Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This?

Joyce Harper
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Season 4 Joyce Harper is Professor of Reproductive Science at the Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, author, public speaker, scientist and host of the podcast Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Together with expert guests and people with lived experience, this podcast offers practical tools to help you build a life of good health and happiness. www.joyceharper.com Instagram, TikTok: @profjoyceharper Facebook: Global Women Connected

  1. 1d ago

    Season 4, #19: Sanju Pal: Turning Pain into Change: The Endometriosis Campaign That Made Legal History

    Sanju is a passionate Endo Warrior whose life's work is underpinned by social justice. She is founder of the education charity RISE (Rural India School Enterprise) which she managed whilst working full time as a management consultant at Accenture for a decade. This led to her winning the UK Asian Women of Achievement Award and being profiled in ‘Inspirational Women in Business’ by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Her Late Majesty the Queen recognised Sanju alongside global changemakers at the ‘Youth, Education and the Commonwealth’ reception at Buckingham Palace. Sanju has been invited to 10 Downing Street and received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award. Her life changed in 2018 when Accenture sacked her whilst she was recovering from surgery for endometriosis. Since then she has been fighting for justice.  On 19 January 2026, Sanju won a landmark high court case setting legal precedent for endometriosis to be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 in the UK but Accenture have appealed. She campaigns for the fair treatment of women with gynaecological conditions in the workplace. Sanju is a member of the global Teach for All community, the diverse voices of which she promotes on her podcast ‘Something for the Soul’ to inspire anyone, at any age, to be a social innovator. She writes poetry and plays violin in the West London Sinfonia. https://www.rise-online.co.uk/ https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/761186 https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/accenture-disability-discrimination-endometriosis/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanju-pal-64b96166/ Instagram: @sanjusticeuk @sanjuthinks  This episode may be particularly valuable for anyone living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, PMOS, PMDD, fibroids, menopause-related symptoms or other gynaecological conditions, as well as employers, managers and HR professionals who want to create healthier and more inclusive workplaces. In this episode, Professor Joyce Harper speaks with Sanju Pal about the realities of living with endometriosis. They explore why so many women struggle to be heard when seeking healthcare support and the consequences of delayed diagnosis and misunderstanding.  The conversation also examines the relationship between women's health and employment, including the adjustments and support that can help people remain in work while managing chronic health conditions. Whether you are affected by endometriosis yourself, know someone who is, work in healthcare or are interested in improving workplace support for women's health, this is an important and thought-provoking discussion. And there are ways you can help – sign the petition, support the crowd funding, write to your MP and join the movement. Links above. Education of employers is also key as without understanding, how can you support women? We do not expect every line manager to understand women’s health but we do advocate for women’s health ambassadors in every company who can support women.

  2. Aug 26

    Season 4, #18: Dr Sarah Lensen: Trying to conceive – the truth about IVF add-ons

    Dr Sarah Lensen is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health at the University of Melbourne. She has a background and interest in women's health, particularly infertility and IVF. Dr Lensen is particularly interested in improving evidence-based healthcare of women. She has been involved in a number of large clinical trials evaluating infertility treatment options, including intrauterine insemination and endometrial scratching for IVF, and she has a keen interest in clinical trial and research methodology. She is the lead researcher behind the Evidence-based IVF website, making scientific evidence about IVF options accessible to IVF patients and is Co-lead of the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group, and has published many systematic reviews and meta-analyses. She also leads the (In)fertility Research Panel, supporting the involvement of patients and people with lived experience of infertility and IVF in research. Her current research aims to understand why unproven treatments options are used in reproductive medicine, and to develop evidence-based resources to assist decision making.  https://www.unimelb.edu.au/ivf Instagram: @evidence_based_ivf  Sarah explains the principles of evidence-based medicine, the role of randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews, and why high-quality evidence matters when making fertility treatment decisions.  Together Joyce and Sarah explore some of the most widely used IVF add-ons, including PGT-A and embryo glue, discussing what the evidence shows, how these treatments are marketed, and the challenges patients face when navigating often complex and conflicting information. They also discuss the growing influence of social media on fertility knowledge and misinformation, and why helping patients make informed, evidence-based choices has never been more important. A fascinating conversation about science, hope, uncertainty, and the future of fertility care.  Date of episode recording: 2026-08-19Presenter: Professor Joyce HarperGuests: Dr Sarah LensenProducer: Joyce HarperPodcast Owner: Joyce Harper

  3. Aug 12

    Season 4, #17: Professor Jacky Boivin: Trying to Conceive: “Just Relax”

    In this episode, Joyce is joined by Professor Jacky Boivin, one of the world's leading experts in fertility psychology, for a thought-provoking discussion about the relationship between stress, fertility, and emotional wellbeing. Together, they explore one of the most common myths in reproductive health: the belief that people simply need to "relax" in order to conceive.  Drawing on decades of research, Jacky explains what the evidence really tells us about stress and fertility, why infertility can be emotionally challenging, and how the fertility journey can affect individuals and relationships.  The conversation explores the psychological impact of fertility treatment, the value of counselling and peer support, and practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing while navigating uncertainty.  The episode also examines the growing influence of social media on fertility information, the importance of evidence-based advice, and how patients can make informed decisions about treatment options. This insightful and compassionate discussion offers reassurance, understanding, and practical guidance for anyone trying to conceive or supporting someone on their fertility journey.

  4. Jul 29

    Season 4, #16: Becky Kearns –Trying to Conceive: Fertility Matters at work – the hidden struggle

    Becky Kearns is co founder and CEO of Fertility Matters at Work, a UK organisation dedicated to improving workplace support for people experiencing fertility challenges. A former HR professional, she combines her career expertise with her own lived experience of early menopause, IVF and donor conception to advocate for better awareness and support. Becky is also the founder of Paths to Parenthub and is an established patient advocate, speaker and writer, regularly featured in national media, and is leading efforts to make workplaces more fertility friendly.  https://fertilitymattersatwork.com/ https://pathstoparenthub.com/ Instagram: @fertilitymattersatwork, @definingmum  Joyce and Becky discuss the emotional, practical and financial realities of trying to conceive while managing a career. They explore why many people feel unable to tell their employers they are struggling, the psychological impact of fertility treatment and pregnancy loss, and the difficulties of balancing appointments, treatment and work responsibilities.  The conversation highlights the vital role employers can play in creating supportive workplace cultures, the importance of fertility policies, manager training and peer support, and the need to include men, LGBTQ+ individuals and solo parents in discussions about fertility and family building. Becky also shares her vision for legislative change, including better workplace protections for those undergoing fertility treatment and greater recognition of fertility challenges as a significant life event.  This is a moving and important discussion for anyone experiencing fertility challenges, as well as employers, managers and colleagues who want to better understand how to support people through one of the most difficult journeys of their lives.

  5. Jul 15

    Season 4, #15: Professor Anis Feki – Trying to Conceive: Everything you want to know about fertility treatment

    Anis Feki is the head of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Hospital Cantonal, and professor at the university of Fribourg, Switzerland. He is a fertility specialist with extensive experience in reproductive medicine and assisted reproduction. He has worked internationally in both clinical practice and research, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and delivering personalised fertility care. His work covers all aspects of fertility treatment, including IVF, and he is known for his clear, evidence-based approach to supporting patients through what can be a complex and emotional journey. He derived the first human embryonic stem cell line and the first iPS cells in Switzerland. He is currently chair of the largest fertility society – the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.  Instagram: @anis.feki.fribourg Resources about fertility and treatmentshttps://www.eshre.eu/Home/IRHEC/IRHEC_Resources https://www.hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-fertility-clinic/search/ https://fertilityeurope.eu/  What actually happens when you start fertility treatment? How successful are treatments such as IUI, IVF and ICSI? What are the real costs, risks and emotional challenges involved? And how can you avoid the myths and misinformation that surround fertility treatment?  In this episode, Professor Anis Feki, fertility specialist, discusses everything you need to know about fertility treatment, from your first consultation through to IVF, embryo freezing, donor conception and what happens when treatment is unsuccessful. Anis explains why fertility treatment should always be personalised, the importance of multidisciplinary care, and why emotional support is just as important as medical treatment. We also discuss fertility treatment success rates, the impact of age, endometriosis, male infertility, counselling, social media myths and the growing market for IVF add-ons. Whether you are currently undergoing fertility treatment, considering your options, or supporting someone on their fertility journey, this episode provides practical, evidence-based guidance delivered with empathy and honesty.

  6. Jul 1

    Season 4, #14: Professor Nick Macklon - Trying to Conceive: Fertility Tests — When, Why and How

    Nick Macklon has been Group Medical Director for London Women’s Clinic, London Sperm Bank and London Egg Bank since 2017. He is an internationally recognised gynaecologist and leader in reproductive medicine and has held Professorship and Departmental Head positions at the Universities of Utrecht in the Netherlands, Southampton, UK and Copenhagen in Denmark, as well as a visiting Professorship in Adelaide, Australia.  He has published many scientific papers and books and is regularly invited to lecture in the UK and abroad. Nick is Co-Chief Editor of one of the leading Scientific journals in reproductive medicine, Reproductive Biomedicine Online. His work focuses on understanding early pregnancy, implantation, and improving outcomes in fertility treatment, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based care and avoiding unnecessary interventions.  Instagram: @NickMacklon  Information about fertility - https://www.eshre.eu/Home/IRHEC/IRHEC_Resources  If you are trying to get pregnant, should you have fertility tests? Which tests are actually useful? And how can you avoid being overwhelmed by the growing number of fertility tests, supplements, social media influencers and online advice?  In this episode, Professor Nick Macklon discusses fertility testing, from trying to conceive naturally through to investigations in a fertility clinic. We explore the benefits and limitations of fertility tests, including sperm testing, hormone testing and the growing market for at-home fertility tests. Nick explains why age remains one of the most important predictors of fertility, why fertility test results always need to be interpreted in context, and why some tests can create unnecessary anxiety or false reassurance. We also discuss unexplained infertility, fertility treatment pathways, IVF add-ons, the influence of social media and AI, and how people can find trustworthy information when making decisions about their reproductive health. Whether you're trying to conceive now, planning for the future, or simply interested in understanding fertility better, this episode provides evidence-based guidance to help you navigate a complex and often confusing topic.

  7. Jun 17

    Season 4, #13: Professor Audrey Gaskins: Trying to Conceive: Diet, Supplements and Lifestyle - What Really Matters?

    Audrey Gaskins is Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. She is an environmental and reproductive epidemiologist who goal is to conduct research that can better enable people to achieve healthy pregnancies, babies and families. Her research looks at how environmental, dietary and lifestyle factors experienced through the life course influence reproductive health in men and women.  A key aim of Audrey's work is to elucidate the biological mechanisms through which diet and environmental exposures influence fertility, strengthening causal inference in observational research.  Link: https://www.audreygaskins.com/  In this episode, Joyce is joined by Professor Audrey Gaskins, a leading reproductive epidemiologist, to explore what really matters when trying to conceive. Together they unpack the evidence behind diet, lifestyle and fertility, moving beyond myths and quick fixes to focus on what the science actually shows. Audrey explains how nutrition influences key biological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress and hormone function, and highlights the benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole foods, seafood, fruits and vegetables.  The conversation also covers the role of supplements, emphasising that folic acid is essential and while simple, affordable prenatal vitamins can be beneficial for women, there is little evidence to support expensive or heavily marketed fertility products, particularly for men. They also tackle some of the biggest areas of confusion in fertility, including ultra-processed foods, alcohol and caffeine, exercise, weight, and environmental exposures such as plastics and vaping. Audrey brings clarity to common misconceptions, from viral fertility “rituals” to influencer-driven misinformation, stressing the importance of evidence-based advice over social media trends.  The episode reinforces that there is no magic solution, good fertility health comes from consistent, manageable lifestyle habits, alongside realistic expectations and informed decision-making. This is a reassuring and practical discussion for anyone trying to conceive, whether at the start of their journey or undergoing fertility treatment.

  8. Jun 3

    Season 4, #12: Dr Julie Angel - Move more and dare to be creative in everything you do

    Julie Angel is a movement coach, artist, award winning filmmaker and author. After completing the world's first parkour themed PhD, she continued to move and learn from some of the best teachers and coaches in different movement worlds. An eternal optimist she now focuses on helping midlife women break free from the negative cycle of extreme workouts, diets, anxiety and injuries to find sustainable strength and balance in life. She uses movement snacks, strong resting, positive ageing and tools from parkour, natural movement, animal flow, original strength, the oxygen advantage and many more to help people connect to and create a strong body and strong mind.  Finding and creating your own sustainable movement culture should be a fun practice that feels good. It's a holistic approach to mind and body.  https://julieangel.com/ Instagram: @julieangel  In this inspiring episode, Joyce talks to Dr Julie Angel who is a movement coach, filmmaker, and creative thinker, for a powerful conversation about movement, ageing, and how women can rethink their relationship with their bodies. Julie sees the world as a playground, encouraging people to move through it with curiosity, creativity, and a sense of play. Drawing on her work in parkour and movement coaching, she challenges the idea that exercise must be structured or prescriptive, instead highlighting how movement can be exploratory, adaptable, and energising when it reflects individual needs and preferences.  A central message of the episode is Julie’s belief that women should create their own “movement culture”, finding ways to move that genuinely fit their lives and give them energy. Rather than following routines that feel restrictive or unenjoyable, she advocates for experimentation and personalisation, with a focus on removing barriers to movement. Importantly, she emphasises that meaningful change comes from small, consistent steps, whether through simple “movement snacks”, breathing, or everyday activity. It is a reassuring and empowering reminder that it is never too late to begin, and that movement, approached creatively, can build strength, confidence, and joy over time.

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Season 4 Joyce Harper is Professor of Reproductive Science at the Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, author, public speaker, scientist and host of the podcast Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Together with expert guests and people with lived experience, this podcast offers practical tools to help you build a life of good health and happiness. www.joyceharper.com Instagram, TikTok: @profjoyceharper Facebook: Global Women Connected

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