Thriver Stories

Foster Greatness
  • 5.0(4개의 평가)
  • 비영리
  • 매주 업데이트

Welcome to Thriver Stories, the podcast series brought to you by the Foster Greatness Community! I’m your host, Isabel Stasa, and I’m thrilled to be your guide through these inspiring tales of resilience and triumph. And the not so sweet parts, too. In each episode, we spotlight incredible individuals who share a common thread: they’ve all navigated the foster care system. These are not just stories; they’re powerful testaments to strength, hope, and the determination to thrive against all odds.

  1. Not A Nickname: The System Refused to Say My Name w/ Niko Sanford

    2월 13일

    Not A Nickname: The System Refused to Say My Name w/ Niko Sanford

    Most foster systems fail the very youth they’re supposed to protect—especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ young people. In this episode of Thrivers Stories, Nico—a formerly fostered trans youth from Georgia—shares raw, powerful insights into the emotional toll of being misnamed, misunderstood, and marginalized by a system meant to care. He talks about the dangerous impact of systemic refusal to honor his identity, from being denied gender-affirming clothing to having his name and pronouns dismissed. His message is clear: when your environment ignores or erases you, your act of simply existing is an act of rebellion. Perfect for social workers, foster parents, advocates, or anyone committed to transforming the foster care system, this episode challenges us to see the humanity behind the statistics. Nico’s courage reminds us that honoring identity isn’t just kindness—it’s survival. Tune in to understand how affirming a young person’s true self can be the first step toward systemic change.

    46분
  2. The Pleasure of Being a Diamond - Dejuna Rodriguez

    1월 30일

    The Pleasure of Being a Diamond - Dejuna Rodriguez

    In this episode, host Isabel Stasa welcomes Dejuna Rodriguez, who shares her journey through the foster care system and her mission to uplift voices with lived experiences. Dejuna discusses the challenges she faced entering foster care at 14, the impact of her mother's decisions, and the transformative power of finding community and support through organizations like Foster Success. The conversation delves into systemic issues within child welfare, the importance of compassionate leadership, and Dejuna's commitment to breaking generational cycles of foster care. The episode concludes with a powerful message about the role everyone plays in creating a supportive environment for foster youth.

    46분
  3. Burdened to Believed: A Foster Youth’s Narrative Shift w/ Joe Dolash

    1월 23일

    Burdened to Believed: A Foster Youth’s Narrative Shift w/ Joe Dolash

    In this episode of the Thriver Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa sits down with Joe Dolash, a former foster youth who shares his transformative journey from feeling burdened to believing in his potential. Joe opens up about the challenges he faced in the foster care system, the pivotal moments that reshaped his narrative, and the foster parent who helped him see beyond the labels. Join us as we explore themes of resilience, trust, and the power of a supportive community in rewriting one's story. Tune in to discover how Joe's experiences have shaped his path to becoming a psychology doctorate student and his message of hope for others navigating similar journeys.

    47분
  4. Miss Goody Two Shoes: When Compliance is a Trauma Response

    1월 16일

    Miss Goody Two Shoes: When Compliance is a Trauma Response

    In the premiere episode of Season 2 of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa is joined by Tai-Isha Jack to delve into the complexities of compliance as a trauma response. Join them as they explore Tai-Isha's personal journey from foster care to becoming a licensed clinical social worker. Through candid conversations, they uncover the hidden struggles behind being the "easy" case and the long-term effects of parentification. This episode offers a powerful narrative on resilience, healing, and the importance of creating spaces for authentic dialogue. Tune in to discover how past experiences shape our present and future.

    1시간 8분
  5. Seeing Through Stained Glass w. Rowan Arquette

    2025. 10. 10.

    Seeing Through Stained Glass w. Rowan Arquette

    In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, Rowan Arquette shares his journey of navigating an unconventional childhood marked by foster care and the complexities of morality and identity. He reflects on the importance of community, empathy, and understanding different perspectives, emphasizing that trauma is subjective and should not be compared. Rowan discusses the significance of forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the power of reinvention, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their unique stories and find purpose in their experiences.

    59분
  6. Raised in Silence, Rooted in Resilience

    2025. 10. 03.

    Raised in Silence, Rooted in Resilience

    In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Charissa, a passionate advocate for foster youth. Charissa shares her journey of growing up in a challenging environment, navigating identity suppression, and finding her voice through advocacy. The conversation delves into the impact of generational trauma, the importance of self-love, and the power of asking questions. Charissa emphasizes the significance of resilience and the role of advocacy in creating change for future generations. The episode concludes with a powerful message about self-worth and the journey of personal growth.

    44분
  7. The System Didn't Break Me, It Taught Me How to Fix It - Dashaan Jennings

    2025. 09. 26.

    The System Didn't Break Me, It Taught Me How to Fix It - Dashaan Jennings

    In this episode of the Thriving Stories podcast, Dashaan Jennings shares his journey from navigating the complexities of the New Jersey child welfare system to founding Str8 Up Employment Services. He discusses the importance of lived experience in shaping effective community support and employment initiatives for youth aging out of the foster care system. Dashaan emphasizes the need for policy reform, community engagement, and creative solutions to bridge gaps in employment access and support for marginalized individuals. The conversation highlights the critical role of empathy, understanding, and collaboration in driving meaningful change within communities.

    43분
  8. Loud to Live: When Self-Advocacy is Survival

    2025. 09. 19.

    Loud to Live: When Self-Advocacy is Survival

    In this episode of the Thrivers Stories podcast, host Isabel Stasa speaks with Christina Travis, a passionate advocate for youth in foster care. Christina shares her personal journey through the foster care system, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges she faced, and the impact of supportive adults in her life. The conversation delves into the struggles of navigating mental health, the significance of assertiveness, and the biases that youth in care often encounter. Christina emphasizes the need for youth to find their voice and seek support while navigating the complexities of the foster care system.

    51분
모두 보기(43개)

평가 및 리뷰

5
최고 5점
4개의 평가

소개

Welcome to Thriver Stories, the podcast series brought to you by the Foster Greatness Community! I’m your host, Isabel Stasa, and I’m thrilled to be your guide through these inspiring tales of resilience and triumph. And the not so sweet parts, too. In each episode, we spotlight incredible individuals who share a common thread: they’ve all navigated the foster care system. These are not just stories; they’re powerful testaments to strength, hope, and the determination to thrive against all odds.

정보

  • 제작진
    Foster Greatness
  • 방송 연도
    2024년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    43
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © Foster Greatness
  • 웹사이트 보기
    Thriver Stories