The Single Greatest Choice: For Single Women Exploring Solo Motherhood by Choice (SMBC), Fertility, and Having a Baby on Thei

Katie Bryan
  • 4.9 (125)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Semimonthly

You always imagined becoming a mom someday, but what if someday doesn’t look the way you expected? Maybe you're considering solo motherhood, wondering if having a baby on your own is really possible. Maybe you know you want to be a mom, but the clock is ticking, you’re single and aren’t sure what to do next. Perhaps you’re already on the path: researching sperm donors, weighing IVF or adoption, or navigating pregnancy without a partner. Wherever you are in your journey, The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you. Hosted by Katie Bryan, a single mother by choice turned SMBC coach and community facilitator, this podcast is a space for women exploring what it means to choose parenthood on their own terms. You’ll hear real stories from solo moms who’ve been where you are: women who have faced the fears, made the choices, and built beautiful, fulfilling lives as single mothers by choice. You can expect conversations around: > Fertility for single women in their 30s and 40s; > Considering solo motherhood & becoming a single mother by choice (SMBC) > IVF, adoption, sperm donors, and egg freezing for single women > Having a baby on your own > Choosing to parent alone > Dating and relationships as SMBCs > Building community as a solo mom by choice > And much more. If you're single in your 30s or 40s and wondering, Can I do this?, you’re not alone. The path to becoming a single mother by choice isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. This is your place to find confidence, connection, and community as you explore whether solo motherhood might be your single greatest choice. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss an episode, and visit www.singlegreatestchoice.com to learn more about our membership, coaching, community groups, and retreats.

  1. 4d ago

    S9E12. What a Donor-Conceived Person and Therapist Wants SMBCs to Know with Kat Boldt

    What does donor conception actually feel like from the child’s perspective as they grow into adulthood? I sit down with Kat Boldt, LPC, to discuss the lifelong journey of donor conception through the unique dual lens of a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an adult donor-conceived person raised by a Single Mother by Choice. Kat shares her personal experience of growing up knowing her story, how finding 30 genetic half-siblings in adulthood altered her perspective, and what it’s like to process complex identity emotions across a lifespan. In this episode, we discuss: What connecting with genetic half-siblings (or sibling pods) looks like, from varied emotional reactions to forming deep lifelong bonds.Moving beyond simplified children's books to normalize all feelings around donor conception—not just "mom wanted me so much".Why telling children early and often builds positive identity and avoids the potential trauma of finding out later in adulthood.How open donor choices impact mental health outcomes, and why true anonymity is no longer guaranteed in the era of direct-to-consumer DNA testing.Letting your child lead language changes over time, finding positive role models, and utilizing therapist resources like the US Donor Conceived Council. Resources and Additional Information Discussed: US Donor Conceived Counsel (USDCC)USDCC Ask A TherapistLearn more about Kat's work at https://northcoastic.comFind Kat on Instagram at @katboldtcounseling More About Our Guest: Kat Boldt, LPC, was raised by a single mother by choice and has always known she was donor conceived. As a licensed counselor in Ohio, she specializes in providing affirming care to adult clients exploring sexuality, gender identity, and reproductive technologies, including donor conception. Learn more about Kat at https://northcoastic.com Your Next Steps: Sign Up for one of our upcoming groups at https://www.singlegreatestchoice.com/community-groups Connect with Katie on Instagram at @Single_Greatest_ChoiceBecome part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up HERE at the bottom of the page 👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids. ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.

  2. Jul 22

    S9E11. You Don't Have to Be 100% Certain to Become a Solo Mom with Carrie Meckler

    What if "ready" doesn't feel the way you think it will? I sit down with licensed therapist and solo mom Carrie Meckler to explore one of the biggest myths women carry into the solo motherhood journey... that you have to be completely certain before you begin. Carrie shares her deeply personal journey from ending a relationship at 34 to beginning fertility treatment at 35, navigating multiple IUIs, IVF, donor selection, unexpected setbacks, and ultimately becoming the mom of her two year old son. This episode is about more than the logistics of fertility though. Carrie and I talk through the emotional side of deciding to become a solo mom... the grief, uncertainty, shame, hope, and courage that can all exist at the same time. Carrie shares what she's learned as both a therapist and a solo mother supporting other women who are considering this path, offering practical advice for taking the first step without needing to have every answer. Throughout our conversation, one message keeps resurfacing: you don't have to be 100% certain before you begin. In this episode, we discuss: Why waiting for complete certainty may be keeping you stuckMaking the decision to pursue solo motherhood after the end of a relationshipNavigating IUIs, IVF, donor selection, and the emotional highs and lows of fertility treatmentWhy community and therapy can make such a difference throughout the journeyPractical advice for breaking the Solo Mom decision process into manageable stepsLearning to hold both excitement and grief at the same time as you move toward motherhood Whether you're actively considering solo motherhood, in the middle of fertility treatment, or simply wondering if this path could be right for you, this conversation is filled with compassion, honesty, and reassurance that you're not alone. Your Next Steps: Learn more about Carrie at http://www.copingcounselingnc.comSign Up for one of our upcoming groups at https://www.singlegreatestchoice.com/community-groupsConnect with Katie on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/single_greatest_choiceBecome part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up HERE at the bottom of the page 👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids. ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.

    S9E11. You Don't Have to Be 100% Certain to Become a Solo Mom with Carrie Meckler

  3. Jul 8

    S9E10. Shifting to Embryo Donation After IVF Burnout with Jeni

    I sit down with Jeni to unpack a raw, deeply resonant, and incredibly insightful fertility journey. Jeni shares her evolution from viewing egg freezing as a simple piece of "mental insurance" at age 35 to navigating a grueling five-year path spanning five different fertility clinics. She describes the mental and physical toll of constant cycle adjustments, the burden of clinic communication woes, and the unique challenges of deciding when to finally stop using your own genetic material. We dive deep into how a direct conversation with her mother served as a turning point, prompting her to shift paths and explore embryo donation. Jeni shares her practical experiences onboarding with major matching organizations like Embryo Connections and Empower with Moxie, explaining how she navigated potential match criteria and discovered what genuinely mattered to her. Throughout it all, Jeni models a beautiful mindset shift: learning to release a tight grip on expectations, setting clear intuitive boundaries of "this and no further," and choosing to hold her solo parenting journey as lightly as possible. In this episode, we discuss: The emotional reality of egg freezing at 35 and how expectations can shift over time.Advocating for yourself across 5 different clinics and recognizing when a provider is not the right fit.Processing the decision to stop using your own eggs.The step-by-step onboarding process, cost realities, and managing weekly databases through agencies like Embryo Connections and Empower with Moxie.Shifting perspective from sperm donor filters to full embryo genetics, adjusting to physical match considerations, and managing communication alignment with donor families.Moving past the urge to strangle every choice. Connect with Katie: Website:singlegreatestchoice.comInstagram:@single_greatest_choice 👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids. 💌 Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here at the bottom of the page. ✍️ Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com. ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.

  4. Jun 24

    S9E9. Loneliness, Growth, and the Magic of Becoming a Solo Mom with Beth Sadowsky

    Beth always knew motherhood was important to her, but becoming a single mom by choice wasn't a decision she made overnight. In this conversation, Beth shares the three-year journey between first considering solo motherhood and ultimately becoming pregnant, including the doubts, pauses, therapy sessions, and mindset shifts that helped her move forward with confidence. We also talk about what life actually looked like after her daughter arrived. Beth opens up about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, building a support system without family help, and the reality of creating a village as a solo mom. We explore the difference between having a plan and being attached to specific circumstances, and why flexibility matters so much in this journey. Plus, Beth shares the inspiration behind her children's book, Choosing Rose, written to help donor-conceived children understand their story. We discuss the importance of normalizing different family structures, finding balance as a mother, and the personal growth that can come from choosing a path that feels right for you, even when it looks different from what others expect. In this episode, we talk about: Why Beth chose solo motherhoodThe emotional ups and downs of deciding to become a single mom by choiceWhat happened when family support didn't look the way she expectedBuilding a village through paid support, friendships, and communityThe loneliness that can show up during pregnancy and postpartumHow becoming a solo mom transformed Beth's confidence and self-trustThe story behind Choosing Rose and talking to kids about donor conception Connect with Beth: WebsiteInstagram: @choosing.motherhood Instagram: @choosingmotherhoodbooks 👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids. 💌 Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here at the bottom of the page. ✍️ Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com. ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.

  5. Jun 10

    S9E8. Embryo Donation as a Choice for Solo Moms with Jen and Maya of Empower with Moxi

    Embryo donation can be a beautiful and deeply layered way to build a family, but it’s also a topic surrounded by questions, emotion, and a lot of unknowns. In this episode, I’m joined by Maya Grobel, a licensed clinical social worker, recipient parent, and documentary filmmaker, along with Jen Vesbit, a nationally certified counselor and donor parent. Together with their partner Gina Davis, they co-founded Empower with Moxi and the Moxi Matching platform, where they provide guidance, support, and education for embryo donors and recipients. We talk about what motivates donors and recipients, the emotional complexity on both sides, and the importance of feeling truly ready while also making space for grief. We also discuss how relationships between families can evolve over time. Maya and Jen share the personal experiences that led them to this work, including Maya building her family through embryo donation and Jen donating her remaining embryo to a single mother by choice. They also explain why more solo moms are beginning to consider embryo donation as part of their path to parenthood today. If you’re curious about embryo donation for yourself, or wondering what to do with remaining embryos, this conversation will help you better understand the logistics, the community, and most importantly, what it can look like to reimagine your own vision of family. In this episode, we talk about: The emotional journey of embryo donation from both donor and recipient perspectivesThe practical steps and timeline for directed, open embryo donationThe unique ways single parents are welcomed and supported in the Moxi Matching processHow to navigate family conversations, decision-making, and the “when is my family complete?” questionThe importance of community and support for solo moms considering this pathSupporting children (and donor families) in talking about genetic connections and expanded familyWhy choice, inclusivity, and agency are at the heart of building families through embryo donation Resources: EM•POWER with MoxiInstagram: @empowerwithmoxiMaya's websiteOne More ShotMaya's Podcast: Never Thought We'd Be HereJen on Instagram: @embryodonationsupport 👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids. 💌 Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here at the bottom of the page. ✍️ Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com. ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.

  6. May 27

    S9E7. Mission: Motherhood - How Cheri Bergeron Created Her Own Happily Ever After

    What does it really take to let go of the fairy tale you were raised with and create a life, and family, that’s truly your own? In this episode, I sit down with Cheri Bergeron, Austin author, single mom by choice, and passionate advocate for women navigating new paths to motherhood. Cheri's journey has included fertility challenges, marriage and divorce, donor conception loss, and ultimately, building her family in unexpected and deeply intentional ways. Her story is raw, emotional, and so relatable for anyone who has found themselves facing a future far different from the one they once imagined. We talk honestly about the push and pull between career ambition and the dream of motherhood, and what happens when timelines, biology, or relationships don’t line up the way you hoped. Cheri shares the lessons she learned about advocating for yourself in the fertility world, building non-traditional village support, and making empowered choices no matter how many pivots your journey requires. We also open up about the real fears so many single mothers by choice face: Will our children be okay? What will people think if we have kids “later”? And how can intentional community shape the way we (and our kids) experience solo motherhood? In this episode, we talk about: Cheri's path from a “Prince Convenient” marriage to solo motherhood by choiceThe realities and surprises of using donor eggs and navigating IVF in your 40sGrieving the losses that come with fertility challenges and transitionsWhy clarity around your values can guide even the hardest decisionsRethinking what your village looks like, and building a non-traditional support systemHandling judgment, both real and imagined, from family and yourselfHow to hold space for kids’ questions and thrive as a single-parent family Connect with Cheri: WebsiteCheri's book, Mission: Motherhood 👩‍👧‍👦 The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids. 💌 Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here at the bottom of the page. ✍️ Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com. ℹ️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Single Greatest Choice or its host, Katie Bryan. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, mental health, or professional advice. Every fertility, donor conception, and parenting journey is unique, and listeners are encouraged to use discernment and consult appropriate professionals regarding their individual circumstances. By listening, you acknowledge responsibility for your own decisions, interpretations, and actions.

  7. May 13

    S9E6. Take Control of Your Conception Journey with Peer-to-Peer Sperm Donation, featuring Sofie Hafstrøm Kritsotaki, CEO of Y Factor

    Donor conception is changing faster than most fertility clinics or sperm banks can keep up. More and more women are looking for alternative paths to parenthood that put autonomy, transparency, and connection at the center. If you’ve ever wondered about the world of known, open, and peer-to-peer sperm donation, or wanted more control and clarity on selecting a donor, this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by Sofie Hafstrøm Kritsotaki, CEO of Y factor, a Copenhagen-based startup helping solo moms (and others) connect directly with sperm donors in a safe and user-friendly way. Sofie shares how Y factor works, why donor and recipient choice matters, and all the behind-the-scenes details about vetting, agreements, communication, and what it looks like to use the app. We break down what it’s actually like to search for a donor outside of the typical bank system, including logistics, legal considerations, and the emotional side of creating your family story. If you’re feeling both curious and cautious about moving beyond the default options, I hope this conversation helps you feel informed, empowered, and confident in exploring what’s possible. In this episode, we talk about: How peer-to-peer sperm donation gives both donor and recipient more agency and choiceWhat makes the Y factor platform different from banks and Facebook groupsWays to prioritize safety, legal clarity, and personal preference in open donor arrangementsThe real motivations behind why men become donors, and how that impacts your decisionNavigating conversations about expectations, boundaries, and future contact with the donorWhy so many single mothers by choice are leading the way in this new modelWhat to consider if you want siblings or want to connect with your child’s donor or half-siblings Learn more about Y factor and download the app here! 👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids. 💌Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here at the bottom of the page. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com.

  8. Apr 29

    S9E5. When Egg Freezing and Community Come Together with Aliza Virani of The Fertility Co-Living

    When I first connected with today's guest, Aliza, I felt such a spark of resonance. She has created exactly what she wished had existed on her own fertility journey. It’s an international, holistic, community-based egg freezing retreat designed to transform what can be an isolating, clinical, and overwhelming experience into something deeply supportive, connected, and even joyful. In this episode, Aliza shares her powerful story of navigating egg freezing in Vancouver, feeling the weight of soaring costs and emotional isolation, and realizing there had to be a better way. We dive into how her own medical and fertility path led to the founding of Fertility Co-Living. This is where women come together in Mexico City for a holistic egg freezing journey: acupuncture, red light therapy, nutrition guidance, nurse support, yoga, city excursions, and true companionship. We also open up about reclaiming the magic and meaning of becoming a mother on your own terms, and how stepping off the beaten path can create a life richer than you imagined. If you’ve thought about freezing eggs, are considering solo motherhood, or simply want to hear how one woman took her pain and turned it into collective healing, you’ll feel seen and supported in this conversation. In this episode, we talk about: Aliza's journey through egg freezing, disappointment, and the high financial and emotional costs in CanadaWhy fertility options abroad can offer both lower costs and richer supportHow Fertility Co-Living turns egg freezing into a restorative, communal, and even beautiful experienceThe importance of addressing mind, body, and spirit throughout the fertility journeyNavigating timelines, urgency, regret, and learning to trust your own intuition, not just the numbers or the pressureWho joins these retreats, and why the community you build is as transformative as the medical process itself Connect with Aliza: The Fertility Co-Living websiteInstagram: @thefertilitycoliving 👩‍👧‍👦The Single Greatest Choice is the single mother by choice support you’ve been craving for every stage of your journey. You can find 1:1 Coaching for every stage of solo motherhood by choice, Community Groups for thinkers, triers, and pregnant SMBCs, The SGC Village Membership Community, Retreats for early stage SMBCs and Family Trips for moms & kids. 💌Become part of the SGC community and stay up to date by joining our newsletter. You can sign up >>here at the bottom of the page. Reach out to Katie over at katie@singlegreatestchoice.com.

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You always imagined becoming a mom someday, but what if someday doesn’t look the way you expected? Maybe you're considering solo motherhood, wondering if having a baby on your own is really possible. Maybe you know you want to be a mom, but the clock is ticking, you’re single and aren’t sure what to do next. Perhaps you’re already on the path: researching sperm donors, weighing IVF or adoption, or navigating pregnancy without a partner. Wherever you are in your journey, The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you. Hosted by Katie Bryan, a single mother by choice turned SMBC coach and community facilitator, this podcast is a space for women exploring what it means to choose parenthood on their own terms. You’ll hear real stories from solo moms who’ve been where you are: women who have faced the fears, made the choices, and built beautiful, fulfilling lives as single mothers by choice. You can expect conversations around: > Fertility for single women in their 30s and 40s; > Considering solo motherhood & becoming a single mother by choice (SMBC) > IVF, adoption, sperm donors, and egg freezing for single women > Having a baby on your own > Choosing to parent alone > Dating and relationships as SMBCs > Building community as a solo mom by choice > And much more. If you're single in your 30s or 40s and wondering, Can I do this?, you’re not alone. The path to becoming a single mother by choice isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. This is your place to find confidence, connection, and community as you explore whether solo motherhood might be your single greatest choice. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss an episode, and visit www.singlegreatestchoice.com to learn more about our membership, coaching, community groups, and retreats.

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