Real Men Feel: Ep. 346, From DNA to Destiny: Discovering Lost Family

From DNA to Destiny: Discovering Lost Family, Episode 346, March 28, 2025

From Only Child to Eldest of Seven: Kendall Austin Stulce’s Remarkable Discovery

Summary:
This episode of Real Men Feel, hosted by Andy Grant, features Kendall Austin Stulce, an HR professional and podcaster who shares his extraordinary journey of discovering his biological family after taking a DNA test in 2017. Kendall went from being an only child to discovering he was the eldest of seven, which led to a profound exploration of his identity and family connections, including the joy and complexities of meeting his siblings and the challenge of his birth mother’s rejection.

Early Life and Adoption
Kendall Austin Stulce’s life story began with a unique twist—he was adopted at two months old. Growing up in a small town in Arkansas, Kendall was surrounded by a supportive community and a network of friends who shared similar adoption experiences. Kendall’s parents always framed his adoption positively, emphasizing that he was the “lucky chosen one.” This open dialogue about his adoption allowed Kendall to feel secure in his identity from a young age. However, questions about his birth family lingered, and his journey to uncover his roots was only beginning.

The Birth Certificate Revelation
At age eight, Kendall experienced a startling revelation when he saw his adoption paperwork for the first time. His birth name was Scott White, a name he had never heard before. This moment marked the beginning of a quest for answers that would define his journey for years to come. Despite his determination to find his birth family, Kendall faced obstacles, including sealed adoption records and limited information. However, fate had other plans.

The Game-Changing DNA Kit
In 2017, Kendall received a birthday gift that would change everything—a DNA kit. Little did he know that his half-brother had also taken a DNA test the same year. The results connected Kendall to a sibling he never knew existed, and the two quickly established contact. It was a whirlwind of emotions as Kendall discovered the existence of six half-siblings overnight. The immediate and profound connections led him to a newfound sense of belonging and identity.

Family Discovery and Joyous Reunions
The discovery of his birth family was a revelation that filled in the missing pieces of Kendall’s identity puzzle. Stepping off a plane and being greeted by signs held by his newfound nieces and nephews was one of the most moving experiences of his life. Kendall went from being an only child to part of a large family, gaining 13 nieces and nephews overnight. The joy was indescribable, and Kendall’s partner, Corey, encouraged him to embrace this newfound family wholeheartedly.

Navigating the Complexities
While the reunion with his father’s side of the family was overwhelmingly positive, Kendall faced challenges with his birth mother, Jackie. Despite early hopes of reconnecting with her, their relationship remained distant. Jackie could not accept Kendall’s identity, leading to feelings of rejection and frustration. Yet, even in the face of adversity, Kendall chose to focus on the positive relationships he was building with his siblings.

Embracing the Unexpected
Kendall’s journey emphasizes the unpredictability of family dynamics and the strength of finding connections in unexpected places. The strong resemblance to his siblings and shared mannerisms with his brother Chris were striking reminders of the profound impact of heredity and nurture. His story illustrates the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping identity.

The Podcast: Family Twist
Inspired by his journey, Kendall and Corey launched the “Family Twist” podcast to share stories of discovery, adoption, and family dynamics. Kendall’s goal is to normalize the conversation around adoption, providing a platform for others to share their experiences and find community. The podcast offers a space for diverse narratives, from joyous reunions to complex family dynamics.

Conclusion
Kendall Austin Stulce’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and the pursuit of identity. Through the challenges of discovering his birth family, he found a supportive network and a renewed sense of self. His story encourages us to embrace our emotions, seek connections, and appreciate the journey of self-discovery.

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Connect with Kendall
Family Twist Podcast — https://familytwistpodcast.com/
YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@familytwistpodcast
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/familytwistpodcast/
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/familytwistpodcast

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