Honoring My Kokoshnik
Welcome to Honoring My Kokoshnik, a podcast about my journey as an adoptee from Russia. Adopted at the age of three, I spent my early years in an orphanage before coming to the United States. In each episode, I share stories from my childhood, reflect on the emotional impact of adoption, and explore the powerful sense of pride I have in my Russian heritage. This podcast is a celebration of culture, identity, and family—woven together with stories of resilience, pride, and the beauty of embracing one’s roots. Whether you’re an adoptee, interested in Russian culture, or simply curious about the intersection of adoption and identity, this podcast offers heartfelt insights into what it means to honor where you come from.
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Episodes
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
In this episode, I reflect on my childhood in Khabarovsk, Russia, sharing stories of iconic cathedrals and my time at Children’s Home 1, an orphanage with harsh conditions. I explore how these experiences shaped me and discuss adoption, with resources on orphanage conditions.
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
In this inaugural episode of Honoring My Kokoshnik, I take you on a deeply personal journey back to the origins of my birth name and the place where it all began. I explore the significance of my name, the story of my birthplace, and how adoption records and medical histories have shaped my understanding of who I am today. Join me as I connect the threads of my past and lay the foundation for a lifelong journey of honoring my Kokoshnik.