What happens when a simple DNA test reveals a family secret that changes your life forever?

In this eye-opening episode of Family Twist, hosts Corey and Kendall Stulce welcome Michelle Tulier, who shares her compelling journey of discovering a hidden family secret through a DNA test. Michelle reveals how she found out about her half-siblings and her true biological father, the emotional aftermath, and the process of reconciling her new reality. Join us to explore Michelle's path to understanding and healing, and how she navigated the complexities of newfound family connections and the revelations about her parents' pasts.

NPE Embracing Family Secrets and New Beginnings

Key Benefits for Listeners:

1. Understanding NPE Experiences: Gain insight into the emotional and psychological journey of discovering unexpected parentage and how it can impact one's identity.
2. Navigating Family Dynamics: Learn how to approach and manage relationships with newly discovered family members, balancing old and new familial connections.
3. Healing Through Acceptance: Discover strategies for finding peace and closure after life-changing revelations, emphasizing the importance of compassion and self-care.

Tune in to hear Michelle Tulier's incredible story of discovery and resilience, and learn how she found strength and healing amidst profound family revelations.

Guest bio:

Michelle Tullier has spent 30+ years as a career counselor and nine times published author of prescriptive non-fiction. She worked at Barnard College and Georgia Tech, was on the adjunct faculty at NYU, and spent 13 years in career coaching and leadership roles with global consulting firm Right Management. Since 2019, she has been full-time in her private practice Careers Uncomplicated, with clients all across the U.S.

Guest links:

Twitter: @tullierauthor

Instagram: michelle_tullier_author

Facebook: michelletullierauthor

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Did you ever imagine uncovering a secret family history filled with adventure, mystery, and unexpected revelations?

In this episode of Family Twist, Keith Mason shares his extraordinary journey of discovering his familial roots, ignited by a random YouTube clip of a 1960s game show. Keith's quest to learn more about his father, a man shrouded in mystery and cloaked in controversy, unfolds into a narrative that spans tales of deep-sea diving, secret siblings, and even connections to historical events.

Unraveling the Strands of a Hidden Past

Listeners will gain:

• Insight into the emotional impact of discovering hidden aspects of one's heritage.
• Strategies for navigating the complexities of new family dynamics and historical truths.
• Inspiration from Keith's relentless pursuit of his past, showcasing the power of curiosity and resilience.

Dive into this intriguing episode to explore the depths of a family history you never knew existed, revealing how the past can reshape our understanding of the present and ourselves. Click to listen now and unravel the mysteries of Keith Mason's familial saga.

Guest Bio:

Keith Mason’s years of storytelling began with music and cultural observation in Philadelphia newspapers, interviewing dozens of top artists from Jerry Garcia and Phil Collins to George Carlin and Monty Python. In 1978 the writer began a nearly forty-year career in public relations, nonprofit development and the performing arts, including stints at Drexel University and the Kimmel Center (home of the Philadelphia Orchestra) and for elderly, disability and addiction recovery services. He also created and taught a senior writing course at Temple University.

Keith was a producer for one of Philadelphia’s most cutting-edge theaters, and worked in radio for years, covering all forms of music and information. He also does commercial, corporate and education voiceovers.

The author has two grown children and resides with his partner, a businesswoman and former dancer and actress, in southern New Jersey, where he pursues gardening, travel photography and music.

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Welcome to the season 4 premiere of the Family Twist podcast! Today, we are incredibly fortunate to have Jeanette Yoffe, a therapist and adoptee, who shares her profound journey of adoption and the intricate family dynamics that come with it. Her story not only sheds light on the adoptee’s perspective but also offers invaluable insights into the emotional complexities faced by all members of the adoption constellation. If you're ready for a deep dive into the world of adoption and emotional healing, press play and join us in this eye-opening conversation with Jeanette.

We are Not Responsible for Our Birth Parents' Unavailability Part 1

Episode Highlights:

Jeanette’s Personal Adoption Story: Her experiences growing up with her adoptive family, feeling resentment and distance from her birth mother, and the impact on her relationship with her siblings.

The Emotional Impact of Adoption: Discussion on the primal wound and trauma experienced by adoptees, leading to feelings of loss, rejection, and identity struggles.

Seven Core Vulnerabilities in Adoption: Jeanette outlines the universal vulnerabilities affecting adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents, including loss, rejection, shame, guilt, and identity issues.

Secondary Trauma and Rejection: Jeanette recounts her experience of being rejected by her birth father and the subsequent emotional repercussions.

Healing Through Storytelling:

The therapeutic power of sharing and processing adoption stories, as exemplified by Jeanette's journey into psychotherapy.

Support and Resources for Adoptees and Birth Parents: Mention of organizations like Saving Our Sisters and the importance of support groups for all involved in the adoption process.

Jeanette’s Reunion with Birth Family: An emotional recounting of her meeting with her birth father and

Resources Mentioned:

• Saving Our Sisters (Organization supporting mothers considering adoption)
• Adoption Constellation Support Group (Los Angeles-based support group for all members of the adoption process)

Closing Thoughts: This episode with Jeanette not only enlightened us about the layered emotions involved in adoption but also emphasized the importance of understanding, empathy, and support for everyone in the adoption constellation. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the healing potential of open, honest communication.

If you found this episode as impactful as we did, please rate, follow, and review Family Twist. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations like this to light.

Guest Bio:

Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T. earned her Master's in Clinical Psychology, specializing in adoption and foster care, from Antioch University in June of 2002. She treats children, teens, and adults with serious psychological problems secondary to histories of abuse, neglect, adoption, and /or multiple foster care placements. She has specialized for the past 20 years in the treatment of children and teens who manifest serious deficits in their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development.

She is the Founder of Celia Center Inc, a non-profit organization in Los Angeles supporting all members of the foster care and adoption constellation which includes birth parents, foster youth, adoptees, foster and adoptive parents as well as professionals working in the field.

She is also the Clinical Director of Yoffe Therapy Inc. A mental health center in Los Angeles provides services to families, children, teens, and adults connected by foster care and adoption. Learn more here.

​Jeanette’s desire to become a therapist with a special focus on adoption and foster care issues derived from her own experience of being adopted and moving through the foster care system. Her personal experience has informed her education and provided insight into the unique stresses involved with these issues.

She is also Court Appointed Reunification Expert for Los Angeles Superior Court in cases involving children at risk for separation.

Guest Resources:

Celia Center Free Support Groups