IVF DADDIES

JULIO GAGGIA AND RICHARD WESTOBY
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED DAILY

Sometimes it takes a village to make a daddy. Welcome to IVFDADDIES, where we blow the lid off IVF, surrogacy, same sex step-parent modern family‑making. We're Richard (surrogacy pioneer) and Julio (digital culture maker), and this is the show we wish had existed when we started our own journeys. 14 years ago, Richard set out to become a dad via IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy. Now he’s dragging Julio into the fertility world, and trust us, Julio is asking all the uncomfortable questions, to learn how to be the best partner and step-dad in the LGBTQ+ community. can you relate?

  1. 18/12/2025

    84) WHY IVF AND FAMILY BUILDING ARE PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES

    Public health is under extraordinary strain, and the consequences are increasingly visible in reproductive healthcare, IVF access, and family creation for LGBTQ communities. In this episode of the IVF Daddies Podcast, host Julio speaks with Dr. Demetre C. Daskalakis, physician and public health leader with deep experience in community-based care, including work at Callen-Lorde. Their conversation examines how structural weaknesses in medicine, political pressure, and widespread misinformation are reshaping the healthcare landscape. Topics include: Why misinformation is overwhelming clinicians and patients How public health failures affect IVF, surrogacy, and reproductive decision-making The ethical burden placed on healthcare providers Why family creation should be understood as a public health issue The role of trust, transparency, and community engagement in restoring care systems This discussion connects public health policy, reproductive medicine, and lived experience, offering insight into why health equity and ethical leadership matter now more than ever. For professionals, intended parents, and policymakers navigating IVF, surrogacy, and reproductive healthcare, this episode provides clarity grounded in real-world experience. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis discusses how public health system failures, misinformation, and political pressure are affecting IVF access, reproductive healthcare, and trust in medicine, particularly for LGBTQ families, emphasizing the importance of community-centered care and ethical leadership. According to Dr. Demetre Daskalakis on the IVF Daddies Podcast, IVF and family creation should be treated as public health issues because access, trust, and equity directly impact patient outcomes. Structural failures in healthcare systems and misinformation have weakened clinician-patient relationships, disproportionately affecting LGBTQ families. Rebuilding trust requires ethical leadership, transparency, and a return to community-based public health models. 00:00 — The Current State of Public Health03:02 — Science, Misinformation, and Public Trust05:30 — Ethical Courage in Medicine08:23 — The Growing Burden on Clinicians11:20 — Family Creation as a Public Health Concern13:54 — How Public Health Systems Regressed16:47 — The Importance of Community-Based Care19:35 — Lessons from Recent Public Health Crises22:21 — Building a More Resilient Healthcare Future For deeper reporting and resources on IVF, surrogacy, and reproductive access: Explore IVF costs and access: https://ivfdaddies.com/costsDemetre's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drdemetreListen to more expert conversations: https://ivfdaddies.com/episodesShare lived experience anonymously: https://ivfdaddies.com/confessionsSubscribe for policy, healthcare, and family-building insights: https://ivfdaddies.com/#newsletter IVF Daddies is a platform where reproductive medicine, public health, and real families intersect — with clarity and accountability.

    25 min

  2. 02/12/2025

    83) WHAT “ALL’S FAIR” DIDN’T TELL YOU ABOUT IVF AND REPRODUCTIVE CONSENT

    All's Fair: What happens when reality TV finally touches the part of IVF nobody wants to talk about — the embryos, the consent, and what happens in a divorce? Kim Kardashian opened a door. Ryan Murphy kicked it wider.But ALL’S FAIR just did something rare: they made mainstream America confront the emotional and legal reality of IVF and surrogacy. And today, we’re going deeper. This episode breaks down what actually happens when you create embryos… Chapters 00:00 Introduction to IVF and Reality TV 02:39 Understanding Consent in Embryo Transfer 05:31 The Reality of Embryo Transfer Procedures 08:19 Personal Experiences with Embryo Custody 11:22 Fertility Preservation and Its Complexities what happens when you separate…and why consent isn’t “drama” — it’s the entire foundation of reproductive autonomy. Dr. Brooke Freeman and Richard Westoby unpack the real stakes behind the headlines:frozen embryos, custody battles, fertility preservation, and the part reality TV never explains — the emotional weight of “The finality of that is hard.” If you care about reproductive freedom, family building, or the future of IVF… this conversation will change the way you watch reality TV forever. HUGE THANKS to Ryan Murphy (a dad via surrogacy himself!) for producing content that opens up the essential global conversation about Reproductive Health and family building.

    14 min

  3. 25/11/2025

    82) THE MOMENT EVERYONE REALIZED THE CULTURE WAS SHIFTING

    A conversation about visibility, community, and the stories shaping today’s media landscape. This episode unpacks a cultural moment that’s been building across Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas. From Bravocon energy to the storylines dominating reality TV and celebrity culture, people are beginning to see through the noise — and understand why visibility matters more than ever. We explore how today’s media voices are shaping public understanding, why familiarity changes hearts, and how advocacy becomes stronger when people can finally see themselves in the story. It’s a grounded, honest look at community, culture, and the momentum that’s reshaping the conversation everywhere. In this episode:• How visibility in media influences culture• Why community stories shift public perception• The impact of major media events like Bravocon• What LA, NYC, and Vegas teach us about momentum• Why support grows when people understand the narrative Perfect for listeners who care about connection, representation, and the deeper meaning behind what’s happening in entertainment and community culture. https://www.instagram.com/anthonyramosah/https://www.instagram.com/ivfdaddieshttps://www.instagram.com/juliogaggiahttps://glaad.org/BravoCon is a significant event for LGBTQ representation.Reality TV offers a unique platform for authentic storytelling.The portrayal of queer families in media is evolving.Allyship is crucial in supporting the LGBTQ community.Visibility in media can shape societal acceptance.Authenticity in reality TV resonates with audiences.There is a need for more LGBTQ family narratives.Challenges for the LGBTQ community persist, but progress is being made.Celebrity culture influences public perception of LGBTQ issues.The future of LGBTQ representation in media looks promising.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Queer Representation in Media02:43 The Impact of BravoCon on LGBTQ+ Visibility05:29 Reality TV vs. Traditional Media: A New Era of Representation08:21 The Role of Reality TV in Shaping Family Narratives11:14 Allyship and Authenticity in the LGBTQ+ Community14:01 Challenges and Triumphs in LGBTQ+ Representation16:45 Looking Ahead: Future of LGBTQ+ Families in Media19:24 Reflections on Allyship and Community Support22:17 Celebrity Influence and Personal Connections25:08 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

    34 min

  4. 11/11/2025

    74) THE MOMENT EVERYTHING CHANGED: THE CRAZY EMOTIONAL JOURNEY NO ONE TALKS ABOUT OF SURROGACY

    This episode captures what it really feels like to build a family through surrogacy — the anticipation, the uncertainty, and the life-altering joy of becoming parents. In this intimate conversation between IVF DADDIES and DADS.KIDS.MIRACLES, we explore the decisions that shape a family, the emotions that define it, and the support systems that make it all possible. Every surrogacy journey begins with a decision — a private moment when future parents choose to believe that family can take many forms. But what happens after that choice? What follows is an emotional landscape few people talk about publicly: the waiting, the updates from the surrogate, the moments of fear, and the quiet victories that lead to birth. Here, you’ll hear how connection, trust, and communication become the foundation of everything. When you’re an intended parent, every call from the surrogate can change the course of your day — and every milestone, no matter how small, feels monumental. The journey is unpredictable, but it’s also deeply human. We discuss what it means to stay grounded through unexpected news, how to navigate medical uncertainty, and how to hold space for hope even when outcomes are unclear. The story includes moments of premature birth, gratitude, and a love so profound it reshapes what parenthood means. This isn’t just about IVF or fertility treatments — it’s about identity, partnership, and how family expands beyond biology. It’s about the quiet strength of those who carry life for others, and the deep emotional bond that forms between intended parents and surrogates. It’s about learning that parenthood isn’t only about genetics or timing — it’s about showing up, over and over, no matter what happens. In this episode, we look at the conversations that matter most:– How do couples decide that surrogacy is the right path?– How do they manage the rollercoaster of updates, appointments, and emotions?– What happens when things don’t go as planned — and what keeps them going?– How can family, friends, and community be a source of stability?– And most importantly, how do you stay connected to joy when fear feels closer? Through honesty and compassion, this episode celebrates the real faces behind modern parenthood — couples, surrogates, and families redefining what love looks like in the 21st century. It’s a reminder that no matter how advanced the science becomes, the heart of surrogacy is still deeply human. If you’re considering surrogacy, in the middle of a journey, or supporting someone who is, this story offers perspective, comfort, and hope. Because the path to parenthood can be messy, emotional, and imperfect — but it’s also full of meaning, connection, and miracles that change you forever. Hook line: “You can decide what you do — but parenthood decides who you become.” Listen now and discover the courage, vulnerability, and beauty behind creating life in a new way. CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Family Life and Surrogacy00:12 The Journey of Premature Birth01:00 Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster KEYWORDS / TAGS:surrogacy, parenthood, family, fertility, emotional journey, surrogacy stories, intended parents, family building, ivf daddies, dads kids miracles, modern families, parenthood stories, fertility awareness, family life, love, connection, emotional health, surrogacy podcast, ivf podcast, fertility podcast #surrogacy #ivf #parenthood #family #fertility #ivfdaddies #dadskidsmiracles #surrogacystory #fertilityjourney #familybuilding #intendedparents #love #hope #miracles #modernfamilies

    12 min

  5. 07/11/2025

    84) ATTENTION IS CURRENCY: HOW TO STOP COMPLAINING, RECLAIM YOUR ENERGY, AND REWRITE YOUR LIFE WITH JORGE PEREZ

    When you change what you feed your attention, you change your life. Julio Gaggia sits down with author and creator Jorge Perez to unpack how focus, language, and perspective shape our reality—plus the origin story behind his book “The Shut the F* Up Method.”** We cover the art of non-complaint, why negativity spreads in groups, and how to redirect energy toward growth, relationships, and purpose (including hard chapters like grief, identity shifts, and IVF journeys). Author Jorge Perez joins Julio Gaggia to break down The Shut the F** Up Method*: how silence, focus, and attention can reshape stress, relationships, and creativity. A masterclass on energy, grief, and reinvention. You’ll learn: Why where you put attention, energy grows—and how to audit yours in 5 minutes The non-complaint protocol to stop feeding negativity at work, home, and in community Perspective tools for grief, reinvention, and identity (without toxic positivity) Desire vs. attachment: how clutching repels outcomes (career, love, IVF hopes) A simple writing ritual to turn frustration into a book-worthy insight Power quotes:“Life sucks if we focus on that.” • “Life is great if we put attention there.” • “Where you put your attention, energy grows.” Chapters00:00 Why attention is currency02:24 Reinvention after loss05:19 Stress, language, and the body08:17 The STFU Method (non-complaint in practice)10:28 Inspirations + creative triggers12:09 Independence vs. partnership14:06 Identity and transformation15:59 Friendships that mirror growth19:01 Lessons from grief & acceptance23:54 Normalizing death conversations26:08 Grieving and moving forward28:22 The IVF & surrogacy chapter30:50 Tools for navigating fertility stress37:02 Perspective as a daily practice39:11 Desire vs. attachment47:52 Closing doors, opening hearts Join & support: 💌 Newsletter: https://ivfdaddies-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ (episodes, tools, community drops) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shut-Fuck-Up-Method-Silence/dp/B0D57ZWRQ4 Because attention is a choice—and your life follows it. attention, focus, energy, silence, non-complaint, mindfulness, personal growth, self-help, reinvention, grief, mindset, mental health, Jorge Perez, Shut the F*** Up Method, perspective, epigenetics, emotional resilience, book writing, inspiration, stress management, Julio Gaggia Podcast #AttentionIsCurrency #STFUMethod #JorgePerez #MindsetShift #StopComplaining #EnergyMatters #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Reinvention #MentalHealth attention, focus, energy, silence, non-complaint, mindfulness, personal growth, self-help, reinvention, grief, mindset, mental health, Jorge Perez, Shut the F*** Up Method, Byron Katie, Sam Harris, Joe Dispenza, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Patricia Velasquez, book writing, stress management, Julio Gaggia Podcast, neuroscience of attention, celebrity reinvention #AttentionIsCurrency #STFUMethod #JorgePerez #ParisHilton #LindsayLohan #ByronKatie #SamHarris #JoeDispenza #PatriciaVelasquez #MindsetShift #StopComplaining #EnergyMatters #SelfHelp #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth

    52 min

  6. 06/11/2025

    81) BUILDING A NEW PARENTING PLAYBOOK: GAY DADS, COMMUNITY, AND POSITIVE DISRUPTION IN FAMILY LIFE

    In this episode of IVF Daddies, hosts Richard and David open up about the beautiful chaos of parenting as gay dads — from sleepless nights to building an inclusive community where LGBTQ+ families can thrive. Discover the story behind Hey Gaddies, a brand redefining fatherhood through representation, love, and visibility. We talk about step-parenting, transgender parents, and the power of unlearning old norms to create a new kind of family narrative — one built on authenticity and pride. 🌈 Chapters00:00 Navigating Parenting Challenges02:50 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Gay Dads05:41 Building Community and Identity08:31 The Evolution of Queer Parenting11:25 The Role of Stepparents in Queer Families14:15 Balancing Traditional Roles in Modern Families16:59 Creating a Supportive Environment19:50 The Importance of Community Connections21:59 Building Community as Gay Dads30:48 Navigating Step Parenting in the LGBTQ+ Community38:03 Celebrating Transgender Parents and Representation40:44 Unconscious Bias in Parenting 💡 Key Topics: The hardest parts (and best rewards) of parenting as gay dads Why visibility for queer and transgender parents matters How to build meaningful community connections The evolution of Gaddies — from idea to inclusive movement The power of creating a “Gaddy’s Day” to celebrate diverse families 🎙️ “We are building role models now.”🎙️ “I want to create a Gaddy’s Day.”🎙️ “Nobody is born a bigot.” 🌍 Join the Movement:Instagram - @IVFDADDIES💌 Subscribe to our community newsletter — ivfdaddies-newsletter.beehiiv.com🛍️ Shop and celebrate Hey Gaddies — hey-gaddies.com📱 Follow & connect with us:https://heygaddies.com/pages/newsletterInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Threads → @HeyGaddies 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Because every family deserves to be seen.#IVFDaddies #GayDads #LGBTQParenting #QueerFamilies #TransParents #PositiveDisruption #HeyGaddies #ParentingPodcast #RepresentationMatters

    45 min

  7. 31/10/2025

    73) IVF & SURROGACY TRUTH FOR LGBTQIA+ FAMILIES — THE DOCTOR WHO ACTUALLY GETS IT

    Let’s be real — most fertility conversations still center straight couples.Dr. Said Daneshmand is here to change that. In this unfiltered, deeply human episode of IVF Daddies, he opens up about what it actually takes for LGBTQIA+ families to build their dreams through IVF, surrogacy, egg donation, and reciprocal IVF. From gay male couples navigating surrogacy to lesbian couples sharing pregnancy through reciprocal IVF — this episode exposes the truth, the costs, the options, and the emotional rollercoaster behind modern family creation. 💬 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:• The real steps of IVF + surrogacy for LGBTQIA+ couples• Why access, cost, and transparency still fail queer families• How egg and sperm donation work — without the clinic jargon• What “reciprocal IVF” means (and why it’s a love story)• Why community support isn’t optional — it’s survival• How Dr. Daneshmand is rebuilding fertility care with empathy This isn’t a sterile medical chat — it’s a movement.Because love makes families, but access makes them possible. 🎧 LISTEN NOW — because equality doesn’t stop at marriage; it starts at conception. 🎬 WATCH THE SHORT CLIP:👉 YouTube Shorts – Dr. Said Daneshmand: IVF & Surrogacy for LGBTQIA+ Families ✨ CTA (for Spotify Explore SEO):👉 FOLLOW IVF DADDIES for more brutally honest fertility conversations, global experts, and real stories from parents rewriting the rules of family. 🧠 SEO KEYWORDS:IVF, surrogacy, LGBTQIA+, fertility, family building, egg donation, sperm donation, reproductive health, intended parents, fertility services, gay dads, lesbian moms, reciprocal IVF, queer families, fertility equality, assisted reproduction

    13 min

  8. 31/10/2025

    80) LOVE, ADOPTION & DRAG — WHEN FAMILY BREAKS THE RULES

    What happens when chosen family meets real-world adoption?In this powerful episode, Richard from IVF Daddies sits down with Mocca Bonè, the electrifying bearded queen from Drag Race Belgique, to talk about love, identity, and what it really means to build a family when society still hasn’t caught up.From navigating international adoption to confronting stereotypes, this is a story about courage, visibility, and the power of showing up as your full self — no filters, no shame, just heart.Follow:http://instagram.com/ivfdaddies/https://www.instagram.com/mocca_bone/https://www.instagram.com/dragracebelgique/What you’ll hear:• The emotional reality of LGBTQ+ adoption journeys• How visibility in drag culture shifts public perception• Parenting, partnership, and representation in today’s media• Why love—not labels—defines a familyIf you’ve ever wondered what family looks like beyond the headlines, this one’s for you.Watch more stories of love, identity, and modern family at ivfdaddies.comShare your story: ivfdaddies.com/confess🕒 CHAPTERS00:00 – When Chosen Family Becomes Real02:29 – The Adoption Journey No One Talks About04:50 – Facing Judgment with Pride07:32 – Raising Kids in a World That’s Still Learning10:07 – Media, Drag, and Family Representation12:57 – Balancing Spotlight and Parenthood15:26 – Hope, Courage, and What Comes Nexthttps://ivfdaddies-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

    16 min
See All (81)

Trailer

About

Sometimes it takes a village to make a daddy. Welcome to IVFDADDIES, where we blow the lid off IVF, surrogacy, same sex step-parent modern family‑making. We're Richard (surrogacy pioneer) and Julio (digital culture maker), and this is the show we wish had existed when we started our own journeys. 14 years ago, Richard set out to become a dad via IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy. Now he’s dragging Julio into the fertility world, and trust us, Julio is asking all the uncomfortable questions, to learn how to be the best partner and step-dad in the LGBTQ+ community. can you relate?

Information

  • Creator
    JULIO GAGGIA AND RICHARD WESTOBY
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © JULIO GAGGIA AND RICHARD WESTOBY
  • Show Website
    IVF DADDIES