Best Surrogacy Process Podcasts (2025)

1
S1 E7 | Contraception with Special Guest Dianne Vadney 52:26

Play Pause

22h ago52:26

52:26

Why does the Catholic Church teach that contraception is immoral? What is natural family planning? Dianne Vadney, Director of Campus Ministry at Marian University in Fond du Lac, WI, joins the show and shares her own journey of discovering the beauty of the Church’s teaching on sex, marriage, and raising a family. Resources: Find a medical clinic t…

1
Jessica’s Journey: Chutes and Ladders 39:14

1d ago39:14

39:14

This episode features Jessica Katz, licensed clinical social worker and certified perinatal mental health therapist, and parent to an egg-donor conceived child. During our conversation, Jessica shares her deeply personal and often challenging journey to parenthood, from her early struggles with irregular periods and feeling shame around her body an…

1
S1 E5 | IVF & Surrogacy 40:49

7d ago40:49

40:49

If children are made possible by in vitro fertilization, why does the Catholic Church teach that it is immoral? What is the difference between IVF and surrogacy? In this episode, Fr. John Girotti and Lucas Holt look at the processes involved in IVF and surrogacy, what the Church teaches and why, NaPro technology, and ways to accompany couples who c…

1
S1 E4 | Racism with Special Guest Fr. Alvan Amadi 51:44

7d ago51:44

51:44

Fr. Alvan Amadi, a Nigerian priest in the Diocese of Green Bay, joins Fr. John Girotti and Lucas Holt to look at the issue of racism. Topics include: What is racism? What is God’s vision of race? How can we as Catholics be advocates for the dignity of the human person – both in our relationships and in broader society? Plus, Fr. Amadi shares person…

1
S1 E3 | Divorce & Remarriage 46:05

7d ago46:05

46:05

What is the Church’s teaching on divorce? What is an annulment? If someone is divorced, can he or she receive Holy Communion? How can a pastor exercise discernment when meeting with couples who are struggling? Fr. John Girotti and Lucas Holt discuss these questions and more. Resources Retrouvaille: Hope for a Better Marriage: https://helpourmarriag…

1
S1 E2 | Abortion & the Dignity of Human Life 48:55

7d ago48:55

48:55

Abortion is an issue that is difficult to talk about. In today's culture, it is politically fraught, carries with it different philosophical beliefs, and is intensely personal yet has tremendous social implications. Where does one even begin to talk about it? In this conversation with Fr. John Girotti and Lucas Holt, we look at the Church’s teachin…

1
S1 E1 | End of Life Issues 35:57

7d ago35:57

35:57

Advancements in modern technology have given rise to many options to treat illnesses that could otherwise be deadly. Along with these options for treatment, there can be ethical dilemmas. In this conversation, Fr. John Girotti and Lucas Holt look at the difference between ordinary and extraordinary care, how to respond to the growing popularity of …

1
S1 E6 | Protecting the Environment with Special Guest Joe Meyer 47:36

7d ago47:36

47:36

Fr. John Girotti and Lucas Holt sit down with Joe Meyer, Executive Director of the Catholic Ecology Center in Neosho, WI, and discuss what it means to have a Catholic approach to taking care of the environment. What makes Catholic activity in caring for creation different from the activity of secular environmental groups? How can nature be a path f…

1
Lisa’s Journey: A Safe Space to Say the Unsayable 50:22

8d ago50:22

50:22

In this episode we welcome Lisa Rosenthal, President of the AllPaths Family Building Board of Directors. Lisa shares her deeply personal and often challenging six-and-a-half year journey through infertility, which began when she was 26 and "very naive" about conception. She recounts undergoing extensive fertility treatments, including being one of …

1
Why I Became a Surrogate: The Real, Raw & Beautiful Journey 37:55

9d ago37:55

37:55

In this powerful first episode of the "Let's Talk Surrogacy" podcast, Meg, an experienced surrogate, opens up about her surrogacy journey, giving birth for two other families. Meg is a mom of four and two-time surrogate. She shares her incredible journey into surrogacy from what sparked her interest, to navigating IVF, dealing with miscarriage, set…

1
Bruce’s Journey: "Whose Tummy Did I Come Out Of?" 40:46

15d ago40:46

40:46

This episode of the AllPaths podcast features Bruce, an attorney in the Boston area. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Bruce and his husband built their family through surrogacy with gamete donation, going through the process twice with different surrogates in different states. After leaving his previous career to become a stay-at-home parent, his own fa…

1
Annika’s Journey: “My wife knocked me up.” 45:23

22d ago45:23

45:23

In this episode, we welcome Annika, an attorney specializing in assisted reproductive technology (ART), who offers a unique perspective as both a professional in the field and someone who built her own family through reciprocal IVF. Annika shares her personal journey with her wife, including the decision to use reciprocal IVF (her wife's egg, Annik…

1
Will’s Journey: An IVF Insider’s Path to Parenthood 30:01

29d ago30:01

30:01

In this episode of the AllPaths podcast, we speak with Will Baird, a father of three who grew up with a unique perspective on family building. Will shares how his father, a PhD in animal sciences who began working in human IVF in the late 80s/early 90s, exposed him to the lab environment from a young age. He and his twin sister, conceived through I…

1
Season 2 Episode 9: Jane's Story. Still stuck in Georgia. Follow up from a previous episode 25:35

1M ago25:35

25:35

Many of you will remember Jane from Season 2, Episode 3 where she talked about being stuck in Georgia after the birth of her child. 9 months later and Jane is still in Georgia preparing to go to court. Catch up on her journey in this follow up episode. Host: Liz Tripodi Want to know more? Get in touch with us directly…

1
Jodi’s Journey: One from Each Column 42:02

1M ago42:02

42:02

This episode features speaker and author Jodi Mitchel Tolman, who shares how she and her husband navigated multiple paths over six years to build their family after facing challenges with fertility. Their family ultimately consisted of three children: one genetic child from a previous marriage, one adopted daughter, and one son born via donor egg. …

1
Season 2 Episode 8: Meet Tatiana. Chachava Clinic's longest running International Patient Coordinator 26:16

1M ago26:16

26:16

Chachava Clinic have visited Australia for the very first time! Joining Liz is Tatiana Panteleeva, an expert International Patient Coordinator who has been supporting couples from around the world for the past 10 years. Now heard in 57 countries! Host: Liz Tripodi Want to know more? Get in touch with us directly Want to know more? Get in touch with…

1
Matt’s Journey: "I'm doing everything I possibly can to make sure her name never gets lost" 42:22

1M ago42:22

42:22

In this episode of the AllPaths Podcast, Matt Smith, founder of Wandering Soul Beer Company, shares his personal experience with stillbirth and how this profound loss directly inspired the creation of his brewery and its flagship beer, Melody Maker. Matt and his wife Abby were expecting their first child and had just purchased their first house whe…

1
Shannon’s Journey: "This Is Your Body, This Is Your Life" 53:22

2M ago53:22

53:22

In this episode of the AllPaths podcast, we welcome guest Shannon Cook to share her journey. Shannon recounts her experience navigating fertility struggles, including early attempts at conception, misdiagnoses like hydrosalpinx and stage three endometriosis, and multiple miscarriages. Despite feeling defeated at times, she emphasizes the importance…

1
Lauren C's Journey: IVF Finds a Way to Humble You 53:00

2M ago53:00

53:00

This episode features Lauren Hart Clancy, a perinatal advocate, AllPaths peer group leader, parent through IVF, and co-chair of the 2025 Footsteps for Family Building Walk. Lauren shares her journey through multiple IVF cycles, a delayed male-factor infertility diagnosis, and health complications after an egg retrieval. Throughout the conversation,…

1
Lauren D’s Journey: Our family is now complete to what WE define as complete 46:52

2M ago46:52

46:52

In this episode, we speak with Lauren Delaney, a co-chair for AllPaths’ annual Footsteps for Family Building Walk. Lauren shares about the roads she and her husband Ryan travelled to build their family. Ryan faced significant health issues including two kidney transplants, so together Lauren and Ryan navigated fertility preservation, fertility trea…

1
Global Perspectives on Surrogacy with Dr. Said Daneshmand 36:46

2M ago36:46

36:46

In this episode of The Surrogacy Scoop, we sit down with Dr. Said Daneshmand, renowned fertility specialist, podcast host, and global advocate for family-building through surrogacy. Dr. D shares how a pivotal med school rotation led him to reproductive endocrinology and discusses how science, culture, and compassion come together in his internation…

1
Dr. Styer’s Journey: It's a privilege to be part of my patients' stories. 47:18

2M ago47:18

47:18

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Aaron Styer, a reproductive endocrinologist, medical director of CCRM Boston, and AllPaths Board Member. Dr. Styer shares his professional journey into fertility medicine, sparked by his grandmother and mother who were both nurses, and a desire to build meaningful relationships with patients. The discussion covers wh…

1
Erin and Stephen's Journey: For Some People, It's Not a Straight Line From A to B 48:44

3M ago48:44

48:44

This episode featuring Erin, a longtime AllPaths group leader, and her husband Stephen offers a raw and unfiltered look at their decade-long struggle with infertility and it’s emotional toll. From the early days of excitement and expectation to the stark realization that building their family would not be as straightforward as they had hoped, Erin …

1
Annie and Gene’s Journey: From Infertility to Innovation 32:36

3M ago32:36

32:36

Annie and Gene Carelli, a married couple and licensed Pharmacists from the Philadelphia area, join us to share their family’s story and the inspiring way they turned their challenges into a resource for others navigating fertility treatment. After unsuccessfully trying to conceive on their own, Annie and Gene were diagnosed with unexplained inferti…

1
Season 2 Episode 7: Part 2 of Q & A's 31:11

3M ago31:11

31:11

Part 2 of questions from listeners in our community. Now heard in 57 countries! Answering questions from our listeners, Liz talks about different topics and shares a bit more of her own personal challenges. Host: Liz Tripodi Want to know more? Get in touch with us directly Want to know more? Get in touch with us directly…

1
Rebecca’s Journey: “This is right for me and right for my family.” 27:05

3M ago27:05

27:05

In this episode of the AllPaths podcast, we’re joined by Rebecca Daddio, LCSW PMH-C and AllPaths peer group leader to hear about her personal and professional journey through the complexities of family building. Rebecca shares her experiences with unsuccessful fertility treatments, pregnancy loss, the path that led to donor conception and, after th…

1
Karen’s Journey: “I was so focused on being pregnant that I lost sight of wanting to be a mom.” 36:42

3M ago36:42

36:42

This episode features an in-depth discussion with Karen about her journey through infertility and adoption. She openly shares the challenges she faced, including the emotional toll of successful fertility treatments, the impact that family building struggles can have on relationships, and how she determined adoption was the best path for her family…

1
Season 2 Episode 6: Questions and Answers from our listeners Part 1 42:07

3M ago42:07

42:07

Liz answers questions from listeners in our community Part 1. Now heard in 57 countries! Answering questions from some of our listeners, Liz delves into a variety of topics. Host: Liz Tripodi Want to know more? Get in touch with us directly Want to know more? Get in touch with us directlyBy The Georgian Surrogacy Podcast

1
Marissa’s Journey: Reproductive plans should never be small talk 38:59

4M ago38:59

38:59

In this episode, Marissa Hathaway, MPH, Doula, and owner of The Lemon Grove, delves into her background and her transition from global health to becoming a full-time doula. Recounting her challenges with infertility, including the grief of losing pregnancies while supporting other families during their births, Marissa highlights the importance of h…

1
Dr. Potter on the Realities of Surrogacy: Science, Ethics, and Stories 40:28

4M ago40:28

40:28

On today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Potter, MD, FACOG of HRC Fertility Newport Beach and Fullerton. We explore Dr. Potter's history, dispell common myths, and offer guidence for future intended parents and surrogates. Patriot Conceptions is a veteran-founded surrogacy agency committed to helping military families and intended parents ha…

1
Lea’s Journey: “I hadn't felt like I had belonged in the infertility community before.” 40:16

4M ago40:16

40:16

Today’s episode features AllPaths volunteer Lea, a Boston-based biotech professional and leader of our Trying for Another Peer Support Group. After months of trying to conceive, Lea was diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve, which cast doubt on her ability to have biological children. She recounts navigating her options, including IVF and adopt…

1
Megan’s Journey: Becoming Parents After Cancer Was Worth the Wait 24:41

4M ago24:41

24:41

Megan Scherer joins us to share her family's journey through cancer and infertility, which then led to the creation of the nonprofit organization, Worth the Wait. After her husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer, they faced numerous challenges in starting their family. Megan discusses the importance of fertility preservation and the support t…

1
Kerry’s Journey: "How do I feel hope and trust in my body?" 43:37

4M ago43:37

43:37

In this episode we speak with Kerry Hinds about her family-building journey and her work as a fertility yoga teacher. Kerry shares her journey, struggling to conceive and navigating fertility treatment in a foreign country, the emotional challenges and losses she faced, and the unexpected experience of becoming pregnant without intervention. Kerry …

1
Surrogacy Through A’mira’s Eyes: Aaliyah and Her Daughter Share Their Journey 38:32

4M ago38:32

38:32

On today's episode, we interview mother and daughter, Aaliyah and A’mira, about their different experiences with Aaliyah's surrogacy journeys. They share personal experiences, what it felt like being the child of a mother currently in a surrogacy journey, and lessons taught due to surrogacy being a part of their lives. Patriot Conceptions is a vete…

1
Ginanne’s Journey: Children should never feel like there was something shameful or weird about how they were born 37:13

4M ago37:13

37:13

In this episode, London-based American author and journalist Ginanne Brownell recounts her challenging journey of infertility, miscarriage, donor conception, and gestational surrogacy. Now parent to twins born in 2018, Ginanne’s personal experience navigating the intricate legal landscape of surrogacy made her a committed family building advocate, …

1
Jillian’s Journey: You’re young and healthy, just try again! 41:03

5M ago41:03

41:03

This episode features Jillian, an ER/ICU RN, Organ Donation Coordinator, and Nursing Supervisor/Educator and AllPaths peer group leader, whose journey includes unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, IVF, and pregnancy after infertility and loss. Jillian's professional background offers her a unique perspective on fertility treatment and reproductive…

1
Overcoming Surrogacy Challenges as a Couple with Sobeida and Anthony Aguilar 38:33

5M ago38:33

38:33

In this episode, Sobeida and Anthony Aguilar share their journey through surrogacy as parents of two, discussing the unexpected challenges they faced, how their strong relationship helped them overcome fears, and the pivotal role Anthony played in being a supportive partner throughout the process. Patriot Conceptions is a veteran-founded surrogacy …

1
Annie's Journey: "Something I've always felt really grateful for is how wanted I was from the very start." 44:41

5M ago44:41

44:41

In this episode, we sit down with Annie, an ENT resident with a unique perspective on medicine, identity, and family. Born to two moms through donor insemination, Annie shares how she always knew she was deeply wanted. We explore her journey as a donor-conceived person, her evolving thoughts on connecting with her donor father and 20 half-siblings,…

1
Joe’s Journey: “There’s nothing elective about infertility” 40:01

5M ago40:01

40:01

Advocate, founder of Grain Fertility, and father through IVF, Joe Cody shares his family's journey which spanned four years and included multiple failed cycles and significant financial burdens. We explore the emotional and practical challenges faced by families navigating infertility, the immense impact that proactive conversations with extended f…

1
LaMone’s Journey: I Became What I Needed 46:06

5M ago46:06

46:06

LaMone Downey Leonard, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Founder and CEO of Rising Hope Counseling and Wellness joins us to discuss her family building journey. Her mission is to create safe and supportive healing spaces for those experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, life transitions, perinatal mental health, and reprod…

1
How Genetic Testing Can Improve Your Fertility Journey: A Talk with Noor Siddiqui 32:10

6M ago32:10

32:10

On today's episode of The Surrogacy Scoop, we sit down with Noor Siddiqui, CEO of Orchid, a reproductive technology company working to give everyone the ability to have a healthy child by doing the difficult work of measuring and mitigating genetic risk—so the next generation can concentrate on life, not managing a disease. Noor explains how geneti…

1
Alison’s Journey: “My heart was missing a piece and it was you.” 50:08

6M ago50:08

50:08

A Connecticut native who now calls Massachusetts home, Alison is a second-grade teacher and solo parent of one. Alison walks us along her path to becoming a single mother by choice, recurrent pregnancy losses, the grief of not being able to give her son a sibling, and coping with the range of emotions associated with knowing this was not how she ha…

1
Janene's Journey: “Everyone is deserving of a family.” 29:57

6M ago29:57

29:57

Join us as we explore Janene Oleaga’s work as a family formation attorney and reproductive rights advocate. Janene's deeply held belief that everyone deserves a family is reflected in her commitment to guiding families through various family building pathways such as adoption, surrogacy, and more. Throughout the episode, Janene's passion for advoca…

1
Life Before Birth: Inside The World of Embryo Selection with Alease Barnes 34:12

6M ago34:12

34:12

On today's episode of The Surrogacy Scoop, we sit down with Alease Barnes, B.S. Embryologist. Alease explores the process of IVF from the lab side, how to ensure success with innnovative research, ethics, and technology, and her own personal journey through creating educational content about her expertise. Find Alease on Instagram @alease_the_embry…

1
Kate’s Journey: Celebrating 10 years as Executive Director of AllPaths Family Building 40:43

6M ago40:43

40:43

Kate Weldon LeBlanc, Executive Director of AllPaths Family Building, shares her journey of an unexplained infertility diagnosis, loss, and her path to parenthood. With fertility treatment, Kate and her husband Joe successfully became pregnant with their now high school senior, Sophie. Kate discusses the emotional, mental, and social tolls of infert…

1
The Gift of Surrogacy: Family, Faith, and the Power of Giving 26:54

7M ago26:54

26:54

On today's special holiday episode of The Surrogacy Scoop, we sit down with Sunny, surrogate coordinatior at Patriot Conceptions, and currently on her 3rd journey as a surrogate. Sunny shares her journey, how her family played an intrical part in her ability to be a surrogate, and how helping others build their families has impacted her life. Patri…

1
Danielle’s Journey: “I’m not interested in miracle stories anymore.” 45:27

7M ago45:27

45:27

Danielle shares her story of trying to conceive over 40, navigating fertility treatment, donor egg IVF, and the anxiety of becoming pregnant after years of failed cycles. Over the course of the conversation, we chat about navigating boundaries while family building, the difference your mindset can make, self-empowerment and her inspiration to becom…

1
Stephanie’s Journey: I needed someone to say, “You had a baby, he passed away. Do you miss him?” 38:23

7M ago38:23

38:23

Propa City Community Outreach founder Stephanie Crawford shares her family story, from the heartbreaking loss of her first son at 39 weeks to finding purpose in her pain by supporting others impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Through her work as an educator, doula, and advocate, Stephanie’s work with “loss families” helps them advocate for posi…

1
Surrogacy Essentials: Contracts, Law, Insurance, and State Policies with Janna Annest 42:28

7M ago42:28

42:28

On today's episode, we sit down with Janna Annest, Attorney at Lirhus Keckemet Annest PLLC in Seattle. Janna explores her personal connection to Adoption and Assisted Reproduction law practice, what to look for in surrogacy contracts, and what are the most important parts of a surrogacy contract. Patriot Conceptions is a veteran-founded surrogacy a…

1
Jen’s Journey: “Families are built on love.” 45:38

7M ago45:38

45:38

A born and raised New Yorker, social worker Jen Rachman shares her family’s story from an ovarian cancer diagnosis that sadly left her infertile in her 20s, to the decision that surrogacy was the best route for her and her husband to grow their family. With the help of their agency, their surrogate, and their egg donor, they had their son 12 years …