Adoption conversations on social media often swing between two extremes: either it’s celebrated as the ultimate act of love, or condemned as harmful and exploitative.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim unpack why adoption gets painted in such black-and-white terms online. Together, they explore the truths behind both perspectives, ask the hard questions adoption raises, and offer practical ways to sort through the noise.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged or confused by what you’ve read about adoption on social media, this conversation will help you find balance and hope.

Starting the adoption process can feel exciting and overwhelming. Many hopeful parents find themselves waiting for the “perfect” time: for more savings, fewer risks, or the feeling that every detail is in place. But what if waiting is actually holding you back from becoming the parent you’re meant to be?

In this episode of the Let’s Talk Adoption Podcast, hosts Kim King and Heather Featherston dive into one of the biggest questions adoptive families face: When is the right time to start adoption?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✔️ Why waiting for perfection can delay your path to parenthood
✔️ The most common fears and hesitations hopeful parents experience
✔️ How to take your “next step” in adoption—even if you don’t feel fully ready
✔️ The powerful reminder to “do it afraid” and trust the process
✔️ Resources and encouragement for Christians who feel called to adopt

Heather also shares insights from her book, Called to Adoption, available on Amazon. It’s a guide for Christians exploring adoption or supporting others who are called to adopt.

Take the Next Step in Your Adoption Journey

Every step you take brings you closer to the child who is meant to be in your family. If this episode speaks to you, we’d love to hear your story or answer your questions.

Connect with us at info@letstalkadoption.com

Is adoption right for every couple? In this candid conversation, Heather and Kim explore the heart-check questions every hopeful parent should ask before starting the adoption process. From emotional and relational readiness to practical considerations and motivations, they share real-world insight from years of working with adoptive families.

You’ll hear why adoption isn’t a one-size-fits-all path, the difference between healthy and unhealthy reasons to adopt, and how to know when it might be time to wait.

Whether you’re just starting to explore adoption or are already deep in research, this episode offers the honest, compassionate guidance you need to discern your next step.

Not sure if adoption is right for you?
What questions should you be asking yourself?
How do you know you’re ready — as a couple and as a family?
Heather and Kim share the honest truth about readiness, motivations, and why it’s okay if your answer is “not right now.”

If you're adopting or even considering it, this episode is a must-listen. Heather and Kim break down the latest updates to the federal Adoption Tax Credit, including the new 2025 limit of $17,280, partial refundability, and expanded access for families with lower or moderate incomes.

We explain what the credit is, how it works, and what makes the changes in the “Big Beautiful Bill” so impactful. You’ll also learn how the special needs exception can benefit families, how tribal governments now play a role, and what to keep in mind when tracking expenses or working with a tax professional.

Whether you’re adopting privately, through foster care, or with the help of an employer benefit, this practical episode will help you understand how to take advantage of the financial help that’s available.

Resources Mentioned:
IRS Adoption Credit Information
Dave Thomas Foundation: Adoption-Friendly Workplace Toolkit

Starting the adoption process can feel overwhelming—but what if a little honest insight could save you heartache and set you up for success? In this episode, Heather and Kim share the top three things every hopeful adoptive family should know before beginning their newborn domestic adoption journey. From shifting your mindset away from “purchasing a baby” to preparing for unexpected twists and honoring the birth mother’s role, this conversation is filled with real talk, wisdom, and encouragement. Whether you’re just starting out or reassessing your journey, this episode will help you walk forward with humility, empathy, and hope.

During this episode we reference Called to Adoption by Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P., this is a great reference for anyone thinking about growing their family through adoption.

Guest: Nicole "Coley" Strickland

This young woman has taken her personal challenge of an unplanned pregnancy and turned it into her life's mission. She co-founded BirthMom Buds, an Internet-based non-profit ministry which provides support to birth mothers.
 

Guest: Heather Featherston
This show offers tips and secrets for financing your adoption and how to find new ways to help fund your adoption. Also discussed are ways to budget and to save money when making baby-related purchases.

 

Guest: Melanie Beth Mosberg

Birth mother Melanie Beth Moseberg discusses the importance of the relationship between the adoptive family and the birth parent(s), and offers tips for making that relationship go smoothly.

Guest: Dr. Charles Sophy

What can you expect if your child has been exposed to pre-natal drug abuse? In the second part of this two-part program, Dr. Sophy talks about the effects of drug and alcohol on a child after birth, what parents can anticipate, and services that are available.

Guest: Dr. Charles Sophy

What can you expect if your child has been exposed to pre-natal drug abuse? In the first part of this two-part show, Dr. Sophy discuses the effects of particular drugs at different times on the developing baby.

Guest: Brenda Nixon

Guest Brenda Nixon is an author, speaker, and educator. She joins the show to discuss child behavior and offer practical insight into the challenges of child rearing. She shares fascinating research about the nine temperaments children are born with and how they contribute toward personality.

Guest: Hemlata Momaya

Learn about the steps needed to begin an adoption from India with guest Hemlata Momaya. Discover what the government of India is doing right now with regard to adoption and about restrictions and requirements, the time involved, and what you can expect when pursing an adoption in India.

Guest: Marlou Russell

Can a person be too old to adopt? Lifestyles are changing, which has led to parenting at older ages. This can bring great benefits, as well as some challenges. Psychologist and author Marlou Russell offers her expertise on this topic and discusses various aspects of parenting later in life.

Guest: Patricia Mindell

Wondering what is right for you as you make decisions about becoming a parent? This show's guest is a therapist who can help you explore this issue, discuss options and help determine what's right for you.

Guest: Geoff & Traci Morris

Waiting for your child can be a difficult process. This program covers one couple's story about how patience, faith, and hope play a role in the waiting game of adoption.

Guest: Patricia Dischler

Author and speaker Patricia discusses the topic of fear with regard to a relationship with birth parents. She offers insight into how birth parents feel themselves, and tips about how to learn, trust and overcome fear.