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The Anna Jinja Show

The Anna Jinja Show

Anna Jinja

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.

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Top 10 The Anna Jinja Show Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Anna Jinja Show episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Anna Jinja Show for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Anna Jinja Show episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Anna Jinja Show - Beth Backes & Cathy Lee

Beth Backes & Cathy Lee

The Anna Jinja Show

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09/24/24 • 27 min

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 cathartic nature of creative expression.

Our guests, Beth Backes, a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and Cathy Lee, an English teacher and occasional poet, share their insights and wisdom on finding peace, purpose, and belonging. Discover how mindfulness can help you navigate the complexities of adoption and foster care, and how poetry can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression and healing.

Don't miss this thought-provoking episode. Tune in now!
Creative Content: Poem by Cathy Lee

Is there grace in the silence?
In the pause between clock ticks,
Or when the second-hand pushes us all forward again,
Is that where grace lies?
Is it in the dancing dust particles
Gleaming in the sunbeam?
Is it in the wordless eyes of the dog
Who looks at your face,
Knowing in ways you cannot know?
Is it in the smell
of fresh-cut grass
And the smell
in the binding
Of dried glue
In an old library book?
Is there grace
in the taste of
Bitter and sweet combined?
Is pure sweetness a lie,
not to be trusted?
Is it in the air pulled deep into our lungs,
The soft whish through the nose,
The lift of the chest,
And then it’s heavy fall back
At the end of our exertion?
Is it in the physical pain
From scabbing our knees on the playground,
From falling off our bikes,
The sore muscles when we’ve pushed to the limit,
that reminds us
we are yet still fully alive?

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The Anna Jinja Show - Roy and Brenda Hurley

Roy and Brenda Hurley

The Anna Jinja Show

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12/06/23 • 28 min

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The Anna Jinja Show - Audrey Cruz & Rule 42

Audrey Cruz & Rule 42

The Anna Jinja Show

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02/25/25 • 28 min

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 strength, and her insights are truly profound. We even explored the powerful poem "Caminante, son tus huellas" by Antonio Machado, reminding us that "the path is made by walking." 👣

We asked Audrey about the moment she learned about her adoption, how it shaped her motherhood, and the misconceptions she wishes people understood. Her answers? Heartfelt and eye-opening. 🤯

Creative Content: Caminante, son tus huellas by Antonio Machado.

Caminante, son tus huellas
el camino, y nada más;
caminante, no hay camino,
se hace camino al andar."
Translation:
"Traveler, your footprints
are the path, and nothing more;
traveler, there is no path,
the path is made by walking.

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The Anna Jinja Show - Athens CASA/GAL Program & Adam Remnant
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11/12/24 • 28 min

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 special musical feature by Adam Remnant, a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and Athens native. His song, “Curse of Canaanville,” touches on themes of family, resilience, and finding light amid hardship. This song is a tribute to the inner strength needed to overcome life’s adversities – something that resonates deeply with the work of the Athens CASA / GAL Program and the experiences of the children they support.
Join us as we hear inspiring stories and reflections from CASA/GAL’s Executive Director Tara Huffman and volunteer coordinators Carly Ferguson and Jess Chadwell, who share the impact of their work and the compassion that fuels it. Plus, we’re excited to introduce a special young guest, Jack, who joins the conversation and has agreed to write an original song for an upcoming episode!
Tune in to this heartfelt conversation filled with stories, music, and an important reminder: even in the toughest of times, there’s hope, community, love, and laughter!
Guest Links: https://www.adamremnant.com/ https://www.athenscasa.org/team
CURSE OF CANAANVILLE
by Adam Remnant
my mother’s old lantern tolls a light
through the darkness of the night
beyond the shadows amongst the weeds
where the light of town recedes
and since you’ve been gone
I have found you in the strangest of places
and you have been witness to my heart’s changes
so I am indebted to you and your many faces
lighting the way in a world that’s fading
men overtook these branches to feed our iron tongues
they carved their initials into the trunks
they carted them off leaving nothing but sawdust
now mother, father won’t stop drinking, he’s calling on his kin
he’s naming names spitting blood and cursing Canaan
yeah even the saved are forsaken
so I’m going back to the garden where the trees are in full bloom
I’m shaking off the ashes of brimstone and doom
I’m gonna pick a thousand apples in a single afternoon
so it seems the world can be a nightmare with heaven intertwined
men lower the canary down into the mine
but they’re raising up a raven seven times the size
and since you’ve been gone
I have found you in the strangest of places
and you have been witness to my heart’s changes
so I am indebted to you and your many faces
lighting the way in a world that’s fading
I’m holding a lantern that tolls a light
but you are nowhere within sight
so I’m returning on my own
to the place I once called home.

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The Anna Jinja Show - Xander Karagosian & Raymond Obstfeld
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01/28/25 • 28 min

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 conversation featuring insights from renowned poet Raymond Obstfeld, who has co-authored the acclaimed book "Becoming Kareem" with basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and has also contributed to the beloved series "Veronica Mars."
Together, they explore the significance of mentorship, personal growth, and the power of creative expression. Don't miss this poignant episode that celebrates the many paths to finding home within ourselves!
Creative Content: Poem
I look at the world
BY LANGSTON HUGHES
I look at the world
From awakening eyes in a black face—
And this is what I see:
This fenced-off narrow space
Assigned to me.
I look then at the silly walls
Through dark eyes in a dark face—
And this is what I know:
That all these walls oppression builds
Will have to go!
I look at my own body
With eyes no longer blind—
And I see that my own hands can make
The world that's in my mind.
Then let us hurry, comrades,
The road to find.
Guest Links:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2879922/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
https://www.amazon.com/Books-Raymond-Obstfeld/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARaymond%2BObstfeld
https://ohiobobcats.com/sports/football/roster/xander-karagosian/4655

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The Anna Jinja Show - Patty Mitchell & Sarah Schneider
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07/11/23 • 28 min

What do adoption, art, and creativity all have in common? Tune into a conversation with artist, social entrepreneur, and the founder of Passion Works Studio, Patty Mitchell to find out! Patty discusses how she chooses to empower marginalized populations. Passion Works Studio is a place where no voice, no resource, and no region are abandoned as the studio fosters purpose, connection, and belonging.
Sarah Schneider surprise guest (friend) read a piece that she wrote to honor their friendship and ways that Patty makes a difference for others

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The Anna Jinja Show - Holly Marlow & Nick Kizirnis

Holly Marlow & Nick Kizirnis

The Anna Jinja Show

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05/09/23 • 28 min

Holly Marlow is the mother of two children, one biological and one adopted, and an author of Delly Duck, a children's book about adoption. Holly discusses with Anna how she became an author and the beauty of different types of families.

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The Anna Jinja Show - Drew Waepew-Awaehsaeh & Ryan Eilbeck
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02/11/25 • 28 min

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 his adoption. This pivotal moment set him on a path of self-discovery, deeply rooted in his Menominee Native heritage. Through dance, writing, and an unwavering commitment to his culture, Drew embodies resilience and creativity. Plus, this episode is extra special—it was Drew’s birthday when we recorded this interview! 🎉

On the other side of this creative spectrum is Ryan, the talented mastermind behind the band Natural Sway. Known for his diverse albums and introspective lyrics, Ryan has taken Drew’s poignant journey and beautifully translated it into a moving song that captures the essence of his experiences. In this episode, you’ll hear firsthand how Drew and Ryan collaborated, the creative process behind the song, and the challenges they faced along the way.

Prepare to be inspired as they share their insights, emotions, and the powerful connection forged through art. And don’t miss the debut of Ryan’s song inspired by Drew’s incredible story! 🎶 Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, creativity, and a celebration of heritage. It’s a powerful reminder of how our stories can connect us and evoke deep emotions. You won’t want to miss it!

About the Song in Ryan’s words:
My inspiration for this piece led me to create an acoustic guitar instrumental track that features spoken word from Drew. I’ve been interested lately in working on audio-narratives that bridge the gap between story and song. I recorded the guitar on an old reel to reel tape machine. When he and I met last week, I recorded him saying each of his names and mixed it into my composition. So that’s the only “lyrics.” I’d like to send the file to you and/or the engineer to play during part C. of the episode - we could possibly talk briefly about the process and what I hoped to convey with it. Drew’s story and his willingness to share it definitely got my creativity going. I made a second instrumental piece thinking about my meeting with him that I am working on. Thanks for inviting me on your show, looking forward to it.
When I met with Drew, he told me a story about driving a great distance to find his father and almost getting turned away with no answers. Then, the sound of a door and a kind woman walking out to change it all. I imagined being outside of that door and looking in on those crucial moments and I hope my work reflects some of this inspiring story.

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The Anna Jinja Show - Sheniqua & Malinda Hamm

Sheniqua & Malinda Hamm

The Anna Jinja Show

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08/27/24 • 28 min

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 culture, community, and kin.

Malinda opens up about her journey in compiling the raw, unfiltered stories of individuals who’ve endured the foster care system, leading to the creation of the 90/Ten Project. This initiative is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a powerful effort to give back to the youth who’ve been through the system, offering them hope, support, and a voice.

Joining the conversation is Sheniqua, one of the brave contributors to Malinda’s book. Sheniqua courageously shares her personal story, recounting the profound pain of losing her grandmother and the struggles she faced while navigating a system that often felt cold and unforgiving. Now, at 31, Sheniqua is turning her pain into power, using her voice to advocate for change and to ensure that others don’t have to endure the same hardships.

This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience of those who’ve survived the foster care system and a heartfelt exploration of the importance of keeping children connected to their roots. It’s a call to action, urging listeners to join the fight for system change and to support those who are working tirelessly to create a better future for foster youth.

Don’t miss this deeply emotional episode, filled with raw stories, heartfelt reflections, and a powerful message of hope and change. Tune in to The Anna Jinja Show to hear Sheniqua’s story and discover how Malinda’s work is making a life-changing difference in the lives of countless children.
Creative Content:
Things may seem bleak at times....
In difficult times, we are made more aware
Of the resources that we have within ourselves
And therein lies our peace.
Peace is not the absence of conflict.
It comes from the ability to cope with that conflict.
Bear Heart (1918-2008), and Molly Larkin, from “The Wind is My Mother”

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The Anna Jinja Show - Jacob Motta & Nick Kizirnis

Jacob Motta & Nick Kizirnis

The Anna Jinja Show

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01/28/24 • 28 min

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 theme selected for Jacob by Nick Kizirnis. Tune in to a conversation that delves into Jacob's advocacy for adoption awareness and his aspirations within the sports sector.
Nick Kizirnis explains why he chose this song for Jacob: The song I chose for Jacob is called "Bustin' Golfclubs" and it's one of the first "surf instrumentals" I ever wrote with two of my closest friends almost 30 years ago. At the time I was recently graduated from college and we were all working very hard at making a living playing music, but things weren't going that well. The three of us took a break from the bands we were in and decided to write something for fun, and this is what came out of that.
I thought of Jacob not as much for the sports connection (the band yells "Tee Off!" ih the middle of the song) but because this song was a problem solver for us - ie "how can we put some fun back into playing music" and as it was a new style of music for, we all figured it out together as we created it.
I'll add that not only did we end up writing almost 3 albums in this style, it's some of the most successful music we ever released, with many songs appearing on early reality TV shows and indie films. Who knew?
The experience I had with my friends working together as a team and challenging ourselves opened up opportunities and positive experiences we never thought possible!

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Anna Jinja Show have?

The Anna Jinja Show currently has 68 episodes available.

What topics does The Anna Jinja Show cover?

The podcast is about Identity, Learning, Adoption, Society & Culture, Creativity, Community, Foster Care, Podcasts, Connection, Arts, Diversity and Performing Arts.

What is the most popular episode on The Anna Jinja Show?

The episode title 'Beth Backes & Cathy Lee' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Anna Jinja Show?

The average episode length on The Anna Jinja Show is 28 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Anna Jinja Show released?

Episodes of The Anna Jinja Show are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of The Anna Jinja Show?

The first episode of The Anna Jinja Show was released on May 9, 2023.

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