No need for Prince Charming podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 170

S4:E40 - Laura & Celeste
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 selection and the pressure of changing legislation around donor sperm. In this episode, Laura shares how she moved from devastation to determination — pushing through delays, unexpected clinic issues, multiple rounds of IVF, genetic testing, and intense time pressure due to new donor-family limits coming into effect. She also describes the powerful signs she felt from her daughter Emilia throughout the process, including how the start and end of her IVF cycle aligned with the anniversaries of Emilia’s due date and her father’s passing — and the moment the name “Celeste” arrived unexpectedly, long before she had even confirmed she was pregnant. It's a deeply emotional, insightful conversation about loss, intuition, timing, and choosing yourself even when the path is nothing like you imagined. Key Takeaways Grief shaped her path — after losing Emilia, Laura needed time before deciding when and how to try again. External pressure accelerated her journey — legislation around donor limits forced faster decisions than she’d planned. Donor selection was intuitive — despite logistical delays, she kept returning to one donor whose childhood photo felt right. Genetic testing became essential — after Emilia’s diagnosis, testing embryos gave her clarity and reduced fear of recurrence. Moments of meaning guided her — cycle start dates, anniversaries and the spontaneous arrival of Celeste’s name all felt like signs. City Fertility Offer I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here. Solo Mum Bundles Want the best value? Grab a Solo Mum Society Bundle — curated sets of courses, memberships or resources to support you at your stage — and save when you buy them together. View all bundles here.
--------
1:07:04
--------
1:07:04
S4:E39 - Kristi & Imogen
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 vulnerable episode, Kristi shares her experience with depression, the fear of postpartum relapse, and the detailed medical advice she received to continue her mental health medications safely through conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. She also opens up about using an overseas donor, how she first located donor siblings, and her evolving views on DNA, family, and chosen connections. Later in the episode, Kristi talks through her cancer journey, how she prepared Imogen for the return of chemotherapy, and why her daughter's resilience and creativity continue to anchor her through every challenge. This interview is raw, insightful, and full of heart — a testament to strength, self-advocacy and solo motherhood in the real world. Key Takeaways Mental health support is crucial — Kristi’s psychiatrist helped her prepare safely for conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Donor siblings came via online searching — including the DSR and the clinic’s own registry. Cancer relapse reshaped everything, but Kristi prioritised protecting Imogen emotionally through each step. Chosen family matters — Kristi’s views on DNA vs lived connection have shaped how she talks to Imogen about donor siblings. Donor Conceived Families Australia - Kristi is using her skills and passion to support important advocacy for issue impacting donor conceived families - learn more about what she talks about at https://www.donorconceivedfamilies.au City Fertility Offer I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here. Solo Mum Society Private Facebook Group If you’re in Australia or New Zealand, connect with other women considering, creating or conquering solo mother life in the private Facebook group. Join here.
--------
1:13:26
--------
1:13:26
S4:E38 - Book recommendations with Feona & Meike from DCP Hub
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 donor conception. Together they share their favourite books across every age group — from baby board books to primary and teen reads — and explain why stories are one of the most effective ways to start, deepen and normalise donor conception conversations at home. You’ll also hear personal reflections, tips for adapting books to your family, and even some adorable special guest reviews. Whether you’re just starting your solo mum journey or supporting older kids who are forming their own identity, this episode is full of practical, thoughtful recommendations. Useful Links: DCP Hub for their bookshop, events and to join the mailing list Download the Solo Mum Society book list for more book reviews (a lot of which are available at DCP Hub) Get your own copy of My Perfect Family Key Takeaways Books help start tricky conversations — especially when parents struggle with wording or timing. Books evolve with your child as they grow. Representation matters — seeing families like theirs reduces “otherness”, boosts identity, and normalises donor conception in classrooms and communities. You can adapt any book — change wording, add details, or personalise to suit your story (kids can’t read early on!). There are now great options for older kids & teens — mystery adventures, identity-focused books, and stories written by donor-conceived authors. DCP Hub exists to support donor-conceived people — through events, education, and resources that help parents make informed and compassionate decisions. City Fertility Offer I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here.
--------
38:33
--------
38:33
S4:E37 - Sammy, Athena & Betty
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 moved from heartbreak to empowered action, navigating donor selection, finances, co-parenting, and ultimately conceiving her second daughter, Betty, on her very first IUI. Her joy is infectious. Her vulnerability, grounding. And her story is a powerful reminder that happy endings can look different — and still be everything you dreamed of. Key Takeaways Grief and hope can coexist — Sammy reflects on separating from her husband and the deep desire to create the sibling relationship she always imagined. Choosing donor conception after separation — how she navigated finances, support, and the emotional decision to grow her family solo. A successful first-try IUI — why she trusted her intuition (and her sisters!) despite advice to head straight to IVF. Healthy co-parenting dynamics — how she built a positive relationship with her ex and his family for Athena’s sake. Honest reflections on newborn life as a solo mum — managing guilt, juggling school routines, and finding her rhythm with two children and no partner. City Fertility offer I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here. Preparing for treatment or TTC solo? Download 10 Diet & Lifestyle Tips to Boost Your Fertility — created with a fertility dietitian — and get practical, easy ways to support your body for conception. Download your free guide here.
--------
57:23
--------
57:23
S4:E36 - Previous guest updates - Haylee & Maegan
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) — two women who have already taken the leap into solo motherhood… and now return with major updates. Hayley shares how becoming a solo mum radically shifted her self-belief — and how that shift led her to welcome a second baby on her own. She also opens up about connecting with her children’s donor siblings and what that unfolding has been like for her family. Maegan returns with her own big news — she’s now pregnant. She talks about what it felt like to start this again, how different this round has been emotionally, and how she’s approaching this pregnancy from a place of deeper confidence and grounded trust in herself. Their stories are a reminder that this path doesn’t end with “you had the baby.” For so many solo mums — that’s where the next chapter begins. Key Takeaways Growth Creates More Choice: When you see what you’re capable of for the first time, you stop questioning if you can. You start deciding if you want to. More Than One Version of Solo Motherhood: For some women, one baby is their vision. For others, it opens the door to building the bigger family they always imagined. Donor Sibling Connections Can Evolve: When (and if) you choose to connect, it can expand your child’s world and introduce relationships you never expected. Pregnancy Round Two Feels Different: When you’re already a solo mum, pregnancy isn’t just a possibility anymore. It’s an expansion. City Fertility Offer I couldn't continue to make this podcast without the help of our fabulous sponsor, City Fertility. If you're looking into fertility treatment on your own, make sure you take advantage of the exclusive 20% discount for No Need for Prince Charming listeners. Learn more here. Expecting Solo? Trying to conceive or pregnant and want your village? The Bump Membership is your private WhatsApp community + fortnightly Zoom Connection Calls with solo mums-to-be across Australia & New Zealand. Join the Bump here.
--------
59:41
--------
59:41