What if the very essence of who you are could remain untouched, even in the face of profound rejection and trauma? Join us for an insightful conversation with Simon Benn, the creative force behind the Thriving Adoptees Podcast, who courageously shares his personal journey of reaching out to his biological father. Despite facing rejection once again, Simon's story reveals the incredible resilience adoptees often possess, emphasizing that rejection often reflects the other person's struggles rather than our own worth. Together, we explore how Simon's experience serves as an inspiring testament to navigating the emotional complexities of reunion with strength and self-compassion.

Discover how somatic experiences and identity exploration can lead to profound healing and transformation. We dive into the significance of childhood memories, like finding a cherished teddy bear, and how they can spark a deep exploration of consciousness and self. With insights from internal family systems therapy, we highlight the concept of an indestructible core self, offering a hopeful perspective on healing from trauma. Through powerful stories and therapeutic wisdom, we aim to inspire listeners to embrace their wholeness and embark on a journey of thriving beyond past traumas, providing a beacon of hope and understanding for those on similar paths.

What if reclaiming your true identity felt like swimming back to shore after being adrift in the ocean? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Melissa Brunetti, host of Mind Your Own Karma, the Adoption Chronicles, as she shares her own transformative journey as a domestic adoptee from the baby scoop era. Melissa opens up about the emotional complexities her birth mother faced and the unwavering support of her adoptive parents when they discovered her hip dysplasia. Through her engaging narrative, we explore life’s unexpected connections and the profound impact of humor and resilience in shaping identity and family dynamics.

Melissa takes us on a voyage of self-discovery, revealing how the struggle for authenticity as adoptees can deeply affect personal relationships. As we discuss swimming back to the 'beach' of our true selves, the conversation delves into the journey of reconnecting with long-buried emotions and preferences, and the ripple effects on significant relationships. We offer encouragement to those on similar paths, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced while navigating the complexities of identity and authenticity, particularly in relationships where understanding may be limited.

The Wandering Tree Podcast is peeling back the layers of adoption narratives in a heartfelt roundtable featuring adoptees and birth mothers who are bravely sharing their stories. Join Jenny Becknell as she sheds light on the complexities of open adoption and Amy Seek as she reflects on her 24-year journey in the adoption world. Together with guests like Denise Palmer, Sharon Cummins, Elle Clausen, Suzanne Bachner and Dr. Liz DeBetta, we delve into the intricate tapestry of emotions—from regret to gratitude—that define the adoption experience.

We confront the powerful emotions and enduring trauma often faced by birth mothers, particularly those from the era of closed adoptions. Through personal stories, we expose the societal pressures and emotional challenges that shape the lives of both birth mothers and adoptees. We also examine the impact of terminology within the adoption system, questioning how words like "birth mom" or "given up" can inadvertently shape identity and self-worth.

By highlighting the invaluable support offered by organizations like the Celia Center, we aim to foster empathy and inspire change. Through honest conversations about trauma, memory, and relationship dynamics, we create a space for healing and hope. Our guests' stories emphasize the need for transparency and kindness in adoption practices, urging a shift towards preserving family connections and identities.

Let's embrace these stories of strength and vulnerability and acknowledge the profound impact adoption has on individuals, families, and communities.

After listening, share your thoughts on social media using #WanderingTreePodcast and tag a friend who might benefit from this conversation.

Join us with our esteemed guest Jenny Becknell as she offers an intimate look into the emotional aftermath of the next two decades of the open adoptions journey, from the touching creation of a heartfelt video for her daughters' 18th birthday to the raw emotions stirred by an unexpected request from Anna's adoptive mother. This episode promises a heartfelt exploration of what it means to navigate these deeply personal experiences, shedding light on the interconnected lives of birth mothers, adoptees, and adoptive families.

As her daughter turns 18, we tackle the shifting dynamics within the adoption triad, exploring the evolving roles and emotions as Jenny grapples with feelings of connection and threat. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of honest communication, revealing the delicate balance between maintaining relationships and acknowledging the fear of being cut off. Jenny's candid reflections on this transformative phase highlight the critical role of empathy and understanding in preventing breakdowns in dialogue, offering listeners valuable insights into the nuances of adoption relationships.

Our discussion further unveils the intricate dynamics of sharing difficult truths and understanding the often-overlooked perspective of birth mothers. Jenny courageously speaks about the challenges of expressing her feelings and the societal perceptions that contribute to her sense of alienation. Through her story, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the birth mother's journey, emphasizing the need for unconditional love, respect, and open communication. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to understand the complex, emotional world of adoption, leaving listeners with a renewed empathy for all involved.

What would you do if you had to make one of the toughest decisions of your life? Join us on the Wandering Tree Podcast as we explore the heartfelt and emotional journeys of a birth mother navigating the experience of open adoption. In this episode, Jenny Becknell candidly shares her lived journey, from the moment she went into labor with her daughter Anna, through the tender hours spent in the hospital surrounded by family, friends, and Anna's adoptive parents. Through Jenny's moving journal to her daughter, listeners gain an intimate glimpse into the profound bonds and emotions forged during this life-changing process. The narrative reaches its emotional peak as she describes her last night in the hospital, holding her baby and grappling with the impending separation.

What happens when your world is turned upside down at 18? Jenny Becknell knows firsthand the whirlwind of emotions that come with an unexpected pregnancy during college and the life-altering decision of adoption. Join us as Jenny, a birth mother, shares her intimate story, beginning with her shock and initial excitement upon discovering she was pregnant while balancing school and family expectation. She opens up about navigating her complex family dynamics, where her sister's simultaneous pregnancy and an abusive home added immense pressure to her situation.

Jenny’s candid storytelling takes us through the emotional labyrinth of facing familial and societal pressures. Listen as she reads from her journal entries, revealing the profound internal conflict she faced. Was placing her baby for adoption truly in her child's best interest, or was it a desperate attempt to satisfy her parents? Jenny reflects on the cultural and religious influences that shaped her decisions, and how these themes echo in her interactions with the birth father and the broader adoption community.

Throughout the episode, we explore the lasting impact of adoption on Jenny's life, including the ongoing pain and what-ifs that she continues to grapple with. She speaks on the importance of creating safe spaces for birth mothers and adoptees to share their stories and the critical need for empathy and understanding. Despite the heartache, Jenny highlights the fulfilling life she's built with her husband and other children, offering a message of hope and resilience to our listeners. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the deep emotional layers of adoption.

Art meets advocacy when the transformative power of storytelling takes the spotlight. As a playwright, Suzanne Bachner channeled the raw emotions and experiences of the adoptee's pursuit into narratives that resonate beyond the stage, touching hearts and influencing legislative change. This episode doesn't merely trace Suzanne's path to discovering her beginnings; it also celebrates the broader victories for adoptee rights, highlighting the vital role of the arts in this movement. Through the craft of live performances, we've seen the adoption narrative shift and gain momentum, even as we continue to advocate for unrestricted access to original birth certificates and the fulfillment of every adoptee's right to know their heritage.

When Suzanne speaks, we listen - the echoes of a past era and the soul-searching journey of an adoptee become palpable - a narrative woven from the threads of the Baby Scoop Era, where the controversial practices of Louise Wise Services and the emotional odyssey of finding one's roots take center stage. Suzanne's candid recounting are far from a tale of disloyalty to her adoptive family, it emerges as a tender testament to the complex layers of identity and the hunger for truth that defines many adoptees' lives.

Listening to Suzanne's journey, our hearts are woven into the fabric of her experiences, reflecting the spirit of resilience that defines the adoptee community. We discuss the significance of these shared stories, the advocacy that propels us forward, and the interconnectedness that fosters a sense of belonging within our ranks. Join us as we traverse the emotional landscape of adoption, celebrate the strides made in adoptee rights, and affirm the enduring strength found in the community's collective voice.

🎭 Award-Winning Play by @suzannejouvay
Suzanne Bachner

Artistic Director | JMTC Theatre

Playwright & Director | The Good Adoptee | More

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodAdoptee

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodadoptee/

Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

When Lori Knisely offers a window into her soul, revealing the intertwined paths of being an adoptee and storyteller, we're reminded that life is rich with complex patterns. Our hearts travel with Lori to the remnants of St. Anthony's Home for Infants, feeling the gravity of each stone and the stories they carry as we follow her quest for information. Imagine holding a piece of your origin in your hands, a doorknob from a place that once held you but left no memory—such is the profound longing shared by many adoptees. Lori's pilgrimage through physical spaces and metaphorical gaps in life's timeline paints a vivid picture of the adoption narrative, echoing the universal human search for identity and belonging.

Lori’s advocacy story is a testimonial to the strength found in community, the transformative power of shared experiences and exemplifies resilience and compassion required to navigate the intricate relationship between adoption, identity, and faith. At the close of this beautiful conversation we are left with a sense of gratitude for the courage and openness that Lori, and those like her, bring to the table. Join us as we continue to unearth and share these powerful narratives, fostering a space for understanding and connection within the vast community of adoption.

Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

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