Tony & Sarah Unscripted

Ep 20: A Journey to Fatherhood: Love, Surrogacy, and Family

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Tony & Sarah Unscripted, Tony and Sarah welcome special guest Justin Zeigler for an open and honest conversation about love, family, and the journey to fatherhood.

Justin shares his and his husband's experience of growing their family through surrogacy and what life has been like as new dads to their seven-month-old child.

From navigating the surrogacy process to experiencing the joys and challenges of parenthood, Justin offers a personal and informative look at what it means to build a family.

One of the most touching moments comes when Justin shares that watching his husband love their child has given him yet another reason to fall in love with him.

It's a conversation filled with love, vulnerability, and the reminder that families are built in many different ways, but love is always at the heart of them.

Justin also runs Very Gay. Very Busy., a small queer-owned shop for LGBTQ+ folks, families and allies. Use code UNSCRIPTED15 for 15% off everything at [Very Gay. Very Busy. on Etsy](https://verygayverybusy.etsy.com/?coupon=UNSCRIPTED15)

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

(00:00) - Welcome and introduction of Justin Ziegler
(00:31) - Very Gay Very Busy totes, including faith and LGBTQ+ designs
(00:58) - Justin’s background: Madison, CT, his husband, and their 7-month-old son
(01:15) - Starting the business, getting a trademark, and funding surrogacy
(01:47) - Justin’s other work: municipal job, clergy, weddings, funeral homes, and data analysis
(02:31) - How Justin and the hosts met at a family night supporting LGBTQ+ youth
(03:14) - The surrogacy journey begins on a second date
(04:17) - Working with Growing Generations, the agency in Los Angeles
(05:08) - Why the egg donor and the surrogate are two different people
(06:00) - Choosing an anonymous egg donor and genetic testing
(07:00) - Frozen embryos and the Los Angeles wildfire scare
(07:52) - Did they look for donor traits that matched them?
(08:20) - How the agency screens for health and ethics
(08:51) - Being paired with their surrogate in Charlotte
(10:04) - What the agency coordinates and how it supports the surrogate
(10:48) - A hard question: what happens if there’s a loss?
(11:32) - “Clear is kind” and building trust through contracts
(12:16) - The Father’s Day phone call
(12:51) - Following the pregnancy from afar and the group chat
(13:03) - Bennett’s birth in Charlotte
(13:23) - Baby’s first road trip: driving 23 hours home with a newborn
(14:01) - The biggest lesson of parenthood: everyone is making it up
(15:02) - Leaning on family and friends for advice
(15:37) - Best parenting tip: when the baby is screaming, go outside
(16:00) - The paternity leave walk around the cul-de-sac
(16:48) - Gratitude for friends, coworkers, and Reese’s cups
(17:36) - The community around Bennett: librarians, seniors, and daycare staff
(18:43) - Watching his husband Michael become a father
(19:35) - The surrogate’s first time and agency requirements
(20:04) - Staying in touch with the surrogate after the birth
(21:01) - Why men’s rooms often don’t have changing tables
(22:32) - “Oh, you’re babysitting today?” and the low bar for dads
(23:29) - Connecticut’s rule on changing tables in new buildings
(23:45) - Please don’t use the hand dryer near a baby
(24:35) - A host remembers how it was when her own kids were small
(25:10) - The hardest part of parenting: constant mental fatigue
(26:03) - The nightly check-in: “Which one of us has more gas?”
(26:51) - The neighbors, colleagues, and friends who show up
(27:47) - Wrap-up and thanks
(28:31) - Where to find Very Gay Very Busy: the website, Etsy, and Amazon
(28:53) - Justin is open to talking with anyone considering surrogacy

Episode 19: No Script, No Agenda, Just Tony & Sarah

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0400

It's been a while since Tony and Sarah have had a chance to just sit down and catch up, and this episode is exactly that!

From personal life updates to unexpected twists in the conversation, Tony and Sarah share some laughs, reflect on life's challenges, and talk about whatever comes to mind.

Some moments are funny, others are heartfelt, and a few might make you stop and think. But that's what happens when two friends get together with no script and no agenda.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation. You never know where it might go!

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

EP 18: From a Mother’s Strength to Advocacy — Part Two

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Denise Paley returns for Part Two of our conversation about her son, mental health, incarceration, and the advocacy that has grown from her family’s experience.

We continue exploring the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals experiencing mental health struggles and Denise’s commitment to creating greater awareness, compassion, and access to the services and support they need.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Ep 17: From a Mother’s Strength to Advocacy — Part One

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Denise Paley returns to Tony & Sarah Unscripted for a deeply personal conversation about her son, his mental health struggles, and the journey their family has traveled since his incarceration.

In Part One, Denise shares more about her son and the experiences that shaped her understanding of mental health, incarceration, and the gaps that exist for people who need support while involved in the criminal justice system.

Through everything her family has endured, Denise has turned her experience into advocacy, working to bring greater awareness, compassion, and access to social services for incarcerated people, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges.

This is a conversation about a mother’s strength, the complexity of loving and supporting a child through extraordinarily difficult circumstances, and the determination to use lived experience to help create change.

Part Two of our conversation with Denise will continue in an upcoming episode.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Ep 16: A Trans Dad, a Queer Family & the World Around Them

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0400

KC Councilor is a professor, cartoonist, author, husband, dad, and a trans man.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Ep 15: Any Pronouns? Yep, Any Pronouns

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:26:23 -0400

Carrie Dennehy is genderqueer, nonbinary, bisexual, a special education teacher, and uses any pronouns.

But what does “any pronouns” actually mean? Does it truly not matter which pronoun someone uses? In this episode, we ask Carrie those questions and talk openly about why different pronouns feel right at different times and what that means to them.

We also talk about authenticity and how Carrie shows up fully as themselves, including in the classroom, giving their students an example of what it looks like to express yourself and be who you are.

It’s an open, honest conversation about pronouns, identity, authenticity, and the power of simply showing up as who you are.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Ep 14: A Mother’s Path to Change

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400

We talk with Denise Paley, a mother whose son experienced a serious mental health crisis as a teenager that led to a tragic act of violence.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Ep 13: When Life Shifts, So Do We

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this repeat of the first episode of Tony and Sarah Unscripted, it’s just the two of them, sitting down to talk about why this podcast changed direction and why the name changed too. Tony shares a bit about a recent experience that shifted things in a big way, and together they reflect on how life has a way of asking us to pause, recalibrate, and move forward with more intention. It’s an honest conversation about change, resilience, and choosing to keep showing up, even when things feel uncertain.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

EP 12: For Us, By Us: A Conversation with Dru Levasseur (Part Two)

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In Part Two of this special conversation, Tony and Sarah continue their discussion with attorney, advocate, and longtime friend Dru Levasseur. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of transgender advocacy, the importance of authentic leadership, and the value of building organizations and communities shaped by lived experience.

From personal reflections to lessons learned over decades of friendship and advocacy, this episode offers an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and creating lasting change.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

EP 11: For Us, By Us: A Conversation with Dru Levasseur (Part One)

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Tony and Sarah Unscripted, Tony and Sarah sit down with attorney, advocate, and longtime friend Dru Levasseur for Part One of a special two-part conversation. Dru shares his journey as a transgender attorney, reflects on co-founding the Jim Collins Foundation, and discusses the importance of community-led change and creating opportunities rooted in lived experience.

A thoughtful and personal conversation about friendship, advocacy, and why it matters for communities to have a voice in shaping their own future.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

EP 10: Through A Father’s Eyes

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this deeply honest and heartfelt episode of Tony & Sarah Unscripted, Sarah’s husband, Joe, joins us for a conversation that many parents experience but few feel safe enough to have publicly.
With vulnerability, courage, and unwavering love for his son, he shares what it was like when his child came out as transgender. He speaks openly about feelings that can be difficult to admit and the personal journey of learning, growing, and adapting as a parent.

What makes this conversation so powerful is its authenticity. By sharing feelings that many people keep to themselves, he creates space for empathy, understanding, and honest dialogue about what it means to love someone unconditionally while continuing to learn and grow yourself.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

EP 9: Faith, Truth, and Finding Each Other, Part 2

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 28 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

The Conversation Continues with Tim and Eddie.

In this continued conversation with Tim and Eddie, we explore recovery, faith, identity, and the courage it takes to live authentically. Their story is rooted in honesty, resilience, love, and the freedom that comes from finally living as your true self. A real conversation about healing, hope, and the power of authenticity.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

EP 8: Every Heart Has a Story - Corey Hudson on Truth, Trauma, and Healing

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with Corey Hudson, author, photojournalist, and LMSW, for a real and honest conversation about his journey through trauma, substance use, and healing.

Corey shares his story with openness and heart, reminding us of the strength it takes to live authentically and the power of being seen.

We also talk about his book Every Heart Has a Story to Tell, inspired by his blog Hearts of Strangers.

A grounded, powerful reminder that every story matters.

Check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@heartsofstrangers1727

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

EP 7: From Anxiety to Self-Care, Finding What Brings You Peace

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, cohost Tony Ferraiolo talks about his experience being on anxiety medication and the importance of letting go of shame around taking care of your mental health. The conversation explores self-care, giving yourself permission to get the support you need, and what that journey can really feel like. Along the way, it takes an unexpected and lighthearted turn, as he shares what helps him relax, including a funny and very honest moment about watching The Waltons. It’s real, human, and might leave you smiling.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

EP 6: Faith, Truth, and Finding Each Other - Part 1

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Ed and Tim’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and love.

instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

EP 5: From Adoption to Belonging - Sarah’s Story

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, cohost Sarah Celotto opens up about her early life, being born in Ireland and placed for adoption, and what it was like growing up knowing her story began differently. She shares honestly about identity, belonging, and the quiet questions that can come with being adopted. It’s a deeply human conversation, and one that reminds us how powerful it is to own your story and find where you truly belong.

You can find us at:
instagram.com/tsunscripted

facebook.com/tsunscripted

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Ep 4: A Mother’s Path to Change

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

We talk with Denise Paley, a mother whose son experienced a serious mental health crisis as a teenager that led to a tragic act of violence.

In the years since, Denise has become a powerful advocate through her work with NAMI, helping shift how police departments and communities respond to individuals in mental health crisis.

Her story is one of resilience, responsibility, and the impact one parent can have in creating more compassionate systems of care.

You can find us at:
instagram.com/tsunscripted
facebook.com/tsunscripted
directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Ep 3: Joy, Pride, and Safe Spaces

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Tony and Sarah talk about the opening of the Alex Community Space and Guilford Pride.

Together, they reflect on why these spaces matter now more than ever, places where people can come together to celebrate, feel supported, and experience joy.

This conversation is about belonging, connection, and the power of community.

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Ep 2: Joy After the Unthinkable

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

This episode of Tony and Sarah Unscripted is deeply personal. We sit down with Sarah’s son, who at 18 survived a massive brain bleed and stroke, to talk about recovery, perspective, and finding joy after life changes in an instant. As a mother and son, their honesty, humor, and connection open up a powerful conversation about resilience, love, and what it means to keep living fully after trauma.

You can find us at:
instagram.com/tsunscripted
facebook.com/tsunscripted
directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production

Ep 1: When Life Shifts, So Do We

Tony Ferraiolo, Sarah Celotto — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500

In this first episode of Tony and Sarah Unscripted, it’s just the two of them, sitting down to talk about why this podcast changed direction and why the name changed too. Tony shares a bit about a recent experience that shifted things in a big way, and together they reflect on how life has a way of asking us to pause, recalibrate, and move forward with more intention. It’s an honest conversation about change, resilience, and choosing to keep showing up, even when things feel uncertain.

directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production