Me, You, & Who?! Creating happy families via egg donation and surrogacy – Details, episodes & analysis
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Me, You, & Who?! Creating happy families via egg donation and surrogacy
Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions
Frequency: 1 episode/10d. Total Eps: 90
Who knew it could take more than two people to have a baby?! In a world where infertility is no longer a taboo topic this podcast will take you through all the different aspects of surrogacy and egg donation through the lens of many who walk this journey in different ways. It is our goal to help guide and support you as you learn about what it takes to be a part of this journey as well as hear inspiring and beautiful stories of how this path has changed lives forever! We can't wait for you to hear about just one more way happy families are created every day.
Please click --> Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions to find out more!
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Apple Podcasts
🇨🇦 Canada - parenting
22/08/2025#92
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See allScore global : 38%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
Surrogacy Is Emotional: A Therapist Explains How to Navigate It All
Season 3 · Episode 32
mercredi 20 août 2025 • Duration 35:40
Are you navigating the emotional rollercoaster of infertility or surrogacy—or supporting someone who is? This episode will make you feel seen.
Whitney is joined by fertility counselor and licensed clinical social worker Kelli Johnson, who has helped countless intended parents work through the mental and emotional load of building a family. They dive deep into the often unspoken truths about this journey—like how grief and hope can live side by side—and why acknowledging both is so important.
You’ll walk away with:
Insight into the emotional highs and lows of surrogacy
Tips for building stronger communication with your surrogate
The power of therapy and peer support through every stage
Whether you're early in the process or already matched, this conversation will leave you feeling more grounded, supported, and empowered to take the next step.
Married to a Surrogate: Real Talk with 5 Husbands
Season 3 · Episode 31
mercredi 13 août 2025 • Duration 54:30
What’s it really like when your wife decides to become a surrogate? In this unique and candid episode, Whitney sits down with five husbands whose wives are not only surrogates but also team members at Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions. These dads and partners pull back the curtain to share what the surrogacy journey looks like from their point of view.
They talk about everything from their first reactions to the idea of surrogacy, how they came to understand and support the process, and the incredible moments of meeting intended parents and witnessing the births of babies their families helped bring into the world.
You’ll hear honest reflections on how surrogacy impacted their marriages, family life, and kids, along with their advice for other partners who might be unsure about saying “yes” to this journey. If you're a spouse, partner, or just curious about how surrogacy affects the whole family, this episode is full of insight, laughter, and powerful perspective.
Takeaways
-Surrogacy is a profound journey that impacts the entire family.
-Initial reactions to the idea of surrogacy can vary widely among partners.
-Understanding the surrogacy process is crucial for both the surrogate and her partner.
-Meeting the intended parents can make the surrogacy journey feel real and meaningful.
-Family dynamics play a significant role in the surrogacy experience.
-The emotional journey of surrogacy is filled with highs and lows.
-Delivery day is a pivotal moment that solidifies the purpose of surrogacy.
-Support during the pregnancy is essential for the surrogate and her family.
-Reflections on the journey highlight the lasting bonds formed between families.
-Advice for potential surrogates and their partners emphasizes communication and education.
Links
S3E22 Who?! Shared Pride: Ruth's Journey as an LGBTQ Egg Donor
Season 3 · Episode 22
mercredi 11 juin 2025 • Duration 53:58
Summary
In this insightful episode, Whitney and Ruth take a deep dive into the world of egg donation. Ruth shares her motivations for becoming a donor, the vital support she received from her family and medical professionals, and the emotions surrounding her contribution to family building—particularly within the LGBTQ community. She walks through the matching process, the considerations between known and unidentified donations, and what it was like to experience the egg retrieval procedure and recovery firsthand. The discussion also covers common misconceptions about egg donation, the importance of open conversations about DNA and family, and the power of community support. Ruth’s story is a powerful reflection on generosity, advocacy, and the deep connections that can form through the gift of egg donation.
Takeaways
-Ruth's journey to becoming an egg donor was influenced by her family's positive discussions about donation.
-Support from her partner was crucial during the egg donation process.
-Ruth felt a strong connection to the same-sex couple she donated to, enhancing her experience.
-The decision to be an unidentified donor was based on her belief that family is who you make it.
-Ruth experienced physical discomfort during the medication process but leaned on friends for support.
-The emotional aspect of receiving a thank you note from the intended parents was significant for Ruth.
-Ruth's experience with anesthesia during retrieval was both humorous and surreal.
-Ruth's excitement on the day of retrieval was akin to Christmas morning.
-The overall experience of egg donation was rewarding and fulfilling for Ruth.
-Ruth describes the emotional support she receives from her wife during recovery.
-Understanding the science behind egg retrieval and its implications.
-The importance of following medical advice post-procedure for a smooth recovery.
-Celebrating the success of having healthy embryos from the retrieval process.
-The misconceptions surrounding egg donation and embryo creation.
-Navigating difficult conversations about DNA and family dynamics.
-The significance of community support in the egg donation journey.
-Ruth's advice to future donors to lean on their resources and connections.
-The meaningful contribution of egg donation to families, especially in the LGBTQ community.
Links
S3 E21 Who?! Parenthood with Pride: An LGBTQ+ Family's Path
Season 3 · Episode 21
mercredi 4 juin 2025 • Duration 01:11:07
Summary
This episode is full of heart, laughter, and the kind of love that reminds you why family-building matters so much, especially during Pride Month.
Whitney sits down with Zach and Scott Sutton, two joyful, thoughtful dads who share their journey to parenthood through egg donation and surrogacy. From choosing between an unidentified or known egg donor, to navigating delivery day with their surrogate, Zach and Scott walk us through each step with honesty, humor, and so much intention.
But this conversation goes beyond the logistics. It’s about why they made the choices they did, how they’re committed to honoring and celebrating their daughter’s story, and the importance of visibility and openness around donor conception, especially as an LGBTQ+ family.
Their journey is a beautiful example of growing a family with purpose, love, and deep mutual respect. Whether you're in the middle of your own path to parenthood or just love a good story, this episode will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and proud.
Takeaways
- Zach always wanted a big family and felt destined to have children.
- The financial realities of family building can be daunting but manageable.
- Choosing an egg donor involves emotional and practical considerations.
- Building a family is a partnership that requires open communication.
- The journey of parenthood can be filled with excitement and fear.
- It's important to break the stigma around donor conception for children.
- Finding the right donor can feel overwhelming but rewarding.
- Relationships with donors and surrogates can evolve positively over time.
- Creating a supportive community is essential.
- Letting go of control can lead to a more peaceful journey.
- Communication with the support team helps alleviate anxiety.
- Family acceptance can be a complex journey.
- They emphasize the importance of chosen family in the LGBTQ community.
- The journey of parenthood has strengthened their relationship. It's important to celebrate your family and identity.
Links
S3E20 Who?! Overcoming Challenges & Embracing Joy: Brandi's Surrogacy Story
Season 3 · Episode 20
mercredi 28 mai 2025 • Duration 01:00:46
Summary
In this episode, Whitney is joined by Brandi Pearce, a mom of three whose path to parenthood through surrogacy is nothing short of inspiring. Battling Crohn’s disease made pregnancy too risky, but that never deterred Brandi from her dreams of becoming a mother. She turned to surrogacy not once, but three times to create her beautiful family. Two of those journeys were independent, and her final journey was with Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, where she experienced the ease and support of having a full team walk alongside her.
We talk about the differences between each journey, what she learned along the way, and how having the right support can make all the difference. Brandi also shares the special way she prepared her son for baby brother, by writing a children’s book that explains their beautiful family journey in a way that’s simple, sweet, and filled with love.
Whether you're considering surrogacy, in the middle of the process, or supporting someone who is, Brandi’s story is a reminder of the many ways families are built and the beauty that can unfold when you lean into the process with openness and heart.
Takeaways
-Brandi faced significant health challenges that impacted her ability to carry children.
-Surrogacy was chosen as a viable option for family building.
-The legal complexities of surrogacy vary by state and can be daunting.
-Emotional support is crucial during the surrogacy process.
-Brandi's journey involved multiple surrogates and unique challenges each time.
-The transition to agency support alleviated some of the stress of the process.
-Building relationships with surrogates is essential for a positive experience.
- Brandi's experiences highlight the importance of communication in surrogacy.
-Postpartum feelings can affect surrogate mothers as well as biological mothers.
-Surrogacy is a deeply personal journey that varies for each family.
-Communication is key in surrogacy relationships.
-Every surrogacy journey is unique and cannot be generalized.
-Hidden illnesses like Crohn's disease can complicate family planning.
-Documenting the surrogacy journey can help children understand their family dynamics.
-Celebrating diverse family structures is essential for acceptance.
-Transitioning to new family dynamics requires careful planning and support.
-Simplifying conversations about surrogacy for children can ease their understanding.
-Parents should not fear discussing surrogacy with their kids.
-Embracing the unknown can lead to a more enjoyable surrogacy experience.
-Finding joy in simple moments can strengthen family bonds.
Links
S3 E19 Who?! Supporting the Supporters: Mental Health in Surrogacy and Fertility Care
Season 3 · Episode 19
mercredi 21 mai 2025 • Duration 50:27
Get ready for a beautiful and insightful conversation with Dr. Alison Wilson, a licensed psychologist and expert in fertility counseling. As a respected voice in the field and a dedicated advocate for mental health in reproductive journeys, Alison shares her wisdom on the emotional complexities of surrogacy and egg donation covering everything from grief and trust to communication and mental health check-ins.
In this episode, Alison and Whitney dive into the “why” behind becoming a surrogate or egg donor, the emotional highs and lows that often come with the journey, and the power of feeling seen and supported. Alison also shares how she’s now leading support groups for gestational carriers at Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, creating safe, empowering spaces for surrogates to connect and thrive.
Whether you're a surrogate, an intended parent, or someone supporting others through this process, this episode is packed with warmth, practical insight, and encouragement for the road ahead.
Takeaways
Mental and Emotional Health Matter: Mental health check-ins and emotional preparation are essential throughout the journey. Awareness of mental health in fertility clinics is evolving, and acknowledging grief, especially for intended parents, is an important part of the process.
Understanding Motivations: Understanding your motivation for becoming a surrogate is key to a successful journey
Take Time for Grief: Taking time to grieve the loss of traditional family-building methods, lays the foundation for a healthy, supported experience.
Power of Support Groups: Support groups offer surrogates a safe space to connect, share experiences, and feel understood. Hearing from others, having strong facilitators, and ending on a positive note all contribute to a supportive environment.
Connection Builds Resilience: Surrogates often bring positivity but also face unique emotional challenges. Connection with others going through similar journeys can be incredibly validating and empowering.
Communication and Trust Are Key: Open, honest communication builds trust between intended parents and surrogates. Managing expectations and trusting the process help everyone navigate the ups and downs with empathy and understanding.
Surrogacy Is a Beautiful Journey: Despite its complexities, surrogacy can be a deeply meaningful and beautiful experience when approached with care, connection, and emotional support.
Links
S3E18 Who?! From Heartbreak to Baby Hawk: Ashley's Journey through Infertility & Surrogacy
Season 3 · Episode 18
mercredi 14 mai 2025 • Duration 01:10:08
Summary
In this heartfelt episode, Ashley Harris takes us on her deeply personal journey through infertility, adoption, and surrogacy. Starting with her childhood dreams of adopting, Ashley shares how the years brought both unexpected joys and painful struggles. After multiple failed IUIs and IVF cycles, compounded by the emotional toll of miscarriages, Ashley and her husband decided to explore surrogacy. This life-changing decision led to the birth of their son, Hawk. Through the ups and downs, Ashley reveals the crucial role of community support, the intertwining of grief and gratitude, and how her faith evolved as she faced and overcame these challenges.
Takeaways
-Ashley and her husband faced infertility after years of trying to conceive.
-The decision to pursue surrogacy came after multiple failed IVF attempts.
-Ashley emphasizes the importance of community and support during infertility.
-The emotional toll of miscarriages and chemical pregnancies was significant.
-Faith played a crucial role in Ashley's journey, evolving through trials.
-The relationship with their surrogate, Christine, was built on trust and gratitude.
-The birth of their son, Hawk, was a culmination of years of struggle and hope.
-Ashley continues to grieve the losses they experienced along the way.
-Celebrating motherhood comes with acknowledging the hardships faced.
Links
S3 E17 Who?! Endometriosis, Egg Donation, and the Road to Motherhood
Season 3 · Episode 17
mercredi 7 mai 2025 • Duration 56:09
Summary:
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of miscarriage and fertility loss, which may be difficult for some listeners.
In this episode, I sit down with Brittany to talk about her emotional and incredibly meaningful journey to motherhood through egg donation and IVF. Brittany shares openly about her diagnosis of endometriosis, her experience with a successful embryo transfer that brought her her daughter, and a later transfer that ended in miscarriage, along with the many ups and downs that were a part of her journey.
She reflects on the support system that carried her through, the joy and gratitude she felt during pregnancy after so much waiting, and the continued hope she holds as she considers growing her family again.
Brittany’s story is tender, courageous, and full of perspective. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, love, support, and hope can carry us forward.
Takeaways:
- Endometriosis diagnosis revealed severe complications affecting fertility.
- IVF was pursued after unsuccessful attempts to conceive naturally.
- Emotional challenges were significant throughout the fertility process.
- Finding the right egg donor involved careful consideration and support.
- Connection with the baby grew stronger during pregnancy despite initial fears.
- Miscarriage brought unexpected emotional challenges and reflection.
- The couple decided to take a break after experiencing loss.
- They are open to exploring adoption or fostering as alternatives.
- Support from friends and family was crucial during the journey
Links
S3E16 Who?! The Unexpected Bond Between an Egg Donor and Intended Parent
Season 3 · Episode 16
mercredi 30 avril 2025 • Duration 50:42
Summary
In this heartfelt episode, Whitney sits down with Amy and Rachel to discuss the deeply personal and evolving nature of their egg donation journey. Rachel, originally expecting her role as a donor to be unidentified, shares how her connection with Amy developed into a lasting and meaningful relationship. Amy reflects on what it meant to find not just a donor, but a person who would forever be connected to her family. The conversation explores the emotions, challenges, and joys of third-party reproduction, emphasizing the importance of open communication, trust, and the unexpected beauty of their shared experiences. Rachel and Amy’s story is a powerful testament to the many ways families can be built—not just through biology, but through love, respect, and human connection.
Takeaways
-The journey of egg donation is deeply emotional and relational.
-Open communication between donors and intended parents is crucial.
-Gratitude plays a significant role in the donor-recipient relationship.
-The process of building a family through donation can be complex yet rewarding.
-Understanding the creation story is important for children born through donation.
-The bond formed between donors and intended parents can be profound.
-Personal connections can alleviate anxiety during the donation process.
-The experience of egg donation can lead to lifelong relationships.
-Navigating the unknown aspects of donation requires openness and trust.
-Celebrating the gift of life is central to the donor experience.
-Rachel's initial expectation was for an unidentified donation.
-The relationship between donor and intended parents can evolve significantly.
-Open communication enhances the emotional fulfillment of all parties involved.
-Amy expresses gratitude for Rachel's role in her family's journey.
-Children can simplify complex topics like family building.
-The bond between donor and intended parents can feel like an extended family.
-Sharing updates and experiences strengthens the connection.
-Both women found joy in their shared experiences of motherhood.
-Openness and respect are crucial in donor-parent relationships.
-The journey of egg donation is not just a transaction but a meaningful connection.
Links
S3 NIAW E5 Who?! From Personal Journey to Public Mission: Zach French's Fight for Surrogacy Awareness
Season 3
vendredi 25 avril 2025 • Duration 56:58
Summary
Whitney welcomes Zach French for an enlightening discussion on infertility awareness, surrogacy advocacy, and the power of community support. Zach shares his personal journey that led him to champion ethical surrogacy and establish a nonprofit dedicated to supporting intended parents. The conversation covers financial challenges, the need for transparency in grants, and the importance of shifting the narrative surrounding surrogacy through education and storytelling. Zach also introduces future goals for his foundation, including a digital companion for intended parents. The episode concludes with empowering advice for families to celebrate every milestone in their surrogacy journey.
Takeaways
- National Infertility Awareness Week is crucial for
- Surrogacy is often misunderstood and stigmatized.
- The foundation aims to provide grants for surrogacy costs.
- Community support is vital for fundraising efforts.
- Financial considerations are complex in surrogacy journeys.
- Education is key to reducing overwhelm in potential parents.
- The foundation seeks to change the narrative around surrogacy.
- Surrogacy should be viewed as a valid family-building option.
- Seeds Ethics is crucial for ethical surrogacy practices.
- Celebrating surrogacy journeys helps normalize the experience.
- Intended parents can pay it forward by sharing their stories.
- Building a comprehensive resource for intended parents is essential.
- The Surrogacy Foundation aims to increase access to surrogacy.
- Financial education is vital for navigating surrogacy costs.
- Community support can relieve feelings of loneliness in infertility.
Links
The Surrogacy Foundation Website
The Surrogacy Foundation Instagram
The Surrogacy Foundation Facebook
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