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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 4d ago

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jul 11

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

    J.R. Jamison explores aging through the stories of those aged 60 to 95 who look back at their careers and accomplishments, and discuss times of war and peace; strength and bravery; struggle and tenacity; and the secrets to life and living in the golden years. Special guests: Molly Flodder, editor of Life After 60: The Golden Years?, and Dr. Jacquelyn Frank, a leading gerontologist and anthropologist whose research focuses on aging in place. Music –• “Summer Sinners” by Jacket Thor. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive.• “High Altitude Golden Sunset” by Pulse Emitter. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive. Chapters –[00:00] Introduction. [01:50] Interview with Molly Flodder. [15:52] "Discovering the Person I’ve Always Been" - Molly Flodder’s story as told to Kelsey Timmerman, performed by Beth Nahre. [25:13] "Where I'm Supposed To Be" - John Charles Peterson's story as told to Jeffrey Owen Pearson, performed by Jeffrey Owen Pearson. [32:18] "I'm Busy Retiring, Please Leave a Message" - Kay Stickle’s story as told to Julie Davis, performed by Melinda.  [39:26] "A Time for Everything" - James Hilleson’s story as told to Jacquelyn Harris, performed by Larry Beck.  [46:31] Interview with Dr. Jacquelyn Frank.  Original air date: May 31, 2025

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

  7. Jul 4

    Hillbilly Queer

    The United States is the most divided it has been since the Civil War, yet there are everyday people who are still willing to work together to find a path forward. Join J.R. Jamison and Kelsey Timmerman as they explore identity and family and discuss J.R.’s forthcoming father-son memoir, Hillbilly Queer—a gripping tale of two men who see the world differently, one a gay liberal highbrow and the other a working-class Trump supporter, and their travels together to rural Missouri at the height of the 2016 election to uncover truths about their family’s past. Cover Art – By Shantanu Suman and Emma Fulkerson (inspired by photography from Brock Williamson) Chapters –[00:00] Introduction.[02:42] How J.R. and his dad came to the decision to go to Missouri.[07:08] J.R. on approaching his father to ask questions about their relationship.[10:58] J.R. and his dad's past encounters with J.R.'s identity.[14:01] The fear of rejection in the face of love.[18:17] Understanding family history in search of context.[21:55] Considering generational perspectives.[27:23] Connecting with important people in your life while you can. Original air date: Apr. 24, 2021

    Hillbilly Queer

  8. Jul 1

    Autism in Adulthood

    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. Photo – By Jesper Sehested Pluslexia via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/EHKB5v. Stories –• One Day I’ll Flap My Arms in Freedom, and No One Will Care: Kyle Reninger’s story as told to Jason Newman from Facing Autism in Adulthood.• This is My Son. Belinda Hughes’s story as told to Ivy Farguheson from Facing Autism in Muncie, Indiana  Music –• "Warm" by Cambo. Released under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. From the Free Music Archive. Chapters –[00:00] Introduction.[05:00] One Day I’ll Flap My Arms in Freedom, and No One Will Care[09:17] This is My Son[16:27] Interview with Belinda Hughes.[20:03] Finding support for adults and their families.[25:56] A little magic by Cody Clark. Original air date: Mar. 27, 2021

    Autism in Adulthood
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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