The IAM; Podcast
Welcome to The IAM Podcast. We’re your hosts, Jara and Maria, and we’re thrilled to have you join us on this deeply personal and enlightening journey into the world of fertility, where love, science, and hope converge.
In each episode, we'll explore the heartfelt stories, challenges, and triumphs of individuals and couples navigating the complex paths of egg donation, surrogacy, and infertility. We'll hear from brave individuals who've chosen to become egg donors, the dedicated surrogate mothers who carry dreams to reality, and the resilient families striving to welcome new life into their homes.
Together, we'll dive deep into the science, ethics, and emotional aspects of these journeys. We'll talk to experts, share experiences, and provide valuable insights for those who may be facing similar challenges.
Whether you're a hopeful parent, a generous donor, a surrogate with a big heart, or simply curious about the miracle of life, we are here to inform, inspire, and provide a supportive community for all.
So, grab your headphones, open your hearts, and let's embark on this extraordinary voyage together. Welcome to the I AM Podcast.
Episodes
49 episodes
S3 E8: Conceiving Possibility: Kirsten Karchmer on Modern Fertility
In this heartfelt episode, Kirsten Karchmer—one of North America’s first reproductive acupuncturists and founder of Conceivable—joins us to explore what it truly means to build a family. With over 20 years of experience supporting more than 10,...
S3 E7: Healing Beyond the Clinic: Nicole Lange on Women’s Health & Infertility
Join us for a powerful conversation with Nicole Lange, LicAc MAOM, founder of Life Healing Life in Minneapolis, MN. Nicole’s revolutionary approach to healthcare goes beyond the traditional “doctor fixes patient” model, blending Eastern medicin...
S3 E6: Dr. Andrea Ali-Panzarella
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Ali-Panzarella, a pediatrician, author, and mother of three, who shares her personal journey through infertility, pregnancy loss, and the incredible support she and her husband received from physicia...
S3 E5: How Ginanne Brownell's Surrogacy Journey Led to Legal Reform
Meet Ginanne Brownell, a journalist based in London, UK, originally from Michigan—a state where surrogacy was once a felony. After facing unexplained infertility, she welcomed her twins through surrogacy. Now, she’s using her storytelling and j...
S3 E4 Navigating Surrogacy: Lawyer Alex Shares His Personal & Professional Journey
In this episode, Maria and Jara sit down with Alex, a lawyer who works with ANU Fertility and has personally experienced the surrogacy journey. Alex shares insights from both his professional and personal perspective, discussing how he supports...
S3 E3 - Ricole's Journey in Surrogacy, Motherhood, and Joining the ANU Family
In this episode, we sit down with Ricole, a true warrior and an incredible addition to the ANU team. Ricole shares her inspiring story as she embarks on her second journey as a surrogate and steps into her new role as a surrogate support at ANU...
S3 E2: From Surrogate Baby to Graduate
In this heartfelt episode of the IAM; podcast, we welcome Lorraine, our founder and owner, for an incredible conversation about her recent trip to Australia. Lorraine shares the emotional journey of helping create a family as a surrogate to wat...
S3 E1. Growing Up With Surrogacy—Aidan & Alex Share Their Story
In this premiere episode of Season 3, we sit down with Aidan and Alex, the children of ANU Fertility's founder and owner Lorraine. They share their unique perspective on what it was like growing up with a mom who was a surrogate and how her jou...
Epi 19. Navigating Fertility with Dr. Beth Taylor of Olive Fertility
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Beth Taylor from Olive Fertility to explore key aspects of reproductive health. Dr. Taylor shares her expertise, dives into the differences between IUI and IVF, and addresses one of the most freq...
Epi 18. Highs and Lows of Egg Donation with Tanisha Elves
In this episode of the IAM; podcast, we sit down with Tanisha Elves, a two-time egg donor who began her journey in 2019. Tanisha shares her experiences from both donations, highlighting the contrasting outcomes—one being a flawless cycle and th...
Epi 17. The Unicorn Journey with Sarah Gamache
In this episode of the IAM; Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Gamache, a first-time surrogate who recently delivered less than a month ago. Sarah, a devoted mom of three and an RCMP officer, shares the remarkable journey of her surrogacy experien...
Epi 16. Lawyer Cindy Wasser's Path to Parenthood
In Episode 16 of the IAM; podcast, Cindy Wasser shares her personal journey to parenthood, detailing the challenges and triumphs that led her to create Hope Springs Fertility Law. Cindy's story is one of determination and hope. Her experiences ...
Epi 15. A Miracle Baby in the Making with Melissa
In Episode 15 of the IAM; Podcast, we welcome Melissa. She is a true inspiration and is currently carrying a baby for a loving couple. Melissa shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey to becoming a surrogate, detailing the emotional hig...
Epi 14. Surrogacy, Egg Donation, and Intended Parents – Your Questions Answered
In this enlightening episode of the IAM; podcast, co-hosts Maria and Jara take center stage to address your burning questions about surrogacy and egg donation. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, they provide thoughtful and c...
Epi 13. Empowering Generosity: With 12 Time Egg Donor Alyssa
In Episode 13 of the IAM; podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Alyssa, an extraordinary donor. With an impressive track record of 12 egg donations, Alyssa's story exemplifies the transformative power of generosity and kindness. As a vet tech with...
Epi 12. New Horizons: Natasha's Journey and the Gift of Donation
In the twelfth episode of the IAM; podcast, we sit down with Natasha, a former nurse at Create Fertility Clinic who is embarking on a new journey with our team at ANU. As Natasha transitions to her role at ANU, we delve into what she's looking ...
Epi 11. Exploring Surrogacy and Egg Donation with Sarah from Anova
Join us for an insightful episode of the IAM; podcast as we chat with nurse Sarah from Anova. She shares insightful information about her day to day work in the fertility clinic while answering our questions. Stick around for a fun discussion a...
Epi 10. The Journey to Fatherhood: Todd's Story
In this episode of the IAM; podcast, we're joined by Todd, a seasoned news anchor for CTV. He has embarked on a challenging journey to parenthood with his partner over the past decade. Todd shares candidly about the highs, lows, and setbacks th...
Epi 9. Empowering Healing: Lillah Penddah's Journey
In this episode of the IAM podcast, we're joined by Lillah Penddah, founder of AFRO Facts and host of "The Conversation is the Relationship" podcast. Lillah, a beacon of knowledge and passion, shares her courageous journey of battling fibroids,...
Epi 8. A Surrogate's Journey with Ashley Parks
In Episode 8 of the IAM Podcast, we are privileged to sit down with Ashley Parks, a remarkable woman who recently embarked on her first journey as a surrogate. With the birth of her surrogate child just weeks ago, Ashley graciously opens up abo...
Epi 7. From Struggle to Strength: A Triplet Miracle
Tune in to the IAM; podcast for an unforgettable episode featuring Dolores. She shares her courageous journey from infertility to the joy of motherhood. Through heartfelt honesty, Dolores reveals the highs and lows of her struggle, culminating ...
Epi 6. Meet Hope Stewart: Anu's Newest Star
In Episode 6 of the IAM; Podcast, we introduce Hope Stewart, our newest team member at Anu Fertility. Hope shares her journey to Anu, her passion for the job, and offers valuable tips for intended parents doing hopeful parent interviews. Tune i...
Epi 5. Behind the Scenes at Dr. Victory's Clinic - A Chat with Ashlee
Join us for a light-hearted episode where we sit down with Ashlee, a dedicated staff member at Dr. Victory's Clinic. Ashlee shares the joys and challenges of her role. In this candid conversation, Ashlee opens up about her personal and professi...
Epi 4. Egg Donation: Terra's Journey
In this heartwarming episode of the IAM; podcast, we welcome Terra, a remarkable individual and valued member of ANU's team. Terra shares with us an inspiring aspect of her life – her experience as an egg donor.As a mother, Terra offers ...
Epi 3. Festive Finds: A Merry Gift Guide
Get ready to unwrap the joy in the latest episode of IAM; Podcast! Join the dynamic duo as they dive headfirst into the holiday spirit with Episode 3, a cheerful Christmas special filled with laughter, and warmth.In this light-hearted c...