DNA Surprises

By: Alexis Hourselt
  • Summary

  • 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 their families. Get ready to unravel the astonishing journeys that begin with a simple DNA test —this is DNA Surprises.
    Alexis Hourselt
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Episodes
  • Danielle's DNA Surprise
    Jan 28 2025

    "I knew it!" Or, "I had no idea." When it comes to DNA surprises, some people are completely blindsided. Others felt like they knew it all along. Danielle never felt like she fit in with her family. Her mother died when she was just three years old, and for the rest of her childhood, she was raised by her dad, who travelled often for work, and her aunt, her mother’s sister.

    Danielle knew that her dad had difficulty conceiving her older half-sister with his first wife, and she questioned if they were biologically related. More than a decade after her dad died, another aunt gave her a letter he’d written to her, which described the sometimes tumultuous but genuine affection her parents had for one another - a confession of sorts?

    When she learned that her sister had taken a consumer DNA test, Danielle finally had her chance to uncover the truth. After getting her results, doing extensive research, and learning surprising information from her mother’s best friend, she finally did.

    Thank you Danielle, for sharing your story.

    Listen to ad-free episodes at patreon.com/dnasurprises.

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    40 mins
  • Sarah K's DNA Surprise
    Jan 21 2025

    Black sheep. Golden child. In the DNA surprise community, these are labels we hear a lot. In this week’s episode, Sarah shares her emotional journey before, during, and after, her DNA discovery. Growing up, she never felt like she fit in, but her concerns were often dismissed. Many years later, her suspicions were confirmed–her dad, Joe was not her biological father. But she didn’t know for sure who was.

    Sarah’s story also touches on the role that alcohol played within her family and in her own personal journey. She discusses why she ultimately decided to seek sobriety and create strong boundaries with her raised family, and how she’s pursuing relationships with her newfound relatives.

    Thank you for sharing your story, Sarah.

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Krissy's DNA Surprise
    Jan 14 2025

    Welcome to season 10 of DNA Surprises. This season is jampacked with incredible stories that explore the emotional journeys of DNA discoveries. If you’ve had a DNA surprise, you’ll hear stories that you may relate to and gain inspiration from. If you haven’t had a DNA surprise, this season will continue to give you insight into the complexities of identity, family, and the human experience.

    In this week’s episode, Krissy shares her long journey to uncovering her DNA surprise, when she learned that the man she believed was her biological father is not. Her surprise didn’t start with a DNA test, but rumors that she confronted her mother about, which were quickly denied. Years later, Krissy found herself staring at a photo of herself and her two brothers, and that nagging feeling returned. So she took a DNA test.

    Krissy shares how the revelation affected her and her relationships and how she eventually found her biological father - along with a couple of additional DNA surprises. She also shares why she’s made the decision not to openly discuss the discovery with her parents.

    Thank you for sharing your story, Krissy.

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    47 mins

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I am not alone

Thank you, Alexis, for bringing much needed awareness to this heart wrenching topic. I know my life has been turned upside down and thanks to you, I know I’m not alone.

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I had the same happen to me

Im so glad i can across this! Knowing that im not alone in this unexpected journey is helping.

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