This episode is a bridge and final episode of this feed.

In this final episode of the Black Single Mothers by Choice podcast, the journey continues under one home: Start to Finish Motherhood. What began with navigating fertility decisions, donor choices, dating, medical advocacy, and parenting very young children has evolved alongside motherhood itself.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

why this podcast feed is coming to a close

where the story continues

what the Mash-Up Episodes are — and why they are not reruns

how early conversations are revisited with updates from a more seasoned mother

and how the journey has grown from survival into sustainability

If Black Single Mothers by Choice helped you feel seen, grounded, or less alone, Start to Finish Motherhood is where the conversation deepens — with perspective shaped by parenting school-age children and living life on your own terms.

Join the next chapter at Start to Finish Motherhood, and if this podcast has supported you, please consider leaving a 5-star review on your listening platform.

If you’ve been listening to Black Single Mothers by Choice, you’ve been here from the beginning the questions, the uncertainty, the early decisions, and the quiet courage it takes to choose motherhood intentionally.

This episode is a bridge...

When this podcast began, the focus was narrow and necessary: becoming a Black Single Mother by Choice, navigating fertility decisions, donor choices, dating, medical advocacy, and the early realities of parenting very young children. These conversations were raw, timely, and rooted in survival and discovery.

But life didn’t stop there. Motherhood kept moving and evolving and so did my podcasting.

Children grew. Capacity shifted. New questions emerged: about school-age parenting, identity, work, rest, boundaries, grief, joy, and what it looks like to live beyond the early trenches of solo motherhood.

The story continues under one home: Start to Finish Motherhood.

Start to Finish Motherhood is where the full arc of the journey lives — from the earliest days of choosing solo motherhood to parenting school-age children and reimagining life on your own terms.

To make that transition easier, Season 5 of Start to Finish Motherhood introduces the Mash-Up Episodes.

The Mash-Up Episodes intentionally revisit key episodes from Black Single Mothers by Choice — but with context, reflection, and updates layered in. You’ll hear:

how early decisions played out over time

what changed, what stayed true, and what surprised us

new insights shaped by lived experience

and how the journey evolved from survival into sustainability

These are not reruns.
They are bridges connecting where you started to where the story is now.

Start with Season 5 of Start to Finish Motherhood to hear the Mash-Up Episodes and updates

Then, binge Seasons 1–4 to experience the journey from the beginning — uninterrupted and in one place

If Black Single Mothers by Choice helped you feel seen, grounded, or less alone, Start to Finish Motherhood is where that conversation deepens.

Thank you for being here — from the start.

Continue the journey with Start to Finish Motherhood:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starttofinishmotherhood
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StarttoFinishMotherhood
Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/starttofinishmotherhood/

Aisha, former co-host of the Mocha Single Mothers by Choice (SMCs) podcast, is launching Start to Finish Motherhood, a podcast for those thinking or already Single Mothers by Choice, just looking for practical advice for navigating life's relationships. When you decide to have children on your own, it doesn't mean that you're completely alone. Aisha is partnering with you every step of your journey.

Start to Finish Motherhood website: Start to Finish Motherhood

Connect with me:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarttoFinishMotherhood

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starttofinishmotherhood

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/starttofinishmotherhood

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@starttofinishmotherhood

Embark on a transformative journey with the "NorthStar Gaze" podcast, sharing intimate stories from Geo-Stem luminaries. In 1-on-1 chats, explore their journeys and profound contributions to geography and GIS.

Inspired by our Telescope program, each episode offers a telescopic view into their lives. Uncover the human side of Geo-Stem, where passion meets purpose, and racial justice is central.

"The NorthStar Gaze" is your invitation to a Homecoming, where diverse voices paint the tapestry of contributions to geography and STEM. Tune in and let the brilliance of these geo-stars guide you.

In this, the podcast series finale, Aisha sits down with some of the moms she admires to discuss parenting. In this heartfelt episode, our host reflects on the parenting wisdom imparted by their own mother and how it shapes their approach to parenting today. Joined by fellow SMC moms Christina and Jillian, they dive deep into the joys and challenges of raising children as single mothers by choice. The conversation spans topics from respecting children's individuality and creating safe, emotionally supportive environments, to navigating school systems and setting healthy boundaries. Tune in for touching anecdotes, valuable insights, and practical advice. Don't forget to subscribe to the Black Single Mothers by Choice and Start to Finish Motherhood YouTube channels and IG pages, and join our mailing list for more inspiring content!

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

00:48 Meet the Guests: Christina and Jillian

03:49 Parenting Philosophies and Early Expectations

09:27 Navigating Discipline and Emotional Health

17:54 Intentional Parenting and Family Values

25:27 Cultural Etiquette and Parenting Reflections

26:50 Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges

28:00 Balancing Boundaries and Family Dynamics

29:30 Surprising Lessons in Parenting

33:20 Understanding and Supporting Special Needs

34:47 School and Developmental Milestones

41:33 Building a Supportive Village

45:39 Kids' Career Aspirations and Parenting Joys

In this episode, the Mocha SMCs answer questions such as: should I move to be closer to my family, how do I start planning for a will, and what should I put on my child's birth certificate. They also get real about whether you can work and be home full time with your child.

In this episode, explore the common question of whether to move closer to family and dive into the personal journey of relocating for a vibrant SMC (Single Mothers by Choice) community. Our speaker discusses the importance of assessing your reasons for moving, leveraging your support network during emergencies, and the intricacies of child care. They also shed light on the necessity of estate planning, financial readiness, and the nuances of filling out official paperwork as a single parent. Tune in to get practical advice and heartfelt insights, and don't forget to join our SMC community for ongoing support and connection!

00:00 Should I Move Closer to Family?

01:22 Assessing Your Village and Community

01:56 Leveraging Support During Emergencies

04:51 Finding and Trusting Childcare

07:28 Estate Planning for SMCs

10:04 Financial Readiness for SMCs

12:06 Filling Out Official Paperwork as an SMC

Join Aisha as she debrief's the challenges and experiences shared in last week's episode about SMCs (Single Mothers by Choice) and twin pregnancies. In this candid discussion, she revisits the medical complexities such as gestational diabetes and intrauterine growth restriction, personal stories of navigating these issues, and the emotional toll they take. Also covered are some practical strategies for balancing pregnancy with work, finances, and childcare. This episode offers invaluable insights and a support system for anyone going through similar experiences. Tune in, share with someone who could benefit, and be sure to join the conversation!

00:00 Introduction and Recap of the Twins Episode

00:52 Personal Pregnancy Experiences

01:08 Challenges of Gestational Diabetes

02:42 Inter Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

04:51 Impact on Daily Life and Work

09:35 Financial Considerations of Twin Pregnancies

11:25 Decisions Around Embryo Transfer

13:27 Physical and Mental Impact of Pregnancy

14:20 Epidural and Labor Experiences

16:06 Conclusion and Debrief

Join Toja and Carla as they share their heartfelt and candid experiences of conceiving, carrying, and raising twins. From the trials of IVF and IUI treatments to the challenges of multigenerational living, both moms open up about the highs and lows of their unique journeys. They discuss the physical hardships, emotional struggles, and the surprising joys of twin motherhood. Their stories are filled with humor, honesty, and invaluable advice for anyone considering or navigating the path of raising multiples. Don't miss this incredible and eye-opening episode!

00:00 Meet Toja and Carla: Our Journey Begins

00:22 Family Dynamics and Living Situations

01:24 The Path to Pregnancy: IVF and IUI Stories

04:28 Discovering the Twin Surprise

06:45 Pregnancy Challenges and Health Complications

18:41 Life with Twins: The Early Months

20:33 Labor and Delivery Experiences

26:17 Financial and Emotional Struggles

29:23 Advice for Aspiring Twin Parents

31:50 Looking Back: Reflections and Encouragement

In this episode, Aisha delves into the world of travel with kids post-pandemic. A seasoned traveler, Aisha shares her experiences and practical tips for traveling domestically and internationally, whether you have an infant or a toddler. Get insights on packing strategies, handling in-flight challenges, leveraging local support from SMC friends, and making the most out of layovers. It's all about finding your family's travel groove and ensuring everyone, including mom, enjoys the vacation. If you found these tips useful, subscribe to the Black Single Mothers by Choice and Start to Finish Motherhood YouTube channels and Instagram pages, and join our mailing list!

00:00 Introduction to Traveling with Kids

00:46 First Post-Pandemic Flight Experience

01:37 Tips for Traveling with Infants

02:39 Traveling with Toddlers: What to Expect

04:38 Navigating International Airports with Kids

06:06 The Benefits of Layovers and Road Trips

07:36 Final Thoughts and Encouragement