The Forgotten Podcast

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes Chris and Alicia Johnson to discuss caring for and prioritizing marriage during seasons of crisis and hard foster care placements. Chris, Vice President of Church Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services, and Alicia, a former pastor's wife and teacher, share their journey of raising ten children (seven adopted from foster care) and fostering over forty kids. They open up about the immense strain that taking in high-needs teenagers and sibling groups placed on their household, their co-parenting dynamic, and their marriage.
The Johnsons discuss the emotional weight, trauma, and spiritual warfare involved in foster care and adoption, explaining how intense seasons bring existing marital gaps to the surface. Through personal anecdotes, they detail how they learned to navigate seasons of chaos by shifting from accusatory language to vulnerable "I feel" statements, establishing simple grounding habits, and protecting daily time for connection. They emphasize that maintaining a strong, unified marriage serves as a vital safety net that removes anxiety for children who have already experienced profound disruption and loss.
Chris and Alicia also address overcoming the guilt parents feel when taking time away from their children, pointing out that modeling a healthy, loving, and forgiving marriage is one of the greatest gifts caregivers can give. They encourage listeners to lean into intentional Christian community, accept support from others without shame, and maintain an eternal perspective through life's hardest trials, offering a powerful reminder that fighting for a marriage is always worth the effort.

About the Guest
Chris and Alicia Johnson have been married for 31 years and are parents to 10 children (seven adopted through foster care) and grandparents to two children adopted through foster care. Chris serves as the Vice President of Church Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services, bringing over two decades of pastoral experience and previous service as Executive Director of the Kentucky Governor's Office of Faith and Community-Based Initiatives. Alicia has served as a pastor's wife, teacher, mentor, and special advisor to the First Lady of Kentucky. Together, they have fostered over 40 children and are passionate advocates for supporting families and vulnerable children.

In This Episode
The unique challenges and emotional weight of bringing high-needs teenagers and sibling groups into the home.
Recognizing spiritual warfare and how hardship brings underlying marital gaps to the surface.
Practical communication strategies for spouses, including using "I feel" statements to prevent defensiveness.
The vital role of community support and avoiding the trap of trying to manage crisis seasons alone.

Resources + Links
Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/
Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/

On this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes Dr. Dusty Hess, a nationally recognized functional medical doctor, speaker, author, and founder of Upstream Health. Together, they explore a critical topic for foster and adoptive families: understanding and supporting children who have been impacted by prenatal drug and alcohol exposure. Dr. Hess helps shift the narrative for struggling caregivers, offering profound hope by explaining that what often presents as behavioral defiance is actually a physiological response from a nervous system adapted to survive difficult circumstances.
Dr. Hess details the biological mechanics of how substances and chronic maternal stress alter brain development in the womb, impacting neuron formation, dopamine pathways, and stress response systems. He breaks down the behavioral clues that indicate a child is living in a chronic fight-or-flight state, including explosive emotional reactions, sensory sensitivities, sleep disturbances, and difficulty with transitions. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the importance of looking beneath surface behaviors, documenting patterns with curiosity, and addressing underlying biological causes like gut-brain connection issues, blood sugar instability, and toxic burdens.
Rather than relying on legalistic or punitive parenting strategies, Dr. Hess equips caregivers with practical ways to build biological safety through environmental changes. He shares actionable tips for establishing consistent household rhythms, creating soothing bedtime routines to improve sleep quality, and regulating a child’s nervous system by maintaining a calm, organized home. Packed with encouragement, this conversation reminds parents that healing is a gradual, directional process and that even small, intentional steps can powerfully shape a child’s path toward safety and wholeness.
About the Guest
Dr. Dusty Hess is a nationally recognized functional medical doctor, author, speaker, and the founder of Upstream Health, a movement dedicated to helping Christian families reclaim their health through God's original design. Through his practice and public speaking, Dr. Hess specializes in getting to the root cause of chronic health and neurological challenges by looking at biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors. He is passionate about empowering caregivers and foster parents with personalized, practical tools that foster long-term healing and biological safety for vulnerable children.
In This Episode
Recognizing the behavioral clues of prenatal drug and alcohol exposure, including emotional volatility, transition challenges, and sensory sensitivities.
How prenatal substance exposure and maternal stress alter brain development, dopamine pathways, and nervous system regulation.
The biological drivers behind dysregulation, including the gut-brain connection, blood sugar swings, and sleep dysfunction.
Practical tools for creating biological safety at home through consistent rhythms, calming bedtime routines, and an organized, regulated environment.
Resources + Links
Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/
Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/
Understanding & Supporting Kids with Prenatal Drug and Alcohol Exposure - https://onedrive.live.com/?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fa3caa6cbe49cc1ae%2FDocuments%2FDesktop%2FTFI%20Files%2FPodcast%20Recordings%2FTFP%2FDusty%20Hess%2FUnderstanding%20%26%20Supporting%20Kids%20with%20Prenatal%20Drug%20and%20Alcohol%20Exposure%2Epdf&listurl=%2Fpersonal%2Fa3caa6cbe49cc1ae%2FDocuments&ithint=file%2Cpdf&e=BkW1Zk&migratedtospo=true&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fa3caa6cbe49cc1ae%2FDocuments%2FDesktop%2FTFI%20Files%2FPodcast%20Recordings%2FTFP%2FDusty%20Hess&redeem=aHR0cHM6Ly8xZHJ2Lm1zL2IvYy9hM2NhYTZjYmU0OWNjMWFlL0lRQjBzZFlMcWUxSVJMYklzYW9QeExqUEFRTHVwbUdOb0JGSU5jLUVsYTlBbFFjP2U9QmtXMVpr&ga=1

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, host Jami Kaeb welcomes back Sarah Mackenzie, author, podcast host, and founder of Read-Aloud Revival. Sarah brings her deep passion for storytelling and family connection to address a challenge that foster and adoptive parents often face: how to build safety, trust, and meaningful attachment with children who have experienced trauma, disruption, or loss.
Sarah shares how reading aloud serves as a powerful, non-threatening bridge to connection. She explains the brain science behind shared reading, detailing how listening to a story lowers cortisol levels and releases oxytocin—the hormone responsible for bonding and emotional safety. For children in foster care or adoptive homes who may feel overwhelmed by direct eye contact or intense face-to-face interaction, sitting side-by-side with a book creates a gentle, low-pressure space. The story becomes a shared third object, allowing kids to process complex emotions, build empathy, and explore heavy themes like grief, identity, and belonging from a safe distance.
Throughout the conversation, Sarah offers practical, easy-to-implement advice for busy caregivers who feel intimidated by adding another task to their day. She encourages parents to drop rigid expectations, explaining that reading aloud doesn't require sitting still or reading for hours—even five to ten minutes with picture books, graphic novels, or audiobooks during mealtimes can make a profound impact. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement, equipping foster and adoptive families to use the simple tool of stories to nurture lasting emotional attachment and bring light, comfort, and joy into their homes.
About the Guest
Sarah Mackenzie is the founder of Read-Aloud Revival, a popular podcast and online community dedicated to helping families build meaningful connections through books. She is an author, speaker, and homeschooling mother of six who writes picture books and resources aimed at inspiring a love of reading. Sarah is passionate about equipping parents with simple, practical tools to cultivate deep relationships, nurture emotional safety, and foster a lifelong love of stories within their homes.
In This Episode
How reading aloud triggers the release of oxytocin, helping children feel secure and attached.
The benefits of side-by-side connection through books for kids who find direct eye contact intimidating.
Using picture books and stories as a safe medium for children to process complex emotions and trauma.
Practical tips for making read-aloud time manageable and low-stress for busy foster and adoptive families.
Resources + Links
Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/
Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/
Read-Aloud Revival - https://readaloudrevival.com/
Bonding Through Books - https://readaloudrevival.com/bonding-through-books/

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami Kaeb sits down with trauma consultant Trent Taylor from Watch Me Rise to tackle a critical and pervasive issue facing youth today: navigating tech and pornography. Rejoining the show after previously sharing his redemptive foster care story on Episode 132, Trent brings his expertise as a TBRI practitioner, life coach, and mental health coach to examine why children—especially those who have experienced early childhood trauma—are uniquely vulnerable to digital addictions and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Trent shares his own powerful, personal journey, including early exposure to pornography beginning at age two as part of a grooming process, and explains the neurochemical impact of tech-driven dopamine floods on the brain. He breaks down why trauma survivors with underdeveloped prefrontal cortexes and insecure attachments often seek out pornography for a false sense of control, an instant escape from pain, or a substitute for genuine connection. Through the story of his own adoptive parents' calm, non-judgmental response when his struggle was discovered, Trent illustrates how separating behavior from a child's identity can dismantle shame, rebuild trust, and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery.
The conversation offers actionable strategies for parents looking to protect their homes without resorting to shame-based or punitive measures. Trent emphasizes that while tech guardrails, filters, and house rules—like charging phones in common areas—are necessary safety nets, lasting freedom requires heart-level healing, building self-worth, and fostering strong attachments. He encourages caregivers to keep conversations open, model healthy digital boundaries themselves, and lead with humility, reminding families that healing is a messy, collaborative journey rooted in God's grace.
About the Guest
Trent Taylor serves as a trauma consultant, TBRI practitioner, life coach, board-certified master mental health coach, mentor, educational therapist, and parent trainer with Watch Me Rise, a North Carolina ministry focused on educating and supporting families on the impact of trauma. Having walked through early childhood trauma, foster care, adoption, and early pornography exposure, Trent now uses his personal journey and professional expertise to guide youth and families toward freedom, heart-level healing, and healthy digital boundaries.
In This Episode
The neurochemical mechanisms behind pornography addiction and why trauma survivors with underdeveloped prefrontal cortexes use tech as a maladaptive coping tool.
Trent's personal story of early pornography exposure and how his adoptive parents responded with non-judgmental grace to dismantle shame and rebuild trust.
Practical strategies for establishing healthy household tech boundaries, such as common-area charging stations, phone-free zones, and modeling screen habits.
Why digital filters and guardrails serve as necessary safety nets but cannot replace heart-level emotional healing, self-worth, and gospel-centered hope.
Resources + Links
Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/
Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/
Finding Hope After Experiencing Trauma (Ep. 132 w/ Trent Taylor) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-132-finding-hope-after-experiencing-trauma/id1106738239?i=1000540409332
Watch Me Rise Resources - https://www.watchmerise.shop/collections/watch-me-rise-resources
Watch Me Rise Training Sign-Up - https://www.watchmerise919.org/training-sign-up
Bark Phone - https://www.bark.us/learn/bark-phone-ps/?utm_source=aw&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_campaign=kids-phone-branded-google&utm_content=147666934708&utm_term=kwd-10252672&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17664435801&gclid=CjwKCAjwrNrQBhBjEiwAoR4VOw1I48EYLA935CubznvC9amSWpAEUXSC6rVbQM9pCBaN-efgx0qz8hoC0G4QAvD_BwE
Covenant Eyes Victory - https://www.covenanteyes.com/victory/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=brand_covenant_eyes&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=407188357&gbraid=0AAAAADSStEdE2FJHzTtIRRX9WTbgrRcQU&gclid=CjwKCAjwrNrQBhBjEiwAoR4VOyMMngBZurcMQV4MCamXE8Inp4wFtKRwsPkpgnpTm10gzmfnjNAIYxoC1yAQAvD_BwE

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Vania Ferreira to address a sensitive and profoundly challenging topic that foster and adoptive families occasionally face but rarely discuss: what to do when your child hurts another child. Vania opens up about her family's lived experiences with severe behavioral challenges, trauma-induced chaos, and navigating the heartbreaking revelation of child-on-child sexual abuse.
Vania shares the raw realities of her family's journey, which began under-prepared as an unexpected kinship emergency placement in late 2013. She details the intense initial year of dealing with extreme anger, threats, and violence from children who had been exposed to heavy domestic abuse. Just as their home was transitioning into a season of calm and trust, the family faced their ultimate nightmare when their child disclosed experiencing sexual abuse and vocalized an active intent to hurt other children. Vania openly describes the overwhelming whirlwind that followed, including police reports, hospital evaluations, state investigations, and a complete lack of public inpatient resources.
Throughout the conversation, Vania details how this crisis forced her family into deep isolation, unable to safely participate in church or community events. She addresses the painful legal and emotional crossroads her family endured, caught between threats of child abandonment and child endangerment from the state. Ultimately, the episode highlights the profound spiritual turning point where the Lord challenged Vania to move past natural anger and hatred, choosing to extend the unconditional love and forgiveness of Christ to a child acting out in brokenness.
This episode offers critical, life-saving guidance on body safety and boundary rules for young children. Vania provides invaluable advice on teaching accurate body terminology without shame, defining the strict line between secrets and surprises, and establishing safe words. It stands as a vital resource and a message of redemption, reminding caregivers that they are not alone and that true healing is possible through the strength and identity found in Christ.
About the Guest
Vania Ferreira has been an active part of the foster and adoption community alongside her husband, Rob, since 2013. She is a mother to many, including four children whom they have adopted. Having walked through unexpected kinship placements and navigating complex trauma within her home, Vania is dedicated to breaking the silence surrounding child-on-child abuse by offering families practical boundary education and gospel-centered hope.
In This Episode
The unique vulnerabilities of entering kinship care through emergency guardianship without traditional foster parent training.

Managing extreme childhood trauma behaviors, threats of violence, and a desire for chaos in the home.

Navigating the intense aftermath of a child's sexual abuse disclosure, including medical evaluations and state agency investigations.

The severe isolation families face when dealing with behavioral safety concerns that prevent them from accessing church or local community groups.

Facing systemic gaps, including the total lack of inpatient services for young children and a state system that leaves parents trapped between child abandonment and endangerment charges.

The challenging spiritual calling to protect biological children through separation while continuing to love, forgive, and advocate for a child who has caused harm.

Practical body safety guidelines for parents, including teaching correct anatomy terms, establishing household boundary rules, and practicing situational exits.

Redefining the difference between dangerous "secrets" and safe "surprises" to equip vulnerable children with a protective voice.

Creating a family culture centered on Ephesians 6, daily scriptural anchoring, and trusting in the Lord's strength over your own.

Resources + Links
Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/

Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/