Carl Niedzielski, named John DellaPenna at birth, was born in Western Massachusetts during the Baby Scoop Era of the late 1960s, and was relinquished and then adopted at some point at or soon after birth. Due to the low birthweight documented on his original birth certificate, it is assumed he spent time in NICU and also probably in foster care or in an orphanage such as the one operated by the agency that managed his adoption, Brightside for Children. As he has learned more about the impact of early childhood trauma, and connected more dots between his life experiences and the research in that area, a focus of his searching has been on finding out about his first few months of life; but the task has been challenging and may not ever be successful. While Carl always knew he was adopted, he did not learn about his biomom until 5 years ago, when he obtained his original birth certificate, which gave his biomom’s name, Gladys, and also the surprising information that she had been 41 years old at the time of his birth— in the 1960s, that would have been considered a very high risk pregnancy. He has recently been surprised again, when a random re-check of old Ancestry data yielded first contact with a bona fide biological relative. But that is when the story got weirder and led to the resolution many adoptees face: A more shocking story than expected, more information than ever hoped for, but still persistent gaps that with passing time are unlikely to be filled. Professionally, Carl works as a Senior Director, Grants and Research Development for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He is a passionate mental health advocate, reader, armchair detective, binger of all things, urban hiker, word-gamer, and beacher. He is a beginner in the adult adoptee community, but you can find him on social media occasionally participating in many of the wonderful online communities for adult adoptees. In this episode we weave Carls personal journey with his professional insights. He sheds light on the reality of suicide research along with a bounty of ideas on how we can take action.

Resources mentioned:
AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
NAMI( National Alliance on Mental Illness)

https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/

Kevin Berthia’s journey as a suicide survivor, adoptee, advocate, and speaker encapsulates the human spirit's capacity for redemption and renewal. From enduring silent suffering through his youth to a very public suicide attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge, Kevin's narrative is one of profound transformation. Since 2013, he has shared his experiences with unwavering candor, captivating audiences worldwide with his authenticity and vulnerability. As a sought-after public speaker and fervent advocate for suicide prevention, Kevin embodies the belief that recovery from depression is attainable for all. His story has resonated across diverse communities and been featured on esteemed platforms like the Steve Harvey Show, Red Table Talk, and the Dr. Phil Show. Through the Kevin Berthia Foundation, he aspires to provide a beacon of hope for individuals silently grappling with mental health challenges, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed. Their mission is clear: to empower, support, and advocate for those in need, fostering a community of understanding, compassion, and resilience. This episode is a masterclass on the capacity of the human spirit. Kevin passionately shares his desire to help others and reminds us we are not alone.




https://kevinberthiafoundation.org/

For more about the 92 minute film,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBU6CiZRbvI

https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/

Patti Eddington is a newspaper and magazine journalist whose favorite job ever was interviewing the famous authors who came through town on book tours. She never dreamed of writing about her life because she was too busy helping build her husband’s veterinary practice, caring for her animal obsessed daughter—whose favorite childhood toy was an inflatable tick—and learning to tap dance. Then fate, and a DNA test, led her to a story she felt compelled to tell. Today, the mid-century modern design enthusiast and dance teacher enjoys being dragged on walks by her ridiculous three-legged dog, David, and watching the egrets and bald eagles from her deck on a beautiful bayou in Spring Lake, Michigan. In this episode, we discuss our connection to three legged dogs and why she has three Birthdays. The twists and turns of Patti’s story left us laughing and crying.

https://pattieddington.com/

https://www.pulledbytheroot.com/