Lorri Antosz Benson

Lorri Antosz Benson is an award-winning television producer, writer, author, family advocate, and former internationally syndicated columnist. She worked for DONAHUE, the acclaimed show hosted by the legendary Phil Donahue, for fifteen years, eight of which were spent as Senior Producer. Lorri received two Emmy Awards and ten Emmy nominations for her work with DONAHUE, and was twice awarded the American Women in Radio and Television Commendation. She spent eleven years writing TalktheTalk, an internationally syndicated column on talk television.

 

Lorri’s memoir To Have And Not To Hold, published by Familius Publishing, is the first in a series of three books for those involved in adoption. It covers the relinquishing of her first child, Aimee, for closed adoption, and the subsequent development of a flourishing relationship with her and her family, with a focus on the connection between the two mothers. She was featured on Good Day LA and countless regional TV shows across the nation. 

 

The second book in the series, Adopting Hope, is a collection of amazing stories from adoptive couples, birthparents and adoptees from all over the country. They have shared their tips, suggestions and lessons learned from their own experiences to help others who find themselves in the adoption world. Adopting Hope offers readers a community where no one has to feel alone on their journey. It’s a place to find answers from others who have already been in their shoes. Lorri appeared on Good Day LA, KTLA, and regional TV shows nationwide. See the Appearances tab.

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The third book in the series, Amazing Adoptees Who Changed the World, is a children's book due August 2023.

 

Lorri’s first book, Distorted, was a memoir co-authored with her daughter Taryn, which delved into Taryn’s struggle with an eating disorder, and the effect on the family. They were featured on many national broadcasts, including the Today show and the Montel Williams Show. Lorri’s work led her to become a family advocate, and a speaker/expert on eating disorders, adoption and resources for parents. She serves as Vice-Chair on the board of Harvest Home, an organization that helps equip pregnant homeless women to become independent, good mothers.

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Since moving to California, Lorri has begun working on several projects for TV and the web with various producing partners.  She  does speaking engagements, writes for various family advocacy and adoption websites, and also maintains a blog for empty nesters, Feathering My Empty Nest at www.FeatheringMyEmptyNest.tumblr.com. She and her husband Steve reside in Santa Monica, CA. They have four children and six grandchildren.