Episodes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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