Wards of the State

Hosted by Karlos Dillard — author, speaker, and outspoken foster care advocate — this powerful podcast pulls back the curtain on the hidden realities of the foster care and adoption systems. Each week, Karlos sits down with former foster youth and adoptees to share raw, unfiltered stories of resilience, survival, and truth. With his background in entertainment and production, Karlos brings a unique blend of depth, authenticity, and unexpected humor to each episode. Expect real conversations that are eye-opening, moving, and even laugh-out-loud at times. If you would like to share your lived experience, fill out this form

Episodes

EP: 84 "Priscilla"

October 9, 2025 • 48 mins

In this episode of the podcast, Karlos Dillard engages in a deep conversation with Priscilla, an adoptee from New York City, about her experiences in the foster care and adoption system. They discuss the importance of including birth parents in adoption conversations, the complexities of the adoption process, and the need for reform in the child welfare system. Priscilla shares her personal journey of discovering her adoption at a ...

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Ep: 83 "Tag"

September 22, 2025 • 50 mins

In this episode, Karlos Dillard and Tag discuss the often overlooked experiences of men in the foster care system. They explore the stigma surrounding men's mental health, the impact of trauma, and the importance of sharing stories. Tag shares his personal journey through neglect, abuse, and eventual adoption, highlighting the complexities of identity and relationships shaped by his experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need...

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Ep: 82 "Ron"

September 5, 2025 • 66 mins

In this episode, Karlos Dillard introduces the podcast 'Wards of the State,' focusing on the lived experiences of adoptees and foster youth. The conversation with Ron delves into his traumatic childhood, navigating the foster care system, and the complexities of family dynamics. Ron shares his experiences of abuse, neglect, and the long-lasting effects of trauma, while also discussing the importance of understanding and healing fro...

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Ep: 81 "Patricia"

August 25, 2025 • 37 mins

Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, Karlos Dillard speaks with Patricia about her tumultuous journey through the foster care system. Patricia shares her experiences of being taken from her biological family, the challenges she faced in various foster homes, and her eventual transition to a group home where she found stability and support. The conversation highlights the importance of using one's voice, the impact of trauma, and the...

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Ep: 80 "Abner"

August 5, 2025 • 32 mins

In this episode of the Wards of the State podcast, host Karlos Dillard speaks with Abner Sage, who shares their harrowing experiences growing up in the foster care system and later being adopted. Abner discusses the challenges they faced, including frequent separations from their siblings, the stigma of being labeled as 'special needs', and the complexities of navigating identity and trauma. They highlight the systemic issues withi...

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Ep: 79 "Diana"

June 30, 2025 • 53 mins

In this episode, Karlos Dillard interviews Diana Colon, who shares her harrowing journey from being born in Russia and living in orphanages to being adopted in America. Diana recounts her traumatic experiences in the orphanage, including abuse and neglect, and the challenges she faced in her adoptive home. Despite the struggles, Diana emphasizes the importance of resilience and healing, and she offers valuable advice for future ado...

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Ep: 78 "Shantel"

June 17, 2025 • 53 mins

In this episode, Karlos Dillard speaks with Shantel about her experiences as a kinship adoptee. They discuss the challenges of growing up in an adoptive home, the impact of abuse and neglect, and the importance of resilience and support systems. Shantel shares her journey through teenage pregnancy, navigating relationships with her biological family, and the resources available for young parents. They also explore the concept of th...

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Ep: 77 "Shana"

May 27, 2025 • 48 mins

In this episode, Karlos Dillard and Shana discuss the complexities of adoption, including the importance of sharing personal stories, the trauma associated with being adopted, and the role of therapists in understanding adoptee experiences. Shana shares her own adoption story, the challenges of identity, and the impact of closed adoptions on her life. They also explore the legal implications of adoption and the emotional journey of...

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Ep: 76 "Dr. Cre"

May 5, 2025 • 91 mins

Hey Lightshiners! In this engaging conversation, Karlos Dillard and Dr. Cre explore the importance of building relationships and support systems for youth, particularly those in foster care. They discuss the significance of creating safe spaces, effective communication, and the role of structure and boundaries in fostering healthy development. Dr. Cre shares insights from her experiences and emphasizes the need for adults to be ope...

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Ep: 75 "Jasmine"

March 27, 2025 • 48 mins

Hey, Light Shiners! I am joined by Jasmine, a foster youth who shares her experience. She also speaks to us about what it is like being a kinship caregiver herself!

Watch the Video Podcast

Join me for the “Bring the Light to Truth Book Tour 2025!

If you would like to be on the show, please sign up here

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Ep: 74 "Hart & Michael"

February 27, 2025 • 63 mins

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Hart, who is a pre-birth match adoptee who is joined by their biological brother Michael. They speak about how reunification has been for them and Hart speaks about having a net-positive adoption, but still feeling the loss of their sibling

Watch the Video Podcast!

Join me for the “Bring the Light to Truth Book Tour 2025!

If you would like to be on the show, please sign up here

Please help us keep sh...

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Ep: 73 "Jasmine"

February 4, 2025 • 40 mins

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Jasmine a former foster youth who has just aged out of foster care. She speaks about life in group homes and how she made a plan to make it out of the system without being institutionalized.

Watch the Video Podcast HERE!

Check me out on Patreon and get 1 on 1 time to get your questions answered!

If you would like to be on the show please sign up HERE!

Please help us keep shining light on the truths o...

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Ep: 72 "Lisa"

January 24, 2025 • 64 mins

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Lisa an adoptee who didn’t find out she was adopted until she was 7 or 8. She also shares about the abuse she survived at the hands of her stepbrother. We share reunification stories and end the podcast with advice for one another.

Watch the Video Podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@KarlosDillard
www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign...

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Ep: 71 "MGD"

January 14, 2025 • 50 mins

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by MGD a former foster youth. She speaks about her struggle with her identity and how a DNA test helps discover who she truly is.

www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true
If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZwdv6RQrI49p0kqtzBblV5eQIGAE81dV3Ey3ZQRgmWOeS1A/viewform?usp=preview

Please help us keep shining light on the truths o...

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Ep: 70 "Tara"

December 31, 2024 • 67 mins

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Tara who is a transracial adoptee and she shares her experience with dealing with religious trauma from the Mormon church. She also speaks about how she still loves her white adoptive parents but struggles with her racial identity.

Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up her...

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EP: 69 "Cassidy"

December 17, 2024 • 59 mins

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Cassidy a former foster youth who was being abused by her birth brother in their home. She speaks about how hard reunification can be and how child abuse can cause lifelong trauma in families.

Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...

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We Are Back!

November 25, 2024 • 2 mins

I am so excited to share with you more stories of lived experiences so we can all learn and grow!

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZxNnCSntbuvjrxjjvZco3BmsCVNELmU1WzlYPCOongNNiA/viewform?usp=pp_url

Please help us keep shining light on the truths of the foster care system by donating. Please click the link to donate! https://karlosdillard.com/checkout/donate?don...

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Biological Parents Special: Laura

June 18, 2024 • 28 mins

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by Laura a birth mom who almost lost her kids to the system because of a mental health crisis. She speaks about co-parenting with an abusive Ex-spouse and how she was alienated as a mom.

Follow the guest on social media! @Iwinnard1982 also check out her business at Crystal Hope Creations

Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true

If yo...

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Biological Parent Special: CJ (update)

June 5, 2024 • 51 mins

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by CJ a birth father who was on the show 2 years ago. He gives us an update and how he has been advocating for himself and his daughter.

Follow the guest on social media! @Childlessparent

Watch the video of this episode only on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=45714095&fan_landing=true

If you would like to be on the show please fill sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFZ...

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Biological Family Special: ShaVonnda

May 16, 2024 • 89 mins

Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by ShaVonnda, a birth aunt who helped her brother fight the family policing system and tried to adopt his daughter out to foster parents. They fought for 8 years and won!

Follow the guest on social media! @kinship.is.care (tiktok) @Emily_brooks_foundation

Support this family and fight back! https://www.gofundme.com/f/u2prd-bringing-emily-home?qid=64b886178566f29b75ddd2a49f67e4c7

Watch the video of this...

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Wards of the State

Episodes

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.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}Ep: 83 "Tag"

Ep: 82 "Ron"

Ep: 81 "Patricia"

Ep: 80 "Abner"

Ep: 79 "Diana"

Ep: 78 "Shantel"

Ep: 77 "Shana"

Ep: 76 "Dr. Cre"

Ep: 75 "Jasmine"

Ep: 74 "Hart & Michael"

Ep: 73 "Jasmine"

Ep: 72 "Lisa"

Ep: 71 "MGD"

Ep: 70 "Tara"

EP: 69 "Cassidy"

We Are Back!

Biological Parents Special: Laura

Biological Parent Special: CJ (update)

Biological Family Special: ShaVonnda

Popular Podcasts

EP: 84 "Priscilla"

Ep: 83 "Tag"