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. FEB 10

    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
  2. JAN 22

    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
  3. JAN 6

    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
  4. 12/10/2025

    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
  5. 11/20/2025

    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
  6. 10/14/2025

    How DNA Helped Me Reclaim My Story—and Myself

    In Episode 31 of Finding Family DNA, therapist and adoptee advocate Nikole Shaw shares her powerful journey of uncovering the truth about her biological roots. After years of believing she was conceived through a violent assault, a recent DNA match revealed a very different story—one that brought relief, clarity, and a new understanding of her identity. Nikole reflects on the emotional weight of carrying false narratives, the healing power of truth, and how her work now supports other adoptees in their search for connection, community, and self-acceptance. 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/xoyTWUl14xI 00:00 Welcome to the Show! 00:28 Subscribe and Win a Mug 01:42 Nikole's Adoption Journey 03:15 Challenges in Adoption Cases 05:45 Nikole's Childhood 10:00 Finding Nikole's Birth Mother 12:07 Connecting with Birth Relatives 17:56 Paternal Side Mystery 22:06 Recent Developments in Nikole's Case 24:27 Discovering a Half-Sister 25:03 Reaching Out and Waiting 26:01 A Year Later: Renewed Efforts 27:10 Unraveling the Truth 29:07 Confronting Family Secrets 31:06 Processing the Revelation 33:11 Reflecting on the Journey 41:46 Advice for Adoptees 43:23 Connecting with the Community 44:33 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 #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

    45 min
  7. 09/17/2025

    From Family Secret to Feature Film: "One Big Happy Family"

    In Episode 30 of Finding Family DNA, Jay and Misty sit down with actress, writer, and producer Lisa Brenner, whose latest film "One Big Happy Family" draws from her real-life discovery that the man who raised her was not her biological father. Lisa shares how a casual decision to take a DNA test a decade ago unraveled a deeply personal truth—one that reshaped her identity and inspired her to write a screenplay during the pandemic. She discusses the emotional aftermath, the evolving relationship with her mother and half-siblings, and how her understanding of family shifted from genetics to love and connection. Candid and uplifting, Lisa’s story highlights the power of resilience, storytelling, and redefining what it truly means to be family. 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/s3EhpQcS-P8 00:00 Welcome to the Show! 00:25 Recap of Recent Events 02:25 Introducing: Lisa Brenner 04:20 Discovering Family Secrets 09:13 Impact of DNA Discoveries 14:00 Reflections and Moving Forward 16:39 Family Dynamics and Personal Reflections 17:30 Movie Quote and Personal Beliefs 18:45 Clip from 'One Big Happy Family' 20:07 Remembering Linda Lavin 20:53 Filming and Casting Insights 24:20 Writing the Screenplay 26:02 Personal Reflections on Writing 31:26 Family Cameos and Fun Facts 32:13 Final Thoughts and Message 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 #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

    34 min
  8. 08/21/2025

    How a 23andMe DNA Test Found My Dad

    In this powerful follow-up to Episode 4, author and adoptee Lakeeta Greene returns to share the next chapter in her remarkable journey—finding her birth father, Richard. After the emotional reunion with her mother detailed in her first book Seeking Closure, Lakeeta’s story continues in Closure at a Cost, where revelations from that reunion propel her toward a new search. Through DNA testing and an unexpected 23andMe match with a half-sister, Lakeeta is led to Richard, a man unaware he had a daughter. Their connection is immediate, heartfelt, and full of gratitude, marking a stark contrast to the uncertainty that shaped her early life. Joined by Richard on the show, the two reflect on their emotional first meeting, the importance of DNA confirmation, and the joy of discovering family bonds later in life. This episode is a testament to healing, perseverance, and the life-changing power of truth. 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/LiX2MFLQ2-w 00:00 Welcome to the Show! 00:19 Reconnecting with Lakeeta Green 01:13 Lakeeta's Journey to Find Her Birth Father 03:54 Introducing Richard, Lakeeta's Birth Father 06:07 The DNA Test and Confirmation 12:54 Reflections and Future Plans 18:26 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 #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

    19 min
4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

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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