Advertise on podcast: Finding Family DNA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This week Jay and Misty sit down with adoptee Kim Goff to share her decades-long journey to uncover the truth about her biological parents. Adopted as an infant in 1962 in Los Angeles and raised in Maine, Kim always knew she was adopted but lacked answers about her origins. Her search revealed a birth mother who vanished from her family’s life and a birth father who was a high-profile Hollywood attorney. Despite DNA confirmation, both parents denied or ignored contact attempts, highlighting the painful realities of family secrets and the lasting impact of unresolved trauma. Kim reflects on how the journey—though met with silence—helped her gain closure, compassion, and a deeper understanding of her roots. Jay and Misty underscore the importance of professional guidance, persistence, and sensitivity when navigating the complexities of birth family searches. 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/MPL0BwIbGiw 00:00 Welcome to Finding Family DNA! 00:30 Don't Foget to Rate and Review! 01:08 Introducing Today's Case 03:45 Guest Introduction: Kim Goff 04:18 Kim's Adoption Story 07:07 The Search for Birth Parents 10:05 Challenges and Discoveries 12:02 Contacting Family Members 15:19 Unexpected Encounter with Birth Mother 16:56 Sharing the Story on Social Media 17:57 Client's Perspective on Outreach Services 19:01 Identifying the Birth Father 20:49 Challenges in Contacting the Birth Father 25:16 Reflections on the Search Journey 31:02 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

In this episode, Jay and Misty sit down with licensed private investigator and genetic genealogist Jeremy Lipford, whose passion for solving mysteries was sparked by a friend's unexpected DNA discovery. Jeremy shares how he blends traditional investigative work with modern DNA tools to crack cold cases, identify unknown family members, and help bring missing persons home. From uncovering a father’s identity through 1800s Italian ancestry to assisting on Jane Doe cases and suspected serial homicides in the Mid-South, Jeremy’s work highlights the power of persistence, community science, and compassion. 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/TC0gIl18CKI 00:00 Welcome to Finding Family DNA 00:25 Jay's Private Investigation Background 00:55 Help Fund a Case! Join the Patreon! 01:49 Jay's Experience with Missing Persons Cases 04:33 Introducing Jeremy Lipford, The DNA Detective 06:32 Challenges in Missing Persons Cases 07:46 This Episode Is Brought To You By GEDMatch.com 08:22 Jeremy's Journey into Genetic Genealogy 11:33 The Process of Getting a PI License 14:31 Jeremy's Volunteer Work and Passion 18:43 Case Study: Red Flags in Genetic Genealogy 19:19 The PI Toolkit: Exclusive Databases and Resources 20:44 Creative Investigative Techniques 24:07 The Dynamics of the Genetic Genealogy Industry 33:17 Memorable Cases and Their Impact 36:21 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 #findingfamilyDNA #birthparentfinder #podshuttle #chobostudios #adoption #DNA #genealogy #genealogypodcast #DNApodcast

Jay shares the powerful and emotional journey of Bethany, who reached out to him in 2018 after discovering the man who raised her was not her biological father. Struggling with grief over the loss of her grandfather—whom she saw as her true father figure—Bethany wrestled with whether she even wanted to meet her birth father. Jay recounts how he gently guided her through the emotional complexity of the situation, ultimately helping her reunite with her birth dad after 37 years. The episode explores themes of identity, timing, and healing, as Bethany finds space to honor both the family she was raised with and the one she never knew she had. Her story is a testament to how truth, even when painful, can lead to profound personal peace and reconnection. 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/4_2JPeU3cE4 00:00 Welcome to Finding Family DNA 01:25 Exciting Case Updates and Success Stories 01:50 Reaching Out to Birth Fathers 06:16 Case Study: Bethany from Santa Barbara 07:58 Bethany's Adoption Journey 16:07 Emotional Challenges and Family Dynamics 19:00 Support from Adoptive Mother 20:17 Challenges in Birth Family Search 21:21 Discussing Adoption with Children 24:01 Discovering Birth Father 26:18 Meeting the Birth Father 29:25 Building Relationships with Birth Family 32:31 Advice for Others on Adoption Journeys 34:13 Don't Forget to Join the Patreon! 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

This week, Jay and Misty welcome guest Joanna Winans, whose extraordinary reunion story began in 2018 when she reached out to find her birth mother after facing infertility. Motivated by a desire to understand her roots, Joanna was connected with her birth mother Amber, leading to a powerful reconnection that changed both of their lives. The episode also features a recent client case involving a man named Ken who searched for his father’s birth parents without telling his dad, ultimately helping coordinate funeral arrangements for a biological relative he had never met. Joanna shares how meeting her birth mother brought profound healing, culminating in an emotional hospital reunion made possible by reality star Evelyn Lozada, who donated airline miles to fly Joanna to Anchorage just in time. 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/qCOV-KE6EPs 00:00 Anniversary Celebration 01:12 Special Announcement: Patreon Pro Bono Case 02:10 Client Story: Ken's Search for His Father's Birth Parents 05:28 Guest Introduction: Joanna Winans 11:57 Reconnecting with Birth Mother 19:47 Reuniting with a Half-Sister 21:08 Journey from Houston to Anchorage 22:38 A Miraculous Reunion 26:54 The Emotional Impact of Reconnection 30:57 Challenges of Homelessness 35:00 Advice for Adoptees and Birth Families 36:43 Join us on Patreon! 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

This week, Jay Rosenzweig and genealogist Misty Gillis discuss their roles as intermediaries in emotionally charged family reunions, highlighting two poignant case studies. The episode features a client who discovered his birth father through ancestry results but hesitated to make contact; with Jay and Misty’s mediation, a heartwarming reunion was facilitated, demonstrating the delicate nature of their work. Additionally, the story of Ashley and Kaylin is explored, where Kaylin, a young woman who had been a missing person and a victim of human trafficking, seeks to reconnect with her birth mother, Ashley. The team’s careful verification and support lead to a touching reunion captured by local news, providing both closure and a new beginning for the reunited family. 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/KT9CJEtkZTo 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:19 Introducing Misty Gillis and GEDMatch 01:06 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe & Support on Patreon 02:10 Client Case Study: Birth Father Reunion 04:16 Misty's Experience with Intermediary Services 07:18 Case Study: Ashley and Kaylin's Reunion 08:56 Verifying Kaylin's Identity 10:55 Kaylin's Story of Human Trafficking 18:27 Reunion at LAX and Media Coverage 25:34 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

Join host Jay Rosenzweig and genealogy expert Misty Gillis at RootsTech 2025, the world’s largest family history conference. This special episode features exciting interviews, personal stories, and insightful discussions on the ethical dimensions of genealogical research and the transformative power of DNA. Highlights include a touching reunion facilitated by Jay, discussions about genealogical tools with GEDMatch, and personal experiences that underscore the emotional impact of discovering family connections. 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/RpGW_h77BE4 00:00 Welcome to Finding Family DNA 00:30 Like, Subscribe, Rate & Review the Show! 01:02 Introducing GEDMatch Sponsor 01:40 Misty's First Impressions of RootsTech 02:44 Ethics in Genealogy 06:30 The Importance of Medical History 08:24 The Role of an Intermediary in Reunions 12:31 Mary's Story and Meeting Rae 16:57 A Mysterious Encounter 17:36 KTLA Segment and Birth Father Reunion 19:03 Interview with Family Search CEO Steve Rockwood 21:26 Holocaust Reunion Project 24:25 Heartwarming Case of Vilunya Diskin 26:31 GEDMatch and DNA Justice 30:41 Roots Tech Experience 33:51 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

In this heartwarming episode, host Jay facilitates a profound reunion between Anthony McDermott and his birth father, Greig Watson. Discover how DNA testing brought them together after decades of separation and uncovered the identity of Anthony’s birth mother. Genealogist Misty Gillis plays a crucial role, using intricate DNA analysis to solve this family mystery. Watch as emotions unfold and new family bonds form, bridging the gaps of time and distance. Don’t miss this touching story of identity, heritage, and the powerful connections that define us. 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/kmqkdCPw48Q 00:00 Discovering a Long-Lost Son 00:23 Welcome to the show! 00:40 Introducing Misty Gillis 01:28 Upcoming Events and Conferences 02:44 Introducing Greig and Tony's Story 03:02 Tony's Journey: Taking a DNA Test 06:11 Greig's Perspective: Taking the DNA Test 08:02 Connecting Through a Private Investigator 08:46 Finding Tony's Birth Mother 09:11 Misty Gillis: Solving the Case 12:57 Tony's First Contact with His Birth Mother 16:22 Tony's Adoptive Family Support 20:34 Tony and Greig's Reunion 21:07 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

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