Adopt Perspective is a podcast for anyone affected by adoption. We discuss the adoption experience from the perspectives of mothers, fathers, adopted people and their loved ones, so that we may learn and grow from the perspectives of others. Sharing personal stories and explore adoption topics including adoption loss, psychological impacts of adoption, forced adoption, inter-country adoption, searching, reunion, healing and many others. We interview adults affected by adoption as well as practitioners, people involved in inquiries, research, legislative change and apologies, artists, film-makers and authors. Adopt Perspective is hosted by Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow and is produced by Jigsaw Queensland - Post Adoption Support Service - www.jigsawqueensland.com/adopt-perspective - The podcast discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised.
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Today’s conversation is one that takes us across continents, cultures, and the complex search for identity that so many adopted people navigate. Ryan Anderson is an intercountry adoptee who now lives in Scotland. Ryan was born in Morocco and adopted at six months old after being found on the streets of El Jadida. He was fostered by a Moroccan family prior to being adopted at 3 months of age and came to live in Scotland with his adoptive parents in 1990 when he was 6 months old—but it wasn’t until he was 18 that Ryan even learned he was adopted. For 13 years, he kept that secret to himself, carrying the weight of shame, confusion, and longing.Today, Ryan is an advocate for adoptees and mental health awareness. His journey has taken him around the world—literally walking the streets of Morocco, appearing on Moroccan television in hopes of finding his biological family, and facing some very precarious situations along the way. Ryan is open about his struggles with identity, mental health, and substance use, and the steps he’s taken to heal.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Tammy Richie - Loss, Reunion and the Bonds That Shape Us (00:51:25)
Born in 1972 in Toowoomba and adopted into a family in Boonah, Tammy Richie’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience and rediscovery. In this episode, Tammy shares her remarkable journey — from learning she’d lost her twin at birth to finding her biological family decades later.A veteran of the Australian military, mother and advocate, Tammy speaks with depth and honesty about trauma, love, and the spiritual threads that connect us across time and loss.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Heather Waters - You Should Be Grateful (00:36:07)
Today on Adopt Perspective, we're joined by South Australian filmmaker, writer, adoptee and advocate Heather Waters. Heather’s work explores the lasting impacts of adoption on identity, family, grief and belonging and one of her films will be showcased at an AdopTEA event at Carindale on 11 October 2025.Her films include The Lost Souls, You Should Be Grateful and You Were Chosen: Secrets of Closed Adoption — powerful projects challenging myths, secrecy and the expectations placed on adoptees. Heather has just released a companion book to You Should Be Grateful (2024), expanding on her interviews with adoptees.In this episode, Heather shares her journey, her creative work, and why giving voice to adoptees is essential for changing how society understands adoption. And we talk about Mental Health Month and the AdopTEA events that are scheduled to run throughout October.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre QueenslandWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Kim Rankin (00:57:12)
This week on Adopt Perspective podcast, we’re joined by Kim Rankin, who was born and adopted in Sydney in 1973. It would be another 27 years before Kim reunited with her mother, Karen Chaston — who shared her side of the story in our previous episode.Since that reunion, Kim and Karen have navigated the many highs and lows that adoption can bring. In this conversation, we’re honoured to hear Kim’s perspective on adoption, identity, and the long journey of building connection.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. #jigsawqueensland #josparrow #forcedadoption #fass #kimrankin #brisbanepodcast #queenslandpodcast #adoptionpodcast #adoptiontrauma
Karen Chaston (00:49:36)
Today’s guest, Karen Chaston, was just 16 years old when she lost her daughter to adoption in Sydney in 1973. Nearly three decades later, after 28 long years, they were reunited. In this special two-part series, we’re privileged to hear from both mother and daughter as they share their perspectives on separation, reunion, and what it means to rebuild connection after adoption.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Today we're joined by Professor Daryl Higgins, Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies at the Australian Catholic University. For nearly 30 years, Daryl has researched child abuse impacts and prevention, family violence, and family functioning, with a focus on public health approaches to keeping children safe and building child-safe organisations. A registered psychologist and author of more than 250 publications, Daryl’s work spans child protection, out-of-home care, family law, disability and family care, welfare reform, jobless families, past adoption and forced family separation practices, and community development. Before ACU, he was Deputy Director (Research) at the Australian Institute of Family Studies, where he co-authored the Past Adoption Experiences study and later led the Forced Adoption Support Services scoping study—research that continues to shape service design and policy today. He is also a contributor to the landmark Australian Child Maltreatment Study. In May 2025, the Queensland Government announced an inquiry into the child safety system and linked it with a review of Queensland’s adoption legislation. Prior to his election, Premier David Crisafulli called to “bring back adoption” as a solution to youth crime. In this episode, we explore what the evidence really says:- Is adoption the answer to challenges in child protection and youth justice?- What are the risks of framing it this way?- And what evidence-based alternatives exist for supporting children, families, and communities?This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre QueenslandWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. #adoptionlawreform #adoptiontrauma #davidcrisafulli #amandacamm #jigsawqueensland #forcedadoption #forcedadoptionsupportservice #josparrow #darylhiggins #childsafetyinquiry2025 #Qldchildsafety #adoptionact2009 #adoptionactreview #brisbanepodcast #queenslandpodcast #australianadoptionpodcast
Anna Linde - The Adopted Sexologist (01:06:07)
Today’s guest is someone whose work is reshaping how we think about adoption, identity, and intimacy. Anna Linde is an adoptee, a Dance & Movement-Therapist, a Sexology researcher, and the founder of The Adopted Sexologist. Her work focuses on the often-unspoken intersections between adoption, sexuality, race, and belonging — exploring how adopted people, especially transracial adoptees, experience the body, desire, and self. (The Adopted Sexologist)Anna's writing is rich, provocative, and deeply grounded in lived experience. Whether you’ve read her article “Unfolding Our Sexual Identity as Black Adoptees”, discovered her through The Adopted Sexologist platform, or come across her research in scholarly journals, you'll know she is bringing vital — and often invisible — conversations into the light.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Brett Kable (00:49:17)
While adoption stories often share familiar threads, each one is deeply personal and unique.In this episode, we're joined by Brett Kable, who was born in Nambour, Queensland in 1975 and adopted at six weeks of age into a family with an adopted sister. It wasn’t until reuniting with his mother that Brett discovered just how different his story was from most.Brett shares his adoption journey and reflects on his recent pilgrimage to Spain, where he walked the Camino Trail—a test of physical endurance and a chance for deep personal reflection. He’s not the first adoptee I’ve spoken with who has felt drawn to the Camino, and after hearing his story, you may understand why.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Prof. Nahum Mushin AM - Review of Qld's Adoption Legislation (00:40:22)
In this episode, Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow is joined by Professor Nahum Mushin AM—former Family Court Judge and Chair of the Forced Adoption Apology Reference Group—for a timely conversation as Queensland reviews its Adoption Act 2009 and ties it to the Commission of Inquiry into the Child Safety System.With Premier David Crisafulli calling to “bring back adoption” in response to youth crime, Jo and Nahum explore whether this move risks repeating painful mistakes of the past.Topics include:Adoption as a trauma-laden, lifelong experienceAlternatives to adoption that preserve a child’s identityThe risks of oversimplified permanency thinkingPlenary vs. simple adoption modelsWhy lived experience must shape policyIf you're affected by adoption, Jigsaw Queensland offers monthly peer support groups and a welcoming community. Visit www.jigsawqueensland.com to learn more.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
How Attachment Styles Affect Adopted People - Axis Clinic (00:16:49)
At Jigsaw Queensland, we’re excited to be offering another exciting project made possible through our Forced Adoption Support Service Small Grant Funding. We’ve partnered with Axis Clinic to offer a powerful new 10-week online group therapy program designed specifically for adopted people impacted by Australia’s forced adoption era - starting 21 August 2025. It’s called How Attachment Styles Affect Adopted People, and it offers a safe, trauma-informed space to explore the lasting impacts of adoption on identity, relationships, and how we connect with others.To tell us all about it and how you can get involved, we're joined by two wonderful guests: Helen Angela Taylor, CEO of Jigsaw Queensland, and Anna Lanyon, a Mental Health Social Worker from Axis Clinic.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Tash Hope (01:00:14)
Back in Season 2, (21 April 2021), we spoke with Vivienne Timmermans — a much-loved and well-respected voice in the Queensland adoption community. In 1980, Vivienne was an Australian Champion Figure Roller Skater from Inala when, at 17, she became pregnant and lost her daughter — whom she named Sheree — to adoption.Vivienne went on to write about her experience in her memoir You Named Me Sheree and now facilitates a support group called You Gave Me a Voice.Today, we are privileged to hear another perspective of that story — from Vivienne’s daughter, now known as Tash Hope, who lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Kate Pippia - Director of identilab DNA (00:29:24)
DNA testing has become a powerful tool for many people impacted by adoption — whether it’s used to search for family, confirm relationships, or update legal records. But with so many types of DNA testing now available, it can be difficult to know which option is right for your needs.In this episode, we're joined by Kate Pippia, Director of identilab — an Australian-owned and operated DNA testing laboratory based in Brisbane. Identilab specialises in accredited legal DNA testing, including paternity, maternity, kinship, and peace of mind testing — all of which can play a vital role in post-adoption discovery and reunion.We discuss the differences between legal and genealogical DNA testing (such as through AncestryDNA), what to expect from the testing process, and how DNA can help clarify family connections and support legal recognition.On a personal note, our host, Jo Sparrow used identilab in 2024 to confirm legal paternity and was able to add her father’s name to her pre-adoption birth certificate — a meaningful and validating step in her adoption journey that she hopes will lead to a future application for an integrated birth certificate (IBC) showing the truth of her parentage if legislative reviews are successful in Queensland.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Paul Sunderland (01:08:14)
Today we’re joined by a very special guest—renowned addiction specialist and psychotherapist, Paul Sunderland.With over 35 years of experience, Paul’s groundbreaking work has illuminated the deep and often-overlooked links between adoption, trauma, and addiction. His powerful presentations—shared widely by the adoption community—have resonated with thousands around the world, especially his insights for Life Works and the Adult Adoptee Movement on YouTube.In this episode, we explore the lifelong impact of early maternal separation, how adoption shapes identity and mental health, and why adopted people may face a heightened vulnerability to addiction. Whether you're an adopted person, a parent of loss, an adoptive parent, or a professional working in the therapeutic or community services space, Paul’s wisdom offers invaluable understanding and hope.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre QueenslandWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Geraldine Hunt (00:33:26)
Today’s guest is Geraldine Hunt, whose story offers a deeply personal and layered look into the experience of being adopted. Born in Melbourne in 1974, Geraldine spent her early weeks in foster care before being adopted at around eight weeks old.Her journey has since led her to reconnect with both her biological mother and father, as well as with siblings on both sides. Now living in Brisbane, Geraldine describes her story as unique — and after hearing it, we’re sure you’ll agree.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Melanie Dunstan - DNA 101 (00:17:45)
Today we're joined by Melanie Dunstan, founder of The DNA Connection. Melanie is a trained Genetic Genealogist, Private Investigator, and Skip Tracer, with an extensive background in Nursing—who has five university degrees including a Master of Nurse Practitioner. She is passionate about using DNA to help solve mysteries, rebuild connections, and bring people back to their biological families.Jigsaw Queensland is excited to be hosting a free online DNA 101 Workshop with Melanie on Saturday 28 June 2025—a special session designed for people impacted by adoption who want to learn more about using DNA testing as part of their personal search or family discovery. This episode offers a preview of the workshop--what DNA can offer, why its such a powerful tool for adopted people, and how you can join us for this valuable session. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Nadia Levett - Part One (00:46:27)
In this episode, we're joined by someone whose story weaves through early foster care, complex family connections, and the enduring search for belonging and identity. Nadia Levett was born in 1982 and adopted at the age of five after spending her early years moving between foster homes and biological family members. Her story is unique, layered, and incredibly moving—and there was so much to explore that we’ve decided to bring it to you across two episodes. Some of you might already know of Nadia, who launched her own podcast, the Australian Adoption Podcast, back in 2021.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre QueenslandWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Nadia Levett - Part Two (00:58:22)
In Part Two, Nadia Levett continues her story. Nadia's experience weaves through early foster care, complex family connections, and the enduring search for belonging and identity. She was born in 1982 and adopted at the age of five after spending her early years moving between foster homes and biological family members. Her story is unique, layered, and incredibly moving—and there was so much to explore that we brought it to you across two episodes. Some of you might already know of Nadia, who launched her own podcast, the Australian Adoption Podcast, back in 2021.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Across Oceans, Through Time: Lisa Preston's Reunion Revisited (00:46:51)
Lisa Preston returns to Adopt Perspective with the next chapter of her extraordinary adoption journey — including her recent solo trip to the UK to spend time with her father, Richard. You can also catch Lisa on SBS Insight tonight (13 May 2025 at 8.30pm) in the episode 'DNA Doesn’t Lie', or watch on replay via SBS On Demand.Born in England in 1970 and adopted at six weeks old, Lisa’s early life spanned continents. Her adoptive family emigrated to Australia when she was two, later welcoming a biological daughter. In her first appearance on the podcast (13 March 2024), Lisa shared her decades-long search for her birth family — a story of persistence, courage, and the belief that sometimes a “no” doesn’t stay a no.In this follow-up episode, Lisa reflects on her recent solo trip to spend time with her father, Richard in Scotland, the emotional aftermath of reunion, and her continued hopes for connection. If you haven’t already, we recommend listening to her first episode before diving into this powerful update.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Bill Esman (00:23:31)
One of the voices we hear from least often on Adopt Perspective is that of fathers who lost children to adoption. It’s a perspective that is vital but often left untold, and so we are deeply grateful whenever a father feels ready to step forward and share his experience. In this episode, we are joined by Bill Esman, who is the father of Tracy Shand, a previous guest on our podcast. You may remember Tracy’s story — we first spoke with her in July 2022, and again in the previous episode in April 2025. Bill only discovered he had a daughter when Tracy reached out to him after taking a commercial DNA test. Their reconnection has been an extraordinary journey — one that we are privileged to explore a little further today.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Tracy Shand - Sequel (00:36:33)
You’ll often hear us at Jigsaw Queensland speaking about the lifelong issues of adoption. How we feel about our experience or where we find ourselves in our lives can vary greatly over the passage of time. Today’s guest, Tracy Shand, is an adopted person who has undergone many transitions in her adoption story and her life since we last spoke to her on 22 June 2022. We welcome her back today to share more of her story and updates. If you haven’t already, we'd recommend listening to her previous episode before this one. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
12th Anniversary of the National Apology - Online Training (00:43:50)
On March 21, 2013, Prime Minister Julia Gillard delivered a formal apology on behalf of the Australian Government to people affected by forced adoption. At the 10th anniversary commemoration in Canberra in 2023, The Hon. Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Social Services, announced $700,000 in funding to strengthen support services for those impacted by forced adoptions. This additional funding led to the development of the Forced Adoption: Practical Skills and Awareness online training, which launched in November 2024 - an online course designed to support those who work with adults impacted by forced adoption, helping them better understand its history and lifelong impacts.Today, I’m speaking with representatives from the two organisations responsible for developing the training, to learn about the intricate process of creating an outstanding and deeply valuable resource—one that has the potential to educate far beyond its intended audience - Beth Hyland, Strategy Design Lead from Portable and Patrick Beggs, Founder and Managing Director of PUR Production.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Dorothy (Dot) Peel (00:28:54)
Dorothy Peel or Dot as she likes to be known, was just 18 years old when she lost her daughter to adoption in Perth in 1973. At the time, she was sent from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia to an unmarried mother’s home in Perth, just six weeks before giving birth. Since then, Dot has struggled with memory gaps regarding her experience, particularly surrounding her time in the hospital during and after her daughter's birth. These lost memories left her with many unanswered questions, until she applied for her files from the unmarried mother’s home and the hospital where she delivered her daughter. What she discovered in the files was chilling—and it may hold the key to some of the answers she has long been searching for.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Sharlene Vonhoff (00:59:37)
Sharlene Vonhoff was born and adopted in Brisbane in 1977. She was the first of two girls adopted into a farming family in regional Queensland. Today, she continues to farm with her husband, a third-generation farmer on the Darling Downs, where they have raised four children. Growing up adopted in a close-knit farming community has shaped Sharlene’s experience in unique ways. As someone who still lives in regional Queensland, she has faced additional challenges in exploring her adoption experience, without easy access to adoption-specific services. Sharlene is here today to share her story and how she began to truly navigate her adoption experience in her 40s. This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notesYour host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Overcoming Negative Self-Talk and Learning Self-Compassion (00:20:21)
At Jigsaw Queensland, we have some really exciting plans for this year, and we’re kicking things off with something especially designed for people impacted by forced adoption. We’ve teamed up with Axis Clinic to offer an 8-week program called Overcoming Negative Self-Talk and Learning Self-Compassion.To tell us all about it and how you can get involved, we’ve got two very special guests —Helen Angela Taylor, the CEO of Jigsaw Queensland, and Anna Lanyon, a Mental Health Social Worker from Axis Clinic.This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)Connect with usInstagram - adopt_perspective_podcastFacebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
Dr. Alison Ingram (00:50:04)
Dr. Alison Ingram is an actor, theatre director, a
researcher of adult adoptees’ lived experience and an adopted person. She recently completed her doctorate in theatre and performance at Monash University in Melbourne, focusing her research on a group of adult adoptees working as a performing ensemble—that is, actors telling their own stories. In 2022, the culmination of Alison’s research
premiered as Infans, VOIC’D: A History Play in Five Acts at Monash University’s Clayton campus, presented as both an audio play and a live theatre event. In this episode, Alison discusses her motivations, research and what she's working on now.
This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes
Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)
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Queensland
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to
culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth
telling and healing.
