The Parenting Different Podcast is the go-to show for adoptive parents who want to raise children who feel seen, heard, and truly valued. Hosted by Anna Bernacki, Director of Community at Parenting Different, this podcast blends expert insight with real lived experience from adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families.
The Parenting Different Podcast is the go-to show for adoptive parents who want to raise children who feel seen, heard, and truly valued. Hosted by Anna Bernacki, Director of Community at Parenting Different, this podcast blends expert insight with real lived experience from adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families.
In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode of Parenting Different, host Anna Bernacki talks with Julie Etter, teacher, mom of five, and adoptive parent trainer, about the silent grief that so many women carry after infertility and pregnancy loss. Julie shares her decade-long journey through medical dismissal, chronic pain, and nine heartbreaking losses before discovering the truth about her endometriosis and PCOS.
Her story doesn’t end there. Julie opens up about stepping into adoption while still holding unhealed grief and how that journey reshaped her understanding of motherhood, loss, and love. Together, Anna and Julie explore how infertility trauma can show up in parenting, the importance of therapy, and why true healing begins when we give ourselves permission to grieve.
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In this episode, we explore the reality of international adoption through the powerful story of Jodi Slein’s journey to adopt her son from Romania. Host Anna Bernacki sits down with Jodi, a parent coach and adoptive mom, to talk about the moment she first learned about Romania’s orphanage crisis, what it was like to walk inside an institution where infants had stopped crying, and how she navigated the complex process of adopting a child internationally in the 1990s. Jodi opens up about the early signs of trauma, sensory challenges, and attachment needs that emerged after bringing her son home—and how adolescence brought even deeper layers of grief, identity, and healing. She also discusses the long-term impact of institutional care, the closure of Romania’s international adoption program, and what happened to children who were never adopted. What You’ll Learn: • The truth about international adoption in the 90s • Conditions inside Romanian orphanages • Early trauma and sensory needs in adopted children • How attachment forms after institutional care • Challenges during school years and adolescence • Reunion with birth family and its emotional impact • Why Romania closed international adoption and what came next If you want to understand the real, unfiltered story behind international adoption and the resilience of children who survive early neglect, this episode is essential viewing.
Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free Subscribe for more episodes on adoption, trauma, identity, and parenting with truth and care.
Host Anna Bernacki welcomes Parenting Different founder Isaac Etter to break down the biggest misunderstandings adoptive parents have and what truly helps adoptees thrive. From trauma-informed parenting and race, to curiosity, grief, and identity, Isaac explains why adoptive parents don’t need perfection, they need tools, community, and humility. Packed with insight and actionable wisdom, this episode gives families a roadmap for raising secure, connected, and emotionally supported adoptees. Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free
In this powerful and personal episode, host Anna Bernacki sits down with her adopted brother Jon DeWitt for their first-ever honest conversation about what it was like growing up adopted in the same home. Together, they revisit childhood memories, talk about attachment and belonging, and reflect on how adoption shaped their identities in different ways. With honesty, humor, and deep empathy, they explore what it means to find connection, heal family patterns, and become the kind of adults and siblings they needed as kids. Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free
Host Anna Bernacki sits down with adoptive mom and advocate Alice Refauvelet to explore the messy, meaningful work of transracial parenting. Alice shares her journey through infertility and adoption, how she’s learning to raise a Black daughter in a white world, and why doing better starts with being willing to learn. A candid, hope-filled look at the power of reflection, repair, and community in adoption. Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free
In this episode of the Parenting Different Podcast, host Anna Bernacki speaks with Devon Anasiewicz, whose journey through foster care and adoption began with one unexpected phone call. Devon opens up about loving through uncertainty, grieving the children who leave, and holding space for both the beauty and the heartbreak that adoption brings. Her story is a powerful reminder that love in adoption isn’t about perfection; it’s about choosing to stay when it hurts. Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free
In this episode of the Parenting Different podcast, host Anna Bernacki sits down with April Ficklin, Director of Family Support Services at Flourishing Families of South Carolina. April shares her deeply personal story of adopting siblings through foster care, the unexpected challenges that came with parenting children from hard places, and the transformation that happened when she discovered trust-based relational intervention (TBRI). From sleepless nights and feeling alone to finding hope, new tools, and a supportive community, April’s journey offers practical wisdom and encouragement for adoptive parents navigating trauma, attachment, and the long game of building trust. Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free
In this episode, host Anna Bernacki speaks with adoptee Kristin Kirkland about the realities of adoption and identity. From uncovering long-hidden truths as a young adult, to navigating grief and ultimately finding validation through reunion, Kristin’s story highlights both the struggles and the joys of embracing one’s whole identity. This episode is an honest and encouraging resource for adoptees, adoptive parents, and anyone touched by adoption. Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free
Host Anna Bernacki talks with adoptee and filmmaker Alexander King about adoption, identity, and the healing role of music. From being adopted from Ukraine to creating an upcoming short dance film, Alexander shares his journey of processing grief, redefining connection, and discovering belonging through art. This candid conversation offers adoptive parents insight into what it means to truly be known and wanted. Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free
Anna Bernacki talks with Talia-Rae about growing up with adopted siblings, navigating jealousy, trauma, and “traumaversaries,” and how her family’s foster care journey shaped her perspective and empathy Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free
In this episode of Parenting Different, host Anna Bernacki is joined by Raquel McCloud and Leah Outten to explore what healing looks like in adoption. Together, they share how retreats built around laughter, creativity, and community are helping adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents find space for both grief and gratitude. From discovering the freedom of play to launching The Ampersand Initiative, Raquel and Leah open up about their journeys as birth moms and the intentional ways they’re creating spaces for adoption-connected families to heal, connect, and thrive. Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free
Episode one of the Parenting Different podcast with MaryBeth Murdock Join the Parenting Different newsletter here: https://www.parentingdifferent.com/free