First thing we noticed about Ashley when we met her is that Emily and I NEVER looked as cute as she does when we were pregnant with our kids :)

You all probably know what a surrogate is, you have seen it in the news or know that celebrities often have children via surrogate. But to hear firsthand about Ashley's experience taught us so much about what it really means to carry someone else's baby. 

It's a fascinating, hilarious and tender story about a super normal kindergarten teacher and mom of three who considers herself a "really good babysitter" for another family. We learned a ton and walked away inspired!

We are back!!!! And so excited for another fun season of podcast interviews with everyday people who have interesting, amazing and sometimes heart-wrenching stories to share. 

Join us for a quick kick-off conversation to start our 2nd season!

This is a fun one! 
Picture three friends, sitting around a table, hashing out the world's problems. Emily and Stacy are two of the friends - the other friend is a dude from the UP (Upper Peninsula of Michigan) whose story telling and jokes are legendary. 
There is no clear topic or agenda here folks. The conversation goes in many different directions, but one thing is clear......this podcast was a blast to record and we loved our chat with Rob!

What's It Like.....to be adopted?
What's It Like.....to find out the child you are about to adopt may not become legally yours?
What's It Like.....to reconnect with birth families?
What's It Like.....to be the adoptive parent?

All these questions are touched on during our conversation with Dr. Jeff Goldman. He is a wickedly smart man, whose attention to detail and story telling has made him a favorite of his patients and a wealth of adoption insight.

What's it like to be the first person a victim of assault comes into contact with at the hospital? 
What's the protocol? What's the science behind collecting evidence in the aftermath of an assault? What's it like to care for the emotions and heartache of someone who has just been traumatized?
Brenda is a forensic nurse, which could also be called a sexual assault nurse. It takes a special person to oversee the technical details that are critical in these cases, while still having deep compassion and care for her patients. We think you will be amazed by Brenda and her story. 

Tyrese Haliburton, local Oshkosh basketball star, Iowa State recruit, and major contributor to the Cyclones 2019 successful basketball season - tells us his story. 

Tyrese is the whole package - a huge talent on the basketball court, an incredibly nice guy who seems to never take for granted his blessings, he's loved by his friends and family, and his dream to play in the NBA is actually within his grasp!

You will want to cheer him on after listening to this podcast, just like we do!

It's the news you hope to never hear....."You have cancer."

Patty, our dear friend, reflects on her diagnosis and treatment, what it was like to tell her kids, how her husband stood by her side and how a community of friends and neighbors loved her well during her battle with cancer. 

A heart-warming story and a good reminder to us all about the power of positive thinking and having a sense of humor in the midst of the battle. 

What's It Like......to be an ex-convict?
What's It Like.......to be in a gang?
What's It Like......to change your entire life?

All of these could have been our title for today's podcast with Barber Rich. 

His story is a fascinating journey from an angry kid picking fights at the mall, to serving over a decade in prison for armed robbery, to creating a successful community barber shop, starting a family and giving back. 

We adore this guy! 

Biological, adopted, foster - these moms have all three kinds of children in their families! 

There is no shortage of laughter, sadness, hope, grief, loneliness and joy when it comes to being a foster parent. Hannah and Lindsey share stories about their experiences, their children and they give us a glimpse of what it's like to be a foster family. 

We hope you love this candid conversation and get a taste of how amazing these women are, both as moms and as friends.  

Is racism still real?
Are people of color just being too sensitive?
Is it hard to be a young black woman?

Joy, our guest on the podcast today, shares real stories of what it's like to be a young black woman today.  She's honest, funny, open, and we think you'll fall in love with her like we have. 

Get ready... "this is not a guilt trip, it's a field trip."

Thanks for listening!

Stacy and Emily