Fostering Change Podcast | Episode 292 | Corey McKinney

Last week, we celebrated Father’s Day with a special conversation between Rob and his son, Tristan. This week, we’re continuing that theme with a powerful discussion about what it means to show up for young people who need someone in their corner.

Rob is joined by Corey McKinney, a speaker, mentor, author, and former foster parent whose life has been dedicated to helping young people navigate some of life’s toughest challenges.

Through his work with the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program and other youth-focused initiatives, Corey has spent more than three decades encouraging young people to overcome obstacles, believe in themselves, and build brighter futures. But some of his most meaningful lessons came through foster parenting.

In his book Foster Dad, Corey shares the joys, challenges, heartbreaks, and unexpected rewards of opening your home to a child in need. More importantly, he shares what can happen when a young person experiences consistency, encouragement, and unconditional support.

This is a conversation about mentorship, fatherhood, foster care, and the life-changing impact of simply being present.

Conversation Highlights

What inspired Corey to become a foster parent
The experiences that led him to write Foster Dad
The joys and challenges of opening your home to youth in foster care
Why attachment and connection are worth the risk
The importance of consistency and showing up for young people
How mentoring and foster parenting often intersect
Remaining connected to former foster youth long after placement ends
Why positive adult relationships can change the trajectory of a young person’s life

Corey McKinney is a professional speaker, mentor, author, and former foster parent dedicated to helping young people overcome gun violence, bullying, and peer pressure. A former Division I basketball player and longtime mentor with the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program, Corey has spent more than 35 years working with youth. He is the author of Coach Daryl’s Colts and Foster Dad, inspired by his experiences as both a mentor and foster parent.

One of the most common questions prospective foster parents ask is: “What if I get attached?”

Corey’s answer is simple: that’s the point.

Children and youth in foster care need adults who are willing to invest in them, encourage them, and remain present through both good and difficult moments.

This conversation reminds us that foster parenting is not about being perfect. It’s about being available. It’s about showing up consistently and creating relationships that can last long after a placement ends. Whether you’re a foster parent, mentor, coach, teacher, or simply someone who cares about young people, Corey’s story demonstrates the profound difference one committed adult can make.

Connect with Corey McKinney

Website: www.coreymckinney.net

Facebook: CoreyMcKinney

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To find out more about Comfort Cases, please visit our website: www.comfortcases.org.

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To listen to previous episodes of Fostering Change, please visit: www.comfortcases.org/podcast or your favorite podcast outlets.

📩 Have thoughts or questions? Reach out at fosteringchange@comfortcases.org —we’d love to hear from you!