Xander Karagosian & Raymond Obstfeld
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
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
Previous Episode
Wasserman & Ready Aim Flowers
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 they share their profound experiences and insights.
Joined by the band Ready Aim Flowers, the episode blends music and storytelling, reminding us all that we each have a place in this world—where we are worthy, loved, and belong. Don't miss out on this touching episode that might just resonate with your own adoption story!
Guest Links:
https://good-works.net/who-we-are/keith-wasserman/
https://soundcloud.com/readyaimflowers
Creative Content:
Song written and performed by Ready Aim Flowers
If you’d ask me
And say pretty please
Sweet as honey
I’d say, I’m still learning
I’d say, I’m still learning
Hey! Hey! Hey!
If you’d strike me, Cause a silly scene, Rough and grumpy
I’d say, you’re still learning, I’d say, you’re still learning
The powers told me to go to hell, I asked if they’d be there, they said, “No,” so I will
Hey! Hey! Hey!
The puppets told me to go to hell, I asked if they’d be there, they said, “No,” so I will
Hey! Hey! Hey!
The Trumpets told me to go to hell, I asked if they’d be there, they said, “No,” so I...
Hey... hey...
But if you’d kiss me
And give me a squeeze
If you’d kiss me
I’d say, how bout another?
I’d say, how bout another?
Next Episode
Drew Waepew-Awaehsaeh & Ryan Eilbeck
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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