Let's Talk Adoption

Adoptive dad Tim Elder returns to share lessons, practical advice, and encouragement for families pursuing domestic infant adoption.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim welcomes back Tim Elder, a three-time adoptive dad and founder of the Infant Adoption Guide Podcast and Community. After experiencing the infant adoption process three times, Tim has gained a unique perspective on what it takes to navigate adoption as an adoptive parent.

In this episode, Kim King and Heather Featherston discuss what it's like adopting when you already have kids. They answer common questions about whether having children affects your chances of being chosen by an expectant mother, what to expect during your home study, whether your children should travel with you for an out-of-state adoption, and how to prepare your entire family for the exciting transition ahead.

Growing your family through adoption is exciting, but if you’re already parenting a child, you may be wondering how to prepare them for this life-changing journey.Whether you’ve experienced secondary infertility, always hoped to adopt, or recently felt called to grow your family through adoption, one question often comes up:

“How do I explain adoption to my child and help them welcome a new sibling?”



In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King and Heather Featherston discuss practical, age-appropriate ways to prepare your children for adoption.

When you receive the call that an adoption opportunity is available, things can move quickly. Some families have hours to prepare, while others have a day or two. Being ready ahead of time can make an already emotional experience much less stressful.

In this episode, we’re sharing practical ways to prepare before your phone rings, including:

In this episode, Kim welcomes back three-time adoptive mom and life coach Tammy Young to talk about the emotional side of adoption and helping adopted children navigate life’s challenges. Tammy shares lessons from her international adoption journey, the importance of communication, and how storytelling can help children process difficult experiences. She also shares practical tips for adoptive parents, including using sign language with young children. Tammy’s son, adopted from Kazakhstan, is now 26, thriving in his career, traveling the world, and enjoying life in Washington, D.C.

One of the biggest concerns expectant mothers have when considering adoption is simple: “How do I know my baby will be safe?” The good news is that adoptive families don’t simply sign up and start adopting. Before a family can ever be presented to an expectant mother, they complete a thorough screening process designed to ensure they are prepared to provide a safe, stable, and loving home. In this episode, Heather and Kim walk through what really happens behind the scenes during the approval process.

Adoption is surrounded by myths, half-truths, and misconceptions. In this fun, game-style episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim put some of the most common adoption statements to the test.

Is it fact…or is it fiction?

From open adoption and home studies to foster care, international adoption, birth father rights, and financial assistance during pregnancy, you’ll learn what’s true, what’s false, and where the answer depends on the situation.

Whether you’re an expectant parent considering adoption, hoping to adopt, or simply curious...

Could your employer help pay for your adoption? Many hopeful adoptive parents spend months researching adoption grants, fundraising ideas, savings plans, and loans but overlook one of the most accessible potential sources of financial assistance: their own employer. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim explain how employer adoption reimbursement works, how much assistance some companies provide, and the questions every hopeful adoptive parent should ask Human Resources.

How can we help adoptees develop confidence, resilience, and a healthy mindset throughout every stage of life?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King is joined by educator, Certified WISDOM Coach®, and adoptive mom Tammy Young. Drawing from more than 20 years of teaching and her personal experience raising three adopted children, Tammy shares practical ways parents can help children recognize unhealthy thought patterns, build self-esteem, and develop resilience rooted in truth and God’s love.

Together, Kim and Tammy discuss:

One of the biggest questions people have about adoption is also one of the least talked about: What actually happens at the hospital? In this episode, Heather Featherston and Kim King walk through what families can typically expect during the hospital experience, from labor and delivery to paperwork, discharge, and everything in between. Whether you’re an expectant parent considering adoption or a hopeful adoptive family, understanding the process can replace fear with confidence.

In this episode of Let's Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim explain the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) in simple, easy-to-understand language. They discuss why ICPC exists, what happens after your baby is born, how long the process usually takes, and what adoptive families can expect while waiting for approval.

We’re rereleasing this powerful episode of Let’s Talk Adoption featuring John Knox, adoptee, entrepreneur, and the man behind the national Adoption Is An Option movement. John’s message continues to be just as important today: women facing an unexpected pregnancy deserve to know every option available to them, including modern adoption. Through the Adoption Is An Option movement and the widely shared video, “The Girl in the Middle,” John has helped bring adoption back into the national conversation with compassion, honesty, and hope.

After our recent episode about common questions women ask when considering adoption, we received even more thoughtful questions from listeners.In this follow-up episode, Heather and Kim answer five of the most searched and emotionally complex adoption questions women often ask while exploring their options.

They discuss:

This episode offers honest, compassionate conversation about modern adoption...

If you’re pregnant and wondering whether adoption might be the right path for your baby, you probably have a lot of questions. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim walk through some of the most common questions women ask when they first reach out to learn about adoption.

In Part 2 of Tiffany's incredible adoption journey, we continue the story after her family's first Safe Haven adoption and discover how God surprised them yet again with a second unexpected call.

After adopting their son through Florida's Safe Haven program, Tiffany and her husband thought they would spend months waiting to be matched for a second adoption. Instead, less than two months after becoming active again, they received another life-changing phone call: there was a baby girl who needed a family.

This time, however, the journey looked very different.

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What happens when a normal Monday turns into the day you become a parent?

In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim sits down with Tiffany to share the incredible story of how she and her husband Joshua became parents through Safe Haven adoption.

Before adopting, Tiffany and Joshua spent years serving overseas as missionaries in Thailand, trusting God through unexpected turns, closed doors, and major life changes. After returning to the United States to pursue adoption, they had no idea that God was orchestrating a story far beyond anyt...

Three of the most common questions women ask when exploring adoption are deeply emotional ones. Questions about love, openness, trust, and safety.

In this episode, Heather and Kim talk honestly about:

They also discuss the guilt, fear, and misconceptions many women carry while considering adoption, and why learning about adoption is never the same as committing to adoption.

In this episode:

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, we’re answering real questions from listeners—questions that reflect the emotions, decisions, and uncertainties so many people face in the adoption journey. From concerns about financial risk to navigating family opinions, from the heartbreak of a situation going quiet to wondering what openness really looks like, these are the kinds of questions that don’t always have easy answers—but they deserve thoughtful ones. We also hear from a birth mother wondering if it’s okay to reconnect after time has passed, and from waiting families trying to balance being open with staying...

Not being chosen in adoption can feel deeply personal—but is it?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather talk honestly about the emotional side of waiting, especially when a family isn’t selected after being presented to an expectant mother. They explore:

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why wouldn’t she choose us?”—this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and encouragement for the road ahead.

The short answer is yes… but it’s more complicated than that. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather unpack the many ways “no” shows up in adoption.

In this heartfelt episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King sits down with Maureen, a two-time single adoptive mom who followed her calling to grow her family through international adoption—twice. Maureen shares the joys, challenges, and life-changing moments of adopting as a single parent. We spend special time talking about her daughter’s adoption from China, including navigating special needs adoption and the unexpected blessings that came afterward.

In Part 2 of this powerful series, Kim and Heather continue breaking down 10 more common myths about adoption, including misconceptions about birth parents, the matching process, and what life looks like after placement.

There’s a lot of misinformation about adoption—and it can create fear, confusion, or hesitation for families considering this path. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather break down the top 10 myths about adoption for prospective adoptive parents and replace them with truth, clarity, and encouragement.

Christian parenting podcasts have become a go-to source of encouragement for many families. They offer practical advice, faith-centered perspectives, and reassurance for the everyday challenges of raising children.

But what happens when your family is built through adoption?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim talk about why so many parents turn to Christian parenting podcasts — and where adoptive families may need something more. From understanding a child’s story to navigating emotions, identity, and connection, they explore the unique layers adoption brings to parenting.

W...

In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, we sit down with adoptee and entrepreneur, John Knox, to talk about the Super Bowl commercial that sparked a nationwide conversation. “The Girl in the Middle,” a moving and conversation-provoking ad that has been viewed over 100 million times, was created with a simple but meaningful goal: to bring awareness to adoption as a third option. Beyond the campaign, John opens up about his personal adoption story, including what it was like to reconnect with his birth mother, birth father, and biological siblings as an adult. We also discuss the importance of educat...

In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, we sit down with adoptee and entrepreneur, John Knox, to talk about the Super Bowl commercial that sparked a nationwide conversation.

“The Girl in the Middle,” a moving and conversation-provoking ad that has been viewed over 100 million times, was created with a simple but meaningful goal: to bring awareness to adoption as a third option.

Beyond the campaign, John opens up about his personal adoption story, including what it was like to reconnect with his birth mother, birth father, and biological siblings as an adu...

What does Christian parenting look like in an adoptive family?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim talk about Christian parenting tips through the lens of adoption. Many of the values Christians hope to model as parents—grace, compassion, patience, and humility—often take on deeper meaning when parenting a child whose story began before they joined the family.

They discuss what it looks like to parent with faith, how adoptive parents can speak positively about their child’s story, and why adoption can be a powerful way to t...

Have you ever heard someone refer to an “adoption certificate”? It’s actually a phrase that shows up in online searches quite often. But interestingly, there isn’t an official document called an adoption certificate. So what are people really looking for when they search that phrase? In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim unpack the three different things people are usually referring to when they ask about the “adoption certificate process.”

What does it really take to adopt an older child? In this candid continuation of their series, host Kim King and licensed social worker Linda Rotz pull back the curtain on what families can genuinely expect. 

They tackle some of the most persistent myths — that older children don't want to be adopted, that love alone is enough, or that bonding happens instantly — and replace them with honest, compassionate insight. Linda shares real stories from her years in both private adoption and foster care, including a young woman adopted the day before her 18th birthday. 

When people hear there are thousands of children waiting to be adopted, it can sound like adopting an older child is straightforward. The truth? Older child adoption is often far more complex and challenging than people realize. In this three-part series, Kim sits down with Linda to unpack what older child adoption really looks like, how it differs from infant adoption, myths and truths, trauma, and what families should thoughtfully consider before saying yes to this path. Honest, practical, and hope-filled — this conversation will help you understand both the beauty and the responsibility of adopting an older child. Linda Rotz br...

Adoption timelines can feel confusing and overwhelming — so we broke down EVERY stage. From home study to finalization, this episode walks you through what to expect, what can speed things up, and what can slow things down. If you’re waiting, this one is for you.

In Part Two, Linda answers the final five home study questions adoptive parents are often too nervous to ask—covering red flags, second chances, comparisons, and what happens after the report is written. Topics Covered: • Red flags vs. fixable concerns • What happens if issues come up • Comparing adoptive families • Who reads your home study • How to truly prepare

You asked if we saw the Super Bowl adoption ad… Yes. Yes, we did. And we recorded a reaction episode right away. When adoption shows up during the biggest advertising event of the year, the entire country starts talking. The commercial — centered on the idea of adoption as a “third choice” — was released ahead of the 2026 Super Bowl and quickly sparked widespread conversation online. In this episode, Kim and Heather react to the viral “third choice” adoption commercial and unpack the many reactions happening across the internet. We talk about what the ad communicated, what it left unsaid, and why adoption messa...

In part one of this two-part series, adoption social worker Linda answers five home study questions that prospective adoptive parents often wonder about but may be hesitant to ask during the home study process.

Drawing on her experience, Linda provides candid and compassionate insights to demystify the home study and ease common anxieties.

By tackling these sensitive questions, Linda hopes to empowe...

For more than 40 years, Mardie Caldwell has walked alongside families and women navigating infertility, unplanned pregnancy, and adoption—always guided by faith, compassion, and a deep trust in God’s leading. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Mardie shares the story behind Lifetime Adoption, the calling that shaped its mission, and her personal journey that began with infertility and unfolded into a lifetime of service. What started as a quiet step of obedience became a national ministry rooted in open adoption, education, and unwavering respect for everyone involved.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim share the heart and mission of the Lifetime Adoption Foundation, the nonprofit that sponsors the show.

The Foundation exists to provide education, financial assistance, and practical support to people impacted by adoption — including birth mothers and adoptive families — at different points along the journey.

From birth mother scholarships and stability-focused support, to adoption education and adoptive family grants, this conversation offers a closer look at how the Foundation’s work creates opportunity, understanding, and long-term impact.

In this e...

Choosing an adoption agency is one of the most important decisions hopeful adoptive parents will make—yet many families aren’t sure what questions to ask or what values truly matter.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption with Kim and Heather, we explore what ethical adoption really looks like and how families can discern whether an agency’s philosophy aligns with their own. From transparency and education to birth parent care and child-centered decision making, this conversation offers practical insight and gentle guidance for families navigating the adoption journey.

This epi...

Thinking about adoption but not sure where to start? You’re not alone.

In this entry-level episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather walk through the very first steps of the adoption journey in a clear, approachable way. From identifying your adoption preferences to researching agencies, applying, and understanding what typically comes next, this episode is designed to bring clarity and confidence to families who are just beginning to explore adoption.

No pressure. No overwhelm. Just a starting place.

In this episode, we cover:

There are seasons when life quietly shifts, and suddenly the future you imagined no longer feels certain. For some, that uncertainty comes after pregnancy loss or infertility. For others, it follows unexpected changes, like being single longer than planned, walking through divorce, or losing a spouse and facing life in a way you never anticipated.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim speak honestly to those living in that in-between space. They acknowledge the grief that can come with unmet expectations, the exhaustion of waiting, and the fear of not knowing wha...