The Anna Jinja Show

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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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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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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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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