Shows
The Home of Fertility with Liz Walton & Helen ZeeChoosing Motherhood Without Prince Charming Chats with Alisha BurnsWe speak with Alicia Burns about solo motherhood by choice, moving from heartbreak and loss to agency and joy, and how planning, testing, and community transform the journey. A clear roadmap emerges for women weighing timelines, donors, budgets, and support networks.• why more women choose solo motherhood now• practical first steps with GP tests and fertility consult• comparing fears versus reality of solo parenting• options for donor sperm, eggs, and embryos• scripts and boundaries for sharing your decision• building a village through courses, meetups, and retreats• simplifying the mental load without co‑parent conf...
2025-10-2836 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E32 - From Discrimination to Celebration: ISMBCD and the Push for ChangeJournalist Hannah joins Alisha to expose how outdated laws still discriminate against solo mums—and how International Solo Mothers and Parents by Choice Day (ISMBCD) is turning awareness into action.
In this powerful episode, Alisha speaks with journalist Hannah Bambra, whose groundbreaking article has sparked national discussion about how Australia’s Family Law Act continues to discriminate against solo parents. Together, they unpack how the law’s outdated wording leaves single mothers by choice legally vulnerable—and why reform is urgently needed.
They also celebrate the launch of International Solo Mothers and Parents by Choice Day (ISMBCD) on 17 Novembe...
2025-10-1338 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E31 - Genetic Counselling 101Genetic Counselling for Solo Mums: Screening, Donors & Informed Choices
When you’re considering or embarking on solo motherhood, the science and medical jargon can feel overwhelming. In this bonus episode, Alisha speaks with Mona from DNA Down Under, a genetic counsellor who helps women simplify the science, understand their options, and make informed choices.
You’ll learn:
What genetic counsellors actually do and how they support solo mums by choice
The difference between standard and expanded carrier screening
What happens if you and your donor are carriers for the same condition
2025-09-2948 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E30 - The hidden grief we don't talk about
Grief on the Solo Motherhood Journey: From Letting Go to Healing and Hope
Grief isn’t always about death — it can be the invisible companion on the journey to solo motherhood. From letting go of the dream of a partner, to infertility, failed cycles, miscarriages, or even navigating life as childless not by choice, grief can show up in surprising and complex ways.
In this empowering bonus episode, I sit down with Judy — a certified grief coach and practitioner — to unpack the many layers of grief that women face on the path to (or through) solo motherhood. Together...
2025-09-2258 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E27 - Interview with Dr Tash, The Fanny MechanicEgg Freezing, Fertility Mindset & Boosting Egg Quality with Dr Tash
Should you freeze your eggs? What really influences egg quality? And how do you walk into a fertility appointment prepared instead of overwhelmed?
In this episode, Alisha is joined by fertility specialist, gynaecologist and holistic health coach Dr Natasha Andreadis — aka Dr Tash, The Fanny Mechanic. Together they explore egg freezing, lifestyle factors that support fertility, and how your mindset, expectations, and support system can make all the difference on this journey.
Whether you're considering solo motherhood or already in the thick of fertility treatment, this...
2025-09-011h 01
No need for Prince CharmingS4-E22 - Starting to think you might be neurodiverse? ADHD in Solo MumsADHD in Solo Mums: How My Late Diagnosis Changed Everything
How being diagnosed with ADHD at 43 explained… almost everything, and how it’s reshaping Alisha as a mother.
This episode discusses ADHD, emotional regulation, binge behaviours, and postnatal mental health. It is based on personal experience and is not a substitute for medical advice. If anything resonates or you suspect you may have ADHD, please speak to your GP or a qualified mental health professional.
In this powerful solo bonus episode, Alisha opens up about her ADHD diagnosis at 43 and what it revealed about her past...
2025-07-2831 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E18 - Reflections from the Solo Mum Society Bali trip - 2025What It’s Really Like on a Solo Mum Society Trip to Bali
Real stories, honest reflections, and joyful chaos from the 2025 Solo Mum Society Bali trip.
In this special episode of No Need for Prince Charming, we reflect on the 2025 Solo Mum Society group trip to Bali — with stories straight from the incredible mums who came along. With 39 solo mums and 44 children, this year's trip was bigger, bolder, and filled with unforgettable moments. Hear directly from mums who overcame fears, built friendships, met donor siblings, and found community in the most beautiful way.
Key Takea...
2025-06-3030 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E16 - Previous guest updates from Cyndi & TashSolo Mum Life Now: Cyndi and Tash on Saying Yes to One—and Dreaming of a Possible Third
Cyndi and Tash return to share what life looks like now—one has embraced being one-and-done, the other is quietly leaving the door open for more.
In this warm and reflective update episode, we reconnect with two beloved solo mums from earlier seasons—Cyndi and Tash—to find out how their lives (and families) have grown since we last heard from them.
Cyndi talks about life with her two-year-old son Callaway and why she’s officially closed the chapter...
2025-06-1659 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E11 - Updates from Lauren & ChristinaWhat Comes Next: Solo Mum Updates from Christina and Lauren on Health, Fertility, and Letting Go
In this powerful update episode, we catch up with two much-loved solo mums: Lauren (Season 3, Ep 1) and Christina(Season 1, Ep 3).
Lauren shares her experience juggling parenting Daisy, co-sleeping, breastfeeding, and facing two surgeries, including a recent tumour diagnosis. She opens up about how she’s preparing Daisy (and herself) for their first-ever nights apart, and her emotional reflections on planning baby number two through a fertility clinic with her original Facebook-recruited donor.
Christina brings a refreshingly honest account of tryin...
2025-05-1250 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E10 - Meike & Lyla
What I’ve Learned Raising a Donor-Conceived Child: Meike’s Solo Mum Story and Co-Creating DCP Hub
Meike started IVF at 36 and became a solo mum to baby Lyla—now, 9 years later, she’s sharing what it’s really like.
In this powerful episode, Meike reflects on her journey from a low AMH diagnosis to IVF and solo motherhood, but most importantly, what she’s learned raising her now 9-year-old daughter Lyla, who was conceived using an open-ID donor.
Meike speaks openly about telling Lyla her conception story from the start, how those conversations...
2025-05-051h 06
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E9 - Jill & FlorenceJill’s Story: Nine IVF Rounds, Known Donor Support, and the Journey to Baby Florence
In this emotional and inspiring episode, we meet Jill—a long-time listener who became a solo mum by choice after an extraordinary journey. From believing solo motherhood wasn’t for her, to nine gruelling IVF rounds, a family egg donor, and the gift of a known sperm donor, Jill’s story is filled with resilience, gratitude, and unwavering determination.
She opens up about fertility challenges, dealing with failed transfers, finding peace with using donor eggs, and navigating pregnancy and newborn life after years of...
2025-04-281h 07
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E8 - Previous guest update - NatNat’s Updated Journey: Grief, Third Baby Joy, and Surviving a Life-Threatening Birth Experience
In this powerful update episode, we reconnect with Nat—one of our most memorable guests from Season One. Since we last heard from her, Nat has navigated unimaginable grief, pursued her dream of becoming a midwife, and made the brave decision to try for a third child. But her journey didn’t unfold the way anyone expected.
From failed embryo transfers to a surprise pregnancy, a near-death birth experience, and an emergency hysterectomy, Nat’s story is filled with resilience, raw honesty, and unfilter...
2025-04-2158 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E7 - Lorena & Bonnie13 Rounds of IVF and a Baby at 46: Lorena’s Story of Solo Motherhood, Setbacks, and Strength
Lorena always knew she wanted to be a mum—but life had other plans. After navigating difficult relationships, putting her heart back together, and years of unsuccessful IVF, she finally became a solo mum at 46. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Lorena shares the highs and lows of 13 rounds of IVF, how she handled society’s judgment about being an “older mum,” and how motherhood transformed everything.
She also shares what it’s like to raise a donor-conce...
2025-04-1456 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E6 - Leah & LilyFrom Workaholic to Solo Mum: Leah’s Unexpected Path to Motherhood and Living with Chronic Illness
Leah was a career-focused woman who didn’t even know if she wanted kids—until the experience of caring for her niece flipped her world upside down. What started as a spontaneous thought became a fast-tracked journey to solo motherhood, filled with both joy and adversity. From navigating a shock diagnosis of Meniere’s disease during pregnancy to overcoming guilt and building a support system, Leah opens up about what it’s really like raising her daughter, Lily, as a solo mum with a chronic...
2025-04-071h 16
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E5 - Previous Guest Updates - Jaime & SallySolo Mum Life Now: Jaime and Sally on Daycare, Diagnosis, and Donor Siblings
In this special update episode, we catch up with two beloved past guests—Jaime and Sally—to hear how life has evolved since they last joined the podcast. Jaime opens up about parenting without a village, managing full-time work with daycare, and why she’s happy to be one-and-done. Sally shares her journey from egg donation to welcoming her third child, and the unexpected bowel cancer diagnosis that changed everything. From ADHD diagnoses to donor sibling surprises, this episode is a raw and powerful reminder of how so...
2025-03-3150 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E4 - Kristy & NavyFrom Divorce to Solo Mum: Kristy’s Unexpected Journey to Baby Navy
Kristy never imagined she’d become a solo mum. After spending years in a difficult marriage, she found herself rebuilding her life at 31. But after dating disappointments and a move to Melbourne, she realised she didn’t want to wait any longer. In this episode, Kristy shares how a single conversation changed everything, leading her to IVF, pregnancy at 42, and moving across states while preparing for motherhood.
She opens up about the challenges of fertility treatment, navigating pregnancy alone, and why moving back home was the be...
2025-03-241h 08
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E2 - Miranda & JoshEgg Freezing, IVF, and Solo Motherhood: Miranda’s Journey to Baby Josh
Miranda always dreamed of being a mother, but life didn’t follow the traditional timeline she expected. After freezing her eggs at 34 and focusing on her career, it wasn’t until COVID lockdowns that she had the space to reflect on what she truly wanted. In this episode, Miranda shares her journey from egg freezing to IVF, dealing with miscarriage, and welcoming her son, Josh, into the world as a solo mum by choice.
She opens up about navigating donor selection, the emotional rollercoaster of fertil...
2025-03-1039 min
No need for Prince CharmingS4:E1 - Charlotte, Arthur, Ella & TheoFrom Corporate Success to Solo Mum of Three: Charlotte’s Unexpected Journey
Charlotte was thriving in her corporate career, travelling the world and living life on her terms. But at 35, she realised she wanted something more—motherhood. In this episode, Charlotte shares her inspiring journey from a career-driven professional to a solo mum of three, navigating IVF, miscarriages, and an unexpected twin pregnancy.
She opens up about balancing fertility treatments, the challenges of parenting three children alone, and the mindset shifts that helped her embrace solo motherhood. Whether you're considering solo motherhood or already on the...
2025-03-031h 29
No need for Prince CharmingS3:E27 - Claire & RalphHow Claire Embraced Solo Motherhood, Overcame IVF Hurdles, and Balanced Life as a CEO and Mum
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Claire shares her inspiring story of becoming a solo mum to her son, Ralph. From her role as CEO of a global technology company to the moment she decided to pursue motherhood alone, Claire’s journey is filled with resilience, adaptation, and humour. She delves into the challenges of the IVF process, the joy of raising Ralph, and the experience of balancing a startup business she co-founded with her best friend with the de...
2024-10-2857 min
No need for Prince CharmingBonus Episode 17 - Interview with Kiara Schuh, author of "Chosen Family" and donor conceived daughter of an SMBCNavigating Life as a Donor-Conceived Child, Meeting Siblings, and Finding Identity in a Solo Mum Household
In this bonus episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' we meet Kiara, a donor-conceived child raised by a solo mum by choice. Kiara opens up about her childhood, her close bond with her mother, and the unique experiences of meeting donor siblings and even connecting with her donor. Her journey is filled with love, resilience, and the power of family built on choice and intention. This conversation highlights the value of being open, building connections, and embracing all aspects of...
2024-08-2646 min
The Single Greatest Choice: For Single Women Exploring Solo Motherhood by Choice (SMBC), Fertility, and Having a Baby on Their Own Through Donor Conception or AdoptionS6, Ep 9: Solo Mum Society founder, author and podcast host, Alisha BurnsWe discuss more about…..The transition from corporate life to focusing on solo motherhood.The joys and challenges of parenting during a global pandemic.Her mother’s health crisis and its impact on her responsibilities.The process of writing her book featuring stories of 20 Australian SMBCs.Strategies for achieving a better work/life balance.Prioritizing experiences over material luxuries.Tips and wisdom for other women considering the solo motherhood path.This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering or already on the path to becoming a solo mom by choice. And if you missed her previous epis...
2024-07-101h 00
The Single Greatest Choice: For Single Women Exploring Solo Motherhood by Choice (SMBC), Fertility, and Having a Baby on Their Own Through Donor Conception or AdoptionS4, Ep 3: books for your child's bookshelfwww.myperfectfamilybook.com@myperfectfamilybook@noneedforprincecharmingwww.thejourneytoyouchildrensbook.com@thejourneytoyouchildrensbook"You're My Little..." boardbook series by Nicola Edwards and illustrated by Natalie Marshallwww.pinholepress.com for creating your own spiral-bound board books to tell your child's storyThe Single Greatest Choice Coachingwww.singlegreatestchoice.com/retreatswww.singlegreatestchoice.com/coachingGet Unstuck Week, March 13-17 - one hour coaching session on the topic of your choice, $55/hour - filling up fastSGC Community Group - Thursdays, March 23...
2023-03-0131 min
The Stork and IS6:E1 No Need For Prince CharmingIn the first episode of Series 6 I chat to Alisha Burns AKA @Noneedforprincecharming
Alisha is the host of the No Need For Prince Charming Podcast where she interviews Australian Solo Mums about their journey to parenthood.
For a change, she was the one being interviewed and I found out all about her own story, when she started thinking about solo parenthood, her journey to get there as well as her experiences as a parent.
We also discussed the children's book she has written. My Perfect Family. She very generously sent me a copy an...
2023-02-1447 min
It's A Mind GameEP 32 Insight into IVF with Alisha @noneedforprincecharmingThe wild world of IVF. Majority of us have heard of it but do you know what's involved?
In todays episode Alisha brings to the forefront what is involved in IVF treatments, how IVF treatments vary depending on the cause of infertility and also the differences in treatment depending on the country you are receiving them in. There is much to learn on how your mindset and willingness to be open about your experiences can make world of difference to the journey and how you manage any bumps in the road.
While all IVF stories ar...
2021-01-1144 min
The Single Greatest Choice: For Single Women Exploring Solo Motherhood by Choice (SMBC), Fertility, and Having a Baby on Their Own Through Donor Conception or AdoptionS1, Ep 14: no need for prince charming with Alisha BurnsIn this episode, you will hear about:Alisha’s marriage and fertility journey in her early thirtiesthe loss of Alisha’s first baby, Jeremyrebuilding life after lossconsiderations of donor conceptionAlisha’s experience with two rounds of IVFthe hidden blessings of giving birth during a pandemicAlisha’s birth storypost-partum tips for SMCs and other fantastic SMC adviceFollow Alisha on Instagram @noneedforprincecharming
👩👧👦The Single Greatest Choice is here to support you in every stage of your SMBC journey through 1:1 coaching, community groups, the SGC Village membership community, and retreats and SMBC family trips. Reach out to Katie over at katie...
2020-06-2440 min