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

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

11. Anna: Adoption, Faith & Finding Identity as a Chinese Adoptee

Today Shaosheen is joined by Anna, a Chinese adoptee raised in a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints family in Salt Lake City.  They explore what it means to grow up as a transracial adoptee, from early messages about “gratitude” to the often-overlooked realities of loss, identity conflict, and cultural disconnection. Anna shares her experience reconnecting with her Chinese heritage through language, reflection, and self-led exploration, as well as the emotional complexity of thinking about her birth family.  They also delve into some of the (frankly wild) comments people have left on social media in response to Anna sharing her adoption story, unpacking the adoption misconceptions they highlight.  Follow us on TikTok: @AdoptionLiterateAnna @NotMadeInChinaPodcast Instagram: @NotMadeInChinaPodcast

10. Mackenzie: Falling Pregnant at 17: Why I Chose an Adoption Plan for My Daughter

In this episode, Shaosheen is joined by Mackenzie, who became pregnant at 17 and made the decision to make an adoption plan for her daughter. Mackenzie shares the story behind that decision, the challenges she faced as a young birth mother, and the importance of the language we use when talking about adoption. She also reflects on the adoption process itself and what it looks like to navigate an open adoption relationship five years later. This conversation offers an honest look at the complexities of adoption from a birth mother’s perspective, highlighting the thought, care, and love that can go into making an adoption plan.