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
Jade Amez, Caitlin Kraus, & Brad Swiniarski
"Where Am I From?" A Conversation About Belonging, Identity, and Home
"Where are you from?" It's one of the most common questions we ask when meeting someone new. But for adoptees, for those in mixed-race families, for anyone who doesn't fit the "traditional" mold, this seemingly innocent question can feel like an interrogation—a challenge to prove your belonging.
In the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja explores this complex question with Jade Amez, an Asian-American children's book author whose debut work, "Where Am I From?", transforms her personal adoption journey into a story that validates experiences rarely represented in children's literature.
More Than a Place: Understanding Home Jade's journey began in high school when she started exploring her roots, eventually connecting with her birth mother years later. But her story isn't simply about finding biological connections—it's about redefining what family means and creating space for children to understand their own complex feelings about identity and belonging.
"We shouldn't be defined by where we live or where we grow up," Jade shares in the episode. "While those may be parts of how we identify ourselves, we're so much more than that."
A Creative Interchange: When Music Meets Story What makes this episode particularly special is the creative collaboration at its heart. Music therapist Caitlin Kraus, LPCC-S, and musician Brad Swiniarski came together for their very first songwriting collaboration to create an original song inspired by Jade's book—also titled "Where Am I From?"
The song's lyrics beautifully capture the complexity of identity: "Less of a place than who keeps me company" "All that meets the eye, more than what you see" "All that's in-between—and that's where I'm from" "I wanted her to feel like it honored her story," Caitlin explains. "The idea of home and the idea of family can mean so many different things to different people, and it's important to ask questions in an intentional way."
Why Representation Matters Growing up, Jade rarely saw books featuring adoption, mixed-race families, or the full spectrum of emotions that adoptees experience. This absence inspired her to write the book she wished she'd had as a child.
Asking Better Questions So how do we ask about someone's origins without making assumptions or causing discomfort? Jade suggests reframing the question entirely: "Where's home for you?" "Where did you grow up?" "What would you like me to know about you?" These alternatives open conversation without presupposing answers or invalidating someone's experience.
Listen Now Whether you're an adoptee, a parent, an educator, or simply someone who wants to create a more inclusive world, this conversation offers insights into fostering belonging for everyone. Jade's book is available at whereamifrombook.com and wherever books are sold. And yes—there are hidden dumplings throughout the illustrations.
About the Guests: Jade Amez is an Asian-American children's book author, traveler, hockey and soccer player, and self-proclaimed dumpling enthusiast. Her debut book addresses topics absent from her own childhood reading.
Caitlin Kraus is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Board-Certified Music Therapist whose work encompasses therapy, songwriting, and community music-making.
Brad Swiniarski is a musician, father, and creator of The Bozniak Radio Extravaganza show on Radio Free Athens (WOUB 1340AM), with over 30 years of songwriting experience.