The Home of Fertility with Liz Walton & Helen Zee

Liz Walton and Helen Zee
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The Home of Fertility – Podcast Description Where science meets soul, and your fertility story matters. Welcome to The Home of Fertility, hosted by Liz Walton and Helen Zee — two mothers, practitioners, and passionate advocates for reimagining how we talk about fertility, healing, and creating family. What began as a connection at the Australian Fertility Summit has evolved into a shared mission:To reimagine how we speak about fertility, how we support one another, and how we hold the full spectrum of what it means to create a family. Each episode offers heartfelt insight, inclusive wisdom, and practical tools across the emotional, physical, spiritual, and medical dimensions of fertility. Whether you're on a fertility journey, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about what family can mean today — you're welcome here. This is a place where: Vulnerability meets knowledgeMedical meets integrativePersonal stories become medicineNo one walks the path aloneWhether you're navigating your own journey or walking beside someone you love, we invite you in. Subscribe, share, or leave a review to help more people find this space of truth, tenderness, and transformation. Find us on Instagram & Facebook @australianfertilitysummit Visit: www.australianfertilitysummit.com.au To learn more about Liz's work , visit www.lizwalton.org facebook visit (20+) Facebook Instagram visit @lizwalton_fertilitycoach To learn more about Helen’s work, visit helenzee.com 💛 Find us on Instagram & Facebook @australianfertilitysummit 💛 Visit: www.australianfertilitysummit.com.au

  1. 6d ago

    You Cannot Bypass The Root Cause With IVF deep discussin with Dr Gabriela Rosa

    We sit down with Dr. Gabriella Rosa to name what often gets missed in fertility care and why “unexplained” can be a signal that testing and root-cause work stopped too soon. We talk honestly about male factor, IVF realities, metabolic health, and the simple mindset shifts that help couples take back agency without carrying the journey alone. • “Unexplained infertility” as a sign investigations have stopped short • Fertility testing basics that get skipped, including semen analysis • Why fertility is a team sport and why partners need education together • IVF as powerful technology that is often overused and misunderstood • How sperm quality and DNA fragmentation change with male age • Acting pregnant now to get pregnant later as a practical framework • Lifestyle, nutrition, stress, inflammation, and long-term health links • Insulin resistance, PCOS and metabolic screening beyond fasting glucose • Endometriosis, immune and environmental factors, and individualized timing • Building a personalized fertility plan based on evidence, values, and access If this podcast resonated, please share it. Leave a review or subscribe. This helps us support more people that are on this path. “Everything looks normal, just keep trying” can be one of the most painful sentences to hear when you’re doing everything you can to build a family. We’re joined by Harvard-awarded fertility specialist Dr. Gabriella Rosa, founder of the Rosa Institute, to unpack why so many couples end up labeled with unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or failed treatment when the real issue is that the workup often stops too early. We dig into the overlooked basics that can change outcomes fast, especially male factor infertility. Dr. Rosa explains why semen analysis is frequently delayed, how sperm quality and DNA fragmentation shift with male age (often starting around 35), and why fertility truly is a team sport. We also talk about the emotional reality many women describe: carrying the burden alone, feeling dismissed, and losing precious time that can’t be replaced. IVF comes up with refreshing honesty. We respect how miraculous assisted reproductive technology can be, while also confronting the “silver bullet” myth and the per-cycle failure rates that many people are never clearly told. Dr. Rosa shares why IVF is sometimes overused to bypass problems that should be investigated first, and how optimizing egg quality, sperm health, inflammation, and metabolic function can improve both natural conception and IVF success. You’ll also hear why insulin resistance can hide behind normal labs, how it can affect ovulation, implantation, and miscarriage risk, and why fertility symptoms can be early warning signs for long-term health. We touch on endometriosis, immune and environmental factors, and how to build a personalized fertility plan that fits your biology, values, and timeline. We close with two practical anchors: get your partner educated with you, and “act pregnant now to get pregnant later.” If this conversation helps you feel clearer or less alone, subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more couples can find support. Dr Gabrila Rosa details; Email - gabriela@rosainstitute.com Website - https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/ Socials - https://www.facebook.com/FertilitySpecialistGabrielaRosa   https://www.instagram.com/dr.gabrielarosa/   https://x.com/gabrielarosa   https://www.tiktok.com/@gabrielarosafertility?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

  2. Aug 7

    Move Smarter To Support Fascia And Lymph Flow great discussion with Leonie Tilley

    We sit down with applied health and human performance specialist Leonie Tilley to rethink stress, training, and what our bodies actually need in modern life. We connect fascia, lymphatic flow, inflammation, and simple daily movement so you can feel better without adding more pressure to an already full plate. • eustress vs distress and the stress threshold that changes how your body adapts • why people feel “over the line” now and why hard workouts can backfire • fascia as a whole-body fabric and how movement variability supports healthy connective tissue • collagen loss with age and why multi-directional load matters for long-term mobility • fluid flow, lymphatic drainage, diaphragmatic breathing, and the “tight fist” problem • movement snacking as a realistic strategy for busy schedules • simple tools: ground-to-stand practice, 30-second sprints, gradual barefoot time, taking load away from the midline • inflammation markers, dry blood spot testing, omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, and cell membrane fluidity • reconnecting to body signals and choosing movement that fits how you feel today Stress is not automatically bad, but living in overload changes everything. We’re talking with applied health and human performance specialist Leone Tilley about the difference between eustress and distress, and why so many of us feel like our bodies can’t “keep up” anymore even when we’re trying to do the right things. If you’ve ever pushed through workouts, felt more tight than strong, or wondered why you’re exhausted despite your best efforts, this conversation offers a clearer, kinder framework to work from.  We zoom out into fascia and connective tissue health, collagen decline with age, and how repetitive movement can make the body strong in one direction while leaving it fragile in others. Leone explains fluid flow as a foundation for feeling good: when tissue gets compressed, dehydrated, and stuck, lymphatic flow slows down, circulation suffers, and cells have a harder time moving nutrients in and waste out. We also connect this to inflammation and the environment your cells live in, using simple metaphors that make the science easy to visualize.  Then we get practical. We share realistic “movement snacking” ideas for busy days, including ground-to-stand variations to support ankles, hips, and the thoracic spine, a quick 30-second sprint to shift energy and focus, and a gradual return to barefoot time to rebuild foot strength and stability. We also touch on dry blood spot testing, omega-6 to omega-3 balance, and why cell membrane fluidity matters for recovery, resilience, and long-term health.  If you take one thing away, let it be this: check in with your body before you add more stress, and choose movement that supports where you are today. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find these conversations. Leonie's details; email - info@longliveyou.net.au website - https://longliveyou.net.au/ Socials - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/long_live_you_wellness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/longliveyouwellness Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonie-tilley-706748229/

  3. Jul 23

    Endocrine Disruptors In Daily Life And How To Reduce Exposure deep dive discussion with Helen Zee

    We pull apart what recent documentaries reveal about plastics, endocrine disruptors, and the way “safe” chemical limits fail when exposure adds up across a whole day. We keep it grounded and practical, sharing realistic low-tox changes that can support fertility, IVF, menstrual health, and sperm health without spiraling into fear or guilt. • mass consumerism as the root driver of chemical overload • how regulatory silos miss cumulative exposure across food, water, textiles, and personal care • why endocrine disrupting chemicals matter beyond fertility, including metabolic health • timing of exposure vs level of exposure, especially in pregnancy windows • microplastics found in placenta, breast milk, and human blood • the body’s real detox pathways, supporting liver, kidneys, gut, lungs, and skin • practical swaps that stick, pantry changes, glass storage, safer bottles • kitchen upgrades, utensils, chopping boards, takeaway in your own container • “BPA-free” marketing and why substitutes can still disrupt hormones • PFAS and synthetic textiles, skin absorption, and simple ways to reduce contact • baby and child choices, toys, clothes, and gift registry boundaries • Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 shopping, plus baking soda produce washing • how xenoestrogens can disrupt ovulation and progesterone balance • progress over perfection as the only sustainable plan do share this Microplastics in the placenta. “BPA-free” labels that don’t mean what we think. Fertility trends shifting in ways that can’t be explained by genetics alone. That’s what sent us down the rabbit hole after watching the Plastic Detox documentary on Netflix and a new infertility documentary, and we knew we had to talk it through with clarity, not fear. We zoom out to the big picture of mass consumerism and why regulation often looks at one chemical at a time, even though real life exposure is cumulative across food packaging, canned foods, water, clothing, personal care products, and the air around us. Then we zoom in on reproductive health: sperm quality, egg health, pregnancy exposure windows, and what endocrine disrupting chemicals like phthalates, BPA, and PFAS can do to hormone signaling. We also unpack the research and headlines around microplastics detected in placenta, breast milk, and blood, and what that means for parents who are already doing their best. Most importantly, we make this actionable. We share low-tox living steps that are realistic and affordable: don’t microwave food in plastic, switch to glass for leftovers, choose stainless steel or glass drink bottles, wash produce with baking soda, use the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15, invest in a quality water filter, and focus on supporting the body’s real detox pathways by peeing, pooping, and sweating. We also do a rapid-fire myth check so you can separate good science from clever marketing. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the episode with someone who’s trying to conceive, and leave a review so more people can find practical fertility support that actually fits real life. Helen's details; website - About ‣ HelenZee.com Instagram - Instagram Practical Tips Shared (Helen's Top 10) Don't microwave food in plastic — use glass or ceramic. 16Use glass or stainless steel drink bottles and food storage. 17Wash fruit and vegetables with bicarb soda, not water alone — pesticides are water-repellent. 18Follow the Dirty Dozen / Clean 15 list published annually by Food Standards ANZ. 19Reduce ultra-processed foods and canned foods (BPA lining leaches into food). 20Vacuum, dust regularly, and open windows daily to reduce indoor air pollutants.Choose fragrance-free personal care products; replace scratched plastic containers. 17Repurpose plastic containers (e.g., Tupperware) for non-food storage (garage, hardware). 21Source glass jars from used sauces/condiments — no need to buy expensive low-tox sets. 22Bring your own glass container to takeaway shops. 23Progress over perfection — replace items as they run out, one category at a time. 24Infertile Documentary - Infertile Documentary - Watch Now The Plastic Detox - on Netflix the plastic detox - Search The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 - The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 – Which Foods to Prioritise When Buying Organic - Clean + Conscious

  4. Jun 19

    Genetic Counseling For Fertility a Deep Discussion with Mona Saleh

    We sit down with genetic counsellor Mona Saleh to unpack what genetic counseling really is and why it can be a game changer when you are trying to conceive or navigating IVF. We talk through carrier screening, Fragile X confusion in real-world reports, and how preimplantation genetic testing can support clearer choices and better odds. • what a genetic counselor is and why the role combines education with psychosocial support • why family history still matters even with modern genetic testing • how genetic carrier screening works and what it can reveal without any known family history • the common conditions discussed in screening like cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, and spinal muscular atrophy • a real example of a Fragile X report being misread and how the anxiety gets resolved • what preimplantation genetic testing is in IVF and how euploid vs aneuploid embryos affect outcomes • why asking questions early can protect your peace and improve decision-making • how to find Mona and when to check for in-house clinic genetic counselors A genetic test result can look like a wall of numbers, and when you are already carrying the emotional weight of IVF or fertility treatment, that uncertainty can hit hard. We’re joined by genetic counsellor Mona Saleh, who has three decades of experience helping people make sense of reproductive genetics with clarity, care, and zero shame for not knowing the jargon. We talk about what genetic counselors actually do, how they translate medical reports, and why that “translator” role can be the difference between panic and a plan.  We start with the basics that matter most for real life decisions: family history, inherited conditions, and how genetic counseling supports you as a person, not just a lab result. From there we dig into preconception genetic carrier screening, including common conditions like cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Mona explains why carriers are often healthy, how two carriers can face a one in four risk for an affected child, and how informed choice looks different for different families, partners, and donor situations.  One of the most powerful moments comes from a true story: a Fragile X carrier screening report that was misread because the format was complex, which raised anxiety for both the GP and the patient. Mona walks us through how those reports are structured, how misunderstandings happen, and how a calm, expert conversation can quickly restore perspective and guide next steps.  We also explore preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in IVF, including chromosome screening for euploid vs aneuploid embryos, why imbalance becomes more common with age, and how PGT can improve the chance of pregnancy while reducing miscarriage risk. If you’ve been wondering whether testing embryos increases IVF success, what it can and cannot tell you, or how to advocate for yourself with your clinic, you’ll leave with clearer language and better questions.  Subscribe, share this with someone who needs steadier footing, and leave a review to help more people find support on their fertility journey. Mona's details Website: www.dnadownunder.com.au @DNADownunder on Instagram and Twitter

  5. Jun 3

    Your Body Chooses Safety Before Pregnancy And Here Is How To Help It a Great Discussion with Tammy Shemesh

    We talk with fertility nutritionist Tammy Shemesh about why disordered eating and food anxiety are far more common in fertility treatment than most people realize, and how that hidden stress can disrupt hormones and cycle health. We share a more compassionate path that blends evidence-based fertility nutrition with nervous system safety, cycle awareness, and real pleasure in eating. • the research on disordered eating in fertility treatment and why it often goes unspoken • what disordered eating can look like beyond clinical diagnoses, including restriction, orthorexia, binge cycles and rigid rules • how chronic stress shifts the body into survival mode and disrupts ovulation, progesterone and thyroid function • the link between gut health, inflammation, estrogen clearance and common fertility conditions like PCOS, endometriosis and fibroids • feminine energy as receptivity, rest and embodiment, and how diet culture pushes control and distrust • the four menstrual cycle phases and how energy, mood and nutrition needs can change across the month • three practical steps to rebuild trust with food and your body, starting today • resources mentioned, including Brene Brown’s Atlas Of The Heart Food can look “perfect” on paper and still feel like a war in your head. If you have ever followed fertility diets, tracked every bite, or swung between restriction and emotional eating while trying to conceive, you are not alone and you are not broken. Liz sits down with clinical nutritionist and certified fertility nutritionist Tammy Shemesh to talk about the quiet reality that many people bring disordered eating patterns into fertility treatment and often never mention it to their doctor, even though it can meaningfully impact hormones, cycle regularity, and stress levels. We unpack what disordered eating can look like beyond a formal diagnosis: chronic dieting, orthorexia and clean eating fixation, rigid food rules, binge cycles, and using food for control when fertility feels out of control. Tammy explains how chronic stress and food anxiety keep the nervous system in fight or flight, pulling resources away from reproduction. We connect the dots between cortisol, progesterone, ovulation signaling, thyroid function, estrogen clearance, inflammation, and gut microbiome health, and why “more willpower” is not the solution. You will also hear a powerful reframe around feminine energy as receptivity, intuition, rest, and cyclical living, plus a simple guide to the four phases of the menstrual cycle and what each phase tends to need. Tammy shares three practical steps you can start now: add one act of genuine nourishment and pleasure daily, track your cycle as body reconnection, and honor what your current phase asks for, especially rest. If you want a calmer, more sustainable approach to fertility nutrition that supports both body and mind, this conversation is for you. If this podcast resonated, please share it, leave a review or subscribe. And if you'd like to connect or share your story, find us on Instagram and Facebook at Australian Fertility Summit. Tammy Shemesh details; website - http://www.tammyshemesh.com email - http://www.tammyshemesh.com socials; https://www.instagram.com/tammyshemesh.nutritionist  https://www.facebook.com/tammy.shemesh

  6. May 22

    How To Navigate International Surrogacy And Donor Options Conversation with Anita from Growing Families

    We sit down with Anita from Growing Families to talk honestly about international surrogacy and donor pathways, from embryo shipping delays to the paperwork, timing, and trust issues that can shape every decision. We share what helps intended parents stay grounded through the long stretches of waiting and the very real emotional swings that show up from matching to birth and beyond. • how Anita supports intended parents globally through surrogacy and donor journeys • who uses surrogacy and donor eggs, donor embryos, and double donor pathways • real-world challenges with embryo shipping, hand-carry logistics, and changing travel routes • paperwork, reports, notarization, and why exit planning matters early • why mindset becomes the hardest part and where overwhelm tends to spike • what makes independent concierge-style support different from going it alone • Anita’s personal story of cancer, embryo loss, and rebuilding trust with better due diligence • practical first steps like consultations, webinars, and understanding country rules • common early mistakes like ignoring timelines, donor dropouts, and surrogate screening setbacks The hard part of surrogacy is not just getting a “yes” from a clinic. It’s the waiting, the paperwork, the cross-border rules, and the moments where you realize you cannot control the timeline the way you want to. We’re joined by Anita from Growing Families, a global support manager with both professional expertise and lived experience, to talk through what intended parents really face on international surrogacy and donor conception paths. We get practical about the logistics that can stall a dream, including embryo shipping and biomaterial transport, flight-route disruptions, hand-carry delays, and the mountain of documentation different countries require. Anita explains who she supports, from heterosexual couples who cannot carry, to gay couples and single men who need an egg donor and surrogate, to single women considering donor eggs, donor sperm, or double donor options. We also discuss why “know the exit plan” matters early, especially when return-home and citizenship steps can be time-sensitive. Just as important, we talk about the emotional reality. Mindset gets tested at every stage: IVF updates, surrogate matching, gaps in communication, and the countdown to birth when excitement and fear can hit at the same time. Anita shares how her own cancer diagnosis and surrogacy journey shaped her approach, and what she wishes more people understood before they sign with an agency or choose a destination like Georgia, Colombia, or the USA. If you’re researching surrogacy abroad, listen for the questions you should ask, the mistakes to avoid, and the support that can make the process feel steadier and safer.  Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so we can reach more families building their future. Find us on Instagram and Facebook at Australian Fertility Summit. Growing Families details; website - https://www.growingfamilies.org https://www.facebook.com/GrowingFamiliesGlobal  https://www.linkedin.com/company/growingfamilies/  https://www.instagram.com/growing_families_global For Anita - anita@growingfamilies.org

  7. May 22

    Part 2 - What Egg Freezing Estimators Measure And What They Miss - Fertility Naturopath Insights

    Join fertility-focused naturopath Nicole Haak to unpack Australia’s egg freezing estimators and why a single percentage cannot capture your full fertility picture. We break down what the calculators measure, where they fall short, and the practical steps that can improve egg quality, sperm health, and IVF outcomes over time.  • How the federal egg freezing calculators are built from population data  • Why IVF cannot improve egg quality and why inputs matter before retrieval  • Male factor as a common blind spot and the value of deeper testing  • Why age influences results but does not define individual success  • The fertility context gap: endometriosis stage, thyroid, metabolic and gut health  • Modifiable risk factors that shift outcomes: endocrine disruptors, diet, weight, exercise, stress and sleep  • Why digestion and nutrient absorption matter for hormone balance  • The three to four month preconception care window for meaningful change  • Targeted nutrients: vitamin D, zinc, choline and antioxidants like CoQ10 and vitamin C  Show notes: Research study showing the impact of fertility with lifestyle changes. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8812443/ About Nicole: With over 12 years of clinical experience, Nicole Haak is a naturopath with a strong focus on fertility, preconception care, and reproductive health. She is passionate about supporting individuals and couples on their journey to conceive, using practical, evidence-informed strategies that fit into everyday life. Nicole has a special interest in hormone balance, thyroid health, gut health, and stress—key factors that influence fertility outcomes. She provides personalised care for natural conception as well as IVF and assisted reproductive support, with a warm and empathetic approach. She is a registered member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Complementary Medicine) and an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy. As a mother of three, Nicole understands the emotional and physical aspects of the fertility journey, offering realistic, supportive care tailored to each stage. https://nicolehaak.com.au/

  8. May 19

    Part 1- What Egg Freezing Estimators Measure And What They Miss - Fertility Specialist Insights

    In Part One of the series, we unpack why egg freezing estimators can feel definitive while still missing the details that actually drive fertility outcomes. Dr. Sasha Edelstein explains how to use population statistics as a starting point without letting a calculator replace personalised medical advice and real-life planning. We also discuss: • How government and clinic calculators use population data  • Why limited inputs create a ballpark figure not a forecast  • The “set and forget” risk after freezing eggs  • Endometriosis severity and why diagnosis alone is too broad  • Egg freezing as opportunity rather than insurance  • Age, egg quality, lifestyle, and missed timing windows  • The full cost picture including storage, thawing, and ICSI  • Emotional burden, reproductive trauma, and decisions about unused eggs  • What informed consent and honest consultations should sound like  Dr Sascha Edelstein is a Fertility Specialist with Thrive Fertility, located at Northern Private Hospital in Epping, Melbourne, Australia. https://thrivefertility.com.au/

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About

The Home of Fertility – Podcast Description Where science meets soul, and your fertility story matters. Welcome to The Home of Fertility, hosted by Liz Walton and Helen Zee — two mothers, practitioners, and passionate advocates for reimagining how we talk about fertility, healing, and creating family. What began as a connection at the Australian Fertility Summit has evolved into a shared mission:To reimagine how we speak about fertility, how we support one another, and how we hold the full spectrum of what it means to create a family. Each episode offers heartfelt insight, inclusive wisdom, and practical tools across the emotional, physical, spiritual, and medical dimensions of fertility. Whether you're on a fertility journey, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about what family can mean today — you're welcome here. This is a place where: Vulnerability meets knowledgeMedical meets integrativePersonal stories become medicineNo one walks the path aloneWhether you're navigating your own journey or walking beside someone you love, we invite you in. Subscribe, share, or leave a review to help more people find this space of truth, tenderness, and transformation. Find us on Instagram & Facebook @australianfertilitysummit Visit: www.australianfertilitysummit.com.au To learn more about Liz's work , visit www.lizwalton.org facebook visit (20+) Facebook Instagram visit @lizwalton_fertilitycoach To learn more about Helen’s work, visit helenzee.com 💛 Find us on Instagram & Facebook @australianfertilitysummit 💛 Visit: www.australianfertilitysummit.com.au

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