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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 Events
Non-Paternal Event
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes191Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Personal JournalsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for DNA Surprises

Latest Episodes

One thing I've learned through hosting this podcast is just how much work can go into solving a DNA mystery. Sometimes we hear stories where someone takes a DNA test, recognizes an unexpected match, and gets answers almost immediately. But for many p... more

Something I wonder about a lot is, if people fully understood the potential fallout of a DNA surprise, would they still take a test? Most people are happy to know the truth, but few know about the NPE community when they send off their kits.

In this... more

YouTube

DNA surprises can change so much in an instant. Our truths, our identities, and our relationships. One of the relationships that can be most difficult to navigate after a discovery is the one we have with our mothers.

In this week’s episode, Lisa sh... more

YouTube

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

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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
Podcast host and NPE who shares her experience of an unexpected parentage discovery

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 424 ratings
  • Awful tin sound

    Need better quality recording . Unfollowing .

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Dorei Jewl
    United States5 months ago
  • What I needed

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Slj411
    United States6 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 States7 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 States8 months ago
  • Compassionate

    A touching, and heartfelt podcast. Five stars Alexis x

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Audrey daphne
    Australia9 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners report inconsistent host-side audio quality and want clearer recording.
Listeners describe the conversations as moving, fascinating and helpful for understanding identity, family secrets and DNA surprises.
Personal stories help people feel less alone and offer reassurance, perspective and practical advice during difficult discoveries.
Listeners value Alexis Hourselt's empathetic, thoughtful questions and her shared understanding of NPE experiences.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Nakesia's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for someone who just uncovered a DNA surprise?
Nakesia recommends stepping away for ten minutes, thinking about what the results show, giving oneself grace, and staying calm and kind when communicating.
Nakesia's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for a parent who might be keeping a DNA surprise from their child?
Nakesia advises parents who know their child may have a different biological father to get a DNA test so neither parent nor child is left with uncertainty.
Lisa C's DNA Surprise
Q: And what advice do you have for someone who just uncovered a DNA surprise?
Lisa recommends listening to personal instincts, seeking a trusted therapist, joining support groups, listening to others' stories, and talking with supportive friends.
Lisa C's DNA Surprise
Q: What advice do you have for a parent who is keeping a DNA Surprise from their child?
Lisa advises parents to be honest and tell the story, noting that DNA tests make it increasingly likely that children will discover the truth later.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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Location
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Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About DNA Surprises

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

Personal interviews center on people whose understanding of their family history changed after DNA testing, adoption discoveries or new information about biological parentage. Host Alexis Hourselt, who has experienced a non-paternal event herself, guides guests through the discovery, the search for relatives and the emotional effects on identity and family relationships. Most guests share first-person experiences as NPEs, adoptees or donor-conceived people; occasional guests bring related perspectives through writing, advocacy or filmmaking. Conversations pair detailed personal stories with reflections on boundaries, disclosure, grief, reconnection and practical ways to navigate difficult revelations. The focus is not only on genetic detect... 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. DNA Discoveries

How many episodes of DNA Surprises are there?

DNA Surprises launched 5 years ago and published 191 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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