Shows
Grief and Rebirth: Finding the Joy in LifeHow Does Reuniting with Birth Relatives Create Trauma for Adoptees?How Does Reuniting with Birth Relatives Create Trauma for Adoptees? Julie McGue’s award-winning debut memoir, titled Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging, is currently being considered for a TV pilot. In this fascinating, insightful interview, Julie, who is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin, chats with Irene about finding out who you are, where you belong and making sense of it all. They also explore the complex topic of adoption viewed through the lenses of trauma and loss, the stigma, shame, rejection, and betrayal often ass...2025-04-0236 min
Grief and Rebirth: Finding the Joy in LifeExploring Adoption Through the Lens of Trauma and Loss | Episode TeaserExploring Adoption Through the Lens of Trauma and Loss Join an engaging and emotional interview with Julie Ryan McGue, an American writer, domestic adoptee, identical twin, mother, and grandmother. Discover the complexities of adoption through the lenses of trauma, loss, stigma, rejection, and betrayal, and learn about the five-year journey Julie and her twin sister undertook to find and reunite with their birth relatives. --- Grief & Rebirth Resources and Healing Tools Welcome to a space for finding healing modalities, inspiration, and growth...2025-03-3102 min
Thriving Adoptees - Let's ThriveTrue? With Julie McGueTruths can be elusive for us adoptees. Fantasies or nightmares may fill in the blanks. And truths can shift when we re-visit the past and ask others for their truth - their versions of events. This can lead to profound realisations. Listen in as Julie and I explore shifting truths, changes of mind and more.Julie Ryan McGue is an author, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She writes extensively about finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it.Here are links to previous interviewshttps://thriving-adoptees.s...2025-03-0648 min
Citywide BlackoutCitywide Bytes—Julie McGue shares family story in new bookFor her new book, “Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood,” Julie Ryan McGue shares the story of her and her twin sister growing up in their expanding adoptive family.
In this episode of Citywide Bytes, she talks about the family story and adapting it for this book. She also talks about how the book expands on her previous novel, “Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging.” We learn about the ongoing book tour she has and how it feels to be recognized by receiving Literary Titan and Independent Press awards.
2025-03-0322 min
Cyrus Webb's tracksAuthor Julie Ryan McGue stops by Conversations LIVE ~ #bookchat #authorinterviewHost Cyrus Webb welcomes author Julie Ryan McGue to Conversations LIVE to discuss her new book TWICE THE FAMILY. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cyrus-webb-s-tracks--1422267/support.2025-02-1315 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about Twice the Family with Julie Ryan McGueSend us a textJulie returns to share highlights her and her twin sister’s adoption search in her new book, “Twice the Family” which covers their upbringing in a large Irish Catholic family. She highlights the unique bond twins share, challenges associated with a disabled sibling and the impact of infertility on her family. Julie emphasizes the importance of writing for personal healing, their own catharsis and understanding.Guest Bio:Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She writes about finding out who you ar...2025-02-1144 min
Adult Child of DysfunctionE147: Unpacking the Pain: How Childhood Loss Shapes Adult Love: Guest; Julie Ryan McGueIn this powerful episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction, I sit down with Julie Ryan McGue, adoptee, memoirist, and now a three-time published author, to discuss the complex emotions surrounding adoption trauma, identity, and grief.Julie’s story is deeply personal—growing up as an adoptee, she always grappled with questions about her origins. But alongside her search for identity, she also carried the responsibility of having a younger sister with disabilities. When her sister passed away suddenly, it left an unshakable void in her life.Throughout this episode, Julie shares:🔹 The lifelong emotion...2025-02-0832 min
IN-TE-GREATNESS with Jason and JoleneLife Is Like A Box of Chocolates. You Never Know What You're Gonna GetIt's time for part two of Jason and Jolene's conversation with celebrated author Julie McGue! Julie's new book, Twice the Family: A Celebration of Love, Love and Sisterhood, details what it was like for Julie and her twin sister to grow up as adoptees. This week the trio discuss belonging, how writing the book helped Julie heal childhood wounds, and what life has in store for her next.
You can find Julie at www.juliemcgueauthor.com
Or on Facebook @juliemcguewrites
Or on Instagram @julieryanmcgue
And on Twitter @juliemcgue
Music...2025-02-0520 min
Women Making HistoryAuthor Julie Ryan McGue - Twice the Family MemoirThis episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show features award-winning author Julie Ryan McGue who discusses her new memoir, “Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood.”
Julie McGue’s parents always longed for a big American family—and their adoption of Julie and her twin sister Jenny seemed to satisfy that yearning. But as the couple continue adding adopted and biological children to the family, tragedy strikes. Julie begins to see just how much her parents’ goals and dreams differ from her own.
Author Julie Ryan McGue unravels the gripping tale of ad...2025-02-0451 min
Quality of Life RadioAuthor Julie Ryan McGue - Twice the Family MemoirThis episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show features award-winning author Julie Ryan McGue who discusses her new memoir, “Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood.”
Julie McGue’s parents always longed for a big American family—and their adoption of Julie and her twin sister Jenny seemed to satisfy that yearning. But as the couple continue adding adopted and biological children to the family, tragedy strikes. Julie begins to see just how much her parents’ goals and dreams differ from her own.
Author Julie Ryan McGue unravels the gripping tale of ad...2025-02-0451 min
Big Blend RadioAuthor Julie Ryan McGue - Twice the Family MemoirThis episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show features award-winning author Julie Ryan McGue who discusses her new memoir, “Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood.”Julie McGue’s parents always longed for a big American family—and their adoption of Julie and her twin sister Jenny seemed to satisfy that yearning. But as the couple continue adding adopted and biological children to the family, tragedy strikes. Julie begins to see just how much her parents’ goals and dreams differ from her own.Author Julie Ryan McGue unravels the grippi...2025-02-0451 min
Uncorking a StoryTwice the Story: Julie McGue on Family, Identity, and the Journey of BelongingLife gives us a lot of lessons that we don’t know how we’re going to use, and then all of a sudden, we’re called to the challenge and we pick it up. – Julie McGueIn this heartfelt episode, author Julie McGue returns to discuss her latest memoir, Twice the Family, a prequel to her award-winning Twice a Daughter. Julie reflects on the complexities of growing up as an identical twin, a domestic adoptee, and a member of a blended family. From sibling bonds to family tragedies, she explores how love, resilience, and identi...2025-02-0431 min
Behind Beautiful ThingsJulie: Twice the Family | 125This week, we welcome Julie to Behind Beautiful Things. Julie is the author of three books about her journey as an adopted child. Today, we discuss her newly released third book “Twice the Family”. During this episode, we talk about Julie’s experience as an adoptee, her bond with her family, and her search for her birth parents. This is an inspiring and hopeful story — please join us!WEBSITE:https://juliemcgueauthor.com/SOCIAL MEDIA:https://www.facebook.com/juliemcguewriteshttps://x.com/juliermcguehttps://www.inst...2025-02-0456 min
Behind Beautiful ThingsJulie: Who You Are is EnoughThis week, we welcome Julie to Behind Beautiful Things. Julie is the author of three books about her journey as an adopted child. Today, we discuss her newly released third book “Twice the Family”. During this episode, we talk about Julie’s experience as an adoptee, her bond with her family, and her search for her birth parents. This is an inspiring and hopeful story — please join us!WEBSITE:https://juliemcgueauthor.com/SOCIAL MEDIA:https://www.facebook.com/juliemcguewriteshttps://x.com/juliermcguehttps://www.inst...2025-02-041h 00IN-TE-GREATNESS with Jason and JoleneYou Had Me At HelloLast season Jason and Jolene welcomed celebrated author Julie McGue to the podcast to discuss her adoption journey and the books she'd written about her life and experiences as a twin and adoptee. Julie has a new book out on Feb. 4 called Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Lose and Sisterhood, which chronicles her early life and the events that led her to find her birth family. She's back on the show to talk about it on this, the first episode of a two-part discussion!
You can find Julie at www.juliemcgueauthor.com
Or...2025-01-2924 min
Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg MeekerEp. 262 Exploring Adoption and Identity with Julie Ryan McGueIn this episode of Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker, Dr. Meg is joined by Julie Ryan McGue—an award-winning writer, domestic adoptee, and identical twin—to dive deep into the complexities of adoption and identity. Julie opens up about her journey of growing up as an adoptee, the emotional impact of being part of a closed adoption, and her search for birth relatives to uncover critical medical history.Listeners will gain valuable insights as Julie discusses:
The emotional and psychological challenges of being part of a closed adoption.
The importance of open...2025-01-2240 min
The Social Work Bubble PodcastEp. 86 Family Building & Navigating Adversity with Adoption ft. Julie Ryan McGueSend us a textOn this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, we speak again with author & adoptee, Julie McGue, talking further about experience with adoption, having a twin, infertility, family building & more! A very insightful conversation for everyone to listen to.Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. In her books, essays, and blogs, she explores the topics of finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it. Her award-winning memoir, Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and...2025-01-1839 min
Creating a Family: Talk about Adoption & Foster CareAn Adoptee's Search for Identity, Family, and BelongingClick here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Join our discussion with an adult adoptee about her search for her birth family and her identity. We will talk with Julie Ryan McGue, a domestic adoptee and an identical twin. She is the author of Twice a Daughter, which explores her coming to terms with her adoption and her search for her birth parents, and Twice the Family, which explores more of her relationship with her adoptive family.In this episode, we cover:Tell us your adoption story...2025-01-0144 min
Manifesting with Meg: Conversations with Extraordinary PeopleManifesting with Meg & Julie Ryan McGue - Ep 134 Cheers, Pass it on!Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. In her books, essays, and blogs, she explores the topics of finding out who you are, where you belong and making sense of it. She is the author of two books: Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging, and Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship. Her third book, Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood, will be released in February 2025.
Show Notes:
00:00:51Season 7—Live, Love, Laugh & Play
00:00:57 Theme-Cheers, Pass it on!
00:01:36Introducing Julie
00:02:53Quote of the Day
00:04:00 We...2024-07-1842 min
Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee StoriesJulie: Twice a Daughter: A Search for IdentityJulie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. In her books, essays, and blogs, she explores the topics of finding out who you are, and where you belong, and making sense of it. She is the author of two books: Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging, and Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship. Her third book, Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood releases in February 2025.https://www.juliemcgueauthor.comAward-winning author of Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family...2024-07-1657 min
Trauma SurvivorhoodEp 143| Featuring: Julie McGueSPECIAL EVENT - JULY WORKSHOP: Navigating Difficult RelationshipsHost's Note - if you'd like to watch this interview, check out the YouTube video.This episode features our guest, Julie McGue, an American writer, a twin, and domestic adoptee who shares her difficult journey of reclaiming her own personal story. TOPICS COVERED:- Their Journey –an identical twin, adopted parents infertility story, growing up in a big family with lots of siblings, always knowing she was adopted but didn't know anything about her birth/biological parents, always wondering "why did this happen to me...2024-07-1232 minIN-TE-GREATNESS with Jason and JoleneNo One Belongs Here More Than YouSeason two comes to a close with this, the second half of Jason and Jolene's two-part interview with award-winning writer Julie McGue, the author of Twice A Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family and Belonging and Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family and Kinship. This week the trio discuss what it means to belong and how, no matter our age, we always strive to find our place in the world.
Keep up with Julie via her website: juliemcgueauthor.com
On Facebook: @juliemcguewrites
Instagram: @julieryanmcgue
Twitter: @juliermcgue
Music By Shawn...2024-07-1038 minIN-TE-GREATNESS with Jason and JoleneI Love You Because The Entire Universe Conspired To Help Me Find YouJason and Jolene have a special treat for listeners as they bring the second season of this podcast to a close with a special two-part interview with award-winning author Julie McGue! Julie is the author of two books -- Twice A Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family and Belonging and Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family and Kinship -- and on this week's episode she discusses her adoption journey and the emotional impact adoption has an everyone involved.
Keep up with Julie via her website: juliemcgueauthor.com
On Facebook: @juliemcguewrites
Instagram: @julieryanmcgue
2024-07-0334 min
Tea With DNavigating Identity and Belonging with Julie McGue: A Memoirist's JourneyIn this episode, we welcome Julie McGue, an accomplished author, memoirist, essayist, and columnist who delves into the profound themes of identity, family, and belonging. Julie's journey of self-discovery began at the age of 48, when a breast biopsy revealed gaps in her knowledge about her birth circumstances and medical history, due to a closed adoption. This revelation set her on a five-year quest to uncover her personal story, which she chronicles in her award-winning memoir, Twice a Daughter: A Search for Family, Identity, and Belonging.Join us as we explore Julie's latest book, Belonging Matters: Conversations on...2024-05-2136 min
Curiosity JunkieBelonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family & Kinship with Award Winning Author Julie McGueJulie Ryan McGue who is an author, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She writes extensively about finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it.Julie’s debut award winning memoir Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging (She Writes Press) came out in May 2021. It is the story of her five-year search for birth relatives. Julie has a weekly blog That Girl, This Life and a monthly column at The Beacher that fo...2024-05-1049 min
HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoAdoption, Family Bonds and Belonging with Julie McGueThe echo of the past can be filled with uncertainties, especially for those touched by adoption. Award-winning author Julie McGue, a twin adoptee bravely bares her soul in her quest for identity within her richly blended family. Our conversation explores the topic of closed adoption, and highlights not only the obstacles faced by those denied access to their biological lineage and medical history, but also the universal longing to deeply understand our roots. From the insecurities of adoptive parents to the fear of rejection from birth parents, we travel the rocky road adoptees commonly face. But also, the transformative...2024-05-0841 min
Digging Through DominoesAdoption Search: Hidden Discoveries Await S3 E2In this conversation, Teri Anderson and Julie Ryan McGue discuss their experiences with adoption and the search for birth families. They explore topics such as gratitude and fear, the challenges of closed adoptions, the impact of adoption on family dynamics, the importance of access to medical history, and the need for understanding and support from society. They also touch on the role of social media and DNA testing in connecting adoptees with their birth families. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexity and individuality of the adoption experience. Teri Anderson and Julie Ryan McGue discuss their experiences with adoption and...2024-05-0553 min
Healing Hearts: Parenting with Purpose-Support for Resilient Families, Support for Parents, Childhood Trauma AdvocacyThe Emotional Journey of Closed Adoption: From Feelings of Loss to Finding Belonging With Julie McGueSend us a text“How do I navigate my child’s identity struggles after adoption?” “Am I ruining my kid’s life by choosing closed adoption?” “What are the long-term effects of closed adoption?” – Adoption comes with many questions for parents and adoptees alike. Unexpected challenges sometimes arise and throw even more questions into the mix. Today, Julie McGue, an adoptee and author, sits down with Rylie Heck and Sophia Mills to share her journey. At 48 years old, Julie discovered the effects of closed adoptions when a breast biopsy brought up many questions about the circumstances of her birth, her gen...2024-04-3027 min
Grace for Breakfast with Iviana BynumEp 82: A Journey Between Two Families with Julie Ryan McGueIn this episode of The Grace for Breakfast podcast, host Iviana Bynum interviews American writer, domestic adoptee, and identical twin Julie Ryan McGue. Julie discusses her journey of discovering her identity, her search for her biological family, and the impact of adoption on her life. She shares her experiences of growing up in a blended family, dealing with closed adoption, and the challenges and revelations of reconnecting with her birth parents and relatives. Julie also talks about her books, which delve into themes of identity, family, belonging, and the complex emotions surrounding adoption for adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents...2024-04-2139 min
The Adoption and Fostering PodcastConversations - Adult Adoptee Julie McGueHello and welcome to this edition of conversations from the A&F network.
In this episode I speak to adult adoptee Julie McGue, she was adopted in the US with her twin sister and grew up in the 60s knowing she was adopted. Julie shares her story of fighting to get access to her birth records and the names of her biological parents and the support that she received through a post adoption support group.
Julie’s website here shares more of her story and her writing and is an excellent resource and window into the...2024-04-2047 min
Mind Your Own Karma - Beyond The BandageS3E13 - IDENTICAL TWINS ADOPTED TOGETHER — THE ART OF FINDING YOUR PLACE IN THE WORLD WITH JULIE RYAN MCGUEJulie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. In her books, essays, and blogs, she explores the topics of finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it.
Her award-winning memoir, Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging, was released in May of 2021. Her work has appeared in multiple journals, anthologies, and online sites, such as the Story Circle Network Journal, Brevity Nonfiction Blog, and Severance Magazine. Her latest book, a collection of essays titled Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family...2024-03-2644 minAdult Child of DysfunctionEp 61: Adoption Trauma Explored: Guest: Julie Ryan McGueIn this episode we delve into the profound themes of identity and belonging with American writer Julie Ryan McGue. As a domestic adoptee and identical twin, Julie brings a unique perspective to her exploration of these universal issues through her books, essays, and blogs. Her works, including "Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging," and "Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship," illuminate the complexities of adoption as trauma, touching on the concept of "the primal wound" and the secondary rejections inherent in the search for one's origins. Join us as we anticipate the release...2024-03-1239 min
The Social Work Bubble PodcastEp. 66 Healing Adoption Wounds & Finding Family ft. Julie McGueSend us a textOn this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, we are joined by Julie McGue, a domestic adoptee and author. Julie shares her experience as she processed adoption, search for birth family, and the social workers that supported her along the way! Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. In her books, essays, and blogs, she explores the topics of finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it. Her award-winning memoir, Twice a Daughter: A Search for I...2024-02-2239 min
Why Don't We Talk About This?Talking about an Adoptee's Journey to their Birth Origins w/ Julie Ryan McGueSend us a textJulie shares her journey of learning and discovery in seeking out her birth parents, navigating informational and governmental hurdles, and creating spaces for others in the adoptee community.Guest Bio:Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She explores the topics of finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it. She is the author of two books: Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging, and Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship...2024-02-0640 min
20 THINGS ADOPTION PODCAST with Sherrie EldridgeAdoptee Julie Ryan McGue's Search for OriginsSend us a textWhat could be more exciting than to be an adopted person and find the family that you never knew existed? All Rights Reserved. @sherrieeldridge2024-01-2624 min
The Funding Love Adoption Podcast with Mal + KateTwice a Daughter with Julie McGue: A Search for Identity, Family, and BelongingThis week, Mal + Kate chat with adult adoptee and identical twin, Julie Ryan McGue. Julie is author of Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging, that released in May 2021, and has since won multiple awards. She shares her story of her search for her biological family, instigated by health concerns and her desire to know her medical history. Tune in as she talks about her experience of growing up in a closed adoption and all of the twists and turns that came along with her search for her birth family. Connect with Julie!...2024-01-2236 min