This episode of The Anna Jinja Show brings together two powerful voices for a conversation that will stay with listeners long after they press pause.
Dr. Gretchen Sisson, author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, shares a decade of research revealing the constrained choices and unacknowledged grief of mothers who relinquish children.
Paired with her work is songwriter Jim Pilgrim, whose original folk-and-blues song “Down Here on the Ground” tells the story of Sofia—a 15-year-old mother navigating judgment, sacrifice, and the question: what is best for Isaiah?
Together, they challenge listeners to look past easy answers and toward the complex, human reality of how families are formed and reformed.
Song: Down Here on the Ground written and performed by Jim Pilgrim
Guest Links:
https://www.gretchensisson.com/
https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/jim-pilgrim/73254745
https://open.spotify.com/artist/73Ni4WHWiqlouO0WPHoGyb
About The Anna Jinja Show: A weekly podcast exploring adoption stories, foster care, identity, and creative expression to help every listener find a place of belonging
Connect with Anna & The Show
• Website: annajinja.com
• Email: hello@annajinja.com
• Phone / Text: 515-808-1742
Station Managers: Contact us for custom spots and broadcast details.
Credits • Host: Anna Jinja Mather • Audio Engineer: Colin Cameron • Music Director: Nick Kizirnis • Adoption SME: Dr. Melissa Rizzo • Social Media Manager: Linnea Hietala
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