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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

42:25

Cultivating Connection: Building Stronger...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/02/26

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, Chef Kibby shares his unique journey as a foster adoptive parent and professional chef. He discusses how the pandemic forced him to confront personal challenges and discover the profound connection between food and emotional well-being. Chef Kibby emphasizes the importance of using food as a tool for building attachment and connection with children, especially those from difficult backgrounds. He provides practical steps for parents to foster

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45:11

Teens Openly Share Their Experiences as Birth...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/02/19

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams engages in a heartfelt conversation with her children Eli and Ayla about their experiences growing up in a large foster family. They discuss the emotional complexities of fostering, the dynamics of their family, and the lessons learned through their journey. The conversation highlights the importance of compassion, patience, and the challenges faced when welcoming new foster children into their home. Eli and Ayla share

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41:01

A Powerful Journey From Foster Care to Foster...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/02/12

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Melissa Smallwood shares her profound journey through the foster care system, her experiences as a young mother, and the resilience she developed along the way. From her abrupt entry into foster care to the nurturing relationships that helped her thrive, Melissa emphasizes the importance of hope, support, and the impact of positive influences in the lives of children affected by trauma. Her story serves as a testament to the power of

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55:42

The Staggering and Perpetual Problem of Too Many...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/02/05

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Travis, and Courtney discuss the challenges faced by foster parents, particularly the high attrition rates. They explore the emotional and systemic impacts of foster parent quitting on child welfare and the children in care. The conversation delves into the reasons behind these challenges, the importance of mentorship, and the need for support systems to help foster families navigate their difficult journeys. They also discuss the

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53:03

Helping Kids and Families Heal Through the Power of...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/01/29

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams interview Jenni Lord, founder of the nonprofit CHOSEN. Jenny shares her personal journey into the child welfare space, highlighting the importance of understanding trauma in foster care and adoption. She discusses the evolution of CHOSEN, its mission to support families, and the critical role of parental self-regulation in the healing process. The conversation emphasizes the complexities of child removal

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39:47

Helpful Insights on Birth Children in Foster and...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/01/22

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian and Courtney engage in a heartfelt conversation with Danielle Coates, who shares her unique experiences growing up in a foster and adoptive family. Danielle discusses the challenges and joys of being a biological sibling to foster children, the feelings of invisibility and replacement she faced, and the importance of supporting biological kids in foster families. The conversation also delves into practical strategies for parents to

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48:35

We Don't Age Out of Needing a Family: Teens in Foster...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/01/15

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview Tracy Rudd, State Director of Colorado Kids Belong. Tracy shares her journey into foster care advocacy, the importance of recruiting foster parents, and the impact of the I Belong Project-which connects children in foster care awaiting adoption to families. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of adopting teenagers, the significance of building a support system for

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40:32

A Lively Foster Care Conversation with Focus on the...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/01/08

In this episode of the Fosterer Friendly podcast, Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Dr. Sharen Ford, a nationally recognized child welfare consultant with over 30 years of experience and Director of Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family. Dr. Ford discusses the significance of public-private partnerships in foster care. Dr. Ford also shares her extensive experience and insights on how collaboration between faith-based organizations and government agencies can lead to

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43:25

Foster Care 101: Things You Don’t Need to Do to Be...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2025/01/02

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Travis, and Courtney discuss the realities of foster parenting, focusing on what foster parents don't need to do. They share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfection, learning from failures, and providing stability for children in foster care. The conversation highlights the balance between generosity and realism, encouraging foster parents to create a nurturing environment without overwhelming

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25:39

The Importance of Water Safety Lessons for Kids in...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/12/27

In this episode, Travis and Courtney are joined by Sarah Boyd from Aqua-Tots. Aqua-Tots offers swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities, with a focus on preventing drownings and building confidence. Sarah shares stories of how their program has made a life-saving impact on children and provided peace of mind for parents. Whether it's learning basic water survival skills or refining stroke techniques, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools aims to instill a lifelong love of swimming while

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40:34

Caring for Yourselves Better as a Foster Family with...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/12/18

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes discuss the critical issues surrounding foster care, particularly the high rate of burnout among foster parents. They are joined by Rebecca Harvin and Stacy Lasonde, who share their experiences and insights on the importance of support systems for foster families. The conversation highlights the creation of Haven Retreats, Rebecca's nonprofit organization aimed at providing therapeutic retreats for

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41:20

Foster Mom Inspiring Her City to Better Support...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/12/11

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Cayela Moody, a passionate advocate for foster care and community support. Cayela shares her journey as a foster adoptive parent and her efforts to establish a foster-friendly community in Jacksonville, Florida. The conversation highlights the importance of support systems for foster families, the motivations behind choosing foster care, and the role of businesses in creating a supportive

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38:35

A Field of Dreams for Foster Care with Savannah...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/12/04

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian and Travis welcome Emily Cole, co-owner of the Savannah Bananas, who shares her journey in fostering and the creation of their nonprofit, Bananas Foster. The conversation explores the joy of building a community, the emotional connection to foster care, and the importance of optimism in facing challenges. The three discuss the pressing issues within the foster care system, including the need for a waitlist of foster families, the

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46:15

How to Best Navigate the Holidays as a Foster Family...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/11/27

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis and Courtney, along with guest Bethany Hall, discuss the complexities of navigating the holidays for children in foster care. They explore the emotional challenges, the importance of managing expectations, and strategies for preparing both parents and extended family for the unique dynamics that arise during this time. The conversation emphasizes the need for trauma-informed approaches and the significance of creating supportive

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55:50

America’s Kids Belong’s Three Signature Solutions to...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/11/20

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis is joined by his colleagues (who form the Executive Leadership Team), Nanette Kirsch and Phil Grizzle, to discuss the mission of America's Kids Belong (AKB) and the challenges faced in the foster care system. They emphasize the importance of family in improving outcomes for children in foster care and explore the persistent issues of recruitment and retention of foster families. The conversation highlights the need for

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50:42

Former Naval Officer Shares About His Experiences in...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/11/13

Darius Kawewehi, a former foster youth, shares his experiences and insights on being in foster care. He was born and raised in Hawaii and grew up surrounded by the Hawaiian culture. Darius shares the story of his viral video in high school where he read a thank you letter to his adoptive mom. He then delves into his journey of entering foster care at the age of four, the uncertainty and confusion he felt, and the traumatic experiences he went through. He highlights the importance of finding

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32:17

Adopting From Foster Care: A Need That Few Know Much...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/11/06

In this episode, Courtney and Brian interview Marcy Bursac, founder of the Forgotten Adoption Option, about her experience with foster care adoption. Marcy shares her personal journey of adopting two siblings from foster care and the challenges she faced along the way. She also discusses the need for more awareness and support for foster care adoption and how she started the Forgotten Adoption Option to provide resources and guidance to prospective adoptive parents. The conversation

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54:47

One Couple's Journey of Going From Zero to Four Kids...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/10/30

Jamie and Adriana Howard share their adoption journey of becoming an instant family of six through foster care. They initially planned for domestic infant adoption but felt drawn to foster care and older children. They emphasize the importance of learning as they go and being open to trying new strategies when it comes to parenting. They highlight the uniqueness of each child and the need to adapt parenting approaches accordingly. The Howards also discuss the significance of preserving

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37:38

The Rewarding and Challenging Journey of Fostering as...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/10/23

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Travis and Courtney interview Nicholas Kelley, a single foster dad who shares his journey into fostering and running a family-owned "Foster Friendly" restaurant, Kelley's Tavern and Grill, in Georgia. Nicholas talks about his experiences as a foster dad and the unique perspective he brings to the foster care system. He emphasizes the importance of finding a support system within the foster care community and being flexible in the face of

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47:07

Foster Care 101: Addressing the Most Common Myths and...

The Foster Friendly Podcast ·

2024/10/16

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis delve into the fundamentals of foster care, sharing personal stories and insights from their experiences. They discuss the definition of foster care, the statistics surrounding it, and the pressing need for more foster families. The conversation also addresses common myths and misconceptions about foster care, practical steps for those interested in becoming foster parents, and the importance of creating a

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