The Space Between Two Lines

Alex Saunders
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Welcome to The Space Between Two Lines, hosted by Alex Saunders. This is a podcast dedicated to honest conversations about the realities of fertility loss and the journey to parenthood. This is a space for real and raw discussions with everyday people, sharing stories that often go unheard, providing connection, community, and validation.

  1. 3d ago

    Finding Another Way: IVF, Recurrent Miscarriage & Embryo Donation (Susan’s story)

    In this deeply moving, educational, and resilient episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with Susan, a 28-year-old nurse from Melbourne. Susan candidly reflects on her three-and-a-half-year journey to parenthood—a path marked by 10 surgeries, dual-factor infertility, a balanced chromosomal translocation, two devastating pregnancy losses, and the life-changing decision to pursue altruistic embryo donation in Australia.   After coming off Depo-Provera, Susan experienced short, painful 21-to-23-day cycles. An emergency surgery for suspected ovarian torsion revealed a dual diagnosis: active endometriosis and a full septate uterus. Over the next several years, Susan and her husband, Joel, endured failed IVF stimulation cycles, a chemical pregnancy loss, and a silent 10-week miscarriage caused by an unbalanced chromosomal translocation. Following deep-excision laparoscopy for Stage 4 deep infiltrating endometriosis and a cycle that yielded zero viable embryos, Susan discovered an Australian donor embryo network. She shares the complex legal paperwork, medicated donor transfer protocols, an emergency C-section for a placental abruption and placenta accreta, and the overwhelming joy of bringing home her baby boy, Finn.   Please take a moment to listen to the full episode, rate, subscribe, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform so you never miss an episode.   Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own fertility, loss, or family-building journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

    Finding Another Way: IVF, Recurrent Miscarriage & Embryo Donation (Susan’s story)

  2. Oct 22

    Navigating Infertility, Loss & IVF While the World Moves On 🤍

    In this honest, empathetic, and highly informative episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with a 32-year-old Melbourne resident who candidly shares her two-year journey navigating infertility, the emotional turmoil of ovulation tracking, repeated treatment failures, a Stage 3 endometriosis diagnosis, and an early chemical pregnancy loss.   After marrying in May 2023, our guest and her husband began trying to conceive, assuming youth and regular cycles would make the process straightforward. When months of tracking yielded no results, they sought medical help, entering a world of tubal flushes, unsuccessful IUI cycles, and a high-yield IVF egg retrieval that required a freeze-all due to overstimulation. After three failed frozen embryo transfers (FETs), an exploratory laparoscopy revealed active Stage 3 endometriosis. Following excision surgery, a chemical pregnancy loss, and a fifth transfer, she shares how taking a mental health break, switching to a new Melbourne clinic for specialized testing (such as uterine natural killer cells), and finding online community gave her a renewed sense of empowerment and strength.   Listen & Follow the Podcast:This episode is a powerful reflection on resilience, self-advocacy, and finding strength in community while navigating the complex realities of fertility treatment. Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own fertility, loss, or IVF journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

    Navigating Infertility, Loss & IVF While the World Moves On 🤍

  3. Oct 15

    While the Baby Slept: Endometriosis, IVF, Baby Loss & Hysterectomy at 36 (Jess’s Story)

    In this profoundly moving, raw, and inspiring episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with Jess R, a Gold Coast mother of four, author, and women's health advocate. Jess shares her extraordinary journey across more than two decades—from battling severe, undiagnosed teenage endometriosis to navigating devastating pregnancy losses, complex IVF protocols, and ultimately reclaiming her life through a total hysterectomy.   When Jess was just 27, her first IUI cycle led to a joyous pregnancy, only for a routine 12-week scan to reveal a severe structural heart defect caused by a rare chromosomal deletion (IQ44 deletion). Faced with a heartbreaking prognosis of "incompatible with life," Jess endured a Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR) at 18 weeks, delivering her daughter, Jean.   Jess candidly unpacks the profound grief of walking out of the hospital without a baby, the anxiety of pregnancy after loss, enduring natural miscarriages and D&Cs while climbing the corporate ladder, and spending $60,000 on repeated failed IVF cycles. Her story takes an empowering turn when she sought a second opinion on the Gold Coast with renowned fertility specialist Dr. Kee Ong, who discovered a blocked fallopian tube and initiated an innovative protocol that brought her son, Kingsley, into the world—followed later by a surprise natural conception, Rocky.   Special Announcement: Book Launch & Event Details Book Launch Event: Renowned fertility specialist Dr. Kee Ong will be joining Jess in conversation live at her upcoming book launch event for While the Baby Slept (launching November 24, 2026). Keep an ear out for event details and ticketing closer to the date!Website & Press: For full details, press releases, media articles relating to Jason Rigby’s case, and updates on Jess's memoir, visit: https://www.jessicarigby.comFollow the Campaign & Story: Connect with Jess and follow the movement for justice on Instagram & Facebook: @justiceforjasonrigby  Listen & Follow the Podcast: Jess's journey is a powerful reminder that while loss and fertility struggles burn deeply into your soul, self-advocacy and finding the right care team can change everything.   If you found this episode empowering, please take a moment to listen to the full episode, subscribe, rate, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.   Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

    While the Baby Slept: Endometriosis, IVF, Baby Loss & Hysterectomy at 36 (Jess’s Story)

  4. Oct 8

    Four Years of Infertility, Pregnancy Loss & Starting IVF | Alison’s Story 🤍

    In this candid and emotional episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with Alison, a 29-year-old living in Heathcote, Victoria. Alison opens up about her four-year journey trying to conceive with her partner, Nick—a path that shifted dramatically when they discovered that Nick's childhood leukemia chemotherapy treatments had resulted in severe male factor infertility (low sperm count and low motility).   Told by specialists that they had less than a 1% chance of conceiving without medical intervention, Alison and Nick were shocked to fall pregnant naturally in late 2025. Tragically, that pregnancy ended in a missed miscarriage and subsequent D&C surgery. Alison openly shares the grief of pregnancy loss, the patience required while navigating Victoria's public IVF system in Melbourne and Bendigo, and the unpredictable reality of egg retrieval.   Listen & Follow the Podcast: Alison’s story is a poignant, honest reminder that fertility journeys rarely follow a straight line, and that taking time to heal physically and emotionally is a vital part of the process.   Please take a moment to listen to the full episode, rate, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform so you never miss an episode.   Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own fertility, loss, or IVF journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

    Four Years of Infertility, Pregnancy Loss & Starting IVF | Alison’s Story 🤍

  5. Oct 1

    The Hidden Cancer Behind Years of Infertility: Kel’s IVF, Miscarriage and Egg Donation Journey

    In this deeply moving, resilient, and educational episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex speaks with Kel, a 37-year-old educator living in South Australia's Clare Valley. Kel shares her four-year journey from trying to conceive naturally to facing unexpected miscarriages, an emergency rare cancer diagnosis, a 16-hour radical surgery, and the heartbreak of navigating frozen embryo transfers without ovaries.   When a routine fertility scan led to an emergency MRI, Kel was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP)—a rare cancer-like condition caused by a burst mucinous appendix tumor. Before undergoing a life-saving 16-hour cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative chemotherapy that removed her ovaries, fallopian tubes, spleen, gallbladder, and part of her bowel, Kel underwent an emergency IVF cycle to freeze three precious embryos. Kel candidly discusses surviving surgical menopause, advocating for herself during IVF, navigating chemical pregnancies and a missed miscarriage, and preparing for her next chapter with donor eggs.   Listen & Subscribe Kel’s story is an extraordinary testament to strength, patient advocacy, and navigating grief while holding onto hope. Tune in to hear her full journey on this episode of The Space Between Two Lines.   If you found this conversation meaningful, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform so you never miss an episode.   Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

    The Hidden Cancer Behind Years of Infertility: Kel’s IVF, Miscarriage and Egg Donation Journey

  6. Sep 24

    6 Years of Unexplained Infertility, IVF & PGT-M for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy | Adelle’s Story

    In this deeply insightful and empowering episode of The Space Between Two Lines, host Alex Saunders sits down with Adelle, a 34-year-old chiropractor from Adelaide, South Australia, who shares her 6-to-7-year fertility journey. Despite living a health-conscious, "pill-free" lifestyle and having regular cycles, Adelle and her husband, Cam, faced years of unexplained delay, complex genetic screening, and heartbreaking failed embryo transfers.   When conventional IVF results left them with no clear answers, Adelle advocated for her own care. Her path eventually led them interstate to Melbourne, Victoria, where they consulted renowned reproductive immunology specialist Dr. Nick Lolatiss. There, they discovered a partial HLA DQR Alpha match—a rare immune response where the maternal body recognizes the embryo as "self" and launches an immune attack to protect itself.   From undergoing Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy (LIT) to combining high-tech medical science with acupuncture and visualization, Adelle’s story is a masterclass in patient self-advocacy, resilience, and bridging mainstream reproductive medicine with holistic care.   Featured Resources & Books Mentioned: Fertility Breakthrough Program (Gabriela Rosa): Explore comprehensive, evidence-based fertility support programs at fertilitybreakthrough.com.Is Your Body Baby Friendly? by Dr. Alan Beer: The groundbreaking book on reproductive immunology recommended by Adelle's naturopath. Available on Amazon Australia. Listen & Follow the Podcast: Whether you are currently navigating the emotional rollercoaster of unexplained infertility, curious about reproductive immunology, or searching for answers of your own, Adelle’s story provides invaluable clarity and hope.   Please take a moment to listen to the full episode, subscribe, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.   Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register.

    6 Years of Unexplained Infertility, IVF & PGT-M for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy | Adelle’s Story

  7. Sep 17

    Diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency at 21: Brittney’s Egg Donor IVF Journey 🤍

    In this incredibly raw, moving, and educational episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with Brittany, a 33-year-old Melbourne resident who shares her remarkable 15-year journey from a shocking premature menopause diagnosis to a successful pregnancy using an altruistic egg donor.   At just 18 years old, after a series of regular cycles stopped and were initially masked by the contraceptive pill, Brittany was told she was in menopause. Facing years of medical dismissal, severe symptoms, and complex health decisions, she and her partner eventually set out to build their family. Their path would lead them through the highly regulated world of Victorian egg donation, a deeply emotional connection with an interstate known donor, and the scientific triumphs of IVF and genetic testing.   Whether you are navigating unexplained fertility struggles, exploring donor options, or looking for the courage to advocate for your own health, Brittany’s story is a beautiful testament to resilience, hope, and the light at the end of the tunnel.   Tune in to this powerful episode to hear Brittany’s full story of hope, science, and self-advocacy. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify to ensure you never miss these vital conversations.   Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own fertility, pregnancy, or donor journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

    Diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency at 21: Brittney’s Egg Donor IVF Journey 🤍

  8. Sep 10

    Silent Endometriosis & Infertility: Bec’s Journey Through IUI and IVF

    In this deeply moving and educational episode, Alex sits down with Bec, a Sydney-based tech professional, to uncover the reality of navigating "unexplained" infertility, failed clinical treatments, and the life-changing power of patient self-advocacy. After stopping the pill in 2023 with regular, textbook cycles, Bec naively believed pregnancy would happen quickly. Instead, she and her partner faced consecutive heartbreaks: two unsuccessful intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles and two devastating back-to-back IVF rounds that yielded only one egg each and zero fertilization. Confronted by one of Sydney's top clinics with a suggested shift to donor eggs and the message that they had no more options, Bec listened to her gut and sought a second opinion.   This pivotal second opinion led to an extraordinary transition from a rigid "black-and-white" clinical model to a holistic, highly individualized 18-month care framework. Through laparoscopic surgery and advanced testing, Bec finally received the validation and answers she was looking for.   Whether you are currently in the thick of the "space between two lines," weighing a second opinion, or searching for answers of your own, Bec's story is an empowering reminder that there is hope when you take control of your healthcare.   Please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify or your favorite podcast app. Your support helps make sure no one has to walk this path alone. Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own fertility or pregnancy journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

    Silent Endometriosis & Infertility: Bec’s Journey Through IUI and IVF
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Welcome to The Space Between Two Lines, hosted by Alex Saunders. This is a podcast dedicated to honest conversations about the realities of fertility loss and the journey to parenthood. This is a space for real and raw discussions with everyday people, sharing stories that often go unheard, providing connection, community, and validation.

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