Finding Family DNA
Finding Family DNA is a podcast that explores birth family reunions through the lens of genetic genealogy and DNA technology. Hosted by Jay Rosenzweig, founder of BirthParentFinder.com, each episode examines a different case, highlighting the investigative tools and methods used to connect adopted individuals with their biological families. The show navigates the complexities of adoption searches and celebrates the profound relationships that emerge from these discoveries.
Episodes
The Montana Records That Led Misty to a Killer
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’
CeCe Moore Gets Canded: DNA, Friendship & the Stories Behind the Cases
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 M
A Tragic Discovery About My Birth Father Led Me to My Sister | Ep. 51
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 ste
50 Episodes of Finding Family DNA: A Look Back
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
From the Primal Wound to the Paternal Wound
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 f
I Broke Into an Adoption Agency to Find My Name
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'
A Regifted DNA Kit Uncovered My Birth Parents
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 sh
DNA Revealed The Shocking Truth About My Birth Parents
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
Five Years No Answers Then A DNA Match Appeared
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
My Birth Father's Family Ghosted Us — So I'm Speaking Out
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 sc
Maria Leonard Olsen's Shocking DNA Discovery
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 handicap
I Lost My Adoptive Parents Young — Then Jay Found My Birth Mother
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 moth
My Endless Search for My Birth Family: Adopted from China
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 se
What Happened After the DNA Reunions? (2-Year Anniversary Special)
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 h
My Birth Mother Told Everyone I Died at Birth
In this episode of Finding Family DNA, we follow Jenn Reinschmidt’s emotional journey to uncover her biological family after growing up knowing she was adopted. What started as a search for medical history quickly turned into a life-changing discovery when Misty Gillis used DNA matches and family tree analysis to identify Jenn’s birth mother—and ultimately connect her with her half-brother. Along
Inside RootsTech 2026: The Future of DNA and Genealogy
This week, Misty explains how investigative genetic genealogy helped solve the 1991 murder of Danielle Clause in Ventura, California. Using preserved crime scene DNA, GEDmatch, and advanced genealogy techniques, the team identified Larry Devon Welch more than three decades after the crime. Misty breaks down the science behind centimorgans, kinship testing, phenotyping, and how everyday DNA uploads
How DNA Solved the Mysterious Murder of Danielle Clause
This week, Misty explains how investigative genetic genealogy helped solve the 1991 murder of Danielle Clause in Ventura, California. Using preserved crime scene DNA, GEDmatch, and advanced genealogy techniques, the team identified Larry Devon Welch more than three decades after the crime. Misty breaks down the science behind centimorgans, kinship testing, phenotyping, and how everyday DNA uploads
Reuniting with My Birth Mother and Sister After Foster Care and Homelessness
This week, we meet Linda Rasmussen — Jay’s right-hand woman and the intake specialist for BirthParentFinder.com. Linda introduces us to the powerful case of Victor, a young man living in a homeless shelter, whose search for his birth family becomes one of the most emotional reunions the team has worked on. With Linda’s investigative support and Jay’s guidance, Victor reconnects with his biological
A DNA Test Revealed My Birth Father Was My Mother’s Stepfather
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 conve
She Had a Secret Daughter — And Never Told Anyone
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 do
Inside the Boy in the Box Case with the Woman Who Solved It
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-ol
How DNA Led Me to a Father Who Never Knew I Existed
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 emotio
How DNA Helped Me Reclaim My Story—and Myself
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 c
From Family Secret to Feature Film: "One Big Happy Family"
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
How a 23andMe DNA Test Found My Dad
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
How I Discovered My Birth Father’s Hollywood Past
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 at
Jeremy, the DNA Detective
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 fat
DNA Revealed The Truth About My Birth Father
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
Hugging My Birth Mother Was Priceless
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 m
From Missing Child to Family Reunion
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
Reunion Tears and Triumphs at RootsTech 2025
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 to
Finding My Father and Solving a 40-Year Mystery
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
My Mom Left My Birth Father In Mexico
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 le
I Want To Thank My Birth Mother Before It's Too Late
This week Chris and Jay explore the compelling story of Angela Harden's search for her biological parents. Angela, who was adopted at a young age, embarked on this journey driven by health concerns and a curiosity about her familial origins. The episode highlights the complexities of genealogical research, particularly when dealing with small-town records and overlapping familial ties. With th
My Birth Father Never Kept Me A Secret
This week we discuss the case of David Durbin, a 53-year-old man who embarked on a journey to uncover his biological origins. Born in 1969 and adopted at birth, David had minimal information about his birth parents. With Jay's expertise and the strategic use of the California Birth Index, they discovered his birth name was David Anderson, and his mother's uncommon last name, Capps, led the
My Adoption Was A Secret Until I Was 65
This week Chris & Jay dive into the unique story of Robin Wescott whose biological mother went to the hospital under Robin’s adoptive mother's name and gave birth to her. This episode explores the emotional and logistical aftermath of finding out she was adopted at 65 years old after decades of secrets. Through detailed DNA analysis and genealogical research led by genealogist Misty Gillis
Blessed To Be A Sperm Donor Baby
This week Chris & Jay are joined by Annie Ross, Jay’s niece, who shares her personal experience as a sperm donor-conceived individual. The discussion touches on the reasons donors choose anonymity, the challenges recipients face in accessing vital medical histories, and the broader implications for identity and rights in the context of assisted reproductive technologies. Annie shares how her u
Found My Birth Father Alive At 99 Years Old
While Chris is on vacation, Jay is joined by Rosie Okumura, an expert in scam detection. This episode focuses on the story of Mary Maybee, a 75-year-old adoptee from Denver, who sought to uncover her roots. After a serendipitous meeting with Jay at a genealogy conference, Mary shares her emotional journey to connect with her birth family. Through the diligent efforts of Jay and his team, Mary find
My Birth Mother Didn’t Want To Know Me
In episode 14 of "Finding Family DNA," Caroline Chamblee shares her journey through adoption from both the perspective of an adoptee and a birth mother. Caroline was adopted into a loving family but always knew about her adoption and had some information about her birth mother. As an adult, with the support of her adoptive parents, Caroline sought to reconnect with her biological mother, a
Orphaned And Then Adopted At 18 Months
In episode 13 of "Finding Family DNA," Lori Quinn shares her story of discovering her biological family through the efforts of Jay and his team. Initially contacting BirthParentFinder.com due to a compelling news story featuring Chris, Lori's journey uncovers layers of her identity shaped by a closed adoption. The episode explores the emotional first meeting with her paternal half-sist
[BONUS] How My Relationship With My Daughter Fell Apart With Dawn Voris
In this Patreon-exclusive segment of "Finding Family DNA," Dawn Voris shares her complex and emotional journey surrounding the adoption of one of her twins. From Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dawn recounts the circumstances that led her to place one twin for adoption while keeping the other, a decision shaped by unique and challenging circumstances. This episode delves deep into Dawn's personal
I Separated My Twins At Birth
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/9vUH_VvV0ycIn episode 12 of "Finding Family DNA," we delve into the complex and emotionally charged story of Dawn Voris, who made the heart-wrenching decision to give up one of her twin daughters for adoption due to financial in
My Adoption Story Led to BirthParentFinder.com
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/ep4suRHL2FkIn episode 11 of "Finding Family DNA," we explore the journey of Jay’s niece, Maggie Botta. Jay, originally not in the business of finding birth parents, was inspired by Maggie's situation. Maggie, adopted into a
My Birth Parents Were Murdered: An Interview With Baby Holly
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/aVKK0i9lOKEIn this special true crime episode of "Finding Family DNA," we uncover the harrowing and heartrending story of Holly Marie, a woman ensnared in a decades-old mystery involving her biological parents' murder and he
I Never Gave Up Hope Of Being Reunited With My Son
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/3gkWl3DsCU0In episode 9 of "Finding Family DNA," Patty Garcia recounts her emotional journey of teenage pregnancy and the heartrending decision to give up her son, Evan, due to societal pressures and family expectations. Growing
I Didn't Feel Complete Until I Met My Birth Family
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/WIV88X7E13IIn episode 8 of "Finding Family DNA," Tom Freeman shares his profound journey of discovering his birth family with the assistance of Jay Rosenzweig and the innovative use of databases like the California Birth Index.
Orphaned in Korea, but Found My Birth Parents in the U.S.
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/iaRz9bNK_fwIn episode 7 of "Finding Family DNA," Aneyah Elmore delves into her complex journey as a Korean adoptee and her poignant reunion with her birth father, an African American soldier previously stationed in Korea during
I Waited 34 Years For My Daughter To Find Me
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/jBhPvoGQRTgIn episode 6 of "Finding Family DNA," Kim Carrington, a birth mother, shares her journey of placing her daughter, Victoria, for adoption and the eventual reunion decades later. The story unfolds with Kim describing he
I Met My Birth Father Four Months Before He Passed Away
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaListen To Tarcia's Podcast Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adoption-journey-podcast/id1697365233https://open.spotify.com/show/1Lm7HLeSKJorSKiGhpVD7hWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/7wsgydUsTjcIn episode 5 of "Finding Family DNA," Tarcia Smith
Finding My Mom After She Disappeared When I Was 6
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/GJUgq426DPQIn episode 4 of "Finding Family DNA," we explore the touching story of Lakeeta Greene, who uncovered her birth mother through a contest win at BirthParentFinder.com. Lakeeta, an author, had just published a book about
My Mother Had an Affair with a Chippendales Dancer
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/BqFVhTEEKPAIn episode 3 of "Finding Family DNA," we meet Sean Higgins, a man who discovered his biological father was a former Chippendales dancer. Sean's journey into his paternal lineage began when a DNA test revealed that
I Didn’t Know I Was Adopted Until Age 45
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/OO8cijvxcy0In episode 2 of "Finding Family DNA," we delve into the gripping story of Cassandra Brown, who discovered at 45 that she was adopted. Raised without knowledge of her adoption or biracial identity, Cassandra's life
My Birth Mother’s Dying Wish was to Meet Me
Join our Patreon to get exclusive bonus segments from each episode!https://www.patreon.com/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/lewlrRoVqdYIn episode 1 of "Finding Family DNA," Chris and Jay explore Chris’s journey to find his biological family, a decade-long quest that was aided by Jay and his team's expertise in private investigation and genetic ge
Welcome To Finding Family DNA [Trailer]
"Finding Family DNA" is premiering on May 1st! Hosted by LA Morning News anchor Chris Schauble and Jay Rosenzweig, founder and CEO of BirthParentFinder.com, this podcast delves into the captivating world of family reunions. Each week, we bring you a new case, illuminating the sophisticated tools of genetic genealogy and DNA technology that make these heartfelt reunions a reality. Join us a
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