Adoptees Crossing Lines podcast

#Self-Improvement #Society #Conversations #Adoption #Foster Care #Birth Mother #Abortion #Transracial #Family Policing #Abolition #Podcasting Education #Zaira #Adoptees #Child Welfare

1:03:38

Too many entrepreneurs get stuck on the business treadmill, hustling nonstop, unable to scale, and unknowingly stalling their growth. That’s where Dave Ramsey began. After crashing into $3 million in debt, he rebuilt from scratch, turning a small radio program into a national show with millions of listeners. With over three decades of experience in entrepreneurship, business growth, and content creation, he knows what it takes to build a lasting business. In this episode, Dave reveals the six drivers of long-term success, the five key stages of startup growth, and how he balances life as an entrepreneur and a content creator. In this episode, Hala and Dave will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (00:23) The Core Principles of Financial Freedom (05:42) Adapting to Change as a Content Creator (09:22) Balancing Content Creation and Entrepreneurship (12:34) How to Create a Clear Path in Business (15:19) The Truth About Starting a Business Today (18:22) The Six Drivers of Business Success (26:20) Shifting From Tactical to Strategic Thinking (29:44) The Five Stages of Business Growth (41:10) Leading with Care, Clarity, and Accountability (47:10) Identifying the Right Leadership Skills (48:35) Starting a Media Business as an Entrepreneur Dave Ramsey is a personal finance expert, radio personality, bestselling author, and the founder and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. Over the past three decades, he has built a legacy of helping millions achieve financial freedom. As the host of The Ramsey Show , Dave reaches more than 18 million listeners each week. He is the author of eight national bestselling books. His latest, Build a Business You Love , helps entrepreneurs navigate growth and overcome challenges at every stage. Sponsored By: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at youngandprofiting.co/shopify OpenPhone: Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at openphone.com/profiting Airbnb - Find yourself a co-host at airbnb.com/host Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/profiting RobinHood - Receive your 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold Factor - Get 50% off your first box plus free shipping at factormeals.com/factorpodcast Rakuten - Save while shopping at rakuten.com Microsoft Teams - Stop paying for tools. Get everything you need, for free at aka.ms/profiting LinkedIn Marketing Solutions - Get a $100 credit on your next campaign at linkedin.com/profiting Resources Mentioned: Dave’s Book, Build a Business You Love: bit.ly/BuildaBusinessYouLove Dave’s Website: ramseysolutions.com Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap Youtube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Side Hustle, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking.…

Adoptees Crossing Lines explicit

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In Adoptees Crossing Lines, I expose the lies and harm of the adoption industry and family policing system. As a Black same-race adoptee reclaiming my story, I challenge systems that profit from family separation. This podcast is truth-telling, healing, and anger intertwined. If you're ready for raw, unfiltered conversations about adoptee trauma and dismantling harmful systems, join me on this journey of reclamation.

40 episodes

Adoptees Crossing Lines

Adoptees Crossing Lines explicit

updated 4 days ago

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40 episodes

#Self-Improvement #Society #Conversations #Adoption #Foster Care #Birth Mother #Abortion #Transracial #Family Policing #Abolition #Podcasting Education #Zaira #Adoptees #Child Welfare

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Adoptees Crossing Lines

1
Adoptee Storytelling & Film Advocacy 59:44

4 days ago59:44

59:44

Adoptee Storytelling & Film Advocacy In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Zaira sits down with Alexandra, a British and American domestic transracial adoptee who grew up in her birth country of Hong Kong. Alexandra is the festival director of the Adoptee Film Fest , a global in-person and online film festival amplifying adoptee-centered films by adoptee filmmakers. They discuss her journey of navigating identity, community, and storytelling, and how the Adoptee Film Fest came to be. Alexandra shares her experience of growing up in a segregated society, her birth search, and the importance of creating adoptee-centered spaces in media. In this episode, we cover: (00:20) Introduction to Alexandra and her background as a British and American domestic transracial adoptee. (03:13) The impact of growing up in Hong Kong and navigating identity in a segregated society. (10:19) Alexandra’s birth search journey and the challenges of finding community and validation. (20:27) The inception of the Adoptee Film Fest and its importance for the adoptee community. (27:37) The role of storytelling and community building through film. (38:03) Alexandra’s reflections on adoptee representation in media and future plans for the Adoptee Film Fest. Call To Action: Subscribe to Adoptees Crossing Lines wherever you listen to podcasts, follow us on social media, and subscribe to our Substack for more content and community: Website: adopteescrossinglines.com Instagram: @adopteescrossinglines BlueSky: adopteecrossing.bsky.social TikTok: @adopteescrossinglines_ Substack: Adoptees Crossing Lines Substack Work With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing the podcast. To collaborate with her, email her at jwayedits@gmail.com .…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Root Work and Resilience: The Fight for Black Families 47:25

11 days ago47:25

47:25

Root Work and Resilience: The Fight for Black Families In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines , Zaira sits down with Tamara and Tracey Robertson, sisters, healers, and advocates serving as Healers in Residence with Movement for Family Power. Together, they discuss their journey of resisting the harms of the family policing system, while centering Black birth traditions, ancestral wisdom, and community healing. From childhood foundations of faith and service to their powerful doula work, this conversation is a testament to the resilience and power of Black families protecting their own. In this episode, we cover: (03:03) What led Tamara and Tracey to do the healing work they do today. (07:41) Their introduction to the family policing system and how it fueled their advocacy. (16:02) Tamara’s story of caring for her brother and keeping him out of the system. (22:04) Doula work and challenges Black families face during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. (32:10) The erasure of Black birth traditions and the need for advocacy in hospital settings. (39:32) What it means to be a Healer in Residence with Movement for Family Power and disrupting the family policing system through love and community. Call To Action: Subscribe to Adoptees Crossing Lines wherever you listen to podcasts, follow us on social media, and subscribe to our Substack for more content and community: Website: adopteescrossinglines.com Instagram: @adopteescrossinglines BlueSky: adopteecrossing.bsky.social TikTok: @adopteescrossinglines_ Substack: Adoptees Crossing Lines Substack Connect with Tamara Robertson: Instagram: @queeeentam Email: healer@movementforfamilypower.org Movement for Family Power: movementforfamilypower.org Listen to these episodes next: Alan’s Episode : An insightful conversation with Alan, an abolitionist and advocate deeply rooted in efforts to dismantle the family policing system. Alan shares their journey of understanding the harmful impacts of the system, their personal experiences, and their vision for transformative change. Dorothy Roberts’ Episode : A powerful interview with Dorothy Roberts, acclaimed scholar and author of Torn Apart . Dorothy discusses the historical and present-day harms of the family policing system, offering a compelling argument for abolition and highlighting how systemic racism continues to harm Black families. Work With Me: Email adopteescrossinglines@gmail.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Editing by J. Way (AV Editor) Special thanks to J. Way for editing the podcast. To collaborate with her, email her at jwayedits@gmail.com.…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Adoption, Privilege, and the Stories We Tell w/ Patrick Armstrong 51:28

5 weeks ago51:28

51:28

In this episode, we explore the complexities of adoption, privilege, and the narratives that shape our understanding of family. Through personal stories and critical reflections, we unpack the ways in which adoption is often framed as an unquestionable good while overlooking the systemic issues at play. We discuss the intersection of race, class, and power in adoption, the impact on adoptees, and the importance of centering their voices. This conversation challenges dominant narratives and invites listeners to consider the broader implications of adoption beyond individual experiences.…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Adoptee Identity & Research: Roots and Self-Discovery with Annalisa Toccara-Jones 50:18

7 weeks ago50:18

50:18

Send us a text

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Reflections on Grief, Healing, and Honoring My Mom 19:15

10 weeks ago19:15

19:15

Send us a text

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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The Role of Legal Advocacy in Family Reunification w/ Keshia Adeniyi 46:02

38 weeks ago46:02

46:02

Send us a text Keshia The child welfare system is waging war on Black families, and Keshia Adeniyi-Dorsey is on the front lines. In this episode, she shares her journey from foster child to family defender, exposing the racist roots of CPS and the urgent need for change. Keisha breaks down her tactics for protecting families during CPS investigations, from refusing home entry to shutting down fishing expeditions. Her success rates are fantastic: 95.8% of parental rights protected and 93.7% of families reunified. "We already know, and we've already done in the past, like, right? Like, took care of ourselves, we took care of everybody else's kids too, right? We don't need the system to do it." What we discussed (00:23) Meet Keshia Adeniyi-Dorsey (01:37) Adoptions and Safe Families Act (06:08) Reality of CPS investigations (12:17) Protecting families during CPS investigations (17:11) Reuniting 93.7% of families (23:46) Challenges of advocating for families OR Dealing with incompetence (28:56) We don’t need police for that OR The color of the system OR Black families don’t need CPS OR We don’t need help OR Not everyone needs help (35:33) Affording counsel (43:39) Truth to power Links Connect with Keshia: Website | LinkedIn Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Exploring Abolition, Intergenerational Trauma, and Creative Resistance w/ Benjamin Lundberg Torres Sánchez 54:17

40 weeks ago54:17

54:17

Send us a text Benjamin Words matter. Especially when it comes to adoption. Benjamin Lundberg Torres Sanchez isn't just "adopted" - they were separated from their first family for 28 years. In this episode, we unpack how the language we use shapes our understanding of adoption. Benjamin shares their journey of rejecting industry terminology and embracing more accurate descriptions of their experience. We discuss how this shift in language opens up new possibilities for solidarity and political action. "I think it's just really important to name what happened to us." What we discussed (00:22) Who is Benjamin Lundberg Torres Sanchez? (01:41) Conceived in violence (04:58) Adoption day (07:23) Good experiences but still angry OR Good vs. bad adoptions (10:10) Learning to think critically about adoption OR Language of adoption (14:35) Being hungry for community OR Availability of light skinned children (18:56) Not only focusing on adoptees OR Adoptees are not alone (26:46) Organized abandonment (28:30) We Are Holding This Magazine (37:46) Intersectionality vs. isolation (44:12) Finding alternative power brokers OR Finding power brokers (48:14) Get curious (51:32) Support Benjamin Links We Are Holding This Magazine Benjamin’s website Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Unpacking Adoption w/ Henry: Identity, Community, and Healing 37:38

42 weeks ago37:38

37:38

Send us a text Henry What happens when a Black child is adopted into a white Mormon family? The Mormon church silenced Henry's identity as a Black transracial adoptee, but he's done being quiet. From "colorblind" racism to the weight of forced gratitude, he exposes the ugly truth behind his adoption. We explore the impact of media representation, the importance of acknowledging adoptee anger, and why abolishing the current system might be the only way forward. Henry shares his journey of finding community with other adoptees and reclaiming his voice. "My life was really to fill this hole in my parents' life instead of my parents being there to raise children. What we discussed (00:22) Who is Henry? (01:48) Coming out of the fog (03:52) Adopted through the mormon church (06:34) Growing up with adopted sisters (08:26) Adoptees vs. adoptive parents on This is Us OR Adoptees vs. Adoptive parents on TV (13:23) Expectation of gratefulness OR “I want someone to love me” (20:26) Being allowed to feel & express (23:21) Alternatives to family policing OR Mind your own business (26:02) Relationship with adoptive parents while being abolitionist (32:27) Find your inner voice Links Black Adoptee Facebook Group Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Adoption, Therapy, and Self-Discovery: Fai Knudson's Story 53:34

45 weeks ago53:34

53:34

Send us a text Fai Knudson Fai Knudson grew up in a white, conservative town, always feeling different. As a biracial, transracial adoptee, Faye faced racism and isolation. Leaving their hometown ignited a journey of self-discovery, leading to advocacy and therapy focused on adoptee mental health. In this episode, Fai shares their powerful story, the challenges of being a transracial adoptee, and how they now help others navigate similar paths. What we discussed (00:18) Who is Fai Knudson? (04:05) Feeling different (05:32) Not allowed to read adoption paperwork (06:30) Coming out of the fog (09:11) Studying adoption for master’s (13:53) Adoptee therapists (21:32) Adoptee care is neglected (28:12) Story behind “Good Faith Therapy” (33:20) Support for adoptees (35:01) Genetic graveyard (36:24) Finding an adoptee affirming therapist (39:34) Partial reunion (47:54) Finding your authentic self Links Connect with Fai Knudson: LinkedIn Good Faith Therapy Website | Good Faith Therapy Instagram Peer Support Space Grow Beyond Words Journey of The Adopted Self Psychology Today Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Finding Freedom: Reflections on One Year of No Contact 46:06

47 weeks ago46:06

46:06

Send us a text 1 Year of No Contact It's been 365 days since I cut ties with my adopters to protect myself. A year of healing, self-discovery, and finding my voice. In this episode, I share my no contact journey, the reasons behind my decision, the process of healing, and the freedom I’ve found. Hear my story of setting boundaries, seeking safety, and reclaiming my identity. What we discussed (00:24) 1 year of no contact (01:50) “but they’re your parents” OR Expectation to be grateful (04:17) How I felt after no contact (06:21) Family policing gaslit me (11:20) Forgiveness as a weapon (14:36) Becoming free, finally (18:01) Getting tattoos (& my favorite one) (20:26) Being able to grieve my mom (30:56) Healing by finding biological family (34:38) Stealing me from my mom (36:12) #1 reason for child removal (39:43) Why I do this work Links Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Operation Stop CPS w/ Amanda Wallace 36:02

49 weeks ago36:02

36:02

Send us a text Amanda Wallace Amanda Wallace helps families powerfully stop Child Protective Services from stealing their children. In this episode she talk about how you can do it too, how her organization reunited 20+ families, and why we should abolish the belief that the CPS system should even exist. Listen and let’s stop CPS. What we discussed (00:22) Who is Amanda Wallace? (01:25) Why she wants to stop CPS - Child Protective Services (05:16) Why are you in my house?! (06:32) Repealing the Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act + Adoption & Safe Familis Act (08:12) How to respond to CPS (11:29) Reuniting 20 families (15:32) Reparations are not enough (18:08) Black Mother’s March (Collective power) (23:07) Drug testing a birth & Interrogating children (24:42) Creative collabs for collective action (26:50) How can you stop CPS? (33:07) Freedom can happen in our lifetime OR Freedom is not complicated Links Respond In Power Guide Black Mother’s March Twisted Yogi Connect with Amanda Wallace: Stop CPS Website | Instagram | Tiktok Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Adoption is not a part of God's plan 41:02

51 weeks ago41:02

41:02

Send us a text Adoption is Not A Part Of God’s Plan People who adopt say it’s God’s plan for them to adopt. But, they almost never say that God’s plan is for them NOT to have children. This is just one of the many ways people use religion to justify human trafficking. I found out, through an archived article, that I was trafficked by the Church through the One Church, One Child movement which operates in 32 states. What we discussed (00:22) Is adoption God’s plan? (04:23) Forcing adoptees to go to church OR “Go to church or leave” (11:53) Making adoptees mini versions of them (13:04) Telling my adoptive parents I’m stepping away from the church (14:51) One Church, One Child business (20:36) The church trafficked me (28:39) Orphan sundays (30:07) Church preaches family separation (hypocritical?) (34:24) Forced assimilation (36:13) Adoption is not God’s plan Links Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Mila's Truth: Navigating Adoption, Liberation, and Community 58:08

1 year ago58:08

58:08

Send us a text Mila's Truth: Navigating Adoption, Liberation, and Community The Church does an excellent job of silencing you if you oppose them. They’d even hire a marketing company to rebrand adoption so that their business as adoption middlemen can continue to thrive. But, it’s not just the Church. The dominant culture is to silence anyone who speaks up against adoption. To make them feel shame. To gaslight them. That was Mila Konomos’ experience once she realized how adoption has wounded her. Mila tells her story of how she was forcibly removed from her family in 1975 to the realization in 2009 that everything she thought she knew about adoption was a lie. She discusses how reuniting with her biological parents changed everything, how similar she realized she was hto her bio parents, grappling with her identity, the power of speaking up, and the cultural resistance against accepting the truth about adoption. Mila is the host of the podcast called Everything You Think You Know About Adoption Is A Lie. “If you don't change the narrative, then you can't change the policies.” What we discussed (00:22) Who is Mila Kanomos? (01:39) Being a (clueless) grateful adoptee (04:25) Realizing I’m actually wounded (06:00) “You had this information all of my life?!” (08:24) The Last Unicorn (12:55) Terrified of opposing adoption publicly (15:50) The Church is complicit (18:23) Propaganda around adoption (19:38) Surviving reunion (22:04) How do I become Korean? (25:39) Biological traits & connections (30:55) Everything you know about adoption is a lie (36:43) Church PAID to rebrand adoption (41:03) Centering adoptee narratives (44:47) Adoption IS oppression (49:03) What can you do about this? (55:51) You already know who you are Links Everything You Think You Know About Adoption Is A Lie Podcast Child Catchers by Catherine Joyce Connect with Mila: Instagram | Podcast Instagram Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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My Journey to Abolition 33:56

1 year ago33:56

33:56

Send us a text My Journey To Abolition Every adult in my childhood has failed me, none of them did what they’re supposed to. Every part of the system failed me…it did exactly what it’s supposed to. The system kills children and breaks families, it must be abolished. In this episode, I share how I gradually evolved towards this deep belief starting from a school trip to juvie when I was just 10. I talk about my encounters with the family policing system growing up and how it failed me. My story is not an is not an anomaly or an isolated incident. This is the experience of many children who are victims of the family policing system that they carry with them through adulthood. Abolition is a journey toward collective liberation, this is my journey so far… [CW: Sexual and Physical Abuse] What we discussed (00:22) Taking a trip to juvie at 10 years old (03:42) The system is NOT broken (04:42) [CW] Punished for speaking up about abuse (07:30) Losing faith in adoption, police, and the system OR My first encounter with family policing system (10:32) Going to school with bruises on my arm OR “You had a really good school year because DCF did not show up at my door” OR DCF shows up, I’m a disappointment OR DCF gets me in trouble (16:41) My adopters’ public facade OR Where my skepticism started OR Losing respect for authority (19:10) Suffering through therapy (21:40) Who are they protecting? OR Abolition is the only option (25:54) The system doesn’t care about children [CW: school shootings] OR They let alligators eat black babies (true story) (31:45) My journey with queerness OR Queers in evangelical homes Links Learn more about abolition: Alan Dettlaff Episode | Torn Apart by Dorothy Roberts Confronting the Racist Legacy of the American Child Welfare System By Alan Dettlaff 13th Documentary | The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Navigating Change: A Conversation with Josh Lamers, Co-founder of Collective of Child Welfare Survivors 49:48

1 year ago49:48

49:48

Send us a text Josh Lamers Adoption is trauma. How do we help surviving children heal the wounds they’ve sustained from the child welfare system? Josh Lamers, a transracial adoptee, is public enemy #1 for child welfare agencies in Canada. He joins the show to discuss what adoption and child welfare are like in Canada; and how his organization, Collective of Child Welfare Survivors, advocates for child welfare survivors though addressing harm reduction, counseling, unpacking racial displacement, and community development…amongst many other things. “The child who's now back in your home is not the same child who was taken out of your home.” What we discussed (00:21) Who is Josh Lamers? (01:57) His transracial adoption experience OR “My adoption was illegal” (08:51) How child welfare works in Canada OR Adoption system in Canada (13:47) Insights from studying adoption OR What’s wrong with research about adoption (23:51) Psychiatric system and adoption (26:26) Disability and adoption (and why Josh’s adoption was illegal) (32:22) Myth of “unmanageable kids” (34:05) How they advocate for child welfare survivors (45:50) How to support child advocacy work Links Outsiders Within Collective of Child Welfare Survivors: Donate Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Adoptees & Community 24:18

1 year ago24:18

24:18

Send us a text Adoptees & Community Before I found other adoptees online I was lost. I wanted to know where I came from, and I wanted to know others like me. Most adoption communities center adoptive parents and foster parents. We are left out of the picture. This doesn’t make sense. This episode is a collection of my thoughts on this matter. “One of the most vital ways we sustain ourselves is by building communities of resistance; places where we know we are not alone.” - Bell Hooks What we discussed (00:23) Healing power of community (04:41) Feeling disillusioned by my adoption (05:59) My adopters in public vs. at home (what people don’t know about adoptive parents) (07:55) Grassroots communities vs. government agencies (08:57) If only my mom had community support (11:39) Looking for spaces with adoptees OR I didn’t know other adoptees (15:06) Struggling with suicidal ideation (18:35) Belonging nowhere (20:38) What binds the adoptee community together Links Race, Gender, and Cultural Politics by Bell Hooks Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Confronting the Racist Legacy of the Child Welfare System w/ Alan Dettlaff 43:10

1 year ago43:10

43:10

Send us a text Confronting the Racist Legacy of the American Child Welfare System It was when Alan arrived at a home with the cops to remove a child and heard his mother say “Charles, run, they're coming to take you and they're going to sell you to the white people” that he realized how the trauma of slavery cannot be disentangled from the trauma of family separation. It was in this moment that he realized the harm he’s done to many families and decided to take a different path. Today, Alan Dettlaff is an abolitionist and co-founder of the upEND Movement. In this episode we explore the racist legacy of the child welfare system through discussing Alan’s book Confronting the Racist Legacy of the American Child Welfare System: The Case for Abolition . What we discussed (00:23) Who is Alan Dettlaff? (01:35) Removing children from their families OR He was complicit (04:16) Why reforms don’t work (and what does) (08:32) Why the family policing system is racist (14:31) What’s wrong with mandatory reporting laws? (20:23) Trump’s Zero Tolerance Policy (23:58) People wanted to end family separations previously (25:25) Everyday acts of abolition (that you can do) (31:55) Social workers and the abolitionist movement (35:06) “Run, they’re going to sell you to white people” OR Trauma of slavery vs. trauma of family separations (38:19) Learning more from Alan Dettlaff Links Alan Dettlaff’s book: Confronting the Racist Legacy of the American Child Welfare System: The Case for Abolition Upend Movement: Donate | Podcast Torn Apart by Dorothy Roberts Abolitionist Perspectives In Social Work Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Unveiling Roots: The Journey of Gregory D. Luce, Attorney and Advocate for Adoptee Rights 42:19

1 year ago42:19

42:19

Send us a text Unveiling Roots: The Journey of Gregory D. Luce, Attorney and Advocate for Adoptee Rights Us adoptees have to pay thousands of dollars and jump through hoops to unseal our records. This robs us of autonomy, dignity, and equality. Gregory D. Luce is an attorney who helps adoptees all across the US go through this hurdle. In this episode we discuss Greg’s personal adoption journey that made him so passionate about adoptee rights. We also discuss the important work that he does around adoptee records through his organizations the Adoptee Rights Law Center and Adoptees United. What we discussed (00:22) Baby scoop era (03:07) Was never “in the fog” (05:14) Divorce of his adoptive parents (06:17) Pay $500 to find no records?? (07:20) Finding his mom coincidentally (08:23) Establishing the Adoptee Rights Law Center (10:58) Inheriting his mom’s records and belongings (14:25) What restrictions are in YOUR state? (16:54) Adoption records issue for non-US adoptions and illegal adoptions (20:16) What are baby boxes? (21:52) Adoption after abolition (what will it look like?) OR You can’t end adoption (25:58) Why accessing adoption records matters (27:36) What do Adoptees United do? (31:30) Adoptee causes need MONEY (34:28) Future of adoptee rights (38:07) How to support Greg’s work Links Adoptee Rights Law Center Adoptees United Donate to Adoptees United Dorothy Roberts Connect with Gregory D. Luce: Twitter Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families--and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World 1:10:02

1 year ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Send us a text Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families--and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World More than anyone else, black women get their children kidnapped by the state, by the child “welfare system”. This episode is about the whys and hows of abolishing a system built to strip families away from their children. Through discussing Torn Apart by Dr. Dorothy Roberts , we examine the history and laws that have led to the birth of armed and violent social workers. We also explore the many opportunities around how transformative justice can save lives. “Hope is a discipline” - Mariame Kaba What we discussed (00:23) Black women’s childbearing is devalued (04:29) What’s family policing? (07:21) Weaponising child removal (14:25) Alternative to the child welfare system? (19:03) A law that strips away black mothers’ rights, FAST (33:53) From adoption to murder-suicide (35:45) Armed social workers? (tragic family policing stories) (47:48) Is abolition helpful or harmful to children? (56:33) How to reimagine the system Links Torn Apart by Dr. Dorothy Roberts Shattered Bonds We were once a family by Roxanna Asgarian JMACforFamilies upEND Movement Movement for Family Power Connect with Dr. Dorothy Roberts: Twitter Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Embracing Identity: John's Journey of Self-Discovery 39:14

1 year ago39:14

39:14

Send us a text Reuniting with his birth family showed John McCormick, a transracial adoptee, a new world. He physically felt a relaxation he had never felt before, he connected with music and art like never before, and he started to own who he is - confidently - even when others denied his identity. This is the story of how John’s reunion with his bio family was a healing journey that led him to reclaim an identity he was stripped of. What we discussed (00:26) Finding his family because of a coincidence OR Having his original birth certificate (06:08) I’m not Irish, I’m Colombian OR Loneliness of having a lost identity OR Who am I, even? (10:05) Strange feelings after meeting his family OR Deciding to move to Colombia (13:54) Reconnecting with music and art (19:06) Getting confident about his identity OR Confidently reclaiming his identity (despite the haters) (24:48) Working with his therapist (28:48) How his adoptive family feels about him reconnecting with his bio family (32:17) Preparing to meet your bio family Links Colombian Influence Podcast Wisdom and Nonsense Podcast Grow Heal Blossom Connect with John McCormick: Website Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Emily's Journey: Identity, Language Learning, and Adoption Realities 40:40

2 years ago40:40

40:40

Send us a text Emily's Journey: Identity, Language Learning, and Adoption Realities After 9 months of living with monks, Emily Harris was adopted from China. She was left behind by her bio family due to the One Child Policy. To process her loss of identity, she has started to learn Chinese with a community of adoptees. In this episode, she talks about how language learning helps, why she wishes she was white, and the hardships of being a Chinese adoptee in the US. What we discussed (00:24) Getting adopted from China (07:18) Pandemic racism (09:29) Processing identity loss through language learning (11:24) Not wanting to share the language with non-adoptees (15:10) Belonging nowhere (20:58) One child policy (23:43) Distance created by religion (27:02) Reckoning with being chinese OR “I want to be white” (31:40) The note her birth family left her (35:22) For adoptees learning their bio language… (38:23) Connect with Emily Links Language Travel Adoptee on YouTube Language Wellness and Identity Podcast Connect with Emily Harris: Instagram | Twitter Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Adoption Trauma, Mental Health, and Suicide Risk with Lina Vanegas 46:04

2 years ago46:04

46:04

Send us a text Lina Though Lina Vanegas was born to a Colombian family, she was forced to assimilate as a white jewish person. 38 years later, she’s unable to fully connect with her bio family nor speak their language. Forced assimilation is trauma. Her mission is to educate people on adoption trauma. In the episode, she gives a crash course on why adoption is trauma, what to do if you want to adopt in a trauma-informed way, and how to go down the rabbit hole of being adoption-trauma informed. What we discussed (00:32) Can you make up for 38 years of loss? (05:08) Forced assimilation in childhood (07:11) Can’t speak my own language (09:14) Rescripting the narrative (10:31) If you’re thinking of adopting, do THIS. (20:05) Why she’s educating the public (24:42) Adoption is preventable trauma OR Mental health and adoption (28:07) Suicide among adoptees OR Why is adoption trauma? [EXPLAINED] (31:57) Intervention for adoptees (38:07) Finding an adoption-competent therapist [HOW-TO] (42:00) Educate yourself (43:50) Connect with Lina Vanegas Links Rescripting The Narrative Podcast Adopted From Colombia Facebook Group Dorothy Roberts researcher The Child Catchers by Katherine Joyce Connect with Lina Vanegas: Instagram | Twitter Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Navigating No Contact: Adoptees' Journeys to Healing 37:58

2 years ago37:58

37:58

Send us a text Should you cut off your adoptive parents? Should you “go no contact” with your adoptive parents? “Oh hell no. Not this time. I’m done.” That’s what we felt before cutting off contact with your adoptive parents. Sometimes, the healthies thing we can do is to go no contact with our adoptive parents. Escaping abuse. Escaping racism. Escaping pain. In this episode we share what made us go no contact, discuss what it’s like, and share our personal advice to adoptees considering going no contact. What we discussed (00:34) What is “going no contact” (01:27) Dr. Noelle’s no contact story (07:45) The first time I heard the N-word (08:23) Lia’s no contact story (14:45) The “I’m DONE” moment (17:27) Cost of going no contact (20:55) The huge disconnect (23:57) What does it take to go no contact? (25:58) Going no contact WHILE raising kids OR Greatest fear OR What to do if your children talk to you about your mistakes (34:01) On the fence about going no contact? OR Should you go no contact? Links Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Navigating Holidays as an Adoptee: Exploring Complex Emotions and Self-Care 37:38

2 years ago37:38

37:38

Send us a text Navigating Holidays as an Adoptee: Exploring Complex Emotions & Self Care For adoptees, holidays mean performance. Acting like you care, acting like you’re happy, acting like you’re grateful. And if you don’t perform, then you live in guilt. It’s ironic, because adoption itself is an act. Join us as we explore this and discuss what holidays are like for us adoptees. What we discussed (00:38) Father’s day for adoptees (08:01) Mother’s day for adoptees (11:15) Creating your own holiday traditions (13:46) Thanksgiving and christmas for adoptees (16:38) Always in debt (18:29) “Performing” Christmas (20:14) Ruining the vibe (21:00) Not invited (24:46) Doing your own thing (25:39) Birthdays for adoptees (29:47) The most f*cked up holiday OR Gotcha Day (33:37) Advice to adoptive families about holidays OR Question for adoptive families OR What every adoptive family must answer Links Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Challenging Adoption Norms and Embracing Queer Parenting: A Conversation with Yomi 42:43

2 years ago42:43

42:43

Send us a text Adoptee Origin Story: Ayomide Bee Is Adoption Human Trafficking? With Ayomide Bee Selling children is human trafficking, so why isn’t adoption considered human trafficking? It’s state-sanctioned trafficking with a paper trail. Ayomide Bee shares her adoption story as a queer transracial adoptee. Her take is not only that same-sex couples shouldn’t adopt - but that adoption should be abolished. Listen to her origin story & views. “Just because it's legal doesn't mean that it's not trafficking. Slavery was legal. The residential homes were legal. Legality doesn't mean a goddamn thing.” - Ayomide Bee What We Discussed (00:31) Story of Ayomide Bee (02:32) Always being the topic of conversation OR Knowing yourself by how people talk about you OR Our story = other people’s stories of us? (04:23) Coming out of the fog OR Finding wonky stuff in the adoption paperwork (05:22) Being forced into adoption (08:07) Decision to go no contact (12:13) How she wants her adoptive parents to take accountability (14:15) Should same-sex couples adopt? (19:58) Is adoption human trafficking? (25:24) Adoption alternatives (28:48) Relationship w/bio grandma (who suggested adoption) OR Anger toward grandma (37:19) What does abolishing adoption look like? (40:30) Connecting with Ayomide Links Connect With Ayomide: Instagram | Substack Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Activism & Origin Story: Erica Babino 29:44

2 years ago29:44

29:44

Send us a text Activism For Adoptees With Erica Babino What’s it like to be an activist for adoptees? What’s the story of someone who is an adoptees activist? How would you feel if you discovered that your bio mom lives on your street, after you’ve been searching for her for 25 years? This week, we speak to Erica Babino a Black same race adoptee who is a former American Adoption Congress Board Member. We discuss if it’s possible to ever separate your identity from being adopted, adoption myths, and how to normalize anti-adoption. What We Discussed (00:31) An adoptees’ rights activist, Erica Babino (01:08) Her origin story OR 25 years of searching (04:04) Do you ever stop feeling adopted? (06:36) The moment she met her bio mom OR First bio meeting = no tears, no hugs? (09:32) Do good adoption families also cause trauma? (13:12) Most important thing adoptive parents must do (14:43) Experience as an American Adoption Congress board member (19:01) Right to a birth certificate (21:18) How to be an adoptees activist (24:10) Going through reunion OR Can’t prepare for reunion (26:30) Best advice for birth families Links Adoptees United American Adoption Congress Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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A Bittersweet Farewell: Reflecting on Season One and Embracing Self-Care 5:38

2 years ago5:38

5:38

Send us a text

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Dr. Noelle's Origin Story: A Journey of Adoption, Identity, and Reunion 29:48

2 years ago29:48

29:48

Send us a text Adoptee Origin Story: Dr. Noelle Two white people raised me, an African American child. I’m Dr. Noelle and this is the secret-filled story of my adoption after being an orphan in Texas. What we discussed (00:00) Cosplaying as adoptees? (01:35) The stories I was told (05:30) My abusive adoptive mother (06:15) Taking a DNA test to find my family (09:42) They didn’t know I existed (15:39) Whole for the first time in my life (17:03) My bio mom’s origin story (21:35) Uncomfortable being mothered (26:43) What would’ve been… Links Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Navigating Adoption and Rediscovering Family: Lia's Journey 30:48

2 years ago30:48

30:48

Send us a text Navigating Adoption and Rediscovering Family: Lia's Journey I’m Lia and this is my adoptee origin story from foster care to reuniting with my siblings. What I shared (01:02) What I was told about my bio parents (02:18) What actually happened (04:59) My adoptive parents (05:34) My birth father’s side of the story (06:36) My access to adoption information (10:04) Accessing my biological family name (12:33) Meeting my siblings (19:49) Aspirations for biological relationships (21:47) What I tell people about my background (25:21) What’s medical foster care? (26:35) Death of my foster mom (Ms. Loretta) & my bio mom Links Lia’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/liaepps Follow us on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok Credits Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast, support his work on Instagram or e-mail him at Drumaboyiglobal@gmail.com…

Adoptees Crossing Lines

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Exploring the Impact of Adoption on Mental Health: Insights from Adoptees 39:10

2 years ago39:10