What if the worst day of someone else’s life was also the beginning of your greatest revelation? In this jaw-dropping episode of Family Twist, we explore an adoptee’s extraordinary journey, starting with a mysterious medical episode and culminating in an emotional family reunion. But it’s the uncanny connection to her half-sister—a woman she never met—that will leave you questioning fate itself.

Here’s why you’ll want to listen:

Discover how a simple letter to Catholic Charities uncovered long-buried secrets.

Hear the heart-wrenching story of a half-sister’s untimely passing—and the eerie timing that connected their lives.

Explore the bittersweet reality of adoption reunions, from joyous discoveries to the complexities of navigating new relationships.

Gain insight into how this journey inspired a calling to help others through adoptee-competent therapy.

This isn’t just a story about adoption. It’s about loss, love, and the inexplicable ties that bind us. From the moment Karen woke up with unexplained anxiety to the day she connected with her birth family, you’ll be hooked on every twist and turn of this compelling narrative.

Why Listen All the Way Through?

The truth revealed in the final moments of this story is too powerful to miss. You’ll leave with a renewed appreciation for resilience, the mysteries of connection, and the incredible strength it takes to bridge the gap between past and present.

Subscribe now and press play—this is one episode you won’t forget.

Contact us to share your own Family Twist story

Your support helps us keep bringing you the most heartfelt and impactful adoption stories. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

We reflect on our wonderful guests from 2024, and tease what's to come in 2025!

Episode Description:

In this special expanded edition of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall revisit 2024’s most downloaded episode featuring Pam, a courageous advocate who discovered through DNA testing that she is the child of an affair. Pam shares the emotional journey of uncovering her biological parentage, navigating family dynamics, and becoming an advocate for others in the NPE (Not Parent Expected) community.

Kendall also dives into his own DNA discovery story, revealing the life-changing realization that his biological father wasn’t who he thought. With humor and heart, Kendall recalls thinking his test results were 'ruined' by a morning kiss and how his persistence eventually led him to uncovering the truth.

Key Highlights:

• Pam’s personal discovery of her biological parentage through DNA testing.
• The emotional complexities of being the child of an affair and navigating relationships with biological family members.
• Kendall’s candid and humorous recounting of his DNA discovery and its emotional fallout.
• The advocacy work Pam has undertaken to create support spaces for those with unexpected parentage discoveries.
• The importance of finding community and support in NPE, adoption, and DNA discovery groups.

Key Quotes:

• "I just wanted to know how Irish I was. Instead, I discovered my entire identity wasn’t what I thought." – Kendall
• "You can’t erase the fact that I’m here. I deserve to exist." – Pam
• "Family twists don’t just change lives; they reveal truths that have been buried for decades." – Corey

Connect With Us:

If you have a story to share or know someone whose family twist deserves to be told, reach out to us at [insert email address].

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about NPE advocacy at [insert resource link].
• Join support groups for DNA discoveries, adoption, and NPE [insert group link].
• Check out past episodes of Family Twist on [insert platform links].

Don’t Forget to Subscribe!

Be sure to follow us wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss upcoming episodes featuring more extraordinary stories like Pam’s.

Make sure and listen to episode 100 of The Family Twist Podcast before listening to this "lost," bonus episode with Monica Hall.

In this special “lost” episode, we reconnect with the unforgettable Monica Hall, whose previous appearance left us laughing, crying, and marveling at her resilience. This time, Monica dives even deeper into her extraordinary journey of healing, empowerment, and reconciling with her past. Monica shares stories about finding the daughter she gave up for adoption, and the potentially literal demons that haunted her and her son, Levi.

Monica recounts haunting tales from her teenage years, including the trauma of sexual violence and her subsequent quest for closure. In a moment straight out of a thriller, she describes confronting her past head-on by tracking down the man who wronged her—a journey filled with equal parts courage and catharsis. From shadowy figures and family secrets to her son’s “Spidey sense,” Monica’s story is gripping and raw, offering listeners an unfiltered look at the resilience of the human spirit.

This episode also explores how trauma and healing intersect, touching on themes from Corey and Kendall’s other podcast, Horror Heals. Monica’s tale reminds us that no matter how dark the story, there’s always hope for light and growth.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Revisiting Monica’s Story: A quick recap of Monica’s life journey, from leaving corporate America to rediscovering her indigenous roots and building a global soap empire.
• Haunted by the Past: Monica shares chilling accounts of shadowy figures and demons tied to family trauma, and her relentless pursuit of healing through confrontation.
• The Power of Writing and Reflection: How writing her memoir helped Monica process decades of pain and repressed memories.
• Family, Trauma, and Healing: Monica’s reflections on the complexities of adoption, family secrets, and her ongoing work to reconcile her past.
• Connections to Horror Heals: How Monica’s experiences align with the themes of horror as a tool for mental wellness.

Why You Should Listen:

This bonus episode isn’t just about revisiting Monica’s incredible life; it’s about exploring the power of owning your story. Monica’s raw honesty, dark humor, and relentless spirit remind us that even the most challenging twists in life can lead to transformative growth. Whether you’re here for her wit, her wisdom, or her unwavering courage, this episode will leave you inspired to face your own shadows.

In this episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall sit down with Jill Krizinovich, better known by her pen name, Margo Reilly. Jill is the author of the forthcoming memoir When You Shake the Family Tree and its predecessor When the Apple Falls Far from the Tree. Jill shares her remarkable journey of resilience and self-discovery, navigating family secrets, a shocking DNA discovery, and the ripple effects of generational trauma.

Listen as Jill reveals the origins of her pen name, the grit it took to overcome a tumultuous childhood, and her determination to uncover and tell her truth. Corey and Kendall connect with Jill on a deeply personal level, discussing the shared challenges of DNA surprises and how finding community has transformed their experiences. This heartfelt conversation will inspire anyone grappling with identity, family, and the quest for belonging.

Timestamps:

00:00 – 03:45: Welcome and introductions; Jill’s snow-filled New England backdrop

03:46 – 10:32: Jill’s alter ego, Margo Reilly: The meaning behind the name

10:33 – 20:15: Jill’s childhood challenges and the development of her resilience

20:16 – 33:55: The DNA discovery that changed Jill’s life

33:56 – 42:30: Navigating family rejection and acceptance

42:31 – 51:20: Writing for healing: Jill’s journey to sharing her truth

51:21 – 58:00: The power of community in healing family wounds

58:01 – 1:02:30: Closing thoughts and Jill’s hopes for her readers

Resources and Links:

• Preorder Jill’s memoir: When You Shake the Family Tree (Available December 12th, 2024)
• Read Jill’s first book: When the Apple Falls Far from the Tree
• Follow Jill (Margo Reilly) on Instagram and Facebook
• Learn more about DNA surprises and community resources at Untangling Our Roots

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience can stem from even the most challenging experiences and guide us through unimaginable revelations.
• Family secrets may feel protective in the moment but often lead to generational harm.
• Building a supportive community is a critical part of healing from DNA surprises and family estrangement.
• Sharing our stories can bring clarity and catharsis—and help others feel less alone.

Listener Challenge:

If Jill’s story resonated with you, take a moment to reflect on how family secrets have impacted your life. Consider journaling, reaching out to someone you trust, or exploring your own genealogy as a step toward understanding and healing.

Welcome to a special Thanksgiving episode of Family Twist! As the holiday season kicks off, Corey and Kendall take a brief pause to share heartfelt moments of gratitude and reflect on Thanksgiving traditions from their childhoods to today. From Kendall’s memories of his father’s long holiday weekends and lively house-hopping parties in Missouri to Corey’s packed family gatherings and their early days hosting “Thanksgiving orphans” in California, this episode is full of nostalgic warmth and humor.

Now living in New England, the tradition continues as Corey and Kendall celebrate Thanksgiving with Kendall’s brother and extended family, complete with delicious food, laughs, and a sweet dog named Clover, who dreams of turkey leftovers.

The duo also teases exciting plans for Family Twist in 2025, including crossover episodes with their sister podcast, Horror Heals, and an upcoming milestone before the end of the year.

Whether you’re prepping the turkey or driving to your Thanksgiving destination, take a quick break with Corey and Kendall as they bring the spirit of family and gratitude to your day.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Kendall’s childhood Thanksgiving traditions, including his dad’s long weekends and house-hopping parties.

Corey’s family’s rotating Thanksgiving hosting schedule and packed celebrations.

Stories of hosting “Thanksgiving orphans” in California.

Thanksgiving with the Clarks in New England and the beloved family dog, Clover.

A sneak peek at what’s coming for Family Twist in 2025.

For Shirley, life was a mystery with pieces that never quite fit—until a DNA test in 2001 revealed the unthinkable truth: she had been switched at birth. Raised in one family and belonging by blood to another, Shirley’s world was upended. In her memoir, The Little Dark One: A True Story of Switched at Birth, she recounts the trials and triumphs that followed, from grappling with family secrets to finding her place in a supportive community of adoptees and others with similar experiences.

When Corey and Kendall met Shirley at the Untangling Our Roots Summit, they immediately connected with her story. In a space filled with adoptees, NPEs, and donor-conceived individuals, Shirley found her tribe—people who understood the weight of family secrets and the power of shared experiences. Shirley describes the summit as “a group of nodding heads” who listened with empathy, providing the understanding she longed for but couldn’t find elsewhere.

Beyond her discovery, Shirley’s story is also about resilience and betrayal. After locating her biological family, she faced a heartbreaking betrayal when family members sold her story to tabloids. Despite this, Shirley found solace and love through her chosen family, including her beloved Aunt Mary, who welcomed her into her heritage and taught her the traditions of her roots. “DNA does not make a family, love does,” Shirley says, a mantra that has guided her through the twists and turns of her journey.

Writing The Little Dark One was a cathartic process for Shirley, bringing to light the emotions she’d buried for decades. She discovered how trauma had manifested in her physical health and found healing not only through writing but also through faith. “My body was falling apart,” she recalls, crediting therapy for saving her and helping her confront the past.

Shirley’s journey is a story of self-acceptance, healing, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Her message resonates with all who struggle to find where they belong, reminding us that healing is possible and that sometimes, family is found where we least expect it.

Read Shirley's book, The Little Dark One: A True Story of Switched at Birth, available on Amazon and in local bookstores.

Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Corey and Kendall speak with Shirley, the courageous author of The Little Dark One: A True Story of Switched at Birth. Shirley shares her remarkable journey of self-discovery, healing, and the power of faith after uncovering a life-altering truth: she was switched at birth. Together, they dive into the emotional and physical toll of her experience, the betrayals she faced, and the strength she found through her chosen family and the community of adoptees, NPEs, and donor-conceived individuals. This episode delves deep into themes of rejection, identity, forgiveness, and the resilience it takes to turn pain into purpose.

Key Topics Discussed:

Finding Community and Belonging: Shirley recounts her experience at the Untangling Our Roots Summit, where, for the first time, she felt truly understood by people with similar stories of family twists and hidden truths.

Discovering She Was Switched at Birth: Shirley details her journey of discovery, piecing together her past and finding her biological family in the early days of DNA testing and research.

Betrayal and Resilience: The painful experience of family members selling her story to tabloids and how she learned to find strength amidst betrayal.

Faith as a Foundation: Shirley’s journey through her faith and how it provided her with solace, strength, and a foundation for healing.

Healing Through Writing: How writing The Little Dark One uncovered buried trauma and contributed to her healing, both emotionally and physically.

The Power of Chosen Family: Shirley shares touching stories of her Aunt Mary and others in her biological family who...

In part two of this eye-opening conversation, Kendall Stulce and Rich Uhrlaub pick up where they left off, diving even deeper into the emotional highs and lows of the adoption journey. This episode unveils the unfiltered realities adoptees face, from unexpected family rejections to the healing power of creative expression. Rich continues sharing insights into his musical For the Record(s), a powerful work that voices the silenced stories of adoptees and birth families, capturing the struggle to reclaim identity amid a culture of secrecy.

This Episode Will Change How You See Adoption

Kendall and Rich also explore the social and psychological impact of adoption. They discuss their own paths to self-discovery, reflecting on how the need for answers transcends personal histories and taps into universal human questions. For anyone who has ever felt like a “second-tier” relative or struggled to make sense of their past, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—even in the face of silence and denial.

Key Takeaways:

• Art as a Means of Healing: Rich shares how creating For the Record(s) allowed him to process deep-seated emotions around his adoption, turning personal pain into a universally resonant story.
• The Complexities of Family Reunions: Kendall and Rich reflect on the bittersweet reunions with biological families, revealing how relationships don’t always meet the expectations that adoptees carry with them.
• Navigating Rejection and Silence: This episode shines a light on the emotional impact of being excluded from family milestones and the frustration adoptees face when denied basic truths about their origins.
• Advocating for Adoptee Rights: Rich discusses his continued work in adoption advocacy, including his role in legislative changes that aim to give adoptees the right to know their biological roots.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “Sometimes reconnecting with family doesn’t feel like a happy ending; it feels like starting a whole new story with no guarantees.” - Kendall Stulce
• “Art gives us a way to channel the emotions we can’t put into words. For me, For the Record(s) became that voice.” - Rich Uhrlaub
• “The right to know where we come from is as fundamental as it gets—why is that still so controversial?” - Rich Uhrlaub

Episode Highlights:

1. Turning Pain into Performance - Rich reveals how the creation of For the Record(s) helped him make sense of his adoption story, transforming personal struggles into a story that resonates widely.
2. Expectations vs. Reality in Family Reunions - Both Kendall and Rich share candid stories of meeting biological family members and the challenges that arise when reality doesn’t align with dreams.
3. Breaking the Silence - This conversation unpacks the pain and frustration adoptees feel when denied basic truths about their origins, and the emotional toll of facing family rejections.
4. Fighting for Adoptees’ Rights - Rich emphasizes the importance of advocating for adoptee rights, sharing his experience of helping to bring legislative change in Colorado.