Episodes

Are you thinking about searching for your birth mom but don’t know where to begin? In this episode, Kim and Heather walk you through how to start the search, who to contact depending on the type of adoption (private, state, or international), and how to approach the conversation with your adoptive parents.

Let’s Talk Adoption, host Kim King sits down with Alice H. Murray — award-winning writer, longtime adoption attorney, and author of God Adopted Us First: Faith Lessons From an Adoption Attorney’s Adventures. With over three decades of experience guiding adoptive families, Alice shares the joys and challenges of her work, how faith shaped her practice, and the surprising ways humor and miracles showed up in the middle of serious legal moments.

In this episode of the “Wait, What? Unexpected Things in Adoption” series, Heather and Kim share heartfelt insights from the voices often least heard in adoption — birth mothers. Discover the surprising “wait, what?!” moments they experience: the mix of deep love and grief, the comfort that open adoption can bring, the empowerment of planning an adoption their way, and the realization that the perfect family for their child truly exists. You’ll also hear how birth fathers can have a role in the ...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption with Heather & Kim, we explore those “wait—what?!” moments every adoptee experiences. From realizing many birth moms chose adoption out of love, to understanding that identity grows over time, and that reunion isn’t always the ending imagined — we unpack the layers of adoption and what adoptees wish people knew.  Join us for encouragement, reflection, and a reminder: your story is complex, meaningful, and still unfolding.

Adoption can be one of the most meaningful journeys a family ever takes — but it’s also one of the most confusing. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather unpack the biggest “Wait, what?” moments that hopeful adoptive parents experience as they begin their journey.

Infertility, loss, and the waiting that comes before adoption can strain even the strongest marriages. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather share practical tips and biblical guidance to help couples stay connected, communicate openly, and keep their marriage strong while navigating the journey to parenthood. From date-night conversation prompts to faith-filled encouragement and actionable ways to process grief together, this episode offers hope and support for couples facing o...

Communication is the heartbeat of every adoption journey. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, hosts Kim and Heather dive into the importance of clear, honest conversations on every level—between spouses, with friends and family, with adoption professionals, with your child’s birth mother, and with your child as they grow. You'll hear practical tips for navigating sensitive conversations, setting healthy boundaries, and building trust at every stage of the process Whether you’re just beginn...

In this important episode of Let's Talk Adoption, hosts Heather Featherston and Kim King address a difficult topic: emotional scams targeting hopeful adoptive families. Although adoption scams are rare, understanding how they work is crucial for protecting yourself on your adoption journey. The hosts discuss a recent high-profile federal case that highlights the devastating impact of emotional scams. Unlike financial scams focused on money, emotional scams revolve around manipulation for attenti...

At a recent conference, someone asked: "Are there actual studies that prove open adoption is good for children?" In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim dive into the research and share findings from decades of studies on open adoption. We’ll explore what the evidence shows about benefits for adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents — and also talk honestly about the challenges and situations where openness may not be possible or wise. If you’ve ever wondered whether open ad...

Adoption doesn’t end on the day the papers are signed—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King sits down with adoptive mom and blogger MaryAnne Budden of Openly Parenting to talk about the joys, surprises, and challenges of parenting after placement. MaryAnne shares her family’s experience with open adoption, how staying connected with her daughter’s birth mother has been both meaningful and practical, and what she wishes she had known before bec...

Adopting a child doesn’t always mean adopting a newborn. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather break down the three main ways families can adopt a child who’s already been born: foster care adoption, international adoption, and private/independent adoption. Learn what each path involves, from costs and timelines to the emotional realities and do’s and don’ts you’ll want to know. If you’ve been wondering where to start—or which option might be the best fit for your family—this e...

Adoption conversations on social media often swing between two extremes: either it’s celebrated as the ultimate act of love, or condemned as harmful and exploitative. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim unpack why adoption gets painted in such black-and-white terms online. Together, they explore the truths behind both perspectives, ask the hard questions adoption raises, and offer practical ways to sort through the noise. If you’ve ever felt discouraged or confused by what yo...

Starting the adoption process can feel exciting and overwhelming. Many hopeful parents find themselves waiting for the “perfect” time: for more savings, fewer risks, or the feeling that every detail is in place. But what if waiting is actually holding you back from becoming the parent you’re meant to be? In this episode of the Let’s Talk Adoption Podcast, hosts Kim King and Heather Featherston dive into one of the biggest questions adoptive families face: When is the right time to start adoption...

Is adoption right for every couple? In this candid conversation, Heather and Kim explore the heart-check questions every hopeful parent should ask before starting the adoption process. From emotional and relational readiness to practical considerations and motivations, they share real-world insight from years of working with adoptive families. You’ll hear why adoption isn’t a one-size-fits-all path, the difference between healthy and unhealthy reasons to adopt, and how to know when it might be t...

If you're adopting or even considering it, this episode is a must-listen. Heather and Kim break down the latest updates to the federal Adoption Tax Credit, including the new 2025 limit of $17,280, partial refundability, and expanded access for families with lower or moderate incomes. We explain what the credit is, how it works, and what makes the changes in the “Big Beautiful Bill” so impactful. You’ll also learn how the special needs exception can benefit families, how tribal governments now pl...

Starting the adoption process can feel overwhelming—but what if a little honest insight could save you heartache and set you up for success? In this episode, Heather and Kim share the top three things every hopeful adoptive family should know before beginning their newborn domestic adoption journey. From shifting your mindset away from “purchasing a baby” to preparing for unexpected twists and honoring the birth mother’s role, this conversation is filled with real talk, wisdom, and encouragement...

Feeling lost in the alphabet soup of adoption? In this episode, Heather and Kim decode the most common acronyms used in the adoption world—from ICPC and TPR to PRE, AP, and even PPC. You’ll laugh, learn, and leave feeling more confident about what those mysterious letters actually mean. Plus, we share a few made-up acronyms that perfectly describe the emotional rollercoaster of adoption. What You'll Learn: What ICPC is—and why it keeps you stuck in the hotel longer than expected The respectful w...

Meet the Host – Kim King

Meet the Host: Heather Featherston

Welcome to the Let’s Talk Adoption, the original adoption podcast. This is where real stories meet real conversations. Whether you’re an adoptee, a birth parent, an adoptive parent, or someone navigating the complexities of the adoption journey, this is your space.This season, we’re diving deeper—more voices, more truth, more heart. We’re covering all things adoption. So subscribe today and join us every week as we talk, listen, learn—and grow together. Because adoption isn’t one story. It’s ma...

Guest: Heather Featherston This show offers tips and secrets for financing your adoption and how to find new ways to help fund your adoption. Also discussed are ways to budget and to save money when making baby-related purchases.

Guest: Melanie Beth Mosberg Birth mother Melanie Beth Moseberg discusses the importance of the relationship between the adoptive family and the birth parent(s), and offers tips for making that relationship go smoothly.

Guest: Dr. Charles Sophy What can you expect if your child has been exposed to pre-natal drug abuse? In the second part of this two-part program, Dr. Sophy talks about the effects of drug and alcohol on a child after birth, what parents can anticipate, and services that are available.