Best MPE Podcasts (2025)

1
Lori's DNA Surprise 1:05:24

7d ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Who would I have been if I’d known the truth about my identity? This is a question people in the DNA surprise community often ask themselves. Where would I have lived? What choices would I have made? What about my life would be different from how it is today? In the season 11 finale of DNA Surprises, Lori shares how much of her childhood, and who s…

1
Jill's DNA Surprise (Update) 48:04

14d ago48:04

48:04

Hands down the best part of hosting this podcast is the relationships I’ve been able to build with people in this community. From keeping in touch with guests turned friends, to hosting the DNA surprise retreat, to the special group of folks who join our Third Thursday meetups, I’m so grateful for the connections I’ve formed here. In this week’s sp…

1
Jennifer P's DNA Surprise 41:56

21d ago41:56

41:56

Oftentimes with DNA surprises, there is so much left unsaid. So many unasked questions. So many feelings are unspoken. In this week’s episode, Jennifer shares what life was like for her growing up without a father figure in her life, a fact she never really questioned throughout her childhood and adolescence. After her mother passed, she decided to…

1
Kelly's DNA Surprise 53:43

28d ago53:43

53:43

A picture is worth a thousand words - and sometimes, it's the first clue in solving a DNA mystery. In this week’s episode, Kelly shares how a surprising detail in an old photograph of her parents sparked questions about her paternity. Nearly four decades later, Kelly learned the truth about her paternity and her ethnicity. She shares what happened …

1
John's DNA Surprise 48:19

1M ago48:19

48:19

How often do we hear on this show that people never felt like they fit in with their families growing up? This week’s guest, John, reveals that he felt the same way, and even held onto some guilt around his feelings. Fast forward to a little over two years ago, when his daughter took a DNA test and unearthed a surprise for the entire family: John w…

1
Did Not Anticipate 54:02

1M ago54:02

54:02

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,…

1
Courtney B's DNA Surprise 35:56

1M ago35:56

35:56

Everyone has the right to know where they come from. They deserve to know their family history, stories and traditions. They have the right to know where their features come from and who else shares their aptitudes and interests. And just as importantly, or may most importantly of all, they have the right to know their medical history. In this week…

1
Danielle C's DNA Surprise 39:28

2M ago39:28

39:28

DNA surprises are often devastating to the people who uncover them, but imagine if the truth was a relief? Danielle grew up believing that her mother had four children by four different men, making all of her siblings half-siblings. After taking a DNA test, Danielle learned that she actually shared a father with her younger sister. This news was mo…

1
Meaghan's DNA Surprise 49:42

2M ago49:42

49:42

At the end of every DNA Surprises episode, I ask my guests two questions. I ask for advice for people in our community, and I ask for advice for parents keeping a DNA surprise from their child. Time and time again, guests implore parents to tell the truth. But when is the right time to tell? And are the ramifications different than when a DNA surpr…

1
Brittany's DNA Surprise 46:41

2M ago46:41

46:41

Hindsight is 20/20. After experiencing a DNA surprise, it’s easy to look back at moments throughout our childhoods and realize that the truth was there all along. Growing up in Indiana, Brittany always felt like an outsider. Her parents were divorced, and when she asked her dad if she could go live with him, he revealed that he wasn’t her biologica…

1
Deb's Story 44:57

2M ago44:57

44:57

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…

1
Elizabeth's DNA Surprise (Part 3) 36:26

2M ago36:26

36:26

This is part 3 of a 3-part series. If you haven’t listened to parts 1 and 2, be sure to go back and listen before starting this episode. In Part 3 of Elizabeth’s story, we find out what happened after she visited her family and met her biological father for the first time ever. She shares what those first moments felt like and where things stand af…

1
Elizabeth's DNA Surprise (Part 2) 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

So what happened after Elizabeth sent off those letters to her siblings? In Part 2 of Elizabeth’s DNA surprise story, she reveals how she was able to make contact with several of her newfound siblings - and her biological father. I loved this conversation because we get a glimpse into the other side of the DNA surprise equation - the found family’s…

1
Elizabeth's DNA Surprise (Part 1) 58:57

2M ago58:57

58:57

Welcome to a new season of DNA Surprises. We’re kicking this season off with a triple-episode premiere as we follow Elizabeth on her DNA surprise journey. Elizabeth grew up knowing that the man she called “Dad” wasn’t her biological father, but she also grew up believing that the man she believed was, didn’t want to be part of her life. Her childho…

1
Rashanda's Story 45:41

3M ago45:41

45:41

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 r…

1
Annette's Story: Living Into the Truth 57:52

3M ago57:52

57:52

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 …

1
Melanie Dawn's Story 1:09:28

3M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

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 e…

1
Dave and Denise's DNA Surprise 57:27

4M ago57:27

57:27

Welcome to the season 10 finale of DNA Surprises. Buy one, get two. No, this isn’t an ad for the latest testing kit sale. In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Dave and Denise, a married couple who discovered that they were both NPEs after their grandson took a DNA test. Before you listen to this episode, I want to take a moment to remind listeners…

1
Melissa's DNA Surprise 54:10

4M ago54:10

54:10

When someone uncovers a DNA surprise, their family tree changes. That sounds simple, but the reality is that our roots, so many of the things that make us, us, come from generations before us. In this week’s episode Melissa shares her profound journey after discovering that the man who raised her is not her biological father. From uncovering clues …

1
Devorah's Story about Taken From The Cradle 41:14

4M ago41:14

41:14

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: Taken From T…

1
Lauren's DNA Surprise 48:16

4M ago48:16

48:16

If we don’t laugh, we’ll cry. DNA surprises can be gut-wrenching and difficult experiences, but some of us can find humor in almost any situation. In this week’s laughter-filled episode, Lauren LoGuidice tells the story of how she learned she was donor conceived. Lauren discusses how she never fit in with her raised family but was regularly dismiss…

1
Christine's DNA Surprise 53:33

4M ago53:33

53:33

When someone opens up their DNA test results, the outcome isn’t always an explosive surprise. Sometimes, it takes a while of pulling at a thread before a truth is unraveled. In this week’s episode, Christine shares how her curiosity about one of her ethnicity results led to her shocking discovery that her dad isn’t her biological father. But in ano…

1
Lauren's Story - Five Years Later 1:10:04

5M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Lauren returns to the podcast five years after first sharing her story in Season 1, hoping others can learn from her journey as she reflects on what has unfolded since. Lauren can be reached via email [email protected] To hear Lauren's origin story Episode 28 of NPE Stories listen here. NPE Stories Patreon NPE Stories facebook page https://…

1
Tamara's DNA Surprise 34:55

5M ago34:55

34:55

Imagine uncovering your DNA surprise, experiencing the shock and devastation that comes with it, and then learning that the surprise wasn’t a total surprise after all? Earlier this season, we heard a story like this, and in this week’s episode, you’ll hear another. When Tamara confronted her mom about her DNA surprise, she was shocked to learn that…

1
Christina's DNA Surprise 38:54

5M ago38:54

38:54

After a DNA surprise is uncovered, many moments from the past come into focus. Especially moments that, in hindsight, were missed opportunities for parents to tell the truth. In this week’s episode, Christina shares how she uncovered her DNA surprise and how she’s feeling about seven months into her discovery. She discusses how she’s struggling wit…

1
DNA Speaks the Truth, But Your Doctor May Not 1:22:55

5M ago1:22:55

1:22:55

Episode 213: Challenging Medical Guidelines on Misattributed Paternity In this special episode, host Richard Wenzel leads a compelling discussion with fellow NPEs Gina Daniel, Jodi Girard, Lily Wood, and Eve Sturges. Together, they dive into their recent article, Misattributed Paternity Discovery: A Critique of Medical Organizations' Recommendation…

1
Chaya’s DNA Surprise 48:03

5M ago48:03

48:03

As we’ve heard earlier this season, many people within the DNA surprise community saw their test results as mere confirmation of something they’d long suspected. But as heard in this week’s episode, not everyone was able to put their finger on just why they felt different. Chaya never felt like she fit in with her family. She found solace in music …

1
Kim O's DNA Surprise 37:04

5M ago37:04

37:04

After three years of making this podcast and speaking to people who’ve experienced life-altering DNA surprises, I’ve noticed several trends. One trend is that oftentimes, the biological father is someone a guest knew from childhood. Another trend is a tumultuous relationship with the mother. In this week’s episode, Kim shares her emotional journey …

1
Amy S's Story 56:01

6M ago56:01

56:01

Amy S's story is a journey of identity, family deception, and self-discovery. A DNA test revealed her biological father was not the man she adored but someone from her father’s social circle, shattering her sense of belonging. After grappling with grief and betrayal, she found healing through therapy, genealogy, and embracing her Irish heritage, ul…

1
Traci's DNA Surprise 1:01:07

6M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

If you’ve had a DNA surprise, how many times have you been told you should write a book? This week’s episode is a story that is truly stranger than fiction. Traci shares how, at 19, her mother revealed the truth about her paternity. This truth sent Traci reeling, but her mother insisted that she always knew the truth. Her mom went on to explain the…

1
Jennifer Ruiz's Story 55:00

6M ago55:00

55:00

Jennifer is a first generation Colombian-American who describes her family as warm, loving, and hard-working. She had the shock of her life when her DNA results showed one of her best friends was actually her half-sibling. Jennifer can be reached via email [email protected] NPE Stories Patreon NPE Stories facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NPEst…

1
Danielle's DNA Surprise 39:32

6M ago39:32

39:32

"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 …

1
Sarah K's DNA Surprise 1:06:31

6M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

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…

1
Julie S's Story 40:23

6M ago40:23

40:23

Julie S is the result of a wife-swapping situation that turned into a love affair. She was conceived with intention, but no one was ever planning to tell Julie the truth about her biological father. Julie can be reached on instagram @katmondieu NPE Stories Patreon NPE Stories facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NPEstories…

1
Krissy's DNA Surprise 46:50

6M ago46:50

46:50

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 …

1
Bill's Story 34:06

7M ago34:06

34:06

Bill grew up looking different than his brothers and was often asked if he was Italian or Spanish. Although he never suspected it as a child, turns out his DNA results show good reason for this line of questioning. NPE Stories Patreon NPE Stories facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NPEstoriesBy Lily Wood

1
Robin Schepper’s Story 43:05

7M ago43:05

43:05

Robin was never told who her father was, only that he was in the airline industry with her mother. As she came of age, Robin started searching and writing to who she believed her father to be, even though she saw no resemblance. It wasn’t until a 2019 Ancestry DNA test that Robin started to receive DNA results. She has written a book called Finding…

1
David's Story 41:41

7M ago41:41

41:41

David started to question who his birth father was many years ago, and was never given a straight answer. He even went as far as getting his birth records unsealed and was still unsuccessful until he finally took a DNA test and with help, narrowed down his birth father. David can be reached via email at [email protected] Resources Mentioned: P…

1
Bobbi's DNA Surprise 50:00

8M ago50:00

50:00

Intergenerational trauma. It’s something we talk about a lot here. The most common cycles we discuss are the patterns of keeping secrets and the patterns of shame. In this week’s episode, you will hear a story about a cycle of NPEs. When Bobbi became pregnant with her third child, she knew that was not in a position to care for another baby. She re…

1
Heather Venceil's Story 57:57

8M ago57:57

57:57

Growing up Heather was always given the confusing narrative that her dad didn’t want her. She recently changed her last name to her proper surname, after finding and establishing a relationship with her biological father. Heather can be reached via email [email protected] NPE Stories Patreon NPE Stories facebook page https://www.facebook.…

1
Guy's DNA Surprise | Update 38:39

8M ago38:39

38:39

Who would I have become if I had known the truth? How were the interactions I had throughout my life colored by an unknown truth? These are questions so many of us ask ourselves, over and over and over again. The reality is, we will never know, no more than we would know who we would have become if we’d been born in another country. Part of the DNA…

1
Crystal's DNA Surprise | Update 50:50

8M ago50:50

50:50

If you’ve had a DNA surprise, you might listen to this podcast from the perspective of someone who just uncovered their results. Or did it happen years ago, when consumer DNA testing became popular? What has changed for you since the day you opened your test results? In this week’s episode, I’m joined by a guest from Season 1, Crystal. Crystal had …

1
Gigi's Story 52:18

9M 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 [email protected] Resources Mentioned: DNA Angels - a nonprofit search a…

1
BettyJo's DNA Surprise 28:01

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

10M 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…

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