PODCAST · society
LA Calling
by Don Anderson
*************LA Calling**************Where Stories Belong*LA Calling, formerly Missing Pieces, is a show about people and the stories they carry. Family secrets, strange turns, complicated relationships, and things we've lived with for years. Things we've only just discovered. The show emanates from Los Angeles, but the stories can come from anywhere. Hosted and produced by Don Anderson.–––📧 Contact: *[email protected]*📸 Instagram: @ ( https://instagram.com/npe_life_podcast ) LACalllingPodcast
Episodes
-
Fathers and Sons
Fathers and Sons In the first episode of LA Calling, two stories about fathers, sons, and the complicated things passed between them. 🎵 Act One: The Song Bob Thiele Jr. tells the story behind Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”—a song written and produced by his father that would haunt,...
-
Joanna Go Forth
Joanna grew up believing she was the miracle baby. Her two older siblings were adopted, but Joanna was the biological child her parents had waited years for. Then, when she was 15, her sister told her a secret that changed everything. Also in this episode: a pretty big announcement. Missing…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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.…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
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,...
-
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…
more -
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)...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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: [email protected] 📺 Watch her Cuba trip...
-
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…
more -
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…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
Miracle Baby
Thanks so much for everyone who reviews. rates and follows this podcast. It helps spread the word. Today's episode is about Angela, a local LA lady who I was introduced to by our common friend Wanni. Thank you Wanni!! Angela is a licensed therapist is the state of California. If you are looking…
more -
Richie Blair
Welcome to another episode of Missing Pieces. On today's show Richie Blair tells his heartwarming story. Check it out!!! If you want to get in touch with Don you can email him at donNPE at i cloud dot com. Or you can follow me on instagram @NPE_LIFE_PODCAST. Leave a message there. Thanks....
-
Elda From New York
Hi, Welcome to another fabulous episode of Missing Pieces - NPE Life. Today we have a very special guest named Elda. She's an amazing woman and a super close friend of my wife. She tells us her NPE story. To watch AJs YouTube channel check it out here (he was on the episode Bromance but now has a...
-
Marta From Poland
Welcome to another exciting episode of Missing Pieces. This is a good one. It's about an NPE from Poland. It's an incredible story and she's an incredible person. Check it out and spread the word. If you want to get in touch with Marta you can find her on instagram marta_kostrzewska To follow Don...
-
Laura, Ann's Daughter
Check out this fabulous episode, where we hear Laura's (Ann from Iowa's daughter) side of the story. I love being able to hear the story from different perspectives. If you want to get in touch with Don email him at don NPE at iCloud dot com. (trying to get less junkmail) Or follow me on…
more -
Ann From Iowa
Welcome to another special episode of Missing Pieces. Today Ann shares with us her story of being a birth mother and the source for an NPE. It's an incredible open conversation that can't be missed. If you would like to donate to Don's trip to Ukraine go to ianice,org and support us. Thanks so...
-
My Dad's Mixup
Welcome to another great episode. We hear Candi tell the amazing story about how she helped her dad figure who he really was. To get in touch with Don you can email him [email protected] or find me on instagram @NPE_LIFE_PODCAST To get more info on Candi and their amazing non-profit go to...
-
Sarah Goes Home
On today's show we follow Sarah on her way back to the country she was adopted from, Kazakhstan. Please join us for this very special episode. If you want to reach out to Don you can email him at donNPE at iCloud dot com Or you can find him on instagram NPE_LIFE_PODCAST A few words about the…
more -
Don's Story FINALLY
Hi Finally we hear Don's story in full for the first time. Check it out!!! Hosted and interviewed by Tracy from the episode A Change of Heart, if you haven't heard it, it is a good one. To get in touch with Don email him at Don NPE at iCloud dot com (too many spammers out there. Or follow him on...
-
Half Russian Yankee
Welcome to another episode of Missing Pieces - NPE Life. On this episode, Julie talks about her DNA surprise. Check it out!! Don't forget to rate and review this podcast!!! WARNING: This episode mentions inappropriate sexual contact between an adult and a minor. Advertising Inquiries:...
-
Pamela The Reluctant One
Welcome to another fun episode of Missing Pieces. Today, I talk with Pamela, a friend of mine in real life. She texted me this past 4th of July about some info she just found out. Some info that would change her life and make her question who she is. If you want to get in touch with Don, you can...
-
Christy and Tara
Great great show today about Christy and Tara...I am not giving you any more clues, check it out!!! Christy's Tiktok is https://www.tiktok.com/@wellnesswork_w_christy or click here Don's Tiktok is https://www.tiktok.com/@donnpizm3ev or click here To get in touch with Don email [email protected]...
-
My Friend John
I "help" my friend John find out his truth. This episode taught me, that isn't always a pleasant thing. If you wanna get in touch with Don email me at [email protected] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
-
Stacy Bio-Father the Murderer
This is a very special episode about Stacy. She has a shocking story and I won't go to any details here but please check it out. Stacy's 2 tik tok accounts are https://www.tiktok.com/@dnastorytime?_t=8oauNwhRjTO&_r=1 and https://www.tiktok.com/@stacyvargasnpe?_t=8oauGY54o5y&_r=1 Her website is...
-
Emily's Family Secret
Here's another great episode of Missing Pieces NPE Life. This is about Emily, daughter of Russian immigrants who finds she's the family secret. Missing Pieces has a Tik Tok account. http://www.tiktok.com/@donnpizm3ev Please follow me there. If you want to get in touch with Don (or in this case...
-
Family Road Trip
Welcome to another special episode of our show. To donate to (or share) the Road Trip please go to https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-everythings-relative-roadtrip#story Here is a link to Eve's Podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everythings-relative-with-eve-sturges/id1459167540 Go to...
-
Man in the Hallway
Hi, welcome to this very special episode. This is a series of quick interviews I recorded at the Untangling Our Roots summit in Denver. Put on by Right to Know and NAAP It was amazing!! I had a blast and it was so good meeting so many of you. Check it out!! Please share with another person!! To...
-
Holocaust Survivor
Welcome to another incredible story on Missing Pieces. I think the episode names speaks for itself. Jackie is amazing and I am so happy he shared his story with me. To find the article I spoke about in the Israel Times click here To visit Professor Turi King's page its http://turiking.co.uk/ To…
more -
Bio Dad Reality TV Star
Welcome to another exciting episode!! A lot of adopted kids fantasize about who their "real" parents. Famous actor, rock start, royalty... But usually that's not the case, usually they turn out to be regular folks...but not on today's episode. Check it out. Angie's instagram is angieb_2003 To get...
-
A Change of Heart
When a DNA test uncovers an unexpected sibling connection, one woman wrestles with a secret that could change another’s life forever. 💔 What begins as hesitation turns into a story of courage, truth, and family — seen from both sides of a discovery no one saw coming. 🌱 💬 Contact Don:...
-
Doppelgängers Part 2
This is part 2 of Jen and Kristle's journey. Please listen to Doppelgängers, the previous episode first. This one will make no sense if you haven't listened to that one yet. To Follow Jen and Kristle on instagram its Dearcrystaldnasisters https://www.instagram.com/dearcrystaldnasisters/ If you…
more -
Doppelgangers
Hi On the episode of Missing Pieces we hear the stories of Jen and Kristle. Two doppelgängers, join us as we learn how their paths merged. They look alike, the sound alike. They act alike. Check it out. To find out more about the Untangling Our Roots summit click here. Register now so you can…
more -
Jeff Frame Finally
On today's episode I interview Jeff Frame, you might remember him for the episodes Phone call with Mom. Part 1 and 2. They are incredible fly on the wall moments when he calls his mom 2 days after finding out his dad wasn't his dad. For the first time, he tells his story, with me in person. We've...
-
Ed Begley Jr
On today's episode I have the amazing actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr on the show. He opened an envelope when he was 15 years old and got a surprise that would change his life. That was the day his Oscar winning father, Ed Begley, revealed a family secret. Ed Begley Jr has a new book out...
-
Adopted and Switched
On today's episode we hear Diane Bazella tell her story of her 40 year quest to find her correct birth parents. To contact Diane you can email her at [email protected] To contact Don you can email him at [email protected] or you can follow and leave a message on his instagram NPE Life Podcast...
-
Finding Deanna's Dad
If you listened to this and it ended after the word "bingo" at 48 minutes and then gets cut-off. Please listened again. There was a weird glitch. The episode is 58 minutes long. On today's episode, I tell the story of Deanna and our journey to figure out who her dad is. We've been working on it...
-
Jessica's Many Dads
Happy New Year... this episode is a great story. Not to ruin the surprise but Jessica is a Triple NPE. Three times she was lied to about her true identity. Is that a record? The previous episode she mentions is called Jackie and Shannon Season 1 Episode 3. Check it out it's a good one. To get in...
-
Brett - Son of the Derringer Bandit
Brett never met his dad but was always told he died in a shoot out with the LAPD. Another DNA surprise story that happened to someone Don knew in real life. Join us in this heartwarming episode. To get in touch with Don please email at [email protected]. On Instagram his handle is…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
*************LA Calling**************Where Stories Belong*LA Calling, formerly Missing Pieces, is a show about people and the stories they carry. Family secrets, strange turns, complicated relationships, and things we've lived with for years. Things we've only just discovered. The show emanates from Los Angeles, but the stories can come from anywhere. Hosted and produced by Don Anderson.–––📧 Contact: *[email protected]*📸 Instagram: @ ( https://instagram.com/npe_life_podcast ) LACalllingPodcast
HOSTED BY
Don Anderson
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does LA Calling have?
LA Calling currently has 93 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is LA Calling about?
*************LA Calling**************Where Stories Belong*LA Calling, formerly Missing Pieces, is a show about people and the stories they carry. Family secrets, strange turns, complicated relationships, and things we've lived with for years. Things we've only just discovered. The show emanates...
How often does LA Calling release new episodes?
LA Calling has 93 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to LA Calling?
You can listen to LA Calling on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts LA Calling?
LA Calling is created and hosted by Don Anderson.
URL copied to clipboard!