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I really think learning from adoptees about how they form connections with nonbiological parents is a good way to learn about human connection in general - the impacts of having it, not having it, and how to form it, even in possible trying circumstances while navigating trauma and strong, negative emotions.

That’s why we’re talking to adoptee Mike Hutchinson today. He’s a preacher, husband, son, avid reader, podcast host, and returning guest to Human Amplified.

On the surface of this episode, Hutch takes us through his closed adoption story and what it was like meeting his biological family.

Underneath, we really explore the interconnectedness of relationships, the impact of relationships on identity and emotions, and how they influence other relationships and life path choices.

Through this, we specifically discuss fear, struggling with rejection, bullying, finding ways to connect when differences are aplenty and in the absence of a biological connection, healing from abandonment, fork in the road moments where snap judgements have to be made, and the importance of your support system.

Through all this, several interesting points jump out at me:

Issues around fear and rejection seem to have rippled out from one defining moment Hutch had when he was 5 years old which sparked the realization that he was given away by someone. This pivotal moment demonstrates the power of our words in relationships.

One theme that arises throughout is how masculinity and femininity plays a role in those connections - at least the connections in Hutch’s life and his experience of adoption and maintaining relationships.

A subtle yet important take away from this episode is the importance of timing. Timing is everything. See if you can catch how timing helped Hutch’s success in reuniting with his biological family AND how he met his wife.

I alway enjoy hearing Hutch’s personality come through in his storytelling. He laughs a lot while we talk and is generous with immersive details. So, I know you’ll enjoy it too.