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Artwork for Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets

Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets

Corey and Kendall Stulce
Adoption
Family Secrets
Identity
Mental Health
DNA Testing
Trauma
Identity Discovery
Open Adoption
Family Dynamics
Foster Care
Child Welfare
Policy Changes
DNA Surprise Network
Horror Heals
NPE (not Parent Expected)
Healing
Mental Wellness
Horror Conventions
Transition
Personal Growth

Welcome to Family Twist, the podcast that dives deep into the tangled webs of family secrets and DNA surprises. Each episode, hosts Corey and Kendall Austin Stulce explore the complex and challenging truths that come with discovering you are a non-parent expected (NPE) individual—someone whose familial origins aren't what they seemed. Through candid interviews with people from the NPE, adoptee, an... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes192Founded4 years ago
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Artwork for Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets

Latest Episodes

What if the father you spent your life wondering about turned out to be someone you already knew?

As a kid growing up on Long Island in the 1970s, Rich Boerner learned not to ask too many questions. His mother had her version of the truth and repeat... more

YouTube

What happens when the podcast that’s helping you make sense of your DNA surprise starts to sound a little too familiar?

For many listeners, Family Twist is more than a podcast, it’s a lifeline. That’s exactly how it felt for Jai, whose own DNA disco... more

YouTube

This episode feels like the heart of Family Twist. It’s about what happens when we stop hiding, start talking, and realize we’re all part of a much bigger family than we thought.

Right to Know: Healing in Real Time

Corey shares the mic with other b... more

YouTube

This episode nearly vanished. Literally. When Corey bumped into fellow podcaster Jeremy Bryant at a New England podcast event, he recognized his voice before placing his face. Then it hit him, they had already recorded an episode of Family Twist with... more

YouTube

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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Recent Guests

Jeremy Bryant
Donor conceived individual and host of a Paranormal Podcast.
Paranormal Podcast
Episode: The Fertility Industry’s Dark Secret, Told by Two of Its Kids
Bryan Post
Leading expert in trauma and adoption, and an adoptee.
Episode: Why This Episode Left Us in Tears (and Hope)
Lisa Brenner
Actor, writer, and producer of the film One Big Happy Family
Independent film
Episode: When Your DNA Test Turns Into a Movie Script
Shirley Muñoz Newsom
Author and speaker on issues of switched at birth and family secrets.
Author of The Little Dark One, A True Story of Switched at Birth
Episode: Switched at birth and silenced for decades
J. Steven Osborne
An individual who navigated a family secret revealed through DNA testing.
Episode: Love Beyond DNA: The Man Who Raised Me
Jean Widner
Author, advocate, and truth teller
Author of "The Adoption Paradox"
Episode: The Adoption Paradox
Kendall Stulce
Host of Family Twist Podcast
Family Twist
Episode: Two Families, One Primal Wound
Lisa MM Butler
Transracial adoptee, artist, and advocate
Episode: What Happens When a Transracial Adoptee Tells the Whole Truth?
Adrienne King
Final Girl from the original Friday the 13th
Episode: The Pain We Carry, the Monsters We Love

Hosts

Kendall Austin Stulce
Co-host with personal experience in adoption and family discovery journeys, Kendall often shares insights and emotional reflections that connect deeply with listeners.
Corey Stulce
Co-host and collaborator with Kendall, who brings his perspective and engages listeners through relatable storytelling and humor.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 97 ratings
  • Interesting Topics but…

    I’m always fascinated by these types of stories and was delighted to find the podcast today. However, the weird Halloween music in the background is a major distraction. Off to find another podcast, unfortunately.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    LS6
    United States11 days ago
  • So relatable

    When you finally find the podcast where people actually understand your experience, it’s nothing short of magic. I love how Corey and Kendall share a mix of personal stories with guest experiences, showing us the many ways that family DNA can provide that oh-so-unexpected twist! Thank you so much for all you do. We all feel more seen, heard, and understood because of your show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Emily Aborn
    United Statesa month ago
  • Binge listening

    I found out about this podcast a couple of nights ago and binge listen all day while crocheting on the beach in Maine or on the porch. I grew up in Massachusetts, college in RI and live in NH. So it’s obviously have strong New England ties. Thank you Kendall and Corey for sharing and for letting others share their stories. I recently found a family member that is related (2nd or 2rd cousin) by an NPE and not positive who her related father is so I am helping her confirm but I am new to DNA b... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Love to Research
    United States2 months ago
  • Binge listening

    I found out about this podcast last night and binge listened all day while crocheting. Thank you Kendall and Corey for sharing and for letting others share their story. I recently found a family member that is related by an NPE and not positive who her related father is so I am helping.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Love to Research
    United States2 months ago
  • Expect the unexpected

    Kendall tells his story of being an adopted son. He and Corey, his partner tell their tales with honesty. Laughter and tears. Their outlook on life made me want to continue to listen. I am only on the first season. When I realized today that I have over 100 episodes to continue to listen to I was so happy! There’s a few different NPE podcasts out there and they are very good listens. BUT Kendall and Corey feel like family to me as I listen along to them. I hope you’ll agree that this podcast i... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sunchine1234
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the candid and heartfelt storytelling of the hosts, feeling like they are part of a supportive community.
The emotional exploration of family secrets resonates deeply, with many finding comfort in shared experiences.
Listeners highlight the mix of humor and poignant narratives, making each episode both informative and engaging.
The personal journeys shared in each episode create a sense of connection and belonging among listeners, fostering a warm atmosphere.
There is a strong emphasis on healing and understanding in relationship to the surprises and challenges discussed.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

When Kendall’s Story Became Her Mirror
Q: What is your relationship like with your heritage?
Jai is very connected to her roots and her mother kept the culture alive at home, instilling strong ties to both her Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage.
When Kendall’s Story Became Her Mirror
Q: What was the final like, OK, I'm pulling the trigger. I'm going to take a DNA test?
Jai felt emotionally overwhelmed by not knowing her family's history and decided she didn't want to continue living with the uncertainty.
My Birth Father Is Either One of Two Twins… or Their Dad
Q: Does your husband have a relationship with your biological father?
Yes, Emily's husband gets along well with her biological father, Stephen, and has visited him, though their relationship dynamics can be complicated.
My Birth Father Is Either One of Two Twins… or Their Dad
Q: Does it drive you crazy that you can't talk about it with your mother?
Yes, Emily struggles but understands her mother's reluctance to discuss a painful and shameful part of their past, feeling protective of her while also yearning for answers.
My Birth Father Is Either One of Two Twins… or Their Dad
Q: How did you discover this DNA surprise?
Emily grew up not knowing that the man she called dad was not her biological father until a childhood incident involving a wedding video prompted her mother to reveal the truth about her adoption and the circumstances of her conception.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the intricate narratives of family secrets and unexpected genealogical revelations, this podcast provides an engaging exploration of identity within the non-parent expected (NPE) and adoptee communities. Through heartfelt conversations with individuals who have faced shocking truths about their origins, listeners discover a range of emotional journeys—from the uplifting to the heart-wrenching. The unique blend of humor, candid storytelling, and personal experiences creates a supportive space where stories of rediscovery, acceptance, and healing resonate deeply.

What sets this podcast apart is its strong emphasis on community and shared experiences, making it not just informative but a true support network for those navigating s... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. DNA Surprises
2. NPE Stories
3. Missing Pieces - NPE Life
4. Everything's Relative with Eve Sturges
5. Finding Family DNA

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 192 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Jeremy Bryant
2. Bryan Post
3. Lisa Brenner
4. Shirley Muñoz Newsom
5. J. Steven Osborne
6. Jean Widner
7. Kendall Stulce
8. Lisa MM Butler

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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