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When a pregnancy is anything but typical, the emotional weight can be overwhelming, and yet mental health support is often the last thing families are offered. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kari Millican, PsyD, LPC-S, PMH-C, Division Manager of Mental Health Therapy at Phoenix Children's Hospital, to talk about what it means to care for the whole family when a fetus or infant is medically fragile.

Dr. Millican shares how Phoenix Children's is breaking new ground in perinatal mental health by walking alongside parents through some of the most frightening and uncertain moments of their lives, from a difficult prenatal diagnosis to the NICU and beyond. She speaks to the unique grief, fear, and love that coexist when your baby's life hangs in the balance, and why tending to a parent's mental health is not a luxury — it's a critical part of the child's care.

Whether you're a parent living this reality, a provider supporting families in crisis, or someone who loves someone navigating a medically complex pregnancy or infant journey, this episode will leave you feeling seen, informed, and reminded that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same breath.

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Leonard Lopoo to explore the concept of wantedness and its implications for reproductive health, policy, and well-being. What does it mean for individuals to achieve their reproductive goals, and how can systems, programs, and policies better support those aspirations?

Drawing on his research, Dr. Lopoo discusses wantedness as a framework for understanding reproductive intentions and outcomes, highlighting the social, economic, and policy factors that shape people's ability to make and realize decisions about childbearing. Together, we examine how shifting the focus from outcomes alone to individuals' goals and preferences can lead to more person-centered approaches to reproductive health and family well-being.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation on reproductive autonomy, equity, and what it takes to create conditions in which every person can pursue the future they want.

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What does it mean to build a family through openness, transparency, and connection? In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Bayen, an open sperm donor, fertility advocate, and donor-conceived entrepreneur who is helping reshape the future of donor conception.

Having grown up knowing he was donor-conceived and connected with more than 20 half-siblings, Daniel brings a unique perspective to the conversation. His personal experience inspired a mission to create a more ethical, transparent, and supportive approach to family building—one that prioritizes honesty, informed choice, and lifelong connections.

As an open sperm donor, Daniel has helped more than 15 families achieve healthy and intentional pregnancies. Through his work with the Open Donor Association, he has also helped connect over 100 families with open and known donors. Based in Florida and working with families across the United States, Europe, and Asia, Daniel educates recipients and donors on navigating the donor conception journey safely and thoughtfully.

Join us as we discuss the realities of open sperm donation, the donor-conceived experience, the evolving fertility landscape, and why transparency matters for future generations.

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