🎙️ Embryo Testing Without the Doom Spiral 🧠🧬

If the words PGT, PGD, carrier screening, or genetic testing immediately send your brain into overdrive… this episode is for you. 💭😵‍💫

In this rerun of Season 1, Episode 13, Laura and Brandis break down embryo testing and genetic screening in a way that’s informative, balanced, and—most importantly—free of fear-mongering.

Because knowledge is power… not a panic attack. ✨

💡 What We Cover (Without the Doom Spiral):🧬 The difference between carrier screening, karyotype testing, NIPT, and embryo testing🧪 What PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR actually mean (and who they’re for)📊 What test results like euploid, mosaic, aneuploid, and “no result” really tell you🤍 Why embryo testing is a tool—not a requirement⚖️ How personal values, past loss, finances, and emotional readiness all factor into decisions👶 Family balancing, embryo prioritization, and informed consent🧘‍♀️ Why more data doesn’t always mean more peace—and how to decide what’s right for you

🌈 Key Takeaway:There is no universally “right” choice when it comes to embryo testing—only the choice that aligns with your body, your history, and your comfort level.

Some people want every data point possible.Some people want fewer variables.Some people want to transfer every embryo they have.

✨ All of those paths are valid.

⚠️ Gentle Note:This episode discusses pregnancy loss, genetic conditions, and fertility testing. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed. 🤍

📬 We’d Love to Hear From You:Have you done embryo testing—or chosen not to?Did results bring clarity… or more questions?

You can reach out anonymously or share your story at:🌐 cnyfertility.com/fertile-ish📱 Or DM us on Instagram or TikTok

🎧 Listen, Breathe, Repeat:If embryo testing has ever sent you spiraling, this episode is your reminder that information is meant to support you—not scare you.

You’re doing your best.You’re allowed to ask questions.And you’re not alone in the ish. 💕

✨ See you next week, Fertile-ish fam.

🌸 Love Them Loudly: How to Support Friends & Family Through InfertilityFertile-ish – Season 2, Episode 12

(Season 1 Rerun)

✨ Sometimes the most meaningful support isn’t saying the perfect thing — it’s simply showing up.

In this special rerun episode, Laura and Brandis revisit one of the most shared and impactful conversations from Season 1: how to truly support someone navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, or fertility treatment.

This episode is intentionally designed to be sent directly to friends, family members, partners, or loved ones who want to help — but aren’t always sure how. 💌

Whether you’re in the thick of infertility or loving someone who is, this episode offers compassion, clarity, and real-life guidance on what support actually looks like.

💛 In This Episode, We Talk About:

⭐ Why well-intentioned comments like “just relax” or “why don’t you adopt?” can be deeply hurtful
⭐ The emotional, physical, and hormonal toll of fertility treatment
⭐ Why asking “Did it work?” after a transfer can be painful
⭐ The difference between toxic positivity and real support
⭐ How to ask “How can I support you?” — and truly mean it
⭐ Small, thoughtful gestures that often matter more than big words
⭐ Navigating pregnancy announcements when someone you love is struggling
⭐ How partners can better support each other through treatment

🌈 Listener Insight Shared in This Episode:

A fellow fertility warrior and CNY patient shares powerful advice for loved ones:

• Be present consistently — not just once in a while

• Ask thoughtful, educational questions if invited

• Give space after losses or failed transfers

• Avoid pressuring timelines or future-focused questions

• Extend grace — hormones are real

⚠️ Trigger Awareness

This episode includes discussion of:

• Infertility

• IVF & fertility treatments

• Pregnancy loss and failed transfers

• Emotional responses including grief and jealousy

Listener discretion is encouraged. Pausing, skipping, or coming back later is always okay 🤍

💌 Why We’re Re-Sharing This EpisodeWe continue to hear from listeners who say:

“I sent this to my mom.”
“I shared this with my best friend.”
“This finally helped my partner understand.”

Because infertility doesn’t just affect one person — it affects entire relationships — this message deserves to be heard again.

🎧 Listen, Share, & Love LoudlyIf someone in your life wants to support you but doesn’t know how, this episode is for them.

🎙️ Fertile-ish
📲 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

💗 If this episode resonates, please subscribe, rate, and share.
💬 Want to tell us what support helped you — or hurt you? DM us anytime.
✨ You’re not alone — and you never have to explain your pain perfectly to deserve compassion.

🎙️ Fertile-ish | Season 2, Episode 11

PGT-P: Just Because We Can…Should We? ⭐

Genetic testing in IVF keeps evolving—and with that evolution comes big questions. In this episode, Laura and Brandis dive into PGT-P (polygenic preimplantation genetic testing), one of the most controversial and talked-about developments in reproductive medicine right now.

PGT-P claims to estimate an embryo’s relative risk for developing complex conditions later in life—but just because science can do something, does that mean we should? 👀

This is a thoughtful, ethics-meets-science conversation meant to inform, not persuade—because when it comes to family building, nuance matters.

🧬 What We Cover in This Episode

⭐ What PGT-P actually is (and what it isn’t)
⭐ How PGT-P differs from PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR
⭐ What “polygenic risk scores” really mean
⭐ Conditions currently included in PGT-P risk models (and their limitations)
⭐ Why most data is based on populations of European descent
⭐ Nature vs. nurture: genetics vs. environment
⭐ Why these scores are not guarantees or diagnoses
⭐ Ethical concerns: stress, stigma, and embryo ranking
⭐ Are we heading toward “designer babies”—or is that fear overblown?
⭐ Why major professional organizations do not recommend PGT-P for routine use
⭐ How this information could impact parents—and future children—emotionally
⭐ Why “more testing” doesn’t always mean “better outcomes”

⚠️ Important Takeaways

✨ PGT-P provides relative risk, not certainty
✨ Many conditions tested are multifactorial (genes + lifestyle + environment)
✨ Long-term accuracy data would take decades to validate
✨ Ethical considerations are just as important as scientific capability
✨ Not widely offered—and not currently recommended for routine IVF use
✨ CNY Fertility does not offer PGT-P at this time

💭 The Bigger Question

If embryos are ranked by hypothetical future health risks…
Who decides which risks matter more?
And what does that mean for how we define a “healthy” or “worthy” life?

This episode isn’t about having the right answer—it’s about asking the right questions.

📣 Join the Conversation

Have thoughts? Questions? A different perspective?
We want to hear it.

📩 DM us on Instagram
💬 Drop a comment
🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen

Because fertility is never black-and-white—and neither is the science behind it.

⚠️ Content Note / Trigger Warning:

This episode contains discussion of miscarriage, pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, and related emotional experiences. Please listen with care and skip if this topic is not right for you today.

🎙️ Fertile-ish Podcast

Season 2, Episode 10

Rainbow Roads: Surviving the Storm of Miscarriage

Miscarriage is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — parts of the fertility journey. In this deeply honest and compassionate episode, Laura and Brandis sit down to talk openly about pregnancy loss, the emotional aftermath, and how to survive a road no one ever expects to walk.

Whether you’ve experienced a chemical pregnancy, a missed miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, or a later loss — this episode is for you. We break down the medical and emotional realities of miscarriage, explain why it happens, and remind you (over and over again): nothing you did caused this.

You are not broken. You are not alone. And your loss matters.

💔 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why miscarriage is far more common than most people realize (affecting up to 1 in 4 pregnancies)

• The emotional weight of pregnancy loss — grief, guilt, anxiety, and the hormonal crash no one prepares you for

• Why miscarriage is not your fault, even when your brain tries to convince you otherwise

• Common unhelpful things people say — and why “at least you can get pregnant” isn’t comforting

• The most common medical causes of miscarriage, including:

  • Chromosomal abnormalities

  • Age-related egg quality changes

  • Blood clotting disorders (like Factor V Leiden)

  • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

  • Uterine abnormalities (fibroids, septum, bicornuate uterus)

  • Balanced chromosomal translocations

• The different types of pregnancy loss, including:

  • Chemical (biochemical) pregnancies

  • Spontaneous miscarriages

  • Missed miscarriages

  • Blighted ovum

  • Incomplete miscarriages

  • Pregnancy of unknown location / ectopic pregnancy

  • Molar pregnancy

• When (and how) it’s medically safe to try again — and why emotional readiness matters just as much as physical healing

• What to expect with HCG levels, periods returning, and timing after:

  • Natural miscarriage

  • Medication-assisted miscarriage

  • D&C

  • Methotrexate treatment

• Why recurrent pregnancy loss testing usually doesn’t begin until after multiple losses

• Coping strategies that actually help — therapy, hobbies, rest, rituals, boundaries, and giving yourself permission to grieve

• Meaningful ways people memorialize pregnancy loss, from planting trees to Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month traditions

• How to advocate for yourself when you’re not ready to talk about “next steps”

• Why fear in subsequent pregnancies is normal — and why worry doesn’t cause loss

🌈 A Gentle ReminderThere is no “right” way to grieve.
There is no timeline for healing.
There is no hierarchy of loss.

Whether your pregnancy lasted days, weeks, or months — it mattered.

If you’re walking this rainbow road right now, please know:
✨ You are seen
✨ You are supported
✨ You are not alone

💬 Share With Us

Have you experienced pregnancy loss?
Did something help you cope, heal, or remember?

We’d love to hear your story — anonymously or openly.
You can submit directly through the Fertile-ish form at www.cnyfertility.com/fertileish, send us a message on Instagram, or simply sit with us through this episode.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and we would love if you could leave us a 5 ⭐rating💗 Follow @FertileishPodcast for support, education, and community

🎧 Season 2, Episode 9

Inside the Lab: The Science Behind Your Embryos

Special Guest: Olivia Pavlik, Embryology Lab Manager

What actually happens to your eggs, sperm, and embryos once they disappear behind the lab doors? 👀
In this episode, Laura and Brandis sit down with Olivia Pavlik, CNY Fertility’s Embryology Lab Manager, for a deep (but approachable) dive inside the IVF lab — answering the questions patients ask all the time but rarely get explained in plain English.

From fertilization methods to embryo grading, PGT testing myths to why embryologists work holidays, this episode pulls back the curtain on the science, precision, and heart behind embryology.

🧬 What We Cover in This Episode

✨ Meet the Embryologist:
Olivia shares her journey into embryology — including the full-circle moment of being an IUI baby herself and now helping others build families.

🔬 ICSI vs. Conventional IVF – What’s the Real Difference?
Why CNY uses ICSI for nearly all IVF cycles, the risks of conventional fertilization, and why ICSI isn’t “less natural” than people think.

🧪 Zymōt, PICSI & DNA Fragmentation
What sperm-selection add-ons actually do, which ones show benefit, and why Zymōt may be a smarter option than expensive DNA fragmentation testing for some patients.

⚡ Calcium Ionophore: When Is It Used?
Why this add-on is reserved for specific cases like failed fertilization — and why more isn’t always better.

📊 Embryo Grading (A Real-Talk Breakdown)
What embryo grades actually mean, why they’re subjective, and why lower-graded embryos can still become healthy babies.

🧠 PGT Testing, Mosaicism & Misconceptions
What’s tested, what’s debated, why mosaic embryos can still work, and why genetics matter more than looks.

🧯 Assisted Hatching & Embryo Glue
What they are, when they’re used, and how embryologists help embryos implant without harming them.

🧾 Embryo Safety & Witnessing Protocols
How CNY ensures the right embryo goes to the right patient — with multiple layers of human verification and redundancy.

❤️ The Human Side of the Lab
Why embryologists work weekends, holidays, blizzards, and hurricanes — and how deeply they understand the weight of their work.

🧊 What Happens to Unused Embryos?
A compassionate, honest discussion about embryo storage, donation, training, research, and disposal — and why there is no “dumpster full of embryos.”

💬 Key Takeaways• Embryo grading is a prioritization tool, not a prediction
• “Pretty” embryos don’t guarantee pregnancy — genetics matter most
• Not all add-ons are equal (and some are just trendy 👀)
• Embryologists treat your embryos with the same care they’d want for their own
• Knowledge = power when navigating IVF decisions

If you’ve ever wished you could just talk to the lab, this episode is for you.
Grab your coffee ☕, your curiosity 🧠, and let’s get into the science behind your embryos.

🎙 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts

🎙️ Fertile-ish Podcast

Season 2, Episode 8

From Consult to Cycle: How to Get Started Without Losing Your Mind

Special Guest: Justine Taylor, Chief Nursing Officer at CNY Fertility

Starting fertility treatment can feel like stepping into a maze with no map. In this episode, Laura and Brandis sit down with the ultimate insider—CNY Fertility’s Chief Nursing Officer, Justine Taylor, aka Queen Justine—to walk you through exactly what happens from your very first consult to your first cycle (and beyond).

With nearly 30 years in reproductive medicine and almost two decades at CNY, Justine spills everything patients wish they were told sooner—from how to book the right appointments to ordering meds without panic, using your portal the right way, and knowing who to contact and when.

This episode is a must-listen for:
✨ New patients
✨ IVF first-timers
✨ Travel patients
✨ Those restarting treatment
✨ Anyone who has ever asked “am I doing this right??”

🧭 In This Episode, We Cover:✅ Intro Calls: Your First StepLearn how free, 15-minute introductory calls help you decide if CNY is right for you—and what questions you should be asking before you book a consult.

✅ What Happens During a Consult (And After)

Understand how consults work, what information you should upload beforehand, and why your portal setup matters way more than you think.

✅ The Nurse Navigator Call ExplainedWhat it is. When to schedule it. Why it’s your secret weapon for moving forward smoothly (and stress-free).

✅ Medications & IVF Bundles (Demystified)Justine breaks down:

• Why bundles save you money

• How long meds actually take to arrive

• What to do if you’re running low

• Why two people never have the same protocol

• How insurance vs. self-pay changes everything

✅ Communication Hacks You NEEDNot sure who to call? When to message? What’s an emergency?
Justine spills:

• Best times to call the clinic

• When not to use the portal

• How to report Cycle Day 1 properly

• Why Instagram isn’t the place for medical questions

• The reality of weekend messaging

✅ Fresh vs. Frozen TransfersWhy your clinic may recommend freezing embryos before transfer—and how this can improve your chances.

✅ How to Advocate for Yourself Without FearNo question is stupid. No concern is silly. Learn how to speak up, ask for add-ons, and navigate protocols without comparison paralysis.

Justine’s most powerful insight:

✅ Emotional Survival Mode

“Nobody wants to walk through our doors—but we want to walk with you.”

Quote Worth Remembering:“Communication is the key. Just connect. We truly want this for you.” – Justine Taylor

🎧 Where to ListenAvailable now on:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• Amazon Music

• Wherever you get your podcasts

💬 Listener Reminder:

⭐ Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with someone who needs this episode.

If today’s episode helped you, consider sharing it with someone who’s just starting out. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t treatment—it’s taking the first step.

🎙️ Fertile-ish – Season 2, Episode 7

“Let’s Talk IUI - Because TikTok Isn’t Explaining It Right”In this episode, Laura & Brandis break down everything you actually need to know about IUI — minus the TikTok oversimplification. From how the process works, to who’s a good candidate, to real success rates based on age and diagnosis, this is your go-to episode if you’re trying to decide whether to keep trying IUI or move on to IVF. 💉✨

We keep it real, compassionate, and judgment-free… just like always. 💛

💡 What We Cover in This Episode

• What IUI really is (in normal-people language)

• Step-by-step: meds, monitoring, timing, and the insemination itself

• Success rates by age — and why TikTok leaves this part out

• When IUI is worth trying… and when IVF may be a better investment

• The emotional side of “How many IUIs should I do?”

• TikTok myths vs. actual medical reality

• When “one more IUI” becomes more expensive than IVF

• Social media often makes IUI sound simpler and more universal than it is.

• It’s okay if you feel confused or overwhelmed — that’s why this episode exists.

• “How many IUIs should I try before switching to IVF?”

• “Does timing have to be perfect?”

• “Why do success rates drop so much after age 35?”

• “If my friend got pregnant on IUI #1, why isn’t it happening for me?”

• “Can I do IUI without meds?”

📌 Episode MoodInformative, compassionate, myth-busting, and full of those “Ohhh… THAT makes sense now!” moments. 🤯✨

📱 Resources Mentioned

• Visit CNY Fertility to learn more about IUI, IVF, costs, and timelines

• Follow along on Instagram & TikTok for more Fertile-ish updates

• Check out past episodes:

  • Season 2, Episode 5 – “Am I the Fertility A-hole?”

  • Season 2, Episode 6 – “The Birth of CNY Fertility: How One Doctor Changed Fertility Forever”

💖 Final ThoughtsIf you’re navigating the IUI vs. IVF decision, we hope this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and the reassurance that you’re not alone in this process. We see you. We’re rooting for you. And your journey is valid — no matter how many steps it takes.

Fertile-ish — Season 2, Episode 6

“The Birth of CNY Fertility: How One Doctor Changed Fertility Forever”

Episode SummaryIn this milestone episode, Laura and Brandis welcome their very first guest: Dr. Robert Kiltz, founder and owner of CNY Fertility. Recorded live at ASRM in San Antonio 🎤✨, this conversation dives into the origins of CNY, Dr. Kiltz’s philosophy on healing, accessibility, and the mission that has guided him for nearly four decades in reproductive medicine. If you’ve ever wondered what makes CNY so different, this episode tells the full story.

In This Episode🌱 The Birth of CNY Fertility

Dr. Kiltz shares how early suffering, witnessing illness, and even losing a job at 41 became the catalyst for creating a clinic rooted in compassion. Borrowing $150,000, he launched CNY with one purpose: help people build families, regardless of circumstance.

💸 Making Fertility Affordable

He explains why CNY chose a different path when IVF costs skyrocketed nationwide. From low-cost IVF to financing and inclusive packages, affordability remains a core pillar of CNY’s mission.

🧘‍♀️ Mind–Body–Spirit Medicine

Once a numbers-only surgeon, Dr. Kiltz describes how his personal journey led him to embrace acupuncture, meditation, visualization, carnivore/keto nutrition, and fasting. Today, these practices are integrated into CNY’s holistic approach.

💛 The Power of Listening

Fertility is more than lab work—it's emotional, personal, and deeply human. Dr. Kiltz discusses why he prioritizes patient stories and even shares his real cell phone number so patients never feel alone.

🌍 Building a Community

From CNY Healing Arts to Molecular Fertility, Kiltz Health, and the Mighty Tribe, Dr. Kiltz highlights how these programs grew from a desire to provide accessible education, supplements, coaching, and community support.

🤝 The Heart of CNY’s Culture

Laura and Brandis reflect on the unique teamwork and compassion within the CNY family. Dr. Kiltz credits the staff, partners, and worldwide community, emphasizing that CNY’s success is about people—not profit.

💬 What He Wants Every Patient to Know

Above all: “We care about you.” And if it ever doesn’t feel that way, he encourages patients to text him directly.

Key Takeaways

• CNY was created to make fertility care accessible to everyone 💕

• Mindset, faith, nutrition, and holistic tools matter on this journey

• Community and connection are central to CNY’s mission 🤍

• Every patient deserves to be heard, supported, and cared for

📚 Resources Mentioned

Favorites from Dr. Kiltz: Think and Grow Rich, The Power of Positive Thinking, The Alchemist, Jesus Calling, and The Fertile Secret, among others.

🎙️ Fertile-ish

Season 2, Episode 5 — “Am I the Fertility A-hole?”

Description:This week, Laura and Brandis are tackling one of the most relatable questions in the fertility world: Am I the fertility a-hole? From skipping baby showers and dodging pregnancy announcements to setting boundaries with family and friends, the hosts weigh in on real listener-submitted scenarios that hit way too close to home.

It’s a mix of humor, honesty, and heartfelt truth-telling — because sometimes protecting your peace makes you feel like the a-hole, when really, it just makes you human.

💬 What We Discuss

• When to share (or not share) your fertility journey

• Saying “no” without guilt — from baby showers to Mother’s Day brunch

• Navigating awkward family comments (“science babies,” anyone?)

• Dealing with comparison, jealousy, and emotional burnout

• Partner disconnect after loss or failed cycles

• The art of muting, unfollowing, and boundary-setting for your sanity

✨ Favorite Moments💭 “You don’t owe anyone your fertility story — not your mom, not your in-laws, not your best friend.”
💭 “Sometimes you’re not the fertility a-hole… you’re just trying to survive something impossibly hard.”
💭 “Boundaries aren’t mean — they’re maintenance.”

💌 TakeawayThis episode is your permission slip to honor your emotions, guard your energy, and do what’s best for you — even if others don’t get it. Because in the messy, emotional world of fertility… you’re allowed to put yourself first.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
💬 Got your own “Am I the Fertility A-hole?” moment? DM us on Instagram @FertileishPodcast or submit at cnyfertility.com/fertileish — we might feature it in a future episode!

🎙️ Episode Title:

So…My AMH Is Low. Now What?

💬 Episode Description:

You got your labs back… and your AMH is low. Now what does that actually mean? In this episode, Laura & Brandis break down AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) in plain English — what it measures, what it doesn’t predict, and how it fits into the bigger picture of your fertility journey.

They unpack:

• The science behind AMH and ovarian reserve 🧬

• Why a “low” result isn’t the same as “infertile” 🙅‍♀️

• The difference between quantity vs quality of eggs

• What to know about diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)

• Why many OBGYNs don’t routinely test AMH —and why maybe they should

• CNY Fertility’s inclusive philosophy of giving everyone a chance, regardless of AMH, age, or BMI

• Emotional realities of hearing “low AMH” and finding hope through knowledge, support, and next steps

If you’ve ever felt defeated by a number on a lab report, this episode will remind you: AMH is information — not a verdict. 💗

🩺 Key Takeaways:

• AMH measures how many eggs you’re likely releasing monthly — not how good those eggs are.

• Your AMH can fluctuate ~30 % from month to month.

• Age remains the #1 predictor of fertility and IVF success.

• Even with low AMH, pregnancy is possible — it may just take more cycles.

• Advocate for yourself: ask for your AMH to be checked and get proper counseling.

• Why AMH isn’t checked routinely during annual physicals

• What can cause low AMH (genetics, environment, surgery, endocrine disruptors, etc.)

• How birth control can temporarily suppress AMH results

• When to explore genetic screening or autoimmune workups

• How emotional burnout — not biology — is the #1 reason people stop IVF

Emotional Support:

Hearing “low AMH” can be scary — but you are not alone. Seek out fertility-informed therapists, peer support groups, or virtual communities to process grief and find hope.

Fertile-ish Tip:

“Knowledge is power — not pressure. Checking your AMH isn’t about panic; it’s about planning.”

🔗 Listen & Connect:

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.
💻 Learn more at CNYFertility.com/Fertileish
📸 Follow along @FertileishPodcast for clips and community conversations.

🎙️ Fertile-ish — Season 2, Episode 3:

“Lining Check: Not Thick Enough”

Episode Overview

In this week’s episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis dive deep into one of the most common — and frustrating — fertility concerns: a thin endometrial lining. Whether you’ve had a cancelled transfer, are anxiously waiting for that “trilaminar” ultrasound report, or just trying to understand why your lining won’t thicken — this episode breaks down the science, the causes, and the real-life stories behind the numbers.

They’ll answer questions like:

• What is a healthy lining thickness?

• Why does “trilaminar” matter more than just the millimeters?

• Can you still get pregnant with a thin lining?

• And what can you actually do to help thicken it?

What You’ll Learn

💡 Anatomy Refresher:
Laura and Brandis explain the layers of the uterus — the serosa, myometrium, and endometrium — and why only the innermost layer (the one that sheds each month) really matters for implantation.

🩺 Lining Goals & Measurements:

• For frozen transfers: ideal lining ≥ 7mm and trilaminar

• For fresh cycles: ≥ 8mm and trilaminar

• Why measurement consistency (same sonographer, same technique) is key

• And why organization (that three-layer trilaminar look) can matter more than pure thickness

💊 Common Causes of Thin Lining:

• Hormonal birth control and prolonged progesterone exposure (like Depo-Provera or Mirena)

• Scar tissue and Asherman’s syndrome from D&C, C-section, or retained placenta

• Uterine abnormalities (polyps, fibroids, septum)

• Long-term suppression of ovulation or endometrial regeneration issues

🧬 Solutions & Treatment Options:

• Estrogen therapy (oral, vaginal, patch, or injectable)

• Sildenafil (Viagra) to boost blood flow

• PRP or Neupogen washes

• Vitamin E supplementation

• Switching to a natural or modified natural protocol if your body responds better to its own estrogen

Real Talk: Why Every Case Is Different:

From Facebook group myths to “what worked for her” advice, Laura and Brandis explain why fertility protocols can’t be copy-pasted. Even patients with identical labs may respond completely differently. Your baseline lining, hormone response, and surgical history all shape your protocol — and no single “magic number” applies to everyone.

Patient-to-Patient Tips:

✨ Advocate for Yourself: Ask why your provider recommends certain meds, protocols, or tests.
🩻 Don’t Skip the SHG or Hysteroscopy: It’s quick, simple, and can reveal polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue that may be silently affecting implantation.
💗 Remember: Thickness isn’t everything. A 6mm trilaminar lining might be more promising than an 8mm that’s disorganized.

The Fertile-ish Takeaway:

A thin lining doesn’t mean it’s the end of your fertility journey — it’s just another piece of the puzzle. The key is understanding your baseline, working closely with your team, and staying proactive about testing and timing.

Join the Conversation:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow fertility warrior or leave a review to help more listeners find Fertile-ish.
💬 Have a topic you’d love Laura and Brandis to tackle next? DM them on Instagram or drop a comment on Spotify!

🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
📱 Follow: @fertileishpodcast

🎙️ Episode TitleEgg Donation: Inside Edition
Season 2, Episode 2

💬 Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Laura and Brandis pull back the curtain on egg donation—what it is, who can donate, and how the process really works at CNY Fertility. Whether you’ve thought about donating eggs yourself, are curious about using a donor, or just want to understand what “open ID” means, this episode offers a transparent, compassionate, and empowering look inside the world of egg donation.

They break down the qualifications, medical steps, compensation, and emotional considerations of becoming an egg donor—plus, they share personal experiences from their own egg retrievals to help listeners know what to expect.

🧬 Key Topics Covered

• CNY’s In-House Donor Program: How it works and what makes it unique.

• Qualifications for Egg Donors:

  • Ages 21–32

  • BMI between 18–35

  • Non-smoker/non-drug user

  • AMH level of 1.5 or greater

• Open ID Policy Explained: What “open ID” means, how donor privacy is maintained, and how donor-conceived individuals can access medical information at age 18.

• The Donation Process:

  • Medical screening and genetic testing

  • The IVF cycle timeline (injections, monitoring, egg retrieval)

  • Recovery tips and aftercare (yes—bring sweatpants!)

• Compensation & Split Cycles:

  • Donors earn $4,000 per cycle

  • Option to split cycles—freeze or use half of your eggs while donating the rest

• Known vs. Anonymous Donors:

  • How it works if you’re donating to someone you know

  • Why “anonymous” donation is evolving with DNA testing and transparency

• Egg donation is an incredibly generous and life-changing act that helps individuals and couples create families.

• The process is safe, structured, and supported—with donor privacy, medical safety, and emotional care at the forefront.

• Learn more or apply: cnyfertility.com/become-an-egg-donor

• Ask a question or share your story: Submit anonymously at cnyfertility.com/fertileish

• Connect with Laura & Brandis: DM @fertileish_podcast on Instagram

🎧 Listen NowAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🎙️ Season 2: Episode 1

Cannabis & Conception: The Science & Stories

🧠 Episode Summary

In the Season 2 premiere, Laura and Brandis dive deep into one of the most frequently asked questions in fertility care — how does marijuana use affect fertility, conception, and pregnancy? From breaking down the science of how THC interacts with reproductive hormones to sharing real-life stories of patients who’ve seen the impact firsthand, this candid conversation gets to the truth about cannabis and conception, without judgment, stigma, or shame.

The hosts discuss:

• How marijuana impacts both male and female fertility

• The effects of THC on ovulation, sperm production, and hormone regulation

• The link between cannabis use and lower IVF success rates

• What current research shows about THC exposure in pregnancy and child development

• Why being honest with your fertility provider matters and how to have that conversation

Whether you’re using cannabis medicinally, recreationally, or considering conception in the near future, this episode arms you with the knowledge to make informed choices and optimize your fertility health.

🔬 Key Topics Covered

• The Science: How THC disrupts FSH, LH, and testosterone production and what that means for egg and sperm quality.

• Male Fertility: Why men who stop THC use 3 months before conception often see dramatic sperm improvements.

• Pregnancy & Beyond: The risks of THC exposure to the placenta, fetal growth, and long-term child development.

• Real Talk: Why “my friend smoked and got pregnant fine” isn’t the full story and how fertility outcomes are more complex than we think.

• “Even short-term THC use can affect sperm count and egg quality.”

• “Just because you have regular cycles doesn’t mean you’re ovulating normally.”

• “We’re not asking to judge; we’re asking so we can help you optimize your chances.”

Fertility is complex, and while THC may be natural, its impact on reproductive health is very real. Knowledge and transparency are key. The goal isn’t judgment — it’s empowerment, understanding, and helping you take the best possible steps toward your family-building goals.

💕 Episode Resources

• Learn more about CNY Fertility and our comprehensive fertility and reproductive immunology programs.

• Explore research on marijuana use and fertility via ASRM, NIH, and Fertility & Sterility Journal.

Listen to Fertile-ish on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow along on Instagram @fertileishpodcast for behind-the-scenes clips, fertility tips, and TMI Tuesday stories.

🎙️ Episode 25: “Preconception Testing: Glow Up Starts Here”

💡 Episode Summary

Before you jump into treatment—or even start trying—it’s time for your fertility glow-up. In this episode, Laura and Brandis walk listeners through preconception testing: what it is, why it matters, and how to make the most of it. From bloodwork and imaging to sperm health and hormone tracking, they unpack the essentials that can help you understand your fertility baseline and optimize your health for conception success.

Whether you’re TTC, freezing your eggs, or just curious about your reproductive health, this episode is your roadmap for understanding your body before the first shot, scan, or supplement.

🧬 What You’ll LearnThe Basics of Preconception Testing:Why testing before treatment can save time, money, and heartbreak later.

🎧 Listen & SubscribeFollow Fertile-ish wherever you get your podcasts:
🎵 Spotify | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 💗 CNYFertility.com/Fertileish

📲 Join the Conversation💬 What preconception tests surprised you most?
📸 Tag us @fertileishpodcast on Instagram and share your #FertilityGlowUp moments.
🩷 Don’t forget to rate & review; it helps more listeners find hope, humor, and help on their fertility journey.

🎙️ Episode 24: Affording Hope: Fertility & Finances

Paying for IVF can feel overwhelming, sometimes even impossible. In this episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis get real about the financial side of fertility treatment and share resources, strategies, and stories to help make hope more affordable. 💛

From the shocking national averages to creative fundraising ideas and CNY’s unique approach to affordability, this episode covers everything you need to know about navigating fertility costs without losing your sanity (or your savings).

What We Cover in This Episode:

• 💸 The true cost of IVF: why $20–30K per cycle is the national average—and why it often doesn’t include meds.

• 🏷️ Breaking down costs: medications, monitoring, anesthesia, and all those “surprise” fees that can sneak up.

• 🧩 Creative funding options: from IVF puzzle pieces and bake sales to crowdfunding and grants.

• 🌍 CNY’s affordability model: transparent pricing, medication bundles, and packages designed to make treatment accessible worldwide.

• 💳 Financing & discounts: in-house 100% approval financing, gift card promos, military discounts, pay-in-full savings, and more.

• 🎁 Grants & giveaways: how to apply for CNY’s monthly IVF grant and where to find other nationwide opportunities.

• 📊 Helpful tools: the online pricing calculator, insurance worksheets, and financial packets every patient should know about.

Fertility treatment is more than a medical journey; it’s an emotional and financial one too. Understanding your options can help you feel empowered, prepared, and supported. Whether you’re just beginning your path or already deep in treatment, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways (and a little hope).

Resources & Links:

• 🌐 CNY Fertility – Pricing & Affordability

• 📝 Apply for the CNY IVF Grant

• 🧘 Fertile Hope Yoga Membership

• 📑 Financial Welcome Packet & Resources

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you. Your support helps us continue bringing real, raw, and hopeful conversations to the fertility community.

🎙️ Episode 23: Doing the Most: Immune Protocols Edition

When it comes to IVF, add-ons and immune protocols can feel like a never-ending menu of “should I or shouldn’t I?” treatments. From PRP therapies and uterine washes to IV infusions and immune-modulating meds, there’s a lot of science, a lot of opinions, and even more patient questions.

In this episode, Laura and Brandis break it all down: what immune protocols actually are, why they’re sometimes recommended, and which scenarios they can make a difference in. We’re covering:

✨ PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapies: intra-ovarian, high-volume, and uterine washes
✨ Infusions like IVIg, intralipids, and Omegaven
✨ Add-ons including Neupogen, HCG washes, endometrial scratch, and more
✨ The four levels of CNY’s immune protocols, and who might benefit from each
✨ Real-life patient experiences and what’s hype vs. what’s helpful

We also get real about the cost, the controversy, and the fact that *spoiler alert* sometimes it’s just about finding the right embryo.

Whether you’re dealing with unexplained infertility, recurrent loss, autoimmune conditions, or just want to know what “immune protocol” even means, this episode is for you.

🔗 Learn more at cnyfertility.com/fertileish
📱 Follow along on IG: @fertileishpodcast
⭐ Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

🎙️ Episode 22: Faith + Fertility (or not)

Faith and fertility - it’s a conversation many avoid, but one that so many of us are living. 🌿 Whether your beliefs shape how you pursue treatment, cause hesitation, or provide strength through the struggle, faith is deeply intertwined with fertility journeys.

In this episode, Laura and Brandis open up about:

• Navigating the sometimes-controversial intersection of faith and fertility treatment

• How religious beliefs can influence decisions around IVF, IUI, sperm collection, embryo creation, genetic testing, and compassionate transfer

• Provider perspectives on supporting patients without bias while honoring personal values

• Common fears about judgment, shame, or conflict with family or faith communities; and how to find support

• The unique ways CNY Fertility accommodates religious preferences, from natural IVF to alternative sample collection to prayer and music during transfers

• The importance of informed choice, respect, and knowing you’re not alone - whatever your beliefs may (or may not) be

✨ Whether you find strength in faith, science, community, or all of the above, this episode is here to remind you: your journey is valid, your beliefs matter, and there’s space for everyone at the table.

🔗 Learn more: cnyfertility.com/fertileish
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @fertileishpodcast
💬 If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and subscribe to Fertile-ish wherever you listen to podcasts.

🎙️Episode 21: Endo: She’s Expensive, She’s Exhausting, She’s Extra

Endometriosis isn’t just “bad cramps.” She’s a whole personality-loud, dramatic, and unfortunately, way too common. In this episode, Laura and Brandis get real about the reality of endo: how it shows up, why it often takes 7+ years to diagnose, and what it means for fertility.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• 🚩 Why painful, heavy periods shouldn’t be brushed off as “normal”

• 🔍 Theories on what causes endometriosis (spoiler: it’s still misunderstood)

• 🩸 How endo impacts ovarian reserve, egg quality, and implantation

• 💊 Birth control, Lupron, surgery, and other treatment options -what helps and when

• 📉 The connection between endo and infertility, including what IVF outcomes really look like

• 💡 When to push for a second (or third) opinion if you feel unheard

• Endo affects 1 in 10 women, but symptoms vary from none at all to completely debilitating.

• The stage of endo doesn’t always match the level of pain; tiny lesions can equal massive impact.

• Early recognition and proactive treatment can protect fertility and improve quality of life.

• Your pain is valid. Don’t let anyone minimize it-advocate for yourself.

✨ Whether you’re managing endo, suspect you might have it, or just want to understand it better, this episode is packed with candid conversation, medical insight, and plenty of “she’s doing the most” energy.

🎧 Listen now at cnyfertility.com/fertileish and wherever you get your podcasts.

👉 Follow along on Instagram @fertileishpodcast for bonus clips, reels, and behind-the-scenes chaos.
💖 If you loved this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe-it helps more people find the pod and join the conversation.

Episode 20: TMI Tuesday: Unhinged Edition 🤯💀

We asked, you delivered. 🚨 TMI Tuesday spiraled out of control (in the best way possible), so we turned your submissions into a full episode.

From Icy Hot mishaps and Disney meltdowns to Cardi B in the embryo transfer room, pineapple burn disasters, and semen sample parking lot fumbles, we’re reading the wildest, most unhinged fertility stories you shared with us. 💌

In this episode, Laura and Brandis cover:

• 🔥 The infamous Icy Hot “scheduled intimacy” incident

• 🎢 Aunt Flo crashing Disneyland dreams

• 🎶 Manifesting a baby with Cardi B (oops)

• 🍍 Pineapple core chemical burns & TTC myths

• 🥗 Progesterone oil leaks in public places

• 🌙 Moon water, womb affirmations, and fertility Etsy scams

• 🧪 Pregnancy tests in the office bathroom (and awkward boss encounters)

• 💍 A surprise proposal mid-PIO shot

• 🐐 Goat yoga gone wrong

• …and way more stories we’ll never forget

This one is chaotic, hilarious, and oh-so-relatable. Because sometimes the only way through this fertility journey is to laugh at the mess.

✨ Got your own TMI Tuesday story? Submit it at cnyfertility.com/fertileish or DM us on Instagram @fertileishpodcast.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 19 – Beyond Biology: All the Ways to Baby 🌈👶✨

When most people picture fertility treatment, they imagine a heterosexual couple going through IVF together. But the truth is, family building comes in so many forms—and today, we’re diving into all the ways to baby.

In this episode, Laura and Brandis break down the diverse paths to parenthood—from single parents by choice to same-sex couples, from gestational carriers and surrogates to donor eggs, donor sperm, and embryo donation. We also talk about the role of reproductive attorneys, navigating sperm banks safely, and how epigenetics shows that motherhood is so much more than DNA.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• 💡 Options for single moms and dads by choice

• 🏳️‍🌈 Fertility pathways for LGBTQ+ couples (including reciprocal IVF!)

• 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 The difference between surrogates vs. gestational carriers

• 🧬 Why embryo donation can be such a beautiful option

• 📋 The importance of legal protection in donor and carrier arrangements

• 🌱 How CNY Fertility supports inclusivity and accessibility for every family

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or deep in the decision-making process, this episode is packed with insight, compassion, and real talk about building families beyond biology.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about CNY’s donor and surrogacy programs: cnyfertility.com

• Send us your thoughts or TMI Tuesday stories: cnyfertility.com/fertileish

• Follow along on Instagram: @fertileishpodcast

💬 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend, rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Spotify/Apple/Amazon/YouTube and help us break the stigma around fertility one story at a time.