Abby and Gabe Miller & Jack Healey

Sometimes the most powerful episodes come from the most unexpected sources.  This week, we're thrilled to share a special episode guest-curated by 11-year-old musician Jack Healey. After his mother, Tara Huffman (Executive Director of Athens County CASA/GAL), appeared on our show, Jack volunteered to write a song and select guests for his own episode.  

Meet Jack's Guests: Gabe and Abby Miller Jack chose his 5th grade teacher, Gabe, and Gabe's wife, Abby—foster parents who have provided care for 15 children over three years. Their story challenges everything you might think you know about foster care.  

What You'll Hear: 

• Jack's original song "Trust in You," exploring themes of resilience and second chances 
• Why the Millers chose foster care before even getting married 
• How they maintain relationships with children long after placements end 
• The surprising positive connections they've built with birth families 
• What really makes foster parenting sustainable (hint: it takes a village) 
• Jack's hopes for foster children in his community 

A Few Moments That Will Stay With You: 

"Don't go into it thinking you're going to be a hero," Abby shares. "Remember that you're there to wrap up everyone involved in the child's life too." 

Gabe still receives Father's Day texts from girls who were their very first placement. They've facilitated Easter egg hunts where siblings placed in different homes could still celebrate together.  

And Jack? He's learned the most important lesson of all from Mr. Miller: "To be a kind person and to help people."  

Why This Episode Matters In a world that often feels divided, this conversation reminds us that community care takes many forms. Teachers who openly share their experiences. Eleven-year-olds who use their creative gifts to amplify important messages. Foster parents who see their role as supporting entire family systems, not just individual children.  As Anna reminds us, we all experience adoption in our lives—actively choosing the people, values, and experiences that create who we are.  This episode is a beautiful example of that truth in action.  

Listen now and share it with someone who needs to hear Jack's message of trust, belonging, and hope.  

P.S. — Jack is already working on his second album. We have a feeling this won't be the last time we hear from this talented young artist!    

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