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Artwork for NPE Stories

NPE Stories

Lily Wood
NPE
Family Dynamics
DNA Testing
Mental Health
Ancestry DNA
NPE Stories
Identity
Family Relationships
Adoption
NPE (not Parent Expected)
Childhood Trauma
Ancestry DNA Testing
Ancestry DNA Test
Foster Care
Grief
Reunion
Identity Crisis
Therapy
NPE Community
Ancestry

What if you found out your parent was not in fact your biological parent?

NPE Stories is a podcast where NPEs can share their story. What is an NPE? It is a term that stands for Not Parent Expected or Non Paternity Event. It is used for people who have found out the life changing news that their parent wasn’t their biological parent. Most likely through the advent of home DNA kits. NPE Stories is... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes239Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Mental HealthHealth & FitnessPersonal JournalsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for NPE Stories

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Becca Rothman, a comedian, activist, and mother shares the surprising story of discovering she was donor-conceived later in life. After years of living with a "clue" found by her sister, Becca finally used a DNA kit to uncover a biol... more

YouTube

Growing up with a "normal" Midwestern upbringing, Mark never felt different or disconnected from his family. However, after his father's death, a quest to explore his Portuguese heritage through a DNA test led to the staggering discovery that he was ... more

YouTube

Alex Frantz shares the life-altering discovery of being donor-conceived, a revelation triggered by a holiday DNA kit. They describe the shock of realizing they attended high school with their half-siblings. Alex recounts forming a deep, "seamless" bo... more

YouTube

Dawn grew up feeling a quiet sense that something didn’t quite fit, but it wasn’t until a search for her family’s past that everything she thought she knew began to shift. In this episode, she shares what it’s like to uncover the truth later in life—... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
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Recent Guests

Dawn M.
Guest sharing her NPE story
NPE Stories
Episode: Dawn M's Story
Traci Grant
An NPE who shares her story of discovering her origins.
Episode: Traci Grant's Story
William Aperance
A person who discovered he is an NPE and wrote about his experiences.
Episode: William's Story
Devorah Lee
Author and late discovery adoptee who shares her personal journey of discovering her adoption and the circumstances surrounding it.
Episode: Devorah's Story about Taken From The Cradle
Amy S.
An NPE sharing her personal story of discovery and healing.
Episode: Amy S's Story
Julie S.
NPE who discovered the complexities of her parentage through DNA testing.
Episode: Julie S's Story
Robin Schepper
Author of 'Finding My Way', sharing her journey of identity and family connections
Episode: Robin Schepper’s Story
David Shulak
A man who discovered through DNA testing that his father was not his biological parent.
Episode: David's Story
Lauren LoGiudice
Late discovery donor-conceived person and comedian
Episode: Lauren LoGiudice's Story

Host

Lily
Host of NPE Stories

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 440 ratings
  • Simply the Best

    The simplicity of this podcast - Lily the empathetic and present host quietly holding space for the courageous storyteller - is what makes this the most authentic podcast on the topic or ANY topic. I am so grateful to have had these hundreds of hours of shared comfort to help me navigate my NPE. She takes no ad sponsors, give through Patreon if you wish to support.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RadicalRestYoga
    United Statesa month ago
  • Why can't you delete this!

    I accidentally hit this podcast and there is no way to delete it. The host's voice is not soothing. It actually grating.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Poplar8
    United States4 months ago
  • Great podcast

    Lily is so compassionate, she’s a great host.

    Love that there are no commercials.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Savage_625
    United States4 months ago
  • Not an NPE

    I am not an NPE, however, I have been assisting a found cousin to figure out who in the family her father is. Think I figure out one of three brothers and hoping two remaining will test. Love everything about your podcast, including your music and kindness.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Love to Research
    United States4 months ago
  • Host doesn’t have the range

    This pod is very white & boomer centric. These people need therapy and empathy for women period. The mothers are always misdiagnosed/ to blame by the NPE’s. It’s just not a solution oriented show.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    CidVicious_5
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

People appreciate the podcast's focus on healing and community, often calling it a lifeline for those navigating DNA-driven family revelations.
Overall, the show is seen as a compassionate and valuable resource for the NPE community, with strong advocacy and support signals.
Some reviewers criticize it for a perceived lack of inclusivity or broader solutions beyond storytelling, and a few note pacing or delivery preferences.
Listeners praise the host's empathy and calm interviewing style, noting it creates a safe space for guests to share painful 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.

Mark's Story
Q: How did you find out you were an NPE?
It started with the Ancestry DNA test showing a Portuguese lineage that didn't fit the Polish background, followed by unexpected matches and family stories that gradually pointed to a possible affair with a man named Tony, which ultimately led to a deeper investigation.
Alex's Story
Q: Alex, do you have any words of wisdom or anything you want to share with someone else going through the same thing?
Alex emphasizes allowing multiple, even conflicting, feelings to exist at once—anger and love toward the raising parents—and the importance of honoring the truth while acknowledging that relationships can remain meaningful despite difficult disclosures.
Alex's Story
Q: So let's go back to the origin story. Why don't you tell me who was in your raising family and a little bit about your childhood?
Alex describes being raised by two parents in a household with foster siblings, a close bond with her mom, a changing relationship with her other parent over time, and growing up in a conservative Christian environment that later caused friction as she explored her origins.
Stephanie's Story
Q: What have you found helpful in all of this and your healing?
Stephanie discusses listening to podcasts, reading Eve Sturges' book, and starting therapy as key outlets for processing her emotions and experiences.
Stephanie's Story
Q: So how did you find out you were an NPE?
Stephanie's discovery began post her father's death, as conversations with her stepmother and findings from a photo album led her to suspect her father was not her biological dad, confirmed through DNA testing.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About NPE Stories

What is NPE Stories about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on individuals who uncover that their presumed parent isn't their biological parent, often through DNA discoveries. Episodes consistently explore identity, family dynamics, trauma, healing, and the emotional fallout of reunion or reconciliation with biological relatives. Guests range from adoptees and NPEs to donor-conceived individuals, frequently weaving in themes of therapy, community support, and personal advocacy. The format tends to be empathetic and therapist-like, with a calm host guiding conversations that reveal the complexity of family secrets, belonging, and self-understanding. A notable strength is the focus on healing and connection, making it a supportive resource for people navigating similar journeys. Pote... more

Where can I find podcast stats for NPE Stories?

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How many listeners does NPE Stories get?

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What are the audience demographics for NPE Stories?

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How many subscribers and views does NPE Stories have?

To see how many followers or subscribers NPE Stories 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 NPE Stories?

These podcasts share a similar audience with NPE Stories:

1. DNA Surprises
2. Missing Pieces - NPE Life
3. Family Twist: A Podcast Exploring DNA Surprises and Family Secrets
4. Mothers, Lies and DNA Surprises
5. Finding Family DNA

How many episodes of NPE Stories are there?

NPE Stories launched 7 years ago and published 239 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 NPE Stories?

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 NPE Stories?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for NPE Stories from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for NPE Stories?

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What guests have appeared on NPE Stories?

Recent guests on NPE Stories include:

1. Dawn M.
2. Traci Grant
3. William Aperance
4. Devorah Lee
5. Amy S.
6. Julie S.
7. Robin Schepper
8. David Shulak

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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