Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets

How does uncovering a family secret inspire a new artistic journey and heal long-held wounds? In this captivating episode of Family Twist, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce welcome Cory Goodrich, a multi-talented artist and author of "Folk Song: A Ballad of Death, Discovery, and DNA." Cory shares her profound journey of uncovering a life-changing family secret after her mother's passing and how it le...

Kendall and Corey are joined this episode by Ryan Pesavento (they/them), who accidentally discovered a family secret. Ryan was donor conceived, and after doing a DNA test, they discovered more than a dozen siblings. That number has grown to currently 71 total, and many of the half-siblings are connected in a Facebook group. Ryan has been in touch with their sperm donor , as a "professional relatio...

How would you reach out to a birth parent who has remained silent for over five years? In this emotional episode of Family Twist, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce kick off season three with a deeply personal episode. Kendall shares the story of his adoption journey and the discovery of his biological family. However, the highlight of this episode is Kendall reading a heartfelt letter he wrote to his...

Dame Edna and Corey Kendall and Corey were sad to hear that Barry Humphries died. Barry was best-known as Dame Edna, a character he portrayed for more than seven decades on screen and stage. We decided to post Corey's chat with Dame Edna (from 2015) - in which she knows surprisingly a lot about Corey - as a bonus episode. Rest in peace, Barry and Edna. Join the Family Twist family here! Listen, Ra...

Episode 40: Dad Was a Rascal - Surprise, You Have an Older Sister! SEASON 2 FINALE EPISODE: We're joined by Marisa Sullivan and Carol Simpson, who recently discovered they share a biological father. Marisa always wished she had an older sister. Her father died when she was only six years old. Decades later, Marisa received an email that changed her life - and the life of her sister, Carol. Marisa...

How would you cope with discovering a hidden truth about your family through a DNA test? In this compelling episode of Family Twist, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce welcome Colleen Neuharth, who shares her eye-opening journey of uncovering a family secret through DNA testing. Colleen's story delves into the emotional rollercoaster of learning about her biological father, navigating complex family d...

Have you ever wondered how the truth about your ancestry could reshape your understanding of family? In this revealing episode of Family Twist, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with award-winning journalist Libby Copeland, author of "The Lost Family," to explore the unexpected and often profound effects of DNA testing on personal identity and family dynamics. They delve into the stories beh...

Family Twist Podcast Episode 37: Taking Care of Other People's Children Our guest this week is Debbie Ausburn, a prosecuting attorney who has helped raise many children via the fostering system. Debbie's book, "Raising Other People's Children" details the lessons learned by her foster children charges. "Parenting other people’s children has been the greatest challenge and the greatest joy of my li...

Have you ever wondered where your roots truly lie and how discovering them could reshape your life? In this revealing episode of Family Twist, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce explore the profound effects of DNA testing on personal identity and family dynamics. Joined by Ron Claiborne who shares an incredible story of uncovering his African heritage, the episode dives deep into the emotional and cul...

Family Twist Podcast Episode 35: Hiraeth Hope & Healing Part Two Welcome to part two! Our returning guests this episode are Erin Cosentino, Cindy McQuay and Anne Persico of Hiraeth Hope & Healing (HHH). HHH (501 c3 pending) was formed for adoptees and NPEs (not parent expected or non-paternity event). "We love to help people unravel their DNA results," Cindy says. The organization hosts th...

Have you ever wondered how connecting with others who share your journey could transform your healing process? Key Benefits for Listeners: Community and Connection: Understand the profound impact of connecting with others who share similar experiences and the role of community in the healing process. Healing Through Shared Stories: Learn how sharing personal stories in a supportive environment can...

Family Twist Episode 33: DNA Investigator with a 100 Percent Success Rate Our guest this episode is Shayna Landry, a forensic genealogist and private investigator a.k.a. DNA detective. You may have seen Shayna on Netflix’s docuseries, "I Just Killed My Dad," where she used her DNA expertise to assist the investigation. Shayna shares her experience finding her birth father via DNA, and how she uses...

Family Twist Episode 32: Finding an Enormous Family Across the Globe Our guest this episode is Tim Curran, Copy Editor/Lead Writer for "Early Start" on CNN. We found Tim via a great article he wrote about finding his family. Tim was adopted in California, and after years of searching for his birth family, made the exciting discovery that his birth father was from Morocco. Tim found a half brother...

Ever wondered how discovering your true heritage could reshape your sense of identity? Join hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce in this emotionally compelling episode of Family Twist as they dive into Shari Leid's remarkable adoption story. From being found in a parking lot in Seoul, South Korea, to being raised by Japanese-American parents in Seattle, Shari's journey is filled with unique challenges a...

Family Twist Episode 30: A Family Twist Holiday This episode's guest is Rachel Beck, a dear friend, who shares her memories of chosen family holidays with Corey and Kendall. Join the Family Twist family here! Listen, Rate & Subscribe Apple Amazon Google Spotify

Have you ever wondered what drives someone to become a foster parent to over 60 children? In this eye-opening episode of Family Twist, we sit down with Dr. John DeGarmo, Director of the Foster Care Institute, to explore his personal journey and profound impact as a foster parent. With heart and authority, Dr. DeGarmo shares his experiences and insights, shedding light on the often misunderstood wo...

What happens when two siblings, separated at birth and living just miles apart, discover each other 40 years later? This episode of Family Twist is a heartfelt journey into the lives of Natalie and Ryan, siblings who discovered each other's existence after 40 years apart. Their story not only uncovers hidden family secrets but also explores the complexities of identity, family bonds, and the impac...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to grow up knowing you're adopted, and how it shapes your view of family and identity? In celebration of National Adoption Month, this special episode of Family Twist delves deep into co-host Kendall's personal adoption story. Kendall shares his experience growing up knowing he was adopted, reflecting on the unique challenges and profound love he received from...

Did you ever imagine uncovering a secret family history filled with adventure, mystery, and unexpected revelations? In this episode of Family Twist, Keith Mason shares his extraordinary journey of discovering his familial roots, ignited by a random YouTube clip of a 1960s game show. Keith's quest to learn more about his father, a man shrouded in mystery and cloaked in controversy, unfolds into a n...

Have you ever wondered about the hidden stories behind assisted reproductive technology? Today on Family Twist, we delve into the fascinating and often secret world of artificial insemination and infertility through the eyes of Peter J. Boni, author of the book Uprooted . Peter's journey of discovery after learning he was donor-conceived at 49 intertwines personal narrative with the broader histor...

How does a discovery about your heritage reshape your life and identity? Join us on this compelling episode of Family Twist where Jack Malstrom shares their fascinating journey of self-discovery and the powerful impact of learning about their indigenous roots and Two-Spirit identity. As a Two-Spirit advocate and a voice for the LGBTQ+ indigenous community, Jack's story offers a unique perspective...

Have you ever wondered how embracing your true identity can change your life? In this thought-provoking episode of Family Twist, hosts Kendall and Corey Stulce sit down with Jack Malstrom, a Two-Spirit advocate, prominent Portland DJ, radio host, and drag performer. Discover Jack's journey through the complexities of adoption, the discovery of his Two-Spirit identity, and how these experiences sha...

Have you ever wondered what secrets your family tree might hide? Join hosts Kendall and Corey Stulce as they delve into the incredible story of Carlyn Montes De Oca, author of Junkyard Girl , a memoir that uncovers ancestry secrets, family dynamics, and the power of second chances. Discover Carlyn's unexpected journey through the world of DNA testing and the revelations that altered the course of...

Have you ever pondered how a single DNA test could unravel hidden chapters of your life? In this compelling episode of Family Twist, hosts Kendall and Corey Stulce welcome Anne Hintz, whose incredible journey of adoption and unexpected family connections will leave you awestruck. Anne shares her fascinating story from an unexpected pregnancy in her family's past to her personal search for belongin...

Did you ever wonder if your family tree holds secrets that could reshape your identity? In this enlightening episode of Family Twist, hosts Kendall and Corey Stulce dive deep into their own extraordinary journey of discovering Kendall's biological family, spanning from unforeseen DNA matches to heartwarming reunions. This episode serves as a thrilling opener for season two, setting the stage for m...