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Long-Range Parenting

In this episode, we are joined by Ron and Melissa Moore. Ron and Melissa raised three biological children and adopted three siblings from foster care. They share how they came to be interested in adoption, their parenting philosophy, and many of the joys…

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Lessons in Leadership

We sit down with Charley Joyce, MSW and Eric Monson, MBA to go beyond the textbooks for practical leadership strategies you can apply to your own career and life.  How do they navigate uncertainty?  What were their lessons learned?  And what wisdom…

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From Foster Care to the Auto Shop

Chaya Milchtein joins Let's Talk to share about her journey through foster care, identity and self-discovery and how this led her to building a successful career in the male-dominated industry of automobile ownership and maintenance. (47 mins) September 10, 2025 This…

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Building Stronger Families, Stronger Community

Learn all about Beltrami Area Service Collaborative (BASC) and the power of collaboration in maximizing the health, education, and well-being of families in Beltrami County.  Kim Graham, Executive Director, and Kristina Ulve, School Engagement Case Manager, share the programs and…

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The Power of Mindful Self-Compassion

Children and adults alike can be their own harshest critics, and our culture often perpetuates this.  But there is a powerful yet underutilized tool called mindful self-compassion. In this episode, we are joined by one of the experts in mindful…

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A Brain-First Approach to Parenting

In this episode, Eileen Devine, licensed clinical social worker and founder of Brain First Parenting, shares how we can support individuals with challenging behaviors by moving away from rewards and consequences and toward a deeper understanding of the brain-behavior connection.…

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Fire-Setting Behavior in Children

Foster parents should be aware that fire-setting can be a serious and potentially dangerous behavior that requires careful attention and intervention.  It's crucial to understand the child’s reasons behind fire-setting, including curiosity, impulsive behavior, or underlying emotional issues.  Understanding the causes,…

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Commitment Through Uncertainty

In this episode, we are joined by Scott Yeomans, who shares his story as a kinship caregiver, acknowledging the unanticipated commitment, emotions and decisions he and his family have faced. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website | Facebook | Youtube

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Align Your Mind

In this episode, Britt Frank--therapist, author, speaker, and adjunct professor—shares tools and insights from her brand new book, Align Your Mind. Listen in as she brings us personal stories, practical tips, and new ways of navigating all the different parts…

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School Issues for Children in Foster Care

In this episode, Rick Delaney and Charley Joyce focus on the behavioral and emotional challenges children in foster care and families experience within the school system.  Tune in to learn how school-related issues impact foster parents and their interactions with…

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The Missing Puzzle Pieces

In this episode, we are joined by Holly Guyer, Mark Watkins and Sandi Falck. Holly, Mark and Sandi are siblings who were adopted at birth. They share their story--from what they were told by their parents in childhood, to the…

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Open Hearts, Persistence, and Love

Ellie Krug is a former civil trial attorney, nonprofit leader, radio/podcast host, author and national speaker on human inclusivity. Most of all, she is the parent of two Korean-born adult daughters, one of whom Ellie lost when she came out…

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Positive Childhood Experiences

In this episode, we are joined by award-winning science journalist Donna Jackson Nakazawa. Donna is going to share with us the latest research on Positive Childhood Experiences, why they are so vital for us to understand and practical ways to…

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Adoption Literacy

In this episode, we are joined by author, clinician, and adoptee advocate Cam Lee Small. Cam will share an overview of what it means to be Adoption Literate, outlining how we can best support those impacted by adoption in our…

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Happy Enough Holidays

In this episode, we are joined by Beth Syverson, adoptive parent and founder of Unraveling Adoption, an organization that seeks to connect and support in growth and healing those who have been touched by adoption. The holidays can be a…

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Overstimulation in Caregiving

In this episode, we are joined by Jana Battagler, a licensed professional clinical counselor at Empower Counseling in Fargo, North Dakota. Jana is going to tell us all about overstimulation in parenting: what it is, how we got here, and…

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Connections, Compassion and Culture

Join Rosilynn Morris as she shares her reflections on working as a Therapist in an organization that primarily served Native American children, teens, and adults. Discover how she learned to integrate Indigenous knowledge with evidence-based treatment to create a holistic…

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Self Harm, How Do We Help?

In this episode, we will learn why self-harm, diagnoses, when they should stop, interventions and how understanding is the key.  Guest Bruce O’Leary shares how to be supportive without reinforcing the behavior.  Bruce is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist…

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From Wounds to Healing

If you have been brave enough to be a foster or adoptive parent, then you will agree that it comes with a cost. Yet many of us continue to put ourselves back into the battle zones willingly because the children…

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Decision Fatigue

Please join us as we talk about the frantic pace of today’s families and the decision fatigue that can result.  We’ll validate and normalize decision fatigue and identify ways we can keep ourselves and our families healthy and joyful. Our…

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Lessons Learned Along the Way

In this episode, we are joined by Sue Tate, who, along with her husband Randy, provided foster care for 20 years and cared for over 30 children. Sue shares what interested them in becoming foster parents, things they didn’t expect…

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Stories Connect (Part 2)

In Part 2 of Stories Connect, we are joined by Dan and Emily, who share about the importance of a network of support when becoming foster and adoptive parents. They also share valuable insights and answer commonly asked questions to…

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Stories Connect (Part 1)

May is National Foster Care Month. To show appreciation for the care foster parents provide and encourage others to consider fostering, we are hearing the foster care journey of Dan and Emily. In part 1 of this two-part series, Emily…

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The Overlooked Child (Part 2)

In part two of this two-part series, we will focus on high school youth and how transition planning is crucial with this age group.  Just like part one, we’ll help make sure special education surrogates and foster parent voices, ideas,…

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The Overlooked Child (Part 1)

In part one of this two-part series, we will focus on elementary – middle school age children.  Don’t feel intimidated and disregarded!  Here’s how to make sure special education surrogates and foster parent voices, ideas and concerns are heard at…

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Lived Experiences and Complexities of Adoption

Join us to hear how Amy Wilkerson, LICSW, helps individuals find the courage to live their lives authentically while staying in connection with themselves and others.  Amy is a transracial and international adoptee as well as licensed clinical social worker. …

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UMOJA [OO-mo-jah] is Swahili for unity!

Join us to learn how UMOJA MN inspires families to reflect on the beautiful ways African Americans have contributed to the development of humanity.  Our guest, Queen Jacobs, is the program director at UMOJA MN and will share how the…

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Human Trafficking in Minnesota and Beyond

Please join us for a thought-provoking conversation with two human trafficking experts committed to achieving social justice. Our webinars cover sensitive topics such as grief, trauma, abuse, neglect, and sexual behaviors. We acknowledge these topics may be triggering or uncomfortable…

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What is a Special Education Surrogate?

Martha Lippitt, Char Matheson, and Norma Graham (2023 Distinguished Service Award recipient) will share how they ensure quality and meaningful education for children under state guardianship through the services of Special Education surrogates. Learn how volunteers appointed by school districts…

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‘Twas the Night Before Holiday Break

Make your list and check it twice before the holiday season approaches!  Learn from two school based mental health providers how to keep silent nights where all is calm and bright during your holiday break. FOSTER ADOPT MINNESOTA Website |…

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Open Your Mind and Heart

Hear from a parent who adopted through foster care while working within Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) guidelines. Samantha and her family developed an incredibly close bond with her child’s birth mother, and large extended family, while continuing to champion…

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Adults Supporting Trans Youth

Please join us for an important discussion about the ways in which adults can support trans youth and all trans people. Join us for Kristen Datta's Fall Forum webinar, Using LGBTQ History to Support LGBTQ Kids on November 8, 2023.…

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A Racial Identity Journey

Isaac Etter grew up with very few Black people. His only reference for Black people was through television and the media. Transracial adoptees need parents who support their racial identity development in positive ways. In this episode, we will learn from…

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Chat with Chalmers, A Voice for Change!

Since aging out of foster care in Colorado in 1985, Michelle Chalmers has been passionate about the need for system reform and the essential role that young people can take in leading child welfare to more effective, youth- and family-focused…

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BTS of BTS Event!

We’re going Behind-the-Scenes of FAM’s Back-to-School shopping event.  Kim Sacay from FAM will share how it all got started.  Emily, a Child Specific Recruiter, and Kim will share how it all works… and Emily will provide the youth’s perspective. FOSTER…

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Homework for Parents

We’ll get the inside scoop from a school teacher in Greater MN about how you can prepare for the upcoming school year. Maureen has been a teacher for 20-years, is an adoptive and foster parent, and ready to share how…

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Preparing for School—at School

Brenda Benning has five things to keep in mind as you help your child transition back-to-school. Brenda works with families individually in home and group settings. Her primary focus is adoptive families with children healing from trauma histories and attachment…

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Design Flaws

Join us for an adoption discussion centered around author Joe Golemo's life as an adoptee, and in his new book Design Flaws, a murder mystery set in the Twin Cities. Author Joe Golemo draws distinct parallels to his own life…

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Concepts of De-escalation

This podcast will explore frameworks for understanding escalation. In addition, we will discuss effective and corresponding interventions to match the level of escalation. Lastly, we will focus on self-management to enhance the de-escalation skills. You can register for Jimmie's webinar…

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Two topics, Three Spring Summit Guests in One!

Hear from child welfare professionals, Brianna Sigg and Stephanie Coleman, about their years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with marginalized identities.  They will also share the various types of safe care supports available in our communities.  You…

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FASD Through the Eyes of Barb Clark

We will take a deeper dive into Barb Clark’s personal passion, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  Learn how the world of FASD has changed throughout the years and what it means to parent those with FASD into adulthood.  We will also…

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Goodbye Again

Join us for a discussion of the memoir Goodbye Again. This book is the story of one birth mother's relinquishment, reunion, secondary loss, and journey to acceptance and healing. Her heart-wrenching book details how she lost her son - twice.…

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To Finalization and Beyond!

Finally, we have reached the final segment of our 5-part series for adoptive parents. Now that we have come to the point of finalization, we will make sure you have the resources you need for your family after the child’s…

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It’s Placement Time!

Our series moves on to adoption placements. You are not alone in navigating the complexities of having a youth join your family. Learn from an experienced adoptive parent how you can advocate for your child and get the support you…

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The Back-to-School Transition

With school days just around the corner, families would like more than just a back-to-school supply list to help them prepare. For the first of our two-part series, we will discuss how to get ready for the school days transition.…

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Know Your Rights: Kinship

Join us to learn more about the law for relatives or kin who are a permanency resource for a child in foster care.     MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt

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Autism: What You Need to Know

What is Autism?  How is it diagnosed?  Why is it so prevalent?  These questions will be addressed by an expert on the topic. Dr. Reeve is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and has worked for HealthPartners for over 30 years.…

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Disruption/Dissolution of Adoptions

Join us for the very complex and difficult topic of disruption and dissolution of pre-adoption or adoptive families. We’ll look at the grief, trauma, and how to hold compassion for all members of the family. Amber Morrighan, MA, LMFT, has…

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LGBTQ+: Understanding and Support

This podcast will inform and inspire our thought processes regarding the unique impact of LGBTQ+ identity on many aspects of development and relationships in foster and adoptive families.   MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt

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Partnerships for Permanence: Developing Young Leaders

Lola Adebara will explain how Partnerships for Permanence is dedicated to bringing formerly fostered young adults together to raise awareness and work to improve the child welfare system.   MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt

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Let’s Talk – Anxiety!

Join in this podcast to learn more about what contributes to your toxic stress and how it impacts you. Dr. Tami DeCoteau, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) will share strategies for self-care and managing stress.   If you like this podcast, consider joining Dr. DeCoteau for a live webinar…

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Let’s Talk – All Behavior Has Meaning with Adrian McLemore

Adrian McLemore is back with us!  He highlights strategies & techniques parents can use who are struggling with behavior at home and ways to communicate with youth.     MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/fosteradoptmn

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Let’s Talk – De-Bunking the Myths of Foster Care

Common myths can make the prospect of fostering/adopting more intimidating than it should be.  We go over 5 common myths about foster care. If you are interested in fostering, complete our foster care inquiry form:  https://fostercare.mnadopt.org/v2/?c=fc_inquiry Foster Care information:  https://fosteradoptmn.org/fostering-network/…

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Let’s Talk – Interview with a Foster Mom: Back-To-School Shopping Experience

We chat with Lisa, a foster & adoptive mom, about her and her children’s experience with the Back-to-School Shopping Event last year! Learn more about this event:  https://mnadopt.networkforgood.com/projects/82148-back-to-school-shopping-for-foster-kids-2020   MN ADOPT Website: fosteradoptmn.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mnADOPT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MNAdopt

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