<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Rachel sits down with Stephanie, the creator of The Divorce Diaries, who began documenting her divorce and court experience in real time from the US. Together they unpack what it’s really like to navigate a legal system when money, representation, and support feel out of reach, and the financial whiplash of going from being a stay-at-home mum to having to provide again almost overnight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stephanie shares the turning points that made her leave, the layers of betrayal she uncovered, and why choosing to “settle” wasn’t giving up, it was a decision to step out of the chaos and protect her kids’ wellbeing. They talk co-parenting when communication is tense, how to stay grounded when things are done to derail your day, and the practical ways Stephanie rebuilt her strength through small daily acts of self-care, perspective, and boundaries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is a candid conversation for anyone entering separation, facing court, or trying to rebuild a life that feels stable, safe, and yours again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find Stephanie @stylewith.stephanie&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'&gt; Hosted on Acast. See &lt;a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'&gt;acast.com/privacy&lt;/a&gt; for more information.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Now What? Formerly, Mothering On My Own

In this episode, Rachel sits down with Stephanie, the creator of The Divorce Diaries, who began documenting her divorce and court experience in real time from the US. Together they unpack what it’s really like to navigate a legal system when money, representation, and support feel out of reach, and the financial whiplash of going from being a stay-at-home mum to having to provide again almost overnight.Stephanie shares the turning points that made her leave, the layers of betrayal she uncovered, and why choosing to “settle” wasn’t giving up, it was a decision to step out of the chaos and protect her kids’ wellbeing. They talk co-parenting when communication is tense, how to stay grounded when things are done to derail your day, and the practical ways Stephanie rebuilt her strength through small daily acts of self-care, perspective, and boundaries.This is a candid conversation for anyone entering separation, facing court, or trying to rebuild a life that feels stable, safe, and yours again. Find Stephanie @stylewith.stephanie <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The Divorce Diaries: Surviving Court, Betrayal and Starting Again, with Stephanie

<description>&lt;p&gt;Amy didn’t set out to become a voice for single mums online. She started by sharing her running. Then she posted one honest video about single motherhood and it blew up, not because it was dramatic, but because it told the truth: stop feeling sorry for her. Her life is good. And 18 months ago, she was in the hardest place of her life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Amy speaks candidly about the slow heartbreak of postpartum expectations not being met, the moment she realised she couldn’t stay, and the stigma she had to unlearn about what being a single mum means. She also shares what it was like growing up raised by a single mother herself, how that shaped her fear of repeating history, and why she now sees her choice to leave early as its own kind of cycle-breaking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;There’s no sugar-coating the early months. Amy describes them as hell: moving constantly, sleep deprivation, living out of bags, and navigating a legal battle while trying to stay present for her son. She talks about the unexpected things that helped her heal, including community, friendship, and a relationship that showed her what respectful love can look like, even if the timing wasn’t right to keep it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation goes deep into the parts of single motherhood that aren’t always said out loud: weekend triggers, watching families together, grieving the dream you had when you fell pregnant, and the ongoing ache of knowing your child didn’t choose this. It also explores identity, boundaries, and the conscious decision not to make your child your whole world, especially when you know the pressure that can put on a son.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amy shares what her co-parenting structure looks like, how she uses the little time she gets to refill her cup, and what she’d say to a newly single mum who feels like dreams and goals are a lifetime away.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode is for the woman in the thick of it. The woman comparing her life to the families at cafes. The woman just trying to survive the day. It’s a reminder that single motherhood is brutally hard, but it can also be the making of someone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'&gt; Hosted on Acast. See &lt;a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'&gt;acast.com/privacy&lt;/a&gt; for more information.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Amy didn’t set out to become a voice for single mums online. She started by sharing her running. Then she posted one honest video about single motherhood and it blew up, not because it was dramatic, but because it told the truth: stop feeling sorry for her. Her life is good. And 18 months ago, she was in the hardest place of her life. In this episode, Amy speaks candidly about the slow heartbreak of postpartum expectations not being met, the moment she realised she couldn’t stay, and the stigma she had to unlearn about what being a single mum means. She also shares what it was like growing up raised by a single mother herself, how that shaped her fear of repeating history, and why she now sees her choice to leave early as its own kind of cycle-breaking. There’s no sugar-coating the early months. Amy describes them as hell: moving constantly, sleep deprivation, living out of bags, and navigating a legal battle while trying to stay present for her son. She talks about the unexpected things that helped her heal, including community, friendship, and a relationship that showed her what respectful love can look like, even if the timing wasn’t right to keep it. The conversation goes deep into the parts of single motherhood that aren’t always said out loud: weekend triggers, watching families together, grieving the dream you had when you fell pregnant, and the ongoing ache of knowing your child didn’t choose this. It also explores identity, boundaries, and the conscious decision not to make your child your whole world, especially when you know the pressure that can put on a son.Amy shares what her co-parenting structure looks like, how she uses the little time she gets to refill her cup, and what she’d say to a newly single mum who feels like dreams and goals are a lifetime away. This episode is for the woman in the thick of it. The woman comparing her life to the families at cafes. The woman just trying to survive the day. It’s a reminder that single motherhood is brutally hard, but it can also be the making of someone. <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Building a life on your own terms, with Amy Robinson

<description>&lt;p&gt;**Melbourne IVF fertility specialist Dr Daniel Lantsberg has offered the Now What community an exclusive discount for anyone in Melbourne considering becoming a solo mum by choice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;They are offering&amp;nbsp;&lt;strong&gt;half-price off the initial consultation&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;— usually $400, reduced to $200 — for those who register via the link below.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The initial consult is the most important first step, even if you’re only in the thinking stage. It gives you clarity on your fertility, your timelines, your options and the realistic pathway ahead, so you can make informed decisions without losing valuable time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;If this is something you’ve been quietly considering, this is a practical place to begin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Leave your details to start your journey with Melbourne IVF:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.jotform.com/assign/260467361728059/260471128781054" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"&gt;https://www.jotform.com/assign/260467361728059/260471128781054&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Rachel sits down with Anna Riches (you may know her from&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;Big Miracles&lt;/em&gt;) for an honest, reassuring conversation about becoming a solo mum by choice- and what people don’t tell you about the road to getting there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anna takes us through the turning points that pushed her from “I’ve got time” to freezing her eggs, then choosing a donor, then diving into treatment with Dr Daniel Lantsberg — including multiple failed IUIs, IVF, a chemical pregnancy, a pregnancy loss, and the third transfer that finally brought River into her life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They talk money (because IVF isn’t optional-cost), the long, mandatory counselling and donor waitlist process, how she chose her donor, why she didn’t use a friend as a donor even when offered, and what it feels like when you’re the only adult at 4am with a crying baby and no one to tap in.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s also a conversation about the emotional aftermath: the hormonal shock, the loneliness that hits in different seasons, the grief for your old life even when you got the life you wanted, and the non-negotiable need to protect your mental health - including building in paid help even if it means living lean.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’re considering solo motherhood by choice, this episode cuts through the noise: start earlier than you think, expect it to take longer than you think, and don’t confuse fear with a “no.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'&gt; Hosted on Acast. See &lt;a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'&gt;acast.com/privacy&lt;/a&gt; for more information.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

**Melbourne IVF fertility specialist Dr Daniel Lantsberg has offered the Now What community an exclusive discount for anyone in Melbourne considering becoming a solo mum by choice. They are offering&nbsp;half-price off the initial consultation&nbsp;— usually $400, reduced to $200 — for those who register via the link below.The initial consult is the most important first step, even if you’re only in the thinking stage. It gives you clarity on your fertility, your timelines, your options and the realistic pathway ahead, so you can make informed decisions without losing valuable time. If this is something you’ve been quietly considering, this is a practical place to begin.Leave your details to start your journey with Melbourne IVF:<a href="https://www.jotform.com/assign/260467361728059/260471128781054" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.jotform.com/assign/260467361728059/260471128781054</a> In this episode, Rachel sits down with Anna Riches (you may know her from&nbsp;Big Miracles) for an honest, reassuring conversation about becoming a solo mum by choice- and what people don’t tell you about the road to getting there. Anna takes us through the turning points that pushed her from “I’ve got time” to freezing her eggs, then choosing a donor, then diving into treatment with Dr Daniel Lantsberg — including multiple failed IUIs, IVF, a chemical pregnancy, a pregnancy loss, and the third transfer that finally brought River into her life.They talk money (because IVF isn’t optional-cost), the long, mandatory counselling and donor waitlist process, how she chose her donor, why she didn’t use a friend as a donor even when offered, and what it feels like when you’re the only adult at 4am with a crying baby and no one to tap in. It’s also a conversation about the emotional aftermath: the hormonal shock, the loneliness that hits in different seasons, the grief for your old life even when you got the life you wanted, and the non-negotiable need to protect your mental health - including building in paid help even if it means living lean.If you’re considering solo motherhood by choice, this episode cuts through the noise: start earlier than you think, expect it to take longer than you think, and don’t confuse fear with a “no.” <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Becoming a Solo Mum by Choice: What No One Tells You Before You Start- with Anna Riches

<description>&lt;p&gt;The holiday season can be beautiful — and brutal — especially when you’re a single parent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this end-of-year episode of&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;Now What&lt;/em&gt;, Rachel speaks directly to the quiet, complicated realities that so many single mums carry through the festive period. The grief of waking up without your children on Christmas morning. The sting of moments you assumed were guaranteed. The comparison traps — to the other parent, to two-parent households, to families with bigger budgets, bigger holidays, bigger support systems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;This conversation is an honest acknowledgement that Christmas doesn’t magically become easier just because time has passed. Whether it’s your first Christmas post-separation or your fifth, the feelings can still surface — and that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rachel explores how to hold both love&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;and&lt;/em&gt;&amp;nbsp;grief at the same time, how to release the pressure to “replicate” old traditions, and how to gently redefine what this season can look like now. She reminds us that children don’t care about dates on a calendar — they care about how they feel, how loved they are, and the moments we create with intention.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode also speaks to the mums spending Christmas without their kids, offering permission to take up space, to create rituals that soothe rather than distract, and to honour your own experience without shame or self-blame.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s a conversation about comparison being the thief of joy, about letting go of perfection, about creating magic within the reality you’re in — not the one you imagined. And about choosing, again and again, to feel the feelings without getting stuck in them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;If this season feels tender, heavy, or quietly lonely — this episode is for you. You are not broken for finding it hard. You are human.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rachel closes the year with reflection, compassion, and a reminder that you get to decide what comes next.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wishing you a gentle, intentional holiday period — however it looks for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now What will be back in your ears in January 2026.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'&gt; Hosted on Acast. See &lt;a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'&gt;acast.com/privacy&lt;/a&gt; for more information.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Mothering On My Own, Now What?

The holiday season can be beautiful — and brutal — especially when you’re a single parent. In this end-of-year episode of&nbsp;Now What, Rachel speaks directly to the quiet, complicated realities that so many single mums carry through the festive period. The grief of waking up without your children on Christmas morning. The sting of moments you assumed were guaranteed. The comparison traps — to the other parent, to two-parent households, to families with bigger budgets, bigger holidays, bigger support systems. This conversation is an honest acknowledgement that Christmas doesn’t magically become easier just because time has passed. Whether it’s your first Christmas post-separation or your fifth, the feelings can still surface — and that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Rachel explores how to hold both love&nbsp;and&nbsp;grief at the same time, how to release the pressure to “replicate” old traditions, and how to gently redefine what this season can look like now. She reminds us that children don’t care about dates on a calendar — they care about how they feel, how loved they are, and the moments we create with intention. This episode also speaks to the mums spending Christmas without their kids, offering permission to take up space, to create rituals that soothe rather than distract, and to honour your own experience without shame or self-blame. It’s a conversation about comparison being the thief of joy, about letting go of perfection, about creating magic within the reality you’re in — not the one you imagined. And about choosing, again and again, to feel the feelings without getting stuck in them. If this season feels tender, heavy, or quietly lonely — this episode is for you. You are not broken for finding it hard. You are human. Rachel closes the year with reflection, compassion, and a reminder that you get to decide what comes next.Wishing you a gentle, intentional holiday period — however it looks for you. Now What will be back in your ears in January 2026. <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Christmas as a Single Mum: Holding the Love and the Grief

<description>&lt;p&gt;If you’ve ever had the quiet thought —&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;“Could I become a solo mum by choice?”&lt;/em&gt;&amp;nbsp;— this episode is a must-listen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this powerful and deeply informative conversation, I sit down with&amp;nbsp;&lt;strong&gt;Dr Daniel Lansberg&lt;/strong&gt;, Fertility Specialist at&amp;nbsp;&lt;strong&gt;Melbourne IVF&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;and one of the leading experts in fertility care (and known from the TV series&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;Big Miracles&lt;/em&gt;). Together, we walk through the&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;entire&lt;/em&gt;&amp;nbsp;journey of becoming a Solo Mum by Choice — from the very first “what if?” all the way to what the path can look like in practice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dr Lansberg breaks down every step with clarity and compassion, covering:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;What to do if you’re&amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;just starting to think&lt;/em&gt;&amp;nbsp;about solo motherhood&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How to understand your fertility picture&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The full medical process from first appointment → donor selection → treatment&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Egg freezing — when to consider it, who it’s right for, and what to expect&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Common fears and emotional hurdles women experience&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Unexpected things that can come up along the way&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Costs, timelines, preparation, and lifestyle factors&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How to make an informed, empowered decision about your next chapter&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re actively planning, quietly curious, or supporting someone on this path, this episode will leave you feeling informed, grounded, and less alone in the process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode is part of our&amp;nbsp;&lt;strong&gt;Solo Mum by Choice Mini-Series&lt;/strong&gt;, designed to bring clarity and confidence to any woman navigating this possibility.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sponsored by Melbourne IVF&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn more about Melbourne IVF and book a consultation:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.mivf.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"&gt;https://www.mivf.com.au/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'&gt; Hosted on Acast. See &lt;a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'&gt;acast.com/privacy&lt;/a&gt; for more information.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

If you’ve ever had the quiet thought —&nbsp;“Could I become a solo mum by choice?”&nbsp;— this episode is a must-listen.In this powerful and deeply informative conversation, I sit down with&nbsp;Dr Daniel Lansberg, Fertility Specialist at&nbsp;Melbourne IVF&nbsp;and one of the leading experts in fertility care (and known from the TV series&nbsp;Big Miracles). Together, we walk through the&nbsp;entire&nbsp;journey of becoming a Solo Mum by Choice — from the very first “what if?” all the way to what the path can look like in practice. Dr Lansberg breaks down every step with clarity and compassion, covering:<ul><li>What to do if you’re&nbsp;just starting to think&nbsp;about solo motherhood</li><li>How to understand your fertility picture</li><li>The full medical process from first appointment → donor selection → treatment</li><li>Egg freezing — when to consider it, who it’s right for, and what to expect</li><li>Common fears and emotional hurdles women experience</li><li>Unexpected things that can come up along the way</li><li>Costs, timelines, preparation, and lifestyle factors</li><li>How to make an informed, empowered decision about your next chapter</li></ul>Whether you’re actively planning, quietly curious, or supporting someone on this path, this episode will leave you feeling informed, grounded, and less alone in the process. This episode is part of our&nbsp;Solo Mum by Choice Mini-Series, designed to bring clarity and confidence to any woman navigating this possibility.<h3>Sponsored by Melbourne IVF</h3> Learn more about Melbourne IVF and book a consultation:<a href="https://www.mivf.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mivf.com.au/</a> <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Becoming a solo mum by choice: Everything you need to know, with Dr Daniel Lantsberg

Now What? is a podcast for single mothers, solo mums by choice and women navigating separation, co-parenting, dating again and blended families. Formerly Mothering On My Own, the show has evolved to reflect how single motherhood keeps shifting and reshaping over time. Hosted by Rachel Maksimovic, it’s a space for honest conversations, expert insights and real stories that help you feel less alone as you navigate each new chapter and ask yourself… now what?<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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