Author Archives: Lane Igoudin

Reviewing a unique memoir, The Shochet, in Tablet

The Shochet, (Touro U. Press, 2023-2025), is a rare, complex, and important document of life in the Pale of Settlement in the late 19th – early 20th century. I came across the book by accident and felt a particular affinity for it when it mentioned the shtetl near the Ukrainian / Bessarabian border where my grandparents wereContinue reading “Reviewing a unique memoir, The Shochet, in Tablet”

On The Making of Me

A reflective conversation on The Making of Me, a podcast focused on personal growth and life-shaping moments. This is also my first interview in Nigeria! Listen at https://apple.co/4lOR9Qb . If you’ve ever considered adoption, especially through the foster system, this candid conversation with Lane Igoudin, author and adoptive parent, will inspire and inform you. Lane sharesContinue reading “On The Making of Me”

“How do working writers manage parenthood?”

Thrilled to be part of Pen Parentis’s recent “Fluid Boundaries” Salon – a panel of writers who are also parents! How do working writers manage parenthood?In Pen Parentis Spring 2026 Season Opener “FLUID BOUNDARIES,” successful authors address issues of work-life balance, writing craft, and current publishing landscape, and read excerpts from their works. Taped FebruaryContinue reading ““How do working writers manage parenthood?””

Speaking about Jewish parenting values

Jewish parenting values I learned throughout our foster-adoptive family journey was the central theme of my talk at the historic Temple Beth El of San Pedro, California. I had a lot to share and quite a few sources to bring in. Here are just a couple of Midrashic soures on the Jewish view of adoption.Continue reading “Speaking about Jewish parenting values”

Reading at SWM Writers’ Showcase

I read “Of Love and Borscht” at the SWM Writers Showcase, a 2-hour show of local writers in Palos Verdes last weekend. My oddball piece, an essay based on a chapter from A Family, Maybe and republished by the food blog One Potato, fit in well with a line-up that ranged from speculative fiction toContinue reading “Reading at SWM Writers’ Showcase”

On Unconditioning with “Authentic Tales of an Adoptive Father”

Ending the year with an interview on a unique podcast which explores the ways to encounter and nurture your creative spirit. (It’s also one of my favorite podcasts to listen to!). Thanks to the incredibly empathic host Whitney Ann, it’s probably one of my most raw, funny, and in-the-moment interviews. Unconditioning: Discovering the Voice WithinContinue reading “On Unconditioning with “Authentic Tales of an Adoptive Father””

Finding new readers at a holiday market

The annual Uptown Village Market in Bixby Knolls, Long Beach, on December 5 was busy and fun. This was my first time doing it among other 65 artisans and creatives. I sold a few books, but more importantly, talked to dozens of people about our journey. It’s amazing the kinds of conversations and stories thatContinue reading “Finding new readers at a holiday market”

On Great Dad Talks

Earlier this year, I had a great opportunity to be a guest on the fatherhood podcast “Great Dad Talks,” hosted by Paul Banas, parenting coach and publisher of Pregnancy Magazine. Our conversation explored many facets of modern fatherhood, including how to be a present and mindful parent as well as navigate the complexities of racialContinue reading “On Great Dad Talks”

Speaking to a Stanford alumni club

“A court drama that became a personal memoir” was the title of the talk I gave to my alma mater alumni club here in LA on October 26, 2025. In it, I reflected on the issues facing the child welfare system in Los Angeles, challenges of adopting from foster care, and writing a memoir whichContinue reading “Speaking to a Stanford alumni club”