The Janchi Show

In this week’s episode of your favorite Korean Adoptee podcast, the Janchi Boys sit down with Dr. Kimberly McKee to talk about her book, Disrupting Kinship, and her working in the field of adoption studies. Kim shares how she was able to engage with adoption and Asian American culture earlier in life, ultimately leading her to the work she does today. She also breaks down themes and topics covered in her book, including the Transnational Adoption Industrial Complex (TAIC).

Later, Kim joins us for a really great snack! Stay tuned!

Show Notes

// Meet Kim McKee
Twitter / Instagram
 
Show Resources
 In this episode we talk about:
  • The Religion Intro: 1:02
  • Kim’s adoption story: 15:59
  • Entering into adoption studies: 18:33
  • Unpacking identity: 24:16
  • The different & similar ways in different generations of adoptees: 28:21
  • The groundwork of Korean adoption studies: 33:34
  • The thing about “stock stories”: 42:43
  • The mythology of adoption: 46:30
  • The elevator pitch of Disrupting Kinship: 49:38
  • What’s next?: 53:43
  • Approaching the work and managing capacity: 58:04
  • THE FOOD PORTION: 1:08:49
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// Support/Follow the Show!
The Janchi Show Quick Bio
We’re three Korean Adoptees spread out around America and each of us are at different stages in life. We’ll talk about the Korean adoptee experience from our perspectives and learn more about our shared culture, usually with food. And it won’t just be the three of us; each week we’ll have other adoptees from all over the world joining us to talk about what makes us similar and what makes us unique. So join the party!

// Meet the Janchi Boys!

Nathan Nowack
Nathan was adopted from Seoul at 5 months old and raised in a small town in Oklahoma by a loving family and non-biological adopted sister.  After college in Colorado he later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a digital media career and eventually started 2 photography companies.  He has a wife and 3 kids and has reconnected with his biological family in 2014.  In 2021, Nathan and his family moved back to Colorado to be closer to family and start a new chapter in their lives.
 
Connect with Nathan!
  • Website: http://www.nathannowack.com
  • LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nathann/
  • Instagram: http://instagram.com/nowackphoto

Patrick Armstrong
Patrick was adopted from Seoul by a white family in Indiana. He is also the president and co-founder of All Times Are Local, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on helping older foster youth. He attended college at Purdue University in West Lafayette and currently resides in Indianapolis.
 
Connect with Patrick!
  • Website: http://www.alltimesarelocal.org
  • LinkedIn: http://linkedin/in/patrickarmstrong219
  • Instagram: http://instagram.com/patrickintheworld

K.J. Roelke
KJ was adopted from Daegu and raised in Dallas, Texas with his two biological, older siblings and his younger sister, adopted from Russia. After spending a decade in the Midwest for college and career, he and his wife are back in Dallas and living large! He has been on his journey of discovery since 2015 and spends his days populating the internet with content.

Connect with K.J.!
// Listen to/Watch The Janchi Show on all major platforms:
  • Apple: http://janchishow.com/apple
  • Spotify: http://janchishow.com/spotify
  • Youtube: http://janchishow.com/youtube

// Join the Asian Podcast Network:
  • Website: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/
  • Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/ 

// The Janchi Show is produced by Just Like Media:
  • Website: http://www.justlikemedia.com
  • Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Executive Producer: Jerry Won
Creative Director: Michelle Nam
Audio & Video Engineer: K.J. Roelke

Creators & Guests

Producer
KJ Roelke
Co-Host, Editor, Web Dev of the Janchi Show
Producer
Nathan Nowack
Co-host of the Janchi Show, snack provider
Producer
Patrick Armstrong
Co-host, editor of the Janchi Show

What is The Janchi Show?

The Janchi Show is a podcast where three Korean adoptees explore what life is like after you're adopted by white people. Nathan Nowack, Patrick Armstrong, and KJ Roelke share their own unique journeys into discovering and learning more about their Korean and adoptee identities through conversations with each other and guests. Each episode they'll also try a Korean snack or drink! Join us each week and follow us at @janchishow across all social platforms.