Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets

Adoptee Monica Hall discusses her journey from leaving corporate America to starting her own soap company and finding her indigenous roots. She shares anecdotes about selling peppermint soap to a gay community and the success of her products. Monica also opens up about her personal life, including her experiences with relationships and her challenging childhood.

She talks about her spiritual practices and the importance of maintaining a high vibration. The conversation touches on the power of storytelling and the healing process, as well as the impact of adoption on individuals and families. Monica discusses her experiences with family dynamics, including distancing herself from toxic family members and the realization that she had been enabling their behavior. She reflects on her upbringing and the impact it had on her relationships and self-worth.

Monica also talks about the process of writing her memoir and the challenges she faced in condensing her story. She shares her journey of reconnecting with her biological daughter and the complexities of being an indigenous person. Overall, Monica's story is one of resilience, healing, and the search for identity and belonging.

Benefits of Listening to This Episode:

1. Inspiration for Entrepreneurial Ventures: Learn how Monica turned her passion for natural products and herbology into a thriving business, providing practical inspiration for listeners looking to start their own entrepreneurial journeys.
2. Insights into Personal Growth Through Heritage: Gain insights into how connecting with one's cultural and familial roots can lead to significant personal growth and self-discovery.
3. Understanding the Impact of Adoption on Identity: Monica discusses her experiences with adoption from both personal and professional perspectives, offering listeners deeper understanding of how early life experiences can shape personal identity and relationships.

Guest bio:

Monica Hall is a speaker, writer, coach, and entrepreneur. In addition to working as a business consultant, Monica has founded several companies, including an eponymous skincare line and a successful business centered on natural, chemical-free body care, and has worked in advertising and marketing for more than twenty years.

Her entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by the often traumatic experiences of her youth, which helped to cultivate the fierce and fearless personality that prepared her to build and direct successful industry-leading companies. Monica loves sharing her story and giving hope to those in crisis, which she has done for over three decades. She devotes much of her time to working with women by guiding them through life’s challenges. This has been instrumental in her development, and Monica describes it as a life-changing experience.

Freely giving her time has helped her to shed a self-centered worldview and gain new insight into human motivation and interactions.

Connect with Monica:

https://www.instagram.com/monicahallauthor/

About Practically Still a Virgin

A gripping memoir recounting a fifteen-year-old adoptee's experience of rape and the pregnancy that changed her life.

Adopted and raised during Alaska’s lawless 1970s oil-boom era, Monica grows up amid trauma and dysfunction. As a teen, she rebels into delinquency.

When Monica is raped and becomes pregnant, her religious parents push her into giving up her baby, her only known blood relative for adoption. These events kick off a decades-long search for family and belonging.

Thread by thread, she weaves...

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

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Ever wondered how discovering hidden family secrets can transform your sense of identity and belonging?

In this episode, Kendall continues the conversation with Pam, an NPE (not parent expected) individual. They discuss the possibility of being the product of an affair or open relationship, and the challenges that come with it. They also talk about the importance of love and acceptance in reunion experiences, as well as the complexities of family dynamics and secrets.

Kendall shares her own experiences with her birth mother and the emotions that come with uncovering family secrets. The conversation highlights the need for processing and healing in order to move forward. The conversation explores the themes of self-discovery, the impact of family secrets, and the importance of love and acceptance. It delves into the movie "Soul" and how it relates to the journey of the soul and personal experiences. The conversation also touches on the idea that connecting with biological family members is part of one's soul's journey and the importance of embracing that connection. It concludes with a discussion on the complexities of family secrets and the need for honesty and open communication.

Benefits of Listening:

1. Being the product of an affair or open relationship can present unique challenges and complexities in one's identity and family dynamics.
2. Reunion experiences can be filled with mixed emotions, and it's important to navigate them with love, acceptance, and understanding.
3. Family secrets can have a lasting impact on individuals and relationships, and it's important to process and heal in order to move forward.
4. The journey of uncovering family secrets can be both painful and therapeutic, allowing for personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself. Self-discovery is a significant part of the NPE journey, and it can be influenced by various factors, including personal experiences and external influences.
5. Family secrets and shame can have a damaging impact on individuals, preventing them from acknowledging and accepting their true origins.
6. Connecting with biological family members is seen as part of one's soul's journey, and it is important to embrace that connection and the stories it brings.
7. Honesty and open communication are crucial in navigating the complexities of NPE discoveries and building meaningful relationships with biological family members.

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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

Can you transform trauma into a powerful personal narrative?

In this compelling episode of Family Twist, we delve into the journey of healing and self-creation with guest Dee Wallace, celebrated actress and healer. Dee shares her unique insights on how to redirect energy and thoughts to manifest the life you desire, inspired by her own experiences in both Hollywood and personal healing practices.

This episode explores the vital connection between personal philosophy and healing, providing listeners with a profound understanding of how our energies and beliefs shape our lives. Whether you’re dealing with family trauma, seeking personal growth, or curious about how to harness your inner power, this conversation offers transformative perspectives.

Listeners will gain:

1. Strategies to harness and redirect personal energy to foster healing and positive outcomes.
2. Insights into overcoming trauma by rewriting personal narratives, supported by real-life examples and Dee’s extensive experience.
3. Practical advice on cultivating self-love and responsibility, essential for anyone looking to empower their life choices and relationships.

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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

Have you ever imagined discovering a completely different truth about your past as an adult?

This episode delves deep into the powerful, emotional journeys that unfold when hidden family truths come to light through DNA testing and genealogical discoveries. For anyone curious about their own family background or grappling with questions of identity, this podcast provides a compelling exploration of the complexities involved in uncovering one's true heritage. In it, we revisit past guests from Family Twist that are taking part in the Untangling Our Roots conference in April 2024.

Benefits of Listening:

1. Gain insight into the emotional and psychological impact of uncovering unexpected family secrets and how individuals navigate these discoveries.
2. Understand the broader implications of DNA testing and genealogy in redefining family relationships and personal identity.
3. Be inspired by real-life stories of reconciliation and the quest for truth, showing the resilience and transformation possible when confronting the past.

Guest episodes:

Brad Ewell: NPE Held Prisoner by Parental Secrets

Jon Baime: NPE's Documentary is Filling in the Blanks

Peter J. Boni: Unveiling the Secrets of Assisted Reproductive Technology

Wendy Kramer and the Donor Sibling Registry Part 1

Lauren LoGiudice: The Comedy of Discovery

Michelle Tullier: NPE: Guess What? My Dad is Not My Dad.

Right to Know

National Association of Adoptees and Parents

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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

Have you ever wondered about the alternative ways people can become parents in today's world? This episode delves deep into the fascinating and sometimes controversial world of unregulated sperm donation, a topic that touches on ethics, identity, and the human desire to connect and find meaning through family.

Listeners will gain insight into:

1. The Personal Stories: Discover the compelling narratives of individuals who participate in sperm donation outside the conventional medical and legal frameworks, highlighting their motivations and the complex emotional landscapes they navigate.
2. Ethical and Societal Implications: Understand the broader implications of sperm donation as it operates in the grey areas of legality and morality, raising questions about responsibility, rights, and the implications for offspring.
3. Human Connection and Legacy: Hear how the desire to create a legacy and form connections drives people to extraordinary lengths, offering a raw look at the human condition and the innate need to belong and be remembered.

Tune in to the Family Twist podcast to explore these gripping stories that challenge conventional notions of family and parenthood. Join us for a journey that promises to expand your views on kinship and identity in the modern world.

Guest bio:

Lance Oppenheim is a filmmaker from South Florida. Inspired by the larger-than-life stories that unfolded around him in his native South Florida, Lance has been making films since he was in his teens. In college, he became the youngest active contributor to The New York Times Op-Docs and received six Vimeo Staff Picks. Lance is a former Sundance Ignite Fellow, has been featured as one of Filmmaker Magazine's 25 New Faces of Independent Film, and was named one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in 2022. His first feature, Some Kind of Heaven, premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was released by Magnolia Pictures and Hulu in 2021 to critical acclaim.

Link: Spermworld

https://familytwistpodcast.com/

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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

In this episode of Family Twist, we delve deep into the emotional journey of Pam, an NPE (Not Parent Expected) who discovers her true parentage through a DNA test, uncovering the reality of being conceived through an affair. If you've ever wondered about your family secrets or the truths that DNA tests can reveal, this episode is especially relevant in today’s age where genetic testing is becoming more common.

1. Insight into the Emotional Rollercoaster of NPE Discoveries: Understand the deep emotional impact and personal challenges faced by individuals like Pam who learn about their origins in unexpected ways.
2. Awareness of the Stigma Surrounding Children of Affairs: This episode sheds light on the often unspoken stigma attached to individuals conceived through affairs, enhancing empathy and understanding.
3. Strategies for Navigating Family Secrets: Gain strategies from real-life experiences on how to handle complex family dynamics and revelations effectively.

Tune in to this gripping episode to explore the transformative power of truth and the resilience required to face it head-on. Pam's story could change your perspective on family, identity, and the secrets we keep. Listen now for a journey into the heart of what it means to discover oneself through layers of family history.

Guest link:

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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

Have you ever wondered how uncovering hidden family truths could reshape your identity and relationships? Dive into the first part of this intriguing journey of Brian Stanton, an actor and writer who reveals the profound impact of DNA discoveries and adoption on his life.

In this episode, listeners will explore the intricate dynamics of adoptive relationships, emotional support, and personal discovery. Whether you're connected to adoption personally, know someone who is, or simply love a gripping narrative of self-discovery and family secrets, this story will touch your heart and expand your understanding of family and identity.

Listeners will gain:

1. Insight into the emotional roller coaster of discovering one’s roots through DNA testing and its impact on personal and family identities.
2. Understanding of the importance of support systems for adoptees, as shared through Brian's experiences and those of his supportive spouse.
3. Awareness of the complexities involved in adoptive relationships and how adoptees navigate the quest for belonging and identity.

Don’t miss this powerful tale of uncovering hidden truths and the journey toward self-acceptance. Search for "The Family Twist: Corey & Kendall Stulce" and immerse yourself in a story that promises not only to engage but also to enlighten.

Guest Bio:

Brian Stanton (He/Him) is a critically acclaimed playwright, actor, and a poignant voice in the adoptee and arts communities. His solo play, "Blank" and film, "The Ghost Kingdom," delve into his adoption story, exploring themes of identity, loss, and reunion. Through his art, Brian seeks to connect with others, fostering understanding and healing within the adoption community.

Brian's work has been recognized across the United States, where he has performed his plays for a decade, earning accolades and touching hearts. Beyond his plays, Brian actively participates in conferences and workshops, sharing his journey and insights to support adoptees and their families.

Brian is also involved in initiatives to promote openness and healing in adoption narratives, advocating for the rights and voices of adoptees to be heard and respected.

Resources Mentioned:

• "Blank" and "The Ghost Kingdom" - Brian Stanton's play and film exploring his adoption journey.
• DNA testing services (23andMe, Ancestry.com) - Crucial tools in Brian's search for his biological roots.
• Adoption conferences and workshops - Platforms where Brian shares his story and connects with the community.

Join the Family Twist family!

Listen, Rate & Subscribe on your favorite platform to dive deeper into stories of family, identity, and the unbreakable bonds that define us.

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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

Have you ever thought about the impact of meeting your birth parents can have on your life and existing family relationships? In this compelling second part of Brian Stanton's story, we dive deeper into his emotional experiences of connecting with his birth mother and the subsequent challenges with his adoptive family.

This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of adoptive relationships, exploring the delicate balance between birth and adoptive families. Here's what listeners can expect to gain from tuning in:

1. A firsthand look at the emotional negotiations and conflicts that can arise when an adoptee decides to connect with their birth family.
2. Insights into managing the dynamics between adoptive and birth families, especially in scenarios where past relationships and emotions are complex.
3. Strategies for adoptees to maintain and assert their identity while honoring all familial relationships.

If you're intrigued by the intricate dance of relationships and identity within adoptive families, make sure to listen to this episode of the Family Twist.

Guest Bio:

Brian Stanton (He/Him) is a critically acclaimed playwright, actor, and a poignant voice in the adoptee and arts communities. His solo play, "Blank" and film, "The Ghost Kingdom," delve into his adoption story, exploring themes of identity, loss, and reunion. Through his art, Brian seeks to connect with others, fostering understanding and healing within the adoption community.

Brian's work has been recognized across the United States, where he has performed his plays for a decade, earning accolades and touching hearts. Beyond his plays, Brian actively participates in conferences and workshops, sharing his journey and insights to support adoptees and their families.

Brian is also involved in initiatives to promote openness and healing in adoption narratives, advocating for the rights and voices of adoptees to be heard and respected.

Resources Mentioned:

• "Blank" and "The Ghost Kingdom" - Brian Stanton's play and film exploring his adoption journey.
• DNA testing services (23andMe, Ancestry.com) - Crucial tools in Brian's search for his biological roots.
• Adoption conferences and workshops - Platforms where Brian shares his story and connects with the community.

Join the Family Twist family!

Listen, Rate & Subscribe on your favorite platform to dive deeper into stories of family, identity, and the unbreakable bonds that define us.

• Apple
• Amazon
• Google
• Spotify

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 surprise-filled episode of Family Twist, we dive into filmmaker Luke Davies’ compelling journey of self-discovery, ignited by the results of a home DNA test. Raised in Rochdale, England, Luke grew up believing he was white British, only to have a DNA test in his 20s reveal a rich tapestry of ancestral backgrounds, including West African, Portuguese, and more. This unexpected revelation leads Luke on a quest to find his biological father, a journey documented in the BBC documentary, “A Stranger in My Family.”

What You'll Learn:

• How Luke's DNA test results shattered his lifelong perceptions of his identity.
• The emotional and psychological impact of discovering one's racial and ethnic heritage later in life.
• Luke's process of approaching his mother for the truth, leading to the revelation of a holiday romance in Portugal.
• The challenges and complexities of searching for a biological parent with limited information.
• The role of commercial DNA testing in connecting Luke with distant relatives and ultimately his biological father.
• Luke's exploration into filmmaking as a medium to document and navigate his journey.
• Insights into Luke's current projects and how his personal journey has influenced his work and passion for telling stories of marginalized voices.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:05:22] - Luke's initial reaction to his DNA test results and the moment of revelation with his mother.
• [00:12:35] - The intricate dynamics of Luke's family relationships following the discovery.
• [00:19:58] - The challenges and breakthroughs in Luke's search for his biological father.
• [00:27:44] - Luke's transition from TV work to documentary filmmaking amid personal upheaval.
• [00:34:17] - The serendipitous events leading Luke to take the DNA test and start his quest.
• [00:42:55] - The impact of Luke's journey on his professional life and the development of new film projects.

Guest bio: 

Luke Oliveira-Davies (He/Him) is an interdisciplinary Creative Producer and the Founder of Polari, an award-winning production company that champions the boundlessness of queer and intersectional lives through film, television, and more.

His short films have premiered and collected awards from BAFTA and BIFA-Qualifying festivals around the world, and his latest short ‘Run(a)way’ received funding from the BFI Short Film Fund.

Luke's debut documentary, Stranger in My Family, which he initially developed and produced, won the BBC Three Northern Docs Pitch at Sheffield Doc Fest (2022). It has been longlisted in the ‘Single Documentary’ category at the BAFTA Television Awards (2024), and received a ‘Best Documentary Programme’ nomination at the Broadcast Awards (2024).

The film is out now on BBC iPlayer as a Nine Lives Media production, in association with Polari.

Luke's work extends beyond Polari, including working as a Assistant Producer on Savage Waters, a multi-award-winning documentary by Emmy-winning director Mikey Corker, which released in UK and Ireland cinemas in 2023/24.

Luke is a BAFTA Connect member and is currently taking part in the Momentum program from We Are Parable x Sony Pictures Television & Channel 4, as well as the Thrive Freelance Development Programme from Creative Access x Lee & Thompson. Luke is also alumni of the BFI Creative Producers Lab (2019), and was nominated for an RTS Futures Award (2020) for his 48-hr short film Tomorrow. 

Additionally, he was a finalist...

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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

In this gripping episode of "Family Twist," we delve into Sharon Adams' remarkable journey of self-discovery, initiated by a curiosity-driven DNA test as she approached her 70s. This quest uncovers a hidden lineage, introducing her to a father and two half-sisters, Beth Mamo and Kathy Reddy, she never knew she had. Kendall navigates through their compelling narrative of discovery, acceptance, and the profound connections of family that defy mere genetics.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Sharon Adams' motivations behind taking a DNA test and the astonishing family connections it revealed.
• The emotional labyrinth of connecting with unknown family members.
• The critical role of understanding one's medical history and its impact on personal health decisions.
• The dynamics of forming relationships with newly discovered relatives amidst a global pandemic.
• The immediate bond and welcoming embrace shared among the newfound sisters.
• How delving into one’s roots can lead to unexpected, life-altering realizations.

Episode Highlights:

• The genesis of Sharon's quest for her medical history and the revelation of her biological family.
• The pivotal moment Sharon reads the email that would change her life.
• Beth and Kathy's perspective on gaining a sister overnight.
• Adjusting to new family dynamics during times of social isolation.
• The unforeseen medical insights gained from discovering one’s ancestry.
• The sisters' plans for future gatherings to strengthen their familial ties.
• Reflective thoughts on the essence of family, identity, and life’s unforeseen twists.

As we wrap up this episode of Family Twist, we've traversed the emotional landscape of discovering family ties previously hidden in the fabric of DNA. Sharon, Beth, and Kathy’s story illuminates the profound impact of exploring our roots, reminding us of the unanticipated connections waiting to be unearthed. It's a narrative that underscores the importance of curiosity, the resilience of newfound relationships, and the enduring nature of familial love that extends beyond genetics.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery and emotional reunion. We hope it inspires you to delve into your own heritage, embrace the mysteries within, and possibly uncover stories of your own that reaffirm the deep-seated bonds of family. Until we meet again, keep weaving your own family twist, cherishing the old ties while being open to the new. This is Family Twist, where every episode is a new chapter in the larger story of who we are. Stay connected, stay curious, and who knows what fascinating tales your own family tree holds.

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Connect with Us:

• Website: http://familytwistpodcast.com
• Instagram: @FamilyTwistPodcast

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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