Hi! I’m Kristal
I’m an adoptee, filmmaker, and host of the Because She’s Adopted Podcast. Through honest storytelling, I create conversations that amplify adoptee voices, foster connection, and remind people that every adoption story matters.
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“Adoption is important to me, but it’s not all of me. It’s part of my story, not the whole story.” – Chris Williams
Finding Belonging: Chris Williams on Adoption, Community & Creativity
There are conversations that leave you thinking long after they’re over, and then there are conversations that simply leave you feeling seen. In this episode of the Because She’s Adopted Podcast, Kristal sits down with comedian, writer, and fellow adoptee Chris Williams after an unforgettable week together in New York City for the Adoptee Film Fest. While the trip included Broadway shows, hot dogs in Central Park, and countless laughs, the heart of this conversation is much deeper. Chris opens up about what adoption means to him, why he’s proud to be adopted, how creativity has shaped his life, and why every adoptee deserves the freedom to tell their own story, without judgment. Together they reflect on friendship, healing, community, recovery, and the importance of making space for every adoptee’s voice.
Adoption Is Part of the Story–Not the Whole Story
One of the most refreshing moments in this conversation is hearing Chris explain his perspective on adoption. While he acknowledges that adoption has shaped his life, he refuses to let it define every part of who he is. Instead, he views it as one chapter in a much larger story. That perspective reminds us that there isn’t one “right” way to experience adoption. Some adoptees feel grief. Others feel gratitude. Many experience both at different times throughout their lives. Kristal shares her hope that Because She’s Adopted can continue to be a place where every adoptee feels welcome, regardless of where they are in their journey. Because every story matters.
Creativity Gives Adoptees a Voice
One unexpected theme that emerged throughout their week in New York was just how creative the adoptee community is. From documentary filmmakers and poets to comedians and writers, Chris noticed something powerful: Creativity becomes a language for processing experiences that are often difficult to explain. Rather than allowing pain to stay hidden, many adoptees transform it into something meaningful that helps others feel understood. Whether it’s film, comedy, poetry, or storytelling, creativity becomes connection.
Finding Community in Unexpected Places
The Adoptee Film Fest wasn’t simply about watching films. It was about belonging. Watching Kristal’s documentary alongside fellow adoptees, attending Sullivan’s poetry book launch, meeting artists from across North America, and sharing conversations with people who understand adoption created moments that neither of them will soon forget. Chris reflects on witnessing strangers become community. Kristal reflects on watching people connect with stories that remind them they aren’t alone. It’s a beautiful reminder that healing often begins with simply being seen.
A Weekend in New York City
Of course, not everything was serious. The episode is packed with funny memories from their whirlwind trip through New York City. Including; Walking through Central Park in the fall, Grace Papaya hot dogs, Broadway’s Moulin Rouge!, Chris performing stand-up comedy, Shopping adventures, Their favourite meals, The best outfits of the trip, and Why New York feels strangely peaceful for people with ADHD. These stories add humour, personality, and warmth while reminding listeners that friendship is often built in ordinary moments.
Celebrating 14 Years of Sobriety
One of the most moving moments comes when Chris congratulates Kristal on celebrating 14 years of sobriety. Kristal shares how recovery has taught her to intentionally pursue peace and rest rather than relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms. Her honesty serves as a reminder that healing rarely happens overnight. It happens one decision at a time. And sometimes, those decisions completely change the trajectory of a life.
Listen to this episode on the
Because She Was Adopted Podcast
What makes this conversation so memorable isn’t New York City, Broadway, or even the film festival. It’s the genuine friendship between two people who understand the value of showing up for one another. Throughout the episode, Chris and Kristal remind us that adoption stories don’t need to fit a particular narrative to matter.
Whether your journey has been joyful, complicated, heartbreaking, or somewhere in between, your voice deserves to be heard. Community isn’t built by having identical experiences. It’s built by making room for one another. If this conversation encourages you, consider sharing it with someone who may need the reminder that they aren’t alone. Because sometimes the greatest gift we can offer another person is simply letting them know they belong.
With love and gratitude,
Kristal
