12. Emma: Thinking Adoption Hadn’t Affected Me—Until It Did

16. Lifang: What I Wish More Adoptees Knew About Searching for Birth Family

Trigger Warning: We briefly mention suicidal thoughts. If you or anyone you know is struggling with something similar, please visit Help for suicidal thoughts - NHS [https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/help-for-suicidal-thoughts/]. Many adoptees grapple with questions of identity — but what if understanding your roots could heal decades of pain? Lifang, a Chinese adoptee and founder of Adoptopedia, shares her extraordinary journey from feeling like an outsider to embracing her legacy, and how her work is transforming countless lives.  Growing up in the Netherlands, Lifang faced daily confrontations that made her ask, "Why do I feel so alone in my skin?" She opens up about the racial taunts, the stigma, and her struggle with self-acceptance that many adoptees will instantly relate to. Despite the heartbreak, she found strength through therapy, reconnecting with her roots, and eventually discovering her birth family after 25 years — an experience that reshaped her identity and purpose. Adoptee Resources: www.adoptiepedia.nl Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @notmadeinchinapodcast @yourhiddenchineseorigin

15. Brooke: On Growing Up as a British Adoptee and Staying Connected to Birth Family

Today, Shaosheen is joined by Brooke, a domestic adoptee from the UK. Brooke challenges adoption stereotypes by sharing her journey from a troubled background to a life of purpose. This episode explores her complex relationship with her birth family, the impact of trauma, and the power of resilience and love in defining family. Discover: * How therapy and support systems foster self-growth * The importance of honest conversations about adoption * Why identity transcends genetics * The realities of reuniting with birth family * Insights into navigating adoption communication today Brooke’s story is a powerful reminder that understanding and empathy are key to healing. Perfect for adoptees, parents, and anyone curious about the human side of adoption. We post new episodes every other Tuesday and you can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @NotMadeInChinaPodcast

14. Ming: Going Back to China for the First Time

Today, Shaosheen sits down with Ming, a Chinese adoptee who recently returned to China. Together, they discuss what led her to make the decision to go back, how she felt in the lead-up to the trip, and the emotions and reflections she’s carried with her since returning home. Ming shares what it was like revisiting her hometown, visiting her orphanage, and reconnecting with parts of her story and identity in a completely new way. The conversation also explores growing up adopted in the UK, navigating identity as a transracial adoptee, and the emotional complexity of returning to your birth country years later.

13. Mariane: Being a Chinese Adoptee in Canada and Making Sense of My Identity

Today, Shaosheen is joined by Mariane, a Chinese adoptee raised by Quebecois parents. Mariane shares some of the challenges she faced as one of the only Chinese people in her area including her experiences of microaggressions and subtle racism, and how these experienced were often dismissed and not considered real racism. Mariane chats about how she has reconnected with her Chinese culture as she got older, through language, culture and clothing.  Mariane shares a beautiful poem she wrote, "I wish I could write this poem in Chinese", which she reads in the episode. Full translation available on request.   Follow Mariane on socials: Instagram: @mariane_c.r TikTok: @mariane.ming YouTube: @marianemingshobbies Follow us! Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @notmadeinchinapodcast We hope you enjoy eavesdropping on our conversation. x

12. Emma: Thinking Adoption Hadn’t Affected Me—Until It Did

Today, Shaosheen is joined by Emma, a Chinese American adoptee who grew up in Marin County, California. Emma shares what it was like growing up in a predominantly white community, where she largely felt “normal” and didn’t think adoption had a significant impact on her identity, often (and understandably) feeling more aligned with the world around her than with her Chinese heritage. As she got older, that perspective began to evolve. Together, they explore the moments that shaped Emma’s awareness of her identity, from school and adolescence to becoming more conscious of how others perceived her. They also discuss the realities of transracial adoption, including common misconceptions and how individual each adoptee’s relationship with their identity can be. Emma reflects on her adoptive parents’ efforts to connect her with her culture, what resonated (and what didn’t at the time), and how her understanding of her identity has evolved. She also shares why she chose to write about her story, with the aim of helping other adoptees feel seen and understood. We post new episodes every other Tuesday and you can find us both on IG, YouTube & TikTok: @emmamingfuller @notmadeinchinapodcast