The Forgotten Podcast

The Forgotten Initiative

We want to see people everywhere supporting the foster care community and experiencing Jesus together. So, in this podcast, we are sharing the stories of the foster care community to bring awareness that leads to action!

  1. APR 13

    Loving My Distanced Adult Child (w/Renaut van der Riet) Ep. 292

    In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Renaut van der, Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Orlando, Florida, to discuss the difficult and often unspoken challenge faced by adoptive and foster parents: what to do when your adult child rejects you. Renaut and his wife, Brooke, are parents to eight children, including four adopted from Ethiopia. Renaut shares the deeply personal and painful experience of having two adopted daughters cut off relationship and label the family as "toxic" and "abusive". The conversation frames this experience using the prodigal child paradigm to provide a biblical framework for navigating this complexity. Renaut discusses the tension between pursuing and letting go, distinguishing between normal rebellion and the child wanting the parents' provision ("stuff") but not the relationship ("you"). He offers practical guidance on setting boundaries, parenting the children who remain in the home, and maintaining an open heart while trusting God with the timing of potential reconciliation, reminding listeners that they are in a "safe story, just a dangerous chapter". About the Guest Renaut van der is the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Orlando, Florida, which he and his wife, Brooke, planted in 2002. Together, they have eight children, four of whom were adopted from Axo, Ethiopia. Renaut is transparent about his family’s experience with two adult daughters cutting off contact, prompting him to find a functional, biblical approach to dealing with the personal rejection and pursuit of a prodigal child. In This Episode - The personal experience of two adopted daughters rejecting the family and creating a narrative of abuse and toxicity. - How the "prodigal child" paradigm helps parents navigate personal rejection and pursuit with a biblical framework. - Distinguishing between typical rebellion and the prodigal essence, which is a child wanting the parent’s stuff but not the parent. - The necessity of progressively removing transactional pieces of the relationship to stop affirming that non-relational dynamic. - The importance of directing energy toward parenting the children who stayed, to ensure the grief over the prodigal does not steal attention from them. - Guidance on handling sibling dynamics, including how to set boundaries with the children who remain connected to the rejected adult child. - How to keep the "porch light on" in your heart and set relational protocols for a progressive return and reconciliation. - Finding peace and comfort by reminding yourself that you are in a "safe story, just a dangerous chapter"   Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative Learn more about what at TFI Advocate does

    57 min

  2. MAR 30

    Strengthening GenZ Mental Health (w/Stephanie Shackelford) Ep. 291

    In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, a Senior Fellow at Barna Group, to talk about the power of relationships, purpose, and tech-free spaces for improving kids' mental health. Dr. Shackelford shares insights from her recent Barna report, Gen Z, Mental Health and Wellbeing.   Dr. Shackelford discusses the six themes identified in her research for supporting Gen Z mental health, including the critical need for tech-free spaces and consistent rhythms for connection. She explains that the youth mental health crisis, marked by skyrocketing anxiety and depression, correlates with the rise of smartphone availability between 2010 and 2015. Throughout the conversation, she offers practical advice for parents on setting boundaries, such as removing phones from bedrooms and dinner tables, and modeling healthy technology use.   This conversation reflects on how to cultivate purpose and meaning in Gen Z, arguing that focusing on purpose—using one's gifts to serve others—is more fulfilling than chasing happiness. This discussion highlights that half of Gen Z Christians value seeing Christianity promote good in the world more than knowing it is true. She emphasizes that in-person church attendance is a major buffer against poor mental health outcomes like suicide and depression, encouraging families to prioritize being contributors at church and cultivating a culture of service at home.   This episode is an encouraging reminder that when parents and caregivers approach these changes with a humble vision and start with small, actionable steps, they can foster deep connection and meaningful purpose for their children.   About the Guest Dr. Stephanie Shackelford is a Senior Fellow at Barna Group. She has researched and written for nationwide research studies covering topics such as Gen Z, mental health, purpose, calling, and discipleship. She and her husband live on the campus of Eagle Ranch, a ministry for Families in Crisis.   In This Episode What defines Gen Z (ages 9-27) The six practical ideas from the Gen Z, Mental Health and Wellbeing report How the rise of smartphones is correlated with increased youth anxiety and depression Creating tech-free spaces and the benefits of being bored and connecting with nature The meaning of "thick community" and "embodied experiences" to combat loneliness Inviting Gen Z into a narrative of purpose and redemption rather than happiness The protective role of in-person church attendance against poor mental health Cultivating a culture of service and calling at home and in the community   Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative Learn more about what at TFI Advocate does

    34 min

  3. MAR 16

    Understanding the Court Process (w/Cari Huddleston) Ep. 290

    Court is one of the most intimidating parts of the foster care journey—but you are not powerless in the process. Today, a Guardian ad Litem shares insight into how the court system works, how “best interest” decisions are made, and why your voice matters more than you may realize. Be encouraged: even when it feels confusing, your presence and partnership make a lasting impact.

    33 min

  4. MAR 2

    Obeying with Action Where You Are (w/Mary Perdue) Ep. 289

    On this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes Mary Perdue—wife of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue—to share her journey into foster care and her years as the First Lady of Georgia (2003–2011). Mary shares how fostering newborns awaiting adoption in the late 1990s opened her eyes to the broader foster care system and inspired her to make foster care her primary initiative while in office. She describes the cultural stigma and lack of awareness surrounding the system, her focus on educating communities that there are many ways to help beyond becoming a foster parent, and efforts like Champions for Children that engage businesses, civic groups, and churches. Additionally, Mary discusses her work in creating Georgia’s Children’s Cabinet to coordinate state agencies serving children. She reflects on lessons of obedience and calling while urging the church to take responsibility for supporting foster children, families, and caseworkers alike.

    34 min

  5. FEB 16

    Encouraging Foster Parents to Persevere (w/Tony Mitchell) Ep.288

    On this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Host Jami Kaeb interviews Tony Mitchell, who entered foster care as a newborn, was adopted at age two into a loving but impoverished farm family, and grew up learning work ethic, faith, and integrity. Tony shares learning about his adoption around age 9–10, wrestling with identity and belonging while facing racial isolation and teenage rebellion, and later coming to faith in college after reading the New Testament. In his forties he located his birth mother to thank her for choosing not to terminate the pregnancy, and at 59 he was contacted by the son of his foster family, filling in the missing story of his early years and confirming he was deeply loved. Tony emphasizes gratitude, grounding identity in God, and encourages foster/adoptive parents to never give up, reminding adoptees that God can redeem painful stories for good.

    40 min

  6. FEB 6

    Addressing Fears About Teen Placements (w/Missy Bell) Ep. 287

    Our guest, Missy Bell, is the Director of San Diego for Olive Crest, an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis one life at a time. In this conversation with Jami, she brings wisdom and insight into common fears parents have when deciding to adopt a teen and how to overcome them.

    37 min

  7. JAN 19

    Answering FAQ's About the Advocate Role (w/Jami + Holly) Ep. 286

    In this episode host Jami Kaeb and Holly Gnuse sit down together to talk about all things Advocates.   What does it mean to be a TFI Advocate? They answer all of our frequently asked questions about the role including things like what's the time commitment, is training provided, and how do I start. Listen in as they share details about how TFI equips advocates just like you, all across the country to care for the vulnerable right where they live.   More information on becoming a TFI Advocate: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/become-a-tfi-advocate/   Set up a call to learn more: https://calendly.com/mellissa-foster-tfi/learn-more-you-don-t-have-to-foster-to-care?month=2026-01

    35 min

  8. JAN 5

    Linking Trauma Informed Care and the Gospel (w/Tera Melber) Ep. 285

    Join host Jami for a powerful conversation with experienced foster parent and trauma-informed care expert, Tera Melber. Tera, the founder of Resound Trauma Education, brings her extensive background—including a master’s degree in human services counseling and a commitment to integrating faith with the latest interpersonal neurobiology research—to the discussion. She shares her 20-year journey into foster care and adoption, highlighting the realization that parenting a child from early adversity requires a special set of skills and a Christian framework for care that wasn't always readily available.   Tera delves into the critical need for a trauma-informed approach to parenting and ministry, illustrating how Jesus himself modeled this connection-based care by avoiding shame and fostering safety, as seen in biblical accounts like the woman at the well and Zacchaeus. She also shifts the focus to the pivotal role of the church, encouraging congregations to move beyond rigid expectations. Instead, she advocates for trauma-aware environments—equipping volunteers with co-regulation tools, like "backpack teams"—to ensure foster and kinship families feel safety, connection, and belonging.   Ultimately, Tera’s mission is to combine the research of trauma-informed care with the biblical teachings of Jesus, viewing this work not as a buzzword, but as essential "gospel work." She looks forward to witnessing the church step up to be a unique place of safety, connection, and hope to bring healing and generational change to families navigating the foster care journey.   Links: Learn more at theforgotteninitiative.org More about guest Tera Melber https://www.facebook.com/p/Resound-Trauma-Education-LLC-61560422615470/

    52 min
See All (314)

4.9
out of 5
530 Ratings

About

We want to see people everywhere supporting the foster care community and experiencing Jesus together. So, in this podcast, we are sharing the stories of the foster care community to bring awareness that leads to action!

Information

  • Creator
    The Forgotten Initiative
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    314
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Forgotten Podcast

You Might Also Like