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DNA Surprises in a Time of Erasure

April 1, 2025 • 34 mins

In this powerful and timely episode, Corey and Kendall sit down with Alexis Hourse;t, the creator and host of the DNA Surprises podcast — a show dedicated to exploring the emotional complexity of unexpected DNA discoveries. Alexis shares her own deeply personal story of finding out through a consumer DNA test that she was not who she thought she was—and how that revelation sent her on a journey of identity, belonging, and healing.

DNA Surprises in a Time of Erasure

Alexis opens up about:

Navigating the shock of discovering her African American heritage after being raised with a different understanding of her identity
The emotional impact of losing connection to a culture she never got to fully claim growing up
How starting DNA Surprises just months after her discovery became a crucial tool for healing
The importance of community when family and identity are thrown into question
How recent political efforts to erase history and the unexpected bankruptcy of 23andMe complicate DNA journeys today

This episode goes beyond the personal and dives into how larger societal forces—racism, history erasure, and privacy concerns—affect individuals finding their roots through DNA.

Whether you are part of the DNA surprise, adoption, NPE (Not Parent Expected), or donor-conceived communities, or simply someone interested in the power of personal storytelling and resilience, this episode will resonate.

About Alexis Hourselt

Alexis Hourset is the creator and host of DNA Surprises, a podcast that shares the journeys of people who experience unexpected DNA discoveries, also known as DNA surprises. Since launching in 2021, Alexis has built a strong community, providing a platform for others navigating identity shifts, family complexities, and the emotional impact of uncovering hidden histories. She is also a writer, speaker, and advocate for those processing the often-complicated realities of DNA testing.

Alexis lives in Arizona with her family and is passionate about building spaces where people feel less alone on their journey to understanding themselves.