Bonus Babies

Jayne Amelia Larson
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The Anthem Award winning BONUS BABIES podcast is the only one of its kind that features the compelling true-life hard-hitting stories of those with a lived foster care experience and the people who care for them––all via the unique 360* lens of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Through raw first-hand accounts, BONUS BABIES reveals the daunting complexity of the foster care world while documenting the challenges, failures and successes of the system as well as the people and the agencies involved. The creator and host, Jayne Amelia Larson, is a CASA - a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer for youth in foster care. In the same way a CASA works, she explores all things in the foster care maze by talking to kids, parents, caregivers, attorneys, social workers, therapists, adoptees, adoptive parents, members of community and social programs...anybody and everybody who will speak to her to keep the conversation open and the information flowing about all things CASA––to give a forum to help people understand what it's like to have a lived foster care experience. Original music by Christina Apostolopoulos. Emma Karpman is our Social Media Manager. Audio engineering and mixing by Adam "Yukon" Harr of Blue Oak Mastering. Executive Producer is Jake Eberle. Cover art by John Crowther.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Jeanette Yoffe: You Need To Go Into The Grief, Into The Loss, Into The Trauma To Heal

    Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., who is a therapist specializing in adoption and foster care and the Director and Founder of Celia Center, the non-profit she named after her first mother, Celia.   *In this episode we talk about: Treating the Whole Family - Emphasis on the importance of treating the entire family unit, not just the child. - Benefits of a holistic approach by acknowledging all members and including the constellation of all family in addressing the root causes of trauma, grief, and loss. Open Adoption and Open Foster Care Services Generational Foster Care Discussion of the Underlying Causes of Stress, Loss, and Trauma Addressing Multigenerational Trauma Providing Support and Resources and Preventive Measure Breaking the Cycle of Generational Foster Care Jeanette treats children, teens, and adults with serious psychological problems secondary to histories of abuse, neglect, adoption, and /or multiple foster care placements. She has specialized for the past 20 years in the treatment of children and teens who manifest serious deficits in their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development. Celia Center Inc is a non-profit organization in Los Angeles supporting all members of the foster care and adoption constellation which includes birth parents, foster youth, adoptees, foster and adoptive parents as well as professionals working in the field. ​She is also the Clinical Director of Yoffe Therapy Inc., a mental health center in Los Angeles provides services to families, children, teens, and adults connected by foster care and adoption. Learn more here. Jeanette’s desire to become a therapist with a special focus on adoption and foster care issues derived from her own experience of being adopted and moving through the foster care system. Her personal experience has informed her education and provided insight into the unique stresses involved with these issues.  In 2006 she was awarded the Los Angeles Foster Care Hero Award for her dedication to children and families in foster care.  Please learn more at JeanetteYoffe.com Jeanette's has many courses and programs on Pesi.com and her new book can be found on their website:  The Traumatized and At-Risk Youth ToolboxOver 160 Attachment-Informed Interventions for Working with Kids and Families in Foster Care and Beyond See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah! IG@bonusbabiespodcast TW@BonusBabiesPod FB@BonusBabiesPodcast

    1h 7m

  2. EPISODE 2

    Danisha Keating: What Purpose Do You Have, What Passions Do You Have That We Can Encourage

    Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth and now child advocate Dr. Danisha Keating. In this conversation, Danisha shares her challenging journey from being a child in the foster care system to earning her PhD. She discusses the significant obstacles she faced, including experiencing homelessness from ages 18 to 24, moving frequently, and dealing with an unsupportive family. Danisha recounts her educational journey that began with difficulty completing her bachelor's degree, which took eight years due to numerous hurdles. She also talks about her familial background, being one of eleven children in a family that eventually separated, and the challenges of being an older sibling thrust into a caretaker role. Danisha reveals the continuous battle of having her intellectual property stolen and being labeled a 'problem' by various authorities. Yet, she remains dedicated to advocating for foster youth and educating others about the complexities and needs of those in the foster care system. Dr. Keating's story highlights the importance of recognizing individual struggles and accomplishments of foster youth, showing that everyone’s journey and needs are unique. Danisha calls herself a "boot-strap girl" who knows what it means to have GRIT, find purpose, and making a name for herself.  She is a public speaker and author of two best selling books, "Taking My Voice Back" and  "From Foster to PhD".  She holds a bachelor's in Psychology, a master's in Leadership and Organizational Studies, and a PhD in Psychology. She also has a background in trauma informed practices and foster care. She believes in empowering others to find their purpose, on purpose, and to get back into the ring. Danisha has been featured in Women's Journal, Wall Street Times, KFrog & more.  Please visit danishakeating.com dkeducationconsulting.com From Foster to PhD: Letters from a SuitcaseSee bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah! IG@bonusbabiespodcast TW@BonusBabiesPod FB@BonusBabiesPodcast

    1h 3m

  3. EPISODE 3

    Christine Goddard: I Now Realize Why You Were There Always In My Life

    Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with CASA Christine Goddard shortly after the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles took the foster home of her CASA kiddo as well as her bio family's home. Christine Goddard, has been a Court Appointment Special Advocate (CASA) for ten years, working on vital tasks like appropriate placements, health care and educational rights for foster youth. While advocating on behalf of foster youth in court, along with her bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Juvenile Delinquency through a trauma-informed lens, she developed hope and understanding of pathways to positively impact underserved youth. Born in Australia to Polish immigrant parents, who as children survived deportation to Stalin’s labor camps, she moved to the U.S when she was 19 years old. Here she began career in commercial production. After many years of working as a Producers and co-owning her own production company with her husband, Aaron, Christine pivoted and joined the nonprofit space in child advocacy and social justice.  Travelling to experience new parts of the world are Christine’s favorite activity. She is a mother of two grown daughters, who will forever be her heart and soul.  *In this episode Christine Godard, a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for 10 years, shares her experiences and challenges in supporting foster children. Christine reflects on her journey and the importance of dedication, compassion, and perseverance in the role. She highlights a specific case involving a five-year-old girl whose family is grappling with multiple crises, including losing their home to a fire. Despite the difficult circumstances, Christine remains committed to providing support and advocacy, emphasizing the positive impact of CASA work on both the children and society as a whole. Christine also discusses the emotional challenges of the role and the support needed from the community to ensure such advocacy continues. See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah! IG@bonusbabiespodcast TW@BonusBabiesPod FB@BonusBabiesPodcast

    47 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Greg Rosenmerkel: Based On Our Life Experience We Tend To Think What The Necessary Elements Are For A Child's Physical and Emotional Safety, And They're Not The Same

    Send us a text Jayne Amelia talks with Colonel (Retired) Gregory J. Rosenmerkel who is a new CASA in Colorado and about to start his CASA training.  Rosie grew up in Waukesha, WI and earned his commission and degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988.  He spent over 25 years as an Air Force officer/engineer with assignments to 11 different locations in the US and overseas.  He commanded units at both squadron and group levels and he led teams on deployments to Somalia, Panama, Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan and several other locations.  He's earned a Master of Science in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering/Construction from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College in  Newport RI. In his last military assignment, then Colonel Rosenmerkel was the Commander, 11th Mission Support Group, (similar to a City Manager) at Joint Base Andrews, MD.  The group was over 1,200-people strong and provided base services to the Andrews community, the Pentagon and over 50 other units in the National Capital Region.   His awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Organizational Excellence Award with oak leaf cluster, Aghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Korea Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal and many others.         In their 13th move, he and his family settled in Glenwood Springs CO where he was the Engineering, Minerals and Fleet Staff Officer for the White River National Forest from 2013-2022.  He led a team of engineers and technicians to provide professional services in support of sustainable operations and multiple-use management of 2.3 million acres of public land.  His wife of 33 years, Linda, is also a USAF Academy graduate and retired AF officer, currently working as a civilian for the Secretary of the Air Force’s office.  Their son Ray is a Cadet Second Class (junior) at USAFA and their daughter Allison graduated the University of California in Santa Cruz in 2024.  He is a licensed realtor, works part time as a bridge inspector and mentor for the USFS, teaches sporting clays shooting, and works at Ironbridge Golf Club.  He volunteers for the Western Slope Veterans Coalition and the Knights of Columbus as well as being a CASA.  He and Linda enjoy biking, skiing, fitness, golfing and visiting family and friends all over the Country.   *A few things from early life not in this bio--Rosie grew up in the same town as both sets of grandparents, most of his aunts, uncles and cousins and graduated from the same high school as his Mom and Dad.  He has two sisters and a brother, and he's #2. See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah! IG@bonusbabiespodcast TW@BonusBabiesPod FB@BonusBabiesPodcast

    31 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Nicole Goswami : Your Daughter Will Always Know You

    Send us a text Jayne Amelia talks with foster mom, Nicole Goswami, hoping to adopt a baby who she has raised since weeks old. Nicole  does many things but most importantly a foster mom. This is her first time fostering and Jasmyn has filled her heart with so much love and joy. Nicole works in many different fields including marketing and advertising and provides executive support as well. Nicole has been the Head Coach for the Bennington Marauders Swim Club since 2005 and is passionate about teaching and coaching. As a former member of the Marauders as a child, Nicole is dedicated to this team and its growth. She enjoys baking in her spare time and does custom orders for friends and family. Nicole also enjoys exercising, cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.  See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah! IG@bonusbabiespodcast TW@BonusBabiesPod FB@BonusBabiesPodcast

    56 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Greg Rosenmerkel: I Am Glad That I Can Try To Help A Little Bit

    Send us a text Part II - Jayne Amelia talks with Colonel (Retired) Gregory J. Rosenmerkel who is a CASA in Colorado and was recently assigned a sibling set of three boys. Rosie grew up in Waukesha, WI and earned his commission and degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988.  He spent over 25 years as an Air Force officer/engineer with assignments to 11 different locations in the US and overseas.  He commanded units at both squadron and group levels and he led teams on deployments to Somalia, Panama, Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan and several other locations.  He's earned a Master of Science in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering/Construction from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College in  Newport RI. In his last military assignment, then Colonel Rosenmerkel was the Commander, 11th Mission Support Group, (similar to a City Manager) at Joint Base Andrews, MD.  The group was over 1,200-people strong and provided base services to the Andrews community, the Pentagon and over 50 other units in the National Capital Region.   His awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Organizational Excellence Award with oak leaf cluster, Aghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Korea Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal and many others.         In their 13th move, he and his family settled in Glenwood Springs CO where he was the Engineering, Minerals and Fleet Staff Officer for the White River National Forest from 2013-2022.  He led a team of engineers and technicians to provide professional services in support of sustainable operations and multiple-use management of 2.3 million acres of public land.  His wife of 33 years, Linda, is also a USAF Academy graduate and retired AF officer, currently working as a civilian for the Secretary of the Air Force’s office.  Their son Ray is a Cadet Second Class (junior) at USAFA and their daughter Allison graduated the University of California in Santa Cruz in 2024.  He is a licensed realtor, works part time as a bridge inspector and mentor for the USFS, teaches sporting clays shooting, and works at Ironbridge Golf Club.  He volunteers for the Western Slope Veterans Coalition and the Knights of Columbus as well as being a CASA.  He and Linda enjoy biking, skiing, fitness, golfing and visiting family and friends all over the country.   *A few things from early life not in this bio--Rosie grew up in the same town as both sets of grandparents, most of his aunts, uncles and cousins and graduated from the same high school as his Mom and Dad.  He has two sisters and a brother, and he's #2. See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah! IG@bonusbabiespodcast TW@BonusBabiesPod FB@BonusBabiesPodcast

    40 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Shimeka Lott: The People Coming In For The Rescue Don't Need to Be Perfect But Need To Operate With A Perfect Heart

    Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster mom, Shimeka D. Lott. Shimeka is the visionary Founder and CEO of the Ashlynn B. Jackson Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of young people and underserved communities. With over 25 years of experience volunteering and leading community-driven initiatives, Shimeka’s passion for service runs deep. Whether it’s feeding the unhoused, supporting annual Thanksgiving and Christmas drives, or distributing hygiene kits on Skid Row, she is a constant presence in her community, driven by a mission to make a tangible difference.  One of her most cherished achievements is partnering with Mt. Sinai Church of Los Angeles to launch a youth academic initiative that led to the creation of the Ashlynn B. Jackson Scholarship Fund. Through her leadership, over $190,000 in scholarships has been awarded to ambitious youth over a five-year span, empowering them to pursue higher education and professional success. Shimeka played a critical role in establishing the program’s online application process, setting qualifications, and developing structured guidelines to ensure its impact. Recognizing the importance of academic support, she also formed a partnership with UCLA to deliver an annual tutoring program focused on college readiness and career development for students. Leading a team of 15 volunteers, Shimeka was instrumental in expanding program outreach, organizing impactful fundraising events, and securing endorsements from city officials and celebrities. Her efforts culminated in the highly successful Annual Scholarship Gala, which attracted donations and sponsorships from major brands like Nike, the Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, and Angels. Beyond her nonprofit work, Shimeka brings over 25 years of accounting expertise to her foundation, managing financial operations, event sales, and strategic marketing with precision. As a licensed Realtor and Inglewood area specialist, her extensive network and community ties enable her to foster meaningful connections that further the foundation’s mission. Whether in business or philanthropy, Shimeka Lott embodies her mantra of “impacting one heart at a time,” continuously leveraging her skills and influence to create lasting change. See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah! IG@bonusbabiespodcast TW@BonusBabiesPod FB@BonusBabiesPodcast

    1h 6m

  8. EPISODE 8

    Alexis Longmire: I Made Me, Who I Am Today, I Did This

    Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth Alexis Longmire who is an entrepreneur and fashionista. Lex is a fashion journalist, stylist, traveling wardrobe consultant and a proud Los Angeles native. When she was 10, she discovered her passion for styling and has never looked back! As she gained experience, Lex immersed herself in runway fashion, fashion magazines, cutting edge designers, and Instagram influencers. She graduated from the University of Arizona with degrees in Fashion Retailing and Consumer Science. Lex has styled music videos, photo shoots, album covers, fashion shows, events, and red carpets for over 4 years. Her experience includes assisting Celebrity Stylist Okera Banks, interning under Celebrity Stylists Jill Jacobs and Morgan Pinney, and working as an intern at The Honeyman PR Agency. She also worked as a personal stylist in luxury boutique settings, helping everyday women feel confident. Lex has expanded her services to include wardrobe reorganization, capsule collection consultations, and personal shopping for men and women. Featuring fashion, fun, style, industry insights, tips for curating your own personal style, shopping smarter, and looking cute everyday, Lex Styles Mag is a magazine with a unique twist! Here you’ll discover her favorite looks of the season and thoughts on life in the fashion industry. You’ll also find outfit suggestions that take the stress out of getting dressed and more! Aside from fashion, Lex loves helping others in her community. In her free time, she spends time with her fur baby, visits local coffee shops, and spends hours at the library. LEX STYLES Magazine ALL THINGS FASHION, FUN, AND STYLISH Established in 2017 and emerging as a fashion magazine in 2022, Lex Styles Mag looks to inspire, empower and inform both men and women on creating the life they want through fashion and style. Dedicated to Honoring the importance and impact of fashion on everyday life, self-esteem, careers, music and as a display of passions. Curated by experts with unique perspectives and understanding writers and using education and creation as a tool to make fashion and a style accessible to everyone and helping to enhance everyday moments. In this episode we discuss: *Childhood & Creativity Alexis talks about discovering her passion for fashion at age 10 and how creativity became her anchor. *Professional Journey Alexis  details stepping into couture—runway fashion, photo shoots, red carpets—and working under celebrity stylists like Okera Banks, Jill Jacobs, and Morgan Pinney.  *Lex Styles Mag She shares her vision for a style magazine that empowers confidence and accessible fashion for all. *Practical Style Advice She shares tips on cultivating personal style, smarter shopping, wardrobe organization, capsule collections, and getting dressed with ease. *Giving Back Alexis describes her local involvement: supporting her community, spending time in coffee shops and libraries, and loving her “fur baby." Alexis on LinkedIn here. See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah! IG@bonusbabiespodcast TW@BonusBabiesPod FB@BonusBabiesPodcast

    51 min
See All Season 4 (15)

Trailer

5
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41 Ratings

About

The Anthem Award winning BONUS BABIES podcast is the only one of its kind that features the compelling true-life hard-hitting stories of those with a lived foster care experience and the people who care for them––all via the unique 360* lens of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Through raw first-hand accounts, BONUS BABIES reveals the daunting complexity of the foster care world while documenting the challenges, failures and successes of the system as well as the people and the agencies involved. The creator and host, Jayne Amelia Larson, is a CASA - a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer for youth in foster care. In the same way a CASA works, she explores all things in the foster care maze by talking to kids, parents, caregivers, attorneys, social workers, therapists, adoptees, adoptive parents, members of community and social programs...anybody and everybody who will speak to her to keep the conversation open and the information flowing about all things CASA––to give a forum to help people understand what it's like to have a lived foster care experience. Original music by Christina Apostolopoulos. Emma Karpman is our Social Media Manager. Audio engineering and mixing by Adam "Yukon" Harr of Blue Oak Mastering. Executive Producer is Jake Eberle. Cover art by John Crowther.

Information

  • Creator
    Jayne Amelia Larson
  • Episodes
    102
  • Seasons
    4
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Bonus Babies
  • Show Website
    Bonus Babies