Wholesome Fertility Podcast

Michelle | Fertility Wellness - Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Lifestyle
  • 4.5 (23)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated weekly

The Wholesome Fertility Podcast is your trusted resource for empowering insights on the path to parenthood. Hosted by fertility acupuncturist and author Michelle Oravitz, this show blends modern science, holistic medicine, and ancient wisdom to help women optimize their fertility and reproductive health. Each week, Michelle shares solo episodes and interviews with leading fertility experts from around the world. From improving egg quality and balancing hormones to navigating IVF, PCOS, and endometriosis, you'll gain practical tools, research-backed strategies, and mind-body approaches to support your journey. Episodes explore topics like menstrual cycle optimization, Chinese medicine, functional medicine, naturopathic care, nutrition, meditation, and spirituality - offering multiple perspectives to help you reclaim your fertility and overall wellness. If you're ready to feel informed, supported, and inspired on your fertility journey, The Wholesome Fertility Podcast will give you the guidance you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.

  1. 1 day ago

    Ep 410 What Your Period Reveals: Endometriosis, Essence, and the Root Wisdom of Chinese Medicine

    In this episode, Michelle sits down with Dr. Daoshing Ni, known to many as Dr. Dao, a second-generation doctor of Chinese medicine with more than forty years of experience in women's health. Together they explore one of the most overlooked sources of insight a woman has: her own cycle. Dr. Dao explains how the color, flow, timing, clots, and spotting of a period each point to something specific about hormones and circulation, and why so much of what women are told to accept as normal is actually the body asking for support. The conversation moves through endometriosis and why Chinese medicine sees it as far more than a single pattern, the deep link between gut health and the menstrual cycle, and the meaning of Jing, or essence, the foundation we inherit and the reserve we build through nourishment and rest. Dr. Dao also shares why blood is considered a woman's foundation, and why food, not herbs, comes first when rebuilding it.   This is a rich, grounding conversation for any woman who has ever wondered what her body was trying to say. The through-line is simple and freeing. Your symptoms are not random. They are a language, and once you learn to read them, you can begin to work with your body instead of against it. Key Takeaways: Your period is a monthly report card. Color, flow, clots, timing, and spotting each reveal something specific about your hormones and circulation. Endometriosis is rarely one pattern. In Chinese medicine it is often blood stagnation layered with dampness, cold, heat, and deficiency, which is why it calls for a whole-body approach rather than a single fix. The gut and the cycle are deeply connected. Digestive symptoms in childhood can foreshadow period pain later, and calming the gut early can soften how conditions like endometriosis show up. Jing, or essence, is your foundation. Part is inherited and part is built through digestion, nourishment, and rest, and it underlies both fertility and the quality of your cycle. Blood is a woman's foundation. Because we bleed each month, blood can quietly run low, so food comes first. As Dr. Dao puts it, use herbs to treat and food to nourish.   Guest Bio: Dr. Dao is a Licensed Acupuncturist in the State of California and a Diplomate of Chinese Herbology NCCAOM. He has been active in the TCM profession as well as professional organizations, serving as an examiner for the California Acupuncture Committee and participating in the Chinese Herbology Exam development for NCCA. Well known and respected for his special interest in reproductive and gynecological conditions, Dr. Dao is an active member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, The Menopause Society, and the American Society for Nutrition. He is a co-founder of Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and currently a faculty member, trustee, and co-department chair for the reproductive medicine doctoral degrees program.Dr. Dao is co-founder of Tao of Wellness (pronounced Dow of Wellness, the same sound as Dr. Dao's name), a multi-generational integrative medicine clinic founded by his father in 1976 and celebrating 50 years of practice this year. He is the author of The Tao of Fertility and co-author of Sitting Moon: A Guide to Rejuvenation after Pregnancy. He is also the recipient of the American Fertility Association's Visionary Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Integrative Fertility Symposium.   Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care.   Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey   For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/

  2. 20 Oct

    Ep 409 Fertility as an Initiation: Surrender, the Feminine, and Trusting the Intelligence of Your Body

    In this episode, Michelle sits down with licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist Ariele Myers for a conversation that moves from clinical fertility care into something deeper. Ariele shares how two decades of practice slowly reshaped her own approach, from reading labs and chasing balance toward honoring the feminine, the nervous system, and the quiet intelligence the body already holds. The heart of it is a single shift: what happens when we stop treating the body as broken and start meeting fertility as an experience to enter rather than a problem to fix. Together they explore the difference between surrender and defeat, why staying present can soften even the most reactive moments, and how many women on the fertility path quietly carry the belief that if they could just fix the one right thing, everything would fall into place. Ariele and Michelle talk about pleasure as a form of activism, the way our attention has become our most valuable currency, and what it means to keep loving yourself through a journey that does not always move on your timeline.   This is a slower, soul-level conversation for any woman who has been doing everything right and still feels like something is missing. It offers a gentle reframe. Your body is not the problem to be solved. It may be the doorway.   Key Takeaways: Fertility can be met as an experience to enter rather than a problem to fix. That shift, from something is wrong to something is unfolding, changes how the whole journey feels in the body. Surrender is not the same as giving up. It is the capacity to stay grounded and trust the process while still rising to advocate for yourself when the moment calls for it. Presence is a nervous system practice. Staying with what you feel, instead of running from it, lets hard emotions move through rather than getting held in place. Your attention and energy are a real currency. Protecting your presence from what drains it is a quiet but powerful form of self-care on the fertility path. Loving yourself through the journey, including the tender question of whether you can feel whole even if it looks different than you hoped, is part of the medicine, not a detour from it. Guest Bio: Ariele Myers, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist with 20 years of clinical experience in women's reproductive health. She is the founder of Wisdom of the Womb, a wellness brand specializing in herbal support for fertility, cycle health, and hormonal balance, and the creator of the Fertile Mama Method, her signature initiation into fertility. She integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern fertility care and speaks regularly on whole-person approaches to conception. www.WisdomoftheWombonline.com  https://www.instagram.com/wisdomofthewomb      https://www.facebook.com/allwomenarefertile/  https://arielemyers.substack.com/  https://www.youtube.com/@ArieleMyersWisdomoftheWomb Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are:  https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Connect with me on social: Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: The Wholesome Lotus

  3. 13 Oct

    Ep 408 How Energy Shapes Fertility: Bioenergetics, Structured Water, and Healing at the Source

    What if the missing piece in your healing is not another protocol, but energy itself? In this episode, Michelle sits down with Harry Massey, founder and CEO of Energy4Life and a pioneer in the field of bioenergetics. After a series of climbing accidents left Harry bedridden for nearly a decade, he discovered that Western, holistic, and functional medicine all fell short. His recovery began only when he started studying energy in living systems, the same life force Chinese medicine has called qi for thousands of years. Together they explore how the body works like a battery that needs more energy in reserve than it spends, why that matters so deeply for fertility, and how light, breath, structured water, and the fascia all carry information that shapes our health. This is a grounding and expansive look at healing from the level most medicine never reaches, and a reminder that the body is intelligent, not broken. Key Takeaways The body runs like a battery. When more energy is going out than coming in, it shifts into survival, and conception becomes a low priority for a body that does not feel safe or resourced. Bioenergetics is the study of energy and information in living systems, and much of what it describes overlaps beautifully with the Chinese medicine understanding of qi. A healing response is not the same as getting sick. It is short lived, usually passing in a couple of days, and it reflects the body recognizing and clearing what was already there. Information and fields, not chemistry alone, coordinate the trillions of cellular operations that keep us alive every second. Structured water and the fascia form a communication network in the body, which helps explain why acupuncture and energy work can create such rapid shifts. Guest Bio After a catastrophic mountaineering accident left him bedridden for nearly a decade, Harry Massey discovered firsthand what happens when every health system fails you, Western, holistic, and functional alike. Determined to survive, Harry turned to physics. He co-founded one of the world's first R&D companies in bioenergetics and spent two decades building technology that could measure, manage, and master the human energy field. Today, Harry is the Founder and CEO of Energy4Life, creator of the GIST Process (Gratitude, Intention, Surrender, Trust), and the visionary behind the miHealth Device, Bioenergetic Voice Scan, and GEM Wearable, an AI powered device that detects and corrects emotional energy imbalances in real time. As a bestselling author, filmmaker, and speaker, Harry now leads a movement to redefine health at its source by unlocking the power of energy. Disclaimer The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are:  https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility:  https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/

  4. 6 Oct

    Ep 407 The Mind-Body Connection: Rewiring Stress, Sleep, and Fertility

    What if so much of what stands between you and your goals, including your fertility, is not physical at all, but the state your nervous system is living in? In this fascinating conversation, Michelle sits down with Dr. Patrick K. Porter, PhD, founder of BrainTap and author of Brain Fitness Blueprint, to explore the profound connection between the mind, the brain, and the body. Patrick has spent more than thirty years studying brainwave entrainment and how frequency, light, and thought physically shape our biology. Together they talk about how chronic stress locks the body into survival mode, why the subconscious runs far more of our lives than we realize, and how deep, restorative sleep may be one of the most overlooked pillars of health and fertility. They also explore the science that is catching up to ancient wisdom, from the body's energy field to the generational patterns we carry without knowing it, and gentle, practical ways to shift out of fight or flight and into the calm, receptive state where the body can do its own healing work. This is a rich, expansive conversation for anyone who senses that the mind holds far more power over the body than we have been taught. Key Takeaways: •  Your physiology drives your psychology. When the body is stuck in stress, it cannot reach the calm, receptive states where healing and creativity happen. •  The subconscious runs the vast majority of our patterns, so lasting change begins with awareness, not willpower. •  Deep sleep is a cornerstone of health and fertility. Quality matters more than hours, and the brain does much of its repair work during those deep cycles. •  Chronic stress and the freeze response disrupt the nervous system, while intentional recovery, breath, and relaxation help the body rebalance. •  Modern science is validating what ancient traditions have long taught about energy, frequency, and the mind-body connection, giving us real tools to work with the nervous system.   Guest Bio: Dr. Patrick K. Porter, PhD, is an award-winning author, educator, speaker, and the founder of BrainTap, a leading neuroscience-based platform used globally to optimize brain health and human performance. For over three decades, Dr. Porter has been a pioneer in brainwave entrainment technology, championing non-invasive, natural approaches to enhance mental clarity, emotional resilience, and cognitive longevity. His acclaimed book, Brain Fitness Blueprint: Integrating Ancient Wisdom and Modern Technologies for Peak Performance (co-authored with former Google wellbeing executive Ruchika Sikri), synthesizes cutting-edge neuroscience with practical lifestyle tools, introducing the Circle of Vitality, a holistic model of how chronic stress alters brain architecture and how neuroplasticity can reverse that damage. His work is backed by over 30 clinical studies and trusted by more than 120,000 users, including elite athletes, corporate executives, and over 3,000 health and wellness clinics worldwide. His contributions have been featured in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and The Joe Rogan Experience.   Connect with Dr. Patrick K. Porter, PhD: Website: https://braintap.com/   Book: Brain Fitness Blueprint (co-authored with Ruchika Sikri) - https://a.co/d/0gC1Lun0  Get free trial here: https://braintap.com/partner-free-trial-healing/?afmc=bz0&utm_campaign=3p2&utm_source=leaddyno&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=bz0   Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are:  https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Connect with me on social: Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: The Wholesome Lotus

  5. 29 Sept

    Ep 406 Nourishing Fertility: Food, Digestion, and the Middle Ground

    When you are trying to conceive, few topics feel more overwhelming, or more contradictory, than nutrition. In this episode, Michelle sits down with registered dietitian Lisa Moskovitz, founder of The NY Nutrition Group and author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan, for a grounded and refreshingly realistic conversation about how food actually supports fertility. Lisa shares her own path to motherhood, which included irregular cycles, PCOS-like symptoms, pregnancy loss, and eventually three children through a mix of IUI, IVF, and natural conception. Drawing on that lived experience and years of clinical work, she offers a nuanced look at what truly moves the needle. Together they talk about why being too restrictive can work against fertility, the research behind Mediterranean-style eating and full-fat dairy, the nutrients that support egg quality, how digestion determines whether your body can even use the food you eat, and why meal timing and your circadian rhythm matter more than most people realize. This is a conversation about doing less of the wrong things, meeting your body where it is, and finding a middle ground you can actually live with. Key Takeaways: •  Nutrition genuinely supports fertility, but the aim is nourishment and balance, not perfection or control. •  Extremes on either end backfire. Being too restrictive, too underweight, or over-exercising can disrupt hormones as much as the opposite. •  Mediterranean-style eating with full-fat dairy has the strongest research behind it for fertility and hormone health. •  Digestion matters as much as the food. A food is only as healthy as your body can absorb it, so bloating and GI issues are worth addressing. •  Simple foundations move the needle most: a few fertility-friendly foods (avocado, whole eggs, lentils, wild salmon, leafy greens), a twelve-hour overnight window instead of aggressive fasting, and a prenatal started a few months before conceiving. Guest Bio: Lisa Moskovitz, RD, is the founder of The NY Nutrition Group, a large group nutrition practice in NYC, and the author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan, a guide to finding your healthiest, happiest weight. As an experienced dietitian based in Manhattan, Lisa has first-hand insight into what people struggle with the most and what moves the needle. She has a no-nonsense, evidence-based, and realistic approach to nutrition that sets her apart from the average influencer. Lisa also speaks from personal experience, having navigated her own fertility journey through irregular cycles, pregnancy loss, and ultimately three children. Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are:  https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Connect with me on social: Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: The Wholesome Lotus

  6. 22 Sept

    Ep 405 How this Unique Molecule Can Support Mitochondrial Health, Hormones, and Fertility w/ Ken Swartz

    On this episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I sit down with Ken Swartz, also known as Ken the Scientist, to explore a molecule that has quietly become one of the most fascinating topics in cellular health: Carbon 60, or C60. Ken shares his origin story, from directing a fusion research project to discovering C60 as a radiation protectant, and the unexpected shift in his own health that redirected the course of his work. We talk about what C60 actually is, a naturally occurring carbon molecule found in meteorite impacts and formed in the atmospheres of stars, and how it works at the level of the mitochondria, the tiny engines that power every cell in the body. From a fertility perspective, this conversation feels especially relevant. Ken explains how mitochondrial function connects to egg and sperm health, hormone production, inflammation, and metabolic balance, all areas that matter deeply when you are trying to conceive. We also explore the beautiful overlap with Chinese medicine and the way it understands Qi, the vital energy that moves through the body. Whether you are on your own path to conception or simply love understanding how the body works, this episode offers a grounded, science-based look at cellular health and why it matters. As always, this is a conversation meant to inform and support you, never to replace the guidance of your own care team. Key Takeaways: C60 is a naturally occurring molecule made of 60 carbon atoms. It forms in nature through meteorite impacts, lightning strikes, and the atmospheres of red stars, and is often described as one of the earliest antioxidants of life. It works at the cellular level as an SOD and catalase mimic, supporting the mitochondria, the energy centers inside your cells. Healthy mitochondria influence nearly everything: energy, hormone production, inflammation, and the quality of eggs and sperm. Because hormone precursors are made in the mitochondria, supporting mitochondrial function may help the whole endocrine system work more efficiently, which can matter for cycle regularity and fertility. Ken shares anecdotal reports connected to fertility, including unexpected pregnancies and healthy babies born to women in their 40s. C60 is not a cure and does not replace the basics. Nourishing food, clean water, rest, and nervous system care still do the foundational work. Ken describes it as one supportive tool in the toolkit. Purity and testing matter. Ken notes that many supplements are mislabeled, so third-party tested, high purity sourcing is essential. About the guest: Ken Swartz, known as Ken the Scientist, was working on radiation and fusion research when he experienced a result that did not fit the science he trusted. With a background in economics, education, and leading multiple research laboratories, his work led him into projects connected to radiation and the MOXY fusion reactor. During that time, he began using Carbon 60 as a radiation protectant, something he already understood from earlier scientific research. A few months in, he started noticing unexpected shifts in his energy and overall health. About eight months later, a routine eye exam revealed that a previously identified age-related vision issue was no longer visible, something his optometrist had never seen before. That moment, in 2016, led Ken to dedicate his work to the research, study, and production of Carbon 60. Today he is co-founder of C60 Power, a company focused on producing high purity C60 using certified organic oils and a clean, solvent-free process. At the core of his work is a simple belief: your health is your responsibility, and people have more influence over how they feel and function than they have been led to believe. Learn about C60: https://www.whatisc60.org Shop C60 (10% off with code WHOLESOME): https://go.shopc60.com/247K73T/J8P3N/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C60Power/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/c60power Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c60power TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@c60power YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShopC60Power Email: divina@shopc60.com Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are:  https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Connect with me on social: Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: The Wholesome Lotus

  7. 15 Sept

    Ep 404 What Your Cycle Is Trying to Tell You: Prolonged Bleeding, Ovulation, and Body Literacy with Robyn Srigley

    On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I am joined by holistic nutritionist Robyn Srigley to discuss menstrual health, prolonged bleeding, ovulation tracking, and the pressure many women feel to "optimize" every part of their fertility journey. Robyn explains why a positive LH test does not always confirm ovulation, how low progesterone and iron may contribute to prolonged bleeding, and why normal lab results do not always mean the body is functioning optimally. We also discuss the importance of listening to your body, simplifying your wellness routine, and focusing on nourishment rather than perfection. Key Takeaways: A normal period runs about three to seven days. Bleeding or spotting that drags on for weeks, or shows up throughout the cycle, is worth investigating rather than waiting out. Low progesterone is one of the most common patterns behind prolonged bleeding. When ovulation is weak or absent, estrogen runs unopposed and the lining sheds unpredictably. LH strips show that the brain is signaling for ovulation. They do not confirm it happened. Basal body temperature lets you see, in hindsight, whether you actually ovulated. Heavy bleeding and low iron feed each other. Standard iron salts often absorb poorly, while gentler forms like iron glycinate, paired with vitamin C, and whole food sources such as beef liver tend to be better tolerated and more effective. "Within range" on a lab is not the same as optimal. What you feel in your own body is real information, even when results come back normal. More is not always better. Slowing down, simplifying, and removing what your body does not need can matter more than adding another supplement to the pile. Nervous system regulation comes first. When the body feels safe and settled, digestion and absorption improve, which supports everything else you are working toward. Guest Bio: Robyn Srigley is a Cycle Guide, Fertility Nutritionist, and Women's Health Educator who helps women understand irregular cycles, prolonged bleeding, ovulation, and fertility through a grounded, holistic lens. Her work blends body literacy, nourishment, nervous system support, and herbal wisdom to help women hear what their cycles are communicating and feel more informed, empowered, and confident in their bodies. After her own PCOS, now PMOS, diagnosis sent her searching for real answers, she went on to conceive both of her sons naturally and has spent more than a decade guiding other women to better understand their bodies. She shares daily on TikTok. Connect with Robyn: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robynsrigley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynsrigley Beacons (all links): https://beacons.ai/robynsrigley Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Connect with me on social: Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: The Wholesome Lotus

  8. 8 Sept

    Ep 403 Genetics, Epigenetics, and Fertility: What Your DNA Can and Can't Tell You with Natalie Samson

    How much of your fertility is written in your DNA, and how much can you actually influence? In this episode, I'm joined by genetic counselor Natalie Samson to explore the fascinating world of genetics, epigenetics, and what they really mean for your fertility journey. Natalie breaks down the difference between the genes you're born with and how those genes get expressed, which is where epigenetics comes in. We talk about how your nutrition, stress, environment, and daily choices can turn certain genes on or off, and why that shift is so empowering. We also get into why MTHFR is only one gene out of more than 20,000, the role of methylation and hormone metabolism, what carrier screening can reveal about both male and female fertility, and how personalized testing can take the guesswork out of supporting your body. This is a grounded, hopeful conversation about understanding your unique blueprint. Your body isn't broken. Sometimes it's simply waiting for the right information. Key Takeaways: - The genes you're born with don't change, but how they're expressed can shift based on your nutrition, stress, environment, and lifestyle. This is the heart of epigenetics, and it puts more in your hands than most people realize. - MTHFR is just one gene out of more than 20,000. Looking at the full methylation pathway, rather than MTHFR alone, gives a much clearer picture of how to support your body. - More methylated B vitamins isn't always better. With certain gene variants like COMT, too much can actually drive anxiety, a racing heart, and trouble sleeping, so personalized dosing matters. - Carrier screening can reveal more than inherited conditions. It can sometimes uncover hidden contributors to both male and female infertility. - Genetic testing can guide truly personalized nutrition by showing how you process folate, omega-3s, histamine, and gluten, instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all diet. - Your intuition counts as data. The most useful approach combines genetic testing, bloodwork, and your own felt sense of your body. - Privacy matters. Working with a HIPAA-compliant provider keeps your genetic information protected in ways that direct-to-consumer testing often does not. Guest Bio: Natalie Samson, MS, CGC, INHC, is a board-certified genetic counselor and integrative nutrition health coach, and the founder of Golden Genetics. After training in cancer genetics, she felt called toward a more proactive and preventative approach, inspired in part by watching her brother thrive through holistic, lifestyle-based care. Today she blends conventional genetic testing with functional, nutrition-focused interpretation to help people understand their unique genetic blueprint and make personalized, empowered choices for their health and fertility. Her practice is fully virtual, and she works with individuals and couples through preconception and beyond. Natalie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geneticswithnatalie/  Golden Genetics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldengeneticshealth/  Website: https://www.goldengeneticshealth.com/  Book a Logistics call with Natalie: https://www.goldengeneticshealth.com/book-a-discovery-call-1  Natalie's 4P Framework Quiz: https://form.typeform.com/to/RkvZ32qV  Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are:  https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Connect with me on social: Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: The Wholesome Lotus

See All (410)

4.5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

The Wholesome Fertility Podcast is your trusted resource for empowering insights on the path to parenthood. Hosted by fertility acupuncturist and author Michelle Oravitz, this show blends modern science, holistic medicine, and ancient wisdom to help women optimize their fertility and reproductive health. Each week, Michelle shares solo episodes and interviews with leading fertility experts from around the world. From improving egg quality and balancing hormones to navigating IVF, PCOS, and endometriosis, you'll gain practical tools, research-backed strategies, and mind-body approaches to support your journey. Episodes explore topics like menstrual cycle optimization, Chinese medicine, functional medicine, naturopathic care, nutrition, meditation, and spirituality - offering multiple perspectives to help you reclaim your fertility and overall wellness. If you're ready to feel informed, supported, and inspired on your fertility journey, The Wholesome Fertility Podcast will give you the guidance you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle | Fertility Wellness - Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Lifestyle
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    410
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Wholesome Fertility
  • Show Website
    Wholesome Fertility Podcast

You Might Also Like