Never Thought We'd Be Here

Never Thought We'd Be Here

Join Maya Grobel, psychotherapist, parent via embryo donation, and EM•POWER with Moxi/Moxi Matching co-founder, as she talks with guests about all things embryo donation. Hear real stories from embryo donors and recipients, and listen in as Maya and the Moxi Matching team tackle questions about directed embryo donation/donor conception, sharing genetics, and the meaning of family. EM•POWER with Moxi is an organization deeply rooted in education, support, and ethical practices for embryo donation. And Moxi Matching is a directed embryo donation matching platform and journey management service.

  1. Navigating Embryo Donation as a Trans Man – Meet Ash (Part II)

    3d ago

    Navigating Embryo Donation as a Trans Man – Meet Ash (Part II)

    In this two part episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is Ash, a trans man who is also an embryo donor. In part one, Ash shares an honest and insightful look into his journey through IVF, fertility preservation, and the decision to donate his embryos to multiple families. This conversation explores the complexities of gender identity, medical interventions, and the profound impact of reproductive choices, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. In part two, Maya continues the conversation with embryo donor Ashton, who talks more about his experience as a trans man navigating ART, his incredibly successful egg retrieval, and the decision to donate his embryos rather than pursue family building himself. Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

    33 min
  2. Navigating Embryo Donation as a Trans Man – Meet Ash (Part I)

    Jun 9

    Navigating Embryo Donation as a Trans Man – Meet Ash (Part I)

    In this two part episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is Ash, a trans man who is also an embryo donor. In part one, Ash shares an honest and insightful look into his journey through IVF, fertility preservation, and the decision to donate his embryos to multiple families. This conversation explores the complexities of gender identity, medical interventions, and the profound impact of reproductive choices, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Ash and his unique perspective as a trans embryo donor 02:21 - Ash’s initial thoughts on fertility amid transitioning 05:24 - The decision to pursue egg retrieval and fertility preservation at NYU 09:18 - Navigating hormone therapy cessation for egg retrieval 13:36 - The emotional journey post-egg retrieval: guilt, hope, and physical experiences 17:31 - Unpacking identity and fluidity during reproductive interventions 22:48 - Duration and physical aspects of hormone cessation for egg retrieval Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

    36 min
  3. Family Bonds Beyond Blood -- Meet Zosha & Theo

    May 19

    Family Bonds Beyond Blood -- Meet Zosha & Theo

    In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is joined by Jen’s 14-year-old twins, Zosha and Theo. In this heartfelt interview, Zosha and Theo share their perspectives on embryo donation, family bonds, and navigating complex relationships. Their insights shed light on the emotional and social aspects of donor families, offering valuable lessons for understanding modern family structures. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Perspectives 02:13 Understanding Family Dynamics and Relationships 04:44 The Concept of Siblinghood in Embryo Donation 07:08 Meeting Eric: First Impressions and Connections 09:32 Evolving Relationships Over Time 12:06 Future Connections and Communication 14:02 Proud of Our Story: Sharing Embryo Donation 16:31 Navigating Conversations About Embryo Donation 18:35 Advice for Other Children in Similar Situations Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

    27 min
  4. Genetic Sibling Relationships & Unique Family Dynamics -- Meet Lainey

    May 7

    Genetic Sibling Relationships & Unique Family Dynamics -- Meet Lainey

    In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is joined by Lainey, Gina’s 11-year old daughter! In this heartfelt conversation, Lainey shares her unique family story centered around embryo donation. She discusses her understanding of embryo donation, her connection with her sister cousin Grace, and the dynamics of their relationship.  Their conversation explores themes of identity, race, and the emotional aspects of family connections, including the challenges of saying goodbye and the pride Lainey feels about her family's story. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lainey and Her Unique Family 06:01 Connecting with Grace: A Sister Cousin 14:02 Identity and Mixed Race Perspectives 18:37 Reflections on Family Stories 23:08 Advice for Kids with Genetic Siblings Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

    28 min
  5. Navigating New Relationships in Embryo Donation -- Meet Loretta & Alexandra

    Apr 23

    Navigating New Relationships in Embryo Donation -- Meet Loretta & Alexandra

    In this episode of Never Thought We’d Be Here, host Maya Grobel is joined by two recipients, Loretta and Alexandra. Loretta and Alexandra matched with the same embryo donors and are currently pregnant at the same time. In this conversation they share their stories that highlight the value and importance of the connection that directed embryo donation provides as well as how they have been navigating the new relationship they have with each other and their donors, how they conceptualize their unique extended family structure, and considerations around race and ethnicity as they each prepare to meet their babies very soon! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Stories 02:11 Personal Journeys to Embryo Donation 04:08 Finding the Right Donor Couple 07:29 Navigating Relationships with Donors 10:27 Building Connections and Communication 16:19 Establishing a New Family Dynamic 21:38 Navigating Family Dynamics with New Siblings 24:00 Establishing Foundations: The Power of Communication 26:32 Inclusive Language: Redefining Family Connections 28:38 Flexibility in Family Definitions 31:03 Pride in Family: Overcoming Societal Judgments 34:07 Navigating Biracial Identity and Societal Perceptions 36:48 Embracing the Unknown: The Journey of Parenthood 42:49 Reflections on Unexpected Paths to Parenthood Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

    44 min
  6. Building Relationships Through Embryo Donation -- Meet Genieve and Clare

    Apr 9

    Building Relationships Through Embryo Donation -- Meet Genieve and Clare

    In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by Genieve and Clare, Embryo Donor and Recipient.  This conversation explores the journey of embryo donation through the experiences of Genieve and Clare, who share their expectations, emotional challenges, and the evolving relationship between donor and recipient families.  Together they discuss the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the joy of building a family through this unique process. Their dialogue highlights the significance of openness and honesty in navigating the complexities of embryo donation and the beautiful connections that can form as a result. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Journey 05:14 Building Relationships Through Communication 10:40 Establishing Communication Ground Rules 16:26 Reflections on the Journey and Future Plans 23:10 The Dance of Co-Parenting 31:33 Support Systems and Family Reactions Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. You can also check Clare out as she shares her story on the CBS evening news. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/embryo-donation-on-the-rise-families-connection/ Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

    41 min
  7. An Embryo Donor Extraordinaire – Meet Jen

    Mar 24

    An Embryo Donor Extraordinaire – Meet Jen

    In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by Jen, a three-time embryo donor. In their conversation, Jen shares her unique journey as an embryo donor, discussing her motivations for donating embryos to multiple recipients simultaneously. She reflects on the emotional complexities of the donation process, the relationships formed with recipients, and how her identity has evolved through this experience.  Jen emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and flexibility in navigating the challenges and joys of embryo donation, ultimately highlighting the positive connections that have emerged from her decision. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Journey 02:02 Motivations Behind Embryo Donation 04:58 Deciding to Donate to Multiple Recipients 06:58 Meeting the Recipients: Expectations vs. Reality 13:23 Evolving Relationships with Recipients 26:25 Identity as an Embryo Donor 27:55 Reflections on the Donation Process Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

    30 min
  8. The Importance of Understanding Your Family Building Options -- Meet Jessica

    Mar 10

    The Importance of Understanding Your Family Building Options -- Meet Jessica

    In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by Jessica, a parent via embryo donation with two very different journeys. In this conversation, Jessica shares her personal journey, discussing her initial experiences with infertility, the decision to pursue embryo donation, and the importance of genetic equity in family building.  Their conversation delves into the nuances of anonymity in donation, the emotional connections formed during the process, and the challenges of discussing origins with children. Jessica offers valuable advice for prospective parents considering embryo donation, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and the joy of parenthood. Chapters 00:00 Embarking on the Embryo Donation Journey 04:53 Understanding Genetic Equity in Family Building 09:07 Navigating Anonymity and Connection in Donation 11:43 The Experience of Directed Donation 16:10 Discussing Origins with Children 21:12 Advice for Prospective Parents on Embryo Donation Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review! Follow us on Instagram: @empowerwithmoxi Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empowerwithmoxi

    27 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Join Maya Grobel, psychotherapist, parent via embryo donation, and EM•POWER with Moxi/Moxi Matching co-founder, as she talks with guests about all things embryo donation. Hear real stories from embryo donors and recipients, and listen in as Maya and the Moxi Matching team tackle questions about directed embryo donation/donor conception, sharing genetics, and the meaning of family. EM•POWER with Moxi is an organization deeply rooted in education, support, and ethical practices for embryo donation. And Moxi Matching is a directed embryo donation matching platform and journey management service.

Information

  • Creator
    Never Thought We'd Be Here
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Never Thought We'd Be Here
  • Show Website
    Never Thought We'd Be Here

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