Never Thought We'd Be Here

Never Thought We'd Be Here
  • 5.0 (9)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. The Legal Landscape of Embryo Donation -- Meet Amanda

    1D AGO

    The Legal Landscape of Embryo Donation -- Meet Amanda

    In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by Family Formation Attorney, Amanda Troxler. As a disclaimer, nothing in this episode should be considered legal advice.In this conversation, Maya and Amanda delve into the intricate world of embryo donation, exploring the legal aspects, personal experiences, and the importance of relationships in this unique field. Amanda shares her journey into family formation law, emphasizing the significance of understanding the emotional and personal dimensions of legal contracts. They discuss the essential elements of embryo donation agreements, including consent, communication, and future contact expectations. Their conversation highlights the varying state laws regarding embryo disposition and the necessity of having independent legal representation to ensure that all parties feel heard and supported. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the importance of viewing embryo donation as a relationship rather than just a legal transaction, fostering a collaborative and open-minded approach to family formation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation and Legal Perspectives 02:12 Amanda's Journey into Reproductive Law 04:44 Understanding Embryo Donation Contracts 08:38 Consent and Redonation of Embryos 10:26 Embryo Disposition After Use 14:34 State Laws and Legal Definitions 16:52 Anonymous vs. Directed Donation 18:25 The Importance of Legal Representation 21:13 Preparing for Legal Meetings 23:03 Advice for Embryo Donation Participants 24:24 Challenges in Embryo Donation Relationships 26:47 The Beauty of Embryo Donation Relationships 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!

    29 min
  2. Exploring the World of Embryology – Meet Alease

    JAN 27

    Exploring the World of Embryology – Meet Alease

    In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by Embryologist, Alease Barnes, better known as Alease the Embryologist on Social Media. In this conversation, Maya and Alease delve into the intricate world of embryology, focusing on embryo donation and the role of embryologists.  Alease shares her journey into the field, the importance of education in reproductive health, and the nuances of embryo grading and PGT testing. They discuss the evolving landscape of embryo donation, the significance of patient expectations, and the future of technology in embryology. Their conversation emphasizes the need for informed decision-making for both donors and recipients, highlighting the complexities and emotional aspects of the process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Embryology and Donation 06:45 The Role of the Embryologist 11:46 Understanding PGT Testing 18:31 Embryo Grading and Its Implications 25:33 Navigating the Landscape of Embryo Donation 29:41 Embryo Freezing and Success Rates 34:48 Patient Perspectives on Embryo Donation 36:31 Counseling Donors on Disposition Options 39:52 Understanding Embryo Quality and Matching 42:34 Exploring Mosaic and Early Stage Embryos 51:04 Future of Embryology and Technology Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Want to work with Alease? Learn more at https://aleasetheembryologist.com/ and follow Alease on IG and TikTok @alease_the_embryologist Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

    52 min
  3. Understanding Your Unique Family Story -- Meet Mika

    JAN 13

    Understanding Your Unique Family Story -- Meet Mika

    In the Season 2 premier of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by her husband Noah, and their daughter, Mika. In this heartfelt conversation, they discuss the journey of their family through embryo donation. Mika shares her understanding of her unique story, the importance of genetics, and how she navigates conversations about her origins with friends. As a family, they reflect on the significance of open communication, the nature versus nurture debate, and the emotional connections that define family beyond genetics. They also address the normalization of different family structures and offer advice to other donor-conceived children. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation 02:31 Understanding Family Dynamics 04:49 Genetics and Identity 08:14 Curiosity About Donor Helpers 11:06 The Concept of Nature vs. Nurture 14:17 Reflections on Family Differences 16:00 The Journey to Parenthood 18:55 The Importance of Connection 21:08 The Role of Communication 24:05 Normalizing Different Family Structures 25:44 Advice for Other Kids and Parents 27:18 Connecting with Donor Families 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 leaving us a 5-Star rating or review! Have a topic you'd like us to cover or interested in being a guest? Email us at hello@empowerwithmoxi.com

    26 min
  4. Favorite Moments and Important Lessons -- Season One Finale

    07/29/2025

    Favorite Moments and Important Lessons -- Season One Finale

    Season One of ‘Never Thought We'd Be Here' has officially wrapped! In our final episode, host Maya Grobel revisits some of our favorite moments and highlights from different episodes of Season One.  From real talk about embryo donation and family building to the deeply personal stories that brought us here, each episode this season has shown the different ways directed, or known, embryo donation can look for both embryo donors and embryo recipients.  Thank you to each of our guests that shared their stories with us this season, and thank you to each of you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. Love what you heard in Season One? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review! Have questions or a topic you want us to cover in Season Two? Send us a message or an email!

    33 min
  5. Directed Donation: What It Is vs. What It Can Be -- A Conversation with Jen

    06/24/2025

    Directed Donation: What It Is vs. What It Can Be -- A Conversation with Jen

    In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by EM•POWER with Moxi co-founder, Jen Vesbitt! Maya and Jen discuss the concept of directed donation, particularly in the context of embryo donation. They explore the importance of connection between donors and recipients, the emotional complexities involved, and the evolving nature of these relationships over time.  Their conversation emphasizes the need for education and understanding in making informed decisions about donation, as well as the significance of maintaining open lines of communication between all parties involved. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the unique experiences of both donors and recipients, and the importance of creating a supportive community around embryo donation. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Directed Donation 04:30 The Importance of Connection in Donation 09:21 Navigating the Choice: Directed vs. Anonymous Donation 14:14 The Evolution of Relationships in Donation 18:43 Personal Experiences and Emotional Connections 23:27 The Future of Directed Donation 28:03 Normalizing Embryo Donation Conversations 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!

    32 min
  6. Finding Purpose After Your IVF Journey -- Meet Claire

    06/10/2025

    Finding Purpose After Your IVF Journey -- Meet Claire

    In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by Claire, mom of two and embryo donor.  In this conversation, Claire shares her journey as an embryo donor, discussing the motivations behind her decision, the emotional connections formed with the recipient family, and the dynamics of navigating family relationships.  She reflects on the significance of her experience, the joy of seeing the child born from her embryos, and the importance of being at peace with her choices. Claire emphasizes the need for clarity and readiness in the embryo donation process, highlighting the leap of faith involved in such a significant decision. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Embryo Donation 11:01 Connecting with Embryo Recipients 21:06 Navigating Family Dynamics 27:09 Reflections on the Embryo Donation Experience 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
  7. Letting Go of Expectations and Finding a New Path to Parenthood -- Meet Melissa

    05/29/2025

    Letting Go of Expectations and Finding a New Path to Parenthood -- Meet Melissa

    In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by Melissa, embryo recipient and single mom by choice. Maya and Melissa discuss Melissa's journey through embryo donation as, in Melissa’s words, a single mother by default. They explore the challenges and emotional experiences Melissa faced during her fertility journey, including her initial attempts at conception, the transition to embryo donation, and the importance of community and connection with donors and other recipients.  Melissa shares her experiences with matching, the emotional impact of failed transfers, and the joy of her current pregnancy. Their conversation highlights the significance of support, open communication, and the evolving dynamics of family in the context of embryo donation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Journey 01:01 Melissa's Fertility Journey and Initial Challenges 04:44 Transitioning to Embryo Donation 06:58 The Importance of Connection and Community 09:25 First Match Experience and Emotional Impact 12:31 Navigating Failed Transfers and Emotional Support 15:35 Rematching with New Donors 18:51 Connecting with Other Recipients 22:04 Building Relationships with Donors and Recipients 24:41 Looking Ahead: Future Connections and Family Dynamics 28:27 Current Pregnancy Experience and Emotions 31:03 Connecting with Other Single Moms by Choice 32:48 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Recipients 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
  8. Answering 3 Common Questions -- A Conversation with Jen

    05/15/2025

    Answering 3 Common Questions -- A Conversation with Jen

    In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by EM•POWER with Moxi co-founder, Jen Vesbitt! Maya and Jen answer some of the most commonly asked questions about embryo donation, and discuss the complexities of embryo donation, focusing on the considerations for both donors and recipients. They explore the challenges faced by donors with multiple embryos, the legal and ethical implications of embryo donation, and the importance of building connections between recipients. Their conversation also delves into the logistics of shipping versus traveling for embryo transfers and outlines the typical timeline for the embryo donation journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Conversations 02:49 Understanding High Number of Embryos 05:58 Considerations for Donors and Recipients 08:59 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Embryo Donation 12:06 Connecting Recipients and Building Relationships 14:57 Shipping vs. Traveling for Embryo Transfers 18:00 Timeline of the Embryo Donation Journey 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!

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 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
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Never Thought We'd Be Here
  • Show Website
    Never Thought We'd Be Here

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