Bonus Babies
The Anthem Awards-winning BONUS BABIES podcast is the only series of its kind to explore the foster care system through the immersive, 360-degree perspective of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Through powerful firsthand accounts from foster youth, former foster children, caregivers, attorneys, social workers, therapists, adoptees, foster and adoptive parents, and community advocates, the podcast delivers an unflinching look at the realities of life within the child welfare system.
Hosted and created by Jayne Amelia Larson, a CASA volunteer herself, BONUS BABIES examines the foster care “maze” in much the same way a CASA approaches a case: by listening to every voice, seeking out every perspective, and ensuring that the experiences of vulnerable children are seen, heard, and understood. The series documents both the heartbreaking failures and inspiring successes of the system while fostering open, honest conversations about trauma, resilience, advocacy, and belonging.
By blending investigative curiosity with compassionate storytelling, BONUS BABIES creates a platform that educates audiences, amplifies lived experience, and encourages meaningful social engagement. The podcast has resonated with listeners around the world for its emotional depth, cinematic production quality, and commitment to illuminating stories that are too often overlooked.
Original music is composed by Christina Apostolopoulos. Audio engineering and mixing are provided by Adam Harr of Blue Oak Mastering. Cover art is by John Crowther, and the Executive Producer is Jake Eberle.
Bonus Babies
Alexis Longmire: I Made Me, Who I Am Today, I Did This
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Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth Alexis Longmire who is an entrepreneur and fashionista. Lex is a fashion journalist, stylist, traveling wardrobe consultant and a proud Los Angeles native. When she was 10, she discovered her passion for styling and has never looked back! As she gained experience, Lex immersed herself in runway fashion, fashion magazines, cutting edge designers, and Instagram influencers. She graduated from the University of Arizona with degrees in Fashion Retailing and Consumer Science.
Lex has styled music videos, photo shoots, album covers, fashion shows, events, and red carpets for over 4 years. Her experience includes assisting Celebrity Stylist Okera Banks, interning under Celebrity Stylists Jill Jacobs and Morgan Pinney, and working as an intern at The Honeyman PR Agency. She also worked as a personal stylist in luxury boutique settings, helping everyday women feel confident.
Lex has expanded her services to include wardrobe reorganization, capsule collection consultations, and personal shopping for men and women. Featuring fashion, fun, style, industry insights, tips for curating your own personal style, shopping smarter, and looking cute everyday, Lex Styles Mag is a magazine with a unique twist! Here you’ll discover her favorite looks of the season and thoughts on life in the fashion industry. You’ll also find outfit suggestions that take the stress out of getting dressed and more!
Aside from fashion, Lex loves helping others in her community. In her free time, she spends time with her fur baby, visits local coffee shops, and spends hours at the library.
ALL THINGS FASHION, FUN, AND STYLISH
Established in 2017 and emerging as a fashion magazine in 2022, Lex Styles Mag looks to inspire, empower and inform both men and women on creating the life they want through fashion and style. Dedicated to Honoring the importance and impact of fashion on everyday life, self-esteem, careers, music and as a display of passions. Curated by experts with unique perspectives and understanding writers and using education and creation as a tool to make fashion and a style accessible to everyone and helping to enhance everyday moments.
In this episode we discuss:
*Childhood & Creativity Alexis talks about discovering her passion for fashion at age 10 and how creativity became her anchor.
*Professional Journey Alexis details stepping into couture—runway fashion, photo shoots, red carpets—and working under celebrity stylists like Okera Banks, Jill Jacobs, and Morgan Pinney.
*Lex Styles Mag She shares her vision for a style magazine that empowers confidence and accessible fashion for all.
*Practical Style Advice She shares tips on cultivating personal style, smarter shopping, wardrobe organization, capsule collections, and getting dressed with ease.
*Giving Back Alexis describes her local involvement: supporting her community, spending time in coffee shops and libraries, and loving her “fur baby."
Alexis on LinkedIn here.
See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!
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