What happens when a 12-year-old has been placed in 21 different foster homes in just 6 years? In this eye-opening episode of the COS Business Podcast, we sit down with Michael Schoening, a foster parent, entrepreneur, and advocate, to discuss the harsh reality of the foster care system, the challenges these kids face, and why they are the future business leaders of Colorado Springs. 🔹 Why won’t some foster kids unpack their suitcase? 🔹 How do we break the cycle of instability in foster care? 🔹 What can entrepreneurs learn from the resilience of foster youth? Michael shares his personal experiences fostering over 32 children, the real struggles these kids go through, and how we can create real change. We also talk about urban farming, and how life coaching can transform not just individuals, but entire communities. 📌 Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro to the episode 2:15 – Michael’s journey from business to foster care 5:30 – The heartbreaking story of a 12-year-old foster kid 8:45 – Why the foster care system is broken 12:30 – The entrepreneurial potential of foster youth 20:45 – Urban farming & self-sufficiency 25:00 – Lazy Dating & unconventional relationship solutions 30:15 – Michael’s nonprofit to help foster kids succeed 35:40 – Raw egg challenge + fun moments 40:00 – Final thoughts & how you can help 💡 Subscribe for more business & leadership insights! ✅ Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, & SHARE if this episode impacted you! 🔔 Follow the COS Business Podcast: 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColoradoBusinessPodcast 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jSQ8OQSi0rprCcxTGx0KB?si=xsoaDZ5AQ0Sp_QHUuvu9TQ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cos.bizpodcast/ 🔗 Follow Michael Schoening: 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_schoening_/ 🌎 Website: https://linktr.ee/michaelschoening?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e1e73594-98f7-4e9b-b0f3-bfa5cb30dd4a Local Sponsors: Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/ Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com Franchise Succeed: Elevate your business through franchising. https://www.franchisesucceed.com Epoch Eyewear: Timeless Quality, Modern Edge. https://epocheyewear.com/ HomeDay : https://gethomeday.com/ Neon Pig Creative: https://neonpigcreative.com/ Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/ Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/ Cars Helping Charities: https://carshelpingcharities.org/ Celebrity DJ: https://celebrity-dj.com/ Storybook Destinations - https://www.storybookdestinations.com/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Lowery Lowry Veterans Law - https://lowryveteranslaw.com/ Michael Schoening Legal Shield - http://MSchoening.legalshieldassociate.com