Best Reactive Attachment Disorder Podcasts (2025)

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E22: My best friend ghosted me 25:15

2d ago25:15

25:15

Confession: My best friend of over 30 years ghosted me two years ago. Believe it or not, she shut me out of her life not once, not twice, but a total of three times over the course of our friendship. Also included: *how and when we met *how we stayed close, despite the 1000s of miles between us *our roadtrip to attend the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta *…

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When Love Isn’t Enough: Amy VanTine on Parenting Through RAD 38:41

4d ago38:41

38:41

Send us a text In this deeply moving episode, Sherrie Eldridge welcomes Amy Vantine, a mother, educator, and co-founder of RAD Advocates, to share her harrowing and inspiring journey of parenting a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). From her early dreams of motherhood to the trauma, confusion, and eventual heartbreak of dissolving an ad…

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E21: The more I learn, the less I know 26:36

11d ago26:36

26:36

Confession: I am constantly reminded that the more I learn, the less I know. This week that lesson came in the form of videos on vestibular and proprioceptive systems. What I learned in these videos was super informative and I wish I had learned about it when Lane was young. I also reflect on the the joys and frustrations of my motherhood journey. …

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Beyond the Buzzwords: Why Trauma Knowledge Transforms Parenting with Melissa Pemberton 43:06

13d ago43:06

43:06

Stepping into foster care or adoption without understanding trauma is like trying to navigate unfamiliar terrain without a map. That's why this conversation with Melissa Pemberton, a trauma-aware licensed therapist and parent coach with over 20 years of experience in child welfare, is absolutely essential listening for anyone caring for children fr…

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E20: The embarrassing shoe throwing incident 24:25

18d ago24:25

24:25

Confession: Before I was introduced to TBRI, I once had an epic meltdown, which included throwing all of my shoes on the floor of my bedroom in a rage. I threw every single pair of my shoes as hard as I could onto the hardwood floor while screaming at the top of my lungs. Not my finest moment, but I did apologize to Lane about it afterwards and we …

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E19: I wish I had found TBRI sooner! 35:08

25d ago35:08

35:08

Confession: I wish I had found TBRI Trust Based Relational Interventions when Lane was in Kindergarten instead of 8th grade. In my humble opinion, it is THE SINGLE MOST POWERFUL intervention program foster and adoptive families need to be trained in. Included in this episode: *more on my high-functioning depression *powerful activities from my IOP …

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Breaking the Cycle: Parenting with Trauma Awareness with April Ficklin 58:05

27d ago58:05

58:05

What happens when the romanticized dream of adoption crashes into the complex realities of parenting children from trauma? April Ficklin knows this collision intimately. From a teenage mission trip where she first felt called to adoption, to the Good Friday when her family doubled overnight with the addition of two siblings from foster care, April'…

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E18: Let that shit go! 27:19

1M ago27:19

27:19

Confession: Reliving Lane’s Kindergarten year has been much more difficult than I imagined it would be. Luckily, it didn’t seem to have any lasting impact on Lane. In fact, he doesn’t remember any of it! Included in this episode: *another funny story from my childhood *blog entry written on 8/23/15: Lane is making great gains *disastrous meeting wi…

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E17: I was so optimistic and naive 29:43

1M ago29:43

29:43

Confession: Rereading my blog entries about Lane’s adoption day makes me a bit sad. I was so optimistic and naive. I never would have imagined ending up where we are now. I share two blog entries written right before and immediately after Lane's adoption day in addition to more horror stories of Lane's Kindergarten teacher. Included in this episode…

1
Faith in the Trenches 20:00

1M ago20:00

20:00

God shows up in extraordinary ways for foster parents when we embrace the truth that we're participating in His holy work of restoration and redemption. • His grace is sufficient for our weakness, covering our doubts, fears, and mistakes • New mercies arrive each morning—only when we need them, not a moment sooner • Hard things are exactly what Jes…

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E16: I used to be proud to be a teacher... 31:10

2M ago31:10

31:10

Confession: I used to be proud of my career in elementary education…until I had a child who didn’t fit the mold and only then realized how the kids on the ends of the bell curve were not thriving. And in many cases, kids like mine are made to feel like a bad kid or stupid because they do not get the attention and supports they need to experience su…

1
Beyond Behavior Management: The Parent's Journey to Felt Safety 35:26

2M ago35:26

35:26

The tension between fostering deep relationships and managing difficult behaviors sits at the heart of every foster and adoptive parent's journey. In this deeply personal exploration, we uncover why our focus often shifts from connection to control—and the surprising neurological reasons behind it. When behaviors are under control and there's order…

1
E15: My own worst enemy 24:08

2M ago24:08

24:08

Confession: I used to be my own worst enemy with negative self-talk that I wasn’t even aware I was engaging in. Now that I know, I’m working to becoming my own best friend with self-compassion, self-love, and positive self-talk. I'll share how gratitude is my superpower (when I practice it consistently), my new favorite gratitude journal, and a tri…

1
Before You Correct in Trauma Parenting 22:41

2M ago22:41

22:41

What happens in that critical moment when your child's behavior pushes your buttons? That split second before you respond determines whether your correction will actually work or simply bounce off ineffectively. Foster and adoptive parents know the struggle all too well—the same behaviors repeating despite countless corrections. But what if the key…

1
E14: I swear a lot! 29:13

2M ago29:13

29:13

Confession: I swear a lot. Well, maybe not a lot, but I definitely swear. Some believe that it’s healthy for you to get it out, but, like all things, only in moderation. Also included: stories from my childhood, more about the How We Feel app, the 5 lies depression tells you, and funny stories about swearing! Oh, and how the Let Them Theory is help…

1
Can You Really Help a Child If You Haven't Healed? 21:26

2M ago21:26

21:26

We explore the critical importance of healing for foster and adoptive parents, emphasizing how past experiences shape our parenting. Understanding ourselves allows us to nurture our children effectively while providing the love they need. • Exploring the concept of healing and being a steady presence • The impact of past traumas on parenting styles…

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E13: I had no idea how to process uncomfortable emotions...until recently 28:55

2M ago28:55

28:55

Confession: I didn’t learn how to process my emotions until my mental health crisis when Lane was in 7th grade. To those of you who are emotionally healthy, that may sound crazy. But it’s true. I share how music therapy helped me process emotions, as well as a helpful analogy to understand why processing your feelings is so important. You'll also h…

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When We Aren't Enough- Navigating Out of Home Care with Anna Bernacki 1:05:49

2M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

We explore the complexities of foster care and adoption and the emotional toll trauma takes on families, emphasizing the importance of candid conversations about these challenges. Anna Bernacki shares her personal journey through adoption and how faith has guided her family. • The importance of discussing difficult topics within foster care • Diffe…

1
E12: I suffer from depression 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

Confession: I suffer from depression: major depressive disorder. But because I am high-functioning and an extrovert, very few people in my life know this about me- even many close friends and family members. I reflect on why my depression seems to hide in plain sight as well as explain some of my most troublesome symptoms of depression. I also shar…

1
The Things We Don't Say Out Loud in Foster Care and Adoption 23:14

3M ago23:14

23:14

The latest episode explores the multifaceted challenges of foster care and adoption, inviting listeners to engage with the often unspoken truths of this journey. By addressing hard topics with compassion, the episode emphasizes the importance of validating the experiences of caregivers and children alike while encouraging open conversations. • Vali…

1
E11: Woefully underprepared 26:27

3M ago26:27

26:27

Confession: Despite my extensive background working with children as an educator, I was woefully underprepared to parent a child with developmental trauma. Also included are stories of Lane's dancing abilities and how they showed themselves at a very young age! Included in this episode: *Lane's dancing at a wedding *the terms "wounded children" and…

1
Spiritual Armor for Foster and Adoptive Families 22:02

3M ago22:02

22:02

This episode explores the spiritual warfare that foster parents face as they navigate their unique challenges. By emphasizing the importance of guarding our minds, nurturing relationships, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating gratitude, we equip ourselves to combat discouragement and support each other through this journey. • Understanding spiri…

1
E10: Comparison is the thief of joy 31:16

3M ago31:16

31:16

Confession: In those early years, I often looked at other families and thought, “It must be nice to have a kid who…” (dot, dot, dot, fill in the blank). I still catch myself doing it sometimes, even now. But comparison is the thief of joy. I’m learning to let that shit go! I share how comparisons with other families caused me suffering, as well as …

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E9: To medicate or not to medicate? That is the question... 24:53

3M ago24:53

24:53

Confession: I can’t imagine what it would have been like to parent my son without the help of medication to manage his symptoms of ADHD and ODD. I explain that although I am no expert and I believe this is a decision not to be taken lightly, medication certainly helped Lane. I don't judge families who don't medicate their child; I ask that you not …

1
6 Signs That You Are Headed For Burnout 21:27

3M ago21:27

21:27

Overwhelming exhaustion is a challenge that many foster and adoptive parents experience, often without acknowledgment. This episode discusses burnout's signs, neurological impact, and practical steps toward healing and renewal. • Exploring the definition of burnout what it looks like in parents • Recognizing signs indicating a move in that directio…

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E8: I don't have a daddy! 29:31

3M ago29:31

29:31

Confession: When Lane was little, not having a daddy was much harder on him than being adopted was. As a single adoptive mama, this was not something I was prepared for. I also provide an update on my parents as they start to rebuild their lives in their temporary housing after losing everything in the Palisades fire of January 7, 2025. Included in…

1
Fostering Compassion: The Heart of the Father 17:31

3M ago17:31

17:31

The episode dives deep into the challenges foster parents face, emphasizing the necessity of grace for both parents and children. It explores the importance of self-care amidst stress and the transformative power of faith through the story of the Prodigal Son. • Sharing personal struggles with stress and parenting • The vital need for self-care amo…

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Breaking the Cycle: Tova J. Kreps on Trauma, Adoption, and Building Resilient Families 34:06

4M ago34:06

34:06

Send us a text In this episode, Sherrie invites Tova J. Kreps, licensed social worker and co-founder of Wellspring Counseling, to discuss the complexities of adoption, trauma recovery, and the power of faith in navigating these challenges. Tova shares her inspiring journey, shaped by her upbringing in a missionary family, her personal experience wi…

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Foster Care Narratives with Johnna Stein 35:31

4M ago35:31

35:31

Jonna Stein's "Untangling Hope" beautifully captures the intricate emotions of a foster child navigating trauma and the longing for belonging. In our discussion, we explore themes of empathy, understanding trauma, and the importance of fostering conversations about these experiences among parents, children, and their communities. • Exploring the jo…

1
E7: Devastating loss...no confession today 33:39

4M ago33:39

33:39

Due to the recent and very sudden loss of my family's home of almost 40 years in the Pacific Palisades fire, instead of a confession, I will be reflecting on the memories that made their house a treasured home. If you know others who have been impacted by the fires, feel free to share this episode with them. Their grief and sorrow must be as raw an…

1
Fostering Connections: Using Food to Bridge Gaps and Empower Children with Chef Kibby 35:38

4M ago35:38

35:38

Chef Kibby shares how he uses food and hunger as a language of connection, drawing from 25 years of culinary expertise and 16 years as a foster and adoptive dad. Discover his unique perspective on how the simple act of cooking can bridge gaps and build lasting relationships. With personal anecdotes and biblical insights, we explore how food has bee…

1
E6: I wanted a child who looked like me 23:47

4M ago23:47

23:47

Confession: I wanted to adopt a child who looked like he or she could have been my biological child. In this episode, I also share my preferences for a child when going through the matching process, my blog from the day I brought him home, our Gotcha Day traditions, and an update on my relationship with his first mom. Included in this episosde: *La…

1
Priorities for the New Year 27:16

4M ago27:16

27:16

Every holiday season as a foster or adoptive parent is a rollercoaster of joy and chaos. I've been there, feeling the duality of laughter and meltdowns, and I'm here to share how embracing these mixed emotions can actually enrich our lives and families. In this episode, I reflect on the past year, celebrating the laughter, acknowledging the meltdow…

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E5: I made contact with Lane's birth mother... 34:03

4M ago34:03

34:03

Confession: Last week I made contact with Lane’s birth mother for the first time. I had no idea what to expect, but after meeting with her, I am cautiously optimistic that when he meets her and builds a relationship with her, it will be helpful for Lane’s healing. I also share why this seemed like the right time to locate her, his nervousness/ambiv…

1
E4: I became a mother for selfish reasons 31:16

5M ago31:16

31:16

Confession: I became a mother for selfish reasons, not necessarily that I wanted to give a child a better life. When Lane was little, people would often say, "He's so lucky to have you!" and my response was, "No, I'm the lucky one. He made me a mama." I also share all of the experiences that prepared me for motherhood, a blog entry from my baby sho…

1
E3: It's not your fault, but it IS your responsibility 28:43

5M ago28:43

28:43

Confession: I started telling my son, “It’s not your fault you have all these cards stacked against you. However, it is your responsibility to figure it out and be a good person.” I will detail the many layers of Lane's trauma that have hindered his ability to form secure attachments with others and have shaped who he is today. I also share stories…

1
E2: I might punch ‘em in the throat! 32:11

5M ago32:11

32:11

Confession: When Lane was in middle school and exhibiting extreme behaviors almost daily, I told friends, “The next person who says, 'there is a special place for you in heaven,’ I might punch ‘em in the throat.” I will explain why platitudes like this one often filled me with rage and what friends and family members can say instead. I share a few …

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Overview + Confession: Raising You Is Killing Me 24:19

5M ago24:19

24:19

In this first episode, I share an overview of my parenting journey as an adoptive mother thus far. Additionally, I go into detail about my first confession: I used to say that I should write a book about my parenting journey. I joked that the title would be, “Raising You Is Killing Me”. It was funny. Until I truly started to imagine taking my leave…

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Embracing Gratitude: Seeing the Blessings in Foster Care and Adoption 20:39

5M ago20:39

20:39

Could gratitude truly be the key to transforming the chaos of foster and adoptive parenting into moments of peace and resilience? Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as we challenge the conventional approach to parenting stress by embracing gratitude as a divine stress reliever. This episode explores how consciously choosing gratitude, even in the toughest s…

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Uniting Communities for Foster Care with Guest Rebecca Radicchi 45:53

6M ago45:53

45:53

Rebecca Radicchi joins us from Georgia Kids Belong to share her incredible journey and the transformative power of community in supporting foster care and adoption. As an adoptive mom and passionate advocate, Rebecca offers an inside look at Georgia Kids Belong, a chapter of America's Kids Belong, and their innovative I Belong project. This initiat…

1
Responding to Lying 32:44

6M ago32:44

32:44

Lying is more than just a fib; it’s a complex dance of cognitive development and survival instincts, especially in children who have faced trauma. Join me, Nicole T Barlow, on Foster Parent Well as we unravel the nuanced reality of lying in children who have experienced trauma. This episode is a heartfelt exploration into how lying can be a natural…

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From Fear to Love: Healing and Hope in Adoption with Brian Post 36:21

6M ago36:21

36:21

Send us a text In this heartfelt and transformative episode, Sherrie Eldridge sits down with esteemed guest Brian Post, a renowned adoption and child behavior expert. Brian, an adoptee and former foster child, shares his compelling life story—from his early experiences in foster care to reuniting with his birth mother decades later. His journey und…

1
Working as a Team with Your Spouse 30:10

6M ago30:10

30:10

Imagine embarking on a journey that challenges every preconceived notion you had about family and faith. That's exactly the path Bruce and I found ourselves on, navigating the landscape of foster care and adoption. In this episode, we share our story of overcoming initial fears and uncertainties, and how our unique personalities helped us find a ha…

1
Transforming Parenthood Through Holistic Wellness 16:50

7M ago16:50

16:50

What if the key to thriving as a foster or adoptive parent lies in how you care for yourself? Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as we shift the focus to self-care and wellness, an often overlooked yet crucial component of trauma-informed parenting. In our latest episode of Foster Parent Well, we explore how nurturing your body and spirit can empower you to…

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Navigating Ambiguous Loss: Grief as a Foster Parent 21:56

7M ago21:56

21:56

What happens when welcoming a new child into your home brings both immeasurable joy and profound heartbreak? Journey with me, Nicole T Barlow, as I recount my personal experience with the unpredictable waves of fostering and adoption. I open up about the bittersweet reality of forming new bonds and routines, only to face the heart-wrenching process…

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Secrets to Better Sleep for Parents and Children 17:31

7M ago17:31

17:31

What if you could transform your sleep quality and wake up feeling truly refreshed? Discover the secrets to healthy sleep habits and routines that can make this a reality. Nicole dives into the importance of sleep for foster and adoptive parents by creating routine like morning activities like walking outside and getting sunlight, as well as evenin…

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Building Resilience: Raquel McCloud’s Journey in Kinship Care and Adoption 1:02:04

8M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build resilience and hope amidst the complexities of the foster care and adoption system? Join us as we sit down with the inspiring Raquel McCloud, who opens up about her incredible journey from a child in kinship care to a kinship adoptive mom. Raquel’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, heal…

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Supporting Biological Children in the Foster Care Journey 38:41

8M ago38:41

38:41

Have you ever wondered how fostering can transform a family's dynamics and individual lives? Join us on today's Foster Parent Well podcast as we welcome Daniela Coates, a licensed master social worker from Texas with a profoundly personal connection to the world of foster care. Daniela's unique upbringing in a foster family, inspired by her father'…

1
Living Out Your Faith in Foster Care and Adoption 10:36

8M ago10:36

10:36

Living out your faith means that you are going to live differently. It means that our main purpose is to love God and love others well. So what does that look like in foster care and adoption? What are the ways that we can share hope and grace to people that are hurting? Today we discuss just that...we talk about practical ways that we take our bel…

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Virginia Wells: Addressing Grief and Loss in Adoption 28:58

8M ago28:58

28:58

Send us a text In this conversation, Sherrie Eldridge interviews Virginia Wells, an adoptive mom and author, about her experiences and insights. They discuss the challenges of adoptive parenting, the importance of preparation and realistic expectations, and the power of prayer. Virginia shares her own journey as an adoptive mom and offers advice fo…

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Reactive Attachment Disorder Podcasts

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