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Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Dr. Tracy Baldo-Senstock

What happens when you spit in a tube—and your origin story changes?

In this episode of ShrinksRap, Dr. James Bramson sits down with his former professor and dissertation committee member, Dr. Tracy Baldo-Senstock, to discuss her lived experience of discovering her biological father through genetic testing.

Dr. Baldo-Senstock is a former dean in Walden University’s School of Counseling, emeritus faculty at the University of Northern Colorado, a Purdue University graduate, and recipient of the Robert O. Stripling Award for Excellence in Standards.

Dr. Tracy is not alone. Most of us know someone who has discovered a biological relative through genetic testing. Pew Research found that 27% of Americans who have used mail-in DNA testing discovered close relatives they previously didn’t know about.

Drs. Jim and Tracy explore her origin story—and what happens when DNA collides with family mythology: identity, family secrets, truth, and transparency. They also discuss the power of emboldened vulnerability and what it means to live more fully in truth.

Why do families keep secrets? Sometimes to protect a parent, preserve a reputation, shield a trauma survivor, or hold an established family structure together. That can work…until somebody spits in a tube. For many people, keeping secrets may not be the psychologically healthy choice.

And before deciding what a DNA discovery means—or what to do about it—perhaps there’s a lesson from Star Trek’s Mr. Spock: stay in the fascination. Lead with curiosity, stay heart- centered, gather the data, and then decide whether—and how—to reconnect.

Part psychology, part genealogy, and part family detective story, this episode explores the risks and surprising power of telling the truth—and what “family” means when DNA suddenly rewrites the cast of characters.

Credits:

River is High, Ticketless Traveler

Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter

Jenny Goodwine, vocals

James Singleton, bass

Johnny Vidocovich, drums

Dave Easley, steel guitar

Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman

for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com

Copyright 2025

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