In this compelling episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson engages in a deep conversation with Diane Hinson, a cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School and the founder of Creative Family Connections LLC, one of the world’s leading surrogacy agencies. Diane opens up about her journey as a single mother and how her passion for family equality led her to create a top-tier surrogacy agency known for its compassionate care and unparalleled legal expertise in reproductive rights and surrogacy law.

Throughout the episode, Diane discusses her commitment to advancing family equality, highlighting her work in securing landmark court rulings for same-sex parents and advocating for gay-friendly surrogacy legislation. She offers an expert breakdown of the surrogacy process, providing valuable advice on choosing a surrogate and selecting the right surrogacy agency. The conversation also explores ethical concerns in surrogacy, particularly the debate around embryo production and the moral considerations that prospective parents must navigate.

Diane emphasizes the importance of selecting quality surrogates who are driven by a genuine desire to help others build a family, rather than financial motivation. She shares actionable tips for choosing a surrogacy agency and what to look for in a surrogate to ensure a positive and successful surrogacy experience.

A standout moment in the episode is when Diane states, "Finding a surrogate who is doing it for the right reasons, not just for money, is crucial. It’s about ensuring they truly want to help someone build a family." This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricate world of surrogacy, reproductive rights, and the evolving definition of family.

Tune in to gain expert insights and practical advice from one of the most respected figures in the surrogacy field, Diane Hinson. Whether you're considering surrogacy or simply curious about the legal and ethical aspects of family building, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

In this episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson welcomes Cenk Bulbul, who shares his journey from Turkey to the United States and his experience as a single father of two.

Cenk's early life involved constant relocation due to his father's role as a general in the Turkish army. Despite humble beginnings, he and his siblings prioritized education. He attended a prestigious boarding school, studied industrial engineering, and earned a master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 1994.

Cenk's self-discovery journey was challenging, as being gay in Turkey meant facing significant societal discrimination. After completing his master's degree, he returned to Turkey but remained closeted, driven by a desire to have children, even considering a heterosexual relationship. Realizing he needed to live authentically, he moved to New York for a PhD in marketing at NYU. Six months after relocating, he came out to his advisor and went on his first date in 2002. His sister was a crucial support, helping him come out to their parents, who eventually accepted him.

In 2016, Cenk began pursuing adoption but switched to surrogacy after setbacks. He connected with a surrogate through friends. And with the help of his surrogate and using donor eggs, he became a parent in 2019. Initially, Cenk didn't plan to have a second child but he realized he wanted to have a sibling for her first-born daughter and he had his second daughter in 2021 working with the same surrogate.

As a proud single father of two, Cenk reflects on his journey, the challenges he faced, and the joy of building his family. Jonathan thanks Cenk for sharing his inspiring story and encourages listeners to subscribe to Redefining Family for more heartfelt stories. Tune in to hear Cenk Bulbul’s incredible story of resilience and the pursuit of family.

In this heartwarming episode of Redefining Family, host Jonathan Wilson sits down with Brit and Sydney Sharon, a couple whose journey from high school friends to loving partners and dedicated parents is truly inspiring. As proud members of the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities, Brit and Sydney share their story of love, acceptance, and community.

Brit and Sydney's love story began in high school and blossomed as they traveled abroad together. Married for eight years, they quickly started their family, raising their children with a strong sense of belonging rooted in their Jewish heritage. Brit, born on a Kibbutz in Israel and having moved to Southern California, brings a rich cultural background, while Sydney’s Ashkenazi heritage complements Brit’s Sephardic Orthodox roots.

Their journey has had challenges. Brit came out to her friends in high school but faced difficulty with her parents when she and Sydney started dating. Over time, and after the loss of three grandparents, Brit's father became more accepting and now advocates for their family. Sydney, who had only dated guys before Brit, shares their reconnection in Tel Aviv and how they built a relationship that has lasted 15 years.

Building their family is a central focus for Brit and Sydney. They discuss the joys and challenges of the sperm donor process and raising their children in a private Jewish school, fostering a community among LGBTQ+ families. They also hope to expand their family with a fourth child.

Advocacy and community are significant in Brit and Sydney’s lives. They promote acceptance and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities. Sydney shares her experience discovering six siblings through her father's sperm donation, adding another layer of complexity to their story. This episode is filled with personal reflections and advice for other LGBTQ+ couples on similar journeys.