The Facing Project

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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

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.     

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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. All other music used with permission or through licensed use. 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.    

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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  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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 permission from the artist.

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. 

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.

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 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.