Adopt Perspective Adoption Podcast

What happens when an adopted person discovers that the story they were told about their beginnings wasn’t true? In this episode of Jigsaw Queensland’s Adopt Perspective , Jo speaks with Brazilian-born adoptee Erika Gitsham about her extraordinary search for her biological family - a search spanning more than 20 years, two countries, DNA testing, family trees, Facebook groups, lawyers, a private investigator, a police officer and countless dead ends. Adopted at birth in Brazil, Erika grew up believing that her biological mother had died during childbirth. It wasn’t until adulthood, as Erika began thinking about having children of her own, that her adoptive mother revealed the truth: her mother had not died and there was a document containing her name. That revelation began a search that would test Erika’s persistence and take an enormous emotional toll. Along the way, she confronted missing adoption records, misinformation, failed leads and even the heartbreak of believing she had found her mother, only for DNA testing to prove otherwise. Then, after decades of searching, everything changed. Erika finally received DNA confirmation connecting her to both sides of her biological family and travelled to Brazil, where she met her mother, siblings and extended family. This deeply personal conversation explores international adoption, identity and belonging, adoption search and reunion, DNA testing, the emotional cost of searching for biological family, relationships with adoptive parents, and what it means to finally see yourself reflected in the faces of people to whom you are biologically related. It is also a remarkable story of persistence, human kindness and Erika’s determination to answer one of the most fundamental questions many adopted people carry: Where do I come from? Keywords: adoption, reunion, DNA testing, intercountry adoption, family search, perseverance, identity, emotional journey Key topics: Intercountry adoption challenges, DNA testing and family confirmation, Emotional impact of reunion Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Erica's Journey 04:31 Childhood and Early Adoption Experiences 08:47 The Complex Search for Biological Family 13:18 The Emotional Toll of Searching 17:19 DNA Confirmation and Family Connections 22:36 Reunion with Biological Family 29:45 Reflections on Identity and Belonging 32:31 A New Chapter Begins This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠⁠⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠⁠⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠⁠⁠ ) Connect with us: Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

In this episode, Jo speaks with Helen Harrison, a New Zealand-born adopted person whose story is one of identity, loss, grief and the long journey towards finding a sense of self. Helen grew up as one of ten children in a large, multicultural family, with seven of the children adopted from different cultural backgrounds. As she grew older, she became increasingly aware of feeling disconnected from herself and learned to adapt, people-please and become what she describes as a "chameleon" in order to feel safe and accepted. Helen shares her experience of searching for her biological mother, being prevented from accessing identifying information for almost a decade, and the profound impact of later experiencing rejection in reunion. She also reflects on motherhood, relationships, hypervigilance, addiction and the devastating loss of two of her siblings to suicide. Through years of personal work, Helen came to understand that what she had spent much of her life searching for outside herself was something she ultimately needed to find within. It's a deeply reflective conversation about adoption, grief, belonging, self-trust and what it can mean to finally cone home to yourself. Keywords: adoption, identity, loss, resilience, self-trust, multicultural family, personal growth, emotional well-being, reunion, grief Chapters 00:00 Childhood in a Multicultural Family 02:24 The Impact of Scarcity and Survival 05:03 Adoption Dynamics and Family Changes 07:58 The Journey of Self-Discovery 10:43 Understanding Grief Through Adoption 13:17 Searching for Biological Roots 15:33 Navigating Rejection and Loss 18:19 Motherhood and Its Challenges 20:33 Connecting with Biological Family 23:36 Coping with Profound Loss 25:55 Unpacking Anger and Emotional Regulation 27:28 The Impact of Adoption on Relationships 31:07 Grappling with Addictions 34:16 Searching for Biological Roots 38:08 Reconnecting with the Adoptive Mother 42:44 Finding Self and Belonging 48:24 Empowerment and Self-Awareness Helen wrote a book about her experience titled, "Inner Wealth: From Pain to Purpose". You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Inner-Wealth-Purpose-Helen-Harrison-ebook/dp/B0DLLKKJHR/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Born in Ontario, Canada in 1965, Bill Stewart always knew he was adopted. What he didn't understand until much later was how profoundly that separation and the abuse he experienced growing up would shape his identity, relationships and sense of belonging. In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Bill reflects on growing up in a home where adoption couldn't be spoken about, surviving physical and emotional abuse, searching for his biological family before the internet, and navigating reunion with both of his parents. He speaks candidly about addiction, suicidal ideation, healing through nature, and the enduring impact of relinquishment throughout his life. One image stays with you long after the conversation ends: Bill describes himself as a branch grafted onto a tree that never quite grew as it should . It is a powerful metaphor for his experience of adoption and one that many adopted people may recognise. Before Bill's story begins, Jo also briefly explores Canada's history of forced adoption and the ongoing calls for a national apology and meaningful redress. This episode contains discussion of child abuse, addiction and suicidal ideation that some listeners may find distressing. Keywords: adoption, personal story, childhood trauma, identity, family, loss, resilience, Canada, search for roots, mental health Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bill Stewart's Story 01:35 Growing Up Adopted: Early Experiences 06:17 Family Dynamics and Abuse 08:52 The Search for Biological Family 12:26 Meeting Biological Family: Expectations vs. Reality 14:31 Reflections on Identity and Belonging 17:52 The Impact of Adoption on Mental Health 20:51 Conclusion and Hope for the Future 22:17 NEWCHAPTER For more information go to ⁠⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-AdoptionCentre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's ForcedAdoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In everyother state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients nowlive on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and theirunique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

When Rachel Tham set out to understand her mother's past, she uncovered a family history that changed everything she thought she knew about herself. What began as a search for her mother's origins became the discovery of hidden siblings, family secrets spanning generations, informal adoption, DNA revelations, and the profound intergenerational impacts of adoption. Although Rachel was never adopted herself, adoption shaped her identity in ways she could never have imagined. Through Ancestry DNA, historical records and extraordinary reunions, she pieced together a story that had been hidden for decades - one that reveals how adoption doesn't affect just one person or one generation. Its impacts ripple through families, relationships, identity and belonging for generations to come. In this deeply moving conversation, Rachel and Jo discuss: • The lifelong impact of family secrets and silence • Intergenerational trauma and adoption loss • Informal adoption and hidden family histories • Discovering three previously unknown brothers through DNA testing • Reunion, identity and belonging • The healing power of truth and lived experience • Why listening to those affected by adoption matters Rachel's story is a powerful reminder that adoption is never a single event. Its effects continue long after the legal process ends, shaping lives across generations. If this conversation resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, or share the episode to help amplify lived experience voices. Keywords: adoption, adoption trauma, intergenerational trauma, adoption reunion, ancestry DNA, family secrets, informal adoption, identity, genealogy, hidden family history, adoptee voices, adoption podcast, Jigsaw Queensland. Chapters 00:00 The Intergenerational Impact of Adoption 02:54 Uncovering Family Secrets 06:23 The Journey of Discovery 08:54 Exploring Ancestry and Family History 12:07 Connecting with Lost Family 14:49 The Unraveling Truth 20:29 Processing the Emotional Impact 23:09 Confronting Family Dynamics 26:59 Navigating Emotional Support in Adoption Processes 28:03 Uncovering Family Secrets: The Adoption Records 29:46 Identity Crisis: The Collapse of Family Narratives 31:06 Connecting with Siblings: The Journey of Discovery 36:06 Meeting Family: The Emotional Reunion 38:34 Exploring Maternal History: Unraveling the Past 43:43 Intergenerational Trauma: Understanding the Impact 46:06 Finding One's Voice: Healing Through Storytelling 48:59 Future Aspirations: Advocacy and Community Engagement This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook -Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or youcan call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to cultureand the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

What happens when lived experience becomes art? In this powerful episode of Adopt Perspective , we explore Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives – an original musical testimony that brings the hidden stories of Australia’s Forced Adoption Era to the stage through music, performance and truth-telling. Host Jo Sparrow speaks with Louise Kirk , a mother impacted by forced adoption who, as a teenager in the 1970s, was coerced into the adoption of her six-month-old son. Louise shares her deeply personal story of love, loss and lifelong grief, as well as her journey into advocacy and peer support for other mothers affected by adoption separation. They discuss how Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives is transforming lived experience into theatre, amplifying voices that have too often been silenced, and creating opportunities for healing through storytelling. The production team is also seeking more men affected by forced adoption to become involved by sharing their experiences and potentially performing as part of the project. Listen now and discover how creativity can honour memory, challenge silence and foster understanding. To find out more email: swagssbunbury@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Broken Bonds Fractured Lives 01:17 Louise Kirk's Personal Journey 11:23 The Impact of Forced Adoption 16:03 The Struggles of Reunion and Identity 17:38 Advocacy Through Art and Music 20:04 The Birth of a Song: Tiny Hands 21:04 From Concept to Performance: The Journey Begins 23:17 Emotional Resonance: The Power of Storytelling 25:27 Expanding the Narrative: Including Fathers and Male Perspectives 29:01 The Right to Know: Advocating for Adoption Awareness 30:29 Sharing Truths: The Importance of Lived Experiences 34:28 Invitation to Participate: Engaging Men in the Conversation Keywords: Adoption, forced adoption, storytelling, theatre, advocacy, mental health, trauma, reunion, public truth-telling, music, community support This episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

What happens when the story you were told about your conception begins to unravel? In this episode of Adopt Perspective, Jo Sparrow speaks with Katherine Dawson, creator of Origin Archives, about her experience as a donor conceived person, the shocking discoveries she made about her donor, the growing number of siblings she has found, and the serious questions her story raises about fertility clinics, records, health information, genetic identity and accountability. This conversation explores donor conception in Australia, Assisted Reproductive Technology, family secrets, biological truth, systemic failure and the power of lived experience to create change. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Donor Conception and Personal Stories 06:36 The Complexities of Identity and Family 14:35 Marketing and Perceptions of Donor Conception 24:14 Navigating Medical Concerns in Donor Conception 29:27 The Search for Identity and Siblings 33:22 Health Implications and Genetic Awareness 38:45 Creating Change Through Origin Archives Resources Origin Archives Donor Conceived Australia This episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Did you know that behind every adoption story, there’s a painful truth that’s rarely discussed? In this episode of the Adopt Perspective podcast, Jo Sparrow interviews Bev Shipway, who shares her harrowing experience of being coerced into giving up her son for adoption in Western Australia at the age of 17. Bev recounts the trauma of her pregnancy, the pressure from her family and the system, and the long-lasting effects of her adoption experience. She discusses the challenges of consent, the emotional turmoil of reconnecting with her son, and her journey towards healing. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of adoption, the impact of societal norms, and the importance of personal agency. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bev's Story 03:36 The System of Coercion and Secrecy 06:52 The Experience of Pregnancy and Birth 09:58 The Impact of Institutional Practices 12:49 The Aftermath of Adoption 16:28 Reflections on Consent and Freedom 23:27 The Weight of Silence 24:27 The Struggle for Connection 25:54 The Journey to Revocation 29:38 Reconnecting with the Past 32:51 Moments of Joy and Reflection 35:52 Defining Healing 37:13 Advice to the Younger Self This episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. SUBSCRIBE! If this conversationresonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or youcan call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to cultureand the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

In this episode, Jo Sparrow speaks with Caroline Liesegang about her journey of discovering her adoption at the age of 27. Caroline shares her experiences growing up in a family where all siblings were adopted but none were told the truth. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of secrecy, the complexities of trust in relationships, and the challenges of navigating family dynamics after such a revelation. Caroline reflects on her reunion with her biological family and the ongoing struggles with identity and belonging, offering insights for others who may find themselves in similar situations. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Discovery 04:39 The Impact of Secrecy 09:48 Navigating Trust and Relationships 15:17 Conversations with Adoptive Parents 20:07 Reunion with Biological Family 25:15 Reflections on Identity and Belonging 30:20 Understanding the Wider Experience This episode will resonate with adopted adults, late discovery adopted people, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

In this episode, Ben Straker shares his journey of self-discovery as an adopted person. He reflects on his childhood, the complexities of family dynamics, and the impact of adoption on his identity. Ben discusses the trauma associated with his birth experience and how it resurfaced during the birth of his own child. He explores the concept of the primal wound and the emotional turmoil of searching for his biological family. Despite facing rejection and unanswered questions, Ben emphasises the importance of finding peace and connection within himself and his family through ritual. Chapters 00:00 Ben's Adoption Journey 09:00 The Impact of Adoption on Identity 18:34 Trauma and the Birth Experience 22:10 Discovering the Primal Wound 28:15 Searching for Roots and Original Identity 30:53 Unpacking Identity and Adoption 33:37 Discovering Birth Family: The Search 37:31 The Emotional Impact of Discovery & Using ritual for healing 40:19 Navigating Silence and Rejection 50:12 The Search for Father: Challenges and Obstacles 56:08 Finding Peace in Unanswered Questions This episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Jeannot Farmer is from Glasgow, Scotland, although she is joining us today from Melbourne Australia where she is holidaying with family. In 1978 she lost her son to forced adoption. Thirty-one years later they were reunited. In more recent years, Jeannot has become a powerful advocate in Scotland’s forced adoption space. Jigsaw Qld first connected with Jeannot in 2023 when she reached out while undertaking a Churchill Fellowship. Her research explored what happened in Australia following our 2013 National Apology for Forced Adoptions so that Scotland could learn from our experience after its own national apology, delivered a decade later in the Scottish Parliament on 22 March 2023. Jeannot travelled to Australia in September 2023, meeting with advocates, support organisations and stakeholders across Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, including Jigsaw, and published her findings in 2024. In this episode she shares her personal story of losing her son to forced adoption and their reunion and how it led to her to stepping into the advocacy space, and what she learned about Australia's post national apology response. This episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, policy makers, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jeannot Farmer's Journey 04:58 The Birth Experience and Hospital Treatment 10:34 The Aftermath of Birth and Adoption Process 15:42 Reunion After 31 Years 34:58 The Journey of Connection 41:56 Isolation and the Power of Shared Stories 47:54 Advocacy and the Path to Apology 55:41 Insights from Australia: Adoption Policies and Support 🎧 If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. (scroll down) Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Felicity Lawson is an adopted person born at Hornsby Hospital, NSW in 1975. Over the past 32 years, she has searched for and reunited with both her mother and father - a long and complex journey marked by hope, heartbreak, and identity shifts. In this episode of Adopt Perspective , Felicity shares her lived experience of adoption reunion in Australia, reflecting on growing up adopted, navigating adoptive family dynamics, and the emotional realities of searching for biological parents. We also explore the broader legacy of the Forced Adoption Era (1940s–1980s) and the ripple effects of reunion - not just for adopted people, but for mothers, fathers, adoptive parents, siblings, partners and extended family members. Felicity is currently writing a resource book focused on adoption reunion in Australia, documenting lived experiences across the adoption community. In this conversation, she shares what reunion has taught her and how others can contribute to this important project. To find out more, you can email Felicity at adoptionreunion@outlook.com. If you are an adopted person, parent of loss, adoptive parent, sibling or child of an adopted person, or someone navigating search and reunion, this episode offers insight, validation and practical wisdom. Chapters 00:00 Felicity Lawson's Adoption Journey 08:57 The Impact of Reunion on Identity 15:51 Navigating Relationships with Birth Parents 22:51 Understanding the Forced Adoption Era 30:53 The Importance of Documenting Experiences 🎧 If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Paul Sunderland is a renowned addiction specialist and psychotherapist. With over 35 years of experience, Paul's groundbreaking work has illuminated the deep and often-overlooked links between adoption, trauma, and addiction. His powerful presentations, shared widely by the adoption community, have resonated with thousands around the world. In this episode, we explore the lifelong impact of early maternal separation, how adoption shapes identity and mental health, and why adopted people may face a heightened vulnerability to addiction. Whether you're an adopted person, a parent of loss, an adoptive parent, or a professional working in the therapeutic or community services space, Paul's wisdom offers invaluable understanding and hope. This episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. 🎧 If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. Titles Understanding Adoption and Addiction The Intersection of Trauma and Addiction Chapters 00:00 Meet Paul Sunderland: Addiction Specialist 01:25 Exploring Adoption, Trauma, and Addiction 07:24 The Impact of Adoption on Mental Health 11:10 Understanding PTSD and Complex PTSD 14:26 The Primal Wound and Addiction Vulnerability 18:01 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Soothing Patterns 23:10 The Role of Shame in Adoption Experiences 26:16 Types of Addiction Beyond Substance Abuse 32:05 Understanding Codependency in Adoption 39:19 Identity and Emotional Regulation Challenges 43:39 The Importance of Psychoeducation 47:49 Effective Therapy for Adopted Individuals 53:53 Self-Help Strategies for Adopted People 58:49 Supporting Adopted Individuals: The Role of Families 01:01:10 Professional Support for Adopted People 01:02:55 Final Thoughts on Recovery and Healing

In this episode of Adopt Perspective, Jo Sparrow speaks with Phil Kenwood, a father who shares his deeply personal story of losing a daughter to forced adoption in 1970. The conversation explores the emotional impact of adoption on fathers, the stigma surrounding men's mental health, and the importance of support groups. Phil discusses his journey of healing, the challenges of reconnecting with his daughter after many years, and the need for men to share their stories and seek help. The episode highlights the often unheard voices of fathers in the adoption narrative and emphasises the significance of empathy and support in the healing process. This episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. Takeaways Jigsaw Queensland has launched a men's support group for those affected by forced adoption. Phil Kenwood emphasizes the stigma that prevents many fathers from sharing their experiences. The coercive nature of the adoption process in the past left lasting emotional scars. Phil's experience illustrates the profound impact of losing a child to adoption. The reunion with his daughter brought both joy and emotional turmoil for Phil. Phil's journey highlights the importance of mental health support for fathers. Yoga and therapy have been crucial in Phil's healing process. The need for men to openly discuss their grief and experiences is vital. Phil believes that just one supportive person could have changed many adoption outcomes. The episode aims to raise awareness about the emotional struggles faced by fathers in adoption. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Men's Mental Health and Support Groups 02:03 Phil Kenwood's Journey: A Father's Perspective on Adoption 10:35 The Impact of Forced Adoption on Lives 18:07 Reunion and Its Emotional Toll 21:13 Healing and Support: Finding Peace 27:46 The Unheard Stories of Fathers in Adoption "If just one person had been supportive..." "I suffered from anxiety for years." "Men need to talk and not hold onto grief." 🎧 If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

In this episode, Jo Sparrow speaks with Tracy Graham, an adopted adult who shares her lived experience of adoption trauma, identity and reunion across the lifespan. Tracy reflects on growing up in her adoptive family, the silence and emotional harm she experienced, and how adoption loss shaped her sense of self. The conversation explores adoption identity, motherhood, and the emotional labour often carried by adopted adults, as well as the realities of adoption reunion. Tracy’s story highlights the power of truth-telling, reconnection, and the role of narrative in healing and meaning-making. 00:00 Tracy's Early Life and Adoption Experience 08:16 The Impact of Adoption on Identity 16:34 Moving to Australia: A New Beginning 18:34 Navigating Motherhood and Family Expectations 22:03 The Search for Biological Family 33:57 Discovering the Truth About Her Origins 36:10 The Impact of Early Separation 37:52 Navigating Relationships with Biological Family 40:15 Understanding Silence and Emotional Barriers 42:52 The Risk of Asking About the Past 45:22 Serendipity in Family Connections 49:53 Building Relationships with Siblings 52:34 The Complexity of Family Dynamics 58:30 Releasing Emotional Burdens 01:02:27 Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations This episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. 🎧 If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to ⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠ To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( ⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠ ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Adoption trauma, adoption identity, and adoption reunion are lifelong experiences for many adopted adults. In this episode of Adopt Perspective, Clare Cochrane shares her lived experience of adoption, reunion, and dual belonging. Clare was born in Perth in 1966 and adopted at just two weeks of age. She grew up knowing she was adopted and describes her experience as a “good adoption.” Yet, like many adopted adults, Clare has come to understand that good does not mean uncomplicated - and it does not mean without cost. Raised as the youngest of four children and the only adopted child in her family, Clare speaks about growing up feeling different, living across continents and cultures, and carrying both belonging and loss. As an adult, Clare experienced adoption reunion with her biological parents, who had married and raised other children...revealing the complex reality of biological connection without shared history, and shared history without biology. This conversation explores adoption trauma beyond simplified narratives, the shaping of adoption identity across the lifespan, and why reunion is a process rather than a moment. Clare reflects on guilt, divided loyalties, emotional walls built for survival, and the deep work of learning later in life to feel safe enough to be vulnerable. This episode will resonate with adopted adults, parents who lost children to adoption, siblings, adoptive parents, practitioners, and anyone seeking a deeper, more honest understanding of the lifelong impacts of adoption. Episode Chapters: 00:00 The Journey of Adoption and Identity 10:02 Navigating Dual Belonging and Family Dynamics 20:10 Reunion and the Complexity of Relationships 29:55 The Emotional Landscape of Adoption 40:09 Finding Self and Healing Through Vulnerability 🎧 If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more honest discussions about adoption, identity and the lived experience of adopted adults, mothers and fathers who lost children to adoption and therapists, researchers and policy makers in this space. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( www.jigsawqueensland.com ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Welcome to Adopt Perspective, a podcast for anyone affected by adoption. This podcast is a production of Jigsaw Queensland Inc., however the views expressed are those of the people participating, and not necessarily Jigsaw Queensland. The podcast discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland If you'd like to find out more, go to the podcast page on www.jigsawqueensland.com and you'll find a wealth of information and resources. To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form on the podcast page of the website. If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's Forced Adoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 33 58 66 66. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service number and your call will be answered by the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In every other state, Relationships Australia operates this service. A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

Today’s conversation is one that takes us across continents, cultures, and the complex search for identity that so many adopted people navigate. Ryan Anderson is an intercountry adoptee who now lives in Scotland. Ryan was born in Morocco and adopted at six months old after being found on the streets of El Jadida. He was fostered by a Moroccan family prior to being adopted at 3 months of age and came to live in Scotland with his adoptive parents in 1990 when he was 6 months old—but it wasn’t until he was 18 that Ryan even learned he was adopted. For 13 years, he kept that secret to himself, carrying the weight of shame, confusion, and longing. Today, Ryan is an advocate for adoptees and mental health awareness. His journey has taken him around the world—literally walking the streets of Morocco, appearing on Moroccan television in hopes of finding his biological family, and facing some very precarious situations along the way. Ryan is open about his struggles with identity, mental health, and substance use, and the steps he’s taken to heal. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( www.jigsawqueensland.com ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Born in 1972 in Toowoomba and adopted into a family in Boonah, Tammy Richie’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience and rediscovery. In this episode, Tammy shares her remarkable journey — from learning she’d lost her twin at birth to finding her biological family decades later. A veteran of the Australian military, mother and advocate, Tammy speaks with depth and honesty about trauma, love, and the spiritual threads that connect us across time and loss. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( www.jigsawqueensland.com ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

Today on Adopt Perspective, we're joined by South Australian filmmaker, writer, adoptee and advocate Heather Waters. Heather’s work explores the lasting impacts of adoption on identity, family, grief and belonging and one of her films will be showcased at an AdopTEA event at Carindale on 11 October 2025. Her films include The Lost Souls , You Should Be Grateful and You Were Chosen: Secrets of Closed Adoption — powerful projects challenging myths, secrecy and the expectations placed on adoptees. Heather has just released a companion book to You Should Be Grateful (2024), expanding on her interviews with adoptees. In this episode, Heather shares her journey, her creative work, and why giving voice to adoptees is essential for changing how society understands adoption. And we talk about Mental Health Month and the AdopTEA events that are scheduled to run throughout October. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( www.jigsawqueensland.com ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.

This week on Adopt Perspective podcast, we’re joined by Kim Rankin , who was born and adopted in Sydney in 1973. It would be another 27 years before Kim reunited with her mother, Karen Chaston — who shared her side of the story in our previous episode. Since that reunion, Kim and Karen have navigated the many highs and lows that adoption can bring. In this conversation, we’re honoured to hear Kim’s perspective on adoption, identity, and the long journey of building connection. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland ( www.jigsawqueensland.com ) Connect with us Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. #jigsawqueensland #josparrow #forcedadoption #fass #kimrankin #brisbanepodcast #queenslandpodcast #adoptionpodcast #adoptiontrauma