Best Sam Parry Podcasts (2025)

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The Zoom Out Theory: 10‑Minute Reset For IVF, Donor & Surrogacy Overwhelm 21:14

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4d ago21:14

21:14

In this episode I share The Zoom Out Theory: a 30‑minute reset to calm your nervous system and regain perspective during IVF, donor conception, or surrogacy. You’ll learn why your brain spirals during treatment, how to “zoom out” in the hardest moments, and a simple way to come back to yourself when it all feels like too much. Free companion ebook …

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Chosen Family in Donor Conception & Surrogacy: Grief, Genetics, and Defining Your Family 22:38

11d ago22:38

22:38

Many people using donor conception or surrogacy feel “different” and quietly wonder what family really means when genetics aren’t shared in the way they expected. In this episode, I talk about chosen family in the context of donor conception and surrogacy: how to see yourself not as “other,” but as part of a growing, very real type of family. We’ll…

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142. Animal Research and the Future of Depression with Prof Emma Robinson 1:00:46

17d ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Join us in this episode as we speak with Emma Robinson, a professor of psychopharmacology at the University of Bristol with extensive experience in animal research. She unpacks the regulations surrounding animal research, offering a scientist’s view on animal rights activism, ethical tension, and why this work remains essential. Robinson also delve…

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The Myth Of Donor Family Limits: What Parents Really Need To Know 21:57

18d ago21:57

21:57

If you’ve been reassured that your donor will only create a “small number” of families, or even that they’re effectively “just for you,” this episode is important. In this conversation, I unpack: – What clinics and banks usually mean when they talk about “family limits” – Why those limits often don’t work the way intended in real life – How donor s…

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When IVF Stops Working & It’s Time For Donor Eggs (With Dr. Moomjy) 55:29

25d ago55:29

55:29

If you’re in IVF and quietly wondering, “How many more rounds can we do before we have to think about donor eggs?” this conversation with Dr. Moomjy is for you. In this episode, we talk about: – Why IVF fails for some people even when everything looks “normal” – How many tries – at different ages – actually make sense before you seriously consider …

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141. Clubs, Raves, Drugs and Social Media with Simon Doherty 44:39

29d ago44:39

44:39

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we talk to Simon Doherty, a journalist and content creator with a focus on harm reduction. He explores how reporting on electronic music and rave culture naturally led to his work on harm reduction. He goes on to dissect Talk to Frank and its flaws in providing accurate, evidence-based information. Final…

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Luteal Phase Defect & Progesterone: When It Matters, When It Doesn’t | Dr Parry Explains The Research 51:20

1M ago51:20

51:20

Luteal phase defect is one of the most hotly debated topics in fertility right now. Do you actually have it? And do you really need progesterone support… or not? In this episode, I sit down with reproductive endocrinologist and researcher Dr. Parry to unpack what the science actually says about luteal phase defects, progesterone supplementation, an…

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Evidence‑Based Intimacy and Sperm Health When You’re TTC | Dr. Rena Malik 44:05

1M ago44:05

44:05

Intimacy and sperm health made clear—Dr. Rena Malik, MD explains sex and intimacy while you're trying to conceive, evidence‑based lifestyle factors, timing, when to seek urology care, and how to think about next steps across IVF, IUI, and at‑home TTC. Confusion around intimacy and “sperm quality” stalls a lot of TTC journeys. In this episode, Dr. R…

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140. Which therapy works best for psychedelics? with Prof Sara Tai 1:02:07

2M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Join us in this episode as we talk to Prof Sara Tai, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Manchester and an NHS consultant clinical psychologist. Sara’s research is grounded in biopsychosocial frameworks, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms of change that underpin effective psychological therapies. She has extensive expe…

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Surrogacy Contracts: Alignment vs. Agreement (Testing & Termination) 15:58

2M ago15:58

15:58

In this episode, we make legalese usable. You’ll get the operating rules to protect your surrogacy/donor journey when things get messy, so decisions are fast, fair, and aligned. What you’ll learn fast: Alignment vs Agreement: principles first, everything else second, so contracts don’t crumble under stress. The Two Buckets: value essentials vs deta…

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Intuitive Eating & Fertility: What Actually Helps (Dietitian Explains) | Sam Previte 41:52

2M ago41:52

41:52

There’s a lot of strong advice about nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle. This episode shows how to make it work for your season of life—without “doing it all.” Dietitian and intuitive eating specialist Sam Previte explains gentle nutrition for TTC and pregnancy, so you can make steady improvements with less all‑or‑nothing pressure. You’ll learn: In…

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139. Poppers with Adam Zmith 47:22

2M ago47:22

47:22

In this episode, we speak with Adam Zmith, podcast producer, writer, and author of Deep Sniff: A History of Poppers and Queer Futures. He describes his motivation behind writing the book, all before diving into the complex history of poppers. By speaking to the policing and regulation of poppers, Zmith explores broader struggles between the queer c…

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Donor Embryos: Is It Still My Baby? (Patient Story) | Lauren Tassi 38:28

2M ago38:28

38:28

The most‑asked question: “If I don’t use my genetics, will the baby be mine?” Lauren Tassi (Your IVF BFF) shares her three‑year journey—how she moved from repeated IVF to choosing donor embryos—and what finally made the decision feel 100% hers. Practical insights on identity, language, epigenetics (carrying/parenting), hidden costs/expectations, an…

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Fertility Myths vs Facts: What To Trust Online (Doctor Explains) | Dr. Lowell Ku 35:04

2M ago35:04

35:04

Cut through fertility misinformation. Dr. Lowell Ku (REI; leads ASRM’s technology professional group) separates myths from facts so you know what to trust online, from influencers, and in clinic—plus how to think about supplements and opinion vs evidence. We cover TTC with IUI/IVF and decisions using donor conception or surrogacy—what matters most …

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138. Scottish Ambulance Service - Frontline Trauma with John, Joanne and Ryan 53:07

2M ago53:07

53:07

Join us in this episode as Prof Nutt speaks to John, Joanne, and Ryan of the Scottish Ambulance Service in Glasgow. They explore their backgrounds in the Service and how their work exposed them to challenging situations that caused severe detriment to their mental health. After describing the failings of traditional mental health support for emerge…

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Exercise & Fertility: Keep Training — When To Pause (Doctor + Athlete) | Dr. Sheeva Talebian 39:24

3M ago39:24

39:24

You don’t need to stop exercising before or during fertility treatment—pause near the end of the cycle and right after retrieval. Here’s how to train smart, read your body, and know when it’s too much (or not enough)—plus high‑level pregnancy guidance. Dr. Sheeva Talebian (REI and competitive athlete) breaks down what’s safe, when to modify, and th…

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Endometriosis: What Actually Works (Doctor Explains) | Dr. Jessica Ryniec 42:36

3M ago42:36

42:36

Get evidence‑based answers on endometriosis—what it is (and isn’t), how it’s diagnosed, and what actually helps, so you know where to start today. Dr. Jessica Ryniec explains symptoms, diagnosis (what to expect from imaging vs surgical confirmation), treatment options (medical vs surgical), pain management, and fertility considerations—practical st…

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137. Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom with Dr Andy Letcher 43:33

3M ago43:33

43:33

In this episode of the Drug Science podcast, we speak to Dr Andy Letcher, a religious scholar and author of the book Shroom: the Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom. He explores his complimentary background in science and the humanities, depicting how this combination structured his thinking. Noting the religious potential of psychedelic experie…

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Genetic Testing: Myths Busted (What Helps vs Hurts) | Doctor + Geneticist 37:07

3M ago37:07

37:07

What genetic tests actually do—and what they don’t—so you know when to use them (and when not to). Practical next steps. Chapters below. For step-by-step guides + live Q&A, join the community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ You’ll learn: Screening vs diagnostic: what each actually tells you Carrier testing, NIPT, and emb…

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Genetic Screening 101: How To Reduce Risk Before Pregnancy (Doctor + Geneticist) 27:30

3M ago27:30

27:30

If you could reduce medical risks for your future child, would you? A reproductive medicine doctor + geneticist explains what actually helps before pregnancy—so you know where to start today. You’ll learn: what genetic screening covers (and doesn’t), how to think about carrier testing and embryo testing, practical preconception steps to lower risk,…

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136. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology with Jenny Chapman and Dr Stephen Naulls 47:02

3M ago47:02

47:02

Tune into the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, where we talk to Jenny Chapman and Dr. Stephen Naulls, researchers at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and authors of ‘Psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health: Policy considerations, a briefing for Parliament’ on the state of psychedelic research. They explore…

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PCOS: What I Do Myself (Doctor + Patient) | Dr. Roohi Jelani 40:48

3M ago40:48

40:48

A fertility doctor who also has PCOS shares exactly what she does herself—and what she recommends to patients. Dr. Roohi Jeelani (MD, PhD) also breaks down ovarian aging, environmental toxin exposure, and the emotional/practical tools that actually help when you’re trying to conceive. You’ll learn: how to recognize symptoms and pursue diagnosis, wh…

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PCOS: Real Patient Journey + What Actually Helps | Ashley “PCOSgurl” Levinson 37:28

4M ago37:28

37:28

Ashley “PCOSgurl” Levinson shares her PCOS journey—from diagnosis to national advocacy—and what actually helps when you’re overwhelmed. You’ll learn: how to recognize symptoms and pursue diagnosis, evidence‑aligned lifestyle and medical steps, advocacy lessons, and where to start if you think you might have PCOS. Want live support and workshops? Jo…

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135. Ethnomycology with Darren Le Baron 45:59

4M ago45:59

45:59

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we speak with Darren Le Baron, an accomplished mycologist and educator. He discusses how his hardships from his upbringing in East London have informed his current work, where he uses horticulture to connect with children at risk of being drawn into crime. He transitions to explore his series Psychedelic…

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PCOS Fertility: What Really Works (Evidence‑Based) | Dr. Kristen Cain 32:02

4M ago32:02

32:02

PCOS Awareness Month is coming—get the facts from a veteran reproductive endocrinologist. Dr. Kristen Cain shares evidence‑based steps that actually help PCOS patients improve fertility and overall health. Want live support? Meet Dr. Cain in our workshop and get expert guidance, stress‑reduction strategies, and community support. Join here: https:/…

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Donor Conception & Donor Eggs | Emily Patel (Hopeful Mama Foundation) 56:15

4M ago56:15

56:15

Emily Patel, founder of Hopeful Mama Foundation and a mother through donor eggs, joins me to share a not-so-typical path to parenthood, one that reveals the stress, doubt, and decision-making traps families face during donor conception. Emily discusses why family is more than genetics, what she’s learned from the many women who seek support through…

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134. Tribe with Bruce Parry 42:51

4M ago42:51

42:51

Join us in this episode as we speak to Bruce Parry, the creator and star of the BBC series Tribe With Bruce Parry. He explains his sharp career change from a Royal Marine to an advocate for indigenous rights, where he’s developed a humble approach to learning from indigenous tribes, defined by listening and witnessing. He talks about his experience…

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Streamlining IVF: Affordable Fertility Treatment Without Compromising Success 46:32

4M ago46:32

46:32

In this episode of Building Your Family, we explore a bold and different approach to IVF — one focused on streamlining treatment to make it more affordable while still maintaining quality care. Our guest explains why, for many patients, a standard IVF protocol can deliver the same results as highly customized treatments — in less time and at a lowe…

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Latest IVF Technologies & Behind-the-Scenes Fertility Decisions 58:44

5M ago58:44

58:44

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how strongly I believe in giving people evidence-based, trustworthy information — not myths or marketing. In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, I introduce you to someone you probably haven’t heard of — but should. She’s a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in reproductive medicine who will…

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133. Psychedelic Ethics with Dr Edward Jacobs and Sam Bloomfield 53:17

5M ago53:17

53:17

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we speak with Sam Bloomfield, founder of PsyEdu, and Dr. Eddie Jacobs, the first person to complete a doctorate in psychedelic ethics. Drawing on their backgrounds in education and ethics, they explore why these perspectives are essential to the evolving field of psychedelics. They also discuss the role …

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Thinking About Being a Single Mom by Choice? Here's What You Need to Know 21:32

5M ago21:32

21:32

Are you thinking about becoming a single mom by choice? Whether you're planning, questioning, or already on the path — this episode is for you. We’ve pulled together the most powerful moments from past interviews with: An experienced fertility doctor and single mom by choice Several single moms by choice Adults raised by single mothers Together, th…

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What Is It Like to Be a Surrogate? A Surrogate & Egg Donor Shares Her Story 38:04

5M ago38:04

38:04

What is it really like to be a surrogate? This week on Building Your Family, we’re breaking down the myths and misconceptions about surrogacy with someone who’s lived it all. Our guest has been both an egg donor and a surrogate, and now runs her own surrogacy and egg donor agency. She shares her deeply personal story—including how it affected her h…

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132. The Fellowship of the River with Dr Joe Tafur 1:08:28

5M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we meet with Dr. Joe Tafur, MD, an integrative Family Physician, curandero, author and speaker. He discusses his book, The Fellowship of the River, exploring the role of spiritual healing in modern healthcare. Within this episode. Tafur further delves into topics such as biological and psychological link…

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How to Improve Fertility: Dr. Natalie Crawford’s Formula for Reproductive Health 53:30

5M ago53:30

53:30

Want to boost your fertility and take control of your reproductive health? In this episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, The Fertility Formula, to help you understand your body and make informed choices that support conception and overall health. We talk about the basics you may not have been taught in schoo…

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Fertility & Lifestyle: What Science Says About Diet, Exercise, and Reproductive Health 46:38

6M ago46:38

46:38

In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Dr. Mari Mitrani—physician, researcher, and expert in regenerative health—joins us to explore the connection between lifestyle and reproductive health. We dive into questions people often ask: – Why do doctors talk about diet and exercise during fertility treatment? – What does the research say a…

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131. Scientists, Poets and Dissidents with Mike Jay 1:01:56

6M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

In this episode of the drug science Podcast, we meet with Mike Jay, author and 2024 Cheiron Book Prize winner who has written extensively on scientific and medical history with a special interest in Psychedelics. In this Podcast, he discusses with us his newest book, Free Radicals: How a Group of Romantic Experimenters Gave Birth to Psychedelic Sci…

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Helping Donor-Conceived Children Thrive – Advice from a Top Researcher 45:39

6M ago45:39

45:39

Did you ever wonder what matters most for a donor-conceived child’s self-esteem or for a child born with the help of a gestational carrier to feel truly connected to their parents? In this episode of Building Your Family, we speak with world-renowned researcher Dr. Vasanti Jadva, who shares findings from some of the most important long-term studies…

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IVF Facts You Need to Know | With Dr. Richard Paulson, World-Renowned Fertility Expert 45:54

6M ago45:54

45:54

Get the truth about IVF from one of the world’s most respected fertility doctors. In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, we talk with Dr. Richard Paulson, former president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and a global leader in reproductive medicine. Dr. Paulson busts common fertility myths and offers practical…

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Building LGBTQ+ Families with Love & Laughter | Jere Chang (@MsChangGifted) on Donor Conception & Pride 55:21

6M ago55:21

55:21

We’re wrapping up Pride Month with warmth, wisdom, and laughter. In this episode of Building Your Family, I sit down with educator, advocate, and beloved social voice Jere Chang (aka @MsChangGifted) and her wife OG Chang. The couple shares their thoughtful insights about LGBTQ+ family building, raising donor-conceived children, and the power of inc…

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Surrogacy, Donor Conception & Queer Fertility Advice with Dr. Julian Escobar 47:33

6M ago47:33

47:33

Thinking about surrogacy or donor conception? 🌈 In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Julian Escobar — fertility expert, LGBTQ+ advocate, influencer, and dad — joins Lisa Schuman to explore the real questions hopeful parents face when building a family through assisted reproduction. 💬 What you'll learn in this episode: The emotional and fina…

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IVF Daddies: Gay Dads on Surrogacy, Step-Parenting & Pride | LGBTQ+ Family Building 43:36

7M ago43:36

43:36

As part of our Pride Month celebration, we’re honored to welcome Richard Westoby and Julio Gaggia — better known as the IVF Daddies and hosts of the popular podcast by the same name. In this episode, they share their personal family-building stories — from Richard's surrogacy journey over a decade ago with his then-partner, to Julio’s experience be…

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Two Dads, One Dream: Jove & Kyle’s Journey to Fatherhood 46:51

7M ago46:51

46:51

Start Pride Month with love, hope, and a heartwarming story. In this episode, Jove Meyer and Kyle Torrence—two dads-to-be and beloved LGBTQ+ influencers—share their family-building journey. From choosing a donor and surrogate to deciding how much to share online, Jove and Kyle bring humor, heart, and intention to every step. If you're curious about…

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Surrogacy Advice from a Leading Specialist | Twin Pregnancies, Screening, BMI & More 56:51

7M ago56:51

56:51

Considering surrogacy or supporting someone who is? In this expert-led episode of Building Your Family, I sit down with one of the country’s top surrogacy specialists, Dr. Susanna Park, to get answers to the questions intended parents ask most. Dr. Park sees hundreds of surrogacy cases each year and brings clarity to some of the most important (and…

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130. Psychedelics and Women's Health with Dr Grace Blest-Hopley 1:01:35

7M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Join us in the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, where we talk with Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley, Director of Research for Heroic Hearts Project UK, Chief Scientific Officer of NW PharmaTech, and founder and CEO of Hystelica. In the episode, she explore where psychedelic studies have largely ignored women’s physiology, particularly in failing t…

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The Hidden Formula Behind Your Family-Building Choices One simple mindset shift that can change how you approach donor conception and life 16:59

7M ago16:59

16:59

The Hidden Formula Behind Your Family-Building Choices One simple mindset shift that can change how you approach donor conception and life. Why do we make the choices we do—especially when it comes to something as personal and complex as building a family through donor conception or surrogacy? In this solo episode of Building Your Family, I share a…

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The REAL Keys to Fertility Success | Dr. Eric Widra on IVF, Success Rates & Lab Quality 46:38

8M ago46:38

46:38

What truly drives fertility success? Dr. Eric Widra, Chief Medical Officer at US Fertility, shares what patients need to know about IVF, success rates, and the role of lab quality in getting pregnant. In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Widra offers clear, evidence-based insight into: How success rates are calculated (and what to watch out…

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129. Decolonising Plant Medicine with ICEERS 1:00:28

8M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

In this latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we talk with Natalia Rebollo and Jesús Alonso Olamendi of the International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS). They discuss the lasting legacy of colonialism in the psychedelic culture of indigenous communities, stressing the need for the sacredness of these subst…

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What Happens When You Meet Your Donor and Siblings as an Adult? | Freya Lyon's Donor Conception Story 44:33

8M ago44:33

44:33

What is it really like to meet your donor—or your donor siblings—as an adult, after your values and worldview are already in place? In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Freya Lyon shares her journey as a donor-conceived person who felt confident in her identity, only to experience a major shift when she met genetic relatives later in life. F…

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Surrogacy, Love & LGBTQ+ Parenthood: How Two Dads Built Their Family 45:11

8M ago45:11

45:11

Two gay dads share their surrogacy journey and lessons on LGBTQ+ parenting, visibility, and love. Discover how they built their family—and a community—along the way. In this heartfelt episode of Building Your Family, Mike and George open up about the joys and challenges of becoming parents through surrogacy. From navigating the process to raising t…

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128. Former Doctor, Former Prisoner with Dr Tim Kerr 50:03

8M ago50:03

50:03

Tune in to the latest episode of the drug science podcast where David Nutt meets with Tim Kerr, a doctoral research student in Psychiatry at King’s College London. Tim discusses his journey from slowly falling into drug addiction and dealing whilst studying for his medical degree eventually leading to arrest and imprisonment. Tim shares how he used…