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Artwork for DNA Surprises

DNA Surprises

Alexis Hourselt
DNA Testing
Family Dynamics
Identity
Adoption
NPE (non-Paternal Event)
Mental Health
Ancestry
NPE
Family Relationships
Family Secrets
Non-Paternal Events
Non-Paternal Event
23andme
Childhood Trauma
DNA Surprise Retreat
DNA Surprises
Identity Crisis
Therapy
Genealogy
DNA

Welcome to DNA Surprises, a podcast that delves into the world of unexpected DNA discoveries. I'm your host, Alexis Hourselt. In July 2021, my life took a surprising turn when I found out l'm an NPE-a person who's experienced a non-paternal event. In other words, my biological father isn't who I thought he was. Join me as we explore the stories of NPEs, adoptees, and donor-conceived people and the... more

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Artwork for DNA Surprises

Latest Episodes

Words have power. Language is how we make meaning of the things we’ve experienced. For some, having language around DNA surprises, adoption, and donor conception helps people feel less alone.

And others take it even further, using the power of langu... more

After a DNA surprise, it’s common to look back and reflect on moments where the truth was right there in front of you. A slip of the tongue, that eerie feeling that something just wasn’t right. But you don’t know it until you know it.

In this week’s... more

For some people, one of the trickiest things about DNA surprises is that they force us to see our parents as human. It can be uncomfortable to come to terms with infidelity in a marriage, or that your parent would lie to you.

In this week’s episode,... more

What are you? For those of us who are quote “ethnically ambiguous,” this question is one we hear over and over again when meeting new people.

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Stephanie, who fielded questions about her ethnic background her ent... more

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Recent Guests

Kimberly Warner
Author of Unfixed, A Memoir of Family, Mystery and the Currents That Carry You Home
Episode: Kimberly Warner's DNA Surprise: An interview with the author of Unfixed
Lauren LoGiudice
Comedian and storyteller exploring her donor-conceived identity
Episode: Lauren's DNA Surprise
Sarah Kelly
A 57-year-old woman sharing her experience of discovering her non-paternal event and exploring her Italian heritage.
Episode: Sarah K's DNA Surprise
Josh Hourselt
Audio Engineer
Siren Recording Studios
Episode: Jessica B's DNA Surprise
Iliamari Vazquez Houston
Trauma therapist specializing in maternal mental health, anxiety, and BIPOC first responder families.
With An Open Heart LLC
Episode: Bonus Episode | Generational Healing - A Conversation About Generational Trauma with Therapist Iliamari Vazquez Houston
Jenna Hedstrom
An ERYT 500 and expert breathwork facilitator, a versatile yoga teacher and spiritual mentor.
Jenna Page Healing
Episode: Bonus Episode | Just Breathe - An Introduction to Breathwork with Jenna Hedstrom
Lanita Ugstad
Advanced yoga teacher, certified trauma-informed mindfulness coach, birth educator, and labor doula.
Sacred Equine Journeys
Episode: Bonus Episode | Trauma-Informed Yoga with Lanita Ugstad
Venessa De La Cruz
Licensed clinical social worker and certified EMDR and brain-spotting therapist
Ignite Hope Counseling
Episode: Bonus Episode | Processing Betrayal Trauma with Therapist Venessa De La Cruz
Shannon P.
A 58-year-old woman from Montana who discovered her biological parentage through DNA testing.
Episode: Shannon P's DNA Surprise

Host

Alexis Hourselt
Host of DNA Surprises

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 406 ratings
  • This podcast got me through the toughest time in my life

    Alexis is an incredible host who clearly understands the pain and complexity of this kind of discovery. Her questions and comments to her guests are always grounded in that shared understanding. Having access to this virtual community of people has been essential to my own healing.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    McKenzie C. 🐼
    United States3 months ago
  • Compassionate

    A touching, and heartfelt podcast. Five stars Alexis x

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Audrey daphne
    Australia4 months ago
  • Fascinating

    I find the stories fascinating and well presented. Alexis is a good interviewer. I have one suggestion, though I don't know that this is the place to leave it. The list of episodes should be listed by dates recorded, newest to oldest. Right now there is no order whatsoever. An episode from one year is followed by one from a different year. Also, the episode Ellen's DNA surprise was cut off mid sentence. I reported it but have heard nothing back,

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    CuteLouise
    United States4 months ago
  • Great Listen

    I recently discovered that the man that raised me is not my biological father! I love listening to every story, I have cried, shook my head in agreement, and clapped at times. These stories are so helpful in making so many feel like they are not alone and our feelings are valid. You are such a kind, considerate, empathetic host Alexis! Thank you for doing all you do.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hibby97
    United States5 months ago
  • Thankyou

    Thankyou so much for making this incredibly vital podcast and to the people who have shared their story. I am almost 12 month in to finding out the truth about my father and it has been a roller coaster to say the least. I am so very grateful to have found this poddy and am currently binging every moving episod. I have had no one to talk to and I feel so beyond grateful to have found this community. Much love to everyone on this hardcore journey. How awesome we no longer need to feel alone. 💖

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Diannimal
    Australia5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners find the host's approach grounding and healing-focused.
Alexis asks thoughtful questions with empathy and warmth.
Offers a safe space for those facing DNA revelations and fosters a sense of belonging.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ann's DNA Surprise
Q: What ultimately motivates you to continue exploring these DNA connections despite mixed reactions from others in your family?
A belief in the inherent value of knowing one's origins and a commitment to building inclusive, supportive family networks that honor both old and new relationships.
Ann's DNA Surprise
Q: Why do you think some family members react negatively to new discoveries, and how do you navigate that?
People become protective of loved ones and fear changes to family narratives; persistent communication, patience, and boundaries can help, but some relationships may remain strained.
Ann's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for found family members who want to reach out and build a relationship with newly discovered relatives?
Be bold and reach out; accept them with healthy boundaries, acknowledge you don't have to take over their lives, and focus on connection and information sharing rather than material expectations.
Patrick's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for a parent who may be keeping a DNA surprise from their child?
There are no secrets anymore; truth will set you free, have the conversation openly with the child before it's too late, and approach it with love rather than fear.
Patrick's DNA Surprise
Q: What helped you cope and heal after the discovery?
Discovery, then processing through therapy-like experiences, recognizing patterns, and eventually Hoffman retreat helped reframe my sense of belonging and self-worth.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Location
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Frequently Asked Questions About DNA Surprises

What is DNA Surprises about and what kind of topics does it cover?

DNA Surprises centers on deeply personal journeys sparked by DNA testing, including NPEs (non-paternal events), adoptees, and donor-conceived individuals and their families. The conversations explore identity, belonging, and the emotional impact of revelations about biological origins, often weaving in themes of family dynamics, lineage, and the healing process. A notable strength is the host's empathetic, validating approach, which helps guests share nuanced experiences—from adoption secrets to discovering unexpected ancestries—while also highlighting ethical questions raised by genetic information. The show frequently features guests who turn their experiences into advocacy, storytelling, or ongoing personal quests for connection, making ... more

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How many listeners does DNA Surprises get?

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How many subscribers and views does DNA Surprises have?

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Which podcasts are similar to DNA Surprises?

These podcasts share a similar audience with DNA Surprises:

1. NPE Stories
2. Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets
3. Missing Pieces - NPE Life
4. Mothers, Lies and DNA Surprises
5. Family Secrets

How many episodes of DNA Surprises are there?

DNA Surprises launched 5 years ago and published 177 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact DNA Surprises?

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What guests have appeared on DNA Surprises?

Recent guests on DNA Surprises include:

1. Kimberly Warner
2. Lauren LoGiudice
3. Sarah Kelly
4. Josh Hourselt
5. Iliamari Vazquez Houston
6. Jenna Hedstrom
7. Lanita Ugstad
8. Venessa De La Cruz

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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