Never Thought We'd Be Here

In the final episode of Season 2 of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is joined by the Moxi team, co-founders Jen and Gina.

In this episode, Maya, Gina, and Jen reflect on three years of supporting embryo donation, sharing insights on journey management, trust, flexibility, and the emotional rewards of their work.

They discuss how the process has evolved, the importance of patience, and the deep connections formed through this meaningful work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

3:15 Supporting success in embryo matching

04:18 The role of patience and open-mindedness

07:53 Journey management and logistical considerations

10:31 Trust and collaboration in the process

11:17 Trust as the foundation of support

13:06 Building trust among team members

15:24 Reflections on launching the platform

19:02 Problem solving and communication strategies

22:23 Bravery and honesty in journey discussions

29:11 Personal growth and self-care in this work

31:47 The most rewarding aspects of embryo donation

36:36 Looking ahead to the future of embryo donation

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is joined by embryo recipient, Laura.

Maya talks with Lauren about an eight year fertility journey that moved through four IVF retrievals, embryo donation, adoption paperwork, and ultimately a surprise pregnancy that led to their baby boy. It is a candid conversation about grief, resilience, changing expectations, and how relationships with embryo donors can shape the experience in ways no one can fully predict.

Lauren shares what it was like to navigate multiple losses, build a meaningful connection with her donors, and then carry a pregnancy after deciding to pursue adoption. This episode is especially useful for anyone trying to understand embryo donation as part of a broader family-building path, not always as a final destination.

Chapters

00:00 Lauren’s embryo donation story and why it mattered

01:29 Starting fertility treatment and the first IVF attempts

02:36 Four IVF cycles, six embryos, and repeated losses

04:08 Hearing about embryo donation for the first time

05:23 Finding a donor through online matching

06:33 Choosing a donor based on shared values and family fit

07:44 Planning for four embryos, then receiving five

08:10 Learning the donor was pregnant during the process

10:59 Legal completion and embryo shipping to Maryland

11:49 First donated-embryo transfer and early pregnancy hope

12:56 The miscarriage that changed everything

14:36 How close the families became and why boundaries mattered

18:13 Defining the relationship with the donor family

20:53 Four donor-embryo transfers and no live birth

22:38 Why Lauren did not regret the connection with her donors

24:22 Grieving genetics and processing repeated disappointment

26:55 Turning toward adoption after embryo donation

27:19 Why adoption felt easier after genetic grief

28:05 Surprise pregnancy during the adoption process

29:29 The emotional whiplash of changing paths

30:22 Birth of their baby boy and what genetics mean now

32:13 Making meaning of the journey and possibly writing a book

33:43 What embryo donation ultimately gave her

34:42 Advice for people in the thick of fertility decisions

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is joined by the Moxi team, co-founders Jen and Gina.

This team chat with Maya, Gina, and Jen looks at what actually helps an embryo donation match work, and why some promising pairings do not move all the way through.

Their conversation centers on flexibility, emotional maturity, self-knowledge, and the reality that a good match is often bigger than one profile or one meeting. It also digs into the extra layers that can change a match, including embryo quality, genetics, clinic policies, timelines, and contact preferences.

Chapters:

00:00 Opening the team chat: what makes a good match?

01:29 Why flexibility and emotional maturity matter most

03:52 Knowing yourself, your boundaries, and your family’s needs

05:25 When specific preferences are helpful and when they can shift

06:43 Checking assumptions and recognizing unexpected fit

08:47 Why donor declines are usually values-based

09:36 Reframing rejection as a mismatch, not a failure

13:19 What it feels like on the donor side without matching support

15:12 Normalizing recipient disappointment and protecting the bigger picture

16:58 Embryos matter too: quality, testing, and cohort fit

18:37 Clinic requirements and why some strong matches still stall

20:31 Genetics as a major layer of matching

21:50 Why full family history and genetic counseling are essential

23:56 Comfort levels with autism and other risk considerations

27:46 Other reasons a match can fall apart after matching

30:04 Clinic policies, transfer location, and flexibility

31:16 Why timelines vary so much in journey management

32:23 Matching multiple recipients from one donor cohort

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is joined by embryo donor Rahul.

In this episode, Rahul shares his inspiring journey through IVF, embryo donation, and surrogacy, highlighting the emotional and practical aspects of family building and giving back. Rahul offers his personal insights into the process, matching with recipients, and how to navigate complex fertility decisions.

Rahul also shares how he and his family talk with their children about donor-conceived connections, why recipient-led matching mattered, and what he hopes other donors take from his experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Rahul's background

2:43 Rahul's journey to parenthood and IVF experiences

5:18 Discovering the US fertility conference and international care

9:30 The process of embryo creation, transfer, and pregnancy

11:57 Considering embryo donation after having children

14:06 Matching with recipients and the donation process

17:44 Connecting with recipients and building relationships

18:17 Supporting recipients and navigating the emotional journey

19:18 Reflections on family, legacy, and future generations

22:25 The importance of openness and communication with children

28:55 Rahul's advice for donors and those considering donation

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is joined by the Moxi team, co-founders Jen and Gina.

Maya, Jen, and Gina, the co-founders of Moxi Matching and EM•POWER with Moxi, to unpack what “child-led” really means in embryo donation. They explore how that idea shapes disclosure, matching, communication, and long-term family relationships, with a focus on how parents can create a strong framework while still leaving room for children’s changing needs.

They discuss how child-led parenting differs in theory versus practice, why parents still have to make the first decisions, and how flexibility, curiosity, and check-ins help families navigate connection over time.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the discussion on child-led family building

04:08 What does child-led mean in embryo donation?

07:14 Parenting perspectives on being child-led

09:16 Evolving understanding of child-led parenting

12:21 How children influence family connection decisions

16:14 Children's understanding of embryo donation over time

19:44 Checking in with children about their feelings

22:38 Setting family boundaries and legal considerations

26:22 Matching families based on values and connection preferences

29:58 Addressing fears and uncertainties in matching

31:22 The role of language and children's lead in relationships

32:20 Honoring individual differences among children

33:50 Final thoughts on confidence and flexibility in family building

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is joined by embryo recipient Lara. 

In their conversation, Lara shares her inspiring journey through embryo donation, from fertility challenges to building a meaningful relationship with her donors, and her experience as a single mom by choice. Discover insights on navigating embryo donation, building relationships, and embracing love and flexibility in family building.

Chapters

00:00 Embarking on the Journey of Embryo Donation

02:36 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Embryo Donation

05:18 Building Relationships with Donors

08:19 The Dynamics of Communication and Connection

11:04 Experiencing Pregnancy and Sharing News

13:39 Reflections on Being a Single Mom by Choice

16:45 Advice for Future Parents Considering Embryo Donation

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, Maya sits down with Kori - a single parent by choice and embryo donor.

In this heartfelt interview, Kori shares her journey as a solo parent, her experience with embryo donation, and her evolving relationship with her donor and recipient family.

Their insightful conversation dives into the emotional, logistical, and relational aspects of embryo donation and how it redefines family and parenthood.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Journey

02:26 Understanding the Decision to Donate Embryos

04:33 Conceptualizing Embryos: Hope and Reality

07:20 Expectations and Mindset Shifts in Donation

09:24 Navigating Relationships with Recipients

11:32 Evolving Connections and Family Dynamics

14:11 Child-Centered Approaches in Embryo Donation

16:18 Reflections on the Process and Future

18:35 Advice for Potential Donors

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, Maya sits down with embryo donors Chris and Mitch and their recipients, Tony and Paulo- who were beyond the perfect match for each other! 

The interview explores the journey of two gay couples navigating embryo donation, surrogacy, and building their families. They share personal stories, challenges, and the importance of connection, communication, and hope in family building. Tony and Paulo’s surrogate is currently pregnant and we couldn’t be more happy for them!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Unique Family Building Journeys

01:15 Chris and Mitch's Surrogacy Experience

04:18 The Decision to Donate Embryos

06:25 Paulo and Anthony's Journey to Parenthood

09:44 Discovering Moxie and Embryo Donation

13:35 Facilitated Match Meeting and Connection

16:39 Expectations vs. Reality in the Donation Process

17:45 Building Relationships and Family Dynamics

22:32 Building Connections in the Family Journey

24:55 The Unique Perspective of LGBTQ+ Parenting

27:37 Navigating Family Dynamics and Expectations

29:36 Addressing Fears and Concerns in the Process

35:21 Embracing the Journey of Parenthood

38:23 Advice for Future Parents on Their Journey

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

In this two part episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is Ash, a trans man who is also an embryo donor.

In part one, Ash shares an honest and insightful look into his journey through IVF, fertility preservation, and the decision to donate his embryos to multiple families. This conversation explores the complexities of gender identity, medical interventions, and the profound impact of reproductive choices, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.

In part two, Maya continues the conversation with embryo donor Ashton, who talks more about his experience as a trans man navigating ART, his incredibly successful egg retrieval, and the decision to donate his embryos rather than pursue family building himself.

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

In this two part episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is Ash, a trans man who is also an embryo donor.

In part one, Ash shares an honest and insightful look into his journey through IVF, fertility preservation, and the decision to donate his embryos to multiple families.

This conversation explores the complexities of gender identity, medical interventions, and the profound impact of reproductive choices, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Ash and his unique perspective as a trans embryo donor

02:21 - Ash’s initial thoughts on fertility amid transitioning

05:24 - The decision to pursue egg retrieval and fertility preservation at NYU

09:18 - Navigating hormone therapy cessation for egg retrieval

13:36 - The emotional journey post-egg retrieval: guilt, hope, and physical experiences

17:31 - Unpacking identity and fluidity during reproductive interventions

22:48 - Duration and physical aspects of hormone cessation for egg retrieval

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!