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In this episode of Finding Family DNA, Jay and Misty sit down with an adoptee who grew up in Texas feeling like the black sheep of her adoptive family, carrying hurtful stories about the birth mother she never knew. After asking to search and being told no, she quietly turned to DNA, only to wait 14 years for a meaningful match. Then a half sibling appeared overnight. Misty explains how she built the family trees on both sides, and our guest shares what it has been like reaching out to new siblings, the side-by-side photo that stopped her in her tracks, and a discovery about how close her birth family may have been all along. Jay and Misty also open with the Michael McDonald adoption story and why 23andMe is surfacing family secrets. 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/cA7SNjtHLvo Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:11 Welcome and the Michael McDonald Story 03:18 Introducing Denise 04:12 Growing Up the Black Sheep 07:33 Asking to Search and Testing DNA 09:02 A Half Brother Match After 14 Years 10:59 Finding BirthParentFinder 12:59 Midroll — RootsTech 2027 and BirthParentFinder 14:09 How Misty Connected Both Sides 15:35 The Half Brother Who Said Yes 17:17 Connecting With Her Father's Side 18:56 The Side-by-Side Photo 20:43 Same Town, Same High School 22:04 Wanting Her Mother's Story 23:11 Defending Her Birth Mother 24:51 Plans to Meet Her Siblings 25:42 Working With BirthParentFinder 28:24 Thanks and Close BirthParentFinder: https://www.birthparentfinder.com/ RootsTech 2027: https://www.rootstech.org/ Michael McDonald story (CNN): https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/02/entertainment/michael-mcdonald-son-michael-goessling 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 🚀 Edited with PodShuttle by CHOBO 👨‍🚀 Want help building your podcast? Start at podshuttle.io, or follow along on Instagram. https://podshuttle.io https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios Finding Family DNA, Adoption, Adoptee, DNA Test, AncestryDNA, 23andMe, Birth Parents, Half Sibling, Genetic Genealogy, Closed Adoption, Family Reunion, Misty Gillis, Jay Rosenzweig, BirthParentFinder, Michael McDonald, RootsTech, Texas Adoption Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, Jay and Misty step away from adoption reunions to revisit a 47-year-old Montana cold case Misty worked during her time at Parabon NanoLabs. In December 1978, 16-year-old Corina Lydia Contreraz was sexually assaulted and murdered outside Billings, and her case sat unsolved for decades. Misty walks through how genetic genealogy opened a path investigators hadn’t had before. Jay also shares how a high school photo signed “Love, Bill” cracked a birth father case, the two talk RootsTech 2027, and Misty explains why families get release rather than closure, and how everyday GEDmatch users can help. 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/rI-ahuutLaY Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:11 Welcome and RootsTech 2027 03:29 A "Love, Bill" Photo and Two Reunions 07:07 The Corina Lydia Contreraz Cold Case 08:36 Working the DNA at Parabon 10:05 Building the Trees Toward Montana 12:27 Midroll — RootsTech 2027 and BirthParentFinder 13:37 Landing on Angelo Stallsmith Sr. 16:07 DNA From a 1982 Fingerprint Card 17:33 Confirmation and a Criminal History 19:26 Remembering Corina 20:16 CeCe Moore at the Press Conference 22:25 Misty at the Press Conference 23:36 Boy in the Box and Where This Case Ranks 24:19 How GEDmatch Users Can Help 25:09 What Investigators Can and Cannot Access 26:13 Birth Parent Privacy and Cooperation 27:15 Could an Amateur Have Solved It 27:59 Release, Not Closure 28:46 Thanks and Close Yellowstone County Cold Case Unit: https://www.yellowstonecoldcase.com/ Parabon NanoLabs: https://parabon-nanolabs.com/ GEDmatch: https://www.gedmatch.com/ RootsTech 2027: https://www.rootstech.org/ 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 🚀 Edited with PodShuttle by CHOBO 👨‍🚀 Want help building your podcast? Start at podshuttle.io, or follow along on Instagram. https://podshuttle.io https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios Finding Family DNA, Cold Case, Genetic Genealogy, Investigative Genetic Genealogy, Corina Lydia Contreraz, Misty Gillis, CeCe Moore, Parabon NanoLabs, GEDmatch, Family Tree DNA, BirthParentFinder, True Crime, Yellowstone County, RootsTech Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When we recorded this episode of Finding Family DNA, we had no idea that CeCe Moore was about to be announced as a RootsTech 2027 keynote speaker. Now, with that announcement official, the timing of this conversation couldn’t be better. Internationally renowned genetic genealogist CeCe Moore joins host Jay Rosenzweig, licensed private investigator and founder of BirthParentFinder.com, and co-host Misty Gillis, genetic genealogist and CeCe’s longtime friend and colleague, for a candid and personal conversation that goes far beyond the usual Q&A. CeCe takes us through the unexpected path that led her to genetic genealogy — including how a Michael Jackson video shoot at USC and a career in the music world helped prepare her for life in front of the camera. She explains how DNA kept pulling her back until the early days of public testing at FamilyTreeDNA gave her a path into what would eventually become a groundbreaking career. CeCe and Misty also dig into the investigative side of genetic genealogy and the difficult “brute-force” cases where distant DNA matches, unusual ancestry and incomplete family trees require creativity and persistence. CeCe discusses the nearly 50-year-old Nancy Anderson murder case in Honolulu, where researching city directories and Romanian and Italian surnames eventually led her to Tudor Chirila, as well as the Lindy Sue Biechler case in Lancaster, where an ancestral migration pattern from Gasperina, Italy, helped point the investigation in the right direction. The conversation also goes beyond the cases. CeCe talks about discovering the connection between Madison Hemings, Thomas Jefferson and DNA while researching her brother-in-law’s family tree, answers some fun rapid-fire questions — from coffee to late-night casework — and shares her thoughts on Misty as both a genealogist and a friend, including why she describes Misty’s work as “magic.” CeCe Moore has become one of the most recognizable figures in genetic genealogy through her groundbreaking work solving unknown-parentage and law-enforcement cases and through television appearances including Finding Your Roots and The Genetic Detective. And now, CeCe will take the stage as a keynote speaker at RootsTech 2027, taking place March 4–6, 2027, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. RootsTech is the world’s largest family history and genealogy conference, bringing together genealogy enthusiasts, industry experts, technology innovators and people from around the world who share a passion for discovering their heritage and connecting with their family history. Episode 52 of Finding Family DNA is sponsored by FamilyTreeDNA. We’d be grateful if you subscribe to Finding Family DNA. Every subscription helps us grow the show and supports our ability to take on more pro bono DNA and family-search cases. Watch this podcast right now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/8yFKt23IJs8 Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:11 Welcome, Sponsor, and a Guatemalan Father Case 03:05 Introducing CeCe Moore 03:37 Michael Jackson, USC, and a Music-World Sister 07:32 How CeCe Moved From Music Into DNA 11:23 Alternate Careers and Brute-Force Genealogy 16:14 Celebrity Cases and Growing Up Hip Hop 19:03 Broadway Dreams and Coming Full Circle on Camera 22:02 Midroll — Family Tree DNA and BirthParentFinder 23:37 Nancy Anderson and Tudor Chirila 28:23 Distant Matches, Gasperina, and Lindy Sue Biechler 29:58 Madison Hemings and Jefferson DNA 32:24 Jay's Spingarn Cousin and a Poland Trip 35:09 What If Not Genetic Genealogy 37:04 RootsTech and Southern California Genealogy Jamboree 39:44 Rapid Fire 45:14 Thanks and Close Family Tree DNA: https://www.findingfamilydna.com/?utm_source=redcircle&utm_medium=social&utm_content=com+des&utm_campaign=finding+family+dna+ep+52 CeCe Moore: https://www.cecemoore.com/ Finding Your Roots (PBS): https://www.pbs.org/show/finding-your-roots/ RootsTech: https://www.rootstech.org 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 🚀 Edited with PodShuttle by CHOBO 👨‍🚀 Want help building your podcast? Start at podshuttle.io, or follow along on Instagram. https://podshuttle.io https://www.instagram.com/podshuttle https://www.instagram.com/chobostudios Finding Family DNA, CeCe Moore, Genetic Genealogy, Cold Case DNA, Family Tree DNA, BirthParentFinder, Finding Your Roots, DNA Detective, Brute Force Genealogy, RootsTech Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we follow the story of a woman who set out to find the birth father she never knew, hoping for closure but bracing herself for anything. Using DNA and genetic genealogy, our investigator uncovers his identity in just 48 hours — only to reveal a devastating truth about his past. Despite the shock, the search doesn't end there: newly discovered siblings step forward, offering unexpected connection and healing. From heartbreaking revelations to the surprising bonds that follow, this episode explores how identity is shaped by more than biology alone. It's a raw, honest conversation about resilience, family, and choosing connection even after the hardest news imaginable. 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/6LHGd6FPuHw 00:00 Intro 00:51 Misty's reunion story 02:05 Introducing Kayley's case 03:23 Meeting the guest 04:07 Searching for her birth father 05:09 The DNA discovery revealed 07:06 Processing the shocking news 10:33 Ad break 11:18 Learning about her birth father's family 12:49 Meeting her sister in person 14:00 Meeting other siblings 16:20 The victim and circumstances 19:01 What defines her 20:00 Her birth mother's reaction 21:20 Reflecting on therapy and closure 26:13 Advice for others 27:46 Teaser for episode 52 28:10 Closing 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, DNA Genealogy, Birth Father Search, Adoptee Story, Emotional Reunion, Closed Adoption Search, Family Discovery, BirthParentFinder, Genetic Genealogy Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we're celebrating a major milestone with a special look back at the journey so far. Host Jay Rosenzweig sits down with longtime co-host Misty, plus the studio team behind the scenes, to reflect on how far the show has come and the moments that made it unforgettable. Along the way, we revisit three past reunion stories, hearing directly from former guests about where their journeys have led since their episodes first aired — from relationships that healed beautifully to ones still finding their footing. We also share heartfelt congratulations from friends of the show along the way. It's an emotional, behind-the-scenes celebration of the reunions, the heartbreak, and the hope that have defined this show from the very beginning. 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/Xt4M4mOd74k 00:00 Intro 00:11 Celebrating 50 episodes with Misty 01:18 Indy and Tori join the celebration 02:44 Reflecting on the show's evolution 06:06 Favorite episodes and memorable moments 10:13 What it's like working with Jay 11:23 The story behind the pro bono program 15:57 Congratulations from Linda Pevac 17:44 Update: Lakita Green's story 35:39 Update: Bethany Innocenti's story 51:03 Congratulations from Linda Rasmussen 52:02 Update: Kim Carrington's story 58:34 Teasing upcoming episodes 1:00:24 Congratulations from CeCe Moore and Chris Schauble 1:01:34 Closing 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, 50th Episode Celebration, Adoption Reunion, Birth Parent Search, DNA Genealogy, Adoptee Story, Family Discovery, BirthParentFinder, Adoption Podcast, Emotional Reunion Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, filmmaker Rebecca Autumn Sansom joins Jay to share the story behind her acclaimed documentary, Reckoning with the Primal Wound, and the winding path that led her back to both of her birth parents. Rebecca opens up about the years-long process of earning renowned author Nancy Verrier's trust for the film, the emotional risk of reconnecting with her birth father after a chance discovery sent her searching, and the complicated, sometimes fragile nature of reunion relationships. She also shares an early look at her upcoming sequel, Reckoning with the Paternal Wound, and the real-life tension around what to include when someone else's story becomes part of yours. The conversation turns candid as Rebecca and Jay dig into the recent Hulu documentary My Grandfather Charles Manson, weighing what belongs in a documentary and what doesn't. Along the way, Jay shares a moving pro bono case that reveals just how personal the choice to reconnect with a birth parent can be. 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/fj5oQcp9WxM 00:00 Intro 00:38 Welcoming Rebecca Autumn Sansom 02:06 Why base the film on The Primal Wound 04:25 Reconnecting with her birth mother 06:12 Earning Nancy Verrier's trust 09:14 Her relationship with her birth mother today 11:02 Birth mom vs. "first mother" 15:36 Documentary trailer 16:47 Deciding to search for her birth father 19:28 The obituary that sparked urgency 20:50 The KTLA clip: finding Perry 23:14 Waiting to hear back from Perry 24:07 Her relationship with Perry now 26:36 Reunion success rates 28:12 A pro bono case and a hard recommendation 30:27 Segue to the Charles Manson documentary 31:47 Rebecca's take on My Grandfather Charles Manson 37:08 The father's untold story 37:34 The Manson estate lawsuit twist 40:27 What belongs in a family documentary 41:44 Announcing the sequel's title 43:30 Where the pushback is coming from 44:12 Where to watch the documentary 45:48 Wrap-up 🎬 Rebecca's documentary — Reckoning with the Primal Wound Official site: https://www.reckoningwiththeprimalwound.com/ Watch on YouTube (official channel): https://www.youtube.com/@RWTPW/videos 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 Adoption Reunion, Birth Father Search, Adoptee Story, Primal Wound, DNA Genealogy, Finding Birth Family, Adoption Podcast, Documentary Filmmaker, BirthParentFinder, Family Discovery Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we sit down with an author and adoptee who turned a decades-long search for her birth family into three deeply personal books. Adopted in Denver in the early 1960s, she spent years chasing fragments of her past before taking a daring, real-life risk to uncover her birth mother's identity. What followed was a reunion that didn't unfold the way she'd imagined, a startling twist involving the man she thought was her birth father, and a DNA confirmation that didn't arrive until decades later. Along the way, she discovered how trauma can freeze a birth parent in time, and how healing often means letting your story become your strength instead of your wound. Her journey took her from a broken lock and a library microfiche machine to a small-town diner phone call that changed everything. Now she's using her voice to help other adoptees find their own truth — and their own community. 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/1uaZ6wvlo0o 00:00 Intro 00:45 Case Update: A Birth Father Reconnects After Decades 01:35 Meet Linda Pevac, Author of Three Adoption Memoirs 02:45 Growing Up Knowing She Was Adopted 04:00 Deciding to Search for Her Birth Mother 04:45 Starting the Search in Secret, 1987 06:00 Non-Identifying Information from the Agency 07:00 Planning to Break Into the Adoption Agency 07:45 The Break-In 09:15 Racing the Library's Closing Time 10:20 Returning the Records Undetected 11:30 Her Brother's Very Different Reaction 12:45 No Two Adoption Stories Are the Same 14:00 A Blurry Signature and a Handwriting Analyst 15:20 Searching Before the Internet Existed 16:00 A Small-Town Diner Leads to Her Aunt 17:45 Mug Giveaway and Show Updates 18:30 Calling Her Birth Mother for the First Time 19:45 Flying to California to Meet Her 21:30 The Reality Behind Her Mother's Story 23:00 Chasing a Name on Her Birth Certificate 25:30 Meeting the Man Who Denied Being Her Father 27:00 A DNA Test Confirms the Truth, Years Later 28:45 Writing The Gathering Place 29:45 Writing A Fire is Coming 30:40 Writing Choosing to Breathe 31:50 Misty's Reflection on Linda's Journey 32:30 Quickfire Questions with Linda 33:55 A Message for Struggling Adoptees 34:45 Where to Find Linda's Books and Social Media 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 Adoption Reunion, Closed Adoption Search, Adoptee Story, Birth Mother Found, DNA Genealogy, Finding Birth Family, Adoption Podcast, Emotional Reunion, BirthParentFinder, Family Discovery Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we meet a California adoptee who grew up knowing she was adopted but never imagined how her story would unfold. After decades of quiet curiosity, a chance moment during the pandemic sparked her decision to finally search for her birth family. What followed was a whirlwind two-week journey that led her to not just one, but two loving families she never knew she had. She shares the emotional first meeting with her birth mother on her 52nd birthday, the surprising ease of connecting with her birth father and his family, and the powerful realization that biology and love can run deeper than anyone expects. It's a story about second chances, unexpected belonging, and the courage it takes to open a door you thought was closed forever. 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/5WyQ0VqlFJA 00:00 Intro and show updates 02:00 California Adoption Bill update 03:01 Welcoming this episode's guest 03:24 Growing up knowing she was adopted 04:50 Deciding to search for her birth family 09:04 The 23andMe discovery that cracked the case 15:56 Tracing her birth name and birth family 18:40 Ad break — BirthParentFinder.com 19:32 Life in Portland, Oregon 20:09 Meeting her birth mother 25:15 Connecting with her birth father's family 34:49 Reflecting on luck, love, and closure 38:03 Adoptive father vs. biological father 40:05 Advice for other adoptees 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 Adoption Reunion, Birth Mother Found, Adoptee Story, California Adoption, DNA Genealogy, Finding Birth Family, Emotional Reunion, BirthParentFinder, Family Discovery, Adoption Podcast Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, Jason didn't learn he was adopted until his late 40s — and a simple request for his original birth certificate cracked open decades of family secrets. After a DNA test revealed zero biological connection to the woman who raised him, Jason turned to genetic genealogy and, within weeks, was face to face with the truth about where he came from. What followed was an emotional reunion with a birth mother living abroad, a newfound sister he'd dreamed of having since childhood, and a paternal twist that stunned even our DNA expert. We break down how unusual centimorgan numbers led to a discovery no one expected, and how Jason chose compassion and discretion over confrontation. It's a story about identity, forgiveness, and finding family in the most unexpected place. 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/EhP70ShvZZc 00:00 Intro & welcome to episode 46 00:42 Celebrating 10,000 subscribers 01:04 State laws on birth record access 02:34 California's stalled Senate Bill 381 04:09 Why original birth certificates matter 05:55 Introducing Jason 06:20 Discovering he was adopted at 48 08:39 Requesting his original birth certificate 10:24 DNA test reveals a zero percent match 13:28 Calling Jay and starting the investigation 14:23 Locating his birth mother's family 20:00 Break 20:45 The paternal twist Misty uncovered 21:47 Breaking down the DNA evidence 24:13 Jason's reaction to the birth father news 26:02 Traveling to Italy to meet his birth mother 28:08 Meeting his sister for the first time 33:02 A family dinner to remember 35:16 Jason's relationship with his birth mother today 36:38 Closing 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 Adoption Reunion, Closed Adoption Search, DNA Genealogy, Adoptee Story, Italian Heritage, Birth Mother Found, Genetic Genealogy, Family Discovery, BirthParentFinder, New York Adoption Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, Jay sits down with Linda Burleson, a woman who spent over five years searching for the identity of her birth father after learning at age sixty-plus that the man who raised her was not her biological dad. What made Linda's case one of the longest in BirthParentFinder.com's history was the absence of any close DNA matches — just a wall of third, fourth, and fifth cousins that no genealogist could break through. Then, just two to three weeks after Linda had decided to give up entirely, a woman named Diane Bennett took an Ancestry DNA test on a whim — and changed everything. Linda and Diane are paternal half-sisters, and their first phone call felt completely natural, like they had known each other their whole lives. From a beach walk in North Carolina to a cruise already booked together, this is a story about the power of patience, the miracle of timing, and two women who found in each other exactly what they didn't know they were missing. 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/h-4RcTl60o0 00:00 Introduction & Show Update 01:31 Meet Linda Burleson 01:58 Learning the Truth 04:00 The Long DNA Search 05:41 Family Background & Houston Connection 07:27 Meet Diane Bennett 08:06 Why Diane Took the DNA Test 08:53 The Match & First Contact 17:37 The Meeting in Supply, NC 25:11 Medical History & Future Plans 29:31 Reflections & Closing 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 Finding Family DNA, Half Sister Found, Birth Parent Search, DNA Reunion, Closed Adoption Story, Adoptee Story, Family Discovery, BirthParentFinder, Emotional Reunion, DNA Genealogy Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, Jay and co-host Misty Gillis introduce Carla Salvatierra, a 29-year-old woman born in Los Angeles County who has spent years searching for the truth about her biological father. After discovering that neither the man on her birth certificate nor the man her family insisted was her father shared any DNA with her, Carla found herself starting completely from scratch — with no name, no country, and no answers. With the help of Misty's careful DNA analysis and genealogical research into Guatemalan civil records, the team was able to narrow Carla's birth father down to one of three brothers living in the United States. Despite sending letters and making direct contact with one of the brothers, the family has gone silent — and in a first for the show, Carla comes on air to make a heartfelt, tearful plea directly to her birth father. A devoted mother of two who runs her own construction company, Carla isn't asking for money or a lifelong commitment — she simply wants to know where she comes from, see her father's face, and finally have the medical history her children deserve. 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/A3QY9_5aDf8 00:00 Intro 00:11 Welcome and case overview 00:51 When DNA matches don't respond 01:07 Misty's outreach strategy 02:16 Introducing Carla Salvatierra 03:02 Growing up not knowing her father 04:38 DNA tests rule out two possible fathers 08:03 What led Carla to BirthParentFinder 09:51 Taking the Ancestry DNA test 10:38 How Misty analyzed the DNA matches 12:04 Narrowing it down to three brothers 13:23 Sending letters with no response 14:01 Ad break 14:32 How Jay finally made contact 16:08 Ruben goes silent 17:20 Misty's theory on the birth father 18:16 Carla's reaction to the breakthrough 21:42 Carla's plea to her birth father 23:21 Carla's family and life today 24:39 Who Carla is — business, family, hobbies 27:06 A message to the birth father's family 27:43 Every child deserves the truth 30:07 Closing thoughts from Jay and Misty 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, Birth Father Search, DNA Genealogy, Guatemalan Heritage, Adoptee Story, Birth Parent Found, BirthParentFinder, Emotional Reunion, Closed Adoption Search, Family Discovery Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, attorney, author, and TEDx speaker Maria Leonard Olsen shares the shocking DNA discovery that changed her identity forever. After taking a 23andMe test, Maria learned that the man who raised her was not her biological father. What followed was a years-long search that led her to an aging Hollywood actor, former NFL player, and legendary Del Mar horse handicapper living in California. Maria opens up about navigating a non-paternity event (NPE), meeting her biological father for the first time at a racetrack, and how DNA testing can uncover life-changing family secrets no one saw coming.  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/9fgw0OmtUPc 00:00 Welcome and Subscribe 00:54 Meet Today’s NPE Guest 03:34 Maria’s Upbringing and Doubts 05:29 23andMe Surprise Revealed 08:05 Tracking Down Bio Dad 10:41 NPE Community and Conferences 13:26 Break and Sponsor Message 14:09 First Meeting at the Racetrack 17:17 Why Some Reunions Fail 22:21 Pandora’s Box of DNA Testing 24:27 Identity Faith and Forgiveness 30:29 Advice Resources and Closing 32:31 Book Plug and Final Thanks Follow Maria here: https://www.marialeonardolsen.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mariaolsen49/ Check out her book here: https://www.amazon.com/50-After-Reframing-Next-Chapter/dp/1538109646 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 NPE story, non paternity event, 23andMe discovery, DNA surprise, genetic genealogy, family secrets, finding biological father, DNA identity discovery, adoption and DNA, birth father reunion, ancestry DNA, family mystery, DNA testing podcast, unexpected DNA results, identity and family history, Chris Olsen Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we follow Porsha Jones’ powerful journey from loss to reconnection. Adopted at birth and later losing both of her adoptive parents as a teenager, Porsha grew up navigating life on her own while carrying questions about where she came from. After years of searching, she turned to Jay Rosenzweig and BirthParentFinder.com—and in a matter of hours, her birth mother was found. What followed was an emotional surprise reunion that changed everything. Three years later, Porsha shares how that moment transformed her life, the deep bond she’s built with her mother, and the healing that comes from finally knowing your roots.  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/vQctv3vZn4o 00:00 Show Welcome and Host Intro 00:32 Subscribe and Mothers Day Giveaway 01:11 Meet Porsha Jones 02:01 Adopted at Birth 02:27 Losing Adoptive Parents Young 03:09 Raised by Older Brother 04:10 Why They Adopted 04:43 Loneliness Growing Up 05:12 Learning She Was Adopted 06:27 What She Was Told About Birth Mom 06:49 Searching as an Adult 08:15 How Jay Found Priscilla 08:39 Kept the Original Birth Certificate 10:06 The Surprise Reunion Setup 11:06 Promo and Reunion Video 11:37 First Meeting Reactions 12:02 Name Confusion and Sister Story 13:12 Birth Mom Reaction Clip 14:08 What Reunion Changed 15:52 Building a Relationship Over Years 16:19 Aneurysms and Recovery 17:26 Bond with Birth Mom 18:11 Respecting Her Past 18:57 Jail and Clean Record 19:35 Why She Never Searched 20:44 Granddaughter Meets Grandma 21:36 Siblings and Louisiana Roots 23:31 Cousin Eric Connection 24:08 Three Years Later Reflection 26:02 New Life and New Home 26:40 Host Wrap Up and Thanks 28:03 Photo Request and Farewell 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 adoption story, birth mother reunion, adoptee journey, finding biological family, DNA reunion, family reunion story, adoption podcast, genetic genealogy, emotional reunion, adoptee stories, long lost family, identity and adoption, finding birth parents, family healing, reunion story Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of Finding Family DNA, Jay and Misty sit down with Taylor Shennett, a Chinese-born adoptee who was adopted into an American family as a baby and has spent the last decade searching for her biological roots. As a transracial adoptee, she shares her deeply personal journey navigating identity, belonging, and the realities of growing up looking different from her family. From viral search efforts in China to DNA testing, facial recognition, and ongoing leads, her story highlights both the challenges and hope behind international adoption searches. This episode offers a powerful and honest look at adoption, culture, and the resilience it takes to keep searching for answers. 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/ABSwc6MnTW4 00:00 Show Welcome 00:24 Recent Case Breakthroughs 01:37 Patience Pays Off 02:15 Episode Seven Callback 03:27 Meet Taylor 03:59 Early Adoption Awareness 05:27 China Adoption Journey 06:22 Identity and Belonging 08:08 Racism and COVID Era 10:59 Sibling Jealousy to Bond 12:06 Therapy and Healing Tools 15:30 Orphanage Records Reality 17:18 China Reunion Video Clip 17:44 Becoming a Creator 18:02 Birth Parent Finder Break 18:44 Taylor Search Timeline 19:11 Viral WeChat Leads 20:07 Posters Databases Police 22:11 DNA Tests And Limits 23:58 Ancestry Kit Surprise 25:27 Patience Hope And Faith 26:40 Adoptee Advocacy Voice 28:09 Healing Adoption Trauma 31:15 Transracial Adoption Themes 32:42 Advice To Younger Adoptees 33:49 Where To Follow And Support 34:10 Subscribe And Closing Thanks Follow Taylor on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorruipingshen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorshennett YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Taylorshennett Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChineseAdoptee 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 Chinese adoption, transracial adoptee, international adoption story, adoptee journey, adoption podcast, birth family search, genetic genealogy, Asian adoptee story, identity and adoption, searching for biological family, adoption awareness, adoptee voices, DNA testing adoption, international adoptee search, family identity Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This week, Jay & Misty celebrate the show’s 2-year anniversary by looking back at some of the most powerful, emotional, and unforgettable stories from the past two years. From long-lost family reunions to shocking DNA discoveries and unresolved cases that still stay with them. They also share behind-the-scenes insights, updates on past cases, and reflect on how the show has grown—from just a handful of viewers to a community helping fund life-changing pro bono reunions. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the impact of DNA, storytelling, and the families still waiting to be found.  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/bSgyL2GElEI 00:00 Two Year Anniversary 00:39 Misty Joins In 01:08 KTLA Segment Update 01:42 Early Episodes Recap 03:03 Twins Story Fallout 04:01 Doctor Interview Clip 06:27 Patty Airport Reunion 08:13 Fake Name Birth Records 09:06 Mary May Case Heartbreak 10:31 RootsTech And Award 12:49 Kailyn Memphis Reunion 14:32 Funding Pro Bono Work 17:03 Break And Sponsor Spot 17:45 Chiari Smith Twist 19:09 Shanna Zoom DNA Reveal 20:16 Family Secret Revealed 20:54 Season Highlights Recap 21:31 Baby Holly Gains Traction 22:40 Reunion Updates and Studio Talk 23:40 Mary Maybe and Tough Choices 24:45 RootsTech Plans and Speaking 25:23 Caitlyn Reunion Goes South 26:31 Sensitive Cases and Letters 30:03 Donald Brown Mystery Name 31:28 Celebrity DNA and Vanishing Leads 32:58 Mexico Case Investigation 36:05 Pro Bono and Closing Thanks 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, DNA reunion stories, adoption stories, genetic genealogy, family reunions, adoptee stories, family secrets, genealogy podcast, DNA discoveries, birth family search, podcast anniversary, DNA journeys, finding biological family, pro bono cases, emotional reunion stories Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands