Best PSingle Mother By Choice Podcasts (2024)

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

3h 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
Season 2, Episode 11: Navigating the Thrills and Spills of Tween Crushes and School Yard Gossip 22:40

9d 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

9d 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 8: The Man with 97 Biological Children (Part I) - Donor Dylan's Tale of Sperm Donation and Discovery 21:51

9d 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 5: Conquering Black-to-school Anxiety and Planning Epic Play Dates 27:51

9d 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

9d 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 2, Episode 6: Embracing Diversity - A Conversation on Unique Family Structures 28:05

9d 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 2, Episode 7: Confronting Discrimination: A Tale of Hair, Friendship, and a Beyonce Concert 23:46

9d 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 9: Part II of Donor Dylan's Story - The Sperm Donor with 97 Biological Children 22:30

9d 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 3: Episode 1: Revolutionizing Donor Identity Disclosure with Dylan Morgan from Cascade Cryobank 28:53

9d 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 2: I'm a Barbie Girl, In a Barbie World (Movie Review and Deep Thoughts) 25:26

9d 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 1, Episode 12: Growing the Family from Two to Three 24:29

9d 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 11: Family Trip to Colombia 26:09

9d 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 13: Interview with Angela Stepancic, Founder of the First Black Owned Sperm Bank - Reproductive Village Cryobank (RVC) 25:11

9d 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

9d 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 3: Fireside Chat with Donor Conceived Community (DCC) Founder Melissa Lindsey 47:06

9d 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 7: Two Moms, a Son, and Two Households 24:40

9d 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

9d 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
"Bonus Mini EP": Season Recap and "Into the Mind of a Four Year Old" 13:46

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

9d 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
Season 1, Episode 6: School Choice - Featuring Kid Logic 31:20

9d 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
S7, Ep 2: Super Sperm Donors, Off-the-Grid Insemination, & Unconventional Family Planning with Valerie Bauman 49:09

13d 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
49: IVF Emotions 10:18

20d ago10:18

10:18

I’ve finally had an emotional breakdown about my IVF journey. GRATEFUL for the mental health work I’ve done along the way to keep me afloat. Progesterone in oil shots start soon and I’m hoping that I’m nearing the end of my journey! Support the show --- I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby wi…

1
48: Trump's "Free IVF" Plan 18:25

27d ago18:25

18:25

Donald Trump is promising free IVF if he gets elected. As someone who is deep int he middle of an IVF journey myself, I share thoughts and feelings about how I think it'd work (spoiler alert: I don't think it will). REGISTER TO VOTE https://vote.gov FACTS AND FIGURES Trump says he wants to make IVF treatments paid for by government or insurance com…

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

27d 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
47: Unboxing Meds 11:43

1M ago11:43

11:43

Progesterone in oil has arrived! I’m prepping for my frozen embryo transfer as a single mom by choice, and the first step is receiving medication. TOPICS 00:00 Intro 01:30 The DL on Meds 04:13 Unboxing! ITEMS MENTIONED Pineapple Bandages: https://amzn.to/471WLPC OTHER VIDEOS WORTH CHECKING OUT Catch Up Video from Last Week: https://www.youtube.com/…

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
46: One Year of THE BACKUP PLAN 19:38

1M ago19:38

19:38

Becoming a single mother by choice is difficult! I've been preparing for a baby for two years and making content about the process for a year, so I figured it was worth doing a recap video to catch y'all up on where we've been together. Support the show --- I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a bab…

1
45: Suddenly Surgery 14:02

2M ago14:02

14:02

My IVF journey was abruptly halted last month when a breast cancer scare got in the way. In the last part of my cancer scare series (YAY), I share how a surgery consult turned into a lumpectomy in less than 24 hours. RELATED VIDEOS: Breast Cancer Scare, Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DOScCIxkF8 Breast Cancer Scare, Part 2: https://www.you…

1
44: Breast Biopsy 15:51

2M ago15:51

15:51

Sharing my stereotactic breast biopsy in chair experience at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. In the middle of IVF treatment, I felt something a little strange in my left breast and decided to get it checked out before my frozen embryo implantation. I’m SO GRATEFUL that my doctor at Kindbody get my set up with the Hoag team so quickly. Also talking abo…

1
43: WE INTERRUPT THIS IVF ALREADY IN PROGRESS 9:01

2M ago9:01

9:01

IVF as a single mom by choice is hard enough, I don't need a cancer scare! Fears of breast cancer are looming as I get a radial scar checked out at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. Having a mammogram under 40 wasn’t on my bingo card for 2024. — Hey, I'm Meredith! I'm becoming a single mom by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby…

1
42: Embryo Reveal 26:05

2M ago26:05

26:05

IVF success isn’t just getting pregnant - it’s a lot of steps along the way. In her journey to becoming a single mom by choice, Meredith decided to celebrate her embryos after they passed preimplantation genetic screening with an EMBRYO REVEAL PARTY - a modern twist on a traditional gender reveal party. Support the show --- I'm becoming a single mo…

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

2M 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
41: Frozen Embryo Transfer Plans 13:16

3M ago13:16

13:16

Meredith is sharing news from her fertility doctors at Kindbody this week - her frozen embryo transfer (FET) has been scheduled! She goes over the process, why her and her doctor chose a controlled FET and plans for her BLASTOSHOWER - an embryo sex reveal. TOPICS COVERED 00:53 Getting the physical PGT-A results and planning the BLASTOSHOWER! 02:23 …

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40: Two Euploid Embryos 13:53

3M ago13:53

13:53

Meredith got her PGT-A test results a week early! Watch as she shares the news with family and friends, talks about next steps, and shares tips for maintaining sanity during the process. Frozen embryo implantation comes next…stay tuned! ITEMS MENTIONED Jujube Dr BFF Bag: https://amzn.to/3LfQp5f SMBC COMMUNITIES SMBC Official: https://www.singlemoth…

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

3M 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
39: I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends 17:36

3M ago17:36

17:36

Meredith has embryo news!! Aside from sharing which zygotes made it to blastocyst status, she's going over best practices for checking in on a friend who is undergoing IVF. Support the show --- I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby with my gay best friend. After a few tries with the turkey bas…

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
38: A Tale of Two Egg Retrievals 15:13

3M ago15:13

15:13

Meredith came out of her most recent egg retrieval with very different results! What were the differences in treatment? Did she keep calm, cool, and collected this time? Will this be her last retrieval? STAY TUNED. Support the show --- I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby with my gay best fri…

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

3M 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
37: Perinatal Psychiatry 37:41

4M ago37:41

37:41

Mental health is muy importante, so Meredith is sharing her journey from sad little girl to a healthy medicated lady. In preparation for pregnancy (and because of the influx of hormones in her system thanks to the second round of egg retrieval), she decided to get in touch with a perinatal psychiatrist early. Here's how she found one and how her fi…

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

4M 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
36: PGT-A Results 20:04

4M ago20:04

20:04

Meredith discusses the results from the PGT-A tests her embryos underwent, explains what a segmented mosaic embryo means, and discusses next steps in her IVF journey. SHOP THAT BANGIN' PREMIERE LOOK Mock Neck Cloak Sleeve Pleated Midi Dress Silver Cuff Bracelets Long Metal Bar Drop Earrings Mirrored Metallic Evening Bag ARTICLES DISCUSSED What Does…

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35: Chick-Pickin' (with Nana) 45:57

4M ago45:57

45:57

Nana is back in California! They’re discussing Meredith’s Day 5 4BB and Day 7 4BA embryos (better known at Chip & Dale); the nail-biting wait on genetic test results, whether or not to learn the sex, and if so, WHEN? TOPICS COVERED 0:00 - Introduction and Catch Up 04:09 - Should I find out the sex of my embryos? 16:10 - “The Parents Who Want Daught…

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

4M 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
34: Blastocysts 26:41

5M ago26:41

26:41

After a week of waiting, Meredith learns how many of her fertilized eggs have become full fledged embryos. She shares how she found out, how she's feeling, and what's up next. Read the full blog post here - https://backupplanpod.com/34-blastocysts/ ITEMS MENTIONED: Diva Cup - https://amzn.to/3UJRfLO Support the show --- I'm becoming a single mother…

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

5M 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/ 👩‍👧…

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33: Egg Retrieval Surgery 33:08

5M ago33:08

33:08

What’s it like to have an egg retrieval for IVF at KindBody? Meredith just had hers and she’s here to share the results - how many eggs were retrieved, how many were mature, and how many were fertilized with her gay best friend’s sperm. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE. OTHER EPISODES REFERENCED: The attempted break-in! - https://backupplanpod.com/21-januar…

1
32: Egg Retrieval Injections, Week 2 17:25

5M ago17:25

17:25

When your follicles don't respond to hormones, you pump up the volume and keep injecting. Meredith has to keep up the routine this week in anticipation of the egg retrieval and symptoms have really started kicking in! Belly bruising, foggy brain, and increasing shot pain...oh my. ITEMS MENTIONED: Small Ice Packs with Sleeve - https://amzn.to/3vMNfC…

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

5M 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…

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