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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 Event
Non-Paternal Events
23andme
Childhood Trauma
DNA Surprise Retreat
DNA Surprises
DNA
Identity Crisis
Therapy
Genealogy

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes181Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Personal JournalsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for DNA Surprises

Latest Episodes

Hey everyone! We’re still on a summer break, but I’m excited to share a bonus episode with you in the meantime. In this episode, I am joined by Lauren Caster, the writer, director, producer, and star of the new feature film, Rhythm Is a Dancer.

The... more

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***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: DNA Surprises will be taking a short summer break during July and August. I’m excited to come back in September refreshed, recharged, and with more stories from the NPE, adoptee, and donor conceived communities.

Thank you fo... more

YouTube

Sometimes, DNA surprises aren’t about misattributed parentage. Sometimes, the biggest surprises are the feelings we experience as we explore biological connections.

In this week’s episode, Tracy shares how she always knew was adopted, and always kne... more

YouTube

The more, the merrier. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone involved in a DNA surprise had this mentality? While that’s unfortunately not always the case, this week’s guest has had an incredible time connecting with the family he discovered after taking ... more

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Recent Guests

Lauren Caster
Writer, director, producer and star of Rhythm Is a Dancer
Rhythm Is a Dancer (Film)
Episode: Bonus Episode | Inside Rhythm Is a Dancer with Lauren Caster
Linda Pevac
Adoptee and author known for books written as Emma Stevens
Episode: Linda Pevac's DNA Surprise
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

Host

Alexis Hourselt
Host of DNA Surprises; leads interviews with guests sharing personal DNA surprise experiences

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 418 ratings
  • Awful tin sound

    Need better quality recording . Unfollowing .

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Dorei Jewl
    United States3 months ago
  • What I needed

    As an NPE, I really enjoy listening to other NPE stories, perspectives, and advice.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Slj411
    United States4 months ago
  • Healing, helpful, interesting and informative!

    This podcast is a soothing balm to my own confusing, surprising and emotional NPE journey. This platform saved me in a way….it was the needed lifeline, anchor and community I needed when I made my discovery. Thank you contributors, thank you Alexis!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Southern Sonya
    United States4 months ago
  • 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 States6 months ago
  • Compassionate

    A touching, and heartfelt podcast. Five stars Alexis x

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Audrey daphne
    Australia7 months ago

Listeners Say

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

The show is praised as a safe, healing space that validates NPE journeys.
Guests and host are credited for thoughtful, well-produced storytelling that helps listeners feel less alone.
Listeners describe the host as compassionate and empathetic, with insightful, grounding questions.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Robin N's DNA Surprise
Q: What was your first step once you realized the truth?
I immediately started exchanging emails with my sister, asked for more information like birth dates and names, and then opened lines of communication with other relatives to piece together what happened.
Brytanie's DNA Surprise
Q: What finally tipped you off that Roger could be your biological father?
A cousin hinted at a possibility, then a fortuitous sequence of pieces—a photo, the aunt's hinting, and the rest of the family confirming his identity—made the realization undeniable.
Brytanie's DNA Surprise
Q: Did you maintain regular contact with your mom during that time, or were you mostly with your aunt?
I kept in touch with my mom, who visited and had some involvement, but she was overwhelmed by having multiple partners and not consistently present, which contributed to the sense of missing mothering in my life.
Tracy's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for someone who is beginning their search for biological family?
Be patient, stay open to evolving feelings, surround yourself with supportive people, and take the journey one step at a time, understanding that each decade may bring different emotions and needs.
Tracy's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for adoptive parents who have a child that's getting ready to embark on finding their biological parents?
Adoptive parents should normalize adoption, reassure their child they remain their parent, support their child's journey, and allow space for exploring roots while offering consistent, nonjudgmental backing as the search unfolds.

Audience Metrics

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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 personal DNA revelations—NPEs, adoptees, and donor-conceived individuals uncover family secrets, navigate identity shifts, and rebuild sense of belonging. Episodes typically feature intimate, first-person journeys with empathetic interviewing that balances emotional storytelling with practical guidance on handling revelations, boundaries, and healing. Notably, the show consistently highlights the social and ethical dimensions of DNA discoveries, the importance of found-family, and the evolving meaning of “family” in the DNA-era. This mix of heartfelt narrative, expert perspectives, and community-oriented support makes it a compelling resource for people exploring similar experiences, researchers, and allies seeking ... more

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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. Mothers, Lies and DNA Surprises
5. Finding Family DNA

How many episodes of DNA Surprises are there?

DNA Surprises launched 5 years ago and published 181 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. Lauren Caster
2. Linda Pevac
3. Kimberly Warner
4. Lauren LoGiudice
5. Sarah Kelly
6. Josh Hourselt
7. Iliamari Vazquez Houston
8. Jenna Hedstrom

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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