The Surrogate’s Corner Podcast

Peeking behind the curtain – current medical trends in surrogacy journeys.

Episode Summary
In this episode, James Mahan talks with Dr. Aimee, known as The Egg Whisperer, about what really happens during the medical stages of a surrogacy journey. Dr. Aimee explains how surrogates are screened, why medical record reviews matter, and how clinics protect both the surrogate and the pregnancy. She also discusses embryo transfers, why single transfers are often safer, and what’s changing in the surrogacy industry — from costs to emotional support and better education for intended parents and surrogates.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Aimee and her work in surrogacy medicine01:40 – What clinics look for in surrogate screening and ASRM guidelines04:00 – Why reviewing medical records early saves time and money06:00 – The truth about “waiting lists” and why intended parents shouldn’t rush08:30 – How Dr. Aimee’s efficient process helps avoid delays and rejections10:00 – Single vs. double embryo transfers and the risks of twin pregnancies13:00 – Why surrogates should understand embryo quality before transfer15:00 – Common causes of failed transfers and what really affects success rates17:00 – The state of the surrogacy industry: what’s working and what’s not19:00 – Why mental health support and cost transparency are still lacking
About the Show
The Surrogate’s Corner features honest conversations with legal and medical professionals in the surrogacy and fertility field. Each episode breaks down complex topics to help surrogates, donors, and intended parents make informed decisions and navigate the process with confidence.

Protecting Your Peace: Mental Health and Emotional Support in Surrogacy

Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Surrogate’s Corner, attorney James Mahan discusses the unique emotional challenges surrogates face throughout their journey, from the highs of helping create a family to the lows of failed transfers, miscarriages, or post-delivery separation. James explains how legal contracts, agency support, and personal networks can safeguard surrogates’ mental health and ensure they receive the care they need during and after pregnancy. He also addresses the importance of counseling, peer support groups, and contract language that prioritizes the surrogate’s overall well-being.
Key Timestamps
00:54 – Emotional highs and lows in the surrogacy journey03:32 – Building a strong personal and family support network06:15 – Negotiating mental health resources in contracts09:22 – The role of intended parents and varying relationships11:05 – Postpartum emotional challenges unique to surrogacy13:44 – Preparing mentally for repeat journeys15:36 – Peer support groups and online communities for surrogates17:20 – How contract language can protect surrogate well-being
About the Show
Surrogate's Corner is a podcast dedicated to advocating for surrogates and donors, offering practical legal and psychological guidance for their journeys. Featuring attorney James Mahan, the show provides actionable insights to navigate the emotional, legal, and relational complexities of surrogacy with confidence and clarity.

The Surrogates Corner Bonus: How to Prepare for Your Contract Review

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Surrogates Corner, attorney James Mahan guides listeners through the crucial steps involved in preparing for a surrogacy contract review. From understanding the key elements of the contract to navigating issues like travel restrictions, embryo transfers, medical procedures, and termination clauses, James provides valuable insights to ensure a smooth and informed surrogacy journey.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – Contract Review Preparation
03:45 – Understanding Travel Restrictions
05:30 – Embryo Transfer Considerations
07:10 – Medical Procedures and Tests
08:45 – Termination Clauses Explained
11:20 – Contract Duration and Expectations
About the Show:
*Surrogates Corner* is a podcast dedicated to providing essential legal insights and guidance for donors and surrogates embarking on the surrogacy journey. Hosted by experienced attorney James Mahan, each episode delves into various aspects of surrogacy contracts, rights, and responsibilities, offering valuable information for anyone navigating the surrogacy process.

Psychological Screening and Counseling During Surrogacy Journeys: What to expect and how to prepare for your journeys!

Episode Summary
Attorney James Mahan introduces Joey Guzman-Kuffel, owner of Counseling with Joey and Associates, who discusses the critical role of psychological screening and counseling in surrogacy. The episode explores emotional readiness, joint counseling sessions, support systems, and post-delivery considerations, providing essential guidance for surrogates, intended parents, and industry professionals to ensure successful surrogacy journeys.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Role of Psychological Screening in Surrogacy
04:00 - Timing of Counseling in Surrogacy Journeys
07:00 - Key Factors in Screening Surrogates and Donors
11:00 - Importance of Joint Counseling Sessions
15:00 - Addressing Conflicts in Surrogacy Relationships
19:00 - Considerations for Prospective Surrogates
23:00 - Post-Delivery Challenges in Surrogacy
27:00 - Unique Aspects of Repeat Surrogacy Journeys
31:00 - Final Thoughts for Surrogates and Industry Professionals
35:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
Surrogate's Corner is a podcast dedicated to advocating for surrogates and donors, offering practical legal and psychological guidance for their journeys. Featuring attorney James Mahan, the show provides actionable insights to navigate the emotional, legal, and relational complexities of surrogacy with confidence and clarity.

When Things Get Complicated — High-Risk Pregnancies and Emergency Legal Protections

Episode Summary:In this must-hear episode of The Surrogate’s Corner, attorney James Mahan returns to explore what happens when a surrogacy journey takes an unexpected turn. James outlines the legal framework for high-risk pregnancies, emergency decision-making, surrogate rights, and what happens when intended parents and surrogates disagree on medical treatment. This episode provides peace of mind for any surrogate concerned about how complications are handled—and what protections are already in place.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and episode topic overview00:40 – What defines a high-risk pregnancy, and who makes that call?01:20 – Role of the OB or midwife vs. specialists (MFMs)02:30 – How surrogacy contracts handle medical decision-making03:30 – The surrogate’s autonomy vs. intended parents' requests04:45 – What happens in a medical emergency if the IPs can’t be reached?05:50 – Life-threatening scenarios and the surrogate-first principle06:40 – What if the IPs disagree with the surrogate or her doctor?07:15 – The second opinion clause and how it works08:50 – Who pays for second opinions or travels for alternative care?10:10 – What happens when doctors disagree? The referee clause11:15 – Who chooses the third-party “referee” doctor?12:40 – Guiding surrogates through stressful complications13:45 – The role of agencies and legal teams when support is lacking15:30 – Helping surrogates navigate tests, transfers, and medical confusion16:45 – How repeat surrogates revise contracts based on past experience17:50 – Can a surrogate refuse tests or treatments—and what happens if she does?19:00 – Legal vs. emotional decision-making in complex pregnancies20:15 – State laws that protect surrogate decision-making authority21:30 – James’s advice for surrogates facing medical or emotional uncertainty
About the Show:
The Surrogate’s Corner is a legal resource for surrogates, donors, and intended parents navigating third-party reproduction. Hosted by surrogacy attorney James Mahan, each episode explores practical, compassionate legal advice designed to protect and empower gestational carriers throughout their journey.
Learn more: SurrogatesCorner.com

The Role of Escrow and Trust Accounts — Who Handles the Money, and Why It Matters

Episode Summary:In this episode of The Surrogate’s Corner, attorney James Mahan welcomes Abby Helmuth of SeedTrust, a trusted escrow fund management company specializing in surrogacy and egg donation. Together, they break down how escrow works, why neutral third-party fund management matters, and how surrogates can benefit from transparency, automation, and contract-backed payment processing. Abby shares insights on how escrow protects both intended parents and surrogates, the difference between simple disbursement vs. fund management, and why SeedTrust’s platform improves clarity, security, and peace of mind in the surrogacy journey.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to SeedTrust and guest Abby Helmuth00:40 – What is an escrow company and why it matters in surrogacy01:35 – Difference between fund disbursement and fund management02:45 – When escrow should be set up during the journey04:00 – Managing contracts vs. just releasing funds05:10 – Why third-party neutrality matters06:30 – Avoiding overpayments, underpayments, and misuse of funds08:00 – How SeedTrust improves transparency for surrogates09:10 – Recommendations for escrow funding timelines10:20 – Escrow minimum balances and what happens when funds dip too low12:00 – Real examples of issues caused by improper fund handling14:10 – How surrogates interact with SeedTrust’s platform15:30 – Dedicated teams and customer service from start to finish16:45 – Independent journeys vs. agency-supported escrow18:15 – Who submits reimbursement requests? (Surrogate, agency, or both)19:40 – Key differences in fund management for independent matches21:00 – Dealing with international fund transfers and delays22:30 – Tracking account minimums and automated alerts24:00 – Why surrogates shouldn’t use PayPal or Venmo25:10 – How SeedTrust’s lost wages tool works (and why it’s a game-changer)27:00 – Ensuring accurate calculations from pay stubs and deductions29:10 – Tips for surrogates on choosing an escrow company30:40 – Why SeedTrust’s structure benefits both IPs and surrogates32:00 – Final thoughts and how to contact SeedTrust
About the Show:
The Surrogate’s Corner with James Mahan is a legal podcast created to guide surrogates, intended parents, and donors through every stage of third-party reproduction. Each episode offers candid, insightful legal commentary and expert guests who share practical tools to empower all parties involved in the surrogacy process.
Learn more: SurrogatesCorner.com
Visit SeedTrust: https://seedtrustescrow.com/

Picking the Right Partner — Red Flags and Legal Tips for a Successful Match

Episode Summary:In this eye-opening episode of The Surrogate’s Corner, surrogacy attorney James Mahan discusses one of the most important parts of the surrogacy journey—finding the right match. James breaks down the personal and legal considerations every surrogate should think about before signing a contract, how to spot red flags early, and the critical role agencies and attorneys play in protecting gestational carriers (GCs). Whether you're a first-time surrogate or a returning GC, this episode provides empowering legal insights and real-world guidance for ensuring a healthy, successful match.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to James Mahan & today’s topic00:30 – Why choosing the right match is critical01:00 – Legal and personal factors surrogates should consider01:50 – Local vs. long-distance and international intended parents02:30 – Language barriers and communication expectations03:00 – Early red flags to watch for during matching03:45 – Setting boundaries with communication and control05:00 – The role of contracts in protecting surrogates06:10 – What to do when the match feels wrong07:00 – Interviewing intended parents: Why surrogates have the power08:00 – The pressure to settle: How timing impacts decision-making09:00 – The agency’s role in ethical and compatible matches10:00 – Legal questions to ask early in the process11:00 – Avoiding inflexible or controlling contracts12:00 – Navigating high-conflict or rushed matches13:00 – Real conflict stories and lessons learned14:00 – The importance of early communication and disclosure15:00 – How attorneys advocate for first-time GCs17:00 – When to involve the agency or legal counsel for support18:00 – Using support groups and other surrogate communities
 
About the Show:
The Surrogate’s Corner with James Mahan is a legal podcast designed for surrogates, donors, and intended parents navigating third-party reproduction. Hosted by experienced surrogacy attorney James Mahan, the show offers practical legal tips, red flag warnings, and compassionate guidance to help everyone involved in a surrogacy journey feel informed, protected, and empowered.
 
Learn more: SurrogatesCorner.com

Insurance Matters — Understanding Various Insurance Considerations for Surrogacy Journeys

Episode Summary:In this informative episode, attorney James Mahan welcomes Sarah Paige, COO of ART Risk Solutions, to break down everything surrogates need to know about insurance. From what "surrogacy-friendly" really means to handling multiple policies, navigating coverage gaps, and preparing for unexpected complications, Sarah walks through the real-world issues that impact gestational carriers. They also discuss key topics like moving mid-journey, coordinating short-term disability, and why surrogates need to stay informed, even when others are managing the paperwork.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:34 – What surrogates should ask before starting a journey (life, health, disability coverage)
02:40 – What “surrogacy-friendly” insurance means and how policies are evaluated04:39 – How primary vs. secondary policies work and why coordination of benefits matters07:15 – What to do if a policy doesn’t work as expected (complications, denials, appeals)09:39 – Can a surrogate move mid-journey? How relocation impacts insurance12:03 – What surrogates should know about policies purchased on their behalf14:04 – How ART Risk supports surrogates directly, not just agencies or IPs15:49 – How claims management reduces stress for surrogates during pregnancy17:57 – How short-term disability works and when it applies for gestational carriers
 
About the Show:The Surrogates Corner is hosted by attorney James Mahan, a legal advocate dedicated to supporting surrogates and donors. Each episode offers trusted guidance and expert interviews designed to empower those navigating third-party reproduction journeys.
 
Guest Bio:Sarah Paige is Chief Operating Officer at ART Risk Solutions and a leading expert in surrogacy insurance, advocacy, and risk management since 2010. You can reach her at https://artrisksolutions.com/. You can also call (661) 257-6242 or email info@yourinsuranceresource.com to connect with ART RIsk Solutions.

Legal Protections for Surrogates and Medical Decision-Making Authority

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, host Kevin Rosenquist and legal expert James Mahan discuss the crucial aspects of medical decision-making authority in surrogacy arrangements. They explore contractual obligations, emergency situations, and how to navigate differences between surrogates and intended parents regarding medical preferences.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Introduction and episode topic
00:38 - Typical contractual obligations for medical decisions
02:30 - Second opinion provisions and conflict resolution
04:12 - Surrogate's ability to override medical preferences
05:15 - Ensuring medical preferences are clearly outlined
07:13 - Handling medical emergencies
08:44 - Matching process and alignment of preferences
11:28 - High-risk pregnancy considerations
13:07 - Key questions during contract review
16:18 - Communication advice for surrogates
 
About The Show:
The Surrogate's Corner with James Mahan features practical legal guidance for surrogates and donors throughout their journeys. James Mahan passionately advocates for surrogates, helping them navigate the complex legal aspects of surrogacy arrangements.

Unpacking the Agency's Role in a Surrogacy Journey: Arianna Shelter

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Surrogate's Corner, host James Mahan interviews Arianna Shelter, CEO of International Surrogacy Center, about the role of surrogacy agencies. As a former surrogate herself, Arianna provides valuable insights into agency screening processes, matching procedures, and what makes successful surrogacy journeys.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Introduction and welcome
00:42 - Arianna shares her personal surrogacy journey and path to becoming CEO
03:42 - Discussion of surrogate candidate screening criteria and red flags
06:00 - Detailed breakdown of pre-match screening process
11:49 - The matching phase and surrogate involvement in choosing intended parents
15:17 - Agency relationships with IVF clinics and medical screening procedures
19:40 - Tips for successful surrogacy journeys and importance of agency selection
 
About The Show:
The Surrogate's Corner with James Mahan provides educational content and insights about surrogacy journeys. The show features industry experts and professionals sharing their knowledge to help surrogates better understand the process.