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In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a board-certified internal medicine physician, bestselling author, and internationally recognized expert on rest, resilience, and wellbeing. Together, they explore the critical concept of sacred rest and why it is essential, rather than a luxury, for caregivers and foster parents supporting children from hard places. Dr. Saundra redefines rest as a restorative process of pouring back into places of emotional, mental, and physical depletion, explaining the spiritual truth that we ultimately rest at the level of our trust in God. Dr. Saundra breaks down the key differences between sleep and rest, emphasizing that while sleep addresses basic physical needs, it cannot heal depleted relationships, process heavy emotions, or restore creative problem-solving abilities. She introduces her Seven Types of Rest framework—encompassing physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, sensory, and creative rest—and shares how caregivers can identify their specific deficits. The conversation also examines the World Health Organization's criteria for burnout and offers practical ways to begin recovering without needing to create extra time, such as habit stacking restorative practices onto daily routines. The episode highlights the importance of distinguishing true self-care and personal boundaries from pampering, as well as setting up intentional rhythms like Sabbath or extended abiding time to prevent burnout. Dr. Saundra encourages weary listeners by reminding them that burnout is entirely reversible when approached with intentionality. By starting with small, daily restorative choices, caregivers can replenish their own soul and spirit, ensuring they remain sustainable in the vital work of loving and serving vulnerable children. About the Guest Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a board-certified internal medicine physician, bestselling author, and internationally recognized expert on rest, resilience, and wellbeing. She is the creator of the Seven Types of Rest framework and author of Sacred Rest, equipping audiences worldwide with practical tools to overcome burnout, increase productivity, and achieve sustainable success. Through her unique blend of medical research and biblical wisdom, Dr. Saundra empowers individuals to thrive both personally and professionally. In This Episode Understanding sacred rest as a restorative process and why we rest at the level of our trust in God. The critical distinctions between sleep and the Seven Types of Rest framework. Identifying the signs of burnout and using simple habits like habit stacking to restore energy without adding extra time to your day. Differentiating genuine self-care and intentional rhythms from pampering to build long-term sustainability as a caregiver. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes Chris and Alicia Johnson to discuss caring for and prioritizing marriage during seasons of crisis and hard foster care placements. Chris, Vice President of Church Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services, and Alicia, a former pastor's wife and teacher, share their journey of raising ten children (seven adopted from foster care) and fostering over forty kids. They open up about the immense strain that taking in high-needs teenagers and sibling groups placed on their household, their co-parenting dynamic, and their marriage. The Johnsons discuss the emotional weight, trauma, and spiritual warfare involved in foster care and adoption, explaining how intense seasons bring existing marital gaps to the surface. Through personal anecdotes, they detail how they learned to navigate seasons of chaos by shifting from accusatory language to vulnerable "I feel" statements, establishing simple grounding habits, and protecting daily time for connection. They emphasize that maintaining a strong, unified marriage serves as a vital safety net that removes anxiety for children who have already experienced profound disruption and loss. Chris and Alicia also address overcoming the guilt parents feel when taking time away from their children, pointing out that modeling a healthy, loving, and forgiving marriage is one of the greatest gifts caregivers can give. They encourage listeners to lean into intentional Christian community, accept support from others without shame, and maintain an eternal perspective through life's hardest trials, offering a powerful reminder that fighting for a marriage is always worth the effort. About the Guest Chris and Alicia Johnson have been married for 31 years and are parents to 10 children (seven adopted through foster care) and grandparents to two children adopted through foster care. Chris serves as the Vice President of Church Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services, bringing over two decades of pastoral experience and previous service as Executive Director of the Kentucky Governor's Office of Faith and Community-Based Initiatives. Alicia has served as a pastor's wife, teacher, mentor, and special advisor to the First Lady of Kentucky. Together, they have fostered over 40 children and are passionate advocates for supporting families and vulnerable children. In This Episode The unique challenges and emotional weight of bringing high-needs teenagers and sibling groups into the home. Recognizing spiritual warfare and how hardship brings underlying marital gaps to the surface. Practical communication strategies for spouses, including using "I feel" statements to prevent defensiveness. The vital role of community support and avoiding the trap of trying to manage crisis seasons alone. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/

On this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes Dr. Dusty Hess, a nationally recognized functional medical doctor, speaker, author, and founder of Upstream Health. Together, they explore a critical topic for foster and adoptive families: understanding and supporting children who have been impacted by prenatal drug and alcohol exposure. Dr. Hess helps shift the narrative for struggling caregivers, offering profound hope by explaining that what often presents as behavioral defiance is actually a physiological response from a nervous system adapted to survive difficult circumstances. Dr. Hess details the biological mechanics of how substances and chronic maternal stress alter brain development in the womb, impacting neuron formation, dopamine pathways, and stress response systems. He breaks down the behavioral clues that indicate a child is living in a chronic fight-or-flight state, including explosive emotional reactions, sensory sensitivities, sleep disturbances, and difficulty with transitions. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the importance of looking beneath surface behaviors, documenting patterns with curiosity, and addressing underlying biological causes like gut-brain connection issues, blood sugar instability, and toxic burdens. Rather than relying on legalistic or punitive parenting strategies, Dr. Hess equips caregivers with practical ways to build biological safety through environmental changes. He shares actionable tips for establishing consistent household rhythms, creating soothing bedtime routines to improve sleep quality, and regulating a child’s nervous system by maintaining a calm, organized home. Packed with encouragement, this conversation reminds parents that healing is a gradual, directional process and that even small, intentional steps can powerfully shape a child’s path toward safety and wholeness. About the Guest Dr. Dusty Hess is a nationally recognized functional medical doctor, author, speaker, and the founder of Upstream Health, a movement dedicated to helping Christian families reclaim their health through God's original design. Through his practice and public speaking, Dr. Hess specializes in getting to the root cause of chronic health and neurological challenges by looking at biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors. He is passionate about empowering caregivers and foster parents with personalized, practical tools that foster long-term healing and biological safety for vulnerable children. In This Episode Recognizing the behavioral clues of prenatal drug and alcohol exposure, including emotional volatility, transition challenges, and sensory sensitivities. How prenatal substance exposure and maternal stress alter brain development, dopamine pathways, and nervous system regulation. The biological drivers behind dysregulation, including the gut-brain connection, blood sugar swings, and sleep dysfunction. Practical tools for creating biological safety at home through consistent rhythms, calming bedtime routines, and an organized, regulated environment. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/ Understanding & Supporting Kids with Prenatal Drug and Alcohol Exposure - https://onedrive.live.com/?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fa3caa6cbe49cc1ae%2FDocuments%2FDesktop%2FTFI%20Files%2FPodcast%20Recordings%2FTFP%2FDusty%20Hess%2FUnderstanding%20%26%20Supporting%20Kids%20with%20Prenatal%20Drug%20and%20Alcohol%20Exposure%2Epdf&listurl=%2Fpersonal%2Fa3caa6cbe49cc1ae%2FDocuments&ithint=file%2Cpdf&e=BkW1Zk&migratedtospo=true&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fa3caa6cbe49cc1ae%2FDocuments%2FDesktop%2FTFI%20Files%2FPodcast%20Recordings%2FTFP%2FDusty%20Hess&redeem=aHR0cHM6Ly8xZHJ2Lm1zL2IvYy9hM2NhYTZjYmU0OWNjMWFlL0lRQjBzZFlMcWUxSVJMYklzYW9QeExqUEFRTHVwbUdOb0JGSU5jLUVsYTlBbFFjP2U9QmtXMVpr&ga=1

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes back Sarah Mackenzie, author, podcast host, and founder of Read-Aloud Revival. Sarah brings her deep passion for storytelling and family connection to address a challenge that foster and adoptive parents often face: how to build safety, trust, and meaningful attachment with children who have experienced trauma, disruption, or loss. Sarah shares how reading aloud serves as a powerful, non-threatening bridge to connection. She explains the brain science behind shared reading, detailing how listening to a story lowers cortisol levels and releases oxytocin—the hormone responsible for bonding and emotional safety. For children in foster care or adoptive homes who may feel overwhelmed by direct eye contact or intense face-to-face interaction, sitting side-by-side with a book creates a gentle, low-pressure space. The story becomes a shared third object, allowing kids to process complex emotions, build empathy, and explore heavy themes like grief, identity, and belonging from a safe distance. Throughout the conversation, Sarah offers practical, easy-to-implement advice for busy caregivers who feel intimidated by adding another task to their day. She encourages parents to drop rigid expectations, explaining that reading aloud doesn't require sitting still or reading for hours—even five to ten minutes with picture books, graphic novels, or audiobooks during mealtimes can make a profound impact. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement, equipping foster and adoptive families to use the simple tool of stories to nurture lasting emotional attachment and bring light, comfort, and joy into their homes. About the Guest Sarah Mackenzie is the founder of Read-Aloud Revival, a popular podcast and online community dedicated to helping families build meaningful connections through books. She is an author, speaker, and homeschooling mother of six who writes picture books and resources aimed at inspiring a love of reading. Sarah is passionate about equipping parents with simple, practical tools to cultivate deep relationships, nurture emotional safety, and foster a lifelong love of stories within their homes. In This Episode How reading aloud triggers the release of oxytocin, helping children feel secure and attached. The benefits of side-by-side connection through books for kids who find direct eye contact intimidating. Using picture books and stories as a safe medium for children to process complex emotions and trauma. Practical tips for making read-aloud time manageable and low-stress for busy foster and adoptive families. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/ Read-Aloud Revival - https://readaloudrevival.com/ Bonding Through Books - https://readaloudrevival.com/bonding-through-books/

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami Kaeb sits down with trauma consultant Trent Taylor from Watch Me Rise to tackle a critical and pervasive issue facing youth today: navigating tech and pornography. Rejoining the show after previously sharing his redemptive foster care story on Episode 132, Trent brings his expertise as a TBRI practitioner, life coach, and mental health coach to examine why children—especially those who have experienced early childhood trauma—are uniquely vulnerable to digital addictions and maladaptive coping mechanisms. Trent shares his own powerful, personal journey, including early exposure to pornography beginning at age two as part of a grooming process, and explains the neurochemical impact of tech-driven dopamine floods on the brain. He breaks down why trauma survivors with underdeveloped prefrontal cortexes and insecure attachments often seek out pornography for a false sense of control, an instant escape from pain, or a substitute for genuine connection. Through the story of his own adoptive parents' calm, non-judgmental response when his struggle was discovered, Trent illustrates how separating behavior from a child's identity can dismantle shame, rebuild trust, and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery. The conversation offers actionable strategies for parents looking to protect their homes without resorting to shame-based or punitive measures. Trent emphasizes that while tech guardrails, filters, and house rules—like charging phones in common areas—are necessary safety nets, lasting freedom requires heart-level healing, building self-worth, and fostering strong attachments. He encourages caregivers to keep conversations open, model healthy digital boundaries themselves, and lead with humility, reminding families that healing is a messy, collaborative journey rooted in God's grace. About the Guest Trent Taylor serves as a trauma consultant, TBRI practitioner, life coach, board-certified master mental health coach, mentor, educational therapist, and parent trainer with Watch Me Rise, a North Carolina ministry focused on educating and supporting families on the impact of trauma. Having walked through early childhood trauma, foster care, adoption, and early pornography exposure, Trent now uses his personal journey and professional expertise to guide youth and families toward freedom, heart-level healing, and healthy digital boundaries. In This Episode The neurochemical mechanisms behind pornography addiction and why trauma survivors with underdeveloped prefrontal cortexes use tech as a maladaptive coping tool. Trent's personal story of early pornography exposure and how his adoptive parents responded with non-judgmental grace to dismantle shame and rebuild trust. Practical strategies for establishing healthy household tech boundaries, such as common-area charging stations, phone-free zones, and modeling screen habits. Why digital filters and guardrails serve as necessary safety nets but cannot replace heart-level emotional healing, self-worth, and gospel-centered hope. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/ Finding Hope After Experiencing Trauma (Ep. 132 w/ Trent Taylor) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-132-finding-hope-after-experiencing-trauma/id1106738239?i=1000540409332 Watch Me Rise Resources - https://www.watchmerise.shop/collections/watch-me-rise-resources Watch Me Rise Training Sign-Up - https://www.watchmerise919.org/training-sign-up Bark Phone - https://www.bark.us/learn/bark-phone-ps/?utm_source=aw&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_campaign=kids-phone-branded-google&utm_content=147666934708&utm_term=kwd-10252672&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17664435801&gclid=CjwKCAjwrNrQBhBjEiwAoR4VOw1I48EYLA935CubznvC9amSWpAEUXSC6rVbQM9pCBaN-efgx0qz8hoC0G4QAvD_BwE Covenant Eyes Victory - https://www.covenanteyes.com/victory/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=brand_covenant_eyes&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=407188357&gbraid=0AAAAADSStEdE2FJHzTtIRRX9WTbgrRcQU&gclid=CjwKCAjwrNrQBhBjEiwAoR4VOyMMngBZurcMQV4MCamXE8Inp4wFtKRwsPkpgnpTm10gzmfnjNAIYxoC1yAQAvD_BwE

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Vania Ferreira to address a sensitive and profoundly challenging topic that foster and adoptive families occasionally face but rarely discuss: what to do when your child hurts another child. Vania opens up about her family's lived experiences with severe behavioral challenges, trauma-induced chaos, and navigating the heartbreaking revelation of child-on-child sexual abuse. Vania shares the raw realities of her family's journey, which began under-prepared as an unexpected kinship emergency placement in late 2013. She details the intense initial year of dealing with extreme anger, threats, and violence from children who had been exposed to heavy domestic abuse. Just as their home was transitioning into a season of calm and trust, the family faced their ultimate nightmare when their child disclosed experiencing sexual abuse and vocalized an active intent to hurt other children. Vania openly describes the overwhelming whirlwind that followed, including police reports, hospital evaluations, state investigations, and a complete lack of public inpatient resources. Throughout the conversation, Vania details how this crisis forced her family into deep isolation, unable to safely participate in church or community events. She addresses the painful legal and emotional crossroads her family endured, caught between threats of child abandonment and child endangerment from the state. Ultimately, the episode highlights the profound spiritual turning point where the Lord challenged Vania to move past natural anger and hatred, choosing to extend the unconditional love and forgiveness of Christ to a child acting out in brokenness. This episode offers critical, life-saving guidance on body safety and boundary rules for young children. Vania provides invaluable advice on teaching accurate body terminology without shame, defining the strict line between secrets and surprises, and establishing safe words. It stands as a vital resource and a message of redemption, reminding caregivers that they are not alone and that true healing is possible through the strength and identity found in Christ. About the Guest Vania Ferreira has been an active part of the foster and adoption community alongside her husband, Rob, since 2013. She is a mother to many, including four children whom they have adopted. Having walked through unexpected kinship placements and navigating complex trauma within her home, Vania is dedicated to breaking the silence surrounding child-on-child abuse by offering families practical boundary education and gospel-centered hope. In This Episode The unique vulnerabilities of entering kinship care through emergency guardianship without traditional foster parent training. Managing extreme childhood trauma behaviors, threats of violence, and a desire for chaos in the home. Navigating the intense aftermath of a child's sexual abuse disclosure, including medical evaluations and state agency investigations. The severe isolation families face when dealing with behavioral safety concerns that prevent them from accessing church or local community groups. Facing systemic gaps, including the total lack of inpatient services for young children and a state system that leaves parents trapped between child abandonment and endangerment charges. The challenging spiritual calling to protect biological children through separation while continuing to love, forgive, and advocate for a child who has caused harm. Practical body safety guidelines for parents, including teaching correct anatomy terms, establishing household boundary rules, and practicing situational exits. Redefining the difference between dangerous "secrets" and safe "surprises" to equip vulnerable children with a protective voice. Creating a family culture centered on Ephesians 6, daily scriptural anchoring, and trusting in the Lord's strength over your own. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Candace Smouse, a TFI advocate from Spokane, Washington, who is a foster, adoptive, and birth mom to six kids. Fostering as a family for five years, Candace shares her journey of opening her home to children with special needs and navigating the unique joys and demands of raising her now-adopted son who has autism. She explores the common fears foster parents face when considering a special needs placement and offers insight on moving forward through the unknown with faith and expectation. Candace candidly details the realities of bringing her son home just before his fourth birthday as his fourth placement in a short span of time. She describes the initial challenges of caring for a child who was completely nonverbal, not potty trained, and struggling with behavior and severe dietary restrictions. Through her family's story, she highlights the exhausting early months, the complex dynamics and feelings of parental guilt that can surface with biological siblings, and the turning point of finding the right in-home therapeutic support. The conversation also breaks down the different levels of autism to help listeners better understand the wide spectrum of care children may require. Candace shares practical advice on how to become a "squeaky wheel" and fiercely advocate within the school system, utilizing resources like Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and special education accommodations. Ultimately, this episode provides deep encouragement for any caregiver feeling isolated or overwhelmed in the thick of special needs parenting. Candace points listeners toward a profound hope rooted in the Lord, reminding foster and adoptive families that they are never truly alone and that stepping into the hard places can expand a family's world with unexpected blessings, deeper empathy, and unconditional love. About the Guest Candace Smouse is a TFI advocate based in Spokane, Washington. She has been married for 18 years and is a mother to six children through birth, foster care, and adoption. With five years of active fostering experience, Candace is deeply passionate about serving the foster care community, supporting families, and sharing the lessons she has learned through years of dedicated care for her adopted son with autism. In This Episode An introduction to Candace's background and how a recurring dream prepped her heart to accept a special needs placement. The realities of navigating the foster care licensing system and handling the emotional weight of saying no to difficult placements. A look into the early days with her son Anthony, including the challenge of being his fourth placement in less than six months. Understanding the three levels of autism, ranging from high-functioning traits to intense, around-the-clock physical care needs. Navigating the hidden challenges of special needs parenting, such as public outbursts, sibling jealousy, and the pressure of public judgment. Learning to advocate in the school system by utilizing therapeutic partners, tracking data, and calling IEP meetings. How special needs parenting expands a family's perspective, fostering deep empathy, awareness, and immediate acceptance within biological children. A message of hope and perseverance for caregivers enduring seasons of parenting exhaustion and spiritual despair. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/ Full Spectrum Parent by Christian Parenting (podcast) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/full-spectrum-parent-christian-autism-support-special/id1589016732 The Warner Boys by Ana and Curt Warner (book) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40552513-the-warner-boys Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm (book) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/163659.Ten_Things_Every_Child_with_Autism_Wishes_You_Knew

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Melissa Murphy and Chandler Edge from Beyond Measure Pediatric Therapies to discuss Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). As occupational therapy professionals, they share how this frequently undiagnosed condition impacts children in foster care and the families who love them. Melissa and Chandler break down how the central nervous system controls our daily experiences and what happens when a child's sensory system is out of balance due to genetics, prenatal care, birth history, or early childhood trauma. They explore how sensory dysregulation is often misinterpreted as defiance or hyperactivity, offering practical guidance to help caregivers distinguish between a sensory meltdown and goal-directed behavior. Learn how to implement actionable tools like sensory diets, heavy work, and calming spaces to support your child today. About the Guests Melissa Murphy is an occupational therapist, owner of Beyond Measure Pediatric Therapies, and a dedicated advocate for complex medical diagnoses and community inclusion. Chandler Edge is an occupational therapist assistant and partner at Beyond Measure Pediatric Therapies, working alongside Melissa to support families navigating daily functional challenges. In This Episode Introduction to sensory processing disorder and the central nervous system. Why sensory processing challenges are highly prevalent within the foster care community. Root causes of sensory dysregulation: genetics, prenatal care, and early life trauma. The three patterns: sensory seeking, sensory over-responsivity, and sensory under-responsivity. How to distinguish between a true sensory meltdown and standard behavioral tantrums. Practical home tools: sensory diets, heavy work activities, and weighted blankets. Setting up calm corners and advocating for inclusive spaces in churches and classrooms. The importance of parental patience, self-compassion, and trusting your gut instincts. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/

From The Forgotten Initiative comes a brand-new series created specifically for the Foster Care Caseworker. At The Forgotten Initiative, we’ve always believed that you shouldn’t have to carry the weight of this calling alone. For years, The Forgotten Podcast has been a place for our whole community to gather—but we know that those of you on the front lines carry a unique kind of weight.  That’s why we’ve created something just for you. Hosted by Jami Kaeb and Jamie Finn, In Case You Forget is a space to breathe, to process the things that follow you home, and to remember the "why" behind your "yes." The weight of child welfare work doesn’t stay at the office. It follows you home, fills the quiet hours of the night, and often leaves you feeling scattered, guilty, or numb. If you are a foster care caseworker, you know the reality of carrying a heavy caseload while managing the emotional toll of decisions often beyond your control. In Case You Forget is a 12-part series offering faith-based encouragement and honest stories from the field to help you navigate the spiritual and emotional realities of your specific calling. Whether you are walking into a difficult court hearing, responding to a late-night crisis call, or quietly wondering how much longer you can keep showing up, this podcast is here to remind you that you aren't alone. Our mission remains the same: to provide a steady source of hope and practical guidance so you can stay in this calling long-term without losing your faith, your family, or yourself. The First Five Episodes Available Now:  Episode 1: Wondering If Your Work Matters (w/Austin Ludwig) Spotify or  Apple Episode 2: Noticing Your Attachment Style At Work (w/Kimberly Glaudy)  Spotify or  Apple Episode 3: Walking Your Story Alongside Theirs (w/Mia Arrington) Spotify or  Apple Episode 4: Learning From Your Anxiety (w/Blair Linne)  Spotify or  Apple Episode 5: Managing Your Hard Days (w/Blake Boyer)  Spotify or Apple

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb sits down with Jonathan Brush, CEO of Unbound and a foster and adoptive dad of eight, to discuss how to help young adults—especially those not pursuing a college degree—successfully transition into adulthood and thrive. The conversation addresses the unique challenges facing children from the foster care community, such as trauma and learning gaps, by focusing on resilience, practical career opportunities in a questions-based economy, and the necessity of high expectations paired with endless patience. Jonathan reframes success as "thriving" and offers guidance on understanding the "creation of value" in the workplace and the irreplaceable power of community.   About the Guest Jonathan Brush is the President and CEO of Unbound. As a first-generation homeschool graduate and a foster and adoptive dad of eight, he is passionate about preparing young adults for life and has spoken on the subject for over a decade.   In This Episode Defining success as “thriving” (living a meaningful, important life) rather than fame, fortune, or power. Exploring non-college career options in business (marketing, sales, technology/AI) and the trades (welding, plumbing, electrician). The shift from an "answers-based" paradigm to a "questions-based" paradigm in the modern job market, emphasizing the ability to quickly and effectively master complicated information (QE MCI). Why the inherent resilience and survival skills of foster children are valuable assets in the current market. Setting the “high expectation” that young people can thrive, combined with “infinite patience” to help them achieve it. Understanding work as the “creation of value” by showing up, working hard, treating others well, and “thinking like an owner”. How to cultivate natural curiosity and the ability to ask better questions by looking for “the game being played underneath the game”. The critical role of community in driving careers and the willingness to open your home despite imperfections.   Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative Learn more about what at TFI Advocate does

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, a Senior Fellow at Barna Group, to talk about the power of relationships, purpose, and tech-free spaces for improving kids' mental health. Dr. Shackelford shares insights from her recent Barna report, Gen Z, Mental Health and Wellbeing.   Dr. Shackelford discusses the six themes identified in her research for supporting Gen Z mental health, including the critical need for tech-free spaces and consistent rhythms for connection. She explains that the youth mental health crisis, marked by skyrocketing anxiety and depression, correlates with the rise of smartphone availability between 2010 and 2015. Throughout the conversation, she offers practical advice for parents on setting boundaries, such as removing phones from bedrooms and dinner tables, and modeling healthy technology use.   This conversation reflects on how to cultivate purpose and meaning in Gen Z, arguing that focusing on purpose—using one's gifts to serve others—is more fulfilling than chasing happiness. This discussion highlights that half of Gen Z Christians value seeing Christianity promote good in the world more than knowing it is true. She emphasizes that in-person church attendance is a major buffer against poor mental health outcomes like suicide and depression, encouraging families to prioritize being contributors at church and cultivating a culture of service at home.   This episode is an encouraging reminder that when parents and caregivers approach these changes with a humble vision and start with small, actionable steps, they can foster deep connection and meaningful purpose for their children.   About the Guest Dr. Stephanie Shackelford is a Senior Fellow at Barna Group. She has researched and written for nationwide research studies covering topics such as Gen Z, mental health, purpose, calling, and discipleship. She and her husband live on the campus of Eagle Ranch, a ministry for Families in Crisis.   In This Episode What defines Gen Z (ages 9-27) The six practical ideas from the Gen Z, Mental Health and Wellbeing report How the rise of smartphones is correlated with increased youth anxiety and depression Creating tech-free spaces and the benefits of being bored and connecting with nature The meaning of "thick community" and "embodied experiences" to combat loneliness Inviting Gen Z into a narrative of purpose and redemption rather than happiness The protective role of in-person church attendance against poor mental health Cultivating a culture of service and calling at home and in the community   Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative Learn more about what at TFI Advocate does

Court is one of the most intimidating parts of the foster care journey—but you are not powerless in the process. Today, a Guardian ad Litem shares insight into how the court system works, how “best interest” decisions are made, and why your voice matters more than you may realize. Be encouraged: even when it feels confusing, your presence and partnership make a lasting impact.

On this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes Mary Perdue—wife of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue—to share her journey into foster care and her years as the First Lady of Georgia (2003–2011). Mary shares how fostering newborns awaiting adoption in the late 1990s opened her eyes to the broader foster care system and inspired her to make foster care her primary initiative while in office. She describes the cultural stigma and lack of awareness surrounding the system, her focus on educating communities that there are many ways to help beyond becoming a foster parent, and efforts like Champions for Children that engage businesses, civic groups, and churches. Additionally, Mary discusses her work in creating Georgia’s Children’s Cabinet to coordinate state agencies serving children. She reflects on lessons of obedience and calling while urging the church to take responsibility for supporting foster children, families, and caseworkers alike.

On this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Host Jami Kaeb interviews Tony Mitchell, who entered foster care as a newborn, was adopted at age two into a loving but impoverished farm family, and grew up learning work ethic, faith, and integrity. Tony shares learning about his adoption around age 9–10, wrestling with identity and belonging while facing racial isolation and teenage rebellion, and later coming to faith in college after reading the New Testament. In his forties he located his birth mother to thank her for choosing not to terminate the pregnancy, and at 59 he was contacted by the son of his foster family, filling in the missing story of his early years and confirming he was deeply loved. Tony emphasizes gratitude, grounding identity in God, and encourages foster/adoptive parents to never give up, reminding adoptees that God can redeem painful stories for good.

Our guest, Missy Bell, is the Director of San Diego for Olive Crest, an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis one life at a time. In this conversation with Jami, she brings wisdom and insight into common fears parents have when deciding to adopt a teen and how to overcome them.