Episodes 1-6 of Some Families, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ parenting podcast series, are available to stream now via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all good podcasting platforms. Sharing funny, emotional and true stories from the LGBTQ+ community, Some Families aims to support families and answer questions for those curious about queer parenthood.
Some Families is hosted by lesbian mum Lotte Jeffs, an author, journalist and reformed magazine editor, and gay dad Stu Oakley, a film publicist who “thought he was used to dealing with divas until he had toddlers”. Lotte, a mum via donor conception, and Stu, a dad via adoption, will be sharing their experiences as queer parents and chatting to a plethora of guests who will join the podcast to discuss their journey to parenthood, plus the ups and downs of parenting through an LGBTQ+ lens.
“Our community is built on love and we are strongest when we support each other” – Stu Oakley and Lotte Jeffs.
Episode One: Are We Nearly There Yet? – The Journey Begins
Lotte and Stu discuss their journey and welcome you to Some Families.
Episode Two: You Have to Really, Really Want It – The Adoption Adventure
Lotte and Stu hear from Niall, a TV producer turned stay-at-home dad. He talks about being the daddy at mummy groups, how sometimes kids just need a squidgy hug and who’s called what in their house. Also, the hosts discuss the importance of having differently gendered role models for their kids, as they admit their inexperience in matters of the opposite sex.
Episode Three: Stop Thinking and Start Feeling – Being the Other Mother with Jen Brister
Stu talks emotional labour, impertinent questions and raising boys with comedian and author of The Other Mother, Jen Brister. Lotte explores whether she wants to be pregnant herself, and what having a baby herself would mean for her family dynamic.
Episode Four: The Three of Us – Co-Parenting with Charlie Condou
Stu shares some life-changing family news and Lotte and Stu catch up with Charlie Condou, actor and dad of two. Charlie’s family is made up of Charlie, his husband Cameron and Catherine, their children’s biological mum. Charlie talks about the decision to co-parent, how it works and why being a gay parent is no different to being a straight parent.
Episode Five: What’s It Like Having a Man About the House? – Birth Mother Through IVF
Lotte talks about her IUI journey, the emotional and physical impacts. Stu shares an update on his family and they are joined in the studio by Kirsty Hunter, who talks about her journey through IVF and the decision to be the birth mother.
Episode Six: We’re Both the Other Daddy – Two Dads, An Egg Donor, A Surrogate and a Baby
Stu chats with Michael and Wes, fathers of three – two via surrogacy and one from a previous relationship. Michael and Wes talk about the relationship they have with their surrogate, preparing yourself for every possibility when it comes to fertility treatments and the reforms on the Surrogacy Arrangements Act. Stu and Lotte catch up on the good old-fashioned telephone and learn about surrogacy and talk changing mindsets when it comes to heteronormative methods of having a child.
“There’s so little information available to LGBTQ+ people thinking about starting a family,” said Lotte Jeffs. “Hopefully by sharing our own stories and listening to others’ we’ll give people contemplating becoming or in the middle of being a parent some encouragement, support and perspective.”
Stu Oakley added: “Every family is unique and as queer parents there are so many different journeys we can go on to build our families. I am beyond excited to explore this world with Lotte and to listen, share and discover more from some truly inspirational people.”
Follow @somefamiliespod
You must be logged in to post a comment.