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
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...
Discover the transformative power of belonging in the latest episode of the Anna Jinja Show! Join host Anna, a transnational adoptee, as she delves into the stories of those navigating the complexities of identity and acceptance.
Anna speaks with Xander Karagosian, a Liberian adoptee and student athlete at Ohio University, who grapples with his sense of self amidst societal expectations.
Tune in for a heartfelt ...
Tune in to the latest episode of the Anna Jinja Show, where host Anna Jinja invites you on a heartfelt journey through the world of adoption. This week, discover the inspiring story of Keith and Darlene Wasserman, who received a life-changing phone call that led them to adopt their son just 15 days later. Explore themes of faith, love, and the unexpected blessings of family as they share their profound experiences and insights.
In this episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we welcome Rev. Teresa Kim Pecinovsky—adoptee, minister, author, and an inspiring voice for reimagining faith and identity.
Born in South Korea and raised in Iowa, Teresa’s journey is one of cultural richness and profound self-discovery. As an adoptee, she shares how her experiences shaped her identity and worldview, navigating the intersections of heritage, belonging, and faith. Now based in ...
Heartwarming Adoption Journey: A Story of Love, Adoption, & New Beginnings
We are beyond thrilled to share the incredible story of Kasey and Justin Padgett, a couple whose selfless love transformed the lives of four siblings, all with the support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Huge shoutout to Mary Ellen Smalley for introducing us to their story—one that inspires hope, resilience, and the power of family...
| What happens when the mic gets flipped and the host becomes the guest? 🎙️ In this week’s episode of The Anna Jinja Show, Anna shares her powerful adoption story—but with a twist! Her husband Pete takes over as host to dive deep into moments of identity, belonging, and personal growth. From middle school sunglasses and hiding her eyes to embracing her truth and purpose, Anna opens up in a raw and heartfelt conversation. 🌟
We’re beyond thrilled to welcome Susan Strong—a powerhouse writer and open adoption advocate whose journey will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about family. Her memoir, One Yes at a Time: How Open Adoption Transformed Our Family, reveals the raw, heartwarming, and eye-opening experiences that reshaped her family through love, trust, and openness.
But that’s not all! Susan’s career has taken her from the iconic ...
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 s...
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 u...
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....
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,...
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