Pregnantish

Andrea Syrtash
  • 4.8 (38)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Semimonthly

There's no one way to be pregnant – just ask Andrea Syrtash. After nearly two dozen fertility treatments, a handful of surrogates and almost a decade of trying to get and stay pregnant, Andrea is now a proud mother. Pregnantish is a place for those that had unconventional paths to parenthood to tell their stories. Each episode, we'll hear from fertility experts and real people on their own nontraditional journey to being a parent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Breaking the Taboo: Infertility Stories from Around the World

    1d ago

    Breaking the Taboo: Infertility Stories from Around the World

    In honor of World Infertility Awareness Month, host Andrea Syrtash is joined by three extraordinary advocates from around the world who are helping break the stigma surrounding infertility through storytelling, education, and community-building. Tom Riley (Canada @partner_in_fertility), Erica Ferraro (United States @eri.jordan), and Mapula Badi-Ndou (South Africa @mapula_ndou) share their deeply personal journeys through male factor infertility, donor egg IVF, diminished ovarian reserve, adoption, childlessness not by choice, and the emotional realities of navigating family building when the path doesn't unfold as expected. Together, they explore grief, resilience, identity, relationships, advocacy, and the power of speaking openly about experiences that have long been hidden in silence. They also discuss the barriers many people face in accessing fertility care, the importance of support and self-advocacy, and why sharing our stories can help others feel less alone. Whether you're navigating infertility yourself, supporting someone you love, or interested in the growing global movement to increase fertility awareness and access to care, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and a reminder that infertility impacts people across cultures, countries, and life circumstances. This episode is supported by the World Fertility Project, a global initiative founded by Pregnantish to break the stigma surrounding infertility, elevate fertility awareness, and expand access to reproductive care worldwide. Take our free pledge to break the taboo of infertility at www.worldfertilityproject.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  2. Love Is Blind’s Monica Davis on IVF + The Reality of Infertility

    Apr 26

    Love Is Blind’s Monica Davis on IVF + The Reality of Infertility

    In this powerful live episode recorded at our live “Reality of Infertility” event in Los Angeles, Love is Blind Season 7 cast member, Monica Jade Davis shares the deeply personal story behind her fertility journey. Known to many from reality TV, Monica opens up about her relationship with partner Zac, their diagnosis of unexplained infertility, and the emotional reality of undergoing four back-to-back IVF cycles - including the highs of retrieving 90 eggs and the heartbreak of struggling to reach viable embryos. She talks candidly about: What surprised her most about IVFThe mental and emotional toll of repeated failed cyclesHow sharing her journey online transformed her connection to communityWhy she wishes she had frozen her eggs earlierAnd how she’s learning to reclaim her identity outside of infertility What carries Monica forward is a hard-earned belief that this chapter isn’t the end of her story. If anything, this journey has deepened her dream of becoming a mother and strengthened her certainty that she will be one someday. Yet another chapter in her love story. This inspiring episode also features an informative mid-roll segment with episode sponsor, Tru Niagen. Mona Rosene, MS, RD, Global Director, Scientific & Medical Affairs, Niagen Bioscience​ educates us on the importance of NAD for issues like inflammation and to support mitochondrial and cellular health. Use our code EGGS20 at to get 20% off at TruNiagen.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  3. Soccer Star Carli Lloyd on the Power of Surrendering During IVF

    Feb 26

    Soccer Star Carli Lloyd on the Power of Surrendering During IVF

    As part of our Going the Distance for Family series on the Pregnantish Podcast — featuring elite athletes opening up about infertility and modern family building — international soccer star Carli Lloyd, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, and one of the most decorated players in U.S. soccer history, shares the deeply personal story behind her IVF journey, and why she ultimately decided to go public with it. In this candid conversation, Carli reflects on the disappointment of failed transfers, the mental toll of multiple retrievals, the isolation of struggling in silence, and the unexpected vulnerability of feeling like her body was “failing” her after a lifetime of peak performance. She opens up about navigating fertility over 40, learning to surrender when hard work wasn’t enough, and leaning on her high school sweetheart and husband, Brian, throughout the journey. Today, the couple are parents to their daughter, Harper – a chapter Carli describes as the greatest accomplishment of her life. Through Carli’s voice, we’re reminded that even champions have to learn how to let go; and why vulnerability is ultimately a sign of strength.  This episode, presented by Fertility Out Loud, made possible by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, features a midroll interview with Women's Health Advocate and Fertility Out Loud Partner, April Christina, who shares her personal fertility journey story and how fertility coaching has helped her navigate her own path to parenthood. Learn more about fertility coaching at no cost and find additional resources at FertilityOutLoud.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  4. Going the Distance: US Olympic Medalist Brittany Brown on Endometriosis and Elite Performance

    Jan 11

    Going the Distance: US Olympic Medalist Brittany Brown on Endometriosis and Elite Performance

    On this episode of the pregnantish podcast, we sit down with U.S. sprinter, Olympic 2024 Bronze Medalist and Athlos Champion, Brittany Brown, for an honest conversation about what it means to go the distance when your body is both your instrument and your battleground. Brittany shares her unconventional path to the Olympic podium—and how that journey led her to speak openly about the realities women, especially Black women, face in medicine and in sport. At the heart of this episode is Brittany’s experience living with endometriosis: years of debilitating pelvic pain, medical dismissal, and the long road to diagnosis. She opens up about realizing something wasn’t normal, the dead ends she hit searching for answers, and the alarming medical advice she received before finally being diagnosed in 2023 through the USOPC network. She also reflects on the emotional journey that followed- the relief at being validated, paired with difficult questions about fertility, egg freezing, timing, and access, even as an elite athlete in the middle of a competitive season. Perhaps most powerful is Brittany’s honesty about the risk of telling the truth publicly. In a world where contracts, sponsorships, and perception matter, she shares the very real fear of disclosure and the unexpected reward: connection, community, and a flood of women and athletes also navigating infertility diagnoses.  Presented by Tru Niagen, the episode also features a special mid-roll conversation with Dr. Yasmeen Nkrumah-Elie, Global Director of External Research at Niagen Bioscience, exploring mitochondrial health, NAD+, inflammation, and why cellular energy matters for both athletic performance and reproductive health.  Use code EGGS20 for 20% off at TruNiagen.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  5. IVF Long-Haulers: Global Advocates on Keeping Hope Alive

    12/28/2025

    IVF Long-Haulers: Global Advocates on Keeping Hope Alive

    Infertility crosses borders, cultures, and backgrounds—and in this special holiday episode, voices from around the world come together to reflect that shared reality. Presented by The World Fertility Project, this episode of pregnantish spotlights global advocates and thought leaders recently honored at the World Fertility Awards 2025, whose long and varied paths to parenthood highlight both the challenges of infertility and the resilience required to overcome them. In this candid conversation, pregnantish founder Andrea Syrtash, who welcomed her daughter through gestational surrogacy after eight years of trying to conceive, sits down with Becky Kearns in the UK and Nathalia Bastos in Brazil. Both women navigated complex fertility journeys and, after years of persistence, are now proud mothers of three. Becky, the voice behind Defining Mum, is a passionate advocate for destigmatizing egg donor IVF. She shares the realities of raising three donor-conceived children and works to expand fertility access in her region through Fertility Matters at Work, the company she co-founded. After seven years of infertility, Nathalia transformed her experience into advocacy. Through N. Tentativas, she has built a nationwide movement in Brazil that has already helped nearly 150 couples access the support they needed to build their families. This inspiring episode explores resilience, persistence, and connection—how to hold onto hope, protect relationships, and navigate the twists and setbacks of a long TTC journey. And it’s a reminder that even though we live in different corners of the world, we are united as one powerful global fertility community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  6. Freezing My Eggs For My 35th Birthday: Real Talk with Jordyn Taylor Braff

    11/16/2025

    Freezing My Eggs For My 35th Birthday: Real Talk with Jordyn Taylor Braff

    On this episode of the pregnantish podcast, we’re joined by someone who knows what it means to evolve, pivot, and take ownership of her path, personally and professionally. Jordyn Taylor Braff is a bi-coastal real estate agent helping clients find their dream homes in both New York and Los Angeles.  Some may know her from the reality show Selling the City, from her music career with Interscope Records, or as Trevor Noah’s ex; but what they may not know is how much Jordyn dreams of motherhood, and why she’s empowered to share her fertility journey of freezing her eggs publicly. As a 35th birthday gift, Jordyn made the decision to preserve her fertility. In this candid conversation, she shares the real story behind that choice – the fears, the empowerment, and the emotional roller coaster that so many can relate to but rarely talk about. This episode also features Dr. Kate Devine, Medical Director and Chief Research Officer at US Fertility, who brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation. Dr. Devine shares the newest published research on egg freezing and undergoing fertility treatments over 35 years old, and how modern medicine continues to expand the possibilities for family building. This timely conversation is about what’s next for Jordyn in life and love, why she’s sharing her decision to freeze her eggs, and why there should never be shame attached to admitting that you dream of parenthood in your future.  This episode is presented by Shady Grove Fertility, a clinic in the US Fertility network. Shady Grove Fertility offers cutting-edge fertility treatments to help you grow your family. Explore the Shady Grove Fertility difference and their exclusive 100 percent refund for IVF at ShadyGroveFertility.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  7. Going the Distance for Family with International Soccer Star, Ali Riley

    10/19/2025

    Going the Distance for Family with International Soccer Star, Ali Riley

    In this powerful episode of our Going the Distance for Family series, international soccer star and fertility advocate, Ali Riley, opens up about how a recent injury — while physically and emotionally challenging — became an unexpected turning point in her life.  For the first time in years, Ali had space to pause. And in that pause, she found clarity about her future, including her family-building goals. In a real talk and hopeful conversation, she shares how she and her husband are now exploring IVF, due in part to his diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome, and what she wishes for ahead.  Ali also reflects on the lack of fertility education and access in elite athletics, and the change she's trying to bring not just to the soccer field -- but to the women's health field. This episode includes a special midroll segment with Dr. Asima Ahmad, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot Fertility, who talks about the importance of reducing the financial barrier to access care, and why preparing your body for pregnancy during the 'premester' period is worth focusing on. Ali’s story is one of resilience, perspective, and hope. It’s proof that going the distance for family isn't something to be ashamed of, but to celebrate.  This episode is sponsored by Carrot Fertility, a global fertility and family-building platform whose comprehensive care drives clinical outcomes that create industry-leading cost savings. Learn more at get-carrot.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  8. Behind the Headlines: Jenna Wolfe on LGBT Family-Building, BRCA and Life

    09/18/2025

    Behind the Headlines: Jenna Wolfe on LGBT Family-Building, BRCA and Life

    For years, Jenna Wolfe was a familiar face on NBC’s Today Show and Weekend Today, delivering news with humor and heart. Behind the scenes, she was on a deeply personal journey—building a family with her partner, fellow NBC journalist Stephanie Gosk. Over a decade ago, Jenna made headlines when she came out publicly on the show and announced she was expecting their first child. What the headlines didn’t reveal were the intimate realities behind that moment—from navigating fertility treatments to selecting a sperm donor and not knowing how the national viewing audience would react to her coming out.  In this inspiring episode, Jenna speaks with pride about her family and stepping into motherhood, a role she never imagined but deeply cherishes, living with the BRCA gene, and the resilience she’s built through life’s challenges.  We’re also joined by Dr. Nicole Ulrich, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Director of Advocacy at The Fertility Institute, part of the First Fertility Network. She offers fertility education that so many of us wish we knew and insights on the importance of self-advocacy in reproductive health. This episode is presented by First Fertility, a network of clinics in 14 states supporting all paths to parenthood. For more, visit FirstFertility.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
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Trailer

4.8
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About

There's no one way to be pregnant – just ask Andrea Syrtash. After nearly two dozen fertility treatments, a handful of surrogates and almost a decade of trying to get and stay pregnant, Andrea is now a proud mother. Pregnantish is a place for those that had unconventional paths to parenthood to tell their stories. Each episode, we'll hear from fertility experts and real people on their own nontraditional journey to being a parent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrea Syrtash
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020 Andrea Syrtash
  • Show Website
    Pregnantish

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