What Comes Next

A baby is born, but what comes next? In this episode, we take you into the weeks following James’ birth. A time filled with big emotions, shifting hormones, unexpected feelings and the reality of adjusting to life after birth. We chat honestly about our expectations, how we each felt during those early weeks, and some of the things we wish we had known before embarking on our surrogacy journey. With plenty of real-life insight and advice for both surrogates and intended parents, this is an important conversation about navigating those first few weeks after birth, together. And this week, a special guest pops in to say hello… Real, raw and honest, because the story doesn’t end when the baby is born. ✨

In this deeply personal episode, Ash takes us back to the very beginning of her disability story, from birth through to her first five years of life. Born without a vagina, bladder, and with only 50% of her pelvis, Ash opens up about the surgeries, hospital stays, challenges and experiences that shaped her early childhood, and the people who helped guide her through it all. This is the story of where it all began. Real, raw and honest, and shared by Ash in her own words. Come along as she opens the door to a part of her story she’s never shared quite like this before.

We're back! 🤍 After a two-week break, we're back behind the microphones and ready to catch you up on everything that's been happening. From what we got up to during our time off, to a vagina update, a pregnancy update, and everyday life updates, this episode is a little bit of everything. It's a chance to settle back in, reconnect, and pick up right where we left off at the end of Season 1. We're so excited to be back sharing the highs, the lows, the unexpected moments, and everything in between with you. Welcome to Season 2 of What Comes Next . ✨ Real. Raw. Honest - as always x

A little bonus episode 🤍 Today marks Kellie's third birth-ing day. The anniversary of the day she gave birth to James via surrogacy. In this special bonus episode, Ash shares a heartfelt thank you to Kellie, reflecting on a day that changed both of their lives forever. A small tribute to an extraordinary woman, and a bond that words will never quite do justice to ✨

It's the Season 1 finale of What Comes Next , and we're wrapping things up with our very first special guest. This week, we're joined by surrogacy lawyer Sarah Jefford for an honest and informative conversation about the legal side of surrogacy in Australia. From intended parents and surrogates to legal processes, common misconceptions, and the questions so many people are asking, Sarah shares her wealth of knowledge and experience to help make the surrogacy journey a little easier to understand. Whether you're considering surrogacy, currently navigating your own journey, supporting someone you love, or simply wanting to learn more, this episode is full of practical advice, thoughtful insights, and honest conversation. A huge thank you to Sarah for joining us for our final episode of Season 1, and to every one of you who has listened, shared an episode, sent us a message, or become part of our community over the past few months. We're so grateful you've been with us for this first chapter. We'll see you in Season 2 🤍

This week, we're having one of the most honest conversations we've ever shared. Looking back on our first surrogacy journey, we're talking about the thoughts, feelings and conversations we never had at the time. The questions we were afraid to ask, the emotions we kept to ourselves, and the things we wish we'd said out loud. For the first time, we're opening up about some of the most vulnerable parts of our journey. Sharing how those unspoken feelings shaped our experience, and how working through them has strengthened our friendship and transformed the way we communicate during our second surrogacy journey. This episode is emotional, raw and deeply honest. If you're navigating surrogacy, whether as an intended parent, surrogate, partner or loved one, we hope this conversation helps you find your voice, ask the hard questions, and know that it's okay to have the conversations that matter. Because the strongest journeys aren't built on having all the answers, they're built on feeling safe enough to have the conversation.

In this week's episode of What Comes Next , we're sharing one of the most unforgettable days of our lives, James' birth story. After taking you through our first surrogacy pregnancy over the past few weeks, this is the chapter where it all comes together. We take you inside the excitement, anticipation and emotion of birth day, sharing what it was really like to welcome James into the world through surrogacy. From the final countdown to the first cuddle, we're reflecting on a day that changed all of our lives forever. A story of friendship, trust, love, and the extraordinary moment two families met one very special little boy. Thank you for continuing to follow along as we share our journey, one chapter at a time ✨

In this week's episode of What Comes Next, we look back on our first surrogacy pregnancy with James, sharing what those nine months were really like. Watching the bump grow, navigating appointments, milestones, and all the emotions in between, we reflect on the experience of carrying a baby together through surrogacy. Every pregnancy is different, and every surrogacy journey is unique. This is an honest conversation about what those nine months looked like for us. The excitement, the challenges, the unforgettable moments, and the deep trust that carried us through. A story of friendship, love, and the extraordinary journey of bringing James into the world ✨

This week's episode of What Comes Next, we’re taking a moment to catch up 🤍 After the whirlwind of the past 8 weeks, we’re sitting down to chat about everything that’s happened. From the excitement of finding out we’re pregnant, to how Kell is feeling now she’s on this next chapter of the journey. We also check in with Ash and hear how she’s recovering after her recent surgery, and what life has looked like since sharing such a personal part of her story. A more relaxed conversation, a little life update, and a chance to bring you up to speed on where we’re all at. Thank you for continuing to follow along with us. We’re so grateful you’re here for every moment, big and small ✨

VERY EXCITING NEWS! 👏 In this episode of What Comes Next, we start with a very exciting check in, sharing some huge news and catching up on where our journey is at 🤍✨ Then, Ash takes us back through her IVF experience. Sharing the process, the emotions, the challenges, and the moments that shaped her path to becoming a mum. IVF journeys are incredibly personal and no two experiences look the same. This is Ash’s story. Honest, vulnerable, and a reminder of the many different paths people take to build their families.

In this episode of What Comes Next, we start with our weekly catch up, checking in with each other and sharing where we’re at in our second surrogacy journey. Then, we'll take you through our first surrogacy process. From the very beginning of applying, all the way through to becoming approved surrogate and intended parents. We'll be sharing the steps, appointments and assessments that formed part of our journey, including blood tests, questionnaires, psychology appointments, legal requirements, and everything in between. No two surrogacy stories are the same, this is simply us sharing ours ✨

Content note: This episode contains discussion of surgery and medical procedures. In this week's episode of What Comes Next , Ash shares the story of her recent vaginal reconstruction surgery. Recorded just weeks after the procedure, Ash reflects on the lead-up to surgery, the experience, the recovery process, and the emotions that came with such a significant milestone. Born without a vagina, bladder, and 50% of her pelvis, Ash also opens up a little further about her disability. Raw, honest, and vulnerable, this is a conversation Ash has never shared publicly before. SHOW NOTES Dr Rebecca Deans 02 9369 2800 info@drdeans.com.au 132 Edgecliff Rd, Woollahra NSW https://drdeans.com.au/ https://youtu.be/LNQ4xe3XVbE?si=afZae0Ixy5LAO_eL

Before there was surrogacy, there was friendship. In this episode of What Comes Next , Ash and Kell share the story of how they met and the connection that would go on to change both of their lives. From a chance encounter to an unbreakable bond, this is the beginning of the story behind the friendship, trust, and love that made their surrogacy journey possible. Join us as we look back on where it all started ✨ Follow along on Instagram and Facebook @whatcomesnext.thepodcast

It’s time to Meet Kell 🤍 Kell opens up about the life behind the title of surrogate — sharing more about her family, career, relationships, and the values that shape who she is. As a mother, business owner, and deeply important part of Ash’s journey to motherhood, Kell reflects on the experiences, love, and connection that led her here. An honest and heartfelt conversation that gives you the chance to get to know the other half of the voices behind the podcast ✨

Episode Two, it’s time to Meet Ash 🤍 Ash shares her story beyond the label of disability. Opening up about her childhood, family, career, relationships, and the experiences that shaped who she is today. Born without a vagina, bladder, or pelvis, Ash speaks honestly about navigating life with disability, while also sharing the love, friendship, and journey to motherhood that brought her here. A vulnerable and heartfelt conversation to help you get to know one half of the voices behind the podcast ✨

Welcome to What Comes Next 🤍 In our very first official episode, we introduce ourselves, share how our journey began, and open up about the friendship and connection that brought us here. Join us as we begin our second Australian surrogacy journey and dive into honest conversations about surrogacy, motherhood, disability, IVF, and everything in between. This is just the beginning, and we’re so excited to finally share it with you ✨ Follow along on Instagram and Facebook @whatcomesnext.thepodcast

A special Mother’s Day mini episode 🤍 In a podcast centred around surrogacy and motherhood, this one felt especially important. Today, we take a moment to celebrate all mothers. Every form, every journey, and every kind of love ✨

A quick Q&A to get to know us 🤍 Before we jump into the depths of our stories, we’re answering some of the questions you might be wondering. From what the podcast is all about, to Ash’s disability, what led Kell to become a surrogate, and how our journey began together. A small insight into our story, before we share it in full with you✨ Follow along on Instagram and Facebook @whatcomesnext.thepodcast to find out when the first official episode will be dropping - not long now!

Only three weeks until our first official episode drops! Until then, here's a little taste of what's coming to your favourite podcast feed in the next few weeks. We can't wait to share our story with you 🤍

A little taste of What Comes Next 🤍 Hear from Ash and Kell as they introduce you to your new favourite podcast. As they prepare to embark on their second Australian surrogacy journey, this teaser offers a small glimpse into what’s to come... real and honest conversations about surrogacy, motherhood, disability, and friendship. Each week, you’ll be able to listen in as they check in with each other, share how they’re feeling, and talk through every step of the journey as it unfolds. There’s so much more to come… and we can’t wait to share it with you ✨ Follow along on Instagram and Facebook @whatcomesnext.thepodcast to stay connected 🤍