Dr. Faustina Mensah & Jean Voneman Mikhail

Send us Fan MailJoin us in a special episode of The Anna Jinja Show as we dive into the world of personal storytelling and poetry, where words become mirrors for identity, belonging, and resilience. This episode highlights a remarkable storytelling workshop where participants delved into their deepest narratives, led by expert storytellers who inspired them to explore their personal histories and share with confidence. The workshop culminated in unique partnerships with artists, sparking transformative exchanges that blossomed into original poems and songs, each a celebration of individual journeys.  In today’s featured collaboration, we hear from two talented participants:  Jean Voneman Mikhail, a poet from Athens, Ohio, whose work has appeared in The Northern Appalachian Review, Sheila Na Gig Online, and other literary journals. Jean draws on her rich experiences to bring heartfelt stories to the page, inspired by family and place. Dr. Faustina (Faustie) Mensah, a Success Advisor at Ohio University and recent PhD graduate, is a passionate advocate for foster youth and non-traditional students. Through her research and mentorship, she champions inclusivity and the empowerment of vulnerable voices in education. Together, Jean and Faustie share a powerful poem that speaks to the themes of home, heritage, and memory. Jean’s evocative lines recount Faustie’s memories of her late father, weaving a lyrical exploration of family love and the sense of home that transcends physical space.  Tune in for an intimate Q&A with Jean and Faustie as they discuss the surprising insights from the workshop, the role of storytelling in healing and connection, and the ways poetry can frame and honor our unique paths.  Don’t miss this poignant episode, available now!  Support the show