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Episodes
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
If you are considering donor conception, have donor conceived children, or you care for a donor conceived person, this episode is for you! My guest this week is Rosanna Hertz, the co-author of the book, Random Families: Genetic Strangers, Sperm Donor Siblings and the Creation of New Kin. In this episode, we discuss her research with donor conceived people and their genetic and legal relatives.
She explores topics such as:
-what it means to have genetic relatives and how feelings can change over time
-how children's ages have can affect what type of relationship they want to have with genetic siblings
-whether or not it is preferable for parents to connect with donor siblings or allow the children to eventually make that choice for themselves And that's only the tip of the iceberg! This is an episode not to be missed!
Xo
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
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Sunday Jul 30, 2023
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
Dana, and her partner Helen, started their family building journey three decades ago, when building a family as a lesbian couple was even more difficult than it is now.
You will be amazed to hear about their journey and the lengths they had to go through to have a child. Fortunately, they were focused on their goals and values and Helen supported Dana in her part time hobby which is now largest queer family resource hub I know of. Their story, and Dana’s organization, Mombian, is a wonderful and inspirational example of how, even when obstacles get in your way, you can put one foot in front of the other and make amazing things happen.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
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Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
Sunday Jul 23, 2023
What happens when two experienced fertility medical professionals are nearing retirement but are constantly distressed by the cost of fertility treatment? The answer: open your own clinic and find a way to make fertility treatment cost effective for everyone. In this episode, you will learn about this and how Dr. Karen Hammond and Dr. Nicholas Cataldo have similar success rates to conventional IVF clinics and help their patients save money on treatment. Hard to believe, I know, but it is true. What’s more, they are caring, sensitive and thoughtful about each patient's journey. This is a fascinating episode, and not to be missed!
Enjoy :)
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Sunday Jul 16, 2023
Sunday Jul 16, 2023
Today you are in for a treat that you won’t find anywhere else.
In this week’s episode, Dr. Kathryn Go will give us a little show-and-tell. So, if you are able to also watch it on YouTube, I would recommend it. She will show you the instruments she uses and things that people who don’t work in a clinic, don’t typically see. Even if you are familiar with IVF, there is nothing like someone taking you step by step through the process, hearing what embryologists think about and seeing the instruments they use.
In this episode, Dr. Go will discuss:
the elements important to have a good lab
how embryologists decide which embryos are the best for transfer
the embryologist’s perspectives about new technologies, including AI in the lab
how procedures like ISCI and PGT-A are done
And…she will also give you some insight into the future. Yes, you will learn about discoveries that are coming one day, and some that are right around the corner.
It is fascinating! I think you will agree.
Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
There are some things we share on the podcast that are objective. As a researcher, I have tremendous regard for focusing on what is proven and making well educated choices. As a therapist, I also understand that choosing a donor is a very personal, and often emotionally charged experience. Even the most academically oriented people I see often make decisions based on emotion. There is no right and wrong here. What's most important is that you are educated about your options, and then make a choice that's right for you.
In this episode, you will meet Jarret Zafran. He is a lawyer and runs a surrogacy agency which he built from the bricks of knowledge he gleaned on his way to becoming a father.
It was not always easy for Jarret and his husband Elliot, but they learned how to navigate the surrogacy and egg donor process, make decisions as a team and in the end, trust their gut, which may sound surprising coming from two academically oriented men.
I'm sure you will get some great “take away’s” for yourself or someone you care about. Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Sunday Jul 02, 2023
Sunday Jul 02, 2023
Advances in medicine have improved success rates and the opportunity to have the healthiest child possible. Yet, the alphabet soup of terms for genetic testing can be confusing to decipher. Then add donor conception to the mix, and most people are left feeling bewildered and nervous, wondering if they are making the right choices.
In this episode, Dr. Eric Forman will break down genetic testing and help you understand how it works, how it has changed over time, and what you need to know about genetic testing and donor conception.
If you want a class on how to understand the process of genetic testing and get some great recommendations about how to decide if it is right for you, listen to this episode. I think you will be glad you did.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Christina Bailey (babybaileymamadrama on Instagram) joins us with her partner, Heather for this great episode on almost every family building subject you can imagine.Christina takes us through family decision making as a lesbian woman, getting married, having children, getting divorced, struggles over remaining embryos, pursuing single motherhood, finding love again and more babies!
It is an amazing story. If you are going through any of these experiences, you will gain a lot hearing from someone who has been through it all. And they still have time to educate us all through social media and hold down jobs!
Amazing women, amazing story.
Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
This episode will cover the legal and the practical. You'll learn about Vicki’s road to parenthood with her wife Michelle, and how she has a closer relationship to her child who is not genetically connected to her, than to her child who is genetically connected.
She'll tell you why it's so important to follow legal guidelines, even when they don’t seem to make sense. She'll also discuss how you can set yourself up for success (and your future child too) by ensuring that you have sound legal information and guidance.
The episode is engaging and informative. Vicki knows a lot about reproduction law, life, relationships, and the practical and psychological mile markers on your way to building a family.
Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Saturday Jun 17, 2023
Saturday Jun 17, 2023
Dr. Mark Leondires is the Founder, Medical Director and Partner in reproductive endocrinology at Illume Fertility and Gay Parents To Be. He has won awards, recognition from professional organizations and has been a leader for change in the LGBTQIA+ community for decades.
He is also my co-author for the soon to be released book, Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception.
In this episode, Dr. Leondires gives us a tutorial on donor conception and IVF, talks about important medical issues to consider on your family building journey and shares his personal feelings about how to approach everything from choosing a donor to grieving the loss of using your genetics to have a child.
Dr. Leondires was once also a patient. He and his husband are now raising two beautiful boys after lots of time in the trenches and lessons learned. He feels strongly about helping others have an easier path to parenthood. You will hear his passion in this interview, and will learn a lot. Enjoy.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Sunday Jun 11, 2023
Sunday Jun 11, 2023
Today’s guest is Stacey Stevenson (she/they) joined Family Equality as the first Black Chief Executive Officer in 2021. With a background in the corporate sector, they decided to turn their business acumen, lived experience, and passion to work for LGBTQIA+ families and those who wish to form them.
In this episode you will learn about the bills that are threatening to erode at the freedom of the LGBTQIA+ community, and all of us. You will learn about the ways that the Family Equality is combating those threats and helping people stay safe. In the midst of hate and chaos, Family Equality is a positive and powerful presence and Stacey is an amazing leader.
You will also learn about Stacey’s family building journey and her thoughtful point of view (and trips to the White House!). This is an enlightening and engaging episode. Enjoy.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
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