In this moving episode, Whitney talks with Whitney Kuhn Lawson, who became a mom through two surrogacy journeys. After facing infertility due to a medical diagnosis, Whitney and her husband built their family with the help of two incredible surrogates — and formed bonds that went far beyond the births of their children. Her story is one of love, resilience, and the lasting connections that come from creating a family through surrogacy.

Two Surrogacy Journeys, One Mother’s Story of Hope and Family | Whitney Kuhn Lawson’s Story

What can nearly two decades in surrogacy and egg donation teach us about trust, connection, and creating families? 💛

In this milestone 100th episode, Whitney sits down with Executive Director Katy Encalade of Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions to reflect on 18 years of guiding families through assisted reproduction.

From early lessons learned to the evolving landscape of ethics, education, and support, Katy shares invaluable insight on what truly matters when choosing an agency, matching with intended parents or surrogates, and navigating each step of this life-changing process.

💬 In this episode, you’ll learn:
🔍 How to spot red flags when choosing an agency
🛡️ What real protections matter for surrogates, donors, and intended parents
💛 Why matching values matters more than logistics
🌱 How education and transparency build trust
✨ The importance of compassion and experience in every family-building journey

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already deep in the process, this conversation will give you the clarity, reassurance, and confidence you need to take the next step toward creating your family.

Links

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371]

Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

18 Lessons from 18 Years in Surrogacy & Egg Donation

What happens when you trust your intuition — even when the world tells you not to?

In this powerful Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode of Create a Happy Family, you’ll hear the extraordinary journey of Caroline, an intended mother whose gut instinct led to a life-saving breast cancer diagnosis, and Janna, the surrogate whose intuition during postpartum complications saved her from a stroke.

Together, their courage and advocacy not only preserved their lives — it built a family. From Caroline’s devastating diagnosis that shifted her family building plans, to Janna’s decision to say “yes” to surrogacy and the joyful delivery set to The Lion King soundtrack, their journey is about advocacy, resilience, and the bond that built a family.

Whether you’re exploring surrogacy, navigating how to grow your family, or seeking hope during breast cancer treatment, this episode will inspire you to advocate for yourself, lean into intuition, and believe in the beauty of Plan B.

✨ Key Takeaways

Trusting your body can save your life. Caroline and Janna’s stories show the importance of listening to intuition, even when medical professionals dismiss your concerns.

Plan B can be beautiful. Surrogacy wasn’t Caroline’s first choice, but it became the path to her miracle baby — and lifelong bonds with Janna’s family.

Advocacy is everything. From pushing for second opinions to demanding the right fertility care, their story highlights why self-advocacy is critical for health and family building.

Links

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371]

Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

How Listening to Their Bodies Saved Their Lives — And Built a Family

After years of infertility, failed treatments, and finally choosing egg donation, Jody and Jennifer carried the joy of pregnancy—only to face the unimaginable loss of their babies.

In this deeply honest conversation, they share what it was like to move through shock, grief, and feelings of shame, and how faith, community, and small moments of gratitude carried them forward.

You’ll hear Jody’s story of walking through a decade of fertility treatments, ultimately turning to egg donation, and then facing complications late in pregnancy. You’ll hear Jenn’s story of countless IVF attempts, the decision to pursue egg donation, the joy of her Mother’s Day positive test, and the heartbreak of losing her daughter after open-heart surgery.

Together, they reveal how they’ve learned to hold grief and hope side by side—and how they continue to honor Brooklyn and Mateo while moving forward with courage.

This episode is tender, raw, and full of truth. And while it does include stories of infant loss, it’s also filled with reminders that even in the darkest seasons, light and hope are still possible.

Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive discussions around infertility, egg donation, pregnancy complications, and infant loss. Please listen with care.

LINKS

Walk With You Non-Profit [https://www.walkwithyounonprofit.org/]

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371]

Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

Life After Infant Loss: Surviving IVF’s Hardest Outcome

What do you do when IVF fails, and the path to parenthood feels impossible to navigate?

That’s the place Christi once found herself—heartbroken, overwhelmed, and unsure of what came next. But her determination to become a mom never faded. Through surrogacy and egg donation, she found not only a way forward but also a bigger circle of love than she ever expected.

In this episode, Christi opens up about the emotions of infertility, what it was like to consider egg donation for the first time, and how she and her husband navigated the surrogacy process. She also shares the unexpected gifts of her journey—from the lifelong friendships she formed with the women who helped make her family possible to the joy of finally holding her babies.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to move from overwhelm and uncertainty to confidence and hope

Why surrogacy and egg donation can feel intimidating at first—but lead to incredible joy

What intended parents should know about the emotional side of egg donation and surrogacy

The lasting impact of relationships formed along the journey

Christi’s story is a reminder that even when the path looks different than you imagined, it can lead to the family—and the connections—you’ve been dreaming of.

Links

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371]

Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

How She Built Her Family Through Egg Donation & Surrogacy

What makes a surrogacy journey thrive?

In this episode, Whitney is joined by Rachel Goldberg, LMFT and perinatal mental health specialist, to explore the crucial role of communication between intended parents and gestational carriers. Rachel explains how setting clear expectations, understanding attachment styles, and practicing self-awareness can reduce anxiety, build reassurance, and foster trust.

Packed with practical insights, this conversation will help intended parents, surrogates, and anyone supporting families navigate the emotional complexities of surrogacy with confidence and connection.

Links

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371]

Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

Relationship Mistakes in Surrogacy (And How to Avoid Them)

If you’ve ever felt lost in the world of IVF, surrogacy, or egg donation—this is the guide you’ve been waiting for.

Joining Whitney is Dr. Carrie Bedient, one of the three renowned fertility specialists behind the hit podcast Fertility Docs Uncensored and now co-author of their new book The IVF Blueprint—the very first comprehensive guide to IVF. Alongside Dr. Abby Eblen and Dr. Susan Hudson, she’s transformed years of clinical expertise and countless patient questions into an accessible, step-by-step roadmap for navigating fertility treatment.

You’ll hear why IVF isn’t linear—it’s a marathon of science and emotions—and why emotional support is just as critical as medical expertise. Dr. Bedient shares how the book feels like sitting at your kitchen table with three fertility doctor friends, ready to guide you through everything from IVF protocols and lifestyle choices to trending medications like GLP-1s.

Whether you’re considering egg donation, surrogacy, or IVF for yourself, this episode and book will give you the clarity, confidence, and community you need to take the next step.

The IVF Blueprint: What Every Intended Parent, Surrogate & Egg Donor Needs to Know with Dr. Carrie Bedient

What if you knew you wanted to be a parent—even if it meant doing it on your own?

In this episode, Whitney sits down with Chris Pombonyo to hear his journey of becoming a single dad through egg donation and surrogacy. Chris shares the decisions, challenges, and incredible joy that shaped his path to parenthood. He also reflects on the importance of community, the value of reliable resources, and why representation for single parents matters so much.

Whether you’re considering surrogacy, curious about egg donation, or exploring single parenthood, this conversation will leave you encouraged and informed about what’s possible in family creation today.

Links

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371]

Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

From Dream to Dad: Choosing Fatherhood Through Egg Donation & Surrogacy

Okay, so you’ve harvested eggs—now what? 🤯
That question is exactly why Dr. Carrie Bedient is joining us today. As Southern Nevada’s first female board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, a fertility expert at The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, and co-host of the Fertility Docs Uncensored podcast, Dr. Bedient has a gift for simplifying what often feels overwhelming.

In this episode, we break down what happens after egg retrieval:
✅ How embryos are created
✅ Genetic testing—when it helps and what to consider
✅ Deciding whether to use donor eggs and/or move toward surrogacy
✅ Emotional fatigue and decision overwhelm
✅ What to expect from your embryology team
✅ The science and the emotion behind your next steps

If you’re deep in IVF, considering donor eggs, or staring down a dozen fertility decisions with no idea where to start—this is your roadmap. You'll walk away feeling more confident, informed, and empowered in your fertility journey.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share to support others on the path to parenthood.

#IVFJourney #EggRetrieval #EmbryoGrading #GeneticTesting #FertilityPodcast #DonorEggs #SurrogacySupport #FertilityDecisionFatigue #FertilityEducation

Links

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371]

Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

Egg Retrieval to Embryo: Your Next Steps Explained (with Dr. Carrie Bedient)

Heather shares the raw truth of her surrogacy journey—from saying “yes” to IVF, managing gestational diabetes, and giving birth during a hurricane. Discover the emotional highs, unexpected challenges, and the powerful connection between surrogate and intended parents.

Takeaways:

Why Heather chose surrogacy

IVF challenges and medical realities

The importance of advocacy and communication

Trust between surrogate and intended parents

Labor and delivery during unexpected crises

Postpartum recovery and emotional complexity

Links

Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/]

Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createahappyfamily]

Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EggDonorAndSurrogateSolutions/]

YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7FXoqUgC2ao5jEr0lBnXRQ]

Vimeo [https://vimeo.com/user83704977]

Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371]

Spotify [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-who-creating-happy-families-via-egg-donation/id1655017371%22%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https://open.spotify.com/show/2qHPZay3shiMvbGb0EwBuO]

Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/egg-donor-and-surrogate-solutions-frisco-3]

Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/eggdonorandsurrogatesolutions/]

Google [https://g.page/r/CYj7Ap5NC5RKEB0/review]

The One Decision That Changed Everything

Who knew it could take more than two people to have a baby? 

Create A Happy Family is a weekly podcast for anyone exploring surrogacy or egg donation — hopeful parents, surrogates, and egg donors alike.  

This show brings you real stories, expert insights, and honest conversations from people who’ve lived it.  

Hosted by Whitney Hall — a two-time surrogate and surrogacy coordinator with Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions — each episode offers the clarity, transparency, and support you need to explore your family-building options with confidence.  

You’ll hear from intended parents, surrogates, egg donors, and professionals, each sharing their unique perspective to help guide yours.  

Whether you’re just beginning or deep in the decision-making process, Create A Happy Family will equip you with the knowledge, encouragement, and reassurance to move forward — feeling truly informed and supported.  

💫 Creating Happy Families via Egg Donation & Surrogacy, one relationship at a time.

Please click -->  Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions [https://createahappyfamily.com/] to find out more!

Create A Happy Family

Whitney Hall hosts the podcast, and the purpose of the podcast is to provide education surrounding the egg donor and surrogacy process for intended parents, potential surrogates, and potential egg donors in the United States. The target age range of listeners is 21-42 and primarily female. The unique aspect of the podcast is the lived experience of the podcast host, who is passionate about helping create happy families. The podcast aims to educate listeners and potentially recruit egg donors and surrogates. 

Whitney Hall

Shows