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**Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets**

Welcome to Family Twist, the podcast that dives deep into the tangled webs of family secrets and DNA surprises. Each episode, hosts Corey and Kendall Austin Stulce explore the complex and challenging truths that come with discovering you are a non-parent expected (NPE) individual, someone whose familial origins aren’t what they seemed.

Through candid interviews with people from the NPE, adoptee, and donor-conceived communities, Family Twist offers a platform for stories of unexpected parentage, family secrets, and the quest for identity. From the joyful to the heartbreaking, our guests share their journeys of discovery, acceptance, and healing.

Why subscribe? Family Twist isn’t just another family history podcast. It’s a support network, a place for healing, and a beacon for anyone navigating the emotional landscape of familial discoveries. Whether you’re directly impacted by these issues or just fascinated by the profound effects of family secrets, this podcast provides insights and company as you journey through the often-unspoken parts of family life.

Join us as we unravel the hidden threads of the past, bringing them into the light to foster understanding and connection. Hit subscribe to never miss an episode of Family Twist — where family stories are heard, secrets are revealed, and healing begins. And remember, family secrets are the ultimate plot twist!

Latest Episodes:

NPE Held Prisoner by Parental Secrets Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

Today, we delve into the remarkable tale of Brad Ewell, a dedicated police officer whose life takes an unexpected turn following a DNA test. This episode uncovers how Brad's quest to understand his heritage leads to the startling discovery that his biological father is not just a stranger, but a man serving life in prison. Brace yourself for a journey filled with profound revelations about identity, the complexities of family bonds, and the resilience required to face them. Brad's story is not just about uncovering hidden truths; it's a testament to the power of acceptance and the surprising ways our lives can intertwine with the law and lineage. Join us as we explore this incredible intersection of policing, paternity and personal discovery.

NPE Held Prisoner by Parental Secrets

Episode Highlights:

The Moment of Discovery: Brad shares the shocking moment he learned of his adoption through a DNA test, painting a vivid picture of his initial disbelief and the ensuing emotional turmoil.
Connecting with Biological Family: He recounts his experiences of connecting with his biological father, who had been in prison for most of Brad's life, and their unexpected bond.
Reunions and Realizations: Brad's story of meeting his biological siblings for the first time offers a heartwarming insight into the complexities of newfound family relationships.
Navigating Personal and Family Identity: Brad discusses the challenges and revelations of integrating his newfound identity with his life as a police officer and a family man.
Advocacy and Legal Battles: His involvement in changing legislation for prisoners in Louisiana, specifically for those like his biological father, is both inspiring and enlightening.
The Role of Support Systems: Brad emphasizes the importance of support from loved ones and professional help in navigating his journey.
Reflections and Moving Forward: He shares his reflections on identity, family, and the unpredictability of life, offering wisdom and insights gleaned from his unique experiences.

Guest Bio:

Brad Ewell is a police officer in the Dallas, Texas area. He is married and has three children. For the first 48 years of his life, Brad believed he was raised by his biological family. That changed in 2019 when someone he matched from an Ancestry DNA test contacted him. In less than 24 hours Brad became a Late Discovery Adoptee with a MPE. Since that time he is in reunion with several biological family members including his biological father and four siblings. He is passionate about the right of every person to know their true genetic identity. While he knows his biological history, he still has to go to court if he wants to have his records unsealed. Brad has written essays and an article for Severance Magazine and is currently working on other essays and a memoir. You can find him on Instagram.

Resource Mentioned:

The Parole Project:

In today's episode, we witnessed an extraordinary narrative of discovery, resilience, and the intricate web of family ties. Brad's story is more than just a tale of finding truth; it's a profound exploration of identity, the unexpected bonds of kinship, and the strength it takes to embrace them. His journey challenges us to think about our own roots and the surprising paths they may lead us on. If Brad's remarkable story has touched you or sparked curiosity about your own family history, we'd love to hear from you. Please rate, follow and leave a review for Family Twist, sharing your thoughts and reflections. Your engagement fuels our passion for uncovering more stories that connect us all. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Join us next time for another episode of Family Twist, where we unravel more hidden threads of our shared human tapestry.

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MPEs: You Have a Right to Know Who You Are Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Today, we're diving into an extraordinary journey of self-discovery with our guests, Kara Rubenstein Deyerin and Brad Ewell from the organization Right to Know. Their stories about DNA surprises will astonish and move you. We'll also explore the impactful work of Right to Know, an organization that emerged from these life-altering revelations. Get ready to be inspired by their resilience and the pursuit of truth.

Baby, You Have a Right to Know Who You Are

Episode Highlights:

Kara's DNA Test Revelation: Kara shares her initial intention to trace her African ancestry and her shocking discovery of being half Ashkenazi Jewish.
Identity Crisis: Facing a profound identity crisis, Kara describes her emotional struggle after learning she's not biologically related to her father.
Finding Her Biological Father: The journey to identify her genetic father, Sam Rubenstein, a renowned philanthropist in Seattle.
Rejection and Acceptance: Kara discusses the mixed reactions from her biological and raised families, emphasizing her father's support despite the DNA results.
Formation of Right to Know: Inspired by her experience, Kara talks about founding Right to Know to advocate for individuals with similar DNA discoveries.
Brad's Involvement and Support: Brad, a board member of Right to Know, shares his own experience and the value of the organization.
Right to Know's Mission and Future Plans: The organization focuses on education, advocacy and mental health, aiming to provide support and enact meaningful legislation.

Guest Bios:

Kara Rubenstein Deyerin is a non-practicing attorney with an LLM in Taxation and a master’s in Trade & Investment Policy. In January 2018, she wanted to see where in Africa her father’s family came from. Her over-the-counter DNA test revealed she was 50% something, but she had zero African DNA. This meant the man on her birth certificate couldn’t possibly be her genetic father. She lost her ethnic identity with the click of a mouse. Kara discovered she was 50% Jewish. The DNA pandora’s box she opened led to an identity crisis. Because there were few resources for people with misattributed parentage and a lack of legal rights, she co-founded Right to Know. Kara is leading advocate for genetic identity rights and people impacted by misattributed parentage. She has appeared on many podcasts, in multiple television interviews and articles, and is a frequent speaker on her DNA surprise, the right to know, and the complex intersection of genetic information, identity, and family dynamics. Read her blog about being Unexpectedly Jewish in Seattle.

Mentioned Resources:

Right to Know website
National Board of Certified Counselors for therapist education

In today's episode, we've explored the complex emotions and societal implications of DNA surprises. If you've been moved by Kara and Brad's stories and the mission of Right to Know, I encourage you to delve deeper into this topic and perhaps find a community that understands your journey. Remember, you're not alone. If you enjoyed this episode of Family Twist, please rate, follow and leave a review. Your support helps us bring more such compelling stories to light.

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Laugh Lines and DNA Ties: Laura High's Donor-Conceived Story Part 1 Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

We're joined by the incredibly talented Laura High, a stand-up comedian with a unique and compelling story. Laura, a donor-conceived individual, brings a blend of humor and advocacy to the often opaque world of fertility. Her insights and experiences are not only eye-opening but delivered with a wit that makes the complexities of donor conception both understandable and engaging. We also discuss one of our recent guests, Dylan Stone-Miller, another advocate for regulation in the fertility industry. Dylan was a donor in college and knows of 97 bio children currently. Hear his story here!

Laugh Lines and DNA Ties: Laura High's Donor-Conceived Story Part 1

Episode Highlights:

Laura’s discovery of her comedic talent, influenced by Gilda Radner and other comedy legends.
Her journey as a donor-conceived individual, advocating for rights and transparency in the fertility industry.
The humorous yet impactful ways Laura uses her comedic skills in advocacy, including her famous sperm costume.
The significant role of storytelling from various perspectives in donor conception, highlighting the importance of including donors, recipient parents, and donor-conceived individuals.
Laura’s personal experiences with the fertility industry, including the revelation of her genetic background and medical history.
The ethical concerns and loopholes within the fertility industry, and the need for more stringent regulations and transparency.

Guest Bio:

Laura High is a New York actor and comedian. She received her B.A. in Theatre Performance from Nazareth College. Laura has had lead roles on TV shows, and national commercials. Laura performs stand-up comedy at venues like Broadway Comedy Club, Bananas, and headlined Carolines on Broadway. Laura has been featured on the New York Comedy Festival and won the 'Broadly Funny' Divison at the 360 Stand Up Festival. Laura is a rising content creator. Laura has gone viral several times on TikTok and her following has grown exponentially in a short amount of time. Laura writes, produces, and edits all of her own work.

Guest Links:

Website

Instagram

Resource Mentioned:

Federal Fertility Fraud Legislation

Laura's episode is a blend of laughter and learning, providing a unique perspective on donor conception. Her advocacy work, combined with her comedic approach, makes for an enlightening and engaging conversation. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, remember to rate, follow and review Family Twist for more insightful stories like Laura's.

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Laugh Lines and DNA Ties: Laura High's Donor-Conceived Story Part 2 Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Continuing our conversation with Laura High, we delve deeper into the nuances of being donor-conceived. Laura's candidness, combined with her sharp wit, offers a rare glimpse into the personal and systemic challenges of the fertility industry.

Laugh Lines and DNA Ties: Laura High's Donor-Conceived Story Part 2

Episode Highlights:

Laura’s activism, including protests for donor-conceived rights and her stance against the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
The complexities of navigating identity and relationships as a donor-conceived individual.
Insights into the legal and ethical challenges within the fertility industry, especially concerning donor information and family limits.
The transformative power of acknowledging and sharing one’s donor-conceived status, both personally and in the broader community.
Laura’s personal health journey, influenced by her donor-conceived status, highlighting the importance of medical history awareness.
Engaging discussions with fertility industry professionals, revealing varied perspectives and attitudes towards donor conception.
The urgent need for legislative action and public awareness to reform the fertility industry’s practices.

Guest Bio:

Resources Mentioned:

Closing Summary:

Laura High's story is more than just an individual narrative; it's a call to action for greater transparency and ethics in the fertility industry. Her episode is an essential listen for anyone interested in the intersection of personal stories, advocacy and reform. Don't forget to rate, follow and review Family Twist for more thought-provoking conversations like this one.

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Thanksgiving and Spinal Meningitis Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

Hi, it's Corey here, welcoming you to a very personal episode of the Family Twist podcast. Today, I'm taking you on a journey back to a Thanksgiving 25 years ago that changed my life forever. It's a story of my fight against spinal meningitis, the incredible role my family and chosen family played in my recovery, and how this experience deepened our bonds. This episode is filled with poignant voicemails from those who were there, sharing their perspectives on those harrowing days. So, join me as we dive into this tale of survival, gratitude, and love.

Episode Highlights:

The Onset of Meningitis: Reflecting on my college days, the hectic lifestyle, and how it possibly contributed to my illness.
Rachel's Discovery and Quick Thinking: How my sister Rachel found me in a critical state and her swift action that saved my life.
Joe's Emotional Journey: My brother Joe shares his emotional turmoil during my coma, highlighting our family's strength in crisis.
The Power of Chosen Family: The crucial role my chosen family played, especially Sean's efforts during my illness.
A Thanksgiving Reunion: Reminiscing about a memorable Thanksgiving 15 years ago, and the unique celebration at an Artist Collective space.
The Impact of Illness on Family Bonds: How this experience brought me closer to my siblings and mother.
A Musical Awakening: Waking up from a coma to Neil Diamond on TV and the significance of that moment in my recovery.

Thank you for joining me on this emotional journey through one of the most challenging times of my life. This Thanksgiving, I'm reminded of the incredible strength of family ties, both blood and chosen, and the power of human resilience. If you've enjoyed this episode of Family Twist, please don't forget to rate, follow, and leave a review. Your support means the world to us, and it helps others find and enjoy our stories. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

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Deep Dive into Sperm Donation Ethics and Emotions Part 1 Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode of Family Twist, we delve into the intricate world of sperm donation with Dylan Stone-Miller, known as @donordylan on Instagram. Dylan's unique journey from a college student donor to connecting with the families he helped create offers an unfiltered look into the emotional and ethical complexities of sperm donation. If you're curious about the impact of donor conception on donors, children and families, this episode is a must-listen!

Deep Dive into Sperm Donation Ethics and Emotions Part 1

Episode Highlights:

Decision to Donate: Dylan shares his initial decision to donate sperm at 20, influenced by financial needs and a desire to help families.
Donation Process: Insights into the donation process at Zytex, including the lack of a thorough background check and the emphasis on physical requirements.
Limits and Misunderstandings: Dylan discusses the misconceptions around the limit of 40 families and how this number was significantly surpassed.
Discovering the Impact: The emotional journey from learning about two births to the staggering revelation of 50, and later 77 children born from his donations.
First Contact with Families: Dylan recounts his experience being contacted by donor children's families via social media and the formation of a Facebook group for these families.
Ethical and Emotional Realizations: Dylan's realizations about the ethical implications of his donations and the emotional journey that followed.
Meeting Donor Children: The experience of meeting his biological children for the first time and building relationships with their families.

Mentioned Resources:

Donor Sibling Registry

Closing Summary:

Dylan Stone-Miller's story is a profound exploration of the unseen sides of sperm donation. His candid reflections on the surprises, emotional challenges and ethical considerations provide invaluable insights. This episode is not just about the process of sperm donation, but about the human stories intertwined with it. If you found this episode enlightening, don't forget to rate, follow and review Family Twist to support us in bringing additional compelling stories!

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Deep Dive into Sperm Donation Ethics and Emotions Part 2 Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back as we continue our fascinating conversation with Dylan Stone-Miller, known on Instagram as @donordylan. Today, Dylan shares more about his extraordinary journey as a sperm donor, the challenges and revelations he's encountered, and his impact on the lives of numerous families. If you're intrigued by the complex world of donor conception, this episode promises to deepen your understanding and stir your emotions.

Deep Dive into Sperm Donation Ethics and Emotions Part 2

Episode Highlights:

Dylan's Journey to Advocacy: Dylan discusses his realization that he wasn’t alone in his experiences and his connection with others in the donor community.
Navigating Complex Relationships: He delves into building trust with the families and managing the dynamics with raising fathers and his role in the children's lives.
Legal and Ethical Challenges: Dylan highlights his efforts to hold the sperm donation industry accountable, including his attempts at legal action and public advocacy.
Impact of Media Coverage: Dylan reflects on the aftermath of a Wall Street Journal article about him, including its inaccuracies and the challenges it posed.
The Power of Community Support: Dylan speaks about the support he’s received from the donor-conceived community and the importance of shared experiences.
Parenting and Relationships: Dylan shares insights into his role as a biological father and navigating personal relationships while being a donor.
Vision for the Future: He expresses his thoughts on future legislation, advocacy and the evolving landscape of donor conception.

Resources Mentioned:

USDCC (United States Donor Conceived Council): A platform for advocacy and support in the donor conceived community.

Closing Summary:

Dylan Stone-Miller shares the intricate layers of his life as a sperm donor, highlighting the emotional, legal and ethical complexities of donor conception. His story is not just about the children he's biologically connected to, but also about his journey toward understanding, advocacy and community support. If you found this episode enlightening, remember to rate, follow and review the Family Twist podcast to help us share these compelling stories with a wider audience.

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We are Not Responsible for Our Birth Parents' Unavailability Part 2 Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to part 2 of the Family Twist podcast season 4 premiere! In this episode, we’re thrilled to continue our conversation with Jeanette Yoffe, a therapist and an adoptee, who bravely shares her personal journey through adoption, reunion, and healing. Her story is a powerful exploration of the complex emotions and dynamics involved in adoption, and her professional insights as a therapist add a profound depth to our understanding.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by adoption or interested in the nuances of family relationships.

Episode Highlights:

Jeanette’s Reunion with Her Birth Father: Her emotional account of seeking out and eventually meeting her birth father, and the complexities of their interaction.

Dealing with Rejection and Grief: How Jeanette copes with the ongoing non-communication from her birth father and what this teaches her about self-validation and dealing with rejection.

Creating Celia Center: Jeanette discusses founding an organization named after her birth mother, focusing on creating a supportive community for adoptees.

Understanding Adoption Trauma: Insights into the core vulnerabilities in adoption, including loss, rejection, shame, and identity struggles for all parties involved.

Advocating for Mental Health: Jeanette emphasizes the importance of mental health treatment and coping strategies for adoptees and birth parents.

Reuniting with Siblings: The story of how Jeanette reconnected with her brother and the emotional impact of this reunion.

Adoption Practices and Policies: Discussion on the need for better adoption practices, including open adoptions and support for birth parents.

Resources Mentioned:

Celia Center (Organization supporting adoptees and birth parents)
“The Archaeology of You” (Jeanette's self-led mental health course)
Celia Center Blog (Articles on adoption, mental health, and reunion preparation)

Closing Thoughts: Jeanette’s journey is a vivid reminder of the enduring impact of adoption on personal identity, family dynamics and emotional well-being. Her courage in sharing her story and her dedication to helping others through similar experiences is truly inspiring. If this episode moved you, please remember to rate, follow and review the Family Twist podcast. Your engagement helps us continue to bring meaningful and transformative stories to our listeners.

Guest Bio:

Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T. earned her Master's in Clinical Psychology, specializing in adoption and foster care, from Antioch University in June of 2002. She treats children, teens, and adults with serious psychological problems secondary to histories of abuse, neglect, adoption, and /or multiple foster care placements. She has specialized for the past 20 years in the treatment of children and teens who manifest serious deficits in their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development.

She is the Founder of Celia Center Inc, a non-profit organization in Los Angeles supporting all members of the foster care and adoption constellation which includes birth parents, foster youth, adoptees, foster and adoptive parents as well as professionals working in the field.

She is also the Clinical Director of Yoffe Therapy Inc. A mental health center in Los Angeles provides services to families, children, teens, and adults connected by foster care and adoption. Learn more here.

Jeanette’s desire to become a therapist with a special focus on adoption and foster care issues derived from her own experience of being adopted and moving through the foster care system. Her personal experience has informed her education and provided insight into the unique stresses involved with these issues.

She is also Court Appointed Reunification Expert for Los Angeles Superior Court in cases involving children at risk for separation.

Guest Resources:

Celia Center Free Support Groups

Roadmap to Reunion 8 Pacts Article

Why Won’t My First Mother Meet me - A First Mother Shares

Guest Links:

Website

YouTube Channel

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We are Not Responsible for Our Birth Parents' Unavailability Part 1 Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the season 4 premiere of the Family Twist podcast! Today, we are incredibly fortunate to have Jeanette Yoffe, a therapist and adoptee, who shares her profound journey of adoption and the intricate family dynamics that come with it. Her story not only sheds light on the adoptee’s perspective but also offers invaluable insights into the emotional complexities faced by all members of the adoption constellation. If you're ready for a deep dive into the world of adoption and emotional healing, press play and join us in this eye-opening conversation with Jeanette.

We are Not Responsible for Our Birth Parents' Unavailability Part 1

Episode Highlights:

Jeanette’s Personal Adoption Story: Her experiences growing up with her adoptive family, feeling resentment and distance from her birth mother, and the impact on her relationship with her siblings.

The Emotional Impact of Adoption: Discussion on the primal wound and trauma experienced by adoptees, leading to feelings of loss, rejection, and identity struggles.

Seven Core Vulnerabilities in Adoption: Jeanette outlines the universal vulnerabilities affecting adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents, including loss, rejection, shame, guilt, and identity issues.

Secondary Trauma and Rejection: Jeanette recounts her experience of being rejected by her birth father and the subsequent emotional repercussions.

Healing Through Storytelling:

The therapeutic power of sharing and processing adoption stories, as exemplified by Jeanette's journey into psychotherapy.

Support and Resources for Adoptees and Birth Parents: Mention of organizations like Saving Our Sisters and the importance of support groups for all involved in the adoption process.

Jeanette’s Reunion with Birth Family: An emotional recounting of her meeting with her birth father and

Resources Mentioned:

Saving Our Sisters (Organization supporting mothers considering adoption)
Adoption Constellation Support Group (Los Angeles-based support group for all members of the adoption process)

Closing Thoughts: This episode with Jeanette not only enlightened us about the layered emotions involved in adoption but also emphasized the importance of understanding, empathy, and support for everyone in the adoption constellation. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the healing potential of open, honest communication.

If you found this episode as impactful as we did, please rate, follow, and review Family Twist. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations like this to light.

Guest Bio:

She is also Court Appointed Reunification Expert for Los Angeles Superior Court in cases involving children at risk for separation.

Guest Resources:

Celia Center Free Support Groups

Roadmap to Reunion 8 Pacts Article

Why Won’t My First Mother Meet me - A First Mother Shares

Guest Links:

Website

YouTube Channel

Join the Family Twist family here!

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Season of Family Secrets Wrap-up Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

In the season 3 finale of Family Twist, Kendall and Corey reflect on the incredible journey, sharing heartfelt voicemails from guests, discussing the emerging theme of family secrets and looking ahead to the next season. Join us as we revisit the stories that have shaped the season and prepare for the new twists to come.

Season of Family Secrets Wrap-up

Featured Guests Highlights:

Ryan Pesavento

Non-binary guest who shared their journey of connecting with numerous half-siblings.
Discussed the unique family dynamics with a donor father and the close bond formed with a half-sister, including participation in her wedding.
Ryan’s approach to planning vacations to meet new siblings and build relationships.

Michelle Tullier

Explored the theme of secrets with Michelle’s discovery of her biological father being a family friend.
Discussed the complexities of growing up alongside half-siblings unknowingly.

Gene McLeod

Shared his story on NPE Awareness Day.
Neither of Gene’s parents knew that his father was not his biological parent.

Barbara Lane

Barbara’s story of being one of eleven girls separated and later reunited.
Her unique upbringing in foster care with mafia bosses.

Dayna Foster

Voicemail from Dayna discussing her advocacy work in Florida and her impactful DNA test findings.

Ed De Gangi

An author who discovered his birth mother was a prominent figure skater.
Shared the emotional moment of receiving memorabilia of his mother.

Jon Baime

Discussed Jon's documentary on his experience as an NPE and interviews with his half-siblings.

The Triplets: Ricky, Jules and Kendall

The story of donor-conceived triplets, separated at birth, who reconnected as teenagers.
Hosts shared their experience on the triplets' podcast, “Luke, Who Is Your Father?”

Hosts’ Stories:

Kendall’s personal journey with family secrets and the emotional reading of a letter to his birth mother.
Corey’s support and the therapeutic aspect of sharing these stories.

Looking Ahead:

Teasers for season four, including stories on family rejection and the impact on the hosts.
Acknowledgment of the podcast’s growing community and the importance of sharing these personal stories.

Closing Thoughts:

A call for honesty and healing in families with secrets.
Gratitude expressed to guests for their openness and bravery.
Reflection on the hosts' personal experiences and the impact of their adoptive parents.

Thank you to all the listeners and guests for a memorable season. Stay tuned for the upcoming season, where we continue to unravel the complexities of family, identity, and the unexpected twists life brings.