Out of the Starting Blocks and Into the Race

Joe Toles
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An intimate look at one man's 21 year journey through the foster care system and how athletics helped in his ability to form a positive identity.

Episodes

  1. JUN 24

    Episode 7: A Roll of the Dice

    Join the conversation and submit a question or request a topic. “Not all families are made the same way. Some are built by blood, others by circumstance—and sometimes, by a little bit of both. In this episode, Joe takes us back to the family where he spent most of his time in foster care. It was a home shaped by complexity, care, and quiet tensions. And within it, one figure stood out: the oldest brother—the first biological son of Joe’s foster parents. Their relationship wasn’t rooted in shared DNA, but in shared experiences—both spoken and unspoken. As the foster child entering a family with its own established rhythms, Joe had to navigate what it meant to belong in a space where love and limits often blurred. In this heartfelt episode, Joe reflects on what that family gave him, what it didn’t, and how his brother’s presence—however imperfect—left a lasting mark on his life. Because even in complicated homes, identity and connection still find a way to take root.”

    1h 8m

  2. JUN 9 · BONUS

    “The Pause That Made Us Stronger”

    Join the conversation and submit a question or request a topic. In this heartfelt update, Joe and Renee sit down for an open conversation about the unexpected pause in their podcast journey. They share the reasons behind stepping back, what life taught them during the break, and how that time away has only made their message—and their mission—stronger. With renewed energy, deeper purpose, and a commitment to keeping it real, they’re back and ready to keep the conversation going. Tune in as they reflect, reconnect, and reintroduce the heart behind the mic.

    17 min

  3. 12/09/2024

    Episode 6: Invisible Man

    Join the conversation and submit a question or request a topic. In this heartfelt episode, Joe reconnects with siblings he hasn't seen or spoken to in over three decades. Together, they reflect on the meaning of family, their individual struggles, and the shared goals that seem to unite them, even after years of separation. They open up about how they navigate stress and trauma, offering a raw and emotional look at their journeys. Danielle and Renee provide thoughtful commentary on witnessing this moving reunion, sharing how they supported Joe in processing the profound experience. This episode captures the power of healing, reconnection, and the enduring bonds of family.

    1h 17m

  4. 11/01/2024

    Episode 5: Echoes of the Falls

    Join the conversation and submit a question or request a topic. In this episode of Out of the Starting Blocks, Joe embarks on a profound exploration of his maternal family history, uncovering a legacy marked by deep-seated trauma and loss. As he pieces together stories and events from generations past, Joe reflects on the resilience embedded within his family's journey. Despite never meeting these relatives, Joe feels an unexpected connection, tracing how inherited coping mechanisms and inner strength may have carried his family through their hardships. Join us for a moving conversation on intergenerational resilience, the weight of family history, and the ways we find strength in the faces of those who came before us.

    46 min

  5. 10/18/2024

    Episode 4: Bastard

    Join the conversation and submit a question or request a topic. In this heartfelt episode, Joe shares his personal journey with the foster care system, emphasizing the profound impact it can have on both the children involved and the families that welcome them. He beautifully articulates how fostering has not only expanded his family but also filled their lives with love, support, and a true sense of belonging. Joe reflects on the challenges many kids in foster care face, highlighting the emotional and psychological hurdles that can accompany such experiences. Yet, he also shines a light on the transformative power of a loving home. Through patience and understanding, families can provide stability and connection, which are essential for healing and growth. Renee and the guests join in to discuss the realities Joe describes, delving deeper into how these experiences shape not just the children but also the families who open their hearts and homes. They explore the common themes of love, resilience, and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging. Together, they underscore that foster care isn’t just about providing shelter; it’s about nurturing the spirit and creating lasting connections. The warmth and compassion shared throughout the conversation highlight the idea that every child deserves a family—a safe haven where they can thrive and feel valued. Joe’s story, along with the insights from Renee and the guests, serves as a beautiful reminder of the strength of love and the lasting impact it can have on young lives.

    34 min

  6. 10/11/2024

    Phasing In and Out of a False Reality reading w/o discussion

    Join the conversation and submit a question or request a topic. In preparation for the next chapter, we are providing a re-play of the previous reading without the discussion.

    8 min

  7. 10/04/2024 · BONUS

    Episode 3: Phasing In and Out of a False Reality Part 2

    Join the conversation and submit a question or request a topic. In this continuation of the previous episode, Renee, Joe, and guests discuss the social emotional issues that are the reality of the foster care system.

    36 min

  8. 09/20/2024

    Episode 2: Phasing In and Out of a False Reality (part 1)

    Join the conversation and submit a question or request a topic. In this episode Renee, Joe, and guests discuss the social emotional issues that are the reality of the foster care system.

    37 min

  9. 09/16/2024

    Introduction Reading w/o discussion

    Join the conversation and submit a question or request a topic. In preparation for the next chapter, we are providing a re-play of the Introduction with out the discussion.

    7 min

  10. 08/27/2024

    Episode 1: Introduction

    Join the conversation and submit a question or request a topic. In this episode, Joe shares a recent event that demonstrates the long term impact foster care has had on his life.  Renee and Joe speak with Guillermo Meixueiro, youth advisor and Foster Care Alum, and discuss the challenges and emotional complexities faced by children in the foster care system. They reflect on the discomfort of navigating life without proper guidance, emphasizing how the lack of support exacerbates feelings of isolation and unworthiness. The conversation touches on the long-lasting impact of these experiences, particularly in shaping identity and resilience. Despite the difficulties, they highlight the potential for these struggles to become a source of strength, advocating for compassion and understanding as essential tools for healing and personal growth. The discussion ends with an empowering message of hope for those who have endured similar challenges.

    45 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

An intimate look at one man's 21 year journey through the foster care system and how athletics helped in his ability to form a positive identity.

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