In this episode of The Ribbon Box Podcast, Eloise Edington is joined by Dr. Gili Band (Co-Founder & CEO) and Dr. David Kulak (Medical Director) from Cryomate — a leading sperm bank redefining safety, transparency, and genetic screening in donor conception.

Together, they unpack what actually matters when choosing a sperm donor — beyond the initial scroll.

From the reality of filtering through donor catalogues (and why it often feels like a dating app), to the emotional “aha moment” that helps intended parents make a decision, this conversation explores both the human and clinical sides of the process.

You’ll learn:

• Why physical traits are just the starting point
• How deeper insights into personality, values and background shape decision-making
• What genetic matching really means — and why it’s so important for long-term health
• How advanced screening is changing what’s possible in fertility care
• The role of expert support, and why choosing the right team matters as much as choosing the donor
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They also share practical advice on what happens after you’ve chosen a donor, from planning ahead for siblings to navigating logistics, and how a more personalised, concierge-style approach can make the process feel far less overwhelming.

Whether you’re at the very beginning of your journey or already exploring donor conception, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a fresh perspective on one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

To learn more about Cryomate, register for a free account to explore their donor catalogue, or speak to their team for personalised support - https://cryomate.com/?utm_source=the-ribbon-box&utm

Surrogacy is often talked about in milestones — matching, transfer, birth. But what about the parts no one prepares you for?

In this episode, Eloise Edington is joined by Naia Adamia, Founder & CEO of Be Parent - a full-service surrogacy agency dedicated to creating ethical, inclusive journeys that honour intended parents, surrogate carriers and donors alike.

Together, they unpack what “ethical surrogacy” really means beyond paperwork, how matching truly works in practice, and the emotional realities that intended parents often underestimate. From navigating donor conception, to supporting surrogates before, during and long after birth, this conversation explores the human side of family building.

They also discuss one of the most common fears — bonding — and why connection doesn’t begin at birth, but much earlier than many people realise.

If you’re considering surrogacy, in the middle of the process, or simply want to better understand what a truly supported journey should look like, this episode offers clarity, reassurance and insight.

To learn more or book an intended parent consultation, visit https://beparentsurrogacy.com/?utm_source=the-ribbon-box&utm

In this episode of The Ribbon Box Podcast, Eloise Edington is joined by Samantha Stacks, Intake Manager in the Surrogacy Department at ACRC Global, to explore the emotional side of surrogacy and the connections that make this path to parenthood so meaningful.

Samantha sits at the very beginning of many surrogacy journeys, supporting both intended parents and surrogates as they take their first steps. Together, Eloise and Samantha talk about the emotional moments people often underestimate - from the quiet weight of waiting periods to the tenderness of early match conversations, and the powerful moment when a baby is finally placed into their parents’ arms.

They also discuss what it really means to build trust between intended parents and surrogates, how bonding develops when the pregnancy is carried by someone else, and why the concept of an “emotional transfer” can be just as significant as the medical milestones in surrogacy.

This episode offers a thoughtful, honest look at the human side of family building, highlighting the depth of trust, vulnerability and connection that shape the surrogacy journey.

If you’re considering surrogacy, or simply want to understand the relationships behind this path to parenthood, this conversation offers valuable insight and reassurance.

To learn more about surrogacy or to schedule a free intended parent consultation, visit ACRC Global here: https://www.acrcglobal.com/?utm_source=the-ribbon-box&utm

Getting a diagnosis for endometriosis can feel overwhelming, and far too many people are told “everything looks normal.”

In Episode 3 of our mini-series Challenging the Endo Status Quo, our founder and CEO, Eloise, speaks with Dr Mona Orady MD, FACOG, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, about the realities of endometriosis diagnosis.

They explore questions many patients face:

• How do you find the right specialist?

• When is it worth getting a second opinion?

• Is surgery the only way to diagnose endometriosis?

This episode is powered by ReceptivaDx, a test designed to help identify inflammation associated with endometriosis that may be impacting fertility.

Find out more about ReceptivaDx here: https://receptivadx.com/?utm_source=the-ribbon-box&utm

Does having endometriosis automatically mean you’ll struggle to get pregnant?

In Episode 2 of our mini-series Challenging the Endo Status Quo, our founder and CEO, Eloise, speaks with Dr Mona Orady MD, FACOG, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, about the myths surrounding endometriosis and fertility.

They discuss questions we see every day:

• Does endometriosis always affect fertility?

• Does staging (1–4) actually predict fertility outcomes?

• Should you consider freezing your eggs if you have endo?

This episode is powered by ReceptivaDx, a test designed to help identify inflammation associated with endometriosis that may be impacting fertility.

Find out more about ReceptivaDx here: https://receptivadx.com/?utm_source=the-ribbon-box&utm

Period pain is often dismissed as “normal”… but truth is it isn’t

In Episode 1 of our podcast mini-series Challenging the Endo Status Quo, Eloise, our founder and CEO, sits down with Dr Mona Orady MD, FACOG, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, to break down some of the biggest myths around endometriosis and pain.

From being told you have a “low pain tolerance” to questioning whether symptoms like PMS, breakthrough bleeding, or pain outside of your period could be connected to endometriosis, this episode dives into the questions people are actually asking.

This episode is powered by ReceptivaDx, a test designed to help identify inflammation associated with endometriosis that may be impacting fertility, find out more here: https://receptivadx.com/?utm_source=the-ribbon-box&utm

When fertility timelines feel tight, many people feel pressured to push harder and move faster. In this episode, Eloise is joined by Danielle Cohen, Certified Integrative Fertility and Hormone Health Coach and Founder of Danielle Fertility, to explore when doing more isn’t always the answer.

They discuss why time pressure can lead to a “go-go-go” approach, how to recognise signs of burnout, and how slowing down, nervous system support, and regulation can positively impact hormones and fertility outcomes. Danielle also shares compassionate guidance for those navigating low AMH, big decisions, and feeling disconnected from their bodies.

A reassuring, grounding conversation for anyone feeling overwhelmed by timelines on their fertility journey.

If you want to learn more about Danielle’s work or explore her 1:1 support options, head to her website: https://daniellefertility.com?utm_source=the-ribbon-box&utm  You can also get in touch with her directly by email at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Eloise Edington is joined by Danny Chu, in-house Prescriber at Envigore, to explore what personalised, medically supported weight management looks like during perimenopause and menopause.

Danny breaks down the key health priorities at this stage of life — including hormonal changes, preserving muscle mass, and supporting long-term metabolic health — and explains how shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can affect appetite, fat distribution, and metabolism.

The conversation also unpacks how GLP-1 medications work, who they may be suitable for, and addresses common misconceptions, including the idea that they’re a quick fix. Throughout, Danny explains Envigore’s holistic, safety-first approach, combining medical oversight with tailored nutrition, movement, and behavioural support.

To learn more or access expert care, explore Envigore’s personalised programmes via the link: https://envigore.com/?utm_source=the-ribbon-box&utm

In this episode, Eloise Edington is joined by Matthew Leckie, certified hypnotherapist and Hypnotherapy Service Lead at Envigore, to explore how menopause and perimenopause can quietly reshape our thoughts, habits, and relationship with food, weight, and routine.

Drawing on his clinical work, Matthew unpacks the patterns he commonly sees in women during this transition — from heightened stress and all-or-nothing thinking to feeling stuck in cycles that no longer serve them. He explains why solution-focused hypnotherapy can be especially supportive during perimenopause and menopause, and clears up some of the most common misconceptions about what hypnotherapy actually looks like in practice.

The conversation also explores what people tend to gain from ongoing sessions, how mindset shifts can create sustainable change, and how to cut through the noise when advice starts to feel overwhelming.

If you’re craving steadier habits, more self-trust, and a routine that works with your body — not against it — this episode offers a grounded, compassionate place to start.

To learn more about Envigore’s expert-led support, you can book an initial weight loss consultation, explore personalised programmes, and access their private patient community via the link: https://envigore.com/?utm_source=the-ribbon-box&utm

In this episode, Eloise Edington is joined by Dr. Irina Jahn, Menopause Support Coach at Envigore with over 30 years of medical experience, for an honest, grounding conversation about what’s really happening in perimenopause and menopause.

Together, they break down what these stages actually mean, why so many women describe feeling like they’ve “lost themselves,” and how hormonal changes can show up physically, mentally, and emotionally — often years before periods stop.

They explore common but under-discussed changes like weight shifts, sleep disruption, mood changes, confidence dips, bone and heart health, and libido, as well as why perimenopause can feel especially destabilising. Dr. Jahn also explains why involving partners, friends, or family in the conversation can make a meaningful difference during this transition.

If you’re listening and thinking, “This explains so much,” this episode offers compassionate, practical first steps to help you feel more informed, supported, and in control of your health.

To learn more about Envigore’s expert-led support, you can book an initial weight loss consultation, explore personalised programmes, and access their private patient community via the link: https://envigore.com/?utm_source=the-ribbon-box&utm