Best MPE Podcasts (2024)

1
Gigi's Story 52:18

4h ago52:18

52:18

Gina's (Gigi’s) parents were beloved and she didn’t understand a lot of her parents' behavior until later in life. Many secrets were kept by her family members and the DNA Angels were able to help her figure out more about her paternal family. Gina can be reached by email ginalsobania@gmail.com Resources Mentioned: DNA Angels - a nonprofit search a…

1
BettyJo's DNA Surprise 28:01

2h ago28:01

28:01

When people uncover DNA surprises, they are often left to unpack the mysteries themselves. From the who, what, when and where around their births to where their newly identified family members are today, we spend hours searching newspapers, online archives, and obituaries. Many times, we find what we’re looking for. Sometimes, we don’t. In this wee…

1
Stella's Story 1:00:21

4h ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Stella had to deal with her NPE revelation and a horrible death all while trying to keep it a secret from her biological father. Four years later Stella shares where she is currently at in her NPE story today. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Michele Grethel looking to interview NPEs, LDAs, DCPs and their family members. For more information, contact Dr. G…

1
Liann's DNA Surprise | Pat's DNA Surprise - Updates 57:19

7d ago57:19

57:19

Did you know that the DNA Surprises podcast community meets in a virtual support group every month? We started the Third Thursday Meetup in 2023 to serve as an additional resource for NPEs, late-discovery donor-conceived people, and late-discovery adoptees to find community and support. Third Thursdays have quickly become one of my favorite nights …

1
Shannon W's DNA Surprise 46:51

8d ago46:51

46:51

Not every DNA surprise has a happy ending. And sometimes, what seems like a happy ending takes a turn. But the opposite is also true. In this week’s episode, Shannon shares how she learned the truth about her paternity and had to wait several years before she could identify her biological father. When she finally found him, he was receptive, before…

1
Caroline Sorg's Story 50:25

18d ago50:25

50:25

Content Warning: This episode contains accounts of child abuse and violence. Caroline was essentially an orphan at a young age and always felt ostracized by her sisters. Many of her family members knew the secret of her true paternity and participated in keeping this information from her. Caroline is still struggling with this betrayal as she start…

1
Alissa's DNA Surprise 49:25

15d ago49:25

49:25

Many people in the DNA surprise community grew up with dads, or birth certificate fathers, BCFs as they’re often called. We are raised by these men and then one day, through a DNA test or other means, we learn that they are not our biological fathers. But what if you never really felt like you had a dad? How does a DNA surprise affect you? In this …

1
Joan's DNA Surprise 36:33

22d ago36:33

36:33

DNA Surprises bring up a range of emotions, and if there’s one thing I hope I’ve made clear on this show, all those emotions are valid. In this week’s episode, Joan shares why her DNA surprise was more of an interesting adventure than a dramatic event. Her story is one of optimism, curiosity, and patience - it took her a decade to solve her mystery…

1
Bertrice's Story 25:39

25d ago25:39

25:39

Bertrice took a DNA test to help a family member, and ended up finding a close family friend in her DNA matches. Since finding out she was an NPE during Covid to losing her husband this last year Bertrice's life has changed drastically. Bertrice chooses to remain anonymous but wanted to share her NPE story. NPE Stories Patreon NPE Stories facebook …

1
Yvette's DNA Surprise (Update) 45:06

1M ago45:06

45:06

Welcome to the 100th episode of DNA surprises! OK, technically I’ve had more than 100 episodes already, but this is the 100th DNA Surprise story I’ve had the privilege of sharing with you all. So, in celebration of 100 episodes, I thought we’d take it allll the way back to the beginning. In this week’s episode, I’m joined once again by Yvette, my v…

1
Nicole's Story 49:44

1M ago49:44

49:44

Nicole lost both her parents in a short period of time, and then after getting into genealogy to honor her father's passing, she found out she was an NPE in the worst way. Nicole went through a few therapists until she found one that she really resonated and felt safe with. Nicole can be reached via email at nwebs24@gmail.com Resources Mentioned: D…

1
Ruby's DNA Surprise 26:51

1M ago26:51

26:51

It’s your story. You have the right to tell it. This is something we hear a lot in the DNA surprise community - I say it a lot myself. In this week’s episode, Ruby shares a unique perspective on this philosophy. Ruby took her DNA test expecting to learn more about her Mexican heritage, and instead uncovers a half-sibling and learns her biological f…

1
Beth's DNA Surprise 45:54

2M ago45:54

45:54

What would you do if you found out that your biological father wasn’t the man who raised you, but someone you’d known in the periphery of much of your life? Someone who’d photographed weddings, even done your taxes? In this episode, Beth shares her journey after discovering her biological father was a long-time colleague of her mother. Beth talks a…

1
Doe's DNA Surprise 52:58

2M ago52:58

52:58

What never fails to surprise me is how innocently DNA surprises begin. In this episode, we hear from Doe - yes, that’s a pseudonym - who uncovered her DNA surprise in 2021. A skillful genealogist, Doe bought a DNA test for her husband, who was curious about his family history. As it just so happened, she purchased the test during a buy one, get one…

1
Deanna's DNA Surprise 1:32:46

2M ago1:32:46

1:32:46

Welcome to the Season 8 finale of DNA Surprises. In this episode, I’m joined by Deanna, who shares her NPE story. Deanna has experienced unspeakable amounts of hardship in her life, from abandonment to abuse to her DNA discovery. Her story is difficult - and powerful. You’ll hear how she’s still reckoning with the what-might-have-beens and the whys…

1
Jennifer's DNA Surprise 49:40

4M ago49:40

49:40

Every DNA Surprise is unique—the who, what, when, and why surrounding an NPE vary from person to person. Still, after nearly 100 interviews, I’ve noticed consistent themes in these stories. One of those themes is a complicated mother-child relationship. When Jennifer took her DNA test, she had no idea that her family tree would change forever. As i…

1
Jessica B's DNA Surprise 55:20

4M ago55:20

55:20

DNA Surprises are confusing. They’re confusing for the people they happen to as they try to make sense of newfound information. With so many characters, twists, and turns in each story, they’re also confusing for people listening to DNA Surprises stories. This week’s DNA surprise story is no exception. In fact, it features a triple-NPE. So before w…

1
Robyn and Ida's DNA Surprise(s) 41:34

4M ago41:34

41:34

To paraphrase The Beatles, we get by with a little help from our friends. This is especially true when it comes to DNA Surprises. In this week’s episode, coworkers Robyn and Ida share their NPE discoveries, which happened right around the same time. In fact, Robyn used her genealogy skills to identify Ida’s father. They each reflect on their person…

1
Courtney's DNA Surprise 59:45

4M ago59:45

59:45

DNA surprises rarely happen in a vacuum. So many of the people I speak to have experienced other traumas throughout their lives, long before sending off DNA tests. In this week’s episode, Courtney shares how her mother’s mental health struggles played a large part in her childhood. She knew she was adopted by her stepfather when she was young and g…

1
Bonus Episode | Generational Healing - A Conversation About Generational Trauma with Therapist Iliamari Vazquez Houston 30:57

5M ago30:57

30:57

In this bonus episode of DNA Surprises, I chat with Iliamari Vazquez Houston, a therapist based out of the Phoenix metro area. Iliamari will facilitate a session on generational trauma - and generational healing - at the DNA Surprise Retreat, September 19-22, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. We discuss what generational trauma is and how we can begin to break …

1
Dawn's DNA Surprise 53:44

5M ago53:44

53:44

Sometimes, after DNA surprises are revealed, our relationships with our raised parents become strained. Sometimes, this leads to estrangement. But for others, these surprises simply compound already strained relationships. When Dawn had her DNA surprise, she was already virtually no contact with her mother. In this week’s episode, she shares why sh…

1
Bonus Episode | Just Breathe - An Introduction to Breathwork with Jenna Hedstrom 35:13

5M ago35:13

35:13

In this bonus episode of DNA Surprises, I chat with Jenna Hedstrom, E-RYT 500 and Expert Breathwork Facilitator. Jenna will lead a breathwork session at the DNA Surprise Retreat, September 19-22, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. During our conversation, we discuss what breathwork is and how it benefits us. We also chat about how to overcome blockers around pra…

1
Miranda's DNA Surprise 37:35

5M ago37:35

37:35

(CW: Suicide, abuse) A common question in our community is “when is the right time to tell the truth about parentage?” While some say there is never a good time to tell, many believe that the truth should be shared from birth. In this week’s episode, Miranda’s story highlights the importance of telling early - and often. Miranda’s mother never hid …

1
Lauren LoGiudice's Story 38:54

5M ago38:54

38:54

Lauren LoGiudice is a comedian that identifies as a misfit, and is also a donor-conceived person with a couple hundred estimated siblings. Lauren can be reached at laurenlogi.com Lauren's Podcast Misfits Makin' It Resources Mentioned: Untangling Our Roots NPE Stories Patreon NPE Stories facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NPEstories…

1
Bonus Episode | Trauma-Informed Yoga with Lanita Ugstad 20:08

5M ago20:08

20:08

During this bonus episode of DNA Surprises, I interview advanced yoga teacher Lanita Ugstad. Lanita will facilitate a gentle movement session at the DNA Surprise Retreat, September 19-22, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. We discuss how yoga is beneficial for people who have experienced trauma, and what it means to facilitate a session through a trauma lens. La…

1
Sarah's DNA Surprise 59:05

5M ago59:05

59:05

Did you grow up feeling different from your family? That feeling of being inexplicably out of place haunts many people in the DNA surprise community throughout childhood and adulthood - before they uncover the truth. In this week’s episode, Sarah shares how while she always felt different from her family - she was more sensitive and had a different…

1
Bonus Episode | Processing Betrayal Trauma with Therapist Venessa De La Cruz 34:42

5M ago34:42

34:42

In this bonus episode of DNA Surprises, I speak with therapist Venessa De La Cruz about betrayal trauma. Venessa will facilitate a session on Betrayal Trauma at the DNA Surprise Retreat, September 19-22 in Phoenix, AZ. She defines what betrayal trauma is and how things like DNA surprises can manifest for us both physically and mentally. We also div…

1
Shannon P's DNA Surprise 41:36

5M ago41:36

41:36

So many DNA surprises start with a gift. Mothers Day. Fathers Day. Prime Day. Christmas. Almost every month, consumer DNA testing companies offer deals encouraging people to give a DNA test as a present. If you’re listening to this podcast, you know how this sometimes turns out. In this week's episode, Shannon shares how after receiving a DNA test …

1
Shirley's Story 41:26

5M ago41:26

41:26

Shirley discovered through DNA tests that her entire biological family was different from the one she had known all her life, leading her to become a private detective so that she could uncover her true origins. Shirley can be reached via email smunoznewsonauthor@gmail.com Instagram: shirleymunoznewson_author Facebook: shirleymunoznewson.com Resour…

1
Bonus Episode | Inner Child, Inner Healing - An Intro to Parts Work with Therapist Megan Irwin 37:54

5M ago37:54

37:54

This special episode of DNA Surprises features Megan Irwin, a licensed therapist specializing in grief, loss, trauma, and PTSD. Megan will facilitate a session on parts work at the 2024 DNA Surprise Retreat, September 19-22 in Phoenix, AZ. During our discussion, we covered what parts work is (and isn’t) and why people typically think of it in terms…

1
Janeen Jackson's DNA Surprise 1:11:38

6M ago1:11:38

1:11:38

Race. Ethnicity. Heritage. These are complex topics without the added nuance of a DNA surprise. Author Janeen Jackson grew up with two younger brothers and her parents in an African American household. In this week’s episode, she shares how, through a DNA test, she not only learned that she is adopted, but that her biological father is a white man.…

1
Shelly Lee's Story 39:08

5M ago39:08

39:08

Shelly is part of a great little NPE community called the NoMi Girls who meet in Northern Michigan regularly. She had a traumatic childhood and has put a lot of work into healing, including EMDR and support groups, but Shelly says this experience has changed her a lot. Shelly can be reached via email shellywellsnpe@gmail.com Resources Mentioned: Un…

1
Steve's DNA Surprise 45:44

6M ago45:44

45:44

If there is one thing I hope we can all agree on, it’s that families come in all shapes and sizes. Many people with DNA surprises end up with two, three, or more fathers and just as many mothers, too. When Steve experienced his DNA surprise, he already had two men in his life that he called “Dad.” After he learned the truth about who his biological…

1
Julie's DNA Surprise 50:53

6M ago50:53

50:53

Most of the time, when I speak to people on the podcast, we learn that the reason they took the test was out of curiosity or for fun. Maybe they were given the DNA test as a gift from a friend or significant other. So imagine my surprise when I learned that this week’s guest was given her Ancestry DNA kit by her mother. Welcome to Season 8 of DNA S…

1
Kris's Story 32:10

6M ago32:10

32:10

Kris took a DNA test along with many of her family members and saw that she did not have DNA in common with her birth certificate father. She hid her profile online and has chosen, at this point, not to discuss this with her dad. Kris can be reached via email kristinekellympls@gmail.com Resources Mentioned: Untangling Our Roots Summit High Conflict…

1
Lily and others at Untangling our Roots 2024 41:18

6M ago41:18

41:18

This was a very long emotional episode that has been divided into 2 parts. This is part 2. This was part of a panel held at the Untangling Our Roots Summit 2024 in Denver, CO. The panel was moderated by Don Anderson of Missing Pieces - NPE Life and featured Eve Sturges of Everything's Relative and Lily Wood of NPE Stories. Eve shared for 10 minutes…

1
Eve and others at Untangling Our Roots 2024 39:16

6M ago39:16

39:16

This was a very long emotional episode that has been divided into 2 parts. This is part 1. This was part of a panel held at the Untangling Our Roots Summit 2024 in Denver, CO. The panel was moderated by Don Anderson of Missing Pieces - NPE Life and featured Eve Sturges of Everything's Relative and Lily Wood of NPE Stories. Eve shared for 10 minutes…

1
Margo's Story 47:24

7M ago47:24

47:24

Margo discovered her NPE status when she purchased an Ancestry kit to kill a lifelong curiosity. She learned her younger brother was not the only NPE in the family and suddenly her chaotic childhood began to make sense. Resources Mentioned: When the Apple Falls Far from the Tree: Discovering the Gifts within the Chaos by Margo Reilly Upcoming Memoi…

1
Terra's Story 49:29

7M ago49:29

49:29

Terra was raised in Texas by her single father and asked for a 23andMe for Christmas to see how much Native American she had on her maternal side. Terra ended up having quite an ethnicity shift after her NPE. NPE Stories Patreon NPE Stories facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

1
Dorene's Story 44:23

7M ago44:23

44:23

Dorene’s NPE discovery in 2022 at the age of 60 inspired her to become a trauma recovery coach, specializing in helping NPEs. As she began to study intergenerational trauma and apply what she learned to her experience, the events of Dorene's life finally began to make sense. Dorene can be reached via email at dorene@thetruthofme.com Resources Menti…

1
Dana Schmalenberg's DNA Surprise 1:15:54

8M ago1:15:54

1:15:54

There is never a good time to discover that the man you’ve called “Dad” for your entire life isn’t biologically related to you, but I imagine that having this realization as he lays in a hospital bed, dying, must be among the worst. In the season 7 finale of DNA Surprises, Dana Schmalenberg shares how she uncovered the truth that both of her parent…

1
Laura H's Story 47:52

8M ago47:52

47:52

Laura found out her half-siblings are her full siblings, and since finding out she was an NPE her family members have become distant. Resources Mentioned: Tickets still available for the Untangling our Roots Summit Apr 25-28, 2024 in Denver, CO NPE Stories Patreon NPE Stories facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NPEstories…

1
Angela, Wyatt, Cassidy, and Cody’s DNA Surprise 1:09:15

8M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

How do you define family? For so many of us, DNA surprises have made us reflect deeply on this question. For Wyatt, Cassidy, Cody, and Angela, the answer is different depending on who you ask.Twenty-plus years ago when Wyatt, Cassidy, and Cody were born, fertility clinics didn’t advocate for disclosure. So when their mother and father asked Angela,…

1
KaSheena's Story 53:28

8M ago53:28

53:28

KaSheena took a DNA test to see what part of Africa her ancestors came from, but ended up finding a bunch of strangers show up in her DNA matches. KaSheena can be reached via email kasheena.winston@gmail.com Resources Mentioned: Tickets still available for the Untangling our Roots Summit Apr 25-28, 2024 in Denver, CO NPE Stories Patreon NPE Stories…

1
Lisa S' DNA Surprise 1:14:36

8M ago1:14:36

1:14:36

Many of us who have had DNA surprises spend some time wondering “What if?” What if we’d been raised in a different house, with our newly discovered biological parent? What if we’d known the truth from the beginning? What would our lives look like now? Would they be better? Or…would they be worse? In this week’s episode, Lisa shares how she uncovere…

1
Pat's DNA Surprise 36:05

8M ago36:05

36:05

Picture this: you grow up with a sibling who is convinced they are not your dad’s biological child. No one knows about DNA surprises or NPEs or anything like that, but they just know their dad isn't THEIR dad. Years later, after commercial DNA testing becomes commonplace, you offer them some peace of mind. All of your siblings take a test to prove,…

1
Sue's Story 47:39

8M ago47:39

47:39

Sue is an NPE that has a full sibling from her mother's affair with her birth father. Her research has uncovered other NPEs from her family as well, including her own mother. Resources Mentioned: Join us at the Untangling our Roots Summit Apr 25-28, 2024 in Denver, CO NPE Stories now has a new $3 donation tier on Patreon Sue can be reached via emai…

1
Ryan's DNA Surprise 36:00

9M ago36:00

36:00

Secrets. Secrets are often at the beginning of a DNA surprise. But after the surprise is uncovered, is that the end of them? In this week’s episode, Ryan shares how on one fateful Thanksgiving, his mother confessed the truth about his paternity. When he spoke to his birth certificate father and his biological father, they both requested that he con…

1
Devin's Story 44:43

9M ago44:43

44:43

Devin shares his NPE story of finding out he is the youngest of 23 children spanned over many decades. He believes he may still have siblings out there he has yet to meet. Devin can be reached via email devindavis2277@gmail.com or via instagram @dd_227 Resources Mentioned: Devin has shared his story previously on DNA Surprises NPE Stories Patreon N…

1
Jill's DNA Surprise 45:37

9M ago45:37

45:37

Something that I’ve heard more than once on this podcast is a situation that goes something like this: people are having an argument. A mother and child. A husband and wife. Both parents with their child, or some other combination. And then, in the heat of the moment, someone reveals the truth. So and so isn’t your real dad anyway. And then, just a…

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