In this vulnerable episode, Laurie and Claire dive deep into the complex topic of self-sabotage, particularly among adoptees. We explore the subconscious strategies that lead us to undermine our own relationships and goals, often driven by fear and core wounds. Join us as we uncover the common triggers, patterns of behavior, and the beliefs that pe…

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Kari Rudd, a Korean adoptee based in Santa Barbara, California. Kari shares her transformative journey of searching for identity and belonging after her challenging experiences with adoption. Kari was adopted at around six months old into a family that faced significant struggles. After being removed from h…

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we honor Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing personal stories from our own journeys with mental health as adoptees. We speak honestly about the challenges we’ve faced—grief, anxiety, depression, isolation—and the tools, practices, and moments of connection that helped us keep going. W…

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Julie Duvall, a Korean aged-out orphan who was adopted later in life. Julie’s unique perspective sheds light on the complexities of growing up in an orphanage in Korea and her journey through finding her way in life without any support from a family of her own. With heartfelt honesty, she shares her e…

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore a tender and complex question: “What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to Asian American adoptees?” For many of us, this month brings up a mix of celebration and sorrow — pride in our cultural roots, grief for what was lost, and sometimes uncertainty about where we belong. Together,…

Get ready for an incredibly validating and eye-opening discussion for adoptees preparing for (or processing) a visit to Korea. Laurie and Claire share vulnerably about their experiences visiting Korea and all the feelings, emotions, and awarenesses around their journey back to their homeland as an adoptee. What to Expect in This Episode: Join Lauri…

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore attachment theory—a powerful psychological framework that helps us understand how we connect, love, and feel safe in relationships. We take a closer look at the four core attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and how these show up in the lives of adoptees. From ear…

In this episode, we delve into how adoptees can find their path back to calm and connection by tapping into the power of the vagus nerve. This crucial nerve helps regulate your nervous system and supports feelings of safety and belonging. Practicing these tools for just 10 minutes or less each day can significantly help improve your body's ability …

In this episode, we dive into the shocking findings of South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which has exposed systemic fraud and human rights violations in the country’s international adoption program. With over 140,000 Korean adoptees sent overseas, many under falsified circumstances, this revelation forces us to reexamine the ethica…

In this special panel discussion, we sit down with fellow Korean adoptees Nate Choi and Kirsten Mathis to explore the complexities of the adoptee experience—from finding strength in community to navigating deeply personal emotions. Together, we reflect on the importance of taking pauses, honoring our individual journeys, and creating safe spaces fo…

Finding Safety in Uncertain Times: A Guided Meditation for Adoptees In this special episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, Laurie offers a gentle, grounding guided meditation to help adoptees regulate their nervous systems and cultivate a sense of safety amidst uncertainty. With so much unknown in the world, especially for Korean American adopte…

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore how befriending our anxiety can help us navigate the adoptee journey with more ease and self-compassion. Instead of seeing anxiety as something to fix or get rid of, we discuss how it can actually be a protector, a messenger, and even a guide to deeper self-awareness. We dive into how anx…

In this episode, we dive into the complex emotions tied to feelings of unworthiness experienced by many adoptees and explore paths to healing and empowerment. By understanding primal wound theory, societal influences, and cultural displacement, we aim to uncover why these feelings emerge and how adoptees can reclaim their sense of self-worth. Lauri…

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast we’re amplifying adoptee voices to share what we want adoptive families to understand in order to help us feel truly supported and seen. Transnational and transracial adoptees often have complex, layered experiences that can be difficult to articulate to their adoptive families. While every adoptee’s…

In this powerful episode of the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Hollee A. McGinnis, a Korean adoptee, educator, scholar, and healer with nearly 30 years of experience in adoption and child welfare. Hollee’s work focuses on amplifying adoptee perspectives, advocating for socially just child welfare policies, and supporting individual…

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of self-love from the unique perspective of Korean adoptees. Self-love isn’t just about bubble baths and positive affirmations—it’s about creating safety, trust, and embodiment. Join us as we share our personal experiences and practical tips for cultivating a deep and unconditional love for ourselves. …

In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we sit down with Leah Brighton, a Korean Canadian adoptee, passionate advocate, and the founder of the first adoptee-led organization in Canada. As the President of the Asian Adoptees of Canada, Leah has been instrumental in creating spaces where adoptees can connect, learn, and embrace their histor…

In this episode, we sit down with Rob ‘Loebz,’ a talented Korean Canadian b-boy, to explore his inspiring journey through hip hop culture and dance. Rob shares his experiences growing up as a Korean adoptee (KAD) in Canada, navigating questions of identity, and finding a sense of belonging within the global b-boy and hip hop community. What you can…

In this episode, Laurie and Claire are joined by Kaleena Bliss, a KAD who grew up in WA and is now living and working in Chicago as an executive chef. Kaleena shares her experiences navigating racism and identity challenges, how building relationships with other Asians helped to foster a sense of belonging and pride for her heritage, and the impact…

After the incredible response to our first episode on how adoption impacts relationships, we’re diving even deeper into this important topic. In this heartfelt follow-up, Laurie and Claire explore the lasting effects of adoption on attachment styles, emotional intimacy, and relationship dynamics, sharing new insights from their personal journeys. W…

What are you bringing into 2025? When it comes to manifestation, how do we know we are doing it right? Join Laurie and Claire on their very first episode of season 2, kicking off a brand new year! This just might be the podcast episode that will help you transform your life, re-write your narrative, and manifest that thing you have always wanted in…

In this final podcast episode of this Season 1, Laurie and Claire reflect and highlight some of our guests over the year. Join us while we share some of the messages, lessons, and special moments from our beloved guests that we have treasured and taken to heart. Freeing Your Voice: A Journey with Phoenix Song, Trans Korean Adoptee and Sound Healer …

In this heartfelt episode, Laurie and Claire sit down to reflect on the lessons, challenges, and growth they’ve experienced in 2024. As the year comes to a close, they share what they’re leaving behind and what they’re taking into 2025. •Laurie on Letting Go of People-Pleasing: Laurie opens up about how people-pleasing has shaped her life and the s…

In this episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we sit down with Jenna, an American, transracial Korean adoptee currently residing on Jeju-Do, South Korea. Jenna’s life journey reflects a deep commitment to exploring the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-discovery through meaningful connection and storytelling. Jenna’s path has been a…

In this episode of our podcast, Laurie and Claire delve into the often challenging topic of navigating holiday triggers. With the holiday season approaching, many adoptees find themselves facing emotional triggers that can disrupt their peace and joy. Laurie and Claire share personal stories about their own experiences with holiday triggers, offeri…

Get ready to meet April Williamson, a Korean Adoptee who grew up in West Virginia and is now living in Bedford, OH. She shares stories from her childhood, stories of identity formation, and her challenges while growing up in white spaces in small town America. April shares her mental health journey and some of the tools she has used to feel more sa…

In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee podcast, In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we’re joined by Su Brooks, a Korean American adoptee, as she shares her unique journey of healing and finding unconditional love through her dog, Chewy, and her deep love for animals. Su opens up about how connecting with Chewy has been a powerful so…

In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee podcast, we are honoring National Adoptee Awareness Month by sharing stories and voices of Korean adoptees. We believe that our messages and experiences as Korean adoptees matter, and that it is important to amplify our voices in order to raise awareness and promote understanding and acceptance. In this epis…

In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we sit down with Mike Malloy to explore the complexities and truths behind adoption stories. Mike opens up about his personal adoption journey, sharing insights into the nuanced and often overlooked layers that go beyond the simplistic narrative of "black and white." He discusses how his experiences…

In this episode, Laurie, Jolie, and Claire discuss the importance of connecting with our ancestors and the practices and rituals we have developed to honor and heal from the past. We share our personal experiences and the ways in which we have used ancestral healing to help us on our own journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Tune in to the…

Join us for a transformative experience as we share an adoptee virtual workshop hosted by Laurie and Claire, where they explored the power of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping and Somatic Breathwork. Through guided sessions, you will learn how to release emotional blocks, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. This …

In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Phoenix Song, a queer, nonbinary, trans Korean adoptee who has been helping people free their voices, rhythms, and body stories since 2006. Phoenix is a singer, musician, sound healer, performer, writer, facilitator, and dharma teacher whose work is rooted in empoweri…

In this episode of the Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we take a deep dive into the Hero’s Journey and its profound connection to the orphan archetype, especially as it relates to the adoptee experience. Drawing from Joseph Campbell's famous narrative structure, we’ll explore how the themes of abandonment, separation, and identity that define the orphan…

Laurie, Jolie, and Claire answer all your questions about The Empowered Adoptee Retreat in this Q&A session. A little backstory about the retreat, we intentionally curated a unique experience for Korean adoptees and our special offerings really stand out because there is nothing like it anywhere else in the community. We came together and ran sever…

Sooki Jalali was part of the first wave of Korean adoptees and grew up in her orphanage as a “house mother” from age 5 until approximately 12 or 14 yrs old, when she was adopted to a single mother and her sister and grew up in Minnesota. Join us as Sooki sits down with Laurie and Claire and intimately shares her unique experiences as an independent…

In this episode of the podcast, Jolie Wermter joins Laurie and Claire for a panel discussion on Intersectional Identity, which will be a topic of one of the workshops at our upcoming KAD retreat - The Empowered Adoptee Retreat. The Big 8 social identities are often tied to power, privilege, and oppression in our society. These include Ability, Age,…

In this episode, we sit down with Ji Young, a Korean adoptee who has been living in Seoul for five years and she shares how her unique experiences has led her to incredible strength, resiliency, inner wisdom, peace, and personal growth. She is a true inspiration and a light in this community! As someone who is differently abled with cerebral palsy,…

Join Laurie, Claire, and Jolie while we share exciting live updates about our upcoming Empowered Adoptee Retreat! The Empowered Adoptee Retreat is a transformative journey for Korean Adoptees of all genders to explore identity, heal in community, and learn tools to live life more empowered. Build Your Community - Find meaningful connections with ot…

DeLa Dos is a Korean adoptee from Washington, D.C. who works in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Join us as DeLa shares their story of growing up Asian in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee. The unique experiences and the challenges they faced in navigating multiple identities has shaped their perspective on identity an…

In this episode of the podcast, Laurie and Claire share podcast updates and exciting upcoming events. Claire is currently in Seoul, and the Dream Team will be livestreaming from The Empowered Adoptee Podcast Facebook page soon. We are excited to announce that we will open up registrations for our second Empowered Adoptee Retreat soon! Throughout th…

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Mihyun Lee, a Somatic Movement Therapist who works with Korean adoptees on their healing journeys. She uses somatic movement to help her clients tap into the unconscious memories and emotions that are being stored in the body. We discuss how somatic movement therapy can be particularly effective for …

Join us as we explore the significance of community, support networks, and chosen family for adoptees who are seeking true belonging and happiness. We discuss how adoptees can often feel disconnected from the world, why we struggle to feel at home, and how we create that feeling of home within ourselves. Throughout the episode, Laurie and Claire of…

In this episode, we delve into the complex and problematic history of Asian misrepresentation in media. From enduring stereotypes and personal impacts, to the broader impact on society, we uncover the layers of this issue and discuss ways to move forward. Listen in while Laurie and Claire explore how these portrayals have shaped perceptions and dis…

In this episode, we delve into the complex issue of estrangement in adoption, exploring the nuanced experiences of adoptees while we navigate relationships. Understanding the adoptee experience is crucial to repairing and nurturing relationships with adoptees and adopted families. Listen in while Laurie and Claire discuss causes of estrangement, pe…

Join us as we sit down with Nate Choi, a Korean adoptee who overcame open heart surgery as a baby and shares his inspiring journey of healing and resilience. Nate opens up about his experiences navigating the complex layers of identity, multiculturalism, and race, and the tools he found to empower himself and his son through conscious parenting. Li…

Join us as we take a deep dive into our stories and insights about what it's like growing up as transracial adoptees in the dark about health issues and how we reclaimed our power over our own personal health journeys. Get ready to hear our vulnerable stories and connect. We share practical tools for empowerment and the challenges we have experienc…

Join us as we sit down with Jolie Wermter, a bi-racial daughter to Claire and second-generation Korean Adoptee, for a captivating conversation about what being Korean means to her, and how she has navigated the complexities of her unique journey. As a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Jolie has dedicated her career to promot…

In this episode, guest Dr. Hollee McGinnis shares her journey of her reclamation of her culture and all that she lost that day she was adopted - including her language, her food, and her people. Listen in as Hollee shares her heartfelt and empowering stories of healing through Korean food. Dr. Hollee A. McGinnis, MSW, PhD, is an Assistant Professor…

Kirsten is a KAD from PA who has been in reunion with her birth mother for over 10 years. Just recently she traveled to Seoul, Korea to meet her birth mother for the first time since she was adopted. Get ready to hear her heartfelt and courageous stories of how she has navigated being a KAD, a mom, a daughter, and as someone with "a gentle curiosit…

In this episode, guest Lauren Schlesinger, an empowered KAD, shares her inspirational mental health journey and the impact that adoption trauma had on her life. She also shares tools and healing modalities that helped her transform her mental health and become free from depression and suicidal ideation. *Trigger warning* Suicidal ideation is discus…