Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets

How would you reach out to a birth parent who has remained silent for over five years?

In this emotional episode of Family Twist, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce kick off season three with a deeply personal episode. Kendall shares the story of his adoption journey and the discovery of his biological family. However, the highlight of this episode is Kendall reading a heartfelt letter he wrote to his birth mother, expressing his longing to connect and understand her silence. Tune in to hear Kendall's honest and poignant words as he seeks closure and a chance to speak with his birth mother at least once.

Adoptee is Still a Dirty Little Secret

Key Benefits for Listeners:

1. Emotional Healing: Learn about the emotional impact of adoption and the longing for connection with biological family members.
2. Navigating Rejection: Gain insight into coping with and understanding the reasons behind a birth parent's silence or rejection.
3. Inspiration for Communication: Discover the power of honest and heartfelt communication in seeking closure and understanding within family dynamics.

Listen to Kendall's heartfelt plea to his birth mother and explore the complexities of adoption and family connections in this powerful episode of Family Twist.

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Dame Edna and Corey

Kendall and Corey were sad to hear that Barry Humphries died. Barry was best-known as Dame Edna, a character he portrayed for more than seven decades on screen and stage. We decided to post Corey's chat with Dame Edna (from 2015) - in which she knows surprisingly a lot about Corey - as a bonus episode. Rest in peace, Barry and Edna.

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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!

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

Episode 40: Dad Was a Rascal - Surprise, You Have an Older Sister!

SEASON 2 FINALE EPISODE: We're joined by Marisa Sullivan and Carol Simpson, who recently discovered they share a biological father. Marisa always wished she had an older sister. Her father died when she was only six years old. Decades later, Marisa received an email that changed her life - and the life of her sister, Carol.

Marisa tells Today.com, "Carol and I like to laugh about how different we are. She’s retired military personnel living in rural Missouri, and I’m a health advocate and entertainment reporter in New York City. Her social media is filled with pictures of her grandchildren; on mine, you’ll find me posing with celebrities on a red carpet.

But our dad lives in both of us.

I get my love of nightlife and adventure from him. He is probably also the reason I've been attracted to bad boys. Carol inherited his warmth. She has this ability to make everyone around her feel comfortable. And she’s also very wise, one of those people you'd describe as an old soul. When I’m struggling with a decision, she’s one of the first people I call. Carol aways picks up on the first ring."

Guest links:

I reunited with my long-lost family after a DNA test — and found the sister I'd always wanted

Instagram

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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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How would you cope with discovering a hidden truth about your family through a DNA test?

In this compelling episode of Family Twist, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce welcome Colleen Neuharth, who shares her eye-opening journey of uncovering a family secret through DNA testing. Colleen's story delves into the emotional rollercoaster of learning about her biological father, navigating complex family dynamics, and seeking healing through supportive communities.

Facing Rejection: The Emotional Toll of Discovering Biological Relatives

Relevance to Listeners: This episode addresses the growing reality of unexpected DNA test results, highlighting the emotional impact and the quest for identity and belonging. It offers a relatable and empathetic perspective for anyone facing similar discoveries or contemplating DNA testing.

Key Benefits for Listeners:

1. Learn about the emotional and psychological challenges of discovering hidden family truths through DNA testing.
2. Gain insights into the importance of supportive communities and resources for those dealing with complex family revelations.
3. Discover strategies for coping with and healing from the trauma associated with unexpected DNA test results.

Don't miss this heartfelt episode to understand how a DNA test can transform lives and relationships, offering hope and healing along the journey.

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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 the truth about your ancestry could reshape your understanding of family?

In this revealing episode of Family Twist, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with award-winning journalist Libby Copeland, author of "The Lost Family," to explore the unexpected and often profound effects of DNA testing on personal identity and family dynamics. They delve into the stories behind these genetic discoveries, the emotional landscapes they uncover, and the societal shifts they precipitate.

The Family Secret That Changed My Life

Key Benefits for Listeners:

1. Gain insights into the emotional and ethical complexities of consumer DNA testing and how it can alter perceptions of identity and heritage.
2. Understand the potential for DNA tests to unearth hidden family secrets or connections, prompting both joyous reunions and challenging revelations.
3. Learn about the broader implications of widespread genetic testing, including privacy concerns and the impact on family narratives and individual life stories.

Tune into this thought-provoking episode to uncover how DNA testing is rewriting the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and where we come from.

Guest bio

Libby Copeland is an award-winning journalist who writes about culture, science and human behavior. Her book, The Lost Family, published March 3, 2020, looks at the impact of home DNA testing on the American family (sign up here for updates and events). A staff reporter and editor for The Washington Post for over a decade, she now writes from New York for publications including The Atlantic, Slate, New York Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, The New York Times, The New Republic, Esquire.com, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Glamour and more.

Guest link:

https://libbycopeland.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

Family Twist Podcast Episode 37: Taking Care of Other People's Children

Our guest this week is Debbie Ausburn, a prosecuting attorney who has helped raise many children via the fostering system. Debbie's book, "Raising Other People's Children" details the lessons learned by her foster children charges. "Parenting other people’s children has been the greatest challenge and the greatest joy of my life. I have made many mistakes, but I cannot imagine my life without them. Most important, I know that if I can do it, anyone can," Debbie said.

Guest bio:

"I make my living as a lawyer, but what I do is take care of other people’s children. For more than 40 years, I have been working with traumatized children, starting when I was a preteen helping my parents with their summer camp and church ministries. In the years since, I have served as a juvenile court probation officer/social worker, group home parent, criminal prosecutor, non-profit volunteer and Board member, and attorney defending youth-serving organizations.

‍My most important roles have been foster parent and stepparent. I never had biological children, but I have managed to collect 7 children and 10 grandchildren. Along the way, my foster children, stepchildren, and grandchildren have taught me the life lessons that are the core of my speaking and writing — the lessons that I wish I could have learned from a parenting manual rather than trial and error."

Guest links:

https://www.debbieausburn.com/

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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 where your roots truly lie and how discovering them could reshape your life?

In this revealing episode of Family Twist, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce explore the profound effects of DNA testing on personal identity and family dynamics. Joined by Ron Claiborne who shares an incredible story of uncovering his African heritage, the episode dives deep into the emotional and cultural impact of these discoveries.

Unlocking Family Secrets: A DNA Journey to AfricaKey Benefits for Listeners:

1. Inspiration from Real Stories: Discover the emotional and life-changing journey of uncovering hidden ancestry, highlighting the power of DNA testing.
2. Understanding Identity and Heritage: Gain insights into how knowing your roots can profoundly affect your sense of self and connection to history.
3. Navigating Emotional Complexity: Learn about the emotional and ethical challenges that come with unexpected DNA results and how to handle them.

Tune into this captivating episode to uncover how DNA testing can rewrite your understanding of family and heritage.

Guest links:

https://ronaldclaiborne.substack.com/

https://www.facebook.com/roneclaiborne/

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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

Family Twist Podcast Episode 35: Hiraeth Hope & Healing Part Two

Welcome to part two! Our returning guests this episode are Erin Cosentino, Cindy McQuay and Anne Persico of Hiraeth Hope & Healing (HHH). HHH (501 c3 pending) was formed for adoptees and NPEs (not parent expected or non-paternity event). "We love to help people unravel their DNA results," Cindy says.

The organization hosts three retreats per year that focus on creating the space to be seen and heard in order to heal together. In part one, Erin, Cindy and Anne share their stories and discuss the origin of Hiraeth Hope & Healing.

Guest link: https://www.hiraethhopeandhealing.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

Have you ever wondered how connecting with others who share your journey could transform your healing process?

Key Benefits for Listeners:

1. Community and Connection: Understand the profound impact of connecting with others who share similar experiences and the role of community in the healing process.
2. Healing Through Shared Stories: Learn how sharing personal stories in a supportive environment can lead to significant emotional breakthroughs and a sense of belonging.
3. Practical Insights for Organizing Retreats: Gain insights into the structure and evolution of Hyrith's retreats, offering a model for those interested in creating similar support networks.

Join us for this heartwarming episode and discover the transformative power of community in healing from surprising DNA discoveries.

How Community and Retreats Transform Adoptee and NPE Journeys

Benefits of Tuning In:

• Connect on a Deeper Level: Learn how personal histories and family discoveries resonate emotionally and psychologically, impacting personal growth and identity.
• Understand the Power of DNA Testing: Gain insights into how modern technology can unveil hidden family connections, changing lives by bridging the gap between the past and present.
• Explore the Emotional Landscape of Discovery: Listen to heartfelt stories that illustrate the complex emotions involved in meeting biological family members, from the initial shock to the potential for newfound relationships.

Don’t miss out on this poignant exploration of heritage and healing. Click play now to uncover the deep emotional impact of DNA discoveries and adoption stories on Family Twist.

Guest link: https://www.hiraethhopeandhealing.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

Family Twist Episode 33: DNA Investigator with a 100 Percent Success Rate

Our guest this episode is Shayna Landry, a forensic genealogist and private investigator a.k.a. DNA detective. You may have seen Shayna on Netflix’s docuseries, "I Just Killed My Dad," where she used her DNA expertise to assist the investigation. Shayna shares her experience finding her birth father via DNA, and how she uses that discovery to help others on their adoption/found family journeys.

"Every time I'm able to give someone their answers, it cures a little piece of my broken heart," Shayna said. "I cry with my clients; I laugh with my clients. Most times, we walk away with a friendship. Everyone is on an island and friends and family don't understand.

Guest Bio:

Shayna Landry has solved hundreds of DNA mysteries over the years using the expertise in Genetic Genealogy and Investigation that she acquired while digging deeper into her own DNA to find her biological father. Shayna has assisted in the following using Professional Facial Recognition Software:

• Helped Desperate Family Members Identify Internet Scams (Catfish) Cases
• Assisted Law Enforcement Agencies identify Criminals
• Identified People listed in NAMUS as Unidentified
• Identified Victims of Current & Ongoing Crimes

Contact Shayna:

[email protected]

https://shaynalandry.com/

http://www.tfvwalker.org/

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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