Rewombed: Exploring Parenthood, Faith & Medical Ethics with Nikki Brake-Sillá
What happens when you want something so desperately that you're willing to risk your life for it? And what does that do to the people who love you?
This week, our beloved friend and returning guest Nikki Brake-Sillá rejoins the podcast to discuss her powerful new play "Rewombed" - a thought-provoking exploration of uterine transplant trials that forces us to examine uncomfortable questions about medical ethics, faith, and the true cost of choice. It's the kind of art that doesn't offer easy answers, but instead makes you think long after the conversation ends.
(Oh, and John mysteriously vanishes again - camping in Wisconsin, apparently 🏕️ - leaving our remaining hosts to navigate these deep waters without his “steady” presence.)
What We Explore:
The Science vs. Faith Debate: Nikki's play tackles the thorny question of when medical advancement crosses into dangerous territory, and whether faith can justify life-threatening choices in pursuit of motherhood.
The Real Cost of "My Body, My Choice": What happens when personal autonomy could literally kill you? And what does that mean for the partners who love you but can only watch helplessly from the sidelines?
Why This Trial is Different: Unlike IVF or other fertility treatments, uterine transplant trials come with stark warnings - organ rejection drugs for 5+ years can cause cancer, and after two failed pregnancies, the transplanted uterus must be removed regardless of outcome.
The Uncomfortable Questions: How do we judge someone else's desperate desire for biological motherhood? Who has access to these trials? And in a world driven by capitalism, who really profits from this experimental procedure?
Plus, We Get Personal:
Jim's ongoing battle with his Brooklyn roommate (spoiler: it's still a mouse 🐭)
Beth's epic subway adventure during her NYC visit to see Jim's apartment (with decorating tips included!)
The gang's Virgin River fatigue reaches new heights
Book recommendations that actually matter: "Pockets" by Hannah Carlson and "The Kingdom of No Tomorrows"
The origin story of Peggy and Nikki's friendship (involving Philadelphia, gay bars, and a legendary "turkey baster party" 🦃)
Why This Episode Matters:
Nikki brings both personal insight and rigorous research to a topic that forces us to examine our own assumptions about parenthood, sacrifice, and the lengths we'd go to for our deepest desires. Her play "Rewombed" doesn't offer easy answers - instead, it presents three fully realized characters (the woman, her partner, and the doctor) who each have valid, compelling reasons for their positions.
As Jim notes, this isn't your typical "issue play" where one character becomes a convenient strawman. Every perspective feels genuine, every choice feels understandable, and every consequence feels real.
Coming Up:
Nikki's next play "Invisibility" premieres August 15th in Queens - a groundbreaking work arguing for Blackness to be included in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Jim has promised to attend (assuming he survives his mouse situation).
Warning: This episode contains honest discussions about pregnancy loss, medical trauma, and the psychological toll of fertility treatments. It also includes multiple instances of our hosts being surprisingly thoughtful and vulnerable 💙
Bottom Line: If you've ever wondered what happens when desire meets medical ethics, when faith confronts science, or when three childless women discuss the lengths others go to for motherhood - this episode will give you plenty to think about.
Plus, you'll finally understand why Peggy and Nikki have been friends for over two decades, and why their Philadelphia party days are the stuff of legend.
Or listen on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And yes, we know only two people listen to this show, but we're hoping Nikki's appearance might bump us up to three. 🎧
Be out Patron! We’re on Patreon and would welcome $1 a month!
#Rewombed #UterineTransplant #MedicalEthics #Philadelphia #Theater #Friendship #ViginRiver #MouseWatch2025
