Who Am I Really?

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Adoptees telling their own stories of life in adoption, their search for their birth family, and how their reunion attempt turned out. Stories that make you laugh, cry, or simply say "wow".This podcast has two purposes: 1) To help you explore your own feelings about your adoption, accept your desire understand your own personal history, and decide for yourself whether reunification with your biological relatives is right for you. It will help you understand how others have dealt with issues related to protecting the feelings of their adopted families who may be supportive of your search, or question your motives and present challenges. 2) For non-adoptees, this podcast will help you understand some of what is in the minds of your friends, family members, or others who are adopted. Perhaps you had questions for them but you didn’t know if you should ask.The stories will make you smile or bring you to tears, but they’re all true as told by the people who lived them. In them, I hope you’ll find something that inspires you, validates your feelings about wanting to search, or motivates you to have the strength along your journey to learn “Who Am I Really?”

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • Now I’m the big sister
    Sibling reunion
    I was recently contacted by a half sibling. We share a father though we do not know who he is at this point. Meeting someone that that I am genetically related to has been the best thing in my life and also the most emotional. These podcasts have helped me realize that these feelings are normal though brand new to me.
  • Rmoonn
    Book Two!
    Can not wait
  • Mimi Diggs
    Salve for the adoptee soul
    Hearing all these other adoptee stories makes me feel less alone in this world of adoption. There is nothing like community to heal. Thank you for creating this space for us.
  • LittleLindsayG
    I'm an adoptive mother learning so much from this podcast.
    I've really enjoyed going back and listening to so many of these episodes in hopes that it will help keep my mind open to any struggles my daughter may have in the future. She's only a year old, but knows her bio mom and will know anything she wants to know.
  • Zlighting
    What a gift!
    Thank you, Damon, and everyone who shares their stories. You have given me a great gift. Listening to you has given me a deeper understanding of the struggles my daughter may be experiencing. This understanding allows me to view the anger my daughter directs towards me, or at least some of it, not as a personal attack but as an outgrowth of the pain/trauma she suffered because of our separation and not that she doesn’t want me in her life. Which, in turn, allows me to view her actions with more empathy and gives me the strength to stay on the “reunion rollercoaster ride.” Again, thank you. It is long overdue for society to understand the trauma caused by the separation of mother and child. Respectfully, Lynn
  • GoSupportLiz!
    This show is a blessing!
    I’ve been listening to Damon’s show for years now. It has truly been a blessing to me as an adoptee. Hearing other people’s stories who are similar to mine makes me feel less alone. Damon is a fantastic interviewer and overall great guy. I had the pleasure of being a guest on the show recently and it was a great experience. I also got to interview Damon for my own adoptee work. Very thankful for who am I really! 🙂
  • ErranSmith
    My absolute favorite
    I’ve listened to several adoptee podcasts and ALWAYS come back to this one because it’s my FAVORITE! I love Damon’s approach and how he asks all the right questions and respects every story shared. This podcast has helped me come through my journey and feel more confident in my identity and the beautiful, complex story that makes me who I am. Maybe someday I’ll share my story and help others the way this podcast has helped me.
  • Kasalena
    One of my favorites!
    I love this show!!! I’m not an adoptee but I have known adoptees throughout my life and I really appreciate being able to hear their voices! This is a wonderful podcast. I love the host!
  • Oh Ms. Brown
    You Matter.
    No one will believe me. People will think I’ve lost my mind if I open my mouth. No one will understand. I try so hard to fit in, but I feel like I don’t belong anywhere or with anyone. If, like me, you’re an adoptee who’s experienced these thoughts once or twice (or thousands of times), then welcome home. Here, you’ll hear relatable stories from other adoptees, cheer on strangers whose lives may run parallel to yours, and see that you’re not alone & you do matter. Oh, and you’ll thank Damon for providing this fantastic forum forum for his fellow adoptees.
  • Gcridgebacks
    Insightful and interesting
    I am an older adoptee (63), I find myself increasingly drawn to researching my maternal and paternal family trees and seeking a reunion with each biological parent before my “backstory” is lost forever. This podcast not only gives me hope, it also gives me new perspectives to consider and apply to my own path. Damon is a great active listener, teasing out additional thoughts and details with compassion and insight. Although many stories have similar threads, each adoptee’s journey weaves its own tapestry and I am captivated throughout each episode. So glad I found this podcast. So grateful Damon provides adoptees with this platform. Damon, you rock!!!
  • Janes girl
    Superb and extraordinary
    This is an excellent podcast. Damon has given us as adoptees a platform to tell our story in a safe positive no judgement atmosphere. Damon’s calm manner draws out the details and he helps shine light into the dark corners, he has so much empathy for each adoptee and their own personal story comes out as he gently probes and prompts. If you are an adoptee you need to give this s serious listen.
  • Geoege Washington Carver
    Insight
    Your show gives me insight into my students’ lives who experience adoption.
  • DSMorrisson
    This podcast is helping me embrace my own crazy story!
    I simply can not get enough of this podcast!!! I love the transparency & authenticity from the journeys shared …. I am encouraged and comforted in my own journey from so many that have gone before me!
  • LKayKas
    Thank you—
    For the empathy and maturity.
  • NT DTW
    Thoughtful and Insigtful
    Damon is kind but probing. Shining a spotlight on and giving adoptees a platform to share and help themselves and others heal is invaluable.
  • Kamina the Koach
    You helped me prepare
    Damon and every adoptee on this show helped me prepare for reunion. Thank you Damon and every other adoptee who's been brave enough to share their journey! Sending love and light!
  • jhdgfc
    I’m not alone💜
    I truly appreciate your work. Listening to the podcast has helped me to relate to other adoptees, as I was feeling so alone in my grief and pain throughout my reunification. Thank you for all you do Damon!
  • maddie misd
    Finally!
    I’ve finally found a good podcast. You are a fantastic host..... most podcast hosts love to hear their own voice and ruin the conversation with like like like and um....they whine and grope the English language. They are impossible to listen to. Your voice is lovely and you are polite. Finally the truth about adoption has come to the light. Unfortunately.... people are sensitive and defensive and selfish and can’t handle the reality that there is only ONE way to have a baby and do it right. Only ONE way. Keep up the good work.
  • jaja yo
    ❤️
    As the parent of adult adoptees, this podcast has helped me understand the many faces and facets of adoption. It’s opened doors for deeper conversations and better relationships. Grateful for it.
  • amymarie920
    Love the podcast!
    I love this! Hearing all the different stories! I find my self crying. I am adopted and can relate to so many stories and feelings and like relating to other people knowing its not just me. I had a half success story.. and a good adopted life! With mom! And found birth mom! I think I will write in. I had a great adopted mom who was left after adopting 4 kids and having 1 in he middle biological. I was youngest and as soon as adoption was finalized adopted dad went to work and didn’t come back and no financial help!!
  • thegatheringplace
    Unique Podcast Approach
    I find Damon’s detective style approach intriguing and engaging. He showcases each adoptee’s story with excitement, as well as with empathy and understanding. Great podcast!
  • KristinaSterling1
    Very insightful interviewer
    Listening to a few of these podcasts, I find Damon Davis to be an outstanding interviewer and listener. His interest and empathy to adult adoptees as well as birth parents and adoptive parents is real! Thank you Damon!
  • birth momma
    Love Damon’s podcasts
    I am a birth mother in reunion with my daughter, we have definitely had our ups and downs. I love hearing from other adoptees and how they feel about certain things. Keeps me a little more in the know of how she may feel about things. I want her to be more a part of my life with her 5 other half siblings, but she seems to stand back. Sometimes she wants to be a part and other times she doesn’t. I just am trying to be available when she does want to be a part. Thank you Damon for hosting these interviews. I enjoy them so much, keep up the good work.
  • Charlie3gc
    Great Show but….
    Could not listen to last episode through because of the crunching sounds. Still enjoy the show.
  • Divine Speech
    Valuable Resource
    As an adoptee, I am extremely grateful to have found this podcast which has been an invaluable resource to me in my personal journey and is a necessary contribution to the genre of adoptee media. The interview style is conversational and sensitive yet profound and deep. Thank you so much for creating this podcast, sharing your story and those of others and I look forward to every new episode!
  • cub12
    In a word....fascinating!
    Interesting subject matter + quality production.
  • beccaric
    Voices of Adoptees
    I am a social worker, adoptee and birth mother and I am loving the wide range of stories told in their own voice and put together so well by Damon Davis!
  • Roots and Shoots
    Sometimes hard to listen to but extremely valuable
    I’m an adoptive mom of teens. This podcast has been very helpful to me in understanding elements of adoption that my kids may be experiencing. I recommend it for all adoptive parents as well as adoptees. I believe it would also be valuable to birth parents who placed kids for adoptions, but I will leave it to an adoptive parent to weigh in on that aspect, as I do not not wish to speak for others. At any rate, this is a “big experience” podcast. Episodes stay with me for days. I recommend it unequivocally.
  • glow_bug
    Amazing, insightful, helpful
    This is an amazing platform to hear other adoptees discuss their journey and to help other adoptees realize we are not alone. This podcast has helped me so much. As an LDA, I can still relate to adoptees that grew up knowing they were adopted because it helps validate feelings I had growing up but had no explanation until now. Damon is a great host and you can feel how passionate he is about helping the adoptee community.
  • :;"'/(ø
    Not Adopted
    I’m not adopted, but I still love this show! Every episode is touching.
  • flipvamp
    Great stories by a great interviewer
    This podcast is amazing and packed with great info for adoptees, and others in this ecosystem. I really value Damon’s approach to interviewing and even asking the tough questions. Excited for future episodes and to share this podcast with others!
  • planet kimbo
    Love this podcast
    One of the best podcasts for adoptees. Great stories, and a very kind and understanding host. I hope he’s doing okay!
  • maplelakemom
    Excellent
    As an NPE I have found this podcast extremely helpful as I can relate to many of these stories as I continue to heal and find peace.
  • joy of Adoption
    Not all adoptions are problematic
    I am an adoptive parent. My daughter was 2 months old when she was adopted internationally. She is now in her 30s. We were involved with the adoption agency throughout our daughter’s childhood. She is a grounded adult. I feel that this podcast only focuses on the negative aspects of the adoption experience. A balance of those involved with adoption who have had a positive experience would be welcome.
  • An adopted mom
    Informative and interesting
    Listened to 3 episodes so far. As adoptive mother I find these conversations helpful because they give me perspective about how my infant adopted child May think about things. Questions I should be prepared to discuss and some of the things I need to overcome to allow him to grow.
  • amlinas
    So helpful to hear these stories!
    Damon is a very good host- great questions and sounds like everyone’s friend. He has a good voice, which is essential for me in any podcast. As a birth mother, it’s very cathartic to hear the voices of adoptees and what the experience means to them.
  • carolyn 2020
    Powerful
    Damon handles these interviews with such compassion and asks the right questions with such tact and gentleness. I’m learning so much as I cry through these stories. Just curious do families listen or respond to the interviews?
  • Holograms to be the first
    Amazing!!
    To adoptees who are currently searching, these stories can help you navigate your next steps when you finally connect with your birth families. God Speed!
  • Groupworker
    Mixed
    Great concept, but the host talks over the interviewee.
  • kchillz
    Thanks for enlightening me!
    I met you at the home of my cousins,Mike and Donna as my cousin Mike was transitioning from this life due to cancer. I began to listen to the podcast from that time forward. I have learned so much about an Adoptee’s journey that I never would have otherwise known. Also about how unfair the laws are! You’re an excellent interviewer and host. The flow and editing are impeccable. I am a musician and I also drive Lyft. Many days I binge on several episodes at a time. I also told one of my close friends about your podcast. She’s an Adoptee and she thanked me. Your story is amazing as well. I’m all in.Keep up the good work! Keith
  • Bronx Jackie
    I found my tribe
    I am so grateful this podcast exist while I deal with my own adoptee and reunion feelings. Hearing these stories finally I know I’m okay, I’m not alone. I always felt so alone.
  • KNDP2016
    Great insightful podcast
    This podcast has been very helpful during my own journey in finding my birth parents. Hearing other peoples stories about their journey helps you prepare for your journey.
  • Alison929
    Blown Away
    I am an adoptee who has been in reunion for 35 years, which has been amazing, awful, and complicated, I LOVE this podcast. Sometimes when I listen I am saying "yes!" "that's right" "oh man, I feel you" out loud. I am truly blown away at how good this podcast is. Damon is the perfect host, compassionate, curious, validating, and unfailingly kind. I'm so grateful to have found this.
  • Yourmummysbum
    Thank You
    This podcast has healed a lot of wounds I didn’t know I had. Recently found my biological family and it’s been a wonderful experience. My father did not know about my existence and is thrilled. My birth mother has no desire to meet me. Hearing other people’s stories has helped me with this experience. Thank you again Damon for all of your hard work and also for sharing your story! Rebecca
  • CyborgUSMC
    Relating on levels beyond words.
    Extremely validating and supportive. There are parts in every story I relate to very strongly regardless of how different. There are many parallels in all of them. I find myself literally yelling H@LL YEAH often and in an onion cutting room at other times. This is an amazing podcast.
  • Ink Nash Waniksha Kyle
    Much needed and well done!
    It feels great to hear other adoptees stories and know that you are not alone. It can also give you an understanding of an adopted person's perspective if you yourself are not adopted or are a birth parent who gave up their child for adoption. Just like adoption there are a myriad of emotions involved in this powerful podcast.
  • Alston Carlisle
    Great Podcast
    I adopted my kids 14 and 12 years ago. I have tried to be open with them about it. This podcast sheds new light on what they may one day feel about the situation. Great show! Great topic! Well done! Please don't stop.
  • ptdun
    Such a great podcast!
    I love this podcast! As an adoptee who has struggled in reunion for two years, it’s so helpful to hear others talk about their experiences The shared bond adoptees share is so strong, it’s just that I had to wait almost 50 years to discover the adoptees tribe This wonderful podcast so helps with that And Damon does such a great job talking with people helping them to share their stories I’m hooked!!!
  • jckkb374
    I love you!!
    I’m so proud of you!! This was absolutely Wonderful and even though I know the story I was still captivated!! This was tremendous and I’m so honored to be your friend!! ❤️❤️
  • Mom with two little ones
    I can’t turn it off! Love it!
    I am totally addicted to this podcast! Thank you to the brave people sharing their very personal stories. Each one I’ve heard has helped me in some way and has validated my feelings of my own adoption and search/reunion. Honestly it reminds me of the search and reunion support group I stopped attending because it was too far away - it’s great to have access to this on the go. Thank you Damon!
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