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
Renee Santos : I Never Unpacked My Bag
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Jayne Amelia Larson talks with performer and former foster youth, Renée Santos. Renée is a fierce multi-hyphenate performer — actor, writer, comedian — whose work lives at the intersection of raw truth and bold humor. In 2025, she’s been touring nationally with her critically-acclaimed one-woman dramatic solo show, CROSSROADS — a gripping, emotionally honest theatrical journey about her experience growing up in the foster care system. Through powerful storytelling and unflinching vulnerability, the show explores identity, survival, and what it means to reclaim your narrative.
Best known for her sharp wit and fearless presence, Renée first made her mark in stand-up comedy and continues to bring her signature mix of social commentary and edgy charm to comedy stages nationwide. Whether she’s bringing audiences to tears with deeply human storytelling or tears of laughter with a perfectly timed punchline, Renée is committed to using her voice — and her full artistic range — to spark connection, healing, and hilarity.
Visit her website 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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