The Human Experience

Jennifer Peterkin
  • 5.0 (30)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
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The Human Experience

Can you pinpoint a moment in time when your life changed? Maybe it wasn’t a moment, maybe it was a complicated chain of events that led you to where you are today. Or maybe, it was a generational impact that started before you were even born. Regardless of what it contains, all humans have a story. And those stories are the building blocks of who we are, at our very core. Join host, Jennifer Peterkin - lover and collector of stories, as she interviews humans from all walks of life. Tune in every week to hear stories of love and loss, triumph and defeat, and all that exist in between.

  1. The Power of Local: A Life in Service to Philadelphia

    APR 15

    The Power of Local: A Life in Service to Philadelphia

    In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Vincent Thompson, longtime journalist and current Communications Director for the President of Philadelphia City Council. Born and raised in Philly, Vincent shares how his curiosity led him from a school newspaper to national political conventions and eventually into public service. We discuss the power of local government, how to engage with your city, and why compassion still matters in civic life. Whether you're a Philly native or just want to better understand how your community works, this episode will leave you both informed and inspired. Interview recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Key Takeaways:Vincent Thompson is the Communications Director for Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.A lifelong Philadelphian, he grew up in North Philly and Germantown, and attended Temple University and Marietta College.He began his career in journalism, covering politics for outlets like the Philadelphia Tribune and WURD Radio.Vincent has hosted City Council radio sessions and emphasized the importance of knowing your district councilmember.He explains the structure of local government and why citizens should be more engaged at the city level.He encourages people to “be curious, not judgmental” and offers a human-centered view of government service.Vincent shares personal stories—from receiving a letter from his journalism idol to the importance of leading with kindness in leadership.A passionate advocate for Philadelphia, he invites visitors to see City Hall, the city’s diverse neighborhoods, and yes—try the cheesesteaks (but he’s not picking favorites). Vincent Thompson’s Bio: Vincent Thompson is the Director of Communications for Philadelphia (Pa) City Council and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.  In his more than 30 year career in media and government, he has served as a Chief of Staff for the late Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos, spokesperson for two past School District of Philadelphia Superintendents, former President of the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society, former Vice President/Broadcast for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and has covered Republican and Democratic National Conventions starting with the 1988 Republican National Convention.  Mr. Thompson has won numerous awards in his career for his work in journalism, public relations and community service. In 2018, he received PABJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award.  In 2017, he was named Politics and Government Reporter of the Year by the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadelphia, the nation’s oldest press club in daily operation.  He has been named one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African-Americans by the Philadelphia Tribune newspaper and has been a winner of the National Education Association’s Excellence in Broadcasting Award. Connect with Vincent: Twitter @Mediamancomm Instagram: @phillymediamancomm #TheHumanExperiencePodcast Follow Along: Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    52 min
  2. From Coal Mines to Concert Halls: My Grandmother’s Century of Stories

    APR 1

    From Coal Mines to Concert Halls: My Grandmother’s Century of Stories

    In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my grandmother—my last living grandparent—to capture her incredible journey through life. From her Italian immigrant roots in coal-mining Pennsylvania to her years as a talented young musician and her marriage to my grandfather, a brilliant physicist and Holocaust survivor, this conversation uncovers a century’s worth of history, resilience, and love. These are the kinds of stories that often go untold—but deserve to be remembered. Key Takeaways: Her father was one of 10 children in a coal-mining family in Pittston, PA, and the only one to attend seminary. Despite growing up in humble beginnings, many of her uncles went on to college and professional careers, breaking generational cycles. Her mother’s family hailed from Naples, Italy, and she grew up immersed in Italian traditions and strong family ties. Music played a huge role in her youth—she became the pianist for her school assemblies and eventually played in the All-City Orchestra in Philadelphia. She lived through World War II and vividly recalls the day Pearl Harbor was bombed—her younger brother’s birthday. She later married Opa (Laszlo), a Hungarian immigrant, physicist, and survivor of religious persecution, whose brilliance and humility left a lasting mark on the family. Personal memories, from roller-skating mishaps to Epcot visits and feeding the dogs behind Grandma’s back, make this story uniquely intimate. #TheHumanExperiencePodcast Follow Along: Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod Donate to The Human Experience Podcast Follow Along on Instagram Visit The Website Send me an email at TheHXPod@gmail.com     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 11m
  3. Healing Beyond Therapy: Kim’s Story

    MAR 18

    Healing Beyond Therapy: Kim’s Story

    After years of identifying solely as a teacher, Kim faced an identity crisis when burnout forced her to leave the profession. What followed was a deeply personal journey through therapy, self-discovery, and alternative healing modalities. In this episode, she shares the emotional rollercoaster of redefining herself, uncovering childhood trauma, and eventually finding relief through holistic practices like Reiki, yoga, meditation, and energy healing. Now a certified holistic practitioner, Kim helps others navigate their own healing journeys. She joins host Jennifer Peterkin to discuss the reality of burnout, the limitations of traditional therapy, and the power of exploring alternative healing methods. 📍 This episode was recorded in Chadds Ford, PA Key Takeaways: Kim’s journey from teacher burnout to holistic healing The emotional toll of losing an identity tied to career success How traditional therapy helped—but also left gaps in her healing The role of yoga, meditation, Reiki, and energy work in her transformation The importance of trusting your intuition when seeking help How Kim now helps others on their own healing and self-discovery journeys #TheHumanExperiencePodcast #HealingJourney #EnergyHealing #MindBodyWellness #OvercomingBurnout #HolisticHealing Follow Along: Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod Website - https://www.kimkeane.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kimvkeane/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kimvkeane YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kimvkeane Email - kim@kimkeane.com Donate to The Human Experience Podcast Follow Along on Instagram Visit The Website Send me an email at TheHXPod@gmail.com     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 10m

  4. MAR 12

    Holding It Loosely: The Evolution of The Human Experience Podcast

    Two years ago, The Human Experience went live—a deeply personal and transformative journey of storytelling, connection, and vulnerability. Host Jennifer Peterkin reflects on what she has learned, the intentionality behind in-person interviews, and why proximity and presence matter in capturing human stories. She also shares an important update about the future of the podcast and what it means to "hold things loosely" when life demands change. Finally, an important announcement: for the foreseeable future, new guest interviews will now be released every other week instead of weekly. This shift allows Jennifer to continue creating meaningful conversations while ensuring the podcast remains a labor of love rather than obligation. Tune in to hear the full story behind this decision and what’s next for The Human Experience. 🎧 Listen now Follow Along: Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod Donate to The Human Experience Podcast Follow Along on Instagram Visit The Website Send me an email at TheHXPod@gmail.com     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    8 min
  5. From Coincidence to Miracle – Sophia’s Story

    MAR 4

    From Coincidence to Miracle – Sophia’s Story

    What if life’s coincidences weren’t random, but signs guiding you toward your true purpose? In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer sits down with Sophia, whose remarkable journey has taken her from working with Buckminster Fuller in architecture to running a couture fashion business, and ultimately helping survivors of human trafficking as a therapist. Sophia shares the miraculous moments that shaped her path, the science of synchronicity, and why paying attention to divine nudges can lead to unexpected yet deeply fulfilling opportunities. She also discusses how her spiritual awakening, as detailed in her books The Divine Language of Coincidence and Consciousness Beyond Death, has attracted the attention of scientists studying after-death communication. If you’ve ever questioned whether the universe is sending you signs, this conversation will inspire you to trust the process, take action, and step into the life you were meant to live. Key Takeaways: How to Recognize a Meaningful Coincidence – The difference between random chance and a life-altering synchronicity. Turning Coincidences into Miracles – The power of taking action when the universe nudges you. An Unconventional Path – From architecture to fashion to therapy, how Sophia’s journey unfolded in unexpected but fulfilling ways. Helping Women Heal – The impact of her work with at-risk and formerly trafficked women through Living a Fearless Life and the Salvation Army. The Science of Miracles – Why researchers are studying after-death communication and synchronicity, and how Sophia’s experiences are shaping the conversation. Faith, Gratitude, and Trusting the Process – How embracing the unknown can lead to personal transformation and deeper fulfillment. 🎧 Listen now to hear Sophia’s extraordinary story and learn how to start recognizing and acting on the miracles in your own life. Follow Along: Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod Website: sophiademas.com Instagram: @Sophia_Demas Facebook: @TheDivineLanguageOfCoincidence Donate to The Human Experience Podcast Follow Along on Instagram Visit The Website Send me an email at TheHXPod@gmail.com     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    57 min
  6. Episode 76: From Survival to Strength - Ethan’s Story

    FEB 18

    Episode 76: From Survival to Strength - Ethan’s Story

    In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Ethan Poetic, a self-published author, keynote speaker, and survivor of incredible adversity. Ethan shares his journey of growing up in a single-parent household, taking on responsibilities beyond his years, and surviving a near-fatal car accident that left him with a 99% chance of death. Through resilience, self-reflection, and a commitment to changing his narrative, Ethan has turned his pain into purpose—writing a book, mentoring young people, and advocating for mental health. His story is a powerful testament to perseverance and the impact of choosing to grow despite life's challenges. 📍 This episode was recorded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Key Takeaways Adversity Doesn't Define You – Despite growing up in a challenging environment and taking on adult responsibilities as a child, Ethan found ways to rise above his circumstances. Resilience After Tragedy – After surviving a devastating car accident with life-threatening injuries, Ethan fought through recovery and used his experience to inspire others. Breaking Generational Cycles – Recognizing the impact of unhealed trauma, Ethan made the decision to break the cycle and redefine his future. The Power of Storytelling – Writing his book allowed Ethan to reclaim his story, find healing, and connect with others facing similar struggles. Mentorship and Community Matter – Positive role models helped Ethan along the way, and now he pays it forward by mentoring young people and advocating for personal growth. Self-Publishing for Creative Control – Ethan turned down traditional publishing deals to maintain ownership of his story and create opportunities on his own terms. Finding Purpose Through Pain – What could have been a life-ending event became the catalyst for Ethan’s mission: to help others, advocate for resilience, and create a lasting legacy of empowerment. Follow Along: Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod To support the Autobiography titled The Inspirational Story of Ethan A. Poetic: Chronicles of Adversities, Education, Sports, Relationships, & Resiliency. Available print on demand, eBook, and Audio through Amazon, Audible, iTunes, Libro, Apple, Spotify, Target, Walmart, Kobo, Barnes & Noble. For media inquires and speaking engagements visit https://ethanspeaks.com/ Facebook: facebook.com/EthanPoetic23 Instagram: @ethanpoetic23 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanapoetic1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2FqLkM7n4iY8TVjfHZhMHg Donate to The Human Experience Podcast Follow Along on Instagram Visit The Website Send me an email at TheHXPod@gmail.com     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 12m
  7. The Truth About Foster Care & Adoption: Episode 75 - Joe’s Story Part 2

    FEB 11

    The Truth About Foster Care & Adoption: Episode 75 - Joe’s Story Part 2

    Show Notes: Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about drug use, abuse, and neglect. Please proceed with care. Two years after his first appearance on the podcast, Joe returns to share the incredible and often painful journey of adopting his niece and nephew. In this raw and honest conversation, he details the struggles of navigating a deeply flawed foster care system, the emotional toll of parenting children with trauma, and the ongoing challenges of healing as a family. From dealing with corrupt social workers to searching for the children's fugitive parents, Joe takes us inside the reality of stepping up when no one else would. Now, with the adoption finalized, he and his wife continue to work through behavioral struggles, the lack of mental health resources, and the weight of carrying a story that is far from over. Despite everything, they remain committed to giving these kids a future filled with safety, stability, and love. 📍This episode was recorded in Westchester, Pennsylvania Key Takeaways The System is Failing Vulnerable Kids – Despite numerous reports of abuse and neglect, authorities failed to intervene for years. When they finally did, the support promised to foster families was unreliable or nonexistent. The Adoption Process Was a Bureaucratic Nightmare – Joe and his wife faced months of delays, missing paperwork, and even attempted theft from caseworkers. The Reality of Parenting Children with Trauma – From severe emotional outbursts to difficulties with social skills, the long road to healing requires constant patience, structure, and therapy. What Needs to Change – Joe calls for better vetting of social workers, more support for foster families, and real consequences for those who neglect and abuse children—including within the system itself. Would He Do It Again? – Joe doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles but remains firm in his commitment to his family. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (US) The Crisis Hotline (US) Follow Along: Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod Donate to The Human Experience Podcast Follow Along on Instagram Visit The Website Send me an email at TheHXPod@gmail.com     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 17m
  8. The Family You Choose: Episode 4 - Joe’s Story (REPLAY)

    FEB 4

    The Family You Choose: Episode 4 - Joe’s Story (REPLAY)

    Next week, we’ll be bringing Joe, a former guest, back to the podcast to continue sharing more of his story. In the meantime, please enjoy listening to his first appearance on The Human Experience Podcast. Content Warning: In this episode we discuss domestic violence, suicide, drug addiction, and childhood abuse. Please proceed with care. In this deeply personal and moving episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Joe, a close friend whose journey through family, trauma, and resilience takes unexpected turns. What started as a simple Ancestry.com DNA test led Joe to uncover a hidden chapter of his family history—one that brought him a sense of belonging he never knew was missing. This conversation explores cycles of abuse, the power of compassion, and the meaning of true family. Joe shares raw and honest reflections on his past, the struggles of his childhood, and his decision to break generational trauma for the sake of his own children. He also opens up about taking in his abused and neglected niece and nephew, vowing to give them the love and stability they never had. 📍This episode was recorded near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Key Takeaways Family isn’t just about blood. True family consists of the people who show up, support you, and love you unconditionally. Breaking the cycle of abuse takes intention. Joe made the decision to raise his children differently, ensuring they never experience what he did. Small acts of kindness can save lives. A single moment of compassion can be the difference between hope and despair for someone struggling. Addiction is a disease, but it doesn't excuse abuse. While Joe has empathy for the struggles of his niece and nephew’s parents, he refuses to let their pain continue to harm the next generation. Finding family later in life can be healing. Meeting his newfound relatives through Ancestry.com filled a void Joe didn’t realize existed. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (US) The Crisis Hotline (US) Follow Along: Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod Donate to The Human Experience Podcast Follow Along on Instagram Visit The Website Send me an email at TheHXPod@gmail.com     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    48 min
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5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Can you pinpoint a moment in time when your life changed? Maybe it wasn’t a moment, maybe it was a complicated chain of events that led you to where you are today. Or maybe, it was a generational impact that started before you were even born. Regardless of what it contains, all humans have a story. And those stories are the building blocks of who we are, at our very core. Join host, Jennifer Peterkin - lover and collector of stories, as she interviews humans from all walks of life. Tune in every week to hear stories of love and loss, triumph and defeat, and all that exist in between.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Peterkin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © © 2024 The Human Experience
  • Show Website
    The Human Experience

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