All Episodes

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S1 E42 Apr 23, 2025

A Lively Conversation on Congregate Care and Celebrating a Century of Caring for Kids with Scott Fuller

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes speak with Scott Fuller, Vice President of Advancement at Murphy Harpst Chi...

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S1 E41 Apr 16, 2025

How to Bridge Holistic Sleep Principles and Trauma-Informed Care with Allison Ezell

In this conversation, Allison Ezell shares her journey into becoming a pediatric sleep consultant, driven by her experiences with her son Brooks, who faced significant...

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S1 E40 Apr 09, 2025

Fostering Resilience: Humor and Play as Tools for Felt Safety with Brian, Travis, and Courtney

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis explore the significance of play and humor in parenting, particularly in the context ...

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S1 E39 Apr 02, 2025

Mentoring and the Power of Changing Lives Through Love and Support with Kim Swilpa

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis and Courtney speak with Kim Swilpa, the Executive Director of New Jersey Angels. Kim shares her unique jou...

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S1 E38 Mar 26, 2025

4 Healthy Habits You Need to Incorporate as a Foster Parent with Nicole Barlow

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams welcome Nicole Barlow, a former foster parent and health and wellness coach, to...

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S1 E37 Mar 19, 2025

How to Foster Faithfully through Generous Hospitality with Abby Crooks

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Travis engage with Abby Crooks, a veteran foster parent and founder of Fostering Faithfully. Abby sh...

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S1 E36 Mar 12, 2025

What Foster Families Wish Caseworkers Knew and What Caseworkers Wish Foster Families Knew with Brian, Travis, and Courtney

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis discuss the vital role of social workers in foster care, especially during Social Wor...

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S1 E35 Mar 05, 2025

His Faith Became the Catalyst to Overcome Dark Times in Foster Care with Michael Weitzman

In this conversation, Michael Weitzman shares his profound journey from growing up in the foster care system to becoming an advocate for vulnerable children. Michael's...

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S1 E34 Feb 26, 2025

Cultivating Connection: Building Stronger Relationships in the Kitchen with Chef Kibby

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, Chef Kibby shares his unique journey as a foster adoptive parent and professional chef. He discusses how the pandemic f...

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S1 E33 Feb 19, 2025

Teens Openly Share Their Experiences as Birth Children in a Foster Home with Eli and Ayla Williams

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams engages in a heartfelt conversation with her children Eli and Ayla about their experiences growi...

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S1 E32 Feb 12, 2025

A Powerful Journey From Foster Care to Foster Parenting with Melissa Smallwood

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Melissa Smallwood shares her profound journey through the foster care system, her experiences as a young mother, and th...

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S1 E31 Feb 05, 2025

The Staggering and Perpetual Problem of Too Many Foster Families Quitting with Brian, Travis, and Courtney

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Travis, and Courtney discuss the challenges faced by foster parents, particularly the high attrition rates...

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S1 E30 Jan 29, 2025

Helping Kids and Families Heal Through the Power of Connection with Jenni Lord

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, our hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams interview Jenni Lord, founder of the nonprofit CHOSEN. Jenny shares her per...

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S1 E29 Jan 22, 2025

Helpful Insights on Birth Children in Foster and Adoptive Families with Daniela Coats

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian and Courtney engage in a heartfelt conversation with Danielle Coates, who shares her unique experiences gro...

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S1 E28 Jan 15, 2025

We Don't Age Out of Needing a Family: Teens in Foster Care with Tracee Rudd

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview Tracy Rudd, State Director of Colorado Kids Belong. Tracy shares ...

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S1 E27 Jan 08, 2025

A Lively Foster Care Conversation with Focus on the Family’s Dr. Sharen Ford

In this episode of the Fosterer Friendly podcast, Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Dr. Sharen Ford, a nationally recognized child welfare consultant with ...

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S1 E26 Jan 02, 2025

Foster Care 101: Things You Don’t Need to Do to Be Foster Parents with Brian, Travis, and Courtney

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian, Travis, and Courtney discuss the realities of foster parenting, focusing on what foster parents don't need...

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S1 E25 Dec 27, 2024

The Importance of Water Safety Lessons for Kids in Foster Care with Sarah Boyd

In this episode, Travis and Courtney are joined by Sarah Boyd from Aqua-Tots. Aqua-Tots offers swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities, with a focus on...

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S1 E24 Dec 18, 2024

Caring for Yourselves Better as a Foster Family with Rebecca Harvin and Stacy Lasonde

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes discuss the critical issues surrounding foster care, particularly the high ...

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S1 E23 Dec 11, 2024

Foster Mom Inspiring Her City to Better Support Families with Cayela Moody

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Cayela Moody, a passionate advocate for foster care and community s...