becoming babyREADY with Sam Leeson - All About Queer Family Planning & Creation

"becoming babyREADY" is a Queer-centred podcast exploring the journeys of 2SLGBTQIA+ family creation. Through conversations with Queer parents and professionals, we dive into what it takes to build intentional families — from legal and financial prep to emotional support and hands-on care. Rooted in Canada and reaching around the world, these stories offer insight, inspiration, and community for anyone growing their family with pride.

becoming babyREADY with Sam Leeson - All About Queer Family Planning & Creation is a kids podcast hosted by Sam Leeson, with 160 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Sam Leeson hosts becoming babyREADY with Sam Leeson - All About Queer Family Planning & Creation, a kids show with 160 episodes published.

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  Episode #160

  Becoming Mom, Twice Over: Ariana's Journey Through RIVF and Foster-to-Adopt

  Sep 17, 202632 min

  Ariana dreamed of being a mom since she was a little girl — and as a queer woman, she always knew that path might not be simple. In this episode, we talk with Ariana about the two very different roads she's walked to build her family. Ariana's journey began when she partnered with a woman who also wanted to be a parent. Her partner didn't want to carry a pregnancy, but she did want a genetic connection to the child, which led them to reciprocal IVF (RIVF). It's a beautiful option, but not an inexpensive one — Ariana walks us through the months of research it took to find a fertility clinic whose payment plan let them delay payments until after their son was born. After their son arrived, Ariana's relationship broke down — but she knew her family-building journey wasn't finished. She felt called to adopt a child who needed a home, and set out on an entirely different path: working with child protective services, completing the required courses, home studies, and casework to apply through the umbrella foster-to-adopt program. Five months ago, a two-month-old baby boy was placed in Ariana's care. Now, as they wait for the courts to complete their due diligence, Ariana is holding onto hope that by the end of his first year, she'll be able to call herself his mother — formally and legally. This is a story about persistence, about the many forms family can take, and about what it means to keep showing up for the dream you've had since childhood. In this episode: Growing up queer and dreaming of motherhood Choosing reciprocal IVF (RIVF) as a path to parenthood Navigating the cost and logistics of fertility treatment Finding a clinic with a payment plan built for real families Life after a relationship ends but the dream doesn't Foster-to-adopt: the courses, casework, and waiting Hoping for a legal, forever "mom" title within the first year Resources mentioned: Fertility clinic: CNY Fertility https://www.cnyfertility.com Connect with Ariana: Follow her family's story on TikTok @a_dennis21

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  Episode #158

  Three Weeks of Heartbreak, One Miracle: The Journey to Becoming Dads - a conversation with Jake and Mike

  Sep 3, 202652 min

  Sometimes the path to parenthood begins with a swipe right. Jake and Mike first connected online through social media. They worked in similar professions and had initially followed one another simply to see how the other approached their work. Then, in 2019, they matched—and swiped right. The rest, as they say, is history. When the pandemic arrived, COVID brought them together under one roof much earlier than they might otherwise have planned. It turns out, though, that they were exactly where they were meant to be. Years later, they're still together, stronger than ever, and building the family they had always dreamed about. Once they were married, Jake and Mike began researching the many different ways they could become parents. Adoption quickly emerged as the path that felt right for them, and they jumped in with both feet. But their journey was anything but simple. There were incredible highs and devastating lows. And then came three long weeks that brought every adoptive parent's worst nightmare to life. And then… a miracle. Today, Jake and Mike are a family of three. And as of July 2026, it is officially official: these two beautiful humans are proud dads to their son. In this episode of becoming babyREADY , Jake and Mike share the very real, emotional and ultimately joyful story of how they became parents. Their journey is a powerful reminder that family-building doesn't always follow a predictable path—and that sometimes, after the hardest chapters, comes the most extraordinary one of all. They also talk about Connecting Hearts , an organization that played a role in their journey and may be a valuable resource for others considering adoption. https://www.connectingheartsadoption.com And if you'd like to follow along as this family continues to blossom and grow, find Jake and Mike on Instagram at @twofloridadads

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  Episode #157

  Love, Family & the Unexpected Twists Along the Way - a chat with Lisa Boccuzzi

  Aug 27, 202643 min

  When Lisa met Ali in 2013, she was simply taking a class that Ali was teaching. What began as a friendship would grow into a partnership, a marriage, and eventually, a family. After spending time living on both coasts, Lisa and Ali ultimately returned to the tri-state area, where their roots run deepest. Along the way, their relationship has been filled with moments that have shaped not only their own family, but also the families of some of the people closest to them. They took turns proposing to one another, married in 2022, and then began the exciting—and sometimes unexpected—journey of creating a family together. Lisa's story is a wonderful reminder that there isn't one prescribed route to building a family. Sometimes the path takes turns you couldn't have anticipated. Sometimes the people you meet along the way become part of your family in ways you never imagined. And sometimes the twists and turns that make your journey uniquely yours are exactly what make your family story so meaningful. In this episode of becoming babyREADY , Lisa shares the story of her relationship with Ali, their journey to marriage and parenthood, and the unexpected twists that helped shape the family they have today—and even influenced the family-building journeys of some of their closest friends. It's a story about love, friendship, chosen family, and discovering that there may be far more than one way to create the family you've dreamed about. Follow Lisa: @lisaboccuzzi on Instagram and TikTok Read Lisa & Allie's Substack: She's Not My Roommate — shesnotmyroommate.substack.com

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  Episode #156

  The Very Best Part: 18 Queer Parents Share What They Love Most About Parenting

  Aug 20, 202637 min

  What’s your favourite part of being a parent? It’s a question I ask at the end of every episode of becoming babyREADY — and this week, I decided to bring some of those answers together. In this special episode, I’ve gathered clips from 18 conversations with Queer parents , each answering the same simple but wonderfully revealing question: “What is your very favourite part of parenting your child or children?” The answers are as wonderfully varied as the families themselves. Some talk about the little everyday moments. Some talk about watching their children become fully themselves. Some make us laugh. Some might make you a little teary. And together, they offer something I think we could all use a little more of: a reminder of just how much joy, connection, discovery and love there is in parenting. Because while becoming a parent can involve navigating fertility, pregnancy, birth, adoption, donor conception, surrogacy, healthcare systems, family dynamics and a whole host of questions that can feel uniquely complicated for Queer families… Sometimes, it’s simply about the really, really good stuff. I had so much fun putting this episode together that I have a feeling this may not be the last time I create one of these “best of” episodes. There are still plenty of wonderful answers hiding in the archives! So settle in, listen to 18 Queer parents talk about the parts of parenting that make their hearts happiest — and maybe think about your own answer. What is YOUR very favourite part of parenting?

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  Episode #155

  Perimenopause Isn't Just About Midlife—It's a Fertility Conversation (with Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND) Too

  Aug 13, 202653 min

  At first glance, a conversation about perimenopause might seem like an unexpected topic for a podcast dedicated to family building. But as you'll discover in this episode, hormones influence so much more than we often realize—including fertility, pregnancy, and your overall reproductive health. This week, Sam sits down with Dr. Sheila , a naturopathic doctor whose practice focuses on hormonal health, fertility, and perimenopause. Together, they explore why understanding your body before beginning a fertility journey can make a meaningful difference. Dr. Sheila explains how comprehensive hormone testing—including Day 3 blood work, vitamin levels, and thyroid function—can help identify concerns before you begin fertility treatments, allowing you to move forward feeling informed and better prepared. The conversation also becomes deeply personal as Dr. Sheila shares their own experience navigating egg retrieval, IVF, and the emotional realities of building their own family. Whether you're just beginning to think about becoming a parent, preparing for IVF or IUI, or simply wanting to better understand your body, this episode offers practical information, compassionate insight, and plenty of hope. In this episode you'll learn: Why hormone health matters long before pregnancy. How naturopathic medicine can complement fertility care. What Day 3 hormone testing can reveal. The importance of checking thyroid and vitamin levels before treatment. One doctor's personal experience with retrieval and IVF. How proactive preparation can support your family-building journey. Learn more about Dr. Sheila: Instagram: @drsheila_nd Website: sheiladyernd.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is planning or growing their family. Every family has a beginning—we'd be honoured to be part of yours.

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