incident unfolds as Devon is assaulted by a staff person in a residential treatment facility. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay…
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Devon's birth mother, who neglected him only due to poverty and lack of resources, visits for the weekend. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay…
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Despite Keri's healing and effective engagement with Devon, he remains actively resistant to treatment, presenting an ongoing hurdle in their journey. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Mak…
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A glimmer of hope emerges as the new therapist demonstrates an understanding of reactive attachment disorder, leading to productive family therapy sessions. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Den…
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In a disheartening turn of events, Devon manages to outsmart his new clinician, despite the foster mom witnessing his troublesome behaviors. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from…
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Despite the escalation of Devon's dangerous behaviors and his resistance to treatment, the therapist proposes moving him to a less restrictive foster home. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Deni…
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Devon is diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a severe mental health condition that disproportionately affects children with a history of foster care or adoption. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy…
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The family's journey takes a new turn as Devon is admitted to a residential treatment facility and Keri starts seeing a therapist Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay…
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Devon is enrolled in a partial hospitalization day program to address his physical aggression. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay…
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Devon receives treatment at a mental health hospital followed by Intensive In-Home services. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay…
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Keri makes the difficult decision to admit Devon to a psychiatric ward. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from PixabayBy Keri Williams
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The family faces a breaking point when Devon's behavior becomes dangerous, leading to police involvement. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay…
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As the school year ends, Keri grapples with guilt over the unequal attention given to Devon, leaving Keri desperate for solutions. Learn more here: What it's like being a sibling of a child with RAD Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on …
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Devon's suspension from school marks a turning point, prompting Keri to intervene and discipline him. Learn more here: How Dad's Struggle with accepting RAD Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Den…
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Lived Experience: Trauma Mama Michelle Vande Hey
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Meet Michelle Vande Hey, an adoptive parent who lost her youngest child to SIDS; and hear how the rest of the family is overcoming both the trauma of adoption and the trauma of losing a child. Michelle is a certified coach and founder of Light of Love Coaching. Michelle Vande Hey michelle@lightoflovecoaching.com https://lightoflovecoaching.com/ htt…
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The family grapples with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder diagnoses. Learn more here: 95% of Adoptive Parents Jump in Heart-First, but Unprepared Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Ma…
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Moving to North Carolina brings both joy and challenges for Keri's family and Devon's distant demeanor and strange behaviors persist. For more information: Why adoption stories aren't fairy tales Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Ama…
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Tensions rise as Devon's peculiar behaviors escalate, creating a rollercoaster of heartwarming moments and tense situations. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay…
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Keri and her husband believed they were creating a perfect family, only to discover Devon's hidden trauma and challenging behaviors. Learn more about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Learn more about me Find community for caregivers of kids with RAD Find this book and my others on Amazon Narrator: Cindy Piller Music by Denis Maksimov from Pixabay…
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Embark on an emotional journey through the gripping and heart-wrenching true story of a desperate mother, Keri, facing impossible choices as her adopted son, Devon, becomes increasingly dangerous. Despite seeking treatment, Devon's violent tendencies only grow stronger. In this shocking true story, witness the challenges Keri faces within the child…
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Hear my interview with one of the biggest RAD "influencers", Keri Williams. Not only is Keri a RAD mom who raised two kids with severe trauma; but she is the author of But He Spit in my Coffee, along with Reactive Attachment Disorder: The Essential Guide for Parents, and she is the founder of the Raising Devon Blog and Facebook page, providing comm…
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Ana M. Dodson, MA, PsyD, is a School Psychologist and works at St. Anne’s Episcopal School and KPLA. Ana is certified as an EMDR therapist for adults and children and is also certified in the Neurosequential Model of Education Program created by Dr. Bruce Perry. As a former teacher and reading specialist, she is particularly interested in how the d…
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Send us a Text Message. Hi, my friends. Well, we're going to visit the subject of adoptee birthdays again today. I just recently had one. I'm well into my seventh decade of life, and I look back and I realize that there are so many things that I couldn't say or explain. About adoptee birthdays in my younger years, but I'd just kinda like to share w…
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Join us to learn more about the TDU Advisory Board. Today we meet Roxanne Bradley, president and founder of Learning Differences World and adoptive mother to two (now adults) with RAD. Her success story is inspirational and the work she is doing to help others through the IEP/504 process is exemplary. Hear her story! Roxanne's Contact Info: Roxanne…
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Sherrie Encourages Younger Fellow-Adopted Children
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Send us a Text Message. Sometimes, adopted children get discouraged about numerous meltdowns and need encouragement from someone who's been there--author Sherrie Eldridge. Eldridge crafted this short message just for the children by sharing the reason for meltdowns, which is trauma. Children are taught that because of the repercussions of trauma, o…
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Trauma Parenting: Hard to Understand Until You've Lived It!
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Did you know that Trauma Drama University has an advisory board of 6 therapists and specialists in trauma? On this episode, meet Craig Knippenberg of Knippenberg, Patterson, Langley & Associates... president of our Advisory Board and HUGE TDU supporter! Craig has been a child and family therapist for over 35 years and more recently became a trauma …
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Mary Brown, also known as The Boundaries Coach, specializes in helping others overcome busyness and people-pleasing and learn healthy boundaries. With a professional background in social work, she helped thousands of families through challenges such as mental illness, addiction, abuse, and neglect. In doing so, she noticed the impact these issues h…
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School Board President Margo Bellamy: on integration, champions, and politics
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Margo Bellamy was recently elected by her fellow board members to serve as president of the Anchorage School Board for the third time. Ms. Bellamy grew up in Coconut Grove – an all African American neighborhood in Miami, Florida. At the end of her 8th grade year in 1964 she was chosen as one of eight Black students to integrate the nearby all-white…
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State Rep. Cliff Groh (D-Anchorage): on Polish heritage, Republican roots, & tracking legislative corruption
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AK State House Representative Cliff Groh, II, was born and raised in Anchorage. Although he himself is a life-long Democrat, his father Cliff Groh, Sr., the son of illiterate Polish immigrants, was an important Republican figure in Alaska State politics. In fact, the Groh Gallery in the Alaska Senate is named after him. We talk about the younger Cl…
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