The Conception Channel Podcast

Dr Spence Pentland
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  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

The Conception Channel delivers practical, evidence-informed conversations on fertility and reproductive health. Featuring case reviews, expert interviews, and focused Q&A, each episode is designed to translate clinical insight into real-world application—helping you understand what matters, what to do next, and how to move forward with precision and confidence.

  1. 20 JAN

    Miscarriage After a First Easy Pregnancy: A Real Fertility Case About Rebuilding the Terrain

    What happens when pregnancy came easily the first time, but the next attempt ends in loss? In this episode of The Conception Channel, Dr Spence Pentland shares a real clinical case that reflects a common and often confusing fertility experience. This episode follows a woman in her mid-30s who conceived her first pregnancy quickly and without difficulty. After birth, she moved through postpartum recovery while carrying ongoing sleep disruption, work stress, and the demands of early motherhood. When a subsequent unplanned pregnancy ended early, the question became not what went wrong, but what had shifted. In this conversation, you'll learn: • Why many early losses are chromosomal and not a personal failure • How nervous system load and sleep disruption influence implantation and early pregnancy stability • Why immune balance and inflammation matter after miscarriage • How acupuncture supports regulation, circulation, and recovery • Why male factor health still matters, even when conception happened before This episode is not about fear or urgency. It is about calming the system, rebuilding reserves, and supporting the body in doing what it has already proven it can do. Listener note: This episode is based on a real clinical case. To protect privacy, identifying details have been changed. The clinical journey, emotional experience, and treatment principles are real. To learn more about Yinstill's clinical philosophy and approach to fertility care, visit 👉 https://yinstill.com #fertility #infertility #getpregnant

    10 min

  2. 8 JAN

    When Stress Is the Missing Piece: A Fertility Case of Regulation, Not Deficiency

    What happens when everything looks normal, but pregnancy still hasn't happened? In this episode of The Conception Channel, Dr Spence Pentland shares a real clinical case that reflects a pattern many women experience quietly and often without a diagnosis. This case follows a woman in her early 30s with regular cycles, clear ovulation, and no alarming test results, yet conception had not occurred after many months of trying. When the full picture is explored, the missing piece is not egg quality, hormones, or timing, but nervous system load. You'll hear how chronic mental demand, ongoing life pressure, and subtle sleep disruption can keep the body in a state of readiness rather than receptivity, even when ovulation is consistent. Dr Pentland explains how fertility depends on physiological safety, why regulation matters for implantation, and how acupuncture supports the shift from sympathetic dominance into a more fertile state. This episode also explores the shared nature of fertility, including why male factor health matters even when cycles appear normal, and why early inclusion supports better outcomes over time. This conversation is not about quick fixes or guarantees. It is about understanding fertility as a state the body enters when it feels supported, settled, and safe. To learn more about Yinstill's clinical philosophy, educational resources, and approach to fertility care, visit https://yinstill.com. Listener note: This episode is based on a real clinical case. To protect privacy, identifying details have been changed. The clinical journey, emotional experience, and treatment principles are real.

    7 min

  3. 06/11/2024

    Fertility Mental Health Superhero

    Alice D. Domar, Ph.D. Hands down the most experienced and published mind in the field of reproductive psychology. This interview will introduce you to Dr Domar and her long standing dedication to influencing the reproductive health field and its need to integrate psychological care as standard practice in conventional fertility care and IVF.  So much valuable information tucked into this podcast, but she does boil it all down to 4 main recommendations… Do not suffer in silence, seek out mental health care Don't expect your partner to feel the same way you do Your relationship with your REI is important, switch doctors if necessary You do not have to go to that baby shower ABOUT DR. 'ALI' DOMAR Dr. Domar is a health psychologist 1987 who focuses on the application of mind/body medicine to women's health issues. Her plethora of research focuses on the relationship between stress and infertility, with a focus on the impact of cognitive behavioral interventions as well as access to care and patient retention. Alice "Ali" Domar, Ph.D., joined Inception Fertility in 2022 as Chief Compassion Officer. She is also a senior staff psychologist in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School.  Dr. Domar is on the board for Parents Magazine and served 10 years on the board of Resolve, the National Infertility Association. She is the author of eight books, including Conquering Infertility and Patient-Centered Assisted Reproduction: How to Integrate Exceptional Care with Cutting Edge Technology, and is the co-creator of the apps FertiCalm and FertiStrong. She is a former chair ASRM's mental health professionals group. RESOURCES / REFERENCES HARVARD CV  [https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/28392] - This includes a listing of all the research discussed & published by Dr. Domar.   INCEPTION [https://inceptionfertility.com/] - a network of brands that touches every stage of the fertility lifecycle (IVF centres, research, tech, financing, egg bank, cryo, Rx, supplements) PRELUDE NETWORK [https://www.preludefertility.com/dr-alice-domar] - Subsidiary of Inception, network of fertility centres in N America (offer compassionate care at every step of the patient journey) PACIFIC CENTRE for REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE [https://www.pacificfertility.ca] - Dr. Jon Havelock and his team at PCRM (Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton) are members of the Prelude Network.  CONQUERING INFERTILITY [https://a.co/d/dmzUCjP] - Dr Domar's landmark book, revised edition published January 2025.  OTO STRESS / FERTILITY RESEARCH [https://fertilitystudies.com/oto/] - OTO and Inception Fertility (Dr Domar) and its family of brands, including The Prelude Network®, are partnering in a research study investigating the impact (if any) stress has on IVF cycle outcomes. ----- #mentalhealth #ivf #infertility  Podcast Website page - https://yinstill.com/infertility-mental-health-superhero/ ----- For more Episodes & Videos visit The Conception Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@TheConceptionChannel YOU CAN ALSO LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE CONCEPTION CHANNEL PODCAST ON ALL YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST PLATFORMS. ----- CONNECT WITH DR PENTLAND Private practice: https://drspencepentland.com/ Fertility Clinics: https://yinstill.com/

    1hr 3min

  4. 22/04/2024

    Mental-Emotional Support for Miscarriage

    In this interview with Registered Clinical Counsellor, Alexandra Stewart, we dive into her personal fertility and miscarriage journey, challenges that come up for women and couples and how they can better support one another, and why it is important to seek out professional support throughout these challenging times (you do not have to do this all alone).  Alexandra's aim is to engage in meaningful work, to empower you in discovering your own ability to heal, and to guide you in the discovery of your inner wisdom. You can expect a down-to-earth, compassionate, and non-judgmental ally. Alexandra's private practice - https://illuminate-online.com/ Link to teaching webinar for Therapists: https://illuminate-online.com/webinars/  ----- #miscarriage #ivf #infertility  Podcast Website page - https://yinstill.com/mental-emotional-support-for-miscarriage/ ----- For more Episodes & Videos visit The Conception Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@TheConceptionChannel YOU CAN ALSO LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE CONCEPTION CHANNEL PODCAST ON ALL YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST PLATFORMS. ----- CONNECT WITH DR PENTLAND Private practice: https://drspencepentland.com/ Fertility Clinics: https://yinstill.com/

    1hr 1min

  5. 26/02/2024

    Treating Infertility & Miscarriage Trauma with EMDR

    Interview with Kara Kalin, RCC, EMDR. In this episode we dive deep into the trauma that is associated with infertility, IVF, miscarriage, stillbirth, and as well as birth itself. These traumas plant fear, sometimes to the point of paralysis, making life and the struggles at hand seem impossible to overcome.  The idea that trauma from your past may also be playing into your current challenges and traumas should not only be considered, but worked through with someone who has the right tools.  Kara uses EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) to help people process their trauma without having to talk about it. "In the realm of infertility many come to you already experiencing great loss in many contexts so what if we got curious about how we could treat that before the IVF journey begins?? The internalized belief systems that are connected to the small or big t traumas are held in the body. We can spend all this money trying to get our body pregnant and still not see how the mental-emotional part is actually a major factor. The AIP model according to Shapiro is clear that we cannot "out talk" trauma… so talk therapy can actually re traumatize a person. This is an important element to understand, and why EMDR is such a great tool." Kara's private practice - https://www.karakalin.com/ ----- #fertility #getpregnant #infertility #EMDR Podcast Website page - https://yinstill.com/treating-infertility-miscarriage-trauma-with-emdr/ ----- For more Episodes & Videos visit The Conception Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@TheConceptionChannel YOU CAN ALSO LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE CONCEPTION CHANNEL PODCAST ON ALL YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST PLATFORMS. ----- CONNECT WITH DR PENTLAND Private practice: https://drspencepentland.com/ Fertility Clinics: https://yinstill.com/

    1hr 7min

  6. 16/01/2024

    Mental-Emotional Advice for Couples Facing Infertility

    Holly Yager and I have both worked in the reproductive health field in Vancouver for over 20 years now. I have known and trusted her for that entire time. Today we circle back and connect, with 20+ years of experience working with couples facing infertility, and talk about what we have learned, and what can help the mental-emotional journey of people struggling with getting pregnant and starting or expanding their family. Holly's private practice - https://reprohealthfertility.com/ ----- #fertility #getpregnant #infertility Podcast Website page - https://yinstill.com/mental-emotional-advice-for-couples-facing-infertility/ ----- For more Episodes & Videos visit The Conception Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@TheConceptionChannel YOU CAN ALSO LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE CONCEPTION CHANNEL PODCAST ON ALL YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST PLATFORMS. ----- CONNECT WITH DR PENTLAND Private practice: https://drspencepentland.com/ Fertility Clinics: https://yinstill.com/

    1hr 8min

  7. 06/11/2023

    Infertility Story & Mentorship

    Robyn Gooding shares the mental-emotional rollercoaster ride of her infertility story so eloquently. She then continues to detail and outline her path to figuring out how to live differently with these circumstances. The wisdom she shares is very important if you find yourself struggling with getting or staying pregnant. Podcast Website page - https://yinstill.com/infertility-story-mentorship/ ----- For more Episodes & Videos visit The Conception Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@TheConceptionChannel ----- CONNECT WITH Robyn https://robyngooding.com/ https://www.instagram.com/robyn.gooding/ https://www.instagram.com/thefertilitycocoon https://Thefertilitycocoon.com CONNECT WITH DR PENTLAND  https://drspencepentland.com/ https://yinstill.com/ CONNECT WITH DR KLASSEN https://yinstill.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.lizaklassen/ Spring Fertility Reset Cycle with your Cycle **Coupon Code for 20% off any program: YINSTILL20OFF

    1hr 1min

  8. 23/10/2023

    Rewire Your Nervous System for Fertility

    Recalibrate your nervous system, release what's holding you back & be cracked open to embody your fertility.  So many things people do to 'optimize fertility' are attempting to do the same thing; regulate our autonomic nervous system so that 'fight & flight' shuts off more, allowing 'feed & breed' to flourish (i.e. fertility). This podcast goes through simple down to earth ways to incorporate daily practices that will truly make a difference in both your life and reproductive potential.  Olivia 'Liv' Jade is recognized as a natural health and eating expert. After spending four years pursuing a degree in naturopathic medicine she figured out how to help people live healthy lives and feel their best. Podcast Website page - https://yinstill.com/rewire-your-nervous-system-for-fertility/ ----- For more Episodes & Videos visit The Conception Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@TheConceptionChannel ----- CONNECT WITH LIV Keeping Up with LIV: https://www.keepupwithliv.com/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepupwithliv/ CONNECT WITH DR PENTLAND  https://drspencepentland.com/ https://yinstill.com/ CONNECT WITH DR KLASSEN https://yinstill.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.lizaklassen/ Spring Fertility Reset Cycle with your Cycle **Coupon Code for 20% off any program: YINSTILL20OFF

    41 min
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About

The Conception Channel delivers practical, evidence-informed conversations on fertility and reproductive health. Featuring case reviews, expert interviews, and focused Q&A, each episode is designed to translate clinical insight into real-world application—helping you understand what matters, what to do next, and how to move forward with precision and confidence.

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