Never Thought We'd Be Here

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

In this episode, Fran shares her deeply personal journey through fertility challenges, IVF experiences, and ultimately, her decision to pursue embryo donation. She discusses the emotional toll of her journey, the importance of support, and the relationships formed with donor families. 

Fran also reflects on the cultural dynamics and family perspectives surrounding her choices, emphasizing the love and connection that transcends genetics. Her story is one of perseverance, hope, and the evolving definition of family.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fran's Journey

02:39 Fertility Assumptions and Challenges

07:51 The IVF Experience and Emotional Toll

12:35 Exploring Embryo Donation

18:00 Navigating Relationships with Donors

24:41 Family Dynamics and Cultural Perspectives

30:48 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Love

38:07 Looking Forward and Advice for Others

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 Advocate Genetics founder and EM•POWER with Moxi co-founder, Gina Davis.

In this conversation, Maya and Gina explore the intricacies of genetic counseling, particularly in the context of embryo donation. They discuss the importance of understanding genetic risks, the role of genetic counseling in decision-making for recipients, and the health disparities that arise from a lack of genetic information. 

Their conversation also addresses the discomfort that can arise during genetic counseling sessions, especially regarding mental health and family history concerns. Ultimately, they emphasize the empowerment that comes from being informed and prepared as recipients navigate their parenting journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Genetic Counseling and Embryo Donation

04:31 Understanding Genetic Counseling and Its Importance

08:25 The Role of Genetic Counseling in Decision-Making

11:24 Health Disparities and the Need for Genetic Information

14:21 Navigating the Uncomfortable Aspects of Genetic Counseling

20:27 Addressing Mental Health and Family History Concerns

25:06 The Complexity of Genetic Risk Factors

30:03 Empowering Recipients Through Genetic Counseling

35:55 Final Thoughts and Advice for Recipients and Donors

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 donors Becky & Dan.

In this conversation, Maya speaks with Becky and Dan about their unique journey through embryo donation. They discuss their initial thoughts and feelings about having remaining embryos after IVF, the decision-making process, and the emotional complexities involved. 

Becky & Dan share their experiences of connecting with recipients, navigating their own fears, and the importance of intentionality in their choices. They also reflect on how they communicate with their children about their biological siblings and offer advice for others considering embryo donation.

Chapters

00:00 Embarking on the Journey of Embryo Donation
02:58 Understanding the Decision-Making Process
06:01 Navigating Emotional Trepidations
08:50 Finding Common Ground as a Couple
11:54 The Role of Intentionality in the Process
15:01 Connecting with Recipients
18:08 The Evolving Narrative with Children
20:57 Meeting the Recipients: A First Date Experience
23:59 Reflections on the Embryo Donation Experience
26:59 Advice for Future Donors and Recipients

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 again by Jen Vesbit and Gina Davis, the co-founders of EM•POWER with Moxi and Moxi Matching!

In this conversation, the Moxi Team explores the concept of an embryo donation mindset, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, openness, and understanding in the donor-recipient relationship. They discuss the evolution of thoughts and feelings surrounding embryo donation, the significance of shared values, and the responsibilities that donors feel towards future children. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the emotional journey involved in embryo donation and the necessity of navigating expectations and personal experiences. 

This conversation delves into the complexities of embryo donation, focusing on the readiness of both donors and recipients. The speakers discuss the emotional and psychological aspects of the process, emphasizing the importance of trust, flexibility, and understanding genetics. They explore the challenges faced by recipients in embracing the genetics of another and the need for open communication between donors and recipients. The overarching theme is the balance between control and flexibility in the embryo donation journey, encouraging individuals to approach the process with an open heart and mind.

Chapters

00:00 Embryo Donation Mindset Introduction

02:45 Understanding the Dance of Embryo Donation

05:55 Initial Assumptions and Evolution of Thought

09:11 The Role of Feelings in Decision Making

11:54 Navigating Expectations and Openness

15:14 Untangling Personal Experiences and Responsibilities

22:59 Navigating Readiness in Embryo Donation

35:09 Embracing Genetics: The Recipient's Perspective

45:53 The Dance of Control and Flexibility

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 Jenny, a single mother by choice through embryo donation.

During this heartfelt conversation, Jenny shares her journey to motherhood and reflects on her struggles with IVF, the emotional challenges of her fertility journey, and the pivotal moment that led her to embrace embryo donation. Jenny discusses the importance of connection with her donors, the cultural implications of her parenting journey, and the realities of motherhood.

She offers valuable advice for others considering similar paths, emphasizing the uniqueness of each journey and the importance of believing in one's dreams of parenthood.

Chapters
00:00 Journey to Motherhood: A New Beginning
05:57 The Shift to Embryo Donation
11:51 Navigating Relationships with Embryo Donors
17:54 The Reality of Motherhood
24:03 Reflections on Identity and Family

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 EM•POWER with Moxi co-founder Jen Vesbit.

In this conversation, Maya and Jen discuss the unique process of embryo donation and matching, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the emotional and scientific aspects of finding the right match. They explore the significance of values, connection, and authenticity in the matching process, as well as the need for flexibility and openness from both donors and recipients. 

Their conversation highlights the emotional journey involved in embryo donation, including the challenges of letting go and the gratitude that often accompanies successful matches. Ultimately, they reflect on the beauty of forming new family connections through this process.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation and Matching
03:01 Understanding the Matching Process
05:48 Emotional Aspects of Matching
09:00 Values and Connection in Matching
11:48 Mindset for Donors and Recipients
15:08 Openness and Authenticity in Relationships
18:02 Letting Go and Emotional Processing
21:10 The Role of Gratitude in Matching
24:01 Reflections on the Matching Experience
26:49 Conclusion and Future Directions

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 donors Wyatt and Lisa.

In this conversation, Wyatt and Lisa share their journey as embryo donors, discussing the emotional complexities of having remaining embryos after their own successful IVF process. They explore the decision-making process regarding their embryos, the importance of finding the right recipient, and the evolving relationship with the recipient throughout her pregnancy. 

Wyatt and Lisa reflect on their hopes for future connections between their children and the recipient's child, as well as the language and identity surrounding donor conception. They conclude with advice for potential donors, emphasizing the importance of being on the same page as a couple.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Journey
06:31 Finding the Right Embryo Recipient
15:10 Navigating Emotions and Updates
24:12 Language and Identity in Donor Conception
32:43 Advice for Potential Embryo Donors

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 Vesbit and Gina Davis, the co-founders of EM•POWER with Moxi and Moxi Matching!

In this first of many conversations together, Maya, Jen, and Gina discuss their experiences and reflections on embryo donation, exploring the emotional complexities, challenges, and responsibilities involved. They share insights on the importance of education and support for donors and recipients, the evolution of identity in the context of embryo donation, and the creation of new definitions of family. The conversation emphasizes the healing power of connection and the ongoing journey of navigating feelings and relationships in this unique landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Moxi Team
04:23 Reflections on the Journey of Embryo Donation
08:54 Challenges and Responsibilities in Embryo Donation
13:03 The Importance of Education and Support
17:28 Navigating Complex Emotions as Donors
24:40 The Evolution of Identity in Embryo Donation
30:18 Creating New Definitions of Family

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 speaks with Violet & Jason, proud parents of the first Moxi baby via embryo donation!

In this heartfelt conversation, Maya, Violet, and Jason explore the emotional journey of becoming parents through embryo donation. They discuss their unexpected path to parenthood, the decision to choose open donation, and the significance of meeting their child’s donor family.

The couple shares their experiences of bonding with their newborn son, navigating relationships with the donor family, and the role of genetics in parenting. They also touch on how to communicate the origin story to their children and offer valuable advice for others considering embryo donation.

00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Embryo Donation
01:01 The Unexpected Path to Parenthood
02:54 Choosing Open Embryo Donation
06:09 Meeting the Donor Family
09:54 Bonding with the Baby and Family Dynamics
11:51 Navigating Relationships with Donors
17:00 The Role of Genetics in Parenting
20:10 Communicating the Origin Story to Children
24:55 Advice for Future Recipients of Embryo 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 speaks with Betty, an embryo donation recipient, about her journey to motherhood as a single mother by choice via embryo donation.

Betty discusses her initial struggles with fertility, the exploration of various options including creating donor-donor embryos, and her eventual decision to pursue directed embryo donation. She highlights the importance of human connection in the process, the relationship she built with her donor family, and the emotional experience of meeting them. Throughout the conversation, Betty emphasizes the significance of support, patience, and gratitude in her journey to becoming a mother.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Journey

06:47 Exploring Embryo Donation as an Option

11:52 The Human Connection in Embryo Donation

18:44 Building Relationships with Embryo Donor Families

24:05 The Emotional Experience of Meeting Embryo Donors

30:37 Looking Forward: Future Connections and Growth

36:28 Gratitude and Reflection on the 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!

Have questions about becoming an embryo donor or recipient? Schedule a free 15 minute consultation ⁠here⁠!