April 10, 2026

He Grew Up a ‘Throwaway Kid’ 

He Grew Up a ‘Throwaway Kid’ 

How policy debates miss the lived reality of children who internalize abandonment and what genuine permanence and belonging look like.
He Grew Up a ‘Throwaway Kid’
Now He’s Calling Out America’s Foster System

 

Dear Jackie,

 

With foster care reform and the new federal “Fostering the Future” executive order back in the headlines, I’d like to offer you R. B. Mitchell, author of the memoir Castaway Kid, for interview consideration. Rob is one of the last “lifers” raised in an American orphanage—abandoned by his parents as a small child—and has spent decades speaking up for orphans, foster youth, and at‑risk kids across the U.S. and internationally.

 

Rob’s story is raw, redemptive, and deeply practical for today’s debates:

 

  • Abandoned and “warehoused”: Left in an Illinois children’s home as a young boy, Rob grew up believing he was disposable—exactly how many kids in today’s foster care system still feel.
  • From orphanage “castaway” to top 2% earner: He beat the odds to become a successful businessman, husband, and father, giving him a rare lens on what actually helps a traumatized child heal and thrive long‑term.
  • Global advocate for vulnerable children: Rob has spoken on over 200 radio and TV programs and addressed audiences in more than 40 states and multiple countries, including being one of only two foreigners invited by the Chinese government to speak at its first national conference for social workers serving abused children.
  • Faith, forgiveness, and resilience: His message is unapologetically faith‑rooted but accessible, connecting the dots between spiritual healing, mental health, and the practical supports kids need when systems have failed them.

Timely segment angles Rob can address:

 

  1. “What today’s foster kids wish lawmakers understood” – How policy debates miss the lived reality of children who internalize abandonment and what genuine permanence and belonging look like.
  2. “From ‘throwaway’ to thriving” – The habits, relationships, and supports that turned an angry, traumatized boy into a healthy adult, and how churches, charities, and families can replicate those supports today.
  3. “The truth won’t break vulnerable kids—our silence will” – Why transparency about trauma, abuse, and family failure can actually protect children, and how caregivers can tell kids the truth without crushing them.

Rob is comfortable with tough questions, speaks candidly but with hope, and can tailor his comments to policy, faith, or human‑interest framing. He’s available for in‑studio, remote, and pre‑taped interviews and is a strong fit for [Outlet/Show Name]’s audience.

 

If you’re interested, I can send you a brief one‑sheet with sample questions and clips, and we can work quickly to match your upcoming coverage on foster care and vulnerable kids.

Guest Info
R.B. Mitchell 

R.B. Mitchell 

Abandoned at age three and raised in an orphanage, calling himself an “orphanage lifer.” Overcame childhood marked by abuse, rejection, and loneliness. Authored the bestselling memoir Castaway Kid: One Man’s Search for Hope and Home, which has inspired readers worldwide. Rose to become Senior Vice President at a national brokerage firm, achieving top 2% status in his field. National speaker and media guest featured on hundreds of programs discussing foster care, trauma recovery, and faith. Advocate for foster care system reform, focusing on stability, permanency, and community-based solutions. Collaborates with child welfare leaders, policymakers, and faith-based organizations to improve outcomes for foster youth. Offers policy and practical insights on how to transition children from temporary care to permanent family environments. Speaks candidly about forgiveness, faith, and emotional healing after childhood trauma. Provides expert commentary on youth mental health, fatherlessness, and social stability from a firsthand perspective.

Contact Now
Featured articles