The More Than Enough Podcast

Single Foster and Adoptive Parenting: How communities can make sure no one walks alone

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Today we're joined by Peter Mutabazi, Stacy Glass, and Laura Hutfless to talk about the unique journey of single foster and adoptive parents and what it looks like for a church to really come alongside and champion these families.

Data: More than Numbers

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

When data stops being abstract and starts feeling real, it compels us to act. In this episode, we share an excerpt from Until There’s More than Enough followed by stories from five foster care leaders on the data points that fuel their work.

From ‘What If’ to ‘Even If’: A conversation with Kia Gelinas

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

We all have things that we’re afraid of. From imaginary dragons in the attic to snakes to some deeper fears, ‘What if I fail?’, ‘‘What if I let others down?’, or ‘What if I get hurt’? And our children, especially those who have experienced hard things, often carry even more of those “what ifs.”

Today we talk with Kia Gelinas, an adoptee, teacher, and mentor about what it looks like to face those fears—and how to help others in your life do the same.

Too Big to Do Alone: A conversation with Kevan Chandler

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Recorded at CAFO 2025, this episode features author and speaker Kevan Chandler. We explore what it looks like to dream so big for kids and families in foster care that it requires leaning on others—and on God—to see it come to life. Kevan shares about interdependence, vulnerability, and the incredible gifts and challenges that come from working together towards more than enough for children and families.

Prefer video? This special episode is available in full on the CAFO YouTube channel.

A New Look at Love: Familiar passage, fresh foster care insights

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

We revisit 1 Corinthians 13 with Pastor and dad Mark Gomez of Project 1.27, exploring how this familiar chapter on love takes on deeper meaning in the context of foster care and community. What if the passage hasn’t changed — but we have?

The Process of Becoming: A conversation with Justin Whitmel Earley

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Recorded at CAFO 2025, this episode features author, speaker, and lawyer Justin Whitmel Earley. In this episode we talk about the habits that shape us, the relationships that ground us, and even the ways our physical bodies can teach our souls. This conversation isn’t just about what you do, but about who you’re becoming as you do it.

Prefer video? This special episode is available in full on the CAFO YouTube channel.

Building Resilience: What we can learn from a bike-riding koala

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:01:00 -0400

Scripture and research have much to teach us about resilience, healing, and what it really takes to overcome. In this episode, Dr. Nicole Wilke and former foster youth Nick Tucker share insights—from both research and lived experience—on moving forward after early adversity.

Working With Characters You Didn’t Choose: A conversation with Curt Thompson, MD

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:01:00 -0400

Great stories often begin with an unlikely ensemble—imperfect people learning to work together toward something bigger than themselves. That same dynamic plays out in communities working together to better serve children and families in foster care. Recorded at CAFO 2025, this episode features psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson in a conversation about collaboration, difference, and formation—and why God seems far more interested in who we are becoming than what we accomplish.

Marriage in Foster and Adoptive Families: What it takes to make the magic happen

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:01:00 -0400

Foster care and adoption can strain even strong marriages. This episode explores what helps spouses stay connected when life is already full.

Using AI Wisely: Thoughtful approaches when serving children and families

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:02:00 -0400

How can Christian ministries use AI-powered tools wisely—especially when it comes to the context of serving vulnerable children and families? In this episode, Jedd Medefind, Nicholette Antoniuk, and Travis Hesson explore how to use AI within this context and share key questions and principles that can help ministries approach it with wisdom and care.

Not Meant to Fly Solo: Why adoptive families need a crew

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:02:00 -0400

Today, we hear from two experts, Dr. Melody Aguayo and Traci Newell who share practical ways churches can support adoptive families and their personal stories about what made a real difference in their own lives.

Everyone Can Do Something: Finding Your Fit in Foster Care

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:01:00 -0400

Reaching more than enough for children and families in our communities takes everyone pitching in, even those who may not feel that they squarely fit into the world of foster care! Join a conversation with Jason Johnson, author of the book Everyone Can Do Something, to talk about what a culture of 'everyone can do something' can look like in your church and your community. Then leaders from across the country share real-life examples of how people are doing their 'something' to care for children & families in some pretty creative ways.

A Conversation with Bishop W.C. Martin: The community that inspired Sound of Hope

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:11:00 -0400

The movie Sound of Hope, was inspired by the true story of Possum Trot, Texas. In this episode, we hear about the way one church made a decision that changed not only their own lives but the lives of dozens of children in foster care straight from Bishop W.C. Martin himself.

Custom Build: Designing Pure Religion Sunday to fit your church

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:22:00 -0400

In this episode, you’ll discover fresh ideas for how your church can participate in Pure Religion Sunday in ways that are meaningful and uniquely tailored to your context. Hear from Gabe Forsyth at Mosaic Church on how his church has leveraged this day over the years, and from Lisa Robertson at HopeBridge in Ohio on how it has helped their organization engage local churches in powerful ways.

Nothing Wasted: Using what we already have

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today we’re asking a question every community needs to consider: What if supporting kids and families isn’t about starting something brand new—but about making full use of what God’s already given us? In this episode, you’ll hear two stories that explore that question. Join us as we talk to Brett Cadwell from Kingsway Church in Indiana, and Ronda Paulson from Isaiah 117 House.

A Conversation with Austin Ludwig

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 03:55:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with Austin Ludwig for a powerful conversation about the goodness of God, His redemptive heart, and the ways He’s worked in Austin’s life—often in unexpected and transformative ways. Austin is an artist, a passionate advocate for children in foster care, and a staff member at the Winshape Foundation, where he helps equip local churches in their mission to care for children in foster care. This honest, moving story is a beautiful reminder that even in brokenness, God is always at work.

Invading Someone’s Bubble: How turf wars significantly shape our ability to care for families

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:32:00 -0400

This episode features an exclusive preview of the new audiobook version of Until There’s More Than Enough and then a conversation with Philip Pattison, the Executive Director of Foster the City. We explore how organizations can step into new spaces with care—so that unity grows—and so that kids and families are better off because of it.

Building an Effective Collaboration: Local networks that work and that last

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:38:00 -0400

How do you build a local foster care network that actually works—and lasts? In this episode, we explore three essential structures for sustainable collaboration, with real-life insights from leaders of Every Child Arkansas: Phil Goad, Derek Brown, and Shayne Baker. Learn how steering teams, backbone support, and working groups can bring lasting impact to your community.

The Power of a Local Network: What’s possible when all the parts work together

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 03:49:00 -0400

In today’s episode, we explore the power of a local collaborative network where churches, organizations, agencies, and advocates are coordinating their efforts, working together to better support children and families in foster care. Jason is joined by Keith Fortier and Colin Wells, two members of a local network in Wake County, North Carolina, as they share stories of the impact they’ve seen in their own community.

Around the Table: Keeping relationships at the center of foster care strategy

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 03:59:00 -0400

Today we’re diving into something that sits right at the heart of what we’re all about — relationships. As believers, we know this isn’t just a nice idea. We’re uniquely called and equipped to offer the kind of relationships that go the distance — the kind that reflect the love and faithfulness of Jesus, even when things get messy. We’ll hear today from Amber Knowles with The Riverside Project in Houston and then Stephanie Ellison, the Foster Adoption Ministry Associate Director at Beltway Park Church in Texas. (Note: Her story is powerful, but it contains some sensitive themes that may not be ideal for younger listeners.)

Removing Barriers to Foster Care: What new research reveals

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:55:00 -0400

Discover insights from a new US foster care and adoption survey conducted by Pinkston and the Christian Alliance for Orphans that can help us better understand what the public really thinks about foster care and what truly motivates people to get involved. Download the full report in the show notes. https://cafo.org/podcasts/more-than-enough-podcast/mtep-episode18/

Praying Leaders: Experiencing the power of God in foster care transformation

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:34:00 -0400

In this episode, Jason talks with Ryan Skoog and Peter Greer, two of the authors of the book Lead with Prayer. We then hear from five foster care leaders, Heidi White, Shelly Radic, Rhonda Littleton, Janelle Shelton, and Andrew Holmes about how they prioritize prayer in their lives, work, and leadership, as they serve children and families all across the country.

Cultivating Good Soil: Building strong biological families from the ground up

Tue, 13 May 2025 04:01:00 -0400

In this episode, we imagine together what it looks like when the Church supports families even before child welfare needs to remove children from homes, as Jason talks with Clint Brauer, Jeff Chaisson, and Ariel Moore.

The Director's Chair: Shaping and sharing your story

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In our work we often have opportunities to share our personal stories — maybe from stage, maybe over coffee, or even in a grocery store aisle. However, we can’t talk for hours, and we don’t want to present a sanitized or unauthentic picture of our lives. We wonder, how can we balance the tensions between limited time and authenticity, vulnerability, and privacy? Today we are talking about telling our stories. We talk with Beth Guckenberger, an author, leader, and public speaker, about sharing stories that build connection and credibility, and still honor children’s privacy. We also talk with Tim Grissom, one of Jason’s former editors, and Mari Ramsey, a worship leader and former foster youth, about why he has chosen to travel the country, write a book, and tell his story.

Racecar vs. Wheelbarrow: Helping the helpers who take the road less traveled

Thu, 23 May 2024 13:56:00 -0400

Life is full of decisions. From what monopoly piece to choose to what you will be when you ‘grow up’. And when you choose a career, do you choose a future full of challenges, frustrations, and a low salary? If you choose a job in child welfare, yes. Social workers are people who have selected a career that isn't chosen by most. By even becoming a social worker they are choosing to walk into hard situations every day, knowing they will be perceived harshly and underappreciated. What should our response be to the social workers who have made this difficult choice? Today we talk with Rhonda Littleton, Nicole Taylor, and Joe Rogers to explore not only why we should support and encourage social workers, but what are great first steps to take when incorporating support for these vital helpers into our organizations and ministries.

Goat Rodeo: Driving Change and Navigating Chaos

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 17:32:00 -0400

Sometimes making changes in our organizations and in our families can feel a lot like wrangling goats. We worry before the changes even go into effect that they will bring anxiety and chaos - but it doesn't have to be that way. Leading people through changes doesn't have to feel like a guaranteed, chaotic, goat-rodeo. Join us today for a conversation with Katie Casselberry, the Director of Communications for More Than Enough, about making changes - big and small - and helping the people around us embrace them. Then, to help us all gain a little perspective on what it looks like for a state department to make changes, we talk with Gina Meier-Hummel. Gina formerly served as the Director of Children and Family Services in Kansas, and has been working on behalf of children and families for over 32 years. She has a lot to share about her experiences and shares ideas to encourage us as we come alongside child welfare workers in our own communities.

Trust Fall: Becoming a trust-builder

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 22:30:00 -0400

Whether you’re a foster parent attempting to build trust with the children in your home, a social worker building trust with a family, or a leader building trust among your staff, the importance of building trust in your relationships cannot be overstated.

BONUS: Foster the Family with Jamie Finn

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:46:00 -0400

I think we can all agree that foster care is full of hard things and hard days. We may feel like our work is full of enemies: biological families who are hurt and angry, a system that feels slow and broken, and kids we love who are struggling with hurt and trauma that feels overwhelming. How do we adjust our mindset about who we see as the enemy? And how do we love those that sometimes treat us like we're the enemy? Today we sit down with Jamie Finn, from Foster the Family, to talk about foster care, her book, and a lot of the hard moments we're all familiar with. Today we are having a conversation about how, when we face these hard things and hard relationships in foster care, scripture is always there to meet us right where we're at. This episode is a must listen for not just foster parents but foster care leaders and advocates too.

Backyard Birds: The Unexpected Gifts of Listening Well

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:31:00 -0400

Listening well is the vital first step in developing good relationships with donors, churches, and partners. Today we talk with Michael Mitchell, CAFO’s Director of Development and Discipleship, about listening to the beautiful birds in our own backyards and the people doing incredible work in our communities. We talk about practical ways we can all practice and grow these skills and use them to help build strong connections to those around us.

BONUS: Planted not Buried with Todd Tilghman

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 15:38:00 -0400

Todd Tilghman may be most well known as the winner of the 18th Season of NBC's "The Voice", but at the 2022 CAFO Summit he sits down with Jason Weber and shares about his family of 10, his faith, and what music has meant to him along his journey.

Filling Potholes: Beyond finding fault in foster care

Mon, 22 May 2023 12:19:00 -0400

What happens when we see the problems of foster care not just as potholes that someone else should take care of, but as opportunities to create something beautiful, in the exact place that needs it most? What if instead of pointing out potholes in foster care, we filled them?

More Than Pancakes: When stuff is so much more than stuff

Mon, 22 May 2023 11:01:00 -0400

Join us today and hear stories today about Christmas parties, pancakes, prayers, mentors, and meals that became so much more. We will hear from leaders and advocates who knew that first meeting the tangible needs of children and families was important, but also imagined that meeting a tangible need didn't have to be the end of the story. A bike, a bunk bed, a prayer can lead to families being cared for, and children being loved and cared for in families.

BONUS: Against All Odds with John Buultjens

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:12:00 -0400

John Buultjens shares the powerful story of his journey from enduring childhood in an abusive home, to spending time in juvenile detention and foster care, to meeting and experiencing the love of his foster and adoptive parents, and to later finding purpose and joy in his passion for BMX riding. He also discusses the newly-released film, The Ride, and shares a preview of this inspirational movie based on the events of John’s own life.

Better Together: Navigating Church and state partnerships

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:08:00 -0400

In foster care we get the chance to partner with new people. Sometimes those people feel so different from us that we wonder how we can possibly work together, much less become friends. Today’s episode takes us from talking about an unlikely friendship between a terrier and a miniature horse to talking with Jedd Medefind, Dr. Sharen Ford, and Helen Parks about the incredible things that can happen when the Church comes alongside the state to support children and families.

Love, Don't Fix: Redefining success in foster care

Mon, 01 May 2023 15:08:00 -0400

How do we define success when working with people who are experiencing hard things? Sometimes we have in our mind this idyllic image of what success looks like and how fast we ought to be able to get there. It might be tied to quarterly progress reports, numbers, growth charts. While there is nothing wrong with that, today we are going to consider what it looks like to trust the Lord and focus on the primary job that He gave us in scripture - to love people well. Our incredible guests today are Salt Wall and Chelsea Geyer. They each draw on their work with vulnerable families and their personal lives to share their perspective on defining success and loving the people around them.

BONUS: Rooting for Rivals with Peter Greer and Chris Horst

Mon, 01 May 2023 14:06:00 -0400

On this bonus episode we are joined by Peter Greer and Chris Horst as they share about their book, Rooting for Rivals, and discuss the importance of collaboration and unity. Peter and Chris recount various stories from non-profit organizations across the country as well as their own leadership experiences that demonstrate the multiplying power of working alongside, rather than against, one another. They also offer several practical steps toward better collaboration among nonprofit leaders, churches, and individuals who are all committed to providing more than enough for kids and families in their local communities.

The Power of Saying Yes: How one small word leads to big change

Mon, 01 May 2023 13:31:00 -0400

Have you ever tried to make a difference for children in foster care? Maybe you started by joining a small group at church, maybe you donated clothes to a foster care closet, maybe you took a meal over to those folks at church who had just become foster parents. It started with a simple yes. All you did was come in for a closer look -- and now looking back -- you realize that your simple yes is leading you to something much bigger. In the state of Oklahoma, the number of children in foster care has dramatically decreased over the past few years. This change has stemmed from many individuals, like Misty Seale and Chris Campbell with the 111 Project, who understand the power of a simple ‘yes’. Chris and Misty have been witness to the large transformations occurring for children, homes, and lives across their state that all started with individuals and their small ‘yes’.

When the Dog is Here: The Church's role in foster care

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 17:49:00 -0400

When the church is rallying around families, loving on social workers, and caring for children, it is what it was always meant to be: the light of the world. When the church is here, everything changes. On this episode we are joined by Jason Johnson, National Director of CAFO Church Ministry Initiative, as he shares about what it means for a church to engage with foster care. Lauri Currier and Ann Book talk about their work with The CALL in Arkansas, where one county reached more than enough for children and families in foster care, and we wrap up with Jessica Stern, COO of Connect our Kids. Jessica shares a few stories from her own childhood, and what it meant for the local church to ‘show up’ and support her family.

Welcome to the More Than Enough Podcast

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 17:00:48 -0400

The More Than Enough Podcast connects you to the people, ideas, and tools in foster care that will help your community work together to fill the biggest gaps in caring for children and families.