Amanda Assalone Cho & Nick Kizirnis

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the story you've believed your entire life turns out to be a lie?  For 40 years, Amanda Assalone Cho believed she was given up for adoption because her birth mother was young and financially unable to raise a child. Then she received an email that changed everything.  The truth? She was adopted from Seoul, South Korea simply because she wasn't born a boy.  In this powerful episode of The Anna Jinja Show, Amanda shares her journey of discovering her biological family, navigating the complex emotions of reunion, and finding her authentic identity within the Korean American adoptee community in Atlanta. Host Anna Jinja explores themes of truth, identity, and belonging with Amanda as they discuss:  How fabricated adoption stories affect adoptees The courage it takes to embrace your true origin story Finding peace while processing painful truths Building connections with birth family after decades apart Music producer Nick Kizirnis selected an original song specifically for Amanda's story—"Every Moment"—a haunting piece about the gaps and misunderstandings in relationships, accepting the present moment while searching for truth. Nick described it as "harder hitting" than his usual selections, and it perfectly captures Amanda's journey.  This conversation will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their identity or searched for their place in the world.Creative Content: Music / “Every Moment”Nick selected a song about the gaps and misunderstandings in relationships ie. accepting the present moment and reality while searching for the truth.  Nick felt that the song is much harder hitting than other ones that he has given us, so he said that he would only send it if you think the lyrics work…and I said it did, but let’s give it a listen and hear what you think about the song.  Every MomentEvery moment has an answerFor all the questions we won’t askAll the hints you drop elude meLike hidden hearts behind your mask(s)Everything happens but I don’t understand Was that the sign to run?To disappoint someoneWhen you won’t leave a moment alone I only want to know it betterSo letting go is the hardest thingSo to keep my head above the waterA word from you is all I’ll needEverything happens but I don’t understand Was that the sign to run?To disappoint someoneWhen you won’t leave a moment alone breakEverything happens but I don’t understand Was that the sign to run?To disappoint someoneYou can’t just leave a moment aloneSupport the show