I’ve been looking into adoption for a few years and read the book by the same name. Now that my husband and I are in a place to start the process, I looked up their podcast to get some encouragement while we went through the process. I wasn’t expecting what I heard. Clearly these people have changed some of their views since writing their book. If you’re a progressive Christian you’ll love this show but if you’re a biblical Christian just pass on it.
Kristen and Mike are incredibly good at discussing all the joy, the challenges, and the nuances of foster care and adoption. Whenever I feel alone or unsure of myself as I parent, I listen to one of their podcasts and feel more connected and at peace. I especially appreciate the discussions about their progression on social issues…all too often these issues are pushed to the side in the adoption space because they make some folks uncomfortable. But, Kristen and Mike aren’t afraid to tackle these conversations and take a stance in an effort to make the world a better place for everyone.
“…Lack of caring for humanity…” yet very clearly pro abortion… saying that they’re pro choice now because they’ve adopted? Pro choice because you can’t get services for your special needs kiddo?!? YIKES!!!! For parents who want to empower their children to be confident adults, swim away!!!!! I’ve adopted and have another child with special needs… their existence is your argument for abortion… middle finger to you.
Interested in adoption so I chose to listen to this podcast to learn. I had the displeasure of hearing their episode post-Roe overturn. The amount of poor arguments and misinformation they construed regarding this decision, calling our society a “theocracy” due to a constitutional decision, saying that pro-life people who want to adopt are just treating kids like “leftover French fries”. So sad to hear all of this.
Your podcast has been a gem of a find for me! I am an adoptive mom whose heart breaks over children who need an abundance of love, security, and hope. I am encouraged by you to pursue my dream of being a foster mom. My husband and I are going to be empty nesters soon and we will have the room available to welcome children and love on birth parents or future adoptive parents of the children God allows us to care for! Thank you for a wealth of resources (at my fingertips all hours of the day or night!!) You are a blessing and doing life-changing, hope-filled work! Shannon 💞
I’m starting the adoption process and this podcast has been a really helpful resource. It’s helped to set some of my expectations around trauma and special needs. Mike and Kristen speak with wisdom, experience, and pastoral hearts. This is the first resource I recommend to families who are exploring adoption.
My husband and I are going through classes to become certified to adopt a child out of the foster care system. I do not know many people with experience with this. So, having these guys for advice is great! I really appreciate it!
I love the two part episode about the resistant spouse. I started proposing adoption a year ago. At first he said yes, signed us up for orientation, we went, filled out application and he even participated in discussion. We left, few days later, said no. I have been praying ever since. We are now signed up for classes and I’m still praying. I do not nag, I give plenty of space and patience. I will try to ask if we can discuss it. I’m fearful myself and I want to share it w him. I just have a strong desire to adopt. I read a lot of books and still am to better understand what these children go through to be a better parent. These books have broke a lot of the stigmas and negativity. I really loved the book “Twenty Things Adoptive Kids Wish There Adoptive Parents Knew” Your guys book is on my list.
God Bless
I’m just about to get my license for foster care, and have been listening to every foster care podcast I can find. This is one of my favorites, because it tackles the really hard topics, and topics that not every one else addresses. For instance, I plan on doing foster care specifically for medically fragile/special needs kids, and it’s hard to find podcasts and/or blogs that address that type of foster care. So like I said, I’m loving this as a resource.
One thing I wish they would address (and every podcast needs to have at least one episode dedicated to this), is those of us who are single foster parents. There are a fair amount of us out there, and it would be great to be represented; to hear from other people who are in the same shoes
This podcast has helped me feel not alone as we walk through the process of becoming a family with our 2 children we are adopting through foster care. We have felt discouraged and isolated and have yet to find our people locally. Listening to this has been like a breath of fresh air, such a relief to hear people saying things that we really relate to! Thank you for putting this out there!
We are foster and adoptive parents and this podcast has given me such hope and encouragement. I really appreciate the honesty, and hearing that things that I’m feeling are not wrong and the hope that they provide and the literal, practical suggestions. I am a huge fan and everyone about this podcast.
If you have ever felt like the people in your life look at you and think, "They are in over their heads" then you need to listen to this podcast. Whether you've adopted, have a strong willed child, or are struggling because you're pretty sure the 'Dr Dobson way' isn't gonna fly with your kids (and also you've got to figure out new methods than how you were raised)—you will be freshed by the combination of honesty & direction this podcast offers. We have 2 biological kids and one we are in process of adopting. We did not set out to adopt, and I'm not sure why I waited so long to dive in head first to EVERYTHING Mike and Kristin have to offer. I feel empowered—and most importantly, I don't feel the need to aplogize to others for the struggles my family faces. Thank you for making those of us who have chosen to adopt feel a little less crazy. Love the podcast.
This was the first time I listened to this podcast. The topic is one that I can relate to- RAD. I enjoyed how honest and genuine the narrators were. Not too many people understand this topic and what it feels like to not feel loved by a child. Hearing stories of how other parents coped with this helps. We don't feel alone. I'm looking forward to hearing more about developing our future leaders, especially when they've had difficult starts. Thank you for your interest in helping adoptive parents.
The work this couple is doing is SO important to the growing community of adoptive families. These types of education-based, practical resources for parents are imperative to successful, supportive upbringing of traumatized children. Love it! Grab a pen and paper (for notes!) and listen!
Love this interview of your daughter. She is very articulate indeed and very honest. Thank you for letting me listen in on a very personal conversation that you have opened up to so many for their benefit.
Raising adopted kids isn't for the faint of heart! I find much encouragement from this podcast...these folks get it! They're living it daily just like I am.
My husband and I are new to foster parenting and the Honestly Adoption Podcast is one of my absolute favorite go-to resources for both practical strategy and parenting encouragement. Confessions of An Adoptive Parent is phenomenal as well! Thank you to the Berry's!
As an adoptive grandmother and an adopted person, there is no other source for education and support for adoptive and foster parents that I know of that is so right on. Mike and Kristin Berry don't just have head knowledge about this stuff. They live it everyday and every word they share with parents is pounded out on the anvils of their adoptive parent hearts. Thanks to both of them for this podcast and also for their tremendous organization--Confessions of an Adoptive Parent.
My husband and I just finished MAPP classes in NC to be able to start our foster care journey. We are waiting for our license to come back. I found your blog through Pinterest and I started listening to your podcast and I'm so glad to have found it. Thank you all so much for what you do and the support you provide for foster/adoptive parents. We are so excited to start our journey and are thankful to have a place to learn and share with people who are living this day in and out! Thank you!
Being a foster parent has many challenges that most people don't understand. It is so refreshing to find a podcast that is authentic & honest about the unique challenges that foster families face. You have been there and it is so helpful and encouraging to know that I am not alone on this journey! May God bless you beyond measure! :-)
I chose to become a foster parent as a single woman who had never had children before. I know I have my Lord who led me to this, and will lead me through this, but this is the loneliest place I've ever been. It is so amazing hear reassurance, tips, and suggestions to help parenting children who have been subjected to complex trauma and have seen things and been through things that no one should ever have to go through. I'm so excited be able to have this resource. So incredibly grateful for this amazing couple who speaks what has been on my heart.
My husband and I adopted two girls in December. I stumbled upon your Facebook page which led me to the podcast. I LOVE it! Many of the topics you cover really hit home. It has been really helpful. Thanks for being so real and honest!
My husband and I are looking to do foster care in about a year, and we LOVE listening and learning from each episode. Every week I cannot wait until the next episode comes out!!
This show is awesome! I thank God that the first one I ever clicked on was the Men's only show! (Take no offense ladies) It was great to hear from a couple of REAL adoptive dads and take inventory about my true feelings around my kids and keeping the marriage relationship strong through difficult times.
Keep up the good work guys AND gals!
Jeff Jackson
Www.ignitehope.online
Are you tired? Rundown? Feel like you're doing it all on your own? Then this is the podcast for you. I'm not an adoptive or foster parent, but I am so encouraged by these parents! Because I AM an exhausted parent. We have 3 children with one on the way. That's why I listen to podcasts. Does anyone have time to read, anymore?! Thank you, Mike and Kristin, for being honest about the struggle of parenting. It's so encouraging to know we're not alone (or doing it wrong).
