Join Beth Gulotta and Daheli Hall, screenwriter, director, and comedian, as they delve into Daheli’s personal journey navigating fertility challenges and societal pressures surrounding motherhood and career. Daheli bravely shares her experience with IVF, shedding light on the emotional toll of societal expectations, the layers of complexities, and what it looks like when it just doesn’t work. Daheli discusses her one-woman show, which serves as a platform to educate and connect with others. Bringing attention to such an important topic in a unique and fun way. Throughout the conversation, the importance of vulnerability and rewriting narratives of success is emphasized, alongside a discussion of the unique fertility experiences of black women in America. The episode concludes with a supportive message about egg freezing, emphasizing that individuals should never feel isolated in their fertility journey.
Quotes
Daheli Hall, ’00:01:25′, “I was really surprised to feel like I could only come in a little bit here. I could see how warm and inviting you were, and I thought, ‘Great, I’m going to be comfortable with this woman; we’re going to have a great bond and connection.’ But staying for the actual story was like… I didn’t know if I was ready for it.”
Daheli Hall’, ’00:03:56′, “You have to recognize that you’re a different person; your journey is different, your body chemistry and makeup are unique. But then you also want to get the information, you want to hear what people have gone through so you can navigate better. It’s such a tricky thing to get in that but then not compare yourself, thinking, ‘Well, what did I do wrong?'”
Daheli Hall, ’00:19:23′, “It is mentally and emotionally hard, living in Los Angeles, which is one of the most expensive cities in the world. We are conscious people that know that we want our child to be provided for. It’s so funny because the older you get, the more conscious about it you become.”
Daheli Hall’, ’00:29:35′, “I wasn’t. I was in a really dark place.”
Daheli Hall, ’00:36:52′, “It’s true, and then it just became that it was a tighter show, but I was still doing the treatments as I was doing the show, and that was really hard.”
Daheli Hall’, ’00:38:48′, “So I feel like in some way I am a mother, because some of them became mothers.”
Daheli Hall, ’00:43:25′, “I really love children and I could totally see me and Mel being fantastic parents, but I also had to acknowledge for myself that I am still very committed to my career.”
Daheli Hall, ’00:44:36′, “I don’t know if I am actually necessarily missing that component, and if I can have motherhood in a different way, where I am an adoptive mom, I will still feel that connection.”
Daheli Hall, ’00:51:29′, “I’m not interested in trying to be the catchall for everyone in anyone’s life, but just present mine and allow you to see that yours is unique and yours is valid too.”
Key Points
Guest’s journey towards motherhood
Career in entertainment
Challenges faced in navigating fertility treatments and societal expectations
Societal pressure and expectations surrounding marriage and motherhood
Prioritizing career and finding a supportive partner before considering motherhood
Lack of transparency in celebrity narratives around pregnancy
Navigating career and motherhood in the entertainment industry
Starting a fertility journey and challenges faced with IVF
Impact of turning personal struggles into a one-woman show
Importance of rewriting the narrative around success and happiness
Resources
Subscribe on YouTube
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Subscribe on Spotify