DNA Clarity and Support

Listen to this episode of DNA Clarity and Support as author Libby Copeland discusses with Brianne the complex themes she explores in her timely book The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are. This popular science read makes the topic of DNA and family approachable by all readers, no matter their familiarity with the topics of genetics and genealogy. Copeland centers the narrative on the story of a woman named Alice Plebuch and draws in the stories of other individuals and families impacted by genealogy, genetic testing, and family discoveries. Follow this link to read Copeland's Washington Post original article about Alice.

In this episode:

• Hear from Copeland as she describes the impact writing The Lost Family had on the understanding of her own family. 

Involved in an unexpected family discovery? Find support today whether you are a person at the center of the discovery or a person impacted by a DNA discovery for someone else. This (+more) at watersheddna.com!

Get your copy of The Lost Family from one of these places:

Amazon

Bookshop.org (works with independent bookstores around the U.S.)

The Village Bookstore (a brick-and-mortar store in Pleasantville, New York that will send you a signed copy)

One DNA discovery in a family is often more than enough...so what happens when there are nine?

Stephen Anderson never expected that his decades of family research using traditional methods--genealogical records and oral histories--would be turned into a years-long journey to unravel the truth around his paternity and that of his many siblings. Steve is today’s guest on the third episode of DNA Clarity and Support. He admits to the host Brianne that didn’t want to write his book A Broken Tree, but that he felt like he had to. 

Listen as Steve describes what it’s like to be part of a large family in which reactions to an NPE (“not parent expected”) discovery varied greatly and how the outcomes of each discovery were also not the same.

Steve offers advice to fellow NPEs about the importance of forgiveness and how he found his way to peace after three intense years of emotional pain.

Resources mentioned in today's episode include:

NPE Friends Fellowship

Watershed DNA site

A full resource list for NPE Support

In this episode of DNA Clarity and Support, Mary Beth Sammons shares with host Brianne the backstory to her book Ancestry Quest. This quick-and-easy read explores the stories of dozens of individuals who found meaning and connection to family and their history, sometimes after an intentional search and sometimes by happenstance. If you’re a “chicken soup for the soul” type of reader, Sammons’ approach to writing about families will appeal. Sammons reminds us that when you search for the silver linings, you are sure to find them.

Listen as Mary Beth and Brianne discover the similarity in the way a grandparent's life led them to research family history and what they have learned from listening to others and helping others to share their stories of family and discovery.

DNA Clarity and Support is podcast produced by Watershed DNA. It covers the growing phenomenon of DNA discoveries and how unexpected findings have the power to change lives, redefine personal identity, and restructure families. Also check out episode 1 and subscribe for automatic notification when other episodes drop!

Welcome to the very first episode of the DNA Clarity and Support podcast! 

In this episode, Maggie Chenard shares with host Brianne Kirkpatrick Williams the journey she has taken after a discovery less than two years ago that the father she has always known was not her biological father. Maggie is known as the Mindful NPE  on Instagram and Twitter, and she hosts a secret Facebook group of same name. Learn from Maggie’s experience how grief changes with time, the impact of an "NPE" (not parent expected) discovery on existing relationships, and what it takes to help those around you know how to offer the right kind of support.

Maggie Chenard is on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook as the Mindful NPE. Check out her social media posts and the other resources we discuss including:

• Watershed DNA membership site //

DNA Clarity and Support launch on March 15, 2021 with episode one, a discussion with the Mindful NPE, Maggie Chenard. Follow this link to sign up for automatic updates about the podcast and other offerings from Watershed DNA and show host Brianne Kirkpatrick. Visit watersheddna.com for anything and everything related to DNA testing, whether you've already tested, have family who already has, or have thoughts about DNA-testing yourself.