Shows
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyWhat is surrogacy in Mexico really like - especially for gay couples coming from countries like Australia?In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Rich and Daniel, a Melbourne-based couple sharing their real experience navigating international surrogacy. From comparing the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia to understanding Australia’s legal limitations, they walk through how they made one of the most important decisions of their lives.They openly discuss what it actually takes to choose a surrogacy agency, how they approached egg donor selection, and what helped them move forward with confidence—even when the process felt overwhelming.This conversation also explores the emotional side of the journey: managing expectations, building trus...
2026-04-2825 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyMaking Informed Fertility Choices: Whole Genome Screening with Maria KatzWhat if you could screen your embryos for over 1,200 genetic conditions before pregnancy even begins? In this episode, genetic counselor Maria Katz reveals her company's groundbreaking technology that is changing the way you think about your family's future.Maria Katz is a passionate genetic counselor with a background in high-risk obstetrics and a deep commitment to supporting families impacted by genetic conditions. Now part of the team at Orchid Genetics, Maria specializes in reproductive genetics and embryo screening, helping families understand and navigate their genetic testing options. Drawing from her experience in both clinical genetics and the...
2025-05-1426 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyWhitney's Story: Filmmaker and Expectant Mother using Surrogacy Program in UkraineJoin us for an eye-opening episode of Your Fertility Story, where Whitney shares her resilient journey through the world of surrogacy in Ukraine. Against the backdrop of the war, she dives into the ethical nuances and unexpected hurdles faced when choosing surrogacy abroad. With candid insights into her personal trials and triumphs, Whitney reveals how her determination, filmmaker's vision, and the unwavering spirit of Ukrainian surrogates shape her fertility journey. Get ready for a story that explores the heart of what it means to create a family against all odds.Whitney Shefte is an intended...
2025-04-1127 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyPostpartum Nutrition and Support: Empowering Moms and SurrogatesJoin Maria Feekes in this episode of "Your Fertility Story" as she explores postpartum nutrition with expert Kameryn. Discover the importance of preparing for postpartum well-being, learn impactful nutrition strategies, and gather practical tips for a smooth recovery. Whether you're on a fertility journey or a new mom, gain valuable insights that can enhance your postpartum experience and help you prioritize self-care.Kameryn is a devoted mother of three who champions the importance of postpartum nutrition. With children aged four, two, and six months, she expertly balances family life and self-care. Her interest in postpartum...
2025-03-1531 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familySurrogacy in Ukraine: Reflection and Lessons from the 2022 InvasionDiscover the profound resilience and unwavering determination that characterized the continuation of surrogacy programs in Ukraine amidst the unexpected invasion on February 24, 2022. In this episode, Ivanna and Maria offer a poignant reflection on navigating harrowing challenges, underscoring the steadfast commitment to safeguarding pregnancies and supporting families during a time of crisis. Gain insight into the extraordinary measures taken to overcome logistical and emotional hurdles in a story that speaks to the heart of perseverance and hope.Ivanna is the remarkable head of the coordination team for our Ukrainian surrogacy programs, including surrogacy, IVF, and donor programs. With...
2025-02-2439 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyKelly's Update: Growing Family and Second Surrogacy Journey from Ukraine Kelly's Update: Growing Family and Second Surrogacy Journey from UkraineJoin us for an inspiring update on Kelly's fertility journey as she shares her experiences of welcoming a second child and embarking on the path to a third, discussing the joys and challenges of building a big family through surrogacy. Discover her heartfelt insights and practical tips for navigating international travel with a growing family.Kelly, a passionate advocate for building a big family, returns to the Your Fertility Story podcast to share updates on her fertility journey. A mother of two, with a third child on the way through surrogacy, Kelly is living her dream of...
2025-02-0613 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familySuccessful Travel with Newborns: Petra's AdviceJoin us on an eye-opening journey with Petra as she shares her expert tips and personal experiences on navigating the challenges of traveling internationally with newborns. From choosing the right stroller to the intricacies of planning a spontaneous flight, this episode is packed with invaluable advice for new parents on the move.Petra is a well-traveled, research-driven guest who has embarked on two successful fertility journeys with Maria's team, becoming a mother to a four-month-old girl and a two-month-old boy. With her background as a financial mathematician, she brings a detailed, analytical approach to parenting...
2025-02-031h 07
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyThe Emotional Highs and Lows of Fertility JourneysIn this poignant Christmas Day episode of "Your Fertility Story," host Maria Feekes delves deep into the emotional highs and lows of the fertility journey. She shares powerful stories of families receiving the gift of new life and others coping with heartbreaking news. Through her reflections on hope, prayer, and perseverance, Maria underscores the unwavering courage it takes to pursue the dream of parenthood. Tune in to be inspired and reminded of the miracles that can happen when you hold onto faith and give your dreams a chance.Below are the key takeaways from this...
2025-01-1116 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyKelly's Surrogacy: Navigating Parenthood with DeterminationIn this heartwarming episode, Kelly shares her unique journey of expanding her already big family through surrogacy, the unexpected twists, and the sheer determination that made her dream a reality. Discover how Kelly and her husband navigated financial challenges, international decision-making, and the arrival of not one but two new bundles of joy. Tune in for a story of resilience, love, and the lengths one will go to make a dream come true.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:The journey to their baby girl was swift and filled with determination. Even...
2024-11-1916 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyHow old is too old to have kids? Embracing Parenthood at 50In this heartfelt episode, Lori and Scott share their inspiring journey of embracing parenthood at age 50, navigating societal judgments, and finding extraordinary joy through surrogacy. Lori reveals how her late mother's handwritten notes influenced her dream of passing down family traditions, while the couple discusses the immense support they've received from friends and loved ones. Tune in to hear how they challenge perceptions of age and parenthood, and why they're more excited than ever for their upcoming baby girl.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Celebrating Late Parenthood: Lori and Scott highlight...
2024-08-3131 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyFinding Beauty in Differences: Kristi on Navigating Special Needs ParentingIn this heartfelt episode, Kristi Campbell shares her journey as a mother to a child with special needs, exploring the ethics of prenatal testing and the beauty of embracing differences. Tune in to hear her inspiring insights and the powerful impact of early intervention and community support.Kristi Campbell is a devoted mother and advocate who has embraced and celebrated the unique journey of parenting a child with special needs. When her son was diagnosed with speech and language processing issues and sensory processing challenges, Kristi embarked on a path of understanding and support that has positively...
2024-07-2417 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyMichelle's Surrogacy Journey as a Gestational CarrierDiscover the heartfelt journey of Michelle, a surrogate mother who turned her love for pregnancy into a lifeline for a hopeful couple. From the intricacies of matching and medical screenings to the emotional highs and lows of embryo transfer day, Michelle shares her transparent and inspiring story.Michelle had always cherished the experience of pregnancy, finding it to be a remarkable and special journey. After having two children, with her youngest being around two years old at the time, the desire for another child started to grow within her. However, her husband felt their family was complete...
2024-07-2451 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyChris's Journey: Surrogacy, Trust, and the Importance of HeartDiscover the inspiring journey of Chris and her husband as they navigate the complexities of surrogacy, sharing profound insights about trust, resilience, and the miraculous love that brought their family dreams to life. Don't miss this heartfelt episode full of compelling moments and valuable advice.Chris, a devoted mother, alongside her husband has been on a transformative fertility journey that led them to the Adonis Medical Group in Ukraine. Through surrogacy, they welcomed two beautiful children and are currently expecting another. Chris shares her heartfelt experiences, emphasizing the significance of love beyond genetic ties and...
2024-05-2946 minYour Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyYou're My Main Event: Staying Connected Through Your Fertility JourneyIn this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, my guests and I are discussing relationships and how fertility affects those relationships. We're going to talk about the issues that arise and why fertility places so much strain on partner connections. In this episode, you'll hear: How they knew they might face fertility issues and what they were willing to do in order to create a family. This family's tips for getting through the fertility process intact as a couple and sharing the hardships and celebrations with one another. What they did to support each other...
2022-02-2225 min
Your Fertility Story PodcastYou're My Main Event: Staying Connected Through Your Fertility JourneyIn this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, my guests and I are discussing relationships and how fertility affects those relationships. We’re going to talk about the issues that arise and why fertility places so much strain on partner connections. In this episode, you’ll hear: How they knew they might face fertility issues and what they were willing to do in order to create a family. This family’s tips for getting through the fertility process intact as a couple and sharing the hardships and celebrations with one another. What they did to support each other in...
2022-02-2225 minYour Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyHow to Avoid Critical Mistakes with BiotransportIn this episode, my guest is Peter Hura. He's a biotransport expert with ArkCryo and believes that biotransport is not just moving samples but caring for them as well. ArkCryo's specialty is moving biological material from one point to another. In this episode, you'll hear: What biotransport is and how it is used in the fertility world. Why timing and safety are crucial to the fertility process. The most important thing to remember when it comes to transporting samples and embryos. How biomaterial is transported and why hand-carrying it is preferential to cargo shipment...
2022-02-0833 minYour Fertility Story PodcastHow to Avoid Critical Mistakes with BiotransportIn this episode, my guest is Peter Hura. He’s a biotransport expert with ArkCryo and believes that biotransport is not just moving samples but caring for them as well. ArkCryo’s specialty is moving biological material from one point to another. In this episode, you’ll hear: What biotransport is and how it is used in the fertility world. Why timing and safety are crucial to the fertility process. The most important thing to remember when it comes to transporting samples and embryos. How biomaterial is transported and why hand-carrying it is preferential to cargo shipment...
2022-02-0833 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyA Mental Health Counselor's Tips for Emotional Balance During InfertilityIn this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, I'm speaking with Maureen Rule. She's an expert in the fertility world and also has some personal experience with infertility, which gives her a unique perspective on this journey. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in New Mexico, USA and she's spent the majority of her years as a counselor working with people who are experiencing crisis situations such as loss of a child, addictions, homelessness. In this episode, you'll hear: How Maureen Rule initially became involved in the fertility world and her...
2022-01-1842 min
Your Fertility Story PodcastA Mental Health Counselor's Tips for Emotional Balance During InfertilityIn this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, I’m speaking with Maureen Rule. She’s an expert in the fertility world and also has some personal experience with infertility, which gives her a unique perspective on this journey. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in New Mexico, USA and she’s spent the majority of her years as a counselor working with people who are experiencing crisis situations such as loss of a child, addictions, homelessness. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Maureen Rule initially became involved in the fertility...
2022-01-1842 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyInfertility and Self-Confidence: She Never Considered Being Unsuccessful Until..In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, my guest is Lisa. Lisa and I are talking about how you see yourself as you experience infertility. Lisa and her husband are both attorneys and built a successful law firm. When they decided to start their family, Lisa was diagnosed with several health issues, which they had never considered before. After several rounds of IVF, the only option left for them was surrogacy. Their baby didn't survive, and it left their lives reeling. In this episode, you'll hear: Why not succeeding never seemed like...
2022-01-1119 min
Your Fertility Story PodcastInfertility and Self-Confidence: She Never Considered Being Unsuccessful Until..In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, my guest is Lisa. Lisa and I are talking about how you see yourself as you experience infertility. Lisa and her husband are both attorneys and built a successful law firm. When they decided to start their family, Lisa was diagnosed with several health issues, which they had never considered before. After several rounds of IVF, the only option left for them was surrogacy. Their baby didn’t survive, and it left their lives reeling. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why not succeeding never seemed...
2022-01-1119 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyAnything is Possible: An Interview with Patient CoordinatorSurrounding yourself with people who believe in you and care from the bottom of their hearts -- who treat your fertility journey not as a transaction, but as a mission of their life -- is something that can make a huge difference. Ivanna is experienced on the support side of the fertility and has been in this world for nine years. She works with families who are going through fertility issues and has a unique perspective on this journey. As you listen to Ivanna, you may recognize some patterns to look for when you are selecting your providers, your...
2022-01-0427 min
Your Fertility Story PodcastAnything is Possible: An Interview with Patient CoordinatorSurrounding yourself with people who believe in you and care from the bottom of their hearts -- who treat your fertility journey not as a transaction, but as a mission of their life -- is something that can make a huge difference. Ivanna is experienced on the support side of the fertility and has been in this world for nine years. She works with families who are going through fertility issues and has a unique perspective on this journey. As you listen to Ivanna, you may recognize some patterns to look for when you are selecting your providers, your su...
2022-01-0327 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyExtreme Babysitting: An Interview with a SurrogateIn this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria welcomes her guest, Amanda. Amanda is a surrogate who is passionate about helping people complete their families. She shares her story with Maria and why she was so drawn to becoming a gestational carrier. In this episode, you'll hear: How Amanda became a surrogate and why she is so passionate about helping families achieve their baby dreams. The myths surrounding surrogacy and why they aren't true. The process for becoming a surrogate, what physical exams are required, and why it is so important to...
2021-12-2839 min
Your Fertility Story PodcastExtreme Babysitting: An Interview with a SurrogateIn this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria welcomes her guest, Amanda. Amanda is a surrogate who is passionate about helping people complete their families. She shares her story with Maria and why she was so drawn to becoming a gestational carrier. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Amanda became a surrogate and why she is so passionate about helping families achieve their baby dreams. The myths surrounding surrogacy and why they aren’t true. The process for becoming a surrogate, what physical exams are required, and why it is so import...
2021-12-2739 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyThe Myths of FertilityIn this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria is sharing some of the myths surrounding the fertility world and debunking them one by one. These myths are the basis for other myths, which abound in the fertility world. By dispelling these untruths, Maria wants to empower and inspire you to take control of your fertility journey and become the author of your own story. In this episode, you'll hear: Why guiding your journey by what the majority of people do doesn't work because there are so many variables. Why you need to...
2021-12-2122 min
Your Fertility Story PodcastThe Myths of FertilityIn this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria is sharing some of the myths surrounding the fertility world and debunking them one by one. These myths are the basis for other myths, which abound in the fertility world. By dispelling these untruths, Maria wants to empower and inspire you to take control of your fertility journey and become the author of your own story. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why guiding your journey by what the majority of people do doesn’t work because there are so many variables. Why you need t...
2021-12-2022 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyChoosing Your Fertility Clinic with Eva SchenkmanIn this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria focuses on your clinic selection. Her guest on this episode is Eva Schenkman, an embryologist of nearly 30 years. She completed her undergraduate at Cornell University and went on to complete her master's degree and Ph.D. at Eastern Virginia Medical School. In recent years, she's become a consultant and runs the New York Metropolitan Embryology Society. She is also a clinical instructor at the EVMS Master's Program in Embryology and sits on several committees for the Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists as well as the College of Reproductive Biology.
2021-12-1419 min
Your Fertility Story PodcastChoosing Your Fertility Clinic with Eva SchenkmanIn this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria focuses on your clinic selection. Her guest on this episode is Eva Schenkman, an embryologist of nearly 30 years. She completed her undergraduate at Cornell University and went on to complete her master’s degree and Ph.D. at Eastern Virginia Medical School. In recent years, she’s become a consultant and runs the New York Metropolitan Embryology Society. She is also a clinical instructor at the EVMS Master’s Program in Embryology and sits on several committees for the Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists as well as the College of Reprod...
2021-12-1319 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a family5 Ways These Families Would Change Their Fertility JourneysIn this inaugural episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria shares her vision for the podcast, which will include some solo episodes with Maria and some episodes with expert guests and families who have navigated the fertility journey. She will also welcome parents who are on the other side of this journey, who can offer their experiences and what they learned along the way. Expect some deep dives into some topics in addition to some shorter episodes that may consist of Q&As or a particular subject. In this episode, you'll hear: What...
2021-12-0716 min
Your Fertility Story Podcast5 Ways These Families Would Change Their Fertility JourneysIn this inaugural episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria shares her vision for the podcast, which will include some solo episodes with Maria and some episodes with expert guests and families who have navigated the fertility journey. She will also welcome parents who are on the other side of this journey, who can offer their experiences and what they learned along the way. Expect some deep dives into some topics in addition to some shorter episodes that may consist of Q&As or a particular subject. In this episode, you’ll hear: What...
2021-12-0616 min
Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a familyWelcome to Your Fertility Story PodcastWelcome to the Your Fertility Story podcast with Maria Feekes, founder of SMARTPAth Fertility International. This show is dedicated to helping individuals and families make their dreams of having a child a reality. Maria believes every fertility journey is unique, and you are ultimately your own best advocate. Your Fertility Story is designed to provide unbiased information, help you learn how to navigate challenges, and find support during your fertility journey. In this episode, you'll hear: Why Maria believes you have the right to ask tough questions during...
2021-11-3003 min
Your Fertility Story PodcastWelcome to Your Fertility Story PodcastWelcome to the Your Fertility Story podcast with Maria Feekes, founder of Adonis Fertility International. This show is dedicated to helping individuals and families make their dreams of having a child a reality. Maria believes every fertility journey is unique, and you are ultimately your own best advocate. Your Fertility Story is designed to provide unbiased information, help you learn how to navigate challenges, and find support during your fertility journey. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Maria believes you have the right to ask tough questions durin...
2021-11-2903 min