Author: Emily and Gene Trowbridge

Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode, hosts Emily and Gene Trowbridge engage in a heartfelt conversation with Jessi, who shares her unique adoption story. Jessi was adopted by her biological aunt and uncle at the age of 12 after experiencing a tumultuous childhood marked by her mother’s struggles with addiction. The discussion delves into the complexities of family dynamics, the impact of foster care, and the importance of stability in the lives of adoptees. Jessi reflects on her relationships, trust issues, and the challenges of blending families as a parent. The episode concludes with Jessi offering advice to young adoptees, emphasizing the…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode we talked about Sharon’s adoption story and her journey to reconnect with her biological family. Sharon shares her earliest memory of being in a building in downtown Chicago and later finding out that it was the day she signed her adoption papers. She talks about the moment she found out she was adopted at the age of four and how it didn’t affect her much. Sharon also discusses her passion for figure skating and how it provided an escape and stability in her life. The conversation touches on the nature versus nurture debate and the importance…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify Ryan shares his adoption story, highlighting the circumstances surrounding his adoption and his relationship with his birth mother. He discusses how he never felt abandoned and always understood that his birth mother made the best decision for him. Ryan also talks about his curiosity about his biological family and his journey to connect with them. He shares his experience of meeting his birth mother and extended family, and how it felt to be in a room with people who look like him. Ryan emphasizes that while he appreciates his biological family, he feels more connected to the family he…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode, Gene, Emily, Kay, and their guest Loree discuss their experiences as adoptees. They explore topics such as name changes, the impact of adoption on family dynamics, and the search for biological parents. Loree shares her story of being adopted by her stepfather and the challenges she faced growing up. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding divorce in the 50s and 60s and the changing landscape of adoption laws. Overall, the episode provides insights into the complexities and emotions involved in the adoption journey. In this conversation, Loree and Gene discuss their experiences with adoption…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode, Gene Trowbridge and his family interview Jim Resha, who shares his adoption story. Jim grew up with his adoptive father, Ed, and had no recollection of his biological father, Sam. His adoption was finalized at the age of four, and his name was changed. At 19, Jim’s great uncle uncovered the identity of his biological father, leading to their first meeting. While Jim’s mother was supportive, Ed felt hurt by the reunion. Jim and his sister traveled to San Diego to meet their father, driven by curiosity and a desire to learn more about their past.…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted podcast, Gene and Emily Trowbridge interview Matt Faircloth about his adoption story. Matt was adopted at a young age and grew up with his adoptive parents and his sister. He always knew he was adopted and it was never a negative or burdensome experience for him. As he got older, he became curious about his biological parents and eventually started the search for them. He found his birth mother and had a positive relationship with her, but his birth father denied contact. Matt’s adoptive parents were supportive throughout his search,…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify  In this episode, the Gene, Emily and Paul Aubin discuss various aspects of the adoptee experience, including when they first learned they were adopted, feelings of difference and isolation, struggles with identity and abandonment, and the impact of adoption on relationships. They also touch on themes of shame, control, and the need for acceptance and validation. The conversation highlights the importance of knowing one’s heritage and the search for biological family. The hosts and guest share personal stories and reflections, providing insight into the unique challenges and emotions that adoptees may face. Paul shares his experience of being adopted…

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Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode, Gene and Emily interview Paul Aubin, author of the book Secrets of the Father, about his journey of finding his birth parents. Paul was told he was adopted at the age of five and later decided to search for his biological parents after discovering he had high cholesterol. The search was challenging in the pre-internet era, but Paul had a series of serendipitous events that led him to his birth mother. He shares his emotional reunion with her and the impact it had on his life. Paul Aubin shares his journey of searching for his birth…

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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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