Finding Family DNA

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, attorney, author, and TEDx speaker Maria Leonard Olsen shares the shocking DNA discovery that changed her identity forever. After taking a 23andMe test, Maria learned that the man who raised her was not her biological father. What followed was a years-long search that led her to an aging Hollywood actor, former NFL player, and legendary Del Mar horse handicapper living in California. Maria opens up about navigating a non-paternity event (NPE), meeting her biological father for the first time at a racetrack, and how DNA testing can uncover life-changing family secrets no one saw coming. 

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/9fgw0OmtUPc

00:00 Welcome and Subscribe

00:54 Meet Today’s NPE Guest

03:34 Maria’s Upbringing and Doubts

05:29 23andMe Surprise Revealed

08:05 Tracking Down Bio Dad

10:41 NPE Community and Conferences

13:26 Break and Sponsor Message

14:09 First Meeting at the Racetrack

17:17 Why Some Reunions Fail

22:21 Pandora’s Box of DNA Testing

24:27 Identity Faith and Forgiveness

30:29 Advice Resources and Closing

32:31 Book Plug and Final Thanks

Follow Maria here:

https://www.marialeonardolsen.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mariaolsen49/

Check out her book here: https://www.amazon.com/50-After-Reframing-Next-Chapter/dp/1538109646

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

NPE story, non paternity event, 23andMe discovery, DNA surprise, genetic genealogy, family secrets, finding biological father, DNA identity discovery, adoption and DNA, birth father reunion, ancestry DNA, family mystery, DNA testing podcast, unexpected DNA results, identity and family history, Chris Olsen

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we follow Porsha Jones’ powerful journey from loss to reconnection. Adopted at birth and later losing both of her adoptive parents as a teenager, Porsha grew up navigating life on her own while carrying questions about where she came from. After years of searching, she turned to Jay Rosenzweig and BirthParentFinder.com—and in a matter of hours, her birth mother was found. What followed was an emotional surprise reunion that changed everything. Three years later, Porsha shares how that moment transformed her life, the deep bond she’s built with her mother, and the healing that comes from finally knowing your roots. 

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/vQctv3vZn4o

00:00 Show Welcome and Host Intro

00:32 Subscribe and Mothers Day Giveaway

01:11 Meet Porsha Jones

02:01 Adopted at Birth

02:27 Losing Adoptive Parents Young

03:09 Raised by Older Brother

04:10 Why They Adopted

04:43 Loneliness Growing Up

05:12 Learning She Was Adopted

06:27 What She Was Told About Birth Mom

06:49 Searching as an Adult

08:15 How Jay Found Priscilla

08:39 Kept the Original Birth Certificate

10:06 The Surprise Reunion Setup

11:06 Promo and Reunion Video

11:37 First Meeting Reactions

12:02 Name Confusion and Sister Story

13:12 Birth Mom Reaction Clip

14:08 What Reunion Changed

15:52 Building a Relationship Over Years

16:19 Aneurysms and Recovery

17:26 Bond with Birth Mom

18:11 Respecting Her Past

18:57 Jail and Clean Record

19:35 Why She Never Searched

20:44 Granddaughter Meets Grandma

21:36 Siblings and Louisiana Roots

23:31 Cousin Eric Connection

24:08 Three Years Later Reflection

26:02 New Life and New Home

26:40 Host Wrap Up and Thanks

28:03 Photo Request and Farewell

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

adoption story, birth mother reunion, adoptee journey, finding biological family, DNA reunion, family reunion story, adoption podcast, genetic genealogy, emotional reunion, adoptee stories, long lost family, identity and adoption, finding birth parents, family healing, reunion story

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