
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
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 177 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CulturePersonal Journals | |||

Words have power. Language is how we make meaning of the things we’ve experienced. For some, having language around DNA surprises, adoption, and donor conception helps people feel less alone.
And others take it even further, using the power of langu... more
After a DNA surprise, it’s common to look back and reflect on moments where the truth was right there in front of you. A slip of the tongue, that eerie feeling that something just wasn’t right. But you don’t know it until you know it.
In this week’s... more
For some people, one of the trickiest things about DNA surprises is that they force us to see our parents as human. It can be uncomfortable to come to terms with infidelity in a marriage, or that your parent would lie to you.
In this week’s episode,... more
What are you? For those of us who are quote “ethnically ambiguous,” this question is one we hear over and over again when meeting new people.
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Stephanie, who fielded questions about her ethnic background her ent... more
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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.
A touching, and heartfelt podcast. Five stars Alexis x
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,
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.
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. 💖
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Apple Podcasts | #187 | |
Apple Podcasts | #26 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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DNA Surprises centers on deeply personal journeys sparked by DNA testing, including NPEs (non-paternal events), adoptees, and donor-conceived individuals and their families. The conversations explore identity, belonging, and the emotional impact of revelations about biological origins, often weaving in themes of family dynamics, lineage, and the healing process. A notable strength is the host's empathetic, validating approach, which helps guests share nuanced experiences—from adoption secrets to discovering unexpected ancestries—while also highlighting ethical questions raised by genetic information. The show frequently features guests who turn their experiences into advocacy, storytelling, or ongoing personal quests for connection, making ... more
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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. Family Secrets
DNA Surprises launched 5 years ago and published 177 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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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
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