Barely Braided: A Disorderly Parenting Podcast
Alex Ellis
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A podcast community focused on supporting and discussing foster care, adoption and ALL things parenting - even the sticky stuff. Hosted by Alex Ellis.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Jan 30, 2023
Episode 54: Parenting Disciplining Styles, Rating Top 2022 Baby Names
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Jan 19, 2023
Episode 53: A Special Visitor for Christmas, Inspire Implant, & Panks
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Nov 12, 2022
Episode 52: Reading Reviews + Tips For a New Caseworker
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Oct 18, 2022
Episode 51: It's Ari's Adoption Day!!!
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Jun 27, 2022
Episode 50: Poop Stuff, Moving to Mexico? Life update as a South Dakotan
In this episode, Joel and I give a typical, off-balance life update regarding our adopted son, our foster daughter, and our lives as newly South Dakotans.
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May 3, 2022
Episode 49: Welcome to the Black Hills, South Dakota! + TPR Trial
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Mar 19, 2022
Episode 48: Hola from Tulum!
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Feb 7, 2022
Episode 47: Alex and Amy After Dark
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Jan 26, 2022
Episode 46: TikTok Live Podcast, Joel Tries a Ponytail, Christmas, Random Updates
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Nov 19, 2021
Episode 45: Life Update w/One of Our Favorite Foster Dads, Corey Taylor!
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Oct 28, 2021
Episode 44: What I Wish I Would Have Known & Couch Chats w/Joel
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Sep 29, 2021
Episode 43: Rita Soronen, CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
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Sep 24, 2021
Episode 42: Racism and Prejudice in Foster Care and Adoption
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Sep 12, 2021
Episode 41: Tips for Air Travel with an Infant or Toddler (or Two!)
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Aug 31, 2021
Episode 40: Doozy number twozey! Foster care updates w/the one & only, Joel
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Jul 7, 2021
Episode 39: This one's a doozy! Foster care updates and more with Joel and Alex
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Jun 1, 2021
Episode 38: Joel & Alex Couch Chats, Foster Updates, DCS Inefficiencies, Our Lives!
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May 19, 2021
Episode 37: International Adoption (India!) Chats w/Bio & Adoptive Mom/Children's Author, Amanda Wall
Amanda Wall, a biological mother of 2 and adoptive mother of 2, as well as Children's book author, tells the story of adopting her two daughters from India. She has documented their experience in a book called Finding Family in a Far-Away Land. Check out her website and purchase the book at www.amandawall.org.
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May 11, 2021
Episode 36: Chat with Kinship Foster/Adoptive Mom, Erin Bouchard
Erin is our foster/adoptive mom friend from Canada, and I was pleased to chat with her about double home studies, kinship foster care, and children who have experienced trauma. Here's where you can find her:
Love What Matters Article by Erin: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/when-will-i-be-adopted-by-another-family-he-couldnt-accept-he-was-safe-adoptive-mom/
Trauma Informed Parenting FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/watch/Trauma-Informed-Parenting-101773102021813/
Trauma Informed Parenting Website: https://www.traumainformedfosterparenting.com
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May 3, 2021
Episode 35: Interview with Adoption Attorney, Best-Selling Author, and Documentary Executive Producer, Natalie Chavis Fisher
Natalie Chavis Fisher is a best-selling author, third-generation attorney and executive producer for the feature documentary Foster Care: Perfect Imperfection. She is a leading expert in foster care adoption committed to helping improve the lives of vulnerable children and their caretakers. Natalie believes broken systems break children and has dedicated her life to help foster healing. She has been honored with the Congressional “Angel in Adoption” award for her work in child welfare.
Find her at the platforms below:
Website: https://www.chavisfisher.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChavisFisher (@ChavisFisher)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chavisfisher/ (@ChavisFisher)
Foster Care Docuseries: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/fcperfectimperfection
"Adopting Tiger" Novel: https://www.amazon.com/Adopting-Tiger-Chavis-Fisher/dp/0999456008
Foster Apparel and Novelty Store https://fosterbychavisfisher.com (15% discount for listeners, Code: BRAIDED2021)
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Apr 16, 2021
Episode 34: Chats w/Kayla Bias about Maintaining Birth Order, Foster-to-Adopt Programs, and Inquiring on AdoptUSKids
Let me apologize in advance for my audio quality! I was so excited to chat with Kayla from Ohio. She and her husband have 3-year-old twin biological children and they've recently become licensed for foster care as well as their local foster-to-adopt program. They're also involved in the process of inquiring about adoptive children on AdoptUSKids.org. Feel free to reach out to her with any questions at kayla.b.bias@gmail.com.
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Mar 22, 2021
Episode 33: Joel and Alex Talk Brand Cults, Grandpas, Ari Updates, Parenting, and The Gateway Process
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Mar 11, 2021
Episode 32: Conversation with Foster Parent, Will Myers, from The Foster Dad Podcast
I had the pleasure of speaking with Will from The Foster Dad podcast. He's a fairly new foster parent with tons of experience in his short time being involved in this crazy world! This episode is cross-posted to his platform as well. Check out The Foster Dad podcast on Instagram as well as all major podcast platforms.
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Mar 9, 2021
Episode 31: Conversation with Foster Parent, Phil Wheeler, from Finding the Joys in the Journey Podcast
In listening to Phil's podcast, Finding the Joys in the Journey, I realized that he and his wife have so many similarities with Joel and I. In this cross-posted episode, we discuss each of our stories as foster parents. Check out Finding the Joys in the Journey on all major podcast platforms.
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Feb 19, 2021
Episode 30: Hallie Riggs from Simply Smiles - Caring For Lakota Children on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation
Hallie Riggs is the Clinical Director at Simply Smiles, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing bright futures for children, their families, and their communities. Hallie works with Lakota children living on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota. One of their recent projects is a Children's Village which aims to provide housing and care for up to 36 children in their community. Reach Hallie by emailing hallie@simplysmiles.org or visit their website at www.simplysmiles.org.
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Jan 26, 2021
Episode 29: Chris & Ciera's Foster Care Story, Techless Wisephone, Infertility, & A Growing Family
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chris and Ciera, former foster parents in Texas. We discuss their foster care story as well as introduce listeners to a product they've created, the Techless Wisephone. The Wisephone is a stylish, smart, and SAFE alternative to cell phones for children and teens. It allows essential functions like calling and texting, with a sleek, stylish design. View the Wisephone here: https://techless.com/
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Jan 12, 2021
Episode 28: Nashville Bombing, Ari Foster Updates, Resolutions/Bucket Lists w/Joel Ellis
Joel and I sit down for another closet chat to discuss what's happening in Nashville and provide updates for Ari's case.
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Dec 17, 2020
Episode 27: Simon Benn Shares His Experiences & Insight as an Adoptee & Parenting Coach
I was so pleased to meet and speak with Simon Benn. The insight he shares as an adoptee is invaluable. He describes what he remembers of his adoption as an infant, his childhood, and how those experiences shaped him as an adult. We discuss personal development, identity, familial honesty, and more. To contact Simon, email simon@simonbenn.co.uk or visit his website at www.simonbenn.co.uk.
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Nov 13, 2020
Episode 26: All About Bethany Christian Services w/Kayla Reis, Jil Resendiz & Brooke Borchers
In this episode, Kayla, Jil and Brooke provide insight into the many facets of Bethany Christian Services. Many people associate their organization as an adoption agency but in reality, they offer so much more! Kayla, Jil and Brooke kindly offer their contact information for anyone hoping to reach them with further questions:
Kayla Reis (Therapeutic Foster Care): kreis@bethany.org
Jil Resendiz (Transitional Foster Care): jresendiz@bethany.org
Brooke Borchers (Foster Parent Licensing): bborchers@bethany.org
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Nov 6, 2020
Episode 25: Interview w/Former Foster Youth, Child Welfare Advocate and Podcast Host, Pauline Goldsmith-Johnson
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with a former foster youth who has taken her experiences with childhood trauma, foster care and adoption, to better serve the community through continued advocacy work. Check out her podcast, Foster Features, available on all major podcast platforms.
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Nov 4, 2020
Episode 24: Interview w/Krislyn from Best Kids, Inc., a DC-based Foster Youth Mentoring Program
Krislyn Mossman is the Executive Director at Best Kids, Inc., a one-on-one volunteer mentoring organization providing services to youth in foster care. Get involved here: https://www.bestkids.org/get-involved.html
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Oct 29, 2020
Episode 23: Welcome to the Dad-isode w/Joel & Dale Felton
I gotta be honest - the idea of letting Joel and Dale loose in the podcast room was a little scary, but they absolutely killed it! They discuss their friendship, their families, and provide dad advice in this heartfelt conversation from two great dads.
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Oct 12, 2020
Episode 22: Interview w/Michelle Batten, MS from Hopeful Connections Parenting
Michelle Batten, MS, is a TBRI® Educator and ACPI Certified Parent Coach with a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. She is also the owner of Hopeful Connections Parenting, a service available to parents nationwide in need of assistance in creating a healing home.
Visit her website at www.hopeparenting.com or send her an email at michelle@hopeparenting.com
Find more information about Safe & Sound Protocol: https://integratedlistening.com/science-of-feeling-safe/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sharpspring&sslid=MzM0MTSxNDQ0tDA0BAA&sseid=MzI0NDU1NTayMAYA&jobid=764e62e4-05ac-4d59-939a-1fb88b4b72a6
We also discussed the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development. More information is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBW9RKLvTR5C46ey7gy3NuA
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Oct 7, 2020
Episode 21: Interview w/author, foster/adoptive mom, bio mom and high school teacher, Ginger Baerg
In episode 21, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Ginger Baerg. Her family began with 3 biological children before she and her husband began fostercare. From fostercare, they went on to adopt 2 children, and she's authored a children's book (written from the perspective of her oldest son) about her family and their journey. Sign up to be notified when the book becomes available at www.mypatchworkfamilybook.com.
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Sep 26, 2020
Episode 20: TikTok Famous, Traveling w/Infants, & Joel and Alex's Bucket Lists
I get to sit down for another joyous episode with my husband, Joel. We talk about my new-found TikTok fame, our recent trip with both babies, and what's on our bucket lists.
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Aug 9, 2020
Episode 18: We bought a house! Flying with babies, Ari update and weekend chats w/Joel
Joel and I take a break from our weekend to provide an update on our crazy busy lives. From buying a new house to working full time to fostering to everything in between, we definitely have a lot on our plates right now!
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Jul 7, 2020
Episode 17: Pregnancy Loss and Happily Ever After Adoption w/David & Michelle Saint Martin
Our friends across the pond, David and Michelle Saint Martin from the UK, tell their story of multiple pregnancy losses as well as the adoption of their son. Learn more by checking out their video journey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/blueiesaint1
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Jun 19, 2020
Episode 16: Newly Licensed Foster Mom - Shelby Ballard from Iowa Talks Myasthenia Gravis & Foster Parent Training
I had the pleasure of interviewing newly-licensed foster mom, Shelby Ballard. Shelby lives in Iowa, and talks about her experience living with chronic illness, Myasthenia Gravis. She is the author of Chronically Caring blog, which can be found at www.chronicallycaringblog.com.
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May 30, 2020
Episode 15: Emancipation, Infertility/IVF & Foster Care with guest Hannah Nelson
I recently had the honor of interviewing Hannah Nelson. She graciously shares her story about being emancipated at 16, infertility and IVF, and being a foster parent.
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May 24, 2020
Episode 14: Interview with Treatment Foster Care Mama Stacy Roof
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Stacy Roof, the mama of a treatment foster care home. She explains the difference between treatment foster care vs. traditional foster care, and tells her story as both a bio and foster mama.
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May 19, 2020
Episode 13: Pregnancy, Infant Loss and New Foster Parent Life w/Lydia Gerber
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing the beautiful Lydia Gerber, a bio mama, NICU mama and a (fairly) new foster mama from the Minnesota/North Dakota area. She shares her journey about infant loss and entering the fostercare world.
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May 12, 2020
Episode 12: Foster Daughter Updates, (Not Funny) Jokes & Weeknight Chats w/Joel Ellis
In this episode, Joel and I have a casual chat about our foster daughter, our adopted son and what's going on this week!
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Apr 24, 2020
Episode 11: Interview with 22 Year Old, Single Foster Dad Corey Taylor
Corey Taylor was an absolute pleasure to speak with. He talks about his journey becoming an approved foster dad at only 22 years old, his current placement, and his experience on this crazy rollercoaster.
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Apr 15, 2020
Episode 10: Parenting During COVID, Isolation, Foster Update, Kentucky Bourbon & Random Chats w/Joel Ellis
In this episode, Joel and I sit down for a casual chat about what's going on in our world right now. Big thanks to Reuben Andrews for editing this weeks episode!
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Mar 18, 2020
Episode 9: Interview with Adoption Attorney Anne Austin - Expert in DCS/Private Adoptions, Adoption Assistance, Juvenile Law, TPR
This episode is jam-packed with information about DCS/private/independent/agency adoptions in Tennessee. I had the honor of interviewing the lovely Anne Austin, who provided loads of information based on her decades of expertise.
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Mar 11, 2020
Episode 8: Nashville/Mid-TN Tornado, Our Current Foster Placement, We're being put on a PIP!, Continuing Education for Foster Parents
In this episode, I recap recent events like the Nashville/Mid-TN tornado and the Evelyn Boswell case. I also tell the story about DCS threatening to put our foster family on a PIP (personal improvement plan), as well as discuss our current foster daughter placement.
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Mar 4, 2020
Episode 7: Interview on Adoption, Infertility, Pregnancy Loss & Foster Parenting w/Guest Barbara Goodman
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Barbara Goodman. This amazing mama was adopted as a child and tells her story of adoption, infertility, pregnancy loss and foster parenting.
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Feb 18, 2020
Episode 6: Really Irritating Things, Holiday Chats
In this impromptu, casual episode, join me in discussing the things that are really irritating to me these days (long Starbucks orders, bad drivers and unclear packaging just to name a few), as well as a few things that I'm really loving.
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Feb 8, 2020
Episode 5: Adoption Day!
In this short bonus episode, we discuss all that happened during our recent adoption day! Big thanks to this weeks editor, Reuben Andrews.
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Feb 3, 2020
Episode 4: Guess the Baby Product, DCS Nashville Fails Big Time and Saturday Chats with Joel Ellis
On this episode, we discuss a huge DCS fail that recently hit the news, our frustration with foster care continuing education, our upcoming adoption (this week!!!) and Joel plays "Guess the Baby Product". Big thanks to this weeks editor, Reuben Andrews.
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Jan 31, 2020
Episode 3: The Foster Care Homestudy Process In Depth with Alex Ellis
This week, we're taking a dive into all requirements necessary to complete the foster care homestudy through Tennessee DCS prior to becoming approved foster parents. Big thanks to Reuben Andrews as this weeks editor. Also, take a drink (beverage of your choosing) every time you hear the word “basically” or “however” during this episode.
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Jan 20, 2020
Episode 2: So you wanna be a foster parent? Q & A with Alex Ellis
Join us for a Q & A session where we've collected questions from our Instagram page and answered some of the most commonly discussed questions surrounding foster care and adoption.
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Jan 19, 2020
Episode 1: Our Foster Care & Adoption Story with Co-Host Joel Ellis
Welcome to Episode 1! Joined by my husband and co-host, Joel, we skim over our journey in foster care and adoption.
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Jan 18, 2020
Barely Braided Trailer: ALL The Sticky Stuff
Welcome to Barely Braided! Where we'll discuss foster care, adoption and ALL things parenting - even the sticky stuff. Hosted by Alex Ellis.
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