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The Human Experience

Episodes

April 1, 2025

From Coal Mines to Concert Halls: My Grandmother’s Century of Stories

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my grandmother—my last living grandparent—to capture her incredible journey through life. From her Italian immigrant roots in coal-mining Pennsylvania to her years as a talented young musician and her marriage to my grandfather, a brilliant physicist and H…

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March 18, 2025

Healing Beyond Therapy: Kim’s Story

After years of identifying solely as a teacher, Kim faced an identity crisis when burnout forced her to leave the profession. What followed was a deeply personal journey through therapy, self-discovery, and alternative healing modalities. In this episode, she shares the emotional rollercoaster of r…

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March 12, 2025

Holding It Loosely: The Evolution of The Human Experience Podcast

Two years ago, The Human Experience went live—a deeply personal and transformative journey of storytelling, connection, and vulnerability. Host Jennifer Peterkin reflects on what she has learned, the intentionality behind in-person interviews, and why proximity and presence matter in capturing huma…

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March 4, 2025

From Coincidence to Miracle – Sophia’s Story

What if life’s coincidences weren’t random, but signs guiding you toward your true purpose? In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer sits down with Sophia, whose remarkable journey has taken her from working with Buckminster Fuller in architecture to running a couture fashion business, and…

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Feb. 18, 2025

Episode - Ethan Poetic

In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Ethan Poetic, a self-published author, keynote speaker, and survivor of incredible adversity. Ethan shares his journey of growing up in a single-parent household, taking on responsibilities beyond his years, and surviving a n…

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Feb. 11, 2025

The Truth About Foster Care & Adoption: Episode 75 - Joe’s Story Part…

**Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about drug use, abuse, and neglect. Please proceed with care.** Two years after his first appearance on the podcast, Joe returns to share the incredible and often painful journey of adopting his niece and nephew. In this raw and honest conversat…

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Feb. 4, 2025

The Family You Choose: Episode 4 - Joe’s Story (REPLAY)

Next week, we’ll be bringing Joe, a former guest, back to the podcast to continue sharing more of his story. In the meantime, please enjoy listening to his first appearance on The Human Experience Podcast. **Content Warning: In this episode we discuss domestic violence, suicide, drug addiction, an…

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Jan. 28, 2025

Finding Strength In Vulnerability - Laurel’s Story

In this deeply moving episode of The Human Experience with host Jennifer Peterkin, Laurel opens up about her incredible life story filled with resilience, heartbreak, and humor. From being placed in foster care at just two years old, to experiencing multiple homes, adoption, and reconnecting with h…

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Jan. 21, 2025

Building Greenhouses of Hope - John’s Story

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with John Clifford, founder of the Greenhouse Project in Chester, Pennsylvania. John shares his incredible journey from addiction and incarceration to living out his faith through radical community-building. He unpacks the mission…

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Jan. 14, 2025

72: Life Under and After Communism - Jeny’s Story

In this episode of The Human Experience, we sit down with Jeny, a Romanian native and social worker, to explore her extraordinary story. Jeny shares her experiences growing up under the communist regime in Romania, witnessing the 1989 revolution, and her current work with children in need through F…

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Jan. 7, 2025

Parenthood, Purpose, & Rediscovering Yourself - Markella’s Story

In this heartwarming and deeply insightful episode of The Human Experience, Jennfier sits down with Markella, a psychologist specializing in the identity shifts of parenthood, to explore the evolving nature of relationships, self-discovery, and the challenges of balancing societal expectations with…

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Dec. 31, 2024

A Season of Stories - Recap Episode

Welcome to a special recap episode of The Human Experience Podcast! In this episode, host Jennifer Peterkin takes us on a journey through some of the most compelling and impactful moments from past conversations. Featuring highlights from some incredible guest interviews, Jennifer weaves these mome…

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Dec. 24, 2024

God’s Plan & A Pretzel: Episode 31 - Auntie Anne’s Story (REPLAY)

**December will be a time of rest and reflection for The Human Experience Podcast. During the next few weeks, Jennifer will be releasing some powerful conversations from previous guests as replay episodes to remember some incredible stories and share with new listeners.** In this deeply moving and…

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Dec. 17, 2024

A WWII Story of Love and Legacy: Episode 22 - Susan’s Story (REPLAY)

**December will be a time of rest and reflection for The Human Experience Podcast. During the next few weeks, Jennifer will be releasing some powerful conversations from previous guests as replay episodes to remember some incredible stories and share with new listeners.** In this inspiring episod…

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Dec. 10, 2024

Forgiveness After Tragedy: Episode 13 - Shelly’s Story (REPLAY)

**December will be a time of rest and reflection for The Human Experience Podcast. During the next few weeks, Jennifer will be releasing some powerful conversations from previous guests as replay episodes to remember some incredible stories and share with new listeners.** Content Warning: This epi…

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Dec. 3, 2024

Compassion in Refuge Resettlement: Episode 5 - Laura’s Story (REPLAY)

**December will be a time of rest and reflection for The Human Experience Podcast. During the next few weeks, Jennifer will be releasing some powerful conversations from previous guests as replay episodes to remember some incredible stories and share with new listeners.** In this episode of The Hu…

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Nov. 26, 2024

69: Healing Through Inner Transformation - Katja’s Story

In this episode of The Human Experience podcast, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Katja, a hypnotherapist, life coach, and healer, to explore her remarkable journey from debilitating illness to self-discovery and empowerment. Katja shares her struggles with fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, mercury poiso…

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Nov. 19, 2024

68: A Journey of Healing, Self-Love, & Purpose - Nadia’s Story

In this heartfelt and transformative episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Nadia at her home in Northern Italy for a profound conversation on healing, self-discovery, and living with purpose. Nadia shares her life's journey from childhood challenges to a thriving life in…

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Nov. 12, 2024

Episode 67 - Amey’s Story

In this episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Amey to explore her journey of self-discovery and empowerment following the abrupt end of her 29-year marriage. Amey candidly shares the challenges of navigating life as a mother, wife, and professional, only to find her…

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Nov. 5, 2024

Episode 66 - Vanessa’s Story

Welcome to another episode of The Human Experience! In this episode, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Vanessa, a former television producer who, at the height of her career, faced a life-altering illness. Vanessa's journey of unexpected blindness and paralysis, and her arduous path to recovery…

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Oct. 29, 2024

Episode 65 - Samantha's Story

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Samantha, a passionate health coach and osteopath, to discuss her journey toward achieving "food freedom" and helping others do the same. Samantha shares her struggles with body image, binge eating, and restricti…

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Oct. 22, 2024

Episode 64 - Saloni’s Story

In this heartfelt episode, Saloni, a former HIV and sexual health physician, shares her transformative journey from a respected career in medicine to becoming a trauma coach, focusing on EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Saloni’s story highlights the devastating impact o…

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Oct. 15, 2024

Episode 63 - Paola’s Story

In this heartfelt episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Paola, an artist originally from Bulgaria, who shares her extraordinary journey through personal challenges, loss, and triumph. Paola recounts her experiences with multiple miscarriages, the struggles within the hea…

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Oct. 8, 2024

Episode 62 - Natasha’s Story

In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin interviews Natasha, who shares her powerful story of growing up between Pakistan and the UK, navigating cultural differences, and how those experiences shaped her into the woman she is today. Natasha reflects on her journey into social work…

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