Épisodes

  • My Birth Father's Family Ghosted Us — So I'm Speaking Out
    May 31 2026

    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 scratch — with no name, no country, and no answers. With the help of Misty's careful DNA analysis and genealogical research into Guatemalan civil records, the team was able to narrow Carla's birth father down to one of three brothers living in the United States. Despite sending letters and making direct contact with one of the brothers, the family has gone silent — and in a first for the show, Carla comes on air to make a heartfelt, tearful plea directly to her birth father. A devoted mother of two who runs her own construction company, Carla isn't asking for money or a lifelong commitment — she simply wants to know where she comes from, see her father's face, and finally have the medical history her children deserve.


    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/A3QY9_5aDf8


    00:00 Intro

    00:11 Welcome and case overview

    00:51 When DNA matches don't respond

    01:07 Misty's outreach strategy

    02:16 Introducing Carla Salvatierra

    03:02 Growing up not knowing her father

    04:38 DNA tests rule out two possible fathers

    08:03 What led Carla to BirthParentFinder

    09:51 Taking the Ancestry DNA test

    10:38 How Misty analyzed the DNA matches

    12:04 Narrowing it down to three brothers

    13:23 Sending letters with no response

    14:01 Ad break

    14:32 How Jay finally made contact

    16:08 Ruben goes silent

    17:20 Misty's theory on the birth father

    18:16 Carla's reaction to the breakthrough

    21:42 Carla's plea to her birth father

    23:21 Carla's family and life today

    24:39 Who Carla is — business, family, hobbies

    27:06 A message to the birth father's family

    27:43 Every child deserves the truth

    30:07 Closing thoughts from Jay and Misty


    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, Birth Father Search, DNA Genealogy, Guatemalan Heritage, Adoptee Story, Birth Parent Found, BirthParentFinder, Emotional Reunion, Closed Adoption Search, Family Discovery

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    32 min
  • Maria Leonard Olsen's Shocking DNA Discovery
    May 19 2026

    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 handicapper living in California. Maria opens up about navigating a non-paternity event (NPE), meeting her biological father for the first time at a racetrack, and how DNA testing can uncover life-changing family secrets no one saw coming.


    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/9fgw0OmtUPc


    00:00 Welcome and Subscribe

    00:54 Meet Today’s NPE Guest

    03:34 Maria’s Upbringing and Doubts

    05:29 23andMe Surprise Revealed

    08:05 Tracking Down Bio Dad

    10:41 NPE Community and Conferences

    13:26 Break and Sponsor Message

    14:09 First Meeting at the Racetrack

    17:17 Why Some Reunions Fail

    22:21 Pandora’s Box of DNA Testing

    24:27 Identity Faith and Forgiveness

    30:29 Advice Resources and Closing

    32:31 Book Plug and Final Thanks


    Follow Maria here:

    https://www.marialeonardolsen.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/mariaolsen49/

    Check out her book here: https://www.amazon.com/50-After-Reframing-Next-Chapter/dp/1538109646


    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


    NPE story, non paternity event, 23andMe discovery, DNA surprise, genetic genealogy, family secrets, finding biological father, DNA identity discovery, adoption and DNA, birth father reunion, ancestry DNA, family mystery, DNA testing podcast, unexpected DNA results, identity and family history, Chris Olsen

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    37 min
  • I Lost My Adoptive Parents Young — Then Jay Found My Birth Mother
    May 5 2026

    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 mother was found. What followed was an emotional surprise reunion that changed everything. Three years later, Porsha shares how that moment transformed her life, the deep bond she’s built with her mother, and the healing that comes from finally knowing your roots.


    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/vQctv3vZn4o


    00:00 Show Welcome and Host Intro

    00:32 Subscribe and Mothers Day Giveaway

    01:11 Meet Porsha Jones

    02:01 Adopted at Birth

    02:27 Losing Adoptive Parents Young

    03:09 Raised by Older Brother

    04:10 Why They Adopted

    04:43 Loneliness Growing Up

    05:12 Learning She Was Adopted

    06:27 What She Was Told About Birth Mom

    06:49 Searching as an Adult

    08:15 How Jay Found Priscilla

    08:39 Kept the Original Birth Certificate

    10:06 The Surprise Reunion Setup

    11:06 Promo and Reunion Video

    11:37 First Meeting Reactions

    12:02 Name Confusion and Sister Story

    13:12 Birth Mom Reaction Clip

    14:08 What Reunion Changed

    15:52 Building a Relationship Over Years

    16:19 Aneurysms and Recovery

    17:26 Bond with Birth Mom

    18:11 Respecting Her Past

    18:57 Jail and Clean Record

    19:35 Why She Never Searched

    20:44 Granddaughter Meets Grandma

    21:36 Siblings and Louisiana Roots

    23:31 Cousin Eric Connection

    24:08 Three Years Later Reflection

    26:02 New Life and New Home

    26:40 Host Wrap Up and Thanks

    28:03 Photo Request and Farewell


    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


    adoption story, birth mother reunion, adoptee journey, finding biological family, DNA reunion, family reunion story, adoption podcast, genetic genealogy, emotional reunion, adoptee stories, long lost family, identity and adoption, finding birth parents, family healing, reunion story

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    31 min
  • My Endless Search for My Birth Family: Adopted from China
    Apr 21 2026
    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 search efforts in China to DNA testing, facial recognition, and ongoing leads, her story highlights both the challenges and hope behind international adoption searches. This episode offers a powerful and honest look at adoption, culture, and the resilience it takes to keep searching for answers.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/findingfamilydnaWatch this podcast right now on YouTube!https://youtu.be/ABSwc6MnTW400:00 Show Welcome00:24 Recent Case Breakthroughs01:37 Patience Pays Off02:15 Episode Seven Callback03:27 Meet Taylor03:59 Early Adoption Awareness05:27 China Adoption Journey06:22 Identity and Belonging08:08 Racism and COVID Era10:59 Sibling Jealousy to Bond12:06 Therapy and Healing Tools15:30 Orphanage Records Reality17:18 China Reunion Video Clip17:44 Becoming a Creator18:02 Birth Parent Finder Break18:44 Taylor Search Timeline19:11 Viral WeChat Leads20:07 Posters Databases Police22:11 DNA Tests And Limits23:58 Ancestry Kit Surprise25:27 Patience Hope And Faith26:40 Adoptee Advocacy Voice28:09 Healing Adoption Trauma31:15 Transracial Adoption Themes32:42 Advice To Younger Adoptees33:49 Where To Follow And Support34:10 Subscribe And Closing ThanksFollow Taylor on social media:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorruipingshenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorshennettYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorshennettFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChineseAdopteeFollow the show here:https://www.instagram.com/findingfamilydna/https://www.instagram.com/lasleuthhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinder/Are you looking to find your birth parents? Get in touch with Jay and his team!https://www.birthparentfinder.comhttps://www.instagram.com/birthparentfinderThis 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/chobostudioshttps://www.instagram.com/podshuttleChinese adoption, transracial adoptee, international adoption story, adoptee journey, adoption podcast, birth family search, genetic genealogy, Asian adoptee story, identity and adoption, searching for biological family, adoption awareness, adoptee voices, DNA testing adoption, international adoptee search, family identity
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    37 min
  • What Happened After the DNA Reunions? (2-Year Anniversary Special)
    Apr 7 2026

    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 handful of viewers to a community helping fund life-changing pro bono reunions. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the impact of DNA, storytelling, and the families still waiting to be found.


    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/bSgyL2GElEI


    00:00 Two Year Anniversary

    00:39 Misty Joins In

    01:08 KTLA Segment Update

    01:42 Early Episodes Recap

    03:03 Twins Story Fallout

    04:01 Doctor Interview Clip

    06:27 Patty Airport Reunion

    08:13 Fake Name Birth Records

    09:06 Mary May Case Heartbreak

    10:31 RootsTech And Award

    12:49 Kailyn Memphis Reunion

    14:32 Funding Pro Bono Work

    17:03 Break And Sponsor Spot

    17:45 Chiari Smith Twist

    19:09 Shanna Zoom DNA Reveal

    20:16 Family Secret Revealed

    20:54 Season Highlights Recap

    21:31 Baby Holly Gains Traction

    22:40 Reunion Updates and Studio Talk

    23:40 Mary Maybe and Tough Choices

    24:45 RootsTech Plans and Speaking

    25:23 Caitlyn Reunion Goes South

    26:31 Sensitive Cases and Letters

    30:03 Donald Brown Mystery Name

    31:28 Celebrity DNA and Vanishing Leads

    32:58 Mexico Case Investigation

    36:05 Pro Bono and Closing Thanks


    Check out Jared's channel here:

    https://www.youtube.com/@GeneaVlogger


    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 stories, adoption stories, genetic genealogy, family reunions, adoptee stories, family secrets, genealogy podcast, DNA discoveries, birth family search, podcast anniversary, DNA journeys, finding biological family, pro bono cases, emotional reunion stories

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    39 min
  • My Birth Mother Told Everyone I Died at Birth
    Mar 24 2026

    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 the way, long-held family secrets are revealed, including the shocking truth that Jenn’s birth mother told others she had died at birth. This episode is a powerful story of identity, resilience, and what it means to find connection later in life.


    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/OmTNL6AXjTc


    00:00 Show Welcome

    01:05 Meet Jen Rein Schmidt

    01:28 Growing Up Adopted

    03:11 Why Start Searching

    04:56 Choosing Birth Parent Finder

    06:38 Managing Expectations

    08:07 Early Clues From Records

    10:56 Break And Promo

    11:37 DNA Matches Breakthrough

    13:00 Tracking The Birth Mother

    14:29 Contacting Bell Family

    15:58 Randy Connection Revealed

    17:05 Estranged Sister Update

    18:20 Paternal Side Leads

    19:28 Jen Reacts to Reunion

    20:20 Meeting Randy for Lunch

    21:19 Told She Died at Birth

    22:25 Resemblance and Identity

    24:06 Adoptive Parents Support

    25:50 Future Plans with Randy

    27:37 Advice for Searchers

    29:21 Final Thoughts


    Check out Jared's channel here:

    https://www.youtube.com/@GeneaVlogger


    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 story, adoptee journey, DNA reunion, birth family search, genetic genealogy, family secrets, adoptee stories, finding biological family, ancestry DNA, identity discovery, long lost family, emotional reunion, adoption podcast, DNA family search

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    31 min
  • Inside RootsTech 2026: The Future of DNA and Genealogy
    Mar 10 2026

    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 can help solve violent cold cases.


    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/c8FeamaB6Y8


    00:00 Welcome to RootsTech 2026

    00:18 Meet Jared Ross

    01:22 Jared’s Genealogy Origin Story

    02:26 RootsTech Tips and Highlights

    05:09 Marlee Matlin Keynote Clip

    08:45 Why Inclusion Matters

    09:22 Investigative Genetic Genealogy

    10:11 Nancy Guthrie Case DNA Breakdown

    15:57 MyHeritage Interview and WGS

    18:51 MyHeritage Upload Changes and Deals

    19:35 Voice Gift Family Stories


    Check out Jared's channel here:

    https://www.youtube.com/@GeneaVlogger


    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


    genetic genealogy, genealogy podcast, family history research, DNA genealogy, RootsTech 2026, investigative genetic genealogy, DNA cold cases, family tree research, MyHeritage DNA, ancestry research, forensic genealogy, adoptee search, birth parent search, genealogy conference, DNA technology, genealogy community, solving family mysteries, DNA family connections

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    21 min
  • How DNA Solved the Mysterious Murder of Danielle Clause
    Feb 24 2026

    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 can help solve violent cold cases.


    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/QanKOSk9ICE


    00:00 Welcome to the Show

    00:15 Meet Misty and Her Work

    00:54 Subscribe and RootsTech Update

    02:22 Case Intro Danielle Clause

    03:06 What Is Investigative Genetic Genealogy

    04:48 Databases GEDMatch and FTDNA

    06:31 Reading Matches and Centimorgans

    08:57 From Lead to CODIS Confirmation

    10:22 Danielle Clause Case Background

    11:55 Evidence and Early Investigation

    12:44 Building Trees and Common Ancestors

    14:56 Kinship Test Narrows Suspects

    17:03 Phenotyping and Identifying Larry Welch

    21:13 Break and Sponsor Message

    21:52 Post Break Bloodline Detectives Talk

    22:42 Law Enforcement Workflow and Outreach Rules

    23:43 Why GEDMatch Matters

    27:19 More Cases and Impact of IGG

    30:39 Victims Families and Remembering Danielle

    31:43 Wrap Up and How to Help


    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, Danielle Clause, Larry Devon Welch, cold case murder, Ventura California crime, investigative genetic genealogy, GEDmatch, forensic genealogy, DNA cold case solved, 1991 murder case, phenotyping DNA, kinship testing, true crime podcast, unsolved murder solved

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    33 min