Waiting with Love

Hopeful Dads

Waiting with Love is a fellowship-style podcast for couples, parents-to-be, and anyone living in the long, uncertain wait for something deeply hoped for. Hosted by Andrew and Matt, the show explores adoption, surrogacy, IVF, infertility, grief, patience, and hope - without advice, fixes, or formulas. This is not therapy. It's a shared space to sit in the messy middle, tell the truth about waiting, and find ways to hope with love, together.

  1. 5D AGO

    Episode 18: Still Waiting - A Check-In

    Waiting with Love: A Check In In this episode, Matt and Andrew open up about their ongoing surrogacy journey, the challenges of waiting for important updates, and how they stay grounded amidst uncertainty. They share personal reflections, coping strategies, and insights learned along the way—offering comfort and solidarity to anyone navigating a similar waiting game. Key Topics: The emotional rollercoaster of waiting for critical updatesWays to manage anxiety during prolonged periods of uncertaintyHow routine activities and outside time help cope with stressCommunication habits and control over how and when to receive newsCelebrating small wins and maintaining healthy habits despite setbacksThe importance of awareness of personal and partner reactions to waiting Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and the significance of sharing their journey01:17 - Initial check-in: reflections after several months of podcasting02:38 - Approaching the surrogacy process with patience and understanding04:21 - How producing the podcast has improved efficiency and mood05:07 - The latest update waiting game: managing expectations and anxiety07:25 - The Sunday Scaries and the impact of waiting during the workweek08:21 - The hope and fear associated with positive news09:32 - Differing approaches: planning versus improvising in life and this journey10:41 - How outside activities like yard work and fires aid emotional resilience11:49 - Dealing with anxious nights and the importance of routine13:04 - Distinct anxieties during the workweek versus weekends15:13 - The obsession with updates and the irrational game of waiting16:47 - Strategies like time blocking to control the flow of information17:11 - Controlling the way they receive updates to reduce anxiety18:14 - How communication patterns reflect their emotional states19:13 - The vivid imaginations and worst-case scenarios in anxious moments20:05 - Recognizing the factors out of their control and focusing on what they can influence22:37 - Celebrating progress: healthier habits compared to earlier coping methods23:36 - The ongoing effort to maintain constructive routines during long waits24:45 - How awareness of habits and reactions helps sustain mental health25:17 - Lighthearted story about their first date and humor in the journey25:41 - Closing remarks: sharing the episode and connecting with others Connect with Matt & Andrew: InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTube Resources & Links: Waiting With Love WebsiteOut and Abroad Luxury Travel & BlogSpecial Mention: There is no major announcement in this episode, but we continue to share our journey and insights.

    26 min

  2. MAY 10

    Episode 17: Why Travel Planning is so Hard While Waiti

    In this episode, Matt and Andrew explore how to manage travel plans amidst the unpredictability of fertility treatments like surrogacy and IVF. They share personal insights, practical tips, and emotional strategies to help others navigate this complex terrain while still living their lives and creating meaningful memories. Key Topics: The emotional impact of delaying or adjusting travel plans during fertility treatmentsHow financial milestones and unpredictable timelines influence travel decisionsStrategies for booking refundable trips and hotels to maintain flexibilityTiming travel around pregnancy milestones and medical proceduresThe importance of having a mental “placeholder” trip to stay hopefulBalancing logistical challenges with the desire to live fully during waiting periodsPractical tips for booking flights and accommodations with cancellations in mindThe significance of choosing shorter, local trips versus long-haul vacations for flexibilityHow setbacks in fertility journeys can sometimes open opportunities for meaningful travelThe role of control and uncertainty in planning big purchases or life changes during waiting Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction: Navigating waiting with hope 00:48 - The challenges of planning travel during fertility treatments 03:09 - The impact of large payments and unpredictable success on travel decisions 06:14 - Identifying travel windows around pregnancy milestones 08:44 - The importance of flexible bookings and cancellation policies 11:16 - Planning trips with purpose: visiting loved ones before due dates 13:17 - The emotional value of having trips on the calendar 16:32 - Using trips as emotional “exit strategies” 18:44 - How setbacks In fertility can create opportunities for meaningful travel 20:08 - Practical tips for booking refundable flights and hotels 22:09 - Prioritizing flexibility and local trips amid uncertainty 24:22 - The importance of control and adapting plans during emotionally charged times 26:25 - Reflecting on financial priorities and meaningful moments over material things 27:45 - Final thoughts: Living fully despite the unpredictability Connect with Matt & Andrew: InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTube Resources & Links: Waiting With Love WebsiteOut and Abroad Luxury Travel & Blog

    29 min

  3. MAY 3

    Episode 16: Does Waiting Ever "Settle?"

    Waiting With Love: Does the Wait Ever Get Easier? On this episode of Waiting With Love, hosts Matt and Andrew explore the realities of long-term waiting—how, despite perceptions, it doesn’t necessarily get easier over time. They share personal insights, common misconceptions, and practical strategies for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of waiting, especially in the context of fertility and adoption journeys. Core Topics: The myth that waiting improves with time and the reality that expectations often shiftHow constant anxiety manifests in checking emails and phone calls during the surrogacy processThe role of patience, grace, and understanding within the support system of agencies and clinicsThe irrational fears and "rabbit holes" anxiety can lead to during extended waiting periods Timestamps 00:00 - Introducing the podcast's purpose and the theme of waiting 00:49 - Addressing the misconception that waiting gets easier over time 01:17 - Personal experiences of coping with ongoing waiting 01:46 - How waiting can worsen or improve coping depending on circumstances 02:06 - The constant checking and high alertness during surrogacy and adoption 03:48 - Differences between adoption and surrogacy communication 04:17 - The role of patience and setting expectations during long waits 06:40 - Living in a constant state of fear and the unpredictability of updates 07:48 - Living with uncertainty during moments of scheduled but delayed updates 09:09 - The importance of extending grace to agencies and clinics 10:16 - The misconception that delays mean inactivity or stagnation 11:15 - Surprising aspects of long waiting periods and what remains hidden to outsiders 13:09 - The emotional toll of expecting news on specific days 14:40 - The timeline of embryo creation and waiting for results 16:10 - The difficulty of not being caught off guard by unexpected update timings 17:02 - Faith, hope, and personal coping strategies in waiting 18:12 - The significance of recognizing that waiting energy can be drained but manageable 19:09 - How anticipation influences emotional exhaustion 20:24 - The impact of good communication with a birth mother during adoption vs. surrogacy 22:36 - The controlled environment of surrogacy versus traditional conception anxiety 24:29 - The importance of keeping busy and the effect on wait times 25:45 - The emotional impact of being separated during busy periods 27:06 - Irrational fears and the rabbit holes of anxiety 28:03 - Encouragement for listeners: you’re not alone in this journey 29:21 - Recognizing patterns in timing and managing expectations 29:43 - Closing thoughts and the reminder to keep waiting with love Connect with Matt & Andrew: InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTube Resources & Links: Waiting With Love WebsiteOut and Abroad Luxury Travel & Blog

    30 min

  4. APR 26

    Episode 15: Infertility - Why Not Us?

    Rethinking Infertility: The Challenges Facing Gay Men in Family Building In this episode, Matt and Andrew explore a thought-provoking article on the conception of infertility within the gay community. They discuss the legal, financial, and emotional barriers that make family formation a complex reality for same-sex couples, highlighting the need for systemic change. Main Topics: How the definition of infertility varies and excludes gay menFinancial and insurance hurdles for LGBTQ+ family buildingThe emotional toll and privilege associated with pursuing parenthoodThe potential influence of lawsuits challenging discriminatory definitionsIn this episode: The surprising connection between infertility and same-sex parenthoodHow insurance policies often fail to support gay couplesThe significance of the New York lawsuit aiming to redefine infertility lawsReal-life implications and the high costs of surrogacy and IVFThe broader societal conversation around reproductive rights and equalityTimestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: Challenging traditional notions of infertility 01:04 - The article from Cosmopolitan and its relevance to LGBTQ+ family building 02:17 - The premise that gay men are viewed as infertile and its implications 03:22 - Biological aspects of infertility and the article’s arguments 04:50 - Limitations of insurance coverage for same-sex couples 05:18 - The high costs of fertility treatments like IVF and surrogacy 06:45 - State laws and their influence on fertility benefits and access 07:12 - How current definitions exclude and disadvantage gay men 08:12 - The lawsuit in New York and its potential to change laws 09:40 - Out-of-pocket expenses and the financial burden for gay couples 10:33 - The societal perception of infertility and economic barriers 12:23 - The privilege of trying to build a family despite financial hurdles 13:02 - Clarifying assumptions about biological parenthood in same-sex relationships 14:01 - The legal landscape: Lawsuits fighting discrimination in fertility laws 15:14 - State-specific restrictions and their impact on insurance coverage 16:45 - Differences in coverage in Maryland and Arkansas discussed 17:44 - The significance of legal wins and how they could influence national policy 19:22 - The slow pace of legal and systemic change, and the importance of advocacy 20:10 - Personal reflections on the privilege and emotional toll of the fertility journey 21:46 - The need for systemic support and the emotional weight of waiting 22:39 - Reflections on societal perceptions of infertility and family rights 23:42 - The importance of ongoing legal battles and potential future changes 28:14 - Final thoughts on the systemic inequities faced by gay men and the call for advocacy Connect with Matt & Andrew: InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTubeResources & Links: Waiting With Love WebsiteOut and Abroad Luxury Travel & Blog

    30 min

  5. APR 19

    Episode 14: The Logistics of International Surrogacy

    Navigating International Surrogacy: The Logistics Behind the Journey In this episode, Matt and Andrew peel back the curtain on the complex, often overlooked logistics of international surrogacy. From legal hurdles, cross-country coordination, to the emotional weight of waiting, they share their real-world experience navigating this intricate process—highlighting why patience, understanding, and systemic awareness are crucial. Main Topics: The multi-country logistical challenges of international surrogacy The roles and coordination of agencies, clinics, legal teams, and surrogates How time zones, holidays, and government processes impact communication and delays Emotional toll and expectations during waiting periods for medical updates and legal steps Common misconceptions about surrogacy costs and processes in popular culture The importance of systemic transparency and understanding the process's complexity Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The messiness and hope in waiting for family-building 01:19 - Surrogacy in multiple countries: logistics and complexity 02:40 - Clarifying our experience and limits of expertise 04:05 - The roles of agencies, clinics, legal teams, and the international project plan 05:58 - The costs and misconceptions around international surrogacy 07:12 - Communication delays across different countries and time zones 08:41 - The systemic delays in receiving medical and legal updates 09:35 - Emotional impact of waiting for test results and news 10:39 - Real-world example of cross-country communication delays 12:06 - The impact of non-urgent medical decisions and global holidays on timing 14:02 - The process of bringing a baby home from another country 16:30 - The emotional and logistical realities of waiting for pregnancy confirmation 18:55 - Additional layers of complexity: travel, legal, and government hurdles 21:06 - Parental leave and international logistics post-birth 23:50 - The systemic design: why the process isn't quick or simple 27:22 - The scientific and medical complexity of making a baby via surrogacy 28:39 - Living with the uncertainty and waiting for news 30:11 - Closing thoughts: resilience and hope in the waiting process This episode emphasizes the systemic and logistical layers behind international surrogacy, illustrating why delays and uncertainties are often beyond individual control. It advocates for empathy and patience in understanding this complicated process that many hopeful parents navigate with resilience. Connect with Matt & Andrew: InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTube Resources & Links: Waiting With Love WebsiteOut and Abroad Luxury Travel & BlogThe Power of Hope in Difficult Times Special Mention: If this episode resonates, please share it with someone, and visit our website for more info and support.

    31 min

  6. APR 12

    Episode 13: Waiting in the "What if it Works?" Headspace

    Navigating Hope and Fear in the Waiting Season In this episode of Waiting with Love, Matt and Andrew explore the complex emotions that come with waiting for life-changing news—whether it's for a child, a medical breakthrough, or other long-held dreams. They discuss how moments of good news spark hope, but also bring a wave of fear, and share personal stories that highlight the delicate balance of excitement and caution. Main Topics: The emotional rollercoaster of hope and fear during fertility and adoption journeysThe significance of small moments of joy and anticipation amid uncertaintyStrategies for balancing optimism with realistic expectationsHow lengthening wait-times influence mental health and decision-makingThe role of logistics and small purchases in maintaining hope without emotional overwhelm Key Insights: The first hopeful moments, like matching with a birth mother or embryo quality reports, create fleeting but powerful feelings of possibilityPast experiences often cast a shadow of cautious hope, making full excitement feel unsafePractical decisions, such as buying small keepsakes or planning future moves, serve as anchors of hope and tangible steps toward eventual parenthoodThe importance of setting boundaries about sharing good news to manage anxiety Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to waiting and hope 02:16 - The challenge of balancing hope with fear during good news moments 03:37 - Personal stories of moments when hope felt real and fleeting 05:03 - Reflecting on the emotional impact of adoption and fertility news 07:06 - Guarded hope vs. unguarded hope: past experiences and current mindset 09:16 - How tools can help level expectations and manage excitement 10:31 - The significance of small purchases and symbolic tokens in hope management 12:05 - The different emotional states when buying nursery items pre-pregnancy 14:04 - Moving to Maine as a symbol of future family planning 15:43 - The evolution of their beliefs about parenthood and readiness 18:38 - Strategies for balancing hope and patience over a long waiting period 20:26 - Handling excitement vs. fear in ongoing fertility journeys 22:17 - The importance of keeping good news private to reduce pressure 23:34 - How logistics and small decisions support hope without leading to heartbreak 24:49 - The difference between hope and anxiety, and finding balance 26:51 - The importance of enjoying life even amid uncertainty 28:19 - Final thoughts on the journey ahead and maintaining hope Connect with Matt & Andrew: InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTube Resources & Links: Waiting With Love WebsiteOut and Abroad Luxury Travel & BlogThe Power of Hope in Difficult Times

    29 min

  7. APR 5

    Episode 12: Who Isn't Here?

    Waiting with Love: Exploring LGBTQ+ Family Building, Challenges, and Community In this open and transparent episode, hosts Matt and Andrew share their personal journey of navigating family building as a same-sex couple, and the surprising dynamics they've observed within their community and beyond. They emphasize the importance of shared experiences, vulnerability, and creating safe spaces for everyone on this path. Key Topics: The initial motivations behind starting "Waiting with Love" and addressing the lack of LGBTQ+ family-building resourcesUnexpected audience demographics: straight couples and single women finding relevance in their journeyThe emotional and physical challenges of surrogacy, IVF, and adoption experiencesThe social media landscape: over-competition, the "highlight reel," and the culture of coming out repeatedlyWhy many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples remain silent about their struggles with fertility and family buildingThe importance of vulnerability and creating a community where people can wait and process at their own paceReflection on societal norms, the need for patience, and fostering inclusive environments for family-building conversations Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: Embracing the messy journey of waiting 02:10 - Unexpected audience demographics and their implications 05:28 - Reacting to the surprising engagement patterns of straight couples and singles 09:13 - Insights on surrogacy, egg donation, and the human side of fertility journeys 12:25 - Recognizing the emotional weight of waiting for news and treatment outcomes 15:15 - Why the LGBTQ+ community is quieter about its fertility challenges 20:01 - The impact of social media culture and the need for vulnerability 21:59 - The recurring theme of coming out, questioning, and navigating societal expectations 25:00 - Reflecting on past assumptions and the journey to build community 27:25 - Creating safe spaces for silent struggles and readiness to engage 28:29 - Closing thoughts: You are not alone, and waiting with love is the way forward Connect with Matt & Andrew: InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTube Resources & Links: Waiting With Love WebsiteOut and Abroad Luxury Travel & Blog Special Mention: If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who might need reassurance they're not alone, and visit our website for more info and support.

    29 min

  8. MAR 29

    Episode 11: Finding Joy in the Waiting Room

    Finding Joy in the Waiting Room In this heartfelt episode, Matt and Andrew share their personal journey of waiting, surprise, and finding joy alongside grief. They discuss how unexpected moments, like a surprise visit from a loved one, can reshape our perspective and deepen connections even amid uncertainty. In this episode: The significance of showing up and finding joy while waiting, especially during long periods of uncertaintyHow a surprise reunion in Italy transformed a milestone birthday and redefined family bondsThe importance of living in the present rather than solely focusing on future hopesReflections on how life's meaningful moments happen unexpectedly and are worth embracingBalancing grief and joy simultaneously without canceling out eitherLessons learned about living fully through shared experiences, meals, and deep conversationsThe role of community, connection, and intentional presence in navigating infertility and waitingThe idea of creating "pockets" of memorable moments that define a yearEncouragement to enjoy life now, even while in the waiting room Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to the theme of joy amid waiting 00:48 - Sharing personal background and recent milestones 01:53 - The impact of surprise visits and family connections 02:23 - How joy persists during times of heavy grief 03:07 - Andrew recounts planning a surprise trip to Italy 04:37 - The emotional moment of the surprise reunion in Italy 05:51 - Embracing family and belonging beyond biological ties 07:04 - Holding grief and joy at the same time 08:04 - Managing anxiety and the temptation to constantly check for updates 09:28 - Reflecting on the past decade and lessons learned 10:38 - The importance of savoring unexpected joys 12:20 - How fertility windows influence travel and life decisions 13:11 - The significance of meaningful conversations in deepening bonds 14:39 - The power of shared meals and simple moments 15:59 - Insights from Tuscany and cultural reflections 19:31 - Realizing life's moments are more about how we live than waiting for a future event 22:24 - The importance of appreciating life now, regardless of waiting 24:20 - Recognizing the blessings amid struggles and setbacks 25:39 - The value of core memories and living fully in the moment 26:31 - The concept that while waiting continues, joy can be experienced in everyday life 27:30 - Celebrating the unexpected and deeply meaningful human connections 28:23 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to keep waiting with love Resources & Links: Waiting With Love WebsiteOut and Abroad Luxury Travel & Blog Connect with Matt & Andrew: InstagramFacebookTikTokYouTubeRemember, the journey to parenthood is unique for everyone. Embrace the timing that feels right for you, and find hope in each step forward.

    29 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Waiting with Love is a fellowship-style podcast for couples, parents-to-be, and anyone living in the long, uncertain wait for something deeply hoped for. Hosted by Andrew and Matt, the show explores adoption, surrogacy, IVF, infertility, grief, patience, and hope - without advice, fixes, or formulas. This is not therapy. It's a shared space to sit in the messy middle, tell the truth about waiting, and find ways to hope with love, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Hopeful Dads
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hopeful Dads

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