In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan discusses the current state of adoption, highlighting a decrease in families wanting to adopt despite the number of adoptions remaining stable. She shares insights from RG Adoption Consulting's quarterly meeting, emphasizing the company's core values and service pillars, including education, community, ethics, and collaboration. The conversation also touches on trends and challenges in the adoption landscape, including the impact of societal fears and economic uncertainty on prospective adoptive families. Finally, Rebecca celebrates the growth of the podcast and the importance of community engagement in supporting adoptive families.

Important Links

• - Single Motherhood with Kerry Hackett

• - This Adoption Story Will Change How You View Birth Moms –with Katy Kinirons Mejia

• - The Adoption Home Study Process

• - Home Study: The First Step in the Process – With Amy Imber

• - The Shift in Adoption Practices – With Laurie Shelton

  - RG Adoption Consulting

  
  

  Chapters

  
  

  00:00 The Current State of Adoption

  07:09 Core Values and Service Pillars

  14:11 Trends and Challenges in Adoption

  21:50 Community Engagement and Podcast Growth

  
  

  Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, I’d appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review! 💙 THANK YOU!

  
  

  For adoption questions, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest, email support@rgadoptionconsulting.com

In this powerful episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with 19-year-old adoptee, author, and advocate Wilson Munsterman to explore identity, self-worth, and healing through the lens of adoption. Wilson opens up about his adoption from China, the scar that shaped his early beliefs about himself, and the moment he chose to rewrite his internal narrative.

Wilson shares how he went from struggling in silence to finding his voice—and using it to uplift others. Together, Rebecca and Wilson dive into the realities of transracial adoption, the unique identity challenges adoptees face, and what adoptive parents really need to know. This episode is packed with wisdom for adoptive parents raising teens, adoptees seeking healing, and anyone who’s ever questioned their worth.

Important Links

• - Wilson Munsterman on Instagram

  - Marked by Adoption: 10 Key Insights from an Adoptee’s Perspective (Amazon)

• - Identity (founded by Isaac Etter)

  - Family Adoption Network Center

  - Shannon Bingham

• - Sweet Peachtree Marketplace (Use code ROADMAP10 for 10% off)

  - RG Adoption Consulting

  - Take the “Are You Ready to Adopt?” Quiz

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• Chapters
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• 00:00 Understanding Adoption and Self-Worth
• 02:52 Finding Worth Through Community Engagement
• 05:49 Navigating Identity and Belonging
• 08:51 The Impact of Open Communication in Adoption
• 11:58 Rewriting the Narrative of Adoption
• 15:07 The Role of Friends in Support
• 18:02 Transforming Scars into Symbols of Hope
• 20:59 The Journey of Self-Discovery
• 24:12 The Importance of Sharing Stories
• 26:57 Lessons for Adoptive Parents
• 30:03 The Struggle with Self-Worth
• 32:54 Finding Purpose and Passion
• 37:29 Cultural Exposure in Adoption
• 40:36 Understanding Identity and Culture
• 43:42 The Complexity of Cultural Identity
• 45:46 Finding a Voice as an Advocate
• 49:10 Testifying for Adoption Support
• 52:37 Creating a Supportive Community
• 55:28 Designing a National Adoption Blueprint
• 01:00:00 Writing for Change
• 01:02:15 Emotional Challenges in Writing
• 01:06:45 The Importance of Compassion and Understanding
• 
  
• Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, I’d appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review! 💙 THANK YOU!
• 
  
• For adoption questions, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest, email support@rgadoptionconsulting.com

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan shares her personal journey through adoption, highlighting the challenges and emotional experiences she faced. She discusses the importance of having an adoption consultant to guide hopeful parents through the complex process of adoption. Rebecca reflects on her own experiences with fertility treatments, the transition to adoption, and the support she received along the way. The episode emphasizes the need for community and guidance in the adoption journey, as well as the joy and fulfillment that comes with becoming a parent through adoption.

Important Links

- RG Adoption Consulting

- Book A Free Call With Us TODAY

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adoption Journey

08:14 The Role of an Adoption Consultant

12:05 Personal Adoption Experience and Insights

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, I’d appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review! 💙 THANK YOU!

For adoption questions, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest, email support@rgadoptionconsulting.com.

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan and Dr. Sarah Silvestri discuss the complexities of health and medical concerns in adoption. They explore the definition of 'healthy' in the context of adopted children, the impact of prenatal substance exposure, the importance of prenatal care, and the challenges faced by adoptive parents. The conversation also covers the risks associated with STDs and gestational diabetes, as well as practical advice for selecting a pediatrician who understands the unique needs of adopted children.

Important Links

- ⁠Dr. Sara Silvestri⁠

- ⁠American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)⁠

- ⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠

- ⁠Take the “Are You Ready to Adopt?” Quiz⁠

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Health in Adoption

02:53 The Fear of the Unknown in Adoption

06:09 Defining Healthy Babies in Adoption

09:00 Trends in Maternal Health and Substance Use

12:11 Navigating the Adoption Checklist

14:53 The Importance of Prenatal Care

17:53 Risks of Substance Exposure During Pregnancy

21:02 Understanding Opioids and Their Risks

23:48 The Impact of Alcohol on Pregnancy

26:50 The Nuances of Marijuana Use During Pregnancy

36:11 Understanding Hepatitis Risks in Pregnancy

39:21 The Impact of Substance Use on Hepatitis Transmission

42:25 Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Causes and Care

46:48 The Long-Term Effects of Substance Exposure on Children

53:11 STDs and Gestational Diabetes in Adoption Situations

01:00:43 Navigating Medical Records for Adoptive Parents

01:05:40 Choosing the Right Pediatrician for Adoptive Families

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, I’d appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review! 💙 THANK YOU!

For adoption questions, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest, email support@rgadoptionconsulting.com

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan shares real-time insights from her community on a topic many hopeful adoptive parents overlook: traveling home with your baby. From car seats and baby-wearing tips to what not to pack, Rebecca dives into what actually matters during this emotional and life-changing trip.

She also touches on passport application quirks, gives a well-deserved shoutout to adoption social workers during Social Work Month, and reminds families that consulting is about more than just matching—it's about feeling supported every step of the way.

Whether you're mid-process or preparing for placement, this episode is full of helpful gems and feel-good moments from the community.

Important Links

• Duna Car Seat & Stroller Combo

• Lalabu Babywearing Shirts

• • RG Adoption Consulting
  • Book A Free Call With Us TODAY

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  Chapters

  00:00 Community Travel Tips for Adoption02:23 Rebecca’s Affirmation & Honoring Your Body04:10 Listener Reviews & Podcast Love05:30 The Car Seat Debate: Use It on the Plane or Not?09:00 What to Actually Pack for Your Adoption Trip11:30 Passport Name Confusion: What Should You List?14:00 Why Good Social Workers Are EVERYTHING16:20 Final Thoughts & Shoutouts

  Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, I’d appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review! 💙 THANK YOU!

  For adoption questions, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest, email support@rgadoptionconsulting.com.

  
  

  
  

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Jessie Mattos—a birth mother, passionate advocate, and director of birth mother programs at Abiding Love Charities. Known online as @ittakesatriad, Jessie brings raw honesty and powerful insight into what it truly means to support every member of the adoption triad.

Jessie bravely shares her own adoption journey, the complex emotions that followed placement, and how her healing truly began years later—after discovering the power of community and education. She dives into the realities of informed consent, post-adoption grief, and why love is not enough when it comes to ethical adoption.

Together, Rebecca and Jessie explore how hopeful adoptive parents can show up with intentionality, humility, and a willingness to listen—even when it’s uncomfortable. They also unpack red flags to look for when choosing an adoption agency, the do’s and don’ts of pre-placement communication, and how open adoption requires effort and honesty from both sides.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone hoping to adopt—and who wants to do it ethically, compassionately, and with long-term success in mind.

Important Links

• Abiding Love Charities

• BraveLove

• RG Adoption Consulting

• Follow Jessie on Instagram: @ittakesatriad

• • Take the “Are You Ready to Adopt?” Quiz

  
  

  ⏰ Chapters

  00:00 Intro – Why Every Side of the Triad Matters02:17 Who Is a Birth Mother, Really?05:11 Informed Consent & Risks Every Mom Deserves to Know07:26 Healing Through Education & Community11:20 Post-Placement Regret: What Causes It16:44 Understanding Birth Mom “Responsibilities”21:06 Red Flags in Adoption Agencies27:50 Toxic Positivity & Manipulative Language35:30 Grief After Placement: What Hopeful Parents Need to Expect40:11 Birth Fathers, Silence, and Support43:00 Language in Profile Books: What NOT to Say48:35 Communicating Directly with Expectant Moms55:44 How Adoptive Parents Can Truly Support a Birth Mom01:03:27 Double Standards in Adoption01:06:41 What Jessie’s Most Proud Of01:13:10 What Every Adoptive Parent Should Know

  
  

  Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, I’d appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review! 💙 THANK YOU!

  For adoption questions, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest, email support@rgadoptionconsulting.com

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan shares her insights and experiences as an adoption consultant. She discusses the complexities of the adoption journey, including real-life scenarios that can arise, the emotional and financial aspects of adoption, and the importance of community support. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content and seek guidance as they navigate their own adoption journeys.

Important Links

- Can You Really Afford to Adopt? The Truth About Grants

- The Price of Parenthood: Why Adoption Costs So Damn Much

- Adoption Without Financial Stress: Insider Tips to Make Your Dream Family a Reality with Kelly Ellison

- Smart Money Moves for Adoption: Insights from Financial Expert, Matt Joyner

- RG Adoption Consulting

- Book A Free Call With Us TODAY

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Adoption Journey

02:50 Real-Life Adoption Scenarios

05:46 Understanding Adoption Costs and Expenses

11:46 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, I’d appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review! 💙 THANK YOU!

For adoption questions, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest, email support@rgadoptionconsulting.com.

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with an adoptee and adoptive mother who bravely shares her deeply personal journey navigating mental health within adoption. From uncovering her own biological family's history of schizophrenia to supporting her son's mental health challenges, she sheds light on the realities of genetics, environment, and early intervention.

Together, they discuss why love alone isn’t always enough, how genetic predispositions can manifest, and the crucial role of early mental health support. Rebecca and her guest explore practical resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), early intervention programs, and neuropsychological testing, offering hopeful adoptive parents the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

Important Links

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Genomind GeneSight Testing

Early Intervention Programs

RG Adoption Consulting

Take the “Are You Ready to Adopt?” Quiz

⏰ Chapters

00:00 Intro: Why Mental Health in Adoption Matters
02:14 Growing Up with Parents with Mental Illness
04:39 Parentification: When Kids Become Caregivers
07:05 Discovering Her Birth Family’s Schizophrenia Diagnosis
11:18 Deciding Between Biological vs. Adopted Children
16:07 Early Intervention: ADHD, Anxiety & Neuropsych Testing
22:34 The Role of Genetic Predisposition in Mental Health
30:01 Schizophrenia vs. Schizoaffective Disorder Explained
37:00 Adolescent Marijuana Use & Mental Health Risks
42:50 Balancing Parenting a Neurodiverse & Neurotypical Child
49:17 How NAMI’s Support Groups Help Families Thrive
56:14 Advice for Hopeful Adoptive Parents Considering Mental Health Diagnoses

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, I’d appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review! 💙 THANK YOU!

For adoption questions, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest, email support@rgadoptionconsulting.com.