Unbelievably Resilient: Recent Episodes
Unbelievably Resilient
A podcast brought to you by alumni of foster care. Listen in as we show you what it means to embrace resilience as an identity. Come along as we share our journeys from trauma to triumph and introduce you to extraordinary alumni from across the country. Former known as Foster Strong. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Behind the facade of our resilience we often find ourselves dealing with the inner turbulence that stems from the bodily and psychosocial effects of our pasts. Tune in to hear from Adrian, Maraide, and Slam in this Finale where we let you peak behind the veil of accomplishment and success for folks with lived experience in the child welfare system. Along the way you’ll get to revisit some of the major themes throughout this season, lessons learned, tips, ways to cope, and the reality of what it’s like to record a podcast with change makers, advocates, and charismatic leaders when, as Slam puts it, “Life be Lifing.”---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
Tune in for this bonus episode where Keri is joined by one of her chosen family members, Claude Donati, as they share on how anyone can make a difference in a child or young person's life regardless of labels, legalities, or paperwork. They also share their thoughts on the Michael Oher lawsuit.---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
After years of shuffling through the foster care system, La Ochoa found herself facing the challenges of adulthood. Overcoming many misfortunes, she decided to take control of her future and began to set the foundation of her coming success. Realizing that other youth with similar stories may be faced with specific adversities due to the lack of guidance, she decided to build an organization to support these youth on their journey. Over the years, her org “A Place 2 Turn” has grown to offer youth and the community a chance to reach their fullest potential. Tune in to hear more.---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
This episode you will hear from Keri and Dr. Bruce Perry Co-Author of What Happened to You? with Oprah Winfrey. Dr. Perry is a child psychiatrist and neuroscientist who is the principal of the Neural Sequential Network, aSenior Fellow of the Child Trauma Academy and an adjunct professor of Psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. Dr. Perry is a renowned author and pioneer of developmental psychology and this episode speaks to the development of post traumatic stress in the western canon of psychology where today it is now widely recognized that stressors at an early age impact development and physiology.---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
Cordelia Cranshaw returns to the Unbelievably Resilient podcast this time as a team member; Cordelia is an esteemed speaker and former Miss District of Columbia USA for, she wears multiple hats as a sister, as a mother, as an advocate, as creator of Survivor to Thriver, a tool to help youth and young adults combat their trauma through relationship building. ---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
This episode we are joined by Emi Nietfeld renowned author, software engineer, and writer featured in various outlets like the New York Times, The Atlantic, Fortune, Teen Vogue and beyond. Tune in as Emi sheds some light on the failures of the system and the stigma around mental health issues that affected the trajectory of her life as a child and as a youth going through residential facilities and other congregate care settings.TW: Suicide, Eating Disorders---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
Join us for this inspiring and empowering episode with UR diving into the perspective of parents dealing with the loss of their children through insight into the relationship between our team member Lino and his biological mother, Elsa. Their stories reminds us of the power of love, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between families.---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
Meet Adrian, our resident comic and father. Adrian, when not listening to his massive collection of Bruce Springsteen albums…is busy pushing systems to put their “money where their mouths are” and managing his own podcast “The Daily Jam.” Tune in for some good belly laughs, words of wisdom, and lessons in integrity.---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
We all struggle with the stereotypes that others assign us. How do we open up when we are often confined by the boxes other put around us? Who do we open up to and when? There is an art to protecting your peace, balancing the details of your story, and responding to the wildly mischaracterized circumstances and nature of those that came through the child welfare system.---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
Meet Tori, as she shares on her transformation from her time as a track star in the system to transcending the confines of burdensome stereotypes, to writing and publishing her own book and to raising her own family. Tori says her faith grounds her, but her outlook on life has her eyes to the sky. Tune in to inspire yourself to let your own inner flame glow brighter.---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
Meet Lino, a man of many words. Tune in as he speaks on the art of metaphors and the power they have to paint an image of yourself, the beauty of words, and the importance of showing up as your full self in all spaces. Tune in to hear more on the challenge that is filling up your own cup while you pour into the cups of the people around you. ---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
In episode two of season three our team discusses the difficulties with obtaining your case files. The hang ups, managing your own expectations, and rewriting the stories you read about your past. If you find yourself wanting to obtain your records or even you are just beginning to consider making the request…we are right there with you. Privacy and protection standards vary across the country and as you will hear, it’s not always a straight forward process; and sometimes it leads to disappointment. How do we keep building our story if there are many gaps in the history? Tune in to find out.---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
In episode one of season three we dive into the art of storytelling and the vulnerability that comes with it. Acknowledging the pain and gently moving beyond it into the realm of power. How do we know we are ready to share? Listen in as our teammates kick us off with tips, tricks, and things to prepare for when you decide to share your life of resilience with others.---Donate: https://www.ur-resilient.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=62537fe2da1c9b66cdbac70dFor more info visit us at www.ur-resilient.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unbelievablyresilient/support
How do you define resilience? Join us as the team explores what it means to be resilient, what their personal relationship with resilience has looked like, and how they have defined resilience for themselves after a childhood in foster care. You also won't want to miss the discussion about the relationship between resilient superheroes and their representation as "orphans" in the media.
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For more info visit us at www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
How do you define strength? What does it take to foster or adopt? Tune in, once again, to a raw and vulnerable exploration of the topics you all know and love. This week La Tika lays it all out there for the world. So pull up a chair, get comfortable, and grab your pencils because you will want to jot down some of the silver bullets from this episode - there are plenty.
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Tune in this week about the birds and the bees, the grass and the trees, the wind and the breeze. Talking about sex can often stir up a myriad of emotions for people, even more so, for foster youth. With complex trauma and a variety of safe and unsafe relationships, it is extremely crucial that foster youth have a healthy age-appropriate relationship to sexuality and sexual health. You will end this episode feeling better equipped and more emboldened to talk and think about sex and sexual health.
(Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault)
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Meet Coach JJ, an amazing foster care alumni that takes us on the journey of his life and his love/hate relationship with growing up in the system. "Being a part of a team meant something to me. My teammates family would come together to make sure I had the things that I needed." Listen as our hosts dissect romantic relationships in its many capacities. Enjoy!
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Join us as talk about their personal healing journeys. "Healing is not a linear process. You're not going to just wake up one day and be healed and never again experience a bad day. Healing and recovering from the experiences of our life, requires time, new experiences, new input and emotionally repairative experiences."
~ Ixchel Martinez; Licensed Therapist and former foster youth
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Throughout this season, we often refer to foster youth as super hero's. In Episode 7, we have the pleasure of speaking to our very own super woman, Cherish Fields. She's a mom, wife, social worker, alum of the system, and foster parent. Listen as she takes us on a journey of healing and resilience. Enjoy!
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Where you come from does not dictate where you’re going. In this episode, our Producer Candi Marie sits down with Jaquia Wilson a young resilient foster alum that works with The Institute for Family. Through her testimony and experiences she helps us redefine our idea of family. Enjoy!
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
On this episode of the FosterStrong Podcast we pause to recognize and thank the time, commitment, and dedication of the CASA/GAL volunteer’s across the country as we recap the first-ever CASA/GAL Volunteer’s Day that FosterStrong patterned to host. FosterStrong’s team members know first-hand the impact these caring relationships can have on a young person's life. Listen in to hear more about our partnership with the National CASA/GAL Association for Children and to learn about our new partnership with the Institute for Family!
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
On this episode of the FosterStrong Podcast we take you on a journey from foster care to Hollywood. Buckle up for the unbelievably resilient story of actor and comedian Brandon Phillips. Thank you for listening and remember YOUR STORY MATTERS. Enjoy!
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
A licensed social worker and alumni of care, Ixchel is a healing guru. Ixchel's story is one of mental fortitude and tenacity. She has advocated for youth at both a local and federal level, always pulling up a chair for the foster youth around her. Her specialty is childhood trauma and crisis intervention and she eats, sleeps, and breathes resilience. Tune in to hear about how Ixchel's education gave language to the grit she developed growing up in the system.
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Tune in to hear from our guest Cordelia Cranshaw, former Miss District of Columbia USA 2019, also a former foster youth and now a foster system advocate; motivational speaker; and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. With many words to the wise Cordelia embodies resilience in her everyday. Tune in to hear about how you can build strength and persevere from the mouth of a resilient warrior.
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
In the first episode of Season 1 we spoke to Sean Anders about the vision of FosterStrong this season we start off by diving into his story. In Season 2 we focus on the Unbelievably Resilient. Join us as we dive into the stories of those who exude confidence and breathe resilience. We have new segments for you about aging out of the system and the next generation of great foster care leaders.
Donate: https://bit.ly/support-FosterStrong
For more info visit us a www.urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
From what we've learned to what we are. From our "family" to yours this movement is growing. Join us for some of the funniest moments of the season, as we recap a few things from our wild ride. Since the beginning we've said that we are building this plane as we fly. The difference now is that there's space for you to climb aboard. Be part of the mission, help us rewrite the narrative of what it means to be from, part of, or a product of the child welfare system. For more information on how you can get involved visit us a urfosterstrong.org.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
What is the Foster Youth Vote? How is child welfare on the ballot when it comes to election season? When the government legally becomes your "parent" or when you are "raised" by a system such as the child welfare system, what does it mean for you to have a voice and to be an advocate?
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Meet Ria, an advocate through and through, she's always got your back and will not hesitate to extend her compassion. Her ability to set boundaries and face tough situations is surely some of her greatest attributes. Tune in to this episode to see it all in action. To find out more visit us at www.urfosterstrong.org.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Meet Maraide from Foster youth to the film industry, she's seen it all. Tune in to catch a glimpse of how she has turned her shame into her greatest pride and learn how, from a life filled with chaos, she gained control of her life and embraced empowerment. For more info visit us a urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Meet Carloe, our resident "servant leader". With a devotion akin to no other, he will show you what it means to see "the light in the dark". Seeing the light in himself has helped him overcome and he believes the world would better if everyone could see their inner jewel. But where did this come from, did he just wake up one day and be able to do this, not quite, tune in to find out how. For more information visit us at urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Meet Slam the poet, at any moment she can be found spreading love and happiness. She sheds light into the world with her words and her wisdom clearly shines through. From "foster solider" to dreamer she has managed to hold onto the fun and the things that matter in life-things she says helped her and her siblings throughout their most trying times. To learn more visit us at urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
She's a firecracker with a heart that's the size of the moon. They say everything is bigger in Texas, well her dedication to others, lives up to that tale. From foster kid to Foster Care and Adoption Specialist, there is clearly something amazing about Ivy's ability to overcome adversity. Tune in to hear more about how she managed and what she has learned throughout her time in care.
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He's down to earth. He's got a big heart, a bigger personality, and an even bigger smile. Tune in to catch a glimpse of how Nate broke the cycle and became the person he is today. From detention centers to a life of management and public speaking Nate's story is testament to his grit, easygoing attitude and ability to roll with the punches.
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Tune in this week to catch our very own co-host Candi Marie as she shares about her journey from trauma to triumph, from Florida to Hollywood, from foster kid to foster warrior. She's said it before and she'll say it again, "Where you come from doesn't dictate where you're going." For more info. visit us at urfosterstrong.org.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
Tune in this episode to hear how the team has dealt with boundary setting and how they have benefited from healthy boundaries with themselves and those around them. Learn more at urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
It is the presence of relationships and sometimes the lack thereof that make a difference in our lives. Hear from the team as we share about our relationships growing up in care...the ones that were saved, the ones that were left behind, and the ones we still hold close today.
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Enduring trauma is commonplace in the life of youth growing up in foster care. Listen in as our team members talk about their relationships with mental health. The team embraces vulnerability as they share about their own experiences and what has helped them over the years. From stigmas to self care the team examines several aspects of mental health. For more info visit us at urfosterstrong.org.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
With demonstrations going on around the world and in the wake of continued racial injustices our team members Adrian, Slam, Ivy-Marie, and Candi provide their perspectives on the intersection of race, foster care and civil unrest. Tune in to hear how their experience with the foster care system was impacted by race and listen until the end for a special word from our very own, Slam, the poet.
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On this episode, the FosterStrong team discuss the huge accomplishment that graduation is for youth coming from the foster care system. Listen in to hear from two of our team members, Maraide and Slam, as they talk about their own academic journeys and we examine the intersection between foster care and pursuing higher education. To learn more visit us at urfosterstrong.org
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support
On this episode, you will meet FosterStrong team Keri, Adrian, Ria and Lino. They will explore what FosterStrong is and how it all got started. Tune in to hear from Ria, on her experience entering the foster care system and where she is now. You will also get to hear from the Director and Screenwriter of Instant Family, Sean Anders, about the vision of FosterStrong.
We are now Unbelievably Resilient (UR), formerly known as FosterStrong. For more information visit us at www.ur-resilient.org.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/unbelievablyresilient/support