Fostering Voices Podcast

About Fostering Voices Podcast

A Foster Arizona podcast featuring Authentic Conversations with Real People talking all things Foster Care and beyond. Hosted by Kim and Brian Vehon.

Publisher

Foster Arizona

Category

kids & family · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Jan 2018

Latest episode

12 May 2026

Latest episodes

231 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 May 2026

   Episode 231: High Risk: What Weed is Doing to Young Brains

   Summary: Fostering Voices returns with an important conversation about marijuana use among young adults and why the growing normalization of cannabis may carry deeper consequences than many realize. Brian and Kim explore the impact legalization has had on youth, especially those connected to foster care, housing instability, and mental health challenges. This episode examines emerging research linking cannabis use to increased risks for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, school disruption, impaired driving, and long-term instability. The discussion also highlights why vulnerable youth populations may face even greater risks and how substance use can affect motivation, relationships, education, employment, and housing outcomes. Most importantly, this conversation approaches addiction with compassion rather than judgment. Brian and Kim discuss what may be happening beneath the surface in a young person's life and share practical pathways toward help, including support groups, behavioral health services, outpatient care, and inpatient treatment options. Join us for a thoughtful and honest discussion about youth, mental health, and hope. Resource Links: Risk of Adolescent and Young Adult Cannabis Use https://ncsacw.acf.gov/files/cannabis-tipsheet4.pdf Adolescent Cannabis Use and Risk of Psychotic, Bipolar, Depressive, and Anxiety Disorders | Health Policy | JAMA Health Forum | JAMA Network Driving under the influence of cannabis and alcohol: Evidence from a national sample of young drivers - PMC Marijuana Use Tied to Worse School Outcomes for Teens | Just Think Twice Not My Kid - Resource Arizona notMYkid (https://www.notmykid.org/) Substance Use Resources For Adolescents and Young Adults – SAHM National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues | SAMHSA   1-800-662-4357 Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.org Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

2. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Episode 230: A Grown Up Love Story: Adoption after Later Stages

   Summary: Today, we're joined by Leah and Brian from the Gift of Adoption Fund to explore how families are supported as they welcome youth who have faced adversity into permanent, loving homes. With more than 6,500 children served and over $22 million in adoption funding provided, their work is creating tangible pathways to stability and belonging. While many people associate adoption with infants, this conversation broadens the lens to highlight critical needs within our communities. Leah and Brian share their personal journeys into adoption advocacy, what drew them to this work, and the moments that have shaped their impact. We also take a closer look at the realities inside the foster care system, including guardianship transitions, relative licensing, private adoptions from foster care, and the role of pre-adoption grants. Beyond the system, we discuss emerging needs like young adult adoptions, what families should expect in the process, and why stepping into this space matters now more than ever. This episode offers both insight and inspiration, grounded in real stories of lives changed through connection and commitment. Resource Links: Gift of Adoption Grants Apply for a Gift of Adoption Grant Now (https://giftofadoption.org/apply-for-a-grant/) Foster Arizona - Learn more about foster care and adoption Foster Arizona | Foster & Adobt (https://fosterarizona.org/foster-and-adopt)Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.org Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

3. 

   7 Apr 2026

   Episode 229: ENOLA: You're Not Alone

   Summary: Isolation is one of the most consistent challenges we hear from the young adults we serve. Many feel like they are navigating life on their own, and that sense of disconnection doesn't just affect them—it impacts their families as well. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to break that isolation and how we can step in with meaningful support. We're joined by Wendi Cross, author of Not Forgotten and CEO of xHope. Wendi shares how her personal journey—including adoption, ministry, and building community—shaped her passion for helping others experience connection. Her story highlights how access to relationships and resources can shift not just circumstances, but mindset. We talk about the real need behind the issue: connection. What happens when it's present, and what happens when it's missing. Through stories and practical insight, this conversation brings clarity to the role we can all play. Finally, we ask a simple but challenging question: what does it look like to be a safe connection for someone else? From recognizing healthy relationships to showing up with encouragement, honesty, and awareness, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful path forward. Resource Links: Not Forgotten by Wendi Cross: Book | X Hope Inc xHOPE Missions (https://www.xhopemissions.org/) Connect with us! Email: info@fosteraz.org Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast Instagram: @FosteringVoices Web: www.fosterarizona.org

Who has been a guest on Fostering Voices Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Leila Woodard
• Wade Cordell
• Andrew Bridge
• Toni McSwain
• James McSwain

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

12,121

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 69 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

96

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

27

Contact Fostering Voices Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.