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.

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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.

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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!

In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is joined by Jen’s 14-year-old twins, Zosha and Theo.

In this heartfelt interview, Zosha and Theo share their perspectives on embryo donation, family bonds, and navigating complex relationships. Their insights shed light on the emotional and social aspects of donor families, offering valuable lessons for understanding modern family structures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Perspectives

02:13 Understanding Family Dynamics and Relationships

04:44 The Concept of Siblinghood in Embryo Donation

07:08 Meeting Eric: First Impressions and Connections

09:32 Evolving Relationships Over Time

12:06 Future Connections and Communication

14:02 Proud of Our Story: Sharing Embryo Donation

16:31 Navigating Conversations About Embryo Donation

18:35 Advice for Other Children in Similar Situations

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 Lainey, Gina’s 11-year old daughter!

In this heartfelt conversation, Lainey shares her unique family story centered around embryo donation. She discusses her understanding of embryo donation, her connection with her sister cousin Grace, and the dynamics of their relationship. 

Their conversation explores themes of identity, race, and the emotional aspects of family connections, including the challenges of saying goodbye and the pride Lainey feels about her family's story.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lainey and Her Unique Family

06:01 Connecting with Grace: A Sister Cousin

14:02 Identity and Mixed Race Perspectives

18:37 Reflections on Family Stories

23:08 Advice for Kids with Genetic Siblings

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 two recipients, Loretta and Alexandra.

Loretta and Alexandra matched with the same embryo donors and are currently pregnant at the same time. In this conversation they share their stories that highlight the value and importance of the connection that directed embryo donation provides as well as how they have been navigating the new relationship they have with each other and their donors, how they conceptualize their unique extended family structure, and considerations around race and ethnicity as they each prepare to meet their babies very soon!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Stories

02:11 Personal Journeys to Embryo Donation

04:08 Finding the Right Donor Couple

07:29 Navigating Relationships with Donors

10:27 Building Connections and Communication

16:19 Establishing a New Family Dynamic

21:38 Navigating Family Dynamics with New Siblings

24:00 Establishing Foundations: The Power of Communication

26:32 Inclusive Language: Redefining Family Connections

28:38 Flexibility in Family Definitions

31:03 Pride in Family: Overcoming Societal Judgments

34:07 Navigating Biracial Identity and Societal Perceptions

36:48 Embracing the Unknown: The Journey of Parenthood

42:49 Reflections on Unexpected Paths to Parenthood

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 Genieve and Clare, Embryo Donor and Recipient. 

This conversation explores the journey of embryo donation through the experiences of Genieve and Clare, who share their expectations, emotional challenges, and the evolving relationship between donor and recipient families. 

Together they discuss the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the joy of building a family through this unique process. Their dialogue highlights the significance of openness and honesty in navigating the complexities of embryo donation and the beautiful connections that can form as a result.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Journey

05:14 Building Relationships Through Communication

10:40 Establishing Communication Ground Rules

16:26 Reflections on the Journey and Future Plans

23:10 The Dance of Co-Parenting

31:33 Support Systems and Family Reactions

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

You can also check Clare out as she shares her story on the CBS evening news.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/embryo-donation-on-the-rise-families-connection/

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