Bonus Babies

Jayne Amelia Larson
  • 5.0 (41)
  • Personal Journals
  • Weekly Series

The Anthem Awards-winning BONUS BABIES podcast is the only series of its kind to explore the foster care system through the immersive, 360-degree perspective of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Through powerful firsthand accounts from foster youth, former foster children, caregivers, attorneys, social workers, therapists, adoptees, foster and adoptive parents, and community advocates, the podcast delivers an unflinching look at the realities of life within the child welfare system. Hosted and created by Jayne Amelia Larson, a CASA volunteer herself, BONUS BABIES examines the foster care “maze” in much the same way a CASA approaches a case: by listening to every voice, seeking out every perspective, and ensuring that the experiences of vulnerable children are seen, heard, and understood. The series documents both the heartbreaking failures and inspiring successes of the system while fostering open, honest conversations about trauma, resilience, advocacy, and belonging. By blending investigative curiosity with compassionate storytelling, BONUS BABIES creates a platform that educates audiences, amplifies lived experience, and encourages meaningful social engagement. The podcast has resonated with listeners around the world for its emotional depth, cinematic production quality, and commitment to illuminating stories that are too often overlooked. Original music is composed by Christina Apostolopoulos. Audio engineering and mixing are provided by Adam Harr of Blue Oak Mastering. Cover art is by John Crowther, and the Executive Producer is Jake Eberle.

  1. Episode 1

    Michael Custos: Just Trying To Make The Best Of It

    Send us Fan Mail Jayne Amelia talks with former foster youth, Michael Custos. Michael Custos is a writer and father who grew up in group homes throughout Southern California. His life changed when Kelly, a Court Appointed Special Advocate, entered his case and remained long after her temporary assignment ended.  So he wrote a book about her. Michael went on to spend more than a decade in sales while building a career and a family from the ground up. His book, "Her Name Was Kelly", published in September, 2026, tells how Kelly became his legal guardian and remained his family for the next two decades. He wrote the book to honor her and to carry forward what her life proved: consistency is not a small act when a child has learned to expect everyone to leave. Michael hopes the story reaches the adults who wonder whether their presence truly matters, and the children who need to know that their beginnings do not decide their endings. THE STORY "By nine, Michael had lived in more homes than birthdays. Violence from the people meant to protect him. Indifference from the people paid to care. Group homes where silence kept you safer, and the only constant was the next move. Survival wasn't given. It was negotiated. Kelly entered his life as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. A temporary role. Document the case. Attend the hearings. Move on. She didn't. The assignment ended, but Kelly remained. Birthdays. Court dates. The visits nobody required her to make. Within a few years she was his legal guardian, and she stayed for the next two decades. Loyalty that outlasted every failure along the way, including his own. In a life defined by leaving, she was the exception. Then she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As an adult and now a father, Michael faced losing the one person who chose him, every day, when no one else did. "Her Name Was Kelly" is the story of what one person can mean to a life the system wasn't equipped to save, and what it means to be chosen." "Her Name Was Kelly" website. "Her Name Was Kelly" can be purchased here, as well as other book outlets. 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

  2. Episode 2

    Stacy Grenier: Every Security Blanket That I Had Was Gone

    Send us Fan Mail Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth, adoptive mom, and equine therapist Stacy Grenier. Stacy Grenier is a widow, mother of three, and proud grandmother of three whose life has given her a rare perspective on the child welfare system. She has experienced it a a foster and juvenile child, as an at-risk foster parent, and as the parent of a child who later entered residential treatment. Those experiences have given her insight into every side of the system. For more than 30 years, Stacy has worked with individuals with developmental disabilities. She has also dedicated the past 25 years to the therapeutic horseback riding community and is a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). Inspired by her own journey, Stacy founded UNSEEN (Understanding Natural Survival through Equine Eyes and Nature), a program offered through Ride To Fly that connects at-risk teens with horses. As a teenager in foster care, horses were the only thing that truly reached her. Today, she is committed to giving young people the same opportunity to experience trust, healing, and hope through the powerful bond between humans and horses. Support UNSEEN & Ride To Fly UNSEEN and Ride To Fly are volunteer-driven, donation-supported programs dedicated to serving at-risk youth and individuals with disabilities. Every donation helps provide life-changing equine-assisted experiences for those who need them most. 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

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5
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

The Anthem Awards-winning BONUS BABIES podcast is the only series of its kind to explore the foster care system through the immersive, 360-degree perspective of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Through powerful firsthand accounts from foster youth, former foster children, caregivers, attorneys, social workers, therapists, adoptees, foster and adoptive parents, and community advocates, the podcast delivers an unflinching look at the realities of life within the child welfare system. Hosted and created by Jayne Amelia Larson, a CASA volunteer herself, BONUS BABIES examines the foster care “maze” in much the same way a CASA approaches a case: by listening to every voice, seeking out every perspective, and ensuring that the experiences of vulnerable children are seen, heard, and understood. The series documents both the heartbreaking failures and inspiring successes of the system while fostering open, honest conversations about trauma, resilience, advocacy, and belonging. By blending investigative curiosity with compassionate storytelling, BONUS BABIES creates a platform that educates audiences, amplifies lived experience, and encourages meaningful social engagement. The podcast has resonated with listeners around the world for its emotional depth, cinematic production quality, and commitment to illuminating stories that are too often overlooked. Original music is composed by Christina Apostolopoulos. Audio engineering and mixing are provided by Adam Harr of Blue Oak Mastering. Cover art is by John Crowther, and the Executive Producer is Jake Eberle.

Information

  • Creator
    Jayne Amelia Larson
  • Episodes
    105
  • Seasons
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bonus Babies
  • Show Website
    Bonus Babies