In this gripping episode, Kendall Stulce opens up a powerful, no-holds-barred conversation with writer, advocate, and adoptee Rich Uhrlaub, the creative mind behind For the Records—a bold new musical that brings the haunting truths of adoption to the stage. Set in 1967, Rich’s musical unravels the hidden heartache of the baby scoop era, a time when adoption was shrouded in secrecy, leaving adoptees to grapple with questions about their identities and worth.

As a long-time advocate, Rich has fought tirelessly to give adoptees their stories back. Kendall and Rich delve deep into the emotional maze of finding biological family members and the unexpected rejections and heartbreak that can come with it. Together, they lay bare the highs and lows of family reunions, from joyful connections to the painful reality of still feeling like a stranger. This is a story of resilience, raw honesty, and the universal human desire to belong. Don't miss the first of this two-part conversation that is as unforgettable as it is eye-opening.

Key Takeaways:

• For the Records: Rich shares the lightning-bolt moment when he knew his story—and the stories of so many adoptees—had to be told on stage. Hear how his powerful musical confronts the unspoken truths of adoption.
• The Quest for Identity: Kendall and Rich dive into what it’s like to uncover your biological roots, only to face the complex family dynamics and often bittersweet reunions that follow.
• Fighting for Truth: Rich’s advocacy has helped countless adoptees reclaim their stories, but he reveals the frustrating legal obstacles that still stand in the way for many.
• Hard Conversations, Real Healing: From the anger of being sidelined in family celebrations to the quiet strength of just showing up, Kendall and Rich get real about what it means to seek answers—and acceptance—without losing yourself in the process.

Episode Highlights:

1. Rich’s Musical Vision - Discover how a hot tub brainstorm led Rich to write For the Records, a musical that lays bare the forgotten voices of the baby scoop era.
2. Adoptees’ ‘Second-Tier’ Status - Kendall and Rich share brutally honest accounts of what it’s like to be viewed as ‘outsiders’ in their own families, even after reconnecting.
3. Confronting the Past, Embracing the Present - The conversation reveals how societal norms have shaped the adoption journey, from legal battles to the internal struggles that adoptees continue to face.
4. The Fight for Every Adoptee’s Right to Know - Rich recounts his work to bring truth to light for adoptees, including groundbreaking legal wins in Colorado that are breaking down barriers for adopted people everywhere.

Guest link:

For the Record(s) the musical

In this special Halloween crossover episode, Corey and Kendall invite listeners into the unique space where family stories and horror healing meet. As the founders of both Family Twist and Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall explore the ways that family traditions, especially around Halloween, can bring people closer together—even in the most unexpected ways.

Our guest, Darin, is a Halloween enthusiast and devoted family man who has woven spooky traditions into his family life. Together, Corey, Kendall, and Darin share memories of haunted houses, eerie movie marathons, and the comforting nostalgia that horror can bring. Corey also opens up about his own childhood experiences and how horror became a source of resilience and connection during challenging times.

Listeners of both Family Twist and Horror Heals will find familiar themes of family bonds, trauma healing, and the unexpected ways horror can play a role in mental wellness. This Halloween, join us as we celebrate the magic that horror and family can create together.

Listen now and get inspired to make this Halloween one to remember, filled with treats, traditions, and a little horror magic!

In this special crossover bonus episode, we share an insightful conversation from our sister podcast, Horror Heals, where we explore how horror can be a powerful tool for healing trauma. Corey and Kendall dive into Kendall’s adoption journey and DNA found family story, connecting it to the themes of resilience and recovery that often arise in both horror films and real-life experiences.

Guest: Dr. Ashley Allen

We’re joined by Dr. Ashley Allen, a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in mood disorders, PTSD, grief, and trauma. Known for her work with neurodivergent LGBTQ+ individuals, Ashley offers a surprising perspective on how horror films can provide emotional processing, catharsis, and empowerment.

What We Discuss:

• Kendall’s adoption story: A personal look at how Kendall’s DNA found family story ties into themes of trauma, discovery, and healing.
• The link between horror and mental health: How horror can help individuals cope with anxiety, PTSD, and mood disorders by creating a controlled environment for confronting fears.
• Horror as a therapeutic tool: Why Dr. Ashley Allen introduces horror to her neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ clients to foster resilience and provide a sense of control over their emotions.
• The inclusive nature of horror conventions: How horror fan communities offer nonjudgmental, safe spaces for those who often feel like outsiders.
• Facing fears through film: Exploring how horror allows both therapists and clients to tackle real-life challenges by building resilience through fictional fear.

Key Takeaways:

• Horror movies can offer a unique therapeutic experience, allowing people to process trauma and gain control over their emotions in a safe way.
• The horror community often serves as an inclusive, accepting space for neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ individuals to connect with others and find empowerment.
• By confronting fictional fears, people can build resilience and emotional strength that helps them tackle real-life challenges.

Quotes from Dr. Ashley Allen:

• "For those with trauma or mood disorders, horror offers a controlled way to confront overwhelming emotions."
• "Horror creates a safe space for fear—perfect for my neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ clients to find empowerment and relief."
• "Even therapists sometimes need an escape; for me, horror provides that in the most cathartic way."

Listen to the Full Episode:

If you’re curious about how horror can unlock new paths to healing, don’t miss this powerful conversation. Tune in to learn how fictional fear can transform into real-life resilience. And be sure to check out more episodes from Horror Heals for similar stories of healing through horror.

In Part 2 of our heartfelt conversation with Cree filmmaker, Kristal Parke, we explore her journey of reconnecting with her Opaskwayak Cree Nation roots and her Sicilian heritage. From embracing her Indigenous identity to the emotional weight of her birth family reunion, Kristal reflects on how her documentary, Because She’s Adopted, has helped her and others process the deep impacts of adoption. Join us as we dive into the transformative power of heritage and family bonds.

Key Moments:

• Revisiting Sicily and the Opaskwayak Cree Nation: Kristal’s feeling of “coming home.”

• Cultural and personal growth: What it means to be adopted and indigenous.

• The making of Because She’s Adopted and its continued healing impact.

• Reflections on family, self-compassion, and emotional honesty.

Guest links:

Kristal's website

In this powerful episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall Stulce sit down with Cree filmmaker and adoptee, Kristal Parke, to discuss her impactful documentary Because She’s Adopted. Kristal’s film dives deep into the complex emotional landscape of adoption, exploring themes like the primal wound, hidden trauma, and how adoptees often navigate identity challenges and mask their pain.

Kristal shares her journey of meeting her birth mother—an experience that profoundly shaped her sense of self. Corey and Kendall, who have had their own transformative reunion experiences, explore these themes with Kristal, discussing the intricate ways family, whether by blood or bond, influences identity. Kristal also offers a glimpse into her upcoming six-part podcast series, Because She’s Adopted, which promises to take listeners even deeper into the topics of her documentary.

This episode offers insightful perspectives on adoption’s impact on identity and the journey toward healing, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in family dynamics, belonging, and self-discovery.

Key Talking Points:

• Introduction to Kristal Parke and Her Documentary: Overview of Because She’s Adopted and Kristal’s experiences as a filmmaker and adoptee.
• The Primal Wound and Hidden Trauma: Exploring how early separation and loss impact adoptees, often resulting in a lifelong sense of “otherness.”
• Kristal’s Reunion with Her Birth Mother: A moving recount of her reunion and the significance of this experience in her life.
• Adoption, Identity, and Healing: Insights on the complex ways adoption affects one’s identity, the trauma adoptees often carry, and the healing journey.
• Kristal’s Upcoming Podcast, Because She’s Adopted: Preview of her limited-series podcast, a deep dive into the documentary’s central themes.
• Corey and Kendall’s Personal Reflections on Adoption: Their own family stories, reunions, and the ways adoption has shaped their lives.
• Embracing Cultural Heritage and Identity: Kristal’s journey in reconnecting with her Cree heritage and Sicilian family, along with Kendall’s discovery of his Irish roots.
• Family Reunions and Self-Discovery: The experiences of meeting birth family members, embracing cultural roots, and finding a deeper understanding of self.

Memorable Quotes:

• “There’s this nagging feeling adoptees have that you can’t put your finger on—it’s the trauma, the separation trauma.” — Kristal Parke
• “Meeting my birth mother was a profound moment. I never expected the overwhelming emotions that would follow me for years.” — Kristal Parke
• “Every adoptee’s story is different, but somehow they’re all the same, too. There’s an unspoken bond in shared experiences of separation and healing.” — Corey Stulce

Guest links:

Kristal's website

In this episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall Austin Stulce reflect on their Halloween experiences growing up, contrasting their childhood traditions and the cultural perceptions of Halloween. They delve into the significance of community and identity, particularly in relation to donor conception and adoption. The conversation also explores the positive impact of horror culture on mental wellness, emphasizing the importance of sharing personal stories and experiences.

Support Lauren LoGuidice’s short film "Honestly" via Seed & Spark

Takeaways

Halloween was a fun and creative time for Kendall's family.

Corey's parents straddled the line between fun and conservative values.

Trick or treating was a strategic event in Kendall's childhood.

Generational differences in Halloween celebrations are notable.

Horror culture can provide a sense of community and belonging.

The importance of embracing one's identity is highlighted.

Mental wellness can be positively influenced by horror movies.

Sharing personal stories can help others heal from trauma.

The podcast aims to connect with more guests who have unique stories.

Community support is vital for those with adoption or donor conception experiences.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kendall’s unique Southern Baptist Halloween experiences growing up with his adoptive parents
• Corey and Kendall’s first Halloween together as a couple, dressed in Rocky Horror Picture Show costumes
• A fan's personal story of using horror movies to cope with trauma
• Reflections on family trauma, including Kendall’s father’s alcoholism
• Support for past guest Lauren Lowe’s donor conception short film project
• Crossover themes between Family Twist and Horror Heals podcasts