becoming babyREADY with Sam Leeson - All About Queer Family Planning & Creation

Sam Leeson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

"becoming babyREADY" is a Queer-centred podcast exploring the journeys of 2SLGBTQIA+ family creation. Through conversations with Queer parents and professionals, we dive into what it takes to build intentional families — from legal and financial prep to emotional support and hands-on care. Rooted in Canada and reaching around the world, these stories offer insight, inspiration, and community for anyone growing their family with pride.

  1. Semper Forward: Ashley Christman's Battle Through Cancer, Service, and Motherhood

    21h ago

    Semper Forward: Ashley Christman's Battle Through Cancer, Service, and Motherhood

    What happens when a decorated Marine officer — who has faced deployments, cross-country moves, and the fight for the right to marry the woman she loves — discovers she's been quietly battling a stage four cancer diagnosis for years? Ashley Christman's story is one of relentless resilience. She and her wife Melissa first met as active duty Marine Corps officers in 2012, marrying in August 2013 — just one month after DOMA was repealed. From the beginning, their life together was defined by change: coast-to-coast moves, overseas tours, and the unique sacrifices that come with serving your country side by side with your partner. But for years beneath the surface, something was wrong. Ashley's symptoms were scattered, confusing, and easy to dismiss — yet she knew. She kept showing up to doctors, kept advocating for herself, kept trusting her instincts. In 2021, she finally received the answer she had been pushing for: a Neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis. Stage four. And the hits kept coming. In the same year, Ashley and Melissa navigated a new baby, a cross-country move, and a global pandemic — all while processing one of the most devastating diagnoses a person can receive. Rather than retreat, Ashley advanced. She retired from active duty and channeled her story into not one, but two powerful short films: The Commitment to Courage, her deeply personal account of the road to diagnosis (available on YouTube), and Forward, a testament to her extraordinary strength in charting a new life after a stage four diagnosis - currently being showcased at film festivals around the world. In this episode, Ashley opens up meeting the love of her life, creating the family she dreamed of as well as the years of dismissed symptoms, the moment everything changed, and what it truly means to push forward when the mission is your own survival. Links mentioned: The Commitment to Courage — https://youtu.be/kgdIc7ekZ3Y?si=WJQRH1GiojQGdulyForward — check it out on IG: www.instagram.com/forwardthefilm • • Learn more about Ashley and her journey by following her on IG: www.instagram.com/abc_traveler  Film Links: Film: “The Commitment to Courage: The Ashley Christman Story” https://youtu.be/kgdIc7ekZ3Y?si=BMNj5FDRO2OINcts Film:  Forward Instagram | @forwardthefilm LinkTree | https://linktr.ee/AshleyBChristman    Neuroendocrine Cancer Resources: NCF - Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation | Resources for Patients & Caregivers NCAN - The Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network (NCAN) NETRF - Better Treatments For Neuroendocrine Tumors NETRF NANETS – https://nanets.net ENETS - European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society - enets.org   Servicemember Resources: JMMF - Home - Jimmy Miller Foundation - Ocean Therapy, CONUS West Coast and Hawaii HunterSeven Foundation - Resources and Information for Servicemembers and Veterans with Cancer Warrior Foundation Freedom Station - Warrior Foundation Freedom Station – SUPPORT FOR TRANSITIONING ILL AND INJURED WARRIORS Invictus Games Foundation - Invictus Games Semper Fi and America’s Fund - Help & Services - Semper Fi & America's Fund Wounded Warrior Project - https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

    1h 4m
  2. Love Is the Director: Sheldon Larry's Journey to Fatherhood

    Jun 4

    Love Is the Director: Sheldon Larry's Journey to Fatherhood

    What happens when a world-travelling filmmaker decides the most important story he'll ever tell is the one happening at home? Sheldon Larry has spent decades behind the camera, shooting movies across the globe — but ask him what he's most proud of, and he won't mention a single frame of film. He'll tell you about his two daughters. More than 35 years ago, Sheldon and his partner of nearly a decade made a decision that would change everything: they wanted to be fathers. As two gay men with no roadmap, no connections in the surrogacy world, and a whole lot of heart, they set out to build a family from scratch — putting their faith in the kindness of a stranger who would ultimately carry two babies and make their dream a reality. Life, of course, had other plans. The romantic relationship didn't survive the journey to fatherhood — but Sheldon's commitment to his daughters? Unwavering. Absolutely steadfast. In this episode, Sheldon opens up about navigating one of the most unique and deeply human roads through parenthood — one built on intention, resilience, and a fierce determination to raise children surrounded by love, dignity, and respect. His girls grew up knowing, without question, that love is love, and that family is whatever you make it. This one will stay with you. 🎙️ Follow Sheldon on Instagram at www.instagram.com/sheldon.larry_ Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    53 min
  3. Swiped Right, Moved States: How One Man's Bold Relocation Sparked a Love Story for the Ages

    May 28

    Swiped Right, Moved States: How One Man's Bold Relocation Sparked a Love Story for the Ages

    What happens when you match with someone incredible on Hinge — but they live in a completely different state? For Oscar, the answer was heartbreak... until it wasn't. Oscar and Gavin connected on Hinge and immediately hit it off. The chemistry was undeniable. There was just one problem: Gavin was hundreds of miles away, and Oscar knew himself well enough to know long-distance wasn't for him. He craved something real, something local — someone he could actually build a life with. So, reluctantly, they went their separate ways. Then Gavin did something Oscar didn’t see coming. He moved to Chicago — and surprised Oscar. From the moment they finally met face to face, it was crystal clear: these two were meant to find each other. They'd already talked early on about building a family someday, so it came as no surprise that shortly after tying the knot, they were on that path. Today, Oscar and Gavin are the proud, beaming parents of two beautiful children — born just four months apart, in two different countries. It's the kind of love story that makes you believe in taking the leap. Follow Oscar and his family on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscar_red/ to keep up with their incredible journey! Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    40 min
  4. From Tinder Match to Two Kids: Shawn & Tyler's Beautiful Journey to Parenthood

    May 21

    From Tinder Match to Two Kids: Shawn & Tyler's Beautiful Journey to Parenthood

    What started with a swipe became a love story for the ages. Shawn and Tyler met on Tinder during the chaos of Covid — and from the very beginning, they just knew. After a couple of years of dating, a proposal, and three years together total, they said "I do." But building their family? That's where the story gets really extraordinary. From the moment they got serious, Shawn and Tyler were clear about one thing: they wanted to be dads. They explored every path to parenthood with open hearts and open minds — and adoption led them to their incredible son. Now, this summer, their surrogate is carrying their second child, and the excitement is absolutely electric. What makes their story even more special? They've shared every single moment of it — the emotional milestones, the waiting, the joy, the hard parts — with their online community. You can follow along on  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnandtylerbond/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnandtylerbond YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shawnandtylerb And now they've channeled all of that love and experience into something brand new: Little Bond Co. — a business born from their journey and built for families like theirs. Check them out at littlebondco.com. This episode will make you laugh, maybe cry, and absolutely believe in love. Don't miss it. Conscious Leadership Academy: https://www.lorrisulpizio.com Little Bond Co Baby Clothes: https://littlebondco.com Birthmark Birth support: https://birthmarksupport.com Everie Egg Donation: https://www.everiedonation.com Fertility Law Canada: http://www.fertilitylawcanada.com Understory Cafe: https://www.understorycafe.com Gaddies Dad’s Wear: https://heygaddies.com GWK Academy: https://gwkacademy.org Informed Fertility (RSW/MSW support): https://informedfertility.ca Knifey Spooney Vegan Catering: https://knifeyspooney.com

    50 min
  5. Money, Identity & Building Wealth on Your Own Terms — With Parisa Pajooh of Diverse Wealth

    May 14

    Money, Identity & Building Wealth on Your Own Terms — With Parisa Pajooh of Diverse Wealth

    Talking about money is uncomfortable. Planning for your financial future? Even more so. But here's the truth: for those of us in the queer community, financial empowerment isn't just a nice-to-have — it's the foundation that makes everything else possible, including building the families we dream of. In this episode, I sit down with Parisa Pajooh, financial advisor and founder of Diverse Wealth Inc., for a conversation that is equal parts eye-opening and genuinely refreshing. Parisa brings a values-based, judgment-free approach to financial planning — one rooted in honesty, empathy, and real-world guidance that actually meets you where you are. We dig into what a financial advisor really does (hint: it's so much more than picking stocks), what questions you deserveto have answered, and why inclusive financial planning isn't just a buzzword — it's a whole different way of showing up for clients. Whether you're just starting to get your financial footing or you're a business owner ready to scale, this episode will leave you feeling like you finally have a seat at the table. What we cover: Why the queer community faces unique financial barriers — especially around family buildingWhat holistic, inclusive financial planning actually looks like in practiceThe questions every client deserves to ask (and have answered!)Tax-smart investment strategies and long-term wealth building, broken down in plain languageHow Diverse Wealth's approach ditches the one-size-fits-all model for goodConnect with Parisa & Diverse Wealth: 🌐 Website: parisafinancial.com📅 Book a free consultation: calendly.com/parisapajooh📸 Instagram: @parisapajooh.diversewealth💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/parisapajooh📩 Sign up for the Diverse Wealth Newsletter (no jargon, just real guidance): Sign up here

    40 min
  6. From 'Maybe Baby' to Malcolm: One Dad's Journey Through Love, Advocacy & Running for Office

    May 7

    From 'Maybe Baby' to Malcolm: One Dad's Journey Through Love, Advocacy & Running for Office

    What does it look like when love becomes legacy? Jamie McGonnigal's story is proof that the most powerful families are built with intention — and a whole lot of heart. Jamie and his husband Sean found each other in 2010, and when marriage equality finally became the law of the land in the US, they wasted no time making it official. But building their family? That was a journey all its own. It started with a single class — Maybe Baby — offered through Rainbow Families in DC. Armed with knowledge, a clear vision, and serious determination, Jamie and Sean took every class, checked every box, and held on through three years of waiting, hoping, and dreaming. Then came Malcolm. And everything was worth it. But Jamie isn't slowing down. By day (and night), he's a professional voice actor with serious credits to his name. He's the PTA parent who actually shows up. And now? He's running for office — because if you want change, sometimes you have to be the change. Jamie is funny, warm, fiercely real, and exactly the kind of voice our communities need amplified right now. You do not want to miss this one. 📲 Follow Jamie on Instagram: @jmcgonnigal 🌈 Learn more about Rainbow Families: rainbowfamilies.org

    45 min
  7. From Classrooms Across the World to Building a Family: Danny Neville on Love, Surrogacy, and Writing Books That Matter

    Apr 30

    From Classrooms Across the World to Building a Family: Danny Neville on Love, Surrogacy, and Writing Books That Matter

    What happens when a globetrotting teacher finds love between adventures? Pure magic — and a story worth telling. Danny Neville's life reads like the kind of book you simply cannot put down. While back home in Canada, on a break from teaching abroad, he met the man who would become his husband and the co-architect of an incredible life. Together, they dreamed of building a family — and when they discovered a class at Sherbourne Health designed specifically for dads-to-be, the path forward became clear. Through the help of two extraordinary women  for surrogacy and egg donation, Danny and his husband welcomed two beautiful daughters into the world. But Danny wasn't done creating. A teacher, librarian, and author, Danny felt a story stirring inside him — one that needed to be told, and one that an oft-overlooked age group desperately needed to see themselves in. His book is tender, intentional, and groundbreaking in the best way. You are going to want to hear Danny describe it in his own words.  🔗 Learn more at dannyneville.com 📲 Follow along on Instagram: @dnevillebooks Want to learn more about the Triggerfish Water Polo team where Danny met the love of his life? Visit: https://www.triggerfishwaterpolo.ca/ Businesses Danny was kind to refer listeners to include:  Annick Press: https://www.annickpress.com Sherbourne Health: https://sherbourne.on.ca Egg Helpers: https://egghelpers.com Surrogacy in Canada Online: https://surrogacy.ca CReATe: https://www.createivf.com

    49 min
  8. From Decision to Dadhood: Nate & Jason's Adoption Journey

    Apr 23

    From Decision to Dadhood: Nate & Jason's Adoption Journey

    By the time Nate and Jason knew they wanted to become parents, one thing was already clear — adoption was their path. But choosing how to adopt is its own deeply personal journey, and for them, the emotional weight of the foster-to-adopt public system felt like more than they were ready to carry. So they did their research, trusted their instincts, and found their way to American Adoptions. What drew them in wasn't just the process — it was the philosophy. American Adoptions centres the safety and well-being of not just the babies, but the birthing people too. For Jason and Nate, that commitment wasn't a checkbox. It was everything. (Find them here: https://www.americanadoptions.com) Then came the pandemic. Becoming new dads in the middle of a global crisis brought its own mountain of challenges, but somewhere inside all of that uncertainty, there was a silver lining neither of them expected: uninterrupted time at home, together, figuring out fatherhood side by side. Nate and Jason are proof that the road to parenthood doesn't have to look one particular way — it just has to feel right for you. Want more from this incredible duo? They host their own podcast, 2 Gay Dads, where they continue sharing their story with honesty, humour, and heart. 🎙️ Find them on Instagram: @2_gay_dads | @jmburns83 | @nabrunner 🎧 Listen to their podcast: 2 Gay Dads on Apple Podcasts Find them on YouTube also: https://www.youtube.com/@2Gay_Dads

    54 min
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About

"becoming babyREADY" is a Queer-centred podcast exploring the journeys of 2SLGBTQIA+ family creation. Through conversations with Queer parents and professionals, we dive into what it takes to build intentional families — from legal and financial prep to emotional support and hands-on care. Rooted in Canada and reaching around the world, these stories offer insight, inspiration, and community for anyone growing their family with pride.

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