On this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal sits down with Josh Shipp—renowned youth advocate, bestselling author, and former foster kid with an incredible story. Featured by The New York Times, Good Morning America, and Oprah, Josh is known for his groundbreaking work with youth, including his A&E documentary series and bestselling book, The Grown-Up’s Guide to Teenage Humans. But despite his impressive résumé (including postgraduate studies at Harvard), he’s still happiest striking up conversations with strangers at Walmart.

With humor and raw honesty, Josh shares how childhood trauma led him to push foster families away—until one refused to give up on him. He unpacks the psychology behind foster child behavior, the power of clear and consistent parenting, and how great teachers can turn struggles into strengths. He also offers invaluable advice for foster parents, educators, and former foster kids on healing, resilience, and why therapy is for everyone, not just the broken.

This powerful conversation will leave you inspired to believe in second chances and the life-changing impact of just ONE caring adult.

On this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal sits down with Josh Shipp&mdash;renowned youth advocate, bestselling author, and former foster kid with an incredible story. Featured by The New York Times, Good Morning America, and Oprah, Josh is known for his groundbreaking work with youth, including his A&amp;E documentary series and bestselling book, The Grown-Up&rsquo;s Guide to Teenage Humans. But despite his impressive r&eacute;sum&eacute; (including postgraduate studies at Harvard), he&rsquo;s still happiest striking up conversations with strangers at Walmart.
With humor and raw honesty, Josh shares how childhood trauma led him to push foster families away&mdash;until one refused to give up on him. He unpacks the psychology behind foster child behavior, the power of clear and consistent parenting, and how great teachers can turn struggles into strengths. He also offers invaluable advice for foster parents, educators, and former foster kids on healing, resilience, and why therapy is for&nbsp;everyone, not just the broken.
This powerful conversation will leave you inspired to believe in second chances and the life-changing impact of just ONE caring adult.

The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges—whether it’s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership.

Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone.

New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or at aroundtheozarks.com!

The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership.
Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone.
New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or at aroundtheozarks.com!

The Real Deal Conversations

The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership.
Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone.
New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or at aroundtheozarks.com!