From Secrets to Self-Discovery: A Late Discovery Adoptee’s Story with Brad Ewell - Ep 179

Unraveling Adoption

"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:

• 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/

• Find Brad’s art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cut_and_shoot_art?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• 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

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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.