Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories

As a two-time adoptee by two different families (no, there isn’t an award for this achievement—I checked), I approached this podcast uncertain of my expectations or where the discussions might lead. I was seeking stories from adoptees, told in their own voices, that could help me feel there was a common thread within our shared experiences of adoption and the complex feelings that often accompany it. I found exactly what I was looking for in Adoption: The Making of Me podcast. Sarah and Louise, adoptees themselves, bring a comforting yet inquisitive approach to exploring all topics related to adoption. By including guests who share their own adoption stories, they provide listeners with a well-rounded perspective on this unique community. Come for the stories, and stay for the education. I highly recommend this podcast if you are grappling with your own experiences and emotions as an adoptee, the parent of an adopted child, or even as a biological parent who placed a child for adoption. Sarah and Louise create a safe, nonjudgmental space filled with a collection of experiences, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Their work offers a sense of commonality and comfort, allowing any adoptee to draw comparisons and find solidarity in their own journey.

I'm concerned after listening to this episode. Please be cautious of being exploitative of someone's trauma. I know that's not your intent . There is a bigger duty here that must be addressed. I hope you have some guidelines for the ethical use of these stories.

As an adoptee, I return to this podcast each new episode for a number of beneficial reasons. To start, this is one among a handful of adoptee-led podcasts that creates a space that is so important to me - one where the voice of the adoptee is central to storytelling. Within this space, I have been fortunate enough to listen to very vulnerable moments from folks’ lives, with an open heart, of course, since many of the plot points in their journeys reflect versions of those in my life. And even when the tale is wildly different from my own, due to time / place / circumstances, as a listener I learn so much. Another great aspect of the show is the book club to begin each episode. The world of adoptee literature is somewhat new to me as well, discovering it alongside adoptee podcasts, circa 2022. Again, this is like the course work I knew I needed in my life as an adoptee but was not sure ever that it existed or was accessible. I have become a better student of the history and system of adoption in the United States, as it operates today through these works and discussions. Often, we listeners have to pleasure of hearing an interview with these awesome authors as well!

A friend told me about The Making of Me and after listening to one episode, I was hooked. As an 1960’s baby scoop era adoptee, listening to other adoptees share their stories with honesty and authenticity has been a validation of the feelings and struggles I’ve had my entire life. I found my people and I’m so deeply grateful! I never miss an episode! A giant thanks to podcasters Sarah and Louise for keeping it real and stepping up to help us share, connect and heal!