Episode 178: Learning and Growing Together - On Location at Foster Cooperative Training Day: Part 2

Episode 182: Life-Changing Connections in Foster Care

Summary:

In today's episode, we explore the profound impact of connections on well-being, particularly in the context of foster care. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the pivotal role of social connections in fostering healthy choices and better mental and physical health outcomes. However, many children entering foster care face profound disconnection from their familiar support networks, exacerbating challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression.

In Arizona, where the average foster child experiences two or more placements, the need for stable, nurturing relationships is starkly evident. Our guest, Freddie Hernandez, a former foster youth, shares his remarkable journey of resilience and transformation. With a degree in Digital Film and Video Production from The Art Institute of Phoenix, Freddie defied the odds, emerging as a beacon of hope in his community.

Join us as Freddie sheds light on how one caring adult can alter the trajectory of a young person's life. Through his passion for digital storytelling and filmmaking, Freddie exemplifies the power of connection and the ripple effect of mentorship. His story serves as a testament to the transformative potential inherent in human connection. We extend our gratitude to Freddie for lending his voice and invaluable experience to today's conversation. Tune in as we explore the profound impact of connection and the pathways to support and empower those navigating the foster care system.

Resource Links:

Foster Arizona | Foster & Adobt

Child Welfare Statistics: Arizona Children in Out-of-Home Care

Voices for CASA Children

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona

Get Involved

How Does Social Connectedness Affect Health? | CDC

Volunteer at Family Involvement Center

Book: Tattoos on the Heart

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Episode 181: It's OK to Say, "I'm Not OK."

Summary:

Today, it’s just the two of us, engaging in a candid conversation about mental health. Ironically, we find ourselves easing into a month dedicated to both mental health and foster care awareness. For those who have experienced life within the foster care system, the intricate connection between these two realms becomes evident. So, let’s dive into the spaces where our mental well-being has been profoundly affected and the valuable lessons we’ve gleaned along the way. With that, let’s begin this authentic conversation. 🌟

Resource Links:

Your Mental Health Today Test / Quiz

31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health

11 Ways to Find and Make Friends as an Adult

Foster Cooperative

The Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Episode 180: How Caregiver Stress Impacts Our Bodies

Summary:

In honor of Stress Awareness Month, our podcast delves into the crucial topic of stress reduction and self-care. While this is important for everyone, it holds even greater significance for caregivers of children with special needs and those working in social services fields. The toll of constant stress can adversely affect our health, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, inadequate sleep, lack of physical activity, and imbalanced diets. These factors increase the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

But how do we address this challenge? Today, we’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Jaime Parker, a seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience in health and wellness. Dr. Jaime wears multiple hats as a holistic health coach, fitness instructor, certified personal trainer, nutrition educator, and certified Pilates instructor. She has personally triumphed over numerous health obstacles.

Recently, I sought Dr. Jaime’s guidance in my own healing journey. The years of accumulated stress have taken their toll on both Brian and me. Dr. Jaime’s genuine empathy and understanding resonate deeply as she navigates the delicate balance between caring for others and prioritizing self-care. Her remarkable ability to meet people where they are, infused with love and encouragement, is something we’re excited to share with you today. Tune in as we explore simple yet impactful changes that can lead to stress relief and better health. 🎙️🌟

Resource Links:

Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself - Mayo Clinic

Bali Blue Wellness (Dr. Jaime Parker)

Products:

Amazon.com : Sunbutter Sunflower Butter Variety Pack 16 Oz, 3 Jars | Creamy, Crunch & ChocoIate | Bundled with ONDAGO Sandwich Spreader

https://shop.sprouts.com/search?search_term=honey%20mamas%20chocolate&search_is_autocomplete=true

https://yogiproducts.com/teas/herbal-teas/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmaxprospecting&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqdqvBhCPARIsANrmZhOQUZHc7GJqW4AHKachYwKxwcdQXtEDPT64YbD-Lq7t7o9YOtFz9uIaAkd-EALw_wcB

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Episode 179: What is Critical Memory Integration and How Can it Help?

Summary:

Today, we’re delving into an exciting new therapy modality called Critical Memory Integration. This groundbreaking approach focuses on healing trauma by exploring unresolved critical memories and integrating them with neutral memories, fostering resilience in individuals.

At the forefront of this creation, our incredible team of panelists joins us today. You might recognize one of our team members—Estefana Johnson—who shared her insights in our Valentine’s episode. Estefana is a cherished friend of Foster Arizona. Alongside Estefana, we have two remarkable psychologists: Dr. Brian Livesay and Dr. Diego Hernandez. Both experts bring extensive backgrounds in trauma care and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Over the past two years, I’ve eagerly followed the progress of this project, and it’s truly remarkable to witness its practical implementation locally and globally.

Resource Links:

Critical Memory Integration (CMI) - ARISE Alliance Institute

The trajectory of PTSD among youth in foster care: A survival analysis examining maltreatment experiences prior to entry into care.

How We Feel

Atlas of the Heart - Brené Brown

Lighthouse Psychiatry

Lt. Col Mann TEDx on Generosity of Scars

The Generosity of Scars | Scott Mann | TEDxSantaBarbara

Elizabeth Feldmann Barrett How Emotions are made

How Emotions are Made (Cinematic Lecture)

Luiz Pessoa: “The Entangled Brain: Integration of emotion, motivation, and cognition”

Luiz Pessoa: “The Entangled Brain: Integration of emotion, motivation, and cognition”

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Chapters:

00:00 - Opening

00:33 - Intro

02:03 - Dr. Brian Livesay

03:40 - Connection is Fundamental

04:35 - Dr. Diego Hernandez

05:23 - Did I Make a Difference?

06:38 - We Did Everything Together

08:07 - Estefana Johnson

09:57 - You were Made to Fly!

10:46 - It Starts with the Therapist

13:20 - Clinicians are more than Technicians

15:42 - Survival is not Enough

16:34 - Critical Memory Integration

18:24 - The Deepest Conversations

19:00 - We are Designed for Play

19:47 - Getting Through the Bad Feelings

21:54 - Recognizing the Signals

22:59 - Tactical Disclosure

25:02 - Power in Relatability

28:55 - Where does CMI Fit?

32:20 - Integrating CMI

35:08 - Critical Memories

36:14 - The Stories Movies Tell

37:15 - Full Access to your Emotions

40:21 - Teaching Kids to Experience Emotions

43:33 - Stories are Wisdom

44:18 - How to get this new Therapy

47:10 - New Understanding

48:03 - A Hub for Training

50:18 - Resources

51:15 - Final Thoughts

55:10 - Conclusion

55:40 - Thank You!

Episode 178: Learning and Growing Together - On Location at Foster Cooperative Training Day: Part 2

Summary:

Welcome back to the Fostering Voices podcast! In today’s episode, we’re picking up where we left off last week. Our microphones are live on location at Foster Cooperative’s first training day of 2024, where we’re soaking up knowledge and growing together. 🌱

Last time, you had the pleasure of meeting some of our incredible presenters. This week, get ready to hear from three more remarkable human beings. They’ll share their stories, insights, and passion for fostering. 🎙️

So, without further ado, let’s dive into this enriching conversation! Buckle up, because here we go! 🚀

Resource Links:

Foster Cooperative

PAX Arizona Initiative – PAXIS (Frances Holguin)

Mercy Care (Nichol Khan)

Bali Blue Wellness (Dr. Jaime Parker)

Connect with us!

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast

Instagram: @FosteringVoices

Web: www.fosterarizona.org