The Facing Project

A mother in Indiana asks others to see her daughter with autism for who she is, and a man who comes out of the closet later in life stands up for himself—and ultimately others—in a small Ohio community. Join us as J.R. and Kelsey discuss if ignorance is bliss or if awareness is the key to happiness. Stories • Ask : A mom asks people to see her daughter with autism for who she is. Dana William’s st...

An Indiana man with autism gives a peek inside of his mind and explores a friendship that helped him discover nothing is too difficult to overcome, and a college student in North Carolina decides that self- love is more important than letting other people define her worth. Join J.R. and Kelsey for a reflection on alone time and finding the space for self-acceptance. Stories • Chasing the Sunset :...

A gay teen who was kicked out of his home and forced into sex trafficking writes a letter to his parents, and a teen survivor of dating violence shares early warning signs from her own experiences. Join J.R. and Kelsey as the talk about how painful stories are often the ones that provide a sense of strength. Stories • Dear Mom & Dad : An Anonymous Story as told to Jeff Perri from Facing Sex Tr...

A grandmother in Ohio pens a letter to her infant granddaughter sharing the history and promises of their tight-nit Black neighborhood, while a son in Colorado begins to appreciate his late-father’s paintings during a trip to his alma mater. Also in this episode, we unveil an easy way to engage with The Facing Project and how to get your story featured on this show.  Stories • My Grandbaby : Linda...

J.R. and Kelsey explore connecting across difference in a world divided. Stories • It Shouldn’t Matter: WaTasha Barnes Griffin’s Story as told to Seth Carrier-Ladd from Facing Racism in Muncie, Indiana . Performed by Amanda Hummer. • Hearts & Homes: Katie Flesch’s Story as told to Kate DeVantier from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio . Performed by Laura Williamson. Music used in this ep...

Hosts J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman discuss lessons on gratitude learned from past stories they’ve told, and stories they’ve helped to tell.   Stories • A Brothership Memoir : Kelsey Timmerman’s Story as told to Michael Brockley from Mentoring in Muncie–A Facing Project . Performed by Akil Thompson. • Inextinguishable, Wholly: Pat’s Story as told to J.R. Jamison from Facing Poverty in Delaware...

An undocumented “dreamer” in Los Angeles works up the courage to apply for college, while a college-bound wheelchair user in Ohio wants others to see that she’s more than her chair. Join J.R. and Kelsey as they talk about these stories, J.R.’s experience of growing up gay in Cowan, Indiana, and how we often find what we need in the most unlikely of places. Stories: • Becoming Limitless: No Tengo L...

A “War on Terror” veteran intends to bomb a local mosque, but instead meets its occupants and begins a healing process through unlikely friendships. In this premiere episode, J.R. and Kelsey share the inspiration behind The Facing Project and why bringing people together across borders and through stories is more important than ever. Stories • The Anger is Mine : Richard McKinney’s Story as told t...