Fostering & Adoption Podcast with Nikki & Larry

The Hardest Part of Fostering Nobody Talks About | Dealing With Bio Parents (S2 Ep. 6)

Season 2, Episode 6 of the Fostering & Adoption Podcast dives into one of the most challenging and least talked-about parts of fostering and adoption—navigating relationships with biological parents. In this episode, we speak honestly about the emotional tension, boundaries, misunderstandings, and faith required when bio parents are still part of the journey. This conversation isn’t about blame—it’s about grace, growth, and doing what’s best for the child, even when it’s uncomfortable. Whether you’re a foster parent, adoptive parent, considering fostering, or simply want to understand the reality behind the process, this episode sheds light on what many families experience but few openly discuss. This is the real work. This is the heart work. And sometimes, this is the hardest part. 🎙️ In this episode, we discuss: The emotional weight of dealing with bio parents Setting boundaries while leading with compassion How fostering tests patience, pride, and faith Learning to love without control Why this part of the journey matters more than we think 🙏 If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs encouragement on their fostering or adoption journey.

How Did We Not Go Insane Fostering?! | S2E5 – Nikki & Larry

Fostering isn’t just a calling — it’s an emotional, mental, and spiritual challenge.
In Season 2, Episode 5 of the Fostering Adoption Podcast, Nikki & Larry open up about the realities most families are afraid to say out loud: the exhaustion, pressure, uncertainty, and moments that nearly pushed them to their limit.
This episode explores:• The mental toll of fostering• How stress and trauma show up inside the home• What kept them grounded when everything felt overwhelming• The role of faith, community, and support• Why honesty matters in the foster care conversation
If you’re fostering, considering fostering, or supporting a foster family, this episode offers real insight, encouragement, and validation. You’re not alone — and you’re not crazy for feeling this way.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe on Podbean to stay connected to stories that heal, inform, and inspire.
#FosteringAdoptionPodcast #Season2 #FosterCareAwareness #AdoptionJourney #FamilyStories #HealingTogether

Disorders & Disruptions in the Home – What Children Are Really Facing

In Season 2, Episode 4 of the Fostering Adoption Podcast, we dive into one of the hardest and most important realities within foster and adoptive care:the disorders, disruptions, and emotional battles children experience long before they arrive in a new home.
This episode sheds light on:• The hidden challenges children are navigating daily• How trauma and instability shape behavior• Why “acting out” is often a signal, not a problem• What foster and adoptive parents need to understand• How families can create safety, consistency, and healing
These honest conversations help us better understand the hurt behind a child’s actions — and how we can respond with empathy instead of frustration. 💛
Whether you're a foster parent, adoptive family, or someone passionate about supporting vulnerable children, this episode offers insight, hope, and real-world guidance.
💛 Listen now and subscribe on Podbean, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify to follow the full journey.
#FosteringAdoptionPodcast #Season2 #ChildTrauma #FosterCareAwareness #AdoptionJourney #FamilySupport #HealingTogether

When They Came Back: The Hard Truth About Balancing Bio & Foster Kids (Season 2 Episode 3)

In this powerful episode, Nikki & Larry open up about one of the most emotional chapters of their foster care journey — the day they had to discharge a child they deeply loved, and the unbelievable moment when that same child returned to their lives in a way they never expected.
They share what it felt like to navigate grief, hope, and restoration all at the same time. And they go even deeper, talking honestly about something many foster parents struggle with but rarely discuss out loud:the delicate, often challenging balance between raising biological children and foster children under the same roof.
How do you give everyone the love, structure, and attention they deserve?How do you manage the different needs, emotions, and expectations?And how do you protect the hearts of your bio kids while loving your foster kids wholeheartedly?
Through tears, laughter, and transparency, Nikki & Larry share the lessons they learned, the moments that tested their faith, and the grace God provided every step of the way.
If you’re fostering, adopting, considering the journey, or simply want a deeper look into the reality behind the smiles — this episode will speak to you in a meaningful way.💛 Subscribe for more real conversations, real families, and real stories of hope.
#FosteringAdoption #FosterCare #AdoptionJourney #FamilyStories #FaithFamily #Testimony

Our Decision, Our House — The Moment Everything Changed (Season 2 Episode 2)

In this powerful episode, Nikki & Larry share the pivotal moment they made the decision to open their home — and their hearts — to children in need.
From the conversations that led up to it, to the emotions that came with saying “yes,” Season 2 Episode 2 dives deep into what it truly means to create a safe, loving space for others.
Listen as they unpack:
The story behind their decision
The impact fostering had on their home
What they learned about family, faith, and sacrifice
How opening the door changed their lives forever
✨ Stream the full episode now on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share to support the mission of fostering awareness and adoption advocacy.
#FosteringAdoption #FosterCareJourney #AdoptionStory #FamilyMatters #NikkiAndLarryPodcast

Our Journey Begins: The Story of Nikki & Larry (Season 2 Episode 1)

In this opening episode, Nikki and Larry invite you into their story — the life experiences, family values, and defining moments that shaped their passion for fostering and adoption. From their childhood influences to the early years of their marriage, they share how faith, compassion, and a heart for service became the foundation of their home.
You’ll learn who they are, what shaped them, and why they’ve committed their lives to caring for children and families in need. This honest introduction sets the stage for a season filled with real conversations, lived experiences, and the beautiful realities of love in action.
Join us as the journey begins.

S1 Ep. 22 - The Finale: Season 1 Highlights & What’s to Come in Season 2

In our Season 1 finale, we wrap things up by sharing our greatest takeaways, holy highlights and favorite moments from the 21 incredible people we had on the show. You also will get a sneak peak of the exciting things to come in Season 2 and a special announcement! See you in November!
Are you a foster or adoptive parent who would like to share what God has done in your life? Are you an organization that serves the children in our community? We would love to hear from you! Click the link below. https://cherishedimphttps://cherishedimpressionscpa.com/our-podcastressionscpa.com/ 
Learn how we help families in our community through SWAGG: https://www.facebook.com/swaggprograms

S1 Ep. 19: Mom Guilt & Mental Health | Foster Mom's Honest Conversation on Mental Health & Wholeness

Mom guilt and mental health are a real battle and foster moms are no exception. Today, Jamie Hillburn shares her story and how she has learned to not only manage her anxiety and depression, but how she also includes her children in the journey so they understand hard moments are okay and even necessary.
 
Are you a foster or adoptive parent who would like to share what God has done in your life? Are you an organization that serves the children in our community? We would love to hear from you! Click the link below. https://cherishedimphttps://cherishedimpressionscpa.com/our-podcastressionscpa.com/ 
Learn how we help families in our community through SWAGG: https://www.facebook.com/swaggprograms
Listen to Sam's The One Called Mama podcast by clicking here:
https://onecalledmama.org/one-called-mama-podcast

S1 Ep. 18: The Powerful Impact of Equine Therapy

In today’s episode we dive into the world of equine therapy and the vast array of benefits it holds for our children and community. Filmed on location at locally owned and operated Runnin’ Free Ranch, listen to Amy Dojahn as she shares how her and her husband Ken (DJ) started this incredible organization and their passion for using horses to bring healing to our community. This one is jam packed with valuable info. that you DO NOT want to miss!
To contact Amy, visit her website at https://www.runninfreeranch.org/
Link to resources mentioned in today’s episode are here: https://zipdo.co/equine-therapy-statistics/ 
Are you a foster or adoptive parent who would like to share what God has done in your life? Are you an organization that serves the children in our community? We would love to hear from you! Click the link below. https://cherishedimphttps://cherishedimpressionscpa.com/our-podcastressionscpa.com/ 
Learn how we help families in our community through SWAGG: https://www.facebook.com/swaggprograms
Listen to Sam's The One Called Mama podcast by clicking here:
https://onecalledmama.org/one-called-mama-podcast

S1. Ep. 17: Parties that Leave An Impact | Changing Lives Through Selfless Charity & Celebration

"His little face was just pressed up against the glass." Dr. Vickie Smith recounts the very first GLYP (God Loves You Party) she ever hosted and how excited and overjoyed this little boy felt knowing the party was "just for him". He didn't have much; his mother just asked for a coat for the winter so they wouldn't be cold. But they received so much more than a coat. This family received a showering of Christ's love and left knowing, without a doubt, there is always hope and God will always provide.
 
Funded entirely through her own resources and a handful of private donors, Dr. Smith shares how her ministry was born and the heartwarming stories of the foster children and their families who have experienced this incredible outpouring of love.
 
To contact Dr. Smith, visit her website: https://next2dbest.com/
 
Are you a foster or adoptive parent who would like to share what God has done in your life? Are you an organization that serves the children in our community? We would love to hear from you! Click the link below. https://cherishedimphttps://cherishedimpressionscpa.com/our-podcastressionscpa.com/ 
Learn how we help families in our community through SWAGG: https://www.facebook.com/swaggprograms
Listen to Sam's The One Called Mama podcast by clicking here:
https://onecalledmama.org/one-called-mama-podcast