The Anna Jinja Show

Send us Fan Mail Rock Legend Jorma Kaukonen, Vanessa, and Daughter Izze Share a Deeply Personal Story on Family, Adoption, and Music   This episode is one for the books! Join us as we sit down with Jorma Kaukonen, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer behind Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, along with his powerhouse wife, Vanessa, and their daughter, Izze. Hear the heartwarming backstory of their family...

Send us Fan Mail Looking for an inspiring listen? Tune into the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show for a powerful journey of self-discovery and creative expression with two remarkable guests: Izze Kaukonen —daughter of legendary guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and member of the band Basket Case —and Wendy McVicker , former Athens Poet Laureate.  Here’s why you’ll want to listen:  A Poetic Tribute – We...

Send us Fan Mail Finding Your Way: Adoption, Mindfulness, and Poetry Unraveling the threads of identity, healing, and self-discovery. Ever felt lost or disconnected? Join us for a transformative conversation that explores the intersection of adoption, mindfulness, and the power of poetry. In this episode, we delve deep into the experiences of adoptees, the healing practice of mindfulness, and the...

Send us Fan Mail This week, our program brings together two extraordinary people: Brad Swiniarski, a self-taught musician, songwriter, and recording engineer, and Rita Soronen, the President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Rita has dedicated over three decades to advocating for abused, neglected, and vulnerable children, ensuring they find safe and permanent homes. Under her le...

Send us Fan Mail In the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja welcomes Malinda Hamm, a passionate advocate for foster care and author of This Is Mine, My Story, My Life. Malinda shares her experiences of juggling life's demands while pursuing her passion for uplifting the voices of those in foster care. This episode is filled with moving moments as Malinda introduces Helen, a...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a special pet adoption edition of The Anna Jinja Show, where heartwarming stories and thought-provoking insights come together. Anna shares the touching tale of adopting her dog, Floyd Bushey Mather, nearly seven years ago in England. This episode delves into the profound bond between humans and their pets, showcasing how pet adoption can be a life-changing and deeply...

Send us Fan Mail In the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja shares an emotional and deeply moving conversation with Malinda Hamm, the passionate advocate and author behind This Is Mine, My Story, My Life . With over 19 years of experience in social work, Malinda has poured her heart into supporting children and families, fighting relentlessly to keep children connected to their...

Send us Fan Mail In this compelling episode, we explore the profound power of community and the extraordinary connections that inspire change. Our journey begins with Jackie Haley, founder of Dream to Author, whose mission to empower aspiring writers led us to Lisa Even—a visionary committed to connecting with a million people. Lisa's dedication to forging impactful relationships introduced u...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartwarming episode, join us as Anna explores the deep connections between identity, belonging, and family with Lisa, an advocate for kinship and adoptive families in Ohio. Lisa shares her journey from being adopted by her stepfather at a young age to becoming a key figure in OhioKAN, a statewide program that supports kinship and adoptive families. With a deep understandi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we start with learning why Amy Jane Cheney's anthem is, "Short Skirt, Long Jacket" by Cake, complete with all the entertaining reactions it inspires. Amy’s witty observations and personal connection to the song set the stage for a deeper conversation about her adoption journey. From the humorous to the poignant, Amy shares how the song reflects her...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt lost, only to find your way through music? In this extraordinary episode, we introduce you to Raheem Durfee, a man whose life journey is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. From his adoption in Athens, Ohio, to the emotional rollercoaster of finding his biological family, Raheem's story is one of resilience and hope. But it's not just Raheem's st...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores the intersections of personal and professional lives with Arlene and Scott, discovering how their experiences have shaped their paths. Scott shares a touching poem dedicated to Arlene, capturing the essence of growth, love, and the journey of life. Arlene reflects on her career in child welfare and housing, offering insights into her motivations, challenges,...

Send us Fan Mail The talented singer-songwriter Bruce Dalzell, a previous guest introduced the host to a literary force: Lori Jakiela. Lori, with seven acclaimed books, including the transformative memoir Belief is Its Own Kind of Truth, Maybe, shares her journey as an adoptee, evoking laughter and tears that create deep connections.  Lori’s latest work, They Write Your Name on a Grain of Rice, co...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we welcome Joy Castro , an acclaimed author whose literary thrillers set in post-Katrina New Orleans have captivated readers worldwide. Joy's personal adoption story and her poignant short story, Giving Jewel Away , featured in the anthology A Ghost at Heart's Edge , offer a deeply moving exploration of longing, love, and the search for origins.  Alongside Joy...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on a transformative journey as we welcome Dr. Sarah Docan-Morgan, an esteemed professor of communication studies and celebrated author of "In Reunion: Transnational Korean Adoptees and the Communication of Family".  In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Sarah shares profound insights from her groundbreaking monograph, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supp...

Send us Fan Mail We are thrilled to sit down with the incredibly talented Susan Ito, a literary powerhouse with a lifelong passion for storytelling. Susan's journey began with the magic of reading at just three years old and evolved into crafting captivating narratives by the age of six, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world. Susan is an accomplished writer and the co-editor of the l...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an unforgettable episode that almost didn't happen! As Anna prepared for her interview with Simon Benn, a passionate advocate for healing and resilience within the adoptee community, she shared the poem she had selected to guide their discussion about their adoption stories. Simon's intense reaction to and dislike of the poem initially led him to decline the...

Send us Fan Mail Tune in to the latest episode of the Anna Jinja Show, where we explore the extraordinary power of saying yes.  In this special episode, Anna expresses her gratitude to Adam Rich, the show's dedicated engineer, who is embarking on a new adventure. Through heartfelt conversations with guests like Wendy McVicker, Bruce Dalzell, Caryn Bailey, and Dr. Carolyn Lewis Bailey, you wil...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an emotionally charged episode as Ann Brandon, Associate Director of the Office of Health Promotion at Ohio University, reveals her deeply personal journey of identity and belonging. In a candid conversation, Ann reflects on her experience as an adoptee, a mother, and a woman navigating the complexities of her own past. From the challenges of seeking out her biological...

Send us Fan Mail Tune in to our latest episode as we delve into the intricate world of adoption and foster care with two remarkable guests: Jenny Stotts and Caitlin Kraus. Jenny Stotts, Ohio’s pioneering Youth Ombudsman, appointed by Governor Mike DeWine, brings a wealth of experience as a licensed social worker and advocate. Join us as she shares her insights and personal anecdotes, offering a re...

Send us Fan Mail 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 individu...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 o...

Send us Fan Mail 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&a...

Send us Fan Mail 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 determ...