Best Hera and Estela McLeod Podcasts (2024)

1
Season 1, Episode 5:Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 5: Divorce, Blended Families, and Gender Identity 27:54

1d ago27:54

27:54

In this episode of Seeking Different, Hera and Estela interview mother Abigail from The Podcast "The Judgement Free Zone" and her child Kenley "KG". They candidly discuss what it's like to have a blended family, divorce, and gender identity. Kenley is one of the bravest children we've met, and breaks down what's like to be born in a girl body but f…

1
Season 2, Episode 11: Navigating the Thrills and Spills of Tween Crushes and Gossip 22:40

5M ago22:40

22:40

Remember the flutters of first crushes and the buzz of schoolyard whispers? Together with my daughter Estela, we take a heartfelt plunge into the world of tween crushes and the ensuing gossip that can feel like navigating a minefield. We swap stories, with Estela offering a peek into the pulse of today's tween experiences, rife with the excitement …

1
Season 2, Episode 10: Defying Silence: A Mother's Memoir and the Fight for Children's Justice 19:21

6M ago19:21

19:21

Hera and Estela bring you a new episode - that explains why they've taken a bit of a hiatus. They've both been writing books! And Hera has just released her memoir, ten years in the making, that's both deeply personal and universally touching. "Defying Silence," her memoir, unveils the heart-wrenching journey of losing her son and the struggle agai…

1
Season 2, Episode 9: Part II of Donor Dylan's Story - The Sperm Donor with 97 Biological Children 22:30

9M ago22:30

22:30

This is Part II of Donor Dylan's story. Picture this – you just found out you have 97 biological children. Baffled? So was our guest, Donor Dylan, when he discovered this shocking revelation due to sperm donation. In a heart-to-heart conversation, Dylan unravels his rollercoaster journey of having so many biological children. We dig into his initia…

1
Season 2, Episode 8: The Man with 97 Biological Children (Part I) – Donor Dylan's Tale of Sperm Donation and Discovery 21:51

9M ago21:51

21:51

Ever wonder what it's like to walk into a sperm bank, answer some peculiar questions, donate, and then years later discover you have 97 biological children? That's exactly what happened to Donor Dylan, our guest in this riveting discussion. Dylan lets us into his journey of discovery, the shock of learning that he has a multitude of biological chil…

1
Seeking Different: Season 2, Episode 7: Confronting Discrimination: A Tale of Hair, Friendship, and a Beyonce Concert 24:26

10M ago24:26

24:26

What happens when the feeling of belonging is put to the test? You're about to hear the tale of a Beyonce concert, a couple of extra guests, and an unexpected lesson in friendship and values. We laugh, we cringe, and we learn as we recount that night when we had to sit on the floor, shunned by a friend. Through this personal story, we want to make …

1
Seeking Different: Season 2, Episode 6: Embracing Diversity - A Conversation on Unique Family Structures 28:45

10M ago28:45

28:45

This week we recap on the first week of school and discuss how kid social interactions have changed post pandemic (particularly for kids who were school aged during the height of it). Have you ever considered how remote learning impacted children's social skills? Picture this, a young student, fresh from a year of remote learning, navigating the tr…

1
Seeking Different: Season 2, Episode 5: Conquering Back-to-School Anxiety and Planning Epic Play Dates 28:31

10M ago28:31

28:31

Remember the buzz of preparing for a new school year? Those summer play dates that were the perfect blend of fun and preparation for the upcoming educational journey? We, Hera and Estela, take you back to those times, sharing personal anecdotes as we navigate the world of play dates - the joy, the inclusion, and the potential challenges. We even to…

1
Seeking Different: Season 2, Episode 4: Planning Adventure Travel with Kids (Costa Rica) 28:22

10M ago28:22

28:22

In this episode, Hera and Estela discuss planning a non-traditional family adventure. Recorded while in Costa Rica, they walk through how to find lodging and flights as well as what a day at language immersion camp looks like at Explornatura Kids camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. In addition to the highlights like monkey sightings and surf, they discu…

1
Seeking Different: Season 2, Episode 3: Chatting with Donor Conceived Community (DCC) Founder Melissa Lindsey 47:46

11M ago47:46

47:46

In the second episode of Season two - Hera and Estela sit down to chat with Melissa Lindsey, the founder and director of The Donor Conceived Community (DCC). DCC provides peer support, education, and resources for people navigating donor conception and DNA discoveries. Melissa shares her story, why she started the organization, and some tips for bo…

1
Seeking Different: Season 2, Episode 2: I'm a Barbie Girl, In a Barbie World (Movie Review and Deep Thoughts) 26:06

11M ago26:06

26:06

In this episode, Hera and Estela review the new Barbie movie. They discuss the parallels between Barbie and real life as well as review the movie from the perspective of a mom and of a kid. Hera also breaks down the parts of the movie that were likely not meant for kids and Estela highlights the parts she understood more than her mom realized. Curi…

1
Seeking Different: Season 2, Episode 1: Summer Recap and CONSENT! 16:00

11M ago16:00

16:00

In the first episode of season two, Hera and Estela and joined by little sister Isa as they give a quick summer camp recap and discuss the topic of consent. Hera explains to the girls how everything from touching hair to hugs and kisses are things that require permission. Support the Show.By Hera and Estela McLeod

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 13: Interview with Angela Stepancic, Founder of the First Black Owned Sperm Bank - Reproductive Village Cryobank (RVC) 25:51

1y ago25:51

25:51

In the final episode of season one for Seeking Different, Hera and Estela sit down with Angela Stepancic (founder of Reproductive Village Cryobank) to discuss her plans to open the first Black owned cryobank that's specifically focused on helping Black families by sourcing Black donors. Angela talks through her journey to opening (coming summer 202…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 12: Growing the Family from Two to Three 25:09

1y ago25:09

25:09

In this episode, Estela dishes about what it was like becoming a big sister and Hera shares her thoughts on the differences between having one child as an SMC and having two. They also discuss how their family was built on top of the tragedy of losing Estela's brother and Hera's son Prince. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowle…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 11: Family Trip to Colombia 26:49

1y ago26:49

26:49

In this episode, Hera and Estela discuss traveling as an SMC family to Cartagena, Colombia. Highlights include a scary bus incident in Playa Blanca and the incredible experience they had in the Afro-Colombian Village of Palenque. They share the highlights as well as some savvy tips for traveling with kids. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical…

1
Seeking Different "Bonus Mini EP": Season Recap and "Into the Mind of a Four Year Old" 13:46

1+ y ago13:46

13:46

In this mini episode, Estela and Hera look back on the first season thus far to talk about favorite moments, things they learned, and Estela discusses how ignorance about non-traditional family can play out in the school setting. Isa makes an appearance at the end of the episode to give her definition of a donor as well as a hilarious look into the…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 9: It Goes Down on the Playground 18:21

1+ y ago18:21

18:21

In this episode, Hera and Estela discuss recess and the playground where ALL the drama goes down. From navigating bullies to the evolution of kid conversations. The littlest McLeod - Isa - also makes a special appearance in this episode and reveals her understanding of "donor" as well as her feelings about heroes and Orange Juice. Support the Show.…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 8: It Takes A Village 33:20

1+ y ago33:20

33:20

In this episode of Seeking Different, Hera and Estela interview Lara McLeod (Hera's sister) and discuss the importance of having a village. Being a parent is hard no matter what type of family you have, and having a strong village to help raise your children is critical to family health. Lara, affectionately known as "Tia", discusses how she felt a…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 7: Two Moms, A Son, and Two Households 25:20

1+ y ago25:20

25:20

In this episode of "Seeking Different", Hera and Estela interview Mom Denise and her Son Sawyer. Sawyer explains how he feels his family is "normal" in their progressive town in the suburbs of Tampa, Florida. They also discuss what it's like to move between two parental homes, favorite books, and a love affair with Boba Tea. Curiosity and Beyond Ex…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 6: School Choice - Featuring Kid Logic 32:00

1+ y ago32:00

32:00

It was Independent School Decisions week in the DMV this past week and our house is all a buzz! In this episode of Seeking Different, Hera and Estela discuss what goes into deciding on a school and give an inside look from a kid's perspective of the admissions process - from "the buddy" to the on site testing to choosing the best school. Curiosity …

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 5: Divorce, Blended Families, and Gender Identity 27:54

1+ y ago27:54

27:54

In this episode of Seeking Different, Hera and Estela interview mother Abigail from The Podcast "The Judgement Free Zone" and her child Kenley "KG". They candidly discuss what it's like to have a blended family, divorce, and gender identity. Kenley is one of the bravest children we've met, and breaks down what's like to be born in a girl body but f…

1
Season 1, Episode 4: Baby Making: A Conversation with Alease The Embryologist 33:47

1+ y ago33:47

33:47

"Mama, where do babies come from?" Is this a question you've had your kids ask and don't even know where to begin? Is your child donor conceived and this question feels even more complicated as a result? We are here to help you sort through how to explain embryo creation to a child. Estela and Hera ask Alease Barnes (also known as Alease The Embryo…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 4: Baby Making - A Conversation with Alease The Embryologist 34:28

1+ y ago34:28

34:28

"Mama, where do babies come from?" Is this a question you've had your kids ask and don't even know where to begin? Is your child donor conceived and this question feels even more complicated as a result? We are here to help you sort through how to explain embryo creation to a child. Estela and Hera ask Alease Barnes (also known as Alease The Embryo…

1
Season 1, Episode 3: Black History Month Reflections 20:53

1+ y ago20:53

20:53

We wish Black History Month could be all year long, but this Black History Month we'd like to share our thoughts on some of the current events - Like Ron DeSantis trying to whitewash history and the things we wish schools would teach as it relates to Black History. Estela learns about Critical Race theory and a bit about how the American government…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 3: Black History Month Reflections 20:53

1+ y ago20:53

20:53

We wish Black History Month could be all year long, but this Black History Month we'd like to share our thoughts on some of the current events - Like Ron DeSantis trying to whitewash history and the things we wish schools would teach as it relates to Black History. Estela learns about Critical Race theory and a bit about how the American government…

1
Season 1, Episode 2: A Mama, Mom, and Twin Donor Siblings 25:20

1+ y ago25:20

25:20

In this episode of Seeking Different, Hera and Estela chat with Asher, Ari, and Mom Leah of the Pryor-Lease Family (a two Mom Family). Asher and Ari are twins and two of Estela's donor siblings. The kids chat about what it's like to tell people you don't have a Dad, the cool things about their family, and navigating school as a non-traditional fami…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 2: A Mama, A Mom, and Twin Donor Siblings 26:02

1+ y ago26:02

26:02

In this episode of Seeking Different, Hera and Estela chat with Asher, Ari, and Mom Leah of the Pryor-Lease Family (a two Mom Family). Asher and Ari are twins and two of Estela's donor siblings. The kids chat about what it's like to tell people you don't have a Dad, the cool things about their family, and navigating school as a non-traditional fami…

1
Season 1, Episode 1: Living Out McLeod: Single Mother by Choice Family 28:12

1+ y ago28:12

28:12

On the first episode of Seeking Different, co-hosts Hera and Estela give a brief intro about why the show is called Seeking Different, a little about the family, what you can expect from the show, and leave you with their top tried and true travel tips.By Hera and Estela McLeod

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 1: Living Out McLeod - Single Mother by Choice Family 28:53

1+ y ago28:53

28:53

On the first episode of Seeking Different, co-hosts Hera and Estela give a brief intro about why the show is called Seeking Different, a little about the family, what you can expect from the show, and leave you with their top tried and true travel tips. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify …

1
Introducing: Seeking Different 1:55

1+ y ago1:55

1:55

Former Mocha SMC Co-Host Hera teams up with her precocious nine year old daughter Estela in the new Podcast, "Seeking Different". They explore what it looks like to navigate the world as a non-traditional family. This mother and daughter duo will discuss hot topics such as donor sibling relationships, family travel, school choice, race relations, a…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 4, Episode 10: Ask Us Anything Part Two 33:36

1+ y ago33:36

33:36

In this episode, the Mocha SMCs answer questions such as: should I move to be closer to my family, how do I start planning for a will, and what should I put on my child's birth certificate. They also get real about whether you can work and be home full time with your child. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge Listen on: Ap…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 4, Episode 9: Ask Me Anything Part I 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

In this episode of the Mocha Single Mothers by Choice, the Mocha SMCs discuss DNA discovery, relationships with donor siblings, and how to talk about your conception story with your children and others in your life. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the Show.…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 4, Episode 8: When Pregnancy Gets Complicated... 36:27

1+ y ago36:27

36:27

In this episode, the Mocha SMCs debrief what they heard in the twins episode - spending time discussing the realities of high risk pregnancies, childcare cost, and always making decisions thinking about how your future child might feel about the decision you are about to make. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge Listen on:…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 4, Episode 7: So You Say You Want Twins?! 41:41

1+ y ago41:41

41:41

In this episode, Aisha and Hera welcome two special guests (twin Moms Toja and Carla). Toja is a Mocha SMC who is actively parenting 7 year old twins and Carla is a Mocha SMC who just welcomed twins three months ago. Carla also has a four year old son. This episode covers what its like to carry twins in pregnancy, twin births, and the things that s…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 4, Episode 6: Navigating Romantic Relationships as an SMC 34:18

1+ y ago34:18

34:18

In this episode, Aisha and Hera chat with two Mocha SMCs (Erica and Kimberly) who are now in committed romantic relationships. They discuss what it's like blending families after becoming SMCs and navigating things like - introducing your partner to the children, to marry or not to marry, who will he or she be to the children, and more. Curiosity a…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 4, Episode 5: Choosing Your Hard 37:08

2y ago37:08

37:08

The Mocha SMCs explain what it means to "choose your hard" by breaking down the pros and cons of SMC life. From navigating respectability politics to coping with the topic of "baby daddy". They also discuss why this path might be more appealing to many women than the traditional two parent household. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 4, Episode 4: Mocha SMC Travel in a Post Pandemic World 25:26

2y ago25:26

25:26

In this Mocha SMC travel episode of season 4, the Mocha SMCs discuss more tips for traveling with babies and the differences they've seen traveling with their school aged children. They chat about summer travel and what its been like post pandemic with fewer airport staff and flight delays. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowle…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 4, Episode 3: Raising Biracial Babies 40:22

2y ago40:22

40:22

In this week's episode, the Mocha SMCs discuss the topic of biracial babies. With limited Black sperm, Black women specifically are often faced with the decision of whether to choose a donor outside of their race. Aisha and Hera discuss what this decision was for them as well as what women should consider when choosing a donor outside of their race…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 4, Episode 2: Realities of Living Life as an SMC and Parenting with Integrity 36:04

2y ago36:04

36:04

In this week's episode, the Mocha SMCs discuss the realities of living life as an SMC, what that means to us, and how integrity is woven throughout the SMC narrative. Aisha and Hera chat about what it's like to grapple with what to tell your friends and family and how to explain to complete strangers that there is no baby daddy. Curiosity and Beyon…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 4, Episode 1: Back to School 31:38

2y ago31:38

31:38

In this episode of the Mocha SMC Podcast, your Mocha SMCs catch you up on how things have been this summer and how they get the kids ready for the start of school. Highlights are the "kiss and ride", which is how Aisha refers to the carpool lane and hilarious anecdotes about the kids "tucking and rolling" out of the car and what kids look forward t…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 3, Episode 11: Pandemic Parenting, Life Transitions and the Importance of Therapy 32:34

2y ago32:34

32:34

In the season 3 finale, the Mocha SMCs chat about school challenges, the impact of the pandemic on toddlers and school aged children, plans for the summer, and the importance of therapy. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the Show.By The Mocha SMCs

1
Mocha SMC: Season 3, Episode 10: Embryo Donation 30:28

2y ago30:28

30:28

This week on The Mocha SMC Podcast, Aisha and Hera chat with SMC Abby who donated one of her embryos to a friend of a friend. They discuss the emotional journey she went through, her current relationship with the recipient and her child, as well as the costs associated with the donation (which the recipient typically pays). Curiosity and Beyond Exp…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 3, Episode 9: Mocha SMC Parenting Tweens Part Two 25:14

2+ y ago25:14

25:14

This is the second of the two part series on parenting tweens. Jennifer, Joy, and Yana join us again to discuss the topics of "content", "dating", and advice for new moms. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the Show.By The Mocha SMCs

1
Mocha SMC: Season 3, Episode 8: Mocha SMCs Parenting Tweens Part One 32:19

2+ y ago32:19

32:19

This week the Mocha SMCs speak with three Mocha SMCs from the Mocha community who are parenting tweens: Joy, Jennifer, and Yana. We discuss schooling, community, allowing independence, and talking about puberty and sex with your pre teen. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the Sho…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 3, Episode 7: Blaxit - The Mocha SMC Expat Experience 31:28

2+ y ago31:28

31:28

The Mocha SMCs chat with Michelle, a Mocha SMC and American foreign service officer, who is raising her seven year old son in Africa. The episode tackles how and why Michelle made the decision to raise her son abroad, the logistics of living outside of your country of origin and some tips for other SMCs looking to exit the United States in search o…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 3, Episode 6: Mocha Update - Pandemic, Dating, Sperm, and "Where's the Daddy" 33:15

2+ y ago33:15

33:15

In this episode, the Mocha SMCs provide an update on the last few weeks and discuss topics such as changing covid protocol in schools, dating, the Black sperm shortage, and handling the awkward conversations from school parents when they ask "Where's the Daddy". Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge Listen on: Apple Podcasts…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 3, Episode 5: A Conversation with an Egg Donor 42:23

2+ y ago42:23

42:23

This week the Mocha SMCs speak with Mocha SMC Domonique who is both an egg donor and a new mom herself. Domonique describes what it was like to donate eggs in her 20s while she was in school, how this has impacted her feelings on being an SMC herself, and her thoughts on contact in the future from the children conceived with her donor eggs. Curiosi…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 3, Episode 4: A Mocha SMC Black History Month Special 33:52

2+ y ago33:52

33:52

On this weeks episode, the Mocha SMCs discuss what Black History Month means to them and their families. Additionally, the Mocha SMCs discuss appropriation and how this played out historically, in modern day - in both the work place and in the SMC spaces. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotif…

1
Mocha SMC: Season 3, Episode 3: Mocha SMCs Raising Boys 42:41

2+ y ago42:41

42:41

On today's episode of the podcast, the Mocha SMCs talk with boy moms Toja and Toni about topics such as gender anxiety, potty training, community, the barber shop, and raising Black boys in a post George Floyd era. Curiosity and Beyond Exploring the Magical World of Knowledge Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the Show.…

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Hera And Estela McLeod Podcasts

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