In this episode, Richard interviews Robyn, the owner of Beverly Hills Egg Donation, They discuss Robyn's background and motivations for working in the egg donation industry. Robyn explains how Beverly Hills Egg Donation differentiates itself from other agencies by offering a refund policy and a guarantee for another cycle if the intended parents do not have a take-home baby. They also discuss the screening process for donors, including travel restrictions and medical tests. Robyn emphasizes the importance of matching donors with intended parents based on their preferences and provides support and guidance throughout the process.

Takeaways

Beverly Hills Egg Donation differentiates itself by offering a refund policy and a guarantee for another cycle if the intended parents do not have a take-home baby.

The screening process for donors includes tests for travel restrictions, sexually transmitted diseases, and ovarian reserve.

Donors are selected based on the preferences of the intended parents, which can include physical characteristics, talents, and academic achievements.

The industry has shifted from anonymous donations to allowing contact between donors and children in the future.

Beverly Hills Egg Donation provides support and guidance for intended parents throughout the process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:55 Motivations for Working in the Egg Donation Industry

03:20 Refund Policy and Guarantee

04:14 Making the Process User-Friendly

05:11 Understanding Donor Selection and Motivations

06:06 Screening Process for Donors

07:04 Travel Restrictions and Zika Zones

08:01 Additional Screening Criteria

09:21 Testing Ovarian Reserve and Educating Donors

10:46 Evaluating Previous IVF Cycles

12:09 Matching Donors with Intended Parents

13:38 Specific Donor Requests and Preferences

15:00 Counseling Donors and Facilitating Meetings

16:21 Age Requirements for Donors

18:10 Shift from Anonymous Donations

19:08 Modifying Contracts for Contact

20:32 Donor Compensation and Factors Affecting Fees

23:23 Donor Pool and Geographic Distribution

24:40 Attrition Rate and BMI Requirements

26:04 Support and Guidance for Intended Parents

27:28 Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode, Monica Buehler, the founder of Accel Surrogacy Agency, shares her personal journey as a surrogate and her extensive experience in the industry. She discusses the emotional impact of failed transfers and the challenges faced by both surrogates and intended parents. Monica emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and providing support throughout the surrogacy process. She also explains the intake process and timeline for surrogates, as well as the criteria for selecting surrogates. Monica highlights the need for trust and open communication, and addresses the social and family challenges that surrogates may encounter. Overall, she emphasizes the importance of education and understanding in overcoming ignorance and promoting acceptance of surrogacy.

Failed transfers can be emotionally challenging for both surrogates and intended parents.

Building strong relationships and providing support is crucial in the surrogacy process.

The intake process for surrogates involves careful screening and assessment of their commitment and compatibility.

Open communication and trust are essential in managing challenges and addressing concerns in surrogacy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:22 The Emotional Impact of Failed Transfers

05:10 Understanding the Intended Parents' Distance

06:34 Navigating Relationships Between Surrogates and Intended Parents

07:58 Support Systems for Surrogates

09:49 Selecting Surrogates and Identifying Red Flags

11:04 Motivations for Surrogates

13:26 The Intake Process and Timeline

15:50 Building Trust and Addressing Concerns

20:20 The Passion and Connection in Surrogacy

22:34 Managing Challenges and Communication

25:22 Dealing with Social and Family Challenges

28:39 Educating Surrogates and Overcoming Ignorance

29:09 Conclusion and Gratitude

The conversation discusses the recent court ruling in Alabama that considers embryos as children under the wrongful death statute. The ruling has raised concerns about the potential impact on IVF clinics and intended parents. It is explained that family law in the US is state by state, and the ruling in Alabama is limited to that state. The connection between the ruling and the anti-abortion movement is explored, highlighting the concern that IVF could become the next battlefront. However, there are efforts to protect IVF through legislation in Alabama and other states.

Takeaways

Family law in the US is state by state, and the recent court ruling in Alabama is limited to that state.

The ruling in Alabama raises concerns about the potential impact on IVF clinics and intended parents.

There is a connection between the ruling and the anti-abortion movement, as it aligns with the movement's goal of defining life at the earliest possible moment.

Efforts are being made to protect IVF through legislation in Alabama and other states.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:27 Impact of Alabama Court Ruling

01:27 Connection to Roe v. Wade

03:22 Alabama Ruling Details

04:22 Liability for IVF Clinics

05:20 Impact on Embryos in Other States

06:18 Clinic Services in Alabama

07:16 Liability for Miscarriages

07:43 Liability for IVF Clinics

08:08 Transportation of Embryos

08:51 Protecting IVF

09:18 Legislative Protection for IVF

10:15 Process of Passing Laws

11:42 Abortion Laws in the US

12:11 Legislative vs. Court Rulings

13:07 California's Approach to Surrogacy

14:04 Creating Legislation to Clarify

15:26 Concerns of Anti-Abortion Movement

17:47 State-by-State Abortion Laws

18:45 Abortion and Surrogacy

20:44 Impact on Surrogacy in Texas

21:12 Temporary Pause in Texas

21:37 Alabama Legislation and Future

22:34 Opportunity for More Comprehensive Legislation

23:04 Conclusion

In this episode, Dr. Brooke Friedman discusses various aspects of IVF and surrogacy. She emphasizes the importance of choosing a clinic that makes you feel comfortable and offers free consultations to educate and answer questions. Dr. Friedman highlights the need for knowledge and support throughout the IVF process and the importance of finding a clinic with experience and success rates. She also addresses the stigma and taboo surrounding infertility and encourages self-kindness and changing the narrative. The episode concludes with a call to action to reach out for a free consultation and guidance in the personal journey of IVF and surrogacy.

Takeaways

Choose a clinic that makes you feel comfortable and offers free consultations to educate and answer questions.

Knowledge and support are crucial throughout the IVF process.

Find a clinic with experience, success rates, and the ability to support patients on their journey.

Break the stigma and taboo surrounding infertility and be kind to yourself.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Brooke Friedman

01:29 Choosing a Clinic and Feeling Comfortable with IVF

03:25 Demystifying IVF Terminology

04:50 IVF with Third Party Reproduction

05:45 You're Not Alone in the Infertility Journey

06:43 Advantages of Surrogacy in the United States

07:42 Safeguards and Rules in Surrogacy

08:40 Experience and Expertise in Surrogacy

09:38 Supporting Patients Through Grief and Loss

10:31 Transparency and Openness in the IVF Process

11:26 Breaking the Taboo of Infertility

12:51 You Are Not Alone, It's Not Your Fault

13:48 Being Kind to Yourself

14:16 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, we interview Zach French, Vice President of SEEDTrust, an independent escrow company in the surrogacy industry. Zach shares his personal surrogacy journey and the challenges he faced, which led him to co-found the Gift of Surrogacy Foundation.

He also discusses the need for more support and transparency in the surrogacy industry. Zach explains the role of SEED Trust as an independent escrow company, ensuring the safety and security of funds throughout the surrogacy process. He highlights the importance of bonds and insurance in protecting clients' funds. Zach emphasizes the personalized support and communication provided by SEED Trust to intended parents and surrogates.

Takeaways

Surrogacy can be a viable option for individuals and couples who are unable to have children naturally.

The surrogacy journey involves various challenges, including financial costs, legal contracts, and emotional negotiations.

The Gift of Surrogacy Foundation aims to provide support, education, and financial assistance to families going through the surrogacy process.

SEED Trust is an independent escrow company that ensures the safe and transparent handling of funds in the surrogacy journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:59 Discovering Surrogacy as an Option

01:55 The Surrogacy Journey and Challenges

03:18 The Gift of Surrogacy Foundation

05:09 The Need for Support in the Surrogacy Industry

07:29 Meeting Richard and the SEEDS Conference

08:55 Introduction to SEED Trust

09:54 The Role of an Independent Escrow Company

10:48 Ensuring Safety and Security of Funds

12:42 The Importance of Bonds and Insurance

15:01 Costs and Fees of Escrow Services

16:27 Transparency and Access to Account Information

18:16 Handling Mistakes and Liability

21:04 Legal Representation and Contract Clarity

22:26 Bond Coverage and Insurance Claims

23:52 The Importance of Escrow in the Surrogacy Process

24:22 Personalized Support and Communication

26:18 Conclusion and Appreciation

In this episode, we interviews Molly O'Brien, a renowned egg donor and surrogacy lawyer. Molly explains the importance of having a lawyer in the IVF process and how they provide independent guidance to intended parents. The conversation then delves into the importance of contracts through the egg donation process, including choosing a donor, setting up a trust account, and the medical and psychological screening of the donor. The legal aspects of egg donation contracts are discussed, highlighting the rights and ownership of eggs. The different types of contracts, such as anonymous, semi-open, and open, are explored, along with the shift towards non-anonymous donations. The episode concludes with a discussion on contracts with family members or friends as donors.

Takeaways

Having a lawyer in the IVF process provides independent guidance to intended parents.

The egg donation process involves choosing a donor, setting up a trust account, and undergoing medical and psychological screening.

Egg donation contracts establish the legal rights and ownership of eggs.

There are different types of contracts, including anonymous, semi-open, and open, with a trend towards non-anonymous donations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of a Lawyer in the IVF Process

02:24 Egg Donation Process: Choosing a Donor and Setting Up a Trust Account

03:19 Medical and Psychological Screening of the Egg Donor

04:08 Signing the Egg Donation Contract

05:05 Legal Rights and Ownership of Eggs

06:04 Egg Donor Liability Insurance

07:33 Different Types of Egg Donor Contracts: Anonymous, Semi-Open, and Open

09:28 The Shift Towards Non-Anonymous Donations

11:22 Contracts with Family Members or Friends as Donors

12:49 Conclusion and Call to Action

This episode examines Black maternal health at the intersection of IVF, surrogacy, reproductive medicine, and public visibility.

As high-profile Black women publicly navigate fertility treatment and family building, this conversation grounds the cultural moment in medical reality, structural risk, and historical context. We discuss why visibility alone does not equal safety, and why Black women—regardless of status, wealth, or platform—continue to face disproportionate risks in reproductive and maternal care.

The episode addresses how IVF and surrogacy intersect with racial disparities in maternal health, access to fertility treatment, and systemic bias within medical systems. We explore surrogate health, informed consent, confidentiality, agency responsibility, and the ethical standards required to protect women throughout the surrogacy process.

This conversation also examines financial access to IVF and surrogacy, including the role of grants, foundations, and advocacy in expanding who gets to pursue family building without exploitation or harm. We challenge the assumption that reproductive care is neutral or equally safe for everyone, and explain why education, transparency, and accountability are essential—especially when fertility journeys are publicly visible but privately vulnerable.

This episode is essential listening for intended parents, individuals pursuing IVF or surrogacy, medical professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how race, power, media visibility, and maternal health shape modern fertility care. It reframes IVF and surrogacy not as lifestyle choices or celebrity narratives, but as medical and human rights issues where protection, equity, and informed care must come first.

Takeaways

To Donate to the Miracle Family Foundation click here

Author of the book

Miracle Motherhood: A Tale of Mary's Gift

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:53 Becoming Involved in Surrogacy

06:10 Shadina's Impressive Resume

07:22 Being a Surrogate for Someone in the Limelight

09:15 Increasing Visibility of Surrogacy in Minority Communities

10:12 The Importance of Discussing Infertility and IVF

11:37 Supporting Surrogates and Ensuring Their Health

12:34 Confidentiality and Boundaries in Surrogacy

16:14 The Role of Surrogacy Agencies in Advocating for Surrogates

17:10 The Surrogacy Miracles Foundation and Providing Financial Assistance

19:12 The Need for Grants and Support for Minority and Same-Sex Couples

20:31 How to Donate to the Surrogacy Miracles Foundation

21:49 Supporting Individuals Going Through IVF and Surrogacy

22:25 Becoming a Surrogate and the Role of an Agency

24:59 Confidentiality and the Emotional Bond Between Surrogates and Intended Parents

29:14 Addressing the Pope's Concerns about Surrogacy

Sheryl Homa is an HCPC registered Clinical Scientist with a special interest in male fertility. She obtained her degrees in Biochemistry at Imperial College of Science and Technology and the Middlesex Hospital Medical School. 

She spent a large part of her career as an academic research scientist in the field of oocyte maturation, funded by the National Institutes of Health in the USA. For many years she served as Scientific Director of several fertility clinics in the UK working in both the public and private sectors. During this time, she became aware that male fertility is considerably marginalised and, as a result, opened Andrology Solutions in 2007 – the first and only HFEA-licensed clinic of its kind, dedicated to male infertility. 

She has collaborated on many research projects and is the author of numerous scientific articles, abstracts and book chapters in the fertility field. Her studies include investigating calcium signalling in sperm and, more recently, the role of oxidative stress and infection on sperm quality. Sheryl has been responsible for introducing and CE-marking novel, state-of-the-art testing for male infertility, including a chemiluminescence assay for measuring seminal reactive oxygen species. Currently Sheryl is honorary Professor in Biosciences at University of Kent, and consultant clinical lead for Andrology at The Doctors Laboratory.

This episode examines gestational surrogacy across three different systems—India, Canada, and the United States—and how legal frameworks, medical access, and emotional resilience shape the path to parenthood.

We explore what the surrogacy process actually involves by comparing two surrogacy journeys undertaken in different countries, highlighting how laws, regulations, costs, and protections vary dramatically depending on where surrogacy takes place. The conversation addresses why some families pursue surrogacy abroad, what risks are often underestimated, and how jurisdictional differences can fundamentally change the experience for intended parents and surrogates alike.

This episode also examines the emotional reality of infertility and long-term family building. We discuss how infertility reshapes relationships, the sustained anxiety that accompanies surrogacy journeys, and why becoming a parent is not defined by pregnancy but by the arrival of a child. The conversation reframes resilience, patience, and partnership as central forces in navigating surrogacy—not as abstract virtues, but as survival skills.

This conversation is essential for intended parents considering surrogacy, individuals comparing international surrogacy options, and anyone seeking a clearer understanding of how law, geography, and emotional endurance intersect in family building. It reframes surrogacy not as a single process, but as a profoundly different experience depending on where—and under what protections—a family is created.

In today's episode you will discover the heartwarming story of the power of chosen family, and how our dear friend Matthew Brown @ukrules, shares his story on becoming a solo gay parent, and the wonderful story on how his friend Julien, decided to ask Matt to have the same egg donor, creating a wonderful extended family that no one could have ever imagine.

Matthew is a wonderful man whom has a passion for travel, and have a successful real-estate business, which allows him to be a stay at home dad, providing him time to be involve in philanthropy and a huge advocate of active kindness.

I hope you enjoy today's episode.