Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets
by Corey and Kendall Stulce
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How a Nurse Practitioner Survived a Second DNA Discovery
Dec 2, 2025
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How a Nurse Practitioner Discovered Her Real Roots
Nov 25, 2025
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What If the Donor’s Kids Have No Idea You Exist
Nov 18, 2025
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One Test. Two Brothers. Two Different Truths.
Nov 11, 2025
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The Not-So Only Child
Nov 4, 2025
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/2/25 | How a Nurse Practitioner Survived a Second DNA Discovery | In Part One, Lisa shared her extraordinary adoption reunion story. A closed adoption, a lifetime of questions, a birth family who lived down the street, and the shocking discovery that she likely cared for her own biological grandfather in the ICU. It was a story about caregiving, identity, and the power of finally finding your roots.Part Two takes us into a very different kind of discovery.This episode explores the emotional fallout of her paternal DNA match. What begins with hopeful emails and a powerful moment of genetic mirroring turns into years of confusion, mixed narratives, addiction, emotional manipulation, and the painful truth adoptees often live with. Reunion does not guarantee safety. Sometimes it brings an entirely new wave of grief.Lisa walks us through the relationship with her biological father, the intense early connection, the unraveling that followed, the trauma she and her daughter endured, and the strength it took to reclaim her voice again. It is an honest, vulnerable look at what happens when the fantasy of family meets the reality of human complexity.And throughout it all, Lisa continues to ground herself in caregiving, advocacy, and her work as a nurse practitioner. As nursing faces new threats on the national stage, her story is a reminder of how much nurses carry for the rest of us and why their voices matter.This is Part Two of Lisa’s story. If you missed Part One, we recommend listening in order.Her book, The Adopted Nurse, expands on this journey with even more insight and compassion.How a Nurse Practitioner Survived a Second DNA DiscoveryWhat Listeners Will Hear• The first phone call with her biological father.• How hope and longing shaped her early trust.• The intense bond that formed during their first visit.• Signs that something was not right.• The unraveling of the relationship.• The impact on her daughter.• The yearslong cycle of addiction, apologies, and emotional confusion.• The night she and her daughter were kicked out with nowhere to go.• How therapy and reflection helped her make sense of the narrative she was given.• Why she will never know the full truth about her birth parents.• How this experience deepened her work as an adoptee advocate and nurse practitioner.• What she wants other adoptees to know before they take a DNA test.• Her message of healing, strength, and reclaiming your own story.Link to Lisa’s Book: The Adopted NurseIf Lisa’s story resonates with you, or if you have your own Family Twist, we would love to hear from you. Your story matters. Your truth matters. And your voice deserves to be heard. | — | ||||||
| 11/25/25 | How a Nurse Practitioner Discovered Her Real Roots | With the Trump administration moving to reclassify nursing so it no longer counts as a professional degree for federal student aid, this episode couldn’t land at a more urgent moment. Nursing organizations warn that limiting access to funding threatens the very foundation of patient care, and in our household, where nurses are family, this news hits hard.Today’s guest, Lisa, is a nurse practitioner, an adoptee, and someone who has lived through more than one life-changing twist thanks to DNA testing. Her story blends caregiving, identity, trauma, reunion, and that beautiful mix of nature and nurture we explore so often on Family Twist.Lisa grew up in a loving adoptive home, always knowing she was adopted but never knowing the medical history she desperately needed. As a nurse practitioner and later a mother, the absence of that information became impossible to ignore. When she finally began searching for answers, she uncovered a story that feels like fate.If you want to go even deeper into Lisa’s story, you can find her book here:The Adopted Nurse (Amazon):https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+adopted+nurseHow a Nurse Practitioner Discovered Her Real RootsHer journey includes:• A neighbor who recognizes her immediately• A grandfather she may have unknowingly cared for as an ICU nurse• A birth family who lived down the street from her adoptive parents• Birth aunts who welcome her with warmth, memory, and long-held truthsThis episode explores the way caregivers are shaped by their histories, how adoptees carry both gratitude and grief, and how discovering your roots can transform everything.Next week, Part Two goes even deeper with a second DNA discovery that completely reframes Lisa’s understanding of identity and safety. But first, this is where her story begins. | — | ||||||
| 11/18/25 | What If the Donor’s Kids Have No Idea You Exist | What happens when you discover a whole set of siblings who grew up in the donor’s home, but you are not sure they even know you existIn part one, a simple birthday DNA kit rewrote everything Nick thought he knew about his identity. He learned he was donor conceived at thirty-six, discovered fourteen half siblings, and realized his parents had carried the truth for decades.But nothing prepared him for what came next.In this episode, Nick talks about the two siblings who were raised by the donor, and the complicated question that hangs over many donor conceived adults:Do they know about usAnd if they do not, should someone tell themPart Two explores the unsettling space between biological connection and total silence, and what it means to live with questions you cannot safely or ethically answer.Nick also shares how he transformed his experience into a book and a podcast, giving other donor conceived people a place to speak honestly, without shame or editing. His story is both deeply personal and universally familiar to anyone navigating DNA surprises.What We Talk About• What it feels like to discover donor raised siblings who may be unaware of you• The ethics of reaching out when the consequences are unknown• How donor conceived adults become detectives whether they want to or not• The ongoing challenges of incomplete medical histories• Writing as a way to process identity shifts• Why Nick created a podcast for donor conceived voices• How openness can protect mental and emotional health• The growing need for reform and transparency in the fertility industry• How music helped Nick work through identity questionsTakeaways• Donor conceived people often live with unanswered questions that affect identity, medical decisions, and relationships• The donor’s raised children may be unaware of their genetic siblings, creating an emotional and ethical dilemma• Stories and conversation help break isolation and build community• The fertility industry still offers little guidance to the adults created through these methods• Honesty and visibility remain the strongest tools for changeReflection Questions for Listeners• How would you feel if you learned you had siblings who did not know you existed• What responsibility, if any, do donor conceived people have toward the donor’s raised children• What part of your story have you been afraid to speak out loud• How might telling your truth change your relationships or your sense of self | — | ||||||
| 11/11/25 | One Test. Two Brothers. Two Different Truths. | What if a simple birthday gift revealed a secret your parents had been carrying for more than three decades?For his 36th birthday, Nick’s siblings gave him a 23andMe kit. It seemed like a fun way to learn more about his ancestry, until his parents sat him down with a truth that changed everything. Nick discovered that he was donor conceived, while his brother was not.In this first part of Nick’s story, he shares what it felt like to have the truth land without warning, why he chose compassion instead of anger, and how this discovery ultimately strengthened his relationship with the father who raised him.Nick also explains the fertility practices of the 1980s, including sperm washing and sperm mixing, and how secrecy became standard procedure for families like his.And when his test results came back, the surprises were just beginning.One Test. Two Brothers. Two Different Truths.What We Talk AboutHow a DNA test transformed a birthday gift into a life-changing discoveryThe moment Nick’s parents told him the truth about his conceptionHow secrecy was encouraged in fertility medicine during the 1980sThe emotional impact of realizing your family story is incompleteWhy Nick’s empathy toward his parents shaped their healingThe mix of gratitude and confusion that comes with learning you are donor conceivedThe unregulated side of the fertility industry and its lasting effectsDiscovering 14 half-siblings, including two raised by the donorFinding a new sense of identity and belonging after a DNA surpriseKey QuotesIt was the shock of my life. I did not see it coming whatsoever.I could see the fear in my parents’ eyes, and I just wanted to make sure they were okay.When I found out I was donor conceived, it didn’t break our relationship. It made it stronger.Doctors told them, ‘Don’t ever say anything. There’s no way this will ever come out.’TakeawaysDNA tests can reveal truths that change entire family narratives.Secrets meant to protect can create years of emotional weight.Empathy and openness can lead to unexpected healing.The fertility industry’s lack of oversight has left many families without answers.Understanding your origins can strengthen, not destroy, family connections.Reflection Questions for ListenersHow would you respond if you learned your family story wasn’t what you thought?What might honesty bring to a family that has held on to a secret for years?How do we redefine family when biology and identity diverge?What does compassion look like in moments of shock or betrayal? | — | ||||||
| 11/4/25 | The Not-So Only Child | What happens when a single email from a stranger confirms the secret you have been living with your whole life?In this episode, Rich Boerner returns to Family Twist to share the second half of his extraordinary story. In Part One, Rich discovered the truth about his father after finding a Polaroid tucked inside his mother’s old address book. That discovery shattered the story he had grown up believing and opened the door to an entirely new family.In Part Two, Rich picks up the story a decade later, when an unexpected email from a woman claiming to be his half-sister pulls him into the next chapter of his life. What follows is an emotional mix of disbelief, connection, and forgiveness.Rich talks about how he went from shock to understanding, how he built a new relationship with his sister, and why finally learning the truth changed the way he viewed both of his parents. He also shares how the process of telling his story became a healing experience, first for him and then for his children.The Not-So Only ChildIn this episodeHow one photo uncovered a lifetime of secretsThe decade between discovery and connectionWhat it feels like to finally meet a sibling who already knew the truthThe complicated emotions of forgiveness after decades of silenceHow Rich turned his discovery into his memoir and audiobook The Not-So Only ChildWhy storytelling can be one of the most powerful forms of healingAbout Rich BoernerRich Boerner is a veteran radio producer, audio storyteller, and the author of The Not-So Only Child: My True Story. His book began as an experiment in the recording booth, speaking his story aloud rather than writing it, and evolved into an audiobook and memoir that explores identity, loss, and reconnection.You can find The Not-So Only Child on Amazon in print, ebook, and audiobook formats.Why this episode mattersRich’s journey is about more than DNA surprises. It is about what happens after the truth surfaces, when you have to decide whether to open the door to the people and the pain that come with it. His story reminds us that healing often begins with honesty, and that our voices, even shaky ones, can help others feel less alone.Listen nowSubscribe to Family Twist wherever you get your podcasts and hear more stories that prove family secrets are the ultimate plot twist. | — | ||||||
| 10/28/25 | I Found My Father’s Name in My Mother’s Secrets | What if the father you spent your life wondering about turned out to be someone you already knew?As a kid growing up on Long Island in the 1970s, Rich Boerner learned not to ask too many questions. His mother had her version of the truth and repeated it word for word whenever he asked. His father was a man from Milwaukee who left when he found out she was pregnant. That was all she would say.It was a story that sounded just plausible enough to stop the conversation. For years, Rich focused on his own life instead. He went to college, built a career in radio, started a family, and kept that mystery locked away in a quiet corner of his mind.But after his mother passed away, everything changed. While cleaning out her apartment, Rich opened an old address book. Inside was a Polaroid photo and a note that would unravel decades of silence. His father wasn’t a stranger from another state. He was someone who had always been there.In this first half of our two-part conversation, Rich joins Corey and Kendall to talk about growing up with half-truths, the cost of protecting a parent’s secret, and what it feels like when the life you’ve built suddenly shifts under your feet. His story reminds us how deeply love and deception can intertwine and how the search for truth can begin long after we think the story is over.In this episodeLife as an only child raised by a single mother in a working-class New York neighborhoodThe “three-sentence story” his mother told and why he believed it for so longWhat he found among her letters after her deathThe Polaroid that rewrote everything he thought he knew about his fatherHow grief can become the moment of truthGuestRich Boerner is a longtime radio executive and the author of The Not-So Only Child: My True Story. The memoir chronicles the discovery of his hidden family and his path toward forgiveness, recorded and produced in his own home studio.Coming in Part TwoRich reconnects with the sister who knew the secret all along and learns how his father’s final wish tied their two families together. He also shares the late-night creative process that turned his story into an audiobook for his children and for anyone who has ever had to rebuild their sense of self from the truth. | — | ||||||
| 10/21/25 | When Kendall’s Story Became Her Mirror | What happens when the podcast that’s helping you make sense of your DNA surprise starts to sound a little too familiar?For many listeners, Family Twist is more than a podcast, it’s a lifeline. That’s exactly how it felt for Jai, whose own DNA discovery journey unfolded side by side with the stories she was hearing from Corey and Kendall. As an adoptee navigating identity, belonging, and the shock of hidden truths, Jai found comfort and courage in Kendall’s openness about rejection, reconnection, and redefining family.This episode is for anyone who has listened to a story that suddenly felt like their own. Jai reminds us that healing doesn’t just happen through discovery, it happens through connection.What Listeners Will Gain1. A mirror for your own journey.Jai’s story echoes the emotions so many of us face: curiosity, grief, hope, and the courage to seek truth even when it hurts.2. A lesson in empathy and resilience.She talks candidly about how Kendall’s story gave her language for emotions she didn’t yet know how to name and how compassion builds bridges even between strangers.3. A reminder that you’re not alone.Through podcasts, online communities, and real-life connections, Jai found strength in realizing that others have walked this road and survived it. | — | ||||||
| 10/15/25 | Right to Know: Healing in Real Time | This episode feels like the heart of Family Twist. It’s about what happens when we stop hiding, start talking, and realize we’re all part of a much bigger family than we thought.Right to Know: Healing in Real TimeCorey shares the mic with other board members from Right to Know, the organization making sure everyone has access to their own origin story. These conversations aren’t polished or easy, but they’re full of heart, honesty, and hope.Debbie Olson talks about the strange beauty of finding family while also finding your purpose. She turned her DNA discovery into a mission to make sure no one goes through it alone.Kara Rubinstein Deyerin and Brad Ewell share the story behind the name Right to Know and how they built a space for people who are still reeling from the shock of new truths. Their message is simple: healing doesn’t come from pretending it didn’t happen. It comes from community.And Steven Osborne reminds us what real courage sounds like when he tells the story of confronting his mother after decades of secrets. It’s raw, it’s human, and it’s a reminder that honesty doesn’t always heal overnight, but it’s always the first step.This episode also celebrates the Untangling Our Roots Summit, where adoptees, donor-conceived folks, NPEs, and their families come together to laugh, cry, and find connection in the chaos. It’s proof that healing can be loud, messy, and even joyful.Family secrets might be the hardest stories to tell, but when we tell them together, they turn into something bigger, understanding, compassion, and sometimes even a little karaoke. | — | ||||||
| 10/7/25 | The Fertility Industry’s Dark Secret, Told by Two of Its Kids | This episode nearly vanished. Literally. When Corey bumped into fellow podcaster Jeremy Bryant at a New England podcast event, he recognized his voice before placing his face. Then it hit him, they had already recorded an episode of Family Twist with Jeremy, but somehow, that recording got lost.So here it is. Jeremy’s story is about learning he was donor-conceived, discovering a growing list of half-siblings, and reconciling that truth after the father who raised him had already passed. It’s also about navigating what happens when the story you’ve always been told turns out to be wrong. Also, Jeremy hosts a paranormal podcast, so yes, you may hear something strange in the background.The second half of the episode features an update with Jeremy’s half-sister Amber. Her discovery led to a national media moment. Amber is the creator of Biohacked, both a podcast and a documentary project about donor conception, secrecy, and the need for reform in the fertility industry. She also created a welcome packet for new half-siblings, because when your biological father helped conceive dozens of people, there is some onboarding involved.Together, Jeremy and Amber offer two very different reactions to the same truth. One chose peace. One chose action. Both are unforgettable.The Fertility Industry’s Dark Secret, Told by Two of Its KidsTopics CoveredJeremy’s discovery story and the moment his mom told him the truthGrieving a lost parent while uncovering a second oneWhat happens when you meet your biological father after a DNA surpriseAmber’s origin story, and how it unraveled completelyFrom being called a “miracle baby” to finding out the truthCreating a welcome packet for incoming half-siblingsHow donor-conceived people are fighting for regulation, recognition, and rightsThe emotional fallout of secrecy in the fertility industryResources MentionedJeremy’s podcast, Paranormal the New NormalAmber’s podcast and documentary project, BiohackedDonor Conceived Community (donorconceivedcommunity.org)NPR and other national media coverage of Amber’s storyShare Your StoryHave you uncovered a secret through a DNA test or a forgotten conversation?Contact us at [email protected]. We’re always looking for the next twist. | — | ||||||
| 9/30/25 | My Birth Father Is Either One of Two Twins… or Their Dad | What if the first clue to your DNA surprise was hidden in your parents’ wedding video — and years later, the search pointed to identical twins?Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Family Twist podcast, Corey and Kendall talk with Emily, a fellow New England podcaster who uncovered her DNA surprise in an unforgettable way. As a child, she noticed she was in her parents’ wedding video, and that observation launched decades of questions about her identity.Emily’s journey stretched from childhood curiosity to a paternity test at Dunkin Donuts, to the unique complication of identical twins in DNA testing, and the heartbreak of a mother who could not talk about the past. Along the way, she faced silence, secrecy, and the reality that reunion is rarely the fantasy we imagine.This is a story of identity, resilience, and what happens when nature and nurture collide in unexpected ways.My Birth Father Is Either One of Two Twins… or Their DadWhat You’ll LearnHow a wedding video sparked Emily’s search for her biological fatherWhy secrecy and shame around conception left lasting scarsHow identical twins complicate DNA test results in family discoveryWhy a parent’s lack of curiosity can be as painful as rejectionHow adoptees and NPEs balance gratitude for their raising families with the right to know their originsEpisode Chapters00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Emily01:00 – Discovering she was in her parents’ wedding video02:00 – Learning she was adopted by her raising father03:00 – Secrecy and shame around her conception04:00 – Tracking down her first possible father05:00 – Paternity test at Dunkin Donuts06:00 – DNA testing with 23andMe, Ancestry, and GEDmatch08:00 – The identical twins twist10:00 – Meeting her biological father for the first time12:00 – Family synchronicities and high school connections14:00 – Building a relationship with her biological father and siblings16:00 – Navigating her mother’s silence18:00 – The weight of “you should be grateful” in adoptee experiences20:00 – Kendall’s parallels in adoption reunion24:00 – Managing reunion expectations versus reality26:00 – Finding connection through music28:00 – Closing reflections and resourcesResources and MentionsNew England Podcasters Group: Join hereRight to Know: righttoknow.usNPE Friends Fellowship: npefellowship.orgDonor Sibling Registry: donorsiblingregistry.comIf Emily’s DNA surprise story resonated with you, share this episode with someone navigating adoption, donor conception, or an NPE discovery. Subscribe to Family Twist on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Leaving a review helps more people discover stories of adoption reunions, family secrets, and DNA testing.Family Twist is a podcast about DNA surprises, NPE experiences, adoption journeys, and donor conception stories. Hosted by Corey and Kendall Stulce, the show features real conversations about identity, family, and belonging. In this episode, Emily shares how she uncovered her DNA surprise through a wedding video, the unique challenge of identical twin DNA results, and the impact of family secrecy on her search for truth. | — | ||||||
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| 9/23/25 | Why This Episode Left Us in Tears (and Hope) | Can we ever truly feel safe if we don’t know where we came from?Episode Summary:In this deeply emotional episode of Family Twist, we welcome Bryan Post, world-renowned therapist, author, and adoptee, for a conversation that feels more like a healing session than an interview.Bryan speaks directly to the heart of what many adoptees feel but struggle to articulate: the hidden trauma, the nervous system overload, the sense of disconnection that lingers, even in the midst of reunion.For co-host Kendall, this conversation became personal fast. Bryan didn’t just talk theory, he listened, responded, and gently guided Kendall through some of his deepest emotional truths. It was a moment of unexpected vulnerability, and it reminded us why these stories matter so much.If you’re adopted, donor-conceived, part of the foster care system, or love someone who is, this episode offers real insight, real compassion, and a roadmap for healing.Why This Episode Left Us in Tears (and Hope)Key Takeaways:Trauma lives in the body: Even with a loving adoptive family, separation at birth creates nervous system disruptions.Adoptees often regulate by pleasing: Bryan breaks down the “good kid” survival strategy and why it’s exhausting.Healing starts with understanding: Bryan explains the difference between punishment and regulation and why love always works better than fear.This was a real therapy moment for Kendall: Bryan’s response to Kendall’s story was one of patience, empathy, and genuine support.Pull Quotes:"If I can help one person feel seen, then that’s why I share my story." – Kendall"Trauma isn’t what happens to you—it’s what happens inside you as a result." – Bryan Post"Adoptees are master regulators. We survive by making sure everyone else is okay." – Bryan PostResources Mentioned:Bondify (therapy app)From Fear to Love: Your Essential Guide to Parenting Adopted and Foster ChildrenThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (book recommendation)Family Twist episode: Wendy Kramer on Donor-Conceived Identity | — | ||||||
| 9/16/25 | When Your DNA Test Turns Into a Movie Script | What happens when a DNA test flips your world upside down and you decide to make a comedy about it? Actor, writer, and producer Lisa Brenner joins Corey and Kendall to talk about her new film One Big Happy Family, opening in AMC Theatres on October 3, 2025.Inspired by her own discovery at age 40 that the dad who raised her wasn’t her biological father, Lisa transformed a life-altering revelation into a heartfelt comedy. In this episode, she shares how she worked through shock and grief, why she wanted to honor her mother instead of vilifying her, and how humor became her way of finding perspective.The conversation also celebrates the late Linda Lavin, star of Alice, who delivers her final screen performance in One Big Happy Family. As lifelong fans, Corey and Kendall reflect on Linda’s impact, her strength as a trailblazing actor, and the legacy she leaves behind.This episode is a reminder that family is complicated, comedy can heal, and DNA discoveries don’t always have to end in tragedy, sometimes they spark laughter, connection, and a brand-new story.When Your DNA Test Turns Into a Movie ScriptTopics We CoverHow a “just for fun” DNA test led to Lisa’s shocking discovery at 40Why she chose comedy instead of melodrama to tell her storyThe secrecy and shame around early IVF and donor conception in the 1960sHonoring her mom’s role in her life and avoiding the blame gameThe wild experience of finding multiple donor-conceived siblingsWorking with the legendary Linda Lavin in her final film roleWhy community and connection are so vital after a DNA surpriseResources & Links🎬 One Big Happy Family — Official Website❤️ More Family Twist episodes at familytwistpodcast.com | — | ||||||
| 9/9/25 | Switched at birth and silenced for decades | This is the rescued first conversation with author Shirley Muñoz Newsom, whose memoir The Little Dark One: A True Story of Switched at Birth chronicles discovering—at age 43—that she was switched at birth. She grew up in Gillette, Wyoming, knowing she didn’t fit, searching through library microfiche long before Google, and navigating an emotionally unavailable home where affection and belonging were withheld. In this raw, intimate talk, Shirley shares how a National Enquirer ambush multiplied the trauma, why writing opened the floodgates after decades of suppression, and how finding Aunt Mary and a constellation of cousins helped her reclaim her Mexican heritage—down to learning tortillas and recognizing a face she finally resembled.We thought this recording was gone due to severe audio issues. Thanks to new editing tools, we recovered enough to share it. It’s not perfect, but the immediacy is powerful.Why this story mattersA firsthand account of being switched at birth, told after decades of silenceThe cost of secrecy, shame, and small-town gossip on a child’s identitySurviving not one, but two dysfunctional families, and choosing healing anywayReclaiming erased culture and kinship, from Aunt Mary to a growing cousin networkHow a grandson’s challenge—“What if you help just one person?”—sparked a bookHighlights and themesFinding out at 43: DNA confirmation of what had been whispered for yearsMedia exploitation: A blindsiding National Enquirer spread, consent ignoredFamily dynamics: “I was never hugged, never told I love you,” blamed as “not his”Counseling and craft: Writing unlocked feelings after a lifetime of pushing them downCommunity as medicine: UTOR summit resonance, podcasting as shared healingHeritage reclaimed: Meeting Aunt Mary, cooking lessons, and cultural belongingRecognition and reception: Positive reviews, and becoming a National Indie Excellence Awards finalist (as Shirley shares)Memorable moments you’ll hear“I did all my research through microfiche at the library.”“The first time in 43 years anyone said, You look just like your mother.”“I was never hugged, never told ‘I love you.’”“I opened the Enquirer and there was my high-school photo for the world to see.”“Writing the book—after two chapters, the dam finally broke.”“My grandson said, What if you help one person?”About the guestShirley Muñoz Newsom is the author of The Little Dark One: A True Story of Switched at Birth. After a lifetime of not belonging, she reclaimed her identity, faith, and heritage, and now speaks to help others move from silence to voice.Light notes from the roomA quick dog roll call breaks the ice—six tiny pups on Corey and Kendall’s side, dachshunds on Shirley’s, and a six-pound “watchdog” cameoA shout-out to Aunt Mary’s tortillas and the tender reminder that practice, practice, practice is its own love languageAudio noteRescued recording. This episode was salvaged from a damaged session using new editing tools. You may hear glitches and level shifts, but the story’s heart is intact.Call to actionRead The Little Dark OneShare this episode with anyone navigating DNA surprises, adoption, or family secrecyIf this... | — | ||||||
| 9/2/25 | An Adoptive Parent’s Perspective on Open Adoption | In this episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall sit down with Mary, adoptive mom to previous guest Chris Martin. If you haven’t already, we recommend listening to Chris’ two episodes first — his story as an adoptee lays the groundwork for the conversation you’re about to hear with his mom.Mary opens up about the unexpected beginnings of Chris’ adoption and how what started as a plan for a closed adoption blossomed into a fully open one. She shares candidly about the joys, challenges, and deep connections that grew as two families came together out of love for one child.An Adoptive Parent’s Perspective on Open AdoptionTogether, Corey, Kendall, and Mary explore:The surprising way Mary and her husband learned they’d become parentsHow their adoption plan evolved into an open adoption — and why that mattered for ChrisThe importance of seeing adoption through both parent and child perspectivesThe blend of nature and nurture in Chris’ growth and personalityThe role of extended families, birth parents’ spouses, and even grandparents in sustaining opennessWhy Mary encourages others not to fear open adoption, but to center every decision on what’s best for the childMary’s voice adds a rich and heartfelt counterpoint to Chris’ earlier episodes, giving listeners a rare chance to hear both sides of an adoption story in depth. | — | ||||||
| 8/26/25 | When “Donor Conceived” Becomes Your Life’s Plot Twist | In this episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall sit down with storyteller and comedian Becca Rothman to talk about her remarkable DNA discovery and her upcoming live solo show, Gifted: Nature, Nurture, and an Unexpected Present.Becca shares the journey from long-held suspicions about her conception, to finally taking a DNA test, to discovering her biological father—a pediatrician—and two half-sisters she instantly connected with. She walks us through the clues, the moment of opening that life-changing email, the careful way she reached out, and the joy of meeting her new family for the first time.She also opens up about the creative process of turning her story into art: how she stumbled into comedy and storytelling in her late forties, became a Moth producer, and is now preparing to premiere her first one-person show in New York City. Becca talks about the balance of humor and vulnerability in sharing family secrets, the importance of breaking cycles of shame, and how Taylor Swift (yes, really!) has influenced her courage to be fully authentic.This conversation touches on family secrets, resilience, ADHD revelations, parenting, and the healing power of storytelling and the arts.When “Donor Conceived” Becomes Your Life’s Plot TwistKey Themes & TopicsSecrets & Shame: Growing up with hidden truths about her conception—and why sharing them publicly now feels like liberation.DNA Discovery: How a long-delayed 23andMe kit led to finding her biological father and two half-sisters.Nature Meets Nurture: Spotting uncanny similarities with her new family—from writing style to leaving kitchen cabinets open.Creative Bravery: From a rough first comedy gig to becoming a storyteller and creating Gifted, her solo show premiering in NYC.Family Reactions: How her parents, husband, and kids responded to the discovery.Identity & ADHD: Understanding herself more deeply after her bio dad mentioned his own diagnosis.Music & Healing: Why Taylor Swift and Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime” have been soundtracks for this chapter of her life.About the Show🎭 Gifted: Nature, Nurture, and an Unexpected PresentPart of the Frigid NYC Festival at Under St. Marks in New York CityDates: September 6–7, 2025Sunday performance already sold out, but Saturday night and livestream tickets availableMore info: Frigid NYC or via Becca’s website/Instagram (@beccarothman) | — | ||||||
| 8/19/25 | Things Adoptees Hear That Make Us Want to Scream | In this episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall get raw, real, and a little ranty. It’s part group therapy, part comedy roast, and all about the phrases adoptees hear over and over again that range from paper-cut stings to sledgehammer blows. From “You’re so lucky your parents chose you” to “Do you know your real parents?”—they unpack why these comments miss the mark, how they flatten adoptee stories, and what people could say instead.With equal parts humor and honesty, Corey and Kendall explain how these clichés can turn gratitude into a prison, erase adoptive parents, or script feelings adoptees never asked for. They don’t just rant, though. They share practical, respectful alternatives and invite listeners—adoptees and non-adoptees alike—to reflect on the power of words.If you’ve ever felt like screaming when someone told you “everything happens for a reason,” this episode gives you permission. Consider it adoptee group therapy with a laugh track.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhy “You’re so lucky your parents chose you” erases loss behind adoption.The problem with asking “Do you know your real parents?” and how to reframe.The myth of “at least you were wanted” and how it silences nuance.Why “your birth mom must have loved you so much to give you up” oversimplifies complicated truths.Why adoptees bristle at “blood is thicker than water.”Alternatives to clichés: what to actually say when adoption comes up.The reminder that adoptees are not “special” props—they’re layered people with layered stories.Takeaway MessageAdoption isn’t about being lucky or broken. It’s both love and loss, gratitude and grief, connection and disconnection. Adoptees deserve space to tell their own stories without scripts handed down in clichés. | — | ||||||
| 8/12/25 | Ghosting the Ghost Parent | In this candid conversation, Corey and Kendall tackle one of the most painful realities in the adoptee and DNA surprise world — reaching out to a biological parent and getting… nothing in return.Ghosting the Ghost ParentKendall opens up about his own experience with his birth mother: the initial reply that offered hope, the “I need time to process” that turned into months of silence, and the slow realization that this wasn’t a pause — it was a soft no. Together, Corey and Kendall unpack what that kind of rejection feels like, why parents sometimes choose silence, and the emotional work it takes to keep living fully without the answers you want.This is not a story about closure. It’s a story about reclaiming your voice when someone else chooses not to be part of your story.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Kendall’s personal account of being shut out by his birth motherThe difference between ghosting in dating and ghosting in family relationshipsThe mental spiral of “filling in the blanks” when a parent won’t engagePossible reasons behind a parent’s refusal that don’t make the hurt any lessWhy waiting can cost you more than it gives youHow Kendall found support and started to healA direct message from Kendall to his birth mother — and to anyone living with parental silence | — | ||||||
| 8/5/25 | The Return to Man Weekend: Family, Fire Pits, and Full-Circle Moments | In this heartfelt follow-up to one of our earliest episodes ("The Man Weekend"), Kendall shares stories from a recent rustic getaway with members of his birth family at their long-held property in northern New Hampshire. It’s a full-circle moment—spending time around the campfire with his brother, uncle, cousins, and nephews, deepening bonds with people he didn’t grow up with but now can’t imagine life without. From installing a water system to laughing until they lost their voices, this trip was more than just a weekend—it was a memory-in-the-making.Corey joins the conversation to reflect on how far Kendall’s found-family journey has come, and how these connections—old and new—continue to shape their lives. They also touch on the emotional reality of balancing adoptive and biological family histories, the joy of watching young relatives grow up, and even a cautionary tale involving sesame meatballs.Toward the end, Corey and Kendall introduce plans for future solo episodes addressing current issues in the adoptee, NPE, and donor-conceived communities—and share the powerful message behind a recent email from a listener whose life was changed by discovering Family Twist.📌 Topics Covered:The return to Kendall’s birth family’s New Hampshire propertyWhat’s changed since “The Man Weekend” (including plumbing!)Reconnecting with cousins, uncle, and brother ChrisThe joy of bonding with nephews as they enter adulthoodHumor, shenanigans, and nearly killing Pete with sesameReflecting on the emotions of what was missed—and what’s now gainedFuture plans for solo episodes focused on NPE/adoptee/DC community issuesThe impact of Family Twist on a listener’s decision to search for their truth🔗 Related Episodes:The Man Weekend (link to original episode)Chris Finds a Brother: Kendall’s First Birth Family Connection | — | ||||||
| 7/29/25 | Love Beyond DNA: The Man Who Raised Me | In Part 2 of our conversation with author and advocate J. Steven Osborne, we explore what happens after the shock of a DNA discovery, when the dust starts to settle, and you're left piecing together not just your origin story, but your identity.Steven opens up about the emotional toll of learning that Jack Osborne, the man who raised him and loved him unconditionally, wasn’t his biological father. It felt like losing him all over again—except this time, it was to a lie, not to death. What follows is a deeply moving tribute to the man Steven still calls "Dad" and a powerful reminder that family is not about genetics—it’s about showing up, staying present, and choosing love every single day.We also discuss:The surreal moment his sister’s DNA test confirmed the truthHow his wife Becky became both researcher and rock in his journeyThe painful confrontation with his mother—and the unexpected truth hidden in her memoirHow his siblings embraced him with fierce, unconditional loveAnd why Steven now defines family by just two things: love and commitment💥 Steven’s memoir, DNA – Did Not Anticipate, is a must-read for anyone navigating a DNA surprise, NPE discovery, or complex family secret. It’s raw, darkly funny, and filled with grace.Quotes to remember:“He wasn’t just a good man. He was a great man. And he was my dad—DNA be damned.”“Go find the family you deserve.”📘 Order Steven’s book → https://dnadidnotanticipate.com/🔗 Learn more about Right to Know → righttoknow.usIf you’ve ever felt like an outsider in your own story, this episode is for you.#FamilyTwistPodcast #JStevenOsborne #DNADidNotAnticipate #FoundFamily #NPE #DNARevelation #FamilyIsLove #RightToKnow #MPE #DNAHealing #ChosenFamily | — | ||||||
| 7/22/25 | A DNA Discovery on the Tarmac | J. Steven Osborne believed he knew where he came from until an ancestry DNA test turned his world upside down. What started in 2021 as a casual curiosity for Native American heritage ended with a jaw-dropping response: a first cousin in Prince Edward Island. And his father? Not who he thought. Join Corey as Steven recounts the powerful, painful, and sometimes absurd journey that unraveled in real time.In this Part One of the conversation, Steven takes us back to a childhood in Tory Hill, Kentucky—full of blended houses, foster kids, Pentecostal rituals, and 14 siblings. A loving but turbulent family life set the stage, and his father Jack became his emotional anchor. But on a flight home from Hilton Head, his sister’s DNA match confirmed what shattered everything: his biological father was someone else entirely.A DNA Discovery on the TarmacThis episode ends at that gut-punch moment—leaving listeners hanging, hearts racing, and fingers gripping the armrest. Part Two dives deeper into grief, identity, forgiveness… and yes, more revelations that defy fiction.📘 Teaser for DNA – Did Not AnticipateSteven co-wrote the memoir with his wife, forensic genealogist Becky Brower Osborne. Originally meant as healing journaling, the story morphed into an 80,000-word rollercoaster of intrigue, humor, heartbreak, and redemption—from disbelief to forgiveness, and finding belonging in unexpected places DNA Did Not Anticipate+9DNA Did Not Anticipate+9Buzzsprout+9.Praise for the book:“Life‑is‑stranger‑than‑fiction”—a true shocker of a memoir Amazon+3DNA Did Not Anticipate+3RightToKnow+3“Gut‑wrenching grief woven with laugh‑out‑loud moments”—a compelling read for anyone who's faced a DNA surprise Buzzsprout+5BookLife+5DNA Did Not Anticipate+5🗣️ This Episode Is For You If You’ve Ever…Wondered who you are when DNA contradicts family loreExperienced the emotional wreckage of a mistaken identityFound healing in humor, resilience, and forgivenesCrave a raw, deeply personal story told with both sharp wit and open heart📌 What You’ll Hear in Part One🧬 The “Aha!” moment on a plane when everything changedEmotional flashbacks to Pentecostal upbringing and chaotic blended family lifeThe love story of Steven and Becky and how writing became his therapyHints of the darker revelations waiting in Part Two🔗 Links & Resources❤️ Why We Love This EpisodeSteven’s story is a testament to resilience: finding humor in heartbreak, courage in chaos, and family in truth. It’s a must-listen for anyone redefining their past—especially when that journey begins at 30,000 feet. | — | ||||||
| 7/15/25 | The Adoption Paradox | Author, adoptee, and fierce truth-teller Jean Widner returns to Family Twist—and this time, she’s holding a finished book in her hands. In this emotionally raw and intellectually rich conversation, Corey sits down with Jean to talk about the release of her long-anticipated book, The Adoption Paradox, and the deeply personal story behind it.What began as a community-driven exploration of adoption evolved into something far more intimate—a reflection on grief, rejection, and what it means when your birth mother says “no.” Jean unpacks the anger, longing, and love that poured into her writing, including the moment a friend called her book “a love letter to your mother”—a revelation she hadn’t seen coming.We also dive into the darker side of the adoption industry: predatory marketing tactics, the for-profit machinery behind child placement, and why “rescue” language is so harmful. Plus, Jean and Corey share a few behind-the-scenes truths about being marketers themselves, and what it means to use those skills for good.The Adoption ParadoxThis episode covers:Jean’s reflections one year after her birth mother’s painful rejectionThe real story behind The Adoption ParadoxWhy sealed birth certificates and loyalty tests still hurtMarketing ethics in adoption and who’s profiting from secrecyHow community and storytelling create space for healingWhy Fast Car by Tracy Chapman is the perfect song for her adoption journeyIf you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t tell the whole truth about your story, this conversation is for you. Jean reminds us that sometimes the most radical act is just naming what happened, without the bow.📖 Grab Jean’s book: adoptionparadox.com | — | ||||||
| 7/8/25 | Addiction, Absence, and the Road Back to My Birth Father | In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Chris, the emotional stakes deepen. Chris takes us through the winding road of reconnection with his birth father—once lost to addiction and incarceration—and how a long-awaited letter cracked the door open to forgiveness and healing.We also explore the life-changing moment Chris met his half-brother from his birth father’s side, a child who didn’t just resemble him physically—but emotionally, energetically, and spiritually. It’s a reflection that brought up joy, grief, and a surprising sense of full-circle peace.Chris also recounts a vulnerable and honest phone call with his birth mother where, for the first time, they both acknowledged the loss—and the love—that came from their separation.And as Chris reconnects with the final missing pieces of his extended family, he shares what it feels like to finally, fully, know where you come from—and where you belong.This is a conversation about truth, timing, and the power of second chances.Addiction, Absence, and the Road Back to My Birth FatherIn This Episode:– Meeting his half-brother and seeing his mirror image– Rebuilding a relationship with his birth father after addiction– The emotional weight of a long-overdue apology letter– A healing phone call with his birth mother about separation and regret– Family secrets on his birth father’s side—and how they ripple through generations– Understanding identity through the lens of nature and nurture– Belonging to multiple families, and claiming all of them– Finding a home in the adoption communityWhy It Matters:Chris’s story challenges the assumption that “knowing everything” means you escape the pain. Even in the most open adoptions, healing takes time and sometimes, it takes meeting a sibling who looks like you to see yourself more clearly.#FamilyTwistPodcast #AdopteeVoices #DNAReunion #BirthFatherHealing #HalfSiblings #PrimalWound #OpenAdoption #AdoptionTruth #FamilyHealing #IdentityJourney #MisattributedParentage #AdoptionPodcast | — | ||||||
| 7/1/25 | Two Families, One Primal Wound | Chris’s story may not begin with a shocking discovery but it’s no less extraordinary. In this episode, Kendall and Corey sit down with Chris to explore a rare but deeply moving example of an open adoption that worked exactly as intended. Chris has known his birth parents for his entire life, and his adoptive parents invited his birth family in from day one.But as we quickly learn, openness doesn’t mean immunity from pain. Chris reflects on how—even in a home full of love and acceptance—he still struggled with feelings of not being “enough,” of needing to prove his worth. He shares his journey through anxiety, early childhood trauma, and the therapeutic breakthroughs that helped him recognize the impact of the primal wound, even when adoption was never a secret.Chris also speaks candidly about his experience surviving E. coli and kidney failure as a young child, and how that trauma shaped his early years. Through it all, his story is one of deep introspection, hard-earned insight, and powerful reminders that no two adoptee experiences are exactly alike—but the emotional threads often run in parallel.Two Families, One Primal Wound💬 Topics Covered:How a high school teacher’s lesson on IVF led to an adoption offerThe emotional complexity of open adoptionNavigating anxiety and the need to “earn” belongingThe impact of childhood trauma and medical emergenciesHow therapy, self-reflection, and community help shape healingThe primal wound, even when you're never kept in the darkNature vs. nurture through the lens of two families💡 Why It Matters:Chris’s story challenges the myth that adoptees raised in open, loving homes don’t struggle with identity or belonging. His willingness to speak about the nuance in his journey adds to the growing conversation around how all adoption stories—twisty or not—carry emotional weight.🔜 Stay Tuned:Part 2 continues Chris’s journey, with deeper reflections on how he navigates dual family connections, personality traits passed through biology, and the ongoing evolution of self-understanding. | — | ||||||
| 6/24/25 | What Happens When a Transracial Adoptee Tells the Whole Truth? | In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Lisa MM Butler, we go deeper into what happens after the DNA tests, after the reunions, and after the losses. Lisa, an outspoken transracial adoptee, writer, illustrator, and library worker, shares how the death of her adoptive parents left her grappling with the question: Whose family am I part of now?Lisa takes us inside her inner world of healing, through art, graphic memoirs, and workshops created by and for adoptees. We talk about chosen family, sibling distance, and what trust looks like when it’s been broken again and again. She also dives into the dangerous realities of international adoptees facing deportation, institutional erasure of Black history, and how reproductive control intersects with the adoption industry.This episode is raw, nuanced, and filled with moments that will stick with you long after you hit stop. Lisa reminds us that art can hold grief, community can build safety, and sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is say it out loud.What Happens When a Transracial Adoptee Tells the Whole Truth?“After my adoptive parents died, I had to decide, what does ‘family’ even mean now? And do I still belong?”🧬 Featured Guest: Lisa MM ButlerLisa MM Butler is a transracial adoptee, writer, illustrator, library worker, and advocate. Born and raised in Wyoming, Lisa was adopted out of foster care after being relinquished by her white mother due to her Black heritage. She is in reunion with members of her biological father’s family, though both birth parents have declined to meet her.Lisa is a board member of VOICES: A BIPOC Adoptee Community, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to supporting BIPOC adoptees through healing-centered programming, creative expression, and collective care. Her work focuses on amplifying adoptee voices through children’s literature, zines, graphic memoirs, and community workshops. Her passion lies in using storytelling as a tool for processing trauma, building identity, and making sure no adoptee feels alone in the fog.Learn more about her work at: www.bipocadoptees.org🔑 Topics Covered in This Episode:🖼️ Reconstructing identity through art, illustration, and clown archetypes📚 The lack of accurate children’s books from adoptee perspectives—and how Lisa’s changing that🎨 Graphic memoirs, zines, and the role of creativity in processing trauma🧠 Trust, attachment, and the slow work of letting people in💔 Sibling disconnection and grief after the death of adoptive parents🏠 Chosen family vs. biological or legal family—what connection actually means🌎 Intercountry adoption and the terrifying reality of adoptees facing deportation due to lack of naturalizationSouth Korea’s admission of systemic child trafficking in international adoption⚖️ Reproductive control, Freedom Farms, and the ethics of forced family separation🎶 Soul music and R&B as healing modalities🧩 The adoptee experience as uniquely powerful—and widely relatable🛠️ Resources & Mentions:VOICES: A BIPOC Adoptee Community – www.bipocadoptees.orgAdoptees for Justice – www.adopteesforjustice.orgAdoptees United – www.adopteesunited.orgSamm Henshaw – Soul/R&B musician Lisa recommends for healingTina Strawn’s Legacy Trips | — | ||||||
| 6/17/25 | DNA Doesn’t Lie, But Families Do | In Part One of this powerful two-part episode, Corey and Kendall sit down with Lisa, who shares the beginning of her journey into the world of unexpected DNA discoveries. Lisa believed she understood her place in her family — until a test revealed otherwise. What follows is a story of emotional whiplash: from excitement and curiosity to confusion, rejection, and deep grief.DNA Doesn’t Lie, But Families DoLisa bravely opens up about the shock of discovering her biological parentage, the resistance she’s faced from those who hold the keys to her history, and the emotional toll of being shut out by people who could help her heal. Her story will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt erased, unseen, or denied.This is a raw and unfiltered look at the emotional complexity of identity, truth-telling, and the cost of silence.Topics Covered:The emotional shock of an NPE discoveryFamily denial and gaslightingGrief and anger in the face of rejectionThe search for identity without cooperationEarly steps in Lisa’s healing process | — | ||||||
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Peaked at #138 in CO, currently #138 in CO.
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| CO | — | #138 | #138 | — |
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