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The Anna Jinja Show

Author: Anna Jinja

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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, she has discovered that she is not alone. We’re all – in some ways – adopted into or out of homes, cultures, communities, and relationships as we grow and evolve. This show illuminates the theme of adoption, in all ways, in our lives. And how those experiences create who we are and who we are yet to be.

Her hope is that through engaging with the guests and creative content, we are welcomed home in this world, cradled in the belief that we belong, that we are worthy, and that we are loved.


So stay tuned, and you may discover your own adoption story.


59 Episodes
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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 challenging moments of their lives. And we’re thrilled to share a very special musical feature by Adam Remnant, a multi-talented music...
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 explore their personal histories and share with confidence. The workshop culminated in unique partnerships with artists, sparking transformative excha...
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, she shared personal memories and dreams, hoping to gain new public speaking skills. Sue Ellen Moran hails from the beautiful state of ...
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 Prayer for Distortion," weaving themes of trust, vulnerability, and personal growth. Stephanie Kendrick is the 2023/24 Poet Laureate of Ath...
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 the Ohio REACH program provide crucial support for students with foster care backgrounds, creating an inclusive and empowering environment. ...
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 heartwarming backstory of their family, including the emotional journey of Izze's adoption from China, Vanessa’s life-changing moment hearing the un...
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 listen: A Poetic Tribute – Wendy shares a moving poem inspired by Izze’s adoption story that will resonate deeply. Deep Reflections – He...
Finding Your Way: Adoption, Mindfulness, and PoetryUnraveling 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 practice of mindfulness, and the cathartic nature of creative expression.Our guests, Beth Backes, a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and Cat...
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 and permanent homes. Under her leadership, more than 140,000 children in foster care across North America have found forever families.Brad, moved b...
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 Malinda introduces Helen, a former foster child turned national speaker, advocate, and Congressional Award winner. Helen bravely recounts her journ...
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 can be a life-changing and deeply rewarding experience.The episode also features a moving musical performance by special guests Albert Rouzie and Ma...
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 keep children connected to their culture, community, and kin.Malinda opens up about her journey in compiling the raw, unfiltered stories of individu...
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 impactful relationships introduced us to Traci Schermerhorn, president and co-founder of Foster Squad, and Deonne Winkel, whose personal story of adoption ...
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 families. With a deep understanding of the challenges and joys of adoption, Lisa discusses how her personal experiences inform her work and the imp...
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 song reflects her life story and resonates with her experiences as an adoptee. Amy delves into her own adoption story, describing the complex...
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 not just Raheem's story that will move you. Talented songwriter Kim Kaler has transformed Raheem's experiences into a powerful, soul-stirring song. Get...
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 into her motivations, challenges, and the impact of her work. Listeners will be inspired by the shared stories and artistic expressions that u...
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 Your Name on a Grain of Rice, continues this theme of vulnerability and resilience, making readers feel fierce and uplifted. Joining Lori is ...
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 origins. Alongside Joy, we are honored to host Albert Rouzie, a multi-talented musician with roots in New Orleans and a life journey that spans ...
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 understanding and supporting transnational adoptees. Discover how personal and family identities are shaped through discourse and what can be...
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