Lisa F. grew up in what seemed like the perfect family in a small Oklahoma town—until a DNA test revealed a shocking truth about her biological father. In this episode, she shares the journey of piecing together family secrets, confronting long-held assumptions, and finding unexpected connections with new relatives. Her story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, showing how identity and belonging can be reshaped in unexpected ways.

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In this episode, Lori shares her journey of discovering she was donor conceived after taking a DNA test meant to be a distraction during a difficult time. What began as curiosity about her heritage unraveled decades of family secrets, uncovered hidden siblings, and raised urgent questions about medical history and identity. Lori speaks candidly about the impact on her relationships, the search for truth, and her commitment to breaking cycles of secrecy for future generations.

Lori can be reached on Instagram @journe2me

https://www.instagram.com/journe2me?igsh=MXIwcWw5dmF1bXl1dg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Resources Mentioned:

Richard Wenzel's ongoing Family Medical History project email [email protected]

NPEN link:

https://nursingfornpes.com/

Hiraeth Hope & Healing:

https://www.hiraethhopeandhealing.com/

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Rebecca grew up without the steady presence of a father, carrying unanswered questions into adulthood. When a DNA test opened unexpected doors, she discovered family connections that had been close by all along — in ways she never could have imagined.

Resources Mentioned:

DNA Surprises with Alexis Hourselt

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We kick off Season 7 with a warm welcome to new listeners and a bit of housekeeping before diving into this week’s story.

Our guest, Liz, grew up surrounded by confusion—her various IDs and birth certificates carried different names and birthdates, leaving her with more questions than answers. Discovering she is an NPE helped bring clarity, and since then she’s begun building relationships with some of her family members. While those connections are slowly unfolding, she has not yet met her biological father.

Liz can be reached via email [email protected]

Resources Mentioned:

Right To Know

Untangling Our Roots Summit

Severance Magazine

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In this powerful Season 6 finale, author J. Steven Osborne shares his remarkable DNA surprise journey—from a casual ancestry test to discovering he was not biologically related to the father he adored. What began as a search for Native American heritage unraveled decades of hidden family truths, emotional trauma, and unexpected healing. With humor, honesty, and raw vulnerability, Steve recounts how love, support, and forgiveness helped him rebuild his identity and redefine the meaning of family. His story, as told in DNA – Did Not Anticipate, is one of shock, resilience, and the life-changing power of truth.

NPE Stories will return in August 2025 for Season 7.

Resources Mentioned:

Webpage: www.DNADidNotAnticipate.com

Amazon Book Link: https://tinyurl.com/wswyx3xv

Both Sides Now Video:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SuaDsq3K2x2AlaUbAIN1huH2B6Ht4lie/view?usp=drive_link

Email: [email protected]

JSO's Facebook: DNA - Did Not Anticipate
Becky's Facebook: Becky Brower Osborne
X: @DNAOrphan
LinkedIn: J-Steven-Osborne

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Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Deb recounts a sad childhood with abuse and multiple years in foster care. After finding out she was an NPE through a DNA test Deb shares her story of meeting and building strong bonds with her biological paternal family while dealing with legal matters at the same time. 

Deb can be reached via email [email protected]

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Rashanda opens up about growing up without a mom or dad and the emotional toll of navigating life without a traditional family structure. From childhood instability to finding her own voice, her story is one of raw honesty, growth, and empowerment. This episode offers a moving look into what it means to rise above your beginnings.

Rashanda can be reached via email [email protected]

Resources Mentioned:

DNAngels

NPE Stories Patreon

NPE Stories facebook page
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Raised in a devout Catholic family, Annette grew up believing her father had died before she was born. Decades later, a series of emotional discoveries unraveled everything she thought she knew about her identity. Her journey explores loss, secrecy, and the power of living one’s truth

Annette's memoir is called Living Into the Truth. You can learn more about Annette and her story at the following links:

annettemarquis.com

wordswomenpress.com

Resources Mentioned:

Untangling Our Roots Summit

High Conflict Institute

It's All Your Fault! Podcast

Right to Know

NPE Stories Patreon

NPE Stories facebook page
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In Episode 216, Melanie recounts the emotional journey of reconnecting with the father who raised her, only to lose him and then learn he wasn’t her biological dad. Her story unfolds with raw honesty as she navigates the shock of a DNA discovery, a hidden past, and the bittersweet truth of finding her biological father. 

Melanie can be reached via email [email protected]

Resources Mentioned:

Linked here is Melanie's warm letter to her BF 

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NPE Stories facebook page
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Devorah Lee, author of Taken from the Cradle, shares her journey of discovering she was a late-discovery adoptee (LDA) from a Jacksonville, FL, black market baby ring. She opens up about the shock, secrecy, and search for truth in her NPE experience.

Devorah Lee can be reached via email [email protected]

Resources Mentioned:

by Devorah Lee

Taken From The Cradle Website

Fraud in the Courts 

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NPE Stories facebook page
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