
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 | 191 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Personal JournalsSociety & Culture | |||

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
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
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
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Need better quality recording . Unfollowing .
As an NPE, I really enjoy listening to other NPE stories, perspectives, and advice.
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!
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
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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Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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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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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
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.
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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
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