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“Making an adoption plan does not mean that you’re not a present or loving member of your child’s family. Family is built from love, not always just blood. Regardless of how you were raised or what your childhood experiences of a family are, you can learn how to be a part of a healthy family.” Shannon is a birthmother who loves being a part of her child’s life after placement. On this episode she shares her story with the adoptive mother she chose to raise her baby. We hear why she picked her and how their relationship has changed both of their lives. Adoption has created more love for both of them. Click to hear how Shannon and Makayla navigate open adoption.

Buckle up Buttercup! Makayla has a story to tell! She has waited years to be on ADOPTION NOW and this is her moment!! Makayla and her husband have adopted two beautiful babies but not without trials and grit! You can listen on podcast or watch on YouTube!

Eithne Ring is an author and birth mother from Ireland. She has just written a new book, "Does My Son Take Sugar?" an Irish Mother's Memoir. A true story of love, scandal, regret, and reunion. In this episode, we talk about adoption in Ireland and how birth mothers were treated. Eithne shares how she was forced to hide the pregnancy and went on in silent grief over the loss of her child. This story has a surprising twist and is a beautiful reminder of how wonderful things can still come even after trauma. You can listen to this episode on podcast or watch it on YouTube!

Noah and April interview Wendy Gossett and share about their experience with brain mapping and discovering their family’s personalities. Wendy helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over twenty years of experience in education, working in the classroom and corporate sector. “We often believe we are seeing reality when we are actually looking through a skewed lens, because of our own personality and biases. As parents, we need to put on a different lens to see each one of our children clearly, so they can become the people they were originally designed to be.” In this episode, Noah and April open up about things in their family that they needed help with. Wendy was able to give them a road map into what the children may need and how to strengthen their marriage by understanding each other better. You do not want to miss this episode on Podcast and on YouTube!

Michele Fisher was adopted at 4 months old into a family with 2 other adopted brothers in Pennsylvania. She always knew she was adopted, and in her family, adoption felt very normal. She loved her parents but as she started getting older, she had some medical questions and wanted to know about her biological parents. She waited years as to not upset her adoptive parents in her search. Finally, she went forward and got the “Summary Completed” paperwork from the agency. As she read it over, she realized she had more questions than answers about who her birth parents really were and the nature of their relationship. When Michele decided to take a DNA test, the family connections opened up and the journey began.

Welcome to season 7!!! We are so honored to have Ayden Lincoln as our guest. She was born in China and abandoned at birth with her umbilical cord still attached. She spent the first year of her life in an orphanage before her family flew half-way across the world to bring her home right before her first birthday. She quickly attached to her parents and siblings but coming to America did not solve all of her problems. She experienced the trauma of adoption, mental health issues including a battle with anxiety, ADHD, and regular outbursts. She struggled in school and felt alone. Now at 20 years old, Ayden shares what her parents did to help her succeed and how one teacher forever changed her life. Her message is clear. Do not give up being an advocate for your child, they need you. She believes you will find the resources you need!

For the first time ever, Noah and April bring the whole family on to say goodbye to season 6 and talk about what ADOPTION NOW means to each one of them. AJ introduces “Grandpa Joe” while Maliyah tries to steal the spotlight! Lily and AJ’s heartfelt answers will make you want to hear more about their thoughts on adoption, and Vivy is proud to tell you what she is good at! This family was built on adoption, loves adoption, and has embraced adopting the whole story. Together they have brought you ADOPTION NOW, Telling Your Adoption Story. Adoption stories from all over the world shared by adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents. Don’t miss this sweet family episode! Goodbye season 6…. hello season 7!

Tim Elder is the founder of the Infant Adoption Guide Podcast, Blog and Online Community. He's been married to his wife Tisha for over 28 years. On their journey they have experienced infertility, a miscarriage, and two rounds of cancer. They have been blessed to adopt 3 children as newborns. Tim's mission is to deliver hope and inspiration through his guides, courses, and community so others just like him can finally reach their dream of building a family through infant adoption.

On this episode, Christian Markeey shares his adoption story from the Lakota Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. He was one of eight children being raised by parents that were both alcoholics. Christian shares what it was like to start life in the midst of chaos, but then meeting his adoptive mother at age 4. It was a couple of years later when his life would change forever. She was able to fully adopt him and bring him to Arizona. Though he did love and attach to her, he deeply missed his biological family. He shares about those conflicting emotions that many adoptees feel. He talks about searching for his Native American roots and how he overcame suicidal thoughts and alcoholism. This episode is an inspiring story and helps us understand the adoptee’s journey. Christian is now married and has 2 daughters. His best advice to adoptive parents is to remember “your presence means more than you can know.” He encourages those thinking of adopting to pursue what is in your heart because though adoption is tough, he is overwhelmingly grateful for his journey.

The Kendrick Brothers, Kirk Cameron Entertainment and Fathom Events announce the release of their latest film LIFEMARK. David was adopted as a baby and grew up always knowing he was adopted. His comfortable world was turned upside down when his birth mother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she’s only held once. They connected on Facebook and because of the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David goes on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past. From executive producers Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers—creators of WAR ROOM and FIREPROOF—comes LIFEMARK, based on an inspiring true story that celebrates adoption, reconciliation and love.   We sat down with David to talk about the movie and importance he found in finding the whole story behind his placement. In this episode we talk about what it is like to grow up adopted and how every part of the adoption triad has a voice and matters. You must hear this interview and see the movie!

Peter Mutabazi was born in Uganda, Africa. At the age of ten years old he ran away from his abusive father to live on the streets of Uganda. He had nothing. No future and no hope - until one day he met a man who would change his life forever. Peter was given the opportunity to go to school and get an education. Now he lives in the United States and has dedicated his life to helping children. He worked for Compassion International and World Vision. He was then inspired to become a foster parent and eventually became an adoptive father! In this episode we learn what it takes to be from another country and get certified and become a foster home. Peter has now adopted two sons and has written a new book, “Now I am Known”, sharing his journey into a life he never dreamed could be possible.  It just took one person to change his life. Could you be that one person for a child in need? Listen to this episode to hear this amazing story of overcoming and giving back to the next generation.

Michael and Ashley set out to adopt teenagers until they got a call for a little girl who needed a home. They fell in love with her, only to get the news that she was unexpectedly going back to her biological family. The couple shares what it was like to say goodbye to a baby they thought would be staying with them. When they decided to sell their house and go with private infant adoption, they got a call and the calls kept coming. This episode is about pressing through heart break and not giving up on the dream to become parents. 

Alexia McLeod is a licensed Psychotherapist and CEO of Therapeutic Center for Hope. She has been working in adoption for over 20 years. She guides families and birth parents through the adoption process. She facilitates home studies, hospital plans, post placement therapy, family counseling and so much more! She helps those involved through their emotions during the journey and discusses the ins and outs of what they need for a smooth adoption. On this episode we talk about realistic expectations and WHAT ARE THE RISKS??? If you are thinking of adoption or need support in adoption this episode is for you!! “Every baby that is meant for you, will be for you.”

Tera Naset is the mom of two adopted children. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, along with her husband John and their dog Ralph. They adopted while living in Chicago, where they learned about an organization called “The Save Abandoned Babies Foundation.” This organization works to advertise the Safe Haven Law in Illinois, which was created to prevent illegal and often deadly infant abandonments. On this episode, we learn about this law state to state, and how it can save infants and place them immediately into adoptive homes. Tera is also a dietitian and gives us advice on how to help your children snack less and get into healthy eating habits!

SaVanna and her husband, Nate, live in rural North Dakota. Both of them were born and raised there. They are grain farmers, raising mostly wheat and soybeans. When they struggled to become parents, they decided to go on the adoption journey through foster care. SaVanna shares what it was like bringing home a medically fragile baby and finding out that the baby might go to another foster family. In this episode we learn how important it is to stay loving and consistent in the adoption process. She says, “Sometimes it’s the unexpected parts of the journey that you end up loving the most. Not only do you have to be very open and vulnerable when going through the adoption process, but you also have to be very open and vulnerable while raising the child. Unexpected things continue to pop up, but you learn, advocate, and adapt.” She now has two beautiful daughters who are loving the farm life!

Do you have questions about the adoption process and what to expect on the journey? This episode is for you! Kathryn P. Pidgeon is an attorney that has practiced exclusively in the field of adoption for the past 33 years. She has participated in over 3,000 adoptions in her career and she shares some of her experiences!  She shares her passion on how to encourage and lift up families who are building a family through adoption. Kathryn tells us how she got into adoption law and how important it is to assist in a caring, ethical way.  In this episode Noah and April talk on how they wished they had known Kathryn when they were in the midst of their wild adoption stories! Finding the right attorney is so important, listen to this episode to find out why!

This episode comes to us from Tennessee. Brittany and Jason went on the adoption journey after they experienced undiagnosed infertility. This is the story everyone hopes for when they start the process!!! They were matched quickly and became parents to a baby girl in 2016!  It was when they started the process for the second adoption that they learned of the many challenges that can come up. They decided to match online and though they went through some obstacles the couple brought home their second daughter in June, 2021! She is just celebrating her first birthday! Listen to this episode to hear how this couple build their family through adoption and trusted God lead them.

Last week, Author Jillana Goble joined the show to talk about her foster care and adoption journey. She shared her experience with open adoption that she has written about in her new book called “A Love-Stretched Life.” On this episode, Jillana joins the show again with the birth mother of her son, Micah. Jennifer Bracken was raised in the foster care system nearly her entire life. After running away several times, she aged out of the system and found herself pregnant at 18. By 19 she had two children and child welfare was involved. Jennifer shares her way through addiction and recovery. This episode shows us how open adoption can change not only the child’s life, but also the birth mother’s life. Jillana never stopped believing in Jennifer, who has now been sober for 6 years! Today Jillana and Jennifer speak together, sharing their story to state caseworkers, giving them a picture of an uncommon collaboration. Their message is that building a bridge between the biological mother and adoptive mother can multiply the love, and not divide.

Luke and Jillana Goble are parents to five children ranging in age from preteen to young adult. They fostered children and eventually ended up adopting. In 2019, Jillana published No Sugar-Coating, a book with practical suggestions on fostering children. Now she has released a new book entitled A Love-Stretched Life: Wrangling Hope, Embracing the Unexpected & Discovering the Meaning of Family.  In this episode we talk about how they reconnected with a child that was in their home for some time, and he has now rejoined their family as an adult! This interview shows us that when showing true love in fostering, you can still plant seeds that last a lifetime, even when the child does not stay in your home permanently. We also talk about the wonderful and often complicated relationships between birth parents and adoptive parents. If you like this episode check out next week, when we bring the birth mother of Jillana’s son on for an interview!

Aubrey and Eric Mueller are from the Midwest and always knew they would adopt. After having two biological sons, they decided to pursue domestic infant adoption. The adventure begins as they are matched several times, and even connected to a notorious scammer that was on the TV show, Dr. Phil! Finally, after four years, they welcomed their third child and only baby girl into their family — along with her incredible birth family! All the trials were worth it, as they found their darling daughter. But wait…listen to this episode to hear how another unexpected surprise happens!