Brady Johnson is a dad raising 2 kids who have been diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). He and his wife have 4 adopted children and a biological daughter (their youngest child). Brady is also a dad that works away from home 14-16 days a month. He talks with Tracey about what he experienced from a 'dad' perspective. Including, how he didn't always believe his wife about what was happening at home. Brady talks about what RAD looked like in their family, where their two boys are now, being able to experience typical parenting and development with their biological daughter, and surviving as a couple. Later in the episode, Brady also shares some good advice and insight for RAD dads.

Tracey's Support Services:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

In this episode, I talk with RAD mom Kelly Clady about all the things RAD parents experience and feel. Including, her personal challenges, divorce, and brush with suicidal thoughts of her own. We talk about things you've already heard before but worth hearing again. Let it be a reminder that you are not alone. 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Book:

Coming to Grips with Attachment: The Guidebook for Developing Mutual Well-Being in Parent-Child Relationships (Katharine Leslie)

Tracey's Support Services:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

RAD Mom Retreat:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/retreats

NAVRAD Conference

www.radadvocates.org

Keri Williams talk with Tracey about her gripping and heart wrenching true story about being a desperate mother who must grapple with impossible choices as her young son becomes too dangerous to live at home but is only growing bigger, stronger, and more violent while in treatment.

Keri turned her story into a reads-like-fiction memoir, "but, he spit in my coffee", and exposes the dysfunctions of the child welfare and mental health systems and how they fail kids with RAD and their families.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Keri's Book:

https://www.amazon.com/but-spit-coffee-reads-like-fiction-Attachment-ebook/dp/B09RQYFNWF

Tracey's Support Services:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

Ericka Baxter is one of the lucky ones. But it wasn't always that way. Ericka and her husband have 5 children. They didn't expect to adopt but a phone call from her church changed all of that in an instant. Their church needed help finding a forever home for 2 siblings. Ericka and her husband knew that they were the ones meant to adopt these two children. And they did. One of the kids, the youngest, had RAD. And like other RAD families, Ericka and her family were thrust into the chaos of RAD. Trying to manage RAD behaviors, siblings, a job, severe panic attacks, and their marriage.

And then something else changed unexpectedly. Ericka attended the Navigating RAD conference in 2021 which turned out to be the catalyst for the start of their healing.

Thanks to learning about and accessing the right support and resources, her daughter and family healed from Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). In less than a year!

Join us as Ericka shares all the details about how they did it. And talk about good timing! The next NAVRAD conference is right around the corner from October 7-9, 2022. It could be the start of your healing too.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

NAVRAD Conference 2022

www.radavocates.org

Sibling Support

www.radsibs.org

Tracey's Parent Support Services

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

House on fire. Literally? Figuratively? I'll let Jenn fill you in.

I was wishing I could sit and chat with Jenn for hours! She is warm, real, and had stories within stories to share.

Jenn T. Grace is a nationally recognized business strategist, speaker, and an award-winning author.

She is also a RAD sibling, a RAD mom, LGTBQ, and recently divorced. Jenn speaks openly about all of these things in hopes that it will let others know they are not alone.

Passionate about helping people share their stories of adversity, Jenn founded 'Publish Your Purpose Press', a publishing company that teaches aspiring authors how to publish their books. In addition to publishing 50+ books that share the stories of others, Jenn has written six.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

House on Fire (book)

Therapy Notes for Families: Staying Organized With Your Child's Needs (book)

www.amazon.com

Second Chance Adoption Program

https://wiaa.org/2nd-chance-adoption/

Tracey's Support Services

www.radtalkwithtracey.com

Tracey’s Support Services:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

I talked with 2 incredible therapists who are making BIG change in Wayne County, Michigan. LeTorrian is a Mental Health Therapist and Captoria is a professional Counselor and Wrap Around Facilitator. They work together to support children ages 0-21 and their families. LeTorrian and Captoria bonded while working with one family in particular. Things weren't working and here's what they did - the listened to the mom when she told them about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). This led LeTorrian and Captoria on a search for information and answers. It also helped them to advocate for this family and educate their colleagues, including lawyers and judges. These 2 therapists are a leading example of what it means to listen , support and advocate for RAD families. Listen in as this dream team shares their experiences, knowledge, and what you can do if you're a RAD parent or Therapist.

Tracey’s Support Services:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

I have been so excited to share this episode with you and introduce Dr. Chuck Geddes, PhD. What a ray of hope for our children and families. Finally!

Have you been searching for the right support for your child? Well, look no further. Help has arrived! And it WORKS.

Dr. Geddes has developed a comprehensive assessment and proven strategies that work with our kids. He and his team decided to take on the challenge to figure out what works for children who have experienced complex trauma and mistreatment. And it has been extremely successful!

Dr. Geddes has spent over 25 years providing psychology services to children, parents, caregivers, and professionals to help kids overcome trauma and other mental health problems.

Over the last ten years, Dr. Geddes and his team have worked with over 300 children and youth and developed proven strategies that are evidenced by collected case data.

They take the time to see the whole picture and create solutions that work.

He has also written a book, "Children and Complex Trauma: A Roadmap for Recovery and Healing". It explains complex trauma, how our children's brains works, and offers practical solutions. I have already read it twice! Everyone needs this book!

If you're in need of support, I encourage you to contact Dr. Geddes and his team @ www.complextrauma.ca

RESOURCES SHARED IN THIS EPSIODE:

Dr. Geddes:

www.drchuckgeddes.com

Dr. Geddes' Book:

https://www.amazon.com/-/zh_TW/Chuck-Geddes/dp/1039119131

Complex Trauma Resources:

www.complextrauma.ca

Heartbeat Puppies

www.snugglepuppy.com

The Boy Who Was Raised As A dog (Bruce Perry)

www.amazon.com

In this episode, you'll get the inside scoop on whether it's possible to recover from Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). I interview two young people who grew up with RAD. They'll tell you what it was like and how they're doing now.

Resources Shared in this Episode:

Tracey's parent support services:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

Navigating RAD Conference:

www.radadvocates.org

In this episode, I interview RAD mom Amy Brown. Amy is a mom of six. Her kids are evenly split, three are adopted and three are biological children. They range from ages 16 to 29. Amy likes to say that she was potty training and doing drivers training at the same time! There's a lot going on in this episode. We cover a lot of ground...RAD, adoption, physical disabilities, puberty, out of home placement, mom guilt, and everything in between.

Resources Shared in this Episode:

"Take Heart" Special Needs Podcast

Tracey's parent support services:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

Navigating RAD Conference:

www.radadvocates.org

Join Tracey, Chris & Heather in another RAD "Coffee Talk" podcast episode. Once a month, we'll get together for some casual conversation. 3 RAD moms discussing different topics that most RAD parents experience.

Grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and come hang out with us for an hour or so.

We'd love to hear your ideas! Have a topic you'd like us to discuss?

Email: talkwithtracey@gmail.com

Join in the conversation! Add your thoughts and comments on our Facebook and Instagram pages:

Facebook: @radtalkwithtracey

Instagram: radtalkwithtracey

Who are we?

Tracey is a RAD mom, RAD Parent Coach, Podcast Host and Founder of RAD Talk with Tracey.

Chris is a RAD mom, Clinical Social Worker, Hospital Chaplain, Author, and Founder of Full Catastrophe Parenting.

Heather is a RAD mom, RAD Parent Advocate and Chief Operating Officer at RAD Advocates.

In this episode, you'll meet RAD mom Lee and therapeutic parenting and respite guru, Debbie Harris. Debbie came to Lee's rescue and literally showed up on her doorstep (well, actually, in her driveway) only a few days after Lee contacted her. Lee was at her breaking point but the help she received from Debbie was life changing. Not only for her, but for her daughter, her son, her husband, and her extended family. RAD families don't always have happy endings. But this one does.

Visit these helpful sites:

RAD Connection: www.radconnection.com

RAD Advocates: www.radadvocates.org

RAD Talk With Tracey: www.radtalkwithtracey.com

RAD in the classroom. Ever wonder what it's like for a teacher? In this episode, my guest, Leslie Brunner, will tell you all about her experiences with it. And she'll be the first to tell you that she never really understood kids with RAD in the classroom until she be became a RAD mom herself. Before that, as a teacher, Leslie says she sensed that something wasn't quite 'right' but didn't have a name for it or any strategies to work with it. This is still the case in many classrooms today. Her only option was to use the same strategies she used with other kids in her classroom as a special education teacher. But they didn't work. Leslie has come a long way since then and shares her wisdom, insight, and suggestions for other educators and families to help you work with these kiddos in the classroom/school setting.

Take Aways from this episode:

-Teachers and parents need to start with awareness

-Communicate together

-Being trauma informed isn't the same as teaching children with trauma

-Recognize that the brain of a child with RAD is changed/rewired

-Don't get caught up or focus too much on the details of your student's trauma

-The job of the teacher is to help the child attach to their family

Services Mentioned in this Episode:

RAD Advocates www.radadvocates.org

RAD Talk Support Groups www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

Join Tracey, Chris & Heather in their first RAD "Coffee Talk" podcast episode. Once a month, we'll get together for some casual conversation. 3 RAD moms discussing different topics that most RAD parents experience.

This episode is a bit of everything because we didn't pick a specific topic and just dove right in.

So grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and come hang out with us for an hour or so!

We'd love to hear your ideas! Have a topic you'd like us to discuss?

Email us at: talkwithtracey@gmail.com

And feel free to join in the conversation! Add your thoughts and comments on our Facebook and Instagram pages:

Facebook: @radtalkwithtracey

Instagram: radtalkwithtracey

Who are we?

Tracey is a RAD mom, RAD Parent Coach, Podcast Host and Founder of RAD Talk with Tracey.

Chris is a RAD mom, Clinical Social Worker, Hospital Chaplain, Author, and Founder of Full Catastrophe Parenting.

Heather is a RAD mom, RAD Parent Advocate and Chief Operating Officer at RAD Advocates.

Get ready for another success story! Yep! You heard that right. ANOTHER success story!

I've been lucky enough to meet and interview a few young adults who have come a long way from growing up with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). They are incredible "kids" (now young adults) who have overcome so much trauma and hardship.

In this episode, you'll meet Andurina, who is an incredible young woman with her own RAD story to tell. Andurina was adopted from Guatemala along with her older sister. She shares what it was like growing up with RAD and the top 3 things she says helped her heal. Andurina shares a lot of great insight and explained, "I wanted to be loved, I did. But also, if you got too close, I was like, okay, back it up".

Today, Andurina has positive relationships with her mom, dad, siblings, and has strong friendships. She also has a degree in psychology and is prepping for her Masters degree. She shows us that it's possible to overcome RAD and live a happy and healthy life.

Resources Mentioned in This episode:

Parent Support:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com

I especially recommend this episode for couples. It's a story of hope and despair and hope again. I'm sure many of you will recognize yourselves somewhere in Laura's story.

Laura shares her experience about being a stepmom trying to raise a stepchild with RAD and the toll it took on her marriage. And everything in between. Including "little wife syndrome". It's a real thing y'all!

Episode Takeaways:

-It takes both people to be on the same page

-Individual and couples therapy can help with the right therapist

-Work on your own trauma

-Set and respect boundaries

-Believe your gut

Resources Mentioned in This episode:

Parent Support:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com

I always want to cry (happy tears!) when I learn about another potential placement option for our kids with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and/or behavioral problems. What a relief it is to know that there are people out there willing to support families by providing a safe place for our children when home isn't an option. In this episode, you'll meet the owners and founders of Life Quest Girls Academy in Parowan, Utah. Monte and Rachael Hawkins were inspired after spending time with a friend who was in charge of a residential treatment center (RTC). They realized that there wasn't a place for girls to transition to after spending time at an RTC. So, they followed a dream, took a leap of faith and created Life Quest Girls Academy for girls ages 13-18. Their goal is for every student to become self-sufficient by learning healthy habits, coping skills, life skills and being accountable for their actions through principle-based learning. Monte and Rachael describe it as, "learning the same things that your grandpa would have taught you". And good news, Life Quest Girls Academy is more affordable than most facilities and the program is customized specifically for each student's needs. They're no strangers to Reactive Attachment Disorder and they don't rush your child through the program. Monte and Rachael strongly believe and encourage families to allow their daughter to complete the program before leaving. Rachael shares a great success story about a student with RAD at the end of the podcast.

Crystalyn talks candidly about raising 4 children plus one with reactive attachment disorder, living on eggshells, calls to the police, DHS scare tactics, and taking a leap of faith in order to save her family.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Joint Initiatives for Youth and Families

www.jointinitiatives.org

RAD Advocates

www.radadvocates.org

RAD Parent Support

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

The system failed this family big time. Meet "Caela". She and her husband are parents of children with RAD who unexpectedly ended up getting arrested and spent time in jail. This RAD mom talks openly about their experience with adoption, raising children with Reactive Attachment Disorder, going to jail, and relinquishment. Caela isn't afraid to shine a bright light on how broken the foster-adoption system is. She also shares her thoughts on what needs to change. Caela was looking for help and ended up becoming a criminal in order to get it. It's stories like hers that make us realize that change needs to happen. The foster-adoption system needs to be reformed. Our children and our families deserve better.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

I Move for Change Fundraiser

www.radadvocates.org

RAD Talk Project-Silver Bracelet

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/shop

Meet Susan, a RAD mom who has figured out a way to raise a son with RAD, raise her 2 biological children, and manage her sanity. Susan shares how she does this so that you can do it too. She shares the 3 key things that help her survive. Susan also talks about how she is helping other families by participating in the "I Move for Change" fundraiser to raise money for RAD Advocates.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

I Move for Change Fundraiser - Sign up at:

www.radadvocates.org

Parent Support and Support Groups:

www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support