Finding Family DNA

Birth Parent Finder
Finding Family DNA

Welcome to Finding Family DNA, the show about finding and connecting birth families with LA Morning News anchor Chris Schauble and 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. SEP 11

    My Mom Left My Birth Father In Mexico

    This week Chris & Jay welcome Lizett Armstrong who shares the emotional journey of discovering her biological father’s identity after years of uncertainty. Born in Tijuana and raised in the United States without knowledge of her father, Lizett’s quest begins with fragmented clues and a baptismal certificate. Her mother's reluctance to divulge information fueled Lizett’s determination to learn more. With the help of Jay Rosenzweig and genealogical advances in DNA testing, Lizett overcomes significant challenges posed by cross-border searches and common last names. The breakthrough arrives when a DNA test not only confirms her father’s identity but also connects her with relatives who knew him. This episode captures the complexities of Lizett's search, the poignant discovery of her father’s past, and her emotional reunion with a family she never knew she had, all intertwined with themes of identity, family bonds, and closure. Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode! https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/zDcX1LWflMo 00:00 Cold Open 00:27 Introduction to Finding Family DNA 01:27 Meet Lizett Armstrong 03:37 Lizett's Early Life and Family Struggles 05:18 The Search Begins 12:08 A Breakthrough with DNA 15:02 Discovering the Truth 25:33 Caretakers' Reluctance and Initial Contact 27:15 Discovering Father's Life in the US 28:00 Family Dynamics and Estrangement 28:51 Finding Family Members and Filling the Void 33:10 Reflecting on the Journey 36:28 Mother's Role and Challenges 39:29 Advice for Others on a Similar Journey 45:22 Emotional 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 Recorded at CHOBO Studios • Los Angeles LA’s premiere podcasting powerhouse located in beautiful Van Nuys, California. https://www.chobostudios.com #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption

    49 min
  2. SEP 4

    I Want To Thank My Birth Mother Before It's Too Late

    This week Chris and Jay explore the compelling story of Angela Harden's search for her biological parents. Angela, who was adopted at a young age, embarked on this journey driven by health concerns and a curiosity about her familial origins. The episode highlights the complexities of genealogical research, particularly when dealing with small-town records and overlapping familial ties. With the expertise of genetic genealogist Misty Gillis, they navigate through intricate DNA matches and historical records, ultimately making significant progress on Angela's paternal side. The discussion delves into the emotional impact of these discoveries, including Angela's resolve to reach out to her birth mother, underlining the profound personal implications of uncovering one's roots through DNA testing. Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode! https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/rQyKMUMWaOY 00:00 Cold Open 00:29 Welcome to Finding Family DNA 01:40 Meet Misty Gillis: Genetic Genealogist 02:22 Misty's Cold Case Success 04:58 Angela Harden's Case 10:02 Angela's Adoption Journey 16:57 Solving the Maternal Side Mystery 21:53 Identifying Angela's Birth Mother 22:39 Angela's Emotional Journey 23:20 Connecting the Dots: Family Ties 25:26 Reaching Out to Ruth 27:03 Advice and Next Steps 31:47 Discovering Paternal Connections 41:30 Angela's Reflections and Advice 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 Recorded at CHOBO Studios • Los Angeles LA’s premiere podcasting powerhouse located in beautiful Van Nuys, California. https://www.chobostudios.com #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption

    44 min
  3. AUG 28

    My Birth Father Never Kept Me A Secret

    This week we discuss the case of David Durbin, a 53-year-old man who embarked on a journey to uncover his biological origins. Born in 1969 and adopted at birth, David had minimal information about his birth parents. With Jay's expertise and the strategic use of the California Birth Index, they discovered his birth name was David Anderson, and his mother's uncommon last name, Capps, led them to uncover her unfortunate early demise due to an overdose. Through Ancestry.com, David connected to his maternal side and, despite the challenges, made significant headway on his paternal side, eventually reconnecting with his biological father, Charles Anderson, who was living back east. This episode captures the intricate search and emotional reunion, exploring the complex interplay of genetics, ancestry, and the profound impact of reuniting with biological relatives later in life. Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode! https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/ET5wCtr3yEg 00:00 Cold Open 00:34 Meet the Hosts: Chris and Jay 00:48 Patreon and Exclusive Content 01:23 Introducing David Durbin's Case 02:40 David's Birth Search Journey 04:42 Challenges with the Maternal Side 10:16 David's Perspective and Motivation 14:47 The Search Begins 16:04 Connecting with Birth Father 16:50 Emotional Reunion 22:49 Life Growing Up Adopted 25:11 Joining the Navy 26:59 Reflections on Adoption 29:30 Finding Closure 31:01 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 Recorded at CHOBO Studios • Los Angeles LA’s premiere podcasting powerhouse located in beautiful Van Nuys, California. https://www.chobostudios.com #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption

    33 min
  4. AUG 21

    My Adoption Was A Secret Until I Was 65

    This week Chris & Jay dive into the unique story of Robin Wescott whose biological mother went to the hospital under Robin’s adoptive mother's name and gave birth to her. This episode explores the emotional and logistical aftermath of finding out she was adopted at 65 years old after decades of secrets. Through detailed DNA analysis and genealogical research led by genealogist Misty Gillis, the episode illustrates the painstaking efforts to reconstruct Robin’s familial connections, culminating in a series of heartfelt and revelatory encounters with her newfound relatives. Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode! https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/3MHQCCScjhY 00:00 Cold Open 00:26 Welcome to Finding Family DNA 00:55 Exclusive Content on Patreon 01:51 Robin Westcott's Case 02:12 The California Birth Index 04:14 Introducing Misty Gillis 05:47 DNA Results and Discoveries 09:59 Connecting with Half Siblings 12:15 Robin Westcott Joins the Show 13:09 Robin's Journey for the Truth 19:10 Connecting with Birth Family 20:23 Discovering Birth Parents 21:43 Family Reunions and Emotions 23:46 Exploring Paternal Connections 25:31 Reflecting on the Journey 27:59 Uncovering Family Secrets 32:38 Final Thoughts and Exclusive Segment 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 Recorded at CHOBO Studios • Los Angeles LA’s premiere podcasting powerhouse located in beautiful Van Nuys, California. https://www.chobostudios.com #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption

    36 min
  5. AUG 14

    Blessed To Be A Sperm Donor Baby

    This week Chris & Jay are joined by Annie Ross, Jay’s niece, who shares her personal experience as a sperm donor-conceived individual. The discussion touches on the reasons donors choose anonymity, the challenges recipients face in accessing vital medical histories, and the broader implications for identity and rights in the context of assisted reproductive technologies. Annie shares how her upbringing shaped her understanding of family and identity. This episode not only navigates the sensitive terrain of sperm donation but also highlights the changing dynamics brought about by advances in DNA testing, which increasingly challenge the anonymity once guaranteed to donors. Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode! https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/qkefw0_NA8Y 00:00 Cold Open 00:18 Welcome to Finding Family DNA 00:43 Help Support the Podcast! 01:44 Sperm Donor Cases and Challenges 04:25 Annie Ross: Personal Story 06:55 Growing Up with Unique Family Dynamics 12:25 Discovering Siblings 18:00 Choosing the Donor: Looks and Traits 19:35 Impact of DNA Testing on Donor Anonymity 23:12 Meeting Donor Siblings 28:20 The Role of Therapy and Support 30:04 Considering Help from Uncle Jay 32:50 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 Recorded at CHOBO Studios • Los Angeles LA’s premiere podcasting powerhouse located in beautiful Van Nuys, California. https://www.chobostudios.com #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #spermdonation #spermdonorbaby

    35 min
  6. AUG 7

    Found My Birth Father Alive At 99 Years Old

    While Chris is on vacation, Jay is joined by Rosie Okumura, an expert in scam detection. This episode focuses on the story of Mary Maybee, a 75-year-old adoptee from Denver, who sought to uncover her roots. After a serendipitous meeting with Jay at a genealogy conference, Mary shares her emotional journey to connect with her birth family. Through the diligent efforts of Jay and his team, Mary finds her birth father alive at 99 years old. Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode! https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/yZD0mRNNl08 00:00 Cold Open 00:50 Meet Rosie: Scam Expert 04:12 Introducing Misty Gillis 05:26 Mary Maybee's Adoption Story 07:10 Finding Birth Parents 09:17 Mary's Journey to Find Her Birth Mother 17:35 Discovering the Birth Father 19:39 The Search for Mary's Birth Father 20:35 Uncovering Kermit's Past 23:09 Challenges in Contacting Kermit's Family 24:07 Mary's Letter and the Investigator's Visit 27:39 DNA Confirmation and Emotional Reactions 31:41 Mary's Adoption Records and Health Concerns 37:55 Mary's Genealogy Board Involvement 39:23 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 Recorded at CHOBO Studios • Los Angeles LA’s premiere podcasting powerhouse located in beautiful Van Nuys, California. https://www.chobostudios.com #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #geneticgenealogy #adoptioninvestigation #privateinvestigation #adoption #adoptionstories #DNA

    41 min
  7. JUL 31

    My Birth Mother Didn’t Want To Know Me

    In episode 14 of "Finding Family DNA," Caroline Chamblee shares her journey through adoption from both the perspective of an adoptee and a birth mother. Caroline was adopted into a loving family but always knew about her adoption and had some information about her birth mother. As an adult, with the support of her adoptive parents, Caroline sought to reconnect with her biological mother, a process facilitated by Jay Rosenzweig. Unfortunately, the reunion was not what Caroline had hoped for, as her birth mother reacted negatively to the outreach. The episode also explores Caroline's decision to place her child for adoption, highlighting her choice for an open adoption to ensure her child wouldn't face the same uncertainties she did.  Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode! https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/-xHpk-sVhbY 00:00 Cold Open 00:39 Welcome to Finding Family DNA 01:35 Caroline's Story 02:14 The Search for Caroline's Birth Mother 04:07 Caroline's Perspective on Adoption 12:40 Finding Caroline's Birth Father 24:37 Caroline's Unique Adoption Journey 32:25 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 Recorded at CHOBO Studios • Los Angeles LA’s premiere podcasting powerhouse located in beautiful Van Nuys, California. https://www.chobostudios.com #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #geneticgenealogy #adoptioninvestigation #privateinvestigation #adoption #adoptionstories #DNA

    33 min
  8. JUL 24

    Orphaned And Then Adopted At 18 Months

    In episode 13 of "Finding Family DNA," Lori Quinn shares her story of discovering her biological family through the efforts of Jay and his team. Initially contacting BirthParentFinder.com due to a compelling news story featuring Chris, Lori's journey uncovers layers of her identity shaped by a closed adoption. The episode explores the emotional first meeting with her paternal half-sister, Kathleen, via Zoom, revealing immediate familial connections and shared traits that Lori had never experienced before. Throughout the episode, Lori expresses the profound impact of seeing and recognizing herself in her newly found relatives, delving into the deeper significance of genetic ties and the inherent longing for familial connections that shaped her inquiry into her roots. Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode! https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydna Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/VbiaEGRQZ-Q 00:00 Cold Open 00:14 Introduction 03:10 Connecting with the Paternal Side 05:44 First Meeting with Half-Sister Kathleen 10:05 Lori's Adoption Story 13:53 Life in the Botham Household 17:25 Starting Her Own Family 18:37 Discovering Acting and Life Changes 24:33 Finding Biological Relatives 27:54 Connecting with Maternal Family 32:54 Reflections and Advice 37:27 Conclusion and Next Steps 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 Recorded at CHOBO Studios • Los Angeles LA’s premiere podcasting powerhouse located in beautiful Van Nuys, California. https://www.chobostudios.com #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #geneticgenealogy #adoptioninvestigation #privateinvestigation #adoption #adoptionstories #DNA

    39 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to Finding Family DNA, the show about finding and connecting birth families with LA Morning News anchor Chris Schauble and 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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