Welcome to Conversations, the podcast with Surrogacy Australia.
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Join Anna McKie in conversation with surrogates and parents who have navigated Australian altruistic surrogacy. Anna is a gestational surrogate, high school Math teacher and surrogacy educator working with Surrogacy Australia and running SASS (Surrogacy Australia’s Support Service).
These podcasts were recorded as part of our free, fortnightly webinar series. If you would like to attend one, check out our dates and registration links. The recordings can also be found on our YouTube channel so you can see the photos that are described in the recordings.
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Recent episodes
Episode 170 – Kate – when surrogacy doesn’t work
This webinar episode is an example of a surrogacy story that didn’t end with a baby. Intended Parents (IPs), Kate and her husband James, were already parents to Harriet, whom Kate was able to carry. However, due to an emergency hysterectomy after Harriet’s birth, they needed a surrogate for a sibling. James’ sister, Jess, offered to be their surrogate. They went through the counselling, legals and had some embryo transfers, however none resulted in a viable pregnancy.
Rin gave birth to little Jack as a surrogate in March 2026. Jack’s two dads, Dan and Stu, originally from the UK but living in Sydney, were initially strangers. Rin and her partner Aeron live with their two children near Wollongong. They have been a SASS supported, self matched team for their journey. Despite Jack arriving early and some post birth complications, their team and friendship is strong.
Episode 168 – Education – How do I support my surrogate?
There are many ways for IPs (Intended Parents) to support their surrogate (and her family) and they will depend on the different stages of your journey, her wants/needs, how far away from you she lives, did you know each other before surrogacy and the communication style of all team members.
In Australia we do altruistic surrogacy. So the payment for a surrogate is not a financial one made with the currency of money. Rather it’s an emotional payment and the currency is Time, Friendship and love.
Alex and Carlo became dads to their daughters, Elodie in December 2024 and Arabelle in June 2026. Their surrogate, Em, previously a stranger was initially their egg donor, but became their traditional surrogate (meaning it was also her egg). They all live near each other on the Sunshine Coast. They are also long term attendees of this webinar series, on over 30 occasions and twice having co-hosted. One called How to Find a Surrogate, episode 23 on the podcast series and episode 124. Alex and Carlo are the founding members of Australian Surrogacy and Donation which has included a facebook group, community events, story time for kids and a Gala Awards night to celebrate individuals and industry.
Kate and Col became parents to their daughter (Alison) in June 2020. Alison was carried by their surrogate Jodie who already had a friendship with Kate before surrogacy. They navigated COVID towards the end of their pregnancy, so it was quite a journey!
Episode 160 – Preparing for Birth – 3 Counsellors
On the topic of: Preparing for Birth
Guests: Narelle, Ellie, Elise
3 Counsellors guide us through what to expect for Intended Parents and Surrogates when planning for birth.
If you’d like to arrange your own session with Narelle, Ellie or Elise, you can find them at Lotus Health and Psychology.