The Anna Jinja Show
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.
The Anna Jinja Show
Dr. Faustina Mensah & Jean Voneman Mikhail
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 share with confidence. The workshop culminated in unique partnerships with artists, sparking transformative exchanges that blossomed into original poems and songs, each a celebration of individual journeys.
In today’s featured collaboration, we hear from two talented participants:
Jean Voneman Mikhail, a poet from Athens, Ohio, whose work has appeared in The Northern Appalachian Review, Sheila Na Gig Online, and other literary journals. Jean draws on her rich experiences to bring heartfelt stories to the page, inspired by family and place.
Dr. Faustina (Faustie) Mensah, a Success Advisor at Ohio University and recent PhD graduate, is a passionate advocate for foster youth and non-traditional students. Through her research and mentorship, she champions inclusivity and the empowerment of vulnerable voices in education.
Together, Jean and Faustie share a powerful poem that speaks to the themes of home, heritage, and memory. Jean’s evocative lines recount Faustie’s memories of her late father, weaving a lyrical exploration of family love and the sense of home that transcends physical space.
Tune in for an intimate Q&A with Jean and Faustie as they discuss the surprising insights from the workshop, the role of storytelling in healing and connection, and the ways poetry can frame and honor our unique paths.
Don’t miss this poignant episode, available now!