Finding Family DNA

Birth Parent Finder

Welcome to Finding Family DNA, the show about finding and connecting birth families with Jay Rosenzweig, founder and CEO of BirthParentFinder.com. Every week, we explore a new case shedding light on the investigative tools, genetic genealogy, and DNA technology that make these incredible reunions possible. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of adoption searches and celebrate the profound connections formed along the way.

  1. HACE 22 MIN

    My Birth Mother Told Everyone I Died at Birth

    In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we follow Jenn Reinschmidt’s emotional journey to uncover her biological family after growing up knowing she was adopted. What started as a search for medical history quickly turned into a life-changing discovery when Misty Gillis used DNA matches and family tree analysis to identify Jenn’s birth mother—and ultimately connect her with her half-brother. Along the way, long-held family secrets are revealed, including the shocking truth that Jenn’s birth mother told others she had died at birth. This episode is a powerful story of identity, resilience, and what it means to find connection later in life. 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/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/OmTNL6AXjTc 00:00 Show Welcome 01:05 Meet Jen Rein Schmidt 01:28 Growing Up Adopted 03:11 Why Start Searching 04:56 Choosing Birth Parent Finder 06:38 Managing Expectations 08:07 Early Clues From Records 10:56 Break And Promo 11:37 DNA Matches Breakthrough 13:00 Tracking The Birth Mother 14:29 Contacting Bell Family 15:58 Randy Connection Revealed 17:05 Estranged Sister Update 18:20 Paternal Side Leads 19:28 Jen Reacts to Reunion 20:20 Meeting Randy for Lunch 21:19 Told She Died at Birth 22:25 Resemblance and Identity 24:06 Adoptive Parents Support 25:50 Future Plans with Randy 27:37 Advice for Searchers 29:21 Final Thoughts Check out Jared's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@GeneaVlogger Follow the show here: https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/ https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/ Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team! https://www.birthparentfinder.com https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder This 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/chobostudios https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle Finding Family DNA, adoption story, adoptee journey, DNA reunion, birth family search, genetic genealogy, family secrets, adoptee stories, finding biological family, ancestry DNA, identity discovery, long lost family, emotional reunion, adoption podcast, DNA family search

    31 min
  2. 10 MAR

    Inside RootsTech 2026: The Future of DNA and Genealogy

    This week, Misty explains how investigative genetic genealogy helped solve the 1991 murder of Danielle Clause in Ventura, California. Using preserved crime scene DNA, GEDmatch, and advanced genealogy techniques, the team identified Larry Devon Welch more than three decades after the crime. Misty breaks down the science behind centimorgans, kinship testing, phenotyping, and how everyday DNA uploads can help solve violent cold cases. 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/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/c8FeamaB6Y8 00:00 Welcome to RootsTech 2026 00:18 Meet Jared Ross 01:22 Jared’s Genealogy Origin Story 02:26 RootsTech Tips and Highlights 05:09 Marlee Matlin Keynote Clip 08:45 Why Inclusion Matters 09:22 Investigative Genetic Genealogy 10:11 Nancy Guthrie Case DNA Breakdown 15:57 MyHeritage Interview and WGS 18:51 MyHeritage Upload Changes and Deals 19:35 Voice Gift Family Stories Check out Jared's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@GeneaVlogger Follow the show here: https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/ https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/ Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team! https://www.birthparentfinder.com https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder This 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/chobostudios https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle genetic genealogy, genealogy podcast, family history research, DNA genealogy, RootsTech 2026, investigative genetic genealogy, DNA cold cases, family tree research, MyHeritage DNA, ancestry research, forensic genealogy, adoptee search, birth parent search, genealogy conference, DNA technology, genealogy community, solving family mysteries, DNA family connections

    21 min
  3. 24 FEB

    How DNA Solved the Mysterious Murder of Danielle Clause

    This week, Misty explains how investigative genetic genealogy helped solve the 1991 murder of Danielle Clause in Ventura, California. Using preserved crime scene DNA, GEDmatch, and advanced genealogy techniques, the team identified Larry Devon Welch more than three decades after the crime. Misty breaks down the science behind centimorgans, kinship testing, phenotyping, and how everyday DNA uploads can help solve violent cold cases. 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/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/QanKOSk9ICE 00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:15 Meet Misty and Her Work 00:54 Subscribe and RootsTech Update 02:22 Case Intro Danielle Clause 03:06 What Is Investigative Genetic Genealogy 04:48 Databases GEDMatch and FTDNA 06:31 Reading Matches and Centimorgans 08:57 From Lead to CODIS Confirmation 10:22 Danielle Clause Case Background 11:55 Evidence and Early Investigation 12:44 Building Trees and Common Ancestors 14:56 Kinship Test Narrows Suspects 17:03 Phenotyping and Identifying Larry Welch 21:13 Break and Sponsor Message 21:52 Post Break Bloodline Detectives Talk 22:42 Law Enforcement Workflow and Outreach Rules 23:43 Why GEDMatch Matters 27:19 More Cases and Impact of IGG 30:39 Victims Families and Remembering Danielle 31:43 Wrap Up and How to Help Follow the show here: https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/ https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/ Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team! https://www.birthparentfinder.com https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder This 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/chobostudios https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle Finding Family DNA, Danielle Clause, Larry Devon Welch, cold case murder, Ventura California crime, investigative genetic genealogy, GEDmatch, forensic genealogy, DNA cold case solved, 1991 murder case, phenotyping DNA, kinship testing, true crime podcast, unsolved murder solved

    33 min
  4. 10 FEB

    Reuniting with My Birth Mother and Sister After Foster Care and Homelessness

    This week, we meet Linda Rasmussen — Jay’s right-hand woman and the intake specialist for BirthParentFinder.com. Linda introduces us to the powerful case of Victor, a young man living in a homeless shelter, whose search for his birth family becomes one of the most emotional reunions the team has worked on. With Linda’s investigative support and Jay’s guidance, Victor reconnects with his biological mother and sister after decades of separation. What begins as a pro bono case turns into a moving journey of resilience, forgiveness, and unexpected love.  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/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Z8zHJs9jTT4 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Meet Linda Rasmussen 01:00 Victor's Story Unfolds 03:51 The Search for Tiffany 06:29 Reunion on Zoom 13:44 Victor's Struggles and Resilience 18:00 Bella's Perspective 24:25 Reconnecting with a Long-Lost Sibling 25:07 Multilingual Journey and Cultural Exploration 26:26 Reflections on Upbringing and Family Dynamics 27:32 Estranged Relationship with Birth Father 28:46 Complex Relationship with Birth Mother 33:14 Plans for Reuniting with Victor 37:42 Final Thoughts and Messages of Hope Follow the show here: https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/ https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/ Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team! https://www.birthparentfinder.com https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder This 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/chobostudios https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle #FindingFamilyDNA #AdoptionReunion #BirthFamilySearch #FamilyConnections #TrueStoryPodcast #GenealogyPodcast #ProBonoCase #FosterCareJourneys #DNAReunion #FamilyHealing

    48 min
  5. 22 ENE

    A DNA Test Revealed My Birth Father Was My Mother’s Stepfather

    Jay and Misty sit down with Shanna Daloussi, a past giveaway recipient, who shares the emotional and unexpected journey of discovering her biological father. With Jay’s help, Shanna used DNA testing to uncover the truth: the man who raised her was not her biological father — and the person who was turned out to be someone already inside her family circle. What follows is a raw and vulnerable conversation about betrayal, hidden truths, grief, and ultimately, reclaiming one’s identity. This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact of DNA and the resilience required to face the truth. 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/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/X6woL_BLmPM 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:19 Meet Misty Gillis: Genealogist Extraordinaire 01:32 California's New Senate Bill 381 02:52 Holiday Giveaway Story 06:36 Transparency in Adoption 07:06 Shanna's Journey 12:18 Revelations and Reactions 15:56 Reflecting on Mother's Choices 16:39 Her Mother's Reaction to DNA Reveal 17:36 Strained Relationship with Mother 18:30 Family Dynamics and Children's Awareness 19:22 Genetic Health Concerns 25:05 Alcoholism and Seeking Help 27:36 Final Thoughts Follow the show here: https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/ https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/ Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team! https://www.birthparentfinder.com https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder This 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/chobostudios https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle Finding Family DNA, DNA reunion, adoptee stories, family secrets, Shanna Daloussi, biological father search, genetic genealogy, DNA testing, identity discovery, trauma and healing, sexual abuse awareness, Jay Rosenzweig, Misty Gillis

    31 min
  6. 6 ENE

    She Had a Secret Daughter — And Never Told Anyone

    We’re kicking off 2026 with a powerful reunion story between Mary and Nia — two half-sisters who had no idea the other existed. After decades of dead ends and a private investigator who vanished, Mary found Finding Family DNA and began her journey again. With the help of public ancestry records, GEDmatch, and a remarkably detailed family tree, Misty and Jay uncover a maternal match and open the door to long-lost family. It’s a heartwarming episode about faith, connection, and the healing power of truth. 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/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/dQooTR-M4vU 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:52 Special Announcement from Misty 01:19 Introducing Mary and Nia's Story 01:46 The Search for Birth Parents 03:19 Mary's Journey to Find Her Birth Family 06:30 The Role of DNA Databases 09:07 Reunion and Reflections 28:21 Final Thoughts Follow the show here: https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/ https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/ Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team! https://www.birthparentfinder.com https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder This 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/chobostudios https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle Finding Family DNA, Adoption Reunion, GEDmatch, Family Discovery, Ancestry Search, Genealogy, DNA Reunion, Adoptee Voices, Misty Gillis, Jay Rosenzweig

    30 min
  7. 10/12/2025

    Inside the Boy in the Box Case with the Woman Who Solved It

    In this special edition of Finding Family DNA, Jay turns the spotlight on co-host and investigative genetic genealogist Misty Gillis, as she walks us through the chilling and historic “Boy in the Box” case — a mystery unsolved for over six decades. Misty shares how she used the same DNA techniques applied in adoptee reunifications to help identify the boy as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, a four-year-old found murdered in Philadelphia in 1957. With compassion, precision, and years of dedication, Misty cracked a case that baffled authorities for generations, giving the nameless child his identity and a family to claim him. This moving episode celebrates Misty’s role in solving one of America’s most haunting cold cases — a testament to the power of DNA and dogged determination. 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/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/JDSLh9OsPog 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:52 Subscriber Growth and Audience Insights 06:13 The Boy in the Box Case Introduction 07:15 Solving the Boy in the Box Case 17:34 Emotional Impact and Press Conference 20:15 Other Notable Cases and Professional Journey 26:31 Conclusion and Future Plans Follow the show here: https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/ https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/ Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team! https://www.birthparentfinder.com https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder This 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/chobostudios https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle #FindingFamilyDNA   #TheBoyInTheBox   #MistyGillis   #TrueCrime   #ColdCaseSolved   #GeneticGenealogy   #ForensicGenealogy   #UnsolvedMysteries   #DNAJustice   #AdopteeVoices   #TrueCrimePodcast   #SolvedWithDNA   #CrimeSolvedAfter60Years   #JusticeForJosephZarelli   #PhiladelphiaCrimeHistory

    32 min
  8. 20/11/2025

    How DNA Led Me to a Father Who Never Knew I Existed

    In Episode 32 of Finding Family DNA, Jay and Misty sit down with Chakari Smith, an adoptee who grew up in Philadelphia and entered foster care at age 7 before being adopted at 11. Despite reconnecting with her birth mother later in life, Chakari never knew her father—until a combination of DNA testing, genealogy, and birth index research led Misty to uncover his identity. Chakari shares the emotional journey of discovering a half-brother, forming a relationship with her incarcerated father, and reflecting on the strength it took to break cycles of addiction. It’s a powerful story of resilience, reconnection, and redefining what family means. Join our Patreon to help support a pro bono case! https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/jUJs4nJfYzA 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:21 Special Announcement: Patreon and YouTube Milestone 02:01 Guest Introduction: Chakari's Story 03:07 Chakari's Childhood and Adoption Journey 05:00 Reconnecting with Birth Family 11:46 Finding Chakari's Birth Father 13:29 PSA and Sponsor Message 15:07 The Search Process Explained 19:49 Connecting with Birth Father and Half-Brother 23:14 Building a Relationship with Birth Father Follow the show here: https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/ https://www.instagram.com/lasleuth https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/ Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team! https://www.birthparentfinder.com https://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder This 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/chobostudios https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle #findingfamilyDNA #AdopteeVoices #AdoptionJourney #BirthParentSearch

    35 min

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Welcome to Finding Family DNA, the show about finding and connecting birth families with Jay Rosenzweig, founder and CEO of BirthParentFinder.com. Every week, we explore a new case shedding light on the investigative tools, genetic genealogy, and DNA technology that make these incredible reunions possible. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of adoption searches and celebrate the profound connections formed along the way.

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