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
August 5, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode of the Wards of the State podcast, host Karlos Dillard speaks with Abner Sage, who shares his harrowing experiences growing up in the foster care system and later being adopted. Abner discusses the challenges he faced, including frequent separations from his siblings, the stigma of being labeled as 'special needs', and the complexities of navigating identity and trauma. He highlights the systemic issues within the f...
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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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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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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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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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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!
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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
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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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...
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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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...
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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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...
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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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.
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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...
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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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...
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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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...
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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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...
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...
Mark as Played
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...
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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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...
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...
Mark as Played
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...
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...
Mark as Played
April 18, 2024 • 40 mins
Hey Light Shiners! I am joined by George a native adoptee who had a net positive adoption experience. He talks about how his adoptive parents keep his birth family and culture involved while growing up and why ICWA is so important.
Follow the guest on social media! @Ibakedinupiaq
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 f...
Follow the guest on social media! @Ibakedinupiaq
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 f...
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April 3, 2024 • 48 mins
Hey Light Shiners! THERE IS A SUICIDE TRIGGER WARNING in this episode. I am joined by Scottie a same-race Black adoptee who shares about their net-positive adoption experiences and religion trauma. We do speak about assisted suicide so please use caution listening and speak to mental health professionals If you are having suicidal thoughts. Always Shine Your Ligjht.
Follow the guest on social media! @scottieslittlelife
Watch the ...
Follow the guest on social media! @scottieslittlelife
Watch the ...
Mark as Played
March 25, 2024 • 39 mins
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Petrea an international adoptee who was adopted from Russia. She speaks on her net-positive adoption and how isolating it was to grow up in a single-mother household.
Follow the guest on social media! @dosvidaniyababy6669
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 s...
Follow the guest on social media! @dosvidaniyababy6669
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 s...
Mark as Played
March 11, 2024 • 48 mins
Hey Light Shiners! In this episode, I am joined by Tiffany and adoptee who shares her story about her adoption, her adoptive parents divorce and how that affected her life.
Follow the guest on social media! @Sistatiph
Join the BLACK MOTHERS MARCH! https://www.blackmothersmarch.com/
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 ple...
Follow the guest on social media! @Sistatiph
Join the BLACK MOTHERS MARCH! https://www.blackmothersmarch.com/
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 ple...
Mark as Played
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