Hairitage Talks

Tamekia Swint, Luke Mitchell
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PARENTING

Welcome to "Hairitage: Celebrating Hair and Culture in Transracial Adoption," a light-hearted and engaging podcast hosted by Luke Mitchell and Tamekia Swint, Executive Director of Styles 4 Kidz. In this podcast, we delve into important and informative discussions that revolve around the unique experiences of parents and children in the transracial adoptive, foster, and biracial community. Our focus? The beautiful connection between black hair and culture. Join us as we navigate this exciting journey, providing a platform for parents and children to explore and learn about the significance of hair within the context of culture and identity. Through our lively conversations, we aim to highlight the diverse hair care needs, challenges, and triumphs within the transracial adoption community. With Luke's humor and TRA (Transracial Adoptee) perspective and Tamekia's expertise as an advocate for children's hair care, we offer a blend of personal experiences, expert insights, and practical tips to support parents and empower children. Whether you're seeking advice on hair care routines, discussing cultural heritage, exploring the impact of hair on self-esteem, or simply looking for a good laugh and heartfelt stories, "Hairitage" is your go-to resource. Tune in as we embrace the joy of hair and culture, celebrating the richness of diversity and strengthening the bond within the transracial adoptive, foster, and biracial community. Let's embark on this educational and entertaining journey together! Remember to subscribe and join us for each episode as we explore the beautiful world of hair and culture in transracial adoption. Follow Styles 4 Kidz on YouTube and Instagram for live clips and videos.

Episodes

  1. 11/17/2025

    Hairitage Talks S3 Ep2: Identity, Adoption & Belonging: A Real Conversation with Isaac Etter

    In this Hairitage Talk episode, I sit down with Isaac Etter—transracial adoptee, dad, and founder of Identity and Parenting Different—to talk honestly about adoption, race, and what it means to parent differently so our kids feel truly seen, heard, and valued. Isaac shares his story of being adopted as a Black child into a white family and growing up in mostly white spaces, and how that shaped his sense of belonging, identity, and confidence. If you're a foster, adoptive, or kinship parent—or you love a child navigating complex identity and hair stories—this conversation will provide you with language, tools, and hope. Isaac's Website Personal site: https://www.isaacetter.com Identity – Adoptive & Foster Parenting Website: https://www.identitylearning.co Parenting Different Website / newsletter + resources: https://www.parentingdifferent.com For 15 years, Styles 4 Kidz has been transforming lives—one child, one family, and one hairstyle at a time. From building confidence through culturally competent hair care to empowering foster, adoptive, and biracial families with the skills and support they need, S4K has been a lifeline for thousands. As we celebrate 15 years of service, we invite you to join our 15 for 15 Giving Campaign—a call for 500 Champions to commit to just $15 a month. Your monthly gift ensures that Styles 4 Kidz can continue providing high-quality training, trauma-informed support, scholarships, and community programs for another 15 years and beyond. https://secure.givelively.org/donate/...

    45 min

  2. 09/14/2025 ·  VIDEO

    Hairitage Talks S3: The Mixed Life: Parenting Wisdom with Dr. Jennifer Noble

    In this episode of Hairitage Talks, Tamekia Swint, Executive Director of Styles 4 Kidz, sits down with Dr. Jenn Noble, licensed psychologist, parent coach, and founder of the Free to Be Collective. Together, they dive into real questions from our community about raising mixed-race and transracially adopted children. Don't miss this powerful conversation on identity, belonging, and how parents can best support their kids to thrive. Learn more about Dr. Jenn and the Free to Be Collective: www.freetobecollective.com  Follow Dr. Jenn on Instagram: @drjennpsych    Learn more about Styles 4 Kidz: www.styles4kidz.org  Follow Styles 4 Kidz on Instagram: @styles4kidz  Support our mission: Donate here   15 YEARS. | $15 A MONTH. | A LIFETIME OF CONFIDENCE. Celebrate 15 years of Styles 4 Kidz impact by giving $15 a month for 12 months to transform lives! When you give $15 a month, you're providing:     A hair care kit for a child in foster care with essential tools     Support for parents learning to care for their child's textured hair     Confidence and joy for a child who feels seen and celebrated Text to Give:15FOR15YEARS or click HERE.

    48 min

  3. 06/10/2025 ·  VIDEO

    Hairitage Talks S2 Ep 4: Empowering Foster Youth - Advocacy, Change, and Care in Illinois

    This episode will highlight the challenges and needs of foster youth in Illinois, featuring a conversation with Christina Wolken of Be Strong Families and Jamika Smith, who are leading youth advocacy efforts in Illinois. The discussion will explore the impact of the youth advisory board, barriers faced by foster youth, and how advocacy is shaping change. A special focus will be placed on hair care, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of identity and well-being for youth, particularly in transracial placements.

    47 min

  4. 02/12/2025 ·  VIDEO

    Hairitage Talks S2 Ep 3: Black History, Identity, and the Transracial Adoption Experience

    It's Black History Month! In this episode, Tamekia Swint talks with Lanise Antoine Shelley, a transracial adoptee, about her experience with Black History, her connection to it, and the development of identity growing up!

    52 min

  5. 11/11/2024

    Hairitage Talks S2 Ep 2: Embracing Identity and Belonging

    In honor of National Adoption Month, we share two powerful stories of love, healing, identity, and belonging from adoptees Kiante Conger and Tony Parsons. In this very special episode, Kiante and Tony offer heartfelt insights into growing up as part of transracial adoptive families. Together with the show's co-host, Luke Mitchell, transracial adoptee, they explore how their experiences shaped their racial identities and the lasting impact on their lives today. Join us as they discuss the evolving importance of hair care and its cultural significance while also addressing key moments in their lives where they sought emotional support and counseling as adoptees. This conversation provides a rare glimpse into the joys and challenges of navigating life in a transracial adoptive community, both during childhood and as adults. Don't miss the opportunity to hear their stories firsthand as they reflect on what it means to find identity and belonging in the embrace of family and culture.

    1h 19m

  6. 10/28/2024 ·  VIDEO

    Hairitage Talks S2 Ep 1: Back to School

    In this episode, Tamekia Swint speaks with Alifia Young (Licensed Cosmetologist -An Empowering Educator-Curly-Coily Specialist, K18 Pro Educator) and Danielle Sanders (Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Youth Care) as they explore the historical significance of hair in Black culture, focusing on how European culture has shaped American beauty standards. Did you know that in Black Culture, the way that you choose to wear your hair serves as a form of cultural identity and self-expression? They will discuss how American beauty standards and the media's representation of hair, impacts children's self-esteem.

    46 min

  7. 05/27/2024

    Hairitage Talks: HB 5097

    Tamekia Swint speaks with Loyola University's Chicago School of Law, law and social justice professor Anita Weinberg, Jocelyn Fetting, an aspiring intern for the IDCFS Statewide Youth Advisory Board, and Ni'Yuana Baker, intern for the central region of the Illinois Statewide Youth Advisory Board, about the HB 5097 bill. A call to action by the DCFS Statewide Youth Advisory Board to help youth maintain their connection to culture and identity while in foster care through proper hair care. For more information on the Youth Advisory Board: dcfs.illinois.gov/brighter-futures/independence/ statewide-youth-advisory-board.html Contact Anita Weinberg at aweinbe@luc.edu to initiate a bill like HB 5097 in your state.

    50 min

  8. 04/13/2024

    Hairitage Talks: Black History Month

    Tamekia Swint speaks with transracial adoptive mom Roxanne Engstrom and Lydia Mercer, an advocate for others in the racial (Un)Learning space, about hair discrimination, racism, and advocacy. Black hairstyling and its caring methods protect the culture, traditions, and hair protective rights of every Black person who would wear them. - Tamekia Swint

    1h 5m

  9. 11/08/2023

    Hairitage Talks: National Adoption Month

    Welcome to Hairitage Talks! In this episode, hosts Tamekia Swint and Luke Mitchell talk with Transracial Adoptees Sisay Girma and Monisha Hendrix about their different experiences growing up in predominately white communities. Watch this episode on YouTube to join the discussion! https://youtu.be/AgQ-kuNt38g Follow @Styles4KidzNFP @mitchbluke @hairitagetalks on Instagram and Facebook

    52 min

  10. 09/11/2023

    Hairitage Talks: Back to School

    Welcome to Hairitage Talks! In this episode, hosts Tamekia Swint and Luke Mitchell talk with Rhonda Chandler, CEO/Founder of Lovin' The Skin I'm In (Green Bay, WI), about the fears and emotional struggles of transracial/foster kids feeling good, confident, and ready for school.  Watch the episode on YouTube to join the discussion! https://youtu.be/Y-JAsGyQSUQ?si=M-ApmgHw1scD5f5- Follow @Styles4KidzNFP @mitchbluke @hairitagetalks @lovinmyskinwi on Instagram and Facebook

    40 min

  11. 07/11/2023

    Hairitage Talks: Intro

    Welcome to Hairitage Talks! In this first episode, Tamekia Swint, Executive Director of Styles 4 Kidz talks with co-host Luke Mitchell about the struggles of growing up in a transracial adoptive family and not fitting in with his Black culture. Watch the episode on Youtube to join the discussion! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_ckSfRU-gM  Questions? Comments? Follow - https://www.instagram.com/hairitagetalks/ https://www.instagram.com/styles4kidznfp/ https://www.instagram.com/mitchbluke/ https://www.facebook.com/styles4kidz/

    38 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Welcome to "Hairitage: Celebrating Hair and Culture in Transracial Adoption," a light-hearted and engaging podcast hosted by Luke Mitchell and Tamekia Swint, Executive Director of Styles 4 Kidz. In this podcast, we delve into important and informative discussions that revolve around the unique experiences of parents and children in the transracial adoptive, foster, and biracial community. Our focus? The beautiful connection between black hair and culture. Join us as we navigate this exciting journey, providing a platform for parents and children to explore and learn about the significance of hair within the context of culture and identity. Through our lively conversations, we aim to highlight the diverse hair care needs, challenges, and triumphs within the transracial adoption community. With Luke's humor and TRA (Transracial Adoptee) perspective and Tamekia's expertise as an advocate for children's hair care, we offer a blend of personal experiences, expert insights, and practical tips to support parents and empower children. Whether you're seeking advice on hair care routines, discussing cultural heritage, exploring the impact of hair on self-esteem, or simply looking for a good laugh and heartfelt stories, "Hairitage" is your go-to resource. Tune in as we embrace the joy of hair and culture, celebrating the richness of diversity and strengthening the bond within the transracial adoptive, foster, and biracial community. Let's embark on this educational and entertaining journey together! Remember to subscribe and join us for each episode as we explore the beautiful world of hair and culture in transracial adoption. Follow Styles 4 Kidz on YouTube and Instagram for live clips and videos.

Information

  • Creator
    Tamekia Swint, Luke Mitchell
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Hairitage Talks