Coming home: Joel de Carteret on identity and healing

In this episode of A Home and Healing for Every Child, Ambassador and lived experience advocate Emily Hikaiti is joined by fellow Ambassador – adoptee and filmmaker – Joel de Carteret. Joel shares his remarkable journey of returning to the Philippines and the life-changing experience of reconnecting with his birth family.  
 
But Joel’s story doesn’t end there. He opens up about the evolving complexities of cultural identity, the lifelong impact of childhood trauma and his pursuit of healing through movement, film and dance.  
 
With honesty and deep insight, Joel reflects on what it truly means to come home to yourself. This is a powerful conversation about memory, belonging and the ongoing work of healing.  

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Show credits:  

Host: Emily Hikaiti, Adopt Change Ambassador  

Guest: Joel De Carteret, Adopt Change Ambassador 

Audio Producer: Fernanda Dedic, Adopt Change  

Audio Engineer: Grant Konemann

Executive Producer: Emily Hikaiti, Adopt Change, Ashton Kobler, Adopt Change, Renée Leigh (Carter), Adopt Change