OVAREACTION BY TENNILLE DANIELS

OnOn this week's episode of the OVAREACTION podcast, I am joined by our first featured storyteller, my sister and bestie, Maaden Eshete Jones. On today's episode, I am pleased to be joined by our first featured storyteller, my sister and bestie, Maaden Eshete Jones.Maaden Eshete Jones is a writer, podcastor, and encourager. A purveyor of gifts and guides for healing through hospitality, she is the owner of Love, Maaden and the Love Goods Co. And has created a thriving community around daily practices in living a life of love.Madi, as she is known to friends, holds a Master of Public Health degree with a focus in Social and Behavioral Health Science. She has over ten years of experience in the arena of women's wellness as a business owner, public speaker, and community influencer. She appeared in the 2009 documentary film, Crisis in the Crib by Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee; and went on to co-author the book, Peace That Supersedes: Stories, Scripture, and Self Care for Women Dealing With Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, or the Loss of a Child. Maaden has spent the better part of the last 5 years sharing her personal testimony on her journey to motherhood, and encouraging others through her lessons learned in healing and hope.While she wears many hats, she identifies with family first. A wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend; she currently resides in Washington, DC with her husband, Ben, and their young daughter.Madi and I have supported one another through the highs and lows of our respective fertility journeys.  One of the questions we are often asked is, "how do I support my friend on their fertility journey?" We share our thoughts on friendship and fertility and what has and has not worked for us.Songs that were a part of Madi's soundtrack include one of my favs, I've Seen Him Do It by Kurt Carr, and To Zion by Lauryn Hill. You can find these songs on the OVAREACTION podcast playlist on Apple Music and Spotify.

Welcome to Season 3! After 7 long months, I'm baaaack! It's been a minute and there is so much to catch up on. To open the episode, I catch you up on what has been up with me in the past several months outside of my journey to motherhood - birthdays, new acquisitions, new roles, and new experiences - it's been 7 months filled with peaks and valleys.In this week's story time, I share with you a story of transfer to tribulation. Although, it is not the update I had hoped to share with you on this episode - God is still faithful!During the episode I shout out, The Honey Mama Company (@thehoneymamacompany), and their founder Jazmin Muhammad. The Honey Mama Company prepared a week's worth of meals for me leading up to my transfer.  Jazmin took the time to listen to and incorporate all of the foods that were said to help embryo implantation into the menu.  She came over to my house to prepare the meals and her sweet spirit and great conversation was just the vibe I needed leading up to the transfer.  If you are trying to conceive, an expectant mother, or a mother who needs support in the area of meal prepping - I highly recommend The Honey Mama Company!The songs of the episode are Promises and Million Little Miracles by Maverick City Music and Manifest by Jonathan Nelson (featuring Purpose). You can hear these songs and the many others that have and continue to serve as my soundtrack on this journey on the OVAREACTION podcast playlist available on Apple and Spotify.You can connect with on social media or via my website - I would love to hear from you!Remember, stand in your story so you can boldly and confidently show up in the world.~Tennille

On the Season 2 Finale of the OVAREACTION podcast, I give the listeners my most real time update EVER! Alot has happened since I celebrated selecting my donor at the end of Episode 7: Who Dat Is?I share what's ahead for me, personally, and what you can expect from Season 3 of the podcast. As I share in the episode, I am not exactly sure when I will be back for Season 3 but just know I will be back.  Season 3 will transition from sharing my story to giving voice to women on their own reproductive health journeys and the people who love them - I CAN'T WAIT!As I lean more than ever into this "Manifesting Motherhood" season of life, it is important that the soundtrack I listen to reinforces that with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.  There are many songs of the episode this week but the one I will highlight is Believe for It by CeCe Winans, You can hear this song and the many others that have and continue to serve as the soundtrack on my journey on the OVAREACTION podcast playlist available on Apple and Spotify.Until next time, please connect with and encourage me over on social media @tennilledaniels and via my website. And remember, stand in your story so you can boldly and confidently show up in the world.~Tennille

Due to some circumstances within my control and a few outside, Episode 7: Who Dat Is? is coming to you a little late - I appreciate the grace!On this episode, I share the story of how I found my donor. After a few failed shopping trips and patiently waiting on the Lord, my future baby daddy showed up in my inbox.With my donor selected and the vials purchased, it was time to celebrate this major milestone in my journey. Head over to my blog at www.tennilledaniels.com/blog to see how I celebrated this major step with some of my closest friends.This week's song of the episode is MyBabyDaddy by B-Rock & The Bizz - of course it is! I threw in a couple bonus songs this week that will give you some insight into a key characteristic of my donor - Gasolina by Daddy Yankee and Calma (Remix) by Pedro Capo & Farruko. You can find these songs and the many others that have served as the soundtrack for my journey on the OVAREACTION podcast playlist on Apple Music and Spotify.~Tennille

It's time to do one of my favorite things - SHOP!  On this episode, I share my experience shopping for my future baby daddy.  This process left me feeling like a woman who is looking for the perfect dress for an event and goes to every store in town only to end up with nothing. I discuss the availability, or lack thereof, of Black male sperm donors and why the pickings are slim.The song of the episode is BROTHA by Angie Stone. This song is dedicated to and celebrates Black men. My hope is that women who have a need for a sperm donor have access to a reasonable pool of Black men to choose from. You can find this song and the many others that have served as the soundtrack for this journey on the OVAREACTION podcast playlist on Apple Music and Spotify. ~Tennille

There was one question all my family and friends asked when I told them I wanted to embark on this single mother by choice journey, "Don't you have someone you could ask to be the father of your child?". On this episode, I discuss the answer to this one question. I also share how I had to boss up for my unborn child.The song of the episode is Best I Never Had by Beyonce. Although Beyonce is talking about a romantic relationship, there are a few lines that resonated me during this part of my journey.  We always have to remember that God's plan is always greater than our own!You can find this song and the many others that have served as the soundtrack for this journey on the OVAREACTION podcast playlist on Apple Music and Spotify. ~Tennille

On today's episode, I discuss the results of my genetic carrier screening and the impact they have on my selection of a baby daddy ;-)The song of the episode is DNA by Kendrick Lamar. A benefit of using donor sperm for the IVF process is the ability to know the genetic makeup of your baby daddy and how it may impact your future child. Hear this song and the many others that have provided the soundtrack for my reproductive health journey on the OVAREACTION podcast playlist available on Apple Music or Spotify. ~Tennille

On today's episode, I share a few results of my 2020 fertility assessment and the first step in my 2021 fertility roadmap.  First stop, an early 2021 surgery to have something all women have two of but don't necessarily need both of to have a child - you have to listen to the episode to find out what I had removed or maybe you can guess from the title ;-)  I also share one of my words for 2022 - CONSISTENCY - and how it relates to why I have been MIA for the past couple months. Let me just say sometimes you have to hit pause and spend time resting, reflecting and recharging for the journey ahead.  I did just that!This week's song of the episode is GRATEFUL by Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship.  I am committed to maintaining a posture of gratitude throughout this process.  And even though everything wasn't flowing like it should have been inside of me, my praises to God for every stop, blessing and trial along this journey will not stop flowing.  Hear this song and the many others that have provided the soundtrack for my reproductive health journey on the OVAREACTION podcast playlist available on Apple Music and Spotify.~Tennille

On today's episode, I share the first active step I took on my fertility journey to become a single mother by choice. That step was the initial appointment with my doctor at Shady Grove Fertility.   The initial appointment is a chance for the doctor to gather information and share potential options for your journey.  This appointment is followed by a fertility workup which includes a number of blood and imaging tests. The fertility workup, for me, is like getting your car checked out before a long road trip.  You want to make sure the car or your body, in this case, is ready for the journey. This assessment will help the doctor develop your fertility roadmap - final destination prayerfully is motherhood. This week's song of the episode is Step by Step by Whitney Houston. I am committed to taking one step at a time on journey that can be filled with many highs and lows. Hear this song and many others that have provided the soundtrack for my reproductive health journey on the OVAREACTION playlist on Apple Music and Spotify.  I promise it won't be this long again until the next episode!~Tennille

I've been summering so hard but I am finally back for Season 2 of the OVAREACTION podcast!On Episode 1, I give a summer recap which includes Hollywood (Florida), a Southern Belle Vacay in South Carolina, a surprise pop up in Miami and a night to remember with Bruno Mars. Head over to my blog to get the deets on my Southern Belle Vacay - where we stayed, what we did, the sexy Black male actor we saw ;-)I am also excited to share with you a major life update.  I am taking active steps to create the life I want to live by embarking on a new journey. You have to listen to the episode to hear where the next leg of my journey prayerfully will lead.And because I am taking my freedom back to create the life I want for myself, this week's song of the episode is Jill Scott's Golden. Hear this song and the many others that have provided the soundtrack for my reproductive health journey on the OVAREACTION playlist on Apple Music and Spotify. If you've gotten to the end of this note, please don't forget to subscribe, rate and review!~Tennille

On the Season 1 finale of the OVAREACTION, Tennille answers questions she has received from listeners of the podcast and observers of her journey.She talks about what is next for her on the next phase of her journey and the next season  of the podcast.The song of the episode is "I'm Getting Ready" by Tasha Cobbs Leonard featuring Nicki Minaj. This song motivates me to get into a posture of preparation and in a position to receive God's blessings in my life.  Check out the OVAREACTION podcast playlist on Apple Music and Spotify.We will be back in July!  Until then, please Summer Well ;-)~Tennille

On this episode of the OVAREACTION podcast, I discuss "THE WAIT".  It has been 7 years since my second egg retrieval cycle and I'M STILL WAITING.  When I decided to freeze my eggs back in 2013, I was not 100% sure if I was ever going to need to use them but I felt at peace knowing I had somewhat of an insurance policy. I also share why I believe God still has me waiting, what I've learned during the wait and how to wait well.The song of the episode is Your Best Days Yet by Bishop Paul S. Morton.  As I begin my 40th year, I truly believe my best days are ahead of me and not behind me.  On days where I am feel discouraged about where I am in life and/or along my journey to motherhood, this song always gives me the boost of encouragement I need to keep pressing forward in the wait.Other songs that encouraged during my wait are They That Wait by Fred Hammond, It's Not Over by Israel and New Breed, James Fortune and Jason Nelson, Even Now by William McDowell, Something Has To Break by Kierra Sheard.Check out the OVAREACTION podcast playlist on Apple Music and Spotify!~Tennille

Story time this week focuses on my decision to go through with a second egg retrieval and freezing cycle. I talk about how it was key for me to lean into my faith more than ever before at this point in my journey. This week's song of the episode is I've Seen Him Do It by Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers. It is literally the song that got my through one of the lowest points for me in this journey. Check out this song and the rest of the soundtrack to my journey on the OVAREACTION podcast playlist available on Apple and Spotify. Remember - Stand In Your Story. Show Up In The World.~Tennille

On this week's episode, I discuss my decision to move forward with freezing my eggs given my low/diminished ovarian reserve diagnosis. I also share the financial responsibilities I had to consider when making the decision to move forward. Once I determined I could handle the financial part of the process, I was like LeeEGGo - which is the title of this week's episode (shoutout to one of my favs - Chris Brown)!The focus of this week's episode is my first egg freezing cycle - what I had to do to prepare for it; what the process looks like; what it felt like; and what was the result? The song of the episode is He Has His Hands On You by Marvin Sapp. I love this song because it gives me reassurance that at the top of mountain all the way down to the pit of the valley God is with me.  This type of reassurance is so needed when you are going through a physical and emotional process such as fertility treatments.  Check out this song and many others that encouraged me or are inspired by my journey on the OVAREACTION podcast playlist available on Apple and Spotify.See you next week for story time!~Tennille

On this week's episode of the OVAREACTION podcast, I share how I got the fresh start I was looking for at the end of 2011. Never did I imagine the fresh start God had in store for me was a move to the Windy City. Part of settling into my new home required me to find a reproductive endocrinologist who could help me manage my endometriosis. Following our initial consultation, my doctor recommended a full panel of bloodwork to assess my reproductive health based on my hormone levels. The results of this assessment led to a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve and a recommendation to consider egg freezing if I desired kids in the future. I share how I felt post diagnosis and the factors I considered in making the decision to freeze my eggs. The song of the episode is 5 Miles To Empty by Brownstone. The analogy my doctor used of the gas tank and my ovarian reserve immediately made me think of this song. Check out the playlist on Apple or Spotify.  And if you have a song that reminds you or has helped you get through your reproductive health journey, email (hello@tennilledaniels.com) or DM  (IG: @tennilledaniels) me to let me know.  I would love to add it to the playlist.  ~Tennille

On this episode of the OVAREACTION podcast, Chief Storyteller, Tennille Daniels discusses the impact a potential infertility diagnosis had on her dating life.I start the episode by sharing a few life updates which left me feeling hopeful and heavy.  I am  hopeful because of potential opportunity I have to check something off of my bucket list - that's  why the podcast to be a bit delayed this week! I also share the heaviness and relief I feel around the Derrick Chauvin verdict and the recent killings of Daunte Wright and Ma'Khia Bryant (I said Butler on the recording - my apologies). This week is National Infertility Awareness Week (April 18- 24th) hosted by RESOLVE - the National Infertility Association.  To observe this week, I encourage you to share your story dealing with infertility as a way to educate and empower another woman.  If you are not dealing with infertility but know someone who is,  please use this as an opportunity to check in with and encourage them.During this week's storytime, I take it back to 2008-2011 when I was out here in these dating streets. I share how my brokenness and the law of attraction had me connecting with emotionally unavailable men - hotmess.com. I talk about trauma bonding and how you can avoid or break an unhealthy relationship rooted in trauma. The song of the episode is Ready To Love by India Arie. Check out the soundtrack of the podcast on Apple Music and Spotify.Do you have an OVAREACTION you want to share with me?  Click here to share your story - you can remain anonymous if you choose ;-)If you have any questions or topics you would like me to discuss on the podcast, email me at hello@tennilledaniels.com. ~Tennille

During this week's story time, Tennille shares the emotional and mental toll hearing a potential infertility diagnosis had on her life. Tennille shares 3 tips for navigating an infertility diagnosis: Take Time To ProcessFocus on The Present, Prepare For The FutureGround Yourself In FaithThe song of the episode is India's Song by India Arie.  Check out the OVAREACTION playlist on Apple and Spotify! The goal of the playlist is to have a soundtrack that women can lean on for hope, faith, strength, courage, joy and confidence.We want to hear your OVAREACTION!  Submit your story here. Your story can be kept anonymous if you choose.I invite you to go on this journey with me - please SUBSCRIBE, SHARE, RATE and REVIEW!~Tennille

Chief Storyteller, Tennille Daniels, shares the back story that led to her initial endometriosis diagnosis.  During this episode, I introduce two feature segments of the podcast: Stop The Story and Share The Science.Stop The Story is a segment where I will share practical information on an important topic mentioned during the episode. This segment is designed to give listeners tools and strategies to better navigate their reproductive health journey.Share The Science is where I will spend some time sharing the science behind topics raised during the story.  On today's Stop The Story segment, I share four practical tips for finding the right doctor/specialist.Our Share The Science features discusses endometriosis, signs and symptoms and how it can impact ones body and life.Tennille ends with the song of the episode - More Than I Can Bear by Kirk Franklin.  Click the links to access the playlist  Apple Music and Spotify OR search for "OVAREACTION by Tennille Daniels" to download and listen to this week's song and other songs that ministered or spoke to this part of my journey and/or how I was feeling during this time.   The goal  of the playlist is to have a soundtrack that women can lean on for hope, faith, strength, courage, joy and confidence.I invite you to go on this journey with me - please SUBSCRIBE, SHARE, RATE & REVIEW!~Tennille

What can you expect from OVAREACTION by Tennille Daniels?  It's storytelling with a side of science.  Join chief storyteller, Tennille Daniels, for the trailer episode of the podcast where she describes how OVAREACTION was born and what you can look forward to in Season 1. To learn more about the podcast and the host, please visit: www.tennilledaniels.com.