Twice the Story: Julie McGue on Family, Identity, and the Journey of Belonging

by | Feb 4, 2025 | Authors, Podcast, The Longs | 0 comments

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Life 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 McGue​

In 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 identity shape our lives. Whether you’re an adoptee, a twin, or simply navigating life’s unexpected turns, Julie’s story offers valuable lessons about forgiveness, belonging, and embracing the human experience.

Key Takeaways:

  1. The Bond of Twins: Julie shares how her twin sister has been a constant anchor in her life, despite their individual journeys.
  2. Exploring Family Dynamics: Insights into growing up in a blended family of biological and adopted siblings.
  3. Navigating Loss: Reflections on coping with the loss of a younger sibling and how it shaped her family’s resilience.
  4. Adoption Advocacy: The importance of open records and the challenges faced by adoptees from the closed adoption era.
  5. Cultural Heritage and Identity: Julie’s journey to reconnect with her Native American roots and what it means to belong.
  6. Empathy Through Reflection: How revisiting family stories brought Julie a deeper understanding of her parents’ struggles and strengths.
  7. Lessons in Love and Forgiveness: The universal themes of connection and healing that resonate beyond adoption.

 

Buy Twice the Family

Amazon:https://amzn.to/49mxi4P

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647427863

 

Connect with Julie

Website: https://juliemcgueauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliemcguewrites/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieryanmcgue/

X: https://x.com/juliermcgue

 

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

 

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

#AdoptionStories #TwinsBond #MemoirWriting #FamilyDynamics #IdentityAndBelonging #CopingWithLoss #AdoptionAdvocacy #HealingThroughWriting #Resilience

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