Fertility Foundation of Texas Podcast

Fertility Foundation of Texas

The Fertility Foundation of Texas Podcast is a compassionate, informative space created to start conversations that inform, entertain, and empower those navigating a fertility journey. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and since 2013, we have been dedicated to helping individuals and families facing the financial challenges of infertility. We provide one-time grants to support fertility treatment for qualifying infertility patients in Central Texas who are uninsured or have exhausted their insurance coverage, while raising awareness that infertility is a treatable medical condition.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    #5 Summit Spotlight: Dr. Susan Hudson & Danielle Melfi

    In April we hosted our Virtual Summit in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, bringing together nine leading experts in the fertility field for an inspiring day of education, advocacy, and hope. Today, we’re excited to share brief snippets from two of our summit presentations. We hope these conversations educate, encourage, and remind you that you are not alone in your journey. If you’d like access to all nine full summit presentations recordings are available for a $47 donation through the Fertility Foundation of Texas. FFOTX Board President Heather Tankersley served as our summit moderator and welcomed: Dr. Susan Hudson with Texas Fertility Center and Co-host of the Fertility Docs Uncensored podcast, presented IVF 101: The Science, the Steps, and How to Stack the Odds in Your Favor. Whether you’re just beginning to explore IVF or already in the thick of it, Dr. Susan Hudson breaks down the process in a way that’s clear, empowering, and free of jargon. As co-author of The IVF Blueprint and co-host of one of the top fertility podcasts, she knows exactly what patients need to hear. Danielle Melfi, CEO of Resolve.org presented State of the Union 2026: Access, Obstacles & the Fight for Fertility Care Resolve is the nation’s oldest and leading patient advocacy organization for infertility, and CEO Danielle Melfi has been on the front lines of the policy battles that shape what care is available — and to whom. In this session, she’ll deliver an honest, data-driven look at where we stand in2026 and what’s at stake for patients across the country. We are incredibly grateful to our presenters—nationally respected physicians and fertility leaders—who generously volunteered their time and expertise to support the fertility community. ______________________________________________________ A special thank you to one of our Summit Sponsors, Urology Specialists of Austin. Their team of board-certified urologists and experienced advanced practice providers offers compassionate, personalized care for men facing fertility challenges. Through comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans that consider genetic, hormonal, lifestyle, and physiologic factors, they work to identify the underlying causes of infertility and provide evidence-based solutions. Their dedication to helping patients find answers and move forward with confidence and hope makes them a valued partner in the fertility community. The Fertility Foundation of Texas is grateful for the continued support of our mission from Urology Specialists of Austin. Their commitment to compassionate care for individuals and couples facing male infertility brings answers, hope, and personalized treatment on the journey to parenthood. To learn more visit www.urologyspecialistsaustin.com. _________________ About the Fertility Foundation of Texas  (FFOTX).Since 2013, the FFOTX has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families burdened by the financial challenges of infertility through compassion, advocacy, and action. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide one-time fertility grants twice per year to qualifying Central Texas patients, while also raising nationwide awareness that infertility is a treatable medical condition. Learn more at www.fertilityfoundationoftexas.org

  2. Jun 12

    #4 Summit Spotlight: Dr. Kaylen Silverberg & Blakely Bassel

    Recently, in April, we hosted our Virtual Summit in honor ofNational Infertility Awareness Week, bringing together nine leading experts in the fertility field for an inspiring day of education, advocacy, and hope. Today, we’re excited to share brief snippets from two of oursummit presentations. We hope these conversations educate, encourage, and remind you that you are not alone in your journey. If you’d like access to all nine full summit presentations,recordings are available for a $47 donation through the Fertility Foundation of Texas. FFOTX Board President Heather Tankersley served as oursummit moderator and welcomed: Dr. Kaylen Silverberg with Texas Fertility Center, who presented Washington, D.C., Finally Cares About Our Patients – How We Got Their Attention and What Do We Do From Here? The policy landscape around fertility care shifted significantly in 2026, and Dr. Kaylen Silverberg—one of the country’s foremost voices on reproductive policy—is here to help patients understand what those changes actually mean for them. This is a session you won’t want to miss if coverage, access, or affordability is on your mind. Blakely Bassel, VP of Employer Sales at Progyny,presented Making Fertility Care a Workplace Benefit: What Employees and Employers Need to Know. Fertility and family-building care is essential healthcare, yet cost and complexity often create barriers. In this session, you'll learn how employer-sponsored fertility benefits work, how to navigate available resources, and how to advocate for coverage with your HR team. Discover how comprehensive benefits can improve outcomes, reduce financial stress, andsupport individuals throughout their family-building journey. We are incredibly grateful to our presenters—nationallyrespected physicians and fertility leaders—who generously volunteered their time and expertise to support the fertility community. ___________________ We’d also like to thank one of our Summit Sponsors, Progyny. Progyny is a leading provider of fertility and family-building benefits, helping individuals access comprehensive,personalized care through employer-sponsored programs. With infertility affecting one in six people worldwide, access to fertility benefits is more important than ever. The Fertility Foundation of Texas is grateful for Progyny’ssupport and commitment to expanding access to fertility care andfamily-building resources for hopeful parents nationwide. To learn more about Progyny, fertility benefits, andresources to help support your journey, visit progyny.com _________________ About the Fertility Foundation of Texas  (FFOTX). Since 2013, the FFOTX has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families burdened by the financial challenges of infertility through compassion,advocacy, and action. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide one-time fertilitygrants twice per year to qualifying Central Texas patients, while also raising nationwide awareness that infertility is a treatable medical condition. Learn more at www.fertilityfoundationoftexas.org

  3. May 12

    #3 Summit Spotlight: Dr. Aimee & Heather Tankersley

    Welcome to the ⁠Fertility Foundation of Texas⁠ Podcast. In April, we hosted our Virtual Infertility Awareness Summit in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, bringing together nine leading experts in the fertility field for an inspiring day of education, advocacy, and hope. Today, we’re excited to share brief snippets from two of our summit presentations. We hope these conversations educate, encourage, and remind you that you are not alone in your journey. If you’d like access to all nine full summit presentations ,recordings are available for a $47 donation through the ⁠Fertility Foundation of Texas⁠. FFOTX Board President Heather Tankersley served as our summit moderator and welcomed: Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh — “The Egg Whisperer” — presented on Is Infertility an Epidemic? What Every 20-Year-Old Needs to know About Fertility. In this powerful session, she shares what current fertility trends are telling us and why fertility awareness conversations need to begin much earlier. Heather Tankersley also presented during the summit with Show Me the Money: Funding Your Fertility Journey, a practical and encouraging session covering funding options, discounts, grants, and creative ways fertility patients can help make treatment more affordable. We are incredibly grateful to our presenters — nationally respected physicians and fertility leaders — who generously volunteered their time and expertise to support the fertility community. ______________________________________________________ We’d also like to thank  one of our Summit Sponsors, Texas Fertility Center. For more than 40 years, Texas Fertility Center has helped bring over 25,000 babies into the world through compassionate, patient-centered fertility care and leading-edge reproductive technology. When you’re trying to build your family, choosing the right fertility team matters. Learn more at txfertility.com  FFOTX is incredibly grateful for Texas Fertility Center for their continued partnership and dedication to the fertility community.  ____________________________________________________  About the ⁠Fertility Foundation of Texas⁠ (FFOTX). Since 2013, the FFOTX has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families burdened by the financial challenges of infertility through compassion, advocacy, and action.  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide one-time fertility grants twice per year to qualifying Central Texas patients, while also raising nationwide awareness that infertility is a treatable medical condition.  Learn more at ⁠⁠www.fertilityfoundationoftexas.org⁠⁠

  4. Mar 10

    #2 From Grant Recipient to Board Member: Katie’s Fertility Journey

    Welcome to the Fertility Foundation of Texas Podcast. Today we are joined by board member Katie Nikah.  Katie joined the FFOTX Board in 2025, bringing both professional expertise in nutrition and a deeply personal connection to the Foundation’s mission. A native of Columbus, Ohio, she began her journey in service through the Peace Corps following her graduation from The Ohio State University. Her dedication to community health later led her to pursue a Master of Public Health at The University of Texas at Austin.  As a former FFOTX grant recipient and adoptive mom, Katie offers a uniquely compassionate perspective. Her own path to parenthood fuels her commitment to supporting individuals and families navigating fertility challenges.  Today, she shares her personal fertility journey and offers thoughtful insight into what to consider when applying for a Fertility Foundation of Texas grant.  ______________________________________________________ This episode is supported by Heather Tankersley, a real estate agent with over 20 years of experience. Heather leads with kindness, deep knowledge, and a true passion for helping families buy and sell their homes with confidence. Whether you're just starting your home search or preparing to sell, Heather is ready to guide you through the process. Connect with Heather at www.heathertankersley.com.  Heather has also been a dedicated supporter and volunteer with the Fertility Foundation of Texas for many years, and we truly appreciate the heart and expertise she brings to our mission, and we are truly grateful!  ____________________________________________________  About the Fertility Foundation of Texas (FFOTX). Since 2013, the FFOTX has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families burdened by the financial challenges of infertility through compassion, advocacy, and action.    As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide one-time fertility grants twice per year to qualifying Central Texas patients, while also raising nationwide awareness that infertility is a treatable medical condition.  Learn more at ⁠www.fertilityfoundationoftexas.org⁠

About

The Fertility Foundation of Texas Podcast is a compassionate, informative space created to start conversations that inform, entertain, and empower those navigating a fertility journey. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and since 2013, we have been dedicated to helping individuals and families facing the financial challenges of infertility. We provide one-time grants to support fertility treatment for qualifying infertility patients in Central Texas who are uninsured or have exhausted their insurance coverage, while raising awareness that infertility is a treatable medical condition.