Let's thrive. Thriving Adoptees helps adoptees thrive. What does thriving mean to you? Healing? Post Traumatic Growth? Evolving? Listen in as we explore what's helped adoptees do all that.
Latest Episodes
5/28/2026
God Loves Me With Isaac Melber
Our most profound learnings often come from the toughest moments. Born in Ethiopia, adopted by an American family at 5, Isaac shares his most transformative learnings. Inspirational!
Born in Ethiopia, Isaac spent time in an orphanage following the tragic loss of both parents. He was adopted at age 5 by an American family and made a profession of faith at age 7.
Here's a bit about Isaac from his website
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned through my adoption journey is that my view of God shapes everything about my identity. I came to realize that who I am flows out of who I believe God to be—not the other way around. This struggle isn’t unique to adoptees or foster kids; it’s something every person wrestles with at some level. People often ask how I navigate my so-called identity issue—what it’s like to be a Black man raised by white parents, and how that dynamic shapes my sense of belonging.
I tell them that at its core, this isn’t really an identity issue—it’s a theological one..
https://www.instagram.com/isaacmelber/reels/
https://www.amazon.com/Twice-Delivered-Families-Worlds-Redeeming/dp/B0H2HH6785
https://www.isaacmelber.com/
Here's the interview with Isaac's dad David https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/slowing-down-with-david-melber
Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.
5/21/2026
Fundamentally Whole Despite Trauma
What if it's true. That we're fundamentally whole despite trauma. No, really. Listen in as previous guest and friend Marcy puts me on the spot. Make up your own mind...
Here's Marcy's interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/the-other-side-of-shame-with-marcy-pusey
Here's more about that...and Marcy...
We've all felt shame - it's part of the human experience. But beyond it lies the peace we seek for ourselves and those we love. So how do we get to the other side of shame? Marcy and I go DEEP into this in one of my favourite conversations so far. We hope you love it too.
Here's how Marcy describes herself on her website:
Jesus-follower, mom to 4 humans, two adopted through the foster system and two biological, multi-passionate mompreneur, best-selling author, international and 2xs TEDx speaker, networker, and mentor.
My mission is to help people uncover and present their stories to help them finetune their uniqueness, empower their lives, and to maximize their potential. Here, we work together to create safe spaces and connections so that others feel worthy of value and love.
Watch her Tedx Talks:
How Story Empower Kids to Shape Our World
You Are More Than Your Traumatic Experiences
Find out more at:
https://www.facebook.com/MarcyPusey/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcypusey/
https://www.instagram.com/marcymarie/
https://marcypusey.com/
Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.
5/18/2026
Healing Is An Inside Job With Aysha E. Schomburg
What does healing mean to you? It means something different to everyone. Getting clear on what it means to you is profoundly helpful. Knowing how we heal is even more powerful. Listen in as Aysha and I dive deep into what helps us heal and what doesn't.
"As a New York native, I am thrilled to lead Healing New York as the nation's oldest child-serving agency and help chart the way ahead to create a larger footprint."
Prior to joining Healing New York as President and CEO in May 2024, Aysha E. Schomburg served the Biden Administration as the Associate Commissioner of the U.S. Children’s Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families, where she advised on child welfare. Previously, Aysha served as the Senior Administrator for Program Oversight at New York City's Administration for Children’s Services, where she developed operational plans and coordinated COVID-19 guidance with the Department of Education and Department of Homeless Services. She also addressed inequities and racism in child welfare. In October 2021, the Aspen Institute named Aysha an Ascend Fellow. She holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia, an M.A. from New York University, and a J.D. from New York Law School.
https://healing-ny.org/
https://www.facebook.com/HealingNewYork
https://www.instagram.com/healing_newyork/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/healing-ny/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysha-e-schomburg-4647a518/
Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.
5/14/2026
Change & Thrive With Lisa Dominguez
We humans have a funny relationship with change. What if change was for the better? A change in how we think, how we feel, how we see ourselves? Listen is adoption leader and therapist Lisa shares insights on growth, learning and change...
Here's a bit about Lisa from her organisation's website:
Lisa Dominguez stepped into the CEO role in 2024, yet has a longstanding history with Paths for Families, as she first joined the organization in 2006 as a contract social worker, completing home studies, post-placements, and clinical services.
Her 25+ career has been centered around serving children and families, almost half of which was spent working exclusively in the adoption, foster care, and kinship community. She is a seasoned supervisor and trainer, providing perspective on trauma-responsive techniques for both parents and professionals locally, nationally, and internationally.
In 2022, she re-joined the team to step into the role of Chief Program Officer, which laid the groundwork for her trajectory to CEO as our founder, Janice Goldwater, was strategically making succession plans.
Lisa has stepped confidently forward in upholding and building upon the legacy of what Janice Goldwater has built at Paths for Families.
Lisa received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, and her Master’s in Social Work from New York University. Outside of work, Lisa loves to travel, is a huge fan of fitness, and loves to spend time in nature.
https://pathsforfamilies.org/
https://www.facebook.com/pathsforfamilies
https://www.instagram.com/pathsforfamilies
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-dominguez-610126150/
Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.
5/13/2026
Living From Love With Carmen Durfey
Where are you living from? So many of us spend so much of our living from fear, worry and anxiety. How does this change? Listen in as adoptee Carmen shares her insights into living differently. Living from love.
Here's a bit about Carmen from her website:
Carmen is happily married for 40+ years. She is the mother of four and grandmother of six. She loves all things outdoors and anything related to water. Her passions are her work as a paraprofessional, writing, her faith and her family. She will always find a way to laugh at herself and find the bright side
More at
https://www.instagram.com/spaghetti.memior
https://spaghetti-memior.com/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1LK9B9S
Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.
Showing the latest 5 episodes. Additional episodes and full library is available on the podcast's official website and listening platforms.
