Finding Her Beat: Healing and Identity Through Taiko with Jennifer Weir - Ep 144

Unraveling Adoption

"Taiko drumming is a wonderful way to release lots of negative energy and have it transformed into positive energy. " -- Jennifer Weir

Podcast Episode Synopsis:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, host Beth Syverson welcomes guest Jennifer Weir, a Korean adoptee who connected with her Asian identity through Taiko drumming. Jennifer shares her journey of being adopted from South Korea at a young age and growing up in North Dakota with very little Asian representation. Despite facing bullying and struggles with identity, Jennifer found solace in Taiko drumming, eventually becoming the executive director of Taiko Arts Midwest.

The episode delves into Jennifer's experience organizing a groundbreaking concert featuring elite women Taiko drummers from Japan, the US, and Canada. The concert, captured in the award-winning documentary Finding Her Beat, highlighted the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated Taiko industry. The film showcases the power of Taiko drumming as a form of expression and healing, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Beth and Jennifer discuss the complexities of Asian identity, the importance of processing grief, and the transformative power of Taiko drumming in navigating personal struggles. Jennifer's journey from a Korean adoptee to a Taiko drumming powerhouse serves as an inspiration to adoptees and individuals exploring their cultural heritage.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Finding Her Beat documentary: https://www.herbeatfilm.com/

• HERbeat: Taiko Women All-Stars (Full Concert Video): https://vimeo.com/ondemand/herbeat

• TaikoArts Midwest: https://www.taikoartsmidwest.org/

Other Resources:

• APtitude Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption’s Challenges: UnravelingAdoption.com/APtitude

• Other Parents Like Me - oplm.com

• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

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Timestamps:

00:01:05 - Guest Introduction: Jennifer Weir, Korean Adoptee 00:02:20 - Jennifer's Adoption Story: Arrival in the U.S. 00:03:31 - Growing Up in North Dakota as an Asian Adoptee 00:06:00 - Lack of Asian Cultural Connection in Childhood 00:08:00 - Experience of Bullying and Microaggressions in School 00:09:37 - Jennifer's Response to Bullying and Racism 00:11:59 - Vulnerable Story of Dealing with Bullying 00:13:32 - Coping with Rage 00:15:11 - Taiko Drumming is Cathartic and Therapeutic 00:16:08 - Women in Taiko Drumming: Gender Dynamics 00:17:13 - Empowering Women in Taiko Drumming 00:19:53 - Production of "Finding Her Beat" Documentary 00:21:38 - Jennifer's Family Involvement in Taiko Drumming 00:22:05 - Choosing Japanese Taiko Drumming over Korean Drumming 00:25:20 - Impact of Finding Her Beat on the Adoptee Community 00:27:02 - Information on Finding Her Beat film and TaikoArts Midwest 00:28:02 - Support Unraveling Adoption Podcast and Patreon Membership