The Fawcett Report

When Maureen Doron opened her boutique Skirt in Bryn Mawr at just 24 years old, she had no roadmap for what the next 25 years would look like. What began as a tiny 1,000-square-foot store built with family help and IKEA furniture has grown into one of the most beloved independent boutiques in the Philadelphia area.In this conversation, I sat down with Maureen to talk about entrepreneurship, retail survival, fashion confidence, and why relationships (not trends) are the real foundation of a successful business. We also reflect on how our friendship started decades ago, how philanthropy became part of Skirt’s business model, and why kindness and honesty are still the best strategy for long-term success. This episode explores what it really takes to build a business that lasts.Connect with Maureen:Maureen Doron LinkedInSkirt WebsiteSkirt LinkedInSkirt InstagramConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

Paula Sullivan didn’t set out to start a dessert company. After law school, marriage, and becoming a new mom, she found herself rethinking what work and motherhood could look like together. What began as baking for her son’s birthday parties in a New York City apartment eventually turned into Sully and Vanilla, a whimsical dessert brand known for its creative cakes, cake pops, and cookie kits. Today her treats are sold across New York City and online, bringing joy to birthdays, holidays, and everyday celebrations.In this episode, Paula shares how she built a business from her home kitchen, navigated the risks of scaling, found the right mentors, and learned that sometimes the best career pivots come from unexpected places. We also talk about motherhood, entrepreneurship, naysayers, and why finding purpose outside the traditional path can change everything.Connect with Paula:Sully and Vanilla WebsiteSully and Vanilla InstagramSully and Vanilla FacebookConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

Meaghan Murphy is the Editor-in-Chief of Woman’s Day, former Executive Editor of Good Housekeeping, TODAY Show regular, Emmy-winning host, and author of Your Fully Charged Life. But before the lightning bolt and the “yay,” she was a troubled teen nicknamed “grumpy.”In this deeply honest conversation, Meaghan shares how positive psychology transformed her life, how anger can spark action without consuming you, and why gratitude isn’t fluffy; it’s science.We talk about job crafting, reinventing your career at midlife, motherhood in the age of social media, navigating grief, avoiding toxic positivity, and how real queens fix each other’s crowns.If you’re in the messy middle (personally or professionally), this one will stay with you.About Meaghan:Meaghan Murphy is the Editor-in-Chief of Woman’s Day and the former Executive Editor of Good Housekeeping. A regular on the TODAY Show and an Emmy-winning host, she is the author of Your Fully Charged Life—a book Oprah Daily says will make you feel good at every turn. From her 10K steps in a weighted vest to her life as a breast cancer #previvor and a mom of three, Meaghan is the authority on finding the 'YAY' in the life you already have.Connect with Meaghan:Meaghan Murphy WebsiteMeaghan Murphy InstagramMeaghan Murphy LinkedInMeaghan Murphy SubstackYour Fully Charged Life by Meaghan MurphyWoman's Day MagazineConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

I’ve known Jenny Mollet since she was a teenager, long before Broadway credits and standing ovations. Watching her grow into the woman and artist she is today has been one of the quiet joys of my life.In this episode, Jenny and I talk about what it means to grow up adopted, transracially, and in the public eye. We talk about identity, belonging, and the moments when the world makes assumptions about who you’re allowed to be. Jenny shares her journey from being adopted as a newborn to becoming a Broadway performer, and how her adoption story shaped her confidence, her creativity, and her sense of self. This conversation is about embracing what makes you different, rejecting shame, and realizing that the very thing you once questioned about yourself might be the thing that gives you the most strength.Connect with Caitlin:Jenny Mollet WebsiteJenny Mollet InstagramJenny Mollet TikTokJenny Mollet LinkedInBroadway Plus - Book with Jenny MolletRagtime The MusicalConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

In this episode of The Fawcett Report, I talk with Emmy-nominated journalist and filmmaker Caitlin Keating, the force behind the award-winning Netflix documentary Take Care of Maya. Caitlin opens up about what drives her to tell difficult stories with depth, honesty, and purpose. From her years at People magazine to her current work on documentary films in Wise Fool Films, Caitlin shares how empathy, advocacy, and a sense of justice fuel her storytelling. If you’ve ever wondered how to use your voice to create change (or how to keep showing up when the stories you tell are heavy), this conversation will stay with you.Connect with Caitlin:Wise Fool Films InstagramCaitlin Keating InstagramCaitlin Keating LinkedInEpisode resources:Take Care of Maya (2023 Netflix documentary)Connect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

When I say this conversation floored me, I mean it.Bridgette Mayer is one of the most respected gallery owners and curators in the country, but what you might not know is where she started. In today’s episode, Bridgette shares her story of growing up in and out of foster care, surviving trauma no child should ever face, and finding a lifeline in the most unexpected place: art. We talk about how she found her voice, how she learned to advocate for herself (and later, for artists), and how she built her own gallery from nothing.  This is one of those episodes that reminds you that your past doesn’t define you, and that healing and success can exist in the same story. I hope you’ll listen. This one stays with you.Connect with Bridgette:Bridgette Mayer LinkedInBridgette Mayer YouTubeBridgette Mayer Gallery WebsiteBridgette Mayer Gallery InstagramBridgette Mayer Gallery FacebookBridgette Mayer Art Advisors WebsiteConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

In light of all of the new listeners to The Fawcett Report (thank you!), we decided to rerelease the first episode as a way of reintroduction. More episodes are coming soon, so stay tuned and be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m Becky Fawcett — mom by adoption, infertility warrior, advocate, and a woman who stopped trying to be perfect a long time ago. In this first episode, I’m sharing the story that changed everything: my years of struggling with infertility, the heartbreak of miscarriage, five rounds of IVF, and the fear that came with choosing adoption. I open up about the silence, the shame, and how I found power in telling the truth — even when people didn’t want to hear it. This isn’t your typical podcast intro. It’s raw, real, and from the heart. And it’s just the beginning.Connect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

This week we are celebrating the book launch of one of our previous guests with the rerelease of her episode. Do yourself or a friend a favor and pick up "Own Your Fertility" co-authored by the incredible Dr. Jaime Knopman. It is available now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and I cannot recommend it enough. About the Episode: In this raw and deeply personal episode, I sit down with my friend Dr. Jaime Knopman—reproductive endocrinologist and fierce truth-teller in the world of infertility and IVF. We talk about the pain of failed cycles, the grief no one prepares you for, and how too many people exit fertility treatment with nothing but heartbreak and empty arms. I share my own story—five rounds of IVF, three miscarriages, and a life-changing pivot to adoption.This isn’t about promoting one path over another—it’s about being honest. It’s about saying what too many are afraid to say. It’s about building a bridge between IVF and adoption, one that’s rooted in support, compassion, and real facts—not shame, myths, or fear.We talk about what needs to change, how to support friends going through it, and why no one should walk this road alone. If you’re in the thick of it, or love someone who is, this conversation is for you.Follow Dr. Jaime KnopmanDr. Jaime Knopman InstagramConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

When I met Paige, I had no idea how much her story would impact me, and so many others. In this episode, I sit down with Paige Grimaldi, a board member of Helpusadopt.org, a runner, a visual merchandiser at Skirt, and a birth mother. She shares what it felt like to be a scared college student facing an unplanned pregnancy, and how placing her child for adoption changed her life. We talk about her emotional healing journey, the power of community, and how she’s using her story to shatter birth mother stigma and build bridges. This is a raw, honest, and deeply personal conversation about identity, choice, resilience, and the unexpected connections that change everything. If you've ever felt alone in your family-building journey, or wondered how to support others in theirs, Paige’s courage will stay with you long after the episode ends.Follow Paige:Paige Grimaldi LinkedInPaige Grimaldi InstagramMeet the Skirt TeamConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

Welcome back to The Fawcett Report. This episode is a personal one. I want to talk about failure, not the kind we hide behind closed doors, but the kind that plays out in front of everyone. The kind that feels like the ground is crumbling beneath you and there’s no way to catch your breath. I’ve been there. I’ve lived through the heartbreak of infertility, three miscarriages, and the unbearable moment I had to send an email to 250 people telling them I lost a baby at 16 weeks. That’s not just failure. That’s public, gut-wrenching grief. But here’s the thing: it shaped me. It cracked me open in ways that made space for something new, something meaningful. That’s when HelpUsAdopt.org was born. It wasn’t easy, and it definitely wasn’t perfect, but it was real. And it mattered.In this episode, I’m sharing what it really felt like to walk through loss, to take a leap without knowing where I’d land, and to launch something out of the mess. This isn’t just about failure, it’s about what comes after it. The clarity, the purpose, the knowing that if you can survive the hardest parts of your story, you can build something beautiful from them too.Thanks for being here. I’m so glad we’re doing this together.Connect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

Some stories stay with you, not because they’re perfect, but because they’re real.In this episode, I sit down with my friend Pamela Murphy. You may know her as a tastemaker, a traveler, a businesswoman, but what you might not know is the story behind how she became a mother. After a breast cancer diagnosis changed everything, Pamela found her path to motherhood through adoption. She shares how she navigated grief, waiting, and ultimately, the joy of becoming a mom in a way she never expected. We also talk about her new venture, Wandrist Travel, and the life she’s built today, full of beauty, intention, and love. This one’s emotional, raw, and beautifully honest. I’m so glad you’re here to hear it.Connect with Pam:Wandrist Travel WebsiteWandrist Travel InstagramPamela Murphy LinkedInPamela Murphy InstagramConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

In this episode of The Fawcett Report, I sit down with my new friend Jonah Nigh, adoptee, fundraising executive, and powerful comedian, to talk about what adoption really looks like. Jonah shares his experience growing up Asian in a white family and the painful assumptions people made about his story. We dig into the ignorance, the stereotypes, and the moments that leave a lasting mark, like being told “you don’t look adopted.” Also, I share my own experience as an adoptive parent, including the summer camp moment that reminded me just how much work we still have to do. This is an honest conversation about race, identity, and owning your story, no matter what people assume. If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or judged by appearances, this one’s for you.Connect with us:Jonah Nigh WebsiteJonah Nigh TikTokJonah Nigh InstagramConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

In this episode of The Fawcett Report, I sit down with Natalie Gee, co-founder of Gee Beauty, mom of three, and a bold, beautiful voice in the world of modern motherhood.We talk about what it means to create a family when the traditional path doesn’t work, queer motherhood, infertility, identity, and all the judgments that come when you don’t look like everyone else. Natalie shares her personal story of coming out at 35, navigating motherhood with her wife Rachel, and finding deep purpose in sharing her truth online. We talk about what not to say to adoptive parents, the invisible grief that comes with postpartum challenges, and why some people just can’t handle honesty. Plus, we dig into the beauty of running a business with her mom and sisters, the power of style as self-worth, and how to show up on social media even when you’re hurting. This episode is honest, raw, and full of love, just like the families we fight for.Connect with us:Gee Beauty WebsiteGee Beauty InstagramNatalie Gee InstagramConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

What if your inner voice isn't just a hunch — but a real, reliable guide?In this episode of The Fawcett Report, I sit down with spiritual medium and guide Erika Gabriel to talk about the power of intuition, signs from spirit, and what it means to truly trust yourself. Erika is the real deal — compassionate, grounded, and full of wisdom you can actually use in your daily life. Whether you're navigating grief, making a big life decision, or just trying to figure out what’s next, this conversation is your permission slip to start listening to your own voice again.Connect with Erika:Erika Gabriel WebsiteErika Gabriel InstagramYou are Not Alone PodcastConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

If you’ve ever felt trapped by perfectionism, burnout, or the constant need to prove your worth, this episode is for you. Keren doesn’t just talk about success, she redefines it. As a globally recognized executive coach and author of GILDED, she’s here to challenge everything you think you need to be happy. We talk about what it means to step off the achievement treadmill, how to know when you’re chasing the wrong goals, and why “playing to win” isn’t the same as “playing to please.” If you’re ambitious, exhausted, and secretly wondering, Is this it?This conversation is your sign to pause, reset, and take your power back. Let’s get into it. And remember: your worth was never up for debate.Connect with Keren:Karen Eldad WebsiteKaren Eldad InstagramCoach Keren WebsiteGILDED: Break Free From the Cage of Ambition, Perfectionism, and the Relentless Pursuit of More by Karen EldadCOACHED Podcast with Coach KerenConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

In this episode of The Fawcett Report, I talk with actor, producer, and advocate Jenna Ushkowitz—best known for her role on Glee—about adoption, identity, and motherhood. Jenna shares her story of being adopted from South Korea and raised in New York, how that shaped her sense of self, and how she uses her platform to bring visibility to adoptee voices through her work with Kindred + Co.We talk about the transition from fame to advocacy, how representation in media affects real lives, and why storytelling matters—especially when it’s messy and real. Jenna’s honesty will hit home for anyone navigating identity questions. This episode is full of heart, clarity, and courage. I’m so grateful for Jenna’s voice and everything she’s doing to make space for others. Follow Jenna:Jenna Ushkowitz InstagramJenna Ushkowitz TikTokAnd That’s What You Really Missed PodcastAsian American Girl ClubKindred: The Foundation for AdoptionConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

Bridget Gordinier’s story isn’t easy—but it’s one we all need to hear.In this episode of The Fawcett Report, I talk with Bridget, a birth mother from the closed era of adoption who has lived in silence for far too long. Her experience of being forced to place her child without dignity, respect, or any real choice is heartbreaking—and unfortunately, not rare. We met 17 years ago through HelpUsAdopt.org, and since then, I’ve been honored to call her a friend and to help share her story. We talk about what ethical adoption should look like, why honoring birth mothers matters, and how we can build a more compassionate system for everyone involved. If you’ve ever wondered what adoption looked like before transparency and support were part of the conversation, don’t miss this episode.Connect with Bridget:Bridget Gardner Gordinier InstagramEnd of Life Doula InstagramConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

Jackie Cohen is the definition of doing life on your own terms — and in this episode, we talk about all of it: motherhood, entrepreneurship, infertility, adoption, and building a life you love. Jackie is a single mom by choice, a jewelry entrepreneur, and a woman who turned “someday” into now.She shares what it really felt like to start the adoption process at 40, how she kept showing up even when things were uncertain, and what she’s learned about parenting without a rulebook. This is a conversation about love, resilience, and the beautiful mess of creating a family and career that feels right for you. Thanks for listening — I’m so glad you’re here.Follow Jackie:Jackie Cohen WebsiteJackie Cohen InstagramConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

This one is extra special. I’m sitting down with my friend Natalie Morales (yes, that Natalie Morales) award-winning journalist, CBS News correspondent, 48 Hours contributor, and one of the most genuine people I know.We go way back, all the way to when helpusadopt.org was a kitchen-table dream, and Natalie was the first person to take a chance on telling our story. Today, we’re turning the tables, and I’m the one asking her the questions. We talk about the real story behind her career — not the LinkedIn version, but the messy, brave, relentless reality of building a life you love. Natalie shares what it’s like to fail early (and why it’s necessary), how motherhood shaped her career choices, and why the best stories are the ones that change you.This isn’t a highlight reel conversation — it’s real life. It's about hard work, grit, and staying true to what lights you up inside. If you’re chasing a career you love (or wondering if it’s too late to start), trust me: you’re going to want to listen to this one.Follow Natalie:Natalie Morales Instagram48 Hours YouTubeConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

In this episode of The Fawcett Report, I sit down with my friend Ashleigh Bergman — mom, entrepreneur, and the creative mind behind Milestones by AB. We talk about what it really takes to build a career you love, not the perfect, filtered version you see online, but the real, messy, figure-it-out-as-you-go kind of journey. Ashleigh shares how she went from working the floors at Fred Segal to becoming a top jewelry buyer at Anthropologie, and eventually launching her own business — one that brings together passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart. We get honest about what it’s like to juggle motherhood and entrepreneurship (spoiler: the balance thing is a myth), and why doing things differently (in business and in life) matters more than ever. Ashleigh’s story is a reminder that no one hands you the life you want — you build it yourself, one step, one mistake, one leap of faith at a time. If you’re thinking about making a change, starting something new, or just finding more meaning in the work you already do, I think this conversation will really speak to you. I’m so glad you’re here. Thanks for listening.Follow Ashleigh:Ashleigh Bergman WebsiteAshleigh Bergman InstagramConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

This week’s episode of the Fawcett Report Podcast is all about fashion, motherhood, reinvention—and everything in between. My longtime friend and guest, Meeghan Mullin, joins me for a no-filter conversation about what happens when you take a leap, what it’s like to grieve while showing up online, and why getting dressed can be a powerful act of self-expression. We talk about denim addictions, Chanel flats, why being a working mom still comes with stigma, and what it means to rebuild your identity after life throws you a curveball. If you’ve ever felt stuck, this one’s for you.Connect with Meeghan:Meeghan Mullin InstagramMeeghan Mullin TikTokConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

In this raw and deeply personal episode, I sit down with my friend Dr. Jaime Knopman—reproductive endocrinologist and fierce truth-teller in the world of infertility and IVF. We talk about the pain of failed cycles, the grief no one prepares you for, and how too many people exit fertility treatment with nothing but heartbreak and empty arms. I share my own story—five rounds of IVF, three miscarriages, and a life-changing pivot to adoption.This isn’t about promoting one path over another—it’s about being honest. It’s about saying what too many are afraid to say. It’s about building a bridge between IVF and adoption, one that’s rooted in support, compassion, and real facts—not shame, myths, or fear.We talk about what needs to change, how to support friends going through it, and why no one should walk this road alone. If you’re in the thick of it, or love someone who is, this conversation is for you.Follow Jaime:Dr. Jaime Knopman InstagramConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

I didn’t know one coffee meeting would change the course of my life—but it did. In this episode, I sat down with my longtime friend and powerhouse strategist Jack Maged, the man who looked me in the eye nearly two decades ago and asked, “What are you waiting for?” That question lit a fire that brought helpusadopt.org out my head and into reality. We talk about what it really means to get unstuck, why women (myself included) are taught to downplay their strengths, and how trusting yourself can change everything. Jack doesn’t sugarcoat; he gives you heartburn on purpose. But that discomfort is where transformation begins.If you’ve ever felt stuck, sidelined, or unsure of your next move, this episode is for you. Because you’re capable of more than you think—you just need someone to say it out loud.Follow Jack:Jack Maged LinkedInFinding Next Guru WebsiteFinding Next Guru InstagramFinding Next Guru FacebookConnect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

Welcome to The Fawcett Report. I’m Becky Fawcett — mom by adoption, infertility warrior, advocate, and a woman who stopped trying to be perfect a long time ago. In this first episode, I’m sharing the story that changed everything: my years of struggling with infertility, the heartbreak of miscarriage, five rounds of IVF, and the fear that came with choosing adoption. I open up about the silence, the shame, and how I found power in telling the truth — even when people didn’t want to hear it. This isn’t your typical podcast intro. It’s raw, real, and from the heart. And it’s just the beginning.Connect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram

The Fawcett Report is a podcast covering all things fashion, lifestyle, motherhood, NYC living, advocacy, purpose, and - of course, Becky's favorite topic ever - adoption. All roads lead to HelpUsAdopt.org. We hope you'll subscribe and join her on this podcasting journey.Connect with The Fawcett ReportInstagram   l   Facebook    l   TikTok   l  LinkedIn   l   YouTubeFollow Helpusadopt.org Website   l   Instagram   l  Facebook Connect with BeckyInstagram