Best Ashley Valeri Podcasts (2024)

1
Faith and Self-Advocacy on the Path to SMBC with Jamela Black 1:14:29

4h ago1:14:29

1:14:29

In this episode, we discuss: The pressures women often feel to fit men into their lives to fulfill societal expectation Jamela’s decision to pursue solo motherhood after her divorce at 37; How her mom played an active role in her decision to become a solo mom by choice; The emotional journey of mourning both her marriage and the traditional family …

1
SMBC, mental health advocate and entrepreneur, Whitney Foley 56:10

14d ago56:10

56:10

Born and raised in a close-knit Michigan community, Whitney always knew she wanted to be a mom. But after years of dating and only one long-term relationship in her 20s, she found herself single at 34. Instead of waiting for the "perfect" time or partner, she took control of her fertility and started her journey to solo motherhood. Through IVF, mul…

1
Single Mother by Chance and then by Choice, Designer Virginia Drader 50:21

28d ago50:21

50:21

In this episode, Virginia shares: How a surprise pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage reignited her desire to have another child, this time as a single mom by choice; The reactions she received from family and friends when she chose to pursue motherhood on her own; Why she traveled from Canada to the USA for her fertility process and the factors th…

1
S7, Ep 2: Super Sperm Donors, Off-the-Grid Insemination, & Unconventional Family Planning with Valerie Bauman 49:09

2M ago49:09

49:09

Valerie Bauman, is an investigative reporter for Newsweek, solo mother by choice, and author of one of my favorite memoirs in the solo moms space, Inconceivable:Super Sperm Donors, Off-the-Grid Insemination, and Unconventional Family Planning. I devoured Valerie’s book during a 30-hour airport layover, and by the time I finished, I felt like I had …

1
S7, Ep 1: Why Educated Women Are Turning to Egg Freezing With Marcia Inhorn, Author of ‘Motherhood on Ice’ 1:02:16

2M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

In this episode on the mating gap and egg freezing, we discuss: The challenges created by the shortage of eligible, educated men. How the education gap between men and women affects dating dynamics. How societal expectations and outdated gender norms are contributing to this issue. Why considering partners from diverse educational backgrounds can b…

1
S6, Ep 10: SMBC with a known donor, Ashley Coates 1:00:59

3M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

My final guest of this season is Ashley Coates, a longtime Instagram friend and solo mom by choice living in Portland, Oregon. When Ashley decided to pursue solo motherhood, she decided to ask a close friend to be her known donor. What happened next feels almost too good to be true. Tune in as Ashley shares her experience of navigating conception, …

1
S6, Ep 9: Solo Mum Society founder, author and podcast host, Alisha Burns 1:00:25

4M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

We discuss more about….. The transition from corporate life to focusing on solo motherhood. The joys and challenges of parenting during a global pandemic. Her mother’s health crisis and its impact on her responsibilities. The process of writing her book featuring stories of 20 Australian SMBCs. Strategies for achieving a better work/life balance. P…

1
S6, Ep 8: “Accidental” SMBC through foster to open adoption with Elizabeth Friedland 1:04:07

4M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

We discuss more about….. Elizabeth’s journey to fostering and adoption. Balancing professional life with motherhood. The emotional and logistical challenges of fostering. dating and introducing our children to a future partner. Building and relying on a support system. Insights and advice for those considering fostering or adoption. Connect with El…

1
S6, Ep 7: SMBC to two through adoption with Emily Driscoll 49:35

5M ago49:35

49:35

We discuss more about….. Emily's initial adoption research and the steps involved in the process. The emotional journey and uncertainties of getting matched. The costs and logistical aspects of adopting in the U.S. Adjusting to motherhood and balancing work with childcare. The importance of support and strong friendships in solo motherhood. 👩‍👧‍👦Th…

1
S6, Ep 6: Celine Charlotte, a quick journey from considering to parenting 1:11:21

5M ago1:11:21

1:11:21

We discuss more about….. Celine's transition into embracing single motherhood. The challenges and emotional journey of egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Moving from the Netherlands to Sedona, and eventually to New York City. The vital role of community and support for SMBCs. Balancing business and motherhood, and the importance of surrounding ones…

1
S6, Ep 5: Luisa Ruge, SMBC in Colombia 59:00

6M ago59:00

59:00

We discuss more about….. What the fertility process looks like in Colombia The raw emotions while undergoing IV Deciding whether or not to have a second child Support and expectations during pregnancy and postpartum More info about 1:1 coaching, group coaching and community groups with The Single Greatest Choice at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/ 👩‍👧…

1
S6, Ep 4: Danielle Winston, The Seed Scout 58:53

6M ago58:53

58:53

When Danielle and Paige were ready to grow their family, they knew the route of a traditional sperm bank wasn't right for them. They went to great lengths to find a known donor by tapping into their own network and doing a TON of legwork. After walking that path themselves, they decided to create The Seed Scout to help other families who were looki…

1
S6, Ep 3: thoughts on a second child as a SMBC 51:50

7M ago51:50

51:50

If you’ve been going back and forth about whether or not to have a second child as a SMBC, you’re not alone! I frequently get asked about this topic, and it’s one that’s on my mind a lot these days. From making decisions about egg and embryo freezing to deciding on spacing between children to weighing the pros and cons of being “one and done”...the…

1
S6, Ep 2: Meredith Kate, host of The Backup Plan Podcast 56:33

7M ago56:33

56:33

For years, Meredith and her gay best friend had a running joke that if they were both still single without kids by a certain point, they’d have a child together. Recently, Meredith decided it was time to take that joke seriously. In our conversation, she’ll explain more about her decision, the arrangements she’s making with her known donor, and how…

1
S6, Ep 1: Carla Allen, SMBC through gestational surrogacy 50:37

8M ago50:37

50:37

Carla shares her experience from exploring surrogacy options to the complex matching process and the major impact of spiritual faith on her decision-making. She also reflects on the important trust and connection required in the surrogate relationship, and the joys and challenges of pregnancy through the lens of surrogacy. Join us as Carla's story …

1
Season 6 Trailer 14:02

8M ago14:02

14:02

New episodes coming every other Wednesday, starting March 20! Get more info and sign up for Guest Expert Workshops, Community Groups, and the SGC Directory at www.singlegreatestchoice.com.👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage ofyour SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, groupcoaching and workshops, and…

1
18. Confessions...and the Comeback! 14:11

9M ago14:11

14:11

Hello friends! Welcome back to the rebirth of the Project Transformation Podcast! I am so excited to be back and I can’t wait to show you where I’ve been! That starts with making a confession. And to bring back this show, I need to tell you where I’m at, however embarrassing it may be! I am not at the place I want to be. I’ve gained weight, my care…

1
S5, Ep 10: Keina Newell, Financial Coach 50:50

11M ago50:50

50:50

Connect with Keina! Website | Instagram | Facebook | Podcast Mentioned Resources Money Files - 96 | From Finances to Motherhood: Let’s Talk Money Coaching Check out the SGC Directory! Email Katie for the password: katie@singlegreatestchoice.com Join us in El Cuyo, Mexico March 10-15, 2024! www.singlegreatestchoice.com/el-cuyo-2024 👩‍👧‍👦The Single G…

1
S5, Ep 9: Laura High, donor conceived advocate 1:08:33

12M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

In this episode, we discuss more about….. Advocating for regulations and safety within the sperm donation industry. The dangers of excessively large sibling groups. Practical advice for prospective parents seeking donors. How to support donor-conceived children. Legislative initiatives such as the HR451 fertility fraud legislation. Connect with Lau…

1
S5, Ep 8: a sperm donor's perspective with Dylan Stone-Miller 1:08:29

12M ago1:08:29

1:08:29

In this episode, we discuss more about….. Lack of regulation in the sperm donation industry. Dylan's personal journey, navigating the emotional complexities of moving from being an unknown to known donor. Ethical considerations and best practices for parents and donors. The shifts in attitudes among donor-conceived children as social norms and pare…

1
S5, Ep 7: fertility law with reproductive attorney Rose Pondel 59:28

1y ago59:28

59:28

We discuss more about….. Rose's transition from corporate law to fertility law. Sperm banks vs known donors: legal insights. Finding a reproductive attorney and questions to ask. Legal complexities of egg and embryo donations. Challenges in the world of fertility law. Connect with Rose! Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website More info abou…

1
S5, Ep 6: travel tips with travel network innovator and SMBC Julie Munsch 1:02:17

1y ago1:02:17

1:02:17

In our conversation, Julie takes us through the hurdles of healing from past traumas, addressing fertility challenges, and how she first became a mom. She is extremely passionate about parents teaching their children how to become a part of their lives and encourages moms to take that vacation, kids in tow! She provides incredible tips on traveling…

1
S5, Ep 5: first comes baby carriage with now-coupled SMBC with Becky Thompson 1:03:27

1y ago1:03:27

1:03:27

In this episode, we discuss more about….. Becky’s decision to be a single mom by choice. Fertility issues and the importance of finding a doctor you can trust. Seeking support through online communities. Dating as a single mom by choice. How Becky unexpectedly found love. Growing a blended family. More info about coaching and community groups at ww…

1
S5, Ep 4: unconventional families with writer and SMBC thinker Sara Graybeal 57:13

1y ago57:13

57:13

Throughout our discussion, Sara opens up about the series of events that led to the birth of her son, Micah, as well as her deliberate (sort of) decision to embrace single motherhood. We explore the advantages and challenges of co-parenting, examine the various choices available for expanding one's family with a second child, and gain insights into…

1
S5, Ep 3: solo mum survival with Australian SMBC Rachel Toyer 45:54

1y ago45:54

45:54

In this episode, we discuss more about….. What led Rachel to desire to become a single mom by choice. The unexpected turns in the search for a donor. How she’s changed since becoming a mom. Navigating pregnancy and postpartum while doing it solo. Launching her Instagram account and handling the critics. Connect with Rachel! Follow her on social med…

1
S5, Ep 2: postpartum doula, lactation & sleep consultant and SMBC 52:25

1y ago52:25

52:25

Elizabeth wears multiple hats as a postpartum doula, lactation counselor (soon-to-be consultant), infant massage instructor, and infant sleep consultant. After years of dedicated work, she took a courageous step towards single parenthood and welcomed her son in the midst of the pandemic. Join us as we delve into her fascinating journey, exploring h…

1
S5, Ep 1: chosen family with Kiara Rae Schuh, donor conceived daughter of a SMBC 55:51

1+ y ago55:51

55:51

Through her work as an author and speaker, Kiara has been on a transformative path connecting with donor-conceived children and prospective parents, opening the door to a world often overlooked in mainstream narratives. In our conversation, she describes more about her journey of self-discovery, meeting her donor siblings, and the beauty of creatin…

1
S4, Ep 10: Meet Chekwube, SMBC to be 50:40

1+ y ago50:40

50:40

In this episode, Katie interviews another yet another smart, creative, soulful and wise SMBC in the making (seriously...I am so blown away by the women who are making this choice. It never gets old!). Chekwube is a 31 year old Black queer femme novelist, poet, artist, and professor living and working in Los Angeles. Her warmth and intentionality sh…

1
S4, Ep 9: Meet Halima, SMBC to be 48:01

1+ y ago48:01

48:01

I dare you to listen to this episode and NOT be inspired! Halima is a woman who is living life to it's fullest. A few years back, she began the process of shedding every part of life that didn't feel like the truest version of herself - and I am not talking about cleaning out her closet. We are talking about the big things...her job, her marriage, …

1
S4, Ep 8: Meet Meghann, SMBC to two 36:32

1+ y ago36:32

36:32

Meghann shares her incredible story of overcoming loss and serious health complications while on her path to solo motherhood. Listen to hear how she beat the odds and stopped at nothing to create her beautiful family as a solo mom to two beautiful donor-embryo conceived kids. Meghann is a trauma surgeon, a pregnancy loss survivor and an amputee. Sh…

1
Diet, Nutrition and Social Media: Dietitians Rachel Hanes and Valerie Costanza 58:12

1+ y ago58:12

58:12

Rachel Hanes and Valerie Costanza, registered dietitians, join us on this episode of the Keep It Real Movement to discuss the way social media affects our outlook on diet and nutrition, as well as some good practices to keep our health consistent no matter the trends. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts & stay tuned for new episodes covering …

1
S4, Ep 7: meet Anna, almost a single mother by choice 44:30

1+ y ago44:30

44:30

In this episode, Katie talks to friend and former coaching client Anna. Anna worked with Katie back in early 2021 as she pursued her own solo mom journey in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic. After a significant breakup and a move back to her hometown, Anna decided to continue dating while she waited for the covid-19 vaccine to become widely avail…

1
Education and Social Media: Teachers Jamie Gressett and Heather Reeder 1:00:28

1+ y ago1:00:28

1:00:28

Jamie Gressett and Heather Reeder, Lincoln Parish School Teachers, join us on this episode of the Keep It Real Movement to discuss the way social media and smart phones have affected their classrooms and students, and how they navigate these questions in their own families. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts & stay tuned for new episodes cov…

1
S4, Ep 6: two years as an SMBC with Katie B. 47:05

1+ y ago47:05

47:05

In this episode, Katie mentions @giftearlybird, an investing app where you can save for your child's future. If you create an account and use the code gifteb.co/3FZc2ob, you'll automatically get $15 deposited in your child's account. The app is super cool and customer service is excellent. I highly recommend this method of creating a little nest eg…

1
Mental Health and Social Media: Director of Counseling Services at Louisiana Tech, Ashley Owen 35:37

1+ y ago35:37

35:37

Ashley Owen, Director of Counseling Services at Louisiana Tech joins us on this episode of the Keep It Real Movement to discuss the way our mental health is affected by social media, and how we as young people or parents can best navigate these experiences. We talk about self-image, comparison, anxiety and more. How can we use social media without …

1
S4, Ep 5: meet Christina, SMBC 58:20

1+ y ago58:20

58:20

Christina Bernhard is a SMBC in Austin, Texas who Katie feels lucky to call a friend. Katie and Christina connected first on Instagram, then in real life. They share a passion for thought work and self-coaching, and both have used these tools to create a life they truly love as single mothers by choice. You'll love getting to know Christina, and I …

1
Sex and Social Media with Lindsey Crawford of Freedom13 Ministries 33:31

1+ y ago33:31

33:31

Lindsey Crawford, Director and founder of Freedom 13 Ministries join us on this episode of the Keep It Real Movement to discuss some tough topics, but topics that parents and teens MUST discuss in a social media age. We'll talk about sex and sex trafficking, the comparison mindset that social media creates and how parents and teens can work togethe…

1
Crime and Social Media with Lincoln Parish Sheriff Stephen Williams and Sergeant Matt Henderson 26:55

1+ y ago26:55

26:55

Lincoln Parish Sheriff, Steven Williams and a Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Division, Matt Henderson are the guest experts on this episode of the Keep It Real Movement to discuss how social media and smartphones have impacted their lives and careers as law enforcement officials. What dangers do people overlook on social media and how can w…

1
S4, Ep 4: meet Anne, single mother by choice 58:10

1+ y ago58:10

58:10

In this episode, Katie chats with her friend and coaching client, Anne. Anne found the Single Greatest Choice community just as she was beginning her journey to conceive her baby girl. In this episode, Anne divulges what it's like to move forward with solo motherhood while still holding a deep desire for both partnership and travel. Anne is someone…

1
Who is Mary Laura Hunt? 29:33

1+ y ago29:33

29:33

Mary Laura Hunt is the voice behind the Keep It Real Movement, and the actual host of this podcast, but for this debut episode, podcaster and producer, Joel Sharpton hosts a conversation about Mary Laura herself! Why is Mary Laura so passionate about the possibilities and problems of social media and educating teens like her (and their parents) abo…

1
S4, Ep 3: books for your child's bookshelf 31:50

1+ y ago31:50

31:50

www.myperfectfamilybook.com @myperfectfamilybook @noneedforprincecharming www.thejourneytoyouchildrensbook.com @thejourneytoyouchildrensbook "You're My Little..." boardbook series by Nicola Edwards and illustrated by Natalie Marshall www.pinholepress.com for creating your own spiral-bound board books to tell your child's story The Single Greatest C…

1
S4, Ep 2: meet Liz, single mother by choice 40:45

1+ y ago40:45

40:45

In this episode, Katie talks with friend and former coaching client, Liz. While exploring the idea of solo motherhood by choice, Liz came across The Single Greatest Choice podcast and became one of Katie's early one-on-one coaching clients. You'll hear us discuss our shared apprehensions about conceiving via donor sperm and raising donor-conceived …

1
S4, Ep 1: meet Lindsay, single mother by choice 51:16

2y ago51:16

51:16

Welcome to a new season of the podcast! In this episode, Katie chats with her friend and coaching client, Lindsay. Lindsay first found Katie through the Single Greatest Choice podcast, then chose to participate in both Group Coaching and the first ever Single Greatest Choice Community Group. Lindsay shares her journey to solo motherhood and some of…

1
A3 - Episode 6 - Jane 30:18

2y ago30:18

30:18

When Dr. Chu comes back to, she is joined by 23. The plan worked; During Dr. Chu’s own P.A.T. they connected for a moment and 23 tracked her down to the underground laboratory. Together they unveil that Eden and Emerson have removed 23’s memory, because of her role in preventing them from developing a superior being. She had nearly achieved her goa…

1
A3 - Episode 5 - Eden 32:16

2y ago32:16

32:16

Dr. Chu arrives at an abandoned, nondescript home in a residential area of the Hudson Valley, and is about to leave again, when she discovers an underground laboratory, where an AI named Eden, a sentient supercomputer, oversees a ground-breaking experiment. There are 18 cells and a tank with a gooey mass connected to the AI. Eden can talk and revea…

1
A3 - Episode 4 - Lili 32:31

2y ago32:31

32:31

While skimming through Dr. Sermon’s tapes for answers, Dr. Chu makes the crucial discovery that he invented a method to digitize electronic brain signals of his patients and eventually store them on a medium that was not yet invented at the time of his departure from St. Vincent. Is that what happened? Are Teresa’s, Valerie’s and Aura’s memories di…

1
A3 - Episode 3 - Aura 32:46

2y ago32:46

32:46

Dr. Jane Chu delivers Tess, 23’s daughter, into Elizabeth’s custody and eases the strained marriage, whereas at St. Vincent the pressure to deliver results for 23 is rising. While searching for more information about P.A.T. on Dr. Sermon’s tapes she discovers his stern warning about conducting no more than two P.A.T. session; the results could lead…

1
A3 - Episode 2 - Valerie 33:52

2y ago33:52

33:52

We learn more about Dr. Jane Chu and her strained relationship with Elizabeth, her wife, who is desperate to adopt a child. 23’s daughter, Tess could be the perfect candidate, as her mother is emotionally dissociated from her and doesn’t recognize her. Wavering between Elizabeth’s happiness and her ethical obligation to cure a patient, Dr. Chu trie…

1
A3 - Episode 1 - Teresa 29:22

2y ago29:22

29:22

Patient #23, a young girl suffering from dissociative amnesia is currently one of only five patients at St. Vincent Hospital, a financially struggling mental health sanatorium in the Hudson Valley. She was brought here, together with her little daughter Tess, whom she doesn’t recognize, after being found meandering the streets without memory of her…

1
S3 Bonus: 2022 end of year update with Katie B. 45:28

2y ago45:28

45:28

Catch up with Katie after a long break from the podcast. Hear answers to your questions about solo motherhood, the latest on coaching and retreats, and find out Katie's favorite parts of life with a 20 month old toddler!👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage ofyour SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, …

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Ashley Valeri Podcasts

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