Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets

Corey and Kendall Stulce
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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!

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Uncovering My Secret Irish Heritage Through DNA

    In this intimate and reflective solo-hosted episode, Kendall dives deep into a powerful conversation with guest John Portmann, exploring themes of family, identity, adoption secrecy, and the life-changing power of DNA discoveries. Uncovering My Secret Irish Heritage Through DNAKey Highlights: Growing Up Adopted:John shares parallels with Kendall in their early experiences of adoption, highlighting the profound role their adoptive parents played in creating a sense of security through openness and religious narratives.The adoption narrative instilled by John's religious parents: "God chose our family." Family Dynamics and Adoption: Both Kendall and John experienced early awareness of their adoption but had distinctly different emotional journeys.John discusses his upbringing, his adoption in Arizona, and childhood relocation to Pennsylvania.Reflections from John on suppressing curiosity about biological origins during childhood versus the persistent desire for answers later in life. Health History & Identity: John addresses the challenges adoptees face when asked about family medical history by doctors or financial planners.John explains how practical considerations, like retirement planning, sparked his curiosity about personal origins. DNA as a Gateway: The transformative moment when John received DNA test results from Ancestry.John's shock, confusion, and excitement upon discovering he was 100% Irish and connecting with potential family members. Searching and Finding Biological Family: John recounts his initial, confusing interactions with DNA matches and the struggle to interpret results.Introduction to the DNA detective who significantly impacted John's search—a Canadian university professor who provided empathetic, professional, and effective assistance.John discusses overcoming initial fears and vulnerability about trusting strangers with deeply personal information. The Deep Impact of Adoption Secrets: The emotional complexities surrounding adoption secrecy, societal attitudes, and the powerful longing for identity validation.Insights from John into how societal shame and religious beliefs influenced the adoption process historically, especially within Catholic communities. Fighting for Identity and Citizenship: John shares his challenging journey toward proving his Irish ancestry and gaining Irish citizenship despite legal and bureaucratic hurdles.Advocacy, resilience, and perseverance as John navigated complex international bureaucracy.The crucial role DNA evidence played in breaking down barriers in adoption and identity recognition, both in the U.S. and internationally. Reflective Insights: Kendall and John share mutual understanding as adoptees, reflecting on the lifelong impact adoption can have on identity, belonging, and self-discovery.Discussion on how revealing hidden truths can heal generational wounds and empower adoptees.

    26 min

  2. 4 MAR

    When Open Adoption Isn’t So Open

    In this episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall sit down with Connor, who is in the process of writing a memoir about his experience with open adoption. Connor pulls back the curtain on the often-glossed-over complexities of open adoption, sharing how the promises made to birth parents, adoptive families, and adoptees themselves are often more marketing than reality. When Open Adoption Isn’t So OpenConnor shares his journey of navigating two families—his adoptive family and his biological family—yet still feeling like he doesn’t fully belong in either. He delves into how open adoption is often sold as a healing mechanism for all parties, but without enforceable mechanisms, it can leave lasting scars. A standout moment in the episode is Connor’s story about being just around the corner from his birth father while on a trip to Ireland. He had the opportunity to meet him but hesitated, a decision he now deeply reflects on. This moment underscores the internal conflict many adoptees face—the fear of rejection, the hesitation to disrupt someone else’s life, and the ever-present quest for answers. The episode also dives into how society often misunderstands adoption, with Connor addressing the harsh feedback he sometimes receives when he shares his truth on social media. He discusses the idea of "adoption as addition, not replacement," emphasizing that the goal shouldn’t be to erase a child’s history but to enrich their sense of identity. The conversation wraps with a discussion of how music has helped Connor process his emotions, particularly through the song "Father of Mine" by Everclear. Corey and Kendall add their own experiences, including how music helped Kendall bond with his birth father. Key Themes: The Misleading Marketing of Open Adoption: Connor explains how open adoption is often marketed with promises of continued contact and healing, but the reality is rarely so clear-cut.Identity and Belonging: The episode explores the struggle of adoptees who have connections with both adoptive and biological families yet still feel out of place.Family Secrets and Guilt: Connor and Kendall both share experiences of feeling guilty for wanting to connect with their biological families and how family secrets can perpetuate this feeling.Missed Opportunities and Self-Preservation: Connor's story of nearly meeting his birth father in Ireland but holding back out of fear is a powerful example of how difficult these decisions can be.The Need for a New Adoption Narrative: The episode calls for a shift in how adoption is discussed, focusing on honesty and the real challenges faced by adoptees. If this episode resonated with you or if you have your own adoption story to share, connect with us on social media or visit our website. And if you know someone who might benefit from this conversation, please share this episode. Subscribe to Family Twist wherever you get your podcasts, and stay tuned for more stories that reveal the true twists of family life.

    41 min

  3. 25 FEB

    What Happens When Your “Aunt” Is Actually Your Mother?

    What happens when the life you’ve always known changes in an instant? For Natalie, a single conversation just before her 18th birthday unraveled everything she thought she knew about herself. She grew up believing she was the biological child of her Filipino immigrant parents—until they sat her and her triplet siblings down and revealed a shocking truth: they were conceived using an egg donor. In this eye-opening episode of Family Twist, we dive into Natalie’s incredible journey of identity, family, and self-discovery. From learning that her biological mother was actually her mom’s best friend, to realizing she had half-siblings she’d known her whole life, Natalie takes us through the emotional rollercoaster of reconciling her past with her present. She shares how this revelation impacted her relationships, how she processed her new reality, and how she’s found healing through community, humor, and self-reflection. We also discuss the challenges within the donor-conceived community, the ethics of anonymous donations, and what it truly means to define family. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✔️ The Moment of Truth – How Natalie’s parents revealed the secret and why they waited until she was almost 18. ✔️ Growing Up in the Dark – How Natalie’s Filipino heritage shaped her identity, and what changed when she learned she wasn’t biologically connected to her mother. ✔️ Meeting Her “New” Family – The shocking realization that her mom’s best friend was actually her biological mother and that her childhood friends were actually half-siblings. ✔️ Processing Identity Shifts – The emotional and psychological impact of learning the truth and how she navigated the complexity of relationships after the revelation. ✔️ The Power of Community – How connecting with other donor-conceived individuals helped her process her experience and find a sense of belonging. ✔️ The Ethics of Donor Conception – The complicated reality of anonymous donations, medical history concerns, and the hidden industry behind assisted reproduction. ✔️ Healing Through Humor – How Natalie has used humor and storytelling as a tool for resilience and self-acceptance.

    43 min

  4. 18 FEB

    From DNA Surprise to Maximum Security

    What would you do if a DNA test revealed a biological parent you never knew existed—who also happened to be serving a life sentence in a maximum-security prison? That’s exactly what happened to our guest, Brad Ewell. In this powerful three-part series, Brad shares his incredible journey from uncovering a decades-old family secret to standing face-to-face with his biological father inside Angola State Penitentiary. From DNA Surprise to Maximum SecurityIn this final installment, Brad takes us through the moment he met his father, how that eight-hour visit shattered his expectations, and the complicated emotions that followed. What started as a plan to “check the box” on meeting his only living biological parent turned into something far more profound. Brad also walks us through the fight for his father’s parole, the complex feelings surrounding justice and redemption, and how this discovery reshaped his understanding of family. Join us for an emotional and eye-opening conversation about identity, resilience, and the unexpected twists of fate that shape our lives. Key Topics:✅ Brad’s initial reluctance to meet his biological father ✅ Visiting Angola State Penitentiary and his shocking first impression ✅ The unexpected honesty from his father—and how it changed everything ✅ The complicated emotions of balancing two families ✅ Fighting for his father’s parole and what it taught him about justice ✅ Finding closure and redefining what family means 🎧 Tune in now for an unforgettable conclusion to Brad’s story!

    43 min

  5. 11 FEB

    Shocking Family Secrets Keep Unraveling

    In part one, we learned how Brad Ewell’s entire world changed with a single DNA test. What he thought was just a fun ancestry experiment unraveled a family secret buried for 49 years. A message from a stranger. A birth certificate with missing details. A phone call that ended in stunned silence. And finally, the words that changed everything: "Bradley, you're adopted. And we’ve been trying to figure out how to tell you." But that was just the beginning of Brad’s journey. Shocking Family Secrets Keep UnravelingIn this second installment, we go deeper into the layers of secrecy and deception that shaped his life: ✔️ The unsettling moment Brad realized his adoptive parents would never have told him the truth ✔️ A shocking health-related revelation that could have changed everything—but didn’t ✔️ The gray-market adoption setup that kept the secret locked away for decades ✔️ The bombshell discovery of his biological father… who has been in prison for murder since 1972 ✔️ The even bigger shock—his biological father was also his aunt’s ex-husband Yeah. You read that right. 🔮 And it doesn’t stop there. Brad now has a decision to make—does he reach out to the man who never knew he existed? Or does he keep his distance? The answer? Brad took a step that would change everything. And in the final installment of this series, we’ll follow him inside Angola Prison, where he meets his biological father for the first time. What happened in that moment? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out. 📌 Don’t miss the conclusion to this jaw-dropping story—subscribe now! Whether you’re listening on Family Twist or Horror Heals, the final part of Brad’s journey is one you do not want to miss. 🔥 Want More? Follow us on social media for bonus content, behind-the-scenes details, and exclusive updates on future episodes! 🎧 Listen Now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music | Wherever You Get Your Podcasts! 🎙 Hosted by Corey & Kendall Stulce

    39 min

  6. 4 FEB

    From Horror Fan to Horror Story

    Some stories are so unbelievable, they sound like they belong in a movie. But this isn’t fiction—this is Family Twist. And for this special crossover episode, we’re also bringing our Horror Heals audience along for the ride. Brad Ewell thought he knew who he was. That changed in an instant. What started as a simple curiosity—one of those “Hey, let’s do a DNA test for fun” moments—turned into a slow-burning, reality-shifting discovery. A message from a stranger. A birth certificate that didn’t quite add up. A phone call that changed everything. From Horror Fan to Horror StoryIn this episode, Brad shares: ✔️ The shocking moment he discovered his entire identity wasn’t what he thought ✔️ How horror and art became his unexpected lifeline during a difficult time ✔️ The eerie way fate brought Corey and Brad together—via The Exorcist ✔️ Why horror books and films have always played a role in his life ✔️ The emotional weight of family secrets—and the power of uncovering the truth And here’s the kicker—this is just the beginning. 🔮 We have two more episodes with Brad coming your way, where the twists keep coming. You won’t believe what happens next. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe! Whether you’re listening on Family Twist or Horror Heals, you won’t want to miss Parts 2 and 3 of Brad’s incredible story. 🔥 Want to See Brad’s Art? Check out his stunning horror-themed artwork—including his prints of iconic horror figures on the pages of the very books they came from! We’ll share some of our favorite pieces from Brad on our social media.

    31 min

  7. 29 JAN

    Stream NPE Documentary for Free

    In this episode of Family Twist, we sit down with Jon Baime, the writer, producer, and director of the powerful NPE documentary, Filling in the Blanks. Now streaming for free on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and the Roku Channel, the film explores Jon’s personal journey as a donor-conceived individual and the emotional discoveries that unfolded after taking a DNA test. Jon shares candid insights into how his father’s adamant resistance to DNA testing led to life-altering revelations, as well as the complex emotions tied to uncovering long-hidden family secrets. From confronting identity crises to fostering new relationships with biological relatives, Jon walks us through the filmmaking process and the healing power of storytelling. We also delve into the shared experiences of NPEs (Not Parent Expected) and donor-conceived individuals, highlighting the documentary’s impact on viewers within these communities. Whether you’re navigating your own DNA discovery or curious about the hidden dynamics of family relationships, this episode is a must-listen. Topics Covered in This Episode: The inspiration behind Filling in the BlanksJon’s father’s resistance to DNA testing and the shocking revelation of being donor-conceivedThe emotional and psychological impact of discovering biological relativesJon’s approach to balancing humor and heavy subject matter in the documentaryInsights into the NPE and donor-conceived communitiesThe unique challenges of telling such a personal story through filmAudience reactions and the film’s role in promoting healing Where to Watch the Documentary: Filling in the Blanks is streaming now on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and the Roku Channel.

    21 min

  8. 21 JAN

    Lost and Found: The Adoption Story Behind Family Twist

    Corey and Kendall take a trip down memory lane, revisiting Kendall’s incredible adoption story—the inspiration behind Family Twist. For new listeners who may have missed the beginning, and loyal fans who want to hear more, Kendall shares untold details about his journey from being adopted as a baby to discovering his birth family at age 47 through a DNA kit. Listener Anne’s touching letter prompts Kendall to reflect deeply on the loss of his adoptive parents, Betty and Rubel, who adopted him after years of longing for a child. Their story of love, perseverance, and resilience shaped Kendall’s outlook on life, and Corey brings new insights into how their legacy continues to inspire the podcast. Lost and Found: The Adoption Story Behind Family TwistHighlights include: The Start of Kendall’s Story: How a DNA kit and a birthday surprise revealed six half-siblings, 13 nieces and nephews, and two living birth parents.Listener Anne’s Powerful Letter: Anne, a long-time listener, offers a heartfelt perspective on Kendall’s journey and the enduring love he feels for his adoptive parents.A Love Story in Arkansas: Betty and Rubel’s love story, their struggles with infertility, and the joy of welcoming Kendall into their lives.Nature vs. Nurture: Kendall reflects on the connections between his adoptive and biological families, exploring how traits and personality are shaped by both.The Legacy of Loss: Kendall shares his thoughts on mourning his adoptive parents and how discovering his birth family has deepened his appreciation for Betty and Rubel. Listener Shout-Out: Anne’s message is a reminder of the global reach of Family Twist and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Thank you, Anne, for your kind words and for sharing our podcast with others. Call to Action: If you’ve been inspired by Kendall’s story or know someone who might be, please share Family Twist with a friend. Whether you’re an adoptee, part of the NPE or donor-conceived community, or just someone who loves stories of resilience and connection, this podcast is for you. Tune In: Discover the origins of Family Twist and hear the untold stories behind Kendall’s journey in this moving episode. Follow & Connect: Stay updated on the latest episodes and stories: InstagramTwitterFacebook Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review—your feedback fuels our passion for storytelling.

    31 min
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About

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!

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