S3:E16 Adoption - Nurture, nature and free will with Jack F. Rocco, MD

Wandering Tree ®, LLC Podcast

Ever wonder how it feels to grow up feeling chosen, only to discover that your life's narrative was built on a web of half-truths? Get ready for an adoptee rollercoaster as we sit down with Jack Rocco MD, author of "Recycled." Jack takes us through his adoption journey from his loving upbringing in a tight-knit Italian family to his path of self-discovery sparked by an eye-opening blind date and a transformative book.
As our conversation unfolds, Jack candidly explores the emotional labyrinth of adoption. He shares the challenges he faced reconciling the love of his adoptive family with the longing to unearth his biological roots, the impact of discovering family secrets, and his struggle to make peace with his identity. His story is further enriched by his examination of free will and the importance of truth. We also discuss the role of local resources in helping individuals navigate situations like his, and the healing power of community.
Delving deeper, we switch gears to discuss a often overlooked perspective - that of male adoptees. Jack provides valuable insights into his own struggle with understanding his identity as an African American male in a society laden with traditional masculine roles. He shares how learning about the civil rights movement brought him closer to his roots, and how writing his book helped him reconcile his upbringing with his true self. Join us in this deeply moving conversation that not only shares the journey of an adoptee but also shines a light on the universal quest for identity. This is an episode that will make you rethink your understanding of adoption, identity, and the true meaning of family.
When it comes to the amplification of male adoptee voices, it is crucial to recognize the unique experiences and perspectives they bring to the table. Each male adoptees has a valuable role to play in helping to shape the narrative around adoption by providing insights into their own personal journeys. This six-episode series is taking us on a spectacular journey of meaningful conversations, were male adoptees have been empowered to share their stories, break down stereotypes, and contribute to a greater understanding of the adoption experience as a whole.
Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.
#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Recycled-Reluctant-Search-Through-Nurture/dp/1990688136
IG: https://www.instagram.com/recycledchild/

Chapters

1. S3:E16 Adoption - Nurture, nature and free will with Jack F. Rocco, MD (00:00:00)

2. Adoptee's Adoption Journey and Book (00:00:06)

3. Rediscovering Identity and Navigating Family Secrets (00:07:44)

4. Identity and the Search for Roots (00:12:56)

5. Identity and Gender in Adoption Community (00:21:18)

6. The Impact of Adoption on Identity (00:28:26)