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The Anna Jinja show focuses on the stories, issues, and questions connected to adoption and foster care experiences. The host is an international adoptee with biological roots in Korea and adopted roots in the United States. As you can imagine, her journey and experiences as a transracial adoptee are multifaceted. Her experiences have been with the pain of discrimination and rejection as well as the joys of self-discovery and learning to embrace all aspects of her identity. Along the way, sh ...
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On this week’s episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we’re diving into the powerful themes of advocacy, resilience, and creativity. Host Anna Jinja welcomes the inspiring the Athens CASA / GAL Program team. These passionate advocates are voices of hope for children in foster care, providing support, stability, and a sense of belonging in some of the most…
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Join us in a special episode of The Anna Jinja Show as we dive into the world of personal storytelling and poetry, where words become mirrors for identity, belonging, and resilience. This episode highlights a remarkable storytelling workshop where participants delved into their deepest narratives, led by expert storytellers who inspired them to exp…
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In the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, storytelling magic takes center stage as we delve into the journey of Sue Ellen Moran, a photographer from the Athens Photo Project. Sue Ellen joined a unique workshop to explore her life’s narrative, pairing her love for music and photography with masterful storytelling. Guided by skilled facilitators,…
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Join us on The Anna Jinja Show for a powerful exploration of creativity and connection! This week, photographer Fischer Wallace and Athens' Poet Laureate Stephanie Kendrick share their collaboration journey, blending photography and poetry to tell deeply personal stories. Discover how their artistic pairing inspired Stephanie’s moving poem, "A Pray…
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In this exciting episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we shine a spotlight on two extraordinary individuals from Ohio University who are making a real difference on campus and beyond. First up is Sam Metzger, a passionate advocate for foster care-connected students and the chair of OU’s Coordinated Community Response Team. Sam’s leadership and work with…
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Rock Legend Jorma Kaukonen, Vanessa, and Daughter Izze Share a Deeply Personal Story on Family, Adoption, and Music This episode is one for the books! Join us as we sit down with Jorma Kaukonen, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer behind Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, along with his powerhouse wife, Vanessa, and their daughter, Izze. Hear the heartwa…
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Looking for an inspiring listen? Tune into the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show for a powerful journey of self-discovery and creative expression with two remarkable guests: Izze Kaukonen—daughter of legendary guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and member of the band Basket Case—and Wendy McVicker, former Athens Poet Laureate. Here’s why you’ll want to l…
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Finding Your Way: Adoption, Mindfulness, and Poetry Unraveling the threads of identity, healing, and self-discovery. Ever felt lost or disconnected? Join us for a transformative conversation that explores the intersection of adoption, mindfulness, and the power of poetry. In this episode, we delve deep into the experiences of adoptees, the healing …
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This week, our program brings together two extraordinary people: Brad Swiniarski, a self-taught musician, songwriter, and recording engineer, and Rita Soronen, the President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Rita has dedicated over three decades to advocating for abused, neglected, and vulnerable children, ensuring they find safe …
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In the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja welcomes Malinda Hamm, a passionate advocate for foster care and author of This Is Mine, My Story, My Life. Malinda shares her experiences of juggling life's demands while pursuing her passion for uplifting the voices of those in foster care. This episode is filled with moving moments as…
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Join us for a special pet adoption edition of The Anna Jinja Show, where heartwarming stories and thought-provoking insights come together. Anna shares the touching tale of adopting her dog, Floyd Bushey Mather, nearly seven years ago in England. This episode delves into the profound bond between humans and their pets, showcasing how pet adoption c…
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In the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja shares an emotional and deeply moving conversation with Malinda Hamm, the passionate advocate and author behind This Is Mine, My Story, My Life. With over 19 years of experience in social work, Malinda has poured her heart into supporting children and families, fighting relentlessly to k…
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In this compelling episode, we explore the profound power of community and the extraordinary connections that inspire change. Our journey begins with Jackie Haley, founder of Dream to Author, whose mission to empower aspiring writers led us to Lisa Even—a visionary committed to connecting with a million people. Lisa's dedication to forging impactfu…
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In this heartwarming episode, join us as Anna explores the deep connections between identity, belonging, and family with Lisa, an advocate for kinship and adoptive families in Ohio. Lisa shares her journey from being adopted by her stepfather at a young age to becoming a key figure in OhioKAN, a statewide program that supports kinship and adoptive …
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In this episode, we start with learning why Amy Jane Cheney's anthem is, "Short Skirt, Long Jacket" by Cake, complete with all the entertaining reactions it inspires. Amy’s witty observations and personal connection to the song set the stage for a deeper conversation about her adoption journey. From the humorous to the poignant, Amy shares how the …
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Have you ever felt lost, only to find your way through music? In this extraordinary episode, we introduce you to Raheem Durfee, a man whose life journey is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. From his adoption in Athens, Ohio, to the emotional rollercoaster of finding his biological family, Raheem's story is one of resilience and hope. But it's no…
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This episode explores the intersections of personal and professional lives with Arlene and Scott, discovering how their experiences have shaped their paths. Scott shares a touching poem dedicated to Arlene, capturing the essence of growth, love, and the journey of life. Arlene reflects on her career in child welfare and housing, offering insights i…
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The talented singer-songwriter Bruce Dalzell, a previous guest introduced the host to a literary force: Lori Jakiela. Lori, with seven acclaimed books, including the transformative memoir Belief is Its Own Kind of Truth, Maybe, shares her journey as an adoptee, evoking laughter and tears that create deep connections. Lori’s latest work, They Write …
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Join us as we welcome Joy Castro, an acclaimed author whose literary thrillers set in post-Katrina New Orleans have captivated readers worldwide. Joy's personal adoption story and her poignant short story, Giving Jewel Away, featured in the anthology A Ghost at Heart's Edge, offer a deeply moving exploration of longing, love, and the search for ori…
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Join us on a transformative journey as we welcome Dr. Sarah Docan-Morgan, an esteemed professor of communication studies and celebrated author of "In Reunion: Transnational Korean Adoptees and the Communication of Family". In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Sarah shares profound insights from her groundbreaking monograph, emphasizing the importance of …
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We are thrilled to sit down with the incredibly talented Susan Ito, a literary powerhouse with a lifelong passion for storytelling. Susan's journey began with the magic of reading at just three years old and evolved into crafting captivating narratives by the age of six, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world. Susan is an accomplished write…
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Join us for an unforgettable episode that almost didn't happen! As Anna prepared for her interview with Simon Benn, a passionate advocate for healing and resilience within the adoptee community, she shared the poem she had selected to guide their discussion about their adoption stories. Simon's intense reaction to and dislike of the poem initially …
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Tune in to the latest episode of the Anna Jinja Show, where we explore the extraordinary power of saying yes. In this special episode, Anna expresses her gratitude to Adam Rich, the show's dedicated engineer, who is embarking on a new adventure. Through heartfelt conversations with guests like Wendy McVicker, Bruce Dalzell, Caryn Bailey, and Dr. Ca…
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Join us for an emotionally charged episode as Ann Brandon, Associate Director of the Office of Health Promotion at Ohio University, reveals her deeply personal journey of identity and belonging. In a candid conversation, Ann reflects on her experience as an adoptee, a mother, and a woman navigating the complexities of her own past. From the challen…
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Tune in to our latest episode as we delve into the intricate world of adoption and foster care with two remarkable guests: Jenny Stotts and Caitlin Kraus. Jenny Stotts, Ohio’s pioneering Youth Ombudsman, appointed by Governor Mike DeWine, brings a wealth of experience as a licensed social worker and advocate. Join us as she shares her insights and …
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Dr. Melissa Rizzo answer the question: How do you think your life would change after first discovering a family secret that you had a brother that had been adopted as an infant and then years later having the opportunity to meet this sibling? We will find out one such story from Melissa Rizzo and how she sought to understand how adopted individuals…
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Join us for an intimate exploration into the remarkable life of Susan Roth, an adoptee who thrives on breaking boundaries and seizing every opportunity with unwavering passion, humor, and courage. Discover Susan's multifaceted journey as she seamlessly weaves connections, whether through her masterful woodworking, compassionate nursing, or her role…
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Embark on a journey through the intricate world of identity, relationships, and family dynamics, framed by the unique perspectives of twinship and adoption. Both twins and adoptees often confront profound questions of individuality and belonging. Twins navigate comparisons and the challenge of being seen as a unit rather than as individuals, while …
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This episode introduces you to two incredible individuals who will captivate you with their stories and insights. Audrey McQuillan is a powerhouse currently rocking her MBA journey at Ohio University. She serves as a GA for the show and is taking it to the next level! Joining Audrey is the incredible Kate Walton, an artist and friend the host met d…
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Today’s episode is a creative interchange between a student-athlete and a poet. During her high school years, Katelyn earned four varsity letters for field hockey, showcasing her dedication and talent. Her journey continued at Ohio University, where she distinguished herself as the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, demonstrating…
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Come join us for an engaging episode featuring Jacob Motta, a dedicated graduate student with a deep love for sports. Delve into Jacob's distinctive take on leadership, his commitment to continuous self-betterment, and how his varied experiences have honed his ability to adapt on the fly, all while contributing to Anna’s passion project. Don't over…
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Linnea's story is a beautiful blend of nature, arts, and a heart full of passion. Linnea encountered the concept of belonging in the most incredible way – through the Anna Jinja Show! The motif of belonging that runs through the show resonated deeply with Linnea, drawing her into a world where she felt connected and understood. What makes Linnea tr…
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Embark on an emotional journey as we delve into an extraordinary life story, narrated by a daughter (Madeleine White) and her mother (Jo Renton). Madeleine, born in Germany with roots in Canada and the UK, is not only a magazine publisher and editor but also the author of 'Mother of Floods' and a poignant poetry collection titled 'The Horse And The…
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Join us for an inspiring journey with David Bynum, a man whose life story is nothing short of extraordinary. Born and adopted in Columbus, OH, David began his search in 2018 and is currently in reunion with both sides of his biological family. A married father of three and grandfather of six, David is a U.S. Army Veteran and Retired Correctional Of…
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Introducing Maggie Giansante, an extraordinary student reporter for the Post, driven by a mission close to her heart. Join us as Maggie's dedication to storytelling takes the spotlight, delving into the world of adoption in our upcoming episode. What inspired Maggie to focus on this story? Adoption transcends a mere word; it's a rich tapestry of un…
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Iowa-based artist, advocate and mentor, Jill Wells (she/her) has firmly situated herself within art and advocacy work. A 2005 graduate of Drake University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she is well known for her dynamic, colorful, and tactile multimedia works investigating race, history, stereotypes, accessibility, and human experiences. By e…
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| Introducing our remarkable guest, Dr. Joy Stuewe Hoffman, whose superpower is empathy. She passionately believes in the potential for human growth and the profound impact of storytelling. With a diverse background as an educator, loving mom, devoted partner, Korean transracial adoptee, and aspiring baker, Joy brings a unique perspective to our sh…
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About a week after returning home from a transformative service trip in Honduras, our host received a heartfelt surprise from her stepdaughter - a friendship bracelet and a touching note that read: "I'm so glad that you're now not only part of the Mather family but part of our Honduras family as well." This touching note confirmed her beliefs about…
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Join us for an emotionally stirring and uplifting conversation featuring the host's beloved little sister and the exceptionally talented musician, Milly Raccoon. Together, they'll lead us on a journey celebrating the unbreakable bonds that tie us together, be it by blood or by choice. This episode is a heartfelt testament to the extraordinary power…
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Get ready to be captivated as we introduce you to the host's husband, a masterful storyteller who fearlessly plunges into the profound depths of family bonds, the intricate tapestry of identity, and the life-altering connections that sculpt our destinies. In a truly poignant moment, he skillfully recites Mary Oliver's mesmerizing poem, 'The Journey…
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Meet Iris Anderson, a student at Columbia University, Class of 2026, who's on a mission to unravel the mysteries of biology and psychology. But Iris isn't just about hitting the books; she's a passionate writer, weaving narratives inspired by her own life's twists and the fascinating people who surround her. Iris penned an eye-opening article title…
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Writer and poet Rebecca Christain talks with Anna about milestone moments, aging gracefully, and shares her poem written for Anna's adoption story. The poem was written for the host after Rebecca heard her discuss the questions about her own origin story after hearing other adoptees find out theirs were lies. Rebecca's poem: Searching for Esau We a…
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Michelle Madrid, an adoptee empowerment coach who has lived both sides of the adoption experience, shares her the insights that led to Let Us Be Greater, the first book to explore the sense of loss, abandonment, and pain experienced by adoptees to help them heal. Support the showAnna Jinja
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Do you ever get that feeling deep in your gut that you just can't ignore? A hunch, an instinct, a gut feeling that guides you in unexpected ways? This is Cathy's adoption story of how her gut instinct led her to finding her biological family. Her story is a testament to the power of intuition and the strength that comes from trusting your gut. The …
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Deb Gold is a certified ICF coach who helps globally-focused individuals and organizations take practical pathways to transformation to create purposeful and impactful transformation out in the world. Deb feels that it is important to share her adoption story, of how she entered the world, and how it’s informed her actions ever since and how she en…
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Constance Iannetta, #FosterStrong is a foster care alumna, foster/kinship/adoptive parent, and national child-welfare advocate. After aging out at eighteen to many struggles, she found healing in peer-support and purpose in helping others. She is “heart-driven” in making improvements to the system that has impacted her family for many generations. …
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A Mother (Kim) and daughter (Natalyn) share their adoption story and discuss a few of the annoying questions that people ask adoptees. In 1979, Kim graduated from Iowa State with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. At age 40, she returned to school to get her master’s degree in human relations with an emphasis in counseling from the University of Ok…
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Marian Mathews Clark, author of These Doors and Sixty-Something and Flying Solo, shares how, in the University of Iowa’s Writers Workshop, Marian took a revision class from Jane Smiley, where the participants wrote four drafts of their stories. Marian worked on a story about a foster sister but couldn’t pin it down. With each version, instead of ge…
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Dr. Erin Morgenstern's conversation centers on adoption, defined as the transitive verb to take by choice into a relationship. Erin shares her thoughts about the family we are assigned and the family we adopt into our lives. She shares her passion for the pursuit of higher learning and a community that was once a source of pain. Tune in to find out…
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