Best Hera and Estela McLeod Podcasts (2024)

1
Season 2, Episode 5: Conquering Black-to-school Anxiety and Planning Epic Play Dates 27:51

12d ago27:51

27:51

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
Season 2, Episode 4: Planning Adventure Travel with Kids (Costa Rica) 27:42

12d ago27:42

27:42

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
Season 3: Episode 1: Revolutionizing Donor Identity Disclosure with Dylan Morgan from Cascade Cryobank 28:53

15d ago28:53

28:53

Ever wondered what it's like to transition from a sperm donor to the Chief Operations Officer of a leading cryobank? Join us in an eye-opening episode of Seeking Different as Dylan Morgan, COO of Cascade Cryobank, takes us through his personal and professional journey. We'll explore Cascade Cryobank's groundbreaking Early Identity Disclosure Progra…

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

12d 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

12d 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

12d 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

12d 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
Season 2, Episode 7: Confronting Discrimination: A Tale of Hair, Friendship, and a Beyonce Concert 23:46

12d ago23:46

23:46

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
Season 2, Episode 6: Embracing Diversity - A Conversation on Unique Family Structures 28:05

12d ago28:05

28:05

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
Season 1, Episode 11: Family Trip to Colombia 26:09

13d ago26:09

26:09

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.…

1
Season 1, Episode 12: Growing the Family from Two to Three 24:29

13d ago24:29

24:29

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.By Hera and Estela McLeod

1
Season 1, Episode 13: Interview with Angela Stepancic, Founder of the First Black Owned Sperm Bank - Reproductive Village Cryobank (RVC) 25:11

13d ago25:11

25:11

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

13d 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.By Hera and Estela McLeod

1
Season 2, Episode 2: I'm a Barbie Girl, In a Barbie World (Movie Review and Deep Thoughts) 25:26

13d ago25:26

25:26

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.…

1
Season 2, Episode 3: Fireside Chat with Donor Conceived Community (DCC) Founder Melissa Lindsey 47:06

13d ago47:06

47:06

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
Season 1, Episode 6: School Choice - Featuring Kid Logic 31:20

13d ago31:20

31:20

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.…

1
Season 1, Episode 7: Two Moms, a Son, and Two Households 24:40

13d ago24:40

24:40

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.…

1
Season 1, Episode 8: It Takes a Village 32:40

13d ago32:40

32:40

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

13d 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.…

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

13d 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
Season 3, Episode 1: Revolutionizing Donor Identity Disclosure with Dylan Morgan from Cascade Cryobank 28:53

1M ago28:53

28:53

Ever wondered what it's like to transition from a sperm donor to the Chief Operations Officer of a leading cryobank? Join us in an eye-opening episode of Seeking Different as Dylan Morgan, COO of Cascade Cryobank, takes us through his personal and professional journey. We'll explore Cascade Cryobank's groundbreaking Early Identity Disclosure Progra…

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

3M 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

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

12M 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 23:46

1y ago23:46

23:46

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 28:05

1y ago28:05

28:05

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 27:51

1y ago27:51

27:51

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) 27:42

1y ago27:42

27:42

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 47:06

1y ago47:06

47:06

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) 25:26

1y ago25:26

25:26

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. Supp…

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

1y 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 showBy 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) 25:11

1+ y ago25:11

25:11

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 24:29

1+ y ago24:29

24:29

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. Support the show…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 11: Family Trip to Colombia 26:09

1+ y ago26:09

26:09

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. Support the show…

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 32:40

1+ y ago32:40

32:40

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 24:40

1+ y ago24:40

24:40

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. Support the show…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 6: School Choice - Featuring Kid Logic 31:20

1+ y ago31:20

31:20

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. Support th…

1
Seeking Different: Season 1, Episode 5: Divorce, Blended Families, and Gender Identity 27:14

1+ y ago27:14

27:14

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 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
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 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
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 28:12

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. Support the showBy Hera and Estela McLeod

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Hera And Estela McLeod Podcasts

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