The Daily Try

Hoopsy

Trying to conceive can feel isolating, confusing, and exhausting - even when you're surrounded by people who love you. The Daily Try is a 10-minute companion for anyone on a fertility journey, offering gentle reframes, honest listener stories, practical explainers, and permission to feel however you feel today. With 3 episodes a week, join me on Tuesdays for honest support around trying to conceive, Dr Jill on Wednesdays for your medical questions, and our nutritionist Rachel on Thursdays for practical nutrition conversations.

  1. 5d ago

    What Supplements Should I take when TTC with Rachel

    What should you look for in a fertility supplement—and how do you know what your body actually needs? Registered dietitian and nutritionist Rachel Swanson joins *The Daily Try* to break down five essential nutrients to assess before conception: vitamin D, omega-3s, folate, the broader B-vitamin team, and iron. She explains why testing matters, how nutrients work together, and which markers—such as vitamin D, homocysteine, and ferritin—can reveal hidden deficiencies or insufficiencies. You’ll learn why vitamin D acts more like a hormone, how omega-3s may support egg quality and a healthy uterine environment, why folate needs to be paired with B12 and other methylation-supporting nutrients, and why building strong iron stores before pregnancy can make a major difference. This episode is all about shifting from reactive care to proactive fertility preparation. Bring your questions to your healthcare provider, know your numbers, and share this episode with someone trying to conceive. Rachel’s science-backed book, *Trying*, is also linked in the episode notes. For more support, check out my ⁠MonthlyFertility Snail Mail letter subscription Pregnancy tests: my 99% paper eco midstream tests are back in stock, and you can order online here: https://hoopsy.com/eco-pregnancy-testIn the USA and want to try out Hoopsy Hold handle for free?  FIll in this form Free https://hoopsy.com/free-hoopsy-hold Read our review of Rachel's fertility book Trying https://hoopsy.com/book-review-trying-by-rachel-swansonGot a question/comment or feedback?  Drop me anemail Hello@Hoopsy.com and I can answer it on the podcast

  2. 6d ago

    Endometriosis with Dr Jill

    A “normal” ultrasound doesn’t always mean everything is normal—especially when you’re struggling to conceive. In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Lara is joined by Dr. Jill Palco, board-certified OB-GYN, to explore endometriosis: a condition that can hide in plain sight and affect fertility, even when standard scans appear clear. Learn how endometriosis can contribute to painful periods, deep pelvic pain, painful sex, inflammation, scar tissue, and difficulties with conception. Dr. Jill explains why routine transvaginal ultrasounds may miss superficial lesions and adhesions, which symptoms should raise suspicion, and how endometriosis is traditionally diagnosed. You’ll also hear about the options and trade-offs involved in moving forward—from symptom-based medical management and fertility treatment to specialized imaging or laparoscopic surgery. Most importantly, this conversation offers guidance on advocating for yourself when your symptoms don’t match your test results. Your pain is real, your experience matters, and you deserve care that looks beyond the surface. Send in your questions for Dr. Jill, and join us for more honest, supportive conversations about fertility and women’s hormonal health. For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription https://hoopsy.com/fertility-snail-mail For pregnancy tests, my 99% paper eco midstream tests are back in stock, and you can order online here: https://hoopsy.com/eco-pregnancy-test In the USA and want to try out Hoopsy Hold handle for free? FIll in this form Free https://hoopsy.com/free-hoopsy-hold Got a question/comment or feedback? Drop me an email Hello@Hoopsy.com and I can answer it on the podcast

  3. Oct 23

    Fertility Treatment isn't One size fits all with Dr Jill

    Fertility treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all staircase—and letrozole, IUI, and trying naturally each have a place in the right circumstances. In this episode of *The Daily Try*, Dr. Jill Palko explains how clinicians choose between these options. Learn what letrozole does, how it can help induce or enhance ovulation, and why it may be recommended for conditions such as PCOS. We also explore when combining letrozole with intrauterine insemination (IUI) may improve the odds, particularly with mild male-factor or unexplained infertility. Just as importantly, discover why “doing nothing” for now can sometimes be the most evidence-based choice. If your cycles, tests, and fertility factors are reassuring, taking time to try naturally may spare you unnecessary medication, monitoring, cost, and stress. Whether you’re beginning treatment or feeling overwhelmed by your options, this episode will help you understand the reasoning behind different fertility pathways—and give you practical questions to ask your clinician about success rates, timing, and what’s right for you. For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription https://hoopsy.com/fertility-snail-mail For pregnancy tests, my 99% paper eco midstream tests are back in stock, and you can order online here: https://hoopsy.com/eco-pregnancy-test In the USA and want to try out Hoopsy Hold handle for free? FIll in this form Free https://hoopsy.com/free-hoopsy-hold Got a question/comment or feedback? Drop me an email Hello@Hoopsy.com and I can answer it on the podcast

  4. Oct 22

    What should I avoid when TTC with Nutritionist Rachel

    What if small changes to your everyday environment could support your fertility journey? This episode explores endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—including BPA, phthalates, PFAS “forever chemicals,” and certain pesticides—and the role microplastics may play in hormone health, reproductive outcomes, pregnancy, and beyond. Registered dietitian and nutritionist Rachel Swanson breaks down the science with a simple “hormone hackers” analogy and focuses on the areas where you have the most control: food, water, and air. You’ll discover practical ways to reduce exposure without turning your life upside down, from choosing more whole foods and storing meals in glass to filtering drinking water, skipping hot drinks in plastic-lined takeaway cups, improving indoor air quality, and simplifying personal-care products. You’ll also learn why the goal isn’t perfect, zero exposure—it’s creating a healthier environment for you, your partner, and your future family. If this feels overwhelming, start with just one change. Small, sustainable steps can make a meaningful difference. For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription https://hoopsy.com/fertility-snail-mail For pregnancy tests, my 99% paper eco midstream tests are back in stock, and you can order online here: https://hoopsy.com/eco-pregnancy-test In the USA and want to try out Hoopsy Hold handle for free? FIll in this form Free https://hoopsy.com/free-hoopsy-hold Read our review of Rachel's fertility book Trying https://hoopsy.com/book-review-trying-by-rachel-swanson Got a question/comment or feedback? Drop me an email Hello@Hoopsy.com and I can answer it on the podcast

  5. Oct 20

    Should I give up TTC?

    Should you give up trying to conceive? It’s a deeply personal question—and one many people face after months or years of disappointment, treatment, waiting and uncertainty. In this honest and compassionate episode, Lara shares her own experience of IVF, miscarriage, fibroids, financial pressure and the exhaustion that comes with carrying hope for so long. She explores the difference between giving up and taking a break, and why stepping away from tracking, testing or treatment can be an act of care—not failure. Together, we consider how to identify what you’re truly tired of, whether there are changes or sources of support that could help, and how to make decisions from a place of calm rather than panic. Lara also reflects on the validity of choosing a different path to parenthood—or a life without children—and the importance of knowing that you’ll still be you, whatever you decide. You don’t have to make a decision today. Wherever you are on your fertility journey, you’re not alone. Expect warmth, honesty and a gentle reminder to be kind to yourself. For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription https://hoopsy.com/fertility-snail-mail For pregnancy tests, my 99% paper eco midstream tests are back in stock, and you can order online here: https://hoopsy.com/eco-pregnancy-test In the USA and want to try out Hoopsy Hold handle for free? FIll in this form Free https://hoopsy.com/free-hoopsy-hold Got a question/comment or feedback? Drop me an email Hello@Hoopsy.com and I can answer it on the podcast

  6. Oct 18

    A Gentle Reset After a Week of Overthinking

    If your week has been filled with Googling symptoms, checking charts, replaying clinic conversations, or worrying about every possible outcome, this episode is your gentle Sunday reset. Trying to conceive can make overthinking feel like preparation—but more information doesn’t always bring more reassurance. Sometimes it simply creates another worry. Together, we’ll pause, come back to the present, and ask three grounding questions: What am I worried about? What is one appropriate next step? And what can wait until I have more information? Whether you’re anxious about medication, an upcoming appointment, the two-week wait, or what comes next, this episode offers a compassionate reminder to take your concerns seriously without giving them all your attention at once. You’ve carried a lot this week. You’re allowed to set some of it down—even if only for a minute. Take a breath, put both feet on the floor, and give yourself permission to be where you are today. For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription https://hoopsy.com/fertility-snail-mail For pregnancy tests, my 99% paper eco midstream tests are back in stock, and you can order online here: https://hoopsy.com/eco-pregnancy-test In the USA and want to try out Hoopsy Hold handle for free? FIll in this form Free https://hoopsy.com/free-hoopsy-hold Got a question/comment or feedback? Drop me an email Hello@Hoopsy.com and I can answer it on the podcast

  7. Oct 17

    When you are doing everything right so it *should* happen

    When you’re tracking every cycle, taking your vitamins, eating well, exercising, and doing everything you can, it’s natural to believe pregnancy should happen. So when your period arrives, the disappointment can feel devastating—especially when your partner doesn’t fully understand the emotional weight of another month without a positive test. This episode explores the heartbreak of trying month after month, the pressure of feeling like you’re “failing,” and why doing everything right still can’t guarantee a result. You’ll hear ideas for coping when your period comes—from planning a comforting date or self-care treat to taking on an activity you can look forward to. Most importantly, this is a reminder that you’re allowed to grieve, rest, and keep living your life while you wait. If you’re facing repeated disappointment, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to pretend it isn’t hard. Plus, hear about Fertility Snail Mail, created to bring a little comfort and something to look forward to each month. For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription https://hoopsy.com/fertility-snail-mail For pregnancy tests, my 99% paper eco midstream tests are back in stock, and you can order online here: https://hoopsy.com/eco-pregnancy-test In the USA and want to try out Hoopsy Hold handle for free? FIll in this form Free https://hoopsy.com/free-hoopsy-hold Got a question/comment or feedback? Drop me an email Hello@Hoopsy.com and I can answer it on the podcast

  8. Oct 16

    A review of Fertility book Trying

    What really influences fertility—and what advice is outdated or oversimplified? In this episode of *The Daily Try*, we take a closer look at *Trying*, a science-based fertility book by nutritionist and dietitian Rachel Swanson. Discover how the book explores the five “M”s: microbiome, metabolic function, methylation, micro- and nanoplastics, and mitochondria. From gut, vaginal, and oral health to nutrition, sleep, exercise, genetics, energy production, and everyday chemical exposure, Rachel breaks down complex science into practical, approachable guidance. I also explore simple changes that may help reduce exposure to fertility-disrupting plastics and chemicals, why both partners’ health matters when trying to conceive, and how sperm health can influence more than conception alone. With recipes, resources, references, and plenty of bite-sized advice, *Trying* is designed to help you learn without feeling overwhelmed—or judged. This isn’t a “you must buy this book” episode, but an honest review of a resource that offers a fresh, evidence-informed perspective on fertility. Plus, find out how to send in your questions for Rachel, who joins the podcast every Thursday. For more support, check out my ⁠Monthly Fertility Snail Mail letter subscription https://hoopsy.com/fertility-snail-mail For pregnancy tests, my 99% paper eco midstream tests are back in stock, and you can order online here: https://hoopsy.com/eco-pregnancy-test In the USA and want to try out Hoopsy Hold handle for free? FIll in this form Free https://hoopsy.com/free-hoopsy-hold Got a question/comment or feedback? Drop me an email Hello@Hoopsy.com and I can answer it on the podcast

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Trying to conceive can feel isolating, confusing, and exhausting - even when you're surrounded by people who love you. The Daily Try is a 10-minute companion for anyone on a fertility journey, offering gentle reframes, honest listener stories, practical explainers, and permission to feel however you feel today. With 3 episodes a week, join me on Tuesdays for honest support around trying to conceive, Dr Jill on Wednesdays for your medical questions, and our nutritionist Rachel on Thursdays for practical nutrition conversations.