In this episode of Family Twist, Corey and Kendall sit down with storyteller and comedian Becca Rothman to talk about her remarkable DNA discovery and her upcoming live solo show, Gifted: Nature, Nurture, and an Unexpected Present.
Becca shares the journey from long-held suspicions about her conception, to finally taking a DNA test, to discovering her biological father—a pediatrician—and two half-sisters she instantly connected with. She walks us through the clues, the moment of opening that life-changing email, the careful way she reached out, and the joy of meeting her new family for the first time.
She also opens up about the creative process of turning her story into art: how she stumbled into comedy and storytelling in her late forties, became a Moth producer, and is now preparing to premiere her first one-person show in New York City. Becca talks about the balance of humor and vulnerability in sharing family secrets, the importance of breaking cycles of shame, and how Taylor Swift (yes, really!) has influenced her courage to be fully authentic.
This conversation touches on family secrets, resilience, ADHD revelations, parenting, and the healing power of storytelling and the arts.
When “Donor Conceived” Becomes Your Life’s Plot Twist
Key Themes & Topics
- Secrets & Shame: Growing up with hidden truths about her conception—and why sharing them publicly now feels like liberation.
- DNA Discovery: How a long-delayed 23andMe kit led to finding her biological father and two half-sisters.
- Nature Meets Nurture: Spotting uncanny similarities with her new family—from writing style to leaving kitchen cabinets open.
- Creative Bravery: From a rough first comedy gig to becoming a storyteller and creating Gifted, her solo show premiering in NYC.
- Family Reactions: How her parents, husband, and kids responded to the discovery.
- Identity & ADHD: Understanding herself more deeply after her bio dad mentioned his own diagnosis.
- Music & Healing: Why Taylor Swift and Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime” have been soundtracks for this chapter of her life.
About the Show
🎭 Gifted: Nature, Nurture, and an Unexpected Present
- Part of the Frigid NYC Festival at Under St. Marks in New York City
- Dates: September 6–7, 2025
- Sunday performance already sold out, but Saturday night and livestream tickets available
- More info: Frigid NYC or via Becca’s website/Instagram (@beccarothman)
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