The Surrogate Buzz

Surrogate Alternatives, Inc

The Surrogate Buzz is the official podcast from Surrogate Alternatives, Inc., guiding listeners through the real-world process of building families through surrogacy. Designed for both gestational surrogates and intended parents, this show breaks down the surrogacy journey into clear, practical conversations that reduce confusion and build trust. Whether you are asking "How does surrogacy work?", "What is the cost of surrogacy?", or "What is surrogacy compensation?", each episode provides expert insight grounded in experience. Hosted by professionals from Surrogate Alternatives, Inc., a founder-led surrogacy agency established in 1998, The Surrogate Buzz explores the emotional, legal, medical, and logistical realities of third-party reproduction. Episodes feature clear explanations, real-life perspectives, and thoughtful discussions designed to help listeners understand what to expect at every stage. From the application and screening process to matching, pregnancy, and delivery, The Surrogate Buzz is a steady, trusted resource for navigating surrogacy with clarity and confidence.

Episodes

  1. APR 27

    Surrogacy Psychological Evaluation Explained: What Intended Parents & Surrogates Should Expect

    What happens during a psychological evaluation in surrogacy, and why is it required for both intended parents and surrogates? In this episode of The Surrogate Buzz, host Rebecca Deegan, Senior Client Services Director at Surrogate Alternatives, is joined by Dr. Steven Covelluzzi, a clinical psychologist specializing in third-party reproduction, to explain how the psychological screening process works and why it plays a critical role in successful surrogacy journeys. The psychological evaluation is one of the most important and often misunderstood steps in surrogacy. Many intended parents and surrogates feel uncertain about what is being assessed, what questions will be asked, and whether the process is something they need to "pass." This conversation breaks down what actually happens during a surrogacy psychological evaluation, including how emotional readiness, expectations, communication, and support systems are assessed. Dr. Covelluzzi explains that this is not a pass-or-fail test, but a structured consultation designed to help identify potential challenges early and support both parties throughout the journey. The episode also explores the emotional realities of surrogacy, including trust, control, and the relationship between intended parents and surrogates, helping listeners better understand what it truly means to move forward with a surrogacy journey. WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS • What a surrogacy psychological evaluation is • Why both intended parents and surrogates must complete a psych screening • What psychologists assess during the process • Emotional readiness and expectations in surrogacy • Common fears about the psych evaluation process • The role of trust and control in surrogacy • What makes a surrogate psychologically prepared • How agencies and psychologists support the journey WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR Intended parents considering surrogacy Women thinking about becoming a surrogate Families preparing for a surrogacy journey Anyone wanting to understand the psychological side of surrogacy QUESTIONS ANSWERED What happens during a surrogacy psychological evaluation? Is the psych evaluation a pass or fail process? Why do intended parents need a psychological screening? What are psychologists looking for in a surrogate? How does emotional readiness impact a surrogacy journey? ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Stephen Covelluzzi is a clinical psychologist specializing in surrogacy and third-party reproduction. With years of experience supporting intended parents and surrogates, he helps individuals navigate the emotional, relational, and psychological aspects of the surrogacy process. Learn more: https://www.sjcbehavioralhealth.com ABOUT THE SURROGATE BUZZ The Surrogate Buzz is a podcast created by Surrogate Alternatives, Inc., a U.S. surrogacy agency with more than 28 years of experience helping intended parents and surrogates navigate ethical, transparent, and relationship-focused surrogacy journeys.

    1h 10m
  2. MAR 10

    The Surrogacy Legal Process Explained: Contracts, Parental Rights and Common Mistakes

    What should intended parents and surrogates understand about the legal process of surrogacy before beginning a journey? In this episode of The Surrogate Buzz, host Rebecca Deegan, Senior Client Services Director at Surrogate Alternatives, is joined by surrogacy attorney Brian Klein of Klein Fertility Law to explain the legal foundations of gestational surrogacy in the United States. Surrogacy involves contracts, medical procedures, and court orders that establish parental rights and protect both intended parents and gestational carriers. Brian breaks down how surrogacy contracts work, how parental rights are established through pre-birth and post-birth orders, and the legal protections that exist throughout the journey. They also discuss common legal mistakes intended parents should avoid and why communication between agencies, attorneys, and surrogates plays a critical role in successful surrogacy journeys. This conversation is designed to help intended parents and prospective surrogates better understand the legal framework behind surrogacy so they can move forward with clarity and confidence. About Our Guest Brian Klein is a surrogacy attorney and founder of Klein Fertility Law, where he represents intended parents and surrogates in assisted reproduction and fertility law matters. Learn more about Brian Klein and Klein Fertility Law: https://www.kleinfertilitylaw.com Learn More About Surrogate Alternatives https://www.surrogatealternatives.com

    54 min
  3. FEB 23

    Red Flags When Choosing a Surrogacy Agency: What Intended Parents and Surrogates Should Know

    Choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions intended parents and surrogates will make during the family-building journey. Understanding potential warning signs early can help prevent unnecessary stress, risk, and financial uncertainty later. In this episode of The Surrogate Buzz, host Rebecca Deegan, Senior Client Services Director at Surrogate Alternatives, is joined by Senior Case Manager and experienced surrogate Nicole to discuss red flags to watch for when evaluating a surrogacy agency. The conversation explores how medical screening, communication practices, financial protections, and agency experience can impact both safety and overall outcomes throughout a journey. This episode is designed to help intended parents and prospective surrogates feel more informed, confident, and prepared when researching agencies. WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS • Why medical record review is critical before matching • Communication policies that may signal concern • How agency experience affects outcomes when challenges arise • The importance of independent trust accounts and escrow protection • Financial transparency for intended parents and surrogates • What trustworthy agencies consistently do differently • Questions to consider when evaluating an agency WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR Intended parents researching surrogacy Women considering becoming a surrogate Families comparing agency options Anyone seeking clearer guidance on third-party reproduction Surrogate Alternatives https://www.surrogatealternatives.com Become a Parent: https://www.surrogatealternatives.com/intended-parents Become a Surrogate: https://www.surrogatealternatives.com/become-a-surrogate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saiagency TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sai.agency Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saicorp The Surrogate Buzz is the official podcast of Surrogate Alternatives, Inc., a U.S. surrogacy agency with more than 28 years of experience supporting intended parents and surrogates through ethical, transparent, and relationship-focused journeys.

    40 min
  4. JAN 20

    What Happens After You Apply to Be a Surrogate?

    You've submitted a surrogate application. What happens next? Who reviews it, how does screening work, and what should you expect during this stage? In this episode of The Surrogate Buzz, Rebecca, Senior Client Services Director, sits down with Jennifer, Surrogate Intake Director at Surrogate Alternatives, Inc., to walk through what actually happens after a surrogate application is submitted. Jennifer explains how applications are reviewed by real people, what the intake call is truly for, why screening is intentionally thorough, and why timelines can vary based on medical records and safety considerations. This episode is designed to clarify the process, reduce anxiety for surrogates, and give intended parents a behind-the-scenes look at how careful screening protects everyone involved. In this episode, we answer common questions such as: Who reviews a surrogate application? What is the intake call, and what is it not? Why do some applications move forward while others are asked to pause? Why is medical, psychological, and background screening so detailed? What is normal to feel during this stage of the process? Whether you are considering becoming a surrogate or are an intended parent seeking reassurance about the screening and safeguards in place, this episode provides clear, honest insight into how the process works and why it matters. Learn more about surrogacy and becoming a surrogate: https://www.surrogatealternatives.com

    42 min

About

The Surrogate Buzz is the official podcast from Surrogate Alternatives, Inc., guiding listeners through the real-world process of building families through surrogacy. Designed for both gestational surrogates and intended parents, this show breaks down the surrogacy journey into clear, practical conversations that reduce confusion and build trust. Whether you are asking "How does surrogacy work?", "What is the cost of surrogacy?", or "What is surrogacy compensation?", each episode provides expert insight grounded in experience. Hosted by professionals from Surrogate Alternatives, Inc., a founder-led surrogacy agency established in 1998, The Surrogate Buzz explores the emotional, legal, medical, and logistical realities of third-party reproduction. Episodes feature clear explanations, real-life perspectives, and thoughtful discussions designed to help listeners understand what to expect at every stage. From the application and screening process to matching, pregnancy, and delivery, The Surrogate Buzz is a steady, trusted resource for navigating surrogacy with clarity and confidence.