Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets

Corey and Kendall Stulce
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. 22 OCT.

    Switched at Birth: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Healing

    In this episode, Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with Shirley Muñoz Newson, a Gillette, Wyoming wife, mother, grandmother, and author of The Little Dark One. Shirley shares her incredible story of discovering, at age 43, that she was switched at birth. What followed was a journey filled with shock, emotional upheaval, and a courageous search for identity. With unshakable faith, the support of her family, and years of therapy, Shirley found the strength to tell her story in her memoir. Join us as we explore Shirley’s path to healing, how she navigated her relationships with both her birth and raising families, and the transformative power of faith. Switched at Birth: A Journey of Faith, Family, and HealingKey Topics: The shocking DNA test results that changed Shirley’s lifeThe emotional challenges of being switched at birthShirley’s journey of faith and therapy as she processed her new identityWriting her memoir The Little Dark One and the impact it has had on othersHow Shirley’s family, particularly her grandson, encouraged her to share her story with the worldThe importance of resilience, healing, and finding peace through faith Memorable Quotes: "I learned everything I knew about myself wasn’t true. But with faith and support, I found a way to keep moving forward.""Writing my memoir wasn’t just about telling my story. It was about helping others find hope in their own struggles.""You’re never too old to discover who you really are and find the strength to heal." Tune in to hear Part One of Shirley Muñoz Newson’s powerful story of resilience, faith, and healing after discovering she was switched at birth. Don’t miss Part Two, where we dive even deeper into Shirley’s journey and how her faith helped her find peace. If Shirley’s story resonates with you or someone you know, please share this episode and help spread the message of hope and healing.

    21 min
  2. 18 OCT.

    What Your Therapist Isn’t Telling You

    In this special crossover bonus episode, we share an insightful conversation from our sister podcast, Horror Heals, where we explore how horror can be a powerful tool for healing trauma. Corey and Kendall dive into Kendall’s adoption journey and DNA found family story, connecting it to the themes of resilience and recovery that often arise in both horror films and real-life experiences. What Your Therapist Isn’t Telling YouGuest: Dr. Ashley Allen We’re joined by Dr. Ashley Allen, a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in mood disorders, PTSD, grief, and trauma. Known for her work with neurodivergent LGBTQ+ individuals, Ashley offers a surprising perspective on how horror films can provide emotional processing, catharsis, and empowerment. What We Discuss: Kendall’s adoption story: A personal look at how Kendall’s DNA found family story ties into themes of trauma, discovery, and healing.The link between horror and mental health: How horror can help individuals cope with anxiety, PTSD, and mood disorders by creating a controlled environment for confronting fears.Horror as a therapeutic tool: Why Dr. Ashley Allen introduces horror to her neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ clients to foster resilience and provide a sense of control over their emotions.The inclusive nature of horror conventions: How horror fan communities offer nonjudgmental, safe spaces for those who often feel like outsiders.Facing fears through film: Exploring how horror allows both therapists and clients to tackle real-life challenges by building resilience through fictional fear. Key Takeaways: Horror movies can offer a unique therapeutic experience, allowing people to process trauma and gain control over their emotions in a safe way.The horror community often serves as an inclusive, accepting space for neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ individuals to connect with others and find empowerment.By confronting fictional fears, people can build resilience and emotional strength that helps them tackle real-life challenges. Quotes from Dr. Ashley Allen: "For those with trauma or mood disorders, horror offers a controlled way to confront overwhelming emotions.""Horror creates a safe space for fear—perfect for my neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ clients to find empowerment and relief.""Even therapists sometimes need an escape; for me, horror provides that in the most cathartic way." Listen to the Full Episode: If you’re curious about how horror can unlock new paths to healing, don’t miss this powerful conversation. Tune in to learn how fictional fear can transform into real-life resilience. And be sure to check out more episodes from Horror Heals for similar stories of healing through horror.

    31 min
  3. 8 OCT.

    The Primal Wound: Adoption’s Hidden Trauma

    In this powerful episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with Cree filmmaker and adoptee, Kristal Parke, to discuss her impactful documentary Because She’s Adopted. Kristal’s film dives deep into the complex emotional landscape of adoption, exploring themes like the primal wound, hidden trauma, and how adoptees often navigate identity challenges and mask their pain. Kristal shares her journey of meeting her birth mother—an experience that profoundly shaped her sense of self. Corey and Kendall, who have had their own transformative reunion experiences, explore these themes with Kristal, discussing the intricate ways family, whether by blood or bond, influences identity. Kristal also offers a glimpse into her upcoming six-part podcast series, Because She’s Adopted, which promises to take listeners even deeper into the topics of her documentary. This episode offers insightful perspectives on adoption’s impact on identity and the journey toward healing, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in family dynamics, belonging, and self-discovery. Key Talking Points:Introduction to Kristal Parke and Her Documentary: Overview of Because She’s Adopted and Kristal’s experiences as a filmmaker and adoptee.The Primal Wound and Hidden Trauma: Exploring how early separation and loss impact adoptees, often resulting in a lifelong sense of “otherness.”Kristal’s Reunion with Her Birth Mother: A moving recount of her reunion and the significance of this experience in her life.Adoption, Identity, and Healing: Insights on the complex ways adoption affects one’s identity, the trauma adoptees often carry, and the healing journey.Kristal’s Upcoming Podcast, Because She’s Adopted: Preview of her limited-series podcast, a deep dive into the documentary’s central themes.Corey and Kendall’s Personal Reflections on Adoption: Their own family stories, reunions, and the ways adoption has shaped their lives.Embracing Cultural Heritage and Identity: Kristal’s journey in reconnecting with her Cree heritage and Sicilian family, along with Kendall’s discovery of his Irish roots.Family Reunions and Self-Discovery: The experiences of meeting birth family members, embracing cultural roots, and finding a deeper understanding of self. Memorable Quotes:“There’s this nagging feeling adoptees have that you can’t put your finger on—it’s the trauma, the separation trauma.” — Kristal Parke“Meeting my birth mother was a profound moment. I never expected the overwhelming emotions that would follow me for years.” — Kristal Parke“Every adoptee’s story is different, but somehow they’re all the same, too. There’s an unspoken bond in shared experiences of separation and healing.” — Corey Stulce Guest links: Kristal's website

    24 min
  4. 1 OCT.

    Spooky Season with Kendall and Corey

    In this episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall Austin Stulce reflect on their Halloween experiences growing up, contrasting their childhood traditions and the cultural perceptions of Halloween. They delve into the significance of community and identity, particularly in relation to donor conception and adoption. The conversation also explores the positive impact of horror culture on mental wellness, emphasizing the importance of sharing personal stories and experiences. Support Lauren LoGuidice’s short film "Honestly" via Seed & Spark Takeaways Halloween was a fun and creative time for Kendall's family. Corey's parents straddled the line between fun and conservative values. Trick or treating was a strategic event in Kendall's childhood. Generational differences in Halloween celebrations are notable. Horror culture can provide a sense of community and belonging. The importance of embracing one's identity is highlighted. Mental wellness can be positively influenced by horror movies. Sharing personal stories can help others heal from trauma. The podcast aims to connect with more guests who have unique stories. Community support is vital for those with adoption or donor conception experiences. Key Topics Discussed: Kendall’s unique Southern Baptist Halloween experiences growing up with his adoptive parentsCorey and Kendall’s first Halloween together as a couple, dressed in Rocky Horror Picture Show costumesA fan's personal story of using horror movies to cope with traumaReflections on family trauma, including Kendall’s father’s alcoholismSupport for past guest Lauren Lowe’s donor conception short film projectCrossover themes between Family Twist and Horror Heals podcasts

    16 min
  5. 17 SEPT.

    Relinquishment, Addiction, and the Healing Power of Water Part 1

    In this episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with David to explore the profound and raw themes of relinquishment, addiction, and healing. The conversation starts with an intriguing discussion about the Blue Mind movement, the scientifically backed benefits of water for mental health. David shares how being near water has become a personal meditative tool that helps him stay grounded in a chaotic world. Relinquishment, Addiction, and the Healing Power of WaterAs the episode unfolds, David opens up about his own adoption experience, the complex emotions around relinquishment, and how discovering the term “primal wound” helped him better understand the trauma associated with being an adoptee. Corey and Kendall reflect on similar experiences, making this conversation deeply personal and emotional. The episode also delves into David's struggles with addiction and how it began as a means of self-medication for the pain he couldn’t fully articulate. His raw account of navigating through trauma, rejection, and the search for identity will resonate with many in the adoption and recovery communities. Key topics include: Blue Mind: The healing power of water and its meditative qualities.The primal wound: Understanding pre-verbal trauma in adoptees.Relinquishment and its impact on identity and attachment.Addiction as a coping mechanism for trauma.The journey of self-discovery and healing through recovery.

    23 min
4,8
sur 5
52 notes

À propos

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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