Half of Us

Siblings Uncensored: The Labor Day Weekend Meetup Files

Somehow through the haze of Michelobs, margaritas, and laughter, we had the foresight to record with each other throughout our weekend retreat. 12 siblings got together over Labor Day weekend. Hear what we have to say as Jeremy leads us through Siblings Uncensored! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. Email us at [email protected]

12 Siblings, 1 House

Meg, Shannon, Jeremy and Ally reminisce on an INCREDIBLE weekend spent with 12 donor conceived half siblings. The ups, the downs, the surprises - it was, without a doubt, a weekend we will never forget. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. Email us at [email protected]

Josh PART 2 - Future Parent of a DCP

Josh is 100% ready to give his all to raising a child via egg donation. Join Ally, Jeremy and Shannon as we welcome Josh to the podcast. In part 2 of our conversation, Josh talks to us about his plans to tackle bizarre and unfair policies at his egg bank. Thanks for chatting with us, Josh! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. Email us at [email protected]

Josh is Giving 100% - Future Parent of a DCP - PART 1

Josh is 100% ready to give his all to raising a child via egg donation. Join Ally, Jeremy and Shannon as we welcome Josh to the podcast. In part 1 of our conversation, Josh has questions for us, and we have questions for him. How can you lessen the burden on your donor conceived child? What's it like coming out over and over again as both a donor conceived person and a parent to a donor conceived person? Come back next week to hear Josh's plan to go to battle with the egg bank he and his wi...

The Acronym Episode - DCP and BIPOC

Hey everyone! We have MISSED you! We (Ally, Shannon, Jeremy and Meg) have been enjoying our summer, but we are BACK with the next episode of Season 1 of Half of Us! This week, join us as we chat with Eric and Max - two DCP who also happen to be BIPOC. What is race dysphoria like? Where do you belong? All these questions & more are tackled in this episode. Connect with Eric and Max here: General DCC: https://donorconceivedcommunity.org/ BIPOC: https://donorconceivedcommunity.org/supportgro...

Elly - A 66 Year Old Secret

Elly lived sixty-six years of her life without know that her parents used a "DNA Contributor" to have her, back in the days before sperm donation was publicized as a viable option for couples facing infertility. Listen as Elly talks about her discovery, her DNA Contributor, and how her understanding of family has shifted. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. Email us at [email protected] Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of Halcyon Tapes

Husbands

Ally and Shannon's husbands, Jesse and Casey, join the siblings in this episode. Hear their perspectives about watching their wives learn that they are donor conceived, offer advice for others in their shoes, and talk about jealousy! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. Email us at [email protected] Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of Halcyon Tapes

Donor Anonymity

In this episode, Ally, Shannon, and Jeremy begin to unpack the idea of donor anonymity. Is it possible to stay anonymous in 2022? Why would a donor choose anonymity? Which right is more important: the right to privacy or the right to know? We probably don't come to any big conclusions in this episode and have only scratched the surface of the nuances of donor anonymity and what that looks like. But we have thoughts and feelings on the topic, so what better way to flesh those thoughts out th...

Chelsey - Half Sister from the Same Mister

Meet Chelsey, our half sister from the same mister. Chelsey has a unique perspective about what finding out you are donor conceived in your 20s can be like. Does it change everything? Does it change anything? Chelsey - thanks for chatting with us! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok. Email us at [email protected] Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of Halcyon Tapes

Nicole - Family Trauma with Former TV News Reporter

Y'all thought we were only talking donor conception?  Family trauma comes in all forms - Nicole's story checks a LOT of those boxes. Nicole, a former TV news reporter and Jeremy's close friend, shares with Ally and Jeremy about her father's black market adoption and untimely death, her mother's subsequent demons, growing up half white, half Palestinian, accidentally revealing her ex-boyfriend's family secret, and SO much more.  Books mentioned in the episode: Before We Were Yours - Lisa ...

Jodie - Mom of our Half Brothers

Meet Jodie - recipient parent and mom to our half brothers, Greg and Joe! Jodie talks about her path to using a sperm donor, what the selection process was like for her, and her thoughts on Greg and Joe connecting with 20+ half siblings and the donor. Thanks for chatting with us, Jodie! Follow us on Instagram. Email us at [email protected] Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of Halcyon Tapes

Jason Hyatt from Our Father

Content Warning: A suicide attempt is mentioned in this episode, which we know can be distressing. The discussion occurs at the 13-minute mark and lasts until the 14-minute mark. If you’re in the US and you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.   Our Father is the new Netflix documentary about how an at-home DNA test revealed a shocking scheme involving donor sperm, massive fertility fraud, and a cohort of 94+ siblings. One of the ...

Meet the Siblings

Here we go again! New logo. New topics. NEW HOSTS! Join Ally, Jeremy, Shannon and Meg - all half siblings - as they talk all things donor conception, family, and more. In this episode, Ally will catch you up on her life since the last episode and will introduce you to THREE of her half siblings - all from the same donor. We are so excited to share with you the next chapter - welcome to Half of Us! Follow us on Instagram. Email us at [email protected] Music by Wizard of Loneliness, ...

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Half of Us

The next chapter of Half of Me is coming very soon! Stay tuned for details. For more info, follow us at @halfofuspod on Instagram!

2021 Update

Hi, everyone! Wow - it's been a minute... actually, it's been a year and 3ish months, but who's counting? I'm here to update you on my life since my last episode. 2020 was a crazy year, wasn't it? Questions? Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram. -Ally

Lessons & Resolutions from 2019

Hey all! I hope you had a fabulous Christmas. In this episode, I run through my 2019 resolutions, talk about what I learned this year through my DNA and fertility discoveries, and close out with setting new intentions for 2020. Visit my website. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Email me at [email protected]. Art by WoodsTAK - Instagram // Etsy Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of Halcyon Tapes

Q&A 2: Telling Extended Family

I'm continuing the question and answer series. This week, I tackle telling extended family - to tell or not to tell? Also in the episode: I say moist too many times and I give you an update on my fertility ~journey~ Check out Jana Rupnow's new podcast - Three Makes Baby. Follow Jana here. Also give the Male Infertility Podcast a listen! Follow Nick on Instagram while you're at it. Visit my website. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Email me at [email protected]. Art by WoodsTAK...

Ally's Back! and Q&A Part 1

Hey all! I'm back - it's been a minute. I've missed you! Lots in store for you today... What I've been up to since we last spoke (In)fertility updates 2 big life moments for me - trigger warning: pregnancy loss 2 audience questions to begin the Q&A series. Also - check out Jana Rupnow's new podcast - Three Makes Baby Visit my website. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Email me at [email protected]. Art by WoodsTAK - Instagram // Etsy Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy o...

Update!

WOW it's been a minute... here's a (not so) brief update on what I've been up to over the last several weeks. Spoiler alert: new brother, Google is my worst enemy, and I have a plan for getting pregnant!

Alex

Alex is a soon-to-be-dad with male factor infertility. In this episode, we talk about his journey with his wife from deciding on parenthood to soon discovering that they were facing infertility. Alex talks about grief, deciding on a sperm donor, and moving ahead with the journey. We also discuss important resources along the way. Following my conversation with Alex, I'll also talk about what's ahead for the podcast and for me. Mentioned in the episode: Follow Alex on Instagram. Jana Rupnow...

Leah

Leah, a donor conceived adult, learned of her origins after twenty years of questioning why she didn't see herself in her social family. She always knew something was off, to the point that she asked many times if she was adopted. Like many DC adults, Leah has since connected with her donor siblings and donor father, a man she now considers Dad. In this episode of Half of Me, we talk about her connection with her biological father, the role he is now able to fill in her life, her dynamic wit...

Michaela

Meet Michaela, a donor conceived adult. Michaela talks about the benefits of taking time to think and process, the hunt for her donor relatives, and what's helpful/not helpful when talking to someone who is donor conceived. Mentioned in the episode: Visit our website. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at [email protected]. Art by WoodsTAK - Instagram // Etsy Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of Halcyon Tapes

Joey

Meet Joey, a donor conceived adult from a single mom by choice (SMBC). We talk about his story, what we want out of our DC families, what gets passed on from donor to offspring, and how to support future SMBCs. Mentioned in the episode: Reach out to Joey here on his Facebook - send him a message, he'd love to connect! Visit our website. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at [email protected]. Art by WoodsTAK - Instagram // Etsy Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of ...

Becky and Jana

After weeks and weeks of planning and discussion, it’s finally here, one of the most important and requested conversations yet! Becky, Jana and I sat down several weeks ago, bridging gaps between two communities that are often at odds with each other. I’m proud of the work we are doing and I can’t wait for you all to hear it. Mentioned in the episode: Follow Becky on Instagram and check out her blog. Jana Rupnow is an incredible resource - check her out! Visit our website. Follow us on Ins...

Kira

Oops! Somehow Kira's episode disappeared! If you listened to this one previously, it's not new. But for those of you that missed it, enjoy!  ----- Kira is donor conceived and she found out about it during class - imagine! Kira has a ton of knowledge about laboratory medical sciences, which she shares in this episode. We also talk about fostering. Mentioned in the episode: Visit our website. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at [email protected]. Art by WoodsTAK - Insta...

Be back soon!

Everything But The Egg

They have everything... but the egg. Listen to an intended mom as she talks about her journey to using donor eggs. Mentioned in the episode: Follow this intended mom here. Visit our website. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at [email protected]. Art by WoodsTAK - Instagram // Etsy Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of Halcyon Tapes

Vince

Vince is a dad - he's been a dad to his three daughters from the minute he changed their diapers. Does the fact that he's not genetically related to his kids make a difference? Doesn't seem like it. But Vince knows well the gravity that comes with donor conception, and he's handling his situation in, what I think, is the best way possible - by talking about it. Mentioned in the episode: Check our the Southwestern Ontario Donor Conception Network here. Visit our website. Follow us on Insta...

Aidan

Meet Aidan: a fellow donor conceived individual who is making waves in the podcasting world. Aidain is the host of DIBS, another great podcast about all things DC. Find the link below! Mentioned in the episode: Check out DIBS: Welcome to the Family. Visit our website. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at [email protected]. Art by WoodsTAK - Instagram // Etsy Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of Halcyon Tapes

All the Feels & Ethics at NYU

I'm BAAAACK! Did you miss me?! I missed you. Bunches. In this episode, I fill you in on how I spent my break between seasons. Then we'll talk about the NYU Ethics fo Donor Conception Conference. Spoiler alert: I hated it. Yikes. This is a hard episode for me to publish... but in the spirit of spilling my guts to you always, I'm gonna be honest about how much it sucked for me. Mentioned in the episode: Check out DIBS: Welcome to the Family. You'll hear from Aidan next week. Visit our websi...

Jeremy Update

Ally talks with Jeremy about everything that has gone on in his life since episode 2 - incluing meeting our shared donor! Mentioned in the episode: Check out DIBS: Welcome to the Family. Visit our website. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at [email protected]. Art by WoodsTAK - Instagram // Etsy Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of Halcyon Tapes

Ally

Ally talks about everything that has gone on in her donor conception story since episode 1 - talking to the donor, changes in her relationships with her diblings, and the beautiful community of donor conceived people, parents, and allies. Mentioned in the episode: Register for the NYU conference on The Ethics of Donor Conception here. Registration is free but required. Watch some of my diblings meet our donor here. Becky of @definingmum and Jana of @janarupnowlpc will be on an upcoming ep...

Greg and Joe

Greg and Joe, full brothers from the same biological mom and sperm donor, never gave too much thought to their biological roots. That is, until, we came knocking! Listen as Ally "meets" her half brother Joe for the first time, catches up for the second time with Greg, and laugh with them as they talk about their vastly different experiences. Mentioned in the episode: Check out the Half of Me Podcast Instagram for the chart that Ally, Greg and Joe look at in the episode. Register for the NY...

Helayne

Helayne was double donor conceived - that means she was conceived from both a donor egg and donor sperm - and found out about it at different stages in her life. She has a lot to say about her conception, the ethics of donor conception, and what it now feels like to have a full family tree. Mentioned in the episode: Check out Jana Rupnow on Instagram and read her incredible book, Three Makes Baby. Register for the NYU conference on The Ethics of Donor Conception here. Registration is free ...

Jana Rupnow

Jana Rupnow, author of Three Makes Baby and LPC, talks with Ally about the psychology of donation and donor conception, feelings of shame and grief, gives advice about donor siblings, and so much more! Check out Jana Rupnow on Instagram and read her incredible book, Three Makes Baby. Register for the NYU conference on The Ethics of Donor Conception here. Registration is free but required. Visit our website. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at [email protected]. Art b...

Hope

Dibling #5 joins Ally on the podcast. Everyone, meet Hope! Hope talks about what her donor conceived experience was like, memorizing every detail on the donor's information sheet, utilizing the donor sibling registry, and meeting her first dibling at the age of 16. Visit our website. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at [email protected]. Art by WoodsTAK - Instagram // Etsy Music by Wizard of Loneliness, Courtesy of Halcyon Tapes Thanks Erin for the Sperm Donation Hist...

Jerry

Jerry and Kelly were just living their days, excited to be newly engaged, and then I ruined their lives. Listen to find out how Jerry discovered he was donor conceived after he shared my story with his parents. Visit halfofmepodcast.com for more information. Follow @halfofmepodcast on Instagram and Twitter. Email me at [email protected]

Siblings Take Philly

Ally travels to Philadelphia to meet not one, not two, but FIVE of her donor half siblings. This episode is a mashup recap from five of us - you'll hear from Ally, Jeremy, Chris, Greg and half-sister talk about our weekend and the emotions we began to feel as we put names to faces on our donor conceived half siblings. Visit halfofmepodcast.com or email [email protected].

Chris

Ally, Chris and Jeremy continue their conversation about finding out they were donor conceived and locating half siblings through Ancestry DNA. In this episode, Chris talks about how he came to terms with his donor conception story.  Visit https://halfofmepodcast.com or email [email protected]. 

Jeremy

Ally, Jeremy and Chris all meet to talk about when Jeremy discovered that he, after knowing his whole life that he was donor conceived, has the potential to find siblings through online DNA testing. Visit https://halfofmepodcast.com or email [email protected]. 

THANKS, Ancestry

In this episode, I talk about how I found out I was donor conceived, chatting with my first half siblings, and my plans to meet five of them this weekend! Visit https://halfofmepodcast.com or email [email protected]. 

Stay tuned!

I'm sperm donor conceived - and didn't find out until I was 28. Stay tuned as I navigate my way through this DNA debacle. Visit https://halfofmepodcast.com or email [email protected].