Podcasts about dcps

Black and Brilliant Local Author As the sixteen-year-old President of the Jacksonville Youth Council NAACP, he was one of the leaders of the 1960 sit-in demonstrations that culminated in the infamous and violent Ax Handle Saturday. Hurst's first book, the award-winning It Was Never About a Hot Dog and a Coke®!, tells that story. Hurst's fourth book, Black and Brilliant (written for 12-18 year-olds), dives deeper into bigotry, segregation and racism he experienced as a pre-teen and a teenager in Jacksonville. The book also reflects on the legacy of Black America and the many influences on his life that made him proud of his Blackness and piqued his interest in Black History. About our Guest Speakers Rodney Lawrence Hurst Sr., is a civil rights activist, a Black historian, a veteran of the United States Air Force and the award-winning author of four books. Hurst is a native of Jacksonville, Florida, and a 1960 high school graduate of segregated Northwestern Junior-Senior High School in Jacksonville. He was the sixteen-year-old President of the Jacksonville Youth Council NAACP and was one of the leaders of the 1960 sit-in demonstrations. Rodney has won countless awards for his books and his civil rights work. In addition to his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, Hurst served two four-year terms on the Jacksonville City Council. He is responsible for numerous "firsts" in the Jacksonville Community. Some being Hurst was one of the thirteen original national recipients of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Television Fellowships and he co-hosted a television talk show as the first Black person in Jacksonville on PBS Channel WJCT. Read more on his website. Interviewer TiLena Robinson worked as a middle and high school social studies teacher with Duval County Public Schools for nine years. In her current role as grant specialist she focuses on improving school climate by supporting schools with the implementation of programs that focus on reducing bullying incidents in schools and help students build healthy relationships. She is a member of DCPS's African American History Task Force and works to bring equity, inclusion, and diversity to education. She believes that “You can't teach world history without talking about Africa and how African peoples have impacted society; And you can't teach U.S. history without talking about how African Americans have contributed to the history of the United States.” Featured Book: Black and Brilliant Rodney believes, "Black and Brilliant young people need to know their Black and Brilliant history and the Black and Brilliant stalwarts who engineered that history. It is never too early, nor are you too young, to understand the plight of those who look like you and what they achieved from the founding days of this country." This book, he says, "Is more than a historical account, it is a call to action..." He hopes that young people "learn from the courage and resilience of those who fought for civil rights, gaining a deeper appreciation for the remaining challenges."  Hurst's leadership as a teenager during the Civil Rights Movement is also the subject of a chapter in the Scholastic book, Ten True Tales: Young Civil Rights Heroes, written for Third Graders to Seventh Graders and ages 8 to 12. Check out all of Rodney's work from the Library! https://jaxpl.na4.iiivega.com/search?query=Rodney%20Hurst&searchType=agent&pageSize=10  Rodney Recommends The JaxNext100 award-winning mini documentary, "Unless We Tell: Ax Handle Saturday" features Hurst describing the Jacksonville Youth Council NAACP 1960 sit-ins and Ax Handle Saturday. The title was inspired by Hurst's second book, Unless We Tell It... It Never Gets Told! The film took First Place at the Jacksonville LOL (Loving Our Locals) Film Festival in 2022. It was a collaboration between Hurst, his grandson-in-law, Kyle Dorrell, and his granddaughter Marquiette (Mark-Kita) D. Dorrell and their company, Weighted Sailor. Note: The 2028 documentary "Ax Handle Saturday: 50 Years Later" is also based on his book. --- Never miss an event! Sign up for email newsletters at https://bit.ly/JaxLibraryUpdates  Jacksonville Public LibraryWebsite: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaxlibrary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaxLibrary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxlibrary/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jaxpubliclibraryfl Contact Us: jplpromotions@coj.net 

We have more on the deadly air accident in the Potomac River, the latest on Donald Trump's battle against his own workforce, and – should DC schools ban cell phones? We're doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 31st episode: District Bridges Alliance Francaise Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Grethel at mgrethel@usc.edu or 917-797-5608.NPE Stories PatreonNPE Stories facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/NPEstories

It's back to school week on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi.Prince George's County shifted its bell schedule for many schools this year to help overcome bus driver shortages, which had led to some students being chronically late to class. Yet, the problem continues to plague the school system. Prince George's County Public Schools Superintendent Millard House joined the show to discuss what he's doing to fix it. Plus, we ask him about recovering from pandemic learning loss and keeping students safe in school. D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee got behind the mic to discuss budget battles, chronic absenteeism, cell phone policies, and DCPS's multi-million dollar tutoring initiative. Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we're at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donateSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

Welcome to the Season 8 finale of DNA Surprises. In this episode, I'm joined by Deanna, who shares her NPE story. Deanna has experienced unspeakable amounts of hardship in her life, from abandonment to abuse to her DNA discovery. Her story is difficult - and powerful. You'll hear how she's still reckoning with the what-might-have-beens and the whys. You'll also learn how she's moving forward, including being the person she needed when she was younger. Thank you for sharing your story, Deanna.Register for the DNA Surprise Retreat by August 15 to guarantee your space!September 19-22, 2024 | Phoenix, AZSupport the Show.Reserve your space at the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat by August 15!September 19-22Phoenix, AZ Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: dnasurprises.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Every DNA Surprise is unique—the who, what, when, and why surrounding an NPE vary from person to person. Still, after nearly 100 interviews, I've noticed consistent themes in these stories. One of those themes is a complicated mother-child relationship. When Jennifer took her DNA test, she had no idea that her family tree would change forever. As it turns out, both her mother and grandmother had relationships with the same man, making Jennifer's aunts also her sisters, and her cousins also her nieces and nephews. To add some clarity here, this man is not Jennifer's grandfather - he is a man that her grandmother had an affair with, resulting in two of her aunts. She discusses how she's faced the shame and stigma of this complicated story, and how she's navigated her relationship with her mother.Jennifer and I spend quite a bit of time talking about the mother-daughter dynamic, and how she was able to radically accept their relationship for what it is - not what she wants it to be. If you're currently struggling with this part of your story, I hope this conversation helps you.Thank you to Jennifer for so openly sharing her feelings on this, as well as her story.Resources:Contact: 00jharris@gmail.comRegister for the DNA Surprise Retreat by August 15 to guarantee your space!September 19-22, 2024 | Phoenix, AZSupport the Show.Reserve your space at the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat by August 15!September 19-22Phoenix, AZ Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: dnasurprises.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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 we begin, I'm going to break down who's who.Jessica grew up with a birth certificate dad, who she believed was her biological father. We'll refer to him as Dad 1. She will go on to tell us about her stepfather, who, after a series of events, becomes Bio Dad 2.  Her mother then reveals the truth, or so Jessica thinks - and she identifies Bio Dad 3. To be clear, none of these men are her biological father.Jessica shares the long and winding road she took to finally identifying her true biological father, with the help of an Ancestry DNA test and her detective skills. She also reveals how she's navigating a new relationship with her bio dad and an ethnicity shift that uprooted her from a strong Italian heritage. Thank you for sharing your story, Jessica.Support the Show.Reserve your space at the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat by August 15!September 19-22Phoenix, AZ Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: dnasurprises.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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 personal journeys and how they've supported each other as they navigate their emotions. While every journey is unique, Ida and Robyn share many similarities. Their biological fathers have accepted both and both have understanding and empathy for their mothers.Thank you to both Robyn and Ida for sharing your stories.Support the Show.Reserve your space at the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat, from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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 grew up feeling abandoned and ignored by her biological father. As an adult, they began repairing their relationship, which led to them taking a DNA test. It's then that Courtney gets the surprise of her life and begins the search for her true biological father. Courtney's story is one of vulnerability, compassion, and a journey to radical acceptance. Thank you for sharing your story, Courtney.Resources:DNAngels.orgSupport the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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 the cycles of secrets and shame in the DNA surprise community. She also shares some excellent resources for folks interested in learning more about generational trauma and healing.If this discussion resonated with you, join us at the DNA Surprise Retreat this year, where we will cover this and more topics in community with people who understand the emotions that follow a DNA Surprise.Resources:withanopenheartllc.cominstagram.com/withanopenheartllcBreak the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational TraumaSelf-care for Latinas Support the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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 she initially made the decision to go little to no contact with her raised family, largely due to her mistreatment compared to her other siblings. She reveals why she took her DNA test to begin with, and how she finally learned the truth about her parentage. While Dawn's relationships with her raised family remain distant, she's built incredible relationships with her newfound step-siblings, who insist that had her biological father known about her, he would have loved and accepted her. Thank you for sharing your story, Dawn. Support the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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 practicing something new, like breathwork. If this discussion resonated with you, join us at the DNA Surprise Retreat this year, where we will cover this and more topics in community with people who understand the emotions that follow a DNA Surprise.Resources:jennapaigehealing.comfacebook.com/jenna.hedstrom/instagram.com/jennapaigehealing  Support the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

(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 the truth about her paternity, but she still recalls the shock of hearing it explicitly stated when she was a young child. She shares how her curiosity about her biological father led her to take a DNA test, which created connections with newfound family members. Miranda's story is filled with challenges - and love. Despite the abuse, rejection, and profound loss she has experienced, she maintains compassion for everyone involved. Thank you for sharing your story, Miranda. Support the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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. Lanita also offers some guidance for people who are apprehensive about practicing yoga (hint: you don't need to be super flexible!).If this discussion resonated with you, join us at the DNA Surprise Retreat this year, where we will cover this and more topics in community with people who understand the emotions that follow a DNA Surprise.Resources:sacredequinejourneys.comhttps://www.instagram.com/sacredequinejourneys Support the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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 worldview. Still, she never suspected that her beloved father wasn't biologically related to her. After his unexpected and tragic passing, Sarah and her sister decided to take 23andMe tests, beginning her shocking DNA surprise journey.She reflects on how this discovery has further strained her relationship with her mother, but has yielded an incredible relationship with her newfound sister.Thank you for sharing your story, Sarah.Support the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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 dive into how to begin rebuilding trust again.If this discussion resonated with you, join us at the DNA Surprise Retreat this year, where we will cover this and more topics in community with people who understand the emotions that follow a DNA Surprise.Resources:Instagram.com/emdrsocialworkerignitehopellc.comSupport the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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 as a gift from a friend, she learned that her birth certificate father is not genetically related to her. As it turns out, her biological father was a well-known figure in the small town she was raised in. She tells us how this discovery has affected her family and her sense of identity, and how she's building a relationship with her newfound siblings.Thank you for sharing your story, Shannon.Support the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

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 of their inner child. Megan shared how recognizing and freeing our parts leads to a greater sense of harmony within oneself. We also chatted about her session at the retreat.If this discussion resonated with you, join us at the DNA Surprise Retreat this year, where we will cover this and more topics in community with people who understand the emotions that follow a DNA Surprise.Resources:Big T, Little T - An Interview with Trauma Therapist Megan Irwinmeganirwincounseling.comNo Bad PartsJanina FisherSupport the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Send us a text message (sorry, we aren't able to reply, sorry!).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. Janeen discusses the complexities of navigating familial bonds, and her journey to acceptance and understanding. She also reveals the purpose behind her children's book, Hello, Sweet Baby An Adoption Journey which helps children and adults navigate and understand the nuances of adoption and identity.Thank you for sharing your story, Janeen.Resources:Hello, Sweet Baby An Adoption JourneyBlog: Mixed-Up DiarySupport the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Send us a text message (we cannot reply).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 father is, he added a third to his list. In this week's episode, Steve shares how he uncovered the truth. Trust me when I say, it's an extremely unique story, and not much surprises me these days. Thank you for sharing your story, Steve.Support the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Send us a Text Message.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 Surprises. In this week's episode, Julie shares how she uncovered the truth about her paternity after her mom gifted her a DNA test. She recalls her “party people” parents and a childhood spent around the world after they divorced and her mother remarried. As we often say on this podcast, DNA surprises can happen to anyone, of any background. From conservative upbringings to more unconventional lifestyles, there are no rules about who can be rocked by the shocking results of a DNA test.Thank you for sharing your story, Julie.Support the Show.Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

To get into today's news and culture updates, City Cast DC producer Ashe Durban and Washington City Paper's Cat Sposato join the show to chat about DCPS facing major cuts, a D.C. coffee staple unionizing, and Real Housewives of D.C. finally being released on streaming.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We're also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we'd love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is never a good time to discover that the man you've called “Dad” for your entire life isn't biologically related to you, but I imagine that having this realization as he lays in a hospital bed, dying, must be among the worst.In the season 7 finale of DNA Surprises, Dana Schmalenberg shares how she uncovered the truth that both of her parents held tightly until the day her father passed. She reveals the shocking truth about her biological father, a man who fathered 9 other children, many of whom share strange similarities.She also reveals how her DNA discovery led her to a new career path, and why she created a new resource for her fellow NPEs. Thank you for sharing your story Dana.Resources:https://www.navigationalnarratives.comSupport the showRegistration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

How do you define family? For so many of us, DNA surprises have made us reflect deeply on this question. For Wyatt, Cassidy, Cody, and Angela, the answer is different depending on who you ask.Twenty-plus years ago when Wyatt, Cassidy, and Cody were born, fertility clinics didn't advocate for disclosure. So when their mother and father asked Angela, a clinic employee who'd befriended their mom, to donate her eggs for their subsequent pregnancies, they opted to position Angela as more of a family friend.Their families kept in touch over the years, until contact suddenly stopped. After many twists and turns, today, their family looks different to each of them. Wyatt lives with Angela, her husband, and their biological and adopted children. Cassidy views Angela more like a fun aunt. Meanwhile, Cody's relationship is a little more distant. In this week's episode, the four of them discuss their journeys from the beginning to where things are now. They also share what changes they'd like to see in the fertility industry. You'll hear throughout the episode that each of the siblings has a different perspective on their stories, from when they found out to how they found out. I won't get on my soapbox again, but I believe this highlights the importance for each of us to be entitled to our own feelings about our own stories.Thank you to Angela, Wyatt, Cody, and Cassidy for sharing your stories.Support the showRegistration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Welcome to another episode of  Missing Pieces NPE Life.  Today's episode is great. I am not going to describe it because I don't want to give anything away. And in a way, I am testing if episode descriptions even matter.To register or get more info about Untangling Our Root, the summit that unites NPEs, LDAs, and DCPs  please go to https://untanglingourroots.org/To get in touch with don please email Don NPE at iCloud (trying to fool the spammers)To follow us on insta please go to NPE_life_podcastto buy Missing Pieces merch and support the show go to http://missingpieces.printify.me

On April 29th, 1992, a jury in Simi Valley, a town just north of Los Angeles, did not convict four LAPD officers for the beating of an African American motorist named Rodney King. Within hours, rioting broke out across the city. A particular target was liquor and convenience stores owned by Korean immigrants. The event is at the heart of actor and writer John Cho's novel Troublemaker.  Cho joins us to talk about his inspiration for the book and LAPD Officer Tony Hyong Im is our celebrity reader. Readers from Tyler Elementary School in Washington D.C. discuss their own solutions to finding solutions to a community's anger. Kitty Felde is host. Favorite Books from Tyler Elementary School: My Year in the Middle - Lila Quintero Weaver Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling City Spies - James Ponti Godzilla - Shigeru Kayama JOHN CHO'S FAVORITE BOOK The Joke - Milan Kundera OFFICER TONY IM'S FAVORITE BOOK The Mickey Mantle Murder - Walt Brown

Many of us who have had DNA surprises spend some time wondering “What if?” What if we'd been raised in a different house, with our newly discovered biological parent? What if we'd known the truth from the beginning? What would our lives look like now? Would they be better? Or…would they be worse?In this week's episode, Lisa shares how she uncovered her shocking DNA surprise, learning that her biological father is her dad's best friend. She shares how she's built beautiful relationships with her newfound family, which has led to her wonder what life would have been like if she'd known them earlier. Ultimately, she reveals why she believes everything it happened as it should.Thank you for sharing your story, Lisa.Support the showRegistration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Picture this: you grow up with a sibling who is convinced they are not your dad's biological child. No one knows about DNA surprises or NPEs or anything like that, but they just know their dad isn't THEIR dad. Years later, after commercial DNA testing becomes commonplace, you offer them some peace of mind. All of your siblings take a test to prove, once and for all, that your parents are the biological parents of all of your siblings.Except…they aren't. Only it's not your sibling who is the NPE. It's you. In this week's episode, Pat shares how she learned in her sixties that she doesn't share a biological father with her siblings. She discusses how she was able to piece together a story long after the main players have passed, and how she's forged new relationships with found family.Thank you for sharing your story, Pat.Resources:Who Even Am I Anymore? DNAngelsSupport the showRegistration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Secrets. Secrets are often at the beginning of a DNA surprise. But after the surprise is uncovered, is that the end of them? In this week's episode, Ryan shares how on one fateful Thanksgiving, his mother confessed the truth about his paternity. When he spoke to his birth certificate father and his biological father, they both requested that he continue the secrecy.Ryan discusses why keeping the secret is harmful to him and why he struggles with when to share his DNA surprise with others. He also shares how his DNA surprise affected his mental health and altered his identity.Thank you for sharing your story, Ryan.Resources:DNA Surprises Third Thursday MeetupsSupport the showRegistration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Something that I've heard more than once on this podcast is a situation that goes something like this: people are having an argument. A mother and child. A husband and wife. Both parents with their child, or some other combination. And then, in the heat of the moment, someone reveals the truth. So and so isn't your real dad anyway. And then, just as quickly as it was blurted out, it is taken back. Dismissed. Forgotten about or explained away for years, until decades later, a DNA test brings the truth to light. In this week's episode, Jill shares her version of this story. Her story is ultimately one of resilience. From childhood abuse to cancer diagnoses to her NPE, she discusses the truth as she knows it, and how she emerged from her challenges with the goal to inspire others to persevere in the face of adversity.Thank you, Jill, for sharing your story.You can learn about Jill's memoirs and more at www.justbeingjill.com.Support the showRegistration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Tina grew up believing that her biological father didn't want to be part of her life. Imagine her shock when, after taking a DNA test, she found out that her biological father is someone else altogether. In this week's episode, Tina shares how she found her biological father and then quickly lost him. She also reveals her family history of NPEs, including her own son.Thank you for sharing your story, Tina.Support the showRegistration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

The thing about DNA Surprises is that they can happen to anyone. It doesn't matter your race, socioeconomic status, politics, or background. In this week's episode, my guest, author Robin Schepper, shares her DNA surprise story.For more than thirty years, Robin served at the highest levels of American politics and government. including on four presidential campaigns, in the Clinton White House, and as the first Executive Director of Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Initiative.  She also grew up not knowing who her father was and spent decades trying to find him. In this episode, Robin discusses how she felt different growing up without a father and how she was finally unable to uncover his true identity. She also shares why she decided to write a memoir about her experiences. She also shares a beautiful poem that speaks to the “what ifs” that so many of us contemplate. Robin's memoir, titled Finding My Way: A Memoir of Family, Identity, and Political Ambition, and website are linked in the show notes, so be sure to check them out. Buy her book: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-My-Way-Identity-Political/dp/195485496XVisit her website: https://robinfschepperauthor.com/Thank you for sharing your story, Robin.Support the showRegistration is now open for the 2nd Annual DNA Surprise Retreat. Join us from September 19-22 in beautiful Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com!Join the DNA Surprises Patreon community! IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Imagine being 16 and witnessing your parents' divorce. Imagine finding out at this time that the man who raised you is not your biological father. After finding your biological father and failing to connect, you go through the next three decades just living your life. You have a child. You get married. You get divorced. And then you take a DNA test and experience a DNA surprise all over again. Only this time, the truth is closer to home than you imagine. In this week's episode, Ray shares his remarkable DNA surprise journey, including how he finally discovered the true identity of his biological father. Thank you for sharing your story, Ray.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Sometimes, DNA surprises happen more than once. NPEs, adoptees, and donor-conceived people might have their worlds shaken, only to have it happen again months, years, or even decades later. In this week's episode, Daughter Dee shares her late discovery adoptee experience, which was followed decades later by an NPE. She shares how she learned that she was adopted, how she uncovered the truth about her biological father, and how she's turned her experiences into helping others.Thank you for sharing your story, Daughter Dee.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Most pre-K classrooms use a whole-child approach to educational curricula, which focuses on the broad development of children's academic skills. By contrast, domain-specific curricula focus more on specific areas of learning, such as math, literacy, or science. MDRC has partnered with the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) to implement a new domain-specific curriculum in its schools. In this episode, Leigh Parise speaks with Cheryl Ohlson, DCPS deputy chief of early childhood education, and Michelle Maier, MDRC senior associate, to outline their domain-specific curriculum strategy and to explain some of the ups and downs of their ongoing implementation in pre-K programs across Washington, DC. They explain how domain-specific curricula intersects with other important trends in pre-K education, including the importance of play and of providing developmentally appropriate instruction. Ohlson also discusses how teachers were trained to teach domain-specific curricula and addresses some of the challenges of implementing the initiative at scale.

Erika's incredible DNA surprise journey starts with a mind-altering awakening. Erika always felt an underlying sense of 'otherness' in her family. After an experience with psilocybin, or “magic mushrooms,” she realized that there was a big lie in her life. Thanks to a DNA test and a potent dose of self-awareness, a truth emerges that casts her entire upbringing in a new light. In this episode, Erika shares how she's navigated the emotional fallout, reassessed her relationships, and grappled with her newly discovered Irish lineage. She also discusses how patriarchal norms in our society can create toxicity within the NPE community.Thank you for sharing your story, Erika.Registration is live! The 2024 DNA Surprise Retreat will be September 19-22, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. Join us for three days of community with people who have similar experiences, learn skills to cope with a DNA surprise, and most importantly, discover how to step into your power and heal.Registration is LIVE! Reserve your space at at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Welcome to Season 7 of DNA Surprises. In the first episode of the season, Jenniffer shares how she unraveled her mother's deep secrets via DNA testing. Jenniffer talks about growing up in a Venezuelan family, fostered at times by her paternal grandparents, only to discover later in life that she shares no DNA with them. In addition, she learned that all of her raised siblings share different fathers. We discuss how the discovery impacted her and her siblings, how she's building relationships with her newfound family, and how she's moving toward acceptance. Thank you for sharing your story, Jenniffer. Registration is live! The 2024 DNA Surprise Retreat will be September 19-22, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. Join us for three days of community with people who have similar experiences, learn skills to cope with a DNA surprise, and most importantly, discover how to step into your power and heal.Registration is LIVE! Reserve your space at at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Welcome to the season 6 finale of DNA Surprises. In this week's episode, Jamie bravely shares her DNA surprise journey, which began 5 years ago with a 23&Me test.Jamie's story encapsulates many parts of the DNA surprise stories we hear. She shares how her NPE came as a complete surprise. Her story includes an ethnic shift, from Italian to Portuguese, rejection AND acceptance, family estrangement, secrecy, and openness. and mental health issues. She also touches on her experience as a recipient parent of an egg donation and how her NPE has reaffirmed her commitment to be transparent with her daughter. Jamie acknowledges that while her journey ebbs and flows, she's living life on her own terms now and is dedicated to welcoming relationships that nourish her.Thank you for sharing your story, Jamie.Before we wrap up for the year, I want to thank everyone who joined me in Season 6: Rikki, Jules, Kendall, Eric, Michelle, Pam, Gerard, Nina, Lily, Patrice, Michelle Tullier, Lawrence, and Jamie. Thank you for trusting me with your stories and helping others feel less alone.And thank you for listening. We'll be back in January with a new season of DNA surprise stories. Until next time.  Registration is live! The 2024 DNA Surprise Retreat will be September 19-22, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. Join us for three days of community with people who have similar experiences, learn skills to cope with a DNA surprise, and most importantly, discover how to step into your power and heal.Registration is LIVE! Reserve your space at at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

In this week's episode, we delve into Barbara's DNA surprise story.  Barbara grew up with a strong connection to her German heritage before discovering, in her fifties, that she was donor-conceived and of Jewish descent. She discusses the challenges she faced, the shock and sense of displacement she felt after the discovery, and the impact it had on her relationships with her parents–and her sense of self. She also shares the joy she experienced in connecting with some of her half-siblings. Thank you for sharing your story, Barbara.Registration is live! The 2024 DNA Surprise Retreat will be September 19-22, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. Join us for three days of community with people who have similar experiences, learn skills to cope with a DNA surprise, and most importantly, discover how to step into your power and heal.Registration is LIVE! Reserve your space at at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

In this week's episode, Lawrence shares his surprise at learning that he is a late discovery adoptee. After he took a DNA test, Lawrence discovered that the mom who raised him is not his biological mother. He describes his search for his biological family, as well as the truth about his birth story, and how his newfound relationships are blossoming. Thank you for sharing your story, Lawrence.Resources:DNAngelsRegistration is live! The 2024 DNA Surprise Retreat will be September 19-22, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. Join us for three days of community with people who have similar experiences, learn skills to cope with a DNA surprise, and most importantly, discover how to step into your power and heal.Registration is LIVE! Reserve your space at at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Have you been wondering when and where the 2024 DNA Surprise Retreat will be held? In this bonus episode, Debbie and I share all of the details about next year's DNA Surprise Retreat. We also chat about what we loved about 2023's retreat and what we look forward to next year.Registration for the retreat opens November 15, 2023. Visit www.dnasurpriseretreat.com for more info!Announcing the 2024 DNA Surprise Retreat, September 19-22, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. Join us for three days of community with people who have similar experiences, learn skills to cope with a DNA surprise, and most importantly, discover how to step into your power and heal. Registration opens November 15! Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

One of the most healing things that we can do during our DNA surprise journeys is to write about them. In this week's episode, I'm joined by author Michelle Tullier. Michelle talks about her journey of finding out the truth, her initial reaction to her discovery, and how she has processed the emotions and navigated her new relationships. She also discusses the importance of therapy and writing in her healing process, as well as her plans to publish a memoir about her experience.Thank you for sharing your story, Michelle.Resources:https://www.michelletullierauthor.com/https://www.instagram.com/michelle_tullier_author/Announcing the 2024 DNA Surprise Retreat, September 19-22, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ. Join us for three days of community with people who have similar experiences, learn skills to cope with a DNA surprise, and most importantly, discover how to step into your power and heal. Registration opens November 15! Learn more at www.dnasurpriseretreat.com.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Not many of us experience our DNA surprises on television, but this week's guest did exactly that. Patrice is a foundling adoptee, adopted at just a few months old after being abandoned in a garbage bin. She always knew she was adopted, but as an adult, she decided she wanted to look for her biological family.The TLC show Long Lost Family shows her finding her biological sister, but much more happened behind the scenes. She shares what happened when she reunited with her biological mother and how it changed her perspective on her story. She also discusses how she's used her experiences to advocate and provide support for her community.Thank you for sharing your story, Patrice.Resources:Adoptee Prayer Collective Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Welcome to a bonus episode of DNA Surprises. Michael Paul first joined me in Season 2, shortly after his discovery. In this bonus episode, Michael shares an update on what's happened in his life since we last spoke. He shares his journey of discovering the importance of self-care and setting boundaries after a DNA surprise. He also discusses his evolving relationship with his bio dad and the challenges he faces, along with the positive changes he's made in his life, such as changing his last name and pursuing his career passions. This is a shorter version of our conversation - if you'd like to hear the episode in its entirety, join me over on Patreon at Patreon.com/DNASurprises.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

If you're familiar with other DNA surprise podcasts, this week's guest needs no introduction. And if you aren't allow me to introduce you to Lily Wood, host of NPE Stories. Lily started NPE Stories after experiencing her own NPE in 2019. She is a strong presence in our community, a bonafide truth-teller, and I call her one of the OGs in this space. She joined me to talk about her DNA surprise and how it has affected her life. Lily offers a vulnerable and transparent look at what happens when the relationships in our lives aren't what we hoped to be, and how we can create our own families where there is none. Thank you, Lily, for sharing your story.Resources:NPE StoriesSeverance MagazineNPE Guide by Gina Daniel and Richard WenzelInheritance by Dani ShapiroSupport the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

Something we unfortunately hear too often in our community is that NPEs were treated differently as children. In this week's story, Nina shares how her DNA surprise explained why her mother treated her poorly her entire life. She also discusses how her newfound connections are going and how she is working to accept that she may never find answers. Thank you for sharing your story, Nina.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

This week's DNA surprise story is told from a side we haven't heard from yet - a found father. When Gerard received an email from a man claiming to be his son, he wasn't sure what to think. He soon discovered that unbeknownst to him, he was the father of a 30-something-year-old man who had been adopted as an infant.Gerard shares how he pieced together who the mother of his son was and how he reconnected with her. He also discusses how supportive his wife and daughters have been as he builds a relationship with his son.Gerard's story is one that many in the DNA surprise community hope for - he's accepting, open, and seeks to understand how to best fit into his son's life.Thank you for sharing your story, Gerard.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

What is more shocking than one NPE discovery? Two NPE discoveries. In this week's episode, Pam shares how she spent 20 years believing that her biological father wasn't her “dad,"  but another man with whom she had a strained relationship.Imagine her surprise when, after the invention of commercial DNA tests, she uncovered another truth - that her biological father was someone else entirely.Pam shares how differently she handled her first NPE versus her second, and why she's chosen to make peace with her discoveries instead of feeling angry about them. Thank you Pam, for sharing your story.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

When Michelle took her DNA test, she wasn't looking for her own biological father. In fact, she hoped to answer some questions about her mother's NPE. You can imagine her shock when she discovered that her mother wasn't the only NPE - Michelle was too. She also learned that her biological father is a man she fondly remembered from her childhood.Michelle discusses how her DNA surprise has affected her and her family, as well as how she is building a relationship with her biological father after all these years. She also shares how, long before she knew about her own NPE, she knew it was important to disclose to her son that the man who raised him is not his biological father. Thank you for sharing your story, Michelle.Support the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.

DNA tests. NPE. Donor conception. Politics. In this week's episode of DNA Surprises, I'm joined by Eric, who learned that he was donor-conceived after taking a 23andMe test.He shares why he decided to take the test, why he waited three years before doing anything with his surprising results, and how his discovery impacted his relationship with his parents. He also shares how he has connected with his newfound siblings and the larger DCP community.Towards the end of the episode, Eric provides us with a quick history lesson on the origins of donor conception, so be sure to listen.Thanks to Eric for sharing his story.Resources:Donor Conceived CommunityDonor Conceived Council (US)We Are Donor ConceivedSupport the showJoin the DNA Surprises Patreon community! Listen to episodes one week early, get behind-the-scenes content, use merch discounts, and more. Do you have a DNA Surprise that you'd like to share? Email dnasurprises@gmail.com.IG: @dnasurprisesTwitter: @dnasurprisesTikTok: @dnasurprisesWebsite: www.dnasurprisespodcast.comDNA Surprise Retreat | A bridge to healing for NPEs, adoptees, and DCPs after a DNA discovery.