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Summary: In this episode of the Fostering Voices podcast, Brian and Kim explore what happens when we shift our focus inward—toward what we can control, what we need, and how we choose to respond—and how that shift shapes our relationships with others. They kick things off with a few real-life moments we can all relate to, from navigating chaotic drivers to the unique stress of New Year's Eve, using these everyday experiences as a springboard for deeper reflection. From there, the conversation turns toward intentionality: how we want to show up in the world, the power of choosing our response, and what it looks like to release the weight of others' expectations. Along the way, Brian and Kim share practical language and mindset shifts that help create space for healthier boundaries. The episode wraps with a focus on grace—both for ourselves and for others—and a simple, grounding takeaway you can carry into your week. Tune in for an honest, relatable conversation that invites you to lead with intention, extend grace freely, and show up more fully in your everyday relationships. Resource Link: The Choice: Embrace the Possible: Eger, Dr. Edith Eva: 9781501130793: Amazon.com: Books Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: Happy 2026! In this reflective kickoff episode, Brian and Kim look back on 2025 through their shared perspective as the Vehons—an honest conversation about a year that taught them deeply, stretched them unexpectedly, and surprised them with moments of real joy. Together, they unpack what 2025 revealed: the lessons that shaped them, the challenges that pushed them beyond their comfort zones, and the places where joy showed up in meaningful ways. From there, they turn the corner toward the new year, naming what they are intentionally carrying forward into 2026—and what they are choosing to leave behind. You will hear Brian's and Kim's personal "keepers," the mindsets and practices worth holding onto, including a renewed commitment to focus in and freak out less. You will also hear their "tossers," the habits, pressures, and patterns that no longer deserve space in the year ahead. This episode closes with clear, grounded takeaways—offering listeners encouragement, perspective, and a thoughtful framework for reflecting on their own year and stepping into what comes next with greater clarity and intention. Resource Links: The Wingfeather Saga The Hope Institute of CUSD Gilbert, Arizona Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org  

Summary: In this episode, you're invited into a personal, honest conversation about what really happens when you say yes to trauma parenting. Peter Mutabazi joins you for a heartfelt discussion about why fostering doesn't just change the lives of children—it changes the adults who step in for them. If you're fostering now or considering stepping into this world, this episode speaks directly to you. Peter shares how his journey began as a ten-year-old homeless child in Uganda and how the kindness of others shaped the man he is today. He opens up about becoming a foster parent to more than forty-seven children, adopting three, and discovering that trauma parenting reveals parts of yourself you didn't know were there. You'll hear how expectations collide with reality, how hidden scars surface, and how triggers you thought you buried suddenly demand attention. Together, you'll explore the uncomfortable but transformative truth: caring for kids with trauma often brings your own wounds into the light. Peter walks through how bias, fear, and old pain can unexpectedly show up—and how choosing unconditional love helps you grow through it rather than run from it. This episode also offers practical reflections for anyone preparing to foster, helping you think through what it really means to bring a child's trauma into your daily life, and what it requires from your heart. If you're ready for a real conversation about the cost and beauty of trauma parenting, this episode is for you. Resource Links: Peter Mutabazi Now I Am Known - YouTube Foster Arizona - foster and adopt page to learn how to get involved Foster Arizona | Foster & Adobt Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In this week's episode of Fostering Voices, Kim and Brian dig into the recent presidential executive order released on November 13th: Fostering the Future for American Children and Families. After receiving many questions about what the order means for the foster care community, Kim and Brian break down the key components, highlight potential benefits, and raise important concerns. They begin with an overview of the order's call to modernize the child welfare system, including improved data collection, better information sharing, and enhanced collaboration with non-government partners. They also discuss the ethical risks of increased technology and data use, and the ongoing gaps that the order does not address—such as declining foster parent numbers and the limited support for caregivers navigating safety plans. The conversation then shifts to the proposal to create a national platform for youth, which could expand access to funding for education, workforce development, and financial literacy. While these additions may offer meaningful support, Kim and Brian also explore the challenges, including the lack of focus on root causes, the risks of poorly applied funding, and the reality that educational barriers remain steep for youth in care. Finally, the hosts examine the section aimed at maximizing partnerships with Americans of faith. They discuss how increased awareness and reduced discrimination could help more families step forward, while acknowledging the complexities for children and caregivers whose beliefs may differ. Join the conversation as Kim and Brian unpack what this executive order could mean for youth, families, and the future of foster care. Resource Links: Executive Order: Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Fostering the Future for American Children and Families – The White House The future of AI in government services and global risks: insights from design fictions Brief Family First Prevention Services Act Arizona's Invisible Achievement Gap: education outcomes of students in foster care in the State's public schools Arizona's Invisible Achievement Gap | FosterEd ARS 8-921 Arizona State Legislature  https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/8/00921.htm Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org  

Summary: This week, we're diving into a topic that many of us would rather avoid—how stress and trauma affect our bodies. If you're like Kim, it's not a conversation you're eager to have, but it's one that matters deeply if we want to live as our healthiest, most authentic selves. Joining the discussion is our friend and regular guest, Estefana Johnson, who helps unpack what happens "when the body says no." Together, we explore the hidden ways internal stress and unresolved trauma can shape our health, behaviors, and overall wellbeing. From understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their lifelong impact, to recognizing the subtle signs that our nervous system is struggling, this episode sheds light on the deep connection between emotional wounds and physical health. We'll also talk about what it means to take ownership of your future—how to reduce stress-related risks, support those you love, and make small, intentional choices that lead to lasting healing. Tune in for an honest, compassionate conversation about breaking free from the toll of stress and building resilience for the life you were made to live. Resource Links: Book: When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress Disease Connection by Gabor Mate, M.D. When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection TEDMED Talk: How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime  by Nadine Burke Harris Nadine Burke Harris: How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime | TED Talk ACEs Quiz Take The ACES Quiz - American SPCC Book: The Gift - 14 Lessons to Save Your Life by Edith Eger   The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life: Eger, Dr. Edith Eva: 9781982143091 Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org  

Summary: This week, we're diving into an important and often overlooked topic — when grandparents step into the role of parent. In 2024, Duet reported that more than 64,000 grandparents in Arizona are raising their grandchildren, and census data shows the state ranks above the national average for grandparents providing care. For every one child raised by kin within the foster care system, there are eight being raised by kin outside of it. In this episode, we're honored to talk with Oralia, a grandmother navigating the challenges and joys of raising her grandchildren, and Lisa from Duet, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting grandparents and kinship caregivers. Together, we explore what drives grandparents to step up, the unique struggles they face, and the community resources making a difference. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, love, and the power of family across generations. Resource Links: Duet: Partners in Health and Aging Help For Grandparents Raising Grandchildren | Duet Grandfacts - State Fact Sheets for Grandfamilies https://www.grandfamilies.org/Portals/0/State%20Fact%20Sheets/Arizona%20GrandFacts%20State%20Fact%20Sheet%202021%20Update.pdf NCRC - Resources for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Resources for grandparents raising grandchildren » NCRC Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: This week on the podcast, we wrap up our series on substance use with an honest and compassionate conversation about supporting young adults who are struggling with addiction. Joining us again are Kim McWilliams and Sarah Grado, who bring both personal insight and professional experience to this deeply important topic. We begin by exploring why this issue is so relevant today—looking at current statistics, the driving factors behind them, and the real-life experiences of youth that go beyond the numbers. From there, we shift to the power of connection on the other side of addiction: what healthy connection looks like, how to hold loving boundaries, and how to tell the difference between enabling and supporting. Finally, we turn our attention to those who walk alongside someone battling addiction. Kim and Sarah share practical ways supporters can stay healthy, find hope, and access meaningful resources and peer support. Whether you're personally impacted or seeking to understand more, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and encouragement for anyone navigating the journey of addiction and recovery. Resource Links: NotMyKid Recovery Support Groups for Addiction: One Size Does Not Fit All Find Help - Celebrate Recovery Where to Get Started Support Groups for Families of Addicts – Guide 2025 Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In our last episode, we explored how substances affect infants. But what about adolescents? Is marijuana really a big deal for today's youth, and what do parents and communities need to know to keep them safe? In this episode, we welcome Kim McWilliams, an award-winning licensed counselor, and Sarah Grado, Executive Director of Not My Kid, a local Arizona nonprofit dedicated to substance use prevention and recovery. Together, they shed light on the realities of marijuana use among teens, the ripple effects it creates at school, at home, and among peers, and how communities are seeing the impact. Kim and Sarah share their personal journeys—what drives their passion for helping families and youth—and offer valuable insights on identifying warning signs, understanding the law, and recognizing the connection between substance use and adverse childhood experiences. Most importantly, they highlight the role of education: the information families need, the support available, and how communities can work together to strengthen and protect our youth. This is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone invested in the wellbeing of the next generation. Resource Links: NotMyKid Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence: Berenson, Alex: 9781982103675: Amazon.com Treatment Considerations for Youth and Young Adults with Serious Emotional Disturbances and Serious Mental Illnesses and Co-occurring Substance Use  How to Quit Smoking Weed (Marijuana) Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: From the very first breaths of life, some babies face challenges most of us can hardly imagine. Born substance-exposed, these newborns often enter the world in pain, their tiny bodies working through the effects of addiction before they even have a chance to begin. In the Phoenix Valley, Jacob's Hope is stepping into that story with compassion and care. Their mission is twofold: to nurture newborns who are substance-exposed and to walk alongside mothers who are fighting to overcome addiction, offering them the support they need for a healthier future. Today, we're joined by two remarkable women who have dedicated their lives to this work. Lyndsey Mathiowetz, with over 24 years of NICU experience, is an expert in neonatal abstinence syndrome and helped launch the transformative "eat, sleep, console" approach. Alongside her is Lyndsey Steele, Associate Director of Jacob's Hope, who brings more than 18 years of experience serving vulnerable populations. Together, they share stories of resilience, breakthrough, and hope, reminding us that even in the hardest beginnings, healing is possible. Resource Links: Jacob's Hope: www.jacobshopeaz.org  Casey Family Programs: What are some developmentally appropriate interventions for infants and children affected by prenatal substance exposure? VIDEO: Specialized Care NOW to Improve Long-Term Effects of Drug Exposure - Cami Barr: https://vimeo.com/740502030?share=copy#t=397.673 Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: School is back in session, and for parents raising kids who need extra support, the start of the year can bring more than just new routines; it can stir up anxiety, frustration, and countless questions about navigating the system to get the right resources. In this episode, we sit down with Joey Taylor, an education advocate, foster parent, and adoptive parent whose journey is as inspiring as it is unique. Raised and educated in Arizona, Joey's path has taken him from the halls of jail to the desks of exceptional students, and into the homes of families in crisis. His experiences have fueled his passion for ensuring children in foster care not only survive but thrive in their educational journeys. Join us as we talk with Joey about the challenges families face when advocating for their kids, the resilience of children navigating difficult circumstances, and practical ways to push for meaningful change in schools. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or advocate, this conversation will give you insight, encouragement, and a reminder that you are not alone in this work. Resource Links: Arizona Department of Education: Special Education Resources for Parents and Families | Arizona Department of Education  Advocacy31Nine Encircle Families Wrightlaw Dyslexia Strategies Strategies to Get an Appropriate Educational Program for Children with Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities Disability Rights Arizona Fat Belongs to the Lord Episode 02  Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In this episode, Brian and Kim dive into the struggles parents face when life feels stuck in worry about our kids, our future, and the unknown. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Edith Eger's wisdom, they remind us that "you're going to be 50 anyways," so why not keep moving toward growth and possibility? Together, they unpack what it means to get back on the "dream train," exploring how parents can rediscover passions and live without regrets. This conversation isn't about pretending life is all sunshine and rainbows, no trolls are left behind here, but about choosing courage, clarity, and purpose. Whether you're exhausted from parenting, worried about what's ahead, or simply longing for more meaning in your day-to-day life, this episode offers practical steps to move forward: find what excites you (dream), define your current reality, and design a path toward the future you want. Join Brian and Kim for encouragement, honesty, and a reminder that it's never too late to start dreaming again. Resource Links: The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life: Eger, Dr. Edith Eva: 9781982143091 The 100-Day Goal Journal: Accomplish What Matters to You Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: Today we're talking about the youth housing crisis with Matt Finley, who leads Maricopa County's efforts to improve the youth homelessness response system. From direct services to policy, Matt brings deep experience to this urgent conversation. We explore what's driving the crisis, how the needs of youth have changed, and what solutions are making a difference—from statewide initiatives to mentorship programs. Tune in to learn what's working, what still needs to change, and how we can better support unhoused youth across Arizona and beyond. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. Resource Links: Maricopa County Continuum of Care  Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care solutions to end homelessness  ASU- Youth Resource Guide  Youth Resource Guide (Maricopa County) Arizona 211  211 Arizona  Homelessness is a Housing Problem  Poverty By America Poverty, by America: Desmond, Matthew: 9780593239919: Amazon.com: Books  Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org  

Summary: Last week, Kim and I got real about navigating the spaces of unmet expectations. But what if we could keep ourselves out of those spaces of disappointment – or at least visit them less often – by setting realistic expectations in the first place? This week, we're diving into that question with Estefana Johnson. Estefana is a clinical social worker who began her career supporting youth in residential treatment facilities. She now serves as the Clinical Director for ASA Now and Shade Tree Academy, bringing a wealth of knowledge, practical tools, and encouragement to the families and communities she serves. Join us as Estefana shares her insights on how expectations shape our experiences, what it looks like to set expectations that are both hope-filled and grounded in reality, and how this practice can change the way we show up in our relationships, our work, and our personal growth. We're looking forward to this honest and empowering conversation. Resource Links: The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life: Eger, Dr. Edith Eva: 9781982143091 The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book): Ruiz, Don Miguel, Mills, Janet: 9781934408650 Managing Expectations- Expectations for Others worksheet: managing expectations-others  Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Summary: In this episode, we're having the real conversation about unmet expectations—and the choices we have in processing them. Do we dwell in disappointment, or do we discover unexpected opportunities? Without minimizing life's real challenges, we share personal stories and honest reflections on navigating the gap between what we hoped for and what actually is. We explore the grieving process that often comes with unmet expectations and how it's okay to feel the weight of that gap. Then, we shift the lens to see how those very moments can hold hidden gifts. From redefining success for our children to embracing growth in ourselves, we uncover how releasing rigid expectations can open the door to joy, purpose, and connection—right here, in the now. Resource Links: Why we're unhappy -- the expectation gap | Nat Ware | TEDxKlagenfurt Diane Alber's A Little Spot Books and Supportive Materials A Little SPOT Series – Diane Alber Flexible Thinking Song For Kids-Think Like a Palm Tree Animation Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org  

Summary: Today, we're talking about the heartbreaking reality of missing children. If you live in Arizona, you've likely heard the tragic story of Emily Pike—who disappeared from a group home and was later found dismembered off Highway 60 near Globe. One case like this is one too many. Every day, children who go missing—many of them runaways—face unimaginable danger. Joining us is Leila Woodard, founder of the Arizona Missing Children's Task Force. Leila is a powerful voice and driving force behind this collaborative initiative, which brings together nonprofit organizations across the state to locate missing youth, support affected families, and raise public awareness. Their mission is urgent and clear: bring children home safely and shine a light on the risks that too many youth face in silence. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. Resource Links: Missing in Arizona: https://www.facebook.com/groups/missinginarizona  Missing In America Network  Checklist: What You Should Do When Your Child Is First Missing  Bonus Content:  Leila Curriculum for Kids (Download Here) Social Scenario Workbook.pdf Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org