Best Laura Henderson Podcasts (2025)

1
Best of: How neural prosthetics could free minds trapped by brain injury | Jaimie Henderson 22:20

2d ago22:20

22:20

Imagine being trapped in your own body, unable to move or communicate effectively. This may seem like a nightmare, but it is a reality for many people living with brain or spinal cord injuries. We're re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the archives: our 2024 conversation with Jaimie Henderson, a Stanford neurosurgeon leading groundbreaki…

1
Following Our North Star - Niall McKeever 52:17

5d ago52:17

52:17

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. They become a lot easier with a North Star to follow. Podcaster Niall has interviewed an incredible array of talent in the worlds of healing, consciousness and psychology including my favourite author Rupert Spira. Listen in as we riff on intention, course correction and more. Here's the link to the interview with J…

1
Walking With Humility With Kristin Orphan 49:57

8d ago49:57

49:57

Do you want change for the better? There's a part of us that always thinks it is right. And it feels good to be right. But it gets in the way of the change we want. Of being better. Of connecting better. Listen in as Kristin shares profound lessons on humility, insight and change. Listen to Kristin's previous interview here: https://thriving-adopte…

1
At Ease With Jean Widner 56:31

9d ago56:31

56:31

Who doesn't want more ease? More peace? How? That's the question. Listen in as Jean shares her insights on how insights help us to more ease. With ourselves. With others. As she says so wisely "Compassion is free". That compassion oils our relationships. Jean Kelly Widner is the author of The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption into Perspective, a p…

1
Advance Your Advocacy With Marcy Bursac 47:09

10d ago47:09

47:09

Do you want to take your advocacy to the next level? When we know more, we achieve more. When we focus more, we achieve more. Listen as adoptive mother and advocate Marcy shares learnings about learnings, focus, experimentation and much more. Here's the link to Marcy's previous interview: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/reasons-fo…

1
Getting Comfortable With Rabail Ahmed 54:35

11d ago54:35

54:35

Do you feel comfortable in your own skin? Being adopted can feel distinctly uncomfortable. Whether that's due to others or ourselves. Listen in as Rabail shares what she learned coming through tricky teenage years and out of the other side. Find out more about Rabail here: https://www.adoptionmatters.org/podcasts/exploring-transracial-adoption/ htt…

1
Resilience & Persistence With Betsy Arnold 50:04

12d ago50:04

50:04

How do we bounce back? Keep going when all seems lost? Listen in as adoptive mother Besty and I explore answers to these big questions and more... Betsy Armstrong grew up on a farm in Minnesota, but Chicago captured her country-mouse heart thirty-plus years ago, so she stayed. Betsy is a writer, mom, athlete, and philanthropist who wants to change …

1
The secrets of resilient aging | Beth Mormino & Anthony Wagner 36:30

16d ago36:30

36:30

This week on the show, we're have our sights set on healthy aging. What would it mean to be able to live to 80, 90 or 100 with our cognitive abilities intact and able to maintain an independent lifestyle right to the end of our days? We're joined by Beth Mormino and Anthony Wagner who lead the Stanford Aging and Memory Study, which recruits cogniti…

1
Advocating, Fiercely With Becky Fawcett 47:09

17d ago47:09

47:09

"Other people's opinions of us are none of our business." Winston Churchill. I love that quote. For me it's about doing what feels authentic to me. Being me. Doing me. I could never have imagined that the starting point for our conversation - stigma - was going to empower my advocacy. Make me bolder. Listen in and see where this episode takes you. …

1
Deserving To Thrive With Doug Henderson 1:00:53

19d ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Do feel different? Less than? Do you deserve to thrive? Doug always felt different. But he didn't know he was adopted until he was 12. Listen as we dive into insights, sobriety and more in this profound and empowering episode. Check out Doug's book - There Are More Like Me: Search, Reunion, and Synchronicity in Adoption here: https://www.amazon.co.…

1
The Path To Empathy Laura Engel & Hannah Andrews 39:52

21d ago39:52

39:52

Another episode with a difference courtesy of two ladies with huge hearts. Empathy for others in the adoption constellation is foundational to thriving and communication. Listen in as birth mother Laura and adoptee Hannah explore the path to empathy. Hannah Andrews was born in Chicago and was adopted as an infant during the Baby Scoop Era. She was …

1
Delivering On The Promise With Fraser McKinlay 46:18

23d ago46:18

46:18

The Promise is that Scotland's children and young people will grow up loved, safe and respected. This episode dives into how Fraser, his team and partners are delivering on that. We explore resilience, expectations and more. Fraser has been Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland since September 2022. Prior to that, he spent 16 years working for Au…

1
Building AI simulations of the human brain | Dan Yamins 32:56

1M ago32:56

32:56

This week on the show: Are we ready to create digital models of the human brain? Last month, Stanford researcher Andreas Tolias and colleagues created a "digital twin" of the mouse visual cortex. The researchers used the same foundation model approach that powers ChatGPT, but instead of training the model on text, the team trained in on brain activ…

1
Bigger Than Our Trauma Cher Ofstedahl 56:39

1M ago56:39

56:39

At times our trauma threatens to overwhelm us. To overcome us. But how would it be to see that we are bigger than our trauma? Not just to see that. To feel it. To let go of blame. To be free. Listen in as Cher and I dive deep into understanding, forgiveness and more. Cher became a passionate advocate for children and decided to help children break …

1
A Broader Perspective With Danny Huerta 42:01

1M ago42:01

42:01

Are you feeling out of balance? I know I do sometimes. And often because our perspective is to narrow. Listen in as Danny shares a broader, and deeper, perspective on thriving. Powerful and thought provoking. If we want our kids to grow, we need to grow. So how do we do that? Danny shares a wealth of insights into how we can grow based on a lifetim…

1
What ChatGPT understands: Large language models and the neuroscience of meaning | Laura Gwilliams 42:31

1M ago42:31

42:31

If you spend any time chatting with a modern AI chatbot, you've probably been amazed at just how human it sounds, how much it feels like you're talking to a real person. Much ink has been spilled explaining how these systems are not actually conversing, not actually understanding — they're statistical algorithms trained to predict the next likely w…

1
Seeing Our Inherent Goodness With Matthew McCall 52:57

2M ago52:57

52:57

There's no such thing as bad kid. There's no such thing as a bad adult. Although that doesn't stop us feeling bad right? Listen in as Matthew and I dive under our beliefs and trauma to see the inherent goodness at our core. Matthew McCall started at The Home in 1998 as a Child Care Worker. Matthew has held virtually every client serving role at The…

1
Walking Each Other Home With Chasity Galyon 58:44

2M ago58:44

58:44

Is trauma getting in the way on your journey to home? To peace? Is your ego pulling you off the path? Adoptive mom Chasity was adopted by her step-father whilst she was in pre-school. Listen in as we explore the journey home, obstacles and more... Connect with Chasity at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasity-galyon-2b4994250/ https://alovingoptionado…

1
Breathtaking Clarity With Linda Michie 55:01

2M ago55:01

55:01

So many of us struggle to see our worth. To feel valid. Listen as we explore safety, connection and purpose before going way deeper into worth. You're going to want to listen right until the end of this when Linda drops a bombshell about her that explains so much of what we discuss. Wow! A truly belief busting episode with breathtaking clarity. Lin…

1
Zus CEO Jonathan Bush on Getting Targeted by Wall Street’s Most Feared Activist Investor 47:03

2M ago47:03

47:03

Jonathan Bush was busy building healthcare startup Athenahealth when Wall Street’s most feared activist investor began circling. In 2017, Elliott took a 9% stake, slammed the company’s performance, and pushed for a sale—eventually forcing Bush out as CEO. In this conversation, he opens up about being publicly targeted, hitting rock bottom, and find…

1
At Peace & Content Janelle Poskocil 58:47

2M ago58:47

58:47

Do you want more peace and contentment? Who doesn't? Listen in as Janelle and I dive deep in to being content with who we are, fulfilment and more. Adoptive mom Janelle serves as Program Coordinator at Adoption Network Cleveland and in this position, she is responsible for coordinating programming for Families and Youth. This includes program impro…

1
Our Wholeness Under The Trauma With Trisha Priebe and Rich Metcalfe 55:46

2M ago55:46

55:46

How do we see our wholeness? How do we feel whole? Listen in as we dive deep into life's biggest questions. https://lifesong.org https://www.facebook.com/lifesongfororphans https://twitter.com/lifesongorphans https://www.instagram.com/lifesongfororphans/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their …

1
What the other half of the brain does | Brad Zuchero 35:00

2M ago35:00

35:00

We've talked about glia and sleep. We've talked about glia and neuroinflammation. We've talked about glia in the brain fog that can accompany COVID or chemotherapy. We've talked about the brain's quiet majority of non–neuronal cells in so many different contexts that it felt like it was high time for us to take a step back and look at the bigger pi…

1
Tools For Success With Amanda Angell 39:12

2M ago39:12

39:12

What do we need to succeed? What tools do we have already? What tools can we get? Join us for a deep dive with a fellow metaphor lover Amanda into empowerment and thriving. Connect with Amanda here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-angell/ https://www.facebook.com/FosterandAdopt https://mofosteradopt.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless menti…

1
Curiosity and Connection With David Cross 56:17

2M ago56:17

56:17

The past is a place of reference not a place of residence. So what drives us forward? What keeps our momentum? Listen is as foster kid David shares his insights on growing forward. How many ex foster kids are professors? How many have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of children from hard places. Dr David Cross is uniquely placed to sup…

1
The Dreams Beyond Dreams Chris Tonniges 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

What's beyond your dreams? Tapping into the dreams beyond our dreams can take us to extraordinary places. Listen in as inspirational leader and adoptive dad Chris shares what he's learned about impact, dreams and much more. Connect with Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophertonniges/ https://www.onelfs.org/ https://www.facebook.com/One…

1
Contentment With Dr Brett Furst 41:14

2M ago41:14

41:14

What if we were content with being content? OK with feeling OK? Searching for happiness prolongs the search. Listen in as Brett and I dive into the big sea of contentment. The one between the high tide of happiness and the low tide of a low mood. Here's a link to Brett's previous interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/how-adopt…

1
Healthy Growth With Cindy Jensen 39:18

2M ago39:18

39:18

What does growth mean to you? How do we grow? Listen in as we dive into this BIG subject. Insights and practical guidance aplenty. Cynthia K. Jensen is a Certified Social Worker in the State of Wisconsin. Cindy graduated Cum Laude from Milton College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. From 1990 to 2009 she was employed by another Wisconsin chi…

1
Primordial Peace With Elmarie Arnold 59:29

2M ago59:29

59:29

Would you like more peace? Does trauma drown out peace for you? Listen in as we dive deep and deeper still to find peace. Perhaps one of the most profound and powerful conversations in 542 episodes. Enjoy. Here's a bit about Elmarie: I WRITE TO BREAK THE SILENCE. I was adopted through the closed adoption system in 1966, just five days after I was b…

1
Shifting With Ryan Craig 55:54

2M ago55:54

55:54

So much of our lives has been based on protecting ourselves. And understandably so when we've felt so vulnerable and insecure. How would shifting our focus move us forward? Listen in as Ryan takes me - and you - on a profound learning journey. A truly mind shifting and belief busting episode. Ryan is adopted. He and his wife are the proud parents o…

1
Emotional Freedom With Danielle Gaudette 45:19

2M ago45:19

45:19

What we resist persists. How about more freedom instead? Listen in as Danielle dives into emotional freedom, what it means and how we enjoy it. Profound and practical. Here are two of Danielle's previous interviews on Thriving Adoptees: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/upping-our-empathy-game https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.co…

1
Stimulating the brain with sound | Kim Butts Pauly and Raag Airan 30:43

2M ago30:43

30:43

As we gain a better understanding of how misfiring brain circuits lead to mental health conditions, we'd like to be able to go in and nudge those circuits back into balance. But this is hard — literally — because the brain is encased in this thick bony skull. Plus, often the problem you want to target is buried deep in the middle of a maze of delic…

1
Authentic & Accepted With Ligia Cushman 54:39

3M ago54:39

54:39

Feeling free to be our authentic selves. Being accepted as we are. What does that mean for you? How can you help the people you love feel that? Listen is as adoptive mom and adoption professional Ligia shares what she's learned - and continues to learn - on two big topics. Especially as they relate to race. An eye opening episode. https://www.insta…

1
Emotional Self Suffciency Amanda Timoteo 1:00:48

3M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

What if we were to stop searching for happiness outside us? How would that be? How would that feel? Listen in as Amanda and I dive into what she calls emotional self sufficiency. Have you heard of that? I certainly hadn't. And it lead to a profoundly empowering conversation. We both loved it and hope that you do too. https://www.theanchorfamily.com…

1
Does good sleep insulate the brain against Alzheimer's? | Erin Gibson 39:25

3M ago39:25

39:25

We're kicking off our new season with a deep dive into one of neuroscience's most fascinating mysteries: sleep. This unconscious third of our lives isn't just about rest – it's absolutely critical for brain health, memory consolidation, and overall well-being. But here's where it gets intriguing: recent research suggests that increased napping as w…

1
True? With Julie McGue 48:58

3M ago48:58

48:58

Truths can be elusive for us adoptees. Fantasies or nightmares may fill in the blanks. And truths can shift when we re-visit the past and ask others for their truth - their versions of events. This can lead to profound realisations. Listen in as Julie and I explore shifting truths, changes of mind and more. Julie Ryan McGue is an author, a domestic…

1
Blossoming With Brad Brooks 58:22

3M ago58:22

58:22

What helps us blossom? What gets in the way? How do we overcome those obstacles? Listen in as we explore big questions with grace and depth. Brad stretched me out of my comfort zone into new insights. I hope this interview catalyses sparks insights in you. Foster parent Brad Brooks serves as the Executive Director of Southeastern Children’s Home an…

1
Meet Evan Mawarire, the Pastor Who Stood Up to a Dictator 53:06

4M ago53:06

53:06

Evan Mawarire is the pastor behind #ThisFlag, a grassroots movement that used Zimbabwe’s flag as a symbol of resistance against government corruption, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses. The movement sparked peaceful protests, stay-at-home demonstrations, and international attention, directly challenging Mugabe’s regime. In response, M…

1
Being Enough With Janelle Basham 52:39

4M ago52:39

52:39

Shame. Not being enough. Trauma. Listen in as birth mother Janelle shares insights on what helps us thrive and what gets in the way of thriving. She also shares how shifts in perspectives help us overcome those obstacles. Powerful. Impactful. Love this. Connect and find out more at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellebasham/ https://www.bravelove.o…

1
Feeling Loved With George Dennehy 53:42

4M ago53:42

53:42

Born without arms in Romania and unwanted, George went straight from the hospital to an orphanage where he stayed until being adopted at 18 months. Relentlessly bullied at school he felt ashamed, full of resentment, mad at the world and God. Listen in as he shares his insights on the journey to thriving. An incredibly powerful interview. You're goi…

1
Confidence With Jennifer Jue-Steuck 1:00:59

4M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Lacking knowledge of our history can impact our confidence. So what do we do? How can we be more confidence whatever the uncertainty of our roots? Listen in as Jen and I dive deep into overcoming some of our essential challenges as adoptees. From Laguna Beach (Orange County), California, Jennifer Bao Yu "Precious Jade" Jue-Steuck is an author, scre…

1
Fiercely Curious With Kim Sabanayagam 55:00

5M ago55:00

55:00

Many of us adoptees have been asking questions for as long as we can remember. Who are we? Where did we come from? Why were we adopted? What drives our questions? What drives your questions? Listen in as adoptee and therapist Kim shares the fierce curiosity that drives her, coming through the toughest of times and more. Rich and deep. Just like we …

1
Unlocking Our Potential with Carol Homden 46:33

5M ago46:33

46:33

"The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence." A great quote from Roy T. Bennett. As adoptees we talk a lot about the past, our stories and more. This episode is all about the future. Creating our own future. Listen in as Carol shares insights and learnings on potentiality - unlocking our potential. But it's not all about us, it's ab…

1
Belonging With Jude Hung 45:05

5M ago45:05

45:05

Do you yearn to belong? To feel a deeper sense of belonging? To feel you belong with others? With yourself? What would that mean to you? Listen in as Jude and I dive deep into this profound topic. Find out about Jude's book here https://www.amazon.com/Girl-without-Tribe-Between-Adoptees/dp/B0DJK4XS9F/ https://www.facebook.com/jude.a.hung https://ww…

1
Innately Whole, Not Broken With Daryn Watson 52:43

5M ago52:43

52:43

So many of us feel broken. And that hurts like hell. How would it feel to be whole? A whole lot better. Listen in as Daryn shares his learnings from a very counter-cultural take on wholeness from adoptee Sydney Banks. Daryn really stretched me - in a good way - and that helped me to new insights. We both hope it catalyzes new insights for you. Here…

1
At Our Best With Christine Tangel 1:01:14

6M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

How do we feel at our best? Listen in as we explore the mind and body connection together with some simple ways to feel at our best more of the time. I loved this conversation and we both hope you do too. Christine Tangel is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working with children and families in New York City. She h…

1
Keep Moving Forward With Kristy Holt 47:12

6M ago47:12

47:12

If you're in the muck, keep moving forward. You can move on. Listen in as birth mother Kristy describes how she got inspired and let her inspire you. Great life lessons. Great episode. Connect with Kristy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-holt-b36873339/ https://x.com/KristyAkakrissy Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed ps…

1
Stepping Up Andy Coppenhall 44:35

6M ago44:35

44:35

Where do we find the courage to step up? Listen in as birth father Andy shares where he found the courage to share his story to inspire others. Powerful. Be ready to be up-lifted. Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-coppenhall-2a92b4156/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their o…

1
The Joy of ImMoonity with Charasine 43:08

6M ago43:08

43:08

Today I talked to Sherri and Annie about the beautiful joy of imMOOnity through their product called Charasine. Be sure to check out their product https://www.chara-immunity.com/ For all things Becoming Unique Check out our Linktree https://linktr.ee/Becoming_Unique

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What if our trauma didn't bother us? Josie Mi 57:34

6M ago57:34

57:34

Sometimes it feels like we are going to drown in our tears. And that's really scary. So we stuff our feelings for fear of being overwhelmed by them. Or we deny them. Or numb them. What if there was another way? What if our trauma didn't bother us? Listen in as transracial and international adoptee Josie shares her liberating take on trauma. Profoun…

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