Hosted by Karlos Dillard — author, speaker, and outspoken foster care advocate — this powerful podcast pulls back the curtain on the hidden realities of the foster care and adoption systems. Each week, Karlos sits down with former foster youth and adoptees to share raw, unfiltered stories of resilience, survival, and truth. With his background in entertainment and production, Karlos brings a unique blend of depth, authenticity, and unexpected humor to each episode. Expect real conversations that are eye-opening, moving, and even laugh-out-loud at times.
If you would like to share your lived experience, fill out this form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZwdv6RQrI49p0kqtzBblV5eQIGAE81dV3Ey3ZQRgmWOeS1A/viewform?usp=preview)
In this episode of the podcast, Karlos Dillard speaks with Jeanette Yoffe, a psychotherapist and advocate in the field of foster care and adoption. Jeanette shares her personal journey through the foster care system, her experiences with adoption, and the complexities of identity and attachment. They discuss the historical context of adoption, the impact of mental health on family dynamics, and the importance of therapeutic parenting. Jeanette emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion for those who have experienced trauma, and she offers valuable advice for youth navigating similar challenges.
Watch (https://www.youtube.com/@KarlosDillard) the Video Podcast!
If you would like to be on the show, please fill out the form here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZwdv6RQrI49p0kqtzBblV5eQIGAE81dV3Ey3ZQRgmWOeS1A/viewform?usp=preview)
www.JeanetteYoffe.com (http://www.jeanetteyoffe.com/)
YouTube Channel: (https://www.youtube.com/c/JeanetteYoffeFosterCareAdoptionTherapy)
Jeanette-ically Speaking About
Foster Care Adoption and Mental Health
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis/emergency,
please contact the 24 hour-7 day a week, crisis line:
LA COUNTY ACCESS at 1-800-854-7771
NEW CHILDREN’S BOOKS:
What is Adoption? for Kids (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1087989485/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1087989485&linkCode=as2&tag=jeanetteyoffe-20&linkId=1f1ec08b69c13e814606ed62bc97722b)
What is Foster Care? For Kids (https://amzn.to/3wfgqei)
5 Nov 2025
Ep: 86 "Brittany"
In this episode of Wards of the State, host Karlos Dillard introduces Brittany, a guest with a profound story of being a foster youth and an adoptee. Brittany shares her early life in foster care, the challenges she faced in her adoptive family, and her eventual reunion with her biological family. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity, the impact of trauma, and the resilience required to navigate life as an adoptee. Brittany emphasizes the importance of asking questions about one's origins and encourages others to seek their truth. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of love, support, and the journey of healing.
Watch (https://www.youtube.com/@KarlosDillard) the Video Podcast!
If you would like to be on the show, please fill out the form here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZwdv6RQrI49p0kqtzBblV5eQIGAE81dV3Ey3ZQRgmWOeS1A/viewform?usp=preview)
27 Oct 2025
Ep: 85 "Shanae"
In this episode of Wards of the State, host Karlos Dillard engages with Shanae who shares her profound journey through the child welfare system. Shanae recounts her early experiences with trauma, her struggles with mental health, and the challenges of motherhood. The conversation delves into the complexities of child welfare involvement, including the emotional toll of court proceedings and the importance of support services. Shanae emphasizes the need for accountability and the value of seeking help, offering insights and advice for parents navigating similar challenges. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.
Who has been a guest on Wards of the State
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Diana Colon
Shantel
Shana
MGD
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
742,063
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
87 ratings
Spotify
4.7 / 5
86 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 79 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
82
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
98
Contact Wards of the State
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Wards of the State?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
