Building your family

Want to boost your fertility and take control of your reproductive health? In this episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, The Fertility Formula, to help you understand your body and make informed choices that support conception and overall health. We talk about the basics you may not have been taught in school, the impact of diet, toxins, and exercise, and w...

In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Dr. Mari Mitrani—physician, researcher, and expert in regenerative health—joins us to explore the connection between lifestyle and reproductive health. We dive into questions people often ask: – Why do doctors talk about diet and exercise during fertility treatment? – What does the research say about food, movement, and reproductive well-being?...

Did you ever wonder what matters most for a donor-conceived child’s self-esteem or for a child born with the help of a gestational carrier to feel truly connected to their parents? In this episode of Building Your Family, we speak with world-renowned researcher Dr. Vasanti Jadva, who shares findings from some of the most important long-term studies on families built through third-party reproductio...

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 tr...

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 usefu...

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...

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,...

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 pow...

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 dis...

The Hidden Formula Behind Your Family-Building Choices One 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 o...

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 import...

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...

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 a...

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, a...

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 u...

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...

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 c...

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...

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 t...

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 techn...

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. I...

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...

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,...

Struggling to keep the spark alive while navigating family building? In this Valentine’s Day special, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Grill to talk about sex, intimacy, and recalibrating your expectations when life gets overwhelming. Whether you're trying to conceive, in fertility treatment, or just looking for ways to reconnect, this episode will give you real strategies to help you sustain love,...

Are you overwhelmed by social media advice on fertility and health? Dr. Camille Hammond joins Building Your Family to break down the basics of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices when trying to conceive. She exposes false claims, shares science-backed insights, and helps you focus on real, effective ways to support your fertility. If you’re tired of the noise and looking for expert guidance...