Future Classic with Profound Vulnerability
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“"Dear Alana" is a story that some people (and institutions) have clearly wanted to bury, but in the end, it becomes evident that while Alana Chen may have passed away, her voice and spirit are more alive than ever.
I thought I knew what I was getting into with "Dear Alana," but it was so much more relatable, thought-provoking, and vulnerable than I could have imagined.
The host, Simon Kent Fung, appears to be a newcomer to the podcast world, but he possesses the poise and precision of a seasoned professional as he delves into Alana’s story. Simon uses Alana’s journals that she kept for years to tell her story in her own words in a way that is moving and compelling. I felt like I was becoming friends with both of them over the course of the show.
These journals also create a gateway to a level of vulnerability that is nearly unheard of, allowing Alana to voice thoughts and emotions that many of us have but often dare not express outside the safety of our own minds. As he explores her relationships with spirituality and sexuality, Fung embarks on his own unexpected and unintentional journey back to his own experience of conversion therapy as a young man who felt a calling to the Catholic priesthood.
Far from being a takedown of the Catholic Church, Fung masterfully shines a light on the inherent messiness of the human experience and the flawed institutions we are a part of, as we all seek meaning, happiness, and community.
This is the kind of show that will go down in history like “S-Town” or “Dolly Parton’s America” for the way that it tells us so much about ourselves as it tells us about someone else. Congrats to Simon Kent Fung, Laurie Polisky, and the whole team behind this! Incredible work!!”Read full review »
TheWrongWriter via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/27/23
More reviews of Dear Alana,
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“This is a story that needs to be told. Hearing Alana’s mother reading her journal entry was so touching, I feel like so many will relate to this story. Looking forward to the release of this show.”
Caroline Lerman! via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/30/23
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“Looking forward to this!”
Anne Rusten via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/01/23
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“Especially telling for learning about how the church harms the LGBTQ community. Heartbreaking.”
FriscoShannon via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/19/23
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