The Fertility Industry’s Dark Secret, Told by Two of Its Kids

Listen to this episode from Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets on Spotify. This episode nearly vanished. Literally. When Corey bumped into fellow podcaster Jeremy Bryant at a New England podcast event, he recognized his voice before placing his face. Then it hit him, they had already recorded an episode of Family Twist with Jeremy, but somehow, that recording got lost.So here it is. Jeremy’s story is about learning he was donor-conceived, discovering a growing list of half-siblings, and reconciling that truth after the father who raised him had already passed. It’s also about navigating what happens when the story you’ve always been told turns out to be wrong. Also, Jeremy hosts a paranormal podcast, so yes, you may hear something strange in the background.The second half of the episode features an update with Jeremy’s half-sister Amber. Her discovery led to a national media moment. Amber is the creator of Biohacked, both a podcast and a documentary project about donor conception, secrecy, and the need for reform in the fertility industry. She also created a welcome packet for new half-siblings, because when your biological father helped conceive dozens of people, there is some onboarding involved.Together, Jeremy and Amber offer two very different reactions to the same truth. One chose peace. One chose action. Both are unforgettable.The Fertility Industry’s Dark Secret, Told by Two of Its KidsTopics CoveredJeremy’s discovery story and the moment his mom told him the truthGrieving a lost parent while uncovering a second oneWhat happens when you meet your biological father after a DNA surpriseAmber’s origin story, and how it unraveled completelyFrom being called a “miracle baby” to finding out the truthCreating a welcome packet for incoming half-siblingsHow donor-conceived people are fighting for regulation, recognition, and rightsThe emotional fallout of secrecy in the fertility industryResources MentionedJeremy’s podcast, Paranormal the New NormalAmber’s podcast and documentary project, BiohackedDonor Conceived Community (donorconceivedcommunity.org)NPR and other national media coverage of Amber’s storyShare Your StoryHave you uncovered a secret through a DNA test or a forgotten conversation?Contact us at [email protected]. We’re always looking for the next twist.