Advertise on podcast: Bringing Dreams and Miracles Together

When intended parents begin a surrogacy or egg donation journey, protecting the funds dedicated to that journey is an important part of the process. In this episode of Bringing Dreams & Miracles Together, Family Source Consultants’ sits down with Kayleen from SeedTrust Escrow to talk about all things escrow, including why working with an experienced, independent escrow provider matters. Kayleen explains how escrow works, how intended parent funds are securely held and disbursed according to the legal agreement, and how surrogate and egg donor compensation and reimbursements are managed throughout a journey. They also discuss the safeguards families should look for when choosing an escrow provider, including bonding, insurance, independent audits, secure technology, and transparent processes for managing funds. Chris also shares why Family Source Consultants does not hold client escrow funds in-house and instead partners with an independent third-party provider. Kayleen explains SeedTrust’s financial safeguards, including its $100 million bond, additional insurance coverage, and independent third-party audits. The conversation answers practical questions intended parents often have, including how escrow accounts are funded, how payments are approved and distributed, what happens to escrow during a rematch, how concurrent journeys are handled, when an account can be closed following delivery, and how remaining funds are returned. Whether you are beginning a surrogacy or egg donation journey or simply want to better understand the financial side of family building, this episode offers valuable insight into the role independent escrow plays in protecting everyone involved. Connect with Family Source Consultants Learn more about surrogacy, egg donation, or schedule a no-cost consultation with our experienced team. Website: Family Source ConsultantsInstagram: @familysourceconsultantsFacebook: Family Source ConsultantsLinkedIn: Family Source Consultants Connect with SeedTrust Escrow Learn more about independent escrow services for surrogacy and egg donation and the financial safeguards SeedTrust provides throughout a journey. Website: SeedTrust EscrowInstagram: @seedtrustescrowFacebook: SeedTrust EscrowLinkedIn: SeedTrust Escrow #surrogacy #eggdonation #escrow #surrogacyescrow #financialsecurity #intendedparents #familybuilding #fertilityjourney #gestationalsurrogacy #thirdpartyreproduction #seedtrust #familysourceconsultants #bringingdreamsandmiraclestogether #fertilitypodcast

What does it feel like to help someone finally hold the baby they have dreamed of? In this episode of Bringing Dreams & Miracles Together, we sit down with Family Source surrogate Ashley to reflect on her journey, from first feeling called to become a surrogate to watching her intended parents hold their baby girl for the very first time. After becoming a mother herself, Ashley began learning more about infertility and the families who needed another path to parenthood. She knew she loved pregnancy, and the thought of helping another family experience the joy of becoming parents stayed with her. What started as an idea soon became a journey that would impact not only Ashley and her intended parents, but their families, friends, and entire support system. Ashley shares how she and her husband educated themselves about gestational surrogacy, what she looked for when choosing her intended parents, and why their match felt so natural from the beginning. She takes us through a successful first embryo transfer, pregnancy milestones, the relationship she developed with her intended parents, and an unexpected change in her delivery plan that ultimately led to a healthy baby girl. She also opens up about the moment that stays with her most, seeing the intended parents with their daughter and realizing, “We did it.” Now, Ashley gets to experience her journey from an entirely new perspective. Instead of sending pregnancy updates, she receives photos and videos as the little girl she carried reaches new milestones, including taking her first steps. Ashley also shares how important support was throughout her experience, from her husband and family to her Family Source case coordinator, surrogate support team, and the community of other surrogates she connected with along the way. Today, she continues to share her experience and support other women considering surrogacy. Thinking about becoming a surrogate or exploring surrogacy to grow your family? Family Source Consultants is here to answer your questions, help you understand the process, and provide experienced, compassionate support throughout your journey. Visit Family Source Consultants to learn more, contact our team, or begin your journey today. #surrogacy #surrogate #surrogatejourney #gestationalsurrogacy #intendedparents #familybuilding #fertilityjourney #ivfjourney #surrogacysupport #surrogacystory

What inspires someone to become an egg donor, and what keeps her coming back to help more families? In this episode of Bringing Dreams & Miracles Together, Cara Maple, Chief Client & Business Officer, sits down with Family Source Egg Donor Mel, one of FSC’s most sought-after and proven egg donors, to talk candidly about her experience through multiple egg donation journeys. Mel’s story began at just 21 years old after a meaningful conversation with her brother opened her eyes to the many different ways families can be created. That conversation led her to egg donation, and ultimately to an experience that she says has helped shape who she is today. Mel shares what surprised her about the process, traveling for retrievals, injectable medications, recovery, and how each donation has been different. She also opens up about the importance of listening to and advocating for your body, surrounding yourself with the right support system, and some of the common misconceptions she hears about egg donation. Now 26, Mel reflects on how her perspective has evolved over the past five years, including her thoughts on closed, semi-open, and open egg donation. She also shares one of her most meaningful memories, receiving a heartfelt letter and butterfly necklace from recipient parents whose lives she was helping to change. For women considering egg donation, Mel offers a firsthand look at what the experience is really like. For recipient parents searching for an egg donor, she shares an important reminder that this journey can be deeply meaningful to the donor, too. Interested in becoming an egg donor or searching for an egg donor to help build your family? Connect with Family Source Consultants to learn more about egg donation, explore your options, or begin your journey with our experienced team. Visit Family Source Consultants to get started. #eggdonation #eggdonor #eggdonorjourney #donoreggs #familybuilding #fertilityjourney #infertilitysupport #ivfjourney #thirdpartyreproduction #recipientparents #buildingfamilies #familysourceconsultants #bringingdreamsandmiraclestogether #fertilitypodcast

What begins as a simple thought can become something truly life changing.  In this episode of Bringing Dreams & Miracles Together, Cara Maple, Chief Client & Business Officer, sits down with Family Source surrogate Lauren to share the story of her surrogacy journey, from first discovering surrogacy and choosing Family Source Consultants to finding the intended parents she immediately knew were the right match.  Lauren opens up about the importance of mutual matching, the relationship she built with her intended parents, navigating an unsuccessful first embryo transfer, and the emotional moment when their next transfer finally resulted in a positive pregnancy. She also shares her delivery story, the unforgettable experience of watching the intended parents meet their baby boy for the first time, and how their connection has continued beyond birth.  Lauren also speaks candidly about what prospective surrogates should understand before beginning a journey, including the commitment involved, the importance of having a strong support system, and why surrogacy is about so much more than compensation.  It is an honest and heartfelt look at surrogacy through the eyes of someone who lived it, and the incredible impact one journey can have on so many lives.  Thinking about becoming a surrogate?  If Lauren’s story has inspired you to learn more, the Family Source Consultants team is here to answer your questions, help you understand what to expect, and support you every step of the way.  Visit Family Source Consultants to learn more, contact our team, or apply to become a surrogate and take the first step toward helping another family’s dream become a reality.

Florida's surrogacy landscape recently changed with the passage of the FIRE Act, leaving many intended parents with questions about how the new law may affect their family-building journey. In this episode of Bringing Dreams and Miracles Together, Chris Gao is joined by respected reproductive attorney Marla Neufeld to break down what the FIRE Act actually says, who it applies to, and the misconceptions surrounding the legislation. Together, they discuss residency versus citizenship, why communication between intended parents, surrogates, and legal professionals remains essential, and what international intended parents should know when considering Florida as their surrogacy destination. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking for clarity on recent legal updates, this conversation provides practical guidance, reassurance, and expert insight into the evolving world of surrogacy. Connect With Family Source Consultants Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation programs, educational resources, and family-building services at Family Source Consultants. Follow Family Source Consultants: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familysourceconsultantsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/familysourceconsultantsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-source-consultantsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familysourceconsultantsConnect With Greenspoon Marder Learn more about Marla Neufeld and the reproductive law team at Greenspoon Marder LLP. Follow Greenspoon Marder: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenspoon-marder-llpFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenspoonmarderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenspoonmarder

In this educational and transparent conversation, Chris Gao, Chief Experience Officer of Family Source Consultants, sits down with Dr. Fabiola Balmir of CCRM Fertility Naperville to discuss the medical side of surrogacy and egg donation. Together, they walk through the questions many intended parents and potential surrogates have but may hesitate to ask. What does the medical screening process involve? How are surrogates and egg donors evaluated? What should intended parents expect during embryo creation and transfer? And how do fertility clinics and agencies work together to create a safe, coordinated experience? Dr. Balmir shares insight into how fertility specialists approach safety, medical readiness, and patient care, while Chris highlights how agencies provide emotional support, matching guidance, and continuity throughout the journey. This episode is designed for:• Intended parents exploring surrogacy or egg donation• Women considering becoming surrogates or egg donors• Families who want clarity on how medical and agency teams collaborate If you are navigating family building and want a clear, ethical, and compassionate overview of what to expect, this conversation provides both medical expertise and practical guidance. Learn more about Family Source Consultants and your family-building options at:https://www.familysourceconsultants.com To learn more about CCRM Fertility Naperville, visit:https://www.ccrmivf.com/locations/naperville/ Family building is a journey. With the right medical team and experienced agency support, you do not have to walk it alone.

In this special anniversary episode, Chris Gao, Chief Experience Officer, sits down with Staci Swiderski, Founder and CEO of Family Source Consultants, to celebrate 19 years of bringing dreams and miracles together. Staci reflects on the early days of FSC, the evolution of surrogacy and egg donation, and the heart that has guided the agency through nearly two decades of growth. She also shares how FSC’s mission reaches far beyond matching, highlighting the agency’s commitment to ethical family building through its New York licensure, national and global presence, and long-standing support of nonprofit organizations.The episode closes with gratitude, honoring the surrogates, egg donors, their families and support systems, and the trusted partners who make this work possible, offering a heartfelt thank you to a community built on compassion, trust, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to build a family.www.familysourceconsultants.com

In this heartfelt conversation with Niki Renslow, Senior Program Director, proud parent Janelle opens up about her extraordinary path to motherhood, a journey marked by resilience, faith, and love. She shares how her first daughter was conceived through IVF after years of fertility challenges,and the gratitude she felt when her dream of becoming a mother finally came true. When Janelle and her husband hoped to expand their family,new heartbreak led them to explore surrogacy. She reflects on the emotional toll of infertility, the courage to let go of control, and the beauty of trusting another woman to carry their child. Today, with the arrival of their sweet miracle baby a year ago, Janelle’s story reminds us that the journey to parenthood may not be easy, but it is always worth it.

In this episode of the Bringing Dreams & Miracles Together podcast, Niki Renslow, Senior Program Director, Family Source Consultants, and Dr. Brooke Friedman, San Diego Fertility Center, discuss the journey of intended parents in selecting a fertility clinic and navigating the surrogacy process. The conversation covers essential topics such as the importance of experience and success rates in clinics, common misconceptions about fertility services, the involvement of intended parents in decision-making, and the collaboration between fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies. Dr. Friedman emphasizes the need for clear communication and outlines the steps involved in preparing surrogates for their journey. The episode also touches on innovations in fertility treatments and offers advice for new intended parents feeling overwhelmed by their choices. Takeaways  Experience matters when choosing a fertility clinic. Success rates should be clearly defined and understood. Not all fertility clinics are the same; research is essential. Intended parents can be involved as much as they want. Communication between clinics and agencies is crucial. Surrogates must be thoroughly screened both physically and mentally. The shift to single embryo transfers has improved outcomes. Innovations in fertility treatments are on the rise. Intended parents should take the process one step at a time. Building a family is a personal journey that requires patience.

In the powerful Season 3 finale of Bringing Dreams and Miracles Together, Chief Business Officer Cara Maple interviews Family Source Consultants’ Founder & CEO Staci Swiderski. Together, they reflect on a transformative season of episodes, revisiting highlights that centered on the legal, psychological, and emotional facets of surrogacy, egg donation, and third-party family building. This wide-ranging conversation celebrates the successes of intended parents, surrogates, donors, and the dedicated experts who support them—while exploring how Family Source’s mission has grown and deepened. Join us for this heartfelt conclusion to a season that’s brought dreams to life and created lasting communities of care.

In this compassionate and informative episode of Bringing Dreams & Miracles Together, host Cara Maple, Chief Business Officer at Family Source Consultants, sits down with Kate LeBlanc from AllPaths Family Building to talk about something that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential: support.  Whether you're just starting your fertility journey, exploring third-party reproduction, or navigating the emotional highs and lows of family building, having the right support can make all the difference. Kate shares how AllPaths provides inclusive, expert-led guidance, resources, and community for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges. Together, Cara and Katie explore the emotional toll of infertility, the value of finding your voice, and the many ways AllPaths helps people feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking connection, clarity, and confidence on their path to parenthood.  📩 Learn more or connect with AllPaths Family Building:🌐 www.allpathsfamilybuilding.org📧 [email protected]

In this special episode of Bringing Dreams and Miracles Together, host Chris Gao, Client Development Advisor at Family Source Consultants, reflects on his own experience as a Third-Party Coordinator at an IVF clinic and sits down with Rebecca Lyons, fellow Third-Party Coordinator at a surrogacy and egg donation agency. Together, they share a behind-the-scenes look at this essential role and how Third-Party Coordinators serve as a guiding force for intended parents, egg donors, surrogates, and clinics alike. From navigating timelines to offering emotional support, they discuss the nuances of building families through third-party reproduction and why empathy and organization are everything.

In this informative episode of Bringing Dreams and Miracles Together, host Chris Gao, Client Development Advisor at Family Source Consultants, is joined by renowned reproductive and family law attorney Andrew Vorzimer of Vorzimer Masserman. With decades of experience guiding international intended parents through the complex legal landscape of surrogacy in the U.S., Andrew provides critical insights into why the United States remains the most legally secure destination for family building through third-party reproduction.  From understanding parentage orders to navigating U.S. birthright citizenship, this episode sheds light on the legal processes, protections, and potential challenges international intended parents should be aware of. Whether you're just starting your journey or preparing to welcome your baby home, this conversation offers the legal clarity and confidence needed to move forward.

In this episode of Bringing Dreams & Miracles Together, host Chris Gao, Client Development Advisor, welcomes Ralph Tsong, Principal Attorney and Founder of Tsong Law Group, to explore the critical legal elements of egg donation.  Together, they break down the most important legal considerations for intended parents - including international ones - navigating donor agreements, rights and responsibilities, anonymity, and regulatory differences.  Whether you’re considering egg donation as part of your journey to parenthood or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers valuable guidance and clarity from a trusted legal voice in the field.  Tsong Law Group

In this heartfelt episode of Bringing Dreams and Miracles Together, host Niki Renslow, Senior Program Director, sits down with Adriana Caro, a licensed professional counselor specializing in third-party reproduction. Together, they explore the emotional and psychological journey of becoming an intended parent—from navigating the uncertainties to building a support system that nurtures hope and resilience. Adriana shares insights from her practice, offering guidance on how to care for your emotional well-being and connect with your future family in meaningful ways. Whether you're just beginning your journey or deep in the process, this episode provides the compassionate support and expert wisdom you need.