What Comes Next

What Comes Next

By Ashlee Couper and Kellie CarySociety & CulturePersonal Journals
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What Comes Next episodes

  • Big feelings & the unspoken part of surrogacy

    This week, we're having one of the most honest conversations we've ever shared.

    Looking back on our first surrogacy journey, we're talking about the thoughts, feelings and conversations we never had at the time. The questions we were afraid to ask, the emotions we kept to ourselves, and the things we wish we'd said out loud.

    For the first time, we're opening up about some of the most vulnerable parts of our journey. Sharing how those unspoken feelings shaped our experience, and how working through them has strengthened our friendship and transformed the way we communicate during our second surrogacy journey.

    This episode is emotional, raw and deeply honest.

    If you're navigating surrogacy, whether as an intended parent, surrogate, partner or loved one, we hope this conversation helps you find your voice, ask the hard questions, and know that it's okay to have the conversations that matter.

    Because the strongest journeys aren't built on having all the answers, they're built on feeling safe enough to have the conversation.

    1 hr 9 min
  • The birth of James

    In this week's episode of What Comes Next, we're sharing one of the most unforgettable days of our lives, James' birth story.

    After taking you through our first surrogacy pregnancy over the past few weeks, this is the chapter where it all comes together.

    We take you inside the excitement, anticipation and emotion of birth day, sharing what it was really like to welcome James into the world through surrogacy. From the final countdown to the first cuddle, we're reflecting on a day that changed all of our lives forever.

    A story of friendship, trust, love, and the extraordinary moment two families met one very special little boy.

    Thank you for continuing to follow along as we share our journey, one chapter at a time ✨

    57 min
  • Our first pregnancy

    In this week's episode of What Comes Next, we look back on our first surrogacy pregnancy with James, sharing what those nine months were really like.

    Watching the bump grow, navigating appointments, milestones, and all the emotions in between, we reflect on the experience of carrying a baby together through surrogacy.

    Every pregnancy is different, and every surrogacy journey is unique. This is an honest conversation about what those nine months looked like for us. The excitement, the challenges, the unforgettable moments, and the deep trust that carried us through.

    A story of friendship, love, and the extraordinary journey of bringing James into the world ✨

    58 min
  • Baby on board! Life update

    This week's episode of What Comes Next, we’re taking a moment to catch up 🤍

    After the whirlwind of the past 8 weeks, we’re sitting down to chat about everything that’s happened. From the excitement of finding out we’re pregnant, to how Kell is feeling now she’s on this next chapter of the journey.

    We also check in with Ash and hear how she’s recovering after her recent surgery, and what life has looked like since sharing such a personal part of her story.

    A more relaxed conversation, a little life update, and a chance to bring you up to speed on where we’re all at.

    Thank you for continuing to follow along with us. We’re so grateful you’re here for every moment, big and small ✨

    32 min
  • Ash and Coup's IVF Story

    VERY EXCITING NEWS! 👏

    In this episode of What Comes Next, we start with a very exciting check in, sharing some huge news and catching up on where our journey is at 🤍✨

    Then, Ash takes us back through her IVF experience. Sharing the process, the emotions, the challenges, and the moments that shaped her path to becoming a mum.

    IVF journeys are incredibly personal and no two experiences look the same. This is Ash’s story. Honest, vulnerable, and a reminder of the many different paths people take to build their families.

    59 min
  • Our surrogacy process

    In this episode of What Comes Next, we start with our weekly catch up, checking in with each other and sharing where we’re at in our second surrogacy journey.

    Then, we'll take you through our first surrogacy process. From the very beginning of applying, all the way through to becoming approved surrogate and intended parents.

    We'll be sharing the steps, appointments and assessments that formed part of our journey, including blood tests, questionnaires, psychology appointments, legal requirements, and everything in between.

    No two surrogacy stories are the same, this is simply us sharing ours ✨

    49 min
  • Ash's Recent Vaginal Reconstruction Surgery

    Content note: This episode contains discussion of surgery and medical procedures.

    In this week's episode of What Comes Next, Ash shares the story of her recent vaginal reconstruction surgery.

    Recorded just weeks after the procedure, Ash reflects on the lead-up to surgery, the experience, the recovery process, and the emotions that came with such a significant milestone.

    Born without a vagina, bladder, and 50% of her pelvis, Ash also opens up a little further about her disability.

    Raw, honest, and vulnerable, this is a conversation Ash has never shared publicly before.


    SHOW NOTES

    Dr Rebecca Deans

    02 9369 2800
    [email protected]
    132 Edgecliff Rd, Woollahra NSW

    https://drdeans.com.au/

    https://youtu.be/LNQ4xe3XVbE?si=afZae0Ixy5LAO_eL

    1 hr 5 min
  • How we got here

    Before there was surrogacy, there was friendship.

    In this episode of What Comes Next, Ash and Kell share the story of how they met and the connection that would go on to change both of their lives.

    From a chance encounter to an unbreakable bond, this is the beginning of the story behind the friendship, trust, and love that made their surrogacy journey possible.

    Join us as we look back on where it all started ✨

    Follow along on Instagram and Facebook @whatcomesnext.thepodcast

    46 min
  • Meet Kell

    It’s time to Meet Kell 🤍

    Kell opens up about the life behind the title of surrogate — sharing more about her family, career, relationships, and the values that shape who she is.

    As a mother, business owner, and deeply important part of Ash’s journey to motherhood, Kell reflects on the experiences, love, and connection that led her here.

    An honest and heartfelt conversation that gives you the chance to get to know the other half of the voices behind the podcast ✨

    28 min
  • Meet Ash

    Episode Two, it’s time to Meet Ash 🤍

    Ash shares her story beyond the label of disability. Opening up about her childhood, family, career, relationships, and the experiences that shaped who she is today.

    Born without a vagina, bladder, or pelvis, Ash speaks honestly about navigating life with disability, while also sharing the love, friendship, and journey to motherhood that brought her here.

    A vulnerable and heartfelt conversation to help you get to know one half of the voices behind the podcast ✨

    31 min

About What Comes Next

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to What Comes Next, with Ash and Kell. Join us on our journey to creating life as we start our second Australian surrogacy journey. Listen as we unpack our raw and honest experiences with IVF,…