In this episode of Stay Planted, we share real-life updates from the world of adoption, parenting, and backyard farming—equal parts practical, reflective, and a little unhinged (in the best way).

We discuss adoption logistics, including the process of obtaining a Social Security number for an adopted child and how missing paperwork can impact health insurance coverage. Lauren shares an update on international adoption from Malawi and discusses how the president’s recent immigration proclamation may impact adoption timelines, visas, and waiting families.

From there, the conversation shifts to everyday life lately—raising kids, juggling projects, and managing animals. We catch up on our backyard farms: chickens that stopped laying, roosters that crow very incorrectly, ducks in deep snow, automated coop doors that don’t always cooperate, and an honest confession about dealing with a rat infestation in the chicken coop. We discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how overwhelming farm chores can be in the midst of parenting young kids.

This episode is a relaxed, unscripted conversation about adoption paperwork, international policy, insurance headaches, chickens, rats, snow chores, and learning to pivot when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Visit Lo's blog, The Carter LoDown, for all your Backyard Farming needs, encouragement, and a little peek inside Lo's life.

What does it really look like to say yes to domestic adoption? In this episode of Stay Planted: Life, Faith, and Adoption, we sit down with Hank and Miranda to hear their powerful story of domestic adoption. They share the calling that led them to adoption, the challenges and joys they encountered along the way, and how their faith anchored them through uncertainty.

This conversation is honest, hope-filled, and deeply encouraging for anyone considering adoption, walking through infertility, or trusting God with an unexpected path to parenthood. Hank and Miranda remind us what it means to stay planted in faith while building a family through adoption.

Whether you’re exploring domestic adoption, already in the process, or want to hear a real-life adoption testimony grounded in faith, this episode will encourage and inspire you.

In this special episode of Stay Planted, Em and I sit down with two very important guests, our husbands! We’ve spent numerous episodes exploring the emotional, practical, and spiritual aspects of adoption from our own perspectives, so today we wanted to flip the script and hear from the men who walk this journey alongside us.

We discuss what “staying planted” means from their perspective, how they’ve navigated the ups and downs of the adoption process, and the moments that have both stretched and surprised them along the way. They open up about finances, navigating the unknowns, and how they practically and emotionally support us — their wives — throughout the process.

It’s honest, heartfelt, and sometimes pretty funny. Whether you’re in the adoption world or love honest conversations about partnership and family, this episode is such a good one.

Shine Bright, Little Light by Lauren Carter

In this episode of Stay Planted, we share a heartfelt update on Lo’s adoption journey and open up about the emotional weight of negative adoption narratives. We talk about how easily fear can creep in, how those stories—though real—can sometimes distort your own path, and how to stay grounded in wisdom, discernment, and truth. If you’re navigating adoption or supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you stay planted and protect your peace.

As always, enjoy our banter, laughter, stories, and our not-so-life-changing, life-changing things we share.

In this heartwarming catch-up episode of Stay Planted, Lo and Em reconnect and share life updates, starting with a hilariously unexpected pedicure story from Lo that’ll have you laughing out loud.

Lo and Em share adoption updates, where Lo shares what she's learning about savoring time, and Em shares that they received her son's birth certificate.

Then, we take a meaningful turn, exploring the importance of honoring birth parents and celebrating the cultural roots of adoptive kids. From personal reflections to thoughtful practices, we explore staying grounded in love, respect, and authenticity.

Whether you're here for the laughs, the learning, or a little of both — this one’s for you.

Lo and Em are back on the mic this week, catching up on everything from the cozy start of fall to setting the record straight that Em's Conrad is not named after THE Conrad on The Summer I Turned Pretty. There’s LOTS of laughter, a few tangents, and the kind of heart-level girl talk you’ve come to expect from us.

We wrap up with a more serious (but beautiful) conversation about two unexpected God moments that showed up in our week because He’s always showing up, even in the little, unexpected things of life.

Grab a warm drink, cozy up, and stay planted with us. 🌿

In our first guest episode, we sit with the incredible Jen Mathisen to discuss her journey through domestic adoption. Jen opens up about the realities of the process — from navigating relationships with birth parents, to how and when she told her child he was adopted, and the emotional and practical challenges along the way.

We explore how adoption has shaped Jen as a person, how it’s transformed her family, and how she continues to stay planted through it all. Her honesty, warmth, and wisdom make this episode one you won’t want to miss — whether you're connected to adoption or love hearing powerful, real-life stories.

Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast. This helps others see us!

Jens Shishito Peppers Recipe:

-Leave Stems on

-Toss Peppers generously with olive oil

-Throw on a very hot griddle/skillet/grill

-Cook hot and fast to blister and blacken, turning to blister all sides (2 min tops!)

-Remove quickly one at a time as they are ready to avoid overcooking into the bowl or serving platter (keep bright green color-if they turn "army" green, they will be soggy!)

-Sprinkle generously (to taste) with Maldon salt and eat immediately! Don't wait!

-Hold onto the stem and pop the rest in your mouth. Have a little dish ready for the stems. Have people ready to gather and eat immediately as you prep the rest of dinner.

Kelli Jensen (Lo's Aunt) Spiritual Direction

In this powerful episode of Stay Planted, we explore the beauty of adoption not just as a human act of love, but as a reflection of God’s redemptive plan. Through personal stories and biblical insight, we unpack how earthly adoption mirrors our spiritual adoption into God's family — a narrative of grace, restoration, and belonging. Whether you're walking through adoption, considering it, or simply seeking to understand God’s heart for the orphaned and the broken, this episode reminds us that every adoption story is ultimately part of a far greater one — the Gospel. Join us as we celebrate the truth that in Christ, we are not just rescued, but rooted and redeemed.

Don't miss out on our catch up at the front of this episode where we laugh about movie theaters, popcorn and big glasses of ice water.

And remember, we want to connect with our listeners! Post a comment, subscribe, and stay planted!