The Facing Project

Indiana Public Radio
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Monthly

Hosted by J.R. Jamison, each episode's theme is explored through a variety of engaging avenues, from performances of stories from different points-of-view collected using The Facing Project's story sharing model, to interviews with storytellers, artists, and bestselling authors exploring complex topics we all face -- leaving listeners with the courage to share their own stories and the empathy to listen to others.

  1. 2d ago

    Life After Prison

    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. Chapters – [00:00] Introduction. [02:40] “You Can Only Go So Far with Optimism.” [07:22] Ken Adler's story. [11:36] Interview with Dr. Jacquelyn B. Frank, Professor of Aging Studies and Human Services. [14:01] What can be done to reduce the unemployment rate for the formerly incarcerated. [18:22] Success stories of ex-prisoners. [24:13] Interview with Charlie Isaacs, self-professed “radio nerd.”  Original air date: Dec. 18, 2021

    Life After Prison

  2. 5d ago

    Afghanistan, My Neighbor

    In August of 2021, 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    Chapters –[00:00] Introduction. [04:47] “From Khwara Banda to Muncie, Indiana” - Mohammad Saber Bahrami’s story. [14:15] Interview with Bibi Bahrami. [16:14] The impact of the Taliban on education & health efforts in Afghanistan. [22:53] Getting involved with helping refugees.  Original air date: Nov. 27, 2021

    Afghanistan, My Neighbor

  3. Aug 7

    Writing Unexpected Plot Lines and Finding Community

    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. Chapters –[00:00] Introduction. [02:39] Getting into writing and publishing. [08:09] Experiences of finding LGBTQIA+ communities in unexpected places. [17:16] Queer world-building through real world encounters in the digital age. [27:25] The importance of physical spaces in an interconnected world. [36:11] Advice on being your authentic self. [42:48] Developing creative ideas in non-fiction LGBTQ storytelling. [46:44] Differences and similarities between fiction and non-fiction writing. [57:11] Creating a more empathetic world.  Original air date: Jun. 29, 2024

    Writing Unexpected Plot Lines and Finding Community

  4. Aug 1

    Beyond the Binary

    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. Chapters –[00:00] Introduction.[01:09] “Superman” - Shea Hollis Beal’s story.[05:44] “They Will Always Be My Child” - C.S. Hendershot’s story.[09:31] “Awake” - Pastor Avery Sledge's story.[16:52] Interview with Charlize Jamieson, a transgender "book" in the Human Library.[23:04] It's never too late to realize your authentic self.[29:18] The experience of new documentation and new identity. Original air date: Oct. 30, 2021

    Beyond the Binary

  5. Jul 29

    Covert Racism

    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. Chapters –[00:00] Introduction.[02:05] "The Question Mark," Dr. Maria Williams-Hawkins’s story.[06:26] "The Need to Belong: The Life of a Muslim in America," Heather Gilvary Hamad’s story.[12:07] "A Person Without a Story, A Person Without a Name," Christine Satory’s story.[15:53] Interview with Yvonne Thompson, Director of the Muncie Human Rights Commission.[19:10] JEDI and understanding the terminology through poetry.[23:26] What everyday people can do to support community equity. Original air date: Aug. 28, 2021

    Covert Racism

  6. Jul 25

    The Cure at Walden Pond

    J.R. Jamison is joined by #1 New York Times bestselling author, psychotherapist, and public thinker Thomas Moore to discuss his new book, The Cure at Walden Pond, a beautiful and accessible insight into the human condition that helps readers slow down, be more present and mindful in their relationships with their loved ones, and appreciate the beautiful world we share. The Cure at Walden Pond embodies Henry David Thoreau’s essence, guiding readers through his precepts to find more harmony in our communities and to move and inspire anyone in search of a new way of being. Chapters[00:00] Introduction[06:29] How our place affects our story.[12:40] The roles of opposites in a divided society.[19:25] Ritual as a part of community.[27:05] Allowing life to show you the path.[36:42] Public spaces for open lectures.[45:33] Living deliberately in a technology-focused world. Original air date: July 25, 2026

    The Cure at Walden Pond

  7. Jul 18

    The Invisible Poor

    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. Chapters –[00:00] Introduction[03:15] "It’s Not a Shelter, It’s My Home:" Sonya Johnson’s story. [13:03] "Questioning Homelessness:" “James’s” story. [19:43] Interview with Dorica Watson. [25:17] Understanding others through poverty simulations. [31:08] What communities can do to change the conversation of poverty.  Original air date: Jul. 31, 2021

    The Invisible Poor

  8. Jul 15

    Athletes & Activism

    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. 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. Chapters –[00:00] Introduction. [03:13] "Momma's Boy" - Jessie Bates III's story. [09:41] "Untitled" - Trey Moses' story. [17:37] Interview with Trey Moses.  Original air date: May 29, 2021

    Athletes & Activism
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5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Hosted by J.R. Jamison, each episode's theme is explored through a variety of engaging avenues, from performances of stories from different points-of-view collected using The Facing Project's story sharing model, to interviews with storytellers, artists, and bestselling authors exploring complex topics we all face -- leaving listeners with the courage to share their own stories and the empathy to listen to others.

Information

  • Creator
    Indiana Public Radio
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © Indiana Public Radio, Ball State University, and The Facing Project
  • Show Website
    The Facing Project

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