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
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 identiti...
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 ad...
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 thei...
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 during her time in England. Kate's sanctuary by the Grand Union Canal at Fishery ...
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 her exceptional skill and determination on the collegiate stage.
Anna connected Katel...
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 overlook his profound insights, accompanied by the perfect song with a sports t...
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 truly extraordinary is her commitment to making a difference. Linnea brings her un...
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 Girl.' Both mother and daughter share their stories and poems th...
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 Officer. Recently retired from coaching High School Football at Reynoldsburg High School...
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 unique stories. With a sister adopted from Colombia, Maggie firmly believes ...
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 exploring the powerful alignment between arts integration and Universal Design, Wells&...
| 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 show. Joy takes pride in being the parent of two college students, Hanna and Clifton ...
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 adoption – how we are all adopted into or out of homes, cultures,...
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 of family, friendship, and the vibrant creativity that thrives within thes...
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,' seamlessly weaving its verses into his own narrative, crafting...
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 titled, "I Was Adopted From China. People Ask If...
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 all have our book of Genesis, don’t we?
According to Sc...
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.
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 song "All the Space" was selected by Nick after readi...
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