Today’s guest, Arnold (shared with permission), reflects on the past six years since he first learned he had a biological daughter he never knew existed. His story is one of vulnerability and openness, of loss and healing, and finding courage to reveal a surprise child discovery after years of choosing not to share.

This episode covers:

• Arnold’s experience of preparing to share about his biological child discovery, first with his wife and later his children

• Arnold (and his late wife’s) decision to meet his biological daughter in person and develop a relationship with her privately

• Finding community with other bio dads and from online support groups

• How coaching with Brianne set him up for success in sharing the surprise news

In this episode of DNA Clarity and Support, Brianne talks with Jen Jacober, a genetic counselor who brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. Jen is a late-discovery donor-conceived person, and she opens up about what it was like to learn this truth as an adult—and how that experience has shaped her understanding of herself and influenced her professional practice.

Maggy was the family genealogist who dedicated her heart and time to developing the family tree branches far and wide. A month after distributing a book of their genealogy to her excited family, she discovered the book no longer included her.

Over the past 12-and-a-half years since her surprise DNA discovery, Maggy has been on a long and winding journey grappling with her identity and navigating changes in her relationships.

Maggy shares encouragement with other NPEs and advice for finding the community that fits your needs. She shares her experience of using a painful discovery to help others (and help yourself in the process). 

MyHeritage’s new low-pass whole genome sequencing (WGS) test goes beyond standard genotyping to cover more of your DNA for genealogical insights. Learn how this first-of-its-kind ancestry test differs from medical-grade WGS, its pros and limits, and why personal choice matters when deciding whether to retest or explore new DNA technology. Book a session with Watershed DNA to decide on testing.

J.C. Kenney is the author a series of cozy mystery novels, one of which involves using DNA and genealogy to solve a murder cold case. You need not be a true crime fan or a DNA expert to learn from today's episode! The conversation with J.C. hones in on the highlights of DNA and crime investigation and is a great intro for those unfamiliar with investigative genetic genealogy, often shortened to IGG. 

Online courses are a great way to learn about topics you want to understand better at a pace that fits your life. You might have all the books you need, but a structured lesson plan that can go with you wherever you are is sometimes better than a full bookshelf.

I’m often asked for my thoughts on whether at-home DNA tests should be used for medical purposes, since they are the only option some people can afford.

When Maggy was 54 years old, she discovered that her father wasn’t who she thought he was.

You order a $99 home DNA test for some holiday pleasure. It’s a bit of fun. Right? Until it turns your life upside down.

MTHFR presents a challenge, but that means we have an opportunity to educate and address the underlying reasons a person sought out MTHFR results in the first place.