Sordid Stories with Del Shores

Kendall and Corey met when Corey performed in Del Shores' play, "Sordid Lives." We were fortunate enough to befriend Del and share some amazing moments with him and his collaborators, including Leslie Jordan, Ann Walker and Beth Grant.

In this episode, Kendall and Del discuss their similarities including growing up in the Southern Baptist church, marrying women and the challenges of being gay in the South.

The Del Shores Foundation: LGBTQ

Del Shores' website

Guest bio:

Del Shores is the writer/director/producer of the films Sordid Lives, Blues for

Willadean, Southern Baptist Sissies and A Very Sordid Wedding.  He wrote and

executive produced the MGM feature Daddy's Dyin';...Who's Got The Will?  His

plays Cheatin’, Daddy’s Dyin’ (Who’s Got The Will?), Daughters of the Lone Star

State, Sordid Lives, Southern Baptist Sissies, The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer

Trash Housewife, Yellow, This Side of Crazy and A Very Sordid Wedding are all

published by Concord/Samuel French. In television, Del Shores wrote, directed,

executive produced and created the LOGO series, Sordid Lives: The Series. He also

wrote and executive produced Showtime's groundbreaking Queer As Folk for the

last three seasons, wrote and produced for Dharma & Greg and Ned & Stacey. 

He has directed Academy Award winners Octavia Spencer and Whoopi Goldberg,

Grammy Award winner Olivia Newton-John; Emmy winners/nominees Beau

Bridges, Delta Burke, Leslie Jordan, Bonnie Bedelia, Bobbie Eakes, Patrika Darbo

and Rue McClanahan; Spirit Award winner Dale Dickey; Screen Actor's Guild

Award-winner Beth Grant; as well as Caroline Rhea, Debby Holiday and David

Steen.

As a performer, Shores has performed in hundreds of standup gigs and in 2018

completed a national tour of his critically acclaimed award-winning one-man

play Six Characters In Search Of A Play directed by Emerson Collins. The play was

filmed and is now streaming worldwide. His standup shows Del Shores: My

Sordid Life Del Shores: Sordid Confessions and Del Shores: Naked.Sordid.Reality

were filmed, also directed by Collins, and are distributed by Breaking Glass

Pictures. His tenth play A Very Sordid Wedding (based on his 2017 film) had its

world premiere September 2021, playing to sold out houses at Kalita Humphries

Theatre in Dallas for Uptown Players. Shores directed. In November 2021, he

directed his eleven play In Memoriam of Lena at Northwestern State University in

Natchitoches, Louisiana where his has teaches Playwriting and Acting For The

Camera yearly as a guest artist. Lena marked his first world premiere with a cast

of students. Shores has won multiple awards for his plays and films, including a

GLAAD Award, an NAACP Award and a LA Weekly Lifetime Achievement award

winner. In 2023 he was awarded The Chuck Rowland Pioneer Award by LA’s

The Celebration Theatre.

Shores shares the passion of The Del Shores Foundation in “finding and

facilitating success for the next generation of Southern LGBTQ+ writers.”

(delshoresfoundation.org). Shores resides in Los Angeles with his three little

bitches Bitsy Mae, Gracie Louise and Sissy Marie. He is the proud father of two

grown daughters Rebecca and Caroline.

Bob Sorrentino is the adoptive father of two, and the host of the podcast, Italian Genealogy With Bob Sorrentino. Bob always knew his four grandparents all came from Italy, but after a DNA test, he found family he didn't know existed in the country. "Better late than never," is an Italian phrase that sums up Bob's journey. The stories he heard from his new family are too wild to be coincidences.

"The most amazing part of the meeting was a photo of my parents' wedding with my grandmother's handwriting in Italian on the back. Blows you away," Bob said.

Guest bio: Robert Sorrentino is a retired bank executive that has now devoted his life to Italian roots and genealogy. Robert has a blog, podcast and YouTube channel.

Bob's book, "Farmers and Nobles: The Genealogy History of Two Italian American Families"

Bob's podcast, Italian Genealogy With Bob Sorrentino

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Our guest, Jon Baime, is the writer, producer and director of the documentary, "Filling in the Blanks." After taking a DNA test five years ago, Jon discovered he and his two brothers were the result of donor conception. To process the revelation, Jon decided to make a film, which includes his story, his brothers' stories and several other stories from NPEs (non-paternity event), who turn out to be Jon's half siblings.

"Filling in the Blanks" description: Where do I come from? For some, the question has a simple answer - for others, the truth can be much more complicated. With the rise in popularity of at-home DNA tests, it's now easier than ever for people to uncover their family history and, sometimes, things their parents wish would stay buried. Interested in learning more about his family heritage, director Jon Baime took an at-home DNA test and uncovered a family secret that has been hidden for half a century. Featuring in-depth interviews with Jon's siblings as well as a treasure trove of family photos and films spanning 70 years, "Filling in the Blanks" takes audiences on a journey as Jon explores the meaning behind his discovery and expands on what it means to be family.

Filling in the Blanks trailer

"Filling in the Blanks" on Apple TV

"Filling in the Blanks" on VUDU

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Jimmy Amisial's life was changed forever. In 2017, he was home in Haiti visiting from the U.S. where he was studying. On New Year's Eve, Jimmy discovered a crowd making a commotion. There was a naked baby, screaming, in a pile of garbage. The people gathered around thought the child was cursed so they wouldn't touch him. The baby was in distress, covered in fire ants. Jimmy saw a precious living soul, and he knew he had to save the baby. Soon, Jimmy was asked to become the permanent caregiver for the baby, the most-difficult decision Jimmy ever had to make. Jimmy shares what happens next in this episode.

Jimmy Amisial's Instagram

4thelovefoundation

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Getting to help share Tamika Felder's story is an honor for us. Tamika looked forward to becoming a Mom since she was a young girl playing with her dollies. A cancer diagnosis at age 25 dashed her dream of having a baby. Acts of kindness from strangers helped Tamika's dream finally come true. These former strangers have formed a modern family. We were also thrilled and surprised to hear Stephanie Levich's family twist during the episode!

Guest bios:

Tamika Felder is a cervical cancer survivor. She founded Cervivor, a global community of patient advocates who inspire and empower those affected by cervical cancer by educating and motivating them to use their voices for creating awareness to end stigma, influence decision and change, and end cervical cancer.

Stephanie Levich is a fertility and family building expert, author and entrepreneur. With over 20 years of experience in the fertility industry, her passion stemmed from her own parents' journey to create their family through adoption as well as her personal experience dealing with IVF. Stephanie created Family Match Consulting, a world-renowned fertility consulting firm specializing in egg donation, sperm donation, and surrogacy. Family Match is the premier fertility consulting firm for an ever-growing roster of A-List celebrities, CEOs, and prominent sports and political figures who require extra support and privacy as they navigate their family-building journey.

Guest links:

Stephanie Levich's Instagram

Tamika Felder's Instagram

Family Match Consulting Website

People Magazine article

cervivorbaby Instagram

Stephanie's book "From The Start: A Book About Love and Making Families"

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How do you rebuild your identity after discovering long-hidden family secrets?

Join Corey and Kendall Stulce as they sit down with Robin Schepper, a former White House staffer, adoptive mother, and author, to delve into her remarkable journey of uncovering her biological father's identity through DNA testing. Robin shares her emotional experiences, from navigating her mother's long-held secrets to embracing her new-found family connections and the challenges and rewards of adoption. This episode explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and personal resilience.

NPE: From Family Trauma to Michelle Obama

Key Benefits for Listeners:

1. Understanding DNA Discoveries: Gain insight into the emotional and practical aspects of uncovering family secrets through DNA testing and how to navigate these revelations.
2. Adoption Perspectives: Learn about the complexities and joys of adoption from a mother's perspective, including the challenges faced and the deep rewards gained.
3. Building Resilience: Discover strategies for coping with and overcoming personal and family challenges, emphasizing the importance of connection and authenticity.

Tune in to hear Robin Schepper's inspiring journey of uncovering her past, embracing new family connections, and finding strength in authenticity!

Guest bio

For more than thirty years, Robin Schepper served at the highest levels of American politics and government. She worked on four presidential campaigns and in the Clinton White House, was staff director for the Senate Democratic Technology and Communications Committee under Senator Tom Daschle and served in the Obama White House as the first executive director of Michelle Obama’s anti-obesity initiative, Let’s Move! She has advised numerous numerous non-profits and helped draft policy reports for the Bipartisan Policy Center. Robin lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with my husband, kids and rescue dogs.

Robin Schepper's website

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Our guest this episode is Edward De Gangi, author of the book "The Gift Best Given: A Memoir." Ed's family twist arose when he was 70 years old. Ed was adopted as an infant, a private adoption, but he never had a conversation with his adoptive parents about it. He found out when rummaging through his parents things. In 2016, Ed did an Ancestry DNA test out of an interest in ethnicity. Ed's birth father was married five times, and Ed is convinced he never had any knowledge of his existence. The bigger twist comes with the discovery of his mother's identity. Ed's story gave us goosebumps!

About "The Gift Best Given": Set in the 1940s, as America emerged from the Great Depression and went to war, Ed's book recounts the search for his family and tells the story of a young woman's courage as she overcame obstacles to achieve her dreams.

Edward De Gangi's website

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What happens when your DNA test reveals unexpected family ties and hidden heritage?

In this episode, Corey and Kendall Stulce welcome Dayna Foster, who shares her journey of uncovering surprising connections through DNA testing. Despite knowing she was adopted from a young age, Dana's genetic exploration revealed half-siblings and a surprising link to African ancestry. Her story highlights the complexities of identity, the challenges of reaching out to newfound relatives, and the importance of embracing one's heritage in the face of unexpected discoveries.

DNA Surprises: Establishing Relationships with Half-Siblings

Guest link

Key Benefits for Listeners:

1. Navigating DNA Discoveries: Learn how to approach and manage the emotional and practical aspects of discovering new family connections through DNA testing.
2. Understanding Heritage: Gain insight into the importance of recognizing and embracing all aspects of your heritage, including unexpected connections.
3. Building Relationships: Discover strategies for thoughtfully reaching out and establishing relationships with newfound relatives while respecting boundaries.

Listen to Dayna Foster's incredible story of discovery and connection, and find inspiration in her journey of embracing her heritage and building new relationships!Join the Family Twist family here!

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What would you do if you rediscovered your siblings, and how would you navigate the journey to heal?

Reuniting Sisters and Healing Through Writing

In this heartwarming episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall Stulce welcome Barbara Lane, author of "Broken Water." Barbara shares her incredible story of being separated from her 12 siblings at a young age and her relentless search to reunite with them. Through her writing, Barbara explores the profound impact of family bonds, resilience, and the healing power of storytelling. Join us as we delve into Barbara's journey, her discoveries, and the emotional reunion that brought her family back together.

Key Benefits for Listeners:

• Emotional Resilience: Gain insight into how to cope with and heal from the trauma of family separation and loss.
• The Power of Persistence: Learn the importance of persistence in the search for lost family members and the unexpected ways they can be found.
• Healing Through Storytelling: Discover how sharing and writing about personal experiences can be a powerful tool for healing and connecting with others.

Dive into Barbara Lane's incredible journey of reunification and healing, and find inspiration in her story of resilience and the power of family bonds. Listen now!

Guest bio:

The Rev. Barbara Lane integrates her life experiences of being a foster child, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, speaker, child advocate, educator, ministerial counselor, and author into her writing. By sharing her own personal journey, Barbara destigmatizes the fate of child abuse survivors, leading her to write "Broken Water." In addition to her 25-year service in private practice as a ministerial counselor, Barbara’s educational background in human development, social sciences, and family psychology with a focus on child abuse, inspires her to share her expertise on interrelated issues: the family, family separation, the foster care system, attachment and bonding, child maltreatment, relationship formation, the resilience of the human spirit, healing from trauma, and the power found in having faith in something greater than the self. When not writing, you will find Barbara enjoying nature, reading, swimming, playing sports, and people watching. She especially enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. Barbara lives in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia with her husband, Jim, who remains her childhood sweetheart.

Guest links:

https://barbaralane.info/

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What happens when a DNA test reveals that the man you thought was your father your entire life isn't actually your biological dad?

NPE Discovering the True Meaning of Nature vs. Nurture

In this fascinating episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall Stulce are joined by Gene McLeod, who shares his incredible journey of uncovering a life-altering DNA surprise. Gene opens up about his discovery that the man who raised him wasn't his biological father, revealing a profound story that explores the complexities of nature versus nurture. Dive into Gene's compelling narrative, learn about the family dynamics that shaped his upbringing, and find out how he navigated the emotional rollercoaster of connecting with his biological family.

Key Benefits for Listeners:

• Understanding Nature vs. Nurture: Gain insights into the impact of genetics and upbringing on personal development and identity.
• Navigating Family Discoveries: Learn how to cope with unexpected family revelations and the emotional challenges they bring.
• The Power of Connection: Discover the importance of family bonds and the resilience needed to rebuild relationships after life-changing discoveries.

Listen to Gene McLeod's gripping story of discovery and resilience, and explore the true meaning of family and identity. Don't miss this emotional and enlightening episode!

Guest bio:

Gene McLeod is a retired RF sensor and communications engineer now living in Richmond, Virginia. He earned his BS in Physics from Marshall University in 1985, and an MS in Electrical Engineering from The University of Virginia in 1987. Prior to writing Intersections, Gene managed numerous technical proposal writing teams, winning several multi-million-dollar awards.

Guest link:

Intersections: The Novel

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