DNA Discoveries

What happens when the story you've been told about your origins isn't the whole story? And what happens when someone reaches out and suddenly changes everything you thought you knew about your family? In this episode of DNA Discoveries, I talk with Maryssa, who has written a memoir about her resilient life, including her journey of discovering her biological family. Maryssa shares the challenges of growing up without knowing her full family history, the reality of closed adoptions, and what happened when someone unexpectedly reached out with information about her mother's family. She describes the experience of seeing a photograph of someone she was related to, reaching out to her biological mother, and discovering a paternal family that welcomed her. We also talk about the eight-and-a-half-hour drive she made to meet her newfound relatives. What was going through her mind during that journey? How do you go from being complete strangers to becoming family? Maryssa also shares why she decided to put her life story into a memoir, what early readers are saying about her book, and the advice she has for others beginning their own DNA discovery journey. It's a conversation about identity, family, resilience, and the unexpected ways our lives can change when we discover where we come from. Purchase Maryssa's memoir on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/One-Left-Here-Motherhood-Finding-ebook/dp/B0HMYN7LN6/

In this heartfelt episode of DNA Discoveries, Teresa opens up about her decades-long journey to uncover the truth about her biological roots. Adopted as an infant and raised in a loving home, she began searching for her birthmother in her 20s with very little to go on. A chance encounter with a private investigator set in motion a chain of events no one could have predicted. From emotional first meetings to DNA results that raised more questions than answers, Teresa’s story is a powerful reminder of the complexity of identity, the courage it takes to seek the truth, and the surprising ways family can expand. Whether you’re part of the adoptee, NPE (Not Parent Expected), or DNA testing community—or simply drawn to incredible real-life stories—this conversation is one you won’t forget. Contact Edward and express your interest in sharing your story on an episode: E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/dnadiscoveriespod Host site: [dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm ](dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm)

In this deeply moving episode of DNA Discoveries, we unpack an incredible story of childhood trauma, resilience, and unexpected family reunions. Our guest grew up with an absent father, a struggling single mother, and no siblings—always “bracing for impact.” But everything changed in 2019 when his daughters uncovered long-lost siblings in minutes. Through DNA testing, cyber-sleuthing, and a chance encounter at a wedding, he took the leap to connect with his biological family. What started as a search for identity became a powerful love story—one that is healing not just him, but his father, his siblings, and generations of family wounds. This episode explores the impact of childhood neglect, attachment wounds, and the power of vulnerability in the healing journey. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about loss, love, and the surprising ways family can find us when we least expect it. E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/dnadiscoveriespod Host site: [dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm ](dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm)

In this compelling episode of DNA Discoveries, Mike shares his life-changing journey of uncovering a family secret that didn’t go to the grave. Through an autosomal DNA test, he discovered that the man listed on his birth certificate wasn’t his biological father. Mike opens up about the shock, the emotional impact of untold family history, and the bittersweet realization that he could have met his real father if he had known sooner. Listen as he recounts the surprising connections he found within his newfound family, the challenges of processing this revelation, and the unexpected DNA twist that led him to a brother he never knew existed. With deep personal reflection, Mike explores how this discovery reshaped his relationships, the reactions of friends and coworkers, and the comfort he found in podcasts like DNA Discoveries. If you've ever wondered about the power of DNA in uncovering hidden truths, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Mike’s heartfelt message to those holding onto family secrets—before it's too late. Contact Edward and express your interest in sharing your story on an episode: E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/dnadiscoveriespod Host site: [dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm ](dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm)

Many decades ago, unwed mothers were sent away to boarding homes and hospitals and ultimately would give their child up for adoption. Duane knew that his biological mother was one of those unwed mothers. In this episode of DNA Discoveries, Duane shares how he went about finding her, the reactions of his adoptive family, and other discoveries he found along the way. Contact Edward and express your interest in sharing your story on an episode: E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/dnadiscoveriespod Host site: [dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm ](dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm)