Adoption podcast reaches new highs

Local adoption agency Adoption Now is celebrating this week as its podcast reaches 30,000 listens.

The agency manages adoption services across Tameside and the wider North-West region, and launched their podcast Adopter Stories four years ago this April.

Hosted by Ian Schofield, the show aims to tell the real-life stories of adoptees as they discuss the highs and lows of the adoption process for people looking to get involved in adoption themselves.

After joining the Adoption Now team, Ian helped launch the podcast after seeing a gap in the market for that type of information.

“When I joined Adoption Now, creating a podcast was high on my priority list,” he said. “Podcasts were emerging as a powerful medium, and I felt that Adoption Now needed a platform to bring the often emotional and powerful stories of adopters to the forefront.

"Creating Adopter Stories by Adoption Now seemed like the perfect way to share these experiences with the wider public, not only to raise awareness but to spread the message of adoption as far and wide as possible.

"My hope was simple: if just one episode could inspire someone to take the step toward adopting or provide support to someone already on their journey, then I’d know it would be all worth it!”

Now past its 75th episode, the podcast talks about a variety of topics, such as sibling adoption or adopting as a single parent.

It also hosts special episodes ranging from Christmas to fatherhood, as well as behind-the-scenes extras from the team behind the show.

“We are delighted that the Adoption Now podcast has become such a hit with adopters, professionals and those interested in adoption,” said Katrina Williams, Adoption Now’s Head of Service.

“We had no idea how successful and groundbreaking it would be when the first podcast was launched.

"Our marketing team and Ian, in particular have put so much time and effort into ensuring really good quality podcasts which are helpful and insightful. And of course, we cannot forget our many guests over the years who have really made it what it is.”

Adoption Now is urging anyone who thinks they might be able to give a child a safe and loving home to listen to Adopter Stories by Adoption Now, or to visit their website.