Adoptee Thoughts

Hi all, The long awaited interview is here. Did they apologize? Yes, but I know many are still going to have an issue with it. Just remember they are still processing and starting to do the work to figure out how to heal and move forward. _________________________________________ In this raw, emotional episode, Teen Mom’s Catelynn and Tyler sit down with Melissa Guida-Richards and Dr. Abby Hasberry, LMFT, to share their immediate thoughts since shocking allegations surfaced about inappropriate contact with a minor. They address the rumors, catfishing, and the painful fallout from trying to reconnect with their biological daughter.   In this episode we dive into: -The truth behind the leaked messages -How grief and desperation fueled their actions -What really happened with the supposed “minors” -The trauma birth parents and adoptees carry -Why accountability and nuance matter _______________________________________________ Also, please pay attention to the video so you can see important information included from messages. I know this has been very controversial, enough so that I have received thr3ats, and overall harassment from within and outside the adoption community, so I want to be very clear about my intentions. As an adoption educator who has worked with numerous families over the years, I have seen the, extraordinary lengths that some birth parents go to for contact. I've seen folk say they'll sneak phones to their biological children, or even admit if they had an opportunity they would take them from their adoptive family. Is this okay? NO, not at all. However, we cannot teach birth parents how to cope in a healthy way, and keep communication open in a safe way that doesn't cross boundaries, unless we address why this happened in the first place. Think of it like a dad r0bbing a pharmacy. Is this okay? No. Did he harm people? Most likely. But does it change things knowing that he needed to get insulin for his diabetic doctor who would not survive without it. Now, I know, I know. Many will say, oh well it wasn't that serious. And I have to remind you, that to YOU, it wasn't. Feelings are not facts. Trauma combined with a bombardment of shocking information, clearly led to reckless choices. Talking to an anonymous person let alone two and discussing information about their bio daughter. Remember that regardless of your opinions on them, they are still in this world navigating life and relationships like us all. "Cancelling" them and attacking their friends will not change that. To actually make progress and help more children we need to work together towards ethical and child centered practices. You do not have to communicate or be involved in this process, but it does not mean that others who choose to are unsafe adults. Thanks for listening and taking everything into consideration. Stay tuned for more as we wait for the amazing Sleuth, Riley Lively, to unveil more information about this situation. Please check out our upcoming Adoption Changemaker Conference, on Nov 8th, 2025 in NYC. Adoption Changemakers is the conference the adoption industry doesn’t want you to see. We’ve started the conversation—now we need your help to keep the momentum going and make real change, by bringing diverse voices across the constellation. A majority of the proceeds will be DONATED to a nonprofit that provides mentoring for adoptees and foster youth. The rest will pay for travel/hotel costs for those in the adoption constellation that need it, and then if we have any left over it will be used for next years conference! Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adoption-changemaker-conference-tickets-1368767834439?aff=oddtdtcreator For more about Abby, please check out, https://adoptionnarrativeshift.com You can listen to Catelynn and Tylers, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL88xhQ-tUlW63kvIbBdHol9Iu4DZ2I_Pc&si=kah4Wnge8cM3bHrc ________________________________________________________RESOURCES: Adoption and

Welcome to Adoptee Thoughts, where each week, we dive deep into the nuanced world of adoption—unpacking challenges, perspectives, and the tough conversations that too often go unspoken. Whether you're an adoptee, an adoptive parent, or simply curious about the realities beyond the mainstream narrative, this is a space for raw, thought-provoking discussions.     In this powerful episode, we dive into the world of adoption blogging with one of the key figures from the documentary An Update on the Family--Hannah Cho.   She is a transnational Korean American Adoptee, small business owner, mother and wife. Even though she knew from a very young age that she was adopted - she didn’t start accepting and ultimately embracing her adoption story until her twenties. Thanks to finding an amazing community online, first on youtube and then other social media platforms, she is now creating a space in the beauty industry for people who look like her and who like her, didn’t see others like them when growing up. We also discuss the darker side of influencer culture, the commodification of adoption stories, and how viral fame can shape (and distort) narratives around adoptees and family life. What happens when content creation blurs the lines between storytelling and exploitation? And how do we shift the conversation to center adoptees rather than views and engagement metrics?     Find Hannah here: https://www.instagram.com/hellohannahcho/ and https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahchobeauty **Join us as we break down the complexities of adoption, social media, and the responsibilities that come with storytelling in the digital age.**   We don’t shy away from the hard topics—because they matter.   **Subscribe & Stay Connected:** If this conversation resonates with you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep these discussions going. Your support helps bring more visibility to adoptee voices.  #AdopteeThoughts #AdoptionEthics #FamilyVlogging #HannahCho #AdopteeVoices   Resources:   Adoption & Foster Parent Influencing:   https://www.thedailybeast.com/should-foster-parents-be-allowed-to-monetize-their-kids/       Who Adopts: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db12.pdf   Family Vlogger Laws:   https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Family/parenting-influencers-speak-new-law-designed-protect-kids/story?id=111580202   Rehoming:   https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/11/children-who-have-second-adoptions/575902/   https://www.newsweek.com/how-this-legal-woman-exposes-child-rehoming-ad-adoption-agency-viral-video-1667464   Adoption Disruption and Dissolutions:   https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-HE23_1200-PURL-gpo145740/pdf/GOVPUB-HE23_1200-PURL-gpo145740.pdf   Books to Read: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/House-My-Mother/Shari-Franke/9781668065396?gQT=2   _____________________________________________   Music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/better-offLicense code: 0EIGKMEX90LYK9K4      

Welcome to our latest episode of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast! In this thought-provoking discussion, I delve into the complexities surrounding the decisions made by birth mothers and pregnant individuals to place children for adoption in the United States with Gretchen Sisson, PhD.    She is a sociologist with Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health at the University of California, San Francisco, and the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, a critical, ten-year examination of domestic adoption. Centering the stories of relinquishing mothers, the book chronicles our country's refusal to care for families at the most basic level, and instead allow cultural and political ideas of adoption to advance an individual, private solution to large-scale social problems. A "comprehensive and harrowing debut" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) that "contributes to our national conversation of what reproductive justice really means" (Gloria Steinem), Relinquished is a necessary examination for our post-Dobbs era.   Adoption is a deeply personal and often emotionally charged journey, shaped by a myriad of factors including societal pressures, personal circumstances, and individual beliefs. Through insightful interviews and expert analysis, we unravel the layers of this complex topic, shedding light on the diverse experiences and perspectives of birth mothers and pregnant people.   Join us as we explore the nuanced reasons behind adoption decisions, from considerations of financial stability and educational opportunities to the emotional toll of unexpected pregnancies and societal stigma. We'll also discuss the importance of providing comprehensive support and resources to birth mothers throughout the adoption process, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met with empathy and understanding.   Whether you're an adoptive parent, adoption professional, or simply interested in understanding the dynamics of adoption in the United States, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives that will deepen your understanding of this important topic.   Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes. Together, let's foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the complexities of adoption and the individuals impacted by this profound journey.   GIVEAWAY INFORMATION: As a thank you for being such an amazing community I am giving away one (1) copy of Gretchen’s book, “Relinquished.” T To enter you must:   Subscribe to my Youtube Channel @adoptee_thoughts Comment your favorite part of the episode For additional entries tag a friend in the comments that you think would benefit from listening to this podcast episode Enter within 10 days from the release of this episode on March 25th, 2024 Winner Will be announced on April 5th, 2024   Connect with Gretchen here:   https://www.instagram.com/gretchen.sisson/ You can purchase her book here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/relinquished-the-politics-of-adoption-and-the-privilege-of-american-motherhood-gretchen-sisson/19995515?ean=978125028 _______________________________________________  For more adoption content, please like and follow: @adoptee_thoughts    https://www.tiktok.com/@adoptee_thoughts  https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/  https://www.adopteethoughts.com    ___________________________________________________  When I wrote an essay about finding out I was adopted much later in life for @huffpost I never expected it to go viral and then find my passion in adoption education and advocacy for ethical, trauma-informed, and child-centered adoption practices. Reviews of "What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption"    “A powerful, worthwhile addition to the growing body of work on race and parenting.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review    “Melissa Guida-Richards lays bare a painful truth: Tha

On Season 3, Episode 6 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Christian Aragon and host Melissa Guida-Richards discuss the shocking story of his illegal adoption and reunion with his biological family. You may recognize some of his story from his viral video with "Put a Finger Down" challenge.    About the Adoptee: Christian Matthew Aragon was illegally adopted and raised by a woman who claimed to be my birth mother. He found his biological family at 36 and is just now getting to start his life with them.     How to connect: Follow him @mattaragon87 on TikTok!  _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards and resources available for purchase from panels to workshops, to book club information go to adopteethoughts.com or her Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/     Her book are available anywhere books are sold. What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices   Preorder the companion Workbook here: 

On Season 3, Episode 5 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Scott McCreary, Leigh Ann Baglin, Katie Ares, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss the siblings reunion journey, including the ups and downs.    About the Adoptees:   Scott McCreary is a 39-year old adoptee from South Korea. He grew up in Oklahoma and presently lives in Missouri with his wife. Currently working at a local hospital and extremely happy to experience life with my siblings and catch up on all the time passed by.   Leigh Ann Baglin is a 37 year-old South Korean adoptee residing in New Jersey with her husband and two biological children. She currently holds her LSW and works as a school therapist at the middle and high school levels. She has worked in various mental health settings such as adoption agencies, school-based youth programs, child welfare agencies, and group homes. Leigh is in active reunion with her birth father and is looking forward to growing with and sharing experiences with Katie and Scott.    Katie Ares is a 40-year-old Korean adoptee. Born in Kyungsan, South Korea, Katie was adopted at the age of three months. Raised as an only child, she lived in Pennsylvania before her family moved to Central Florida (which she considers her hometown). Most of Katie's career has been spent in roles within the nonprofit sector. Katie now calls Arizona home, where she spends her free time exploring the outdoors with her husband and two dogs. Katie is grateful to have connected with Leigh and Scott, and is enjoying the important role of being an unni and noona.   How to connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scott_a_mccreary/ https://www.instagram.com/leighanners/   _________   To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards and resources available for purchase from panels to workshops, to book club information go to adopteethoughts.com or her Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/     Her book are available anywhere books are sold. 📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and Practices   Preorder the companion Workbook here: