Adopt Perspective Adoption Podcast

What happens when lived experience becomes art?In this powerful episode of Adopt Perspective, we explore Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives – an original musical testimony that brings the hidden stories of Australia’s Forced Adoption Era to the stage through music, performance and truth-telling.Host Jo Sparrow speaks with Louise Kirk, a mother impacted by forced adoption who, as a teenager in the 1970s, was coerced into the adoption of her six-month-old son. Louise shares her deeply personal story of love, loss and lifelong grief, as well as her journey into advocacy and peer support for other mothers affected by adoption separation.They discuss how Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives is transforming lived experience into theatre, amplifying voices that have too often been silenced, and creating opportunities for healing through storytelling.The production team is also seeking more men affected by forced adoption to become involved by sharing their experiences and potentially performing as part of the project.Listen now and discover how creativity can honour memory, challenge silence and foster understanding.To find out more email: [email protected] Chapters00:00 Introduction to Broken Bonds Fractured Lives01:17 Louise Kirk's Personal Journey11:23 The Impact of Forced Adoption16:03 The Struggles of Reunion and Identity17:38 Advocacy Through Art and Music20:04 The Birth of a Song: Tiny Hands21:04 From Concept to Performance: The Journey Begins23:17 Emotional Resonance: The Power of Storytelling25:27 Expanding the Narrative: Including Fathers and Male Perspectives29:01 The Right to Know: Advocating for Adoption Awareness30:29 Sharing Truths: The Importance of Lived Experiences34:28 Invitation to Participate: Engaging Men in the ConversationKeywords:Adoption, forced adoption, storytelling, theatre, advocacy, mental health, trauma, reunion, public truth-telling, music, community supportThis episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website.  Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland  If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music.  We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

What happens when the story you were told about your conception begins to unravel?In this episode of Adopt Perspective, Jo Sparrow speaks with Katherine Dawson, creator of Origin Archives, about her experience as a donor conceived person, the shocking discoveries she made about her donor, the growing number of siblings she has found, and the serious questions her story raises about fertility clinics, records, health information, genetic identity and accountability.This conversation explores donor conception in Australia, Assisted Reproductive Technology, family secrets, biological truth, systemic failure and the power of lived experience to create change.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Donor Conception and Personal Stories06:36 The Complexities of Identity and Family14:35 Marketing and Perceptions of Donor Conception24:14 Navigating Medical Concerns in Donor Conception29:27 The Search for Identity and Siblings33:22 Health Implications and Genetic Awareness38:45 Creating Change Through Origin ArchivesResourcesOrigin ArchivesDonor Conceived Australia This episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption.  If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website.  Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland  If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music.  We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Did you know that behind every adoption story, there’s a painful truth that’s rarely discussed? In this episode of the Adopt Perspective podcast, Jo Sparrow interviews Bev Shipway, who shares her harrowing experience of being coerced into giving up her son for adoption in Western Australia at the age of 17. Bev recounts the trauma of her pregnancy, the pressure from her family and the system, and the long-lasting effects of her adoption experience. She discusses the challenges of consent, the emotional turmoil of reconnecting with her son, and her journey towards healing. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of adoption, the impact of societal norms, and the importance of personal agency.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bev's Story03:36 The System of Coercion and Secrecy06:52 The Experience of Pregnancy and Birth09:58 The Impact of Institutional Practices12:49 The Aftermath of Adoption16:28 Reflections on Consent and Freedom23:27 The Weight of Silence24:27 The Struggle for Connection25:54 The Journey to Revocation29:38 Reconnecting with the Past32:51 Moments of Joy and Reflection35:52 Defining Healing37:13 Advice to the Younger SelfThis episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption.  SUBSCRIBE! If this conversationresonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website.  Your hostis Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland  If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or youcan call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music.  We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to cultureand the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

In this episode, Jo Sparrow speaks with Caroline Liesegang about her journey of discovering her adoption at the age of 27. Caroline shares her experiences growing up in a family where all siblings were adopted but none were told the truth. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of secrecy, the complexities of trust in relationships, and the challenges of navigating family dynamics after such a revelation. Caroline reflects on her reunion with her biological family and the ongoing struggles with identity and belonging, offering insights for others who may find themselves in similar situations.Chapters00:00 The Journey of Discovery04:39 The Impact of Secrecy09:48 Navigating Trust and Relationships15:17 Conversations with Adoptive Parents20:07 Reunion with Biological Family25:15 Reflections on Identity and Belonging30:20 Understanding the Wider ExperienceThis episode will resonate with adopted adults, late discovery adopted people, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website.  Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland  If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music.  We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

In this episode, Ben Straker shares his journey of self-discovery as an adopted person. He reflects on his childhood, the complexities of family dynamics, and the impact of adoption on his identity. Ben discusses the trauma associated with his birth experience and how it resurfaced during the birth of his own child. He explores the concept of the primal wound and the emotional turmoil of searching for his biological family. Despite facing rejection and unanswered questions, Ben emphasises the importance of finding peace and connection within himself and his family through ritual.Chapters00:00 Ben's Adoption Journey09:00 The Impact of Adoption on Identity18:34 Trauma and the Birth Experience22:10 Discovering the Primal Wound28:15 Searching for Roots and Original Identity30:53 Unpacking Identity and Adoption33:37 Discovering Birth Family: The Search37:31 The Emotional Impact of Discovery & Using ritual for healing40:19 Navigating Silence and Rejection50:12 The Search for Father: Challenges and Obstacles56:08 Finding Peace in Unanswered QuestionsThis episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website.  Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland  If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music.  We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.