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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

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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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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