Wards of the State

Wards of the State

Dillard Management LLC

Episodes 92
Avg. Duration 51m
Activity Sporadic
Apple Rating 4.7 (89)
Since Jul 2021
Latest Episode Nov 2025

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Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule
Monthly
Format
Episodic
Hosting
www.spreaker.com

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

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 

Podcasting 2.0 Features

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Recent Episodes

Ep: 87 "Jeanette"

Nov 20, 2025 54m Transcript

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…

Ep: 86 "Brittany"

Nov 05, 2025 49m Transcript

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,…

Ep: 85 "Shanae"

Oct 27, 2025 31m Transcript

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…

EP: 84 "Priscilla"

Oct 09, 2025 48m Transcript

In this episode of the podcast, Karlos Dillard engages in a deep conversation with Priscilla, an adoptee from New York City, about her experiences in the foster care and adoption system. They discuss…

Ep: 83 "Tag"

Sep 22, 2025 50m Transcript

In this episode, Karlos Dillard and Tag discuss the often overlooked experiences of men in the foster care system. They explore the stigma surrounding men's mental health, the impact of trauma, and…

Ep: 82 "Ron"

Sep 05, 2025 1h 6m Transcript

In this episode, Karlos Dillard introduces the podcast 'Wards of the State,' focusing on the lived experiences of adoptees and foster youth. The conversation with Ron delves into his traumatic…

Ep: 81 "Patricia"

Aug 25, 2025 37m Transcript

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, Karlos Dillard speaks with Patricia about her tumultuous journey through the foster care system. Patricia shares her experiences of being taken from her biological…

Ep: 80 "Abner"

Aug 05, 2025 32m Transcript

In this episode of the Wards of the State podcast, host Karlos Dillard speaks with Abner Sage, who shares their harrowing experiences growing up in the foster care system and later being adopted.…

Ep: 79 "Diana"

Jun 30, 2025 53m Transcript

In this episode, Karlos Dillard interviews Diana Colon, who shares her harrowing journey from being born in Russia and living in orphanages to being adopted in America. Diana recounts her traumatic…

Ep: 78 "Shantel"

Jun 17, 2025 53m Transcript

In this episode, Karlos Dillard speaks with Shantel about her experiences as a kinship adoptee. They discuss the challenges of growing up in an adoptive home, the impact of abuse and neglect, and the…

Ep: 77 "Shana"

May 27, 2025 48m Transcript

In this episode, Karlos Dillard and Shana discuss the complexities of adoption, including the importance of sharing personal stories, the trauma associated with being adopted, and the role of…

Ep: 76 "Dr. Cre"

May 05, 2025 1h 31m Transcript

Hey Lightshiners! In this engaging conversation, Karlos Dillard and Dr. Cre explore the importance of building relationships and support systems for youth, particularly those in foster care. They…

Ep: 75 "Jasmine"

Mar 27, 2025 48m Transcript

Hey, Light Shiners! I am joined by Jasmine, a foster youth who shares her experience. She also speaks to us about what it is like being a kinship caregiver herself!Watch the Video PodcastJoin me for…

Ep: 74 "Hart & Michael"

Feb 28, 2025 1h 3m Transcript

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Hart, who is a pre-birth match adoptee who is joined by their biological brother Michael. They speak about how reunification has been for them and Hart speaks about…

Ep: 73 "Jasmine"

Feb 04, 2025 40m Transcript

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Jasmine a former foster youth who has just aged out of foster care. She speaks about life in group homes and how she made a plan to make it out of the system without…

Ep: 72 "Lisa"

Jan 25, 2025 1h 4m Transcript

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Lisa an adoptee who didn’t find out she was adopted until she was 7 or 8. She also shares about the abuse she survived at the hands of her stepbrother. We share…

Ep: 71 "MGD"

Jan 14, 2025 50m Transcript

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by MGD a former foster youth. She speaks about her struggle with her identity and how a DNA test helps discover who she truly…

Ep: 70 "Tara"

Jan 01, 2025 1h 7m Transcript

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Tara who is a transracial adoptee and she shares her experience with dealing with religious trauma from the Mormon church. She also speaks about how she still loves…

EP: 69 "Cassidy"

Dec 17, 2024 59m Transcript

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Cassidy a former foster youth who was being abused by her birth brother in their home. She speaks about how hard reunification can be and how child abuse can cause…

We Are Back!

Nov 25, 2024 2m Transcript

I am so excited to share with you more stories of lived experiences so we can all learn and grow! If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Wards of the State have?

Wards of the State has published 92 episodes since July 2021, covering topics in Kids & Family, Parenting.

Is Wards of the State still active?

Wards of the State is currently sporadic with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 51m.

How do I contact Wards of the State for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Wards of the State, including email and social media links.

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