Best Jamie Finn • Foster the Family Podcasts (2025)

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95. The Impact of Foster Care on Our Faith and Family 40:55

1d ago40:55

40:55

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how foster care has impacted our families: the hard parts and the really good ones. Foster care is mission work, and like anything meaningful, it comes with its share of challenges and rewards. If you’re curious about foster care or are already in it and looking for people who truly understand, this conversat…

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94. Navigating FASD with Sandra Flach 40:36

8d ago40:36

40:36

This week, we’re talking with Sandra Flach, mom of 8 (5 through adoption), advocate for foster and adoptive families, and someone who knows firsthand what it’s like to parent kids with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Two of Sandra’s children are diagnosed with FASD, and she’s passionate about helping other parents understand and navigate th…

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93. Replay- Choosing 'Yes' Every Day with Jamie Finn 43:50

15d ago43:50

43:50

Today, we're wrapping up our July Replay Series with an episode that continues to inspire and uplift. We're thrilled to revisit our conversation with Jamie Finn—bestselling author, founder and President of Foster the Family, host of the Real Mom podcast, and owner of Goods and Better. Jamie is a trusted voice in the foster and adoptive community, k…

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92. Replay- Love Beyond Boundaries: The Redemptive Story of Foster/Adoptive Mom and Biological Mom with Stacey Burton and Asia Barrett 55:57

22d ago55:57

55:57

This July, we’re revisiting some of the most powerful and moving episodes of The ReStoried Podcast in our Replay Series. These stories have left a lasting impact—and we believe they’re worth hearing again. In this replay episode, we revisit the unforgettable story of Stacey, a devoted foster and adoptive mom, and Asia, a courageous biological mom w…

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91. Replay- Being a Part of The Team: A Conversation on How Foster Parents Can Support Reunification 34:39

29d ago34:39

34:39

This episode is part of our special July Replay Series, where we're revisiting some of our most meaningful and impactful conversations. In this episode, we dive into the crucial role foster families play in the reunification process. Our discussion aims to encourage foster families to embrace their part in the team effort required for successful re…

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90. Replay- Dragging Vs. Leading: The Positive Impact of Foster Care on Your Biological Family 29:16

1M ago29:16

29:16

We’re bringing back this episode because it’s especially fitting for summer. Maybe this season has felt heavy—hard to juggle new rhythms, tiring for your biological family, or filled with questions about whether foster care is still good for your home. This conversation is a timely reminder: foster care can be good for your family. It’s not about d…

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89. Spiritual Formation: Experiencing God’s Gift in Nature 34:30

1M ago34:30

34:30

We’re continuing our Spiritual Formation Series here at Hope Bridge, and this month, we focused on an especially timely theme: Experiencing God’s gift in nature. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, sitting on your porch, or just paying attention to the sky—it all counts. Nature has a way of slowing us down and pointing us back to our Creator. And gue…

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88. When Church Hurts: A Conversation About Single Moms and the Church 24:02

2M ago24:02

24:02

At Hope Bridge, two of our biggest priorities are supporting single moms and engaging the local church. But bringing those two things together isn’t always simple. In this episode, we’re discussing a sensitive but important topic: church hurt—specifically, how it affects single moms. This conversation is not meant to overgeneralize or place blame. …

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87. Single Mom, You're Not Failing 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

In this episode, we’re focusing on the heart behind our Single Moms Program at Hope Bridge. If you’re a single mom, we want you to hear this clearly: you are not failing, and you are not alone. There’s a whole community of women who want to walk alongside you, encourage you, and support you through whatever season you’re in. We talk about the suppo…

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86. God Is Bigger Than All of It: A Story of Surrender and Strength with Carly Souza 43:50

2M ago43:50

43:50

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Carly Souza, the director of Fostering Hope in Las Vegas. Fostering Hope is an organization that supports foster families, children in foster care, and biological parents by creating pathways for reconciliation and full restoration. Fostering Hope builds care communities and offers support groups that surround an…

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85. Spiritual Formation: The Power of Scripture Memory 32:56

2M ago32:56

32:56

We’re back with another episode in our Spiritual Formation series, and today we’re focusing on the practice of scripture memory. This conversation is all about what it means to tuck God’s Word into our hearts—setting our minds on truth and learning to depend on Him in our everyday lives. We talk about the many benefits of memorizing scripture, incl…

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84. How to Talk to Your Kids About Adoption & Foster Care — Even If It's Not Your Family’s Story with Trisha White Priebe 53:04

3M ago53:04

53:04

In this episode, Trisha White Priebe—an adult adoptee, writer, and speaker—joins the show to talk about something we don’t always think about: how families who aren’t part of the adoption or foster care world can still help their kids understand it. There are plenty of resources out there for adoptive families, but what about the parents whose kids…

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83. Faith in Action: The Church and Foster Care with Vince Smith 25:50

3M ago25:50

25:50

In this episode of The ReStoried Podcast, we sit down with Vince Smith, former foster parent and director of Keystone Family Alliance, an organization committed to educating, motivating, and equipping churches across Pennsylvania to care for vulnerable children both locally and globally. Vince shares his journey as a foster parent to 35 children an…

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82. Replay- From Awareness to Action: Empowering Churches to Support Foster Families with Brannon Marshall & Judy McClintock 43:31

3M ago43:31

43:31

In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, we're sharing a replay of a powerful and important conversation with Brannon Marshall and Judy McClintock as they share practical ways to empower churches to support foster families. In this episode, we're joined by Brannon Marshall, the pastor of North Canton Chapel, and Judy, the director of family life. T…

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81. A Foster Mom’s Why: Billie Jo’s Story of 21+ Years of Fostering 34:39

3M ago34:39

34:39

May is Foster Care Month, and we're kicking it off with an incredible conversation with Billie Jo Muckley. Billie Jo has been a foster mom for over 21 years. In this episode, she shares the heart behind her long journey in foster care and how her faith in God gives her the strength to keep going, even when things get hard. Billie Jo also opens up a…

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80. Spiritual Formation: Discovering God Through Fasting 28:25

4M ago28:25

28:25

What do you think of when you hear the word fasting? In today’s episode, we continue our spiritual formation series with a look at the powerful practice of fasting. Often misunderstood or overlooked, fasting is more than just giving something up—it's an invitation to deny ourselves in order to become more aware of God’s presence. We explore how fas…

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79. Empower U: Teaching Real-Life Skills to Empower Real-Life Moms 20:34

4M ago20:34

20:34

In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Jen Zwick, the Family Support Specialist in the Single Moms Program at Hope Bridge. Jen shares her heart for walking alongside single mothers and highlights some of the challenges these families often face. Did you know that 1 in 4 children under the age of 18 are raised by a single mother? That’s about 1…

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78. Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience with Dr. Nicole Wilke 1:04:34

4M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

In this episode of ReStoried, we are in conversation with Dr. Nicole Wilke—a researcher, missionary, author, and therapist—about her new book Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience. Nicole has such a hopeful and practical perspective, especially for foster and adoptive parents or anyone caring for kids who’ve been through hard …

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77. Are You a New Foster Family? Listen for Our Favorite Tips 29:41

4M ago29:41

29:41

Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite tips and lessons we’ve learned along the way in our foster care journeys. After years of experience, we’ve picked up a few things that have helped us navigate both the challenges and joys of fostering. In this episode, we’re chatting about the importance of staying flexible, building a solid support system,…

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76. Building a Possum Trot in Every Community with Bishop W.C. Martin 36:11

4M ago36:11

36:11

Today, we sit down with Bishop W.C. Martin, whose story inspired the movie Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. Alongside his wife, Donna, and 22 families in their small East Texas church, they adopted 77 children from the foster care system, sparking a movement of faith and action. Bishop Martin shares why adoption is God’s work and why every …

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75. Why Every Child Needs a Trauma-Informed Community with Kim Botto 44:33

5M ago44:33

44:33

Today on ReStoried, we’re joined by Kim Botto, a passionate advocate for kids and families. With over 30 years of experience working with children and teens in churches, schools, nonprofits, and foster care initiatives, Kim has a heart for creating safe spaces where kids can heal and thrive. She’s a Trauma Free World Affiliate Trainer, a TBRI Pract…

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74. Spiritual Formation: Resting in Jesus, Not Just Working for Him 36:48

5M ago36:48

36:48

How do you make sure that your heart is set on Jesus and not always focused solely on the work at hand? In this episode, we talk about the importance of spiritual formation and how we can intentionally keep our focus on Jesus in the midst of life's busyness. It’s easy to get caught up in doing good work, but how do we ensure that our hearts remain …

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73. Stepping into Foster Care with a Desire to Adopt 32:59

5M ago32:59

32:59

Many people enter foster care with the hope of adoption, but is that wrong? This question has sparked discussion and even some controversy in the foster care community. For some, the desire to adopt stems from infertility or simply wanting to grow their family. In this episode, we discuss the realities of fostering with the heart to adopt and what …

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72. Why Hope Bridge Invests in Single Moms—And How You Can Too 38:13

5M ago38:13

38:13

In this episode, we discuss the heart behind our Single Moms Program and the vital support it provides. Our approach focuses on prevention, intervention, and restoration, with this program serving as a key piece of prevention—offering resources, encouragement, and community to help single moms thrive. We also explore the stereotypes single moms oft…

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A Season of Change: Defender Podcast Update 7:26

6M ago7:26

7:26

After eight incredible years, the Defender Podcast is taking a short sabbatical. In this episode, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the journey so far, share exciting plans for the future, and discuss how the podcast will continue to equip and encourage the body of Christ in orphan care and adoption. Tune in to hear what’s ahead, when to…

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71. Full Circle: From Foster Youth to Adoptive Mama with Sarah Sikora 39:05

6M ago39:05

39:05

In this heartfelt episode of the ReStoried Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Sikora—a dear friend, former foster youth, adoptee, and adoptive mama—whose life has come full circle. Born addicted to drugs, Sarah faced many challenges growing up in foster care, navigating life with multiple siblings and a longing for stability. Now, as a wife and mother…

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Adoption & Advocacy with Kirti Pickard 42:36

6M ago42:36

42:36

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Kirti Pickard—adoptee, advocate, and podcast host—who shares her powerful adoption journey and how it fuels her passion for serving vulnerable children. Adopted from India at the age of four, Kirti has a deep, firsthand understanding of the lifelong impact of adoption. She discusses the challenges…

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70. Being Known with Curt Thompson, MD 43:49

6M ago43:49

43:49

In this week’s compelling episode of the ReStoried Podcast, we welcome Curt Thompson, MD, a renowned psychiatrist, speaker, and author, who masterfully weaves together neuroscience, faith, and the power of storytelling. Curt Thompson, MD, shares how our deep longing to be known is connected to telling truer stories about ourselves. He explores how …

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69. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Healing Blocked Care in Parenting with Lisa Qualls 30:36

6M ago30:36

30:36

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa C. Qualls—author, speaker, and adoptive mom—to discuss the complexities of adoption, parenting, and connection. Lisa brings a wealth of wisdom from her personal experience as both a birth mom and adoptive mom, as well as her expertise as a TBRI Practitioner and Christian spiritual director. She is the co-autho…

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Faith, Family, and Foster Care with Jamie Finn 44:42

6M ago44:42

44:42

🎙️In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Jamie Finn—author, nonprofit leader, and advocate for vulnerable children. As a foster and adoptive mom, she shares her journey, the biggest challenges foster families face, and how the Church can offer meaningful support. Jamie and her husband, Alan, have been foster parents for over 11 years, …

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68. The Willow House: A Beacon of Hope for Vulnerable Families in Carroll County 30:28

6M ago30:28

30:28

In this episode, we’re sharing the story behind The Willow House, an exciting new hub created to support foster, adoptive, and kinship families in Carroll County. The Willow House provides essential resources and spaces designed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of these families. Some of the key features include a clothing closet, a welcomi…

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5 Years Waiting for China Adoption 20:29

7M ago20:29

20:29

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Karla Thrasher, Lifeline’s Senior Director of International Adoption, to discuss the heartbreaking impact of China’s five-year suspension of international adoptions, which left 400 children—many with special needs—waiting for families. Recent developments, including China’s Septemb…

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67. Breaking Generational Cycles: Supporting Single Moms with Jesse Coontz from Moms on Target 1:17:31

7M ago1:17:31

1:17:31

In this episode, we speak with Jesse Coontz, founder of Moms on Target: A Safe & Supportive Community for Moms to Raise Happy, Healthy Children. Jesse shares her journey and the inspiration behind creating a nonprofit dedicated to empowering single moms. We explore how providing meaningful support to moms can help prevent family involvement in the …

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Adoption Counseling Redefined: A New Resource from Lifeline 24:24

7M ago24:24

24:24

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Christy Mack Segars, Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children’s Services, introduces the new Design Adoption Counseling Certificate, a free online resource created in partnership with Stand For Life. This course equips counselors, church leaders, and pregnancy center staff to compassionately …

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66. Supporting Bio Kids in Foster Families with Daniela Coats 46:56

7M ago46:56

46:56

In this episode, we’re excited to sit down with Daniela Coats, a speaker at our upcoming Mobilize Ohio Conference, founder of With Siblings, licensed social worker, and children’s book author. Daniela’s passion for serving foster families focuses on supporting the often-overlooked biological children in foster and adoptive families. As a “birth kid…

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Sarah Gable Seifert on Faith, Entrepreneurship, and EveryLife 34:57

7M ago34:57

34:57

In today's episode of The Defender Podcast, Rick Morton welcomes Sarah Gable Seifert, co-founder of EveryLife—the first pro-life diaper and wipe company in America. Sarah shares her journey from life-changing experiences at JH Ranch to pivotal roles at Public Square and a pregnancy resource center in San Clemente. She reveals how her faith and pass…

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65. Anne Pace’s Journey: From Foster Care to Ministry Advocate 23:46

7M ago23:46

23:46

In this episode, we sit down with Anne Pace, a new staff member at Hope Bridge who has a personal history with foster care and adoption. Anne serves as the Family Advocacy Ministry (FAM) Specialist, where she provides coaching and support to partner churches, equipping them to minister to foster and adoptive families in their congregations. Through…

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The Changing Landscape of the Pro-Life Movement: A Conversation with Jor-El Godsey 34:56

7M ago34:56

34:56

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International, to discuss the evolving landscape of the pro-life movement. Heartbeat International is at the forefront of supporting pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, and adoption services worldwide. Jor-El shares his insights on how the…

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64. Choosing 'Yes' Every Day with Jamie Finn 43:50

7M ago43:50

43:50

Today, we are thrilled to welcome Jamie Finn to the podcast! Jamie is a bestselling author, the founder and President of Foster the Family, the host of the Real Mom podcast, and the founder and owner of Goods and Better. She is a sought-after speaker for retreats, conferences, and events, offering encouragement and support to foster and adoptive pa…

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Championing Life in 2025 35:36

7M ago35:36

35:36

In this first episode of 2025, Herbie Newell is joined by Pastor Chris Johnson, Lifeline Children's Services' Senior Director of Church Partnerships, to discuss the significance of Sanctity of Human Life Month. Pastor Chris, a seasoned pastor and adoptive father of seven, shares how valuing and protecting life is central to Lifeline’s mission. Toge…

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63. The Hot Seat: Get to Know the Hope Bridge Staff 39:06

8M ago39:06

39:06

We’re wrapping up the year with something special and light-hearted—a “Hot Seat” episode featuring our amazing staff! Join us as we put Lisa, Nicole, Brian, and Mel in the Hot Seat with rapid-fire questions, surprising answers, and plenty of laughs. Get to know the people behind the scenes a little better as they share their quirks, favorite moment…

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62. Come and See What God Has Done in 2024 42:12

8M ago42:12

42:12

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that God has accomplished through Hope Bridge this year. This episode is a heartfelt look back at the milestones we’ve reached, the lives we’ve impacted, and the ways God’s strength and provision have carried us through every step of the journey. Before we dive int…

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Love: Advent Week 4 – Reflecting Christ's Sacrificial Love 19:41

8M ago19:41

19:41

In this final episode of our Advent series, Herbie Newell reflects on the greatest gift of Christmas—God’s love. He shares a powerful story from Lifeline Children's Services that beautifully exemplifies sacrificial love and the transformation it can bring. Exploring the scriptures from Luke and Mark, Herbie highlights how God's love is active, rela…

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The Waiting Season: Lessons from Advent and Adoption 37:32

8M ago37:32

37:32

In this special Christmas episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the profound lessons of Advent and their parallels to adoption and foster care. Together, they discuss the challenges and joys of waiting—whether for the fulfillment of God's promises, the arrival of a new family member, or the hope of ultimate r…

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61. Spiritual Formation at Hope Bridge and Why it Matters 40:51

8M ago40:51

40:51

In this episode, we’re excited to highlight Brian’s new role at Hope Bridge as the Director of Discipleship. We dive into the heart behind this position, exploring what it looks like in practice and how it’s being implemented to further our mission. This role is all about supporting our team’s spiritual growth and helping us stay rooted in our purp…

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Joy: Advent Week 3 – The Shepherd's Song of Praise 17:05

8M ago17:05

17:05

In this Advent edition of The Defender Podcast, host Herbie Newell reflects on the joy found in the true meaning of Christmas. As we approach the third week of Advent, we examine the shepherds’ joy at the birth of Jesus—not a happiness tied to circumstances, but a deep, eternal joy rooted in God’s presence. Herbie shares a personal story of unexpec…

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Best of 2024: Opening Hearts and Homes – The Hart Family's Foster Care Journey 52:49

8M ago52:49

52:49

In this special Best of 2024 episode, originally aired on May 15, 2024, we revisit a heartfelt conversation with Matthew and Makyna Hart, ministry leaders from Movement Church in Madison, Alabama. Together for 13 years and serving as Worship Pastor and Family Pastor, respectively, the Harts are biological, adoptive, and foster parents. Their passio…

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60. Belonging: Created to Belong in Community, Mobilize OH 2025 Intro 28:51

8M ago28:51

28:51

Loneliness is an epidemic in today’s world—but there’s hope in community. In this episode, we explore why community matters and how it serves as the heart of everything we do at Hope Bridge. We’re also unveiling the theme of the 2025 Mobilize Ohio Conference: Belonging. Together, we’ll dive into the heart behind this theme and why creating spaces o…

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Preparing the Way: Advent Week 2 – Making Space for Jesus 17:19

8M ago17:19

17:19

In this second week of our Advent series, Herbie Newell reflects on the theme of preparation. As we enter the busy holiday season, he challenges us to pause amidst the chaos and make room in our hearts for the coming of Christ. Drawing from the example of Mary and the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth, Herbie explores how we can prepare spiritua…

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Best of 2024: Heartbreaking News: The Future of China Adoptions 34:39

8M ago34:39

34:39

In this rebroadcast of one of the best episodes from 2024, The Defender Podcast revisits a powerful conversation between Herbie Newell and Karla Thrasher, Lifeline's Senior Director of International Adoption, about the devastating announcement from the People's Republic of China regarding the suspension of intercountry adoptions. In this episode, H…

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Jamie Finn • Foster The Family Podcasts

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