DNA Discoveries

エピソード

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  Episode 39: Maryssa Drove 8½ Hours to Meet the Family She Never Knew 19.10.2026 38分

  What happens when the story you've been told about your origins isn't the whole story? And what happens when someone reaches out and suddenly changes everything you thought you knew about your family? In this episode of DNA Discoveries, I talk with Maryssa, who has written a memoir about her resilient life, including her journey of discovering her biological family. Maryssa shares the challenges of growing up without knowing her full family history, the reality of closed adoptions, and what happened when someone unexpectedly reached out with information about her mother's family. She describes the experience of seeing a photograph of someone she was related to, reaching out to her biological mother, and discovering a paternal family that welcomed her. We also talk about the eight-and-a-half-hour drive she made to meet her newfound relatives. What was going through her mind during that journey? How do you go from being complete strangers to becoming family? Maryssa also shares why she decided to put her life story into a memoir, what early readers are saying about her book, and the advice she has for others beginning their own DNA discovery journey. It's a conversation about identity, family, resilience, and the unexpected ways our lives can change when we discover where we come from. Purchase Maryssa's memoir on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/One-Left-Here-Motherhood-Finding-ebook/dp/B0HMYN7LN6/
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  Episode 38: Teresa's Story Has a Twist 20 Years Later... 14.04.2025 38分

  In this heartfelt episode of DNA Discoveries, Teresa opens up about her decades-long journey to uncover the truth about her biological roots. Adopted as an infant and raised in a loving home, she began searching for her birthmother in her 20s with very little to go on. A chance encounter with a private investigator set in motion a chain of events no one could have predicted. From emotional first meetings to DNA results that raised more questions than answers, Teresa’s story is a powerful reminder of the complexity of identity, the courage it takes to seek the truth, and the surprising ways family can expand. Whether you’re part of the adoptee, NPE (Not Parent Expected), or DNA testing community—or simply drawn to incredible real-life stories—this conversation is one you won’t forget. Contact Edward and express your interest in sharing your story on an episode: E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/dnadiscoveriespod Host site: [dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm ](dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm)
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  Episode 37: Jeremy Considers His DNA Discovery a Love Story 24.03.2025 57分

  In this deeply moving episode of DNA Discoveries, we unpack an incredible story of childhood trauma, resilience, and unexpected family reunions. Our guest grew up with an absent father, a struggling single mother, and no siblings—always “bracing for impact.” But everything changed in 2019 when his daughters uncovered long-lost siblings in minutes. Through DNA testing, cyber-sleuthing, and a chance encounter at a wedding, he took the leap to connect with his biological family. What started as a search for identity became a powerful love story—one that is healing not just him, but his father, his siblings, and generations of family wounds. This episode explores the impact of childhood neglect, attachment wounds, and the power of vulnerability in the healing journey. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about loss, love, and the surprising ways family can find us when we least expect it. E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/dnadiscoveriespod Host site: [dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm ](dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm)
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  Episode 36: The Secret of Mike's Dad Didn't Go to the Grave 03.02.2025 33分

  In this compelling episode of DNA Discoveries, Mike shares his life-changing journey of uncovering a family secret that didn’t go to the grave. Through an autosomal DNA test, he discovered that the man listed on his birth certificate wasn’t his biological father. Mike opens up about the shock, the emotional impact of untold family history, and the bittersweet realization that he could have met his real father if he had known sooner. Listen as he recounts the surprising connections he found within his newfound family, the challenges of processing this revelation, and the unexpected DNA twist that led him to a brother he never knew existed. With deep personal reflection, Mike explores how this discovery reshaped his relationships, the reactions of friends and coworkers, and the comfort he found in podcasts like DNA Discoveries. If you've ever wondered about the power of DNA in uncovering hidden truths, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Mike’s heartfelt message to those holding onto family secrets—before it's too late. Contact Edward and express your interest in sharing your story on an episode: E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/dnadiscoveriespod Host site: [dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm ](dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm)
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  Episode 35: Duane Found His Unwed Mother 06.01.2025 40分

  Many decades ago, unwed mothers were sent away to boarding homes and hospitals and ultimately would give their child up for adoption. Duane knew that his biological mother was one of those unwed mothers. In this episode of DNA Discoveries, Duane shares how he went about finding her, the reactions of his adoptive family, and other discoveries he found along the way. Contact Edward and express your interest in sharing your story on an episode: E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/dnadiscoveriespod Host site: [dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm ](dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm)
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  Episode 34: Karen Kingsbury's Novel, Now Turned Movie, Tells the Story of Unexpectedly Finding Family 02.04.2024 13分

  Christian novel writer, Karen Kingsbury has adapted her novel to a feature film, "Someone Like You." It is a story of embryo adoption and how one of the characters finds out the info about her adoption, how she receives it, and how she processes it. It's a story of finding family on the big screen, and it's' in theaters beginning April 2. Check your local listings.
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  Episode 33: Lisa Was a Super Sleuth and Found An Uncle 15.03.2024 1時間 36分

  In this episode, Lisa shares her story of how she came to know about a new family member, and how she went about searching and finding information. She figured it out and has been in touch with the new found family and was able to confirm all the facts surrounding the story.
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  Episode 32: Bryan and Sandra Share How, As a Couple, They Welcomed and Accepted Bryan's Daughter 13.02.2024 41分

  Bryan and Sandra enjoyed watching tv shows about finding family. Little did they know that one day they would have a story to tell. In a joint conversation, they together share the story of Bryan finding out he had a daughter from his younger days and how as a husband and wife they accepted her into their family. Get ready for a beautiful and inspiring story! Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact Follow the podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DNADiscoveriesPod/
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  Episode 31: Barbara Lane's Quest to Find Her Long Lost Sisters Separated in Childhood after Abandonment 04.01.2024 46分

  Barbara has a story that you won't believe. Her mother abandoned her and her sibling in their house. Child services became involved, and several of the children were separated from each other. In her memoir "Broken Water" she shares how she searched for her ten sisters and in this episode she shares many details of her life story. It's a story of finding family! Buy her book: https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Water-Extraordinary-True-Story/dp/B0BYVFQTCR/ Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact Follow the podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DNADiscoveriesPod/
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  Episode 30: Robert Found a Nephew...Or Did He? 07.12.2023 36分

  I've known Robert for years since I worked in his community. He reached out on Facebook to tell me he had his own DNA Discovery and would be happy to share it on the podcast. He shares about his adoption and how he happened upon his nephew. Or did he? Today's episode is sponosred by Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/dnadisco Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact Follow the podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DNADiscoveriesPod/
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  Episode 29: Robin Schepper Found Her Way and the Identity of Her Bio Dad 08.11.2023 44分

  Robin Schepper grew up not knowing who her biological father was, though her mother wanted her to lie and tell people her step-father was. Different names circulated as to who her brith father was, from the name of the birth certificate to another name suggested by her grandmother. Robin shares her story of identifying her biological father on this episode of DNA Discoveries. Buy her book: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-My-Way-Identity-Political/dp/195485496X Visit her website: https://robinfschepperauthor.com/ Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact Follow the podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DNADiscoveriesPod/
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  Episode 28: Bridget Found Family That Looked Like Her 04.10.2023 39分

  Bridget discovered she was an NPE and shares with listeners what that meant for her, her family, how she coped, how she met her new relatives, and how she moved on after the news. Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact Follow the podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DNADiscoveriesPod/
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  Episode 27: Carmen Rita Wong Asks the Question "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" 15.09.2023 40分

  Carmen Rita Wong is an American writer, former radio, television and online journalist, and personal finance expert at CNBC who also has been on quite the family roller coaster wide related to the identity of her father. Raised by a Chinese a father, she presumed he was her father, only to be told someone else was, and then had that rug pulled out from under her feet one day by surprise. Carmen offers profound insights into her journey that are sure to inspire others in a similar situation. Buy her book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Didnt-You-Tell-Me/dp/0593240251 Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact Follow the podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DNADiscoveriesPod/
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  Episode 26: John Found His Father-in-Law's Long Lost Brother and Doesn't Have a Happy Ending Yet 01.09.2023 33分

  This episode is unique for a few reasons. First, John is sharing his wife's story. Second, the story doesn't have a happy ending of family uniting and relationships forming. This is a story that is left to speculation and waiting. But what is certain, is that he found the relative and no one wants to talk about. it. Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact
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  Episode 25: How Jon Baime Filled in the Blanks and Documented it Along the Way 18.08.2023 23分

  Jon Baime has been helping people tell their stories about anything under the sun through his work in media. But after taking an autosomal DNA test, he now had a story to document and tell--he was donor conceived and discovered his biological dad and siblings. His documentary, Filling in the Blanks, is now available on streaming platforms. In this interview, you will hear parts of Jon's story, but you will want to stream the documentary for the full story. Watch it on Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/filling-in-the-blanks/umc.cmc.51crlr0tajnaqqpu4s9w1ldhc, Buy or rent on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Filling-Blanks-Jon-Baime/dp/B0CBHDZN74/ or search for it on your favorite streaming platform. Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact
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  Episode 24: Kim Found Our Her Dad was the Brother of Her Mom's Best Friend 01.08.2023 32分

  Kim's presumed father died before she was born. Years later she took her autosomal dna test and learned her father was her mother's best friend's brother. She shares her story of finding family in this episode of DNA Discoveries. Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact
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  Episode 23: Two Eds Meet Up in Chicago 05.07.2023 33分

  Ed joined us back on episode 10 and shared his story. Since the interview back in 2021, Ed and Edward have stayed in touch, exchanging texts and messages about the DNA Discoveries podcast. In this update episode, the two Eds share a conversation from a hotel lobby and Ed provides updates about his genealogical vocation. Listen to Ed's first intervidew here: https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/familyresearch Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact
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  Episode 22: Gerard, You Have a Son! 01.05.2023 52分

  In this episode, Gerard shares his story of discovering that he had a son and how he fostered a relationship as the time went on. Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact
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  Episode 21: Bob Used to be Italian 20.04.2023 33分

  After being gifted an autosomal DNA test kit, Bob was surprised to learn he wasn't Italian. He was even more surprised to find out that who he believed his father was, was in fact, not his father. He does come to learn the identity of his birth father and other very interesting stories about him. Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact
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  Episode 20: Oscar's Search to Clarify Misinformation and Find His Grandpa 07.04.2023 39分

  Oscar shares his story about wanting to learn more about his grandfather. When parts of his mother's story didn't add up, he found his answers through an autosomal DNA test kit. Share your story by emailing [email protected] or visiting https://dnadiscoveries.fireside.fm/contact