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Liberation is Lit Podcast
Welcome to the Liberation is Lit podcast, where the power of storytelling meets the force of social change! In this podcast, we believe in the profound impact of stories – stories that amplify voices, challenge norms, and foster understanding.
Whether you're a literature enthusiast, an advocate for social justice, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of stories, you're in the right place. Tune in, and let's embark on a journey together – one where every story has the potential to change the world.
Liberation is Lit Podcast
Rethinking Adoption (with Gretchen Sisson)
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In this episode, we talk with sociologist Gretchen Sisson about her book Relinquished and how adoption decisions are shaped by poverty, policy, and cultural ideas about who is “worthy” to parent. We discuss pushback that adoption is inherently altruistic, noting high demand for babies and predatory market incentives. The conversation also connects adoption to foster care, racialized histories, and reproductive justice.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:41 Gretchen’s Origin Story
03:49 Teen Parenthood and Poverty
07:26 Adoption Pushback and Myths
12:19 Centering Children Over Adults
15:13 Foster Care and Repro Justice
19:13 Race and the Adoption Market
22:19 How to Get Involved
23:58 Next Projects and Wrap Up
Gretchen’s Book
Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood
Other Books Mentioned
Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families--And How Abolition Can Build a Safer World by Dorothy Roberts
A Place Called Home by David Ambroz
Where to Find Gretchen
https://www.gretchensisson.com/
Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.