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PODCAST

The Foster Friendly Podcast

Courtney Williams, Brian Mavis, Travis Vangsnes

Welcome to The Foster Friendly Podcast. We’re bringing foster care closer to home by sharing stories from the front lines. We"re talking with former foster youth, foster parents and others who are finding unique and powerful ways to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care. The Foster Friendly podcast is brought to you by America’s Kids Belong, a nonprofit that helps kids in foster care find belonging in both family and community.

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

38:41

A Legacy of Support and Care: A Mayor Champions...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/07/16

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian and co-host Travis engage with Mayor Tommy Allegood of Acworth, Georgia. They discuss his nonpartisan approach to leadership, the significant growth of Acworth under his tenure, and his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Working alongside Georgia Kids Belong, Acworth became Georgia’s first official "Foster Friendly City" in 2023, with Mayor Allegood championing the commitment to recruit and retain enough

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51:27

One Year Anniversary of the Podcast: The Most...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/07/09

In this episode, the hosts reflect on their first year of podcasting, sharing funny moments, inspiring stories, and the diverse topics covered. They discuss the motivations behind the podcast, the importance of community support, and the changes in the foster care system. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocacy and the impact of personal experiences in fostering.Three episodes highlighted from their conversation: Episode 33: Teens Openly Share Their Experiences as Birth Children

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35:43

Introducing the Campus Housing Affordability for...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/07/02

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams engage with Congressman Greg Landsman, who discusses his advocacy for children and families, particularly those in the foster care system. Landsman shares his journey from local politics to Congress, emphasizing the importance of community support and early childhood education. He introduces his bill aimed at allowing foster care youth to use housing vouchers for on-campus living, highlighting the

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42:53

From Meth to Social Worker, a Powerful Reunification...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/06/25

In this deeply moving episode, Travis and Courtney sit down with Brenna Hunter, a mother whose children were removed from her care in 2020 due to substance use. Today, she’s not only a reunited parent, but also a parenting time specialist working to support other families in the child welfare system.Brenna bravely shares her story—growing up in a conservative home, falling into addiction, losing custody of her children, and the painful yet powerful journey to recovery and reunification. She

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52:48

Home Sweet Home: Ashley and Ashton Share About Their...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/06/18

In this episode, Ashley Darrow and her son Ashton share their emotional journey through addiction, foster care, and reunification. Ashley discusses her struggles with addiction and the impact it had on her relationship with Ashton, who reflects on his experiences in foster care and the challenges of being separated from his mother. The conversation highlights themes of love, resilience, and the complexities of family dynamics in the face of adversity. This conversation also explores the

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58:15

A Foster Mom and Birth Mom Share Their Moving Story...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/06/11

This episode of the Foster Friendly podcast features a heartfelt conversation between hosts Brian and Travis, and guests Ashley Darrow and Selena Whitley, who share their intertwined stories of struggle, hope, and healing within the foster care system. Ashley recounts her journey through addiction and the challenges she faced as a mother, while Selena discusses her family's decision to foster children. Together, they explore the complexities of reunification, the impact of preconceived

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43:20

Reunification: An Honest Conversation Around Foster...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/06/04

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, the hosts discuss the complexities of foster care reunification, sharing personal stories and insights. They explore the emotional challenges faced by birth families, the statistics surrounding reunification rates, and the importance of supporting these families. The conversation highlights the mixed feelings surrounding reunification, the goals of child welfare, and the impact of time spent in care on reunification outcomes. In this

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34:18

Helpful Tips and Advice When the Going Gets Tough for...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/05/28

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams welcome back Bethany Hall, a licensed family nurse practitioner and director of training at Chosen. They discuss the importance of foster care awareness, the impact of movies on perceptions of foster care, and the ongoing need for support in the foster care system. Bethany shares insights on the significance of one-on-one coaching for foster families and the necessity of understanding attachment

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37:47

Overcoming Odds: From Street Child in Uganda to...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/05/21

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams interview Peter Mutabazi, a remarkable individual who shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Uganda to becoming a foster parent in the United States. Peter discusses the importance of kindness, education, and the role of men in foster care, as well as the unique dynamics of adopting children of different races. He emphasizes the need for love and safety in the lives of children in

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37:24

Frontlines of Foster Care: A Conversation with Laura,...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/05/14

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams engage with Laura (Foster Parent Partner), a prominent figure in the fostering community, to discuss the importance of Foster Care Awareness Month. Laura shares her journey into engaging foster care, the impact of her social media presence, and the challenges faced by foster parents. The conversation also emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care, community involvement, and the importance of

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52:20

Stories on Foster Care, Leadership, and Celebrating...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/05/07

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-hosts Courtney and Travis celebrate the 10th anniversary of America's Kids Belong (AKB). They discuss the organization's journey from its inception, driven by personal experiences as foster parents, to its current status as a trusted nonprofit in the foster care space. The conversation highlights little things like the evolution of AKB's logo, to bigger things like the importance of trust in their operations, and the

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37:18

Exploring Non-Traditional Kinship Care and Embracing...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/04/30

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian and Courtney engage with Kayla and Chris Habegger, a couple navigating the world of non-traditional kinship care. They discuss their journey into fostering, the importance of community awareness, and the dynamics of kinship care. The conversation highlights the emotional and practical aspects of fostering, emphasizing the need for understanding and support within families and communities.Kayla and Chris Habegger share their

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47:37

A Lively Conversation on Congregate Care and...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/04/23

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes speak with Scott Fuller, Vice President of Advancement at Murphy Harpst Children's Center. They discuss the organization's century-long commitment to caring for vulnerable children in foster care, Scott's personal journey into the field, and the innovative therapeutic programs offered, including equine therapy. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and the evolution of child

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43:26

How to Bridge Holistic Sleep Principles and...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/04/16

In this conversation, Allison Ezell shares her journey into becoming a pediatric sleep consultant, driven by her experiences with her son Brooks, who faced significant sleep challenges due to trauma. The discussion delves into the complexities of sleep for children from trauma-impacted backgrounds, emphasizing the neurological aspects of sleep and the importance of a trauma-informed approach. Allison highlights the need for holistic solutions that consider emotional, physical, and

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41:31

Fostering Resilience: Humor and Play as Tools for...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/04/09

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis explore the significance of play and humor in parenting, particularly in the context of fostering children who have experienced trauma. They share personal anecdotes about their own childhood experiences with play, discuss the psychological benefits of humor and play in building connections, and provide real-life examples of how these tools have helped them engage with children in their care. The conversation

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27:27

Mentoring and the Power of Changing Lives Through...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/04/02

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis and Courtney speak with Kim Swilpa, the Executive Director of New Jersey Angels. Kim shares her unique journey from the cosmetic industry to foster care advocacy, highlighting the challenges faced by youth aging out of the system. The conversation also delves into the Dare to Dream program, which pairs mentors with youth to provide guidance and support, and the Love Box program, which offers assistance to foster families. The

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30:00

4 Healthy Habits You Need to Incorporate as a Foster...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/03/26

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams welcome Nicole Barlow, a former foster parent and health and wellness coach, to discuss the essential habits foster and adoptive parents need to adopt for their well-being. Nicole emphasizes the importance of self-care, nutrition, movement, and rest, explaining how these elements not only benefit the parents but also create a healthier environment for the children in their care. The conversation

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44:53

How to Foster Faithfully through Generous Hospitality...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/03/19

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Travis engage with Abby Crooks, a veteran foster parent and founder of Fostering Faithfully. Abby shares her personal journey into foster care, the challenges and rewards of fostering, and the importance of community support for foster families. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating foster children's birthdays and the emotional complexities of being a foster parent. Abby emphasizes the need for

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35:52

What Foster Families Wish Caseworkers Knew and What...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/03/12

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis discuss the vital role of social workers in foster care, especially during Social Worker Appreciation Month. They explore the misconceptions surrounding social workers, the various roles of caseworkers, and the challenges they face. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating the work of caseworkers, fostering a collaborative relationship between foster parents and caseworkers,

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51:37

His Faith Became the Catalyst to Overcome Dark Times...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/03/05

In this conversation, Michael Weitzman shares his profound journey from growing up in the foster care system to becoming an advocate for vulnerable children. He discusses the challenges he faced, including a failed adoption, emotional struggles, and the impact of trauma on his life. Michael emphasizes the importance of mentorship and faith in his journey, ultimately finding purpose in serving others and sharing his story of resilience and hope. In this conversation, Michael Weitzman shares

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