In this powerful episode of Curveball, Scott Reich sits down with Rachel Uchitel, the host of the podcast "Miss Understood," as she reflects on losing her fiancé, Andy O’Grady, during the September 11th attacks and the impact it has had on her life over the past 25 years. Rachel shares her firsthand account of that tragic day, the collective grief of a nation, and the deeply personal journey of moving forward through heartbreak, reinvention, and motherhood. Through candid conversation, she opens up about how tragedy shaped her search for stability, her experiences with love and loss, and the enduring power of vulnerability and connection. Join us as we honor Andy’s memory and explore how resilience emerges from unimaginable adversity.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Rachel Uchitel's personal story of loss on 9/11 offers both unique and universal elements that parallel and contrast with the experiences of others during that national tragedy.
• According to Rachel, the country felt more united after 9/11, and she observes a stark difference in the sense of unity when compared to the current social climate.
• Her experience of having her grief captured in an iconic photograph highlights both the supportive and challenging implications of making one’s loss public.
• The relationships and marriages Rachel pursued after 9/11 illustrate her search for stability and comfort in the aftermath of trauma.
• Rachel emphasizes that vulnerability is essential for forming deep connections with others, especially when sharing stories of personal tragedy.
• The ongoing media attention from both national and international outlets significantly influenced Rachel’s grieving process and her journey toward moving forward.
• In the wake of immense public and personal trauma, Rachel found certain coping mechanisms helpful but also faced considerable challenges as she worked to rebuild her life.
• Community and shared experiences played a crucial role in Rachel’s grieving process, particularly during her interactions with other people affected by 9/11.
• Rachel’s trauma led her to form boundaries and prioritize stability, which in turn shaped her approach to future relationships and major life choices.
• She shares that withholding judgment and practicing empathy are vital, asserting that understanding the deeper stories behind people's choices brings us closer to one another and fosters compassion.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Searching for loved ones at Armory

(04:46) Coping with loss after 9/11

(07:08) Meeting someone inspiring like Andy

(11:46) Coping with 9/11 grief

(16:22) Spontaneous wedding night decisions

(18:09) Seeking stability after loss

(20:57) Witnessing chaos on Park Avenue

(23:38) Talking to Andy during 9/11

(27:18) Witnessing the tower collapse

(30:47) Lesson on vulnerability and empathy

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich talks with legendary sports broadcaster and philanthropist Chris Carrino for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation. Known for his iconic voice in the booth and his tireless advocacy for muscular dystrophy research, Chris opens up about his journey from sports-obsessed childhood to a Hall of Fame broadcasting career—all while living with FSHD muscular dystrophy.

Chris discusses the challenges he’s faced since his diagnosis at age 23, the reality of adapting to life in a wheelchair, and the emotional complexities that come with being both the person living with a disability and a loved one affected by it. With honesty and heart, he shares how his experiences have strengthened his relationships, driven him to found the Chris Carrino Foundation for FSHD, and motivated him to use his platform to inspire others.

Join us as we explore the curveballs life throws our way, the power of resilience, and the ways in which our deepest challenges can forge unexpected strength, empathy, and purpose.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Chris’ childhood experiences with sports broadcasting greatly influenced his resilience and approach to life's challenges.
• The baseball analogy of "hitting mistakes" is used by Chris to illustrate his philosophy on recognizing and seizing opportunities when facing adversity.
• The gradual progression of FSHD muscular dystrophy profoundly impacted Chris’ personal life, career, and the way he navigates challenges.
• Chris’ initial reluctance to share his diagnosis publicly gave way to greater openness and advocacy through founding his own foundation, which changed how he connected with others.
• Family, friends, and colleagues are essential to Chris’ ability to pursue his career and advocacy work, providing both support and deeper connections.
• Chris defines inspiration from disability as something that should spark positive action or empathy in others, while also acknowledging the disabled community's discomfort with being seen only as "inspirational."
• Chris’ condition has brought greater depth and meaning to his relationships with his wife and son, shaping family dynamics in unique and powerful ways.
• The conversation between Scott and Chris brings to light the many "invisible burdens" that individuals with disabilities and their families carry, which are often overlooked or misunderstood by others.
• Chris’ perspective both challenges and expands societal attitudes toward people with disabilities, inspiring empathy while discouraging pity or condescension.
• Chris highlights the importance of mindset, supportive relationships, and embracing adaptation as ways to find happiness and joy despite physical challenges.
• The challenges Scott faces caring for his son Eli, who cannot walk, talk, or perform basic activities independently, illustrate the profound logistical, emotional, and physical challenges families experience alongside disability.
• Scott’s admiration for Eli’s perseverance during therapies and daily struggles shapes his own sense of responsibility, motivating him to find purpose and productivity by drawing inspiration from his son’s efforts.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Dealing with life's unexpected challenges

(03:25) Dealing with a muscular dystrophy diagnosis

(07:46) Starting The Chris Carino Foundation

(11:40) Commending Chris for public courage

(14:39) Dealing with personal hardships

(17:12) Reflecting on personal achievements and relationships

(20:32) Finding inspiration in others

(23:08) Parenting and Eli's influence

(27:42) Reflecting on resilience in adversity

(29:26) Finding happiness despite challenges

Gloria Steinem died yesterday at the age of 92.

Journalist. Writer. Organizer. Feminist icon. And, for generations of women, a voice who helped change what was possible.

In this special episode of Curveball, Scott Reich looks back on his deeply personal conversation with Gloria Steinem—an extraordinary interview that, to our knowledge, was among the last she gave.

Recorded in the spring of 2025, the conversation takes on new meaning now. Gloria spoke with the wisdom, warmth, humor and candor that defined her remarkable life. She reflected on the experiences that shaped her, the people who influenced her, the movements she helped build, and the lessons she had learned about resilience, equality, and human connection.

Gloria spoke openly about growing up with a mother who struggled with mental illness and about the loneliness and absence of female role models she experienced as a young woman. She remembered finding inspiration in the books of Louisa May Alcott at a time when there were few women visible in journalism or public life.

She recalled entering a male-dominated media world where women were often assigned stories based on their gender—stories about pantyhose rather than politics—and how those experiences helped propel her toward a different kind of journalism and, ultimately, the creation of Ms. Magazine. She became a writer because she was terrified of public speaking, she shared.

Gloria talked about the power of community, describing human beings as “communal animals,” and reflected on the movements that changed America, from Civil Rights and the anti-Vietnam War movement to the women’s movement and MeToo. She spoke with particular wonder about the global reach of MeToo and about the ways social upheaval, while painful and frightening, can also create extraordinary progress.

She also reflected on a deeply personal turning point: having an abortion in London at 22. She spoke candidly about how access to reproductive freedom gave her the ability to pursue the life and work she wanted—a reminder that the freedoms we debate politically can profoundly shape the course of an individual life.

Throughout the conversation, Gloria returned to a simple but powerful idea: connection matters. She spoke about the danger of allowing differences to isolate us, the importance of finding common ground, and the extraordinary things people can accomplish when they refuse to be divided by “otherness.”

Now, with Gloria gone, her words feel both intimate and timeless.

This is a conversation about a life spent challenging the boundaries placed around women—and about the empathy, courage, community and imagination required to change the world.

It is also a rare opportunity to hear Gloria Steinem in her own words, reflecting on the life she lived and the future she hoped we would build.

We are honored to share it as a special episode of Curveball and as a remembrance of Gloria Steinem.

• Gloria reflecting candidly on her mother’s struggle with mental illness and the profound influence it had on her childhood.
• Why Louisa May Alcott became an early source of inspiration when there were so few visible female journalists or public role models.
• The creation and significance of Ms. Magazine and its role in the women’s movement.
• Her experiences navigating a male-dominated media industry—including being assigned stories because she was a woman.
• Why Gloria believed community was essential to resilience and social change.
• Her reflections on the extraordinary global impact of the MeToo movement.
• Why periods of social turmoil, including the Civil Rights and anti-Vietnam War movements, can become catalysts for progress.
• Her experience having an abortion in London at 22 and why reproductive freedom allowed her to pursue her life's work.
• Her enduring belief in connecting across differences and resisting the isolation of “otherness.”
• Gloria’s wisdom on resilience, leadership, empathy, and finding strength through other people.

(00:00) — Growing Up With Her Mother’s Struggles

(03:09) — Gender Bias and Finding Encouragement

(09:09) — The Power of Collective Action

(09:59) — Resilience in the Face of Criticism

(14:45) — The Magic of Reading and Self-Discovery

(17:18) — Political Division and Societal Fear

(22:37) — Progress Outpacing Representation

(26:08) — Love, Connection and a Life of Global Perspective

(30:05) — The Leaders Who Will Shape the Future

(30:54) — Why Human Connection Matters

(35:36) — Building Community Through Connection

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Eric Horwith—a seasoned hospice care leader, educator, and author—to explore what it means to live meaningfully in the shadow of mortality.

Death is no longer the taboo subject it once was. As more people actively seek community, language, and practical guidance around mortality, conversations about dying, caregiving, and loss are moving into the mainstream. Drawing from his personal journey, decades working in end-of-life care, and teaching at the University of Pittsburgh, Eric challenges us to rethink how we talk about death, confront our fears of regret, and find purpose in everyday life.

He shares intimate insights about grief, legacy, and the search for peace at the end of life—inviting us to reflect on our own beliefs, hopes, and what it truly means to have a “good death.” Whether you’re grappling with loss, planning for the future, or simply curious about life’s ultimate transition, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Eric emphasizes that working in end-of-life care is less about death itself and more about making the most of life; facing mortality can greatly influence our daily choices and sense of purpose.
• “Terror management theory” helps explain society’s reluctance to discuss death and dying; fear and regret are powerful forces that shape this avoidance.
• Mindfulness serves as a vital tool in preparing for end-of-life, and cultivating a purposeful life is a recurring theme in this episode.
• Eric draws meaningful parallels between running a marathon and experiencing grief and loss, highlighting how endurance and unpredictable terrain are shared elements that can help people process grief.
• People at the end of their lives often focus more on ensuring their loved ones will be okay rather than dwelling on their own fears or regrets, according to Eric.
• Anecdotes of people “waiting” for a loved one before dying are common and suggest that emotional closure plays a significant role in the process of dying.
• Media portrayals can glamorize or misrepresent the true experiences of dying, which in turn shapes and sometimes distorts our societal attitudes toward death.
• The concept of a “good death” is described as one filled with chosen sights, sounds, people, and feelings, and individuals are encouraged to work toward achieving these for themselves or their loved ones.
• Eric’s personal experience with his mother’s death profoundly influences his understanding of grief and demonstrates that the sense of loss is significant regardless of age or circumstances.
• Eric suggests that doing “me-search”—personal exploration of end-of-life preferences—is crucial and goes beyond simply researching general information.

Key Moments:

00:00 Eric's interest in studying death

05:55 Struggling with life's purpose

07:24 Discussing views on legacy and death

13:34 Believing in afterlife experiences

15:14 Questioning the meaning of existence

18:46 Discussing loss and its impact

21:16 Writing a guide on grief

24:41 Discussing end-of-life education

28:55 End-of-life decision-making

What happens when the American dream feels out of reach? In this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Xochitl Gonzalez, whose life and work explore the meaning of opportunity, class, and belonging in an ever-changing America. Raised by her immigrant grandparents in South Brooklyn, Xochitl brings an unfiltered perspective on the power of optimism, the legacy of the “greatest generation,” and the current challenges facing upward mobility. From her journey through event planning and writing, to her reflections on cultural decline, civic engagement, and generational shifts, Xochitl asks the questions at the heart of today’s American identity: Who gets ahead? Who gets left behind? Join us as we explore the curveballs life throws—and what it takes to move forward when the rules of the game keep changing.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Xochitl Gonzalez describes how being raised by her grandparents deeply influenced her personal values, instilling in her old-fashioned “greatest generation” ethics, patriotism, and civic engagement.
• The decline of shared cultural experiences, such as affordable moviegoing, is framed by Xochitl and Scott as a marker of diminishing unity and prosperity in America, contributing to social fragmentation.
• Scott and Xochitl explore the widening wealth gap between the affluent and the poor is closely linked to weakened civic life and growing threats to democracy, with the episode offering examples like exclusion from communal events and sports.
• Optimism and opportunity are portrayed as central elements fueling the “American dream,” while concerns are raised about recent college graduates facing underemployment and a generational loss of hope.
• Xochitl emphasizes forms of wealth beyond the material, highlighting the richness found in community, family traditions, and the dignity of shared experience, which shaped her worldview and writing.
• The decline of civic institutions, such as libraries and public gathering spaces, is discussed as a root cause of social disconnection and the narrowing of personal and collective purpose in modern America.
• Historical models of philanthropy and civic responsibility among the wealthy are contrasted with the current era, where high-profile leaders are seen as less engaged in public life and investment.
• The episode draws clear parallels between the economic disparities of the Gilded Age and today, noting similar risks of social instability and the need for visionary public and private leadership.
• Xochitl expresses hope that revitalizing civic education and public engagement—especially for younger generations—can help rebuild community bonds and a sense of shared responsibility.
• The episode invites a redefinition of the “American dream,” shifting focus from pure material advancement to broader ideas of access, belonging, optimism, and genuine opportunity.

Key Moments

(00:00) Family dinners and career beginnings

(04:43) Transitioning to professional writing

(08:27) Importance of civic engagement

(12:16) The decline of affordable moviegoing

(13:27) Measuring quality of life

(18:14) Disparity's impact on democracy

(21:10) Navigating financial struggles and resilience

(26:05) Discussion on physical gatherings

(28:55) Decline in philanthropic leadership

(31:30) Restraint of monopolies and labor laws

(35:27) America's frontier spirit and legacy

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Hayley Friedman Morrison, co-founder and executive director of the Eli Sunshine Fund—but more importantly, Eli Morrison’s mom. After her son Eli was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive pediatric bone cancer, Hayley and her family were thrust into a world of grueling treatments and unimaginable challenges. Through her journey alongside Eli—whose warmth, curiosity, and compassion touched everyone he met—Hayley uncovered the harsh realities of outdated therapies and insufficient research for kids battling this disease.

After losing Eli at just nine years old, Hayley channeled her grief into action, founding an organization dedicated to funding innovative pediatric cancer research and bringing moments of sunshine to families facing similar hardships. In this moving conversation, Hayley shares Eli’s story, the enduring legacy he leaves behind, and her candid reflections on loss, resilience, and what it truly means to show up for loved ones in times of adversity. To learn more about the Eli Sunshine Fund, visit: elisunshinefund.org.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Sharing memories and stories about a loved one, as Hayley Friedman Morrison does with her son Eli, is an important way to keep their legacy alive.
• Scott and Hayley discuss how community support plays a crucial role for families experiencing childhood illness or loss, and meaningful forms of support can include simple gestures like thoughtful messages or remembering special dates.
• The outdated treatment options for Ewing sarcoma highlight the broader challenges in pediatric cancer research and funding, which Hayley and her family are working to address through the Eli Sunshine Fund.
• Society could improve the way we approach conversations with those experiencing grief or hardship by being more mindful and asking sensitive, open-ended questions or simply acknowledging their pain.
• People often feel discomfort around grieving families, but taking concrete steps—such as mentioning the loved one’s name, sharing stories, or reaching out on significant dates—can provide meaningful support.
• Hayley finds the phrase “how are you?” problematic, instead recommending more thoughtful alternatives like “how are you today?” to express genuine care and concern.
• Siblings, like Harry, who lose a brother or sister to serious illness often experience profound and ongoing emotional impacts, shaping their outlook on life and relationships.
• There is a distinction between being perceived as “strong” and actually surviving an unimaginable loss; Hayley emphasizes that true resilience is simply continuing in the face of tragedy, not a superhuman feat.
• Milestone moments and daily routines take on new meaning for families living with or grieving childhood illness, serving both as reminders of loss and opportunities for connection and support.
• Organizations and individuals can avoid unintentionally minimizing grief by listening, remembering, and providing ongoing support without trying to find a silver lining or offer clichés.

Key Moments:

00:00 Eli's story and legacy

06:21 Living with Ewing sarcoma

11:33 Keeping Eli’s memory alive

15:00 Supporting those grieving tragedies

17:50 Discussing coping with challenges

23:09 Coping with transitions and reminders

25:07 Navigating family gatherings and loss

31:54 Talking about Harry's resilience

36:56 Processing grief and moving forward

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Erin Merelli, a death doula, educator, and founder of Death Ed with Erin, to explore how our relationship with death deeply shapes the way we choose to live. Through the lens of her own remarkable story—including the sudden loss of her first love in high school, navigating early motherhood, and the tragic death of her sister—Erin offers hard-won wisdom about grief, legacy, and transformation. Together, Scott and Erin tackle the discomfort our culture has with discussing death, the importance of facing end-of-life planning, and the universal truths that emerge from the final days—regret, gratitude, and the power of love over fear. With honesty and empathy, they reveal why opening up about death is really a conversation about how to live with purpose, courage, and connection. This is an episode less about endings, and more about finding meaning every single day.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Erin Merelli mentions the concept of “approaching life from a place of love or from a place of fear."
2. The episode compares birth doulas and death doulas, suggesting that both milestones benefit from support and preparation.
3. Erin shares how her early experiences with death and grief shaped her life and career.
4. “The way you live is the way you die” is a central theme in this conversation.
5. Both Scott and Erin discuss the topic of regret and how it often arises at the end of life.
6. The episode highlights how modern funeral practices have removed death from everyday life.
7. Erin talks about the role of “legacy work” in death doula practice.
8. The discussion includes the idea that grief requires action, such as participating in burial rituals or tending to the deceased.
9. Both Scott and Erin touch on their spiritual beliefs and the impact these beliefs have on how they perceive death.
10. Erin urges listeners to consider what they would want said about them at their funeral and whether it would be true.

Key Moments:

00:00 Coping with loss and grief

04:09 Building death education communities

09:51 Discussing attitudes towards health diagnoses

10:50 Interest in trusts and estates

14:13 Experiencing unexpected death in family

19:26 Reflecting on end-of-life regrets

23:04 Overcoming fear of starting

26:03 Living fully despite fear

29:05 Exploring light and darkness themes

32:36 History of funeral practices

35:03 Understanding fear and grief

38:07 Balancing optimism and realism

On this powerful episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Marci Hopkins, a nationally recognized advocate in the recovery, mental health, and wellness space. Behind her public success in broadcast media lies an inspiring, deeply personal journey of resilience—one marked by childhood trauma, addiction, and ultimately, transformation. Marci opens up about her difficult upbringing, the impact of abuse and abandonment, and her years-long struggle with alcohol. She shares the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety, how she rebuilt her life through a 12-step program and spiritual growth, and the lessons learned about prioritizing self-care, forgiveness, and gratitude. In this episode, you'll hear how Marci turned her pain into purpose—becoming an author, television personality, and a voice for those seeking healing. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ongoing journey toward hope and wholeness.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Marci Hopkins’ early environment and family history, marked by trauma and addiction, played a significant role in shaping the challenges she later faced with addiction.
• Breaking the cycle of generational trauma is central to Marci’s journey, as she copes with and addresses the long-term influence of her mother's actions and struggles.
• She adopts specific strategies and mindsets that help prevent her past experiences from defining her identity, as recognized by Scott.
• A key turning point or “rock bottom” moment in Marci’s life led to significant personal change and commitment to sobriety.
• Forgiveness, especially of those who have caused harm, emerges as a crucial part of Marci’s recovery, allowing her to release the power others have held over her.
• Spiritual connection serves as a foundation for her healing journey and supports her ability to cope with adversity.
• The practice of gratitude and reframing negative experiences, as discussed by both Scott and Marci, involves practical tools and habits such as daily actions and focusing on positives even during hardship.
• Her experiences with trauma and recovery inform her approach to parenting, leading her to break negative patterns and strive for open, empathetic communication with her own children.
• Marci views recovery and success as a continuous, evolving process rather than a final destination, describing her growth as ongoing even after making it through major hardships.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Choosing to stay with grandparents

(04:02) Early experiences with alcohol

(07:21) Marci Hopkins’ journey and advocacy work

(13:12) Starting the 12-step program

(14:51) First thirty days of sobriety

(18:47) Building mental toughness

(23:21) Perspective on handling deep motions

(27:30) Reflecting on overcoming challenges

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Eric Horwith—a seasoned hospice care leader, educator, and author—to explore what it means to live meaningfully in the shadow of mortality.

Death is no longer the taboo subject it once was. As more people actively seek community, language, and practical guidance around mortality, conversations about dying, caregiving, and loss are moving into the mainstream. Drawing from his personal journey, decades working in end-of-life care, and teaching at the University of Pittsburgh, Eric challenges us to rethink how we talk about death, confront our fears of regret, and find purpose in everyday life.

He shares intimate insights about grief, legacy, and the search for peace at the end of life—inviting us to reflect on our own beliefs, hopes, and what it truly means to have a “good death.” Whether you’re grappling with loss, planning for the future, or simply curious about life’s ultimate transition, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Eric emphasizes that working in end-of-life care is less about death itself and more about making the most of life; facing mortality can greatly influence our daily choices and sense of purpose.
• “Terror management theory” helps explain society’s reluctance to discuss death and dying; fear and regret are powerful forces that shape this avoidance.
• Mindfulness serves as a vital tool in preparing for end-of-life, and cultivating a purposeful life is a recurring theme in this episode.
• Eric draws meaningful parallels between running a marathon and experiencing grief and loss, highlighting how endurance and unpredictable terrain are shared elements that can help people process grief.
• People at the end of their lives often focus more on ensuring their loved ones will be okay rather than dwelling on their own fears or regrets, according to Eric.
• Anecdotes of people “waiting” for a loved one before dying are common and suggest that emotional closure plays a significant role in the process of dying.
• Media portrayals can glamorize or misrepresent the true experiences of dying, which in turn shapes and sometimes distorts our societal attitudes toward death.
• The concept of a “good death” is described as one filled with chosen sights, sounds, people, and feelings, and individuals are encouraged to work toward achieving these for themselves or their loved ones.
• Eric’s personal experience with his mother’s death profoundly influences his understanding of grief and demonstrates that the sense of loss is significant regardless of age or circumstances.
• Eric suggests that doing “me-search”—personal exploration of end-of-life preferences—is crucial and goes beyond simply researching general information.

Key Moments:

00:00 Eric's interest in studying death

05:55 Struggling with life's purpose

07:24 Discussing views on legacy and death

13:34 Believing in afterlife experiences

15:14 Questioning the meaning of existence

18:46 Discussing loss and its impact

21:16 Writing a guide on grief

24:41 Discussing end-of-life education

28:55 End-of-life decision-making

When most people hear the word “surrogacy,” they think about the joyful arrival of a baby. For so many intended parents, surrogacy is a remarkable gift that helps make the dream of building a family possible. But every surrogacy journey is unique, and not every path looks the same.

On this episode of Curveball, Scott Reich sits down with Jessica Butcher, an intended mother, and Amanda Konko, the surrogate who helped Jessica become a parent. Their experience challenged many of the assumptions they had about the traditional surrogacy process. Rather than finding each other through the conventional agency model, they built a relationship rooted in trust, shared values, and genuine human connection.

Inspired by their own journey—and by the obstacles they encountered along the way—Jessica and Amanda founded Little Seed Match, an innovative platform designed to help intended parents and surrogates connect directly in a more transparent, affordable, and relationship-centered way.

Join us as Jessica and Amanda share their personal story, discuss the lessons they learned through surrogacy, and explain how Little Seed Match is creating another option for intended parents and surrogates seeking a more personal path to family-building.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Surrogacy remains a taboo topic despite its importance for many families.
• Jessica Butcher and Amanda Konko believe the traditional agency-driven surrogacy model can create a sense of lost autonomy for intended parents, with high costs and limited choice.
• Factors such as feeling called or led to help others can motivate women like Amanda to become surrogates.
• Little Seed Match seeks to remove the middleman and foster genuine relationships built on direct connection and shared values, offering an alternative to the traditional agency system.
• Developing a trusting and close relationship between surrogate and intended parent, as described by Amanda, can help prevent feelings of loss or confusion after the baby is born.
• Transparency about profiles and personal histories is emphasized by the guests as a critical component in forming strong matches between surrogates and intended parents.
• Integrating technology or AI into surrogacy platforms has both potential benefits for matching and possible downsides related to depersonalization, as discussed by Scott Reich.

Key Moments:

(05:16) Coping with infertility and grief

(09:14) Talking about surrogacy journey

(12:28) Connecting Intended Parents and Surrogates

(16:13) Surrogacy legal complexities and challenges

(18:28) Building trusted surrogacy relationships

(20:56) Connecting through transparency and faith

24:20 Discussing surrogacy and infertility support

(30:12) Discovering surrogacy as a calling