Refamulating is a podcast that celebrates different ways to make a familyThe nuclear family - a heterosexual couple in their first marriage with 2+ kids - is no longer the dominant family structure. In fact, there is no one dominant family structure.

Nowadays many couples rely on science, surrogates, egg donors and sperm donors to have biological children. Some folks are having children on their own and others are having no children at all.

In the last generation we’ve completely reformulated what a modern family looks like. We’ve been refamulating, yet family structures that veer from the nuclear narrative can still feel taboo.

The Refamulating Podcast tells real stories of people creating family- whatever that means to them.

Refamulating on Instagram

https://www.refamulating.com/

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]

In this episode about Eboni’s journey to becoming a SMBC, we discuss:

• Why Eboni initially froze her eggs “with zero intention of using them”;
• The realization at 38 that made her decide she wanted to be a mom;
• How she chose a donor and why she felt this was a critical factor;
• Her decision to go straight to IVF due to age-related statistics;
• The role of a doula and how having one ensures the mother’s needs are prioritized;
• The medical crisis around Black maternal health and why it’s critical to advocate for yourself;
• Encouraging women to trust their abilities and make informed decisions about motherhood;
• Why Eboni doesn’t romanticize solo motherhood even though it’s beautiful and everything she wanted;
• The importance of considering life decades ahead when making parenting decisions;
• How choosing solo motherhood gave Eboni more dating options.

Connect with Eboni K. Williams

Website | Instagram | Podcast | People Magazine

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]

Richelle’s story starts with the emotional process of choosing the SMBC path and takes us through egg freezing, IVF, and ultimately the practicalities of adopting a child as a single mother based overseas. Her journey highlights the importance of prioritizing our own dreams and health while remaining open to the many ways a family can be formed.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Richelle’s realization that waiting for the “perfect” partner to start her family was holding her back;
• The decision to freeze her eggs at 42 and later pursue IVF at 46;
• Why she wasn’t attached to the idea of biological parenthood and how she transitioned to adoption;
• The process of adopting as a single woman, including the role of an adoption consultant;
• How matching baby and adoptive parent works;
• Common concerns women face when considering adoption, such as bonding with their child;
• Talking to our kids about their origin story;
• How prioritizing personal health helps us show up as better parents;
• The consideration of having a second child as a single mother by choice;
• The empowering realization that solo moms can do “big things” and do them well;
• And more!

Want to check out some of Richelle's incredible work and content as a broadcaster and SMBC advocate?  You can find her on her WEBSITE, INSTAGRAM, and TikTok.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss:

• The lack of visible role models for women who consciously choose a childfree life;
• The struggle of making the life-defining decision of becoming a parent or not which feels deeply personal, yet often misunderstood;
• How societal expectations lead people to feel entitled to ask personal questions about choices like childfree living or solo motherhood;
• How Keltie supports women making the right decision for themselves around parenthood;
• How the decision whether or not to have kids isn’t always a binary choice;
• The emotional process of holding space for grief around a life that isn’t what you imagined it would be, and making it beautiful nonetheless;
• And more!

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss:

• The pressures women often feel to fit men into their lives to fulfill societal expectation
• Jamela’s decision to pursue solo motherhood after her divorce at 37;
• How her mom played an active role in her decision to become a solo mom by choice;
• The emotional journey of mourning both her marriage and the traditional family dream;
• The challenges and rewards of being a single mother in African American culture;
• Her fierce advocacy for herself in the fertility process and how important it is to ask questions;
• How she leaned into her faith and her community when the path was challenging;
• The importance of prioritizing your self care and your own happiness, even as a mom of newborn twins;
• The biggest benefit of being a solo mom according to Jamela;
• And more!

Connect with Jamela on Instagram 

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]

Born and raised in a close-knit Michigan community, Whitney always knew she wanted to be a mom. But after years of dating and only one long-term relationship in her 20s, she found herself single at 34. Instead of waiting for the "perfect" time or partner, she took control of her fertility and started her journey to solo motherhood. Through IVF, multiple rounds of retrievals and transfers, and unwavering determination, Whitney welcomed her son into the world.

In this episode, Whitney opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of her fertility journey, how Instagram helped her connect with other women going through similar experiences, and how she's embraced life as a solo mom. She also sheds light on how she’s continued to follow her own professional dreams and passions, even as she’s parenting solo.

Whitney’s story is a powerful reminder that when it comes to following your dreams—especially the dream of motherhood, sometimes the time is now. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What am I waiting for?” this episode will resonate deeply with you.

In this episode, Whitney shares:

• Why she decided to pursue motherhood on her own and what led to her 'aha' moment;
• The reactions from her family and how they supported her decision to be a solo mom;
• Her IVF journey: the reality of four retrievals and three transfers before achieving a successful pregnancy;
• The role social media played in connecting her with other solo moms and women navigating fertility;
• How she handled the societal responses to her pregnancy as a single woman;
• The joy and fulfillment she experiences now as a mom to a 1.5-year-old son;
• Her transition into motherhood and postpartum life;
• How she launched her company iWellness Center as founder and CEO.

You can connect with Whitney on Instagram @wjfoley and check out her business at www.iwellnesscenter.org.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]

In this episode, Virginia shares:

• How a surprise pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage reignited her desire to have another child, this time as a single mom by choice;
• The reactions she received from family and friends when she chose to pursue motherhood on her own;
• Why she traveled from Canada to the USA for her fertility process and the factors that influenced her choice of a donor;
• Her experience with IUI and the challenges she faced during her pregnancy, from intense morning sickness to balancing running a business and pregnancy;
• The importance of creating a nurturing space as a solo parent and how she applies Feng Shui principles to her own home;
• The experience of connecting with other families who used the same donor and what this could mean for her child in the future.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ellis Kelly Interior Alchemy (Ginny's business, alongside her sister Natalie)
• October 7 Nursery Design Workshop with Virginia Drader & The Single Greatest Choice

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]

Valerie Bauman, is an investigative reporter for Newsweek, solo mother by choice, and author of one of my favorite memoirs in the solo moms space, Inconceivable:Super Sperm Donors, Off-the-Grid Insemination, and Unconventional Family Planning. I devoured Valerie’s book during a 30-hour airport layover, and by the time I finished, I felt like I had spent the day with her, getting to know her as a friend.

We dive deep into Valerie’s journey, from her experience considering sperm banks or a close friend to ultimately finding a known donor on Facebook. She openly discusses the emotional challenges of navigating this path, including a heartbreaking miscarriage, before welcoming her now 3.5-month-old baby boy. Valerie's story is a testament to the resilience and strength of women who, as she puts it, "intentionally build what they want."

Our conversation also touches on important topics such as the bioethics of the sperm donation industry, the anxiety that often accompanies pregnancy, and making empowered choices as a mother. If you’ve ever felt torn between the life you want and societal expectations, this episode will resonate deeply.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Valerie’s decision to become a mom during the pandemic and what sparked her journey;
• Navigating the sperm donor process and finding a donor on Facebook;
• The shift from considering traditional sperm banks to seeking a known donor;
• Her miscarriage and the emotional toll of almost accepting life without motherhood;
• Anxiety during pregnancy and the struggle of waiting for the other shoe to drop;
• The power of creating the life you want as a woman—regardless of societal norms;
• Bioethics in the sperm donation industry and the need for better regulation;
• And more!

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, group coaching and workshops, and retreats and SMBC family trips.

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]

In this episode on the mating gap and egg freezing, we discuss:

• The challenges created by the shortage of eligible, educated men.
• How the education gap between men and women affects dating dynamics.
• How societal expectations and outdated gender norms are contributing to this issue.
• Why considering partners from diverse educational backgrounds can be beneficial.
• The psychological benefits of egg freezing for single women.
• How women are making empowered choices about their reproductive futures.

Marcia's insights reveal the unique struggles women face today and offer a fresh perspective on how assisted reproductive technologies are changing the landscape of motherhood. Tune in to hear more about her study, the concept of the "mating gap," and why so many women are rethinking what it means to have it all.

For full show notes, visit www.singlegreatestchoice.com/podcast-feed/s7-ep1-marcia-inhorn-motherhood-on-ice

👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through  1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at [email protected]