Create A Happy Family

Parenthood doesn't always look the way we plan — but it can still be everything we dreamed of. Whitney talks with Liz & Brian Goulding and Brandon, three intended parents who built their families through egg donation. Their stories are filled with honesty, hope, and courage — from facing fertility realities and heartbreak to finding peace and joy in a different path to parenthood.

In this special episode, Whitney talks with the Surrogate Education and Matching Team at Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions — the women who help connect surrogates and intended parents every day. Through transparency, trust, and compassion, they show how every family begins with people who care deeply about making the journey personal and meaningful. 🌿

Two women — 2,700 miles apart — connected through surrogacy and built a lifelong friendship. After loss, Jackie found hope through Kaitlin, a first-time surrogate who carried her daughter and helped her become a mother. Their story is proof that love creates family in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. 🌷

Two women share how becoming egg donors changed their lives in ways they never expected. From emotional surprises to lasting connections, they reveal how giving the gift of life gave them something even greater — a deeper sense of purpose and love. 🌿

When Lisa and Aaron McDonnell began their first surrogacy journey, they never imagined they'd be back here — years later, starting again with the same surrogate who made them parents the first time. In this heartfelt conversation, host Whitney Hall sits down with Lisa and Aaron to talk about what it's like to grow your family through surrogacy twice — and with the same person who helped bring your first child into the world. They share the emotions, faith, and gratitude that led them to say yes again, the lessons they've carried from their first journey with Claire, and what it means to build a family grounded in love, trust, and hope. If you've ever wondered what surrogacy really looks like — emotionally and relationally — this story will remind you that family isn't defined by biology alone, but by the people who choose to create it together. Follow Lisa, Aaron, and Claire's ongoing sibling surrogacy journey on our social media, and join the Create a Happy Family community for more real stories from those creating families — and those who help make them possible.

Faith and fertility aren't opposites — they can work together to create new life. 🌿 Whitney talks with Pamela Brantley Dunnings — attorney, theologian, cancer survivor, and mother of twins through surrogacy — about how God can work through science to build families with love, grace, and purpose. A conversation about hope, ethics, and the miracles that happen when faith meets fertility.

Ever wonder what happens to your eggs after retrieval? Or what those mysterious embryo grades actually mean? In this eye-opening episode, Whitney sits down with Lucille Little, a traveling embryologist with nearly a decade of experience in human IVF, to break down the behind-the-scenes science of fertility treatment. Lucille has worked in top labs across the country and brings a unique blend of expertise and clarity to a topic that often feels overwhelming. Together, they dive into the step-by-step process that happens inside the lab—from fertilization and embryo development to grading, genetic testing, freezing, and beyond. Whether you're an intended parent, surrogate, egg donor, or just fertility-curious, you'll walk away from this episode with a clearer understanding of: -What embryologists actually do -How embryos are graded and why it matters -Common myths and misconceptions about embryo quality -The role of the lab in IVF success rates -What to ask your clinic about embryo care and storage Lucille's passion for helping people build families is contagious, and her insights are a must-hear for anyone navigating IVF or third-party reproduction. 🎧 Listen now to demystify the lab side of IVF—and feel empowered with the knowledge you deserve.

What does it mean to live a life of service? For Bridget Romero, it began with military discipline and sacrifice — and it continues today through the selfless act of surrogacy. In this inspiring episode of Create a Happy Family, Bridget shares how a quiet whisper became her calling. From being inspired by her cousin's infertility journey, to balancing single motherhood, to walking through the shots, structure, and sacrifice of surrogacy — her story is one of courage, purpose, and love. Bridget reminds us that service doesn't end with a uniform. Sometimes, it begins again with a new mission: helping another family's dream come true. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ How Bridget's military background prepared her for the discipline of surrogacy ✅ Why she describes her calling as "a whisper that grew louder" ✅ The role of self-advocacy and research in saying yes to surrogacy ✅ How she explained the process to her 12-year-old daughter — and her daughter's touching response ✅ The joy and nerves of being pregnant again after more than a decade ✅ Why surrogacy is about more than just the baby — it's about lifelong connection and purpose Whether you're a veteran, a single parent, or someone simply curious about surrogacy, Bridget's story will inspire you to listen to that whisper in your own life — and maybe even discover your new mission.

In this moving episode, Whitney talks with Whitney Kuhn Lawson, who became a mom through two surrogacy journeys. After facing infertility due to a medical diagnosis, Whitney and her husband built their family with the help of two incredible surrogates — and formed bonds that went far beyond the births of their children. Her story is one of love, resilience, and the lasting connections that come from creating a family through surrogacy.

What can nearly two decades in surrogacy and egg donation teach us about trust, connection, and creating families? 💛 In this milestone 100th episode, Whitney sits down with Executive Director Katy Encalade of Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions to reflect on 18 years of guiding families through assisted reproduction. From early lessons learned to the evolving landscape of ethics, education, and support, Katy shares invaluable insight on what truly matters when choosing an agency, matching with intended parents or surrogates, and navigating each step of this life-changing process. 💬 In this episode, you'll learn: 🔍 How to spot red flags when choosing an agency 🛡️ What real protections matter for surrogates, donors, and intended parents 💛 Why matching values matters more than logistics 🌱 How education and transparency build trust ✨ The importance of compassion and experience in every family-building journey Whether you're just beginning your journey or already deep in the process, this conversation will give you the clarity, reassurance, and confidence you need to take the next step toward creating your family. Links Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ] Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371] Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO] Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/] Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

What happens when you trust your intuition — even when the world tells you not to? In this powerful Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode of Create a Happy Family, you'll hear the extraordinary journey of Caroline, an intended mother whose gut instinct led to a life-saving breast cancer diagnosis, and Janna, the surrogate whose intuition during postpartum complications saved her from a stroke. Together, their courage and advocacy not only preserved their lives — it built a family. From Caroline's devastating diagnosis that shifted her family building plans, to Janna's decision to say "yes" to surrogacy and the joyful delivery set to The Lion King soundtrack, their journey is about advocacy, resilience, and the bond that built a family. Whether you're exploring surrogacy, navigating how to grow your family, or seeking hope during breast cancer treatment, this episode will inspire you to advocate for yourself, lean into intuition, and believe in the beauty of Plan B. ✨ Key Takeaways Trusting your body can save your life. Caroline and Janna's stories show the importance of listening to intuition, even when medical professionals dismiss your concerns. Plan B can be beautiful. Surrogacy wasn't Caroline's first choice, but it became the path to her miracle baby — and lifelong bonds with Janna's family. Advocacy is everything. From pushing for second opinions to demanding the right fertility care, their story highlights why self-advocacy is critical for health and family building. Links Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ] Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371] Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO] Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/] Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

After years of infertility, failed treatments, and finally choosing egg donation, Jody and Jennifer carried the joy of pregnancy—only to face the unimaginable loss of their babies. In this deeply honest conversation, they share what it was like to move through shock, grief, and feelings of shame, and how faith, community, and small moments of gratitude carried them forward. You'll hear Jody's story of walking through a decade of fertility treatments, ultimately turning to egg donation, and then facing complications late in pregnancy. You'll hear Jenn's story of countless IVF attempts, the decision to pursue egg donation, the joy of her Mother's Day positive test, and the heartbreak of losing her daughter after open-heart surgery. Together, they reveal how they've learned to hold grief and hope side by side—and how they continue to honor Brooklyn and Mateo while moving forward with courage. This episode is tender, raw, and full of truth. And while it does include stories of infant loss, it's also filled with reminders that even in the darkest seasons, light and hope are still possible. Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive discussions around infertility, egg donation, pregnancy complications, and infant loss. Please listen with care. LINKS Walk With You Non-Profit [https://www.walkwithyounonprofit.org/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ] Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371] Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO] Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/] Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

What do you do when IVF fails, and the path to parenthood feels impossible to navigate? That's the place Christi once found herself—heartbroken, overwhelmed, and unsure of what came next. But her determination to become a mom never faded. Through surrogacy and egg donation, she found not only a way forward but also a bigger circle of love than she ever expected. In this episode, Christi opens up about the emotions of infertility, what it was like to consider egg donation for the first time, and how she and her husband navigated the surrogacy process. She also shares the unexpected gifts of her journey—from the lifelong friendships she formed with the women who helped make her family possible to the joy of finally holding her babies. ✨ In this episode, you'll learn: How to move from overwhelm and uncertainty to confidence and hope Why surrogacy and egg donation can feel intimidating at first—but lead to incredible joy What intended parents should know about the emotional side of egg donation and surrogacy The lasting impact of relationships formed along the journey Christi's story is a reminder that even when the path looks different than you imagined, it can lead to the family—and the connections—you've been dreaming of. Links Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ] Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371] Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO] Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/] Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

What makes a surrogacy journey thrive? In this episode, Whitney is joined by Rachel Goldberg, LMFT and perinatal mental health specialist, to explore the crucial role of communication between intended parents and gestational carriers. Rachel explains how setting clear expectations, understanding attachment styles, and practicing self-awareness can reduce anxiety, build reassurance, and foster trust. Packed with practical insights, this conversation will help intended parents, surrogates, and anyone supporting families navigate the emotional complexities of surrogacy with confidence and connection. Links Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ] Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371] Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO] Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/] Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

If you've ever felt lost in the world of IVF, surrogacy, or egg donation—this is the guide you've been waiting for. Joining Whitney is Dr. Carrie Bedient, one of the three renowned fertility specialists behind the hit podcast Fertility Docs Uncensored and now co-author of their new book The IVF Blueprint—the very first comprehensive guide to IVF. Alongside Dr. Abby Eblen and Dr. Susan Hudson, she's transformed years of clinical expertise and countless patient questions into an accessible, step-by-step roadmap for navigating fertility treatment. You'll hear why IVF isn't linear—it's a marathon of science and emotions—and why emotional support is just as critical as medical expertise. Dr. Bedient shares how the book feels like sitting at your kitchen table with three fertility doctor friends, ready to guide you through everything from IVF protocols and lifestyle choices to trending medications like GLP-1s. Whether you're considering egg donation, surrogacy, or IVF for yourself, this episode and book will give you the clarity, confidence, and community you need to take the next step.

What if you knew you wanted to be a parent—even if it meant doing it on your own? In this episode, Whitney sits down with Chris Pombonyo to hear his journey of becoming a single dad through egg donation and surrogacy. Chris shares the decisions, challenges, and incredible joy that shaped his path to parenthood. He also reflects on the importance of community, the value of reliable resources, and why representation for single parents matters so much. Whether you're considering surrogacy, curious about egg donation, or exploring single parenthood, this conversation will leave you encouraged and informed about what's possible in family creation today. Links Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ] Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371] Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO] Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/] Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

Okay, so you've harvested eggs—now what? 🤯 That question is exactly why Dr. Carrie Bedient is joining us today. As Southern Nevada's first female board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, a fertility expert at The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, and co-host of the Fertility Docs Uncensored podcast, Dr. Bedient has a gift for simplifying what often feels overwhelming. In this episode, we break down what happens after egg retrieval: ✅ How embryos are created ✅ Genetic testing—when it helps and what to consider ✅ Deciding whether to use donor eggs and/or move toward surrogacy ✅ Emotional fatigue and decision overwhelm ✅ What to expect from your embryology team ✅ The science and the emotion behind your next steps If you're deep in IVF, considering donor eggs, or staring down a dozen fertility decisions with no idea where to start—this is your roadmap. You'll walk away feeling more confident, informed, and empowered in your fertility journey. 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share to support others on the path to parenthood. #IVFJourney #EggRetrieval #EmbryoGrading #GeneticTesting #FertilityPodcast #DonorEggs #SurrogacySupport #FertilityDecisionFatigue #FertilityEducation Links Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ] Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371] Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO] Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/] Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

Heather shares the raw truth of her surrogacy journey—from saying "yes" to IVF, managing gestational diabetes, and giving birth during a hurricane. Discover the emotional highs, unexpected challenges, and the powerful connection between surrogate and intended parents. Takeaways: Why Heather chose surrogacy IVF challenges and medical realities The importance of advocacy and communication Trust between surrogate and intended parents Labor and delivery during unexpected crises Postpartum recovery and emotional complexity Links Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ] Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371] Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO] Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/] Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

Are you navigating the emotional rollercoaster of infertility or surrogacy—or supporting someone who is? This episode will make you feel seen. Whitney is joined by fertility counselor and licensed clinical social worker Kelli Johnson, who has helped countless intended parents work through the mental and emotional load of building a family. They dive deep into the often unspoken truths about this journey—like how grief and hope can live side by side—and why acknowledging both is so important. You'll walk away with: Insight into the emotional highs and lows of surrogacy Tips for building stronger communication with your surrogate The power of therapy and peer support through every stage Whether you're early in the process or already matched, this conversation will leave you feeling more grounded, supported, and empowered to take the next step. Links Willow and Wildflower Counseling [https://www.willowandwildflowercounseling.com/home] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ] Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371] Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO] Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/] Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

What's it really like when your wife decides to become a surrogate? In this unique and candid episode, Whitney sits down with five husbands whose wives are not only surrogates but also team members at Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions. These dads and partners pull back the curtain to share what the surrogacy journey looks like from their point of view. They talk about everything from their first reactions to the idea of surrogacy, how they came to understand and support the process, and the incredible moments of meeting intended parents and witnessing the births of babies their families helped bring into the world. You'll hear honest reflections on how surrogacy impacted their marriages, family life, and kids, along with their advice for other partners who might be unsure about saying "yes" to this journey. If you're a spouse, partner, or just curious about how surrogacy affects the whole family, this episode is full of insight, laughter, and powerful perspective. Takeaways -Surrogacy is a profound journey that impacts the entire family. -Initial reactions to the idea of surrogacy can vary widely among partners. -Understanding the surrogacy process is crucial for both the surrogate and her partner. -Meeting the intended parents can make the surrogacy journey feel real and meaningful. -Family dynamics play a significant role in the surrogacy experience. -The emotional journey of surrogacy is filled with highs and lows. -Delivery day is a pivotal moment that solidifies the purpose of surrogacy. -Support during the pregnancy is essential for the surrogate and her family. -Reflections on the journey highlight the lasting bonds formed between families. -Advice for potential surrogates and their partners emphasizes communication and education. Links Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ] Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371] Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO] Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/] Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]