Heart to Heart Adoption Stories
Real stories from birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive families. The quiet, honest moments most of us only begin to understand.
Hosted by Donna Pope. Executive Director and licensed counselor, sitting beside families for 30+ years.
A guide,
for where you are right now.
Your Free Adoption Guide
Just starting to ask the questions, or years into walking this road? We've written a gentle, honest guide for the chapter you're in.
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Hear Their Stories
Long-form conversations with birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive families. Released weekly, listened to slowly.
A community of quiet listeners
What listeners are saying, in their own words.
"
I've been an adoptee for 42 years, and this is the first podcast that has made me feel seen, not spoken about. I cry in my car each Wednesday, in the best way.
"
Donna has a way of holding each voice with such gentleness. As a birth mother, I hadn't heard my story told with this much dignity. Thank you for this gift.
"
My husband and I listen together on our Sunday walks. We're two years into our adoption process, and this podcast has been our companion the whole way.
Reading worth slowing down for
Thoughtful writing on adoption, for the stage you're in.
Spirit Baby Energy and the Adoption Connection
On the quiet, unspoken bonds some parents describe feeling long before their child arrives.
Apr 15, 2026
Adoption Profile Books That Make a Real Connection
What birth parents actually notice when they open your profile book, and what to leave out.
Mar 25, 2026
The Family Mission Statement Each Adoptive Parent Needs to Write
A simple, grounding exercise that turns values into the everyday language of your home.
Mar 13, 2026
3 Myths About Homeschooling That Hold Adoptive Parents Back
Rethinking socialization, structure, and the fear of not doing enough, for families who chose a different path.
Mar 2, 2026
Speech Pathologist Reveals the Hidden Connection Between Adoption Trauma and Picky Eating
Why mealtime struggles are often sensory and emotional, and what helps children feel safe at the table.
Feb 25, 2026
Families Open to Adoption
Real couples and individuals, each with their own story, each ready to welcome a child.
Marcus & Lily
Raleigh, NCOpen to open adoption
Sofia & James
Denver, COHoping to grow their family
Devon & Kira
Minneapolis, MNFirst-time parents
Emma & Paul
Charleston, SCWelcoming a sibling
“
30+Years of Care
Hi, I'm Donna, and I've spent my life listening.
For more than 30 years, I've had the privilege of sitting with birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive families. at kitchen tables, in hospital rooms, and sometimes in the quiet of my office at 8pm, when the world goes still enough for the real conversation to begin.
As Executive Director of a licensed adoption agency and a counselor trained in trauma-informed care, I've walked alongside thousands of families. But I also know adoption personally. This podcast is the conversation I've been building my whole career to have, openly, honestly, with the complexity intact.
Licensed Clinical Counselor
Executive Director, Adoption Agency
Trauma-Informed Certified
You're not alone in this.
Pull up a chair. Put in your headphones. These conversations are waiting for you.