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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
Childhood Trauma
Patriarchy
Non-Paternal Events
Irish Heritage
NPE
Ancestry
Family Relationships
Donor-Conceived
Family Secrets
Jewish Heritage
Memoir Writing
Family Identity
Therapy

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes160Founded4 years ago
Categories
Personal JournalsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for DNA Surprises

Latest Episodes

DNA surprises often lead to answers - the truth about parentage, insights into family dynamics, clarity about the past. Still, as I often say, they also leave us with questions. Questions that may never be answered. But what if something as simple as... more

What happens after you take a DNA test? After you make contact with newfound family? After you write that letter, or email, or hit send on a text? You wait. And wait, and wait.

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Devon, who spent almost the entir... more

You can’t unring a bell. After a DNA surprise is uncovered, after contact is made with newfound relatives, what’s done is done. Which is why some people are hesitant to dig into the truth. You never know what’s waiting for you on the other side. In t... more

YouTube

"It’s a scam!" That’s what some family members say after a DNA surprise is uncovered. "Those tests aren’t accurate." Or, if a long-lost relative reaches out, they’re surely after money. If you’ve listened to this podcast for any length of time, you k... more

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Recent Guests

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
Megan Irwin
A licensed therapist specializing in grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, and associated challenges.
Megan Irwin Counseling
Episode: Bonus Episode | Inner Child, Inner Healing - An Intro to Parts Work with Therapist Megan Irwin

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 367 ratings
  • 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 States3 days 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 States25 days ago
  • I’m hooked!!

    Very Appropriate for those who have experienced meeting siblings or parents for the first time

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Londielingo
    United Statesa month ago
  • Who Am I ?? Are you my Mother??

    I’m really moved and feeling ‘normal’ after listening to by accident finding this podcast. It found me gratefully. Am adopted, currently investigating if it was a legal one or just a handover, victim of crime and have done the ancestry DNA 🧬 research as well. Alexis you are so kind in your work here and to all who have shared their unique and universal stories.

    You are beautiful and brave. My biological and ‘adoptive’ parents have passed. I’m unraveling it all now it all makes sense and I’m not... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mitsukozona
    Australiaa month ago
  • Please fix audio!

    I like the podcast a lot. Alexis does a great job asking questions that prompts further detail from the guests. The only improvement that’s needed is the audio on the host’s side.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    LC the Listener
    United States4 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.

Devon’s DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for a parent who is keeping a DNA surprise from their child?
Don't do it. It's better to be open and honest about biological origins.
Devon’s DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for someone who just uncovered a DNA surprise?
Take a deep breath and embrace the journey, even if it comes with unexpected outcomes.
Dan and Melissa’s DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for somebody who has uncovered a DNA surprise, like finding a sibling you didn't know was out there?
Just be open to it. If you're not expecting it and it happens, what's the problem with having more love around you, a bigger family?
Dan and Melissa’s DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for someone who has just uncovered a family, somebody who's been searching and just found them?
Obviously have an open mind. My biggest fear was that we'd be so different, but just keep an open mind and don't judge anyone too early. Keep your expectations low. Hope, don't expect.
Oscar’s DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for a parent who may be keeping a DNA surprise from their child?
You definitely have to tell them. And you can't let the secret persist.

Audience Metrics

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

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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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?

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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What are the audience demographics for DNA Surprises?

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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 160 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.

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What guests have appeared on DNA Surprises?

Recent guests on DNA Surprises include:

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

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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