9 episodes

As kids, interracial, adoptive siblings, Hannah Jackson Matthews and Greg Jackson Stumbras, were often told they weren't real siblings. In spite of those who delegitimized their relationship they impishly dubbed themselves, The Fake Siblings. Pairing their sarcastic, yet sincere natures... or would it be nurtures? ... Hannah and Greg, share real conversations all about the unique dynamics of adoptive siblingship.

The Fake Siblings Podcast Hannah Jackson Matthews and Gregory Jackson Stumbras

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 9 Ratings

As kids, interracial, adoptive siblings, Hannah Jackson Matthews and Greg Jackson Stumbras, were often told they weren't real siblings. In spite of those who delegitimized their relationship they impishly dubbed themselves, The Fake Siblings. Pairing their sarcastic, yet sincere natures... or would it be nurtures? ... Hannah and Greg, share real conversations all about the unique dynamics of adoptive siblingship.

    There's No Promise Like Compromise : Bridging the Gap Across Difference

    There's No Promise Like Compromise : Bridging the Gap Across Difference

    In a world that's growing more divided and with an election season brewing, Hannah Jackson Matthews and Greg Jackson Stumbras are taking a step back to reflect on their unique siblingship. Amidst the "us vs. them" rhetoric, how have they managed to find common ground and compassion despite their many differences? 🌍
    In this episode, Hannah and Greg delve into the heart of their bond, sharing personal stories and insights on bridging divides and nurturing empathy. They'll also tackle a poignant listener question: "How have you both managed to remain as close as you are through life’s changes and challenges?"
    Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation that promises to offer both wisdom and warmth. Don't miss it!
    If you enjoyed today's podcast, please consider subscribing, rating, and writing us a review. Your support means the world to us! ❤️ - Greg and Hannah

    • 35 min
    Everybody Loves a Garage Sale : International Adoption and Adoptee Commodification

    Everybody Loves a Garage Sale : International Adoption and Adoptee Commodification

    Hold onto your hats, folks, because Hannah Jackson Matthews and Greg Jackson Stumbras are hosting a garage sale like no other! 🏷️ Need a Hannah? She's yours for the bargain price of just $50,000 – discounted for 31 years of love, of course! 😉
    Inspired by a South Minneapolis couple who recently raised $50,000 through a garage sale to adopt a child from South Africa, in their seventh episode, our dynamic cohosts dive into the complexities of international adoption. They'll tackle heavy topics like corruption and fraud, and the commodification and dehumanization of adoptees. But don't worry, they’ll do it with their signature blend of wit and wisdom. 🌍💔
    And as always, Hannah and Greg will wrap things up with a heartfelt call to action for those considering adoption, offering insights and encouragement for navigating this emotional journey and the experiences that follow.
    Tune in for an episode that's equal parts eye-opening, heartwarming, and just a tad cheeky. You won’t want to miss it!
    If you enjoyed today's podcast, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving us a review. Your support means the world to us! 🙏
    - Greg and Hannah

    • 37 min
    What is Wrong with the World Today? : Pregnant People Databases, Mother's Day, and The Met Gala

    What is Wrong with the World Today? : Pregnant People Databases, Mother's Day, and The Met Gala

    🎙️ Dive into the latest episode of "The Fake Siblings Podcast" with your favorite cohosts, Hannah Jackson Matthews and Greg Jackson Stumbras! 🎧
    In their sixth episode, these interracial adoptive siblings unpack a whirlwind of topics that hit close to home. With Mother's Day fresh in their minds, Hannah shares her heartfelt reflections on being an adoptee during this holiday and how her journey into motherhood has reshaped her views on her birth mother. 🌷
    Meanwhile, Greg delves into the MOMS Bill, a hot-button proposal by Senator Katie Britt aimed at creating a national database for pregnant individuals, sparking a dialogue on pro-life resources and the choice to become parents in an uncertain world. 🤰
    But wait, there's more! The duo takes on the global issues marginalized people are facing, juxtaposing it against the opulence of this year's MET Gala theme, "the garden of time," which seems to paint a dystopian picture of society's future. 💫
    Despite the weighty topics, Greg and Hannah manage to keep spirits high throughout, even treating listeners to a little Flight of the Conchords sing-along! 🎶 So, don't miss out on this rollercoaster of thought-provoking conversation and contagious optimism.
    Tune in now, and remember, no matter how bleak things may seem, we should always remain curious to consider how we might imbue hope into our horizon! ☀️
    If you enjoyed today's episode, show some love by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support means the world to us! 🌍 - Greg and Hannah

    • 38 min
    They Not Like Us? : Drake, Kendrick, and Identity

    They Not Like Us? : Drake, Kendrick, and Identity

    In their fifth episode, Hannah and Greg, discuss the rap beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The chorus of Kendrick's latest track repeats "They Not Like Us" over an unapologetic, unmistakably West Coast beat; however, the question that quickly emerges during this episode is who are transracial adoptees most like -- Drake or Kendrick? And in what ways? Through their commentary, Hannah and Greg begin to notice parallels in the internal and external conflicts created due to insecure identity and arrested development.

    Works referenced:
    Clip from Donald Glover's special "Only Black Kid in School" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb5CZ8v1jT0
    "Euphoria" - Kendrick Lamar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPqDIwWMtxg
    "Meet the Grahams" - Kendrick Lamar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QiFl9Dc7D0
    "Not Like Us" - Kendrick Lamar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6eK-2OQtew
    "Drake: Timeline of Rapper's Rise to Stardom" Business Insider https://www.businessinsider.com/drake-life-career-timeline-2018-10#aubrey-drake-graham-was-born-on-october-24-1986-1

    Additional Info:
    A History of Drake v. Kendrick Beef - Where's the Dirt? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hjA_L7yjfY&t=16s

    • 31 min
    Sounds About White : The Impacts of Racial Colorblindness

    Sounds About White : The Impacts of Racial Colorblindness

    In their fourth episode, co-hosts and interracial adoptive siblings, Greg and Hannah divert from their typical format of listener submitted topics and questions to address comments made recently (4-26-24) by, UFC 303 Headliner and transracially adoptive father, Michael Chandler on The Shawn Ryan Show.
    When asked about how Chandler approaches raising his two, Black adopted sons, he said, "I'm not raising black children, I'm raising children. Whether you are black or you are white, no matter what race that you are,.. Being a good man, a good man of reputation, none of that has to do with skin color. Everything has to do with the character of the man. Probably not an answer that some people would say is important but that's where the world has gone. Where we think that the most important thing about us is our skin color or our gender or our political affiliation."
    After hearing this quote and watching the entire interview, Hannah and Greg, were struck by Chandler's racial colorblindness, and wanted to take the necessary time to center the impacts of racial colorblindness on Black adoptees and their experiences.

    Works Referenced:
    Standing in the Gap: An Unapologetic, Reflective Workbook on Meeting the Needs the Transracial Adoptee in Your Life by Hannah Jackson Matthews, M.S.Ed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVVD11DP
    Michael Chandler on The Shawn Ryan Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7y2-i9t3Pw&t=6777s

    • 32 min
    Grow Up, Greg! : White Privilege and Growth Mindset

    Grow Up, Greg! : White Privilege and Growth Mindset

    After reflecting on the release of their debut episode, Hannah and Greg struggle with being too critical. Greg identifies, at times, how he has been dismissive and insensitive about hard conversations, and Hannah calls him in about his self-identified conflict avoidance during their conversations. As they find resolution, they practice embracing a growth mindset about their mistakes, even and especially when they feel shame for messing up. Ultimately, they are asking themselves and their listeners, what role does growth mindset play in acknowledging our varied levels of privilege? And how can growth mindset help us build and maintain more "real" connections?

    • 31 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
9 Ratings

9 Ratings

DanielleRGuy ,

Love you two!

Great conversations, great to see how close you both still are. 😍

Life-Coach_Lindsey ,

Adoptive Parent Here

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am raising 2 white bio kids and a sibling group of 3 Black kids that were adopted from foster care. I appreciate you telling us your stories and perspectives on what it was like to grow up this way. I am learning a lot that I hope to be sensitive with for my children.

Journ & CJ’s Nene ,

Just loving this!

You’re making me laugh and cry. Keep it coming!

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