Pulled By The Root - Amplifying Adoption Issues

Open Mic Episode with Heidi, Elle, and Amy – Hosts of Pulled By The Root. Before recording interviews, we always take time to dive deep with one another. Amy thought it would be meaningful to share some of those behind-the-scenes conversations with you. For this episode, the only guideline was simple: bring a few topics—but don’t tell anyone what they are in advance. What unfolded instead was an organic, heartfelt dialogue about what it means to be adopted and how that experience continues to shape our lives. Click here to send us a text. Also, our book “Pulled By The Root” is available at https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/book [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1588156/open_sms] https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/ [https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/]

Adrian Burks is currently working on a documentary called Finding Home which is a search for honest answers about family and identity. Adrian documents three adopted people (including himself) as he explores the different stages of connection with their adoptive and biological parents. He is also a dynamic and rising talent in the world of film and television, known for his natural charisma, emotional depth, and powerful screen presence. With a growing body of work that spans drama, comedy, and action. Adrian brings authenticity and nuance to every role he takes on. Whether he’s lighting up the screen in independent projects or delivering memorable performances in major productions. Adrian’s dedication to his craft and magnetic energy make him a standout in today’s entertainment landscape. Offscreen, he’s passionate about storytelling that uplifts underrepresented voices and explores the complexity of the human experience.  Click here to send us a text. Also, our book “Pulled By The Root” is available at https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/book [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1588156/open_sms] https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/ [https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/]

In this episode, Heather Sachs courageously dives into the issues surrounding adoption loss. Here are her words:  I am adopted and see myself as a disrupter as well. The more we put our stories out there, the more we can change the narrative to being adoptee focused! I was adopted at two when my mother relinquished me to her then boss. Like many others, I didn’t even know that adoption/relinquishment was trauma until a therapist told me so. Only at that point was I able to start the journey reparenting myself enough to heal some of my abandonment wounds. I’ve subsequently became passionate about genealogy as a means to help adoptees establish the roots they have felt they are missing all their lives. I’ve found creating biological family trees can help adoptees remember that despite their mother and fathers inability to keep their family together, they still are made up of numerous ancestors DNA and stories. I love to help them find those stories. Click here to send us a text. Also, our book “Pulled By The Root” is available at https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/book [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1588156/open_sms] https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/ [https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/]

Dr. Deborah Sweet is a licensed Psychologist who specializes in adults recovering from childhood trauma. To treat trauma she uses Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Brainspotting, the Havening Technique, IFS and the pit model. She is also certified coach for personal growth. Before her career in mental health, she worked in the music and film businesses. She was the founder of the Trauma Counseling Center of Los Angeles and is currently working on a book. Click here to send us a text. Also, our book “Pulled By The Root” is available at https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/book [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1588156/open_sms] https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/ [https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/]

Trigger warning: In honor of Joshua’s life, Nicholas Fontana agreed to film with PBTR a few years ago to share his experience of losing his adopted friend Joshua to suicide. I ran into Nicholas at a mutual friends party a few weeks ago. Everything fell away as we began to speak about the effort to heal and all of the ways he has made progress. I asked Nicholas if he would be willing to be on the podcast to talk about the ideas he shared during our conversation. This led me to think about how to deal with our diverse levels of pain in a way that I have never considered before. His inspiration for self exploration came from; Gangaji, Alan Watts. Adyashanti, Eckhart Tolle and Terrence McKenna. It is important to understand that the people who love adopted people hurt when we hurt. Adoption is not a singular event that happens to one person. Adoption loss extends out from us; it affects our relationships, our parenting and our ability to feel worthy. In reintroducing you to Nicholas and Joshua we hope you feel inspired by the courage, friendship and the bond they shared. We honor Joshua and his brave battle, we honor all of the warriors we have lost. Remember you are worthy in fact you are spectacular!  -Joshua Samuel Kukla - Father, friend, musician, brother, son, adoptee Click here to send us a text. Also, our book “Pulled By The Root” is available at https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/book [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1588156/open_sms] https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/ [https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/]