The OUtlet

In this episode of "The Anna Jinja Show," host Anna Jinja speaks with Lou Mei Gutsch, a master’s student whose story radiates resilience, joy, and gratitude. Adopted from China as “Mei Fan,” meaning “beautiful winter-blooming rose,” Gutsch reflects on her family’s adoption journey, her connection to heritage, and the traditions that shape her sense of belonging. With insights from her parents Rebecca and Ken, as well as a heartfelt testimonial from her professor Dr. Bruce Martin, the conversation highlights the power of education, love, and cultural identity. Gutsch’s infectious positivity, grounded in nature, literature, and family, offers listeners a moving reminder of how to embrace transformation and choose joy.

Last month the Rescissions Act of 2025 cut $9 billion in previously allocated funds, including $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The act effectively ended federal support for NPR, PBS, and their member stations, including WOUB. WOUB relied on CPB for about a third of its annual budget—approximately $1.5 million.

Ailsa Chang, an award-winning journalist and co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered, says the cuts will cause the most disruption for stations serving rural and remote areas.

SportsBeat is back for the 2025-2026 season! Host Jake Collins, Luke Schmitt, Connor Mallon, Evan Johnson, and Jack Zwiezinski kick off the new season by discussing the exciting out of conference matchups to start the OU football season. After reviewing the Volleyball teams matchup vs. Bucknell, the table moves on to a College Football “Week 0” recap. A controversial Upset Watch raises some eyebrows, and the guys wrap up by discussing the NFL offseason and MLB.

Child care is critical to keeping parents at work. But Appalachian Ohio continues to lose more providers than it gains by WOUB News

In this episode of "The Anna Jinja Show," host Anna Jinja speaks with Anna Sheffield, a young adoptee from Iowa City, and her mother, Kristen Cotterell Sheffield, about the complexities of identity, belonging, and love in adoption. Their candid conversation moves between mother and daughter perspectives, offering honesty and tenderness as they reflect on their family’s adoption journey, the challenges of transracial adoption, and the resilience built through faith, storytelling, and love.

Kristen recounts her lifelong openness to adoption, her struggles with miscarriage, and the profound moment of meeting Anna at birth. Anna shares her own experiences growing up adopted, from navigating bullying to confronting the expectations of being a “grateful adoptee” within a transracial family. Together, they explore themes of attachment and resilience, including Anna’s search for reassurance and Kristen’s unwavering response.

The episode also highlights the family’s creative legacy, as Kristen recites Walter Dean Myers’ poem Prayer, a touchstone of worth and belonging throughout Anna’s childhood. Closing with the metaphor of a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, mother and daughter embrace transformation as a symbol of growth, change, and self-discovery.

In this episode of "The Anna Jinja Show," host Anna Jinja sits down with Liz Garcia, founder of The Simplified Struggle, and her daughter Gabriela for a candid conversation about the often unspoken challenges of adoption. Liz shares her journey of adopting toddler twins from Peru and the years of navigating behaviors that left her feeling isolated and misunderstood, even after seeking help from dozens of professionals. Gabriela, now 20, offers her perspective as an adoptee, shedding light on the complex emotions of belonging, independence, and peer influence. Together, their dialogue reveals both the struggles and the healing power of open communication between parents and children. Blended with the haunting sounds of Millie Raccoon’s “Insomniac’s Lullaby,” this episode offers hope, validation, and the reminder that no adoptive parent or adoptee is alone in their journey.

In this episode of "The Anna Jinja Show", Anna speaks with Max Wieland, a Chinese-American adoptee and trans man whose story explores the complexities of identity, family, and belonging. Adopted from China as a baby and raised in Minneapolis, Max shares what it means to grow up between cultures and how embracing his gender identity added new depth to his journey. From attending a Chinese immersion school to building a life with his partner Alexis, Max reflects on the ongoing nature of adoption and self-discovery. His story offers honest, hopeful insight into how we create communities that celebrate all of who we are. Featuring the song "Heart of You" by Ian Vidovic.

This week on The OUtlet, a verdict brings closure to a Nelsonville City Council dispute, and a historic cut to SNAP benefits impacts millions nationwide.

Last year, nearly 60% of manufacturers in the National Association of Manufacturers cited attracting employees as a top challenge. Some local nonprofits are working to change that.

This episode of "The Anna Jinja Show" features Lane Igoudin, author of "A Family Maybe," a memoir detailing his and his partner's experience navigating the Los Angeles County foster care system. Rita Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation, joins to contextualize the broader issues within the child welfare system and advocate for reform. The episode also includes a performance by musician Bruce Dalzell, who shares “Future,” an original song inspired by Igoudin’s story.