Building your family – Details, episodes & analysis

What happens when two donor-conceived women, raised in different families, discover they're genetic half-sisters?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with two women whose paths crossed thanks to DNA — not childhood. Raised by single parents in separate homes, they reflect on the moment they connected, what it was like growing up with questions, and why they chose to search as adults.

They open up about bonding more with donor siblings than with their donor, and how their own experience of family is influencing how they build their future families. With honest stories and surprising insights, they explore what it means to share DNA — and how genetic connections can reveal both deep similarities and unexpected differences.

📚 Learn more about Kiara Rae Schuh: Website Follow Kiara on Instagram

📚 Learn more about Johnna Palic: Website Follow Johnna on Instagram

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This week on the podcast, we sit down with the brilliant Dr. Janelle Luk—fertility expert, Ivy League-trained physician, and co-founder of Generation Next Fertility. Though classically trained, Dr. Luk takes a deeply personalized approach to fertility care. She shares how she helps patients make deeply personal decisions—like using donor conception, freezing eggs or embryos, or even stepping back for a break—by truly listening to their stories. Together, we explore how honoring patient autonomy can sometimes mean going against the expected medical path to create a future that truly fits the individual or couple. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating fertility or supporting others on that journey.

📚 Learn more about Dr.Luk: Generation next fertility Follow Dr.Luk on Instagram: @goodluckluk

Are you overwhelmed by social media advice on fertility and health? Dr. Camille Hammond joins Building Your Family to break down the basics of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices when trying to conceive. She exposes false claims, shares science-backed insights, and helps you focus on real, effective ways to support your fertility. If you’re tired of the noise and looking for expert guidance, this episode is for you!

Useful links from this episode

Dr. Camille Hammond

Cade Foundation ASRM Article

In this heartfelt episode, Trisha Cornwell, also known as the Solo Mama, opens up about her journey into solo parenthood with one child. She shares her experiences navigating fertility treatments, the emotional and practical realities of raising a child on her own, and how she balances it all with grace. Whether you're considering solo parenthood or are already on the journey, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for those walking a similar path. Tune in for a genuine and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to raise a child solo, from fertility to daily life.

Useful links from this episode

Trisha Cornwell Instagram

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Ginsburg, Medical Director of the ART Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, professor at Harvard Medical School, and President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), takes us behind the scenes of the ethical decision-making that shapes assisted reproductive technology (ART). Learn why it’s crucial to listen to organizations like ASRM, which work to ensure your safety, reproductive rights, and the best possible outcomes for your family-building journey. Dr. Ginsburg shares insights into how guidelines are established, the balance of cost, access, and care, and how ASRM advocates for policies that protect your interests. Whether you're exploring fertility treatments or curious about reproductive ethics, this conversation will help you understand what really goes into creating safe, effective guidelines for ART.

Useful links from this episode

Dr. Elizabeth Ginsburg

ASRM Resolve Reproductive Facts

In this episode of Building Your Family, Alease Daniel Barnes, aka Alease the Embryologist, shares her expertise as an embryologist and educator. Alease talks about her personal journey to freeze her eggs as a married woman and answers common questions she hears about the lab. Whether you’re going through fertility treatment or navigating your own reproductive journey, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt advice.

Useful links from this episode:

Alease Daniel Barnes Instagram

In this episode, we speak with Elizabeth Carr, the first IVF baby in the United States, whose story is not only fascinating but also filled with valuable lessons about hope, managing expectations, and diminishing the shame often associated with fertility struggles. As a trailblazer in the world of assisted reproduction, Elizabeth shares her personal journey and how the IVF process has shaped the way we view fertility today.

But beyond the science and history, this episode dives deep into the emotional side of the fertility journey. Elizabeth’s story highlights the importance of shedding shame and stigma surrounding infertility and assisted reproduction. We discuss how managing your expectations, doing your research, and being open about the challenges can help diminish the feelings of isolation that many face when TTC (trying to conceive).

Whether you’re struggling with infertility, undergoing IVF, or just learning about reproductive health, Elizabeth’s insights are a powerful reminder that fertility journeys don’t have to be filled with shame. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for hope, clarity, and strength on their path to parenthood.

Useful Links from this episode

Elizabeth Carr Instagram Website

Sign up for our new membership community 👉 https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ 👈 It will educate and support you so you can achieve your family-building goals and more.  It is the only community platform created by a family-building expert and designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your future family.

In this episode, you’ll learn the most essential tips from our guests this year. These are the breakthrough ideas that can change your family-building journey and your life. Hear from world-class leaders in their field and people with lived experiences as they reveal how to 1. be true to yourself and get the support you need, 2. make sure the advice you follow is evidenced based and comes from a true expert and 3. appreciate that everyone’s path is different. I can't highlight this one enough. 

These three keys can help you, not just in the short term but for your lifetime with your future family. This is not just a podcast episode. It is your step-by-step guide to real change.

In this inspiring episode, we hear the story of a courageous actress, Kellee, Stewart, who took control of her fertility journey by freezing her eggs. Unmarried and full of hope for the future, she shares her empowering perspective on planning for possibilities, breaking societal norms, and embracing her own timeline. Her journey is a testament to self-empowerment and the beauty of carving a path that’s uniquely your own. Don’t miss this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation!"

Useful links from this episode

Kellee Stewart

Instagram Website

Discover expert guidance on fertility and family building with Dr. Justin Houman, a leading urologist and fertility specialist. In this episode, Dr. Houman explores key topics like male infertility, optimizing sperm health, and navigating paths like IVF and IUI. He also shares practical tips for heterosexual couples, lesbian couples, and single moms-to-be. Whether you're just starting your family-building journey or seeking medical help, this episode is packed with valuable insights tailored to your needs.

 Topics Discussed:

• Causes and treatments for male infertility
• Sperm health optimization tips
• IVF and IUI explained
• Family-building advice for diverse pathways

#IVF #IUI #MaleInfertility #FertilityHelp #FamilyBuildingJourney #SpermHealthTips #FertilityDoctorAdvice #DrJustinHouman

 Tune in for actionable advice and real solutions for your fertility journey!

Useful links from this episode: 

Justin Houman MD Instagram