n Part 2 of Callum’s incredible story, we pick up where we left off—right after Lara’s birth.

Callum takes us inside the early days of solo parenting: navigating newborn sleep deprivation, legal complexities, travel logistics, and adjusting to life as a dad… alone.

From co-working next to daycare to sleepless nights, Callum gets honest about the mental load, the unexpected joy, and why letting go of perfection is the key to peace. He also opens up about wanting a second child and the beautiful bond he shares with his surrogate and donor.

Whether you’re a solo parent yourself or simply curious about what fatherhood looks like when chosen with full intention—this episode will stay with you.

For the first time on No Need for Prince Charming, we welcome a solo dad by choice.

In this deeply thoughtful and emotional episode, Callum shares how, after a marriage breakdown and years of soul-searching, he made the bold and intentional decision to become a parent on his own. What followed was a complex, global surrogacy journey that spanned COVID, border closures, and countless spreadsheets.

Callum walks us through:

• Why adoption and foster care weren’t the right path for him

• How he chose the US for surrogacy—and why a continuing relationship with both his egg donor and surrogate was essential

• The risks, red flags, and research required to find the right clinic, agency, and team

• Why he selected a daughter—and the emotional impact of a failed transfer

• How he coordinated the birth from halfway around the world

• And how he’s making sure Lara knows exactly how loved, wanted, and intentional her creation was

This episode is part one of Callum’s story—stay tuned for part two, where we explore life now as a solo dad to a thriving three-year-old.

After losing an ovary in her 20s, Kate knew she couldn’t wait forever. This is her story of choosing solo motherhood, IVF, and embracing newborn life with honesty, humour, and heart.

In this raw, funny, and deeply relatable episode, Kate shares her journey to solo motherhood after unexpectedly losing an ovary in her early 20s. When dating didn’t pan out, she decided to take matters into her own hands—and never looked back.

We talk about navigating fertility issues, enduring fibroid surgeries, and the emotional rollercoaster of IVF. Kate opens up about choosing her sperm donor, the reality of the newborn stage, what she wishes more mums would admit, and why she’d do it all again 10 times over.

This episode is a love letter to her daughter Ivy—and to every woman wondering if she can do it on her own.

Meike started IVF at 36 and became a solo mum to baby Lyla—now, 9 years later, she’s sharing what it’s really like.

In this powerful episode, Meike reflects on her journey from a low AMH diagnosis to IVF and solo motherhood, but most importantly, what she’s learned raising her now 9-year-old daughter Lyla, who was conceived using an open-ID donor.

Meike speaks openly about telling Lyla her conception story from the start, how those conversations have changed over time, and what solo mums need to understand about supporting their donor-conceived children emotionally and developmentally. She also shares the inspiration behind co-founding DCP Hub.

Lorena always knew she wanted to be a mum—but life had other plans. After navigating difficult relationships, putting her heart back together, and years of unsuccessful IVF, she finally became a solo mum at 46. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Lorena shares the highs and lows of 13 rounds of IVF, how she handled society’s judgment about being an “older mum,” and how motherhood transformed everything.

She also shares what it’s like to raise a donor-conceived child as a solo mum, how she navigates school and social questions, and how she turned her journey into a book, set for release in 2026. This episode is a reminder that no matter how long it takes or how winding the road may be, if motherhood is your dream—it’s worth fighting for.

Leah was a career-focused woman who didn’t even know if she wanted kids—until the experience of caring for her niece flipped her world upside down. What started as a spontaneous thought became a fast-tracked journey to solo motherhood, filled with both joy and adversity. From navigating a shock diagnosis of Meniere’s disease during pregnancy to overcoming guilt and building a support system, Leah opens up about what it’s really like raising her daughter, Lily, as a solo mum with a chronic illness.

Whether you’re unsure about motherhood or facing unexpected challenges, this episode will resonate deeply and inspire you to trust your instincts, find your strength, and build the life you dream of.

Mel’s path to solo motherhood wasn’t straightforward. After struggling with IVF, enduring multiple failed transfers, and facing the emotional toll of infertility, she had to make a life-changing decision—continuing with her own eggs or moving to donor eggs. In this episode, Mel shares how she navigated the mental, emotional, and financial challenges of fertility treatment, why she ultimately chose to import donor eggs into Australia, and what it was like to finally welcome her son, Lou.

If you’re in the trenches of fertility treatment or considering solo motherhood, this episode is packed with insights into IVF realities, donor conception, and how to keep pushing forward when things don’t go as planned.

From Single Woman to Solo Mum of Two: Shantal’s Story of Family, Resilience, and Independence

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Shantal shares her journey to solo motherhood with her daughters, Esme and Laney. She discusses her experiences with IUI, IVF, and choosing a donor, as well as the unique challenges of raising neurodivergent children as a single mum. Shantal’s story highlights the joy and resilience required in solo parenting, as well as the importance of community and acceptance in navigating life’s unexpected paths. Her reflections offer inspiration and insights for anyone considering solo motherhood or facing similar challenges.

How Melissa Became a Solo Mum by Choice and Fostered Connections with Her Daughter’s Donor Siblings Around the World

In this heartfelt episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' we meet Melissa and her nine-year-old daughter, Gracie. Melissa opens up about her path to solo motherhood, from navigating donor conception after a difficult marriage to the joys and challenges of raising her daughter alone. She shares her thoughts on balancing work and motherhood, finding a supportive community, and encouraging Gracie to embrace her unique family structure. Melissa’s story is filled with resilience, love, and the realisation that family can take many forms.

From Fertility Setbacks to a Fresh Start in Australia: Kimberley’s Path to Motherhood and Finding Community as a Solo Mum"

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Kimberley shares her inspiring story of becoming a solo mother by choice. After a transformative journey through fertility treatments in the UK, she decided to return to Australia, where she now raises her son, Otis, alongside her supportive family. Kimberley reflects on her path, the challenges of IUI, and her sense of empowerment as she embraces solo motherhood. Her story offers insight into resilience, finding community, and the joy of raising a child on her own terms.

Navigating IVF, Embracing Solo Motherhood, and Finding a Village to Support Baby Leni

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Keely shares her journey to solo motherhood, from a successful career as a TV producer to becoming a single mum by choice to her daughter, Leni. She opens up about navigating fertility challenges, choosing to pursue motherhood alone, and the support she received from her family, especially as she balanced work and parenting. Keely’s story is filled with resilience, community, and love, highlighting the power of choosing your path and building a village around you.

Mikayla’s Journey to Solo Motherhood: From Dreaming of Motherhood to Raising Baby Charlie with Family Support

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Mikayla shares her inspiring journey to solo motherhood. She discusses her decision to become a mother in her late 20s, navigating fertility treatments, and her thoughtful process of choosing an overseas sperm donor. With her family’s unwavering support, Mikayla’s path to raising her daughter, Charlie, highlights resilience, empowerment, and the joy of creating a family on her own terms

Overcoming IVF Challenges, Building a Village, and Embracing Solo Motherhood as a Teacher and Mum

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Siobhan shares her inspiring journey from being a dedicated teacher with a full life to becoming a solo mum by choice to her sons, Maddox and Arrow. She opens up about navigating IVF, choosing a sperm donor, and her commitment to creating a supportive village for her children. Siobhan’s story is a testament to resilience, independence, and the incredible love of a mother who pursued her dreams on her own terms.

Navigating IUI, IVF, and the Joys and Challenges of Raising Poppy and Finn on Her Own

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Steph shares her journey to solo motherhood, from her determination to pursue a family on her own terms to navigating fertility treatments and the unique joys and challenges of raising her two children, Poppy and Finn. Steph’s story reveals the resilience, love, and support that make solo motherhood both rewarding and empowering. Her experiences with IUI and IVF, finding an American donor, and the highs and lows of parenting alone offer inspiration and insights for anyone considering solo motherhood.

Embracing Donor Conception, Navigating Single Parenting, and Building a Strong Family for Matilda

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Katelyn shares her inspiring journey from a career in insurance broking to solo motherhood with her daughter, Matilda. Facing the realities of financial planning, fertility treatments, and becoming a solo mum, Katelyn dives into her decision to build her family independently. With resilience and support from family and friends, Katelyn’s story offers insights for anyone considering solo motherhood, balancing career and parenting, and navigating the joys and challenges along the way.

From Remote Living to Raising Beauden as a Solo Mum: Ashley’s Inspiring Path to Motherhood

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Ashley shares her unique journey to solo motherhood from a remote town in Australia’s outback. Facing nine-hour drives to medical appointments and the challenges of navigating IUI alone, Ashley persevered to bring her son, Beauden, into her life. Her inspiring story celebrates resilience, family support, and the courage it takes to pursue solo motherhood under extraordinary circumstances.

From Heartbreak to Hope: Lucienne’s Inspiring Path to Solo Motherhood and Donor Conception

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Lucienne shares her journey from navigating the challenges of singlehood to embracing solo motherhood with her son, Arlo. After experiencing multiple fertility treatments, including IVF and a frozen embryo transfer, Lucienne reflects on the highs and lows of creating a family on her own terms. Her story offers inspiration, courage, and insights for those considering solo motherhood, and she emphasises the importance of self-belief, resilience, and choosing one’s own path.

Navigating Early Solo Motherhood, Choosing Donor Conception, and Building a Family Legacy

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Kathryn shares her journey to solo motherhood decades ago, as one of the early women in Australia to choose donor conception. Joined by her daughters, Amy and Jackie, Kathryn reflects on the challenges and triumphs of raising children alone, the experience of choosing a donor, and the complexities of family identity. Together, they provide a unique perspective on the legacy of love, resilience, and choice that has shaped their family.

Navigating IVF, Family Support, and Embracing a Unique Path to Parenthood as a Solo Mum by Choice

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Kate shares her remarkable path from a work-focused academic to becoming a solo mum by choice with her son, Baby A. Kate’s journey involves career shifts, overcoming IVF challenges, and building a support system with her family. Her story highlights the resilience required for solo motherhood, the importance of community, and the joy she’s found in creating her family. With reflections on fertility treatments, choosing the right time, and advice for prospective solo mums, Kate’s experience is a guide for anyone considering this path.

From Career-Focused to Family-Driven: Ash’s Story of Choosing Donor Conception and Navigating Life as a Solo Mum

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Ash shares her inspiring journey from a successful career-focused life to embracing solo motherhood. After considering motherhood on her own terms, she navigated the world of fertility treatments and chose a donor to welcome her son, Jed, into the world. Ash reflects on her experience with IUI, the challenges of pregnancy, the birth process, and how her priorities shifted as she became a mum. Her story is a testament to resilience, family support, and the power of creating a life filled with love and intention.