Birth Moms Real Talk

Episode 125- Sherry – “ Don’t Carry the Emotional Load Alone “

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Sherry shares her journey of experiencing the trauma, secrets and shame that most birth/first mothers experience. Her thoughts of denying her pregnancy and persistently saying “ I a not pregnant “. Once reality was made real , then there was the decisionthat she faced.

Sherry spoke about believing there was “ A Plan “ . Sherry and Yvonne talked about the ‘ Real Talk of what birth/first mothers went through physically as we birthed “ small humans into this life “.

Sherry shares the story of her journey and her life over the years with her daughter.

Listen how Sherry shares her emotions through “ Loving from Afar” .

Episode 124 -Anne – “ No One Asked If I was Ok, I Just Wanted to be Seen”

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Anne brings a fresh perspective from her path of healing.

She shares as an adoptee and a birth/first mother .

‘Children can not Process’ are her words about growing up.

At the age of 8, she asked herself the question, “ How does this make sense? “

She talks about what she realized was her faith .

Anne shares how she wanted to hear someone ask her if she was OK .

She simply wanted to be seen .

Anne describes her life as being ‘ Tossed into the Waves”

Anne speaks to birth/first mothers with these words . “ Honor Yourself, Honor Your Journey “

Anne talks about her book , “ Trauma Recycled” .

Anne shares her Voicein addressing Trauma, Secrets and Shame

Episode 123- Laura – Trauma, Secrets and Shame

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Laura grew to know trauma, secrets and shame as many adoptees and birth/first mothers do.

We talk about the choice to accept the shame, continue the secrets and address the trauma .

She shares her journeyof discovery of learning that she was going to be a mother. Laura leaves us with important information that many may not know.

Laura’s reunion journey with her daughter is like many reunions , a series of emotional roller coasters

Episode 122: Kitty – A Recurring Family History

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Kitty is a birth mom in reunion, and she holds a unique position in the adoption triad community. Kitty is an adoptee, birth mom, and adoptive mom. She brings a focused lens to all perspectives and shares openly how she is on a journey of healing. Kitty talks about a recurring family history that adds another layer to her story.

Episode 121- BMRT LIVE Triad Dialogue – Adoptees, Birth/First Moms and Adoptive Moms

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

BMRT podcast has the ONY LIVE Triad Dialogue Discussion that brings a honest, open and transparent Triad discussion ( H.O.T.) to the public. We pull the covers off Trauma , Secrets and Shame in adoption .

We welcome as our guests, Damon Davis, Host of Who Am I Really Podcast, adoptee and adoptive parent, Jennifer Dyan Ghoston, host of Once Upon a Time in Adoptee and Podcast , adoptee, Cynthia Rounds-McGuigan, foster youth and birth/first mother, Anne Peshka, adoptee and birth/first mother and Stacey Gatlin, adoptive mother.

We hear the different perspectives of topics from the Superbowl ad on adoption, navigating relationships , managing the emotional rollercoaster of reunion and adoption advocacy of unsealing original birth certificates ( OBC), and raising our voices in our everyday walk of life .

Birth Moms Real Talk is a platform since 2021 for birth/first/natural mothers to share their story , to share their journey . we are offering these mothers an opportunity to start your path to Grace and Healing by sharing your story on BMRT Podcast . Please reach out to Yvonne at info@birthmomsrea;talk.com

We are open to guests on our monthly Triad Dialogue who are adoptees, birth/first/natural mothers and adoptive mothers to join us , please reach out to Yvonne at info@birthmomsrealtalk.com

Episode 119: Brandy – ‘ I Didn’t Think I had a Choice “

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Brandy grew up in a small rural town exposed to foster homes at an early age. She was a child of teenage parents. Brandy grew up quickly with the life circumstances that she experienced. She said she spent a ‘ Summer of Love with her 16-year-old boyfriend to learn going back to school that she herself would be a teenage mother. Brandy overcame feelings of low self-esteem to learn to know “What She Wanted”. Throughout her entire pregnancy, she felt “ She Didn’t Think She Had a Choice “

Episode 119: Lori – “Reunion is Hard”

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Lori shares openly what we as birth moms say in silence, “Reunion is Hard”. Lori’s journey shares her desires of her heart of being in reunion with her child. Lori is a champion in helping birth moms steer through the obstacles and “roller coaster emotional rides” of being a birth mom.

Episode 119: Beth – “I Made It Through in Spite of My Trauma”

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Beth’s journey started in a family that brought her many heartaches. She wondered how to deal with the many family losses, emotional grief, and trauma.

Grief and trauma are not a simple process as Beth was told. She faced many challenges and “ She Made it Through “.

Beth shares her view to society’s messaging regarding adoption.

Adoption is a permanent solution to a temporary situation.

Episode 118: Donna – “ No One Asked Me Who – “

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Donna grew up in a home of “Fear and Unknowns”. She faced the traumatic experience of molestation. Donna became a birth mother at the age of 13.

Donna’s siblings escaped all the family shame, remorse, and guilt just as she went down various paths seeking healing.

Keeping secrets prompted her family to tell Donna to hide in the basement or attic when visitors are not seen and bring shame to the family. Donna has realized that her life was “NOT NORMAL“ as she was led to believe.

Donna now knows that she is Important and deserves compassion.

“Secrets and Silence Keep You Sick “

117 : Cindy - “ I Didn’t Know Much “ When I Went Away “

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Cindy shares her experience of being a 15-year-old birth mom living in the Midwest. Cindy had a ‘ different family situation “ as she describes her life.

Cindy had a sibling with autism which translated into her being a caregiver.

Family legacy was missing from both her mom's and dad's families. Cindy says she grew up on “ an island”.

Her journey took her through many different scenarios with parental support.

Cindy faced her fears of finding her son.

Episode 116: Nicole – "We are Told to Move On "

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Nicole -We are Told to Move On … Not Easy

Nicole exhibited strength beyond belief as many birth mothers. Nicole experienced many losses from the age of 5, she persisted.

Nicole’ resilience grew stronger with each trauma. She has built a relationship with her son in her open adoption.

Now, she is in the midst of one of her Biggest traumas. Listen as she shares her journey

Episode 115: Karen - "Fear Made Me Feel Inadequate"

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0400

"Karen faced her 'own' birth secrets that she strived to 'untangle'. This gave Karen a unique experience as an adoptee confronted with finding her original birth certificate (OBC). Karen was passionate about the 'Real Talk' of adoption laws from state to state. She shared her story with passion, peace, and purpose. Karen had a straightforward attitude about societal pressures placed on birth/first moms in the United States. The essence of her story is that childhood experiences profoundly impact one's entire life."

Episode 114 - Adoption is NOT the First Option – Superbowl Ad – Cindy and Yvonne

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Super Bowl LX airs on February 8, 2026 and is scheduled to air an Ad on Adoption . We had the chance to preview this ad. Cindy, another Birth/First Mom and I had a very transparent and candid conversation about this ad. Our conversation pointed out the glaring exclusion of the expectant woman’s voice , she was Not a Girl in the Middle , she was a Woman facing a decision.

The voice -over shared what she would miss by being pregnant, not what she could experience by raising her child . For many years, 45 years for me , I was faced with this same rhetoric in 1973 , choose life and allow a married couple to raise your child because that would be ‘ Better”. The only sure thing is that it would be ‘ Different”.

Let me be very Clear, my son had a good life . At the same time , we know that separation from birth/first mother is trauma. The adopted child has ‘ preverbal’ trauma, because they couldn’t talk , they had no voice or choice. I always imagined the scenario of a child being placed , not ‘given away’ that if a child had a voice , they would say , NO, I want my mother. God is so magnificent in the miracle of creation . We as mothers actually ‘ grow a little human’ , that 9 months creates a ‘birth bond ‘ that will never be broken , separated or not.

Listen to this conversation and please share this episode and comment to me and others. Let’s Conversate and have a “ Real Talk’ about Adoption .

Episode 113 :Sydney – The Pressures of Being a Birth Mother

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Sydney says she was a relative “ normal” kid whose family expected her to

behave at a certain standard because of her “ family influence” in her town .

Early in Sydney’s life, trauma and grief entered her life with the tragic loss

of her mother. . She then became the “ mother figure” to her younger

siblings.

Sydney became a mother without family support as other first/birth mothers

experienced. The “family decision “ of adoption was the next step.

Conversations or discussions about this ‘life-changing” decision were not

an option for Sydney .

Sydney’s journey in placement of her son was challenging . Sydney spoke

of being an “ A “ student in school and upon becoming a birthmother, her

life then was considered “ blemished.” We spoke about the stereotype

placed on birthmothers living a “broken life.” We spoke of this simply “ not

bring true “.

Sydney is a shining “voice” in the adoption constellation with her

professional work in public policy and advocacy on the current adoption

landscape.

Episode 112 :Shelley - “I Never Gave Up on Him “

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Shelley was very engaging as she talked about explored “it” with her “bestie” male friend. After three months, as a first-year student in college, she was overwhelmed to learn that she was pregnant. Her initial feelings were numbness, shock, and fear upon this life-changing news. We spoke about where she was, who she told first and all the specific details that birth/first moms experience as specific as time of day, what we are wearing, and the words remembered our entire life. Life stands still for a moment when moms receive this news.

Shelley received “immediate support “from all in her life. Shelley’s college professor played an integral role in her life and placement of her son. We spoke about how “support” could change the scenario from one choice to another.

Shelley’s reunion with her son was “Amazing “. The first hug with her son felt like ”Home”. The nature and nurture of adoption is “Powerful.

Episode 111 : Yvonne- Radical Acceptance as a Birth/First Mom

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Happy New Year 2026 . BMRT Podcast adds a new perspective , a new series in addition to interviewing Birth/ First Moms journeys. Yvonne will be having group chats with moms as well as discussing the practice of Radical Acceptance with adoptees, birth/first moms, and adoption moms as part of the new podcast series .

We will return with our monthly BMRT Facebook LIVE Triad discussions, and we will Launch BMRT LIVE in Washington, DC, Atlanta and Sydney , Australia in 2026 . Stay tuned to participate and more details.

Our ‘ Hot Topics “ and “ Real Talk “ will be more engaging about the trauma suffered by the triad of adoptees, birth/first Moms, and adoptive moms.

After 7 years of reunion with her son , Yvonne is in a place of ‘ Radical Acceptance” and wants to help all in the adoption community to find their paths to Grace and Healing .

Yvonne has expanded her advocacy of helping with opening the access of original birth certificates ( OBC) by testimony in state legislatures.

Yvonne is sharing her voice in new spaces, such as adoption events, retreats, conferences, congressional hearings, and on virtual and social media platforms.

If you want a seasoned Birth/First Mom who brings a Strong voice and diversity in thoughts and perspectives , invite Yvonne as a guest .

Contact Yvonne at info@birthmomsreatalk.com .

Birth/First Moms , we want to share your journey , connect with us , you can share anonymous, your story is important.

Episode 110: Alycea – “A Birthmother’s Path to Wholeness”

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Alycea was a teenager at 17 living on her own when she discovered she was pregnant. Though her independence and struggle in everyday life, she realized that she could not care for herself and her child,

Alycea had an older sister to teach her life skills at 17 when most only start at age 21.

She knew the realities of bank accounts, paying bills, working a job and surviving in life.

Alycea has traveled the path as many birth mothers of riding the ‘roller coaster ‘ of emotions in building a relationship with her daughter.

Episode 109: Cathryn - " I Need to Tell You"

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Cathryn grew up in a very strict family. Her religious background shaped her youth. She described herself as a ‘ rule follower”. She felt she was “ in the way” in the home growing up.

Cathryn had unconscious memories about giving birth to her daughter. Cathryn experienced PTSD while in therapy which prompted her to search for her daughter.

Episode 108: Shanae – “ Believe Your Truth – You Belong Here “

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Shanae remembers the age of 9 and 1/2 so vividly. This time in her life was very challenging and brought forth many traumas that disrupted her life. This life-changing moment gave way to her ‘gift’ of writing her feelings in a journal. This was her “ coping” method. Shanae faced doubts of her ‘ truth’ by the adults in her circle.

As an expectant mother, she faced challenges and vulnerabilities in her life. She faced the flop - flop of support from family. Many perceptions of adoption were from what she watched on “ TV’. She is focused on healing herself and her son. Shanae’s message to birthmothers is “ You Belong Here”

Episode 107: Yvonne – I Felt Like I Could Breathe Again

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In a way, this is my own Birth Moms Real Talk episode from an interview with Damon L. Davis, host of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast. We discussed my reunion with my son after more than 40 years apart. I shared the loneliness of my pregnancy, my desire to keep her son versus against my inability to do so, the moment I came face to face with my son’s adoptive mother and the search to find the man he grew up to be.

This episode first appeared in June 2021 as episode 154 of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast with Damon L. Davis (WhoAmIReallypodcast.com, @WAIReally).

Episode 106: Marisa – “My Love was Overwhelming”

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Marisa describes her childhood as being a “tough life” living with her single mom. There were many “ life transitions she experienced at an early age without the comfort and love to deal with her traumas. Marisa lived life on the streets and managed to stay focused towards a better life.

A Friday night invitation for pizza changed her perspective on life. Marisa “Found the Ones” who were meant to be in her life. Marisa shared “words of wisdom” from her life experience and her chosen profession.

Episode 105: Monica – “I Just Needed to be Loved“

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Monica was adopted at the age of 4 months. Her parents who adopted her from a foster home in Alaska saw her resilience grow to become a “strong young lady“ who exhibited her “power“. Monica loved the attention from her mother, she felt the need to be loved. Monica became resilient to overcome challenges and became the “ tomboy” in the family.

Monica experienced the infamous Alaska earthquake that traumatized many. Monica’s way of coping was to “stuff down deep inside” the dysfunction she experienced.

Facing signing relinquishment papers after giving birth in the hospital was overwhelming.

Monica is in reunion and states that she is experiencing her “destiny“ and is encouraging others to give themselves “Grace“ for Healing.

Monica has released her memoir after eight years of work, entitled “ Practically Still A Virgin", which is available on Amazon and other book outlets.

Episode 104: Patience – Feeling Lost , in Love and in Trauma

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Patience experienced as many, a childhood of challenges. Her family was separated in dramatic fashion. At the age of 16, patience learned of a maternity home through her mother’s church affiliation. Her journey to motherhood involved traveling to the home for birth mothers with strangers. Her experience , as she said was in many ways better than her home. Patience felt lost, still in love, and knew the trauma of her childhood that she strived to overcome.

Episode 103: Denise - Secrets in the Family

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Denise’s journey started with her own adoption and her first glimpse into trauma. She grew up in the Mennonite community in Pennsylvania . Denise and Yvonne had some common memories to share .

Secrets were prevalent in the family. Denise talked about her experience as a Mennonite and the expectations and acceptance from her parents.

She spoke about looking for love and her identity.

Becoming a mom at an early age was traumatic and caused her to leap into independence. Denise’s journey was full of surprise connections. She talked about her heart’s desire.

Episode 102: Jeanne – What About Me?

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Jeanne talked about her life growing up in Canada happily entertaining herself with her dolls. She talked about her anxiousness through her life facing fear and doubting herself.

Secrets and fearing sharing the truth were sometimes overwhelming.

Jeanne has broken through her fear to share her story for the first time.

DNA and Search Angels played a major role in Jeanne’s journey.

As all of us in the Adoption community know, “Reunions are Roller Coasters “.

Episode 101:" Grace and Healing in 7 Year Reunion Journey"

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Yvonne brings everyone up to date on her Sabbatical, Break, or self-care time.

Yvonne talks about the roller coaster ride of 7 years in Reunion with her son since 2018.

Transitions, Work, new DBT therapy journey, and all-around connection to the Adoption Community.

Stay tuned for Birth Moms Real Talk LIVE coming to Washington, DC in 2025.

Reunion is NOT easy, and we sometimes are tossed to the ground. Let us help each other.

We are In This Together towards Grace and Healing

Episode 100- Jenny –The Search For What's Best For My Baby

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:30:00 -0400

Jenny grew up in a large family with over 80 cousins in Kentucky. Adoption and foster case touched her family through her father. She spoke about 2 grandfathers and 2 grandmothers on her father's side, as the adoption community experiences with adoptive and biological families.

As a teenage mother, Jenny was led to believe that open adoption was the BEST decision for her child's life. All Jenny ever wanted was THE absolute best for her baby. If that meant Jenny had to endure pain and sorrow, she believed it would be worth it.

Jenny was an athlete in college and experienced different racial cultures for the first time.

Jenny's story spoke of unique experiences upon leaving the hospital with her child and having the birthfather in her daughters life as well.

After 32 years, Jenny shares about the realities of open adoption and the many complexities that comes with. Blessings, pain and the realization that JENNY was always what was BEST for her daughter.

Episode 99: Dr." Abby-Truth about Trauma"

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Abby is a transracial adoptee as a black adoptee adopted in 1971 by white parents. Her family was interested in adopting another Black child but that did not work out.

Her family were told by adoption agencies that a Black child would be the“Cheapest and Quickest “.

Abby started searching earnestly for her “truth” with her mother’s dementia,diagnosis.

Abby is also a Birth/First Mother and psychotherapist serving clients in the adoption constellation.

Abby spoke about the “ Real Truth” in Adoption dispels the Blank Slate ,Nurture over Nature that she heard in her family .

She speaks about her “ Dream Family” for her son placed in adoption.

The Truth Always Prevails and we need to Talk the Truth about the Trauma

Episode 98 -Two Moms: Adopting Each Other – Carman and Susan – Part 2

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Carman and Susan continue their story an adoption plan is made . Carman shared of her unique and sometimes funny journey. Carmen “ Knew” what she wanted for herself and her child. She talked about the “ Fear” from both the birth mother perspective and adoptive mother perspective .

Susan talked about being at the birth of Olivia , Carmen’s daughter . Susan has penned her memoir titles “ One Yes at A Time : How Open Adoption Transformed Our Family “.Birth/First Mothers look forward to meeting their child they have carried for nine months .

Carmen and Susan had parallel lives intersecting to form an open adoption. Carmen spoke of “ The Best in All of Us”. Carmen and Susan “ Adopted Each Other .

Communication is the Key to navigation of Emotions and Trauma of Adoption.

Episode 97-Two Moms : Adopting Each Other - Carmen and Susan - Part 1

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Carmen and Susan share their journey of life . In typical adoption stories, the birth/first mom and adoption mom may never have a conversation, yet Carmen and Susan had “ Real Talk” and conversations about “ their daughter.

These two mothers grew up in different situations and yet started the journey to “grow and learn from each other “.

Carmen was an independent college student providing for herself on the west coast . Susan had a Midwest life and journeying through school, work, and marriage . Their story begins when their parallel lives crossed.

They both came to ‘an adoption plan ‘ from two different perspectives.

An Honest , Open , Transparent , H. O. T. Conversation is what you will hear on this episode of Birth Moms Real Talk.

Episode 96 – Janelle & Katherine – Mom and Daughter – History Repeats Itself – Part 2

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0400

This story and journey continue with Katherine taking center stage , As you heard on Part 1 that Katherine was in the room listening to Janelle share. This itself is unique for a Birth/First Mom to talk openly and honestly about her placing Katherine in adoption in front of her. No secrets here .

Listen and learn what revelations came out that maybe both Katherine and Janelle had never heard before

Episode 95 – Janelle & Katherine – Mom and Daughter – “History Repeats Itself

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0400

We welcome Janelle, Executive Director of BraveLove Inc , a nonprofit that has served

the Birth Mom community since 2012 and her birth daughter Katherine who share their

story that evolved in many extricate paths to “Growth and Healing” .

You will hear the “ Real Talk “ behind the scenes with Janelle and Katherine who were

in the same room together for this episode. Listeners will learn the story of how “

History Repeats Itself

Episode 94 : Kathy – Sharing My Story Gave Me Freedom

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Kathy’s heart and spirit is the driving force of her mission to help to others who have lost loved ones. Kathy shares of her own loss and tells how she found freedom.

Episode 93: Ruby Lee – "Don’t be Selfish, Do the Right Thing"

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Ruby Lee grew up in a middle-class family in the Midwest. As a teenager, Ruby Lee started a bi-racial relationship with her boyfriend. Ruby knew that was unacceptable by the racist language used by her father in the home. She lost friends who didn’t support this relationship. The support she expected from the birth father upon learning of her pregnancy was not there. Ruby Lee kept believing, of course he will come around because ‘ he loved me’. She held onto hope. Her hope was failing as each month passed. The experience in the unwed mother’s home was still judgmental with birth moms discriminated against her as having a bi-racial child as they were judged also as unwed mothers.

Episode 92 : Sharon - "Never Spoken Of Again"

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Sharon came from a large family and was a steady support for her siblings. She was an honor society student. Sharon had a great adventure of participating in training in Washington, DC. after high school. Sharon realized her naivete when she became pregnant.

Sharon shares her journey of becoming pregnant and making an adoption plan on her own … and then sharing it with her family. “ It was Never Spoken of Again “.

Sharon went through life wearing “ The Mask that many Birth Moms Wore”.

Listen to how and what prompted her to “Remove her Mask”.

Episode 91 – Rebekkah – “ I Finally Knew What I Wanted”

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Rebekkah’s childhood was a lifestyle of many twists and turns, She experienced adoption first hand when she was adopted by her step- father.

She talked about how it felt to receive her second birth certificate, it was even a different color. In college, Rebekkah developed her independent spirit. Her move to Atlanta gave her the direction to find her true passion.

Upon learning of her pregnancy, she realized her family would not be a support for her.

Her fortitude and perseverance gave her purpose.

Episode 90 – Laura – “ You’ll Forget This Ever Happened”

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

As soon as Laura announced to her parents that she was pregnant, she was driven on a late-night ride to a military base where her father confronted the birth father. Laura’s childhood convinced her that her knight will come for her on a white horse to rescue her.

Laura held onto this ray of hope believing that her family will support her. In her mind, she said, of course, they will, they are her family. Laura felt like a ‘criminal’ when her family and friends found out about her unwed pregnancy. This was simply how it was in the 60s and 70s. if you were an unwed mother, that was the worst thing that you could ever do. Birth moms were hidden because of the secrets and shame in adoption.

Episode 89 : Vicky – “Love has No Color”

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Vicky is a birth mom who experienced a challenging childhood like many others. Vicky found out through her journey that “Love Has No Color”. Vicky talks dialogues that are prevalent in our society today.

Episode 88: Nicole – The ‘Touch’ that Changed My Life

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Nicole at an early age did not have a stable home. At the age of 10, her extended family became her support. Nicole worked through her anger as a “mean girl’ as she called herself. He life became a love-hate relationships with her mother. After high school, Nicole found her ‘voice” to overcome a chaotic life as she became a birth mother to her son at the age of 19. Nicole at an early age did not have a stable home. At the age of 10, her extended family became her support. Nicole worked through her anger as a “mean girl’ as she called herself. Her life became a love-hate relationships with her mother. After high school, Nicole found her ‘voice” to overcome a chaotic life as she became a birth mother to her son at the age of 19.

Episode 87: Autunm – “I Didn’t Know”

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Autunm shares her unique experience of becoming a ‘Birth Mom’. I witness people

when they hear her story that their mouths open wide, and their eyes become large.

Listen to Autunm share her experiences as a Birth Mom of “Leaving the hospital with

Empty Arms” as other Moms and the path of growth and healing that she is on today.

Autunm shares about her open adoption with many blessings and lessons for Birth

Moms and Adoptive Moms.

Episode 86: Madison – ‘Start Saying “Yes” to Yourself”

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

We talk to Madison about being Pregnant at 19 and wondering on whether she is truly a MOM. Follow Madison as she shares about her journey with family and how kinship became the logical answer to Madison. Birth Moms sometimes think that “ We are “Bad Girls” because of the “shame” placed on us or accepted by us. In the end, Madison finds her “Voice” to Say “ Yes.

Episode 85: Rosalie – “Forgiveness Helped Me To Heal“

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Rosalie is a mom who experienced many life changes after becoming a birth mom. She experienced the “shame” of exile in her home as well as her ‘voice’ of a mom along with her daughter, Emily. Rosalie shares what helped her for many years before her reunion and speaks about “Hope and Expectation” and Forgiveness of helping her to heal.

Episode 84 : Rose – “Who is Talking to the Elephant in the Room”

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Rose shares her story for the first time with “Birth Moms Real Talk” podcast with the encouragement from an unique situation. Rose talks about wanting to talk about her child but feeling very fearful that she will be heard. She says it was like “Who will talk to the Elephant in the Room”?

Episode 83: Marcie – “What’s in Your Secret Shoebox?”

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Marcie expresses her miraculous find in the closet in a shoebox. Hear about her premise and story in her book, “ The Shoebox Effect “. We learn about how Marcie “buried” memories from years before as many birth mothers. Her beloved pet leads her to explore and uncover all the secrets and pain in her life.

Episode 82 : Lori P – “I Felt Alone and Abandoned”

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:20:00 -0400

Lori spoke about her experience of becoming a mother as lonely and afraid. Lori talked about her uniqueness of being Jewish and the perspective of the guilt and shame placed on her. Lori experienced many traumas in her life that brought many challenges of “coping in life “.

She spoke about the “voices” in her ear that determined her own voice of asking herself “ if she was worthy. Lori traveled the road of many birth/first mothers of building the courage to “ Speak “ and share her story. She has found her “ Voice “.

Episode 81 : Angie – “I Broke Through My Shame”

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Angie talked about her “less than perfect” childhood which caused her to experience shame, unworthiness in her life. Angie is now working in her “purpose” in helping other birthmothers like herself. She talked about how “Important it is to be “Heard” as a Birthmother and be shown compassion and care. We sometimes see familiar family dysfunctions repeat themselves. Let’s NOT Repeat History but Change History. Angie manages to see the “positive” in various “negative” circumstances. The decision is all up to you.

Episode 80: Maddy – “The Best Two Days of My Life “

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Maddy grew up with both parents and at an early age lived with both parents in separate homes. She received support as a young teenager from both parents. When Maddy discovered she was pregnant with her boyfriend, she was at a difficult place and decision. She faced the voices of others regarding "what she should do", She faced the same stigma that most birth mothers faced as an 18-year-old unmarried mother.

Maddy is a strong and determined young lady who makes up her mind and gets it accomplished. Maddy wants all birth mothers to know that " they have a voice" and they are free to use it. Open adoption is Hard and may 'Shift" from the original agreement. Maddy talks about her devastation and pain when the rules changed about her seeing her daughter. Maddy shares about how she is progressing and experiencing some 'good news' about her life.

Episode 79: Ashley - “ I Took the Road less Traveled “

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Ashley is not the stereotype like society may describe as a Birth Mom. She had her path laid before her to follow in the footsteps of her father. Ashley followed that path as a ‘ people pleaser ’ as she described herself. Ashley received the accolades she always wanted as she felt ‘ starved for love’ in her life. The sudden death of her father took her on a complete turn in her life as she went on “ The Road Less Traveled”.

Episode 78: Barbara – “ Writing Our Secrets Healed Us”

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Barbara’s experience of becoming a birth mom started with a childhood of “conformist’ parents. If something traumatic happened, they simply did not talk about it. At the age of 17, Barbara did not get “ The Talk “ from her mother, like many young girls. Barbara was exposed to the “ Secrets of the Family” that upended her naivete as a young girl. She viewed dysfunction in the face and moved forward.

Episode 77: Amy - “Secrets in the Adoption Closet “

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Amy shared her story of being a birth mom thorough the eyes of also being an adoptee. The twists and turns of her life set the path to life she leads today as a therapist. Amy talks about her” Path to Healing’ and how “Secrets Keep You Sick “.

Episode 76 : Nikki – I Am Always A Mom

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Nikki shares her journey about she is always a mom whether she is with her child her not. Her pathway to healing and empowerment comes through her love and sharing spirit with other birth moms as she navigates this journey. She shares about the years not seeing her child and pending reunion.

Episode 75 : Yvonne – I Felt Like I Could Breathe Again

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In a way, this is my own Birth Moms Real Talk episode from an interview with Damon L. Davis, host of the “Who Am I Really?” podcast. We discussed my reunion with my son after more than 40 years apart. I shared the loneliness of my pregnancy, my desire to keep her son versus against my inability to do so, the moment I came face to face with my son’s adoptive mother and the search to find the man he grew up to be.

This episode first appeared in June 2021 as episode 154 of the “Who Am I Really?” podcast with Damon L. Davis (WhoAmIReallypodcast.com, @WAIReally).

Episode 72- Grace and Healing in 7 Year Reunion Journey

Fri, 09 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Yvonne brings everyone up to date on her Sabbatical, Break, or self-care time.

Yvonne talks about the roller coaster ride of 7 years in Reunion with her son since 2018.

Transitions, Work, new DBT therapy journey, and all-around connection to the Adoption Community.

Stay tuned for Birth Moms Real Talk LIVE coming to Washington, DC in 2025.

Reunion is NOT easy, and we sometimes are tossed to the ground. Let us help each other.

We are In This Together towards Grace and Healing

Episode 71- Yvonne’s Journey – LIVE Podcast at Black Voices Amplified Summit 2024

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0400

We were honored to attend Black Voices Amplified Summit 2024 in New

Brunswick, New Jersey on November 9. 2024. “Yes We Adopt” was

founded by Stacey Gatlin as an organization committed to raising

awareness, cultivating community, and advocating for Black children and

families touched by adoption and fostering. https://www.yesweadopt.com

This was an awesome experience for me to continue to share my Journey

as a Birth/First Mom as we do on Birth Moms Real Talk Podcast

https://www.birthmomsrealtalk.com

Listen to a conversation with my Buddy, Damon Davis , host of Who I Am

Really Podcast https://www.whoamireallypodcast.com

We take on the challenges, grace, healing, and trauma to come out of the

F.O.G for the adoptee as well as the Birth/First Mom. We cover “ Hot

Topics” with honesty and truth .

“Hold On, You are in for a Ride.”

Dr.Abby-Truth about the Trauma

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Abby is a transracial adoptee as a black adoptee adopted in 1971 by white parents. Her family was interested in adopting another Black child but that did not work out.

Her family were told by adoption agencies that a Black child would be the“Cheapest and Quickest “.

Abby started searching earnestly for her “truth” with her mother’s dementia,diagnosis.

Abby is also a Birth/First Mother and psychotherapist serving clients in the adoption constellation.

Abby spoke about the “ Real Truth” in Adoption dispels the Blank Slate ,Nurture over Nature that she heard in her family .

She speaks about her “ Dream Family” for her son placed in adoption.

The Truth Always Prevails and we need to Talk the Truth about the Trauma

46: Courtney – “ I Found My Worth as a Mom at 17”

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Courtney spoke of having a “feeling” she was pregnant and facing denial for a few moments. She quickly went into action and reached out and was “ghosted” in the true sense of the word.

She found resources on the bus route, found an adoption counselor and made the life- changing decision to place her child in adoption.

Courtney gave birth and within 3 days was into her next transitional phase in life. Courtney is amazing and her story shows how powerful and worthy she is.

43: Candace – “I Am Good Enough to Be a Mother”

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Candace went through life without a tremendous amount of self-esteem. She talks about her family traditions of doing what they needed to do. She had a resilient spirit. Candace realized that she had more than she lacked to be a mother.

38: Fran – Finding Peace from Unbearable Loss

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Fran shares her journey of placing her child and experiencing “unbearable loss”. Her story shares the intricate journey of the experience of isolation and grief. Fran is now a social worker and has found the path to peace.

27: Mother’s Day – “Angie, Ashley and Laura”

Fri, 06 May 2022 07:00:00 -0400

We interview 3 Birth Mothers for this special podcast to celebrate Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is such an emotional holiday. Will our child, call, text, or send flowers?

Will they remember me as their mother, if we are in reunion? If we are not in reunion, are they thinking about me.

Angie, Ashley, and Laura talk about how they spend the day and what brings them healing and peace.

23: Nikki – I Am Always A Mom

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Nikki shares her journey about she is always a mom whether she is with her child her not. Her pathway to healing and empowerment comes through her love and sharing spirit with other birth moms as she navigates this journey. She shares about the years of not seeing her child and pending reunion.

22: Yvonne – I Felt Like I Could Breathe Again

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This episode first appeared in June 2021 as episode 154 of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast with Damon L. Davis (WhoAmIReallypodcast.com, @WAIReally).

17: Kristen and Lindsey – “Just the Two of Us – The Journey Continues – Part 2″

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0400

Birth Moms Real Talk has its first duo podcast interview with Kristen, a birth mom and Lindsey, her daughter also a birth mom, yes, it’s complicated but you will enjoy the conversation of being outcast and bullied and finding solid ground to become who they are today. Adoption spans over several generations affected with Kristen and Lindsey. The challenges of life interrupted both Kristen and Lindsey’s life with circumstances that grew an unbreakable bond. Listen closely to find out the special twist of love and bonding of another daughter.

16: Kristen and Lindsey – “The Two of Us: Love Never Failing“

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0400

14: Amy - “Secrets in the Adoption Closet “

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 18:00:00 -0400

Amy shared her story of being a birth mom thorough the eyes of also being an adoptee. The twists and turns of her life set the path to life she leads today as a therapist. Amy talks about her” Path to Healing’ and how “Secrets Keep You Sick “.

13: Haley – “I Didn’t Know What to Do“

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 18:00:00 -0400

Haley was a teenager living in Utah facing the difficult decision of telling her parents of her discovery of being pregnant. She was "scared to death”. Through the days of feeling lonely and her feelings not being validated, she moved through her journey of “not knowing what to do” about many situations that she was facing.

6: Yvonne – I Felt Like I Could Breathe Again

Sat, 14 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0400

This episode first appeared in June 2021 as episode 154 of the "Who Am I Really?" podcast with Damon L. Davis (WhoAmIReallypodcast.com, @WAIReally).

4: Nikki – I Am Always A Mom

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 00:15:00 -0400

2: Beth – We have a Weekly Date

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 00:15:00 -0400

Beth shares about her childhood and the challenges she faced. Her journey as a birth mom has their own twists and turns. She is in reunion and shares a weekly date building and healing her relationship with her child.