Summary: In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of building resilience, particularly in children. We often hear about the importance of resilience, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, how can we help our kids develop this crucial skill? Resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges—it’s about learning to bounce ba…

Summary: In our last episode, we shared how our family embraces summer adventures. This time, we're diving into the real struggles we face, not just in summer, but every day. Join us as we explore the challenges and interventions that work for us. We tackle road trips and outings, discussing how the struggle is real and how we manage in-car and out…

Summary: As summer blazes in Arizona, we’re constantly on the move, seeking cooler escapes to preserve our sanity. Traveling with a family of nine is no small feat, and we’ve gathered a treasure trove of tips and tricks to make it smoother. In this episode, we dive into Intentional Travel. Fresh from a recent timeshare presentation, we discuss the …

Summary: In this week's episode, we continue the important conversation started in Episode 184 “The Link Between Foster Care and Social Disparities”. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, we highly recommend checking it out to gain a deeper understanding of today’s discussion. June is Family Reunification Month, a time to celebrate famil…

Summary: In honor of June being Family Reunification Month, today's episode sheds light on a crucial yet often overlooked issue in our community: the challenges and misconceptions surrounding birth families involved in the foster care system. As foster parents, we initially held unfair biases towards these families. However, through our journey, we…

Summary: In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, join us for an inspiring episode featuring a heartfelt conversation with my sister-in-law, Tara Armstrong. Tara played a pivotal role in our family's foster care journey, guiding us as we transitioned from having two kids to seven. Now, she has embarked on her own remarkable path. As a single mom of…

Summary: In today's episode, we explore the profound impact of connections on well-being, particularly in the context of foster care. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the pivotal role of social connections in fostering healthy choices and better mental and physical health outcomes. However, many children entering foster care…

Summary: Today, it’s just the two of us, engaging in a candid conversation about mental health. Ironically, we find ourselves easing into a month dedicated to both mental health and foster care awareness. For those who have experienced life within the foster care system, the intricate connection between these two realms becomes evident. So, let’s d…

Summary: In honor of Stress Awareness Month, our podcast delves into the crucial topic of stress reduction and self-care. While this is important for everyone, it holds even greater significance for caregivers of children with special needs and those working in social services fields. The toll of constant stress can adversely affect our health, lea…

Summary: Today, we’re delving into an exciting new therapy modality called Critical Memory Integration. This groundbreaking approach focuses on healing trauma by exploring unresolved critical memories and integrating them with neutral memories, fostering resilience in individuals. At the forefront of this creation, our incredible team of panelists …

Summary: Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast! In today’s episode, we’re picking up where we left off last week. Our microphones are live on location at Foster Cooperative’s first training day of 2024, where we’re soaking up knowledge and growing together. 🌱 Last time, you had the pleasure of meeting some of our incredible presenters. This …

Summary: Today is all about something extra special! We've packed our gear and hit the road to bring you an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. Right now, we're on location at Foster Cooperative's training day, immersing ourselves in a day of learning and growth. Foster Arizona, a beacon of support and empowerment, hosts these training events t…

Summary: It’s officially Hallmark’s week of love! 🌟 When it comes to parenting kids with trauma, we often hear the words, “All You Need is Love.” But is that really true? This week, we dive deep into this question. We’re thrilled to have Estefana Johnson joining us in the conversation. Estefana, a clinical social worker, began her career working wi…

Summary: Discover the profound journey of becoming a foster parent in a nation grappling with a staggering shortage. In this episode, we explore the critical issue of the national decline in foster parent numbers, intensified by a 60% drop since the onset of the pandemic. Arizona, mirroring this trend, has witnessed a drastic decrease from 5,559 li…

Summary: Welcome to the Fostering Voices podcast with your host Kim! Join us as we shake things up in this episode by delving into some authentic mom talk. We've given Brian the boot for now to bring you a heartfelt discussion on the joys and challenges of parenting within the realms of foster care and adoption. As a mom personally touched by these…

Summary: Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast! Happy 2024, everyone! We're thrilled to kick off another year of heartfelt conversations and insightful stories. In today's episode, we have a special discussion with our 'bigs'—Maisey, Liesey, and Sam—sharing their unique perspectives on foster care and adoption. Join us as we delve into their…

Summary: As we wrap up 2024, we're diving into the complexities of foster care planning. Unlike the conventional New Year's resolutions, the foster care journey is a unique landscape filled with uncertainties. In today's raw and unfiltered discussion, it's just the two of us sharing our personal experiences without any guests. We want to pull back …

Summary: Welcome to a festive episode of our podcast, where we dive into the heartwarming world of holiday traditions and intentional joy. As we usher in the holiday season, we're joined by some special guests – the Vehon kids! In this intimate conversation, we explore how our family of 9 embraces the spirit of togetherness and crafts unique tradit…

Summary: In this episode we peel back the curtain and take a look into tribal foster care. Joining us are Brad and Karin Dahlman, a remarkable couple who have dedicated themselves to fostering children for many years. Through tribal foster care, they've opened their hearts and homes to dozens of kids, making an immeasurable impact on our community.…

Summary: Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast with Kim and Brian! In celebration of Adoption Awareness Month this November, join us for a special episode dedicated to all things adoption. Our guest, Ed Johnson, a revered local attorney deeply embedded in foster and adoption circles, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. In this i…

Summary: In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial topic of mental health and finding a path forward when you're grappling with the question, "Where do I go from here?" Today, we are thrilled to have Carol Melim join our conversation. Carol is not only a Licensed Clinical Social Worker but also a specialist in trauma therapy, certified in EMDR…

Summary: Today, on our 20th wedding anniversary, we embark on a meaningful journey, delving deep into the intricate layers of marriages affected by trauma. Join us as we explore the profound impact that caring for children with special needs has on marital relationships, acknowledging the challenges without getting lost in statistics. We are honore…

Summary: In this episode we delve into the transformative journey of becoming a foster parent. Join us as we sit down with Katie O’Dell, the passionate Executive Director of AZ127, a steadfast advocate for fostering life within a supportive community. AZ127 firmly believes that children require families, and families thrive with a strong support ne…

Summary: Today is all about celebration as Foster Arizona turns 10 years old. Join us as we take a delightful trip down memory lane, reflecting on the invaluable lessons and heartwarming joys we've encountered throughout this incredible journey. In this special episode, we're honored to have Al Moore, one of our founding board members and the curre…

Summary: As we continue exploring the return to school season, today's discussion delves into a crucial topic. Join us as we sit down with Amanda Glass, an esteemed legal professional with a passion for advocating for children's rights. Amanda's journey, post-graduation from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, led he…

Summary: Join us in celebrating the return to school as we dive into an enlightening discussion on IEPs and 504s with the incredible Nancy Williams. Our guest, Nancy, brings a wealth of expertise to the table as the Executive Director of the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents, an organization that has personally touched our lives. …

Summary: In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we delve into the world of adoption through the eyes of Mea Han Fajardo, an extraordinary international adoptee and the visionary behind FostAdopt Connections. Join us as we explore Mea's deeply personal journey and how she has transformed her experiences into a powerful platform, fostering meanin…

Summary: Matthew Blades is a familiar and friendly voice known to many in Arizona from the successful Matthew and Priscilla in the Morning show on Mix 96.9 FM. Matthew's own journey of battling physical and mental health challenges led him to step away from broadcasting and embark on a healing journey. Now, he sits in front of the podcast mic, host…

Summary: At just 25 years old, Lindsey found herself pregnant and the parent of two children in the custody of the Department of Child Safety. She endured a heartbreaking struggle with homelessness, residing in motels and even living on the streets, surrounded by others in similar desperate circumstances. Desperate for change, Lindsey discovered a …

Summary: In honor of national reunification month, in this episode we have a conversation with Judge Colleen McNally about what reunification means for kids and their families. Before retiring, Judge McNally served the people of Arizona for over 16 years in the Maricopa County Superior Court of Arizona. Since retiring, she has devoted her time and …

Summary: What comes to mind when you think about Recovery and Recovery spaces? Often the images that come to mind are uncomfortable and we think of these spaces as the last place we would ever want to be, but what if we told you that Recovery…Is For Everybody! Join us in a conversation as we talk to Jillian about her journey into recovery and why t…

Summary: Today there are so many people, humans like you and me, struggling because of varying hurts, habits or hang-ups, and they may be at the end of their rope. Today we have a conversation with Mark as he shares his story on substances and addiction and how connection helped him get to his space of recovery. Trigger Warning: Today’s episode dea…

Summary: What happens when you choose to put your comfort space aside and open up your heart and home to a child in foster care? Spoiler alert, it can be humbling, messy, and chaotic at times, but it can also be the most rewarding experience that will change your life and the life of another, forever. Join us as we have a conversation with Stacy Br…

Summary: Truth…Parenting is hard, but those little moments of sweetness can make the tough days bearable. But what happens when those moments feel few and far between? Often in our foster care and adoption journeys the struggle to connect with our children can be an all too frequent reality. Join us as we welcome Chris and Caitlin and have a real c…

Summary: Life can be tough sometimes, but for a young adult aging out of foster care the transition can be life altering and either set them up for success or leave them without a connection or direction. Join us as we have a conversation with Zack, a young adult with lived experience, and how connection and having a community changed his trajector…

Summary: Community is what gets us through life. In today's conversation we talk with Anika Robinson about finding your people and the importance of community and connection in our everyday lives. Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 0:26 – Welcome Anika! 1:44 – Advocacy for Children 3:10 – Establishing Connections 8:38 – ASA Now 14:04 – Finding Hope in Dark Tim…

Episode 152: Interracial Adoption and Finding Your Identity Summary: A personal look into an adoptees story involving interracial adoption and her journey to discover her personal identity along the way. Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 0:52 – Welcome Ann! 1:32 – Ann's Work and Focus 12:00 – A Position of Learning 16:44 – Ann's Journey 24:33 – Wanting Kids t…

Meet your new hosts, Kim and Brian Vehon and learn a little bit about the heart behind their why and their vision for the Fostering Voices podcast. Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 0:25 – Welcome Back In!! 1:43 – Creation of Foster Arizona and Community 21:34 – Our Mission at Foster AZ 27:19 – Thank you!!! Links: https://fosterarizona.org/ https://www.aecf.o…

Friends, as we FINALLY wrap up season 8, we are also wrapping up our time as your hosts of the Fostering Voices Podcast. We have loved the 5 years that we were the hosts, but we are so excited for your new hosts to take over, Brian and Kim Vehon of Foster Arizona! Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 13:54 – Good Word of the Day!!! Good Word of the Day!!! Eccles…

This episode features an interview with an AMAZING foster mama who happens to be single. Lina Bublys thought life would look differently than it does now, but she is still so grateful and so active in blessing those around her, especially her foster babes. We salute all you foster parents out there, but you single foster parents take the cake! Chap…

We are so often triggered by negative things that happen, but what about the positive things? This episode features a story of our son and the time we picked up a homeless lady on our way to McDonald's, and how that left a serious impression on his soul. Our call to action - take a chance. Say kind things, do kind things for others. And also, don't…

This episode features an episode with host, Jihae! Join us as Chris grills Jihae on life's highs and lows. And you will even hear what Jihae's favorite physical attribute is of Chris'. It's very appropriate and clean. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:30 – Jihae Describes Growing Up in Her Parent's House 6:44 – What Has Been Your Biggest Challenge In Life? …

This episode is a quick interview with your host, Chris Watson! Get to know Chris and what drives him to be a WINNER at all times. We hope you enjoy getting to know Chris a little better! Next week will be Chris interviewing Jihae. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 3:01 – Thank you, SHOWIT!! 4:27 – Story From This Week 5:12 – Showit EDM and Plank Challenge 10…

In this episode we share some highs and lows of the last month. Highs include seeing our big kids become amazing big kids. Not without faults and failures, but as young people who are trying to figure out what it looks like to be a loyal, kind person who has integrity. Church camps and cousins are also very high on the list. And in the lows categor…

This episode features an incredible interview with Ben Malcolmson, author of Walk On: From Pee Wee Dropout to NFL Sidelines: My Unlikely Story of Football, Purpose, and Following an Amazing God. Ben has seen some major lows in his life, starting with having an alcoholic mom, and being thrust into college life a year early. But God was with him ever…

This week we have a less than 5 minute episode! In light of the horrifying events of this last week, we just want to encourage you to talk to your kids about it. Cause they have heard about it. But they should hear about it from you and be able to talk about it with you. Cry together, pray together, and be prepared together. We don’t need to live l…

This episode is for parents of teens and teens! We would LOVE for teenagers to listen to this episode, but it wasn't until midway through the recording that Jihae realized she was using her condescending 'mom voice', for which she is VERY SORRY. She tries to reserve that for exclusive use to the Watson children, so we are sorry you have to hear it …

This episode features and interview with Health and Lifestyle Coach, Bekah Tinter. She shares some truly simple tips and habits you can implement to enjoy a healthier, and more enjoyable lifestyle. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 3:56 - Honest Stories in Adoption 10:27 – Health Tips from Bekah 20:32 – Good Word of the Day!!! Links: Bek and Kev Uncommon Free…

Grant Botma, author, business owner, and super family man! He gives us some great tips on having more harmony in our lives. Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 1:19 – Welcome, Grant! 5:56 – Talking About a Unicorn 7:25 – Work-Life Harmony 13:09 – Tips on Harmonizing Your Life 25:55 – One More Thing to Do to Work Towards Harmony 31:40 – Good Word Of The Day!!! 3…

In this episode we talk about ‘Everyone Communicates, Few Connect’, a great book by John C. Maxwell. And we just want to encourage everyone (including ourselves) to always strive to connect with your loved ones, and those around you! Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 3:41 - "Everyone Communicates, Few Connect" 18:57 – Good Word Of The Day!!! 20:02 – Thank you…