Best Dan Pyles Podcasts (2025)

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Jade Amez, Caitlin Kraus, & Brad Swiniarski 28:05

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9d ago28:05

28:05

"Where Am I From?" A Conversation About Belonging, Identity, and Home "Where are you from?" It's one of the most common questions we ask when meeting someone new. But for adoptees, for those in mixed-race families, for anyone who doesn't fit the "traditional" mold, this seemingly innocent question can feel like an interrogation—a challenge to prove…

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David Butcher & Paisha Thomas 28:00

16d ago28:00

28:00

"I Am Here": A Conversation on Adoption, Heritage, and Cultural Identity How do we honor stories that some would prefer to erase? What does it take to raise children across racial lines in America? And how can art preserve what history tries to forget? In this episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we explore these profound questions with two guests whose…

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Ell Pyle & Basket Case Band 28:02

25d ago28:02

28:02

The Anna Jinja Show brings together adoptees across generations for a powerful discussion on surviving—and thriving through—life's most difficult transitions There's a moment in every young person's life when the world feels like it's consuming them whole. The pressure to fit in. The confusion about who you are. The rage at being different. For ado…

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Saily Bah & Neva Alden 27:59

1M ago27:59

27:59

When an 11-Year-Old's Courage Inspires a Country Song This episode will restore your faith in the next generation! Her story begins with heartbreak. When Saily was just 11, she experienced two consecutive days of racist bullying at her Des Moines school. A group of boys said things so hurtful that she broke down. Her mother, Rohey, received a call …

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Dan Smith & Milly Raccoon 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

You know those conversations that start in one place and end up somewhere completely unexpected—somewhere even more profound than you imagined? That's exactly what happened when the host, Anna Jinja, brought together Dan Smith (Cleveland Adoption Network's 2019 Volunteer of the Year) and Nashville singer-songwriter Milly Raccoon. Here's what you ne…

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Yvan Demosthenes & Lori Bauer 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

Picture this: You're driving to Cleveland to meet your girlfriend's new foster baby. You walk up the stairs, knock on the door, and when it opens, the two-month-old LEAPS from her arms into yours. That's exactly what happened to Yvan Demosthenes 25 years ago. And it changed everything. This episode is special for three reasons: 1. It shows how conn…

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Laurie McKnight & Dan Magner 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

What does Wi-Fi have to do with hope? Everything, as it turns out. Host Anna Jinja sits down with three incredible changemakers who are quite literally connecting foster youth to their futures. Laurie McKnight, Jeremy Jenkins, and Tim Henderson are bridging the gap between young people aging out of the foster system and life-changing careers in the…

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Abby and Gabe Miller & Jack Healey 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

Sometimes the most powerful episodes come from the most unexpected sources. This week, we're thrilled to share a special episode guest-curated by 11-year-old musician Jack Healey. After his mother, Tara Huffman (Executive Director of Athens County CASA/GAL), appeared on our show, Jack volunteered to write a song and select guests for his own episod…

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Rebecca Del Pozo & Colin Cameron 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

Rebecca Del Pozo's Journey from Adopted Child to Millionaire Real Estate Mom Sometimes the most beautiful stories begin with what looks like an accident. At 18, Rebecca Del Pozo applied for non-identifying information about her biological family - standard procedure for adoptees in Canada. What came back was supposed to be scrubbed of any identifyi…

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Joe Toles & Lizzi Montanti 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

From Foster Care to Father of 10 Some songs are written to be heard. Others are written hoping they'll somehow travel through the airwaves to reach someone who may never know they exist. Joe Toles wrote "Dreamin'" as the second kind - a lullaby from a boy in foster care to a mother he'd never met, hoping his voice might somehow find her across the …

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Episode 20: Rooted & Recovered - When You’re Tired of Starting Over 26:11

3M ago26:11

26:11

Send us a text What if your relapse doesn’t disqualify you? It’s just the beginning of your rebuild. In this soul-piercing episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan Pyles speaks directly to the weary, the ashamed, and the ones who’ve lost count of how many “day ones” they’ve had. This isn’t a message for the perfect—it’s for the fighters who are tired of …

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Dr. Joe Bianco, Dr. Melissa Rizzo, & Wendy McVicker 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

By Anna Jinja

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Episode 19: Rooted & Recovered - Triggers, Temptation, and the Fight to Stay Free. 26:39

3M ago26:39

26:39

Send us a text What if freedom isn’t the absence of struggle but the presence of a fight you refuse to lose? In this raw and powerful episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan Pyles unpacks what it really means to stay free after the initial breakthrough. Recovery doesn’t end the war; it just starts the training. And sometimes, the hardest battles come af…

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Fostering Mentoring Program for Foster Youth & Bernhard Debatin 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

"Light and Shadow: Cooking Up Bright Futures for Foster Youth" It started with a simple question Tom Stevenson asked the host: "Do you remember a time when you made a dish for somebody, something really special that you were connected to? And then you shared that with someone else?" Anna Jinja told him about her love for baking: she brings chocolat…

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Episode 18: Rooted & Recovered - What If God Still Wants to Use You? 21:44

3M ago21:44

21:44

Send us a text You blew it again. You promised it would never happen. You meant it when you said the prayers, swore the oaths, made the commitments. But somehow, here you are… face down in shame, silence, and self-hate. And now the enemy whispers: "God’s done with you." In this raw, vulnerable, and deeply redemptive episode, Dan gets brutally hones…

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Sharon Boyle & Reunion Day Poem 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

Sometimes the most profound stories are told in the simplest words. In this episode, Dr. Sharon Boyle shares not just her adoption journey, but the raw, beautiful poem she wrote one week after meeting her birth mother for the first time. "Reunion Day" begins: "I watched her like a silent movie and picture photograph, trying to memorize the way she …

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Episode 17 Rooted & Recovered - When You Miss Who You Used to Be 24:27

3M ago24:27

24:27

Send us a text No one talks about it, but it’s real. That ache… that whisper… “I miss who I used to be.” You don’t miss the chaos. You don’t miss the brokenness. But maybe… just maybe… you miss the boldness, the numbness, the version of you that didn’t feel everything so deeply. In this raw and unfiltered episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan dives de…

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Liz Garcia Bee & Milly Raccoon 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

From Sleepless Nights to Healing: When Adoption Parenting Feels Impossible "It's a very isolating life. You almost feel like you're not worthy, that you're the one doing everything wrong." - Liz Garcia If you've ever found yourself lying awake at 3 AM wondering if you're failing as an adoptive parent, you're not alone. In our latest episode of The …

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Episode 16: Rooted & Recovered - When the High Wears Off 24:29

4M ago24:29

24:29

Send us a text What if God still loves you when you don’t feel it? In this brutally honest episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan speaks to the soul that’s tired, dry, and wondering why everything that once felt so alive now feels so silent. The high wore off, not just the drug high. The spiritual high faded too. The worship doesn’t hit the same. The W…

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Hannah Godenshwager, Jenn Bowie, & Caitlin Kraus 28:00

4M ago28:00

28:00

Full Circle, Full Moon: An Adoption Story How three remarkable women turned a foster-to-adopt journey into a song that celebrates the unexpected beauty of non-linear love In a world that often expects stories to follow straight lines, the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show reminds us that the most beautiful narratives often move in circles – com…

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Episode 15: Rooted & Recovered - Scars That Speak 22:34

4M ago22:34

22:34

Send us a text We live in a world that tells us to hide what hurts, filter the pain, fake the smile, pretend we’re fine. But what if the very thing you’re trying to cover is the very thing God wants to use? This episode is for anyone who feels disqualified by their past—anyone still carrying the weight of what they wish never happened. In Scars Tha…

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Lou Mei & Dr. Bruce Martin 28:00

4M ago28:00

28:00

We are bouncing with excitement to share our latest episode featuring Lou Mei Gutsch - a master's student whose story is so uplifting, it should come with a happiness warning label! Why This Episode Will Make Your Week: 🥀 The "Winter Rose" Origin Story: Adopted from China as "Mei Fan" (beautiful winter-blooming rose), Lou Mei's name perfectly captu…

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Episode 14: Rooted & Recovered - Grace Doesn’t Expire 21:31

4M ago21:31

21:31

Send us a text Have you ever felt like you’ve run out of chances? Like this time, grace won’t come through? Like you’ve crossed the line where mercy used to be? This episode is for the one who feels disqualified, discarded, and done. But here’s the truth: grace doesn’t come with an expiration date. Join Dan as he dives deep into the lie the enemy l…

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Anna Sheffield & Kristin Cotterell Sheffield 28:00

4M ago28:00

28:00

In this deeply moving episode, host Anna Jinja sits down with Anna Sheffield, a young adoptee from Iowa City, and her mother, Kristin Cotterell Sheffield, to explore the layers of identity, belonging, and love that define adoption. The conversation flows between mother and daughter perspectives—offering both honesty and tenderness—as they recount t…

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Episode 13: Rooted & Recovered - Rock Bottom Was Holy Ground 27:32

4M ago27:32

27:32

Send us a text What if the place that almost destroyed you is where God planned to meet you? In this raw, powerful kickoff to Season Two of Rooted & Recovered, Dan unpacks the moment everything fell apart—and how grace met him there. Rock bottom isn’t just the end of your rope… it might be the beginning of your calling. Because while the world saw …

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Max Wieland & Ian Vidovic 28:00

5M ago28:00

28:00

Finding Home in Two Worlds: Max's Journey from China to Minneapolis and Beyond: A Story of Courage, Identity, and Belonging What does it mean to belong when you're caught between two worlds? In this deeply moving episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja sits down with Max, a Chinese-American adoptee whose story challenges everything we think…

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Lane Igoudin & Bruce Dalzell 28:00

5M ago28:00

28:00

From Heartache to Hope In our latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, host Anna Jinja brings together three extraordinary voices for a conversation that will change how you think about adoption, family, and resilience. Meet Lane Igoudin, the author whose memoir "A Family Maybe" chronicles his and partner Jonathan's journey through the Los Angeles Co…

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Simon Benn & Thrive Book 28:00

5M ago28:00

28:00

Simon Benn's Vision: How Your 250 Words Can Transform Adoptee Lives | The moment that changes everything often looks ordinary. For Simon Benn, it was learning at age 40 that his childhood teddy bear came from his birth mother. "A volcano of anger erupted," he shared on The Anna Jinja Show. That moment launched him into a journey that would eventual…

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Linda Sistrunk, Lish Greiner, & Kim Kaler 28:00

5M ago28:00

28:00

Step by Step, Bit by Bit: How Two Women Created a Community of Love for 30+ Children What started as children visiting friends turned into something extraordinary. Linda Sistrunk and Lish Greiner never intended to become unofficial foster parents. But when children in their community needed safety, love, and stability, their home became a haven. Ov…

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Kristina Denbow & Mather Family 27:59

6M ago27:59

27:59

An Adoptee’s Story of Courage, Connection, and Coming Full Circle Kristina's journey isn't just about going back to Kazakhstan – it's about the universal human need to understand where we come from and how that shapes who we become. Her story begins in a baby house in Taldikorgan, moves through multiple placements, and eventually lands in Ohio, whe…

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Meredith Jensen & Sydney Roberts 28:03

6M ago28:03

28:03

Like Dandelions: How Two Women Redefine Belonging and Family The Anna Jinja Show welcomes Meredith Jensen and Sydney Roberts for a conversation that blooms with unexpected wisdom There's something magical about discovering that your family story isn't what you expected—it's better. In our latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we sit down with comm…

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Roxanne Male-Brune & Bernhard Debatin 28:00

6M ago28:00

28:00

Finding Home in the Journey: When Life Takes Unexpected Turns The latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show proves that some of the most profound conversations happen when strangers discover their stories are beautifully intertwined. An Unlikely Connection Host Anna Jinja brought together two guests who had never met but shared remarkably similar exper…

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Episode 12: Rooted & Recovered - You’re Not Just Recovered—You’re Called 44:50

6M ago44:50

44:50

Send us a text What if your healing wasn’t the end, but the beginning of someone else’s? In this powerful closing episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan and Justin unpack Step Twelve of the 12-Step journey: “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our …

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Episode 11: Rooted & Recovered - Learning to Listen 43:55

6M ago43:55

43:55

Send us a text What if the reason you feel stuck isn’t because God isn’t speaking— but because you’ve stopped listening? In this deeply intimate episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan and Justin unpack Step Eleven of the 12-Step journey: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His w…

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Muffin's Mom & Marshall McKellar Part 2 28:02

7M ago28:02

28:02

The Five-Minute Bond: Part 2 – Unraveling the Threads of Fate The story of Shannon and Jan captivated listeners in Part 1, leaving us with the warmth of a bond formed in just five powerful minutes. But what happens when the hidden threads of fate begin to unravel, revealing even deeper connections? In Part 2 of "The Five-Minute Bond," we delve furt…

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Episode 10: Rooted & Recovered - Keep the Slate Clean 40:18

7M ago40:18

40:18

Send us a text What if freedom requires daily maintenance, not just a one-time breakthrough? In this soul-piercing episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan and Justin unpack Step Ten of the 12-Step journey: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.” This is where recovery shifts from rescue to rhythm. Step Ten is…

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Muffin's Mom & Marshall McKellar Part 1 28:01

7M ago28:01

28:01

The Five-Minute Bond: A Story of Serendipity and Family What would you do with five minutes that could define a lifetime? In our latest episode, we share the remarkable story of Shannon, who discovered that her 16-year-old birth mother made one powerful demand before signing adoption papers: five minutes alone with her newborn daughter. Just five m…

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Episode 9: Rooted & Recovered -It’s Time to Make It Right 37:30

7M ago37:30

37:30

Send us a text What if freedom costs more than an apology? In this gut-wrenching episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan and Justin unpack Step Nine of the 12-Step journey: “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” This is where recovery gets real. It’s no longer about admitting the damage—i…

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Levia Hartman Remember My Name 27:59

7M ago27:59

27:59

Crown Up: A Journey of Self-Love and Identity with Levia Hartman Join host Anna Jinja for an inspiring conversation with motivational author and poet Levia Hartman, whose extraordinary journey from foster care survivor to published author embodies the true meaning of resilience and self-acceptance. After moving through five different foster homes f…

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Episode 8: Rooted & Recovered - Owning What Broke Others 33:06

7M ago33:06

33:06

Send us a text What if your freedom starts with a name? In this deeply challenging episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan and Justin walk through Step Eight of the 12-Step journey: “Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.” This is the step where recovery shifts from just cleaning the inside to addressing …

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Kate and Jay Johnson & Rylee Bapst 28:02

7M ago28:02

28:02

Complicated Love: A Military Family's Journey Through Three Adoptions Join us for an emotionally enriching episode of the Anna Jinja Show, where we delve into the universal experience of adoption and how it shapes our identities. Hosted by international adoptee Anna, this episode features special guests Jay and Kate, who share their unique journey …

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Episode 7: Rooted & Recovered - Let Go for Real 36:16

7M ago36:16

36:16

Send us a text What if the very thing you're clinging to is the thing that’s controlling you? In this raw and unfiltered episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan and Justin walk through Step Seven of the 12-Step journey: “We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.” This is the line in the sand, the moment where faith gets real. It’s not about just a…

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Richard Dickerson & Don Baker 28:05

7M ago28:05

28:05

This episode of the Anna Jinja Show showcases a powerful creative collaboration between photographer Richard Dickerson and singer-songwriter Don Baker. Born from Anna Jinja's innovative storytelling workshop, the episode reveals how artistic expression can transform personal narratives into vehicles for healing and connection. Richard bravely share…

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Episode 6: Rooted & Recovered - When You’re Finally Tired of You. 34:37

8M ago34:37

34:37

Send us a text What if the thing you're still clinging to is the very thing keeping you stuck? In this raw, honest episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan and Justin dig deep into Step Six of the 12-Step journey: “We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” This isn’t just about being tired of your mess—it’s about being re…

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Finn & Levi 28:00

8M ago28:00

28:00

Finding Purpose Through Music and Empathy This episode welcomes musician Levi Merrill and guest Finn for a heartwarming conversation about the search for belonging. Levi's performance of "Drive-In Movie" by Ellis Paul provides the backdrop for a discussion about the places and experiences that shape us. At a CASA event, Anna was inspired by a prese…

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Episode 5: Rooted & Recovered -Say It Before It Owns You 32:04

8M ago32:04

32:04

Send us a text What if the freedom you’re desperate for is hiding behind the secret you refuse to face? In this vulnerable and powerful episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan and Justin open the door on Step Five: “Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.” This is the step that makes many pause—but it’s …

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Resort Living Bayfest 001 57:24

8M ago57:24

57:24

Resort Living Bayfest 001 by Joe Rinaldi / Mikey BeatsBy Joe Rinaldi / Mikey Beats

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Lily Sager & Nick Kizirnis 28:00

8M ago28:00

28:00

Out of Touch, Into Belonging: Lily Sager’s Adoption Journey In our latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we delve into the profound themes of identity, belonging, and the multifaceted nature of family through the remarkable story of Lily Sager. A Journey Across Continents and Cultures Adopted from South Korea at just six months old, Lily's life jo…

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Episode 4: Rooted & Recovered - You Can’t Heal What You Won’t Face 33:33

8M ago33:33

33:33

Send us a text Have you ever stood in front of the mirror and couldn’t face what was looking back? In this raw and real episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan and Justin dive into Step Four of the 12-Step Program: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” This is the step that many people want to skip—but it’s also where true healin…

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Episode 3: Rooted & Recovered - Letting God Take the Wheel 34:31

8M ago34:31

34:31

Send us a text What if your breakthrough depends on your willingness to give up control? In this raw and powerful episode of Rooted & Recovered, Dan and Justin unpack Step Three of the 12-Step Program: “We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.” This episode will hit home for anyone who’s tired of trying to fix them…