Foster Care, Adoption, and Beyond: Untold Stories
FAB untold stories integrates story telling, research, and expert interviews to shed light on the complexity of foster care, adoption, youth homelessness, and related social work and urban topics, with the ultimate goal of raising awareness and building a more compassionate world. The host, Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina, is a professor, social scientist, and author. Her research includes the study of the foster, adopt, homeless youth community, and she is also a former foster and homeless youth and foster-adopt parent. Follow on instagram:https://www.instagram.com/zaydasorrellmedina/Learn more about guest speaking, consultation, and research:zaydasorrellmedina.com
E36 | International Adoption? Reflections with Jessie Elliot
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This episode touches upon what some may consider to be the controversial topic of international adoption. Join us with Black and Korean international adoptee Jessie Elliot who reflects upon this topic from a research and personal lens. You may buy her memoir the Hummingbird Lion at thehummingbirdlion.com
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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E35 | Trauma and Adoption: An interview with Jessie Elliot
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Jessie Elliot is the author of the memoir, a Hummingbird Lion. In this episode, she recounts her story that includes being internationally adopted from Korea, racism as Black and Korean woman, sexual and developmental trauma, and serendipitous moments that led to meet her father in later life. Learn more about Jessie Elliot and her memoir by visiting thehummingbirdlion.com
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Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate. <...
E34 | Interview with Jeffrey Lambert at Ventura Housing
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This episode highlights the impact of Ventura Housing Organization located in Ventura, CA and sheds light on the FYI Program, a rental assistance voucher for former foster youth.
Donate or Get Involved with Ventura Housing By Clicking on Links Below
Atlas-Ventura Housing
https://venturahousing.org/
Bio Jeffrey Lambert
Jeffrey Lambert serves as Chief Executive Officer for Ventura Housing. Ventura Housing owns and manages nearly 1,200 affordable units and manages nearly 2,000 Housing Vouchers. Most recently, Jeff served as Chief Operating Officer of...
E33 | Race, Ethnicity, and Adoption
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Thomas Brooks, author of A wealth of family: An adopted son's international quest for heritage, reunion, and enrichment shares his perspective on the intersectionality between race, ethnicity, and adoption.
Link to A Wealth of Family Book by Thomas Brooks:
https://alphamultimedia.com/product/book-a-wealth-of-family/
https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Family-International-Heritage-Enrichment/dp/0977462935
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Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and...
E32 | Should I Tell My Child That They Are Adopted?
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Should you tell your adopted child that they are adopted? Thomas Brooks, author of A wealth of family: An adopted son's international quest for heritage, reunion, and enrichment shares his prospective.
Link to A Wealth of Family Book by Thomas Brooks:
https://alphamultimedia.com/product/book-a-wealth-of-family/
https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Family-International-Heritage-Enrichment/dp/0977462935
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive p...
E31 | An Adoption Story: The Story of Thomas Brooks
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This episodes shares the adoption story of adoptee Thomas Brooks.
Thomas Brooks is the Managing Director of Alpha Multimedia, a marketing and public relations firm that helps organizations increase brand recognition, generate more qualified leads, and grow revenue. He is also the author of A Wealth of Family: An Adopted Son's International Quest for Heritage, Reunion, and Enrichment, the inspiring true story of his international search for his biological family and the life-changing reunions that followed across the United States, England, and Kenya.
An award-winning speaker, author, and marketing e...
E30 | Supporting Foster Care, Adoption, Homeless Youth Inclusion in Policy and Practice
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Here, I discuss how organizations, schools, and government can promote the inclusion of individuals of a foster care, adoption, homeless youth background through policy and practice. To learn more about my research or consultation and guest speaking, visit zaydasorrellmedina.com
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/2171073/supporthttps://cash.ap...Episode 29 | Foster Care Resilience
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Are you in foster care or a transitional foster age youth? In this episode, I share tips based on life experience to strengthen youth resilience while going through foster care and beyond.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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A...
Episode 28 | Seeing the Glass Half Full
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Drawing from the framework of synchronicity and a strengths-based perspective, I reflect on how our woes may be points of beauty concomitantly creating lifelong friendships and family. Share this episode with someone you know who may benefit from this lesson.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/2171073/supporthttps://cash.app...Episode 27 | 3 Trauma Informed Strategies for Working with the Foster Adoption Community
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In this episode, I draw from research and personal experience to share three trauma-informed strategies for working with individuals of foster care and adoption background. Learn more about my research, guest speaking, and research collaboration by visiting zaydasorrellmedina.com.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/2171073/supporthttps://cash.app/$Za...Episode 26 | 5 Life lessons: From the Trenches to the Light
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In this episode, I share 5 life lessons allowing for living life with more intention and purpose. Happy New Years to those listening to this in the New Year!
To learn more about my advocacy and research visit zaydasorrellmedina.com OR for speaking and consulting zsmresearchandeducation.com.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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Episode 25 | Como Apoyar a los Padres de Adopción y de Cuidado de Crianza
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Como puedo apoyar a mis clientes, estudiantes, o amigos que son padres adoptivos o de cuidado de crianza? Escuche este episodio para aprender más.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
zaydasorrellmedina.com
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A new episode is released month...
Episode 24 | 5 Equity-Minding Teaching Strategies
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Teachers, professors, and educators: Let’s get real about how we can increase access to the curriculum for all students, including foster/homeless youth, adoptees, and other vulnerable populations. In this episode, I share 5 practical techniques for enhancing equity in the classroom.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
zaydasorrellmedina.com
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https://www.buzz...Episode 23 | Interview with Dexter O'Connell at Safe Place for Youth Organization
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This episode highlights the vital role nonprofits play in addressing youth homelessness in Los Angeles. We’re joined by Guest Dexter O’Connell, Director of Youth Policy and Advocacy at Safe Place for Youth (SPY), who shares with us the impactful work that SPY is doing to address youth homelessness and the secret ingredient that makes their work effective.
About Safe Place for Youth
Web: www.safeplaceforyouth.org
Get involved: https://www.safeplaceforyouth.org/get_involved
Donate: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/dmqdeQ?vid=1...
Episode 22 | Interview with Christian Quijano and Chino Quinlan at My Friend's Place
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About the Episode
This episode highlights the vital role nonprofits play in addressing youth homelessness in Los Angeles. We’re joined by Christian Quijano, Associate Director of Program Innovation and Impact at My Friend’s Place, and Chino Quinlan, a former participant of the organization and now a Coordinator at the LA LGBT Center. Together, they share powerful personal stories and insightful research that reveal the heart of what makes nonprofit work so impactful.
About the Guests
Christian Quijano
Christian Quijano is a...
Episode 21 | Foster Parent Trainings in LA County: Interview with Researchers Kathleen (Kate) Soto Gisler and Kaili Farhat
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In this episode we have guests Kaili Farhat and Kathleen (Kate) Soto Gisler present their master’s thesis on foster parent training programs in Los Angeles County. As home to one of the largest child welfare systems in the United States, LA County offers a wide range of trainings for foster parents. However, notable gaps remain in the content and scope of these offerings. Kate and Kaili's county-level analysis identifies these gaps and weaves in recommendations that can strengthen foster parent training efforts both within LA County and beyond.
Kathleen (Kat...
Episode 20 | Libertad?
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What is freedom? This episode presents a profound critique of freedom drawing upon key concepts in Nichiren Buddism and the story of Tsunesaburō Makiguchi.
Que es la libertad? Este episodio presenta una crítica profunda de la libertad por recurrir al Buddismo Nichiren y el cuento de Tsunesaburō Makiguchi.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
zaydasorrellmedina.com
<...
Episode 19 | Foster Care License Requirements: Interview with Researchers Jasmine Mitchell and Maggie Reddington
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Happy foster care awareness month! In this episode, child welfare workers and Maggie Reddington and Jasmine Mitchell disseminate their research from their master's thesis, which examines the exclusionary requirements of the U.S. foster care licensing process. If you've ever wondered, what is the process to become a foster parent, this episode is a must listen, shedding light on the approval process in different states.
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Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and h...
Episode 18 | Becoming a Foster Parent: 5 Things I Wish I Knew
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Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent? Save yourself a headache and tune in to these five things you need to know before becoming a foster parent.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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Episode 16 | Cuento Infantil: Alas Para Volar
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This story is for children as much as it is for adults, inviting the listener to tap into their inner child to cultivate imagination. Alas para volar means wings to fly in Spanish. This is a special episode release to recognize International Multilingual Day on March 27th. I practice multilingual parenting, and this story that I share with you is one that I created for my trilingual toddler.
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Episode 17 | Child Story: Wings to Fly
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This story is for children as much as it is for adults, inviting the listener to tap into their inner child to cultivate imagination. Alas para volar means wings to fly in Spanish. This is a special episode release to recognize International Multilingual Day on March 27th. I practice multilingual parenting, and this story that I share with you is one that I created for my trilingual toddler.
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Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is...
Episode 15 | DEI Explained
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Have you ever wondered: What is DEI? There is a lot of misinformation about what it is and what it is not. In this episode, I present a basic definition of DEI in lay terms.
Stay tuned for the special episode release on March 27th in recognition of International Multi-lingual Day! I will be sharing a cuento infantil, or child story.
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Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent...
Episode 14 | Podcast Name Change
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This podcast is an official announcement regarding the podcast's name change, from "The Voice" to "Foster Care, Adoption and Beyond: Untold Stories", also revealing in more detail what this podcast is about and what you can expect.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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Episode 13 | Self-Love: A Lifelong Journey
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How can I love myself? What is self-love? This episode provides a basic definition of self-love and strategies to embark on a life long journey of self-love.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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Episode 12 | A Poem Dedicated to Birth Moms
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This episode presents a poem and song dedicated to all birth mothers, and especially birth mothers who had their child taken away. This episode is inspired by my experience as a former foster and homeless youth, adoptive parent, and professor of social work. Share this episode with someone who you believe can resonate.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
za...
Episode 11 | How to Support First Gen Students
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This episode sheds light on the role of caring adults in paving the way for first generation college students and tips for success for first gen college students.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
zaydasorrellmedina.com
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Episode 10 | Foster Adoption Micro-aggressions
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The foster-adopt community experience a heap of invasive and rude questions. Have you ever wondered what this is called? It's called a foster-adoption micro-aggression. This episode draws on research and personal experience to discuss this concept in more depth.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
zaydasorrellmedina.com
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/2171073/su...Episode 9 | Overcoming Foster Care and Homeless Youth Stigma
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In this episode, I draw upon my personal story to shed light on overcoming stigma, shame and secrecy as a former foster and homeless youth and other intersecting identities.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
zaydasorrellmedina.com
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A new epi...
Episode 8 | Foster Care and Adoption: Invisible Oppression
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This episode is a call to action for educators, clinicians, parents, advocates and individuals working with individuals of foster care, adoption, and homeless youth backgrounds to optimize their support by recognizing their invisible experiences of oppression.
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Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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Episode 7 | Embracing My Unconventional Family
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This episode reveals the beauty and hiccups of having an unconventional family. I reflect upon my own unconventional family living with my Puerto Rican Jewish mom and Chinese siblings as a high school teenager. I conclude with tips and words of encouragement on how we can better understand our unconventional family from a strengths based approach.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
<...Episode 6 | Staying Positive: Smell the Sopa de Calabaza and Corn Tortilla
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This episode invites listeners to foster gratitude and positive energy despite prevailing life challenges. As a former homeless youth, I tried to see the glass half full, which kept me going towards my master plan of going to college despite my adversity. This episode draws from tender moments during my homeless adventures to illustrate this point.
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Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
...Episode 5 | How to Support Runaway Teenagers
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How can I support a runaway teenager? First, meet the teenager where they are. This episode draws from personal experience and evidence-based practice to shed light on how to optimize support for teenagers who runaway from "home".
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Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
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Episode 4 | Black Hair, Gender, and Pride
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Drawing upon an experience from as a homeless youth, this episode interrogates black hair and gender norms. I share how listeners may foster pride over conformity and shame.
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About Me
Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate.
zaydasorrellmedina.com
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Episode 2 | White Diamond: How Foster and Adoptive Parents Can Honor Their Child’s Parents
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This episode invites you to think of ways to honor, acknowledge, and recognize your child's family of origin. This is especially relevant if you are a foster or adoptive parent, legal guardian, social worker, educator, or family friend. In this episode, I share how I visited my biological mother who I hadn't visited in forever. Before we departed, she gave me her White Diamond perfume, which I used anytime I wanted to remember by mother. I conclude with key takeaways.
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Episode 3 | Becoming a Homeless Youth in the United States
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There are millions of homeless youth in the United States, which represents a critical social problem to be addressed by social workers, scientists, policy makers, nonprofits, and other professionals. In this episode, I share my story on how I became a homeless youth in the U.S. and share strategies on how you can support this population.
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Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, author, and advocate. <...
Episode 1 | Reframing Your Adversity Story
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This episode invites you to reframe your adversity story. As a product of the 1980s crack epidemic in the United States, I was separated from my birth mother and went into foster care. This story shares how I now understand my story decades later. I conclude with an empowering message that challenges us to reconceive how we perceive our adversity stories.
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Dr. Zayda Sorrell Medina is a professor, social scientist, former foster and homeless youth, foster adoptive parent, a...
