Today, I’m talking with Chrysta Bilton about her new book and the discovery of her 35 (and counting) siblings! Chrysta is an American author who lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband and two children. Chrysta’s new memoir, Normal Family, details her nontraditional upbringing and how her father was one of the most prolific sperm donors of the California cryobank in the 80s. Listen in as Chrysta talks about family reunions, nature versus nurture, and how we can learn and grow from our parents’ trauma. Also hear a short story based on Chrysta’s life from Michael Kobzik. 
 
  IN THIS EPISODE:
 

[03:02] Chrysta’s discovery of her many siblings

[08:15] Chrysta’s upbringing and meeting and building relationships with her half-siblings

[13:29] Family reunion and interviewing her family for her book

[18:45] Writing prompt and further discussion about her book, Normal Family


[20:16] Short story: “Cut from the Same Cloth”


KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.

Sperm donation was and continues to be unregulated.


Normal Family is an effort to try to understand our parents' traumas as a way to gain acceptance of their choices. This often informs the way in which we structure our own families and how we break free from generational issues.

 
 
Fiction Credits: 
 
Short story written by: Michael Kobzik

Voice Over by: Regina Williams
 
BIO: 
Chrysta Bilton is an American author who lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband and two children. Normal Family is her first book.
 
Chrysta Bilton Website
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