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Missing Pieces - NPE Life

Don Anderson

🎧 Missing Pieces – NPE Life

Every Secret Has a Story


Every family has secrets. Some are whispered. Others are written in our DNA.

Missing Pieces – NPE Life is where those hidden stories come to light — through honest conversations with people whose DNA results changed everything they thought they knew about family, identity, or truth. It’s also a space for those searching for answers and discovering unexpected connections — sometimes even finding family.

Hosted and produced by Don Anderson, an Emmy-winning storyteller and NPE himself, the series explores what happens after the discovery — the shock, the search, the healing, and the human connections that follow.


🧬 Real stories. Real voices.


Because sometimes, finding out who we are starts with finding what’s been missing.

–––
📧 Contact: donNPE@icloud.com

📸 Instagram: @npe_life_podcast

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 53 min
  • English

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  • S7 · E12
    August 18 · 58 min

    Uncle Clarence

    🎙️ Uncle Clarence Ed Hill grew up with a complicated family story. His mom married his uncle — technically, his dad’s sister’s ex-husband — and Clarence became the man who helped raise him. Years later, an Ancestry DNA test made that already complicated family tree even more complicated. This is a story about family secrets, identity, DNA, and one very unexpected ending. ❤️ Choosing Hope https://choosinghopeproject.org 💜 Free Naloxone & Overdose Reversal Training https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hope-saves-lives-overdose-reversal-training-and-free-naloxone-kit 📚 Relative Strangers Anthology Launch Sept. 12 at Village Well Books & Coffee https://www.eventbrite.com/e/anthology-launch-relative-strangers-tickets-1997393967124 📧 donNPE@icloud.com 📱 Instagram: @npe_life_podcast

  • S7 · E11
    August 2 · 1 hr 12 min

    Alison-From-Ashes

    🧩 In this episode of Missing Pieces, Don sits down with Alison, a sober solo traveler who has explored some of the most remote places in the world. A DNA test she took out of curiosity revealed that the man who raised her was not her biological father—and that the sister she grew up with was actually her half-sister. Alison shares how the discovery shook her identity, led her to two more half-siblings, and forced her to reconsider everything she believed about her family, her heritage and even herself. It’s a powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, family secrets and finding the courage to keep searching for answers. 🎧 Listen, follow, rate and review 📸 Missing Pieces Instagram: @npe_life_podcast 🌍 Alison’s Instagram: @alisonfromashes 💚 Choosing Hope Project: choosinghopeproject.org 🎬 Brothers in Arms: The Making of Platoon: Watch on Amazon 📧 Email Don: donNPE@icloud.com 🧩 Every Secret Has a Story

  • S7 · E10
    July 8 · 1 hr 2 min

    Lisa Joyner

    🧩 In this episode of Missing Pieces, Don sits down with television host, journalist, adoptee, and adoptive mother Lisa Joyner. Lisa shares the story of searching for and meeting both of her biological parents, the emotional impact of finally seeing herself reflected in another person, and how her own adoption experience shaped the way she approached motherhood. They also look back at Long Lost Family, the care that went into those powerful reunions, and Lisa’s new podcast, Plus One with Lisa and Morgan. I’d like to thank Jerry Hauser for letting us use his studio and graciously being our sound engineer!! 🎧 Listen, follow, rate and review 📸 Instagram: @npe_life_podcast 📸 Instagram: @plusonewithlisaandmorgan 📸 Lisa's Instagram @mslisajoyner 📸 Morgan's Instagram @morganwalshy 📧 Email Don: donNPE@icloud.com 🧩 Every Secret Has a Story

  • S7 · E9
    June 27 · 44 min

    Relative Strangers

    🧩 Relative Strangers This week on Missing Pieces — NPE Life, Don talks with writer Laura Jenkins, whose essay appears in the new anthology Relative Strangers: Inheritance, Identity, and the Meaning of Kinship, edited by B.K. Jackson. Laura shares her story of discovering she is an NPE and the emotional journey that followed — the shock, the questions, the search for truth, and the complicated process of making sense of identity when the story you were given turns out not to be the whole story. Relative Strangers features 28 writers exploring family secrets, DNA discoveries, inheritance, identity, and what it means when a person who was once a complete stranger turns out to be close family. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @lajenx Visit Laura’s website at www.laurajenkinswriter.com You can follow B.K. Jackson at @b.k.jackson 🎁 Don is also hosting a giveaway for copies of Relative Strangers. To enter, go to Instagram and follow the instructions on the giveaway post at @npe_life_podcast. 🎧 Listen to Missing Pieces — NPE Life Stories of DNA surprises, NPE discoveries, donor conception, adoption, and the people left to make sense of family secrets. 📩 Contact Don: donNPE@icloud.com 📸 Instagram: @npe_life_podcast ⭐ Please follow the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And if Laura’s story moves you, leaving a rating or review really helps other people find the podcast.

  • S7 · E8
    June 15 · 58 min

    Analog Rick

    🧩 Analog Rick In 1992, Rick set out to find his birth mother’s family without DNA tests, without Ancestry, without 23andMe, without Facebook, and without the internet as we know it. All he had were a few pieces of information, some determination, and the willingness to follow a trail the old-fashioned way. In this episode of Missing Pieces — NPE Life, Rick tells the story of how he found the missing pieces of who he was. And make sure you listen to the end, when Don shares what happened after the interview — including how he finally uncovered the identity of Rick’s biological father, a man with a criminal past straight out of an old newspaper headline. 🎧 Listen to Missing Pieces — NPE Life Stories of DNA surprises, NPE discoveries, donor conception, adoption, and the people left to make sense of family secrets. 📩 Contact Don: donNPE@icloud.com 📸 Instagram: @NPE_LIFE_Podcast ⭐ Please follow the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And if Rick’s story moves you, leaving a rating or review really helps other people find the podcast.

  • S7 · E7
    May 31 · 56 min

    Veronica From The Other Side

    Veronica From The Other Side In this episode of Missing Pieces — NPE Life, Don talks with Veronica, who discovered in middle age that her father had two children outside of his marriage. For NPEs — Not Parent Expected — adoptees, donor-conceived people, and others who uncover family secrets through DNA, the focus is often on the person making the discovery. But what about the family on the other side? What is it like to get the call that a stranger shares your father’s DNA? What happens when a secret you never asked to keep suddenly lands in your lap? Veronica shares what it was like to learn that she had siblings she never knew existed, and how her family had to make room for a truth that changed the story they thought they knew. 🧩 Missing Pieces — NPE Life Stories of DNA surprises, family secrets, and the search for identity. 📸 Instagram: @npe_life_podcast 📧 Email: donNPE@icloud.com

  • S7 · E6
    May 13 · 47 min

    Christina’s Truth - LIVE

    🧩 Christina’s Truth - LIVE 🎙️ On today’s episode of Missing Pieces, we hear Christina’s incredible story — the questions, the search, the emotions, and the years spent trying to understand where she came from. But this episode takes a turn neither of us will ever forget… Because during the recording itself… I tell Christina who her biological father is. LIVE. No script. No warning. Just one of the most real and emotional moments we’ve ever captured on this podcast. 🎧 Listen now. ✉️ donNPE@icloud.com 📸 Instagram: @NPE_LIFE_PODCAST

  • S7 · E5
    April 13 · 41 min

    Jamilia - Out of Anonymity

    🧩 Jamilia - Out of Anonymity Years ago, I did an episode called The Moment of Truth — a collection of stories about that exact instant when denial disappears… and the truth hits. Who you are. Who your parents are. No more guessing. No more stories. Just truth. Jamilia was one of those voices. And she didn’t just describe that moment — she nailed it. But that moment? That’s not the end of the story. It’s the beginning. 🎧 Today, we hear what came after. ✉️ Reach out donNPE@icloud.com 📸 Follow along https://www.instagram.com/npe_life_podcast/

  • S7 · E4
    January 27 · 54 min

    3 Sisters United

    🧩 3 Sisters United On today’s episode of Missing Pieces, we tell the story of June — raised in Canada by her grandparents, growing up with questions instead of answers. As a teenager, she learns who her father is… —or so she thinks. What unfolds next connects three sisters, decades of silence, and the kind of truth that changes everything. This is one of those episodes that reminds you why this show exists. 🎧 Buckle up. 🍫 Support Choosing Hope (and make people very happy) We’re raising funds with See’s Candies — because doing good should taste amazing. Grab something sweet for someone you love (or yourself, no judgment): 👉 https://www.yumraising.com/store/spring-2026-spring-for-hope-sees-candy-fundraiser-4517/LisPog72533 🌱 Untangling Our Roots Summit The conference that brings together the NPE, Donor Conceived, and Adoption communities under one roof: 👉 https://untanglingourroots.org/ ✉️ Reach out donNPE@icloud.com 📸 Follow along https://www.instagram.com/npe_life_podcast/ Thanks for listening. Really. It matters.

  • S7 · E3
    January 13 · 58 min

    Tonia - Dirty John's First Wife

    🎙️ Tonia – Dirty John’s First Wife Today on Missing Pieces, I’m joined by Tonia Bales, the first wife of John Meehan, also known as Dirty John. 🧬 At one point in the episode, an unknown sibling comes into the story. Tonia has a new book out today — January 13, 2026: 📘 When You See It: How I Outsmarted & Outlasted Dirty John 🛒 Available wherever books are sold 👉 Amazon: https://a.co/d/2v1sdNR 🎧 Listen to Tonia’s podcast The First Wife: John Meehan’s Reign of Terror 👉 https://www.audible.com/podcast/The-First-Wife-John-Meehans-Reign-of-Terror/B099BYMH4G?srsltid=AfmBOopq4Yu6okol_zuGIMPAG8mqVw3atXfQCK-1i61juepfZS0mJv6I 🧬 Untangling Our Roots 👉 https://untanglingourroots.org/ 🧠 Amy Jauman – Projects & Work 👉 https://www.amyjauman.com/projects To check out my new sister Tammi’s company please go to https://www.viverealestate.mx/ 📩 Contact the show Email: donNPE@icloud.com 📸 Follow on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/npe_life_podcast/

  • S7 · E2
    January 7 · 53 min

    Amanda From Texas

    🎙️ Missing Pieces explores the stories of people who’ve discovered—or are still searching for—their "missing pieces". In this episode, Don talks with Amanda, who grew up in South Texas always wondering why she didn’t look like her other siblings. Years later, DNA gave her the answer—and with it, she found her missing pieces. 🧢👕 Missing Pieces Merch 👉 https://missingpieces.printify.me/ 🌳🧬 Untangling Our Roots Summit 👉 https://untanglingourroots.org/ 📧 Email Don: donNPE@icloud.com 📸 Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/npe_life_podcast/ 📸 Find Amanda: https://www.instagram.com/butterflylove1979/

  • S7 · E1
    Dec 22, 2025 · 33 min

    A Christmas Check-In With Don

    🎄✨ Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, everyone! ✨🎄 This is a very special episode. I take a moment to share a few things happening in my own life—and one hugecoincidence that stopped me cold. 🧩😳 It was one of those moments that feels too big to be random… the kind that makes you pause and think, “Okay, what is actually going on here?” I don’t want to spoil it by saying more—so let’s get into the episode. 🎧➡️ 🧢👕 Missing Pieces Merch Support the show (and look good doing it): 👉 https://missingpieces.printify.me/ 🌳🧬 Untangling Our Roots Summit Learn more here: 👉 https://untanglingourroots.org/ 📚 Book Recommendation: Buckeye Find it here: 👉 https://patrickryanbooks.com/

  • S7 · E1
    Nov 19, 2025 · 46 min

    David Field Actor from Down Under

    🎧 Missing Pieces – NPE Life Today I’m joined by Australian actor David Field, whose world was shaken by a deathbed confession and a DNA truth decades in the making. 🔗 Links Mentioned • Every Family Has a Secret https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEqpbWR-ydk&t=32s • The Secret Daughter (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07L4CV52Q/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r • Convict https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JLzLZnnO88&t=3706s • Reel (Commercial – 2014) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEqpbWR-ydk&t=34s Please download and listen to this podcast I started to produce...this episode is about how AI is helping transform preparedness. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-response-force-multiplier/id1686185554?i=1000737543444 📬 Connect with Don 📧 donNPE@icloud.com 📸 Instagram: @npe_life_podcast

  • S6 · E13
    Nov 5, 2025 · 40 min

    Shelby - Sister of NPEs

    ✦ EPISODE: Shelby – Sister of NPEs ✦ Shelby shares the astonishing story of discovering not one, but two NPEs in her immediate family. Born in Detroit and now settled in Tennessee, she brings warmth, humor, and reflection to a journey that proves DNA can connect — and complicate — in equal measure. 🧬 Secrets, surprises, and the search for truth — this is Missing Pieces. ––– 🎧 Follow on Instagram: @npe_life_podcast 📧 Contact: donNPE@icloud.com

  • S6 · E12
    Oct 17, 2025 · 59 min

    Anonymous Newbie

    🎧 Missing Pieces Welcome to another episode of Missing Pieces – NPE Life. Today’s anonymous guest takes us from her childhood in Maine to a life-changing discovery just a few months ago. She’s brand-new to the NPE world and bravely shares what it’s like to stand at the very beginning of that journey. ✨ Listen in — it’s raw, real, and relatable. 📬 Connect with Don: 📧 donNPE@icloud.com 📸 Instagram: @npe_life_podcast

  • S6 · E11
    Oct 5, 2025 · 59 min

    Stephanie Finds Herself

    🎧 Missing Pieces Stephanie shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Detroit to discovering her true identity. She’s a born storyteller, very moving. 📖 A Penny on the Hood (her forthcoming book) — She's looking for representation. inquiries: nonpareve@gmail.com 📺 Watch her Cuba trip series: YouTube Playlist 📬 Connect with Don: donNPE@icloud.com | @npe_life_podcast

  • S6 · E10
    Sep 12, 2025 · 48 min

    One Big Happy Family

    🎙 Welcome to Another Episode of Missing Pieces! Today’s guest is Lisa Brenner — actor, writer, and producer — who bravely shares her own NPE/DCP journey through her brand-new film. 🎬 About the Film Lisa’s movie, One Big Happy Family, explores the twists and turns of discovering unexpected family connections. It opens October 3rd in select AMC theaters nationwide. Get tickets and theater info at www.onebighappyfamilymovie.com . You can also watch the trailer on the site — or directly on Vimeo! 📲 Connect with Lisa & the Film Instagram: @thelisabrenner Instagram: @onebighappyfamilymovie 💌 Connect with Don I’d love to hear from you — whether you just want to say hi or pitch your own story! Email: DonNPE@icloud.com Instagram: @NPE_LIFE_PODCAST

  • S6 · E9
    Aug 16, 2025 · 59 min

    Jake - Raised in a Cult

    Welcome to another amazing episode of Missing Pieces – NPE Life In this episode, Jake shares an incredible life story that’s equal parts jaw-dropping and inspiring — from growing up in a cult to discovering his biological father was a real-life private investigator. We also feature archival footage used under the Fair Use doctrine as defined by U.S. copyright law. The footage comes from the documentary Vain Glory by Tony Cox. You can watch it here on YouTube. Please feel free to contact Don email: DonNPE@icloud.com instagram: NPE_LIFE_PODCAST

  • S6 · E8
    Jul 13, 2025 · 58 min

    Donna United

    Hi Welcome to an amazing episode of Missing Pieces. This one is amazing for multiple reasons. A) Donna's story is amazing and she tells is so well B) Tracy interviewed Donna and co-produced the episode with me. And she also was amazing!! If you would like to email don DonNPE at iCloud dot com Catch me on instagram at npe_life_podcast If you would like to support the show we have some kick ass t-shirts for sell on printify. Order a size up, they run small. www.missingpieces.printify.me/ If you wish to get in touch with Donna you can email her at donnaguy2410@gmail.com

  • S6 · E7
    Jul 3, 2025 · 58 min

    Richie's Parents

    Hi, Today is a very special episode. Remember the episode called Richie Blair? Well, this episode we have his mom and his bio dad, telling their story. It's a side we rarely get to hear in this NPE world of ours. I'd like to sincerely thank Kelley and Roy for telling the side we don't hear from much at all. Even in person. Click here to hear Richie's episode. If you want to get in touch with Don, you can email him at don NPE at iCloud dot com. (spammer block) Or follow me on insta at NPE_LIFE_PODCAST To buy some awesome Missing Piece shirts and support the show, go to missingpieces.printify.me And please rate and leave a review!!

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