Building Your Family podcast

#Fitness #Alternative Health #Medicine #Lisa Schuman #Family Building

38:05

In late 1972, U.S. Marine Captain Ron Forrester disappeared on a bombing run into North Vietnam. Back home in Texas, his family could only wait and hope. Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join. Go to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.…

Building your family

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Welcome to Building Your Family, the only expert-guided community platform designed for parents and parents-to-be using reproductive medicine to build their families. We provide unique strategies to help make your path to parenthood smoother and more informed—empowering you to navigate the critical decisions that shape your family’s future. At Building Your Family, we’ve already helped thousands of people navigate the complexities of family building and parenting with confidence. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to make these life-changing decisions with greater clarity, resulting in better outcomes and fewer regrets. We understand that many of the decisions you make along this journey can’t be undone, and that’s why our approach is all about offering you practical, actionable steps that you can start applying right now. Our educational components are tailored to help you think differently, make more informed choices, and take control of your experience—from fertility treatments to parenting strategies. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your journey, Building Your Family is here to guide you with expert advice, specialized education, stress-reduction strategies, and the community support you need to make the best choices for you and your family. For more information, sign up for our newsletter, you will be able to stay up to date with the episodes, get information about our programs and most of all join our warm community. And follow us on social.// Monthly email: https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Watch the podcast on YouTube http://bit.ly/3E49Z1k Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/

100 episodes

Building your family

updated 3 days ago

Series home•Feed

100 episodes

#Fitness #Alternative Health #Medicine #Lisa Schuman #Family Building

All episodes

Building your family

1
What Happens When You Meet Your Donor and Siblings as an Adult? | Freya Lyon's Donor Conception Story 44:33

3 days ago44:33

44:33

What is it really like to meet your donor—or your donor siblings—as an adult, after your values and worldview are already in place? In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Freya Lyon shares her journey as a donor-conceived person who felt confident in her identity, only to experience a major shift when she met genetic relatives later in life. Freya opens up about what surprised her, how these relationships shaped her views on family, and how they influenced her own approach to building a family. If you’ve ever wondered about late-in-life donor connections, identity, or the complexities of modern family-building, this episode offers rare insight and heart. 📌 Subscribe for more real-life stories and expert guidance on donor conception, surrogacy, and modern parenthood. 🔔 New episodes weekly on the Building Your Family podcast. Follow Freya on Instagram: @thequeermama Follow Freya on TikTok: @thequeermama…

Building your family

1
Surrogacy, Love & LGBTQ+ Parenthood: How Two Dads Built Their Family 45:11

10 days ago45:11

45:11

Two gay dads share their surrogacy journey and lessons on LGBTQ+ parenting, visibility, and love. Discover how they built their family—and a community—along the way. In this heartfelt episode of Building Your Family, Mike and George open up about the joys and challenges of becoming parents through surrogacy. From navigating the process to raising two beautiful children, they offer honest insight and hope for others on similar paths. Now advocates for inclusion and education, they’re helping more LGBTQ+ families feel seen and supported. 📚 Learn more about Families Out Loud: https://www.familiesoutloudevents.com/ Follow Families Out Loud on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/families_out_loud Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msnaric/ Follow George on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porgiemoore/ 🎧 Subscribe for more stories on family and parenthood!…

Building your family

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Dr. Danielle Lane on Equity, Inclusion & Improving Fertility Outcomes 40:44

17 days ago40:44

40:44

This week’s episode may feel like listening in on a heartwarming chat between two fertility professionals — because it is. But it’s also full of meaningful insight on how to navigate some of the most complex and personal parts of family building. My guest, Dr. Danielle Lane, is not only a brilliant fertility specialist — she’s also someone setting high standards for inclusion, diversity, access, and patient success. In this conversation, we talk openly about: Donor conception Surrogacy Agency models and success rates How to make empowered, informed decisions What true inclusion in fertility care should look like Whether you’re early in your journey or deep in decision-making, Dr. Lane offers wisdom that can help you move forward with more clarity and confidence. Tune in, take what you need, and share with someone who could benefit from this powerful conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Building Your Family podcast for more expert-led episodes. 📚 Learn more about Dr. Danielle Lane: https://lanefertilityinstitute.com Follow Dr. Danielle Lane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdaniellelane…

Building your family

1
Donor-Conceived Half Sisters Reunited by DNA 51:52

24 days ago51:52

51:52

What happens when two donor-conceived women, raised in different families, discover they're genetic half-sisters? In this powerful episode, we sit down with two women whose paths crossed thanks to DNA — not childhood. Raised by single parents in separate homes, they reflect on the moment they connected, what it was like growing up with questions, and why they chose to search as adults. They open up about bonding more with donor siblings than with their donor, and how their own experience of family is influencing how they build their future families. With honest stories and surprising insights, they explore what it means to share DNA — and how genetic connections can reveal both deep similarities and unexpected differences. 📚 Learn more about Kiara Rae Schuh: Website Follow Kiara on Instagram 📚 Learn more about Johnna Palic: Website Follow Johnna on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe for more stories on family and parenthood!…

Building your family

1
When Medicine Meets Empathy: Patient Autonomy in Fertility Care 39:50

4 weeks ago39:50

39:50

This week on the podcast, we sit down with the brilliant Dr. Janelle Luk—fertility expert, Ivy League-trained physician, and co-founder of Generation Next Fertility. Though classically trained, Dr. Luk takes a deeply personalized approach to fertility care. She shares how she helps patients make deeply personal decisions—like using donor conception, freezing eggs or embryos, or even stepping back for a break—by truly listening to their stories. Together, we explore how honoring patient autonomy can sometimes mean going against the expected medical path to create a future that truly fits the individual or couple. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating fertility or supporting others on that journey. 📚 Learn more about Dr.Luk: Generation next fertility Follow Dr.Luk on Instagram: @goodluckluk…

Building your family

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Donor Conception Is Her World: Kate Davies on Family & Identity 42:44

5 weeks ago42:44

42:44

Author Kate Davies, known for her novel Nuclear Family, joins us to share her personal and literary journey through donor conception. As a donor-conceived person who pursued donor conception with her wife, Kate reflects on the evolving meaning of family, identity, and connection. Her experiences offer a powerful perspective on the complexities and beauty of modern family-building. Whether you're curious about donor conception, LGBTQ+ family building, or how personal stories inspire fiction, this conversation is a must-listen. 📚 Learn more about Kate's book on her website Follow Kate on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe for more stories on family and parenthood!…

Building your family

1
Choosing Donor Conception: Expert Insights & Personal Journey with Dr. Melnick 37:49

6 weeks ago37:49

37:49

Thinking about choosing donor conception to build your family? Today’s episode is a must-watch! Dr. Melnick, Director of Third Party Reproduction at Cornell Fertility Center, shares expert insights on selecting a donor, making crucial fertility decisions, and balancing medical recommendations with personal values. But this isn’t just a clinical perspective—Dr. Melnick used donor conception herself to become a single mother by choice. Her unique experience as both a fertility doctor and a parent through donor conception makes this conversation incredibly valuable. In this episode, we cover: Choosing the right sperm or egg donor Should you use a known donor? Pros & cons Key medical & ethical considerations in donor conception Why patient autonomy matters in fertility decisions Dr. Melnick’s personal journey to parenthood Whether you're considering donor conception, in fertility treatment, or just exploring options, this episode will give you essential insights from a leading expert who truly understands the process—both professionally and personally. Subscribe for more expert fertility insights! Have questions? Drop them in the comments! Useful links from this episode Dr. Alexis Melnick Website…

Building your family

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Two Dads, One Dream: Jeff Levin’s Surrogacy & Egg Donation Journey 45:21

7 weeks ago45:21

45:21

How do two dads navigate the journey to parenthood through surrogacy and egg donation? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Levin, a therapist and proud dad, to hear the real story behind his path to fatherhood. From choosing an egg donor and surrogate to overcoming unexpected challenges, Jeff shares the highs, the hurdles, and the heartfelt moments that led him and his husband to the family of their dreams. If you’re a same-sex couple considering parenthood—or simply curious about the process—this episode is packed with honest insights, expert advice, and inspiration for anyone on their own family-building journey. Useful links from this episode: Jeff Levin: Website…

Building your family

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Fertility & Stress: How Eastern Medicine Can Help with Dr. Susan Fox 44:17

8 weeks ago44:17

44:17

Struggling with stress and fertility challenges? 🌱 Acupuncturist Dr. Susan Fox brings decades of experience blending Eastern and Western medicine to help you feel better. In this episode, she shares insights on managing stress, improving reproductive health, and finding balance on your fertility journey. 🔹 How Eastern medicine views fertility & well-being 🔹 Practical stress management techniques 🔹 The role of acupuncture in reproductive health Don't miss these expert tips to support your journey to parenthood! Subscribe for more fertility insights! Useful links from this episode: Resolve website ASRM Dr Susan Fox Website Health Youniversity Fertility Quiz Event…

Building your family

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How Fertility Clinics Screen Egg Donors | Ethics & Process 39:14

9 weeks ago39:14

39:14

Ever wondered what really happens when fertility clinics screen egg donors? Dr. Rudick, Director of Third Party Reproduction at Columbia University Fertility Center, shares the essential steps she takes to protect the emotional and physical well-being of both donors and recipients. With complex decisions and sometimes conflicting interests, she reveals how she balances ethics, science, and care. If you or someone you know is considering egg donation, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Useful links from this episode: Dr. Briana Rudick Website…

Building your family

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Sperm Health & Testing: What You Need to Know | Dr. Justine Witzke 39:58

10 weeks ago39:58

39:58

Want to boost fertility? Sperm health plays a critical role, yet it’s often overlooked. In this episode of Building Your Family, we sit down with Dr. Justine Witzke, a Cornell-trained fertility expert and founder of Aligneage Fertility, to discuss sperm testing, preservation, and proactive fertility planning. Why should you test sperm? How can you improve sperm health? Who should consider sperm freezing and why? With more people preserving sperm for future family-building, understanding fertility preservation is more important than ever. Whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning ahead, this episode gives you expert insights on sperm quality, reproductive health, and fertility options. Listen now and take control of your fertility journey! Subscribe for expert fertility advice & family-building tips! Useful links from this episode: Justine Witzke Website Instagram…

Building your family

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Fertility and Cancer: What You Need to Know 40:01

11 weeks ago40:01

40:01

Before starting cancer treatment, fertility preservation can give patients the chance to have a family in the future. While many know this is possible, few understand what happens inside fertility clinics, how to navigate the process, or what questions to ask. In this episode, I talk with a leading mental health professional—also a cancer survivor—who shares what really goes on behind the scenes, the emotional challenges, and how to get the support you need. Whether you're facing a diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this conversation can help. Useful links from this episode. Jennifer Gamper Website SART…

Building your family

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Keeping Love Alive: Sex & Intimacy in Family Building w/ Dr. Elizabeth Grill 37:33

12 weeks ago37:33

37:33

Struggling to keep the spark alive while navigating family building? In this Valentine’s Day special, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Grill to talk about sex, intimacy, and recalibrating your expectations when life gets overwhelming. Whether you're trying to conceive, in fertility treatment, or just looking for ways to reconnect, this episode will give you real strategies to help you sustain love, desire, and emotional connection—even in the toughest moments. What You’ll Learn: How to shift your mindset from “performance” to true intimacy Practical ways to stay connected when life feels overwhelming How to navigate emotional and physical barriers to intimacy Long-term strategies to keep passion alive in your relationship Don’t miss these expert insights—subscribe and share with someone who needs this today! Useful links from this episode Dr. Elizabeth Grill Instagram…

Building your family

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Fertility & Health: What Really Works with Dr. Camille Hammond 36:28

13 weeks ago36:28

36:28

Are you overwhelmed by social media advice on fertility and health? Dr. Camille Hammond joins Building Your Family to break down the basics of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices when trying to conceive. She exposes false claims, shares science-backed insights, and helps you focus on real, effective ways to support your fertility. If you’re tired of the noise and looking for expert guidance, this episode is for you! Useful links from this episode Dr. Camille Hammond Cade Foundation ASRM Article…

Building your family

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Fertility & Solo Parenting: Trisha Cornwell on Thriving as a Single Mom 55:06

14 weeks ago55:06