Fostering Change

Welcome to Season 5 of Fostering Change! For those of you who are new to us: “Welcome!” And for our returning friends, “Welcome Back!”Fostering Change is hosted by Rob Scheer, the founder of Comfort Cases, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote hope and dignity to youth in foster care.We will post new episodes of Fostering Change every Tuesday on all of your favorite podcast channels, YouTube and on our Comfort Cases page (www.comfortcases/podcast). On the Comfort Cases page you can also find all of our previously aired episodes.If you have comments about today’s amazing episode, or a suggestion for a guest, please email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!Now, here’s a bit more background on Rob’s first interview this season, with Todd Parr:Todd Parr is an international and New York Times best selling author. He’s written and illustrated more than 60 beautiful books for children. In fact, Rob has been reading Todd’s books to his children for years. A family favorite is It’s Okay to be Different : targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence–and it’s never too early to develop a healthy self-esteem.As you’ll hear in the interview, Todd’s book The Family Book has been listed as, for some reason, one of the “most banned books” in the United States. “Whether you have two moms or two dads, a big family or a small family, a clean family or a messy one, Todd Parr assures readers that no matter what kind of family you have, every family is special in its own unique way.”Todd’s latest book is The Monster Mac and Cheese Party. His books have received numerous awards and are available in 20 languages. He is the co-creator of the popular Daytime Emmy®-nominated animated TV series ToddWorld with Gerry Renert of SupperTime Entertainment, and several short films for Sesame Street have been based on Todd’s work. Todd has partnered with Target, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Stouffer's, People magazine, and other companies and organizations to help people and animals, and to promote literacy. He lives in California with his adopted pit bulls. Here’s where you can find more information about Todd Parr and his books:Website: https://www.toddparr.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToddParrBooks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddparr/Twitter: https://twitter.com/toddparrFor more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/Comments? Questions? Guest Suggestions? Please send them to: [email protected]🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thank you for joining us for our final “Best of Season 4” episode of Fostering Change. From all of us at Comfort Cases, we hope you had a wonderful summer and enjoyed revisiting some of our favorite episodes from this past season.Next week, September 5, we will post the first episode for our new season.  Can you believe that we’re entering Season 5????  Neither can we!  We want to thank everyone: our guests and our listeners for all you do to make Fostering Change the #1 podcast for issues regarding foster care and adoption.If you have suggestions for guests for our upcoming season, or comments on any of our shows, please reach out to us at [email protected] you again - now for a bit about today’s show!In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Cody Renegar, Hairstylist, Author and Artist.Cody is a hairstylist, fine artist, and author of the memoir "Changing the Stars." He currently lives in California with his husband, Terry. He has a son, Levi, who, with his partner, Alaya, has given Cody three grandkids. Cody is the hairstylist of choice for many Hollywood entertainment industry celebrities and A-listers. Los Angeles is his main stage, although he also maintains a large clientele in Washington, D.C., and Arkansas. He is a cosmetologist and master barber with twenty-five years of experience with unique cutting styles and techniques; he is a former cutting director for Aveda and Bumble & Bumble, Minneapolis. Cody began his career in 1996 in Arkansas. He moved to José Éber Salon on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 2004, where he had the honor of working alongside José on the main floor and in his own private barber shop, working with many high-profile clients. Cody has been featured in the documentary film Hollywood to Dollywood and the book Rainbow Relatives. A talented artist, Cody's paintings hang in private collections around the world.Story Key Notes:🖐️ The power of hope, optimism, and resilience; how we are in charge of our own destiny (the foundation of Changing the Stars)🖐️ Cody's experience in the foster care system and what he hopes to see change 🖐️ Cody's career & personal evolution - Army, Father, Hair Stylist, Artist, AuthorYou can find out more about Cody by visiting:Website: www.codyrenegar.comInstagram: @hairbycodyrenegar (hair) & @codyrenegarart (art)Facebook: @CodyRenegarOfficial (hair) & @artbycodyrenegar (art)Tik Tok: @codyrenegarLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change,  we revisit Rob’s conversation with Gideon Bernstein, Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and the author of The Workbook for Giving: Exercises for identifying the resources, giving goals, and giving strategies for you and your family.Gideon Bernstein has served as a trusted financial advisor to families in Orange County, California, for decades.Currently a Principal and Chief Investment Officer at Leisure Capital Management, his passion is working with nonprofit boards, families, and private foundations to help them achieve their philanthropic missions. Gideon has served as a board member of numerous charitable organizations, Vice President of Investments, and Chairman of the Board for the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County. He holds designations as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP).  Gideon is also the author of Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist.Story Key Notes:🖐️ The Secret to Happiness: It's Giving.🖐️ The new Workbook that was just published🖐️ What inspired you to write the book?🖐️ What does it take to be a philanthropist?  NOT Millions of $!You can find out more about Gideon and his books by visiting:Website: www.thejoysofgiving.comLearn more about how YOU CAN GIVE at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April Dinwoodie is an Adoption Activist, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant, and Parent Coach.  Dinwoodie’s podcast Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World helps facilitate an open dialogue about identity, family, and differences of race, culture, and class.  As a transracially adopted person (Black/bi-racial, adopted into a white family), April is fiercely dedicated to sharing her experiences to audiences of varied spectrums.  In this week’s Fostering Change, April shares with host Rob Scheer her thoughts on helping individuals get a better understanding of people with similar backgrounds.  She often consults with companies and organizations to develop stronger and more astute teams, and ultimately find even more purpose in our individual and collective work.  In addition to consulting with corporations, schools, and government grants, and keynote speaking and training,  April serves as Executive Director of Transracial Journeys.Story Key Notes:  🖐️  Adoptment – Mentoring Program🖐️ The calendar as a practical tool for conversation and action supporting the needs of youth separated from family of origin. 🖐️ Mothers’ Day – the realities of complicated holidays in adoption and foster careYou can find out more about April by visiting:Website: www.juneinapril.comApril’s Podcast: Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the WorldFacebook: @juneinaprilTwitter: @juneinaprilInstagram: @juneinaprilLinkedIn: April DinwoodieYouTube: April DinwoodieTilktok: @juneinaprilLearn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally airing in May during National Foster Care Awareness Month, on  today’s “Best of” episode of Fostering Change Rob interviews Stacy Huston, Executive Director of Sixdegrees.org, the award-winning nonprofit founded by Kevin Bacon with a mission rooted in connecting people to resources. Six Degrees supports impactful initiatives to sustain and enrich local communities by developing partnerships and solutions working collaboratively with local leaders, residents, and celebrities, on increasing youth empowerment, justice and equality, and improving a sustainable living environment. The organization prioritizes the lived experiences of communities that are commonly underserved and under-resourced. They reach their audiences through video, content and Public Service Announcements about subjects that are meaningful to the community, with a big focus on youth: particularly early education, arts programming and early literacy.Stacy received the 2022 Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for her work with SixDegrees related to Hunger. She has overseen social media campaigns such as “l Stay Home For”, garnishing more than 1.2 million posts and 2.1 Billion engagements globally, winning 4 Webbys and A Shorty Social Good award. Story Key Notes:  🖐️  “Cake it Like a Kid” - in support of Pediatric Cancer Awareness🖐️  SixDegrees.Org produced Play On🖐️  Getting People Moving the Right DirectionYou can find out more about Stacy by visiting:Website: SixDegrees.OrgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sixdegrees.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixdegreesofkb/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sixdegreesofkb?lang=enLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacybradford/Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we revisit Angela Featherstone - model, actress, philanthropist: Founder of the organization Fosteringcare.org, a nonprofit trauma-healing and trade school for youth aging out of foster care in Los Angeles.The school is contributing to halting the negative outcomes that so many youth who age out of foster care experience, including homelessness, incarceration, and human trafficking. Moreover, the school is also very importantly training young people in healing modalities, so that they leave school with a trade/occupation that will enable them to achieve self-sufficiency.   They are now working with Jae Canas from UCLA Behavioral Sciences who is now creating a trauma-healing template from our paradigm for the Dept of Mental Health.Who is Angela?  Within a year of emancipating herself from foster care at 17, Angela Featherstone became Canada's top model when her September, Flare magazine cover broke all previous records for sales. She quickly expanded upon her success and left for New York where she signed with the illustrious Click agency. She would travel the world as a top fashion model, working with such great photographers as Oliviero Toscani, Piero Gemelli, Irving Penn, Albert Watson, David Bailey, and Bruce Weber. But for her life's work of acting, she downplayed her striking features to play unlikely roles, emerging as an actress with exceptional versatility. She is best known for playing Chloe in Friends and the fiancé (Linda) who left Adam Sandler's character (Robbie) at the altar in The Wedding Singer. Most recently she played the role of Maggie on Showtime’s Ray Donovan and Jame on Girls for HBO. She has created sitcoms for Sony, DreamWorks, and NBC television, and written nonfiction for Time, Jane, Flare, The Huffington Post, Dame, and Zoomer. Her essay about childhood trauma, God Said No, was published in the 2014 edition of Gargoyle Magazine and nominated for the Pushcart Prize. In 2011, she curated Fuck Pretty, a show at the Robert Berman Gallery featuring important and emerging female photographers, and recorded “Coattail Glide” with Raymond Pettibon and the band The Niche Makers. Recently, Angela served as a consultant on the important documentary about the effects and healing of trauma, Cracked Up.Story Key Notes:  🖐️  Essay about Childhood Trauma🖐️  Children's Action Network🖐️ A Trauma-Healing Non-Profit for Youth Aging Out of Foster CareYou can find out more about Angela by visiting:Website:  www.Fosteringcare.orgInstagram: @thefosteringcarehealingshoolTwittter: ​​@ppp_healingLearn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, in the midst of one of the hottest summer’s on record, we revisit our interview with Sharlee Jeter, President of the Turn 2 Foundation, a non-profit established by her brother, baseball legend Derek Jeter, and their father, Dr. Charles Jeter, to motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "Turn 2" healthy lifestyles.  They provide help for youth to reach their full potential by creating and supporting initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behavior, healthy lifestyles and social change. She also serves as vice president of strategy & development for Jeter Ventures, which encompasses Derek’s full portfolio of business operations. She is the co-author with Dr. Sampson Davis of the powerful book, The Stuff: Unlock Your Power to Overcome Challenges, Soar and Succeed . It was inspired by the authors’ own personal challenges and is intended to inspire readers to recognize their own strength and potential to succeed. Sharlee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Spelman College. She resides in New Jersey with her son, Jalen. ALSO:Congratulations to #Turn2 President Sharlee Jeter for being honored by One Hundred Black Men during its 60th Anniversary Gala. Recognized for her commitment to creating positive change, Sharlee received the Jackie Robinson and Community Impact Award. Held at Lincoln Center, the special event celebrated One Hundred Black Men's 60-year legacy and profound impact on the Black community.Story Key Notes: 🖐️ Giving kids a platform and an opportunity to succeed and live their maximized lives🖐️ There are so many synergies that can be discussed during this podcast🖐️ We have a responsibility to provide youth the opportunity to find & use their voicesYou can find out more about Sharlee by visiting:Website:  www.turn2foundation.orgInstagram: @sjeter2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharlee.jeter.7 Twitter: ​​@sjeter2Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, as we continue our “Best of Season 4” series, we revisit our interview with Rob’s friend, David Ambroz, author of “A Place Called Home.”  David is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. He was recognized by President Obama as an American Champion of Change. In writing about the book, Hillary Clinton stated: “It’s impossible to read… and not want to redouble your efforts to fight the systems of poverty that have plagued America for far too long.”David currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon.  Previously he led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television, and served as the President of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission, and as a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing  up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar and later from UCLA School of Law (J.D.). He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA.Rob and David have an enlightening conversation about the foster care system, grit, courage and integrity.Story Key Notes:🖐️What made you decide to revisit your childhood experience with poverty and in foster care in A PLACE CALLED HOME🖐️  What qualities and/or circumstances allowed you to survive such deprivation and abuse?🖐️ How did your sexuality change your foster care experience?You can find out more about David by visiting:Website: https://www.davidambroz.com/More about the boo:  A PLACE CALLED HOME: A MemoirTwitter: @DaveAmbrozInstagram: @hjdambrozLearn more about Comfort Cases at https://www.comfortcases.org/To view previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit:  https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we continue our “Best of Season 4 Series” this Summer, we go back to a true favorite: Rob Scheer talks with Lauren Ruotolo, author of “Unstoppable in Stilettos”, inspirational speaker and award winning content producer. Be this the first time you’ve heard this interview, or an encore, we know you’ll love Lauren as much as we do.At 18 months Lauren was diagnosed with a rare disease called McCune Albright's Syndrome which left her walking with crutches full time at the age of 5 years old. After spending more than 20 years in magazine publishing and healthcare, Lauren now commits 100% of her time advocating for the 61 million people in the US and 1.2B globally who identify as disabled. Currently she is working with global corporations on why including disability in all your DEI, hiring and believes that all people matter. Story Key Notes:🖐️ Inclusion Matters🖐️ Segregation Started for Me at the Young Age of 5🖐️ Self Love and Acceptance  -- The idea of accepting who you are, where you came from and how exist You can find out more about Lauren by visiting:Website: www.laurenruotolo.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenruotolo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenruotolo/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/laurenruotoloLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our first “Best of” episode in July, we are revisiting our interview with Kenisha Anthony, a first-generation college graduate, award-winning advocate for youth, and author. Known for being resilient and bold, Kenisha Anthony is an outspoken activist utilizing her experiences to empower others. As a foster care visionary, she starred in the documentary, Foster Shock and has been featured on NPR and in Essence Magazine. Join our host Rob Scheer as he talks with Kenisha about her eye-opening memoir, LABELED,Story Key Notes:🖐️ Purpose of writing memoir🖐️ Lived experiences as a child in care, advocate and social worker🖐️ Life after foster care, college, career focus, healing, family, moving forwardYou can find out more about Kenisha by visiting:Website: www.kenishaanthony.comFacebook: Kenisha E. AnthonyTwitter: aboutkenishaInstagram: aboutkenisha & aboutlabeledbookTikTok: aboutkenishaLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael leads the executive efforts of the national nonprofit organization, Childhelp – a national leader in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. Childhelp believes that every child has a unique contribution to make to the world.Prior to his role with Childhelp, Michael has served in executive leadership roles with other national and international nonprofit organizations such as Easter Seals and Project CURE. Currently pursuing a PhD in Education from Seattle Pacific University, Michael is looking to advance the education, vocational, and communal support of children who have experienced, or at risk of experiencing abuse; as well as children and youth who are a part of our national foster care systemChildhelp has just launched the Courage First Hotline – a national hotline staffed with professional counselors to assist athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone in the athletic communities who are concerned about emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Childhelp has also established the first evidence-based prevention education curriculum designed to educate students preK-12th grade on not only the signs and symptoms of abuse, but what to do when they witness or experience abuse. This curriculum has now included a new module around Human Trafficking.Story Key Notes:🖐️ About Childhelp🖐️ A foundation to assist youth in foster care; as well as youth at risk for, or experiencing abuse🖐️ The First Evidence Based Prevention Education CurriculumYou can find out more about Michaeli by visiting:Website: www.childhelp.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/childhelpInstagram: www.instagram.com/childhelpfTwitter: www.twitter.com/childhelpLearn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally posted in March, we couldn’t be happier to share Rob’s interview with his good friend, Mike Thorne, Mike’s focus of work is Human Transformation. He accomplishes this through an association with Vistage Worldwide, the largest Peer Advisory firm, and his work as Chairman of the National Council for Adoption.As the author of the new book, Hustle With Heart: Unlocking Self-Worth Through Personal Trust Communities, he works to help people transform and thrive - at home and at work - to find a better way forward with their lives.Mike is the former President of Yankee Candle and Russell Athletic and most recently CEO of Challenger Turf. He is a father of 3 adult daughters and has been married to his best friend for over 32 years. He invests his time with high integrity growth oriented leaders (and/or their leadership) who care about humanity and the environmentAt age 46, Mike met his biological Mom and siblings, but not his dad. He was told that his dad didn't like successful people, but was talented at breaking and entering. Sitting in a living room with people he shared blood with but had never known until then was a turning point - Grateful vs resentful.Mike shares so much in this interview with Rob Scheer, including these messages:Take care of your thoughts when alone. Take care of your words when with other people.The struggle of believing to belong: Belong. Build. BelieveOther Key Story Notes:🖐️ Know and Own Your Own Story🖐️ Define Your North Star🖐️ Build Your Personal Trust Community Across All Aspects of Your Well BeingYou can find out more about Mike by visiting:Website: mikethorne.coInstagram: @ptctransformerTwitter: @ptctransformerLinkedin:  linkedin.com/in/michaelbthorneYouTube:@mikethorne3768 You TubeYou can purchase Mike’s book, Hustle With Heart, by clicking THIS LINK.Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please note that this episode initially aired in November, National Adoption Awareness Month. We acknowledge all, such as our guest Damon Davis, who continue raising awareness about adoption.In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with author and podcast host Damon Davis. Host of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast (www.whoamireallypodcast.com) Damon interviews people who share their stories of adoption and their attempt to find their birth families. He has interviewed nearly 200 adoptees from an array of life experiences from awful adoptions and amazing reunions to inspiring adoptions and unfortunate reunions.In his autobiography "Who Am I Really? - An Adoptee Memoir" Damon shares his journey to becoming an adoptive parent and his emotions over the birth of his son, Seth. He opens up about the heartbreak of grappling with his adoptive mother's mental illness while balancing the joy of locating his birth mother working nearby. His journey took a twist when he located his biological father via DNA testing. Story Key Notes:🖐️Who Am I Really? An Adoptee Memoir🖐️Changing the Narrative about Adoption🖐️While many children are very fortunate in our adoptions, let’s acknowledge that adoption starts with trauma.You can find out more about Damon by visiting:Website:Whoamireallypodcast.comFacebook:facebook.com/waireallyInstagram:@damonldavisLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we kick off our "BEST OF SEASON 4" series. And what better way than to re-broadcast our first episode of the season, featuring Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Louganis. So please enjoy - either for the 1st time or again. And stay tuned for additional "Best ofs" through the summer until we premiere Season 5 in September.From the archive:We are so thrilled to launch our 4th Season of “Fostering Change.” Over the past 4 years, we have spoken with more than 150 Good Humans, who have shared their missions and inspiring stories. For our premiere episode of Season 4 we could not be more excited to have Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Louganis as our guest. Enjoy!In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Greg Louganis, Louganis was adopted at 9 months by Frances and Peter Louganis, who lived in Lemon Grove, CA, just outside of San Diego. Teased and bullied as a child for the dark skin he inherited from his Samoan father and for his learning “differences,” he turned to what he could do well: sport. His first love was gymnastics and by nine years old, he was a “seasoned performer on the local talent show and convalescent-home circuit.”Considered the greatest diver in history, Greg Louganis is the only male to win gold medals on both 3 meter springboard and 10 meter platform in consecutive Olympic Games (1984, 1988).Across the globe, billions who watched either the 1984 or 1988 Olympics were enthralled by the poetry that was Greg Louganis: the beauty and power of his diving captured the world.With a total of 5 Olympic medals, 5 World Championship titles and 47 national titles, more than any person in U.S. history, his records remain unbroken.Today, as a coach, speaker, author, actor, activist and humanitarian he continues his tradition of excellence.A trained actor, dancer, model and spokesman, Greg’s wide repertoire of skills keeps him in demand and in the public eye. As the undisputed GOAT of mindset, Greg shares his knowledge and wisdom through his meditation and mindfulness course, as well as through his books, interviews and speaking engagements.Causes close to his heart include HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+, Adoption/Foster Care, Mental Health/Addiction, Human Rights, Animals, Environmental Issues and Climate Change. Story Key Notes:🖐️ Dogs/Animals🖐️ HIV/AIDS/LGBTQ+🖐️ Adoption/Foster Care Environmental Health & Wellness🖐️ Mental HealthYou can find out more about Greg by visiting:Website: https://greglouganis.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greglouganis/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greglouganisYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gregorylouganisTwitter: https://twitter.com/greglouganisLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nolan Carr serves as the Marketing & Community Relations Manager for Amerigroup DC, a Managed Care Organization in the district serving residents eligible for Medicaid Health Insurance. In his role, Nolan coordinates outreach and community events to connect families to resources and services. Nolan supports the mission of Amerigroup DC to create a healthier District of Columbia. He is a proud graduate of Jackson State University.Story Key Notes:  🖐️ Supporting the foster care community together🖐️ How Amerigroup DC is supporting the foster care community in the District of Columbia🖐️ How we can work together to provide resources and support to the foster care communityYou can find out more about Stacy by visiting:Website: www.myamerigroup/dc.comTwitter: @AmerigroupFacebook: @AmerigroupLinkedIn: @AmerigroupLearn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April Dinwoodie is an Adoption Activist, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant, and Parent Coach.  Dinwoodie’s podcast Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World helps facilitate an open dialogue about identity, family, and differences of race, culture, and class.  As a transracially adopted person (Black/bi-racial, adopted into a white family), April is fiercely dedicated to sharing her experiences to audiences of varied spectrums.  In this week’s Fostering Change, April shares with host Rob Scheer her thoughts on helping individuals get a better understanding of people with similar backgrounds.  She often consults with companies and organizations to develop stronger and more astute teams, and ultimately find even more purpose in our individual and collective work.  In addition to consulting with corporations, schools, and government grants, and keynote speaking and training,  April serves as Executive Director of Transracial Journeys.Story Key Notes:  🖐️  Adoptment – Mentoring Program🖐️ The calendar as a practical tool for conversation and action supporting the needs of youth separated from family of origin. 🖐️ Mothers’ Day – the realities of complicated holidays in adoption and foster careYou can find out more about April by visiting:Website: www.juneinapril.comApril’s Podcast: Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the WorldFacebook: @juneinaprilTwitter: @juneinaprilInstagram: @juneinaprilLinkedIn: April DinwoodieYouTube: April DinwoodieTilktok: @juneinaprilLearn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s podcast Rob Scheer and his guests discuss the needs of families looking to adopt. This includes creating paths for families who need extra support for safety and stability. They look at what is working and what can be done differently to help children and families thrive.Adoptions Together supports children and families formed through adoption, guardianship, foster care, and kinship care with specialized services offered at locations in Maryland, Virginia and DC. Support is available to every family for a lifetime of guidance, education, and counseling to ensure that each family stays strong together. Janice Goldwater is the founder and CEO of Adoptions Together. With an attachment focused, trauma informed lens, the agency provides a broad spectrum of clinical, educational and transformational services to strengthen relationships in first families, kinship, foster and adoptive families and the communities who support them. Janice founded the organization in 1990 and has been primarily responsible for its growth and development. As an adoptive parent of an older child who experienced maltreatment for ten years of life, Janice has utilized community-based services to support her child and family into effectively reaching adulthood. Lisa Dominguez, LICSW, LCSW-C, joined Adoptions Together in 2022 in the role of Chief Program Officer. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and families impacted by trauma and loss and has specialized training in working with foster and adoptive families. Ms. Dominguez has been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and has a certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment from the Ferentz Institute. In addition to her direct service with children and families and contract oversight experience, she is a seasoned supervisor and trainer.Story Key Notes:  🖐️  National Foster Care Awareness Month gives us the chance to reflect on practice🖐️  How do we define safety and stability for children as a society🖐️  What are the short-term and long-term possible psychological implications for children who experience abuse and neglectYou can find out more about Adoptions Together by visiting:Website: www.adoptionstogether.org www.familyworkstogether.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/adopttogether/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdoptTogetherInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/adoptionstogether/?hl=enLinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/adoptions-together/Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stacy Huston is Executive Director of Sixdegrees.org, The award-winning nonprofit founded by Kevin Bacon with a mission rooted in connecting people to resources. Six Degrees supports impactful initiatives to sustain and enrich local communities by developing partnerships and solutions working collaboratively with local leaders, residents, and celebrities, on increasing youth empowerment, justice and equality, and improving a sustainable living environment. The organization prioritizes the lived experiences of communities that are commonly underserved and under-resourced. They reach their audiences through video, content and Public Service Announcements about subjects that are meaningful to the community, with a big focus on youth: particularly early education, arts programming and early literacy.Stacy received the 2022 Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for her work with SixDegrees related to Hunger. She has overseen social media campaigns such as “l Stay Home For”, garnishing more than 1.2 million posts and 2.1 Billion engagements globally, winning 4 Webbys and A Shorty Social Good award. Story Key Notes:  🖐️  “Cake it Like a Kid” - in support of Pediatric Cancer Awareness🖐️  SixDegrees.Org produced Play On🖐️  Getting People Moving the Right DirectionYou can find out more about Stacy by visiting:Website: SixDegrees.OrgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sixdegrees.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixdegreesofkb/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sixdegreesofkb?lang=enLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacybradford/Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Featherstone - model, actress, philanthropist: Founder of the organization Fosteringcare.org, a nonprofit trauma-healing and trade school for youth aging out of foster care in Los Angeles.The school is contributing to halting the negative outcomes that so many youth who age out of foster care experience, including homelessness, incarceration, and human trafficking. Moreover, the school is also very importantly training young people in healing modalities, so that they leave school with a trade/occupation that will enable them to achieve self-sufficiency.   They are now working with Jae Canas from UCLA Behavioral Sciences who is now creating a trauma-healing template from our paradigm for the Dept of Mental Health.Who is Angela?  Within a year of emancipating herself from foster care at 17, Angela Featherstone became Canada's top model when her September, Flare magazine cover broke all previous records for sales. She quickly expanded upon her success and left for New York where she signed with the illustrious Click agency. She would travel the world as a top fashion model, working with such great photographers as Oliviero Toscani, Piero Gemelli, Irving Penn, Albert Watson, David Bailey, and Bruce Weber. But for her life's work of acting, she downplayed her striking features to play unlikely roles, emerging as an actress with exceptional versatility. She is best known for playing Chloe in Friends and the fiancé (Linda) who left Adam Sandler's character (Robbie) at the altar in The Wedding Singer. Most recently she played the role of Maggie on Showtime’s Ray Donovan and Jame on Girls for HBO. She has created sitcoms for Sony, DreamWorks, and NBC television, and written nonfiction for Time, Jane, Flare, The Huffington Post, Dame, and Zoomer. Her essay about childhood trauma, God Said No, was published in the 2014 edition of Gargoyle Magazine and nominated for the Pushcart Prize. In 2011, she curated Fuck Pretty, a show at the Robert Berman Gallery featuring important and emerging female photographers, and recorded “Coattail Glide” with Raymond Pettibon and the band The Niche Makers. Angela, a committed advocate for children in foster care, volunteers with the Children's Action Network curating their Heart Gallery from 2011- 2019 and served on their Winter Wonderland committee 2014 & 2015. She has also mentored a child in foster care through Kidsave from 2011-2020. In 2014, she lectured at the ICAN Nexus Conference; Violence Within the Home and its Effects on Children and continues to lecture and write about healing PTSD, child abuse, human trafficking, and intimacy. Her 2015 essay on child sex trafficking for DAME was picked up by Salon.org and MSN and exposed to over 7 million viewers. That year she was also an adjunct lecturer at the UCLA Professional Producing Program. 2022 marked her 14th year studying Moral and Spiritual Psychology with Rabbi Mordecai Finley, Ph.D. Recently, Angela served as a consultant on the important documentary about the effects and healing of trauma, Cracked Up.You can find out more about Angela by visiting:Website:  www.Fosteringcare.orgInstagram: @thefosteringcarehealingshoolTwittter: ​​@ppp_healingLearn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Diaper Bank, Covering South Florida, has been operating for 11 years and has distributed over 5 million diapers, serving 3500 families each month. We are members of the National Diaper Bank Network- a collaboration of over 300 diaper banks around the nation working to end diaper inequity.We break the cycle of diaper inequity by providing diapers to those who cannot afford them.How do we do this? By providing P.E.A.C.E. –Partner, Educate, Advocate,  Compassion and ElevateWe PARTNER with local non-profits who serve families that fall at or below the federal poverty level to help eliminate the diaper need in Palm Beach and Broward Counties.We EDUCATE the community on the importance of ending diaper need.We ADVOCATE for federal assistance to families to provide diapers. We provide COMPASSION as a  dedicated resource to so many partners and families in our community.We work to ELEVATE the awareness of diaper need and provide families and children the opportunity to ELEVATE and shine. Story Key Notes: 🖐️ Defining Diaper Need🖐️ The Diaper Bank, Covering South Florida mission and how we do it-To give children the opportunity to shine🖐️ How to help/ get involved.You can find out more about Ashley by visiting:Website:  https://diaperbankcoveringsofl.org/Instagram: @diaperbankcoveringsoflFacebook: The Diaper Bank, Covering South FloridaLearn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharlee Jeter is president of the Turn 2 Foundation, a non-profit established by her brother, baseball legend Derek Jeter, and their father, Dr. Charles Jeter, to motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "Turn 2" healthy lifestyles.  They provide help for youth to reach their full potential by creating and supporting initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behavior, healthy lifestyles and social change. She also serves as vice president of strategy & development for Jeter Ventures, which encompasses Derek’s full portfolio of business operations. She is the co-author with Dr. Sampson Davis of the powerful book, The Stuff: Unlock Your Power to Overcome Challenges, Soar and Succeed . It was inspired by the authors’ own personal challenges and is intended to inspire readers to recognize their own strength and potential to succeed. Sharlee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Spelman College. She resides in New Jersey with her son, Jalen. ALSO:Congratulations to #Turn2 President Sharlee Jeter for being honored by One Hundred Black Men during its 60th Anniversary Gala. Recognized for her commitment to creating positive change, Sharlee received the Jackie Robinson and Community Impact Award. Held at Lincoln Center, the special event celebrated One Hundred Black Men's 60-year legacy and profound impact on the Black community.Story Key Notes: 🖐️ Giving kids a platform and an opportunity to succeed and live their maximized lives🖐️ There are so many synergies that can be discussed during this podcast🖐️ We have a responsibility to provide youth the opportunity to find & use their voicesYou can find out more about Sharlee by visiting:Website:  www.turn2foundation.orgInstagram: @sjeter2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharlee.jeter.7 Twittter: ​​@sjeter2Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Megan & Lindsay have a combined 30 years of legal experience and help clients create custom estate plans that last the test of time. They work with clients to protect their assets so that they leave behind a legacy of love and not a mess.Using Estate Planning for Charitable Giving, their firm also creates a complimentary Kids Emergency Support Plan for families with minor children that is designed to keep kids out of the foster care system if their parents become temporarily or permanently unable to care for them.Story Key Notes: Megan Campbell & Lindsay Warnes🖐️ What is estate planning and why is it important? 🖐️ Why use estate planning for charitable giving?🖐️ How can you use an estate plan for charitable giving?You can find out more about Megan & Lindsay by visiting:Website:  www.willowlegalgroup.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/willowlegalgroupLearn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Simoneta and Myra Scheer have been involved with The Felix Organization since its inception in 2006. Both have watched the mission come to life and expand its reach to provide life-changing opportunities to youth in foster care for over 177 years.The mission of The Felix Organization is to provide inspiring opportunities and new experiences to enrich the lives of children who are growing up in the foster care system.Co-Founders, Darryl "DMC"​ McDaniels (Run DMC AND Rock and Roll Hall of Famer) and Sheila Jaffe, (Emmy Award winning Casting Director of "The Sopranos"​ and "Entourage"​) are both adoptees who have searched for their birth families. As they pursued their journey of discovery, they realized how fortunate they were, having been raised by loving families. Things could have gone very differently had they not been adopted. Darryl and Sheila decided to start THE FELIX ORGANIZATION/ Adoptees For Children in February 2006.As adoptees, "We were taken home. We wanted to give back to those children who didn't get taken home or who are growing up in the foster care system."​Since 2006, THE FELIX ORGANIZATION has sent nearly 4,000 children to CAMP FELIX for one or two week sessions. Our goal is to continue to send an increasing number of children to CAMP FELIX each year and to nurture and encourage them throughout the year with additional, inspiring opportunities.Story Key Notes:🖐️ Our 3rd Annual Walk This Way Walkathon Fundraiser on Sunday, May 21st!🖐️ The Need - Back Story on Foster Care Community and How Felix Meets the Needs of Young People in the Foster Care System.🖐️ Origin Story of The Felix OrganizationYou can find out more about Amanda and Myra by visiting:Website:  www.thefelixorganization.org Walk This Way Fundraiser in May: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thirdannualwalkthisway Instagram: @felixorganizationTwitter: @felix4change Facebook: @felixorganization Linked in: The Felix OrganizationYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefelixorganization8034🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Thorne’s focus of work is Human Transformation. He accomplishes this through an association with Vistage Worldwide, the largest Peer Advisory firm, and his work as Chairman of the National Council for Adoption.As the author of the new book, Hustle With Heart: Unlocking Self-Worth Through Personal Trust Communities, he works to help people transform and thrive - at home and at work - to find a better way forward with their lives.Mike is the former President of Yankee Candle and Russell Athletic and most recently CEO of Challenger Turf. He is a father of 3 adult daughters and has been married to his best friend for over 32 years. He invests his time with high integrity growth oriented leaders (and/or their leadership) who care about humanity and the environmentAt age 46, Mike met his biological Mom and siblings, but not his dad. He was told that his dad didn't like successful people, but was talented at breaking and entering. Sitting in a living room with people he shared blood with but had never known until then was a turning point - Grateful vs resentful.Mike shares so much in this interview with Rob Scheer, including these messages:Take care of your thoughts when alone. Take care of your words when with other people.The struggle of believing to belong: Belong. Build. BelieveOther Key Story Notes:🖐️ Know and Own Your Own Story🖐️ Define Your North Star🖐️ Build Your Personal Trust Community Across All Aspects of Your Well BeingYou can find out more about Mike by visiting:Website: mikethorne.coInstagram: @ptctransformerTwitter: @ptctransformerLinkedin:  linkedin.com/in/michaelbthorneYouTube:@mikethorne3768 You TubeYou can purchase Mike’s book, Hustle With Heart, by clicking THIS LINK.Learn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael leads the executive efforts of the national nonprofit organization, Childhelp – a national leader in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. Childhelp believes that every child has a unique contribution to make to the world.Prior to his role with Childhelp, Michael has served in executive leadership roles with other national and international nonprofit organizations such as Easter Seals and Project CURE. Currently pursuing a PhD in Education from Seattle Pacific University, Michael is looking to advance the education, vocational, and communal support of children who have experienced, or at risk of experiencing abuse; as well as children and youth who are a part of our national foster care systemChildhelp has just launched the Courage First Hotline – a national hotline staffed with professional counselors to assist athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone in the athletic communities who are concerned about emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Childhelp has also established the first evidence-based prevention education curriculum designed to educate students preK-12th grade on not only the signs and symptoms of abuse, but what to do when they witness or experience abuse. This curriculum has now included a new module around Human Trafficking.Story Key Notes:🖐️ About Childhelp🖐️ A foundation to assist youth in foster care; as well as youth at risk for, or experiencing abuse🖐️ The First Evidence Based Prevention Education CurriculumYou can find out more about Michaeli by visiting:Website: www.childhelp.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/childhelpInstagram: www.instagram.com/childhelpfTwitter: www.twitter.com/childhelpLearn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer has an enlightening conversation with Bhavini Solanki, Director of Foster Care for Amerigroup’s Georgia Families 360 Program. In her role, she is responsible for the healthcare of children and youth in state custody, those who have been adopted through Georgia’s foster care system and a few hundred Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) managed members. Bhavini works collaboratively with all the state agencies to maintain quality outcomes and coordination of care for the most vulnerable members in the state. The conversation focuses on the increase of the number of youth who entered foster care due to the COVID Pandemic and what agencies are doing to help facilitate these increasing numbers.Story Key Notes:🖐️ The effects of COVID on the child welfare system🖐️ Reduced number of foster homes; lack of necessary training for caregiver🖐️ Effects of virtual school; cyber bullyingYou can find out more about Bhavini by visiting:Website: www.amerigroup.comLearn more about how you can affect change to the lives of youth in foster care by visiting https://www.comfortcases.org/Listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/podcast🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ambroz, author of “A Place Called Home”  is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. He was recognized by President Obama as an American Champion of Change. In writing about the book, Hillary Clinton stated: “It’s impossible to read… and not want to redouble your efforts to fight the systems of poverty that have plagued America for far too long.”David currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon.  Previously he led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television, and served as the President of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission, and as a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing  up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar and later from UCLA School of Law (J.D.). He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA.Rob and David have an enlightening conversation about the foster care system, grit, courage and integrity.Story Key Notes:🖐️What made you decide to revisit your childhood experience with poverty and in foster care in A PLACE CALLED HOME🖐️  What qualities and/or circumstances allowed you to survive such deprivation and abuse?🖐️ How did your sexuality change your foster care experience?You can find out more about David by visiting:Website: https://www.davidambroz.com/More about the boo:  A PLACE CALLED HOME: A MemoirTwitter: @DaveAmbrozInstagram: @hjdambrozLearn more about Comfort Cases at https://www.comfortcases.org/To view previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit:  https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Marpheen Chan,  Author of “Moon in Full: A Modern Coming of Age Story”. Mapheen is an advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  As a gay, first-generation Asian American born in California to a Cambodian refugee family and later adopted by an evangelical, white working-class family in Maine, Marpheen uses a mix of humor and storytelling to help people view topics such as racism, xenophobia, and homophobia through an intersectional lens.Story Key Notes:🖐️ Why write a book and what was the process like?🖐️ What would you like our audience to walk away with from your book? 🖐️ What is some of your advice to foster and adoptive parents?You can find out more about Marpheen by visiting:Website: www.marpheenchann.comFacebook: Facebook.com/marpheenchannInstagram: Instagram.com/marpheenchannTwitter: Twitter.com/marpheenchannLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Mardi Gras!  Today Rob talks with New Orleans’ own Erik Adrian Alexander - otherwise known as the creator of the “Nola Papa” brand, website, podcast and a soon-to-come magazine! You’ll truly get a sense of his energy and motivation to make the world a better place for us all! Erik, married to his husband and has three children, also talks about his latest book, “The Adventures of Addie Underwater”, which was inspired by his daughters' love for mermaids.Erik shares his experience of creating  Nola Papa, which he started in 2015 when he and his husband became fathers. He says that the blog was born out of fear as they did not know what they were doing. However, the blog turned out to be a great way to increase visibility for same-sex parents.Rob and Erik also discuss how there is a lack of representation of same-sex parents in children's books. Erik's book fills this gap and provides children with a positive representation of same-sex parents.Rob and Erik shares how they don't need titles to define their family and how they want their children to be judged based on who they are as individuals rather than their parents' sexual orientation. Erik’s overall mission to broaden the one sided view of the stereotypical American family.Story Key Notes:🖐️ The importance of minority visibility🖐️ More than pride month in June🖐️ Podcast - showcasing inspiration in all forms!You can find out more about Erik by visiting:Website: https://nolapapa.com/Facebook: @ NolaPapaInstagram: @ NolaPapaLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was January 2009, and the doorbell rang at Rob and Reece Scheer’s townhouse in Washington, DC. Standing there was Sheri, a *“... social worker, holding the hand of a little boy with long cornrows and big, black eyes. He was two but he looked really little, less than a year old. Holding Sheri’s other hand was a young girl. ‘This is Amaya,’ Sheri said. ‘Amaya say hi to Mr. Rob. And this is Makai’. Makai didn’t react.” This was to be their third home since September.And that was Rob’s introduction to who would soon be his son, Makai (and daughter Amaya).Today, on a VERY special episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases interviews one of his own children, Makai.Born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), Makai was not given much of a chance. But then Rob and Reece came into his life and Makai has surpassed all expectations - maybe except his own.Some of what you’ll hear from Makai on this episode of Fostering Change:“Your voice counts. One person can make a change.”“Once you try it, it’s possible.”“Don’t listen to what other people say - there’s nothing good about listening to the negative.”“Always do good for other people.”“Don’t always take the easy path in life.”How he started the first Student Government Association (SGA) at his school following conversations with his teacher about what he would do to make the school better. He wrote a speech about how students would have more of a voice at their school.Story Key Notes:🖐️ What it’s like to be the middle child of 5 kids.🖐️ What it was like to have a new OLDER brother come home in 2019🖐️ What’s it like to “be a Scheer”?🖐️ What’s it like growing up with white parentsMakai also talks about his future with goals of either joining the military, or taking over Comfort Cases from Rob!Whatever he does, his goal is to help kids around the world: “I’ll buy plane tickets for kids around the world to help them find a home here.”We know you’ll enjoy this special Valentine’s Day episode of Fostering Change.* Quotes in the first paragraph are from Rob Scheer’s memoir, “A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time”, available for purchase:AmazonComfort Cases WebsiteTo learn more about Comfort Cases, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: https://comfortcases.org/podcasts/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A first-generation college graduate, award-winning advocate for youth, and author. Known for being resilient and bold, Kenisha Anthony is an outspoken activist utilizing her experiences to empower others. As a foster care visionary, she starred in the documentary, Foster Shock and has been featured on NPR and in Essence Magazine. Join our host Rob Scheer as he talks with Kenisha about her eye-opening memoir, LABELED,Story Key Notes:🖐️ Purpose of writing memoir🖐️ Lived experiences as a child in care, advocate and social worker🖐️ Life after foster care, college, career focus, healing, family, moving forwardYou can find out more about Kenisha by visiting:Website: www.kenishaanthony.comFacebook: Kenisha E. AnthonyTwitter: aboutkenishaInstagram: aboutkenisha & aboutlabeledbookTikTok: aboutkenishaLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your adoption fails? And it’s your own grandmother who says it’s not working out? In this week’s episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with a true survivor: Angelina Blare, National Miss Curvy 2022. Angelina is a member of QPI Nevada, member of the Child Justice Task Force for the State of Nevada and panel Speaking Guest for DCFS Nevada. She is using her platform to bring awareness to the many issues children in foster care face. Angelina is a young superstar - she is taking on issues regarding the failing foster care system as well as acting as a role model for young people across the country as National Miss Curvy. Story Key Notes:🖐️ How We Can Help Foster Kids And Generate Necessary Reform🖐️ What Are the Biggest Ways We Can Generate Real, Lasting Change in The System and Healing for Foster Kids?🖐️ Why the adoption system does not always succeed as planned🖐️ What does the National Miss Curvy title represent?You can find out more about Angelina by visiting:Facebook: @Angelina Blare & @National Miss Curvy 2022Instagram: @hhottsaucee TikTok: @angelinammxxiiLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Once I put down the drink, I just celebrated 7 years of sobriety... is when I really started healing from all of the pain from my trauma." Today, host Rob Scheer discuss addiction, abuse and amazing recovery with Marci Hopkins, author of “Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycles”. Marci is also host of the daily TV show, “Wake Up with Marci”, a show of “empowerment, celebrity inspiration, and learning to live our happiest lives!”. This week's episode of Fostering Change will enlighten and inspire you.Story Key Notes:🖐️ Chaos To Clarity; Seeing The Signs and Breaking The Cycles🖐️ Marci’s story of addiction and sexual abuse; her recovery🖐️ How long have you been in recovery and how has it changed your life?You can find out more about Marci by visiting:Website: www.wakeupwithmarci.comFacebook: @wakeupwithmarciInstagram: @hostmarcihopkins & @wake_up_with_marci YouTube: Wake Up with MarciLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/talkshowhostJoin the “Chaos to Clarity Community”: https://wakeupwithmarci.com/chaos-to-clarity-community/Learn more about Rob Scheer, Comfort Cases and find previous episodes of Fostering Change at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Dave Silbert, Co-Founder & Executive Director of So What Else. For as long as he can remember, Dave has always wanted to help people and serve his community in whatever way he could. As a young adult, Dave gained extensive experience working with people as the Assistant Director of an in-patient rehabilitation facility in California. After returning to the East Coast, he started his own personal training and sports coaching business, learning the in's and out's of running one's own business and the joy in working with kids.In 2009, a life-changing service trip to the lower 9th Ward in New Orleans changed the course of his life, and the emotional impact of taking part in this kind of philanthropic activism inspired him and Bob to organize their own community’s efforts in a local nonprofit to stimulate volunteerism in their own community; from this simple trip, So What Else was born. Dave has four kids and lives in Montgomery County, Maryland.Story Key Notes:🖐️ How SWE Started in 2009 With a Focus on Serving Youth🖐️ Pandemic Pivot to Food and Hunger Relief🖐️ Exponential Growth for the Organization in the Past 3 YearsYou can find out more about Dave by visiting:Website: sowhatelse.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoWhatElseHelps/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowhatelsehelps/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sowhatelsehelpsVolunteer at http://sowhatelse.volunteerhub.comLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Emily Chang, author of The Spare Room. Emily has 23yrs corporate experience and executive leadership at P&G, Apple, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Starbucks. Now the CEO of McCann Worldgroup, China. Prior to joining McCann Worldgroup in 2020, Emily held executive marketing and commercial roles at P&G, Starbucks, Apple, and InterContinental Hotels Group. Known for designing innovative O+O branded experiences, she has led marketing innovations like opening the first Starbucks Roastery outside of Seattle, introducing Apple Podcasts in China, and creating one of China’s first reality television series.In 2022, Emily was awarded “Women To Watch Greater China” by Campaign Asia, recognized for her brand of purpose-driven leadership and focus on workplace inclusion. She sits on the board of SOS Children’s Villages and is the author of a best-selling book called “The Spare Room,” also the topic of her first TEDx Talk. Story Key Notes:🖐️ Identify Your Social Legacy🖐️ Stories From the Book🖐️ Living With More Intention Has Helped Redefine My Leadership Approach in the Workplace.You can find out more about Emily by visiting:Website: www.social-legacy.comFacebook: @Thespareroom.emilychangInstagram: @Thespareroom.emilychangLinkedin: Emilychang8621Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Debbie Riley, LCMFT CEO and Co-founder of the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), a nonprofit adoptive family support center in the DC metro area. A nationally recognized adoption expert and public speaker, Ms. Riley is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 40 years of professional experience, including extensive health care management, administration, design and development of nationally acclaimed adoption-competency trainings and services, direct delivery of specialized counseling services, and mental health advocacy and public policy development. Story Key Notes:🖐️ Our country is experiencing a mental health crisis for youth🖐️ C.A.S.E. is a national leader in developing training to build the workforce of both the child welfare and mental health professionals.🖐️ We are building on what we have learned and developed over the past 25 years to create a National Demonstration and Teaching Clinic at C.A.S.E.You can find out more about Debbie by visiting:Website: www.adoptionsupport.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/caseadopt/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CASEadoptInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseadopt/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CenterforAdoptionSupportEducationLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-adoption-support-and-education/mycompany/Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Lauren Ruotolo. Lauren is the author of “Unstoppable in Stilettos”, inspirational speaker and award winning content producer. At 18 months Lauren was diagnosed with a rare disease called McCune Albright's Syndrome which left her walking with crutches full time at the age of 5 years old. After spending more than 20 years in magazine publishing and healthcare, Lauren now commits 100% of her time advocating for the 61 million people in the US and 1.2B globally who identify as disabled. Currently she is working with global corporations on why including disability in all your DEI, hiring and believes that all people matter.  Story Key Notes:🖐️ Inclusion Matters🖐️ Segregation Started for Me at the Young Age of 5🖐️ Self Love and Acceptance  -- The idea of accepting who you are, where you came from and how exist You can find out more about Lauren by visiting:Website: www.laurenruotolo.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenruotolo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenruotolo/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/laurenruotoloLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please note that this episode was initially scheduled to air in November, National Adoption Awareness Month. We acknowledge all, such as our guest Damon Davis, who continue raising awareness about adoption.In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with author and podcast host Damon Davis. Host of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast (www.whoamireallypodcast.com) Damon interviews people who share their stories of adoption and their attempt to find their birth families. He has interviewed nearly 200 adoptees from an array of life experiences from awful adoptions and amazing reunions to inspiring adoptions and unfortunate reunions.In his autobiography "Who Am I Really? - An Adoptee Memoir" Damon shares his journey to becoming an adoptive parent and his emotions over the birth of his son, Seth. He opens up about the heartbreak of grappling with his adoptive mother's mental illness while balancing the joy of locating his birth mother working nearby. His journey took a twist when he located his biological father via DNA testing. Story Key Notes:🖐️Who Am I Really? An Adoptee Memoir🖐️Changing the Narrative about Adoption🖐️While many children are very fortunate in our adoptions, let’s acknowledge that adoption starts with trauma.You can find out more about Damon by visiting:Website:Whoamireallypodcast.comFacebook:facebook.com/waireallyInstagram:@damonldavisLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Ed Hajim. Ed recounts in his memoir, ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom, how he grew-up mainly in orphanages and in foster homes with no consistent family or support system. Feeling at times lonely, angry, jealous and poor. YET, despite huge obstacles, Ed Hajim became a Wall Street executive, a business tycoon of the highest order. Ed learned to survive, to keep himself strong and focused. And step by step, he turned his life around, even graduating from the University of Rochester and later Harvard Business School. Ed’s life is a rags to riches American success story on every level – he used his inner voice, his one constant to get ahead in business and create a stable-family, home-life as an adult. Get ready to be inspired and learn from Ed as he shares insight on not being a victim of circumstance, using disadvantages as advantages and always asking what’s next ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED!Story Key Notes:🖐️ On the Road Less Traveled🖐️ Don’t be a victim of circumstances 🖐️ Don’t let your environment define your future, even the pandemic 🖐️ Stay forward motion🖐️ Take disadvantages and turn them around, use them as advantagesYou can find out more about Ed by visiting:Website:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/On-the-Road-Less-Traveled/Ed-Hajim/9781510764248Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-hajim-bba1a7204Instagram: https://instagram.com/edhajimauthor?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Mike Provenzano, Actor and Spokesperson. Mike is a father of 4 boys who became an award winning actor later in life and has been at it for about 6 years now. Mike is someone who enjoys helping others any way that he can, be it advice or any other way. He lived in foster care as a child and always looking for ways to give back.Story Key Notes:🖐️”Roxy the Reindeer’s Magical Christmas Journey”🖐️ Giving back and helping others🖐️ Grew up in Foster CareYou can find out more about Mike by visiting:Website: www.mikeprov.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/mikeaprovenzano https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm2697626?ref_=hm_nv_usr_profileFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/mikeaprovenzanoLinkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeaprovenzano/Twitter: @mikeaprovenzano Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Cody Renegar, Hairstylist, Author and Artist.Cody is a hairstylist, fine artist, and author of the memoir "Changing the Stars." He currently lives in California with his husband, Terry. He has a son, Levi, who, with his partner, Alaya, has given Cody three grandkids. Cody is the hairstylist of choice for many Hollywood entertainment industry celebrities and A-listers. Los Angeles is his main stage, although he also maintains a large clientele in Washington, D.C., and Arkansas. He is a cosmetologist and master barber with twenty-five years of experience with unique cutting styles and techniques; he is a former cutting director for Aveda and Bumble & Bumble, Minneapolis. Cody began his career in 1996 in Arkansas. He moved to José Éber Salon on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 2004, where he had the honor of working alongside José on the main floor and in his own private barber shop, working with many high-profile clients. Cody has been featured in the documentary film Hollywood to Dollywood and the book Rainbow Relatives. A talented artist, Cody's paintings hang in private collections around the world.Story Key Notes:🖐️ The power of hope, optimism, and resilience; how we are in charge of our own destiny (the foundation of Changing the Stars)🖐️ Cody's experience in the foster care system and what he hopes to see change 🖐️ Cody's career & personal evolution - Army, Father, Hair Stylist, Artist, AuthorYou can find out more about Cody by visiting:Website: www.codyrenegar.comInstagram: @hairbycodyrenegar (hair) & @codyrenegarart (art)Facebook: @CodyRenegarOfficial (hair) & @artbycodyrenegar (art)Tik Tok: @codyrenegarLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Rasie Bamigbade ,Leadership Coach, Author & Speaker. Rasie is a leadership coach, bestseller author of Lead In Your Truth  and Speaker. She helps business and corporate leaders lead their teams more effectively through self leadership. Closing the opportunity gap in leadership is at the core of Rasie's work. She does this through her successful coaching program and youth mentorship program.Story Key Notes:🖐️ Clarity of where I am going - Goals🖐️ Self Belief – Doing the work to build on self belief🖐️ Lead In Your Truth – Accepting that you are different You can find out more about Rasie and her books by visiting:Website: https://linktr.ee/rbjumpstartcoachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rb.jumpstart.coaching/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasie-bamigbade/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsoWhVnw89NFbm6vwc4PB2gLinktree: https://linktr.ee/rbjumpstartcoachingTik Tok: rb.jumpstart.coachingLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, we celebrate National Philanthropy Day by bringing on a return guest. Rob Scheer talks with Gideon Bernstein, Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and the author of The Workbook for Giving: Exercises for identifying the resources, giving goals, and giving strategies for you and your family.Gideon Bernstein has served as a trusted financial advisor to families in Orange County, California, for decades.Currently a Principal and Chief Investment Officer at Leisure Capital Management, his passion is working with nonprofit boards, families, and private foundations to help them achieve their philanthropic missions. Gideon has served as a board member of numerous charitable organizations and as Vice President of Investments and Chairman of the Board for the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County. He holds designations as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP).  Gideon is also the author of Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist.Story Key Notes:🖐️ The Secret to Happiness: Its Giving.🖐️ The new Workbook that was just published🖐️ What inspired you to write the book?🖐️ What does it take to be a philanthropist? NOT Millions of $!You can find out more about Gideon and his books by visiting:Website: www.thejoysofgiving.comLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change,  Rob Scheer talks with Ryan Hanlon, President & CEO, National Council for Adoption.Ryan worked in the field of adoption since 2004 and he is a social worker / adoption researcher previously at an adoption agency, but with NCFA since 2017.  We advance our mission through research, education, and advocacy. Story Key Notes:🖐️ Families utilize post-adoption resources at relatively high rates.🖐️ Private domestic adoption includes more situations where adoptive family and birth family have ongoing contact/relationship.🖐️ Overall, parents report high satisfaction rate with their decision to adopt.To learn more about the research report Rob & Ryan discussed, please visit: https://adoptioncouncil.org/profilesYou can find out more about Ryan by visiting:Website: www.adoptioncouncil.orgInstagram: @adoptioncouncilFacebook: @adoptioncouncilTwitter: @adoptioncouncilLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, November 1, 2022, we are so thrilled to launch our 4th Season of “Fostering Change.” Over the past 4 years, we have spoken with more than 150 Good Humans, who have shared their missions and inspiring stories For our premiere episode of Season 4 we could not be more excited to have Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Louganis as our guest. Enjoy!In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Greg Louganis, Louganis was adopted at 9 months by Frances and Peter Louganis, who lived in Lemon Grove, CA, just outside of San Diego. Teased and bullied as a child for the dark skin he inherited from his Samoan father and for his learning “differences,” he turned to what he could do well: sport. His first love was gymnastics and by nine years old, he was a “seasoned performer on the local talent show and convalescent-home circuit.”Considered the greatest diver in history, Greg Louganis is the only male to win gold medals on both 3 meter springboard and 10 meter platform in consecutive Olympic Games (1984, 1988).Across the globe, billions who watched either the 1984 or 1988 Olympics were enthralled by the poetry that was Greg Louganis: the beauty and power of his diving captured the world.With a total of 5 Olympic medals, 5 World Championship titles and 47 national titles, more than any person in U.S. history, his records remain unbroken.Today, as a coach, speaker, author, actor, activist and humanitarian he continues his tradition of excellence.A trained actor, dancer, model and spokesman, Greg’s wide repertoire of skills keeps him in demand and in the public eye. As the undisputed GOAT of mindset, Greg shares his knowledge and wisdom through his meditation and mindfulness course, as well as through his books, interviews and speaking engagements.Causes close to his heart include HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+, Adoption/Foster Care, Mental Health/Addiction, Human Rights, Animals, Environmental Issues and Climate Change. Story Key Notes:🖐️ Dogs/Animals🖐️ HIV/AIDS/LGBTQ+🖐️ Adoption/Foster Care Environmental Health & Wellness🖐️ Mental HealthYou can find out more about Greg by visiting:Website: https://greglouganis.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greglouganis/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greglouganisYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gregorylouganisTwitter: https://twitter.com/greglouganisLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Regional Manager at a Social Mobility Charity, Ambassador for Comfort Cases UK, Panel Advisor, Coach & Mentor with lived experience of going through the foster care system. Rosie has experience in both the private and non-profit sectors, and she is an advocate for positive change in society. She has a bachelor's degree in Law, a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business Law. She has recently completed a Level 5 Coaching Qualification to help individuals and businesses to achieve their goals.🖐️My journey into & through foster care/ overcoming perceived barriers/ importance of 🖐️Education  Why I’m involved/ an ambassador for comfort cases/ our mission/ what we’ve achieved so far🖐️How other people can get involved and support our missionYou can find out more about Laura by visiting: Facebook Rosie WainwrightInstagram @queenrozzaOther Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosiewainwright1/Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/ and for information regarding Comfort Cases UK, please visit: https://comfortcasesuk.org🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of Fostering Change Rob Scheer talks with Mindy Henderson, author, editor, speaker, advocate. Henderson is the author of THE TRUTH ABOUT THINGS THAT SUCK, A Motivational Speaker, Writer, Coach, Host of The Truth About Things That Suck podcast, guest contributor of “Morning Motivations” on CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” lifestyle morning show and was recently named an “Austin Woman to Watch” by Austin Woman Magazine. After a 20-year career in high-tech, Mindy shifted her focus toward helping others realize their potential and normalizing disability. Driven to build a world that welcomes and includes EVERYONE, Mindy advocates for universal design in air travel, architecture, and fashion.  Despite living life from a wheelchair, Mindy’s achievements include:   ● Bachelor and Master’s degrees         ●  Multiple singing appearances on national television (plus a CD recording with George Strait’s guitar and bass players accompanying her!)          ●  Public speaking addressing thousands of volunteers of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and addressing corporate executives for companies such as 7-11, VMware, NXP Semiconductors, 7-Up and CiscoStory Key Notes:🖐️ Mindy’s secrets to making things that suck, suck less including her companion podcast The Truth About Things That Suck🖐️ Mindy’s philosophy, “we can make the impossible possible”🖐️ Mindy’s journey from Texas to China to adopt her daughter (China is one of the least wheelchair accessible countries in the world)🖐️ Disability Pride Month🖐️ News from MDA.org including her high-profile guests on the Quest podcast such Judith Heumann, a legend of the disability rights movement.You can find out more about Mindy by visiting:Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MindyHendersonPageInstagram : https://www.instagram.com/mindyhendersonspeaks/The Truth About Things That Suck Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-things-that-suck/id1533438979MDA Quest podcast: https://www.mda.org/podcast🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired March 22, this is our first “Best of” episode, as we conclude Season 3.Rob Scheer talks with Anthony Trucks,Coach, Speaker, Author, Former NFL, CEO at Identity Shift.Anthony is an experienced president with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness and fitness industry. Strong business development professional skilled in Athlete Development, Coaching, Sales, Football, and Event Management.Key Story Notes: 🖐️The Six Types of Failure: Learn how to stop placing importance on fear of failing and learn instead to reframe failures as you learn when you fail forward. 🖐️The Difference Between Healthy Guilt and Unhealthy Guilt: It has the power to push you to become the version of yourself.🖐️Identity Shift: How to make a life change to find your true identityYou can find out more about Anthony by visiting:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyTrucks/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnthonyTrucksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonytrucks/Author Website: https://anthonytrucks.com/Learn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change,  Rob Scheer talks with Jessica Rudolph, CEO & Founder of My Very Own Blanket.My Very Own Blanket is a non-profit organization started in December of 1999, dedicated to comforting children in foster care with a blanket they can call “their very own”, bringing them love, comfort and most of all a SMILE.  Her aspirations are to help spread more love, comfort and hope to children in foster care across the nation and around the world! Named as one of the Sunny 95 Inaugural Event “20 Outstanding Women You Should Know” February 2008, she has also been named “Hometown Hero” by the City of Westerville and the Westerville Fire Division February 2010, She had the privilege of presenting a TED talk in 2016 at the TEDx Women’s Conference in Columbus, Ohio as well as receiving a Certificate of Commendation on behalf of the State of Ohio, from Ohio Secretary of State, Jon Husted, December 2017.  She most recently received the Kindness Award from Westerville Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi, December 2021.Jessica is also passionate about being involved in another global service club called Rotary where she holds the honor of “Past President” of the Short North Rotary Club in Columbus, Ohio and has hosted 12 exchange students from 12 different countries while raising her children.She is actively involved in her church, St. Mary Magdalene on the west side where she serves as a lector and Eucharistic minister and leads the Social Committee cooking meals for the congregation and community!Jessica lives in Dublin with her husband and many animals, both domestic and wild, and has 3 adult children who were the catalyst to how My Very Own Blanket came to be!Story Key Notes:🖐️ My Very Own Blanket🖐️ Jessica Rudolph’s Background🖐️ “20 Outstanding Women You Should Know”🖐️ “Hometown Hero”You can find out more about Jessica by visiting:Website: www.myveryownblanket.orgInstagram: myveryownblanket1999Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myveryownblanketLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/9405826/admin/Twitter: @MyVryOwnBlanketLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Fostering Change, Rob Scheer talks with Justin and Alexis Black. They are authors, speakers, business owners and part of the Forbes Next 1000 class of 2021. Together, they’ve published an award-winning, bestselling book titled Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love that has impacted over 15,000 individuals and families. With ROSE (Rising Over Societal Expectations) Empowerment Group and Redefining Normal, they hope to continue the conversation on healthy relationships, mental health, and healing through speaking engagements, trainings and book clubs.Story Key Notes:🖐️ We can go with the flow of what you think would be best for the podcast!🖐️ We have a youth workbook, upcoming faith workbook in July and children’s book in September🖐️”We’re pregnant!” (and since the date of this taping… have given birth!)You can find out more about Justin and Alexis by visiting:Website: re-definingnormal.comInstagram: @re.definingnormalFacebook: redefiningnormalmovementTiktok: @re.definingnormalLearn more at https://www.comfortcases.org/🎥 Watch the full video episodes on YouTube!Head over to Comfort Cases on YouTube to catch every inspiring conversation:👉 youtube.com/@comfortcases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.