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

What do you do when the path to motherhood keeps asking you to let go of the way you thought it would happen? I sit down with life coach and single mom by choice Victoria Kennedy to talk about her five-year journey to becoming a mother... a journey filled with difficult endings, unexpected pivots, heartbreaking losses, and ultimately, a deep trust in herself and the life she wanted to create. Victoria shares how she walked away from a seven-year toxic relationship at 34 and took the time she needed to rebuild herself before dating again. Motherhood was still something she deeply wanted, and when a later relationship came with an ultimatum — choose the relationship or keep pursuing fertility treatment — Victoria had to decide what she was and wasn't willing to give up. Victoria and I discuss: Choosing your desire for motherhood when a relationship asks you to give it up Navigating six IUIs, five IVF cycles, fertility setbacks, pregnancy loss, and an ectopic pregnancy Making the emotional pivot to donor eggs and grieving the loss of a biological connection Setting boundaries with well-meaning family and friends during fertility treatment Letting go of the timeline you thought your life would follow How Victoria's experience led her to life coaching and helping women recognize "micro-self-abandonment" Developing the self-trust to make hard decisions without needing everyone else to understand them Your Next Steps: Learn more about Victoria Kennedy at https://www.victoriakennedy.studio/ Connect with Victoria on Instagram at @VictoriaKennedy.studio Sign Up for Community Groups: Connect with women on similar paths by signing up for upcoming groups at https://www.singlegreatestchoice.com/community-groups . Connect with me on Instagram: Follow @single_greatest_choice for daily inspiration and insights. Join the SGC Village: Become part of the 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.

Laura Runnels knew from a young age that solo motherhood was a path she was willing to take. What she couldn’t have known was exactly how that path would unfold, from exploring known donation to ultimately using a sperm bank, conceiving at home, and later deciding whether to grow her family again. In this episode, Laura and I talk about her path to becoming a solo mom to two donor-conceived children, including some of the less conventional routes she explored along the way and the questions that came up when she began considering a second child. We also dig into the work Laura is doing now in the donor conception community. Through the Donor Conception Journal Club , she makes peer-reviewed donor conception research more accessible while encouraging readers to think critically about what the research can and cannot tell us. And as a co-founder of Parts of Me, she is working to expand the range of donor-conceived experiences represented in books, media, arts, and culture. In this episode, we discuss: Laura’s early certainty that she wanted to become a mother, even if she did it on her own Her experience searching for a known donor, including using dating apps specifically for that purpose Her eventual decision to use a sperm bank and her experience conceiving through at-home insemination How she thought about finances, capacity, family size, and the possibility of having a second or third child Why donor conception research can be difficult for the average person to access and interpret, and how the Donor Conception Journal Club is helping bridge that gap The importance of seeing a much wider range of donor-conceived experiences represented in books, movies, and culture through Parts of Me Resources Mentioned: Donor Conception Journal Club: www.dcjournalclub.com Parts of Me: partsofme.org The Ones We Choose by Julie Clark Connect with Laura: On Instagram: @laurarunnels On LinkedIn: Laura Runnels Your Next Steps: Sign Up for one of our upcoming groups at https://www.singlegreatestchoice.com/community-groups Connect with Katie on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/single_greatest_choice 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 👩‍👧‍👦 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.

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 Therapist Learn more about Kat's work at https://northcoastic.com Find 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_Choice 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 👩‍👧‍👦 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.

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 stuck Making the decision to pursue solo motherhood after the end of a relationship Navigating IUIs, IVF, donor selection, and the emotional highs and lows of fertility treatment Why community and therapy can make such a difference throughout the journey Practical advice for breaking the Solo Mom decision process into manageable steps Learning 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.com Sign Up for one of our upcoming groups at https://www.singlegreatestchoice.com/community-groups Connect with Katie on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/single_greatest_choice 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 👩‍👧‍👦 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.

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.com Instagram: @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.

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 motherhood The emotional ups and downs of deciding to become a single mom by choice What happened when family support didn't look the way she expected Building a village through paid support, friendships, and community The loneliness that can show up during pregnancy and postpartum How becoming a solo mom transformed Beth's confidence and self-trust The story behind Choosing Rose and talking to kids about donor conception Connect with Beth: Website Instagram: @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.

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 perspectives The practical steps and timeline for directed, open embryo donation The unique ways single parents are welcomed and supported in the Moxi Matching process How to navigate family conversations, decision-making, and the “when is my family complete?” question The importance of community and support for solo moms considering this path Supporting children (and donor families) in talking about genetic connections and expanded family Why choice, inclusivity, and agency are at the heart of building families through embryo donation Resources: EM•POWER with Moxi Instagram: @empowerwithmoxi Maya's website One More Shot Maya's Podcast: Never Thought We'd Be Here Jen 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.

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 choice The realities and surprises of using donor eggs and navigating IVF in your 40s Grieving the losses that come with fertility challenges and transitions Why clarity around your values can guide even the hardest decisions Rethinking what your village looks like, and building a non-traditional support system Handling judgment, both real and imagined, from family and yourself How to hold space for kids’ questions and thrive as a single-parent family Connect with Cheri: Website Cheri'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.

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 choice What makes the Y factor platform different from banks and Facebook groups Ways to prioritize safety, legal clarity, and personal preference in open donor arrangements The real motivations behind why men become donors, and how that impacts your decision Navigating conversations about expectations, boundaries, and future contact with the donor Why so many single mothers by choice are leading the way in this new model What 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.

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 Canada Why fertility options abroad can offer both lower costs and richer support How Fertility Co-Living turns egg freezing into a restorative, communal, and even beautiful experience The importance of addressing mind, body, and spirit throughout the fertility journey Navigating timelines, urgency, regret, and learning to trust your own intuition, not just the numbers or the pressure Who joins these retreats, and why the community you build is as transformative as the medical process itself Connect with Aliza: The Fertility Co-Living website Instagram: @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.

Becoming a single mother by choice is complicated enough, but when you add layers of cultural expectations, family pressure, and the uncertainty of fertility, it can feel like there’s just no roadmap and no one who gets it. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Reema Kiran, executive coach, founder of Choice Mom Coach, and now published author of the book, Choice Mom . We go deep into her process of navigating unexplained infertility, cultural traditions, and making the call to prioritize motherhood on her own terms. Together, we share the real, lived experience of choosing this path despite fears and grief over what “should have been". Reema opens up about childhood dreams clashing with grown-up realities, the importance of mindset, and what it meant to face questions from family and her Indian community. We talk about what’s helped us both, and what it has looked like for our families (and ourselves) to come around to single motherhood by choice. Whether you’re in the thinking stage, facing fertility challenges, or wrestling with letting go of the life you imagined, this is a truly supportive, honest conversation. In this episode, we talk about: Navigating cultural expectations and family reactions as a single mother by choice The emotional side of infertility, failed fertility treatments, and shifting your mindset Reema's experience with egg freezing and entering the world of IVF on her own Grieving the loss of the partner and child vision, and finding your own way forward Day-to-day realities and surprises of solo motherhood (from mental load to mom guilt) How to speak with confidence to loved ones who might not understand your choices The power of self-compassion, community, and taking just one next step Connect with Reema: Website Instagram: @choicemomcoach Choice Mom: An Empowering Guide to Becoming a Single Mother by 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.

There is so much noise out there about fertility, timelines, and the “right” way and time to become a mother. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate these decisions, especially as a single woman wondering what’s possible, what’s realistic, and what you really want. That’s why I was so excited to welcome back Dr. Natalie Crawford for this episode. Not only is she a leader in the fertility space and the co-founder of Fora Fertility here in Austin, but she’s also my own fertility doctor. In this conversation, Dr. Crawford shares about her new book, The Fertility Formula . She dives into what to know about the fertility process, what questions to ask, and how to make empowered decisions at every stage. Whether you’re just starting to think about your options, actively trying to conceive, or navigating the early years of solo motherhood, you’ll find so much useful information here. We touch on the emotional layers of solo motherhood by choice, challenge the “rush” narrative, and unpack how knowledge (not urgency!) creates real freedom and confidence. I left this conversation feeling more grounded and reminded that there is no “right” path - only the choice that’s right for you . I hope you walk away with a stronger sense of what’s within your control, how to advocate for your own well-being, and ways to gently hold space for the dreams you’re building, even if they look different than you once imagined. In this episode, we talk about: Why foundational fertility knowledge matters, and what Dr. Crawford wishes every woman knew sooner The importance of advocating for yourself and naming your real goals in the fertility journey How inflammation, lifestyle choices, and environment actually impact your fertility and hormone health The pressures single women face around making the right choice How to navigate uncertainty, conflicting emotions, and evolving dreams, whether or not motherhood is your current goal What to do if you feel unsupported or uncertain in your clinic/doctor relationship The value of taking the next informed step, not letting anxiety or urgency take the lead Connect with Dr. Natalie Crawford: Website Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd TikTok: @nataliecrawfordmd LinkedIn: Natalie Crawford, MD YouTube: Natalie Crawford, MD Podcast: As a Woman 👩‍👧‍👦 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.

Sometimes the path to motherhood asks us to step into the unknown with courage, intention, and trust, especially when the journey doesn’t look anything like we first imagined. In this episode, I’m joined by Regine Smith, solo mom by adoption, and founder of SMBC Resources. Regine shares her powerful story of building her family through adoption as a single woman, navigating years of research and uncertainty, and ultimately embracing a version of motherhood that feels deeply right for her. We talk honestly about fear, doubt, and the pressure to “get it right” when becoming a solo parent, and how those feelings can nearly eclipse the beauty and healing that motherhood brings. Regine opens up about the realities of the adoption process, the challenges and joys of parenting a young child, and her commitment to making it easier for other women to find trustworthy support on their own journeys. Whether you’re considering adoption, donor conception, or simply exploring your options, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling seen, informed, and a little more at ease about what’s possible. In this episode, we talk about: Regine’s journey to solo motherhood and building her family through toddler adoption What it’s really like to navigate years of decisions, research, and uncertainty before becoming a mom The emotional impact of fear and doubt, and why holding space for your child’s feelings is so essential How adoption actually works for single women (versus the stories we tell ourselves about what’s impossible) Finding community and autonomy as a solo mom, plus the realities of parenting through anxiety, growth, and change The story behind SMBC Resources, and how Regine is helping other single moms access vetted, supportive professionals Why the privilege of creating a safe, loving home can sometimes matter more than any plan we once had Connect with Regine: SMBC Resources website: smbcresources.com Email: ray@smbcresources.com Instagram: @smbcresources 👩‍👧‍👦 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.

There’s a unique kind of bravery in deciding to build your own family, especially when the path looks nothing like what you once imagined. In this season 9 opener, I’m joined by Lisa Proeber, fellow solo mom by choice, serial entrepreneur, and children’s book author. Lisa and I started this episode as strangers but quickly found ourselves deep in conversation about everything from demotions to starting businesses, surrogacy, solo travel, and the honest realities of single motherhood. Lisa shares her winding journey: early marriage in a conservative family, divorce, years of dating with the singular goal of becoming a mom, and ultimately making the leap into solo motherhood...during a global pandemic. We discuss the heartbreaks, the unexpected joy, and how the challenges of COVID, job loss, advocating for her son’s health, and taking big risks in business all wove together. Lisa opens up about what it’s really like to juggle it all as a single mom, why she loves the flexibility of entrepreneurship, and how she’s helping to tell new stories for families like ours through her board book, Mama Cow . In this episode, we talk about: The courage and chaos of picking a sperm donor (and throwing a hilarious sperm party!) Navigating solo motherhood through the shock of a pandemic What it looks like to get fired for being pregnant - and fight back How Lisa leveraged adversity to launch multiple businesses, and the freedom she’s found in working for herself The gap in children’s books about nontraditional families, and why telling our stories matters Helpful tips for finding support, outsourcing, and building a thriving solo mom life Dating, surrogacy, and talking to kids about different families This is a warm, funny, and deeply honest conversation for anyone thinking about single motherhood by choice, or just looking for ways to write their own story! Connect with Lisa: Mama Cow board book + swag Instagram: @mamacowbooks 👩‍👧‍👦 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.

This episode is a little different than usual. In this Season 8 finale of The Single Greatest Choice Podcast , I’m stepping out of my usual interview role to share a personal reflection on the question I’m asked more than any other: Will I have a second child as a single mother by choice? Rather than offering a clear answer, this episode is about the process of living inside that question — the clarity that came and went, the tension between who I’ve been and who I’m becoming, and what it looks like to honor uncertainty without rushing toward resolution. In this episode, I share: Why deciding about a second child isn’t the same as deciding to try What it means to choose “not deciding” as a valid place to stand How finances, age, capacity, identity, and work all factor into this question The joy and freedom of life with an older child — and what’s at stake in starting over One of my core coaching frameworks for navigating high-stakes decisions with no clear right answer The grief of imagined futures and the “ghost ships that didn’t carry us” Why sometimes holding on is part of integration, not avoidance What I’m learning about letting go, identity, and trust as this year comes to a close This episode isn’t about arriving at certainty. It’s about honoring the space before clarity . Mentioned in this episode: Cheryl Strayed, Dear Sugar : “The Ghost Ships That Didn’t Carry Us” Looking for other single mothers by choice who share your city, career, identity, or stage of motherhood? Join the SGC Directory 👩‍👧‍👦 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

It’s easy to feel “behind” when it seems like everyone around you is moving forward with partnerships, pregnancies, and families — and meanwhile you’re fielding questions from parents, watching friends’ announcements roll in, and quietly feeling the pressure of time. The biological clock conversation can feel loud, heavy, and incredibly anxiety-provoking, especially in your late 30s and 40s. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Beth Gulotta — licensed therapist, founder of NYC Therapeutic Wellness, and host of the podcast Quiet the Clock . Beth has spent years supporting women who feel out of sync with cultural timelines, while also navigating her own very real and layered journey with partnership, egg freezing, infertility, pregnancy loss, and becoming a mother at 40. Together, we talk honestly about what it’s like to want a child while living inside uncertainty. We explore the emotional and practical tension between taking action — getting information, exploring options, making decisions — and learning how to loosen your grip on the parts you simply can’t control. We also name the grief, comparison, and complicated feelings that can surface when life doesn’t unfold the way you once imagined it would. In this episode, we talk about: The emotional impact of feeling “behind” in your 30s or 40s Navigating misaligned timelines within a partnership Beth’s experience with egg freezing, natural conception at 39, and secondary infertility How to take proactive steps without letting anxiety run the show Why we so often put our lives on hold while we’re “waiting,” and how to stop missing the life you’re actually living Making decisions based on how you want to feel, not what you think you should want Supporting yourself during the holidays, when longing and triggers can feel amplified This is a thoughtful, compassionate conversation for anyone who is carrying questions about fertility, timing, and what it means to trust yourself when the path forward isn’t clear. Connect with Beth: Have a listen to Beth’s podcast Quiet the Clock. Follow Beth on Instagram . Learn more about NYC Therapeutic Wellness on their website . 👩‍👧‍👦 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

Today’s episode is something a little different. I’m sharing a bonus conversation that was recorded for another podcast, Quiet the Clock , created by psychotherapist Beth Gulotta . Because Beth’s work and mine overlap in such meaningful ways, we decided to release this interview on both of our feeds today. If you’re new to Quiet the Clock , it’s a deeply thoughtful space for women who are feeling the pressure of fertility timelines, missed milestones, and the quiet (or not-so-quiet) grief that can come with life unfolding differently than expected. In other words, it’s a space that will likely feel very familiar if you’re listening to this show. Beth helps women question and rewrite the stories that no longer serve them, creating room for a life that actually fits — one grounded in self-trust, empowerment, and choosing your own timing. Her personal journey, combined with her clinical background, makes her a steady and compassionate voice in a space that truly needs more of both. You’ll also be hearing from Beth again next week when she joins me as a guest on The Single Greatest Choice , so this is a beautiful introduction to her work and perspective. After you listen, be sure to follow Quiet the Clock wherever you get your podcasts and explore more of Beth’s episodes. If you’re here, I have a feeling her work will resonate deeply. Podcast - Quiet The Clock Podcast

The search for a sperm donor can be overwhelming for anyone, but for Black women, the lack of available Black donors adds a whole new layer of complexity. When Lakia Holmes—senior producer of Bleacher Report’s branded sports content, award-winning journalist, and now a single mom by choice—began exploring her fertility options at 37, she had no idea just how winding the path would be. What started as an egg-freezing consultation quickly revealed blocked fallopian tubes and a 2% chance of conceiving naturally. Suddenly, the dream she’d been putting off to grow her career became something she could no longer wait on. Choosing IVF meant choosing herself—and stepping into the unknown as a solo Black woman navigating infertility, donor scarcity, and the fear of how this choice might impact her career. In our conversation, Lakia shares the emotional and logistical realities of that season: long donor waitlists, genetic mismatches, profiles with only a name or two left… and then the moment a miracle phone call changed everything. “It wasn’t my plan A, but my plan B worked out pretty damn well.” — Lakia Lakia opens up about the fast-moving year that followed—egg retrievals, her very first embryo transfer, and the shock and gratitude of being pregnant with her daughter, Isla, who arrived in May 2024. She also speaks honestly about postpartum depression, rebuilding her support system, heading back to work in the sports media world, and dipping her toe back into dating as an SMBC. Most recently featured in Forbes , Lakia is now using her platform to bring fertility awareness to the Black community and to tell the story she once needed to hear. Her honesty, humor, and courage offer such a powerful reminder: when you decide your dream of becoming a mother can’t wait any longer, so much becomes possible. In this episode, we explore: How an egg-freezing consult revealed blocked fallopian tubes Recognizing that waiting for the “right time” or the “right partner” might mean waiting forever Why Black sperm donors are so scarce—and how that impacts Black women pursuing donor conception Finding a donor when the options feel impossibly limited Getting pregnant on her very first embryo transfer Lakia’s experiences during pregnancy and birth Postpartum depression and learning to ask for help Returning to work, navigating childcare, and preparing to travel again Reentering the dating world as a solo mom by choice Find out more about Lakia’s coaching at Lakia Holmes | Fertility Coach, Speaker & Advocate 👩‍👧‍👦 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

Do you ever wonder what solo motherhood by choice looks like further down the line? I certainly do, and today's episode with a SMBC of a teen was a fascinating window into that world. Today’s guest, Elle, became a single mother by choice at 36, using a known sperm donor: someone she briefly dated years before. Today, her son is 13, and her story gives us a rare, honest look at what life can look like after the decision is made and we leave the diaper years behind us. I love how open Elle is in sharing the beautiful, the complicated, the surprising, and everything in between. From managing pregnancy and postpartum alone and watching her son’s relationship with his donor evolve, to navigating school choices, identity questions, and early teenage years. If you’ve ever wondered whether a known sperm donor could work for you, or you’re simply craving a long-term perspective from someone further down the solo motherhood path, Elle’s story offers us a peek into what it can look like. In this episode on solo parenting a teenager and choosing a known sperm donor, we discuss: How Elle decided to pursue solo motherhood at 36; Why she chose a known donor over a sperm bank and how she went about it; What the donor relationship looked like during pregnancy and postpartum; Her son’s evolving understanding of who his “donor” or “dad” is; Legal considerations (and misconceptions) around known sperm donors; Navigating boundaries, expectations, and emotional complexity over 13 years; Identity, gender expression, and raising a compassionate son; The challenges and rewards of solo parenting an older child; Trusting yourself through big parenting and school decisions; And much more. 👩‍👧‍👦 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

What would you have to change to make solo motherhood possible? For novelist Tory Henwood Hoen, the answer meant reimagining the structure of her life. She left New York City for Vermont, moved in with her mom during pregnancy, and built a rhythm that allowed her to pursue both her dream of motherhood and her passion for writing. Through it all, she discovered that becoming a single mother by choice isn’t just about making one big decision, but rather about creating space for what truly matters. In today’s conversation, Tory shares how she built a life that supports solo motherhood: from freezing her eggs at 36, doing IVF at 39, and getting pregnant with her first transfer, to writing her second novel while parenting. Her story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the path that looks like starting over is actually the one that leads you home to yourself. In this episode on building a life that supports solo motherhood, we discuss: The emotional and practical steps that led Tory to pursue motherhood on her own; Moving from New York City to Vermont to prioritize family, finances, and creative space; Writing her second novel while parenting a newborn, and how motherhood sharpened her creative focus; The importance of community and connection in the SMBC journey; Redefining success and identity in midlife; Creating space for what matters most; And more. More about Tory Tory Henwood Hoen is a novelist based in Vermont, where she is a solo mother by choice to her toddler daughter. Her debut novel, THE ARC, was published in 2022, and her second novel, BEFORE I FORGET, comes out December 2, 2025. Before pursuing her dream of writing books, Tory worked as a magazine editor, a brand director, a copywriter, and a content consultant in New York City and Paris. You can learn more about Tory and her work on her website or connect with her on Instagram (@toryhenwoodhoen). 👩‍👧‍👦 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