It seems like some conversations don’t fade; they just wait for the right moment to come back. And for Jen Lilley, that moment is now.
The Hallmark favorite surprised fans this week by announcing that her former podcast, “Fostering Hope with Jen Lilley,” is officially available again. Originally released in 2020, the podcast documented her real-life journey through foster care… something that clearly left a lasting impact not just on her, but on listeners, too.
And based on the response? Yep, fans have been waiting for this one.
Jen Lilley: A Podcast With a Purpose
Lilley shared the update in an Instagram post on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, getting candid about why she decided to bring the podcast back now.
“This one is really personal. So many of you have asked me for years to put these back up… And I kept thinking about it, because these conversations didn’t just impact me—they helped a lot of us feel less alone, more equipped, and honestly just more hopeful.”
Let’s be real… that’s not your average podcast pitch. This wasn’t about entertainment or promotion. It was about connection.
“Fostering Hope with Jen Lilley is officially back up 🤍 I recorded these episodes during a season where I was walking through foster care in real time—learning, stretching, and trying to figure things out as I went. I’m not recording new episodes right now… but the conversations still matter.”
That last line? It hits. Because it seems like that’s exactly why fans kept asking for it to return.
Lilley made it clear that while she’s not creating new episodes at the moment, the existing ones still carry weight.
“If you’ve ever been curious about foster care—or you’re in the middle of it right now—I hope this meets you where you are. 🎙️Available once again wherever you listen to podcasts.”
Simple. Honest. And very on-brand for someone who’s always been open about causes close to her heart.
Fans Show Up With Love (& Lots of Emojis)
GettyIf there was any question about whether people still care about the podcast, the comment section answered it immediately; and then some.
Some fans kept things short but enthusiastic, flooding the post with reactions like “👏👏👏,” “❤️❤️❤️,” and “🫶💖👏😀💕,” proving that sometimes emojis really do say it all.
Others chimed in with quick compliments, adding messages like “Hello beautiful ❤️💕” and “Your hair looks absolutely fabulous!! ❤️,” bringing that signature mix of support and warmth her page is known for.
Then there were the longer, more heartfelt responses that really highlight the impact Lilley has had on her audience. One fan wrote, “You are so wonderful… Thank you for sharing and always caring. Love 💕 you bunches… God’s continued blessings to you always. 💕💕💕🫶🫶🫶💗💗💗💖💖💖🌷🌷🌷🙏🙏🙏,” while others connected the podcast to her broader work, noting, “Perfect alignment with your book!”
Listeners who had followed the podcast during its original run were especially excited to see it return. Comments like “Awe I love listening to the podcast ! Thanks for making them available to listen ! You are awesome:)” made it clear that this wasn’t just a casual listen… it stuck with people. And for some, the impact was even deeper, with one fan summing it up as, “Inspirational. Like a lighthouse in a sea storm❤️🙌.”
It seems like this wasn’t just a podcast people listened to once and forgot about. It stuck. And now that it’s back, so is that connection.
From Salem to Hallmark & Beyond
Of course, Lilley’s career has never been limited to one lane. Many fans first met her as Theresa Donovan on the soap opera, “Days of Our Lives,” where she appeared in over 400 episodes.
But Hallmark viewers? They know she’s been consistently delivering fan-favorite roles for years.
Her film credits with the network include “Dash of Love” (2017), “Harvest Love” (2017), “Mingle All the Way” (2018), “Yes, I Do” (2018), “Love Unleashed” (2019), “Winter Love Story” (2019), and “USS Christmas” (2020). Basically, if there’s a cozy romance with a heartfelt message, there’s a good chance Lilley has been part of it.
More recently, she’s appeared in “A Royal Setting,” which is currently streaming on Hallmark+; and yes, fans are still tuning in.
And she’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Among other projects, Lilley is set to appear in the upcoming film “Jimmy,” a biographical drama centered on legendary actor James Stewart, according to IMDb. The movie also features fellow Hallmark favorite Sarah Drew, alongside KJ Apa, Max Casella, Kara Killmer, and even Neal McDonough.
Why This Comeback Feels Different
HallmarkIt seems like what makes this return stand out isn’t just the content. It’s the timing. There’s something about revisiting a project rooted in real-life experience, especially one tied to something as complex as foster care, that feels… intentional. Not rushed. Not performative. Just honest.
And Jen Lilley didn’t try to oversell it. No big relaunch campaign. No flashy rollout. Just a simple message: these conversations helped people before, and they still can.
Honestly? That might be exactly why it works. Because sometimes, the most impactful stories aren’t the newest ones; they’re the ones that still resonate years later.
