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Full Circle: A Mother, Son, and the Music of Belonging 

This week's episode features both Diane and her son Levi Merrill for an intimate conversation about adoption, identity, and what it really means to create family through choice and unconditional love. Levi, a gifted singer-songwriter, producer, and guitar teacher, opens the episode with a performance of Dan Bern's "Jerusalem"—a quirky, vulnerable song that explores identity, belonging, and the courage to reveal yourself fully. 

The opening lyric says it all: "When I tell you that I love you, don't test my love, accept my love." 

For Levi, these words capture the essence of his relationship with his mom and his experience as an adoptee. He was told the truth about his adoption from the very beginning, which allowed him to fully accept his mother's love without question or hesitation. 

"My mom has always been my mom," Levi says in the episode. "I was born adopted. I wouldn't have it any other way." 

The conversation covers beautiful ground: 

• Diane's journey through infertility to adoption, and why it was never a question for her—she wanted to be a mom 
• The "baby phone" and 25 conversations before finding Levi's birth mother 
• Levi's earliest memories of understanding he was adopted—and why it never felt like a big deal 
• The role music has played in helping Levi explore identity and process grief (particularly after his father's passing) 
• How Levi and his sister Hannah navigated being adoptees together 
• What it means to accept love without testing it The humor, the tears, and the everyday moments that make a family

For Anyone Who Needs to Hear This Story

If you're questioning whether you belong, whether you're loved, whether your story matters—this episode is for you. If you've ever tested love instead of accepting it, this conversation will give you permission to soften. 

And if you're navigating your own adoption journey, whether as a parent, child, or someone exploring what "chosen family" means, Diane and Levi's story will remind you that love isn't about biology—it's about showing up, telling the truth, and holding space for each other's full humanity. 

Support the show

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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