This is the show that seeks to strengthen communities by connecting people through stories. Hosted by J.R. Jamison, each episode's theme is explored through a variety of engaging avenues, from performances of stories from different points-of-view collected using <a href="https://facingproject.com/">The Facing Project</a>'s non-profit story sharing model, to interviews with storytellers exploring complex topics we all face. The creators of The Facing Project and this radio show hope each episode leaves you with the courage to share your own stories and the empathy to listen to others.

Ahead of her debut memoir hitting shelves in October, J.R. Jamison sits down with Brittany Means to discuss the power of the human spirit—and the written word—to combat the most harrowing of childhood memories.  

Hailed by Jeannette Walls (author of The Glass Castle) as “Gut-wrenching but at the same time triumphant,” Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways untangles the web of Means’s most painful memories, while crafting a tale of self-preservation, resilience, and hope.

Synopsis – Brittany Means’s childhood was a blur of highways and traumas that collapsed any effort to track time. Riding shotgun as her mother struggled to escape abusive relationships, Brittany didn’t care where they were going—a roadside Midwestern motel, a shelter, or to The Barn in Indiana (the cluttered mansion her Pentecostal grandparents called home) as long as they were together. But every so often, her mom would surprise her—and leave.

As Brittany grew older and questioned her own complicated relationships and the poverty, abuse, and instability that enveloped her, she began to recognize that hell wasn't only the place she read about in the Bible; it was the cycle of violence that her family was stuck repeating. Through footholds such as horror movies, neuropsychology, and strong bonds, Brittany makes sense of this cycle and finds a way to leave it.

Photo Credits – Brittany Means (photo by Jeff Owens and provided by the author)

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Ahead of her debut memoir hitting shelves in October, J.R. Jamison sits down with Brittany Means to discuss the power of the human spirit—and the written word—to combat the most harrowing of childhood memories.  
Hailed by Jeannette Walls (author of The Glass Castle) as “Gut-wrenching but at the same time triumphant,” Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways untangles the web of Means’s most painful memories, while crafting a tale of self-preservation, resilience, and hope.
Synopsis – Brittany Means’s childhood was a blur of highways and traumas that collapsed any effort to track time. Riding shotgun as her mother struggled to escape abusive relationships, Brittany didn’t care where they were going—a roadside Midwestern motel, a shelter, or to The Barn in Indiana (the cluttered mansion her Pentecostal grandparents called home) as long as they were together. But every so often, her mom would surprise her—and leave.
As Brittany grew older and questioned her own complicated relationships and the poverty, abuse, and instability that enveloped her, she began to recognize that hell wasn't only the place she read about in the Bible; it was the cycle of violence that her family was stuck repeating. Through footholds such as horror movies, neuropsychology, and strong bonds, Brittany makes sense of this cycle and finds a way to leave it.
Photo Credits – Brittany Means (photo by Jeff Owens and provided by the author)
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

J.R. and Brittany Means discuss the power of the human spirit—and the written word—to combat the most harrowing of childhood memories.

S05 E09 - Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways: An in-depth discussion with author Brittany Means

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with award-winning photographer, author, and peace activist John Noltner to talk about photography as a form of storytelling that explores the common humanity that unites us, and they discuss Noltner’s latest book, Lessons on the Road to Peace, that covers his 45,000-mile journey across the U.S.

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with award-winning photographer, author, and peace activist John Noltner to talk about photography as a form of storytelling that explores the common humanity that unites us, and they discuss Noltner’s latest book, Lessons on the Road to Peace, that covers his 45,000-mile journey across the U.S.

Photography as a form of storytelling that explores the common humanity that unites us. 

S06 E04 - Lessons on the Road to Peace with John Noltner

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with Hollywood screenwriter, author, and producer Abdi Nazemian, who was born in Iran in the 1970s and at age two became an immigrant during the 1979 Iranian revolution. Today, he uses his identity and story as a gay Iranian-American to help build empathy and understanding, penning such works as his award-winning young adult novel Like A Love Story and associate producing the film Call Me By Your Name that starred Timothée Chalamet.

Photo Credit – Marc Ohrem-Leclef.

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with Hollywood screenwriter, author, and producer Abdi Nazemian, who was born in Iran in the 1970s and at age two became an immigrant during the 1979 Iranian revolution. Today, he uses his identity and story as a gay Iranian-American to help build empathy and understanding, penning such works as his award-winning young adult novel Like A Love Story and associate producing the film Call Me By Your Name that starred Timothée Chalamet.
Photo Credit – Marc Ohrem-Leclef.

Using identity and story as a gay Iranian-American to help build empathy and understanding. 

S06 E03 - An In-depth Conversation with Author and Hollywood Screenwriter Abdi Nazemian

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with award-winning middle-grade and young adult author Leah Johnson to talk about writing authentic stories for kids, the harmful effects of book banning in America, and the founding of Loudmouth Books—her banned titles bookstore in the heart of her hometown.

Photo Credit – Provided by Leah Johnson.

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with award-winning middle-grade and young adult author Leah Johnson to talk about writing authentic stories for kids, the harmful effects of book banning in America, and the founding of Loudmouth Books—her banned titles bookstore in the heart of her hometown.
Photo Credit – Provided by Leah Johnson.

On writing authentic stories for kids and the harmful effects of book banning in America. 

S06 E02 - Telling Authentic Stories with Author Leah Johnson

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with filmmakers Josh Sabey and Sarah Perkins, directors of The Abortion Talks (2022), to explore civil discourse across major ideological divides. They’re joined by Reverend Anne Fowler and attorney Fran Hogan, two women profiled in the film on opposite sides of the abortion debate, who met secretly for six years to find common ground and ways to work together after the 1994 abortion clinic shootings in Boston that killed two people and injured five.

Photo Credit – J &amp; S Ltd.

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with filmmakers Josh Sabey and Sarah Perkins, directors of The Abortion Talks (2022), to explore civil discourse across major ideological divides. They’re joined by Reverend Anne Fowler and attorney Fran Hogan, two women profiled in the film on opposite sides of the abortion debate, who met secretly for six years to find common ground and ways to work together after the 1994 abortion clinic shootings in Boston that killed two people and injured five.
Photo Credit – J & S Ltd.

Exploring civil discourse across major ideological divides.

S06 E01 - The Abortion Talks

Ahead of its nationwide theatrical release, J.R. Jamison sits down with the producer and director of Van Jones’s documentary, The First Step, to discuss Jones’s attempts to bring people together across party lines to pass landmark criminal justice reform, while finding himself under fire from all sides. Later, the trio discuss filmmaking, storytelling, and why it’s more important than ever to create bridge-building art during a time of extreme polarization.

Photo Credit – Meridian Hill Pictures (used with permission)

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Ahead of its nationwide theatrical release, J.R. Jamison sits down with the producer and director of Van Jones’s documentary, The First Step, to discuss Jones’s attempts to bring people together across party lines to pass landmark criminal justice reform, while finding himself under fire from all sides. Later, the trio discuss filmmaking, storytelling, and why it’s more important than ever to create bridge-building art during a time of extreme polarization.
Photo Credit – Meridian Hill Pictures (used with permission)
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

J.R. sits down with documentary filmmakers to discuss a man's attempts to bring people together across party lines to pass landmark criminal justice reform.

S05 E04 - The First Step: An in-depth discussion with Lance & Brandon Kramer (Rebroadcast)

Think for a second about the last time you forgave someone. Was it hard? How did it make you feel? Or what about the person you forgave?

This time on The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison shares the stories of two women — one who forgave the man who paralyzed her son in a car accident, and another who forgave her once absent mother and abusive brother. Later, he is joined by Dr. Robert Enright, who was named by TIME magazine as the leading researcher on the psychology behind forgiveness.

Photo Credit – Flickr Creative Commons: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/6BaVu2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/p/6BaVu2</a>

Stories included in this episode –

<ul>
<li>Stopping to Forgive 
Greg Zgunda’s story as told to Stephanie Fisher by his mother, Beverly Zgunda, from Facing Disabilities in East Central Indiana. Performed by Katy Wolfe.</li>
<li>What I Know About Me 
An anonymous story as told to Bev Nye from Facing Poverty in McPherson, Kansas. Performed by Tiffany Erk.</li>
</ul>

This episode originally broadcast on Sep. 24th, 2022.

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Think for a second about the last time you forgave someone. Was it hard? How did it make you feel? Or what about the person you forgave?
This time on The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison shares the stories of two women — one who forgave the man who paralyzed her son in a car accident, and another who forgave her once absent mother and abusive brother. Later, he is joined by Dr. Robert Enright, who was named by TIME magazine as the leading researcher on the psychology behind forgiveness.
Photo Credit – Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/6BaVu2
Stories included in this episode –
Stopping to Forgive
Facing Disabilities in East Central Indiana. Performed by Katy Wolfe.


What I Know About Me
Facing Poverty in McPherson, Kansas. Performed by Tiffany Erk.



This episode originally broadcast on Sep. 24th, 2022.
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Think for a second about the last time you forgave someone. Was it hard?

S04 E09 - The Psychology of Forgiveness (Rebroadcast)

Ten years ago, six acres of abandoned lots in the Park Heights neighborhood of Baltimore were transformed into an urban farm, and today the American Farmers Bureau Federation has rated it as one of the top 10 innovative farms in the country. But there’s more than food being grown in Park Heights; they’re growing community and investing in the future.

Join host J.R. Jamison as he shares stories from the Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm, and sits down with four of the faces who keep the farm and its neighborhood thriving each and every day.

Photo Credit – Provided and used with permission.

Story Performances – A Safe Haven, Margie Smith’s story as told to Zion Jalloh-Jamboria. Performed by Chandra Ford; Willing to Work, Willing to Grow, Elijah Staton’s story as told to Darren Marshalleck. Performed by Khaleo Price.

Interview – Farmer Imani B, Administrative &amp; Research Analyst for the Farm; Farmer Ayo, Arts &amp; Humanities Program Coordinator &amp; Vice President of the Farm; Farmer Karma, Marketing Executive for the Farm; and Santana Alvarado, Senior Project Manager for the Center for Religion &amp; Cities.

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Ten years ago, six acres of abandoned lots in the Park Heights neighborhood of Baltimore were transformed into an urban farm, and today the American Farmers Bureau Federation has rated it as one of the top 10 innovative farms in the country. But there’s more than food being grown in Park Heights; they’re growing community and investing in the future.
Join host J.R. Jamison as he shares stories from the Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm, and sits down with four of the faces who keep the farm and its neighborhood thriving each and every day.
Photo Credit – Provided and used with permission.
Story Performances – A Safe Haven, Margie Smith’s story as told to Zion Jalloh-Jamboria. Performed by Chandra Ford; Willing to Work, Willing to Grow, Elijah Staton’s story as told to Darren Marshalleck. Performed by Khaleo Price.
Interview – Farmer Imani B, Administrative & Research Analyst for the Farm; Farmer Ayo, Arts & Humanities Program Coordinator & Vice President of the Farm; Farmer Karma, Marketing Executive for the Farm; and Santana Alvarado, Senior Project Manager for the Center for Religion & Cities.
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

J.R. sits down with four of the faces who keep the Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm and its neighborhood thriving each and every day.

S05 E10 - Growing Food, Community, & Vibes in an Urban Food Desert

Evictions are a tale as old as time, and will continue as long as there are landlords and renters; but not every eviction is equal. In this episode, J.R. Jamison shares two stories from individuals who have faced eviction in different ways; the first from a man who has experienced homelessness due to job losses, and a judge who says that sometimes the landlords are right, and sometimes they’re wrong.

Later, he sits down with four experts who research and work on the front lines of eviction and housing insecurity every day. This episode is a companion piece to the book: Facing Eviction and Housing Insecurity in Dayton, Ohio.

Photo Credit – Shantanu Suman

Stories – A Place to Be, an anonymous story as told to A.B. Hiatt and performed by Carl Frost; From the Eyes of a Magistrate, an anonymous story as told to Christine Trotter and performed by Chandra Ford.

Interview – Dr. Kathy Rowell of Sinclair Community College; Dr. Tim Thomas of the University of California–Berkeley; and Debra Lavey and Destiny Brown both at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality.

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Evictions are a tale as old as time, and will continue as long as there are landlords and renters; but not every eviction is equal. In this episode, J.R. Jamison shares two stories from individuals who have faced eviction in different ways; the first from a man who has experienced homelessness due to job losses, and a judge who says that sometimes the landlords are right, and sometimes they’re wrong.
Later, he sits down with four experts who research and work on the front lines of eviction and housing insecurity every day. This episode is a companion piece to the book: Facing Eviction and Housing Insecurity in Dayton, Ohio.
Photo Credit – Shantanu Suman
Stories – A Place to Be, an anonymous story as told to A.B. Hiatt and performed by Carl Frost; From the Eyes of a Magistrate, an anonymous story as told to Christine Trotter and performed by Chandra Ford.
Interview – Dr. Kathy Rowell of Sinclair Community College; Dr. Tim Thomas of the University of California–Berkeley; and Debra Lavey and Destiny Brown both at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality.
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Not every eviction is equal. 

S05 E08 - A Place to Call Home

Ahead of her latest book hitting shelves worldwide, J.R. Jamison sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathleen Glasgow to discuss writing for young adults, and the themes of teenage depression, addiction, and self-harm that are often covered in her sought-after novels (Girl in Pieces; You'd Be Home Now; How to Make Friends with the Dark; The Agathas; and the forthcoming The Night in Question).

Photo Credit – Caroline King Photography (used with permission)

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Ahead of her latest book hitting shelves worldwide, J.R. Jamison sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathleen Glasgow to discuss writing for young adults, and the themes of teenage depression, addiction, and self-harm that are often covered in her sought-after novels (Girl in Pieces; You'd Be Home Now; How to Make Friends with the Dark; The Agathas; and the forthcoming The Night in Question).
Photo Credit – Caroline King Photography (used with permission)
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

A discussion on writing for young adults and the themes of teenage depression, addiction, and self-harm that are often covered in her sought-after novels. 

S05 E07 - Writing Tough Topics for Young Adults: An in-depth discussion with #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathleen Glasgow

J.R. Jamison travels to Cyprus to explore the historical and cultural past of the island that led to the 1974 Turkish invasion and, ultimately, the Green Line—a demilitarized buffer zone patrolled by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force that divides the island to this day.  

Later, he’s joined by Demetris Hadjisofocoli, a former Cypriot refugee and founder/CEO of the Center for Social Innovation, an organization that cares about all people, regardless of borders, to increase their purpose and quality of life.  

Photo Credit – Provided by Demetris Hadjisofocoli.  

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

J.R. Jamison travels to Cyprus to explore the historical and cultural past of the island that led to the 1974 Turkish invasion and, ultimately, the Green Line—a demilitarized buffer zone patrolled by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force that divides the island to this day.  
Later, he’s joined by Demetris Hadjisofocoli, a former Cypriot refugee and founder/CEO of the Center for Social Innovation, an organization that cares about all people, regardless of borders, to increase their purpose and quality of life.  
Photo Credit – Provided by Demetris Hadjisofocoli.  
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

J.R. travels to Cyprus to explore what led to the 1974 Turkish invasion and, ultimately, the Green Line. 

S05 E06 - Searching for Peace on a Divided Island

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we wanted to revisit one of our favorite episodes. Genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events—these are all contributing factors to the more than 40 million adults in the U.S. who suffer from anxiety or depression. Yet, with nearly 12% of the overall population battling these illnesses, mental health is still stigmatized and misunderstood.

Join J.R. Jamison as he shares the story of a missionary who battled depression 4,000 miles from home, and another from a college student with a “broken brain” who says the best way to help is to listen. Later in the show, J.R. is joined by that former college student who is now a high school English teacher at a virtual public school in Washington state.

Photo – Via Flickr Creative Commons by Seth Jackson: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/TrtEhh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/p/TrtEhh</a>.

Stories included in this episode –

<ul>
<li>It’s Not the Common Cold 
Bailie Sage’s story as told to Jon Toronto from Facing Depression in Cache Valley, Utah. Performed by Amy Leffingwell*.*</li>
<li>It’s Not My Fault My Brain is Broken 
Kiah Penfield’s story as told to Chris Bavender from Facing Depression in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Melinda*.*</li>
</ul>

Music used in this episode –

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Sawako/Summer_Tour_Remix_v2_1865/03_spring_thaw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"spring_thaw" by The Green Kingdom</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US)</a> license.  
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Borrtex/The_Impulse/16_Borrtex_-_16_There_Is_Always_A_Reason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">There Is Always A Reason" by Borrtex</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)</a> license.  
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we wanted to revisit one of our favorite episodes. Genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events—these are all contributing factors to the more than 40 million adults in the U.S. who suffer from anxiety or depression. Yet, with nearly 12% of the overall population battling these illnesses, mental health is still stigmatized and misunderstood.
Join J.R. Jamison as he shares the story of a missionary who battled depression 4,000 miles from home, and another from a college student with a “broken brain” who says the best way to help is to listen. Later in the show, J.R. is joined by that former college student who is now a high school English teacher at a virtual public school in Washington state.
Photo – Via Flickr Creative Commons by Seth Jackson: https://flic.kr/p/TrtEhh.
Stories included in this episode –
It’s Not the Common Cold
Facing Depression in Cache Valley, Utah. Performed by Amy Leffingwell*.*


It’s Not My Fault My Brain is Broken
Facing Depression in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Melinda*.*



Music used in this episode –
"spring_thaw" by The Green Kingdom
Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) license. 


There Is Always A Reason" by Borrtex
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we wanted to revisit one of our favorite episodes. 

S04 E05 - More Than My Illness (Rebroadcast)

We’ve all seen and read the stories of those with disabilities portrayed as secondary characters, there in the background to support the able-bodied lead in their quest for love, adventure, and success. But what if the script were flipped, and those with a disability were the main characters finding their own love, adventure, and success?

Join J.R. Jamison as he shares the story a polio survivor who loves to dance; a former runner with an auto-immune disorder who is finding a new path; and a college student with autism who asks us to pay attention. Later in the show, J.R. is joined by global disability influencer Monica Engle Thomas who has reclaimed her own narrative and uses it to inspire others.

Originally released on April 30, 2022.

Photo – Provided by Monica Engle Thomas.

Stories included in this episode –

Carry 
Sandy Penrod’s story as told to Jennifer Stanley from Facing Disabilities in East Central Indiana. Performed by Beth Nahre.

Finding My Way 
Antonio Kioko’s story as told to Deirdre Lane from Beyond Face Value: A Facing Project from Principal Financial in Des Moines, Iowa. Performed by Carl Frost.

Pay Attention 
Carter Tharp’s story as told to Jamie Reece from Facing Autism in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Charley Isaacs.

Music used in this episode –

<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/HOEDOWN________________2-13/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"HOEDOWN" by Jason Shaw</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) License</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.

<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Axletree/erthe/the-woods-remastered/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"The Woods (Remastered)" by Axletree</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.

<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jesse_Spillane/Sky_Ship/Jesse_Spillane_-_Sky_Ship_-_02_Gourd_Hunting/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Gourd Hunting" by Jesse Spillane</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.

We’ve all seen and read the stories of those with disabilities portrayed as secondary characters, there in the background to support the able-bodied lead in their quest for love, adventure, and success. But what if the script were flipped, and those with a disability were the main characters finding their own love, adventure, and success?
Join J.R. Jamison as he shares the story a polio survivor who loves to dance; a former runner with an auto-immune disorder who is finding a new path; and a college student with autism who asks us to pay attention. Later in the show, J.R. is joined by global disability influencer Monica Engle Thomas who has reclaimed her own narrative and uses it to inspire others.
Originally released on April 30, 2022.
Photo – Provided by Monica Engle Thomas.
Stories included in this episode –
Carry
Facing Disabilities in East Central Indiana. Performed by Beth Nahre.
Finding My Way
Beyond Face Value: A Facing Project from Principal Financial in Des Moines, Iowa. Performed by Carl Frost.
Pay Attention
Facing Autism in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Charley Isaacs.
Music used in this episode –
"HOEDOWN" by Jason Shaw
Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) License.
"The Woods (Remastered)" by Axletree
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.
"Gourd Hunting" by Jesse Spillane
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.
From the Free Music Archive.

What if the script were flipped, and those with a disability were the main characters finding their own love, adventure, and success?

S04 E06 - Reclaiming the Disabled Narrative (Rebroadcast)

Humans are hardwired for empathy through mirror neurons, but time, culture, and climate determine if empathy grows, remains neutral, or worse—leads to anger or distress.

On this episode of The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison will explore empathy through two stories: one from a woman in Indiana who teaches kids empathy through theatre, and the other from a woman in Ohio who found it by loving her trans daughter. Later, he is re-joined by former co-host Kelsey Timmerman for a two-way where they make the argument for why empathy, if practiced in the right ways, has the ability to save us all.

Photo Credit – Provided by The Facing Project.

Stories included in this episode –

The World Through the Eyes of Another 
Laura Williamson’s story as told by Monique Armstrong from Facing Mentoring in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Lorri Markum.

Hearts &amp; Homes 
Katie Flesch’s story as told by Kate DeVantier from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio. Performed by Laura Williamson.

Music used in this episode –

<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/kitchenromance/my_bloody_beating_heart/my_bloody_beating_heart" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"my bloody beating heart" by kitchenromance</a> 
Licensed under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.

All other music used with permission or through licensed use.

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Humans are hardwired for empathy through mirror neurons, but time, culture, and climate determine if empathy grows, remains neutral, or worse—leads to anger or distress.
On this episode of The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison will explore empathy through two stories: one from a woman in Indiana who teaches kids empathy through theatre, and the other from a woman in Ohio who found it by loving her trans daughter. Later, he is re-joined by former co-host Kelsey Timmerman for a two-way where they make the argument for why empathy, if practiced in the right ways, has the ability to save us all.
Photo Credit – Provided by The Facing Project.
Stories included in this episode –
The World Through the Eyes of Another
Facing Mentoring in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Lorri Markum.
Hearts & Homes
Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio. Performed by Laura Williamson.
Music used in this episode –
"my bloody beating heart" by kitchenromance
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. 
All other music used with permission or through licensed use.
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Time, culture, and climate determine if empathy grows, remains neutral, or worse—leads to anger or distress.

S05 E05 - The Empathy Effect

Ahead of its nationwide theatrical release, J.R. Jamison sits down with the producer and director of Van Jones’s documentary, The First Step, to discuss Jones’s attempts to bring people together across party lines to pass landmark criminal justice reform, while finding himself under fire from all sides. Later, the trio discuss filmmaking, storytelling, and why it’s more important than ever to create bridge-building art during a time of extreme polarization.

Photo Credit – Meridian Hill Pictures (used with permission)

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

S05 E04 - The First Step: An in-depth discussion with filmmakers and producers Lance & Brandon Kramer

Jealousy is an emotion that everyone has experienced at one time or another, but if not controlled jealousy could lead to other feelings and actions such as embarrassment, depression, codependency, low self-esteem, or even anger. But with jealousy being such an innate emotion, how does one turn it off or use it for good?

J.R. Jamison explores that question as he shares the story of two women in East-Central Indiana who lost friends to jealousy. Later, he is joined by Dr. Bob Bringle, Chancellor's Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Philanthropic Studies at IUPUI, and a widely-known expert on jealousy in close relationships.

Photo Credit – Everton Yamamoto via Flickr Creative Commons: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/5sSPjn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/p/5sSPjn</a>.

Stories included in this episode –

Concerns of a Friend

Ashley’s story as told by Erin Lichtenfeld. Performed by Katy Lynne Wolfe.

Suffering in Silence

Alicia’s story as told by Brianna Thompson. Performed by Tiffany Erk.

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Jealousy is an emotion that everyone has experienced at one time or another, but if not controlled jealousy could lead to other feelings and actions such as embarrassment, depression, codependency, low self-esteem, or even anger. But with jealousy being such an innate emotion, how does one turn it off or use it for good?
J.R. Jamison explores that question as he shares the story of two women in East-Central Indiana who lost friends to jealousy. Later, he is joined by Dr. Bob Bringle, Chancellor's Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Philanthropic Studies at IUPUI, and a widely-known expert on jealousy in close relationships.
Photo Credit – Everton Yamamoto via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/5sSPjn.
Stories included in this episode –
Concerns of a Friend
Ashley’s story as told by Erin Lichtenfeld. Performed by Katy Lynne Wolfe.
Suffering in Silence
Alicia’s story as told by Brianna Thompson. Performed by Tiffany Erk.
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

With jealousy being such an innate emotion, how does one turn it off or use it for good?

S05 E03 - When Jealousy Strikes

It’s the time of year when most of us will gather to give thanks, clinking our seasonal beverages over plates of food; but that won’t be the case for nearly 34 million Americans who are food insecure. But how is that even possible when the United States is one of the richest countries in the world?

On this episode of The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison will explore that question as he shares the story of a mother in Kansas who struggles to make ends meet after an accident; another from a volunteer in Indiana who sees the unexpected faces of poverty; and one from a food pantry provider in Georgia who worries what will happen when the shelves go bare. Later, he is joined by Ami McReynolds, the Chief Equity Officer of Feeding America.

Photo Credit – Ada Be via Flickr Creative Commons: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/7WoGYG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/p/7WoGYG</a>.

Stories included in this episode –

The Story of a Hit-and-Run Survivor

An anonymous story as told to Katie Omo from Facing Hunger in Manhattan, Kansas.

Unexpected Faces of Poverty

An anonymous story as told to Kayla Conrad from Facing Poverty in Muncie, Indiana.

Something’s Got to Give

The story of the Georgia Mountain Food Bank as told to Cassidy Collier from Facing Homelessness in Gainesville, Georgia.

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

It’s the time of year when most of us will gather to give thanks, clinking our seasonal beverages over plates of food; but that won’t be the case for nearly 34 million Americans who are food insecure. But how is that even possible when the United States is one of the richest countries in the world?
On this episode of The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison will explore that question as he shares the story of a mother in Kansas who struggles to make ends meet after an accident; another from a volunteer in Indiana who sees the unexpected faces of poverty; and one from a food pantry provider in Georgia who worries what will happen when the shelves go bare. Later, he is joined by Ami McReynolds, the Chief Equity Officer of Feeding America.
Photo Credit – Ada Be via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/7WoGYG.
Stories included in this episode –
The Story of a Hit-and-Run Survivor
An anonymous story as told to Katie Omo from Facing Hunger in Manhattan, Kansas.
Unexpected Faces of Poverty
An anonymous story as told to Kayla Conrad from Facing Poverty in Muncie, Indiana.
Something’s Got to Give
The story of the Georgia Mountain Food Bank as told to Cassidy Collier from Facing Homelessness in Gainesville, Georgia.
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

How is food insecurity even possible when the United States is one of the richest countries in the world?

S05 E02 - Food for Thought

A Christmas Eve party. A missing ring. A down-on-his-luck private eye. It’s a combination that has all the makings of a perfect mystery. Or should we say, “Chris-Mystery?”

As a special treat for the holidays, we're proud to bring you IPR's production of A Chris-Mystery, IPR’s radio drama broadcast live on Friday, Dec. 16, from Sursa Performance Hall at Ball State University.

Written by local Radio Drama veteran Michael Kleeberg and produced by Jennifer Blackmer, with direction from David Little and musical direction from Michael Elliott, A Chris-Mystery is sponsored by Michelle Walker Thrivent Financial and The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory.

A Christmas Eve party. A missing ring. A down-on-his-luck private eye. It’s a combination that has all the makings of a perfect mystery. Or should we say, “Chris-Mystery?”
As a special treat for the holidays, we're proud to bring you IPR's production of A Chris-Mystery, IPR’s radio drama broadcast live on Friday, Dec. 16, from Sursa Performance Hall at Ball State University.
Written by local Radio Drama veteran Michael Kleeberg and produced by Jennifer Blackmer, with direction from David Little and musical direction from Michael Elliott, A Chris-Mystery is sponsored by Michelle Walker Thrivent Financial and The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory.

A Christmas Eve party. A missing ring. A down-on-his-luck private eye. It’s a combination that has all the makings of a perfect mystery. Or should we say, “Chris-Mystery?”

Presenting "A Chris-Mystery": IPR's Live Radio Drama

Grief has long been known to be psychological, but scientists now know that grief is also physiological and can impact brain function, gut health, the cardiovascular system, and breathing. But does grief also have the ability to change our bodies in positive ways?

On this episodes of The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison shares the stories of two women who experienced profound grief — one from a mother in Ohio who lost her son to gun violence, and another from a woman in Indiana who rebuilt her life after an abusive relationship. Later, he is joined by Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Arizona and author of The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss.

Photo Credit – Sarah Gath via Flickr Creative Commons: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/njp6UG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/p/njp6UG</a>

Stories included in this episode –

Life Goes On

Marjorie Jackson’s story as told to Kate Geiselman from Facing Gun Violence in Ohio. Performed by Chandra Ford.

Through the Eyes of the Past

Emma’s story as told to Madison Savage from Facing Teen Dating Violence in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Amanda Hummer.

The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Grief has long been known to be psychological, but scientists now know that grief is also physiological and can impact brain function, gut health, the cardiovascular system, and breathing. But does grief also have the ability to change our bodies in positive ways?
On this episodes of The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison shares the stories of two women who experienced profound grief — one from a mother in Ohio who lost her son to gun violence, and another from a woman in Indiana who rebuilt her life after an abusive relationship. Later, he is joined by Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Arizona and author of The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss.
Photo Credit – Sarah Gath via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/njp6UG
Stories included in this episode –
Life Goes On
Marjorie Jackson’s story as told to Kate Geiselman from Facing Gun Violence in Ohio. Performed by Chandra Ford.
Through the Eyes of the Past
Emma’s story as told to Madison Savage from Facing Teen Dating Violence in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Amanda Hummer.
The Facing Project Radio Show is made possible in part by Behavior Associates.

Does grief also have the ability to change our bodies in positive ways?

S05 E01 - The Science of Grief

Bathrooms. Pronouns. Sports. These are a few of the topics in which transgender people have become the center of a debate on who is allowed to exist and where.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they explore Beyond the Binary and share the stories of a trans man’s journey with hormone therapy; a non-binary person who found acceptance at home; and a pastor who struggled with her faith and identity before finding peace. Later in the show, they are joined by Charlize Jamieson, a transgender “book” in the Human Library.

Image – Non-Binary Pride Flag, inspired by Kye Rowan.

Stories –

<ul>
<li>Superman 
Shea Hollis Beal’s story as told to Cory Ross from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Patrick Oneal</li>
<li>They Will Always Be My Child 
C.S. Hendershot’s story as told to Tania Said from Facing LGBTQ+ Pride in Muncie, Indiana, performed by C.S. Hendershot</li>
<li>Awake 
Pastor Avery Sledge’s story as told to Kailey Mau from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Charlize Jamieson</li>
</ul>

Music –

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Little_Glass_Men/Simplify/The_Dweller_on_Coyote_Hill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"The Dweller on Coyote Hill" by Little Glass Men</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/State_Shirt/Lost_Hills/09_You_Are_a_Child" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"You Are a Child" by State Shirt</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

Bathrooms. Pronouns. Sports. These are a few of the topics in which transgender people have become the center of a debate on who is allowed to exist and where.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they explore Beyond the Binary and share the stories of a trans man’s journey with hormone therapy; a non-binary person who found acceptance at home; and a pastor who struggled with her faith and identity before finding peace. Later in the show, they are joined by Charlize Jamieson, a transgender “book” in the Human Library.
Image – Non-Binary Pride Flag, inspired by Kye Rowan.
Stories –
Superman
Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Patrick Oneal


They Will Always Be My Child
Facing LGBTQ+ Pride in Muncie, Indiana, performed by C.S. Hendershot


Awake
Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Charlize Jamieson



Music –
"The Dweller on Coyote Hill" by Little Glass Men
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.


"You Are a Child" by State Shirt
Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license.

Bathrooms. Pronouns. Sports. These are a few of the topics in which transgender people have become the center of a debate on who is allowed to exist and where.   

S04 E01 - Beyond the Binary (Rebroadcast)

Think for a second about the last time you forgave someone. Was it hard? How did it make you feel? Or what about the person you forgave?  

Next time on The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison shares the stories of two women — one who forgave the man who paralyzed her son in a car accident, and another who forgave her once absent mother and abusive brother. Later, he is joined by Dr. Robert Enright, who was named by TIME magazine as the leading researcher on the psychology behind forgiveness. 

Stories included in this episode –

<ul>
<li>Stopping to Forgive 
Greg Zgunda’s story as told to Stephanie Fisher by his mother, Beverly Zgunda, from Facing Disabilities in East Central Indiana. Performed by Katy Wolfe. </li>
<li>What I Know About Me 
An anonymous story as told to Bev Nye from Facing Poverty in McPherson, Kansas. Performed by Tiffany Erk.</li>
</ul>

Think for a second about the last time you forgave someone. Was it hard? How did it make you feel? Or what about the person you forgave?  
Next time on The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison shares the stories of two women — one who forgave the man who paralyzed her son in a car accident, and another who forgave her once absent mother and abusive brother. Later, he is joined by Dr. Robert Enright, who was named by TIME magazine as the leading researcher on the psychology behind forgiveness. 
Stories included in this episode –
Stopping to Forgive
Facing Disabilities in East Central Indiana. Performed by Katy Wolfe. 


What I Know About Me
Facing Poverty in McPherson, Kansas. Performed by Tiffany Erk.

S04 E09 - The Psychology of Forgiveness

Professional athletes, like any celebrities, have huge followings and can influence positive change; yet they are often expected to temper and censor their statements on politics, social justice, and activism.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Athletes &amp; Activism.

Stories –

<ul>
<li>Momma’s Boy 
Jessie Bates III’s story as told to Mitchell Carter from Facing Social Justice in Sports</li>
<li>Untitled 
Trey Moses’s story as told to Thomas Deckard from Facing Social Justice in Sports</li>
</ul>

Music –

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/Spellbound" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Spellbound" by Broke For Free</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0)</a> license. \
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

Professional athletes, like any celebrities, have huge followings and can influence positive change; yet they are often expected to temper and censor their statements on politics, social justice, and activism.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Athletes & Activism.
Stories –
Momma’s Boy
Facing Social Justice in Sports


Untitled
Facing Social Justice in Sports



Music –
"Spellbound" by Broke For Free\
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license. \
From the Free Music Archive.

Professional athletes are often expected to temper and censor their statements despite their ability to influence positive change. 

S03 E07 - Athletes & Activism (Rebroadcast)

Did you know that nearly 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with some type of cancer during their lifetime? That’s shocking, right? So, this got us curious about life with and after cancer — or in other words, the stories of those still deep in their fight and those who made it through to the other side.

This time on The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison shares the stories of an oncologist and two cancer survivors, and later he is joined by mother-daughter and storyteller-writer duo Connie Robertson and Aimee Robertson-West to discuss Life With Cancer.

Photo Credit – Aimee Robertson-West (provided)

Stories included in this episode –

<ul>
<li>Cancer Is My Specialty 
Dr. Michael Williamson’s story as told to Dagny Zupin from Facing Cancer in East Central Indiana. Performed by Carl Frost.  </li>
<li>The Consequences of Cancer 
Connie Robertson’s story as told to Aimee Robertson-West from Facing Cancer in East Central Indiana. Performed by Amy Leffingwell.   </li>
<li>I Decided to Stop Being Mad 
Brian Fitzgerald’s story as told to Eddie Metzger from Facing Cancer in East Central Indiana. Performed by Larry Beck.    </li>
</ul>

Did you know that nearly 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with some type of cancer during their lifetime? That’s shocking, right? So, this got us curious about life with and after cancer — or in other words, the stories of those still deep in their fight and those who made it through to the other side.
This time on The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison shares the stories of an oncologist and two cancer survivors, and later he is joined by mother-daughter and storyteller-writer duo Connie Robertson and Aimee Robertson-West to discuss Life With Cancer.
Photo Credit – Aimee Robertson-West (provided)
Stories included in this episode –
Cancer Is My Specialty
Facing Cancer in East Central Indiana. Performed by Carl Frost.  


The Consequences of Cancer
Facing Cancer in East Central Indiana. Performed by Amy Leffingwell.   


I Decided to Stop Being Mad
Facing Cancer in East Central Indiana. Performed by Larry Beck.

Did you know that nearly 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with some type of cancer during their lifetime?

S04 E08 - Life With Cancer

J.R. Jamison shares the stories of three woman from rural Kentucky whose lives have changed forever due to addiction: one from a sister who fights each day to win back her brother; another from a pharmacist on the front lines of the opioid epidemic; and one from a young mother who abused pain pills after the death of her child.

Later in the show, J.R. is joined by Kyle Brewer, the Peer Specialist Program Manager for NAADAC—the Association for Addiction Professionals.

Photo – The Facing Project at Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky

Stories included in this episode –

<ul>
<li>Denial Is Over 
Robin’s story as told to Missy Reid from Facing Addiction in Knox County, Kentucky. Performed by Melinda.  </li>
<li>Abuse Is No Secret 
Susan’s story as told to Sarah Wilder from Facing Addiction in Knox County, Kentucky. Performed by Amanda Hummer.  </li>
<li>Love Is Greater Than Anger 
Debbie’s story as told to Melinda Hornback from Facing Addiction in Knox County, Kentucky. Performed by Tiffany Erk.    </li>
</ul>

Music used in this episode –

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Hello_Keller/Quality_Time_Vol_1/Hello_Keller_-_Quality_Time_Vol_1_-_07_Like_Life/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Like Life" by Hello Keller</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) License</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Gratton/Subtract_and_Divide/Scott_Gratton_-_04_-_A_Moment/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"A Moment" by Scott Gratton</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

J.R. Jamison shares the stories of three woman from rural Kentucky whose lives have changed forever due to addiction: one from a sister who fights each day to win back her brother; another from a pharmacist on the front lines of the opioid epidemic; and one from a young mother who abused pain pills after the death of her child.
Later in the show, J.R. is joined by Kyle Brewer, the Peer Specialist Program Manager for NAADAC—the Association for Addiction Professionals.
Photo – The Facing Project at Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky
Stories included in this episode –
Denial Is Over
Facing Addiction in Knox County, Kentucky. Performed by Melinda.  


Abuse Is No Secret
Facing Addiction in Knox County, Kentucky. Performed by Amanda Hummer.  


Love Is Greater Than Anger
Facing Addiction in Knox County, Kentucky. Performed by Tiffany Erk.    



Music used in this episode –
"Like Life" by Hello Keller
Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) License.


"A Moment" by Scott Gratton
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

The stories of three woman from rural Kentucky whose lives have changed forever due to addiction. 

S04 E07 - Stopping the Cycle of Addiction

In the next decade, 500,000 teens with autism will enter adulthood and age out of school-based services. Adults with autism are less likely to access healthcare, have a job, or pursue a degree beyond high school.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Autism in Adulthood.

This episode originally broadcast on March 27, 2021.

Stories –

<ul>
<li>One Day I’ll Flap My Arms in Freedom, and No One Will Care 
Kyle Reninger’s story as told to Jason Newman from Facing Autism in Adulthood</li>
<li>This is My Son 
Belinda Hughes’s story as told to Ivy Farguheson from Facing Autism in Muncie, Indiana</li>
</ul>

Music –

<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Cambo/Chilled_Beats/Warm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Warm" by Cambo</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)</a> license.\
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

In the next decade, 500,000 teens with autism will enter adulthood and age out of school-based services. Adults with autism are less likely to access healthcare, have a job, or pursue a degree beyond high school.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Autism in Adulthood.
This episode originally broadcast on March 27, 2021.
Stories –
One Day I’ll Flap My Arms in Freedom, and No One Will Care
Facing Autism in Adulthood


This is My Son
Facing Autism in Muncie, Indiana



Music –
"Warm" by Cambo\
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.\
From the Free Music Archive.

In the next decade, 500,000 teens with autism will enter adulthood and age out of school-based services. 

S03 E05 - Autism in Adulthood (Rebroadcast)

We’ve all seen and read the stories of those with disabilities portrayed as secondary characters, there in the background to support the able-bodied lead in their quest for love, adventure, and success. But what if the script were flipped, and those with a disability were the main characters finding their own love, adventure, and success?

Join J.R. Jamison as he shares the story a polio survivor who loves to dance; a former runner with an auto-immune disorder who is finding a new path; and a college student with autism who asks us to pay attention. Later in the show, J.R. is joined by global disability influencer Monica Engle Thomas who has reclaimed her own narrative and uses it to inspire others.

Photo – Provided by Monica Engle Thomas.

Stories included in this episode –

<ul>
<li>Carry 
Sandy Penrod’s story as told to Jennifer Stanley from Facing Disabilities in East Central Indiana. Performed by Beth Nahre. </li>
<li>Finding My Way 
Antonio Kioko’s story as told to Deirdre Lane from Beyond Face Value: A Facing Project from Principal Financial in Des Moines, Iowa. Performed by Carl Frost.  </li>
<li>Pay Attention 
Carter Tharp’s story as told to Jamie Reece from Facing Autism in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Charley Isaacs.    </li>
</ul>

Music used in this episode –

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/HOEDOWN________________2-13/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"HOEDOWN" by Jason Shaw</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) License</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Axletree/erthe/the-woods-remastered/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"The Woods (Remastered)" by Axletree</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jesse_Spillane/Sky_Ship/Jesse_Spillane_-_Sky_Ship_-_02_Gourd_Hunting/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Gourd Hunting" by Jesse Spillane</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

We’ve all seen and read the stories of those with disabilities portrayed as secondary characters, there in the background to support the able-bodied lead in their quest for love, adventure, and success. But what if the script were flipped, and those with a disability were the main characters finding their own love, adventure, and success?
Join J.R. Jamison as he shares the story a polio survivor who loves to dance; a former runner with an auto-immune disorder who is finding a new path; and a college student with autism who asks us to pay attention. Later in the show, J.R. is joined by global disability influencer Monica Engle Thomas who has reclaimed her own narrative and uses it to inspire others.
Photo – Provided by Monica Engle Thomas.
Stories included in this episode –
Carry
Facing Disabilities in East Central Indiana. Performed by Beth Nahre. 


Finding My Way
Beyond Face Value: A Facing Project from Principal Financial in Des Moines, Iowa. Performed by Carl Frost.  


Pay Attention
Facing Autism in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Charley Isaacs.    



Music used in this episode –
"HOEDOWN" by Jason Shaw
Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) License.


"The Woods (Remastered)" by Axletree
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.


"Gourd Hunting" by Jesse Spillane
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.

S04 E06 - Reclaiming the Disabled Narrative

Genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events—all contributing factors to the more than 40 million adults in the U.S. who suffer from anxiety or depression. Yet, with nearly 12% of the overall population battling these illnesses, mental health is still stigmatized and misunderstood.

Join J.R. Jamison as he shares the story of a missionary who battled depression 4,000 miles from home, and another from a college student with a “broken brain” who says the best way to help is to listen. Later in the show, J.R. is joined by that former college student who is now a high school English teacher at a virtual public school in Washington state.  

Stories included in this episode –

<ul>
<li>It’s Not the Common Cold 
Bailie Sage’s story as told to Jon Toronto from Facing Depression in Cache Valley, Utah. Performed by Amy Leffingwell.   </li>
<li>It’s Not My Fault My Brain is Broken 
Kiah Penfield’s story as told to Chris Bavender from Facing Depression in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Melinda.</li>
</ul>

Music used in this episode –

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Sawako/Summer_Tour_Remix_v2_1865/03_spring_thaw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"spring_thaw" by The Green Kingdom</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US)</a> license.  
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Borrtex/The_Impulse/16_Borrtex_-_16_There_Is_Always_A_Reason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">There Is Always A Reason" by Borrtex</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)</a> license.  
From the Free Music Archive. </li>
</ul>

Genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events—all contributing factors to the more than 40 million adults in the U.S. who suffer from anxiety or depression. Yet, with nearly 12% of the overall population battling these illnesses, mental health is still stigmatized and misunderstood.
Join J.R. Jamison as he shares the story of a missionary who battled depression 4,000 miles from home, and another from a college student with a “broken brain” who says the best way to help is to listen. Later in the show, J.R. is joined by that former college student who is now a high school English teacher at a virtual public school in Washington state.  
Stories included in this episode –
It’s Not the Common Cold
Facing Depression in Cache Valley, Utah. Performed by Amy Leffingwell.   


It’s Not My Fault My Brain is Broken
Facing Depression in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Melinda.



Music used in this episode –
"spring_thaw" by The Green Kingdom
Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) license. 


There Is Always A Reason" by Borrtex
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.

With nearly 12% of the overall population battling anxiety or depression, mental health is still stigmatized and misunderstood.

S04 E05 - More Than My Illness

Teachers and educators are facing challenges like never before, including battling misinformation, burned-out kids, parents, and of course—COVID.

Join J.R. Jamison as he explores these challenges and shares the story of a man who stays in teaching despite external pressures; another from a woman who uses empathy to teach multicultural education; and one from a teacher who decided to make her own kind of change—at the Statehouse.

Stories included in this episode –

<ul>
<li>This Is Why I Teach 
An anonymous story as told to Suzanne Clem from Facing Teaching</li>
<li>Mrs. Miller, You Set Us Up! 
Barbara Miller’s story as told to Clarissa Cheslyn from Facing Teaching</li>
<li>Votes for My Students 
Melanie Wright’s story as told to Susan Volbrecht from Facing Teaching</li>
</ul>

Music used in this episode –

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/GREEN_LEAVES_____________2-15" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"GREEN LEAVES" by Jason Shaw</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) license</a>.\
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

Teachers and educators are facing challenges like never before, including battling misinformation, burned-out kids, parents, and of course—COVID.
Join J.R. Jamison as he explores these challenges and shares the story of a man who stays in teaching despite external pressures; another from a woman who uses empathy to teach multicultural education; and one from a teacher who decided to make her own kind of change—at the Statehouse.
Stories included in this episode –
This Is Why I Teach
Facing Teaching


Mrs. Miller, You Set Us Up!
Facing Teaching


Votes for My Students
Facing Teaching



Music used in this episode –
"GREEN LEAVES" by Jason Shaw\
Released under an Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) license.\
From the Free Music Archive.

Teachers and educators are facing challenges like never before, including battling misinformation, burned-out kids, parents, and of course—COVID. 

S04 E04 - Teachers are Heroes

In 2019, a gunman opened fire in Dayton’s Oregon District, killing nine people and injuring 27. It was the 233rd mass shooting of 2019 . . . and one of 107 in the Midwest.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they hear from three survivors from that night, and sit down with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley to discuss A Shooting in the Heartland.

Stories

<ul>
<li>Like the Book of Job 
Dion Green’s story as told to Ria Megnin. Performed by Kasaahn Johnson.</li>
<li>Unwritten Books 
Tom McMurtry’s story as told to Rick Gebhart. Performed by Saul Caplan</li>
<li>Somebody’s Child 
Jason Phillips’s story as told to Whitney Bell. Performed by Chris Hahn.</li>
</ul>

Music Used in this Episode

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_2414/Im_what_youd_be_without_her" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"I'm What You'd Be Without Her" by Doctor Turtle</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)</a> license. \
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

In 2019, a gunman opened fire in Dayton’s Oregon District, killing nine people and injuring 27. It was the 233rd mass shooting of 2019 . . . and one of 107 in the Midwest.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they hear from three survivors from that night, and sit down with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley to discuss A Shooting in the Heartland.
Stories
Like the Book of Job

Unwritten Books

Somebody’s Child

Music Used in this Episode
"I'm What You'd Be Without Her" by Doctor Turtle\
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. \
From the Free Music Archive.

In 2019, a gunman opened fire in Dayton’s Oregon District, killing nine people and injuring 27.

S02 E11 - A Shooting in the Heartland (Rebroadcast)

As a special treat for the holidays, we're proud to bring you IPR's production of This American Carol, a new radio drama broadcast on Friday, Dec. 17, live from Sursa Performance Hall.

This American Carol is a contemporary comedy mashup of A Christmas Carol and The Office, as told in the style of NPR’s This American Life.  The new production is written for IPR by award-winning playwright, screenwriter and professor of theatre at Ball State University, Dr. Jennifer Blackmer.

The main character is Carol, a successful branch manager who has a misguided idea of what celebrating the holidays at work actually means.  Carol, who wants things done in a very specific way, won’t listen to anyone’s input and, after a fit of epic proportions (her staff literally fear for their jobs), she decides to cancel the party. The next day, three mysterious meetings pop up on Carol’s Outlook calendar (ghosts) who come along to teach Carol that respecting your coworkers and listening to them not only makes for a good team, but they can also become the family you need but never had.

As a special treat for the holidays, we're proud to bring you IPR's production of This American Carol, a new radio drama broadcast on Friday, Dec. 17, live from Sursa Performance Hall.
This American Carol is a contemporary comedy mashup of A Christmas Carol and The Office, as told in the style of NPR’s This American Life.  The new production is written for IPR by award-winning playwright, screenwriter and professor of theatre at Ball State University, Dr. Jennifer Blackmer.
The main character is Carol, a successful branch manager who has a misguided idea of what celebrating the holidays at work actually means.  Carol, who wants things done in a very specific way, won’t listen to anyone’s input and, after a fit of epic proportions (her staff literally fear for their jobs), she decides to cancel the party. The next day, three mysterious meetings pop up on Carol’s Outlook calendar (ghosts) who come along to teach Carol that respecting your coworkers and listening to them not only makes for a good team, but they can also become the family you need but never had.

A special treat for the holidays. 

Presenting "This American Carol": IPR's Live Radio Drama

Each year, more than half a million people are released from state and federal prisons, some of them after years of incarceration. But with an unemployment rate of over 27% for the formerly incarcerated, what does life on the outside look like for them?   

Join J.R. Jamison as he explores this question, and shares the story of a woman with a felony who is working on a new life with her kids, and another from a retired prison doctor who works on re-entry program reform.  

Later in the show, J.R. is joined by Dr. Jacquelyn B. Frank, Professor of Aging Studies and Human Services at Eastern Illinois University, whose research and community engagement work focuses on long-term incarceration and life after prison. 

The co-host this time around is 15-year-old Charlie Isaacs who is a fan of the show and hopes to someday go into radio.  

Stories included in this episode –  

<ul>
<li>You Can Only Go So Far with Optimism  
An anonymous story as told to Rodrigo M. Jr. and Allison W. from Behind the Faces of Criminal Justice in Chippewa Valley, Wisconsin. Performed by Tiffany Erk.   </li>
<li>Ken’s Story   
Ken Adler’s story as told to Rachel E. and Nicole B. from Behind the Faces of Criminal Justice in Chippewa Valley, Wisconsin. Performed by Larry Beck.  </li>
</ul>

Music used in this episode – 

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/The_Collector_1242" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"The Collector" by Broke For Free</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0)</a> license.  
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Gratton/Found_and_Lost/01_I_Will_Wait_For_You" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"I Will Wait For You" by Scott Gratton</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)</a> license. 
From the Free Music Archive. </li>
</ul>

Each year, more than half a million people are released from state and federal prisons, some of them after years of incarceration. But with an unemployment rate of over 27% for the formerly incarcerated, what does life on the outside look like for them?   
Join J.R. Jamison as he explores this question, and shares the story of a woman with a felony who is working on a new life with her kids, and another from a retired prison doctor who works on re-entry program reform.  
Later in the show, J.R. is joined by Dr. Jacquelyn B. Frank, Professor of Aging Studies and Human Services at Eastern Illinois University, whose research and community engagement work focuses on long-term incarceration and life after prison. 
The co-host this time around is 15-year-old Charlie Isaacs who is a fan of the show and hopes to someday go into radio.  
Stories included in this episode –  
You Can Only Go So Far with Optimism  
Behind the Faces of Criminal Justice in Chippewa Valley, Wisconsin. Performed by Tiffany Erk.   


Ken’s Story  
Behind the Faces of Criminal Justice in Chippewa Valley, Wisconsin. Performed by Larry Beck.  



Music used in this episode – 
"The Collector" by Broke For Free
Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license. 


"I Will Wait For You" by Scott Gratton
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.

With an unemployment rate of over 27% for the formerly incarcerated, what does life on the outside look like for them? 

S04 E03 - Life After Prison

In August, over 200,000 Afghans fled their country in a matter of days, adding to the 2.5 million who left in the months prior to the Taliban takeover. But where did they go and what would be their fate? 

Join J.R. Jamison as he explores the past and present of Afghanistan, and shares the story of Dr. Mohammad Saber Bahrami—a man who fled the country after the Soviets invaded in 1979 and made Muncie, Indiana his new home.   

Later in the show, J.R. is joined by Dr. Bahrami’s wife, Bibi Bahrami, the founder and president of AWAKEN, a nonprofit organization that provides key educational programs, vocational opportunities, health care services, and timely emergency assistance to women and children in Afghanistan, and works with Afghan refugees to ensure that the systems, structures, and support are in place to help them thrive in their new home. 

Story included in this episode –  

<ul>
<li>
From Khwara Banda to Muncie\
Dr. Mohammad Saber Bahrami’s story as told to Bibi Bahrami from A Midsummer Night’s Narrative: Stories of Home, performed by Bryn Marlow   </li>
</ul>

Music used in this episode courtesy of Sean Ashcraft. Used by permission.

In August, over 200,000 Afghans fled their country in a matter of days, adding to the 2.5 million who left in the months prior to the Taliban takeover. But where did they go and what would be their fate? 
Join J.R. Jamison as he explores the past and present of Afghanistan, and shares the story of Dr. Mohammad Saber Bahrami—a man who fled the country after the Soviets invaded in 1979 and made Muncie, Indiana his new home.   
Later in the show, J.R. is joined by Dr. Bahrami’s wife, Bibi Bahrami, the founder and president of AWAKEN, a nonprofit organization that provides key educational programs, vocational opportunities, health care services, and timely emergency assistance to women and children in Afghanistan, and works with Afghan refugees to ensure that the systems, structures, and support are in place to help them thrive in their new home. 
Story included in this episode –  
From Khwara Banda to Muncie\
Dr. Mohammad Saber Bahrami’s story as told to Bibi Bahrami from A Midsummer Night’s Narrative: Stories of Home, performed by Bryn Marlow   
Music used in this episode courtesy of Sean Ashcraft. Used by permission.

In August, over 200,000 Afghans fled their country, but where did they go and what would be their fate? 

S04 E02 - Afghanistan, My Neighbor

Bathrooms. Pronouns. Sports. These are a few of the topics in which transgender people have become the center of a debate on who is allowed to exist and where.   

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they explore Beyond the Binary and share the stories of a trans man’s journey with hormone therapy; a non-binary person who found acceptance at home; and a pastor who struggled with her faith and identity before finding peace. Later in the show, they are joined by Charlize Jamieson, a transgender “book” in the Human Library.   

Image – Non-Binary Pride Flag, inspired by Kye Rowan. 

Stories –  

<ul>
<li>Superman 
Shea Hollis Beal’s story as told to Cory Ross from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Patrick Oneal</li>
<li>They Will Always Be My Child 
C.S. Hendershot’s story as told to Tania Said from Facing LGBTQ+ Pride in Muncie, Indiana, performed by C.S. Hendershot</li>
<li>Awake 
Pastor Avery Sledge’s story as told to Kailey Mau from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Charlize Jamieson</li>
</ul>

Music –  

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Little_Glass_Men/Simplify/The_Dweller_on_Coyote_Hill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"The Dweller on Coyote Hill" by Little Glass Men</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/State_Shirt/Lost_Hills/09_You_Are_a_Child" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"You Are a Child" by State Shirt</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

Bathrooms. Pronouns. Sports. These are a few of the topics in which transgender people have become the center of a debate on who is allowed to exist and where.   
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they explore Beyond the Binary and share the stories of a trans man’s journey with hormone therapy; a non-binary person who found acceptance at home; and a pastor who struggled with her faith and identity before finding peace. Later in the show, they are joined by Charlize Jamieson, a transgender “book” in the Human Library.   
Image – Non-Binary Pride Flag, inspired by Kye Rowan. 
Stories –  
Superman
Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Patrick Oneal


They Will Always Be My Child
Facing LGBTQ+ Pride in Muncie, Indiana, performed by C.S. Hendershot


Awake
Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Charlize Jamieson



Music –  
"The Dweller on Coyote Hill" by Little Glass Men
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.


"You Are a Child" by State Shirt
Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license.

S04 E01 - Beyond the Binary

Think about your community . . . What’s changed? Was your parents’ childhood different from your own?

And then ask yourself . . . What do you imagine your community will be like in another generation?

On this episode, a man wonders what the future will hold for his small Colorado community; and we sit down with James Fallows, a correspondent from The Atlantic and co-author of Our Towns: A 100,000 Mile Journey into the Heart of America.

Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Big Changes in Small Towns.

This episode originally broadcast on April 25th, 2020. 

Stories

<ul>
<li>The Evolution of a Small Agricultural Town\
An anonymous story as told to Adam Swanson from Facing Change in Northern Colorado. \
Performed by Carl Frost.</li>
</ul>

Music Used in This Episode

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Snake_Oil_Salesmen/Snake_Oil_Salesmen/Snake_Oil_Salesmen_-_Snake_Oil_Salesmen_-_08_Beat_Poets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Beat Poets" by Snake Oil Salesmen</a>\
Released under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License</a>.\
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

Think about your community . . . What’s changed? Was your parents’ childhood different from your own?
And then ask yourself . . . What do you imagine your community will be like in another generation?
On this episode, a man wonders what the future will hold for his small Colorado community; and we sit down with James Fallows, a correspondent from The Atlantic and co-author of Our Towns: A 100,000 Mile Journey into the Heart of America.
Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Big Changes in Small Towns.
This episode originally broadcast on April 25th, 2020. 
Stories
The Evolution of a Small Agricultural Town\
An anonymous story as told to Adam Swanson from Facing Change in Northern Colorado. \
Performed by Carl Frost.
Music Used in This Episode
"Beat Poets" by Snake Oil Salesmen\
Released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.\
From the Free Music Archive.

What do you imagine your community will be like in another generation? 

S02 E08 - Big Changes in Small Towns (Rebroadcast)

Racism has existed for millennia, but as laws and time have passed it can now show up in covert ways.

Join J.R. Jamison as he shares the stories of three women—one Black, one Muslim, and one Native American—and what their lives are like in a mid-sized Midwestern community, and he sits down with Yvonne Thompson, Director of the Human Rights Commission, to talk about what everyday people can do to combat discrimination.

Stories –

<ul>
<li>The Question Mark 
Dr. Maria Williams-Hawkins’s story as told to Lizz Alezetes from Facing Racism in Muncie, performed by Chandra Ford</li>
<li>The Need to Belong: The Life of a Muslim in America 
Heather Gilvary Hamad’s story as told to Angela Jackson-Brown from Facing Racism in Muncie, performed by Amy Leffingwell</li>
<li>A Person Without a Story, A Person Without a Name 
Christine Satory’s story as told to Michael Brockley from Facing Racism in Muncie, performed by Dr. Melinda Messineo</li>
</ul>

Music –

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Captive_Portal/none_given_2925/01_01_Anti-Exposed_Video" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Anti-Exposed Video" by Captive Portal</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dave_Keifer/Howdy_Persephone_2_1221/Candy_Moon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Candy Moon Mandala" by Dave Keifer</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

Racism has existed for millennia, but as laws and time have passed it can now show up in covert ways.
Join J.R. Jamison as he shares the stories of three women—one Black, one Muslim, and one Native American—and what their lives are like in a mid-sized Midwestern community, and he sits down with Yvonne Thompson, Director of the Human Rights Commission, to talk about what everyday people can do to combat discrimination.
Stories –
The Question Mark
Facing Racism in Muncie, performed by Chandra Ford


The Need to Belong: The Life of a Muslim in America
Facing Racism in Muncie, performed by Amy Leffingwell


A Person Without a Story, A Person Without a Name
Facing Racism in Muncie, performed by Dr. Melinda Messineo



Music –
"Anti-Exposed Video" by Captive Portal
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. 


"Candy Moon Mandala" by Dave Keifer
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.

Racism has existed for millennia, but as laws and time have passed it can now show up in covert ways.

S03 E09 - Covert Racism

Poverty is everywhere, but we like to pretend it doesn’t exist and could never happen to us. Yet 38 million Americans live in poverty.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they share a story of a woman who sees home as more than a physical space, and a story of a homeless man who wants to be seen.

Stories –

<ul>
<li>It’s Not a Shelter, It’s My Home 
Sonya Johnson’s story as told to Angie Rogers-Howell from A Midsummer Night’s Narrative: Stories of Home, performed by Terry Whitt Bailey</li>
<li>Questioning Homelessness 
“James’s” story as told to Matt Pulford from Facing Hope in Rome, Georgia, performed by Curtis Mardis</li>
</ul>

Music –

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Nangdo/Chrome/09_Foolin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Foolin'" by Nangdo</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/airtone/ccMixter_1591/airtone_-_something" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"something" by airtone</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license</a>.  
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

Poverty is everywhere, but we like to pretend it doesn’t exist and could never happen to us. Yet 38 million Americans live in poverty.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they share a story of a woman who sees home as more than a physical space, and a story of a homeless man who wants to be seen.
Stories –
It’s Not a Shelter, It’s My Home
A Midsummer Night’s Narrative: Stories of Home, performed by Terry Whitt Bailey


Questioning Homelessness
Facing Hope in Rome, Georgia, performed by Curtis Mardis



Music –
"Foolin'" by Nangdo
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. 


"something" by airtone
Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license.

38 million Americans live in poverty, but we like to pretend it doesn’t exist and could never happen to us.

S03 E08 - The Invisible Poor

In the span of a life, you’ll interact with thousands of people but only a handful of those will impact you in such a way that changes your perspectives and ideologies forever.

On this episode, a young chaplain from a conservative, anti-LGBTQ background provides spiritual care to a dying woman whose wife sits at her bedside.

We also sit down with the storyteller to learn where he is now.

Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Faith, Identity, and Life-Changing Chance Encounters. 
 
This episode originally broadcast on February 29th, 2020.

Stories

<ul>
<li>20 Minutes Changed My Life\
Will Grinstead’s story as told to Tom Steiner from Facing LGBTQ+ Pride in Muncie, Indiana. \
Performed by Jay Moorman.</li>
</ul>

Music Used in This Episode

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Cellophane_Sam/Desire/Cellophane_Sam_04_Run_Hound" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Run Hound" by Cellophane Sam</a> 
Released under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License</a>.  
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
<li><a href="http://danieldeitrich.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Hymn for the 81%" by Daniel Deitrich</a> 
Used by permission from the artist.</li>
</ul>

In the span of a life, you’ll interact with thousands of people but only a handful of those will impact you in such a way that changes your perspectives and ideologies forever.
On this episode, a young chaplain from a conservative, anti-LGBTQ background provides spiritual care to a dying woman whose wife sits at her bedside.
We also sit down with the storyteller to learn where he is now.
Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Faith, Identity, and Life-Changing Chance Encounters.
This episode originally broadcast on February 29th, 2020.
Stories
20 Minutes Changed My Life\
Will Grinstead’s story as told to Tom Steiner from Facing LGBTQ+ Pride in Muncie, Indiana. \
Performed by Jay Moorman.
Music Used in This Episode
"Run Hound" by Cellophane Sam
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. 


"Hymn for the 81%" by Daniel Deitrich

In the span of a life, you’ll interact with thousands of people but only a handful of those will impact you in such a way that changes your perspectives and ideologies forever. 

S02 E06 - Faith, Identity, and Life-Changing Chance Encounters (Rebroadcast)

Professional athletes, like any celebrities, have huge followings and can influence positive change; yet they are often expected to temper and censor their statements on politics, social justice, and activism.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Athletes &amp; Activism.

Stories –

<ul>
<li>Momma’s Boy 
Jessie Bates III’s story as told to Mitchell Carter from Facing Social Justice in Sports</li>
<li>Untitled 
Trey Moses’s story as told to Thomas Deckard from Facing Social Justice in Sports </li>
</ul>

Music – 

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Layers/Spellbound" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Spellbound" by Broke For Free</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0)</a> license. \
From the Free Music Archive. </li>
</ul>

Professional athletes, like any celebrities, have huge followings and can influence positive change; yet they are often expected to temper and censor their statements on politics, social justice, and activism.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Athletes & Activism.
Stories –
Momma’s Boy
Facing Social Justice in Sports


Untitled
Facing Social Justice in Sports 



Music – 
"Spellbound" by Broke For Free\
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license. \
From the Free Music Archive.

S03 E07 - Athletes & Activism

The United States is the most divided it has been since the Civil War, yet there are everyday people who are still willing to work together to find a path forward.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they explore identity and family and discuss J.R.’s forthcoming father-son memoir, Hillbilly Queer—a gripping tale of two men who see the world differently, one a gay liberal highbrow and the other a working-class Trump supporter, and their travels together to rural Missouri at the height of the 2016 election to uncover truths about their family’s past.

The United States is the most divided it has been since the Civil War, yet there are everyday people who are still willing to work together to find a path forward.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they explore identity and family and discuss J.R.’s forthcoming father-son memoir, Hillbilly Queer—a gripping tale of two men who see the world differently, one a gay liberal highbrow and the other a working-class Trump supporter, and their travels together to rural Missouri at the height of the 2016 election to uncover truths about their family’s past.

J.R. and Kelsey explore identity and family and discuss J.R.’s forthcoming father-son memoir. 

S03 E06 - Hillbilly Queer

In the next decade, 500,000 teens with autism will enter adulthood and age out of school-based services. Adults with autism are less likely to access healthcare, have a job, or pursue a degree beyond high school.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Autism in Adulthood.

Stories –

<ul>
<li>One Day I’ll Flap My Arms in Freedom, and No One Will Care 
Kyle Reninger’s story as told to Jason Newman from Facing Autism in Adulthood</li>
<li>This is My Son 
Belinda Hughes’s story as told to Ivy Farguheson from Facing Autism in Muncie, Indiana</li>
</ul>

Music –

<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Cambo/Chilled_Beats/Warm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Warm" by Cambo</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)</a> license.\
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

In the next decade, 500,000 teens with autism will enter adulthood and age out of school-based services. Adults with autism are less likely to access healthcare, have a job, or pursue a degree beyond high school.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Autism in Adulthood.
Stories –
One Day I’ll Flap My Arms in Freedom, and No One Will Care
Facing Autism in Adulthood


This is My Son
Facing Autism in Muncie, Indiana



Music –
"Warm" by Cambo\
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.\
From the Free Music Archive.

S03 E05 - Autism in Adulthood

Today half of women in the tech field are likely to leave their positions by the age of 35. But in the 1970s it was even more challenging to work in the industry as a woman, and especially for a woman of color. But one organization is working to change those stats.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Race, Tech, and the Fight for Equity.

Story –

<ul>
<li>
Sink or Swim—In Code\
Dr. Ruby Cain’s story as told to Aimee Robertson-West from Facing Racism in Muncie, Indiana
</li>
</ul>

Music –

<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://ccmixter.org/files/sunbyrn/1213" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"If I Wait" by Sunbyrn</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 2.5 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.5)</a> license\
From ccMixter</li>
</ul>

Today half of women in the tech field are likely to leave their positions by the age of 35. But in the 1970s it was even more challenging to work in the industry as a woman, and especially for a woman of color. But one organization is working to change those stats.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Race, Tech, and the Fight for Equity.
Story –
Sink or Swim—In Code\
Dr. Ruby Cain’s story as told to Aimee Robertson-West from Facing Racism in Muncie, Indiana



Music –
"If I Wait" by Sunbyrn\
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 2.5 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.5) license\
From ccMixter

Today half of women in the tech field are likely to leave their positions by the age of 35. 

S03 E04 - Race, Tech, & the Fight for Equity

If all 7 billion people on Earth consumed the amount of resources as the average American, it would be as if the planet were shared with 72 billion people.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Food, Earth, and Sustainability and chat with two organic farmers who opened their own grocery store.

Photo – By Matthias Ripp via Flickr Creative Commons: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/J4xXyd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/p/J4xXyd</a>.   

Story –

<ul>
<li>
The Downtown Farm Stand: Muncie’s Green Grocery\
Dave &amp; Sara Ring’s story as told to Becca Foerder &amp; Bryn Marlow from Facing Sustainability in East Central Indiana
</li>
</ul>

Music –

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Good_Old_Neon/Radiant_City_Sample-free_Version/06_Outside_the_Walls" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Outside the Walls" by Good Old Neon</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0)</a> license. \
From the Free Music Archive. </li>
</ul>

If all 7 billion people on Earth consumed the amount of resources as the average American, it would be as if the planet were shared with 72 billion people.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they discuss Food, Earth, and Sustainability and chat with two organic farmers who opened their own grocery store.
Photo – By Matthias Ripp via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/J4xXyd.   
Story –
The Downtown Farm Stand: Muncie’s Green Grocery\
Dave & Sara Ring’s story as told to Becca Foerder & Bryn Marlow from Facing Sustainability in East Central Indiana



Music –
"Outside the Walls" by Good Old Neon\
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license. \
From the Free Music Archive.

If all 7 billion people on Earth consumed the amount of resources as the average American, it would be as if the planet were shared with 72 billion people.

S03 E03 - Food, Earth, & Sustainability

2020 is the year that never was, but also the year that had it all: fires, floods, protests, murder hornets—a pandemic! With so much unrest and concern about the future, it’s easy to overlook the good that’s happened in the world.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they take a look back at 2020 and share their favorite stories from everyday people who provide inspiration despite their present-day circumstances.

Photo – By <a href="https://flic.kr/p/2jLi8rU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marco Verch</a> via Flickr Creative Commons.

2020 is the year that never was, but also the year that had it all: fires, floods, protests, murder hornets—a pandemic! With so much unrest and concern about the future, it’s easy to overlook the good that’s happened in the world.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they take a look back at 2020 and share their favorite stories from everyday people who provide inspiration despite their present-day circumstances.
Photo – By Marco Verch via Flickr Creative Commons.

Stories from everyday people who provide inspiration despite their present-day circumstances.

S03 E02 - The Best of 2020

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Facing Project coming very soon, but until then, here is a special holiday gift from our home station.

Indiana Public Radio aired a live re-enactment of Orson Welles' famous "War of the Worlds" broadcast on the show's 70th anniversary in 2008. The IPR radio drama has since become an annual holiday tradition at Ball State University, growing over the years as a unique collaboration among community members, Ball State faculty, and Ball State students. "Comfort and Joy, An IPR Radio Drama Retrospective" reveals the process of creating this local holiday tradition and explores why storytelling in this format - "theater of the mind" - has found such an enthusiastic audience in today's fast-paced world.

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Facing Project coming very soon, but until then, here is a special holiday gift from our home station.
Indiana Public Radio aired a live re-enactment of Orson Welles' famous "War of the Worlds" broadcast on the show's 70th anniversary in 2008. The IPR radio drama has since become an annual holiday tradition at Ball State University, growing over the years as a unique collaboration among community members, Ball State faculty, and Ball State students. "Comfort and Joy, An IPR Radio Drama Retrospective" reveals the process of creating this local holiday tradition and explores why storytelling in this format - "theater of the mind" - has found such an enthusiastic audience in today's fast-paced world.

A gift from IPR that takes a look behind the process of creating this local holiday tradition. 

Presenting "Comfort and Joy": An IPR Radio Drama Retrospective

Life after the age of 60 . . . for some, they’re living their best lives . . . like, skydiving with friends . . . others are searching for purpose after retirement . . . but it can also be a time of loneliness.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they take call-ins, share stories, and discuss the diversity of Life After 60 . . . the Golden Years.

Photo – By <a href="https://flic.kr/p/FsZUyt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stefan Barna</a>, via Flickr Creative Commons.

Stories –

<ul>
<li>Aloha Shirt Man Reflects Upon His Career 
Michael Brockley’s story performed by Michael Brockley.</li>
<li>Freeing the Survivor 
Lylanne Musselman’s story as told to Jackie Harris. Performed by Lylanne Musselman.</li>
<li>Times to Make a Difference 
Jay Zimmerman’s story as told to Kelsey Timmerman. Performed by Larry Beck.</li>
</ul>

Music – 

<ul>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jacket_Thor/In_our_blisters_EP/Jacket_Thor_-_In_Our_Blisters_EP_-_03_Summer_Sinners" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Summer Sinners" by Jacket Thor</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license</a>.  
From the Free Music Archive. </li>
<li><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Pulse_Emitter/Spiritual_Vistas/03_High_Altitude_Golden_Sunset" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"High Altitude Golden Sunset" by Pulse Emitter</a> 
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license</a>. 
From the Free Music Archive. </li>
</ul>

Life after the age of 60 . . . for some, they’re living their best lives . . . like, skydiving with friends . . . others are searching for purpose after retirement . . . but it can also be a time of loneliness.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they take call-ins, share stories, and discuss the diversity of Life After 60 . . . the Golden Years.
Photo – By Stefan Barna, via Flickr Creative Commons.
Stories –
Aloha Shirt Man Reflects Upon His Career

Freeing the Survivor

Times to Make a Difference

Music – 
"Summer Sinners" by Jacket Thor
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. 


"High Altitude Golden Sunset" by Pulse Emitter
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.

J.R. and Kelsey take call-ins, share stories, and discuss the diversity of life after the age of 60. 

S03 E01 - Life After 60: The Golden Years

The American Dream . . . Fact or fiction? For those who come to the U.S. undocumented as children, the future can seem uncertain. We share the story of Daniel, a DACA recipient whose family fled drug cartels and NAFTA trade wars in search of a better life in Oregon. And we also sit down with Janet Arias-Martinez from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in Washington, D.C.  Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Dreaming in America.

This episode originally broadcast on October 26, 2019.

Stories

<ul>
<li>
In America I Trust \
*Daniel’s story, submitted anonymously through the national Facing Immigration Project.\
Performed by Edgar de Santiago. *</li>
</ul>

Music Used in this Episode

<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Monplaisir/Heat_of_the_Summer/Monplaisir_-_Monplaisir_-_Heat_of_the_Summer_-_04_Stage_1_Level_24" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Stage 1 Level 24" by Monplaisir</a>\
Released under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication</a>\
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

The American Dream . . . Fact or fiction? For those who come to the U.S. undocumented as children, the future can seem uncertain. We share the story of Daniel, a DACA recipient whose family fled drug cartels and NAFTA trade wars in search of a better life in Oregon. And we also sit down with Janet Arias-Martinez from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in Washington, D.C.  Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Dreaming in America.
This episode originally broadcast on October 26, 2019.
Stories
In America I Trust \
*Daniel’s story, submitted anonymously through the national Facing Immigration Project.\
Performed by Edgar de Santiago. *
Music Used in this Episode
"Stage 1 Level 24" by Monplaisir\
Released under CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication\
From the Free Music Archive.

The American Dream . . . Fact or fiction? 

S02 E02 - Dreaming in America (Rebroadcast)

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they take listener call-ins from coast to coast and discuss Alone Together: Stories from a Pandemic.

Past episodes of The Facing Project are available at <a href="https://indianapublicradio.org/thefacingproject" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">indianapublicradio.org/thefacingproject</a>.

Music Used in this Episode

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Solitude_Piano_Atmospherics/Quiet_Drive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Quiet Drive" by Ryan Andersen</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)</a> license.\
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they take listener call-ins from coast to coast and discuss Alone Together: Stories from a Pandemic.
Past episodes of The Facing Project are available at indianapublicradio.org/thefacingproject.
Music Used in this Episode
"Quiet Drive" by Ryan Andersen\
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.\
From the Free Music Archive.

J.R. and Kelsey take listener call-ins from coast to coast.

S02 E12 - Alone Together: Stories from a Pandemic

It’s been one year since a gunman opened fire in Dayton’s Oregon District, killing nine people and injuring 27. It was the 233rd mass shooting of 2019 . . . and one of 107 in the Midwest.

Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they hear from three survivors from that night, and sit down with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley to discuss A Shooting in the Heartland.

Stories 

<ul>
<li>Like the Book of Job 
Dion Green’s story as told to Ria Megnin. Performed by Kasaahn Johnson.</li>
<li>Unwritten Books 
Tom McMurtry’s story as told to Rick Gebhart. Performed by Saul Caplan </li>
<li>Somebody’s Child 
Jason Phillips’s story as told to Whitney Bell. Performed by Chris Hahn.</li>
</ul>

Music Used in this Episode

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_2414/Im_what_youd_be_without_her" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"I'm What You'd Be Without Her" by Doctor Turtle</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)</a> license. \
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

It’s been one year since a gunman opened fire in Dayton’s Oregon District, killing nine people and injuring 27. It was the 233rd mass shooting of 2019 . . . and one of 107 in the Midwest.
Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they hear from three survivors from that night, and sit down with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley to discuss A Shooting in the Heartland.
Stories 
Like the Book of Job

Unwritten Books
 
Somebody’s Child

Music Used in this Episode
"I'm What You'd Be Without Her" by Doctor Turtle\
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. \
From the Free Music Archive.

It’s been one year since a gunman opened fire in Dayton’s Oregon District, killing nine people and injuring 27.

S02 E11 - A Shooting in the Heartland

The killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, and the subsequent protests, have brought to the forefront a renewed conversation on Black lives and the injustices BIPOC folks face each day.

But this time, will there be change?

Join J.R., Kelsey, and special guest WaTasha Barnes Griffin as they discuss Living While Black in the U.S.A.

Stories

<ul>
<li>It Shouldn’t Matter\
WaTasha Barnes Griffin’s story as told to Seth Carrier-Ladd from Facing Racism in Muncie Indiana. \
Performed by Amanda Hummer.</li>
</ul>

Music Used in this Episode

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/J_Blanked_On_This_Beat/Horizon_1091/JBlanked_-_04_-_Been_On" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Been On" by JBlanked</a>\
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License</a>. \
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

The killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, and the subsequent protests, have brought to the forefront a renewed conversation on Black lives and the injustices BIPOC folks face each day.
But this time, will there be change?
Join J.R., Kelsey, and special guest WaTasha Barnes Griffin as they discuss Living While Black in the U.S.A.
Stories
It Shouldn’t Matter\
WaTasha Barnes Griffin’s story as told to Seth Carrier-Ladd from Facing Racism in Muncie Indiana. \
Performed by Amanda Hummer.
Music Used in this Episode
"Been On" by JBlanked\
Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. \
From the Free Music Archive.

This time, will there be change? 

S02 E10 - Living While Black in the U.S.A.

Half of today’s students are the first in their families to attend college. But at a time when college is more expensive than ever, how do these students succeed?

On this show, a first-generation student who works 30 hours a week to support her family while balancing classes shares her experience with us; and we sit down with Mary Henley, Director of Pathways to Academic Student Success at Central Michigan University, and one of the administrators who helped the student on her journey.

Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss First But Never Alone.

Stories

<ul>
<li>47,000 Things\
An anonymous story from Facing College at Central Michigan University.\
Performed by Amanda Hummer.</li>
</ul>

Music Used in This Episode

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Pierce_Murphy/This_Isnt_Magic_It_Is_Just_Music/Pierce_Murphy_-_This_Isnt_Magic_It_Is_Just_Music-_A_Demo_-_09_Rondo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Rondo" by Pierce Murphy</a> \
Released under an <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License</a>.\
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

Half of today’s students are the first in their families to attend college. But at a time when college is more expensive than ever, how do these students succeed?
On this show, a first-generation student who works 30 hours a week to support her family while balancing classes shares her experience with us; and we sit down with Mary Henley, Director of Pathways to Academic Student Success at Central Michigan University, and one of the administrators who helped the student on her journey.
Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss First But Never Alone.
Stories
47,000 Things\
An anonymous story from Facing College at Central Michigan University.\
Performed by Amanda Hummer.
Music Used in This Episode
"Rondo" by Pierce Murphy \
Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.\
From the Free Music Archive.

Half of today’s students are the first in their families to attend college. But at a time when college is more expensive than ever, how do these students succeed? 

S02 E09 - First But Never Alone

Think about your community . . . What’s changed? Was your parents’ childhood different from your own?

And then ask yourself . . . What do you imagine your community will be like in another generation?

On this episode, a man wonders what the future will hold for his small Colorado community; and we sit down with James Fallows, a correspondent from The Atlantic and co-author of Our Towns: A 100,000 Mile Journey into the Heart of America. 

Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Big Changes in Small Towns.

Stories

<ul>
<li>The Evolution of a Small Agricultural Town\
An anonymous story as told to Adam Swanson from Facing Change in Northern Colorado. \
Performed by Carl Frost.</li>
</ul>

Music Used in This Episode

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Snake_Oil_Salesmen/Snake_Oil_Salesmen/Snake_Oil_Salesmen_-_Snake_Oil_Salesmen_-_08_Beat_Poets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Beat Poets" by Snake Oil Salesmen</a>\
Released under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License</a>.\
From the Free Music Archive. </li>
</ul>

Think about your community . . . What’s changed? Was your parents’ childhood different from your own?
And then ask yourself . . . What do you imagine your community will be like in another generation?
On this episode, a man wonders what the future will hold for his small Colorado community; and we sit down with James Fallows, a correspondent from The Atlantic and co-author of Our Towns: A 100,000 Mile Journey into the Heart of America. 
Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Big Changes in Small Towns.
Stories
The Evolution of a Small Agricultural Town\
An anonymous story as told to Adam Swanson from Facing Change in Northern Colorado. \
Performed by Carl Frost.
Music Used in This Episode
"Beat Poets" by Snake Oil Salesmen\
Released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.\
From the Free Music Archive.

What do you imagine your community will be like in another generation?

S02 E08 - Big Changes in Small Towns

Mr. Rogers said, “Even though no human being is perfect, we always have the chance to bring what’s unique about us to life . . . in a redeeming way.” But for some that’s easier said than done.

On this show, a woman’s search for perfectionism leads to a battle with anorexia; and we sit down with Claire Mysko, the CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association and author of You're Amazing!: A No-Pressure Guide to Being Your Best Self.

Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Dying to be Perfect.

Stories

<ul>
<li>*More Than a Vase\
ReNae’s story as told to Alyssa Witbeck from Facing Depression in Cache Valley, Utah. Performed by Melinda. *</li>
</ul>

Music Used in This Episode

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kai_Engel/Rain_Catcher/03_-_Smiles_Throughout_the_Sky" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Smiles Throughout the Sky" by Kai Engel</a>\
Released under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License</a>. \
From the Free Music Archive.</li>
</ul>

Mr. Rogers said, “Even though no human being is perfect, we always have the chance to bring what’s unique about us to life . . . in a redeeming way.” But for some that’s easier said than done.
On this show, a woman’s search for perfectionism leads to a battle with anorexia; and we sit down with Claire Mysko, the CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association and author of You're Amazing!: A No-Pressure Guide to Being Your Best Self.
Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Dying to be Perfect.
Stories
*More Than a Vase\
ReNae’s story as told to Alyssa Witbeck from Facing Depression in Cache Valley, Utah. Performed by Melinda. *
Music Used in This Episode
"Smiles Throughout the Sky" by Kai Engel\
Released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License. \
From the Free Music Archive.