
The Empowered Adoptee Podcast
We are helping to empower and heal the adoptee community by creating a safe space to share stories, tools, and learn new skills to navigate adoptee life.
Episodes
51 episodes
Am I enough? Letting Go Of Unworthiness
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,...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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1:12:37

Dear White Adoptive Families: Here's What We Want You To Know About Us
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,...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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59:01

Healing, Identity, and Advocacy: A Conversation with Dr. Hollee A. McGinnis
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 fo...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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54:19

How To Cultivate Unshakable Self-Love As An Adoptee
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:07:00

From Adoption to Advocacy: Leah Brighton’s Journey of Reconnection & Leadership
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 Ad...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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56:48

Breaking Boundaries: Rob 'Loebz' on His KAD Journey Through Hip Hop and B-Boy Culture
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:00:35

Kaleena Bliss: A KAD Following Her Culinary Passion From Pacific Northwest To Top Chef
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 relati...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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50:16

How Adoption Impacts our Relationships: Part Two
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 s...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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1:03:17

How To Manifest Anything You Want in 2025
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 t...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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50:43

Highlights From Our Guests in 2024
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 a...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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46:23

Reflections From 2024: A Conversation Full of Insights, Relatable Moments, and Inspiration as Laurie and Claire Prepare to Step Boldly Into 2025
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....
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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50:00

Jenna Lee Kim: Connector, Ally, and Advocate For Adoptees On A Journey to Finding Their Truth
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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1:05:08

Navigating Holiday Triggers: Turning Triggers Into Opportunities for Growth and Connection
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 a...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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49:14

Going Deep with a Deep South Korean Adoptee
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 sma...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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49:25

Finding Unconditional Love: Su Brooks healing journey through pets
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 t...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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49:49

Amplifying Adoptee Voices: Honoring National Adoptee Awareness Month
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 importan...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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44:45

Mike Malloy's Journey and Navigating whats True.
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 an...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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36:54

Connecting with our Ancestors: Practices and Rituals for Healing and Personal Growth
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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46:12

EFT Tapping and Somatic Breathwork Adoptee Workshop
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 g...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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57:02

Freeing Your Voice: A Journey with Phoenix Song, Trans Korean Adoptee and Sound Healer
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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45:44

The Hero's Journey of the Orphan Archetype
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 Camp...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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1:01:13

A Day In The Life At The Empowered Adoptee Retreat and Q&A
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 offer...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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23:00

Sooki Jalali's Journey From Orphanage to Empowerment
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....
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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52:28

Intersectional Identity and The Big 8: A Panel Discussion With Jolie, Laurie, and Claire
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.
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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34:00

Ji Young: On What It Takes To Live in Seoul As A Differently Abled Korean Adoptee
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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1:07:57
