Real stories. Real chaos. Real foster life.
What the Foster! is the real talk podcast for foster parents, future foster parents, and anyone trying to make sense of the child welfare system. Hosted by a stay-at-home foster dad raising a full house, each episode brings honest stories, practical advice, and the humor you need to survive the chaos.
From case plan curveballs and court dates to bedtime battles and breakthrough moments — nothing’s off-limits here. Whether you’re knee-deep in DCF paperwork or wondering what it’s really like to foster, you’ll find a voice that understands, encourages, and keeps it real. New episodes every week. Grab your coffee, take a breath, and let’s figure out What the Foster! together.
When Bio Parents Disappoint: Loving Kids Through Broken Promises
One of the hardest parts of fostering isn’t the paperwork, the home visits, or the endless court dates — it’s watching a child’s heart break when the people they love don’t show up.
In this episode of What the Foster!, we talk about what happens when bio parents disappoint — when visits are missed, promises are broken, and kids are left trying to make sense of it all. As foster parents, we’re caught between anger, compassion, and heartbreak — wanting to protect these kids, but knowing we can’t shield them from every letdown.
We’ll talk about how to comfort a child after a missed visit, how to manage your own emotions when frustration builds, and how to keep hope alive even when it feels like the system keeps failing them.
💬 In this episode, you’ll hear:
How to validate a child’s emotions after a disappointment
The balance between honesty and protection
Why empathy doesn’t mean excusing behavior
How to find peace when you care more than the parent seems to
“You can’t fix a parent by loving their child better — but you can show that child what consistency feels like.”
If you’ve ever sat beside a child waiting for someone who never came, this episode is for you.
Have a question, a comment or want to add a story? Shoot me an email:
whatthefosterdad@gmail.com
24 Oct 2025
5 Sanity-Savers Every Foster Parent Should Know
Let’s be real — foster parenting can stretch you to your absolute limit. Between case plans, court dates, appointments, and unpredictable emotions, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly running on fumes.
In this episode of What the Foster!, we’re talking about survival — not perfection. I’m sharing five of the biggest sanity-savers that have kept me grounded through the chaos of fostering, parenting, and navigating the system.
These are the small habits, mindset shifts, and daily practices that help you stay calm, connected, and capable — even on the days you want to quit.
🎧 In this episode, we’ll cover:
How routines create calm in chaotic homes
Why choosing your battles keeps peace (and energy)
The power of connecting before correcting
The importance of building your foster parent “tribe”
Why it’s okay to feel everything — and still keep going
💬 Quote from the show: “You don’t need to be perfect — just present.”
Whether you’re brand new to fostering or you’ve been in the trenches for years, this episode is a reminder that sanity isn’t about control — it’s about grace.
24 Oct 2025
When the Honeymoon Ends: Dealing with Behavior Regression
At first, everything seems calm — polite “yes ma’ams,” easy routines, and quiet nights. But then one day, it all changes. The behaviors start. The defiance shows up. And you’re left wondering, “What happened to the sweet kid I met three weeks ago?”
Welcome to the end of the honeymoon phase.
In this episode of What the Foster!, we dive into what really happens when the calm fades and the real healing begins. You’ll learn why behavior regression is a sign of trust, not failure — and how to handle the emotional rollercoaster that comes when a child finally feels safe enough to show you their truth.
🎧 In this episode, we’ll talk about:
Why the honeymoon phase exists and why it always ends
What’s really behind “behavior regression” and testing
How to keep structure without losing connection
Practical strategies for de-escalation, consistency, and emotional safety
The mindset shift every foster parent needs to survive this stage
💬 Quote from the episode: “When the honeymoon ends, the real parenting begins.”
This episode is your reminder that regression doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means your foster child finally feels safe enough to stop pretending.
24 Oct 2025
Foster Parent Myths vs. Reality: What They Don’t Tell You About the System or the Kids
Everyone thinks they know what foster parenting is — until they actually live it.
In this episode of What the Foster!, we’re tackling the biggest myths people believe about foster care and shining a light on the truth behind the chaos. From the misconception that foster parents “do it for the money,” to the myth that “you can’t get attached,” I’m breaking down what really happens inside the system, the emotions no one prepares you for, and why the truth is both harder and more beautiful than you expect. Whether you’re a new foster parent, considering fostering, or just curious about what it’s really like, this episode will give you a clearer — and more human — perspective on what it means to open your home and heart. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear about:
The biggest foster care myths that keep good people from fostering
The realities of working with DCF, case managers, and the system itself
How attachment, heartbreak, and healing all exist in the same story
Why imperfection is not a disqualifier — it’s actually your biggest strength
💬 Quote from the show: “They don’t need perfect — they need present.”
👂 Listen now to uncover the truth behind the myths and get real about foster parenting — one story at a time.
18 Oct 2025
A Day In The Life Of A Foster Parent With 6 Kids
Ever wonder what it’s really like to manage the beautiful chaos of foster parenting when your home is full — like, really full? In this episode of What the Foster!, we take you inside the everyday life of a foster parent juggling six kids, six schedules, and about six million emotions. We’ll talk about:
The morning madness — breakfast, backpacks, and last-minute school notes.
How to handle appointments, therapies, and caseworker visits without losing your mind.
Finding those rare, quiet moments that remind you why you do it all.
The laughter, love, and lessons that come from living life in organized chaos.
It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s real — but it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. Tune in for stories, sanity tips, and a whole lot of heart
18 Oct 2025
Meeting The Kids For The First Time
There’s nothing quite like that first moment — the knock at the door, the nervous smile, the mix of excitement and fear that fills the air. In this episode of What the Foster!, we talk about the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with meeting your new foster child for the very first time. We’ll explore:
The anticipation and anxiety leading up to placement day.
How to create a warm, calm, and welcoming environment when everything feels brand new.
The emotional impact on both you and the child — from hope and joy to grief and uncertainty.
Real experiences from foster parents who’ve been through those unforgettable first moments.
Whether it’s your first placement or your fifteenth, this episode is a reminder that those first hellos are never just simple introductions — they’re the beginning of a story that can change both your lives.
18 Oct 2025
The Case Of The Case Managers
If you’ve been a foster parent for more than five minutes, you already know — case managers are at the heart of everything. They can be your greatest ally, your biggest source of stress, or sometimes both in the same week! In this episode of What the Foster!, we dive into the ups, downs, and in-betweens of working with case managers. We’ll talk about:
What a case manager’s role really is (and what it’s not).
How to build a positive, respectful working relationship — even when communication is tough.
Setting boundaries, sharing updates, and advocating for your child without stepping on toes.
Real stories about the wins and frustrations that come with the job.
Whether you’ve had amazing experiences or moments that made you want to pull your hair out, this episode will help you navigate it all with patience, humor, and purpose
18 Oct 2025
Navigating The Court System As A Foster Parent
Ever feel like you need a law degree just to keep up with all the meetings, hearings, and acronyms in foster care? You’re not alone! In this episode of What the Foster!, we break down what it’s really like to navigate the court system as a foster parent — from MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) staffings to court hearings and everything in between. We’ll talk about:
What to expect at MDT staffings, who’s in the room, and how your voice as a foster parent fits in.
The different types of court hearings — from shelter to permanency — and what they actually mean for you and the children in your care.
How to prepare, what documents to bring, and how to communicate effectively with your child’s case team and Guardian ad Litem.
Real-world tips on balancing empathy, advocacy, and professionalism while dealing with the legal side of foster care.
Whether you’re brand new to fostering or knee-deep in case plans and continuances, this episode will help you feel more confident, informed, and ready to speak up for the kids who depend on you. Tune in and let’s make sense of the system — together.
14 Nov 2022
Katherine Knight: The Female Hannibal Lecter
This is the story of Katherine Knight, Australia's first female to be sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. She brutally abused her former husbands and boyfriends, leading up to killing her last boyfriend, decapitating him, skinning him and cooking parts of his body.
8 Nov 2022
The Exorcist Killer
The true crime story of Paul Bateson, who was an actor and radiologic technologist in the movie The Exorcist. Convicted of killing Addison Verrill, a homosexual reporter for Variey. He was a suspect in the New York series of killings of homosexual men known as the "Bag Murders" (also known as the "CUPPI Murders". His encounter with William Friedkin inspired another film, "Cruising" starring Al Pacino.
7 Nov 2022
Amelia Dyer: The Baby Serial Killer
This is the case of Amelia Dyer, who operated a baby farm in Victorian England. She is Britain's most prolific female serial killer with a presumed death toll of over 400 babies.
6 Nov 2022
The Cannibal Cook Serial Killer
This is the true crime story about Joe Metheny who would murder sex workers and homeless people, and cut them up and mix their bodies into meat. Then he would serve the bodies of his victims to unsuspecting customers at his roadside BBQ stand in Maryland.
6 Nov 2022
True Crime Case of Johnny Lewis
This is the true crime story of Hollywood actor Johnny Lewis, most known for his role as Half Sack in the TV Son's of Anarchy, as well as The O.C., Criminal Minds, Malcom in the Middle and more! In 2012 he attacked his neighbors and brutally murdered his 81 year old landlord for reasons unknown, then fell or jumped to his own death.
6 Nov 2022
The Torture and Death of Sylvia Likens
The True Crime story of the torture and death of Sylvia Likens from Gertrude Baniszewski, Paula Baniszewski, Coy Hubbard and Richard Hobbs and other family members and neighborhood children in a small Indiana town in 1965. This movie "The Girl Next Door" is based upon these true events.
6 Nov 2022
The Girl In The Basement
Elisabeth Fritzl aka "The Girl In The Basement" is a horrific true crime story about a girl who was held captive in her family's basement for 24 years who endured assault and depravity every day by her own father.
6 Nov 2022
The Thrill Kill Couple
The True Crime Story of Erika and Ben Sifrit. He was a former Navy Seal, She was a former basketball star, and together they were a killer couple who killed Joshua Ford and Martha Geney Crutchley for thrills while on vacation in Ocean City, Md.
6 Nov 2022
The OnlyFans Killer
This is the True Crime Story of Abigail White, the OnlyFans model known as "Fake Barbie" who stabbed her boyfriend, Bradley Lewis to death after a break-up and argument.
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