Best SMBC Podcasts (2025)

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S8E19 Biological Clock Anxiety & Fertility in Your 30s and 40s With Therapist Beth Gulotta 53:59

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4d ago53:59

53:59

It’s easy to feel “behind” when it seems like everyone around you is moving forward with partnerships, pregnancies, and families — and meanwhile you’re fielding questions from parents, watching friends’ announcements roll in, and quietly feeling the pressure of time. The biological clock conversation can feel loud, heavy, and incredibly anxiety-pro…

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Paige Dempsey on Dating with Intention and Becoming an SMBC 57:49

24d ago57:49

57:49

Send us a text In today’s powerful, feel-good episode, we sit down with Paige Dempsey—SMBC mama, dating coach, and a woman who’s redefining what it means to build a life on your own terms. After conceiving her daughter in her 40s, Paige opens up about choosing single motherhood, embracing the unexpected, and stepping boldly into a new season with c…

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Lara’s Story: Pregnancy, Loss, and Finding Light in Lockdown - Part 2 40:24

3d ago40:24

40:24

Send us a text In Part Two of Lara’s journey, we step beyond the delivery room and into the tender, vulnerable chapter of bringing Max home. With the world still deep in the pandemic, Lara navigates early motherhood in isolation—learning to care for a newborn while processing all she endured to get here. This episode explores the messy, beautiful r…

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King Of Glory | The King Has Come To Set Us Free 45:11

4d ago45:11

45:11

Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:16-21 | George Wright

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EY CFO Outlook: Driving Ireland’s energy transition with Marc van Huet, CFO, Calor Ireland 38:19

6d ago38:19

38:19

In this episode of the EY CFO Outlook podcast, Marc Van Huet, CFO of Calor Ireland joins host, Dearbhail McDonald, to talk about building a modern finance engine, why a private, family-owned structure creates space to innovate, and the role LPG and BioLPG can play for rural homes, hotels and industry on the journey to net zero. He also shares the c…

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S8 BONUS: A Conversation from Quiet the Clock with Beth Gulotta 1:03:43

11d ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Today’s episode is something a little different. I’m sharing a bonus conversation that was recorded for another podcast, Quiet the Clock, created by psychotherapist Beth Gulotta. Because Beth’s work and mine overlap in such meaningful ways, we decided to release this interview on both of our feeds today. If you’re new to Quiet the Clock, it’s a dee…

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Lara’s Story: Pregnancy, Loss, and Finding Light in Lockdown - Part 1 46:52

10d ago46:52

46:52

Send us a text In Part One of this two-part series, we follow Lara through her deeply personal journey to motherhood—a path shaped by the challenges of PCOS, multiple fertility treatments, and the emotional toll of failed IUIs and back-to-back IVF rounds. As she navigates her own uncertainty, the world around her begins to shift. COVID-19 shuts eve…

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King Of Glory | The King Has Come To Save 39:09

11d ago39:09

39:09

Luke 2:8-14 - George Wright

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S8E18 Blocked Tubes, Donor Scarcity & Choosing Herself: Lakia Holmes's IVF Journey as a Single Black Woman 59:48

18d ago59:48

59:48

The search for a sperm donor can be overwhelming for anyone, but for Black women, the lack of available Black donors adds a whole new layer of complexity. When Lakia Holmes—senior producer of Bleacher Report’s branded sports content, award-winning journalist, and now a single mom by choice—began exploring her fertility options at 37, she had no ide…

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S4:E40 - Laura & Celeste 1:07:04

17d ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Laura’s Solo Motherhood Journey: Grief, Genetic Testing & Welcoming Baby Celeste TRIGGER WARNING - This episode of the podcast discusses baby loss. Laura never expected to walk the path of solo motherhood. After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Emilia due to a chromosomal abnormality, she found herself navigating grief, timelines, donor selec…

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A Known Donor, A New Beginning: J’s Story 54:56

17d ago54:56

54:56

Send us a text In this episode, J—who joins us anonymously—shares her path to solo motherhood through at-home insemination with a known donor. Now navigating life with a lively toddler, J reflects on the beauty, chaos, and honesty of early parenthood. She speaks openly about her commitment to introducing donor conception from the very beginning, ma…

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The King Has Come 49:22

18d ago49:22

49:22

Matthew 1:18-23 - George Wright

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Is it Scary to Have a Baby All on Your Own? 13:40

21d ago13:40

13:40

DM your Host Directly I polled you guys and the majority of you are terrified of doing motherhood alone. A close second was waiting too long... we'll get into that one later. Let's get into the reality of doing it all alone... this one was hard for me to admit! Normally the Formula is fully self-paced with no direct access to me. But for December o…

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S4:E39 - Kristi & Imogen 1:13:26

24d ago1:13:26

1:13:26

Kristi’s Story: Solo Motherhood, Mental Health & Finding Donor Siblings for Imogen Kristi didn’t follow a traditional path to motherhood. After rebuilding her mental health and reaching 40, believing she had missed her window, she eventually found the courage — and the right medical support team — to pursue solo motherhood. In this powerful and vul…

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Our New Family Member + The December That Changes Everything 10:58

28d ago10:58

10:58

DM your Host Directly This episode is a cozy little life update, including introducing our newest family member (yes… we adopted a cat 🐾), AND a really important invitation for the women who already feel it in their bones that solo motherhood is their path. In this episode, I share: • What’s been shifting in my personal life • Why this season feels…

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S8E17 13 Years Into Solo Motherhood by Choice With a Known Sperm Donor With Elle 1:16:28

1M ago1:16:28

1:16:28

Do you ever wonder what solo motherhood by choice looks like further down the line? I certainly do, and today's episode with a SMBC of a teen was a fascinating window into that world. Today’s guest, Elle, became a single mother by choice at 36, using a known sperm donor: someone she briefly dated years before. Today, her son is 13, and her story gi…

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INTRODUCING With All Due Respect - Better Sex 47:47

1M ago47:47

47:47

INTRODUCING: WIth All Due Respect This podcast is part of the Hope Media production. Less aggro, more conversation. Is it even possible to have a deep discussion without it descending into chaos? Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit think yes, and want to show the rest of us how to do it. There’s plenty of things they disagree on: free will, fem…

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S4:E38 - Book recommendations with Feona & Meike from DCP Hub 38:33

1M ago38:33

38:33

The Best Books for Donor-Conceived Children: DCP Hub’s Top Recommendations If you’ve ever wondered which books are the best tools to help your donor-conceived child understand their story, this episode is a goldmine. Alisha is joined by Meike and Fiona from DCP Hub, two solo mums by choice who have built a powerful resource for families navigating …

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Signature Donors with Victoria Crowe 46:42

1M ago46:42

46:42

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Crowe, founder of Signature Donors, a premier Manhattan-based agency dedicated to helping families grow through egg donation. Victoria shares how Signature Donors brings a deeply personal, hands-on approach to every match — supporting intended parents and donors through one of the most meani…

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The Emotional & Silent Cost of Waiting for the “Right” Partner 20:06

1M ago20:06

20:06

DM your Host Directly We don’t talk about this enough… What it actually costs you to wait. Not just time, but your peace, your confidence, your emotional bandwidth, your dreams, your fertility window, your LIFE. This episode is the one women usually only admit to themselves in private. The moment you wake up and realize you’ve been putting your ent…

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S4:E37 - Sammy, Athena & Betty 57:23

1M ago57:23

57:23

How Sammy Created a Second Baby Solo After Separation: A Donor Conception Story When Sammy’s marriage ended while her daughter was still a toddler, she grieved the future she thought she’d have. But she also knew, deep down, that she still wanted to grow her family — even if that meant doing it alone. In this heartfelt episode, Sammy shares how she…

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Chillin’ for the Future: Andrea’s Frozen Hope 52:46

1M ago52:46

52:46

Send us a text Meet Andrea — a woman who proves that when life doesn’t go according to plan, you can still create something even better. From fertility hurdles to solo motherhood wins, Andrea’s living her dream — with her mini brunch partner by her side. ☕💫 In this episode, she opens up about trusting her instincts, navigating infertility, and lean…

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Life In The Spirit | This Is Love 42:34

1M ago42:34

42:34

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - George Wright | Garrett Raburn

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INTRODUCING WADR - The Controlling Church 1:06:38

1M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

INTRODUCING With All Due Respect (WADR) Less aggro, more conversation. Is it even possible to have a deep discussion without it descending into chaos? Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit think yes, and want to show the rest of us how to do it. There’s plenty of things they disagree on: free will, feminism, where you should send your kids to sch…

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S8E16 Building a Life That Supports Solo Motherhood, with Novelist Tory Henwood Hoen 1:00:26

2M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

What would you have to change to make solo motherhood possible? For novelist Tory Henwood Hoen, the answer meant reimagining the structure of her life. She left New York City for Vermont, moved in with her mom during pregnancy, and built a rhythm that allowed her to pursue both her dream of motherhood and her passion for writing. Through it all, sh…

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S4:E36 - Previous guest updates - Haylee & Maegan 59:41

1M ago59:41

59:41

Two Solo Mums, Two Very Different Updates: Pregnancy, Donor Siblings & a New Baby From “I did it on my own” to “I’m doing it again” — this episode brings back two of our previous guests to share where their journeys have unfolded since you last heard from them. In this episode, Alisha checks back in with Hayley (Season 1) and Maegan (Season 2) — tw…

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The Heart of a Giver: Amanda’s Journey 1:10:31

1M ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Send us a text This week, we’re chatting with Amanda Bolan, a woman who somehow manages to juggle big life changes, motherhood, and a little bit of chaos — all with a smile. From unexpected turns to heart-led decisions, Amanda’s story is full of love, laughter, and those wild moments that make life beautifully unpredictable. 🎧 Tune in for an honest…

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Life In The Spirit | Love Is The Way 44:04

2M ago44:04

44:04

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3 - Chad Cossiboom

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I’m Finally Telling the Stories I Couldn’t Share… 12:12

2M ago12:12

12:12

DM your Host Directly I’m doing something different this week… I opened a private Substack space called The Keep Him Collective. Basically, a group chat for women building life on their own terms. I’ll be sharing stories I’ve never shared publicly... think ex-fiance and separation tea, secret dating era, courtrooms, meeting my ex’s new partner, an …

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Proverbs 9:10, 11:3, 19:21 - Wisdom for Decision-Making 37:37

2M ago37:37

37:37

Making decisions can be stressful. We worry that if we choose badly, we may pay the price later. And as Christians who are called to participate in God’s work in this world, it feels like the stakes are high when we make decisions! We want to make the most of our opportunities. So there are two things we need: to learn how to make good decisions, a…

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Proverbs 9:10, 11:3, 19:21 - Wisdom for Decision-Making 52:12

2M ago52:12

52:12

Making decisions can be stressful. We worry that if we choose badly, we may pay the price later. And as Christians who are called to participate in God’s work in this world, it feels like the stakes are high when we make decisions! We want to make the most of our opportunities. So there are two things we need: to learn how to make good decisions, a…

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S4:E35 - Rochelle, Teddy & Nick 1:01:31

2M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

From heartbreak to IVF to identical twin boys — Rochelle shares how she found her power and joy doing this solo. In this inspiring episode, Alisha chats with Rochelle — a solo mum who went from quietly grieving the “traditional family” she once imagined… to owning her choice and becoming a proud solo mother of identical twins. At 37, Rochelle booke…

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Choice Mom Coach, Reema Kiran 51:44

2M ago51:44

51:44

Send us a text Today on Choosing Chaos, I’m chatting with Reema, also known as The Choice Mom Coach. Reema is a certified coach who helps women bring ease, confidence, and clarity to the Single Mother by Choice journey. Drawing on both personal and professional experience, Reema empowers women to navigate the emotional highs and lows of this path, …

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Life In The Spirit | The Gift of Other's Gifts 44:06

2M ago44:06

44:06

1 Corinthians 12:20-26

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Why Being a Single Mom Isn’t Lonely, It’s Liberating! 16:34

2M ago16:34

16:34

DM your Host Directly They say single moms are lonely, struggling, or missing something, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In this empowering episode, I share the real story behind solo motherhood: freedom, purpose, and deep fulfillment. Whether you’re a single mom by choice (SMBC), newly solo, or simply curious about what independent mo…

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S8E15 From Fertility Challenges and Fibroids to Solo Mom of Two with Dr. Shanelle Bolton 49:05

2M ago49:05

49:05

While some motherhood paths unfold easily, others bring unexpected twists and turns. Dr. Shanelle Bolton’s path to solo motherhood included multiple surgeries to remove fibroids, a chemical pregnancy, and even a near-fatal postpartum hemorrhage. But all of this was part of her journey, and today she’s a proud solo mom by choice to two thriving chil…

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Proverbs 4:1-9, Hebrews 12:4-11 - Wisdom that Builds the Household 28:30

2M ago28:30

28:30

Families are the first and foundational school of wisdom for life. This Principal’s Hour sermon explores how godly wisdom gives life to them, shapes generations, and is passed on through loving instruction and discipline rooted in the fear of the Lord.By Sydney Missionary and Bible College

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Proverbs 4:1-9, Hebrews 12:4-11 - Wisdom that Builds the Household 39:33

2M ago39:33

39:33

Families are the first and foundational school of wisdom for life. This Principal’s Hour sermon explores how godly wisdom gives life to them, shapes generations, and is passed on through loving instruction and discipline rooted in the fear of the Lord.By Sydney Missionary and Bible College

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S4:E34 - Jessica & August 54:48

2M ago54:48

54:48

Trailblazer: Jessica’s Journey to Solo Motherhood, Strength, and Pride In this inspiring episode, Alisha chats with Jessica, a proud solo mum who shares her powerful story of courage, resilience, and self-belief. At just 30, Jessica decided she wasn’t waiting any longer for “the right person” to build her family — and began her IVF journey that wou…

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Flip the Script: Interview with Host Kristen Caples 50:21

2M ago50:21

50:21

Send us a text You hear my voice every week on Choosing Chaos, but today we’re doing something a little different. So many of you have asked to know more about me — the person behind the mic — and this episode is my chance to share a bit of my story. I’ve invited the amazing Kristen Caples to take over as host for a special “flip the script” episod…

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Life In The Spirit | Different As One 35:42

2M ago35:42

35:42

1 Corinthians 12:12-20 - Matt Cole

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Proverbs 29:2, 4, 12 - Wisdom for Leadership 35:52

2M ago35:52

35:52

The church needs good leaders. But what does it take to be a good leader? God’s wisdom for leadership in Proverbs is both profoundly important, and surprisingly simple.By Sydney Missionary and Bible College

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Proverbs 29:2, 4, 12 - Wisdom for Leadership 47:54

2M ago47:54

47:54

The church needs good leaders. But what does it take to be a good leader? God’s wisdom for leadership in Proverbs is both profoundly important, and surprisingly simple.By Sydney Missionary and Bible College

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S4:E33 - Verity & Leo 41:41

2M ago41:41

41:41

Trust Your Gut: Verity’s Journey to Solo Motherhood, Autism, and Adventure In this heartfelt episode, Alisha chats with Verity, a solo mum who shares her powerful story of resilience, self-trust, and love. Once told she’d never carry a baby, Verity began her solo motherhood journey at 37 after setting herself a deadline - and ended up with her beau…

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Chosen Path, Shared Roots with Erika 50:53

2M ago50:53

50:53

Send us a text In this episode of Choosing Chaos, Erika shares her journey as a single mom by choice — from multiple rounds of IUI to fun “sperm donor parties.” She opens up about the challenges and joys of solo motherhood, meaningful dibling relationships, and how parenting during COVID gave her precious time with Hadley that she wouldn’t have had…

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Life In The Spirit | Gifts For The Common Good 23:48

2M ago23:48

23:48

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

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S8E14 Postpartum as a Single Mother by Choice with SMBC Mel Anderson 48:39

2M ago48:39

48:39

After a pregnancy marked by hyperemesis and countless challenges, Mel Anderson returns to share the next chapter of her story. This time, it’s a much brighter one. The birth of Mel’s daughter didn’t go exactly as planned, but from the very first moment she heard her daughter’s cry, everything shifted. Instead of bracing herself for postpartum depre…

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Proverbs 30:8-9 - Being Wise with Money 34:34

2M ago34:34

34:34

Money is a fact of life but it can also feel like poisoned chalice. It seduces us into greed. We can also end up feeling very guilty about having any money at all. So how can we be wise in having and using money? How can money be a joy and not burden?By Sydney Missionary and Bible College

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Proverbs 30:8-9 - Being Wise with Money 54:46

2M ago54:46

54:46

Money is a fact of life but it can also feel like poisoned chalice. It seduces us into greed. We can also end up feeling very guilty about having any money at all. So how can we be wise in having and using money? How can money be a joy and not burden?By Sydney Missionary and Bible College

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S4:E32 - From Discrimination to Celebration: ISMBCD and the Push for Change 38:29

3M ago38:29

38:29

Journalist 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 Australi…