Finding Family DNA

When we recorded this episode of Finding Family DNA, we had no idea that CeCe Moore was about to be announced as a RootsTech 2027 keynote speaker. Now, with that announcement official, the timing of this conversation couldn’t be better.Internationally renowned genetic genealogist CeCe Moore joins host Jay Rosenzweig, licensed private investigator and founder of BirthParentFinder.com, and co-host Misty Gillis, genetic genealogist and CeCe’s longtime friend and colleague, for a candid and personal conversation that goes far beyond the usual Q&A.CeCe takes us through the unexpected path that led her to genetic genealogy — including how a Michael Jackson video shoot at USC and a career in the music world helped prepare her for life in front of the camera. She explains how DNA kept pulling her back until the early days of public testing at FamilyTreeDNA gave her a path into what would eventually become a groundbreaking career.CeCe and Misty also dig into the investigative side of genetic genealogy and the difficult “brute-force” cases where distant DNA matches, unusual ancestry and incomplete family trees require creativity and persistence. CeCe discusses the nearly 50-year-old Nancy Anderson murder case in Honolulu, where researching city directories and Romanian and Italian surnames eventually led her to Tudor Chirila, as well as the Lindy Sue Biechler case in Lancaster, where an ancestral migration pattern from Gasperina, Italy, helped point the investigation in the right direction.The conversation also goes beyond the cases. CeCe talks about discovering the connection between Madison Hemings, Thomas Jefferson and DNA while researching her brother-in-law’s family tree, answers some fun rapid-fire questions — from coffee to late-night casework — and shares her thoughts on Misty as both a genealogist and a friend, including why she describes Misty’s work as “magic.”CeCe Moore has become one of the most recognizable figures in genetic genealogy through her groundbreaking work solving unknown-parentage and law-enforcement cases and through television appearances including Finding Your Roots and The Genetic Detective.And now, CeCe will take the stage as a keynote speaker at RootsTech 2027, taking place March 4–6, 2027, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. RootsTech is the world’s largest family history and genealogy conference, bringing together genealogy enthusiasts, industry experts, technology innovators and people from around the world who share a passion for discovering their heritage and connecting with their family history.Episode 52 of Finding Family DNA is sponsored by FamilyTreeDNA.We’d be grateful if you subscribe to Finding Family DNA. Every subscription helps us grow the show and supports our ability to take on more pro bono DNA and family-search cases.Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/8yFKt23IJs8Chapters00:00 Intro00:11 Welcome, Sponsor, and a Guatemalan Father Case03:05 Introducing CeCe Moore03:37 Michael Jackson, USC, and a Music-World Sister07:32 How CeCe Moved From Music Into DNA11:23 Alternate Careers and Brute-Force Genealogy16:14 Celebrity Cases and Growing Up Hip Hop19:03 Broadway Dreams and Coming Full Circle on Camera22:02 Midroll — Family Tree DNA and BirthParentFinder23:37 Nancy Anderson and Tudor Chirila28:23 Distant Matches, Gasperina, and Lindy Sue Biechler29:58 Madison Hemings and Jefferson DNA32:24 Jay's Spingarn Cousin and a Poland Trip35:09 What If Not Genetic Genealogy37:04 RootsTech and Southern California Genealogy Jamboree39:44 Rapid Fire45:14 Thanks and CloseFamily Tree DNA: https://www.findingfamilydna.com/?utm_source=redcircle&utm_medium=social&utm_content=com+des&utm_campaign=finding+family+dna+ep+52CeCe Moore: https://www.cecemoore.com/Finding Your Roots (PBS): https://www.pbs.org/show/finding-your-roots/RootsTech: https://www.rootstech.orgFollow the show here:https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydnahttps://www.instagram.com/lasleuthhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinderAre you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!https://www.birthparentfinder.com/https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder🚀 Edited with PodShuttle by CHOBO 👨‍🚀Want help building your podcast?Start at podshuttle.io, or follow along on Instagram.https://podshuttle.iohttps://www.instagram.com/podshuttlehttps://www.instagram.com/chobostudiosFinding Family DNA, CeCe Moore, Genetic Genealogy, Cold Case DNA, Family Tree DNA, BirthParentFinder, Finding Your Roots, DNA Detective, Brute Force Genealogy, RootsTechAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we follow the story of a woman who set out to find the birth father she never knew, hoping for closure but bracing herself for anything. Using DNA and genetic genealogy, our investigator uncovers his identity in just 48 hours — only to reveal a devastating truth about his past. Despite the shock, the search doesn't end there: newly discovered siblings step forward, offering unexpected connection and healing. From heartbreaking revelations to the surprising bonds that follow, this episode explores how identity is shaped by more than biology alone. It's a raw, honest conversation about resilience, family, and choosing connection even after the hardest news imaginable.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/6LHGd6FPuHw00:00 Intro00:51 Misty's reunion story02:05 Introducing Kayley's case03:23 Meeting the guest04:07 Searching for her birth father05:09 The DNA discovery revealed07:06 Processing the shocking news10:33 Ad break11:18 Learning about her birth father's family12:49 Meeting her sister in person14:00 Meeting other siblings16:20 The victim and circumstances19:01 What defines her20:00 Her birth mother's reaction21:20 Reflecting on therapy and closure26:13 Advice for others27:46 Teaser for episode 5228:10 ClosingFollow the show here:https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/https://www.instagram.com/lasleuthhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!https://www.birthparentfinder.comhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinderThis podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.https://www.instagram.com/chobostudioshttps://www.instagram.com/podshuttleFinding Family DNA, Adoption Reunion, DNA Genealogy, Birth Father Search, Adoptee Story, Emotional Reunion, Closed Adoption Search, Family Discovery, BirthParentFinder, Genetic GenealogyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we're celebrating a major milestone with a special look back at the journey so far. Host Jay Rosenzweig sits down with longtime co-host Misty, plus the studio team behind the scenes, to reflect on how far the show has come and the moments that made it unforgettable. Along the way, we revisit three past reunion stories, hearing directly from former guests about where their journeys have led since their episodes first aired — from relationships that healed beautifully to ones still finding their footing. We also share heartfelt congratulations from friends of the show along the way. It's an emotional, behind-the-scenes celebration of the reunions, the heartbreak, and the hope that have defined this show from the very beginning.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/Xt4M4mOd74k00:00 Intro00:11 Celebrating 50 episodes with Misty01:18 Indy and Tori join the celebration02:44 Reflecting on the show's evolution06:06 Favorite episodes and memorable moments10:13 What it's like working with Jay11:23 The story behind the pro bono program15:57 Congratulations from Linda Pevac17:44 Update: Lakita Green's story35:39 Update: Bethany Innocenti's story51:03 Congratulations from Linda Rasmussen52:02 Update: Kim Carrington's story58:34 Teasing upcoming episodes1:00:24 Congratulations from CeCe Moore and Chris Schauble1:01:34 Closing thoughtsFollow the show here:https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/https://www.instagram.com/lasleuthhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!https://www.birthparentfinder.comhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinderThis podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.https://www.instagram.com/chobostudioshttps://www.instagram.com/podshuttleFinding Family DNA, 50th Episode Celebration, Adoption Reunion, Birth Parent Search, DNA Genealogy, Adoptee Story, Family Discovery, BirthParentFinder, Adoption Podcast, Emotional ReunionAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, filmmaker Rebecca Autumn Sansom joins Jay to share the story behind her acclaimed documentary, Reckoning with the Primal Wound, and the winding path that led her back to both of her birth parents. Rebecca opens up about the years-long process of earning renowned author Nancy Verrier's trust for the film, the emotional risk of reconnecting with her birth father after a chance discovery sent her searching, and the complicated, sometimes fragile nature of reunion relationships. She also shares an early look at her upcoming sequel, Reckoning with the Paternal Wound, and the real-life tension around what to include when someone else's story becomes part of yours. The conversation turns candid as Rebecca and Jay dig into the recent Hulu documentary My Grandfather Charles Manson, weighing what belongs in a documentary and what doesn't. Along the way, Jay shares a moving pro bono case that reveals just how personal the choice to reconnect with a birth parent can be.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/fj5oQcp9WxM00:00 Intro00:38 Welcoming Rebecca Autumn Sansom02:06 Why base the film on The Primal Wound04:25 Reconnecting with her birth mother06:12 Earning Nancy Verrier's trust09:14 Her relationship with her birth mother today11:02 Birth mom vs. "first mother"15:36 Documentary trailer16:47 Deciding to search for her birth father19:28 The obituary that sparked urgency20:50 The KTLA clip: finding Perry23:14 Waiting to hear back from Perry24:07 Her relationship with Perry now26:36 Reunion success rates28:12 A pro bono case and a hard recommendation30:27 Segue to the Charles Manson documentary31:47 Rebecca's take on My Grandfather Charles Manson37:08 The father's untold story37:34 The Manson estate lawsuit twist40:27 What belongs in a family documentary41:44 Announcing the sequel's title43:30 Where the pushback is coming from44:12 Where to watch the documentary45:48 Wrap-up🎬 Rebecca's documentary — Reckoning with the Primal WoundOfficial site: https://www.reckoningwiththeprimalwound.com/Watch on YouTube (official channel): https://www.youtube.com/@RWTPW/videosFollow the show here:https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/https://www.instagram.com/lasleuthhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!https://www.birthparentfinder.comhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinderThis podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.https://www.instagram.com/chobostudioshttps://www.instagram.com/podshuttleAdoption Reunion, Birth Father Search, Adoptee Story, Primal Wound, DNA Genealogy, Finding Birth Family, Adoption Podcast, Documentary Filmmaker, BirthParentFinder, Family DiscoveryAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we sit down with an author and adoptee who turned a decades-long search for her birth family into three deeply personal books. Adopted in Denver in the early 1960s, she spent years chasing fragments of her past before taking a daring, real-life risk to uncover her birth mother's identity. What followed was a reunion that didn't unfold the way she'd imagined, a startling twist involving the man she thought was her birth father, and a DNA confirmation that didn't arrive until decades later. Along the way, she discovered how trauma can freeze a birth parent in time, and how healing often means letting your story become your strength instead of your wound. Her journey took her from a broken lock and a library microfiche machine to a small-town diner phone call that changed everything. Now she's using her voice to help other adoptees find their own truth — and their own community.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — your support helps fund our pro bono DNA cases. Also, if you want to support our mission more directly, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/1uaZ6wvlo0o00:00 Intro00:45 Case Update: A Birth Father Reconnects After Decades01:35 Meet Linda Pevac, Author of Three Adoption Memoirs02:45 Growing Up Knowing She Was Adopted04:00 Deciding to Search for Her Birth Mother04:45 Starting the Search in Secret, 198706:00 Non-Identifying Information from the Agency07:00 Planning to Break Into the Adoption Agency07:45 The Break-In09:15 Racing the Library's Closing Time10:20 Returning the Records Undetected11:30 Her Brother's Very Different Reaction12:45 No Two Adoption Stories Are the Same14:00 A Blurry Signature and a Handwriting Analyst15:20 Searching Before the Internet Existed16:00 A Small-Town Diner Leads to Her Aunt17:45 Mug Giveaway and Show Updates18:30 Calling Her Birth Mother for the First Time19:45 Flying to California to Meet Her21:30 The Reality Behind Her Mother's Story23:00 Chasing a Name on Her Birth Certificate25:30 Meeting the Man Who Denied Being Her Father27:00 A DNA Test Confirms the Truth, Years Later28:45 Writing The Gathering Place29:45 Writing A Fire is Coming30:40 Writing Choosing to Breathe31:50 Misty's Reflection on Linda's Journey32:30 Quickfire Questions with Linda33:55 A Message for Struggling Adoptees34:45 Where to Find Linda's Books and Social MediaFollow the show here:https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/https://www.instagram.com/lasleuthhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!https://www.birthparentfinder.comhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinderThis podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.https://www.instagram.com/chobostudioshttps://www.instagram.com/podshuttleAdoption Reunion, Closed Adoption Search, Adoptee Story, Birth Mother Found, DNA Genealogy, Finding Birth Family, Adoption Podcast, Emotional Reunion, BirthParentFinder, Family DiscoveryAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands