The Foster Friendly Podcast

The Foster Friendly Podcast

Courtney Williams, Brian Mavis, Travis Vangsnes

Episodes 94
Avg. Duration 43m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 5.0 (39)
Since Jun 2024
Latest Episode Jun 2026

Outreach Signals

Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
86%
Hosting
feeds.transistor.fm

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

Welcome to The Foster Friendly Podcast. We’re bringing foster care closer to home by sharing stories from the front lines. We're talking with former foster youth, foster parents and others who are finding unique and powerful ways to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care. The Foster Friendly podcast is brought to you by America’s Kids Belong, a nonprofit that helps kids in foster care find belonging in both family and community.

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Recent Episodes

Tumbleweeds to Triumph: Advocacy and Hope for Foster Youth with Paula Yost

Jun 10, 2026 42m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, co-hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Paula Yost, an attorney and licensed clinical medical health clinician, who shares her journey…

Keeping it Real: What Every Foster Parent Needs to Know with Dr. John DeGarmo and Jen Lilley

May 27, 2026 47m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis speaks with Dr. John DiGarmo and Jen Lilley about their experiences in foster care and advocacy. They discuss their personal journeys,…

Foster Parenting Success: Pro Tips and Practical Advice with Laura, Foster Parent Partner

May 13, 2026 46m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome back Laura, the Foster Parent Partner, a well-known figure in the foster care community, to discuss…

Innovating Child Welfare Systems with Felicia Curcuru

Apr 29, 2026 42m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Felicia Curcuru, CEO and co-founder of Binti, a technology platform designed to streamline the…

From Foster Care to Flourishing: An Actor, Author, and Advocate with Charell Star

Apr 15, 2026 36m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian and Courtney welcome Charell Starr, a former foster youth and advocate. Charell shares her personal journey through the foster care system,…

Creating Belonging: Inspiring Stories From Our I Belong Project

Apr 01, 2026 48m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis discuss the I Belong Project, a program aimed at helping children in foster care find families. This is a unique…

Overcoming Fatherhood Wounds and Being Better Fathers and Father Figures with Patton Dodd

Mar 18, 2026 37m

In this conversation, Patton Dodd shares insights from his memoir about fatherhood (The Father You Get), exploring his relationship with his father and the impact of father figures in one's life. The…

Love Isn’t Enough: The Honest Realities of Foster Parenting with Kayla Moffitt

Mar 04, 2026 48m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Kayla Moffitt, a dedicated mother of five and a TBRI practitioner. The conversation begins with…

Transforming Trauma Into Triumph: Practical Tips and Tools with Jeanette Yoffe

Feb 18, 2026 1h 4m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Travis Vangsnes and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Jeanette Yoffe, a clinical psychotherapist and advocate for foster care and adoption.…

How to Keep Going as a Foster Mom: Encouragement and Inspiration with Jamie Finn

Feb 04, 2026 46m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams interview Jamie Finn, a prominent figure in the foster care community. Jamie shares her personal journey…

"Foster Care Saved My Life": A Heartfelt Conversation with Tyler Hunter

Jan 21, 2026 55m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Tyler Hunter shares his profound journey through foster care and adoption. He reflects on the challenges he faced, the coping mechanisms he developed,…

A New Year of the Podcast and Some Great Listener Submitted Questions

Jan 07, 2026 53m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian, Courtney, and Travis welcome listeners to 2026 and discuss the new rhythm of the podcast. They reflect on the importance of understanding…

A Soldier’s Big Heart: Jackson’s Gift to Foster Youth with Sarah Davis and Andrea Forringer

Dec 31, 2025 46m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Andrea Forringer and Sarah Davis, from Jackson's Gift, an organization dedicated to supporting…

Replay: How to Best Navigate the Holidays as a Foster Family with Bethany Hall

Dec 24, 2025 45m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis and Courtney, along with guest Bethany Hall, discuss the complexities of navigating the holidays for children in foster care. They explore…

Digital Safety for Foster Homes: Insights from Cybersecurity Experts

Dec 17, 2025 47m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams engages with cybersecurity experts Chad Rychlewski and Kae David to discuss the critical importance of protecting children in…

The Alarming Connection Between Foster Care and Sex Trafficking with Hollie Strand

Dec 10, 2025 51m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Hollie Strand, a forensic examiner with extensive experience in child safety and trafficking. The…

WinShape Homes: Leading the Way Through Collaboration in Foster Care with Callie Priest

Dec 03, 2025 42m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Travis Vangsnes welcome Callie Priest, the director of strategic partnerships for WindShape Homes. They discuss the…

Cross Cultural Adoption Insights and Their Native American Adoption Story with Greg and Sam Hollback

Nov 26, 2025 39m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Greg and Sam Hollback, a couple who have adopted two Native American daughters through the I Belong…

Navigating the Unique Challenges of Transracial Adoption with Isaac Etter

Nov 19, 2025 59m Transcript

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney and Travis engage in a deep conversation with Isaac Etter, a transracial adoptee and social entrepreneur. They explore the complexities…

Gaining a Better Understanding of Grief and Loss in Adopted Children with Pam Bauer

Nov 12, 2025 59m

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney engage with Pam Bauer, a mother of 14 adopted children, to discuss the complexities of adoption, grief, and…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Foster Friendly Podcast have?

The Foster Friendly Podcast has published 94 episodes since June 2024, covering topics in Business, Kids & Family.

Is The Foster Friendly Podcast still active?

The Foster Friendly Podcast is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 43m.

How do I contact The Foster Friendly Podcast for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for The Foster Friendly Podcast, including email and social media links.

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