Unfiltered Conversations: Part 1

I Did a Damn Good Job: Kristin's Story

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517374/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Choosing Chaos: Solo Motherhood by Choice, Laura sits down with Kristin, a solo mom by choice, former professional ballet dancer, and owner of a dance retail store specializing in pointe shoe fittings. Kristin shares what led her to stop waiting for the "right time" or the "right partner" and pursue motherhood on her own. Together, they dive into the realities of life as an older first-time solo mom—from navigating sleep deprivation and the mental load of parenting to balancing work, leaning on family, and coping with the expectations that come with this journey. Follow Kristin on Instagram: @kristinruggs [https://www.instagram.com/kristinruggs/] Congressional School - Explorers Wanted [https://www.congressionalschool.org/] An co-ed independent school in Falls Church, Virginia Support the show [https://patreon.com/ChoosingChaosSoloMotherhoodbyChoice?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Financial Planning with Phil Weiss

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517374/fan_mail/new] Financial planning is one of the biggest questions many women face when considering solo motherhood—but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with financial planning expert Phil Weiss to discuss how women can build a strong financial foundation before and throughout their journey as a Single Mom by Choice. Together, we explore practical strategies for preparing for fertility and family-building costs, creating financial security on a single income, planning for the unexpected, balancing today's expenses with tomorrow's goals, and raising financially confident children. Whether you're just beginning to explore solo motherhood or are already raising your family, this conversation offers thoughtful guidance to help you make informed decisions and feel more confident about your financial future. Connect with Phil Weiss 📧 Email: philweiss@apprisewealth.com [philweiss@apprisewealth.com] 🌐 Website: https://apprisewealth.com/ [https://apprisewealth.com/] Follow Phil & Apprise Wealth • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-weiss [https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-weiss] • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AppriseWealth/ [https://www.facebook.com/AppriseWealth/] • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phweiss11/ [https://www.instagram.com/phweiss11/] • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdxgFt2cD1r5WP0-Y6LqMDg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdxgFt2cD1r5WP0-Y6LqMDg] Free Resources • Free eBook: https://apprisewealth.com/ebook [https://apprisewealth.com/ebook] • 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Finance: https://apprisewealth.com/5-things/ [https://apprisewealth.com/5-things/] • Blog: https://apprisewealth.com/blog-sign-up/ [https://apprisewealth.com/blog-sign-up/] Congressional School - Explorers Wanted [https://www.congressionalschool.org/] An co-ed independent school in Falls Church, Virginia Support the show [https://patreon.com/ChoosingChaosSoloMotherhoodbyChoice?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Hope & Uncertainty

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517374/fan_mail/new] This episode is a deeply personal one. I open up about the hope, uncertainty, and heartbreak that can come with trying to grow your family as you get older. From fertility struggles to questions about what the future may hold, I share the emotions of not knowing whether I'll be able to give my son a sibling—or if my body is capable of making that dream a reality. A vulnerable and emotional conversation about hope, grief, and finding strength in the unknown. Congressional School - Explorers Wanted [https://www.congressionalschool.org/] An co-ed independent school in Falls Church, Virginia Support the show [https://patreon.com/ChoosingChaosSoloMotherhoodbyChoice?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Staying Grounded While Choosing a Different Path

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517374/fan_mail/new] What happens when the life you choose doesn't align with the expectations of those around you? In this episode of Sparks of Change, Laura sits down with Joayne Larson, facilitator, coach, and intercultural competence practitioner, to explore how we navigate differences in our relationships while staying true to ourselves. Through the lens of Single Motherhood by Choice, they discuss family expectations, societal norms, communication, self-trust, and the importance of maintaining connection without sacrificing authenticity. Learn more about Joayne and her work at Sparks of Change [https://www.sparksofchangetogether.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Joayne's work focuses on helping individuals and groups navigate differences, strengthen communication, and create meaningful transformation through intercultural competence and personal growth.  Congressional School - Explorers Wanted [https://www.congressionalschool.org/] An co-ed independent school in Falls Church, Virginia Support the show [https://patreon.com/ChoosingChaosSoloMotherhoodbyChoice?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Unfiltered Conversations: Part 2

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517374/fan_mail/new] Part 2 of Controversial Topics continues the conversation with Andrea, Annie, and Kristen as we shift from some of the more divisive parenting opinions into the deeper layers of the Single Mom By Choice journey. In this episode, we talk about the donor experience — including navigating the donor process, genetics, donor-conceived sibling connections, and the emotional weight that can come with making these decisions. We also discuss the reality of asking for help, why that can feel so difficult, and the importance of building a support system and village along the way. What started as a conversation around controversial topics became something much bigger: honest dialogue, shared experiences, and unexpected connection. Whether you’re a Single Mom By Choice, considering this path, or simply curious about the conversations happening behind the scenes, this episode offers a candid look into the complexity, vulnerability, and community that can come with building a family differently. Congressional School - Explorers Wanted [https://www.congressionalschool.org/] An co-ed independent school in Falls Church, Virginia Support the show [https://patreon.com/ChoosingChaosSoloMotherhoodbyChoice?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]