In episode 198, we’re speaking with Alycia Pinizzotto of Story International in Guatemala about piloting foster care in a new context, parenting teens and ministering in the midst of tragedy. Alycia brings a lot of first-hand experience and thoughtful reflections on ministering to orphans and vulnerable children, not only in Guatemala but in the US system as well.

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In episode 197, we’re speaking with author, professor and mother Brittany Salmon about the in’s and out’s of cross-cultural and trans-racial adoption. We learn not only from her family’s experience but also research and writing that she’s put together in her new book, It Takes More Than Love. After the interview, Brandon and Phil discuss race a little further and emphasize the importance of listening and building towards unity.

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In episode 196, we’re talking with Tori Hope Petersen. Tori is an author, speaker and foster care advocate with lived experience in the system (oh, yeah, she’s also Mrs. Universe). We discuss what foster care looks like from the inside, what changes ought to be made and what compelled Tori to go from being a foster youth, to now welcoming kids in to her home as a parent.

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In episode 189, we’re talking with Sinet Chan and Grace Njeri who sit on the USAID Care Leavers Council and are recipients of Miracle Foundation’s Youth for Social Impact award. They share their personal experiences of what it was like to grow up in an orphanage and the years thereafter. Hear what they are doing now to help impact future adolescents coming out of institutionalized care.

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In episode 186, you will hear from the crew at SFAC: Mick Pease, Dan Hope and Dr Caitlin Lance Hope. They get into an array of topics with Phil and Brandon around child protection, family care services and what they’ve learned from years working in global child welfare.

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In episode 185, you will hear from Tamrat Kebede who is the Ethiopia Director for Selamta Family Project. Tamrat talks with Phil and Brandon about his own experience growing up in an orphanage and how that has informed his work overseeing Selamta’s family and community based model of care. Tamrat also explains the current conflict unfolding in Ethiopia and how that is adversely affecting orphans and vulnerable children in the country.

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In episode 177, you will hear from children’s rights advocate and global voice for care leavers, Ruth Wacuka. She’ll be talking with us about the importance of engaging care leavers beyond just hearing their stories, but collaborating on actual care programming and reforms. 

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In this recast Episode 168, you will hear from Josh Shipp, author of the best-selling book, The Teen’s Guide to World Domination, global youth empowerment expert, and acclaimed speaker. Continue reading →

In Episode 130, you will hear from Juan Porto, Director of Back2Back’s ministry in Monterrey, Mexico, talking with Phil about: 
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