Building your family
Welcome to Building Your Family, the only expert-guided community platform designed for parents and parents-to-be using reproductive medicine to build their families. We provide unique strategies to help make your path to parenthood smoother and more informed—empowering you to navigate the critical decisions that shape your family’s future. At Building Your Family, we’ve already helped thousands of people navigate the complexities of family building and parenting with confidence. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to make these life-changing decisions with greater clarity, resulting in better outcomes and fewer regrets. We understand that many of the decisions you make along this journey can’t be undone, and that’s why our approach is all about offering you practical, actionable steps that you can start applying right now. Our educational components are tailored to help you think differently, make more informed choices, and take control of your experience—from fertility treatments to parenting strategies. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your journey, Building Your Family is here to guide you with expert advice, specialized education, stress-reduction strategies, and the community support you need to make the best choices for you and your family. For more information, sign up for our newsletter, you will be able to stay up to date with the episodes, get information about our programs and most of all join our warm community. And follow us on social.// Monthly email: https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Watch the podcast on YouTube http://bit.ly/3E49Z1k Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
Get the truth about IVF from one of the world’s most respected fertility doctors.
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, we talk with Dr. Richard Paulson, former president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and a global leader in reproductive medicine. Dr. Paulson busts common fertility myths and offers practical, evidence-based suggestions on how to approach treatment, including what really matters when it comes to nutrition, supplements, and exercise.
If you're trying to conceive or considering IVF, this episode is packed with expert insight you won’t find on social media.
🎧 Watch now and subscribe for more expert fertility advice.#IVF #FertilityExpert #FertilityFacts #IVFSupport #DrPaulson #FertilityPodcast
Learn more about Dr. Richard Paulson: https://uscfertility.org/
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
We’re wrapping up Pride Month with warmth, wisdom, and laughter. In this episode of Building Your Family, I sit down with educator, advocate, and beloved social voice Jere Chang (aka @MsChangGifted) and her wife OG Chang.
The couple shares their thoughtful insights about LGBTQ+ family building, raising donor-conceived children, and the power of inclusive education. You’ll hear real talk, get useful tips, and maybe even laugh out loud. Whether you're exploring donor conception, parenting in a queer family, or just need a little heartwarming inspiration, this one's for you.
🔔 Subscribe for more expert-led conversations on surrogacy, egg/sperm donation, LGBTQ+ family building, and parenting after infertility.
📲 Learn more here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
📚 Learn more about Jere Ghang: https://mschanggifted.com/Follow Jere Chang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mschanggifted/Follow Jere Chang on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mschanggifted
Sunday Jun 15, 2025
Surrogacy, Donor Conception & Queer Fertility Advice with Dr. Julian Escobar
Sunday Jun 15, 2025
Sunday Jun 15, 2025
Thinking about surrogacy or donor conception? 🌈 In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Julian Escobar — fertility expert, LGBTQ+ advocate, influencer, and dad — joins Lisa Schuman to explore the real questions hopeful parents face when building a family through assisted reproduction.
💬 What you'll learn in this episode:
The emotional and financial realities of surrogacy
How to think about donor selection from a medical and psychological perspective
Common mistakes hopeful parents make (and how to avoid them)
Advice for LGBTQ+ couples pursuing parenthood
Why openness and long-term thinking matter in donor conception
🎧 Whether you're planning your path to parenthood or supporting someone who is, this warm and informative conversation will help you feel more grounded and confident in your decisions.
🧠 Hosted by Lisa Schuman, LCSW — award-winning reproductive therapist, author, and founder of the Building Your Family platform.
Follow Dr. Julian Escobar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjulianescobar/
Sunday Jun 08, 2025
Sunday Jun 08, 2025
As part of our Pride Month celebration, we’re honored to welcome Richard Westoby and Julio Gaggia — better known as the IVF Daddies and hosts of the popular podcast by the same name.
In this episode, they share their personal family-building stories — from Richard's surrogacy journey over a decade ago with his then-partner, to Julio’s experience becoming a parent through step-parenting. Together, they model a beautiful and honest version of gay fatherhood that embraces advocacy, growth, and breaking traditional norms.
🎧 You'll hear:
What the IVF process looked like for gay dads a decade ago
How Julio navigated his step-parenting journey with care and love
Why they use their platform to advocate for women’s rights and broader family equity
Their advice for anyone building a family in a way that defies expectations
These two dads are proof that love and family come in many forms — and that being true to your path matters most.
📺 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform.🔗 Learn more at: https://familybuilding.net/
Follow the IVFDaddies on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivfdaddies/
Sunday Jun 01, 2025
Two Dads, One Dream: Jove & Kyle’s Journey to Fatherhood
Sunday Jun 01, 2025
Sunday Jun 01, 2025
Start Pride Month with love, hope, and a heartwarming story. In this episode, Jove Meyer and Kyle Torrence—two dads-to-be and beloved LGBTQ+ influencers—share their family-building journey.
From choosing a donor and surrogate to deciding how much to share online, Jove and Kyle bring humor, heart, and intention to every step. If you're curious about surrogacy, donor conception, or simply love a powerful family story, this episode is for you.
Family Building community Events and webinars: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/
Learn more about Jove Meyer: https://jovemeyer.com/Follow Jove Meyer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovemeyer/Follow Kyle Torrence on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyletorrence/
Sunday May 25, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
Considering surrogacy or supporting someone who is? In this expert-led episode of Building Your Family, I sit down with one of the country’s top surrogacy specialists, Dr. Susanna Park, to get answers to the questions intended parents ask most.
Dr. Park sees hundreds of surrogacy cases each year and brings clarity to some of the most important (and often misunderstood) parts of the process. We discuss:
🔹 Why using a surrogacy agency may be safer than going independent🔹 Key medical issues when screening a surrogate🔹 What can — and can’t — be medically corrected🔹 Why BMI matters more than people realize🔹 Twin pregnancies and what hopeful parents often get wrong
Whether you're just beginning your surrogacy journey or supporting someone else through it, this episode is your go-to expert guide.
🔔 Subscribe for more expert-led content on fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy.
💡 Want more support?Join the Building Your Family Community — an expert-led membership filled with tools, meditations, workshops, and full courses, including our popular Surrogacy Steps program.👉 https://familybuilding.net/surrogacy-steps/
📚 Learn more about Dr. Susanna Park: https://www.sdfertility.com/
Sunday May 18, 2025
Sunday May 18, 2025
The Hidden Formula Behind Your Family-Building ChoicesOne simple mindset shift that can change how you approach donor conception and life.
Why do we make the choices we do—especially when it comes to something as personal and complex as building a family through donor conception or surrogacy?
In this solo episode of Building Your Family, I share a powerful decision-making concept I’ve developed over nearly 30 years of working with thousands of people navigating third-party reproduction. While attending a recent conference, my conversations with attendees brought this idea back to the forefront—and reminded me how essential it is to share it with you.
Whether you're choosing a donor, thinking about surrogacy, choosing a clinic, or feeling stuck in your decision-making process, this episode offers a new way to reflect on your choices—and can help guide you toward decisions that truly support your values and your future family.
💬 Leave a comment with your questions or challenges—I’m here to help.
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
What truly drives fertility success? Dr. Eric Widra, Chief Medical Officer at US Fertility, shares what patients need to know about IVF, success rates, and the role of lab quality in getting pregnant.
In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Widra offers clear, evidence-based insight into:
How success rates are calculated (and what to watch out for)
Why your clinic’s lab may be the most important factor in your outcome
The biggest shifts in the fertility field over the last two decades
What patients often overlook when choosing a fertility provider
Whether you're just starting treatment or evaluating your options, this conversation will help you make informed, confident decisions on your path to parenthood.
Useful links from this episode: https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/https://www.asrm.org/https://www.sart.org/
Sunday May 04, 2025
Sunday May 04, 2025
What is it really like to meet your donor—or your donor siblings—as an adult, after your values and worldview are already in place? In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Freya Lyon shares her journey as a donor-conceived person who felt confident in her identity, only to experience a major shift when she met genetic relatives later in life.
Freya opens up about what surprised her, how these relationships shaped her views on family, and how they influenced her own approach to building a family. If you’ve ever wondered about late-in-life donor connections, identity, or the complexities of modern family-building, this episode offers rare insight and heart.
📌 Subscribe for more real-life stories and expert guidance on donor conception, surrogacy, and modern parenthood.
🔔 New episodes weekly on the Building Your Family podcast.
Follow Freya on Instagram: @thequeermamaFollow Freya on TikTok: @thequeermama
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Surrogacy, Love & LGBTQ+ Parenthood: How Two Dads Built Their Family
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Sunday Apr 27, 2025
Two gay dads share their surrogacy journey and lessons on LGBTQ+ parenting, visibility, and love. Discover how they built their family—and a community—along the way.
In this heartfelt episode of Building Your Family, Mike and George open up about the joys and challenges of becoming parents through surrogacy. From navigating the process to raising two beautiful children, they offer honest insight and hope for others on similar paths.
Now advocates for inclusion and education, they’re helping more LGBTQ+ families feel seen and supported.
📚 Learn more about Families Out Loud: https://www.familiesoutloudevents.com/Follow Families Out Loud on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/families_out_loudFollow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msnaric/Follow George on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porgiemoore/🎧 Subscribe for more stories on family and parenthood!

About Lisa
As an author, researcher, licensed mental health professional and an expert in donor conception, Lisa Schuman is passionate about helping people on their donor conception journeys. After decades of work on staff at some of the world’s best fertility clinics, running workshops for donor conceived children and meeting with thousands of donors and recipients, she has had the opportunity to help so many people find an easier path to parenthood.
She began her podcast to help people on a larger scale. Lisa and her guests will
will share the tools and truths they have learned and help you get the information you need to have a better path to parenthood or manage tough parenting issues.
Lisa has personally struggled with almost every type of fertility treatment and has committed her career to helping others avoid regret, manage stress and find better ways to build the families of their dreams. There is so much to know and it is all too important to leave up to chance.
Donor Conception Conversations is the one podcast devoted to people who have used, or are considering using donor conception to build their family. You are not alone. We are here to provide information, support and maybe even entertain bit along the way.
To learn more about Lisa or to find more resources check out www.familybuilding.net