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The Single Greatest Choice is a podcast about singleness, fertility, motherhood, and choice. This is a show for women who are grappling with what to do when life doesn't follow the love-marriage-baby carriage trajectory. It's about exploring the options when things don't seem to be turning out as we'd always planned. Most of all, is a place for women give and receive support as they grapple with these big topics - because what we decide to do with these years could be the single greatest cho ...
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Thousands of women joke about getting knocked up by their gay best friend when they get fed up with dating. Follow my decision to ACTUALLY do it: learning about the single mother by choice community, failed DIY attempts, to choosing IVF.
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Seeking Different

Hera and Estela McLeod

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Single Mother by Choice (former co-host of The Mocha SMC Podcast) Hera McLeod teams up with her precocious nine year old daughter Estela for the podcast "Seeking Different". The Mom and Kid duo explore what it looks like to navigate the world as a non-traditional family. They discuss hot topics such as donor sibling relationships, family travel, school choice, race relations, and navigating the playground.
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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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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…
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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…
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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. --- Hey, I'm Meredith! 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…
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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…
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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. --- Hey, I'm Meredith! I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby …
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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…
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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…
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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. More in…
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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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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…
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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…
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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. --- Hey, I'm Meredith! I'm beco…
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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/ Mor…
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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…
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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…
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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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We've moved into the injection phase! Meredith is 22 injections in and reporting on all of the wild side effects: vivid dreams, unsupportive family members, and an incredible amount of trash. Truth be told, it's a lot easier than she anticipated and way more enjoyable than the estrogen priming. ITEMS MENTIONED: Small Ice Packs with Sleeve - https:/…
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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…
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Bare with Meredith this week, she was in a lot of pain when she recorded and edited this episode! With a full week of estrogen priming under her belt, Meredith talks through the pain she’s experiencing, updates on third party clearance for Kindbody, and refreshes the “What do we call Michael?” situation. ITEMS MENTIONED: IKEA Klipsk Bed Bed Tray: h…
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Meredith is starting IVF this week! She's taking Estradiol (Estrace) in before shots start next week. Despite some confusion with the Family Building Team at Kindbody, Meredith prepared with IVF organization tips and answers some listener questions. 00:18 - Officially Starting IVF 02:30 - Kindbody Bummer 08:06 - The Nebulosity of April 10:17 - IVF …
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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…
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Ariana Madix (Vanderpump Rules) and Meredith go WAY back - they’ve known each other longer than they haven’t at this point. Ariana has some hot tips for Meredith on the egg retrieval process, talks about why she decided to freeze her eggs, and reproductive panic. Read the accompanying blog post here: https://backupplanpod.com/28-fertile-myrtle-w-ar…
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Meredith is joined by Diane Gatza to discuss family leave (or maternity leave, or paternity leave...whatever floats your boat). Diane is revolutionizing the way parents-to-be approach the maze of benefits available to them. Whether you're in California or beyond, her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to strategically plan and secure the su…
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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 …
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Meredith doesn't like talking finances, but she's going to for your benefit! This week is all about the frustration of not being as prepared as she'd like to be, the privileged position she's in because she's raising this baby with her mother, the cost of each medication prescribed for the upcoming egg retrieval, and a quick rant about the state of…
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In this episode, Meredith quickly shares that she made it through Morton's neuroma surgery! Prepping for IVF is imminent... Read the full blog post for this episode. Articles mentioned: Big News: Lala Kent Is Conceiving Her Second Child on Her Own via IUI, and She’s Ready to Destigmatize It, Cosmopolitan CONNECT WITH THE BACKUP PLAN Website: https:…
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It’s a wild time to start IVF right now, so Meredith’s got a stream of consciousness for y’all this week, from rage about Tommy Tuberville’s thoughtlessness to Backup Plan listener reactions. In this episode, Meredith covers: 00:39 - Where she’s currently at in her conception timeline 05:09 - Personal Feelings on the IVF Ruling in Alabama Read the …
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Michael has officially frozen sperm for Meredith's impending IVF! The two pals talk about the donation process and the litany of doctor's appointments they had across Los Angeles this week while he was in town. Support the Show. --- Hey, I'm Meredith! I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby with…
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Gabi Garland joins this week to share her single mother journey - from being in an abusive relationship, to losing her partner, to ultimately finding the best version of herself. Gabi is an authenticity coach and podcast producer who provides incredible advice to Meredith as she prepares to start IVF. This episode is available on YouTube! -INFO ON …
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I didn't mean to take another hiatus, but curveballs were thrown! This week you'll hear about my birthday, an attempted break-in, triangulated travel from LA to Orlando to NYC, and my latest fertility updates: revised sperm results, fluctuating AMH levels, and a timeline for cryopreservation and egg retrieval. Support the Show. --- Hey, I'm Meredit…
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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 …
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Meredith's Mom joins this week to talk about her previous and current ideas about IVF, and how she's feeling about Meredith's decision. Talk turns to what could be happening in other multiverses, including the career and passions of Meredith's would-be Orlando spouse. MENTIONS: The Single Greatest Choice Podcast - Season 5 Episode 1 with Kiara Rae …
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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…
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Meredith is making a big choice about IVF and is turning to her friend (and artist extraordinaire) Carla Furey for advice and guidance. They recap meeting under the dark shadow of Scandoval and how their friendship has blossomed since then. This is the first episode simultaneously released on YouTube! Check it out here. Carla's Art: WHITE SHADOW AR…
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WE'RE BACK! Whitney joins this week to ring in 2024 and make sure that Meredith adequately recounts everything that happened in December. This episode has it all: genetic test results, learning the origins of cuckoo clocks, and shifting ideology regarding fertility treatments. What more could you ask for?? A parting note - remember to👆☝️✌️, y'all. …
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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 More info about c…
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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…
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Joy of Life Surrogacy founder Joy Millan joins Meredith this week to explain the role a surrogacy agency can play in a conception journey. Follow Meredith's travel adventures on her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@msmeredithkate Support the Show. --- Hey, I'm Meredith! I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm s…
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Meredith shares the results of her fertility assessments, specifically AFC and AMH levels, from her first round of appointments with Kindbody. Hello Bello 20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear wi…
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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…
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Let's hear it for Kindbody - a company that performs fertility and wellness services in modern, tech-enabled clinics. Meredith had a fantastic call with one of their doctors in the Newport Beach office and made some choices about her fertility journey moving forward - including full diagnostic testing. Hello Bello 20% off for new customers with cod…
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Meredith attended CreateHer this week, an exclusive event for creators hosted by The Prego Expo. She got to walk the floor of The Prego Expo before it opened to the public, got to speak with entrepreneurial brands, and received support on the fertility journey from folks who have been there. Check out the following brands and services mentioned on …
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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…
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DID SHE GET PREGNANT? Will she survive Covid? Answers to these questions and more in this week's episode. Meredith also lays out plans for the next few months, including partaking in Prego Expo/CreateHer this coming week in Los Angeles. Hello Bello 20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by pur…
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PSA: Mere hours after I recorded this, I started experiencing symptoms of Covid and tested positive. Get your boosters! This week's episode is all about Meredith's trip to Washington to see Michael and get the turkey-bastering done. And IT HAPPENED. Thrice!! Meredith goes over using the Kegg fertility monitor and the Mosie Baby insemination kit. He…
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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…
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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…
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As Meredith heads off to Washington to meet Michael for a turkey bastering, we answer audience questions about our situation. We also indulge in a trip down memory lane, reminiscing on the eerie tales of haunted St. Augustine, our outrageous Halloween costumes, and the wild parties that filled 42 Sanford Street. Hello Bello 20% off for new customer…
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