The Anna Jinja Show

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 addic...

Send us Fan Mail 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 b...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tran...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Gu...

Send us Fan Mail 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 chu...

Send us Fan Mail 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 th...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 par...

Send us Fan Mail 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 utili...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 whos...

Send us Fan Mail 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 expec...

Send us Fan Mail 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 the...

Send us Fan Mail 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 intersect...

Send us Fan Mail 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 inspir...

Send us Fan Mail  | 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail  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 l...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail  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 an...

Send us Fan Mail 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,&quo...

Send us Fan Mail In this exciting episode of The Anna Jinja Show , we shine a spotlight on two extraordinary individuals from Ohio University who are making a real difference on campus and beyond. First up is Sam Metzger , a passionate advocate for foster care-connected students and the chair of OU’s Coordinated Community Response Team. Sam’s leadership and work with the Ohio REACH program provide...