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Podcast Episode

Finding Identity, Belonging, and Healing as a Transracial Adoptee with Michael Gaither

Parenting Different··1 August 2026·1h 13m

About this episode

What happens when you spend nearly five decades wondering where you came from?In this powerful conversation, Anna Bernacki sits down with transracial adoptee Michael Gaither, a retired educator, former principal, executive coach, and adoption advocate. Michael shares his deeply personal journey of growing up as a Black child in a White family in 1970s Nebraska, navigating identity, race, belonging, and the lifelong questions that many adoptees carry. Michael speaks candidly about the challenges of living between two worlds, the pressure to hide his struggles, and the ways adoption shaped his understanding of himself. He reflects on the anger, anxiety, and isolation he experienced growing up, as well as the profound impact of meeting a Black mentor who helped him begin to see himself differently.Connect with Michael GaitherBeyond the Moment Adoption Studio Beyond the Moment Adoption StudioResources and Courses Payhip Store – https://payhip.com/BeyondTheMomentAdoptionStudio?utm_source=chatgpt.comFree Resource: Seven Conversations Every White Parent Must Have With Their Black Child - Available free through Michael's website