The Facing Project

The Heart Folds Early

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 04:30:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison is joined by author and educator Jill Christman to discuss her new memoir, The Heart Folds Early, a story of transformation through tragedy, and an examination of the ways in which great loss can make us simultaneously fearful and intrepid.

Emerging from a childhood that included both devastating sexual abuse and the sustaining joy of being deeply (if imperfectly) loved, Jill Christman’s sights were set on building and protecting her own happy family—until her fiancé was killed in a car accident. In The Heart Folds Early, Christman examines the mournful recklessness of the young widow she was against the backdrop of her later marriage and new motherhood, including the choice to end a half-term pregnancy when a routine ultrasound revealed her baby boy had just half a heart.

Courageous, clear-eyed, tender, and unexpectedly funny, Christman reflects on her life and asks: What happens when we’re afraid the worst thing will happen and then, sometimes, it does? And how do we carry life and death in our bodies and survive with our hearts intact?

Black Bear: Grief and Peaceful Coexistence in a Divided World with Author and Environmental Journalist Trina Moyles

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison is joined by Trina Moyles to explore the fragility of our relationships with human and nonhuman species alike, and the imperative to protect the wild—along with the people we hold closest—through her new memoir, Black Bear.

After years of working for human rights organizations, Trina Moyles returned to northern Alberta for a job as a fire tower lookout, while her brother Brendan worked in the oil sands, vulnerable to a boom-and-bust economy and substance addiction. When she was assigned to a tower in a wildlife corridor, bears were alarmingly visible and plentiful, wandering meters away on the other side of an electrified fence surrounding the tower. Over four summers, Trina begins to move beyond fear and observe the extraordinary essence of the maligned black bear—a keystone species who is as subject to the environmental consequences of the oil economy as humans. At the same time, she searches for common ground with Brendan on the land that bonded them.

Always Carry Salt, with Author, Playwright, and Journalist Samantha Ellis

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 05:30:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison sits down with Samantha Ellis to journey through time, language, and cultural connectivity as the two explore her new memoir, Always Carry Salt.

The daughter of Iraqi Jewish refugees, Samantha grew up surrounded by the noisy, vivid, hot sounds of Judeo-Iraqi Arabic; a language that’s on the verge of extinction. Now, raising her own family, she questions how to pass on this heritage without passing on the trauma of displacement. Always Carry Salt is a life-affirming tale of resilience and repair, the healing power of our ancestor's music, stories, and recipes, and a moving meditation on the words and traditions that shape us.

Talking Story with Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner Malia Chun

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Guest host Kelsey Timmerman “talks story” with Kaua’i educator and cultural practitioner Malia Chun. Together they explore how Hawaiian stories carry genealogy, belonging, environmental knowledge, and resistance—and why reconnecting with our own roots shapes how we move through the world. Malia invites listeners to reflect on their ancestors, their land, and what it means to be a good ancestor today.

Stone Lands: A Journey of Darkness and Light

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison is joined by writer and editor Fiona Robertson, whose latest memoir of grief, hope, and love explores Britain’s standing stones and the solace of their offerings in times of darkness, and lessons learned on endurance, survival, joy, and the luminous reminder of what it means to exist on this earth.

Facing (In)Justice in Health

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison explores the everyday impacts of injustice in health through the stories of those on the frontlines in Baltimore, Maryland, touching on barriers to care in Black, Brown, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities; challenges with mental health and housing; and the influence of identity, community, and culture on wellbeing.

Later, J.R. is joined by the Facing (In)Justice in Health project organizers Mindi B. Levin and Dr. Stéphie Dulièpre, along with Dr. David Fakunle, the founder and CEO of DiscoverME/RecoverME, an organization that utilizes the African oral tradition to empower use of storytelling for healing and growth.

Photo credit: Dr. David Fakunle

Exploring Love, Longing, Loss, and Home with Singer-Songwriter Cliff Ritchey

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Kelsey Timmerman is joined by singer-songwriter Cliff Ritchey to discuss his new album, The Long Haul, and the stories behind his music that have been inspired by global travels and the simple country life of Markleville, Indiana—where gravel roads, sunsets, and stillness seep into his melodies of home.

Photo credits: Kelsey Timmerman for Patagonia Books.

A Place Called Home with Award-winning Author David Ambroz

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison is joined by David Ambroz to discuss his memoir, A Place Called Home, a story about growing up homeless in New York, Ambroz’s subsequent years in foster care, and eventually becoming an attorney with a vision to change the laws that affect children in poverty. Hillary Rodham Clinton praised A Place Called Home “[as a book that will] redouble your efforts to fight the systems of poverty that have plagued America for too long.”

Photo credits: David Ambroz (by Austin Hargrave)

Healing Earth and Growing the Future with Author Kelsey Timmerman and Regenerative Farmer Chris Baggot

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison is joined by former co-host Kelsey Timmerman to discuss his latest book, Regenerating Earth: Farmers Working with Nature to Feed Our Future, and later Kelsey sits down with an Indiana farmer to explore how he’s working to build a local food system while healing the land through regenerative farming practices.

Music in this episode -

"I Leaned My Back Against an Oak (after The Water is Wide)" by Axletree
Licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.
From the Free Music Archive.

Facing Aging — 24 Stories on Life and Living in the Golden Years

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 31 May 2025 04:00:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison explores aging through the stories of those aged 60 to 95 who look back at their careers and accomplishments, and discuss times of war and peace; strength and bravery; struggle and tenacity; and the secrets to life and living in the golden years.

Special guests: Molly Flodder, editor of Life After 60: The Golden Years?, and Dr. Jacquelyn Frank, a leading gerontologist and anthropologist whose research focuses on aging in place.

Facing Recovery — 17 Stories of Survival

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison explores the diverse definition of recovery through the lens of a recent book project, Facing Recovery, a collection of 17 first-person narratives that captures the wide spectrum of what recovery means and that, contrary to popular belief, it’s not just tied to addiction. Special guests: Dr. Kathryn Ludwig, assistant teaching professor of English at Ball State University and editor of Facing Recovery, Bridgett Nesbitt and Hayden Gorham, two writers on the project, and Abby Gluvna, program manager for Recovery Café Muncie.

Morally Straight: How the Fight for LGBTQ Inclusion Changed the Boy Scouts—and America

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison is joined by journalist Mike De Socio, an Eagle Scout and adult volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, whose new book dives into the history of the Scouts, exploring its tangled past with inclusion beginning in the 1970s, all the way through landmark policy changes in the mid-20teens that opened up Scouting for all.

Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQIA+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison is joined by Colonel Bree Fram and Dr. Liz Cavallaro, whose latest book examines the experiences of 100 LGBTQIA+ leaders in business, academia, nonprofit, entertainment, and government and how crucible moments, such as coming out and code switching, have prepared them to be better leaders. The trio also discuss how organizations can create safer and more welcoming work environments.

Big Red’s Mercy: The Shooting of Deborah Cotton and a Story of Race in America

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0000

J.R. Jamison is joined by journalist Mark Hertsgaard, whose latest book unpacks the histories of segregation, violence, and systematic oppression toward Black Americans through the lens of the largest mass shooting in New Orleans’ history that ultimately led to his friendship with Deborah Cotton and a lesson on empathy.

Telling Own-Voices Stories with Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0000

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with Vietnamese poet and novelist Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai—author of the international bestsellers The Mountains Sing and Dust Child–to talk about writing the American and Viet Nam war from Vietnamese perspectives and how volunteering for international peace organizations has influenced how she tells stories.

Photo Credit – Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, photo provided.

This Dreamscape® Recording from the book, The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is text copyright ©2020 by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai. Published by arrangement with Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, a division of Workman Publishing Company, Inc., New York. Sound copyright ℗2020 by Dreamscape Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Dreamscape® Media, LLC. www.dreamscapepublishing.com.

Love in the Time of Fentanyl

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0000

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with filmmaker Colin Askey, who directed the PBS documentary Love in the Time of Fentanyl, and the two are joined by Sarah Blyth and Trey Helten from the Overdose Prevention Society, the harm reduction organization featured in the film that brings people in from the streets and saves lives by providing a safe and welcoming place to use drugs.

Photo Credit – Colin Askey, photo provided.

Radical Love and Empathy with Author and Activist Sara Sharpe

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with author, actor, and activist Sara Sharpe to talk about radical love and empathy, and the organization she founded called The Letters Project, a bridge-building organization that provides space for an ongoing series of love letters from her—a liberal, left-leaning woman—to a conservative, right-leaning friend.

Photo Credit – Sara Sharpe, photo provided.

Unplugging Your Life with Author and Filmmaker Julio Vincent Gambuto

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with Julio Vincent Gambuto—author of Please Unsubscribe, Thanks!, a book about taking back our time, attention, and purpose in a post-pandemic world. The two explore Julio’s feature film, Team Marco, that follows the life of a boy who’s always plugged in until his grandpa makes him play outside.

Photo Credit – Julio Vincent Gambuto, photo provided.

Filmmaker and Journalist Ursula Liang

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with FRONTLINE filmmaker, producer, and journalist Ursula Liang to talk about her latest film Two Strikes, a documentary short that follows the two strikes law in Florida that put a former West Point cadet struggling with PTSD and alcoholism in prison for life without the possibility of parole. The two also explore how to tell authentic stories through print and film.

Photo Credit – Ursula Liang, photo provided.

Chapters –

[00:00] Introduction

[01:00] Filmmaker and Journalist Ursula Liang

Writing Unexpected Plot Lines and Finding Community with Award-winning Author Samantha Allen

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with GLAAD award-winning journalist Samantha Allen—author of Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States, and the novels Patricia Wants to Cuddle and the forthcoming Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet.

Photo Credit – Samantha Allen, photo provided.

[00:00] Introduction

[01:00] Writing Unexpected Plot Lines and Finding Community with Award-winning Author Samantha Allen

Living and Leading Authentically with Business Executive and Author Jim Fielding

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 25 May 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Host J.R. Jamison sits down with Jim Fielding, a C-suite executive who spent 30 years leading some of the world’s most beloved media and retail brands, including The Gap, Disney, Claire’s, DreamWorks, and 20th Century Fox. Jim’s latest book, All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive’s Journey to Living and Leading Authentically, was released last year, and in their conversation the two explore lessons on empathy and cracking the rainbow ceiling.

Photo Credit – Jim Fielding, photo provided.

[00:00] Introduction

[01:00] J.R. and Jim Fielding on Living and Leading Authentically

Lessons on the Road to Peace with John Noltner

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0000

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.

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

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0000

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.

Telling Authentic Stories with Author Leah Johnson

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0000

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.

The Abortion Talks

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0000

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.

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

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 09:28:06 -0000

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.

The Psychology of Forgiveness (Rebroadcast)

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 15:34:09 -0000

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
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.
What I Know About Me
An anonymous story as told to Bev Nye from 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.

Growing Food, Community, & Vibes in an Urban Food Desert

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 07:33:33 -0000

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.

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

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 08:58:41 -0000

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.

A Place to Call Home

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 09:28:17 -0000

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.

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

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:08:00 -0000

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.

Searching for Peace on a Divided Island

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 05:30:48 -0000

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.

More Than My Illness (Rebroadcast)

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 27 May 2023 18:59:41 -0000

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
Bailie Sage’s story as told to Jon Toronto from Facing Depression in Cache Valley, Utah. Performed by Amy Leffingwell.
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.

Music used in this episode –

"spring_thaw" by The Green Kingdom
Released under an Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) license.
From the Free Music Archive.
There Is Always A Reason" by Borrtex
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.
From the Free Music Archive.

Reclaiming the Disabled Narrative (Rebroadcast)

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 10:06:14 -0000

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 –

"HOEDOWN" by Jason Shaw
Released under an Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) License.
From the Free Music Archive.

"The Woods (Remastered)" by Axletree
Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.
From the Free Music Archive.

"Gourd Hunting" by Jesse Spillane
Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.
From the Free Music Archive.

The Empathy Effect

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:30:00 -0000

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 & 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 –
• "my bloody beating heart" by kitchenromance. Licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

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

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

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 08:30:00 -0000

Photo Credit – Meridian Hill Pictures (used with permission)

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

When Jealousy Strikes

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 08:30:00 -0000

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.

Food for Thought

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 08:30:00 -0000

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.

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

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 13:23:11 -0000

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.

The Science of Grief

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 08:30:00 -0000

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.

Beyond the Binary (Rebroadcast)

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 13:38:08 -0000

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
Shea Hollis Beal’s story as told to Cory Ross from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Patrick Oneal
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
Awake
Pastor Avery Sledge’s story as told to Kailey Mau from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Charlize Jamieson

Music –

"The Dweller on Coyote Hill" by Little Glass Men
Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.
From the Free Music Archive.
"You Are a Child" by State Shirt
Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license.
From the Free Music Archive.

The Psychology of Forgiveness

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 09:44:40 -0000

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?

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: 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.
• What I Know About Me: An anonymous story as told to Bev Nye from Facing Poverty in McPherson, Kansas. Performed by Tiffany Erk.

Athletes & Activism (Rebroadcast)

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 09:42:27 -0000

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
Jessie Bates III’s story as told to Mitchell Carter from Facing Social Justice in Sports
Untitled
Trey Moses’s story as told to Thomas Deckard from 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.

Life With Cancer

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 06:09:41 -0000

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: Dr. Michael Williamson’s story as told to Dagny Zupin from Facing Cancer in East Central Indiana. Performed by Carl Frost.
• 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.
• 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.

Stopping the Cycle of Addiction

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 08:38:10 -0000

J.R. Jamison shares the stories of three women 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: Robin’s story, as told to Missy Reid from Facing Addiction in Knox County, Kentucky. Performed by Melinda.
• Abuse Is No Secret: Susan’s story, as told to Sarah Wilder from Facing Addiction in Knox County, Kentucky. Performed by Amanda Hummer.
• Love Is Greater Than Anger: Debbie’s story, as told to Melinda Hornback from Facing Addiction in Knox County, Kentucky. Performed by Tiffany Erk.

Music used in this episode –
• "Like Life" by Hello Keller. Released under an Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) License. From the Free Music Archive.
• "A Moment" by Scott Gratton. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

Autism in Adulthood (Rebroadcast)

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 28 May 2022 09:05:05 -0000

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
Kyle Reninger’s story as told to Jason Newman from Facing Autism in Adulthood
This is My Son
Belinda Hughes’s story as told to Ivy Farguheson from 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.

Reclaiming the Disabled Narrative

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 09:09:25 -0000

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 –
• "HOEDOWN" by Jason Shaw. Released under an Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) License. From the Free Music Archive.
• "The Woods (Remastered)" by Axletree. Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.
• "Gourd Hunting" by Jesse Spillane. Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

More Than My Illness

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 09:21:59 -0000

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.

Photo – Via Flickr Creative Commons by Seth Jackson: https://flic.kr/p/TrtEhh.

Stories included in this episode –
• 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.
• 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.

Music used in this episode –
• "spring_thaw" by The Green Kingdom. Released under an Attribution 3.0 United States (CC BY 3.0 US) license. From the Free Music Archive.
• There Is Always A Reason" by Borrtex. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.

Teachers are Heroes

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 12:27:32 -0000

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.

Photo – Via Flickr Creative Commons by Phil Roeder: https://flic.kr/p/2kf6XeR.

Stories included in this episode –

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

A Shooting in the Heartland (Rebroadcast)

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 08:32:45 -0000

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
Dion Green’s story as told to Ria Megnin. Performed by Kasaahn Johnson.
Unwritten Books
Tom McMurtry’s story as told to Rick Gebhart. Performed by Saul Caplan
Somebody’s Child
Jason Phillips’s story as told to Whitney Bell. Performed by Chris Hahn.

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.

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

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 05:59:15 -0000

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.

Life After Prison

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 18:56:43 -0000

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.

Photo – Via Flickr Creative Commons by Michael Scott at Felons Get Hired.

Stories included in this episode –
• 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.
• 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.

Music used in this episode –
• "The Collector" by Broke For Free. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.
• "I Will Wait For You" by Scott Gratton. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.

Afghanistan, My Neighbor

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 20:02:26 -0000

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.

Photo – Via Flickr Creative Commons by Afghanistan Matters.

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.

Beyond the Binary

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 18:57:10 -0000

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.

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

Stories –
• Superman: Shea Hollis Beal’s story as told to Cory Ross from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Patrick Oneal.
• 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.
• Awake: Pastor Avery Sledge’s story as told to Kailey Mau from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio, performed by Charlize Jamieson.

Music –
• "The Dweller on Coyote Hill" by Little Glass Men. Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.
• "You Are a Child" by State Shirt. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.

Big Changes in Small Towns (Rebroadcast)

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 19:00:34 -0000

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.

Covert Racism

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 19:02:52 -0000

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.

Photo – By Pug50 via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/914nNU.

Stories –
• The Question Mark: Dr. Maria Williams-Hawkins’s story as told to Lizz Alezetes from Facing Racism in Muncie, performed by Chandra Ford.
• 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.
• 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.

Music –
• "Anti-Exposed Video" by Captive Portal. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.
• "Candy Moon Mandala" by Dave Keifer. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.

The Invisible Poor

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:36:31 -0000

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.

Photo – By 7C0 via Flickr Creative Commons.

Stories –
• 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.
• Questioning Homelessness: “James’s” story as told to Matt Pulford from Facing Hope in Rome, Georgia, performed by Curtis Mardis.

Music –
• "Foolin'" by Nangdo. Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.
• "something" by airtone. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.

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

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 15:35:25 -0000

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.

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. Released under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.
• "Hymn for the 81%" by Daniel Deitrich. Used by special permission from the artist.

Athletes & Activism

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 29 May 2021 19:00:00 -0000

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

Photo – By Ron Cogswell via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/DH81JN.

Stories –
• Momma’s Boy: Jessie Bates III’s story as told to Mitchell Carter from Facing Social Justice in Sports.
• Untitled: Trey Moses’s story as told to Thomas Deckard from 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.

Hillbilly Queer

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 18:22:29 -0000

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.

Cover Art – By Shantanu Suman and Emma Fulkerson (inspired by photography from Brock Williamson)

Autism in Adulthood

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 19:29:15 -0000

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

Photo – By Jesper Sehested Pluslexia via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/EHKB5v.

Stories –
• 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.
• This is My Son. Belinda Hughes’s story as told to Ivy Farguheson from 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.

Race, Tech, & the Fight for Equity

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 17:35:54 -0000

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.

Photo – By Michael Himbeault via Flickr Creative Commons.

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.

Food, Earth, & Sustainability

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:35:19 -0000

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.

The Best of 2020

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0000

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.

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

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 01:00:00 -0000

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.

Life After 60: The Golden Years

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 08:45:32 -0000

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: Michael Brockley’s story performed by Michael Brockley.
• Freeing the Survivor: Lylanne Musselman’s story as told to Jackie Harris. Performed by Lylanne Musselman.
• Times to Make a Difference: Jay Zimmerman’s story as told to Kelsey Timmerman. Performed by Larry Beck.

Music –
• "Summer Sinners" by Jacket Thor. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.
• "High Altitude Golden Sunset" by Pulse Emitter. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.

Dreaming in America (Rebroadcast)

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 16:00:01 -0000

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.

Alone Together: Stories from a Pandemic

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 19:00:00 -0000

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.

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.

A Shooting in the Heartland

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 15:34:11 -0000

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: Dion Green’s story as told to Ria Megnin. Performed by Kasaahn Johnson.
• Unwritten Books: Tom McMurtry’s story as told to Rick Gebhart. Performed by Saul Caplan.
• Somebody’s Child: Jason Phillips’s story as told to Whitney Bell. Performed by Chris Hahn.

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.

Living While Black in the U.S.A.

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0000

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.

First But Never Alone

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 May 2020 15:27:39 -0000

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.

Big Changes in Small Towns

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 09:21:32 -0000

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?

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.

Dying to be Perfect

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 16:00:00 -0000

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.

Faith, Identity, and Life-Changing Chance Encounters

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 17:00:00 -0000

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.

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.

Living to Work and Working to Live

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0000

Imagine that you have a sudden illness and your entire life changes. What would happen with your job?

On this episode, we hear a story mash up from Des Moines, Iowa: one told from the perspective of an employee whose son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, and the other from her supervisor who became one of her biggest supporters.

We also sit down with Miriam Lewis, the chief diversity and inclusion officer for Principal Financial.

Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Living to Work and Working to Live.

Stories
• This Disease Will Not Define Us: Jaci Strube’s story as told to Brandy Sexton from Beyond Face Value: A Facing Project by Principal Financial. Performed by Chandra Ford.
• Showing My Support: Sean Dowling’s story as told to Allie Windergerst from Beyond Face Value: A Facing Project by Principal Financial. Performed by Larry Beck.

Music Used in This Episode
• "Split Even" by Drake Stafford. Released under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

Life Without A Home

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 17:00:00 -0000

More than half a million Americans experience homelessness each night. On this episode of The Facing Project we hear from a man in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who shares his life not as a homeless person . . . but as someone who happens to live. . . outside. We also sit down with Lauren Knill of The Empowerment Plan, an organization that breaks the cycle of homelessness through employment.

Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Life Without A Home.

Stories
• Outside Living: James’s story as told to Danee Pye from Facing Homelessness in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Performed by Michael Brockley.

Music Used in This Episode
• "Friends and Apples" by Alpha Hydrae. Released under CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication. From the Free Music Archive.

Presenting "Christmas Gifts": IPR's Live Radio Drama

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 20:05:02 -0000

As a special treat for the holidays, we're proud to bring you our home station’s production of "Christmas Gifts”, Indiana Public Radio’s live radio drama broadcast on Friday, Dec. 13, live from Sursa Performance Hall.

Matthew Reeder directs a cast of local talent in a live performance of this story adapted by David Little. "Christmas Gifts" brings two O. Henry stories to life. "Gift of the Magi" and "The Last Leaf" are intertwined to tell a holiday story that spans generations and recreates the magic of old-time live radio programs with community actors, musicians, and foley sound effects.

Police and Community Relations

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 05:02:03 -0000

How do you view the police in your community? Positively? Negatively, or somewhere in between? Your perspective probably depends on who you are and where you live. We share the story of a police officer in Indiana who recounts his experience as a black officer working in a predominantly black community. And we also sit down with Dr. Kiesha Warren-Gordon, an associate professor of criminal justice and criminology at Ball State University.

Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Police and Community Relations.

Stories
• The Other Side of the Bar: The Voices That Aren’t Heard: An anonymous story as told to Jakhari Wilbert & Elizabeth Beatrice from Facing Community Policing in Delaware County, Indiana. Performed by Chris Mack.

Music Used in This Episode
• "De l'herbe sous les pieds" by Komiku. Released under CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication. From the Free Music Archive.

Dreaming in America

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 07:28:45 -0000

Join J.R. and Kelsey as they discuss Dreaming in America.

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.

New Beginnings

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 17:35:31 -0000

They say girls shouldn’t go to school. And by they, we mean Boko Haram. We share the story of Serena, a Nigerian student whose family fled the terror group and settled down in Flint, Michigan, during the water crisis. Now, she studies pre-med in Houston. Join J.R. and Kelsey as they explore new beginnings.

Stories
• They Say Girls Shouldn’t Go To School: Serena’s story as told to Rylee Fritsch from The Facing Project at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. Performed by Sasha Donati.

Music Used in this Episode
• "Dog Soldier Stand Down" by Aglow Hollow Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.

The End is a New Beginning

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 05:01:57 -0000

An Indiana man facing the end of his life reflects on the legacy he’ll leave behind, and an individual in Texas who lost the love of their life starts over in a new community in Indiana.

Join us as J.R. and Kelsey reflect on Season 1 and explore the adage: When one door closes, another always opens.

Stories
• Times to Make a Difference: Jay Zimmerman’s story as told to Kelsey Timmerman from “A Midsummer Night’s Narrative: Stories of Unity in Delaware County, Indiana. A Facing Project Storytelling Festival.” Performed by Larry Beck.
• A Shift in Perspective . . . And Ryan Reynolds: Dallas Sanford’s story as told to Jessika Griffin from “Facing LGBTQ+ Pride,” a Facing Project in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by David Welty.

Music Used in this Episode
• "sense of wonder" by fwimmygoat Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.
• "Being" by Ryan Anderson Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) licence. From the Free Music Archive.
• "New Dawn" by David Hilowitz Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) licence. From the Free Music Archive.

Stories that Inspire Action

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 06:11:11 -0000

A Georgia woman who was sex trafficked as a teenager shares her story and inspires a kiosk to educate air travelers in the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and a woman in Kansas who struggled to feed her children influences the development of an on-campus food pantry

Join us as J.R. and Kelsey discuss Facing Project stories that have created tangible change in communities.

Stories
• Daddy’s Little Girl: Casey’s story as told to Yewande Austin from “Facing Sex Trafficking: Atlanta’s Dirty Little Secret.” Performed by Yewande Austin.
• The Story of a Mother: An Anonymous Story as told to Autumn Snesrud from “Facing Hunger in Manhattan, Kansas,” a Facing Project organized by Kansas State University. Performed by Chandra Ford.

Music used in this episode
• "Soundboy" by 4bstr4ck3r Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

The Depths of Addiction

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 05:00:57 -0000

An Indiana man gives an honest response to what life is like living in the throes of addiction, and a woman in Wisconsin changes her life through recovery to be a role model for her kids.

Join us as J.R. and Kelsey discuss the impacts of addiction with a personal revelation for listeners.

Stories
• Artificial Happiness: Devin Thorp’s Story as told to Samantha Mattlin from “Facing Addiction in East Central Indiana.” Performed by Carl Frost.
• Breaking Cycles: An anonymous story as told to Cara W. and Jessica T. from “Behind the Faces of Criminal Justice in Chippewa Valley, Wisconsin: A Facing Project.” Performed by Laura Williamson.

Music used in this episode
• "The Decision" by Loyalty Freak Music Released under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication. From the Free Music Archive.
• "Sediment, Part 3: PIANO 3" by nordbeck Released under an Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) License. From the Internet Archive.
• "Effemeah Weeps" by Uncan Released under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.From the Free Music Archive.

Life After the Bomb

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 20 May 2019 05:00:37 -0000

A woman forced from her home as a child by nuclear testing in the Bikini Islands reflects on the aftermath of that fateful day, and an Indiana man whose life changed shortly after he tucked his kids in for the night finds peace through the darkest hours.

Join us as J.R. and Kelsey explore what happens when life changes in an instant.

Stories
• When the Bomb Went Off: Mary’s story as told to Anna Kelley from “Facing Diversity—Marshallese Stories, a Facing Project in Dubuque, Iowa.” Performed by Debby Girtman.
• The Worst and Best Days of My Life: Brad Daugherty’s story as told to Ruthie Shellabarger from “A Midsummer Night’s Narrative: Stories of Unity in Delaware County, Indiana. A Facing Project Storytelling Festival.” Performed by Bill Inman.

Music used in this episode
• "Il y a un bout de ciel bleu" by Monplaisir Released under CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication. From the Free Music Archive.
• "Fire Tree" by Axletree Released under Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

Empathy & Proximity

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 05:00:37 -0000

A mother in Indiana asks others to see her daughter with autism for who she is, and a man who comes out of the closet later in life stands up for himself—and ultimately others—in a small Ohio community.

Join us as J.R. and Kelsey discuss if ignorance is bliss or if awareness is the key to happiness.

Stories
• Ask: A mom asks people to see her daughter with autism for who she is. Dana William’s story as told to Clarissa Bowers from “Facing Autism in Muncie, Indiana.” Performed by Melinda Messineo.
• Stand Up: A man who comes out of the closet later in life stands up for himself . . . and ultimately . . . for others. Bob Carr’s story as told to Meaghan Summers from “Facing Intolerance at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.” Performed by Larry Beck.

Music used in this episode
• "The Ants Built A City On His Chest" by Doctor Turtle. Licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

Walk in My Shoes

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 06:00:24 -0000

An Indiana man with autism gives a peek inside of his mind and explores a friendship that helped him discover nothing is too difficult to overcome, and a college student in North Carolina decides that self- love is more important than letting other people define her worth.

Join J.R. and Kelsey for a reflection on alone time and finding the space for self-acceptance.

Stories
• Chasing the Sunset: A man with autism and bi-polar disorder gives a peek inside of his mind and explores a friendship that helped him discover that no challenge in life is too difficult to overcome. Shannon Brown’s story as told to Jamie Reese from “Facing Disabilities in East Central Indiana.” Performed by Brian Meekin.
• Breaking a Mold that Shouldn’t Exist: A college student decides that self-love is more important than letting other people define her worth. Elizabeth’s story as told to Morgan McGrath from “Facing Perfection at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina.” Performed by Angie Rogers-Howell.

Music used in this episode
• "Warm" by Cambo. Licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.
• "Finger Cut" by Vernon Lenoir. Licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

Finding Strength in Your Story

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 05:01:34 -0000

A gay teen who was kicked out of his home and forced into sex trafficking writes a letter to his parents, and a teen survivor of dating violence shares early warning signs from her own experiences.

Join J.R. and Kelsey as the talk about how painful stories are often the ones that provide a sense of strength.

Stories
• Dear Mom & Dad: An Anonymous Story as told to Jeff Perri from Facing Sex Trafficking in Atlanta, Georgia. Performed by Drew Vidal.
• You’re Not Alone: Annie’s Story as told to Carli Scalf from Safety in Love in Muncie: A Facing Project. Performed by Kristie Inman.

Music used in this episode
• "Mr Brown is Outta Town" by Hammer of Hathor. Licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.
• "Cloud Launching" by Little Glass Men. Licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

The Legacy of Stories

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 05:01:26 -0000

A grandmother in Ohio pens a letter to her infant granddaughter sharing the history and promises of their tight-nit Black neighborhood, while a son in Colorado begins to appreciate his late-father’s paintings during a trip to his alma mater. Also in this episode, we unveil an easy way to engage with The Facing Project and how to get your story featured on this show.

Stories
• My Grandbaby: Linda Woods’s Story from Neighborhood Narratives in Dayton, Ohio: A Facing Project. Performed by Chandra Ford.
• Remembrance of a Legacy: An Anonymous Story as told to Tessa Smith from Facing Change: Exploring Community in Northern Colorado—A Facing Project. Performed by Bill Inman.

Music used in this episode
• “If You Won’t Choose Me” by Pierce Murphy. Licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.
• “Bethena (A Concert Waltz)” by Scott Joplin. Performed by Tom Pascale. Music in the Public Domain. Recording released for non-profit use from the Piano Society project.
• “Windswept” by Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under an Attribution 3.0 International (CC BY 3.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

Connecting Across Difference

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 05:01:54 -0000

J.R. and Kelsey explore connecting across difference in a world divided.

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.
• Hearts & Homes: Katie Flesch’s Story as told to Kate DeVantier from Facing Intolerance in Springfield, Ohio. Performed by Laura Williamson.

Music used in this episode
• “my bloody beating heart” by kitchenromance. Licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.
• “Bufflehead” by Chad Crouch. Licensed under an Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 International License. From the Free Music Archive.

Giving Thanks

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 05:01:09 -0000

Hosts J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman discuss lessons on gratitude learned from past stories they’ve told, and stories they’ve helped to tell.

Stories
• A Brothership Memoir: Kelsey Timmerman’s Story as told to Michael Brockley from Mentoring in Muncie–A Facing Project. Performed by Akil Thompson.
• Inextinguishable, Wholly: Pat’s Story as told to J.R. Jamison from Facing Poverty in Delaware County, Indiana. Performed by Debby Girtman.

Music used in this episode
• “Summer Pride” by Loyalty Freak Music. Released to the Public Domain. From the Free Music Archive.
• “I Leaned My Back Against an Oak (after The Water is Wide)” by Axletree. Licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. From the Free Music Archive.

Seeing Yourself Reflected in the World

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 21:37:48 -0000

An undocumented “dreamer” in Los Angeles works up the courage to apply for college, while a college-bound wheelchair user in Ohio wants others to see that she’s more than her chair.

Join J.R. and Kelsey as they talk about these stories, J.R.’s experience of growing up gay in Cowan, Indiana, and how we often find what we need in the most unlikely of places.

Stories:
• Becoming Limitless: No Tengo Limites: Josephina Flores’s Story as told to Ana Gomez from Facing Access to Higher Education in Los Angeles, California. Performed by Melinda Messineo.
• More Than My Chair: Morgan’s Story as told to Sammy Voors from Facing the Future Beyond High School in Ada, Ohio. Performed by Jo Robertson.

Music used in this episode:
• “coelum” by Kai Engel Licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.
• “Scattered Light” by David Hilowitz Licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.

Unity

ipr@bsu.edu (Indiana Public Radio) — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 04:01:43 -0000

A “War on Terror” veteran intends to bomb a local mosque, but instead meets its occupants and begins a healing process through unlikely friendships.

In this premiere episode, J.R. and Kelsey share the inspiration behind The Facing Project and why bringing people together across borders and through stories is more important than ever.

Stories
• The Anger is Mine: Richard McKinney’s Story as told to Tom Steiner from Facing Racism in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Drew Vidal.
• From Khwara Banda to Muncie, Indiana: Mohammad Saber Bahrami’s Story as told to Bibi Bahrami from Facing Home in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Bryn Marlow.

Music and production by Sean Ashcraft.