Themes: Family Dynamics, Found family, Sperm donation

Episode:

How do you define family? Lindsay is joined on the podcast by Mike Syzmanski, a writer, activist, and Lindsay’s biological father through sperm donation. Hear the story of how Lindsay and Mike connected and developed a beautiful relationship as father and daughter, and how family dynamics can shift, change and grow over time. Mike talks about his decision to become a sperm donor, his work as a journalist, his journey with Multiple Sclerosis, and more. 

Mike Szymanski is a journalist, writer and activist, based in Hollywood and has a house full of Dachshunds. He has worked and been published in hundreds of publications including Entertainment Weekly, US Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, and has covered the crime beat, court and school issues, the homeless problems and the AIDS epidemic. He has had award-winning national columns on movie stars, Dachshunds, local government, bisexuality and Multiple Sclerosis - a disease he has lived with since 2000.

Show Notes:

-An intro to Mike, including his pursuits as a journalist and writer, and how an article he wrote led to him becoming a sperm donor

-The story of Lindsay and Mike connecting and the development of their relationship; finding each other through 23 and me and how they became close enough for her to call him “Dad”; why Mike wanted to find his offspring after getting diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis

-The importance of staying open-minded when you are going through a similar journey as Lindsay and Mike, especially with the complicated nature of some of these situations

-Discussing found family and the importance of knowing that you are the one who can choose the people that you want in your life, and who you want to consider family

Resources:

-Click here to get Rewire, The Vital-Side Membership for 20% off

-Follow Rewire on Instagram here

-Lindsay’s Instagram: @myvitalside

-Visit Lindsay’s Website

-Cait’s Instagram: @caitmurphy.co 

-Click here for Cait’s FREE Masterclass

*ALL the content talked about in these episodes should not be used as medical advice. These episodes are to be used for informational purposes only.