Building your family

Dr. Danielle Lane on Equity, Inclusion & Improving Fertility Outcomes

This week’s episode may feel like listening in on a heartwarming chat between two fertility professionals — because it is. But it’s also full of meaningful insight on how to navigate some of the most complex and personal parts of family building.
My guest, Dr. Danielle Lane, is not only a brilliant fertility specialist — she’s also someone setting high standards for inclusion, diversity, access, and patient success. In this conversation, we talk openly about:
Donor conception
Surrogacy
Agency models and success rates
How to make empowered, informed decisions
What true inclusion in fertility care should look like
Whether you’re early in your journey or deep in decision-making, Dr. Lane offers wisdom that can help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.
 Tune in, take what you need, and share with someone who could benefit from this powerful conversation.
 Don’t forget to subscribe to the Building Your Family podcast for more expert-led episodes.
📚 Learn more about Dr. Danielle Lane: https://lanefertilityinstitute.comFollow Dr. Danielle Lane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdaniellelane
 

Donor-Conceived Half Sisters Reunited by DNA

What happens when two donor-conceived women, raised in different families, discover they're genetic half-sisters?
In this powerful episode, we sit down with two women whose paths crossed thanks to DNA — not childhood. Raised by single parents in separate homes, they reflect on the moment they connected, what it was like growing up with questions, and why they chose to search as adults.
They open up about bonding more with donor siblings than with their donor, and how their own experience of family is influencing how they build their future families. With honest stories and surprising insights, they explore what it means to share DNA — and how genetic connections can reveal both deep similarities and unexpected differences.
📚 Learn more about Kiara Rae Schuh: WebsiteFollow Kiara on Instagram
📚 Learn more about Johnna Palic: WebsiteFollow Johnna on Instagram
🎧 Subscribe for more stories on family and parenthood!

When Medicine Meets Empathy: Patient Autonomy in Fertility Care

This week on the podcast, we sit down with the brilliant Dr. Janelle Luk—fertility expert, Ivy League-trained physician, and co-founder of Generation Next Fertility. Though classically trained, Dr. Luk takes a deeply personalized approach to fertility care. She shares how she helps patients make deeply personal decisions—like using donor conception, freezing eggs or embryos, or even stepping back for a break—by truly listening to their stories. Together, we explore how honoring patient autonomy can sometimes mean going against the expected medical path to create a future that truly fits the individual or couple. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating fertility or supporting others on that journey.
📚 Learn more about Dr.Luk: Generation next fertilityFollow Dr.Luk on Instagram: @goodluckluk

Donor Conception Is Her World: Kate Davies on Family & Identity

Author Kate Davies, known for her novel Nuclear Family, joins us to share her personal and literary journey through donor conception. As a donor-conceived person who pursued donor conception with her wife, Kate reflects on the evolving meaning of family, identity, and connection. Her experiences offer a powerful perspective on the complexities and beauty of modern family-building.
Whether you're curious about donor conception, LGBTQ+ family building, or how personal stories inspire fiction, this conversation is a must-listen.
📚 Learn more about Kate's book on her websiteFollow Kate on Instagram🎧 Subscribe for more stories on family and parenthood!

Choosing Donor Conception: Expert Insights & Personal Journey with Dr. Melnick

Thinking about choosing donor conception to build your family? Today’s episode is a must-watch! Dr. Melnick, Director of Third Party Reproduction at Cornell Fertility Center, shares expert insights on selecting a donor, making crucial fertility decisions, and balancing medical recommendations with personal values.
But this isn’t just a clinical perspective—Dr. Melnick used donor conception herself to become a single mother by choice. Her unique experience as both a fertility doctor and a parent through donor conception makes this conversation incredibly valuable.
In this episode, we cover:Choosing the right sperm or egg donorShould you use a known donor? Pros & consKey medical & ethical considerations in donor conceptionWhy patient autonomy matters in fertility decisionsDr. Melnick’s personal journey to parenthood
Whether you're considering donor conception, in fertility treatment, or just exploring options, this episode will give you essential insights from a leading expert who truly understands the process—both professionally and personally.
Subscribe for more expert fertility insights!Have questions? Drop them in the comments!
Useful links from this episode
Dr. Alexis Melnick
Website

Two Dads, One Dream: Jeff Levin’s Surrogacy & Egg Donation Journey

How do two dads navigate the journey to parenthood through surrogacy and egg donation? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Levin, a therapist and proud dad, to hear the real story behind his path to fatherhood. From choosing an egg donor and surrogate to overcoming unexpected challenges, Jeff shares the highs, the hurdles, and the heartfelt moments that led him and his husband to the family of their dreams.
If you’re a same-sex couple considering parenthood—or simply curious about the process—this episode is packed with honest insights, expert advice, and inspiration for anyone on their own family-building journey.
Useful links from this episode:
Jeff Levin:Website

Fertility & Stress: How Eastern Medicine Can Help with Dr. Susan Fox

Struggling with stress and fertility challenges? 🌱 Acupuncturist Dr. Susan Fox brings decades of experience blending Eastern and Western medicine to help you feel better. In this episode, she shares insights on managing stress, improving reproductive health, and finding balance on your fertility journey.
🔹 How Eastern medicine views fertility & well-being🔹 Practical stress management techniques🔹 The role of acupuncture in reproductive health
Don't miss these expert tips to support your journey to parenthood!
Subscribe for more fertility insights!
Useful links from this episode:
Resolve websiteASRM
Dr Susan Fox
WebsiteHealth YouniversityFertility QuizEvent

How Fertility Clinics Screen Egg Donors | Ethics & Process

Ever wondered what really happens when fertility clinics screen egg donors? Dr. Rudick, Director of Third Party Reproduction at Columbia University Fertility Center, shares the essential steps she takes to protect the emotional and physical well-being of both donors and recipients. With complex decisions and sometimes conflicting interests, she reveals how she balances ethics, science, and care. If you or someone you know is considering egg donation, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Useful links from this episode:
Dr. Briana Rudick
Website

Sperm Health & Testing: What You Need to Know | Dr. Justine Witzke

Want to boost fertility? Sperm health plays a critical role, yet it’s often overlooked. In this episode of Building Your Family, we sit down with Dr. Justine Witzke, a Cornell-trained fertility expert and founder of Aligneage Fertility, to discuss sperm testing, preservation, and proactive fertility planning.
 Why should you test sperm? How can you improve sperm health? Who should consider sperm freezing and why?
With more people preserving sperm for future family-building, understanding fertility preservation is more important than ever. Whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning ahead, this episode gives you expert insights on sperm quality, reproductive health, and fertility options.
Listen now and take control of your fertility journey!
Subscribe for expert fertility advice & family-building tips!
Useful links from this episode:
Justine Witzke
WebsiteInstagram

Fertility and Cancer: What You Need to Know

Before starting cancer treatment, fertility preservation can give patients the chance to have a family in the future. While many know this is possible, few understand what happens inside fertility clinics, how to navigate the process, or what questions to ask.
In this episode, I talk with a leading mental health professional—also a cancer survivor—who shares what really goes on behind the scenes, the emotional challenges, and how to get the support you need. Whether you're facing a diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this conversation can help.
Useful links from this episode.
Jennifer Gamper
Website
SART