The Anna Jinja Show
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.
Episodes
An Adoptee’s Story of Courage, Connection, and Coming Full Circle
Kristina's journey isn't just about going back to Kazakhstan – it's about the universal human need to understand where we come from and how that shapes who we become.
Her story begins in a baby house in Taldikorgan, moves through multiple placements, and eventually lands in Ohio, where she was adopted by Signe Denbow at age eight.
The Weight of Multip...
Like Dandelions: How Two Women Redefine Belonging and Family
The Anna Jinja Show welcomes Meredith Jensen and Sydney Roberts for a conversation that blooms with unexpected wisdom
There's something magical about discovering that your family story isn't what you expected—it's better. In our latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we sit down with communication professional Meredith Jensen and her cousin Syd...
Finding Home in the Journey: When Life Takes Unexpected Turns
The latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show proves that some of the most profound conversations happen when strangers discover their stories are beautifully intertwined.
An Unlikely Connection
Host Anna Jinja brought together two guests who had never met but shared remarkably similar experiences of early family disruption and the journey to find belonging.
Roxanne Malè-B...
The Five-Minute Bond: Part 2 – Unraveling the Threads of Fate
The story of Shannon and Jan captivated listeners in Part 1, leaving us with the warmth of a bond formed in just five powerful minutes. But what happens when the hidden threads of fate begin to unravel, revealing even deeper connections?
In Part 2 of "The Five-Minute Bond," we delve further into the incredible journey of Shannon and her birth mother Jan, expl...
The Five-Minute Bond: A Story of Serendipity and Family
What would you do with five minutes that could define a lifetime?
In our latest episode, we share the remarkable story of Shannon, who discovered that her 16-year-old birth mother made one powerful demand before signing adoption papers: five minutes alone with her newborn daughter. Just five minutes - but in those moments, a bond was formed that would reshape two families fo...
Crown Up: A Journey of Self-Love and Identity with Levia Hartman
Join host Anna Jinja for an inspiring conversation with motivational author and poet Levia Hartman, whose extraordinary journey from foster care survivor to published author embodies the true meaning of resilience and self-acceptance. After moving through five different foster homes from age 11 to 18, facing rejection and instability while navigating life without her...
Complicated Love: A Military Family's Journey Through Three Adoptions
Join us for an emotionally enriching episode of the Anna Jinja Show, where we delve into the universal experience of adoption and how it shapes our identities. Hosted by international adoptee Anna, this episode features special guests Jay and Kate, who share their unique journey of adopting three children while navigating the challenges of life in the milita...
This episode of the Anna Jinja Show showcases a powerful creative collaboration between photographer Richard Dickerson and singer-songwriter Don Baker. Born from Anna Jinja's innovative storytelling workshop, the episode reveals how artistic expression can transform personal narratives into vehicles for healing and connection.
Richard bravely shares his journey through addiction and recovery, which Don masterfully translates i...
Finding Purpose Through Music and Empathy
This episode welcomes musician Levi Merrill and guest Finn for a heartwarming conversation about the search for belonging. Levi's performance of "Drive-In Movie" by Ellis Paul provides the backdrop for a discussion about the places and experiences that shape us. At a CASA event, Anna was inspired by a presentation given by a young person who had benefited from CASA's s...
Out of Touch, Into Belonging: Lily Sager’s Adoption Journey
In our latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we delve into the profound themes of identity, belonging, and the multifaceted nature of family through the remarkable story of Lily Sager.
A Journey Across Continents and Cultures
Adopted from South Korea at just six months old, Lily's life journey began with a transcontinental flight into the arms of a loving white famil...
On this week's episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we explore the profound idea that adoption isn't confined to legal documents; it's a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Every day, we actively "adopt" the people who become our chosen family, the values that guide us, and the experiences that mold our identities.
This episode beautifully illustrates this concept through the deeply moving story of Jeff...
Here at "The Anna Jinja Show," we believe that belonging isn't just found, it's actively created. It's in the connections we forge, the values we embrace, and the experiences that shape us. And sometimes, the most profound sense of belonging comes through the power of story. In our latest episode, host Anna Jinja welcomes a truly remarkable voice: Kari Gunter-Seymour, the Poet Laureate of Ohio and an Acade...
In our latest episode, we are thrilled to introduce Anna Sheffield, a captivating guest whose story showcases the beauty of self-discovery and the importance of community. As an adoptee and the first Black member of her family, Anna has navigated the complexities of identity, belonging, and empowerment throughout her life.
Growing up, Anna found solace in music, performing in church choirs, and eventually pursuing her passion for f...
In this episode of the Anna Jinja Show, we delve into the emotional depths of identity, loss, and discovery through the lens of the song "Skylight" by Pinegrove. This week, we are joined by Cat Powell-Hoffmann, a published fine artist, writer, and Moth Mainstage storyteller, who shares her powerful story of learning about her parents' death via email—a revelation that profoundly shaped her identity as an adoptee.
Cat’...
In an age where cultural boundaries are increasingly blurred, the quest for identity and belonging remains a significant challenge for many. Yui, who has lived in Japan, Canada, and North Carolina, shares her compelling story of navigating cultural stereotypes and the pressure to conform.
Yui's experiences highlight the emotional weight of identity crises and the importance of embracing one’s true self. In a recent conversati...
We all have our own definition of family, but sometimes, a story comes along that expands our understanding of what it truly means. We had a conversation with Cat, a remarkable woman whose journey to family is as beautiful as it is inspiring. Cat's story is one of adoption, a testament to the boundless capacity of love. Joining Cat in the studio are her incredible adopted parents, Jasey and Syd Schnaars.
Jasey, a Grammy-nomina...
This episode features an intimate and compelling conversation with Paige O'Brien, a remarkable Ohio University student whose journey embodies resilience, creativity, and profound self-discovery. Paige, a gifted writer, shares her deeply personal adoption story, exploring the complexities of family, belonging, and the transformative power of the human spirit.
The program utilizes Mary Oliver's poem "Breakage&...
Walking the Path: Audrey Cruz's Story of Strength and Identity
We sat down with Audrey Cruz, a remarkable mom, podcast co-host of Rule 42, and an absolute force of nature. 💖 Audrey shared her deeply personal story of adoption, a journey of resilience, cultural exploration, and the beautiful, complex path to finding her identity.
Imagine learning your path was different than you thought... Audrey navigated this with grace and st...
This is an episode that beautifully intertwines music and storytelling, featuring two incredible guests: Bruce, an Appalachian singer-songwriter, and Merri Biechler, a powerhouse playwright and artistic director.
Meet Bruce: The Musical Maverick Bruce hails from the picturesque hills of Athens County, Ohio, where the traditional Appalachian culture meets the vibrant energy of a large university. Describing himself as a blend of hi...
Are you ready for a captivating journey that intertwines personal discovery and creative expression? This episode dives deep into the world of storytelling, unveiling how it can spark creativity in the most unexpected ways! Join us as we introduce two extraordinary individuals who are on a remarkable journey of connection and inspiration.
Meet Drew, a passionate storyteller whose life changed with a simple 3x5 notecard revealing h...
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