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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.


51 Episodes
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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 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...
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 writer and the co-editor of the literary anthology "A Ghost At Heart’s Edge: Stories & Poems of Adoption." Her works have been featured in esteemed p...
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 led him to decline the invitation to appear on The Anna Jinja Show.Curious about what changed his mind? Tune in to find out why Simon ultimately ch...
Adam Rich Farewell

Adam Rich Farewell

2024-06-0928:00

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. Carolyn Lewis Bailey, you will witness the profound impact of community and the courage to embrace the unknown.Experience the magic of poetry a...
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 challenges of seeking out her biological family to the unexpected twists of reunion, Ann's story is a powerful testament to resilience and self-discovery.B...
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 personal anecdotes, offering a relatable perspective on the complexities of foster care.And don’t miss Caitlin Kraus, a Licensed Professional Clinic...
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 construct family and individual identities and reconstruct these identities after search and reunion with their birth family. Most...
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 as the visionary behind a bustling travel enterprise, crafting unforgettable adventures for global explorers.Adding depth to our conversation...
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 adoptees grapple with questions of biological heritage and roots, each exploring their sense of self in distinct ways. Join us as Madie shares...
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