In this episode of Finding Family DNA, Jay and Misty sit down with Taylor Shennett, a Chinese-born adoptee who was adopted into an American family as a baby and has spent the last decade searching for her biological roots. As a transracial adoptee, she shares her deeply personal journey navigating identity, belonging, and the realities of growing up looking different from her family. From viral search efforts in China to DNA testing, facial recognition, and ongoing leads, her story highlights both the challenges and hope behind international adoption searches. This episode offers a powerful and honest look at adoption, culture, and the resilience it takes to keep searching for answers.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/ABSwc6MnTW4

00:00 Show Welcome

00:24 Recent Case Breakthroughs

01:37 Patience Pays Off

02:15 Episode Seven Callback

03:27 Meet Taylor

03:59 Early Adoption Awareness

05:27 China Adoption Journey

06:22 Identity and Belonging

08:08 Racism and COVID Era

10:59 Sibling Jealousy to Bond

12:06 Therapy and Healing Tools

15:30 Orphanage Records Reality

17:18 China Reunion Video Clip

17:44 Becoming a Creator

18:02 Birth Parent Finder Break

18:44 Taylor Search Timeline

19:11 Viral WeChat Leads

20:07 Posters Databases Police

22:11 DNA Tests And Limits

23:58 Ancestry Kit Surprise

25:27 Patience Hope And Faith

26:40 Adoptee Advocacy Voice

28:09 Healing Adoption Trauma

31:15 Transracial Adoption Themes

32:42 Advice To Younger Adoptees

33:49 Where To Follow And Support

34:10 Subscribe And Closing Thanks

Follow Taylor on social media:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorruipingshen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorshennett

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Taylorshennett

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChineseAdoptee

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

Chinese adoption, transracial adoptee, international adoption story, adoptee journey, adoption podcast, birth family search, genetic genealogy, Asian adoptee story, identity and adoption, searching for biological family, adoption awareness, adoptee voices, DNA testing adoption, international adoptee search, family identity

This week, Jay & Misty celebrate the show’s 2-year anniversary by looking back at some of the most powerful, emotional, and unforgettable stories from the past two years. From long-lost family reunions to shocking DNA discoveries and unresolved cases that still stay with them. They also share behind-the-scenes insights, updates on past cases, and reflect on how the show has grown—from just a handful of viewers to a community helping fund life-changing pro bono reunions. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the impact of DNA, storytelling, and the families still waiting to be found. 

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/bSgyL2GElEI

00:00 Two Year Anniversary

00:39 Misty Joins In

01:08 KTLA Segment Update

01:42 Early Episodes Recap

03:03 Twins Story Fallout

04:01 Doctor Interview Clip

06:27 Patty Airport Reunion

08:13 Fake Name Birth Records

09:06 Mary May Case Heartbreak

10:31 RootsTech And Award

12:49 Kailyn Memphis Reunion

14:32 Funding Pro Bono Work

17:03 Break And Sponsor Spot

17:45 Chiari Smith Twist

19:09 Shanna Zoom DNA Reveal

20:16 Family Secret Revealed

20:54 Season Highlights Recap

21:31 Baby Holly Gains Traction

22:40 Reunion Updates and Studio Talk

23:40 Mary Maybe and Tough Choices

24:45 RootsTech Plans and Speaking

25:23 Caitlyn Reunion Goes South

26:31 Sensitive Cases and Letters

30:03 Donald Brown Mystery Name

31:28 Celebrity DNA and Vanishing Leads

32:58 Mexico Case Investigation

36:05 Pro Bono and Closing Thanks

Check out Jared's channel here:

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

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

Finding Family DNA, DNA reunion stories, adoption stories, genetic genealogy, family reunions, adoptee stories, family secrets, genealogy podcast, DNA discoveries, birth family search, podcast anniversary, DNA journeys, finding biological family, pro bono cases, emotional reunion stories

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we follow Jenn Reinschmidt’s emotional journey to uncover her biological family after growing up knowing she was adopted. What started as a search for medical history quickly turned into a life-changing discovery when Misty Gillis used DNA matches and family tree analysis to identify Jenn’s birth mother—and ultimately connect her with her half-brother. Along the way, long-held family secrets are revealed, including the shocking truth that Jenn’s birth mother told others she had died at birth. This episode is a powerful story of identity, resilience, and what it means to find connection later in life.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/OmTNL6AXjTc

00:00 Show Welcome

01:05 Meet Jen Rein Schmidt

01:28 Growing Up Adopted

03:11 Why Start Searching

04:56 Choosing Birth Parent Finder

06:38 Managing Expectations

08:07 Early Clues From Records

10:56 Break And Promo

11:37 DNA Matches Breakthrough

13:00 Tracking The Birth Mother

14:29 Contacting Bell Family

15:58 Randy Connection Revealed

17:05 Estranged Sister Update

18:20 Paternal Side Leads

19:28 Jen Reacts to Reunion

20:20 Meeting Randy for Lunch

21:19 Told She Died at Birth

22:25 Resemblance and Identity

24:06 Adoptive Parents Support

25:50 Future Plans with Randy

27:37 Advice for Searchers

29:21 Final Thoughts

Check out Jared's channel here:

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

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

Finding Family DNA, adoption story, adoptee journey, DNA reunion, birth family search, genetic genealogy, family secrets, adoptee stories, finding biological family, ancestry DNA, identity discovery, long lost family, emotional reunion, adoption podcast, DNA family search

This week, Misty explains how investigative genetic genealogy helped solve the 1991 murder of Danielle Clause in Ventura, California. Using preserved crime scene DNA, GEDmatch, and advanced genealogy techniques, the team identified Larry Devon Welch more than three decades after the crime. Misty breaks down the science behind centimorgans, kinship testing, phenotyping, and how everyday DNA uploads can help solve violent cold cases.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/c8FeamaB6Y8

00:00 Welcome to RootsTech 2026

00:18 Meet Jared Ross

01:22 Jared’s Genealogy Origin Story

02:26 RootsTech Tips and Highlights

05:09 Marlee Matlin Keynote Clip

08:45 Why Inclusion Matters

09:22 Investigative Genetic Genealogy

10:11 Nancy Guthrie Case DNA Breakdown

15:57 MyHeritage Interview and WGS

18:51 MyHeritage Upload Changes and Deals

19:35 Voice Gift Family Stories

Check out Jared's channel here:

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

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

genetic genealogy, genealogy podcast, family history research, DNA genealogy, RootsTech 2026, investigative genetic genealogy, DNA cold cases, family tree research, MyHeritage DNA, ancestry research, forensic genealogy, adoptee search, birth parent search, genealogy conference, DNA technology, genealogy community, solving family mysteries, DNA family connections

This week, Misty explains how investigative genetic genealogy helped solve the 1991 murder of Danielle Clause in Ventura, California. Using preserved crime scene DNA, GEDmatch, and advanced genealogy techniques, the team identified Larry Devon Welch more than three decades after the crime. Misty breaks down the science behind centimorgans, kinship testing, phenotyping, and how everyday DNA uploads can help solve violent cold cases.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/QanKOSk9ICE

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:15 Meet Misty and Her Work

00:54 Subscribe and RootsTech Update

02:22 Case Intro Danielle Clause

03:06 What Is Investigative Genetic Genealogy

04:48 Databases GEDMatch and FTDNA

06:31 Reading Matches and Centimorgans

08:57 From Lead to CODIS Confirmation

10:22 Danielle Clause Case Background

11:55 Evidence and Early Investigation

12:44 Building Trees and Common Ancestors

14:56 Kinship Test Narrows Suspects

17:03 Phenotyping and Identifying Larry Welch

21:13 Break and Sponsor Message

21:52 Post Break Bloodline Detectives Talk

22:42 Law Enforcement Workflow and Outreach Rules

23:43 Why GEDMatch Matters

27:19 More Cases and Impact of IGG

30:39 Victims Families and Remembering Danielle

31:43 Wrap Up and How to Help

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

Finding Family DNA, Danielle Clause, Larry Devon Welch, cold case murder, Ventura California crime, investigative genetic genealogy, GEDmatch, forensic genealogy, DNA cold case solved, 1991 murder case, phenotyping DNA, kinship testing, true crime podcast, unsolved murder solved

This week, we meet Linda Rasmussen — Jay’s right-hand woman and the intake specialist for BirthParentFinder.com. Linda introduces us to the powerful case of Victor, a young man living in a homeless shelter, whose search for his birth family becomes one of the most emotional reunions the team has worked on. With Linda’s investigative support and Jay’s guidance, Victor reconnects with his biological mother and sister after decades of separation. What begins as a pro bono case turns into a moving journey of resilience, forgiveness, and unexpected love. 

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/Z8zHJs9jTT4

00:00 Introduction

00:31 Meet Linda Rasmussen

01:00 Victor's Story Unfolds

03:51 The Search for Tiffany

06:29 Reunion on Zoom

13:44 Victor's Struggles and Resilience

18:00 Bella's Perspective

24:25 Reconnecting with a Long-Lost Sibling

25:07 Multilingual Journey and Cultural Exploration

26:26 Reflections on Upbringing and Family Dynamics

27:32 Estranged Relationship with Birth Father

28:46 Complex Relationship with Birth Mother

33:14 Plans for Reuniting with Victor

37:42 Final Thoughts and Messages of Hope

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

#FindingFamilyDNA #AdoptionReunion #BirthFamilySearch #FamilyConnections #TrueStoryPodcast #GenealogyPodcast #ProBonoCase #FosterCareJourneys #DNAReunion #FamilyHealing

Jay and Misty sit down with Shanna Daloussi, a past giveaway recipient, who shares the emotional and unexpected journey of discovering her biological father. With Jay’s help, Shanna used DNA testing to uncover the truth: the man who raised her was not her biological father — and the person who was turned out to be someone already inside her family circle. What follows is a raw and vulnerable conversation about betrayal, hidden truths, grief, and ultimately, reclaiming one’s identity. This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact of DNA and the resilience required to face the truth.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/X6woL_BLmPM

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:19 Meet Misty Gillis: Genealogist Extraordinaire

01:32 California's New Senate Bill 381

02:52 Holiday Giveaway Story

06:36 Transparency in Adoption

07:06 Shanna's Journey

12:18 Revelations and Reactions

15:56 Reflecting on Mother's Choices

16:39 Her Mother's Reaction to DNA Reveal

17:36 Strained Relationship with Mother

18:30 Family Dynamics and Children's Awareness

19:22 Genetic Health Concerns

25:05 Alcoholism and Seeking Help

27:36 Final Thoughts

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

Finding Family DNA, DNA reunion, adoptee stories, family secrets, Shanna Daloussi, biological father search, genetic genealogy, DNA testing, identity discovery, trauma and healing, sexual abuse awareness, Jay Rosenzweig, Misty Gillis

We’re kicking off 2026 with a powerful reunion story between Mary and Nia — two half-sisters who had no idea the other existed. After decades of dead ends and a private investigator who vanished, Mary found Finding Family DNA and began her journey again. With the help of public ancestry records, GEDmatch, and a remarkably detailed family tree, Misty and Jay uncover a maternal match and open the door to long-lost family. It’s a heartwarming episode about faith, connection, and the healing power of truth.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/dQooTR-M4vU

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:52 Special Announcement from Misty

01:19 Introducing Mary and Nia's Story

01:46 The Search for Birth Parents

03:19 Mary's Journey to Find Her Birth Family

06:30 The Role of DNA Databases

09:07 Reunion and Reflections

28:21 Final Thoughts

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

Finding Family DNA, Adoption Reunion, GEDmatch, Family Discovery, Ancestry Search, Genealogy, DNA Reunion, Adoptee Voices, Misty Gillis, Jay Rosenzweig

In this special edition of Finding Family DNA, Jay turns the spotlight on co-host and investigative genetic genealogist Misty Gillis, as she walks us through the chilling and historic “Boy in the Box” case — a mystery unsolved for over six decades. Misty shares how she used the same DNA techniques applied in adoptee reunifications to help identify the boy as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, a four-year-old found murdered in Philadelphia in 1957. With compassion, precision, and years of dedication, Misty cracked a case that baffled authorities for generations, giving the nameless child his identity and a family to claim him. This moving episode celebrates Misty’s role in solving one of America’s most haunting cold cases — a testament to the power of DNA and dogged determination.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/JDSLh9OsPog

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:52 Subscriber Growth and Audience Insights

06:13 The Boy in the Box Case Introduction

07:15 Solving the Boy in the Box Case

17:34 Emotional Impact and Press Conference

20:15 Other Notable Cases and Professional Journey

26:31 Conclusion and Future Plans

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

#FindingFamilyDNA  

#TheBoyInTheBox  

#MistyGillis  

#TrueCrime  

#ColdCaseSolved  

#GeneticGenealogy  

#ForensicGenealogy  

#UnsolvedMysteries  

#DNAJustice  

#AdopteeVoices  

#TrueCrimePodcast  

#SolvedWithDNA  

#CrimeSolvedAfter60Years  

#JusticeForJosephZarelli  

#PhiladelphiaCrimeHistory

In Episode 32 of Finding Family DNA, Jay and Misty sit down with Chakari Smith, an adoptee who grew up in Philadelphia and entered foster care at age 7 before being adopted at 11. Despite reconnecting with her birth mother later in life, Chakari never knew her father—until a combination of DNA testing, genealogy, and birth index research led Misty to uncover his identity. Chakari shares the emotional journey of discovering a half-brother, forming a relationship with her incarcerated father, and reflecting on the strength it took to break cycles of addiction. It’s a powerful story of resilience, reconnection, and redefining what family means.

Join our Patreon to help support a pro bono case!

https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/jUJs4nJfYzA

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:21 Special Announcement: Patreon and YouTube Milestone

02:01 Guest Introduction: Chakari's Story

03:07 Chakari's Childhood and Adoption Journey

05:00 Reconnecting with Birth Family

11:46 Finding Chakari's Birth Father

13:29 PSA and Sponsor Message

15:07 The Search Process Explained

19:49 Connecting with Birth Father and Half-Brother

23:14 Building a Relationship with Birth Father

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/

https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/

Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!

https://www.birthparentfinder.com

https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder

This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios

https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle

#findingfamilyDNA #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionJourney #BirthParentSearch