DNA Clarity and Support

Everyone deserves the right to know where they came from


Listen Later

Michael Blair knew from the age of 12 that his dad was not his biological father, but it was something not spoken about in the family. After years spent chasing down every last lead on his biological paternity, Michael's search entered a new phase when a consumer DNA test connected him to paternal DNA relatives. The up-and-down journey, the people he came to know along the way, and the new understanding he has of his parents are all documented in his memoir, I Had My Underwear on the Entire Time.

This lovely episode includes a drop-in visit from his wife, Amy, co-author and #1 supporter of Michael in his search for information. Who is this episode for? Anyone nervous to begin a search, anyone who has found their expectations shattered, and anyone who just needs to know they are not alone if their DNA story isn't like a Hallmark movie. Find wisdom and solace from Michael and Amy, no matter your role in a DNA search and discovery. 

Some unique parts of Michael's story will resonate with listeners, such as the discovery that the biological family he found had already been through its own ups and downs in the past. There were pre-existing divisions within the family, and complicating factors that led some to embrace Michael while others did not. Step-parents and and parents raising a child who isn't biologically related will also find comfort in Michael's advice to parents that no parent is perfect, you just have to do your best to be honest with your child.

Other parts of the discussion cover:

  • The role of a Thanksgiving turkey in Michael's search(!)
  • Michael's current relationships with his mom, dad (the step-father who adopted him as a toddler), and biological father 
  • Michael's participation in advocacy efforts to open access to original birth certificates in the state of Iowa 
  • The vital role of medical history in his story
  • The value of therapy in coping with mental health struggles 
  • Resources Michael found helpful, including MPEcounseling.org and NPE Friends Fellowship

  • Read in paperback

    Read the E-book

     (Note: If you don't own a Kindle, you can download the Kindle app for free on your device and read that way.)

    Listen to other episodes about misattributed parentage and family secrets on DNA Clarity and Support

    Follow our newsletter and never miss other updates, resources, and podcast episodes!



    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    DNA Clarity and SupportBy Brianne Kirkpatrick Williams

    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7

    4.7

    15 ratings


    More shows like DNA Clarity and Support

    View all
    This American Life by This American Life

    This American Life

    91,047 Listeners

    Criminal by Vox Media Podcast Network

    Criminal

    37,503 Listeners

    The Vanished Podcast by Wondery

    The Vanished Podcast

    15,326 Listeners

    Death, Sex & Money by Slate Podcasts

    Death, Sex & Money

    7,734 Listeners

    Heavyweight by Pushkin Industries

    Heavyweight

    17,629 Listeners

    Up First from NPR by NPR

    Up First from NPR

    56,473 Listeners

    Who Am I Really? by Damon L. Davis

    Who Am I Really?

    259 Listeners

    NPE Stories by Lily Wood

    NPE Stories

    252 Listeners

    Dateline NBC by NBC News

    Dateline NBC

    47,758 Listeners

    DNA Discoveries by Edward Looney

    DNA Discoveries

    56 Listeners

    DNA: ID by AbJack Entertainment

    DNA: ID

    1,001 Listeners

    Betrayal: Weekly by iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

    Betrayal: Weekly

    7,866 Listeners

    Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets by Corey and Kendall Stulce

    Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets

    73 Listeners

    DNA Surprises by Alexis Hourselt

    DNA Surprises

    188 Listeners

    Finding Family DNA by Birth Parent Finder

    Finding Family DNA

    16 Listeners