Jan 13, 2025
"I was able to kind of reinvent myself into who I probably would have been at some level had I not been adopted." -- Brad Ewell
Read the transcript: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JGAR0QVDBKHQG88R7JAJ292Z
EPISODE SUMMARY:
In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the honor of speaking with Brad Ewell, a late discovery adoptee (LDA) who learned about his adoption at the age of 48. Brad shared his shocking journey of self-discovery after taking an ancestry DNA test, which revealed a truth that had been hidden from him for nearly five decades.
He discussed the confusion and betrayal he felt upon learning that everyone around him had known he was adopted, while he had no idea. Brad reflected on his upbringing, his struggles with identity, and how he tried to fit into a life that never felt quite right.
Our conversation also explored Brad's reconnection with his biological family, including his birth father, who had been incarcerated for decades. This relationship has provided him with unexpected closure and understanding.
Brad emphasized the importance of community and therapy for those navigating similar experiences, highlighting the need for openness in adoption. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of truth and the healing that can come from embracing one's identity.
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Join our in-person Adoption Healing Quest in Seal Beach, CA on February 8, 2025. More info and registration here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adoption-healing-quest-an-interactive-event-for-the-adoption-community-tickets-1095804814699?aff=oddtdtcreator
RESOURCES:
Brad’s information:
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Here are all of Brad’s blog posts and links: https://linktr.ee/LDA_BRAD?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=1bf18b6f-2423-47a2-b68d-431ac6c7bc13
- Right to Know organization: https://righttoknow.us/
- Find Brad's adoption account on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_late_discovery/
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Find Brad’s art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cut_and_shoot_art?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
Other resources mentioned in this episode:
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Fred Nicora’s another LDA that Brad mentions. He was an Unraveling Adoption episode guest too: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/26549451
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📘Get our new book Adoption and Suicidality: amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL
📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar
✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing
💌Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX
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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson
Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao
Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com
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TIME STAMPS:
00:00:44 - The Importance of Truth in Adoption
Discussion on the necessity of telling adoptees their truth from a
young age.
00:01:05 - Meet Brad Ewell: A Late Discovery
Adoptee
Introduction of guest Brad Ewell and his experience as a late
discovery adoptee.
00:01:46 - Did You Have an Inkling?
Brad shares his experience of not having any idea he was
adopted.
00:04:50 - The Ancestry DNA Test Revelation
Brad recounts how he discovered he was adopted through an ancestry
DNA test.
00:10:29 - The Moment of Truth
Brad describes the emotional moment he learned he was adopted.
00:12:02 - Connecting with His Birth Father
Brad shares the process of finding and communicating with his birth
father.
00:17:09 - Building a Relationship
Brad discusses the development of his relationship with his birth
father.
00:20:33 - Reconstructing Identity
Brad reflects on how he has been able to reinvent himself
post-discovery.
00:24:44 - Advice for Adoptive Parents
Brad offers insights for adoptive parents on the importance of
honesty with their children.
00:27:53 - Navigating Loss and Grief
Brad discusses the passing of his adoptive parents and its impact
on his journey.
00:30:15 - Community Support in Adoption
The importance of finding community and support among those with
similar experiences.