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Create A Happy Family

Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions

Who knew it could take more than two people to have a baby?

Create A Happy Family is a weekly podcast for anyone exploring surrogacy or egg donation — hopeful parents, surrogates, and egg donors alike.

This show brings you real stories, expert insights, and honest conversations from people who’ve lived it.

Hosted by Whitney Hall — a two-time surrogate and surrogacy coordinator with Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions — each episode offers the clarity, transparency, and support you need to explore your family-building options with confidence.

You’ll hear from intended parents, surrogates, egg donors, and professionals, each sharing their unique perspective to help guide yours.

Whether you’re just beginning or deep in the decision-making process, Create A Happy Family will equip you with the knowledge, encouragement, and reassurance to move forward — feeling truly informed and supported.

💫 Creating Happy Families via Egg Donation & Surrogacy, one relationship at a time.

Please click --> Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions to find out more!

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21 episodes
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Avg 44 min
English

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S4 · E38
Wednesday · 44 min
The Birth Didn't Go as Planned... The Moment Was Better.
Birth rarely goes exactly as planned. When Jessica's surrogacy journey unexpectedly ended in an emergency C-section, the moment she had been envisioning all along didn't happen the way she expected, but it became even more beautiful. In this episode of Create A Happy Family, Jessica shares how trust, communication, and a genuine relationship with her intended parents transformed an unexpected birth into one of the most meaningful moments of her life. From matching and pregnancy to delivery and life after surrogacy, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the best journeys are built on connection, not perfection. In this episode, we discuss: Finding the right intended parents Building trust throughout a surrogacy journey When birth doesn't go as planned Creating meaningful relationships through surrogacy Supporting intended parents during delivery Life after a successful surrogacy journey CONNECT WITH EGG DONOR & SURROGATE SOLUTIONS https://createahappyfamily.com/ @createahappyfamily #surrogacy #gestationalcarrier #birthstory #intendedparents #familybuilding
S4 · E37
August 26 · 41 min
When Should You Tell Your Donor-Conceived Child?
When should you tell your donor-conceived child their story? Not "if," but "when." In today's world, donor conception is no longer something families can, or should, keep secret. More importantly, experts and donor-conceived adults agree that children benefit from growing up knowing their story. In this episode of Create A Happy Family, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Danny Shapiro and donor-conceived adult Josh McLaurin share why early disclosure matters, how it shapes identity, and why DNA isn't destiny. Together, they offer practical guidance and reassurance for parents navigating donor conception with honesty, love, and confidence. In this episode, we discuss: When to tell your donor-conceived child Why early disclosure matters Identity and donor conception Meeting your biological donor as an adult Common concerns intended parents have Why DNA doesn't define a family Subscribe for more conversations about donor conception, IVF, egg donation, surrogacy, and family building. #donorconception #ivf #eggdonation #familybuilding #intendedparents CONNECT WITH EGG DONOR & SURROGATE SOLUTIONS https://createahappyfamily.com/ @createahappyfamily
S4 · E36
August 19 · 20 min
When I Couldn't Be a Surrogate Anymore
What happens when a surrogacy journey doesn’t go the way you hoped? In this episode, our host Whitney Hall gets vulnerable and shares the part of her story she rarely talks about: her third surrogacy journey ending after two failed transfers and the emotions that followed. After two successful journeys, Whitney never expected how much her identity had become tied to being a “successful surrogate” until that role suddenly changed. What followed was a complicated mix of grief, anger, loss, and questioning where she still fit within a space that had once felt so deeply connected to her purpose. This conversation explores: * the emotional impact of failed transfers in surrogacy * how identity can become tied to outcomes * unnamed grief and loss after a journey ends * what happens when hope no longer feels certain * learning to hold both heartbreak and meaning at the same time * why support matters even when a journey doesn’t move forward This episode is an honest reflection on surrogacy, loss, identity, and the quieter parts of this work that often go unseen. And for anyone navigating disappointment, grief, or an unexpected ending in this space, this conversation is a reminder that your story, your effort, and the hope you carried still matter.
S4 · E35
August 12 · 1 hr 4 min
You Want to Build Your Family, But Do You Know Your Options?
Many people know they want to build a family, but they don’t fully understand the options available to them, or even where to start. In this episode of Create a Happy Family, Justine Witzke, PhD, MPH, Founder & CEO of Aligneage Fertility, shares how understanding your fertility can bring greater clarity to the family-building process. From semen analysis and male fertility preservation, to donor sperm, and coordinated care, Justine explains how better information can help intended parents make more informed decisions about their next steps, and why fertility care is about more than test results. It’s about understanding the whole person, their goals, and the path their path to parenthood. In this episode, we discuss: • What a semen analysis can tell you • Common misconceptions about fertility • Fertility preservation and future planning • Donor sperm and care options Whether you’re exploring IVF, egg donation, surrogacy, or sperm donation, this conversation offers practical insight to help you better understand your options and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. CONNECT WITH ALIGNEAGE FERTILITY https://www.aligneagefertility.com CONNECT WITH EGG DONOR & SURROGATE SOLUTIONS https://www.createahappyfamily.com @createahappyfamily
S4 · E34
August 5 · 52 min
How Surrogacy Psych Evaluations Really Work
In this episode of Create A Happy Family, psychotherapists Leslee Murphy and Kristin Malejan explain how surrogacy psych evaluations really work, why clinics require them, and what they're actually looking for. Rather than searching for perfection, they're looking at the whole person to help set surrogates and intended parents up for a healthy, successful journey. In this episode, we discuss: What happens during a surrogacy psych evaluation Common misconceptions about psychological clearances How ASRM guidelines are used in real life Why psychologists look beyond a checklist Why communication, support, and expectations matter CONNECT WITH MEMORIAL WELLNESS & COUNSELING https://memorialwell.com/ CONNECT WITH EGG DONOR & SURROGATE SOLUTIONS https://createahappyfamily.com/ @createahappyfamily #surrogacy #psychologicalevaluation #gestationalcarrier #intendedparents #familybuilding
S4 · E33
July 29 · 43 min
What It's Really Like to Be a Surrogate
Jordan dreamed of becoming a surrogate for more than a decade before finally taking the leap. In this episode, she shares what it's really like to be a surrogate, from matching with intended parents and navigating a surrogacy journey to delivery and life after birth. She opens up about the fears many women have before becoming a surrogate, the incredible relationship she built with her intended parents, and why she says surrogacy was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. When baby faced unexpected medical challenges after birth, Jordan found herself asking a question many surrogates fear: "Was this somehow my fault?" She shares how she worked through those emotions and what the experience taught her about trust, communication, and support. In this episode, we discuss: • Becoming a surrogate • Matching with intended parents • Pregnancy, delivery, and life after birth • Common fears and misconceptions about surrogacy • Navigating unexpected challenges after delivery • The power of communication, trust, and support Whether you're considering becoming a surrogate, exploring surrogacy as part of your family-building journey, or simply curious about the process, this conversation offers an honest look at what surrogacy is really like, and why Jordan says she'd do it again. CONNECT WITH EGG DONOR & SURROGATE SOLUTIONS https://createahappyfamily.com/ @createahappyfamily #surrogacy #surrogate #intendedparents #familybuilding
S4 · E32
July 22 · 42 min
I Helped Create a Family Before Starting My Own
Hannah first considered egg donation as a way to help pay for college. What she didn't expect was how much the experience would change her life. In this episode, Hannah shares her journey as an egg donor, from seeing an ad on social media and navigating the screening process to helping create a family and learning that one of her donations resulted in a live birth. Now pregnant with her own daughter, she reflects on egg donation with an entirely new perspective and explains why she says she'd do it again. In this episode, we discuss: • Why Hannah chose to become an egg donor • Common fears and misconceptions about egg donation • The egg donation process and what to expect • Egg banks vs. private donation • Learning that a donation resulted in a baby • How becoming pregnant changed her perspective on helping other families Whether you're considering becoming an egg donor or simply curious about the experience, Hannah offers an honest look at the process, the impact it had on her life, and the families she helped along the way. CONNECT WITH EGG DONOR & SURROGATE SOLUTIONS https://createahappyfamily.com/ @createahappyfamily CONNECT WITH CHILES & WARREN https://www.chileswarrenlawgroup.com/
S4 · E31
July 15 · 48 min
IVF Laws Are Changing: What You Need to Know
Every few months, another headline or proposed law leaves intended parents and surrogates wondering: “How could this impact my journey?” In this episode, ART attorney Joni Franklin breaks down what’s actually changing in surrogacy and IVF law, what people are misunderstanding online, and what intended parents and surrogates should really be paying attention to right now. We discuss evolving regulations, growing oversight, compensation shifts, legal misconceptions, and why experienced professionals matter more than ever in today’s landscape. This conversation isn’t about panic. It’s about clarity, realistic expectations, and moving through this process with confidence. CONNECT WITH FRANKLIN LAW OFFICE https://www.jfranklinlaw.com/ CONNECT WITH ART RISK FINANCIAL & INSURANCE SOLUTIONS https://www.chileswarrenlawgroup.com/ CONNECT WITH EGG DONOR & SURROGATE SOLUTIONS https://createahappyfamily.com/ @createahappyfamily
S4 · E30
July 8 · 58 min
How Do You Choose the Right Surrogacy Agency?
Learning how to choose a surrogacy agency is one of the biggest decisions you'll make, whether you're hoping to become a surrogate or grow your family through surrogacy. But not all surrogacy agencies operate the same way. In this episode of Create A Happy Family, the Education and Matching Team at Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions shares what every surrogate and intended parent should know before saying yes to a surrogacy agency. From matching and education to communication, screening, advocacy, and support, we discuss the questions you should be asking and the standards every agency should meet. In this episode, we discuss: How to choose a surrogacy agency Questions to ask before signing with an agency Red flags to watch for What ethical agency standards look like How agencies should support surrogates throughout their journey How agencies should support intended parents from match to delivery Why communication, transparency, and advocacy matter Whether you're just beginning your research or deciding between agencies, our hope is that this conversation helps you move forward with confidence and clarity. #surrogacy #surrogacyagency #gestationalcarrier #intendedparents #familybuilding CONNECT WITH EGG DONOR & SURROGATE SOLUTIONS https://createahappyfamily.com/ @createahappyfamily
S4 · E29
July 1 · 1 hr 3 min
I Finally Became a Mom… But I Wasn't Prepared for Postpartum
What happens after infertility… when you finally become a mom, but still find yourself struggling emotionally? In this episode, Blair shares her journey through recurrent loss, IVF, egg donation, and the unexpected reality of postpartum anxiety after finally welcoming her son, Archie. As a labor and delivery nurse, Blair spent years helping other families welcome babies into the world while navigating her own heartbreak behind the scenes. She opens up about repeated miscarriages, the emotional decision to use an egg donor, the moment she “just knew” her donor was meant to be part of their story, and the complicated emotions that came after finally becoming a mother. This conversation explores: • infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss • choosing egg donation • postpartum anxiety after infertility • the pressure to feel “grateful” after finally having a baby • learning to ask for help and give yourself grace • hope, resilience, and continuing to be brave through motherhood Whether you’re walking through infertility, postpartum, egg donation, or simply trying to navigate motherhood honestly, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone.
S4 · E28
June 24 · 1 hr 2 min
If IVF Is So Expensive, Why Transfer Just One Embryo?
If IVF is so expensive, why would a fertility clinic recommend transferring just one embryo instead of two? It's a question many intended parents ask. After all, if you're investing so much time, money, and emotion into building your family, wouldn't transferring two embryos increase your chances of success? In this episode, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Julian Escobar explains why modern IVF treatment has moved toward single embryo transfers and why more embryos don't necessarily mean better outcomes. Drawing from his expertise and personal experience with growing his own family, we discuss the risks associated with multiple pregnancies, how IVF success is measured today, and why the ultimate goal isn't just pregnancy—it's bringing home a healthy baby. In this episode, we discuss: • Single embryo transfer vs. double embryo transfer • Why fertility clinics prioritize healthy outcomes • The risks of twin and multiple pregnancies • Common misconceptions about IVF success • How intended parents can make informed IVF treatment decisions If you've ever wondered why fertility doctors often recommend transferring a single embryo, even when transferring two seems like the better bet, this episode will help you understand the reasoning behind one of the most important decisions in IVF and fertility treatment. CONNECT WITH DR. JULIAN ESCOBAR https://conceivefertilitycenter.com/ @drjulianescobar CONNECT WITH GATHER RECORDS COLLECTION & REVIEW https://gatherrecords.com/ CONNECT WITH EGG DONOR & SURROGATE SOLUTIONS https://createahappyfamily.com/ @createahappyfamily
S4 · E27
June 17 · 37 min
We Met Through Surrogacy. Now We're Family.
Nick and Bailey met because of surrogacy. They never expected to become family. In this special Father's Day conversation, intended father Nick and surrogate spouse Bailey share how trust, vulnerability, and open communication transformed a surrogacy journey into a lifelong friendship. What started as supporting their wives became a relationship built on respect, honesty, and a shared commitment to helping one family grow. In this episode, we discuss: • The role of the intended father and surrogate spouse • Building trust throughout a surrogacy journey • Supporting your spouse through family building • Communication, respect, and setting expectations • How a surrogacy match became family Whether you're an intended parent, surrogate, or surrogate spouse, this conversation is a reminder that the relationships built along the journey can be just as meaningful as the destination. CONNECT WITH EGG DONOR & SURROGATE SOLUTIONS @createahappyfamily CONNECT WITH SEEDTRUST ESCROW #Surrogacy #IntendedParents #FamilyBuilding #Surrogate #IntendedFather #SurrogateSpouse #FamilyThroughSurrogacy #AssistedReproduction #FertilityJourney #CreateAHappyFamily
S4 · E26
June 10 · 1 hr 8 min
IVF Daddies: Don't Navigate This Alone
Richard and Julio of IVF Daddies share what intended parents need to know about IVF, surrogacy, egg donation, international family building, and why community can make all the difference on your family-building journey. Through their podcast and family-building community, they've helped thousands of intended parents better understand the complex world of assisted reproduction and family building. In this episode, we discuss: • Family building across international borders • Finding trusted professionals and ethical partners • The questions intended parents should be asking • Why education, advocacy, and community matter Whether you're pursuing IVF, surrogacy, egg donation, or simply exploring your options, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to do this alone. CONNECT WITH IVF Daddies Website: https://www.ivfdaddies.com/ YouTube: ‪@ivfdaddies‬ Instagram: ivfdaddies
S4 · E25
June 3 · 51 min
The Future of Fertility Care Is More Personal Than Ever
AI, embryo technology, and personalized fertility treatment are changing the future of fertility care, but what does that actually mean for patients? In this episode, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Meir Olcha breaks down how fertility care is evolving through AI-assisted technology, precision medicine, embryo imaging, and more individualized approaches to IVF treatment. We also discuss why human connection, transparency, and patient advocacy still matter just as much as innovation, especially in a process that can often feel overwhelming and uncertain. In this conversation, we cover: * how AI is already being used in fertility care * the future of embryo selection and IVF technology * what personalized fertility treatment actually means * balancing innovation with realistic expectations * fertility care for LGBTQ intended parents * how patients can navigate misinformation online * why individualized care matters in IVF, surrogacy, and egg donation journeys Whether you’re considering IVF, exploring surrogacy or egg donation, preserving your fertility, or simply curious about where reproductive medicine is headed, this episode offers an honest and hopeful look at what’s changing in fertility care, and what patients should really pay attention to. CONNECT WITH DR. MEIR OLCHA Website: https://www.iperchfertility.com Instagram: @meirolchamd @perchfertility
S4 · E24
May 27 · 36 min
Choosing an Egg Donor? Start Here
Choosing an egg donor can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re navigating cost, timelines, and decisions that feel deeply personal. In this episode, Egg Donor Matching Coordinator Katie G. breaks down what intended parents are really facing at the beginning of the process, from sticker shock and insurance confusion to the emotional weight of finding the right donor. We also discuss: fresh vs. frozen egg donation what actually happens behind the scenes during matching common misconceptions around donor cycles how agencies support intended parents through the process and how to move forward with more clarity and less fear If you’re considering egg donation and wondering where to even begin, this episode is a grounded, honest look at what to expect and how to navigate the process with confidence.
S4 · E23
May 20 · 39 min
The Hard Conversations in Surrogacy
In this episode, we’re joined by reproductive psychologist Dr. Julie Bindeman to explore one of the most difficult, and important, conversations that can arise in a surrogacy journey. Dr. Bindeman works with intended parents, surrogates, and donors navigating the emotional complexities of third-party reproduction. Together we discuss why some conversations feel hard to approach, why they matter early in the matching process, and how thoughtful communication can help protect everyone involved. If you're exploring surrogacy as an intended parent or considering becoming a surrogate, this episode offers insight, perspective, and guidance.
S4 · E22
May 13 · 1 hr 1 min
When Joy Leads the Surrogacy Journey
What happens when both the intended mom and the surrogate choose joy over fear? In this episode, you’ll meet Maddison and Jesse, an intended mother and surrogate whose relationship was rooted in authenticity, vulnerability, and celebration from the very beginning. Instead of bracing for what could go wrong, they made a conscious decision to celebrate every milestone, every appointment, and every step of the surrogacy journey. What began as a match quickly became a genuine friendship, one that brought two families together in a way neither of them expected. In this conversation, you’ll discover: • What intentional joy looks like in surrogacy • How alignment turns into lasting friendship • Why emotional trust matters in matching • How surrogates and intended parents can build a relationship rooted in celebration, not fear If you’re exploring surrogacy, whether as a hopeful intended parent or a potential surrogate, this episode offers a hopeful, grounded look at what’s possible when trust, gratitude, and partnership lead the way.
S4 · E21
May 6 · 50 min
She Had 4 Failed Transfers… Then Everything Changed
We Kept Going… But Not in the Same Way Jen’s path to becoming a mom didn’t follow a straight line. After years of trying, multiple rounds of IVF, and not a single embryo, she made the decision to move forward with egg donation, hoping that would finally be the turning point. But even then, things didn’t go as expected. After four failed transfers, Jen found herself in a place so many women reach in this process: Do you keep going the same way… or do you change something? In this episode, Jen shares what it looked like to keep moving forward while also making the difficult decision to shift direction, from choosing a new agency and egg donor to changing clinics, and what ultimately led to the birth of her daughter. We talk about: • What it’s like to go through years of infertility with no clear answers • Why egg donation doesn’t always mean immediate success • The emotional weight of repeated failed transfers • How to recognize when it’s time to make a change • What gave her the confidence to try a different path • The reality of holding onto hope while adjusting expectations This episode is a reminder that continuing forward doesn’t always mean staying on the same path. Sometimes, the most important step is choosing a different one. If you’re in the middle of your journey and questioning what to do next, this conversation will meet you there.
S4 · E20
April 29 · 34 min
What You're Not Told About Surrogacy and Egg Donation
In this episode, we’re sharing a conversation featuring Katy Encalade, President & CEO of Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions, from the IVF Daddies Podcast. If you’re exploring surrogacy or egg donation, it’s easy to focus on the steps but having a clearer understanding of the bigger picture makes all the difference. In this conversation, Katy breaks down: • What a realistic timeline looks like from embryo creation to baby • Why many families need more embryos than they expect • Where patience matters most in the journey • Why matching matters more than speed • What Intended Parents often overlook when choosing an egg donor • Red flags to watch for when evaluating agencies This is the part of the process most people don’t fully understand, until they’re already in it. If you’re exploring surrogacy or egg donation, it’s easy to focus on the steps but having a clearer understanding of the bigger picture makes all the difference. If you’re early in your journey, or already in the middle of it, this will change how you think about what comes next.
April 24 · 2 min
Infertility Awareness Doesn't End Here
What happens after National Infertility Awareness Week ends? In this mini moment, Katy Encalade reflects on what it really means to carry this work forward, beyond a single week, a hashtag, or a moment. After nearly two decades in the surrogacy and egg donation space, Katy shares what most people don’t see: the everyday conversations, decisions, and support that shape how families are built. This isn’t just about awareness, it’s about responsibility, guidance, and doing this work the ethical way. If you’re navigating infertility, or considering surrogacy or egg donation, this is a reminder that your journey doesn’t end here. And neither does the support.

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