In this episode of Family Twist, we sit down with Jon Baime, the writer, producer, and director of the powerful NPE documentary, Filling in the Blanks. Now streaming for free on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and the Roku Channel, the film explores Jon’s personal journey as a donor-conceived individual and the emotional discoveries that unfolded after taking a DNA test.

Jon shares candid insights into how his father’s adamant resistance to DNA testing led to life-altering revelations, as well as the complex emotions tied to uncovering long-hidden family secrets. From confronting identity crises to fostering new relationships with biological relatives, Jon walks us through the filmmaking process and the healing power of storytelling.

We also delve into the shared experiences of NPEs (Not Parent Expected) and donor-conceived individuals, highlighting the documentary’s impact on viewers within these communities. Whether you’re navigating your own DNA discovery or curious about the hidden dynamics of family relationships, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The inspiration behind Filling in the Blanks
• Jon’s father’s resistance to DNA testing and the shocking revelation of being donor-conceived
• The emotional and psychological impact of discovering biological relatives
• Jon’s approach to balancing humor and heavy subject matter in the documentary
• Insights into the NPE and donor-conceived communities
• The unique challenges of telling such a personal story through film
• Audience reactions and the film’s role in promoting healing

Where to Watch the Documentary:

Filling in the Blanks is streaming now on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and the Roku Channel.

Corey and Kendall take a trip down memory lane, revisiting Kendall’s incredible adoption story—the inspiration behind Family Twist. For new listeners who may have missed the beginning, and loyal fans who want to hear more, Kendall shares untold details about his journey from being adopted as a baby to discovering his birth family at age 47 through a DNA kit.

Listener Anne’s touching letter prompts Kendall to reflect deeply on the loss of his adoptive parents, Betty and Rubel, who adopted him after years of longing for a child. Their story of love, perseverance, and resilience shaped Kendall’s outlook on life, and Corey brings new insights into how their legacy continues to inspire the podcast.

Highlights include:

• The Start of Kendall’s Story: How a DNA kit and a birthday surprise revealed six half-siblings, 13 nieces and nephews, and two living birth parents.
• Listener Anne’s Powerful Letter: Anne, a long-time listener, offers a heartfelt perspective on Kendall’s journey and the enduring love he feels for his adoptive parents.
• A Love Story in Arkansas: Betty and Rubel’s love story, their struggles with infertility, and the joy of welcoming Kendall into their lives.
• Nature vs. Nurture: Kendall reflects on the connections between his adoptive and biological families, exploring how traits and personality are shaped by both.
• The Legacy of Loss: Kendall shares his thoughts on mourning his adoptive parents and how discovering his birth family has deepened his appreciation for Betty and Rubel.

Listener Shout-Out:

Anne’s message is a reminder of the global reach of Family Twist and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Thank you, Anne, for your kind words and for sharing our podcast with others.

Call to Action:

If you’ve been inspired by Kendall’s story or know someone who might be, please share Family Twist with a friend. Whether you’re an adoptee, part of the NPE or donor-conceived community, or just someone who loves stories of resilience and connection, this podcast is for you.

Tune In:

Discover the origins of Family Twist and hear the untold stories behind Kendall’s journey in this moving episode.

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In this unforgettable continuation of Karen’s journey, we dive deeper into the raw, real, and often messy world of family relationships. Karen opens up about the bold choices she’s made to protect her well-being, the bittersweet beauty of reconnection, and the courage it takes to set boundaries—even with the people we love most.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

When love isn’t enough: Karen shares the hard truth behind stepping away from her birth father and why it was the healthiest choice for her.

Sibling bonds and brokenness: The ups and downs of connecting with half-siblings, including one sibling’s struggle with addiction and another’s unexpected rejection.

Generational echoes: How the shame and trauma carried by her birth mother during pregnancy shaped Karen’s life—and the work she’s done to break free.

Boundaries and grace: The emotional tightrope of maintaining a relationship with her adoptive mother in the shadow of political divides and unkind comments.

Why community matters: Karen reflects on the importance of shared stories and how finding others who “get it” has been a lifeline.

Karen’s story isn’t just about the pain of loss or the weight of family secrets; it’s about resilience, growth, and the radical act of choosing yourself. This episode will challenge you, inspire you, and remind you that healing doesn’t happen overnight—but it’s always worth the fight.