Fostering Voices Podcast

Summary: In this episode, we’re having the real conversation about unmet expectations—and the choices we have in processing them. Do we dwell in disappointment, or do we discover unexpected opportunities? Without minimizing life’s real challenges, we share personal stories and honest reflections on navigating the gap between what we hoped for and what actually is. We explore the grieving process that often comes with unmet expectations and how it’s okay to feel the weight of that gap. Then, we shift the lens to see how those very moments can hold hidden gifts. From redefining success for our children to embracing growth in ourselves, we uncover how releasing rigid expectations can open the door to joy, purpose, and connection—right here, in the now. Resource Links: Why we're unhappy -- the expectation gap | Nat Ware | TEDxKlagenfurt Diane Alber’s A Little Spot Books and Supportive Materials A Little SPOT Series – Diane Alber Flexible Thinking Song For Kids-Think Like a Palm Tree Animation Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.org Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org  

Summary: Today, we’re talking about the heartbreaking reality of missing children. If you live in Arizona, you’ve likely heard the tragic story of Emily Pike—who disappeared from a group home and was later found dismembered off Highway 60 near Globe. One case like this is one too many. Every day, children who go missing—many of them runaways—face unimaginable danger. Joining us is Leila Woodard, founder of the Arizona Missing Children's Task Force. Leila is a powerful voice and driving force behind this collaborative initiative, which brings together nonprofit organizations across the state to locate missing youth, support affected families, and raise public awareness. Their mission is urgent and clear: bring children home safely and shine a light on the risks that too many youth face in silence. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Resource Links: Missing in Arizona: https://www.facebook.com/groups/missinginarizona  Missing In America Network  Checklist: What You Should Do When Your Child Is First Missing  Bonus Content:  Leila Curriculum for Kids (Download Here) Social Scenario Workbook.pdf Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.orgFacebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In this episode, we’re diving deep into the growing mental health challenges affecting our communities. Licensed professional counselor Wade Cordell joins us to share his expertise in trauma, ADHD, and crisis intervention. As a Mental Health First Aid trainer and passionate mental health advocate, Wade helps us understand how to recognize a crisis, when to step in, and what steps to take using the ALGEE action plan. From risk factors to real-life interventions, we explore the power of support, the importance of awareness, and how we can all be better prepared to respond when it matters most. Resource Links: Shift Happens -Transformative Counseling Shift Happens  Mental Health First Aid Training Find a Course or Instructor « Mental Health First Aid  National Crisis Lines SAMHSA  Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.orgFacebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: New York Times bestselling author Andrew Bridge joins us to share his powerful journey from foster care to Harvard Law and beyond. In this episode, we discuss his memoir Hope’s Boy and his new release The Child Catcher, a bold exposé on the child welfare system. Andrew reflects on beating the odds, the stigma surrounding foster youth, and the billion-dollar business of foster care. With deep personal insight and a call for justice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who cares about children, advocacy, and systemic change. Tap play for an unforgettable story of resilience and reform. Resource Links: Andrew Bridge  Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate  Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program | Arizona Department of Child Safety  National CASA Link National CASA/GAL  Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.orgFacebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org  

Summary: In this episode, Meagan Ku returns to explore the mental health challenges facing today’s teens—and how parents can respond with wisdom and awareness. As a mom of three teenagers, Meagan shares personal insight and professional perspective on what's really going on with youth today, and why it's so different from past generations. Kim and Brian dive into tough questions: What are we missing? What do we need to see more clearly? We also revisit Meagan’s previous episode (Ep. 206) and catch up on what’s new in her world. From the alarming youth mental health stats in Arizona to the subtle red flags and substance use trends, we cover both the dangers and the protective factors that can make a lasting impact. Learn about the Strengthening Families Framework and discover practical ways to support the teens in your life. Resource Links: Ammonite Counseling www.ammonite-counseling.com Resilience guide for parents and teachers  American Academy of Pediatrics - Mental Health Matters Video Series First Semester at College: How I Made Connections | AAP  How to Know When Your Child Needs Help Teen Mental Health: How to Know When Your Child Needs Help - HealthyChildren.org  Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.orgFacebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org  

Summary: We're back with a bonus episode to celebrate April's five-Tuesday month! This special release features Meagan Ku, who first joined us in February for our Foster Cooperative training event. Her insights were so impactful, we had to bring her back for more. Meagan has spent over a decade working with children and families, specializing in support for those impacted by neglect, abuse, and attachment challenges. Her deep passion for helping youth and their caregivers shines through as she equips them with practical tools for resilience, healing, and connection. In this episode, we dive into Meagan’s story—what drew her to this work, what fuels her passion, and how her experiences have shaped her approach. You’ll get a glimpse into the heart behind the expertise in our “Get to Know Meagan” segment. Then, she shares her Top 5 Tips for caregivers, full of encouraging and actionable advice: Your kids are doing the best they can—and so are you. Don’t hesitate to seek support. Embrace new strategies with curiosity. Prioritize wisely—focus on just three areas of life at a time. Shift from reactive to intentional parenting. Plus, we explore the joy of parenting, how to recover from hard moments, and how fear can steal our joy. Meagan reminds us of the transformative power of praise and connection. Tune in for an uplifting, practical, and heartfelt conversation—you won’t want to miss it!   Resource Links: Ammonite Counseling www.ammonite-counseling.com Top 5 Parenting Tips by Meagan Ku (PDF) Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.orgFacebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In this episode, we're diving into the power of advocacy and what it means to fight for lasting change—especially for those who are often invisible and unheard. At the top of that list: Arizona kids in foster care. In this episode, we sit down with Darcy Olsen, founder of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, to explore what it takes to change systems and laws to protect the most vulnerable. Since 2017, Darcy has been at the forefront of this critical work, tackling tough issues head-on and pushing for better outcomes so that every child can grow up feeling safe, supported, and loved. Tune in as we discuss the biggest challenges Arizona’s children are facing today—and what it will take to overcome them. Resource Links: Center for the Rights of Abused Children Arizona Legislators: Active Bills Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.orgFacebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org  

Summary: In this heartfelt episode, we invite you to join us on a journey of learning, empathy, and growth as we recognize Autism Awareness Month. After our own child received an autism diagnosis last year, we’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and questions that come with navigating this path. With 1 in 36 children—1 in 30 boys—receiving an autism diagnosis by age 8, the need for community education and family support is greater than ever. We’re honored to welcome Dr. Christopher J. Smith, an experimental psychologist and leader at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), right here in Arizona. Dr. Smith oversees diagnostic evaluations and groundbreaking research at SARRC, an organization internationally recognized for its evidence-based practices and innovative approach to autism support. He also continues to serve as a faculty member at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Together, we’ll explore what families can expect after a diagnosis, what support systems are available, and how we can all better understand and uplift our neurodiverse community. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply someone wanting to learn more—this conversation is for you. Let’s learn and grow together. Resource Links: SARRC - Diagnostic Services  autismcenter.org/Diagnosis Autism Society of Greater Phoenix  https://phxautism.org/ “Be wary of offering ‘help,’ and other ways to support families with disabilities” by Jaclyn Greenberg Be wary of offering ‘help,’ and other ways to support families with disabilities | CNN Arizona Articles and Press Releases - DDD Services Impacted as of  March 2025 Governor Katie Hobbs Announces Actions to Control Costs and Protect Care at Division of Developmental Disabilities | Office of the Arizona Governor Republicans block bill to cover budget shortfall threatening Arizona’s disability services Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.org Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In today’s episode, we’re diving into a question that so many of us wrestle with: How do we shift our focus from the daily grind and truly embrace joy? Joining us is Anika Robinson—foster parent of over 15 years, dedicated mom and wife, and founder of ASA Now, a local non-profit. With a life constantly in motion, Anika has learned firsthand how to balance the chaos while still making space for joy. Tune in as we explore her journey, insights, and practical ways to find joy in every season of life. Resource Links: How Gratitude Rewires Your Brain - Christina Costa - Christina Costa: How gratitude rewires your brain | TED Talk Gratitude Journal Prompts - The Gratitude Journal: Prompts, PDFs and Worksheets Three Minute Gratitude Journal For Kids - https://a.co/d/dUtxKdH Gratitude Journal - Amazon.com : Christian Prayer Journal - God, Goodness & Gratitude - Faith-Based Gratitude and Devotional Journal for Daily Prayers, Bible Study, and Spiritual Growth - Light Brown Leather Hardcover Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.org Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: Did you know that Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) affects more children than autism, yet it remains largely unknown unless it directly impacts your family? Based on a national prevalence study, an estimated 1 in 23 children are diagnosed with PFD, a condition that goes beyond picky eating and is not related to body image issues like other eating disorders. Instead, it presents unique challenges for both children and their families, affecting nutrition, development, and daily life. In this episode, we welcome Stacy Bradley, a dedicated mom of four, two of whom joined her family through adoption. With firsthand experience navigating PFD, Stacy is passionate about advocating for her children and sharing her knowledge to support others on a similar journey. She joins us to shed light on what PFD is, how it impacts families, and what resources are available for those seeking help. If you or someone you love has been affected by PFD, or if you simply want to learn more about this often-overlooked condition, this episode is for you. Tune in as we raise awareness, share insights, and discuss ways to support children with PFD.   Resource Links: Pediatric Feeding Disorder: Consensus Definition and Conceptual Framework - PMC Toolkit for Pediatric Feeding Disorder: pediatric feeding disorder fact sheet   Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.org Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org