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Artwork for DNA Surprises

DNA Surprises

Alexis Hourselt
DNA Testing
Family Dynamics
Non-Paternal Event
Adoption
Mental Health
Identity
Identity Crisis
Patriarchy
Childhood Trauma
Family Relationships
Non-Paternal Events
Irish Heritage
NPE
Donor-Conceived
Family Secrets
Ancestry
23andme
Jewish Heritage
Memoir Writing
Family Identity

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes167Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Personal JournalsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for DNA Surprises

Latest Episodes

Surprise: an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing.

Yet, for many people there was always a sneaking suspicion. A wondering. The unthought known. This week’s episode is not one of those cases.

When Sonya first took her DNA test, she was q... more

Have you ever made a decision without thinking about the long-term consequences? It’s a pretty normal human experience, right? Now imagine making a decision and never being faced with the consequence for 20 years.

In this week’s episode, Shaun share... more

“ My quest to find my past would return again and again in the years to come like a lighthouse beacon that flashes bright and then fades only to return again.”

This quote, written by Steve Pemberton and shared by this week’s guest, perfectly capture... more

“ My quest to find my past would return again and again in the years to come like a lighthouse beacon that flashes bright and then fades only to return again.”

This quote, written by Steve Pemberton and shared by this week’s guest, perfectly capture... 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 the podcast, facilitating discussions around personal stories of unexpected DNA discoveries, with a focus on empathy and understanding related to identity challenges and family dynamics.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 377 ratings
  • 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 States17 days 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 Statesa month 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
    Australiaa month ago
  • Really liking this podcast

    I’ve listened to quite a few episodes . I just listened to Lori’s story and omg I’m flabbergasted !!! Her mother is a total monster !I feel ill listening . I don’t know how she stays in touch with this woman . She’s a complete racist ! Not letting her tan. Making her get a nose job !!!! Saying she’d kill herself is she took a DNA test ?!?!?!?! Disgusting !!! Go no contact for your own kids sake !

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Velvetjml
    United States2 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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CuteLouise
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

The stories shared are eye-opening and often profoundly touching, revealing the complexities of family dynamics.
Alexis does an excellent job asking questions that prompt further storytelling from her guests.
Listeners consistently express gratitude for the supportive community and resource this podcast provides for those navigating their own NPE experiences.
The podcast is praised for its warm and empathetic host, creating a safe environment for guests to share deeply personal narratives.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ellen’s DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have to someone navigating a DNA surprise or who just found out that they're an NPE?
Look for a community. Lean on someone supportive or compassionate, because it's too heavy to just carry alone.
Ellen’s DNA Surprise
Q: What advice would you give a parent who may be keeping a DNA surprise from their child?
Stop it. You cannot carry this any longer. We live in a modern age. Your child at any time could do a DNA test.
Barry's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for someone who just uncovered a DNA surprise or a DNA discovery?
You have to be ready for the results, whatever they may be. It's essential to accept your connection to your origins, whether positive or negative.
Barry's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for a parent who's going to relinquish their child for adoption, but maybe keeping the circumstances a secret?
Don't hold anything back. It's important to acknowledge that the child may want to know where they come from and that this desire is not a reflection on the adoptive parents.
Myranda's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for someone who just uncovered a DNA surprise?
I would say be there for yourself. That's the most important thing.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About DNA Surprises

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

Content centers around personal narratives of individuals uncovering unexpected family connections and identities through DNA testing. Episodes feature various guests who share their emotional journeys, revealing complex family dynamics and identities often tied to non-paternal events (NPEs), adoption, and donor conception. Notable themes include the psychological impact of these discoveries, the evolution of family relationships, and the quest for identity following the unveiling of long-held family secrets. This particular focus on the emotional and relational implications sets the content apart, providing a safe space for listeners who may have experienced similar revelations themselves.

Where can I find podcast stats for DNA Surprises?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for DNA Surprises. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to DNA Surprises and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does DNA Surprises get?

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How many subscribers and views does DNA Surprises have?

To see how many followers or subscribers DNA Surprises has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

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. Family Secrets
5. Finding Family DNA

How many episodes of DNA Surprises are there?

DNA Surprises launched 4 years ago and published 167 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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for 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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