“Take a deep breath…feel whatever it is you’re feeling”—a conversation with Maria Leonard Olsen
As a gift for being a speaker at Mixed Remixed, a conference with corporate sponsorship by 23andMe, Maria Leonard Olsen received a free a DNA test. Weeks later when the results came back, Maria was shocked when the results identified genetic ancestry that didn't match her family's story...and led to the realization that the father who raised her wasn't biologically-related.
Maria's discovery that she's an NPE was one in a series of major life shocks she has weathered. From surviving childhood trauma to achieving sobriety, Maria has turned the adversity she's faced into inspiring TEDx talks, a podcast, presentations, and multiple books. Her next book, which covers the gamut of topics raised by consumer DNA testing, is due out in 2026.
In our conversation, we covered:
The identity shift that comes from finding out the father who raised you is not biologically-related
Meeting new biological relatives (including her biological father, who was also surprised to find out about her)
The challenges in embracing a shift in your cultural and ethnic identity in adulthood, after having formed a coherent personal identity
How others in the family reacted to the surprise DNA news (including her mother's reaction, and her son's)
Sharing your personal story to encourage others to grab hold of their lives and create their own meaning and purpose
Maria's top three takeaway messages from her upcoming book about DNA surprises
More about Maria:
Maria Leonard Olsen practices law as a commercial litigator in Washington, DC. She is an author (50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life), podcaster (“Becoming Your Best Version”), journalist, TEDx speaker (“Turning Life’s Challenges into a Force for Good” and “DNA Test Surprises”), book marketing coach for female authors and mentor to women in recovery. Maria served as a political appointee in the Clinton Justice Department and on numerous boards. She writes for several women in midlife publications (including AARP's The Ethel, The Midst, Kuel Life and CrunchyTales) and is a frequent public speaker on wellness issues. Her next books will be Before and After the DNA Test (Bloomsbury 2026) and 60 After 60: Finding Serenity in Your 60s or at Any Age. Learn more at MariaLeonardOlsen.com and follow her on social media @FiftyAfter50.
Highlighted Resources:
Maria named a few of her top recommended resources:
