Rephonic
Artwork for DNA Surprises

DNA Surprises

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes170Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Personal JournalsSociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for DNA Surprises

Latest Episodes

My therapist once told me, “Some of us heal out loud so others don’t have to.” I think of that almost every time I get a note from a podcast listener telling me how much the stories people share each week have helped this.

In this week’s episode, I’... more

It’s usually the fathers. When people open up their DNA results, it’s the dad’s side that doesn’t line up, and the DNA surprise experience begins.

But sometimes, it’s the mothers. In this week’s episode, Robin shares how she uncovered a shocking se... more

YouTube

Fool me once, shame on you…fool me twice? That expression doesn’t exactly translate to the DNA surprise community. As I often say, we believe what our parents tell us, and many times, our surprises are shocking even to the people who raised us.

In t... more

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

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

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 a podcast discussing personal stories related to unexpected DNA discoveries, focusing on themes of identity, family dynamics, and emotional journeys. Alexis shares her own experiences as an NPE, offering a compassionate platform for others.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 377 ratings
  • Compassionate

    A touching, and heartfelt podcast. Five stars Alexis x

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Audrey daphne
    Australiaa month 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 Statesa month 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 States2 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
    Australia2 months 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

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the fascinating and heartfelt stories shared, often highlighting the empathetic and engaging hosting by Alexis.
Some technical and structural improvements have been suggested, such as episode organization and audio quality, but the overall emotional impact of the stories is consistently praised.
There is a strong sense of community built around shared experiences, with many finding solace and support in the narratives presented.

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's DNA Surprise
Q: Okay, so you find out through the test. What are your initial feelings and reaction?
Complete shock and disbelief, followed by crushing sadness as I realized my sense of self was suddenly pulled apart from what I had known, leading to a long process of processing the revelation.
Amber's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for someone who has just uncovered a DNA surprise?
Take a deep breath. Be patient with yourself, it's okay to feel different one day than the day before.
Amber's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for a parent who is keeping a DNA surprise from their child?
It is so important to remember that that child will grow up someday. There are a lot of things that are rightfully theirs to know.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About DNA Surprises

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

The content focuses on the poignant narratives surrounding unexpected DNA revelations, particularly addressing the experiences of individuals classified as non-paternal events (NPEs), adoptees, and those conceived via donor sperm. Each episode features guests sharing their emotional journeys of self-discovery through DNA testing, which often reveal shocking truths about their family histories and identities. Listeners can expect discussions that navigate complex feelings associated with identity, belonging, and family dynamics, creating a compassionate space for connecting experiences and insights related to these life-altering discoveries. Given its unique focus on personal and often deeply intimate stories, the content is likely to resona... more

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?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for DNA Surprises, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for DNA Surprises?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for DNA Surprises, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

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 170 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?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for DNA Surprises from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for DNA Surprises?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of DNA Surprises. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

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.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days