In a powerful and deeply personal episode of Inside Personal Growth, host Greg Voisen welcomes Sydney Curtin, a transformational life coach, speaker, author, and serial entrepreneur. What unfolds is more than just an interview—it’s a testimony of resilience, redemption, and radical courage.
At the heart of Sydney’s story is her book, Courageous Consideration, a title that perfectly captures her message and mission. The book chronicles her life-altering decision to place her daughter for adoption at the age of 21, navigating the pain of that loss, and discovering purpose in the aftermath. But as Sydney reveals, the story is far from simple.
A Journey Rooted in Loss and Love
Sydney opens up about the profound grief she experienced from losing her mother to addiction—a trauma that deeply shaped her early life. But nothing could have prepared her for the emotional complexity of placing her own daughter for adoption.
While adoption is often framed as an act of love and sacrifice, Sydney highlights the often-ignored side of the story: the lack of legal protection for birth parents in most open adoption agreements. Despite the promises made to her, Sydney lost nearly all contact with her daughter after the adoption was finalized—a heartbreaking reality many birth mothers face but few talk about.
“Open adoption is not legally binding in most states,” Sydney explains, “and everything I had negotiated to protect our relationship vanished once the ink dried.”
Her daughter, Emberlyn, now lives overseas, with only limited photo updates and rare FaceTime calls as their form of contact. Yet Sydney’s faith has remained her anchor.
Faith as Foundation
Despite unimaginable pain, Sydney’s belief in a higher purpose carried her through. She references Ephesians 1:4-5 and John 3:16 to explain her conviction that we are all adopted through Christ, and that her daughter’s journey—like her own—was divinely written.
“Even though I couldn’t protect her the way I wanted to, I still trust that God will restore beauty from ashes,” she says.
Her faith not only sustained her—it reshaped her life and mission.
From Breakdown to Breakthrough
Sydney didn’t just survive—she transformed. After years of grief, she channeled her pain into purpose, building multiple successful businesses, becoming a top-performing sales leader, and launching her own coaching practice. Today, she is also rebranding her AI-powered mobile platform and leads Curtin Call, helping others reclaim their identity and voice.
Her coaching isn’t just about motivation—it’s grounded in real-world experience and spiritual truth. And she doesn’t shy away from sharing the difficult parts.
“I didn’t grow up religious. I found my faith because nothing else could explain the things I’ve lived through.”
Advice for Expectant Mothers Considering Adoption
Sydney offers heartfelt, hard-earned advice to women facing the decision she once did. Her message? Trust, but verify.
She urges mothers not to settle out of fear or pressure. With nearly 2 million hopeful adoptive families in the U.S., she emphasizes the importance of finding the right match and ensuring legal safeguards are in place.
“You’re the mother of your child. That gives you the authority to ask questions, to seek legal counsel, and to say no.”
Courage, Advocacy, and the Road Ahead
Sydney isn’t stopping at telling her story. She’s actively working with nonprofits to reform adoption laws and bring greater transparency to the process. Her ultimate mission? Ensure that no other woman walks the same painful road without a roadmap.
She closes the podcast with a message to her daughter and to her younger self: You are more than what others say you are—you are who God created you to be.
Sydney Curtin’s story is one of courageous consideration in every sense. Through loss, love, and unshakable faith, she has emerged not only as a survivor—but as a leader, mentor, and advocate.
📘 Learn more and grab her book: Courageous Consideration
📲 Connect with Sydney on social media:
You may also refer to the transcripts below for the full transcription (not edited) of the interview.
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