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Missing Pieces - NPE Life is a podcast that curates stories of and about people who find out, usually through a home DNA test, that someone in their family tree isn't who they thought. The host, Don Anderson, found out in 2021 that his dad wasn't his dad. It changed his life. All of the sudden the missing pieces fell into place. Our first episode will drop on May 13, 2022. NPE stands for Not Parent Expected or Non Paternity Event.
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DNA Surprises

Alexis Hourselt

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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 —th ...
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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 a podcast where NPEs can share their story of what their original family was like. How they foun ...
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Welcome to Family Twist, the podcast that dives deep into the tangled webs of family secrets and DNA surprises. Each episode, hosts Corey and Kendall Austin Stulce explore the complex and challenging truths that come with discovering you are a non-parent expected (NPE) individual—someone whose familial origins aren't what they seemed. Through candid interviews with people from the NPE, adoptee, and donor-conceived communities, Family Twist offers a platform for stories of unexpected parentag ...
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A therapist and genealogical investigator narrate interviews with real people about their experiences with shocking DNA revelations like paternity fraud, Non-Paternal Events (NPE), donor conceptions and adoptions, whether discovered by a commercial DNA test or a known disclosure. Using a blend of humor, education and awe, these two friends make sense of one of the fastest growing segments of popular culture - the surprise DNA discovery. Hosted by Christina Bryan Fitzgibbons and Jodi Klugman- ...
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Welcome to the #ShowMeYourWalk With Olya V podcast, where you can learn and put into action different ways of coping with mental health and daily stress while sharing your stories with the community. Join adoptees, people with stories of NPE, abuse survivors, and other individuals with adverse experiences while they empower themselves and others through their stories.
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Each week we journey into the world of intellectual property to discuss the law, news, policy and politics of innovation, technology, and creativity. With analysis and commentary from industry thought leaders and newsmakers from around the world, IPWatchdog Unleashed is hosted by world renowned patent attorney and founder of IPWatchdog.com, Gene Quinn.
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Here's another great episode of Missing Pieces NPE Life. This is about Emily, daughter of Russian immigrants who finds she's the family secret. Missing Pieces has a Tik Tok account. http://www.tiktok.com/@donnpizm3ev Please follow me there. If you want to get in touch with Don (or in this case Emily) contact me at donNPE@icloud.com or on instagram …
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This week we venture into the world of patent monetization from the viewpoint of a patent owner and non-practicing entity. Our conversation is with Brad Close, a one-time patent prosecution attorney, one-time patent broker, and current patent owner engaged in patent monetization efforts, licensing and, of course, litigation.…
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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…
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How does growing up as an Asian adoptee in a white family influence mental health and identity? This episode delves into Joey's personal story of being a Japanese adoptee raised by a white woman, exploring how his experiences with identity, trauma, and belonging led him down a path of drug use and self-harm. Joey and Beth share their candid journey…
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This week we journey into the world of Artificial Intelligence. The term Artificial Intelligence itself has largely become the generic term used to describe a variety of related but different concepts, often wrapping together AI, Machine Learning and Generative AI as if they all relate to the same thing, or as if there is a single technology that i…
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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…
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How does the journey of seeking one’s birth parents unfold in real life, with all its emotional complexities? For many, the decision to seek out biological roots is driven by a deep need for connection and identity. However, this journey can surface unexpected emotional challenges, from rejection to surprising familial revelations, as Kendall and o…
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For this episode of IPWatchdog Unleashed, Gene Quinn speaks with Brad Watts, who is Vice President for Patents and Innovation Policy at the Global Innovation Policy Center at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Recently Brad has written a number of articles posted to the GIPC blog which focus on Biden Administration proposals regarding march-in rights, f…
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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…
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In this conversation, Corey Stulce interviews Jordan Elizabeth Braxton about her transition journey and her experiences as an intersex woman. Jordan shares her realization of being female from a young age and her decision to transition later in life. She discusses the challenges she faced, including societal expectations and anti-LGBTQ laws. Jordan…
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Ordinarily patent practitioners do not need to really think about prosecution laches, but laches has become a rather hot topic as the United States Patent and Trademark Office and courts have initiated what can only be characterized as an assault on an applicant’s statutory right to seek and file additional claims if those claims are supported by t…
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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 …
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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…
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Have you ever felt like you were hiding behind a mask, both personally and professionally? Comedian Lauren shares her DNA surprise and the realization that she has been hiding behind masks, both personally and professionally. She reflects on her journey of self-discovery and the impact it has had on her stand-up comedy. The conversation explores th…
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How can horror movies become a source of comfort and healing? Corey and Kendall Stulce announce the launch of their new podcast, Horror Heals, which focuses on the therapeutic aspects of horror culture. They discuss their love for horror movies and how they were introduced to them at a young age. The podcast will feature interviews with horror movi…
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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…
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(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 …
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Have you ever wondered about the emotional rollercoaster of discovering long-lost family through DNA testing? The Psychological Effects of Parental Lies In this episode, Debbie Smith Olson discusses her personal story of discovering her biological father and half-siblings. She shares her experience of being lied to by her biological mother and the …
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This week our conversation is with Scott McKeown, a shareholder with Wolf Greenfield in the firm's DC office, and Steve McBride, a partner with Carmichael IP. In this wide ranging conversation we tackle what is happening at the United States Patent and Trademark Office and on Capitol Hill. We specifically address the proposed changes to terminal di…
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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…
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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…
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Have you ever wondered about the secrets and stories hidden within the world of adoption? Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao shares her personal journey of being adopted and how it led her to become a therapist specializing in adoption and foster care. She discusses the secrecy surrounding adoption in the past and the importance of transparency and openness i…
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Welcome to another special episode of our show. To donate to (or share) the Road Trip please go to https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-everythings-relative-roadtrip#story Here is a link to Eve's Podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everythings-relative-with-eve-sturges/id1459167540 Go to Eve's website for all kinds of stuff, including resou…
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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…
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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 …
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Ever wondered what it's like to discover your true heritage and embrace a multifaceted identity amid societal norms? We're presenting a "remix" episode with Jack Malstrom, a deejay, a drag performer and Two-Spirit educator. Jack navigates the complexities of adoption, identity discovery, and cultural integration. This episode isn't just about ident…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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How can attending an adoptee summit transform your understanding of identity and connection? In this episode of Family Twist, we're joined by Monica Hall for an insightful discussion on the Untangling Our Roots Summit. Monica shares her profound experiences at the summit, emphasizing the healing power of connecting with others who have similar adop…
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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…
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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…
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Ever wondered how an open adoption can transform lives and bridge the gap between adoptive and birth families? In this episode of Family Twist, we dive deep into the profound experiences and insights of Lori, an adoptive parent and advocate for open adoption. Lori shares her journey of navigating the complexities of adoption, the importance of open…
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Hi, welcome to this very special episode. This is a series of quick interviews I recorded at the Untangling Our Roots summit in Denver. Put on by Right to Know and NAAP It was amazing!! I had a blast and it was so good meeting so many of you. Check it out!! Please share with another person!! To reach out to Don email him at donNPE@icloud.com or you…
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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…
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Adoptee Monica Hall discusses her journey from leaving corporate America to starting her own soap company and finding her indigenous roots. She shares anecdotes about selling peppermint soap to a gay community and the success of her products. Monica also opens up about her personal life, including her experiences with relationships and her challeng…
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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…
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Ever wondered how discovering hidden family secrets can transform your sense of identity and belonging? In this episode, Kendall continues the conversation with Pam, an NPE (not parent expected) individual. They discuss the possibility of being the product of an affair or open relationship, and the challenges that come with it. They also talk about…
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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…
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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…
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Can you transform trauma into a powerful personal narrative? In this compelling episode of Family Twist, we delve into the journey of healing and self-creation with guest Dee Wallace, celebrated actress and healer. Dee shares her unique insights on how to redirect energy and thoughts to manifest the life you desire, inspired by her own experiences …
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Welcome to another incredible story on Missing Pieces. I think the episode names speaks for itself. Jackie is amazing and I am so happy he shared his story with me. To find the article I spoke about in the Israel Times click here To visit Professor Turi King's page its http://turiking.co.uk/ To get in touch with Don email him at donNPE@icloud.com O…
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Have you ever imagined discovering a completely different truth about your past as an adult? This episode delves deep into the powerful, emotional journeys that unfold when hidden family truths come to light through DNA testing and genealogical discoveries. For anyone curious about their own family background or grappling with questions of identity…
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Have you ever wondered about the alternative ways people can become parents in today's world? This episode delves deep into the fascinating and sometimes controversial world of unregulated sperm donation, a topic that touches on ethics, identity, and the human desire to connect and find meaning through family. Unregulated Donation with Spermworld D…
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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…
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Welcome to another exciting episode!! A lot of adopted kids fantasize about who their "real" parents. Famous actor, rock start, royalty... But usually that's not the case, usually they turn out to be regular folks...but not on today's episode. Check it out. Angie's instagram is angieb_2003 To get more info about the Untangling Our Roots Summit clic…
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Are you grappling with the complexities of family identity and secrets? In this episode of Family Twist, we delve deep into the emotional journey of Pam, an NPE (Not Parent Expected) who discovers her true parentage through a DNA test, uncovering the reality of being conceived through an affair. If you've ever wondered about your family secrets or …
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