Australia’s Adoption Scandal Hits Home and Hard

Imagine building out a detailed family tree… only to find out you’re not actually in it. That’s what happened to this guest from Australia, who took a casual DNA test at age 59—and uncovered a life-changing secret: he was adopted, and no one had ever told him.

In Part One of this deeply personal two-part conversation, we follow his journey from Aussie amateur genealogist to late-discovery adoptee facing a tidal wave of buried truths. And yes, he really did confront his adoptive parents the day before Mother’s Day.

Australia’s Adoption Scandal Hits Home and Hard

What’s Inside:

The shocking DNA result that unraveled six decades of beliefAn Australian’s painful entry into the world of forced adoptionHow “burned adoption papers” were meant to erase his truthThe first call with his birth mother—who had just broken a 59-year silenceA reunion with siblings who never knew he existedA country’s legacy of secrecy—and one man’s refusal to stay silent

Why It Matters:

This isn’t just one man’s story—it’s part of a larger reckoning with Australia’s history of forced adoption, where thousands were stripped of their identities. And it’s a wake-up call for anyone who still believes their birth certificate tells the whole truth.

Heads-Up:

This episode discusses adoption trauma, family deception, and the emotional toll of late discovery. Please listen with care.

Coming Soon – Part Two:

The six-year legal battle to have his father’s name restored—and how he became one of Australia’s loudest voices fighting for adoptee rights.

Welcome to Family Twist, the podcast that dives deep into the tangled webs of family secrets and DNA surprises. Each episode, hosts Corey and Kendall Austin Stulce explore the complex and challenging truths that come with discovering you are a non-parent expected (NPE) individual—someone whose familial origins aren't what they seemed.

Through candid interviews with people from the NPE, adoptee, and donor-conceived communities, Family Twist offers a platform for stories of unexpected parentage, family secrets, and the quest for identity. From the joyful to the heartbreaking, our guests share their journeys of discovery, acceptance, and healing.

Why subscribe? Family Twist isn’t just another family history podcast. It’s a support network, a place for healing, and a beacon for anyone navigating the emotional landscape of familial discoveries. Whether you’re directly impacted by these issues or just fascinated by the profound effects of family secrets, this podcast provides insights and company as you journey through the often-unspoken parts of family life.

Join us as we unravel the hidden threads of the past, bringing them into the light to foster understanding and connection. Hit subscribe to never miss an episode of Family Twist — where family stories are heard, secrets are revealed, and healing begins. And remember, family secrets are the ultimate plot twist!

• No. of episodes: 184
• Latest episode: 2025-09-02
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