Michael Goessling on Adoption, Faith & Finding Birth Father Michael McDonald | Ep. 680Michael Goessling on Adoption, Faith & Finding Birth Father Michael McDonald | Ep. 680
Busy Living Sober with Host Elizabeth Chance
A candid conversation with Michael Goessling shares his late–life reunion with his birth parents and the surprise of learning his birth father is Michael McDonald. Themes of adoption, faith and family recovery weave through a story that stays tender, grounded and full of gratitude.
46:57•8 Oct 2026
Adoption, Faith and a Doobie Brothers Twist: Michael Goessling’s Remarkable Reunion
Episode Overview
- Adoption can be a source of pride and gratitude rather than shame when it’s spoken about openly in families.
- A long search and a short DNA match show how modern tools can reconnect birth parents and adopted children even decades later.
- Family recovery from alcohol and drug use may involve big life changes, such as leaving environments that fuel addiction.
- Blending adoptive and birth families can work beautifully when ego is set aside and everyone leads with kindness.
- Worrying less and trusting that life will unfold can ease anxiety, especially for those who tend to overthink the future.
“I hope that this story just serves as an example that if this crazy story is possible, anything is possible when you give adoption a chance.”
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? This conversation between host Elizabeth "Bizzy" Chance and her lifelong friend Michael Goessling shines a light on adoption, faith, and addiction in a way that's warm, funny and deeply human. You'll hear Michael describe being adopted through Catholic Charities in St. Louis by Paul and Kay, whom he calls "the lottery" of parents.
Adoption was never a secret or a source of shame in his home; it was talked about as "a miracle and a gift from God", and that loving foundation shapes everything that follows. The heart of the episode is Michael’s jaw–dropping reunion story: at 58, after a 35–year search by his birth parents, a 23andMe match leads to them finding him in just 36 hours.
The emotional letter from a law firm, a birthday lunch with his birth mum Diane, and then the moment he realises his birth father is singer Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers – it all builds like a film script, except this time it’s real life. Along the way, the chat drifts naturally into recovery themes.
Michael talks about McDonald’s "decades long battle with alcohol and drugs" and his move from Los Angeles to a farm near Nashville to get well, and how relieved his birth father was to learn Michael hadn’t inherited the same struggle. Faith, music, nature and family all come up as anchors that keep Michael grounded. For anyone touched by addiction, adoption or complicated family dynamics, the tone of the episode feels reassuring.
There’s no ego, no drama, just people choosing love, honesty and second chances. Michael’s wish is simple: adoption should be celebrated, talked about openly and considered a hopeful option. It’s a story that might have you asking yourself where shame still hides in your own life – and what could change if you swapped it for gratitude instead.
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