In a captivating episode of the Family Twist podcast, Kendall Stulce sits down with author Kate Brody to explore the intertwining of personal narratives and fictional storytelling. Brody, drawing from her own experience of discovering a secret brother, shares insights on family dynamics, the complexities of blended families and the emotional journey of reconnecting with estranged family members. The episode dives deep into the nuances of adoption, secret siblings and how these realities can influence fictional narratives.

Going Down the Rabbit Hole with DNA Surprises

Highlights from the Episode:

• Kate Brody discusses the connection between her personal story of finding her long-lost brother and her book "Rabbit Hole."
• The book's main character, Teddy, reflects Kate's family structure, with a focus on abandoned and restarted familial relationships.
• Brody's interest in exploring common yet often unspoken family dynamics such as secret siblings and family shame.
• The impact of Brody's piece in the Guardian, which resonated with many people experiencing similar family situations.
• Kate’s reflections on how fiction can serve as a means of rewriting history or extending an apology.
• The reactions of Kate’s siblings and brother to her book and Guardian article.
• Kendall Stulce shares his own adoption story, drawing parallels to Brody's experiences.
• Discussion on cultural shifts and the impact of DNA technology on family secrets and adoption.
• The exploration of sibling relationships in fiction, emphasizing genetic similarity versus shared history.
• Brody's book tour experiences and the response from readers who resonate with her personal and fictional stories.

This episode of Family Twist offers a profound look into the delicate balance between fiction and reality, especially when it comes to familial relationships. Kate Brody's personal experiences with her long-lost brother and her family's dynamics provide a unique backdrop to her fictional work, blurring the lines between art and life. The conversation with Kendall Stulce adds depth, highlighting the universal themes of adoption, family secrets, and the pursuit of belonging. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intricate ways our personal histories shape our creative expressions.

Guest bio:

Kate Brody lives in Los Angeles, California. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Lit Hub, CrimeReads, Electric Lit, The Rumpus, and The Literary Review, among other publications. She holds an MFA from NYU. "Rabbit Hole" is her debut novel.

Kate's essay in The Guardian

Kate's essay in The New York Times

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