Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets
Subscribed: 70Played: 3,209
Subscribe
© 2025 Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets
Description
Family Twist shares real-life stories of DNA surprises, adoption, donor conception, NPE discoveries, and the secrets that reshape families.
Hosted by Corey and Kendall Stulce, each episode explores what happens when the truth about identity, parentage, or family history comes to light. These revelations sometimes happen by choice, often by accident, and always with life-changing impact.
Through candid conversations with adoptees, donor-conceived people, late-discovery NPEs, birth parents, and family members who are navigating unexpected truths, Family Twist looks beyond the initial shock. We explore what comes next. We talk about the relationships that grow or break, the boundaries that help or hurt, the grief that surfaces, and the unexpected connections that can heal.
Kendall's personal journey plays an important role in the heart of the show. He was adopted at birth, searched for decades, and eventually discovered his biological family through a DNA test. His experience brings empathy, humor, and honesty to every conversation. Corey brings warmth and insight as the couple creates space for guests to share the real, complicated, hopeful, and often surprising moments behind their family twists.
If you are searching for your people, untangling a difficult discovery, or simply fascinated by the truth behind modern families, this podcast will remind you that you are not alone and that your story matters.
New episodes arrive every week, including in-depth interviews and shorter Story Snapshots that highlight powerful moments from our guests.
Have a Family Twist of your own? Share it with us.
199 Episodes
Reverse
In this compelling episode of the Family Twist podcast, Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with Lezlee, author of If You Only Knew: Navigating DNA Surprises and the NPE World. Lezlee shares her deeply personal story of uncovering a life-changing truth about her biological father through a decade-long journey of DNA testing and family revelations. She candidly discusses the emotional turmoil, the impact of long-kept family secrets, and the complex relationships that ensued. Lezlee also highligh...
In this compelling episode of the Family Twist podcast, Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with Lezlee, author of If You Only Knew: Navigating DNA Surprises and the NPE World. Lezlee shares her deeply personal story of uncovering a life-changing truth about her biological father through a decade-long journey of DNA testing and family revelations. She candidly discusses the emotional turmoil, the impact of long-kept family secrets, and the complex relationships that ensued. Lezlee also highligh...
In this episode of the Family Twist podcast, Kendall takes the reins as he engages in a heartfelt conversation with fellow adoptee, Greg Gentry. The two discuss their adoption experiences, touching on the challenges of reunion with biological families, the emotional impact of discovering one’s adoption later in life, and the ongoing journey of healing and understanding. Kendall and Greg find common ground in their stories, offering insights into the complexities of adoption and reunion, as we...
In part two of this conversation, Kendall Stulce and guest, Lori Evans Ermi, discuss their experiences with adoption and the importance of community and education. They share their personal stories of reunion and the challenges and joys that come with it. They also touch on the need for adoptees to be seen and recognized, and the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives within the adoption community. The conversation concludes with a discussion about their upcoming po...
In this episode of Family Twist, Lori shares her extraordinary journey of adoption, intertwined with her love for music and family dynamics. Lori recalls her experiences and mesmerizes with stories about her daughter, an adoptee and a gifted singer who deeply contributed to her book's unique concept of pairing adoption stories with songs. Lori also discusses how music has been a healing force through life's challenges, such as her divorce and navigating adoption trauma. The episode beautifull...
Twists of Fate: Diana's Journey of Identity and Family Secrets In this episode, Diana shares her astonishing journey of discovering her true origins. Born in Montreal instead of Manhattan, through a black market network involving baby smugglers, doctors, and illegal maternity homes, Diana unravels her past over 29 years. Exploring themes of identity crisis, familial bonds, and the determination to uncover hidden truths, Diana's story reveals complex family dynamics and her struggle to find an...
Twists of Fate: Diana's Journey of Identity and Family Secrets In this episode, Diana shares her astonishing journey of discovering her true origins. Born in Montreal instead of Manhattan, through a black market network involving baby smugglers, doctors, and illegal maternity homes, Diana unravels her past over 29 years. Exploring themes of identity crisis, familial bonds, and the determination to uncover hidden truths, Diana's story reveals complex family dynamics and her struggle to find an...
How does growing up as an Asian adoptee in a white family influence mental health and identity? This episode delves into Joey's personal story of being a Japanese adoptee raised by a white woman, exploring how his experiences with identity, trauma, and belonging led him down a path of drug use and self-harm. Joey and Beth share their candid journey through various healing pathways, offering valuable insights for families navigating similar challenges. Adoption and Identity: A Path from Self-H...
How does the journey of seeking one’s birth parents unfold in real life, with all its emotional complexities? For many, the decision to seek out biological roots is driven by a deep need for connection and identity. However, this journey can surface unexpected emotional challenges, from rejection to surprising familial revelations, as Kendall and our guest, Jean Widner discuss. Positive Reunions and Painful Rejections Benefits Listeners Will Gain: Firsthand accounts of the emotional impact o...
In this conversation, Corey Stulce interviews Jordan Elizabeth Braxton about her transition journey and her experiences as an intersex woman. Jordan shares her realization of being female from a young age and her decision to transition later in life. She discusses the challenges she faced, including societal expectations and anti-LGBTQ laws. Jordan also talks about her involvement in the drag community and her drag alter ego, Dyetta Pepsi. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the impor...
How can horror movies become a source of comfort and healing? Corey and Kendall Stulce announce the launch of their new podcast, Horror Heals, which focuses on the therapeutic aspects of horror culture. They discuss their love for horror movies and how they were introduced to them at a young age. The podcast will feature interviews with horror movie celebrities, artists, and fans who will share how horror has helped them overcome challenges in their lives. Corey and Kendall emphasize the sens...
Have you ever wondered about the emotional rollercoaster of discovering long-lost family through DNA testing? The Psychological Effects of Parental LiesIn this episode, Debbie Smith Olson discusses her personal story of discovering her biological father and half-siblings. She shares her experience of being lied to by her biological mother and the challenges of navigating relationships with her newfound family. Debbie also talks about the DNA Surprise Network, a resource she created to support...
Have you ever wondered about the secrets and stories hidden within the world of adoption? Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao shares her personal journey of being adopted and how it led her to become a therapist specializing in adoption and foster care. She discusses the secrecy surrounding adoption in the past and the importance of transparency and openness in the adoption process. Joyce also addresses the need for policy changes in adoption and the importance of educating professionals in various field...
Ever wondered what it's like to discover your true heritage and embrace a multifaceted identity amid societal norms? We're presenting a "remix" episode with Jack Malstrom, a deejay, a drag performer and Two-Spirit educator. Jack navigates the complexities of adoption, identity discovery, and cultural integration. This episode isn't just about identity—it's about the power of self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s full self in the face of societal expectations. Indigenous Bombshell an...
How can attending an adoptee summit transform your understanding of identity and connection? In this episode of Family Twist, we're joined by Monica Hall for an insightful discussion on the Untangling Our Roots Summit. Monica shares her profound experiences at the summit, emphasizing the healing power of connecting with others who have similar adoption-related experiences. The episode explores the emotional journey of adoptees and birth parents, highlighting stories of reunions, the deep sens...
Ever wondered how an open adoption can transform lives and bridge the gap between adoptive and birth families? In this episode of Family Twist, we dive deep into the profound experiences and insights of Lori, an adoptive parent and advocate for open adoption. Lori shares her journey of navigating the complexities of adoption, the importance of openness, and the lasting impact on both her children and their birth families. If you're an adoptive parent, a birth parent, or anyone touched by adop...
Adoptee Monica Hall discusses her journey from leaving corporate America to starting her own soap company and finding her indigenous roots. She shares anecdotes about selling peppermint soap to a gay community and the success of her products. Monica also opens up about her personal life, including her experiences with relationships and her challenging childhood. She talks about her spiritual practices and the importance of maintaining a high vibration. The conversation touches on the power o...
Ever wondered how discovering hidden family secrets can transform your sense of identity and belonging? In this episode, Kendall continues the conversation with Pam, an NPE (not parent expected) individual. They discuss the possibility of being the product of an affair or open relationship, and the challenges that come with it. They also talk about the importance of love and acceptance in reunion experiences, as well as the complexities of family dynamics and secrets. Kendall shares her own ...
Can you transform trauma into a powerful personal narrative? In this compelling episode of Family Twist, we delve into the journey of healing and self-creation with guest Dee Wallace, celebrated actress and healer. Dee shares her unique insights on how to redirect energy and thoughts to manifest the life you desire, inspired by her own experiences in both Hollywood and personal healing practices. How to Redirect Thoughts to Manifest the Life You DesireThis episode explores the vital connecti...
Have you ever imagined discovering a completely different truth about your past as an adult? This episode delves deep into the powerful, emotional journeys that unfold when hidden family truths come to light through DNA testing and genealogical discoveries. For anyone curious about their own family background or grappling with questions of identity, this podcast provides a compelling exploration of the complexities involved in uncovering one's true heritage. In it, we revisit past guests from...
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
loved this episode!