Episodes
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In this episode, we discuss:
The pressures women often feel to fit men into their lives to fulfill societal expectationJamela’s decision to pursue solo motherhood after her divorce at 37;How her mom played an active role in her decision to become a solo mom by choice;The emotional journey of mourning both her marriage and the traditional family dream;The challenges and rewards of being a single mother in African American culture;Her fierce advocacy for herself in the fertility process and how important it is to ask questions;How she leaned into her faith and her community when the path was challenging;The importance of prioritizing your self care and your own happiness, even as a mom of newborn twins;The biggest benefit of being a solo mom according to Jamela;And more!Connect with Jamela on Instagram
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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Born and raised in a close-knit Michigan community, Whitney always knew she wanted to be a mom. But after years of dating and only one long-term relationship in her 20s, she found herself single at 34. Instead of waiting for the "perfect" time or partner, she took control of her fertility and started her journey to solo motherhood. Through IVF, multiple rounds of retrievals and transfers, and unwavering determination, Whitney welcomed her son into the world.
In this episode, Whitney opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of her fertility journey, how Instagram helped her connect with other women going through similar experiences, and how she's embraced life as a solo mom. She also sheds light on how she’s continued to follow her own professional dreams and passions, even as she’s parenting solo.
Whitney’s story is a powerful reminder that when it comes to following your dreams—especially the dream of motherhood, sometimes the time is now. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What am I waiting for?” this episode will resonate deeply with you.
In this episode, Whitney shares:
Why she decided to pursue motherhood on her own and what led to her 'aha' moment;The reactions from her family and how they supported her decision to be a solo mom;Her IVF journey: the reality of four retrievals and three transfers before achieving a successful pregnancy;The role social media played in connecting her with other solo moms and women navigating fertility;How she handled the societal responses to her pregnancy as a single woman;The joy and fulfillment she experiences now as a mom to a 1.5-year-old son;Her transition into motherhood and postpartum life;How she launched her company iWellness Center as founder and CEO.You can connect with Whitney on Instagram @wjfoley and check out her business at www.iwellnesscenter.org.
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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Episodes manquant?
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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 that influenced her choice of a donor;Her experience with IUI and the challenges she faced during her pregnancy, from intense morning sickness to balancing running a business and pregnancy;The importance of creating a nurturing space as a solo parent and how she applies Feng Shui principles to her own home;The experience of connecting with other families who used the same donor and what this could mean for her child in the future.Resources mentioned in this episode:
Ellis Kelly Interior Alchemy (Ginny's business, alongside her sister Natalie)October 7 Nursery Design Workshop with Virginia Drader & The Single Greatest Choice👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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 spent the day with her, getting to know her as a friend.
We dive deep into Valerie’s journey, from her experience considering sperm banks or a close friend to ultimately finding a known donor on Facebook. She openly discusses the emotional challenges of navigating this path, including a heartbreaking miscarriage, before welcoming her now 3.5-month-old baby boy. Valerie's story is a testament to the resilience and strength of women who, as she puts it, "intentionally build what they want."
Our conversation also touches on important topics such as the bioethics of the sperm donation industry, the anxiety that often accompanies pregnancy, and making empowered choices as a mother. If you’ve ever felt torn between the life you want and societal expectations, this episode will resonate deeply.
In this episode, we discuss:
Valerie’s decision to become a mom during the pandemic and what sparked her journey;Navigating the sperm donor process and finding a donor on Facebook;The shift from considering traditional sperm banks to seeking a known donor;Her miscarriage and the emotional toll of almost accepting life without motherhood;Anxiety during pregnancy and the struggle of waiting for the other shoe to drop;The power of creating the life you want as a woman—regardless of societal norms;Bioethics in the sperm donation industry and the need for better regulation;And more!👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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 be beneficial.The psychological benefits of egg freezing for single women.How women are making empowered choices about their reproductive futures.Marcia's insights reveal the unique struggles women face today and offer a fresh perspective on how assisted reproductive technologies are changing the landscape of motherhood. Tune in to hear more about her study, the concept of the "mating gap," and why so many women are rethinking what it means to have it all.
For full show notes, visit www.singlegreatestchoice.com/podcast-feed/s7-ep1-marcia-inhorn-motherhood-on-ice
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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, pregnancy and birth with a known donor and the unexpected joy of extending her family from coast to coast. 👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of
your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group
coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips. -
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.Prioritizing experiences over material luxuries.Tips and wisdom for other women considering the solo motherhood path.This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering or already on the path to becoming a solo mom by choice. And if you missed her previous episodes on the SGC Podcast, make sure you tune into those by using the links below!
Connect with Alisha!
Follow her on social media! Website | Podcast | @solomumsociety | @noneedforprincecharming
Learn more and check out her latest book HEREMentioned Resources
S1, Ep 14: No Need for Prince Charming with Alisha Burns
S4, Ep 3: Books For Your Child's Bookshelf
Your Dream Life Starts Here by Kristina Karlsson
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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 Elizabeth!
Website | Instagram | Instant Mom PodcastCheck out the Central General Store!
Website | InstagramLearn more about the SGC Childbirth 101 Class for solo moms!
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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.👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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 oneself with supportive influences.Celine’s birth and postpartum experience.
Connect with Celine!
Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website | MediaMore info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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We discuss more about…..
What the fertility process looks like in ColombiaThe raw emotions while undergoing IVDeciding whether or not to have a second childSupport and expectations during pregnancy and postpartumMore info about 1:1 coaching, group coaching and community groups with The Single Greatest Choice at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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 looking for options beyond the big, impersonal and deeply flawed major cryobanks.
We discuss more about…..
The journey of exploring alternative paths to parenthood beyond traditional sperm banks.The significance of building trusting relationships with potential donors.Establishing The Seed Scout as a business.The need for ethical and transparent practices in the donor conception industry.Acknowledging donors as individuals and fostering a supportive environment.
Connect with The Seed Scout!
Follow them on social media! Website | Instagram | TikTok👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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”...there’s a lot to think about!
In this episode, I’m opening the conversation and asking SMBCs with one or more kids to share their thoughts about growing their families. What drives their desire to add more, or conversely, what factors help them decide their family is complete as it is? These audio clips provide a range of perspectives and bring up lots of important considerations. As always, the goal of this podcast is to help women like you and me feel less alone, and I hope these reflections help to do that in some small way no matter where you are in your motherhood journey!
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of
your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group
coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips. -
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 she’s prepping for her future life as a single mom.
We discuss more about…..
ICI/IUI vs IVFPrioritizing community as a single momFinding a doctor that’s right for youPractical considerations when working with a known donorLiving with her supportive momCheck out The Backup Plan Podcast!
Website | Instagram | TikTok | Youtube
Mentioned Resources
Cosmo article with Lala Kent👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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 inspires and illuminates the possibilities of motherhood that go beyond conventional norms, embracing the transformative power of love as a single mom by choice.
We discuss more about…..
Carla’s infertility journey and Adenomyosis diagnosis.Navigating the gestational surrogacy process.The physical, mental, and spiritual toll of being fully present for the surrogate mother.The intersection of faith and fertility.Mentioned Resources
https://www.familymatchconsulting.com/
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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New episodes coming every other Wednesday, starting March 20! Get more info and sign up for Guest Expert Workshops, Community Groups, and the SGC Directory at www.singlegreatestchoice.com.👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of
your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group
coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips. -
Connect with Keina!
Website | Instagram | Facebook | PodcastMentioned Resources
Money Files - 96 | From Finances to Motherhood: Let’s Talk Money Coaching
Check out the SGC Directory!
Email Katie for the password: [email protected]Join us in El Cuyo, Mexico March 10-15, 2024!
www.singlegreatestchoice.com/el-cuyo-2024
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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 Laura!
Follow her on social media! Instagram | Website | TikTok | Podcast
Watch Laura’s TikTok video rating sperm banksCheck out the SGC Directory!
Email Katie for the password: [email protected]More info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching
Join us in El Cuyo, Mexico March 10-15, 2024!
www.singlegreatestchoice.com/el-cuyo-2024
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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 parenting practices are changing.The complexities of navigating roles and relationships with each of Dylan’s recipient families individually.Dylan's advocacy work and writing project focused on bringing more awareness to what needs to change with donor conception.Connect with Dylan!
Follow him on social media! Website | Instagram | TikTok
Check out these organizations in the donor conception space!
U.S. Donor Conceived Council: www.usdcc.org
Donor Conceived Community: donorconceivedcommunity.orgMentioned Resources
We Are Donor Conceived 2020 Survey ReportMore info about coaching and retreats www.singlegreatestchoice.com/
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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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 | WebsiteMore info about coaching and community groups at www.singlegreatestchoice.com/coaching
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.
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