Finding Family DNA

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

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#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

In Episode 31 of Finding Family DNA, therapist and adoptee advocate Nikole Shaw shares her powerful journey of uncovering the truth about her biological roots. After years of believing she was conceived through a violent assault, a recent DNA match revealed a very different story—one that brought relief, clarity, and a new understanding of her identity. Nikole reflects on the emotional weight of carrying false narratives, the healing power of truth, and how her work now supports other adoptees in their search for connection, community, and self-acceptance.

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/xoyTWUl14xI

00:00 Welcome to the Show!

00:28 Subscribe and Win a Mug

01:42 Nikole's Adoption Journey

03:15 Challenges in Adoption Cases

05:45 Nikole's Childhood

10:00 Finding Nikole's Birth Mother

12:07 Connecting with Birth Relatives

17:56 Paternal Side Mystery

22:06 Recent Developments in Nikole's Case

24:27 Discovering a Half-Sister

25:03 Reaching Out and Waiting

26:01 A Year Later: Renewed Efforts

27:10 Unraveling the Truth

29:07 Confronting Family Secrets

31:06 Processing the Revelation

33:11 Reflecting on the Journey

41:46 Advice for Adoptees

43:23 Connecting with the Community

44:33 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

#findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

In Episode 30 of Finding Family DNA, Jay and Misty sit down with actress, writer, and producer Lisa Brenner, whose latest film "One Big Happy Family" draws from her real-life discovery that the man who raised her was not her biological father. Lisa shares how a casual decision to take a DNA test a decade ago unraveled a deeply personal truth—one that reshaped her identity and inspired her to write a screenplay during the pandemic. She discusses the emotional aftermath, the evolving relationship with her mother and half-siblings, and how her understanding of family shifted from genetics to love and connection. Candid and uplifting, Lisa’s story highlights the power of resilience, storytelling, and redefining what it truly means to be family.

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/s3EhpQcS-P8

00:00 Welcome to the Show!

00:25 Recap of Recent Events

02:25 Introducing: Lisa Brenner

04:20 Discovering Family Secrets

09:13 Impact of DNA Discoveries

14:00 Reflections and Moving Forward

16:39 Family Dynamics and Personal Reflections

17:30 Movie Quote and Personal Beliefs

18:45 Clip from 'One Big Happy Family'

20:07 Remembering Linda Lavin

20:53 Filming and Casting Insights

24:20 Writing the Screenplay

26:02 Personal Reflections on Writing

31:26 Family Cameos and Fun Facts

32:13 Final Thoughts and Message

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 #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

In this powerful follow-up to Episode 4, author and adoptee Lakeeta Greene returns to share the next chapter in her remarkable journey—finding her birth father, Richard. After the emotional reunion with her mother detailed in her first book Seeking Closure, Lakeeta’s story continues in Closure at a Cost, where revelations from that reunion propel her toward a new search. Through DNA testing and an unexpected 23andMe match with a half-sister, Lakeeta is led to Richard, a man unaware he had a daughter. Their connection is immediate, heartfelt, and full of gratitude, marking a stark contrast to the uncertainty that shaped her early life. Joined by Richard on the show, the two reflect on their emotional first meeting, the importance of DNA confirmation, and the joy of discovering family bonds later in life. This episode is a testament to healing, perseverance, and the life-changing power of truth.

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/LiX2MFLQ2-w

00:00 Welcome to the Show!

00:19 Reconnecting with Lakeeta Green

01:13 Lakeeta's Journey to Find Her Birth Father

03:54 Introducing Richard, Lakeeta's Birth Father

06:07 The DNA Test and Confirmation

12:54 Reflections and Future Plans

18:26 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

#findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

This week Jay and Misty sit down with adoptee Kim Goff to share her decades-long journey to uncover the truth about her biological parents. Adopted as an infant in 1962 in Los Angeles and raised in Maine, Kim always knew she was adopted but lacked answers about her origins. Her search revealed a birth mother who vanished from her family’s life and a birth father who was a high-profile Hollywood attorney. Despite DNA confirmation, both parents denied or ignored contact attempts, highlighting the painful realities of family secrets and the lasting impact of unresolved trauma. Kim reflects on how the journey—though met with silence—helped her gain closure, compassion, and a deeper understanding of her roots. Jay and Misty underscore the importance of professional guidance, persistence, and sensitivity when navigating the complexities of birth family searches.

Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!

https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/MPL0BwIbGiw

00:00 Welcome to Finding Family DNA!

00:30 Don't Foget to Rate and Review!

01:08 Introducing Today's Case

03:45 Guest Introduction: Kim Goff

04:18 Kim's Adoption Story

07:07 The Search for Birth Parents

10:05 Challenges and Discoveries

12:02 Contacting Family Members

15:19 Unexpected Encounter with Birth Mother

16:56 Sharing the Story on Social Media

17:57 Client's Perspective on Outreach Services

19:01 Identifying the Birth Father

20:49 Challenges in Contacting the Birth Father

25:16 Reflections on the Search Journey

31:02 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

#findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

In this episode, Jay and Misty sit down with licensed private investigator and genetic genealogist Jeremy Lipford, whose passion for solving mysteries was sparked by a friend's unexpected DNA discovery. Jeremy shares how he blends traditional investigative work with modern DNA tools to crack cold cases, identify unknown family members, and help bring missing persons home. From uncovering a father’s identity through 1800s Italian ancestry to assisting on Jane Doe cases and suspected serial homicides in the Mid-South, Jeremy’s work highlights the power of persistence, community science, and compassion.

Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!

https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/TC0gIl18CKI

00:00 Welcome to Finding Family DNA

00:25 Jay's Private Investigation Background

00:55 Help Fund a Case! Join the Patreon!

01:49 Jay's Experience with Missing Persons Cases

04:33 Introducing Jeremy Lipford, The DNA Detective

06:32 Challenges in Missing Persons Cases

07:46 This Episode Is Brought To You By GEDMatch.com

08:22 Jeremy's Journey into Genetic Genealogy

11:33 The Process of Getting a PI License

14:31 Jeremy's Volunteer Work and Passion

18:43 Case Study: Red Flags in Genetic Genealogy

19:19 The PI Toolkit: Exclusive Databases and Resources

20:44 Creative Investigative Techniques

24:07 The Dynamics of the Genetic Genealogy Industry

33:17 Memorable Cases and Their Impact

36:21 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

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#findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

Jay shares the powerful and emotional journey of Bethany, who reached out to him in 2018 after discovering the man who raised her was not her biological father. Struggling with grief over the loss of her grandfather—whom she saw as her true father figure—Bethany wrestled with whether she even wanted to meet her birth father. Jay recounts how he gently guided her through the emotional complexity of the situation, ultimately helping her reunite with her birth dad after 37 years. The episode explores themes of identity, timing, and healing, as Bethany finds space to honor both the family she was raised with and the one she never knew she had. Her story is a testament to how truth, even when painful, can lead to profound personal peace and reconnection.

Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!

https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/4_2JPeU3cE4

00:00 Welcome to Finding Family DNA

01:25 Exciting Case Updates and Success Stories

01:50 Reaching Out to Birth Fathers

06:16 Case Study: Bethany from Santa Barbara

07:58 Bethany's Adoption Journey

16:07 Emotional Challenges and Family Dynamics

19:00 Support from Adoptive Mother

20:17 Challenges in Birth Family Search

21:21 Discussing Adoption with Children

24:01 Discovering Birth Father

26:18 Meeting the Birth Father

29:25 Building Relationships with Birth Family

32:31 Advice for Others on Adoption Journeys

34:13 Don't Forget to Join the Patreon!

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 #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

This week, Jay and Misty welcome guest Joanna Winans, whose extraordinary reunion story began in 2018 when she reached out to find her birth mother after facing infertility. Motivated by a desire to understand her roots, Joanna was connected with her birth mother Amber, leading to a powerful reconnection that changed both of their lives. The episode also features a recent client case involving a man named Ken who searched for his father’s birth parents without telling his dad, ultimately helping coordinate funeral arrangements for a biological relative he had never met. Joanna shares how meeting her birth mother brought profound healing, culminating in an emotional hospital reunion made possible by reality star Evelyn Lozada, who donated airline miles to fly Joanna to Anchorage just in time.

Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!

https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/qCOV-KE6EPs

00:00 Anniversary Celebration

01:12 Special Announcement: Patreon Pro Bono Case

02:10 Client Story: Ken's Search for His Father's Birth Parents

05:28 Guest Introduction: Joanna Winans

11:57 Reconnecting with Birth Mother

19:47 Reuniting with a Half-Sister

21:08 Journey from Houston to Anchorage

22:38 A Miraculous Reunion

26:54 The Emotional Impact of Reconnection

30:57 Challenges of Homelessness

35:00 Advice for Adoptees and Birth Families

36:43 Join us on Patreon!

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

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#findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

This week, Jay Rosenzweig and genealogist Misty Gillis discuss their roles as intermediaries in emotionally charged family reunions, highlighting two poignant case studies. The episode features a client who discovered his birth father through ancestry results but hesitated to make contact; with Jay and Misty’s mediation, a heartwarming reunion was facilitated, demonstrating the delicate nature of their work. Additionally, the story of Ashley and Kaylin is explored, where Kaylin, a young woman who had been a missing person and a victim of human trafficking, seeks to reconnect with her birth mother, Ashley. The team’s careful verification and support lead to a touching reunion captured by local news, providing both closure and a new beginning for the reunited family.

Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!

https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna

Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/KT9CJEtkZTo

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:19 Introducing Misty Gillis and GEDMatch

01:06 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe & Support on Patreon

02:10 Client Case Study: Birth Father Reunion

04:16 Misty's Experience with Intermediary Services

07:18 Case Study: Ashley and Kaylin's Reunion

08:56 Verifying Kaylin's Identity

10:55 Kaylin's Story of Human Trafficking

18:27 Reunion at LAX and Media Coverage

25:34 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

#findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #Genealogy