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This week, we’re joined by Stephanie, who bravely shares her journey as a late discovery NPE — that’s “Not Parent Expected.” Like so many people, she took a home DNA test out of curiosity, never expecting it to completely change the story of her life.

What started as a simple search for ancestry turned into an unraveling of long-held family truths. Stephanie opens up about the shock of discovering her biological father wasn’t who she thought he was, the complex emotions that followed, and how she’s learning to redefine her identity in the aftermath of that discovery.

We talk about the ripple effects that come with these revelations — the grief, confusion, anger, and ultimately, the growth that can come from facing the truth head-on. Stephanie’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and the incredible power of connection in the NPE community.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have your sense of self turned upside down by a single test result, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest stories, there’s healing in honesty and hope in sharing.