Shows / The Defender Podcast
The Defender Podcast
The Defender Podcast collection is a ministry of Lifeline Children's Services where we seek to equip the body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children and families. We hope this collection will provide encouragement, inspiration, and ways to connect with others who have a heart for the orphan.
Episodes
The Defender PodcastHow Can We Help? Dr. Sharen Ford on the Church and the Child Welfare System
Rick Morton and Herbie Newell sit down with Dr. Sharen Ford, director of foster care and adoption at Focus on the Family, who spent 30 years in Colorado's…
The Defender PodcastSmall Habits, Big Healing: Rachel Medefind on Hope for Families in Crisis
Rick Morton and Chelsea Sobolik welcome Rachel Medefind, who leads the Institute for Family Centered Healing and Health at the Christian Alliance for Orphans…
The Defender PodcastFrom Rural South Africa to the Supreme Court: Palmer Williams at The Table
Rick Morton, Herbie Newell, and Chelsea Sobolik welcome attorney and advocate Palmer Williams, a partner at Holtzman Vogel and former general counsel of the…
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What You Need To Know About South Carolina's Foster Care Emergency
Over 3,400 children are in foster care in South Carolina, and some are staying in government offices because no homes are available. Rob, Herbie, and Ford…
The Defender PodcastSaying Yes to Hard: Foster Care, Community, and the 30 Percent Rule
Rick Morton, Emily Richards, and Herbie Newell sit down with Greyson Holt, a Lifeline family therapist in North Carolina, who is also a foster and adoptive mom…
The Defender PodcastDoes Adoption Have a PR Problem?
On this episode of The Table, host Dr. Rick Morton and the full panel, Chelsea Sobolik, Emily Chapman Richards, and Herbie Newell, welcome Lauren McAfee…
The Defender PodcastAn Adoptee's Teddy Bear Epiphany | Simon Benn, Thriving Adoptees
Simon Benn was adopted at five weeks old in 1967 and grew up in England always knowing his story. At 40, an unexpected burst of anger during a horse whispering…
The Defender PodcastGod Doesn't Waste Anything: Katie Adams on Faith, Family, and International Adoption
Katie Adams, manager of Lifeline's expat adoption program, joins Dr. Rick to trace her path from a childhood on Fort Benning through a faith awakening in high…
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Opening the Doors: How One Church Is Rewriting the Story for Kids Aging Out of Foster Care
In this episode of the Defender Podcast, Executive Director Herbie Newell and Ford sit down with Tommy DeRamos of Shades Mountain Baptist Church to talk about…
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Why Fewer Kids Are Coming Home Through Adoption in 2025
On this episode of The Defender, Rob, Herbie, Karla, and Ford unpack the newly released 2025 intercountry adoption numbers, down to 973 children from 1,172 the…
The Defender PodcastFrom Orphan to 'Baby Whisperer': Vikram's Story
Vikram grew up in a leper colony in Rajasthan before being taken in by a Christian orphanage that eventually became home to over a thousand kids. On this…
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16 Kids, One Brother's Sacrifice
This summer Lifeline had sixteen kids come to the US for two weeks through the international hosting program, most of whom had already been passed over by…
The Defender PodcastUnstoppable: The Bamberg Sisters' Journey from China to Auburn
Rick Morton sits down with sisters Ava and Lily Bamberg, both adopted from China and now students at Auburn University, home to the nation's only collegiate…
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140 Million Orphans: Inside Lifeline's Global Network
This episode features Herbie Newell, Ken Norwood and Ford Reasons with guest Miguel Zayas, Senior Director of Global Orphan Care at Lifeline, to unpack how…
The Defender PodcastReal Church, Real Gospel: A Ugandan Pastor's Journey from Prosperity to Truth
Rick Morton sits down with Pastor Rafael Kajjubi of King Jesus Church in Busega, Uganda, a longtime friend and ministry partner of Lifeline Children's…
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Why Do We 'Run for One'?
In this lighthearted episode of The Defender Podcast, the team shares the heart behind Lifeline’s annual Run for One, a fundraising event supporting global…
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The Heart Behind Domestic Adoption
In this episode Lifeline Children’s Services Vice President of Domestic Programs Christy McSegers shares her personal journey to adoption ministry and provides…
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We Visited 19 States in 19 Days-Here's What We Learned Part 2
This episode of The Table by Lifeline Children's Services serves as Part 2 of the team's reflection on their 19 States in 19 Days journey. While sharing some…
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Lifeline's 19in19 Recap Part 1
Herbie Newell, Rob Ingram and Ford Reasons reflect on their recent 19-day road trip through 19 states, where they visited Lifeline ministry partners and…
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She Was Adopted and Called—Now She's Helping Thousands of Foster Children Heal | Anna Leah Jolly - The Table, Ep. 9
Miss Mississippi Anna Leah Jolly (Part 2): Adoption, Emotional Intelligence Tools & Gospel-Centered Connection | The Table In Part Two of The Table (Lifeline…
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3 Guys, 19 States, and 153 Million Reasons!
How an epic road trip is helping 153 million orphans! Thats what happens when 3 guys try to visit all 19 states where Lifeline has a physical office in just 19…
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The Bold Movement to Bring Hope to Vulnerable Children
Summer is here, and Lifeline has a full lineup of ways to engage, serve, and celebrate what God is doing on behalf of orphans and vulnerable children. In this…
The Defender PodcastDefending Every Child: The Truth About International Adoption
DESCRIPTION Is international adoption still a viable path for Christian families? In Episode 2 of the Defender Podcast, host Ken Norwood sits down with Herbie…
The Defender PodcastWe're Back: Defending the Fatherless in 2026
The Defender Podcast is officially rebooted. Hosted by Rob Ingram, Ken Norwood, Herbie Newell, and Ford Reasons, we're back with a simple mission: give you…
The Defender PodcastFoster Care's Biggest Problem Isn't What You Think
In this episode of The Table, Rick Morton is joined by Chelsea Sobolik and Emily Richards to discuss the nuanced and often messy realities of child welfare…
The Defender PodcastEvery Child Made in God's Image: Why This Changes Everything in Adoption
Most conversations about transracial and transcultural adoption miss one vital piece: the heart of every child is made in God's image—and that's where the true…
The Defender PodcastWhen Family Ties Conflict With a Child's Safety: What the System Gets Wrong
We're glad you are joining our discussion on the hidden complexities of kinship care and discover how faith, community, and wisdom can transform the way we…
The Defender PodcastWhen Protection Becomes the Problem
Welcome back to The Table! In this second episode, Rick Morton gathers with Emily Richards and Herbie Newell to continue our vital discussions on child…
The Defender PodcastCan the Church Really Change Child Welfare? These Leaders Say Yes
Child Welfare is broken worldwide. Is there hope? We say yes, and it's found right in our communities in the form of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ In…
The Defender PodcastA Season of Change: Defender Podcast Update
After eight incredible years, the Defender Podcast is taking a short sabbatical. In this episode, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the journey so…
The Defender PodcastAdoption & Advocacy with Kirti Pickard
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Kirti Pickard—adoptee, advocate, and podcast host—who shares her powerful adoption journey and how it fuels…
The Defender PodcastFaith, Family, and Foster Care with Jamie Finn
🎙️In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Jamie Finn—author, nonprofit leader, and advocate for vulnerable children. As a foster and adoptive mom…
The Defender Podcast5 Years Waiting for China Adoption
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Karla Thrasher, Lifeline’s Senior Director of International Adoption, to discuss the…
The Defender PodcastAdoption Counseling Redefined: A New Resource from Lifeline
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Christy Mack Segars, Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children’s Services, introduces the new Design…
The Defender PodcastSarah Gable Seifert on Faith, Entrepreneurship, and EveryLife
In today's episode of The Defender Podcast, Rick Morton welcomes Sarah Gable Seifert, co-founder of EveryLife—the first pro-life diaper and wipe company in…
The Defender PodcastThe Changing Landscape of the Pro-Life Movement: A Conversation with Jor-El Godsey
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International, to discuss the evolving landscape of…
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Championing Life in 2025
In this first episode of 2025, Herbie Newell is joined by Pastor Chris Johnson, Lifeline Children's Services' Senior Director of Church Partnerships, to…
The Defender PodcastLove: Advent Week 4 – Reflecting Christ's Sacrificial Love
In this final episode of our Advent series, Herbie Newell reflects on the greatest gift of Christmas—God’s love. He shares a powerful story from Lifeline…
The Defender PodcastThe Waiting Season: Lessons from Advent and Adoption
In this special Christmas episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the profound lessons of Advent and their parallels to…
The Defender PodcastJoy: Advent Week 3 – The Shepherd's Song of Praise
In this Advent edition of The Defender Podcast, host Herbie Newell reflects on the joy found in the true meaning of Christmas. As we approach the third week of…
The Defender PodcastBest of 2024: Opening Hearts and Homes – The Hart Family's Foster Care Journey
In this special Best of 2024 episode, originally aired on May 15, 2024, we revisit a heartfelt conversation with Matthew and Makyna Hart, ministry leaders from…
The Defender PodcastPreparing the Way: Advent Week 2 – Making Space for Jesus
In this second week of our Advent series, Herbie Newell reflects on the theme of preparation. As we enter the busy holiday season, he challenges us to pause…
The Defender PodcastBest of 2024: Heartbreaking News: The Future of China Adoptions
In this rebroadcast of one of the best episodes from 2024, The Defender Podcast revisits a powerful conversation between Herbie Newell and Karla Thrasher…
The Defender PodcastWaiting in Hope: Advent Week 1 – Trusting in God’s Promises
In this special Advent edition of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell explores the theme of waiting as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ…
The Defender PodcastA Heart of Thanksgiving: Reflecting on God’s Goodness Through All Seasons
As 2024 draws to a close, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the significance of cultivating gratitude, even amidst life’s challenges. Drawing from…
The Defender PodcastEmpowering Churches to Care: A Conversation with Andy Cook of Promise 686
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton welcome Andy Cook, President and CEO of Promise 686, a ministry dedicated to…
The Defender PodcastEmbracing the Call of Adoption During National Adoption Month
Join Herbie Newell and Karla Thrasher on this special National Adoption Month episode of The Defender Podcast as they explore the profound impact of adoption…
The Defender PodcastAnchored in Faith with David E. Prince
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, co-host Dr. Rick Morton sits down with David E. Prince at this year’s 2024 Southern Baptist Convention to discuss the…
The Defender PodcastEngaging the Vulnerable: A Conversation with Josh Benton of Send Relief
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Dr. Rick Morton and Herbie Newell sit down with Josh Benton, National Vice President of Send Relief, recorded live at…
The Defender PodcastFrom Frustration to Hope: Helping Kids Thrive in Learning
On today's episode of the Defender Podcast, Rick Morton sits down with Ann Maura Hinton, Director of Bridge Educational Services, to discuss how families can…
The Defender PodcastOrphan Sunday: A Call to Action for the Church with Pastor Chris Johnson
In this special episode of The Defender Podcast, host Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton are joined by Pastor Chris Johnson, Lifeline’s Senior Director of…
The Defender PodcastUnderstanding Bullying: Equipping Families for Tough Conversations
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Dr. Rick Morton and Angela Mains, Lifeline's Director of Clinical Services, dive into the complex issue of bullying…
The Defender PodcastAdoption, Faith, and God's Perfect Timing
In this heartfelt episode of The Defender Podcast, host Dr. Rick Morton sits down with his longtime friend, Dr. Casey Williams, pastor of North Trenholm…
The Defender PodcastHeartbreaking News: The Future of China Adoptions
In today's episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Karla Thrasher, Lifeline's Senior Director of International Adoption, to discuss a…
The Defender PodcastParenting Through Back-to-School Stress
As the new school year begins, many parents feel overwhelmed by changes and new routines. In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Lynne Jackson…
The Defender PodcastUnderstanding FASD: Navigating Challenges and Building Awareness with Sandra Flach
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Sandra Flach, a devoted mom of eight, including five adopted children—one through kinship and four…
The Defender PodcastLifeline's R(un) for One and The Ōnin Group
Join us on this episode of The Defender Podcast as we dive into Lifeline Children Services' annual event, the R(un) for One. Host Rick Morton is joined by…
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Faith in Action: How First Baptist Woodstock is Caring for Vulnerable Families
In this episode of the Defender Podcast, Rick Morton sits down with Rick Young, Family Pastor, and Matt Lawson, Executive Pastor, from First Baptist Church…
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2024 Mid-Year Ministry Update: Celebrating Lifeline’s Impact
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, hosts Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton provide a mid-year update on Lifeline Children's Services' ministry efforts in…
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Back-to-School: Nurturing Minds and Souls with Christian Education
In this episode of the Defender Podcast, host Dr. Rick Morton discuss back-to-school challenges and the importance of education with guests Ann Maura Hinton…