Author: Emily and Gene Trowbridge

Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode, Emily and her mom, Kay, discuss the experiences and perspectives of being both an adoptee and an adoptive mother. They explore topics such as meeting birth parents, the importance of knowing one’s roots, the fear of rejection, and the impact of adoption on identity. They also discuss the role of adoptive parents in supporting their children’s desire to connect with their birth parents. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and emotions involved in adoption. In this conversation, Emily and Kay discuss various aspects of adoption from the perspective of an adoptive mother and an adoptee. They…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode, Emily and Gene Trowbridge, along with guest host Mick, discuss common misconceptions about adoption and how they deal with them. They also explore the experiences and challenges of being adopted, including feelings of rejection, the need to be grateful, and the pressure to please others. The conversation touches on the importance of open communication within adoptive families and the impact of not knowing one’s medical history. They also discuss the sense of difference and belonging in social situations as adoptees. The conversation explores the themes of rejection, identity, and the impact of adoption on relationships. Both…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode, the hosts and guest host Mick discuss their experiences with adoption. Mick, although not technically adopted, grew up with a stepfamily and considers himself adopted in a sense. The hosts share their stories of finding out they were adopted and their limited knowledge of their biological parents. They also discuss the adoption process and the difference between open and closed adoptions. In this conversation, Mick, Gene, and Emily discuss the impact of adoption on their lives, including themes of abandonment, trauma, and identity. They explore the emotional challenges and unique experiences that come with being adopted,…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode, Emily, Jean, and Kay discuss their adoption papers and the information they contain. They explore the differences in their papers, including names, birth certificates, and consent for adoption. They also discuss the significance of having two birth certificates and the potential challenges in searching for biological parents. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the contents of adoption papers and the impact they can have on an adoptee’s search for their origins. In this conversation, Emily and Gene Trowbridge discuss their adoption papers and the information they contain. They compare their experiences and the details they…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode, Gene and Emily Trowbridge discuss the concept of the primal wound in adoption. They explore the trauma that adoptees experience when they are separated from their biological mothers at birth. They discuss the impact of this trauma on adoptees’ relationships, emotional well-being, and sense of identity. They also touch on the importance of adoptive parents being open and honest with their children about their adoption. The conversation highlights the common experiences and challenges faced by adoptees and emphasizes the need for understanding and support. The conversation explores the concept of the primal wound in adoption and…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode, Emily, Gene, and Kay Trowbridge discuss what it’s like to be an adoptee and go through holidays. They explore the feelings of disconnection and the impact of traditions on adoptees. They also share personal experiences and discuss the importance of inclusivity and creating a sense of belonging for adoptees during holidays. The conversation explores the experiences of adoptees during holidays and how their adoptive parents can create a sense of belonging and stability. The hosts discuss the importance of creating family traditions and how these traditions can help adoptees feel included. They also touch on the…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted podcast, hosts Emily and Gene Trowbridge with guest Stephen discuss their experiences as adoptees. They explore topics such as when they first knew they were adopted, the circumstances of their adoptions, and the relationships with their birth parents. They also delve into the complex emotions and struggles that come with being adopted, including issues of identity, abandonment, and substance abuse. Stephen shares his journey of healing and finding stability through journaling, meditation, and focusing on his own personal growth. In this conversation, Stephen shares his experience of searching for and…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode, Emily and Gene Trowbridge discuss the themes of loss and grief in the context of adoption. They explore the concept of the ‘primal wound’ and how it can affect adoptees. They share their personal experiences with loss, including the death of a sibling and the loss of biological parents. They discuss how adoptees may handle loss differently and the importance of stability in their lives. They also touch on the topic of emotional attachment and the process of grieving as an adoptee.Story Notes: 🤝Loss is a major theme in adoption, starting with the ‘primal wound’ of…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode, Emily, Kay, and Gene Trowbridge discuss the story of Amy Trowbridge, Emily’s sister, and her struggles with adoption, addiction, and mental health. They explore how adoption may have played a role in Amy’s mental health and addiction issues. The conversation delves into Amy’s behavior changes in kindergarten, her promiscuity, feelings of emptiness and loneliness, and her suicide attempts. The Trowbridge reflect on their parenting and the impact of adoption on their family dynamics. They also discuss the importance of addressing adoption-related trauma and the need for nurturing and closeness in adoptees’ lives. This conversation delves into…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode, Gene and Kay Trowbridge interview their daughter Emily about her adoption story. Emily recalls asking her mom if she was adopted at a young age and how her mom confirmed it. She also remembers books that her mom read to her about adoption and how those books became a core memory for her. Emily shares the story of her adoption, including how her parents found out about her through a fortune cookie and the process of picking her up. She also discusses her feelings about being adopted, feeling special and chosen, but also experiencing moments of…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode, Gene Trowbridge shares his adoption journey and reflects on how being adopted has affected him. He discusses his early awareness of being adopted and the impact of the Mary Beth story, where a sibling was briefly brought into the family and then taken away. Gene shares his thoughts on loss and rejection as an adoptee and how it has shaped his perspective. He also talks about receiving his adoption papers at the age of 16 and his lack of interest in finding his biological father. In this conversation, Gene Trowbridge reflects on the influence of adoption…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode, Emily and Gene discuss the things that adoptees wish their adopted families knew. They explore topics such as the sense of loss that adoptees feel, the importance of grieving that loss, and the impact it can have on their ability to receive love. They also discuss the significance of thinking about their birth families, even if they don’t talk about it, and the need for open conversations about adoption. They touch on the issue of abandonment and how it can affect adoptees’ relationships. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding and empathy in adoptive families. In…

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