Adoptee Thoughts Melissa Guida-Richards

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

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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 
 
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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 lay

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! 
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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/
 
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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 4 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Molly McLaurin , and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss their upcoming Transracial Adoption 101 course and Molly's experience as a transracial adoptee. They dig into how the course came to be, connecting via social media, and the impact of educating on adoption.
  
About Molly McLaurin:
Molly E. McLaurin is an adoptee, twin, wife, mom and business owner. Molly founded Monarch Connections to bring people together, find what’s missing and to make meaningful connections. In 36 months, she has connected with 675 people at events and 25 through Life Coaching. One thing Monarch Connections created an adoptee community called Adoptee Talk, and  Adoptee Talk: Teens, to empower adoptees. Growing up as a transracial adoptee, Molly often felt left out, and/or that she stood out in a way that was isolating. Monarch Connections and Adoptee Talk operate so others can belong. Molly authored, EXPLORING TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION AND THE INVISIBLE PROTECTION OF PRIVILEGE, while serving as a member of the Field Center’s Young Professionals Council. She is glad you are here and hope you decide you can learn from this course and improve your adoptee(s) lives.  
 
 
How to connect:
website: https://www.monarch-connections.com
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarchconnections/
email:

molly@monarch-connections.com




 


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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
 
Her book is now available anywhere books are sold.
📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and PracticesBuy here!
 
 
 
 

On Season 3, Episode 3 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Lynn Woo Mykytyn, MA LPCC LADC, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Paige's experience as an adoptee and her role as a therapist. They dig into the nuance of this work, how it felt to grow up in a white majority family, and how she advocates for adoptees and birth parents.
  
About Lynn Woo Mykytyn, MA LPCC LADC:
Lynn Woo Mykytyn, MA LPCC LADC, is the founder of Sando Wellness & Counseling in Minnesota and works as a counselor supporting teens, adults, parents, and couples. Lynn built her practice on the concept that identifying what is right with us can support and motivate change in the areas of our life that no longer serve us. She believes that mental health and wellness has to do with all elements of our lives and all aspects of self; something that cannot be captured in a diagnosis and specializes in issues related to anxiety, depression, and addiction, as well as identity and transracial adoption. 
 
How to connect
website: https://www.sandowellness.com/
instagram and twitter: @sandowellness
email: Lynn@sandowellness.com
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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
 
Her book is now available anywhere books are sold.
📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and PracticesBuy here!
 
 
 
 

On Season 3, Episode 2 of the Adoptee Thoughts Podcast, Paige Knipfer, and host, Melissa Guida-Richards discuss Paige's experience as an adoptive mother and her role as an adoption consultant. They dig into the nuance of this work, what she does to make sure her business is ethical, and how she advocates for adoptees and birth parents.
  
About Paige Knipfer:
She is the owner of Love Grown Adoption Consulting to assist prospective families through the adoption journey. She is an adoption educator and adoptive mom.
 
https://www.lovegrownadoptionconsulting.com

 

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To read more of the work by your host Melissa Guida-Richards, check out guida-richards.com, or the podcast's website adopteethoughts.com.
 
Her book is now available anywhere books are sold.
📖What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: An Adoptee's Perspective on Its History, Nuances, and PracticesBuy here!