Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets

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In this episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with David to explore the profound and raw themes of relinquishment, addiction, and healing. The conversation starts with an intriguing discussion about the Blue Mind movement, the scientifically backed benefits of water for mental health. David shares how being near water has become a personal meditative tool that helps him stay grounded in a chaotic world.

As the episode unfolds, David opens up about his own adoption experience, the complex emotions around relinquishment, and how discovering the term “primal wound” helped him better understand the trauma associated with being an adoptee. Corey and Kendall reflect on similar experiences, making this conversation deeply personal and emotional.

The episode also delves into David's struggles with addiction and how it began as a means of self-medication for the pain he couldn’t fully articulate. His raw account of navigating through trauma, rejection, and the search for identity will resonate with many in the adoption and recovery communities.

Key topics include:

• Blue Mind: The healing power of water and its meditative qualities.
• The primal wound: Understanding pre-verbal trauma in adoptees.
• Relinquishment and its impact on identity and attachment.
• Addiction as a coping mechanism for trauma.
• The journey of self-discovery and healing through recovery.

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Want more Corey and Kendall?

Join us for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus podcast featuring personal stories, family secrets, behind-the-scenes conversations and plenty we don't share on the regular show.

Your Patreon membership also helps cover the costs of keeping Family Twist going. Plus, subscribers get new Family Twist episodes a day early!

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FamilyTwistPodcastAfterHours

Hello, friends! Kendall and Corey launch their new podcast, Horror Heals, today, and we wanted to share one of the first episodes with you. If you like, please share, subscribe and review.

Have friends or family who might like horror? Please share!

And subscribe and leave a review so we can reach more people

who need to know that Horror Heals!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-horror-heals-podcast/id1764754181

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/corey-stulce3

https://www.youtube.com/@horrorhealspodcast

https://horrorheals.com/#

Suggest a guest:

[email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Want more Corey and Kendall?

Join us for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus podcast featuring personal stories, family secrets, behind-the-scenes conversations and plenty we don't share on the regular show.

Your Patreon membership also helps cover the costs of keeping Family Twist going. Plus, subscribers get new Family Twist episodes a day early!

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FamilyTwistPodcastAfterHours

In this compelling episode of the Family Twist podcast,

Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with Lezlee, author of If You Only Knew:

Navigating DNA Surprises and the NPE World. Lezlee shares her deeply

personal story of uncovering a life-changing truth about her biological father

through a decade-long journey of DNA testing and family revelations. She

candidly discusses the emotional turmoil, the impact of long-kept family secrets,

and the complex relationships that ensued. Lezlee also highlights the importance

of community and support in navigating the NPE (Not Parent Expected)

experience, offering insights and advice to others who might be on a similar

path. This episode is part one of a two-part series, exploring the intricacies of family, identity, and the quest for truth.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Lezlee’s journey of discovery and the significance of the phrase, “If you only knew.”
• The emotional impact of discovering the truth about her biological father.
• The role of DNA testing in uncovering family secrets.
• The complex relationships with her birth certificate father, biological father, and extended family.
• The challenges and emotional toll of confronting family members and dealing with denial.
• The importance of community, support, and sharing stories in the NPE experience.
• The impact of losing key family members who held valuable pieces of her history.

Notable Quotes:

• “We’re just the product of this situation. We didn’t ask for this to happen.”
• “Blood is not thicker than water; we choose our family through love and connection.”
• “It’s a race against time—knowing your past is your right.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Lezlee's book: If You Only Knew: Navigating DNA Surprises and the NPE World
• NPE community resources and support groups

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Want more Corey and Kendall?

Join us for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus podcast featuring personal stories, family secrets, behind-the-scenes conversations and plenty we don't share on the regular show.

Your Patreon membership also helps cover the costs of keeping Family Twist going. Plus, subscribers get new Family Twist episodes a day early!

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FamilyTwistPodcastAfterHours

In this compelling episode of the Family Twist podcast,

Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with Lezlee, author of If You Only Knew:

Navigating DNA Surprises and the NPE World. Lezlee shares her deeply

personal story of uncovering a life-changing truth about her biological father

through a decade-long journey of DNA testing and family revelations. She

candidly discusses the emotional turmoil, the impact of long-kept family secrets,

and the complex relationships that ensued. Lezlee also highlights the importance

of community and support in navigating the NPE (Not Parent Expected)

experience, offering insights and advice to others who might be on a similar

path. This episode is part one of a two-part series, exploring the intricacies of family, identity, and the quest for truth.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Lezlee’s journey of discovery and the significance of the phrase, “If you only knew.”
• The emotional impact of discovering the truth about her biological father.
• The role of DNA testing in uncovering family secrets.
• The complex relationships with her birth certificate father, biological father, and extended family.
• The challenges and emotional toll of confronting family members and dealing with denial.
• The importance of community, support, and sharing stories in the NPE experience.
• The impact of losing key family members who held valuable pieces of her history.

Notable Quotes:

• “We’re just the product of this situation. We didn’t ask for this to happen.”
• “Blood is not thicker than water; we choose our family through love and connection.”
• “It’s a race against time—knowing your past is your right.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Lezlee's book: If You Only Knew: Navigating DNA Surprises and the NPE World
• NPE community resources and support groups

Part Two Teaser: Stay tuned for the next episode where Lezlee dives deeper into the challenges of connecting with her biological father's family and how she found healing through community and storytelling.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Want more Corey and Kendall?

Join us for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus podcast featuring personal stories, family secrets, behind-the-scenes conversations and plenty we don't share on the regular show.

Your Patreon membership also helps cover the costs of keeping Family Twist going. Plus, subscribers get new Family Twist episodes a day early!

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FamilyTwistPodcastAfterHours

In this episode of the Family Twist podcast, Kendall takes the reins as he engages in a heartfelt conversation with fellow adoptee, Greg Gentry. The two discuss their adoption experiences, touching on the challenges of reunion with biological families, the emotional impact of discovering one’s adoption later in life, and the ongoing journey of healing and understanding. Kendall and Greg find common ground in their stories, offering insights into the complexities of adoption and reunion, as well as the importance of grace and patience in these deeply personal journeys.

• Greg shares his experience of learning about his adoption at age 10, describing how it was a sudden and life-altering moment.
• He reflects on the shift in his relationships with his adoptive family after this discovery, noting a sense of disconnection that persisted throughout his life.
• "I remember my whole world shifting, feeling it shift, feeling my connection with my adoptive sisters shift." – Greg Gentry

• Greg discusses the challenges of being adopted in a closed adoption system, including the difficulties in accessing his birth records and non-identifying information.
• Despite being in partial reunion, Greg still struggles with feelings of exclusion and the emotional barriers that exist between him and his biological mother.
• "Even as an adoptee out of the fog, I feel like it would be a hurtful situation to ask for my own information, which is unfortunate." – Greg Gentry

• Both Greg and Kendall explore the emotional complexities of reuniting with their biological families. Greg speaks candidly about the difficulties he’s faced in maintaining a relationship with his birth mother, who has yet to fully embrace him.
• Kendall shares his own experiences of reunion, reflecting on the stark differences between his adoptive family's close-knit nature and the more distant relationships he has with his biological relatives.
• "It's almost like I was just late to the party. And so now I'm supposed to go stand in the corner." – Greg Gentry

• The episode delves into the emotional toll that adoption and reunion can take on adoptees, particularly when expectations are not met, and relationships remain strained.
• Greg expresses his frustration with the lack of connection and the ongoing struggle to feel validated by his birth family.
• "It can make a person feel like they doubt the worthiness of their own existence. Do I have a right to be here?" – Greg Gentry

• Kendall emphasizes the importance of finding grace and understanding in these difficult situations, recognizing that everyone involved carries their own emotional burdens.
• The conversation highlights the need for patience and self-care as both Kendall and Greg continue to navigate their complex family dynamics.
• "I need to continue to find grace for others because I get so caught up in my own story that I don't stop and think." – Kendall Stulce

• The episode closes with both Kendall and Greg expressing hope for the future, acknowledging the challenges ahead but also the potential for growth and healing.
• Kendall invites Greg to return to the podcast in the future to update listeners on how his journey progresses.
• "Thank you so much for joining me. And again, I'd like to have you back on and talk about things that have progressed." – Kendall Stulce

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Want more Corey and Kendall?

Join us for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus podcast featuring personal stories, family secrets, behind-the-scenes conversations and plenty we don't share on the regular show.

Your Patreon membership also helps cover the costs of keeping Family Twist going. Plus, subscribers get new Family Twist episodes a day early!

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FamilyTwistPodcastAfterHours

In part two of this conversation, Kendall Stulce and guest, Lori Evans Ermi, discuss their experiences with adoption and the importance of community and education. They share their personal stories of reunion and the challenges and joys that come with it. They also touch on the need for adoptees to be seen and recognized, and the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives within the adoption community. The conversation concludes with a discussion about their upcoming podcast and the power of music in connecting with others.

Takeaways

Adoption can bring both challenges and joys, and it's important to recognize and respect the different experiences and perspectives within the adoption community.

Adoptees have a deep desire to be seen and recognized, and it's important to ask adoptees about their experiences and listen to their stories.

Community and education are crucial in supporting adoptees and creating a more understanding and inclusive society.

Music can be a powerful tool for connecting with others and expressing emotions related to adoption.

Reunion can be a complex and ongoing process, and it's important to approach it with caution and respect for everyone involved.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Adoption Stories

09:26 The Importance of Community and Education

13:47 The Power of Music in Adoption

16:55 Understanding and Respecting Different Perspectives

21:13 The Complexities of Reunion in Adoption

Lori's site, Adoption Songs

Guest bio: Lori Evans Ermi is a domestic, baby scoop era adoptee and lives in the Washington, DC suburbs of Maryland with her daughter Kate, and loyal pup Oreo. She enjoys golf, theater, music and wine country. Lori is the founder and Managing Director of The Ermi Group, LLC, a leadership coaching and development firm.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Want more Corey and Kendall?

Join us for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus podcast featuring personal stories, family secrets, behind-the-scenes conversations and plenty we don't share on the regular show.

Your Patreon membership also helps cover the costs of keeping Family Twist going. Plus, subscribers get new Family Twist episodes a day early!

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FamilyTwistPodcastAfterHours

In this episode of Family Twist, Lori shares her extraordinary journey of adoption, intertwined with her love for music and family dynamics. Lori recalls her experiences and mesmerizes with stories about her daughter, an adoptee and a gifted singer who deeply contributed to her book's unique concept of pairing adoption stories with songs. Lori also discusses how music has been a healing force through life's challenges, such as her divorce and navigating adoption trauma. The episode beautifully weaves through personal anecdotes, heartfelt discussions on family relationships, and the therapeutic power of music, highlighting the profound connections and struggles inherent in the adoption journey.

00:00 Introduction and Summit Experience

00:45 The Musical Inspiration Behind the Book

02:05 Vinyl Collection and Family Music Traditions

03:34 Personal Stories and Adoption Journey

06:12 Navigating Adoption and Personal Growth

14:08 Adoption Decision and Signs

17:07 The Adoption Process and Final Thoughts

Lori's site, Adoption Songs

Guest bio: Lori Evans Ermi is a domestic, baby scoop era adoptee and lives in the Washington, DC suburbs of Maryland with her daughter Kate, and loyal pup Oreo. She enjoys golf, theater, music and wine country. Lori is the founder and Managing Director of The Ermi Group, LLC, a leadership coaching and development firm.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Want more Corey and Kendall?

Join us for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus podcast featuring personal stories, family secrets, behind-the-scenes conversations and plenty we don't share on the regular show.

Your Patreon membership also helps cover the costs of keeping Family Twist going. Plus, subscribers get new Family Twist episodes a day early!

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FamilyTwistPodcastAfterHours

Twists of Fate: Diana's Journey of Identity and Family Secrets

In this episode, Diana shares her astonishing journey of discovering her true origins. Born in Montreal instead of Manhattan, through a black market network involving baby smugglers, doctors, and illegal maternity homes, Diana unravels her past over 29 years. Exploring themes of identity crisis, familial bonds, and the determination to uncover hidden truths, Diana's story reveals complex family dynamics and her struggle to find answers amid personal loss and trauma. Through DNA testing and persistent research, she finally pieces together her mother's untold story and the secrets of her heritage.

00:00 Meet Gatsby the Cat

00:26 Beach Days and Crowded Shores

01:01 Swimming and Scoliosis

01:23 Therapeutic Beach Visits

02:00 Introduction to the Show

02:07 The Black Market Baby Era

02:26 Discovering the Truth

04:38 The Adoption Mystery

05:23 Identity Crisis and Family Secrets

09:39 Meeting Biological Family

11:32 The Search for Birth Parents

14:31 Uncovering Family History

21:42 Connecting with Biological Relatives

27:02 A Journey to Canada

37:33 Family Background and Early Memories

38:37 Suspicion and Unanswered Questions

39:33 Connecting with Family and Facing Rejection

40:19 Discovering Mother's Past and Media Sensationalism

41:05 A Mysterious Photograph and Family Secrets

42:58 Reconnecting and Facing Threats

44:28 A Renewed Search for Answers

45:42 Uncovering Hidden Truths

48:46 A Strange Encounter and New Leads

01:03:43 DNA Testing and Final Discoveries

01:06:50 Reflections and Moving Forward

Listen, Rate & Subscribe

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Spotify

Amazon

Google

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Want more Corey and Kendall?

Join us for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus podcast featuring personal stories, family secrets, behind-the-scenes conversations and plenty we don't share on the regular show.

Your Patreon membership also helps cover the costs of keeping Family Twist going. Plus, subscribers get new Family Twist episodes a day early!

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FamilyTwistPodcastAfterHours

Twists of Fate: Diana's Journey of Identity and Family Secrets

In this episode, Diana shares her astonishing journey of discovering her true origins. Born in Montreal instead of Manhattan, through a black market network involving baby smugglers, doctors, and illegal maternity homes, Diana unravels her past over 29 years. Exploring themes of identity crisis, familial bonds, and the determination to uncover hidden truths, Diana's story reveals complex family dynamics and her struggle to find answers amid personal loss and trauma. Through DNA testing and persistent research, she finally pieces together her mother's untold story and the secrets of her heritage.

00:00 Meet Gatsby the Cat

00:26 Beach Days and Crowded Shores

01:01 Swimming and Scoliosis

01:23 Therapeutic Beach Visits

02:00 Introduction to the Show

02:07 The Black Market Baby Era

02:26 Discovering the Truth

04:38 The Adoption Mystery

05:23 Identity Crisis and Family Secrets

09:39 Meeting Biological Family

11:32 The Search for Birth Parents

14:31 Uncovering Family History

21:42 Connecting with Biological Relatives

27:02 A Journey to Canada

37:33 Family Background and Early Memories

38:37 Suspicion and Unanswered Questions

39:33 Connecting with Family and Facing Rejection

40:19 Discovering Mother's Past and Media Sensationalism

41:05 A Mysterious Photograph and Family Secrets

42:58 Reconnecting and Facing Threats

44:28 A Renewed Search for Answers

45:42 Uncovering Hidden Truths

48:46 A Strange Encounter and New Leads

01:03:43 DNA Testing and Final Discoveries

01:06:50 Reflections and Moving Forward

Listen, Rate & Subscribe

Apple

Spotify

Amazon

Google

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Want more Corey and Kendall?

Join us for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus podcast featuring personal stories, family secrets, behind-the-scenes conversations and plenty we don't share on the regular show.

Your Patreon membership also helps cover the costs of keeping Family Twist going. Plus, subscribers get new Family Twist episodes a day early!

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/FamilyTwistPodcastAfterHours