DNA Surprises

DNA surprises are often uncovered after innocent intentions. When Stacy’s daughter decided to take a DNA test to learn more about her father’s side of the family because he was adopted, she didn’t suspect that she’d uncover her mother’s NPE.

Stacy shares how she always felt different from her family and how she is forging new relationships with her biological father, step-mom, and newfound sisters. She also discusses how her discovery has affected her relationship with her mother.

Thank you for sharing your story, Stacy.

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Not every DNA surprise is filled with trauma and upset. In this week’s episode, Guy joins me for a delightful conversation about his NPE discovery. He discusses why he always felt like he didn’t fit in and the other reasons he attributed to his outsider status in his family.

He shares why he feels vindicated and relieved to learn that he is an NPE and how he’s tackling his case like a detective. 

Thank you for sharing your story, Guy.

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In this week’s episode of DNA Surprises, Karen shares what’s happened since she last shared her DNA surprise story. You can hear the first part of her story on Lily Wood’s podcast, NPE Stories - Karen C’s story. 

As a quick content warning, there is a brief mention of suicide and some discussion about heavy alcohol use.
Karen shares how she found her biological father, someone she actually remembers when she was young. She also uncovered multiple NPEs on her bio dad’s side of the family. She shares how she’s made peace with her mother and advice for anyone in this position.
Thank you for sharing your story, Karen.

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DNA surprises are often bittersweet. The results we receive via consumer DNA testing can lead to upset and confusion, but they also can answer long-held questions and lay the foundation for new relationships.

In this week’s episode, Bonnie shares how she always knew that she didn’t know her father, but once she started searching, she found answers she didn’t expect. Her journey to identifying her biological father includes many twists and turns. She shares how she was able to track down her bio dad with the support of a search angel and how her discovery has affected her relationship with her mother.

Thanks to Bonnie for sharing her story.

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One of the things we talk about often within the DNA Surprise community is the ripple effect. Surprises don't only affect NPEs, donor-conceived people, and adoptees - they affect their parents, their children, friends, spouses, and other family members.

In this week’s episode, Kim shares how she helped uncover the complicated story of her Granda Mary, who had several NPE children. She discusses what steps she took to put the pieces together and how her work has affected her relationship with her dad.

Thanks to Kim for sharing her story.

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Welcome to a bonus episode of DNA Surprises! I had the privilege of speaking with Kara and Alesia from Right to Know about all of the amazing work they do for the MPE, DCP, and adoptee communities. 

They also share some exciting news about their upcoming Untangling Our Roots Summit. The event is scheduled for March 30-April 1 and tickets are on sale now!

I’ll be there for the podcasters meet and greet as well as participating in a panel alongside Eve Sturges from Everything’s Relative and Lily Wood of NPE Stories. I’m also looking forward to attending some sessions on boundary setting and ethnicity shifts. 

What’s more - Debbie from DNA Surprise Network and co-founder of the DNA Surprise Retreat is also attending! We hope you’ll come hang out with us. 

You can register for the the Untangling Our Roots Summit at untanglingourroots.org
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The DNA Surprise community is very familiar with shame and stigma. this week’s episode tackles a taboo subject.

Shardae took her DNA test for the same reason many Americans do - out of curiosity about her family’s indigenous ties. What she uncovered is that her birth certificate father is not her biological father - she is the product of a one-time encounter between her mother and her mother’s first cousin.
Shardae talks about how she’s navigating this information and processing the stigma around her origin story.
Thanks to Shardae for sharing her story.

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DNA Surprises aren’t limited to NPEs. In this week’s episode, Debbie shares how she always knew she was adopted, and later learned her biological father was dead. Little did she know that a consumer DNA test would change everything. Debbie shares what’s been helpful to her throughout her journey and how she’s used her own experience to help others.

On that note, please stay tuned until the very end of this episode, when Debbie and I share a very special announcement. You don’t want to miss it!
Follow Debbie at @dnasurprisenetwork.

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NPEs come from all backgrounds, but all too often, the stories we hear involve childhood abuse. In this week’s episode, Bianca shares her difficult journey to finding out that she is an NPE. First, a content warning: Bianca’s story includes discussion of drug use, rape, and abuse, and is not suitable for all listeners.

If you or anyone you know are a victim of rape or sexual assault, please call the National Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
SAHMSA: 1-800-662-4357
ChildHelp: 1-800-422-4453
Thanks to Bianca for sharing her story. You can read her memoir at https://amzn.to/3UHTgr5 (affiliate link).

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One of the most interesting things about the DNA surprise community is how much intersection there is between adoptees, donor-conceived people, and NPEs. In this week’s episode, Hayley, who was one of the first people conceived through IVF in the UK, shares her NPE story. While she knew from a young age that she was conceived through IVF, it wasn’t until she was in her 30s that she learned her raised father is not her genetic parent. 

As a DCP, Hayley has a unique perspective as she embarked on her own parenting journey with her wife. She shares how being donor-conceived affects how she discusses the topic with her twins and what regulations are and should be in place for DCPs worldwide. 

Thanks to Hayley for sharing her story.  You can follow Hayley at @dcp_journey_2_rp on IG.

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