Shows
Content PeopleKate O'ConnorThanks for listening to our episode with Kate O'Connor.To keep up with or connect with Kate:✨ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateemmaoconnor/✨ Website: https://www.kateemmaoconnor.com/aboutkate✨ Substack: https://thepsychoalchemist.substack.com/To stay in touch with Meredith and Medbury: Follow Meredith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-farley/Follow Medbury on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medbury_agency/Subscribe to the Medbury newsletter: https://meredithfarley.substack.com/Email Meredith: Meredith@MedburyAgency.com2025-06-2639 min
Currently ReadingSeason 7, Episode 40: Bookish Friends Step Up + Boss My TBROn this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing:Bookish Moments: shifting our perspectives and bookish friends stepping upCurrent Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we’ve been reading latelyDeep Dive: we are bossing some more TBRsThe Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading livesShow notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). . . . 1:23...2025-05-1200 min
Currently ReadingSeason 7, Episode 40: Bookish Friends Step Up + Boss My TBROn this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing: Bookish Moments: shifting our perspectives and bookish friends stepping up Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we’ve been reading lately Deep Dive: we are bossing some more TBRs The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site) . . . . 1:23...2025-05-1255 min
ADHD Women's Wellbeing PodcastRedefining Rest: What Recovery Looks Like for ADHD MindsDo you constantly overcompensate, push yourself to exhaustion, and struggle to slow down? If so, this episode is for you.This week, I’m joined by Meredith Carder, ADHD coach and author of It All Makes Sense Now, to discuss why so many women with ADHD fall into patterns of burnout, perfectionism, and self-doubt—and, more importantly, how to break free.Meredith shares her personal ADHD journey, how she rebuilt self-trust after years of masking, and why redefining rest is essential for managing ADHD effectively. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly doing too much...2025-02-2741 min
Working HealthcareEp. 36 - Dr. Kate Brazzale Defines Hospice and its Role in our Healthcare SystemJoin Meredith Hirsh for an in-studio interview with Dr. Kate Brazzale. As Chief Medical and Administrative Officer of the Hospice Division of Empath Health, Kate shares how she was drawn to hospice and palliative care. Discover how our American healthcare system manages seriously ill patients' symptoms and quality of life, known as palliative care. Kate discusses when it is time to bring in Hospice and how traditional Medicare and commercial insurances cover this cost. Kate wraps up her interview by sharing her thoughts on physician burnout and enlightening us on what we can learn from millennial doctors. Don’t be...2025-01-2850 min
Balancing Act with Kristen Doute and Luke BroderickSolo Mom by Choice with Meredith KateEpisode 139. In this heartfelt episode, Kristen is joined by Meredith Kate who shares her journey of deciding to be a solo mom. She opens up about meeting Kristen Doute through Ariana, despite being on rocky terms at the time, and reflects on their evolving friendship. Meredith discusses her decision to pursue motherhood on her own and the pivotal role her best friend played, donating to help her become a mom.She also shares her experience with IVF, the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, and the struggles with mental health along the way. Tune in for an inspiring conversation!2024-12-0759 min
Currently ReadingSeason 7, Episode 17: Book Dealers + Raising ReadersOn this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing:Bookish Moments: book buying sprees and being book pushersCurrent Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we’ve been reading latelyDeep Dive: how to and how not to raise readersThe Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading livesShow notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). . . . 1...2024-11-2500 minCurrently ReadingSeason 7, Episode 17: Book Dealers + Raising ReadersOn this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing: Bookish Moments: book buying sprees and being book pushers Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we’ve been reading lately Deep Dive: how to and how not to raise readers The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site) . . . . ...2024-11-2559 min
Lounge Lizards PodcastWhat Part? | RHOSLC S5 EP1 | Lounge LizardsCatch us in the après ski lounge — where the drinks are chilled, but the drama is sizzling! On this week’s episode of Lounge Lizards, Ashlynn and Kate head across the country to Mormon territory exploring the fascinating lives of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. We’re celebrating the fifth season premiere of Bravo’s hit franchise — trying to serve our own taglines, chat about how we’re Meredith Marks and Lisa Barlow apologists, and wonder how we’d fare as Bravo housewives… Join us as we discuss the evolution of this franchise, and how this season s...2024-09-2653 min
The Backup Plan49: IVF EmotionsI’ve finally had an emotional breakdown about my IVF journey. GRATEFUL for the mental health work I’ve done along the way to keep me afloat.Progesterone in oil shots start soon and I’m hoping that I’m nearing the end of my journey!Support the show---I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby with my gay best friend. After a few tries with the turkey baster in 2023, I turned to IVF in Sprin...2024-09-1110 min
The Backup Plan48: Trump's "Free IVF" PlanDonald Trump is promising free IVF if he gets elected. As someone who is deep int he middle of an IVF journey myself, I share thoughts and feelings about how I think it'd work (spoiler alert: I don't think it will).REGISTER TO VOTEhttps://vote.govFACTS AND FIGURESTrump says he wants to make IVF treatments paid for by government or insurance companies if elected, NBC NewsInsurance Coverage by State, ResolveFrance drafts law to extend IVF to lesbians, single women, AP News More than half of European c...2024-09-0418 min
Currently ReadingSeason 7, Episode 5: Talking to Fictional Characters + Boss My TBROn this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith an Kaytee are discussing:Bookish Moments: talking books with fictional characters and kindle pillowsCurrent Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we’ve been reading latelyDeep Dive: we are bossing the TBR of two more bookish friendsThe Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading livesShow notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). . . ...2024-09-0200 minCurrently ReadingSeason 7, Episode 5: Talking To Fictional Characters + Boss My TBROn this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith an Kaytee are discussing: Bookish Moments: talking books with fictional characters and kindle pillows Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we’ve been reading lately Deep Dive: we are bossing the TBR of two. more bookish friends The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site) . . . ...2024-09-0248 min
Daily Wellness Podcast76 | Helping Our Kids Eat Healthy Food with Kate Pope, Functional Nutritional Therapy PractitionerIn this enlightening episode, I sit down with Kate Pope, a passionate advocate for nutrient-dense eating and the GAPS nutritional protocol. Kate shares her journey from dealing with adrenal fatigue to becoming a leading voice in holistic nutrition. Together, we explore the profound impact of local, bioavailable foods on family health, the importance of modeling healthy eating for children, and practical steps to create a lasting health legacy. Whether you're a new parent or looking to improve your family's diet with older kids, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.
Importance of bio-individuality in nutrition.
...2024-09-0146 min
The Backup Plan47: Unboxing MedsProgesterone in oil has arrived! I’m prepping for my frozen embryo transfer as a single mom by choice, and the first step is receiving medication.TOPICS00:00 Intro01:30 The DL on Meds04:13 Unboxing!ITEMS MENTIONEDPineapple Bandages: https://amzn.to/471WLPCOTHER VIDEOS WORTH CHECKING OUTCatch Up Video from Last Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRC4G66OfM0Embryo Reveal Party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQhlUQk5ihoBreast Cancer Scare Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxp3GXS_QBdLaLptiBf6zgfBZr14hs...2024-08-2811 min
The Backup Plan46: One Year of THE BACKUP PLANBecoming a single mother by choice is difficult! I've been preparing for a baby for two years and making content about the process for a year, so I figured it was worth doing a recap video to catch y'all up on where we've been together.Support the show---I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby with my gay best friend. After a few tries with the turkey baster in 2023, I turned to IVF in Spring of 2024.Watch video...2024-08-2119 min
The Backup Plan45: Suddenly SurgeryMy IVF journey was abruptly halted last month when a breast cancer scare got in the way. In the last part of my cancer scare series (YAY), I share how a surgery consult turned into a lumpectomy in less than 24 hours.RELATED VIDEOS:Breast Cancer Scare, Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DOScCIxkF8Breast Cancer Scare, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozMicBT8LlMSupport the show---I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby...2024-08-1414 min
The Backup Plan44: Breast BiopsySharing my stereotactic breast biopsy in chair experience at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach.In the middle of IVF treatment, I felt something a little strange in my left breast and decided to get it checked out before my frozen embryo implantation. I’m SO GRATEFUL that my doctor at Kindbody get my set up with the Hoag team so quickly.Also talking about mental health and maintaining support expectations during a health crisis.00:00 Introduction00:56 The Biopsy09:02 Aftercare & Emotional Breakdowns13:22 Next StepsRELATED VIDEOS:My cancer scare in th...2024-08-0715 min
The Backup Plan43: WE INTERRUPT THIS IVF ALREADY IN PROGRESSIVF as a single mom by choice is hard enough, I don't need a cancer scare! Fears of breast cancer are looming as I get a radial scar checked out at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. Having a mammogram under 40 wasn’t on my bingo card for 2024.—Hey, I'm Meredith! I'm becoming a single mom by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby with my gay best friend. After a few tries with the turkey baster in 2023, I turned to IVF in Spring of 2024.CONNECT WITH THE BACKUP PLAN...2024-07-3109 min
The Backup Plan42: Embryo RevealIVF success isn’t just getting pregnant - it’s a lot of steps along the way. In her journey to becoming a single mom by choice, Meredith decided to celebrate her embryos after they passed preimplantation genetic screening with an EMBRYO REVEAL PARTY - a modern twist on a traditional gender reveal party.Support the show---I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby with my gay best friend. After a few tries with the turkey baster in 2023, I turned to I...2024-07-2426 min
The Backup Plan41: Frozen Embryo Transfer PlansMeredith is sharing news from her fertility doctors at Kindbody this week - her frozen embryo transfer (FET) has been scheduled! She goes over the process, why her and her doctor chose a controlled FET and plans for her BLASTOSHOWER - an embryo sex reveal.TOPICS COVERED00:53 Getting the physical PGT-A results and planning the BLASTOSHOWER!02:23 Scheduling the FET04:02 Explaining what an FET is05:09 Choosing a natural or a controlled FET and preparation09:18 What happens after a frozen embryo transfer?10:25 Getting ExcitedMEREDITH’S FIT THIS WEEKSleeveless Su...2024-07-1713 min
The Backup Plan40: Two Euploid EmbryosMeredith got her PGT-A test results a week early! Watch as she shares the news with family and friends, talks about next steps, and shares tips for maintaining sanity during the process. Frozen embryo implantation comes next…stay tuned!ITEMS MENTIONEDJujube Dr BFF Bag: https://amzn.to/3LfQp5fSMBC COMMUNITIESSMBC Official: https://www.singlemothersbychoice.orgReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/SingleMothersbyChoiceNEW TO THE BACKUP PLAN?Who is Whitney? https://backupplanpod.com/18-whoop-swoop-and-pull-w-whitney-warren/Who is Krystina? https://backupplanpod.com/9-to-breed-or-not-to-breed-w-krystina-arielle-whitney-warren/Support the sh...2024-07-1013 min
Untidy FaithMeredith Miller | Reading the Bible with Your Kids After DeconstructionWhen you realize that you not only want to change the way you interact with your faith but also how you help your kids interact with theirs, where do you turn? I turn to Meredith Miller. (And it turns out learning how to help your kids may actually help you a lot too! I know it's helped me as a non-parent myself.)In this conversation we talk about:why "list management" Christianity doesn't work, according to researchthe approach that can help your kids know and trust God for the long haulhow to h...2024-07-0845 min
Commit to the Bit with Kate Spencer and Paitra BabbMEREDITH DIETZ’S BITSWe have Meredith Dietz on the podcast this week. Meredith is known as a contributor for The Onion, a NYC comedian, improvisor, closeted redhead, and world famous bit tastemaker.2024-07-0334 min
The Backup Plan39: I Get By With a Little Help From My FriendsMeredith has embryo news!! Aside from sharing which zygotes made it to blastocyst status, she's going over best practices for checking in on a friend who is undergoing IVF.Support the show---I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby with my gay best friend. After a few tries with the turkey baster in 2023, I turned to IVF in Spring of 2024.Watch video versions of The Backup Plan on YouTube!CONNECT WITH THE BACKUP PLAN2024-07-0317 min
The Backup Plan38: A Tale of Two Egg RetrievalsMeredith came out of her most recent egg retrieval with very different results! What were the differences in treatment? Did she keep calm, cool, and collected this time? Will this be her last retrieval?STAY TUNED.Support the show---I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby with my gay best friend. After a few tries with the turkey baster in 2023, I turned to IVF in Spring of 2024.Watch video versions of The Backup Plan on YouTube!2024-06-2615 min
The Backup Plan37: Perinatal PsychiatryMental health is muy importante, so Meredith is sharing her journey from sad little girl to a healthy medicated lady. In preparation for pregnancy (and because of the influx of hormones in her system thanks to the second round of egg retrieval), she decided to get in touch with a perinatal psychiatrist early. Here's how she found one and how her first appointment went.---ARTICLES DISCUSSEDThe health benefits of spicy food, Piedmont (https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/the-health-benefits-of-spicy-foods)---Hey, I'm Meredith! I'm becoming a single mother by...2024-06-1237 min
The Backup Plan36: PGT-A ResultsMeredith discusses the results from the PGT-A tests her embryos underwent, explains what a segmented mosaic embryo means, and discusses next steps in her IVF journey.SHOP THAT BANGIN' PREMIERE LOOKMock Neck Cloak Sleeve Pleated Midi Dress Silver Cuff Bracelets Long Metal Bar Drop Earrings Mirrored Metallic Evening Bag ARTICLES DISCUSSEDWhat Does It Mean When Your Embryo Is a Mosaic?, Fertility Centers of New England What is a Mosaic Embryo?, International Fertility Group Does Chromosome 4 Hold the Secret to Human Longevity?, HHMI2024-06-0520 min
The Backup Plan35: Chick-Pickin' (with Nana)Nana is back in California! They’re discussing Meredith’s Day 5 4BB and Day 7 4BA embryos (better known at Chip & Dale); the nail-biting wait on genetic test results, whether or not to learn the sex, and if so, WHEN?TOPICS COVERED0:00 - Introduction and Catch Up 04:09 - Should I find out the sex of my embryos? 16:10 - “The Parents Who Want Daughters and Daughters Only” by Emi Nietfeld22:30 - The Birth of the BLASTOSHOWER23:56 - Survival Rates of Female/Male Embryos 33:34 - Processing Grief Over Lost Eggs and Embryos ARTICLES DISCUSSEDThe Parent...2024-05-2945 min
The Backup Plan34: BlastocystsAfter a week of waiting, Meredith learns how many of her fertilized eggs have become full fledged embryos. She shares how she found out, how she's feeling, and what's up next.Read the full blog post here - https://backupplanpod.com/34-blastocysts/ITEMS MENTIONED:Diva Cup - https://amzn.to/3UJRfLOSupport the show---I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm so stoked to be having a baby with my gay best friend. After a few tries with...2024-05-1526 min
The Backup Plan33: Egg Retrieval SurgeryWhat’s it like to have an egg retrieval for IVF at KindBody? Meredith just had hers and she’s here to share the results - how many eggs were retrieved, how many were mature, and how many were fertilized with her gay best friend’s sperm. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE.OTHER EPISODES REFERENCED:The attempted break-in! - https://backupplanpod.com/21-january-was-wild/Meet Krystina - https://backupplanpod.com/9-to-breed-or-not-to-breed-w-krystina-arielle-whitney-warrenRead the full blog post for this episode - https://backupplanpod.com/33-egg-retrieval-surgery/Support the show---2024-05-0833 min
Currently ReadingSeason 6, Episode 39: Teaching Future Generations + The Bookish OverhypeOn this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing:Bookish Moments: talking podcasting with young people and book to film buzzCurrent Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we’ve been reading latelyDeep Dive: All kinds of bookish overhypeThe Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading livesShow notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). . . . ...2024-05-0600 minCurrently ReadingSeason 6, Episode 39: Teaching Future Generations + The Bookish OverhypeOn this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing: Bookish Moments: talking podcasting with young people and book to film buzz Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we’ve been reading lately Deep Dive: All kinds of bookish overhype The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site) . . . . ...2024-05-0649 min
The Backup Plan32: Egg Retrieval Injections, Week 2When your follicles don't respond to hormones, you pump up the volume and keep injecting. Meredith has to keep up the routine this week in anticipation of the egg retrieval and symptoms have really started kicking in! Belly bruising, foggy brain, and increasing shot pain...oh my.ITEMS MENTIONED:Small Ice Packs with Sleeve - https://amzn.to/3vMNfC2Read the full blog post for this episode - https://backupplanpod.com/32-egg-retrieval-injections-week-2/Support the show---I'm becoming a single mother by choice using a known donor; I'm...2024-05-0117 min
The Backup Plan31: Egg Retrieval InjectionsWe've moved into the injection phase! Meredith is 22 injections in and reporting on all of the wild side effects: vivid dreams, unsupportive family members, and an incredible amount of trash. Truth be told, it's a lot easier than she anticipated and way more enjoyable than the estrogen priming.ITEMS MENTIONED:Small Ice Packs with Sleeve - https://amzn.to/3vMNfC2REPORTS MENTIONED: Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology's 2021 National Report - https://www.sartcorsonline.com/rptCSR_PublicMultYear.aspxSupport the show---I'm becoming a single mother by...2024-04-1726 min
The Backup Plan30: Estrogen PrimingBare with Meredith this week, she was in a lot of pain when she recorded and edited this episode!With a full week of estrogen priming under her belt, Meredith talks through the pain she’s experiencing, updates on third party clearance for Kindbody, and refreshes the “What do we call Michael?” situation.ITEMS MENTIONED:IKEA Klipsk Bed Bed Tray: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/klipsk-bed-tray-white-00258882/Read the full blog post for this episode - https://backupplanpod.com/30-estrogen-primingSupport the show---I'm becomi...2024-04-1011 min
The Backup Plan29: Starting IVFMeredith is starting IVF this week! She's taking Estradiol (Estrace) in before shots start next week. Despite some confusion with the Family Building Team at Kindbody, Meredith prepared with IVF organization tips and answers some listener questions.00:18 - Officially Starting IVF02:30 - Kindbody Bummer08:06 - The Nebulosity of April10:17 - IVF Organization11:18 - Ask Me AnythingITEMS MENTIONED: Shoe Organizer: https://amzn.to/3TAP7FKPhomemo D30 Label Maker Machine: https://amzn.to/49p1sCCPhomemo D30 Label Maker Cable Wire Label Tape, Black Print on White Sticker...2024-04-0321 min
The Backup Plan28: Fertile Myrtle (w/ Ariana Madix)Ariana Madix (Vanderpump Rules) and Meredith go WAY back - they’ve known each other longer than they haven’t at this point. Ariana has some hot tips for Meredith on the egg retrieval process, talks about why she decided to freeze her eggs, and reproductive panic.Read the accompanying blog post here: https://backupplanpod.com/28-fertile-myrtle-w-ariana-madixWomen Aren't Nags—We're Just Fed Up, by Gemma Hartley: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/features/a12063822/emotional-labor-gender-equalityGet in touch with Ariana & Meredith's realtor, Kenya Reeves-Costa, at https://www.thelahomegirl.com or info@thelahomegirl.com. 2024-03-2755 min
The Backup Plan27: Navigating Family Leave (w/ Diane Gatza)Meredith is joined by Diane Gatza to discuss family leave (or maternity leave, or paternity leave...whatever floats your boat). Diane is revolutionizing the way parents-to-be approach the maze of benefits available to them. Whether you're in California or beyond, her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to strategically plan and secure the support they deserve as they embark on the journey of starting a family. This episode has actionable advice for expecting parents who want to arm themselves with knowledge and achieve financial ease during this life-changing experience.In this episode, we cover:01:36 - Personal IVF...2024-03-2040 min