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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
DNA Surprises
23andme
Childhood Trauma
DNA Surprise Retreat
Genealogy
DNA
Identity Crisis
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes188Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Personal JournalsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for DNA Surprises

Latest Episodes

The Covid pandemic didn’t just launch 1,000 podcasts. While people were sequestered indoors with nothing to do, DNA tests were an interesting novelty. The result? Many DNA surprises.

In this week’s episode, Shari explains how she uncovered multiple... more

YouTube

What if finding out that the parent who raised you isn’t biologically related to you is the least surprising part of your story? What if, instead, the surprise is the amount of serendipity surrounding the discovery and everything that happens after? more

DNA surprises often begin with a search for answers. But what happens when you find them – and realize the answers don’t give you control over what happens next?

Jamie wasn’t searching for herself when she uncovered her DNA surprise. She was trying ... more

YouTube

One thing we know for sure about family secrets is that they don’t always disappear when the people who kept them are gone. Sometimes, they remain hidden for decades – until a DNA test brings them into the light.

Trudy had spent years researching he... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Shari Closterman
Author of My Family Tree, Taken to the Grave
Episode: Shari's DNA Surprise
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

Host

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

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 421 ratings
  • Awful tin sound

    Need better quality recording . Unfollowing .

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Dorei Jewl
    United States4 months ago
  • What I needed

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Slj411
    United States5 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 States6 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 States7 months ago
  • Compassionate

    A touching, and heartfelt podcast. Five stars Alexis x

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Audrey daphne
    Australia8 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.

Shari's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for someone who just uncovered a DNA surprise?
Shari recommends taking time to process the discovery, allowing emotions, and avoiding rash decisions. She encourages people to consider carefully how and when to approach their parents.
Shari's DNA Surprise
Q: What happened next? I mean, how were you ultimately able to figure out who your biological father was?
Shari used DNA matches, genealogy websites, and family records to search for her biological father. A marriage certificate led her to contact a man whose parents had lived and bowled near her mother in Louisville. They later took an Ancestry DNA test that confirmed they were half-siblings.
Julie R's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for a parent who may be keeping a DNA surprise from their child?
Tell the truth when you're ready, but do it with love and in a way that suits the child's age. The sooner a child knows their truth the better they can accept it, and setting boundaries while offering support is crucial.
Julie R's DNA Surprise
Q: Would you like to share a little bit about that and why you started it?
I started my podcast to reflect on life, own my truth, and help others by sharing journeys that bridge family dynamics, especially after big discoveries like mine. It's about empowering people to tell their stories and live their purpose.
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.

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. LA Calling
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 188 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. Shari Closterman
2. Lauren Caster
3. Linda Pevac
4. Kimberly Warner
5. Lauren LoGiudice
6. Sarah Kelly
7. Josh Hourselt
8. Iliamari Vazquez Houston

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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