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.

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.

Kristy never imagined she’d become a solo mum. After spending years in a difficult marriage, she found herself rebuilding her life at 31. But after dating disappointments and a move to Melbourne, she realized she didn’t want to wait any longer. In this episode, Kristy shares how a single conversation changed everything, leading her to IVF, pregnancy at 42, and moving across states while preparing for motherhood.

She opens up about the challenges of fertility treatment, navigating pregnancy alone, and why moving back home was the best decision for her and baby Navy. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to rewrite your own story, this episode is filled with resilience, self-discovery, and inspiration.

Miranda always dreamed of being a mother, but life didn’t follow the traditional timeline she expected. After freezing her eggs at 34 and focusing on her career, it wasn’t until COVID lockdowns that she had the space to reflect on what she truly wanted. In this episode, Miranda shares her journey from egg freezing to IVF, dealing with miscarriage, and welcoming her son, Josh, into the world as a solo mum by choice.

She opens up about navigating donor selection, the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments, and the unexpected challenges of solo parenting, from financial pressures to balancing career ambitions. Whether you’re considering egg freezing, IVF, or embracing solo motherhood, this episode is packed with insights, real-life experiences, and inspiration.

From Doula to Mum: How Candace Balanced Work, IVF, and Found Community as a Solo Mother

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Candace shares her remarkable journey to solo motherhood. A fertility expert and doula, she decided to have a child on her own after years of helping others create families. Candace opens up about the unique challenges of selecting a known donor, balancing her multiple businesses, and the deep emotions of bringing her daughter Maisie into the world. Her story offers valuable insights into navigating solo motherhood with resilience and love.

Overcoming Medical Hurdles, Embracing Solo Motherhood, and the Unconditional Love of Raising Her Daughter

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' we meet Stacie, a dedicated early childhood educator and single mum by choice to her daughter, Vivienne. Stacie opens up about her journey to solo motherhood, from overcoming an unexpected medical diagnosis in her 20s to realizing she could pursue motherhood alone. She shares her path through fertility treatments, her bond with Vivienne, and the joy and challenges of being a solo parent. Stacie’s story is filled with resilience, empowerment, and the unique love that only solo motherhood can bring.

From Life as a City Accountant to Solo Motherhood: How Rebecca’s Dream of Having a Family Came True

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Rebecca shares her inspiring path to solo motherhood. From her career as an accountant and her love of travel to navigating multiple rounds of IVF, Rebecca opens up about the challenges and triumphs of pursuing motherhood independently. With the support of her family, she now raises her daughter, Emma, cherishing each moment as they create memories together. Rebecca’s story highlights resilience, family support, and the empowering decision to embrace solo motherhood.

Navigating Uterine Cancer, Choosing Donor Conception, and Raising Children with Resilience and Support

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Claire shares her profound journey to motherhood after a uterine cancer diagnosis threatened her dreams of having children. Determined to pursue motherhood, Claire chose donor conception and faced numerous challenges along the way, including the premature birth of her son. Her inspiring story covers everything from treatment decisions and choosing a donor to building a resilient family with love and support. Claire’s strength and determination to embrace motherhood, even under difficult circumstances, is a powerful reminder that women can create families on their own terms.

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.

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, Coping with Family Illness, and Building a Loving Solo Mum Family

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Kristin shares her heartfelt journey to solo motherhood with her daughter, Frankie. From the decision to use a sperm donor to facing health challenges during pregnancy and navigating the complexities of family illness, Kristin’s story is one of resilience, love, and determination. Her experiences offer hope and strength for women considering solo motherhood, revealing the power of family, community, and inner strength.

Mel’s Inspiring Story of Pursuing Solo Parenthood, Navigating Health Challenges, and Raising Theo
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Mel shares her journey to solo motherhood. Although she initially planned to wait until her mid-30s, by age 29, Mel felt the calling to pursue motherhood independently. After discovering ovarian cysts and severe endometriosis, she had to delay her journey due to surgery and other challenges, including selecting an international donor from Seattle. Through resilience and determination, Mel eventually welcomed her son, Theo, following successful IUI treatment. Her story highlights the strength of solo motherhood, the joy of raising her son, and the support of her family.

Leah’s Path to Solo Motherhood, From Childhood Dreams to Choosing a Donor and Raising Her Son Dallas
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Leah shares her heartfelt journey to solo motherhood. Always dreaming of being a mum, Leah pursued solo parenthood after relationships didn’t align with her desire for children. She walks us through her experiences with IUI and IVF, choosing her ideal donor, and navigating a high-risk pregnancy that culminated in an early but healthy birth for her son, Dallas. Leah opens up about the realities of solo motherhood, her supportive family, and the unique joys of raising Dallas. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and finding fulfillment on her terms.

Carissa’s Inspiring Story of Pursuing Solo Motherhood After Years of Travel, Fertility Challenges, and Finding Support
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Carissa shares her remarkable journey to solo motherhood. After a career spent traveling the world and working on major sporting events, Carissa decided to pursue motherhood independently. Her fertility journey involved several rounds of IVF, a rare cancer diagnosis, and ultimately the decision to use both donor eggs and sperm. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster, the supportive network of family and friends, and her joy in raising her son, Declan. Carissa’s story highlights resilience, the power of community, and the strength it takes to create a family on her terms.

Cyndi’s Inspiring Story of Egg Freezing, Endometriosis, and Embracing Solo Motherhood with a Donated Embryo

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Cyndi shares her remarkable journey to solo motherhood. With a teaching background and an adventurous spirit, Cyndi initially focused on travel and her career before choosing to pursue motherhood independently. She opens up about her struggles with endometriosis, freezing eggs, and the unexpected discovery that her egg quality was poor. After multiple rounds of IVF, Cyndi found hope through embryo donation and welcomed her son, Callaway. Cyndi reflects on her fertility journey, her experience with donor embryos, and the joy she’s found in raising her son. Her story highlights resilience, adaptability, and finding joy through perseverance.

How Sonya Navigated Fertility Challenges, Chose Her Donor, and Found Joy in Solo Motherhood
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Sonya shares her heartfelt journey to becoming a solo mum. As a primary teacher and former lawyer, Sonya had always loved children, but it wasn’t until her early 30s during COVID that she committed to solo motherhood. She discusses her path through multiple rounds of fertility treatment, selecting an anonymous donor, and the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum. Now, with her son, Pippin, Sonya reflects on the highs and lows of solo motherhood, the support she received from family, and how her new life with Pippin has changed her perspective and priorities.

From Building a Career to Building a Family: Sarah’s Candid Story of Solo Motherhood and Resilience

In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Alisha talks with Sarah, who shares her journey to solo motherhood, from weighing the decision to become a single parent to finding the right donor. Sarah opens up about her experiences with fertility, miscarriage, and ultimately welcoming her son, Dylan. Her journey is filled with strength, challenges, and the unwavering love for her new family.

Maegan’s Solo Motherhood Story After Choosing a Local Donor and Finding Joy with Her Son Freddie
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Maegan shares her journey to solo motherhood. Living in Ballarat, Victoria, Maegan pursued motherhood independently in her late 20s after years of trying to find the right partner. After successful IUI treatments, she welcomed her son, Freddie. Maegan opens up about the importance of family support, choosing a local donor with shared interests, and building her business in the arts alongside motherhood. Her story highlights resilience, adaptability, and creating a fulfilling life on her own terms.

Rebecca’s Inspiring Solo Motherhood Story After Grief, IVF, and Finding Strength in Motherhood
In this episode of 'No Need for Prince Charming,' Rebecca shares her journey to solo motherhood. After experiencing the loss of her beloved grandmother and a challenging fertility journey, Rebecca chose to pursue IVF, ultimately welcoming her daughter, Eden. She opens up about the emotional complexities of fertility treatments, choosing a donor with values aligned to her own, and coping with grief while navigating her path to motherhood. Rebecca’s story highlights resilience, intentionality, and the unique joys of solo parenting.