Create A Happy Family

Fertility isn't just about trying harder — it's about understanding time and timing. In this episode, Dr. Melvin Thornton explains what most couples miss about fertility, including why properly timed intercourse and early evaluation matter more than many people realize. If you're trying to get pregnant, navigating infertility, or wondering when to seek help, this conversation breaks down the foundational steps before moving to IVF or advanced treatment. Dr. Thornton also addresses one of the most overlooked contributors to infertility: male factor fertility. Nearly 40% of fertility challenges involve sperm health, yet many couples delay or skip a semen analysis early in the process. In this episode, you'll learn: • What "time and timing" really mean when trying to conceive • When age becomes a critical fertility factor • Why ovulation tracking matters • Why sperm analysis should often come first • How to approach fertility testing in a structured, informed way Whether you're just starting your fertility journey or reassessing next steps, this episode offers practical, evidence-based guidance to help you focus on the fundamentals before escalating care. Understanding fertility starts with clarity — and clarity starts with the right information.

What starts as one surrogate saying yes grows into something much bigger. In this episode, Whitney sits down with Cassie, a three-time surrogate whose journey didn't just help create families — it sparked a growing community of surrogates who support, celebrate, and carry one another through every stage of the process. Cassie shares how her desire to become a gestational carrier began long before she had children of her own and how taking one step forward led to a ripple effect she never could have planned. From being the only surrogate she knew to watching a trusted, local network grow beyond her imagination, Cassie reflects on the power of patience, shared experience, and showing up honestly. In this episode, you'll hear about: How Cassie's surrogacy journey expanded into meaningful community Why shared experience deepens support The role of trust, ethics, and communication in sustainable journeys Holding space for both celebration and grief within community Cassie's story is a reminder that you don't always see the impact you're making — but sometimes, one decision can change far more lives than you ever expected. AUDIO: What starts as one surrogate saying yes grows into something much bigger. In this episode, Whitney sits down with Cassie, a three-time surrogate whose journey didn't just help create families — it led to a growing community of surrogates who support, celebrate, and carry one another through every stage of the process. Cassie shares how her desire to become a gestational carrier began long before she had children of her own, and how taking one step forward created a ripple effect she never could have planned. From early connections to watching a trusted local network grow, she reflects on the power of shared experience, patience, and showing up honestly for one another. This conversation explores what makes surrogacy feel sustainable beyond the medical side — including trust, ethics, clear communication, and the importance of holding space for both celebration and grief within a community. Cassie's story is a reminder that you don't always see the impact you're making in the moment — but sometimes, one decision can shape far more lives than you ever expected.

Egg donation is often discussed in clinical terms — procedures, timelines, and compensation — but for some donors, the experience goes beyond the calendar and includes unexpected relationships with the intended parents. In this episode, Morgan shares what egg donation was actually like for her, including what surprised her most and how her experience challenged common assumptions about donors, boundaries, and attachment. She reflects on navigating relationships thoughtfully, being invited to meet the baby she helped create, and how intention shaped her journey. If you're thinking about egg donation or want a clearer picture of what the experience can actually look like, this conversation offers insight from someone who's been through it.

In this episode, Whitney talks with Korbet Annis, a stem cell expert, to explain the key differences between cord blood banking and newborn stem cell banking. From how each is used to the misconceptions families often hear, Korbet breaks down the science in a clear, approachable way. This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to make informed decisions before birth. For more information, visit the following links: VitalCells [https://vitalcells.com/] https://online.flippingbook.com/view/60551055/ https://vimeo.com/957259315

In this episode, Whitney talks with Amy Huston, who shares her experience building a family through egg donation and surrogacy after medical challenges made pregnancy impossible. From IVF setbacks to releasing the need for genetic connection, Amy reflects on "borrowed trust," letting go of control, and finding peace on an unexpected path to parenthood.

In this episode, Whitney is joined by Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, known as The Egg Whisperer, for a clear and practical conversation about what to do before starting fertility treatment. From simple testing and the TUSHY Method to egg freezing, embryo quality, and egg donation, Dr. Aimee explains how to approach fertility with knowledge, confidence, and self-advocacy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone taking their first steps — or wishing they had clearer answers sooner.

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]