Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine

Dr. Lora Shahine
  • 4.9 (130)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine

Fertility, reproductive health, and wellness are deeply personal—and sometimes, deeply challenging. Brave & Curious is a space for open, honest conversations about the science, emotions, and decisions that shape our reproductive journeys. Hosted by Dr. Lora Shahine, a double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, author, and advocate, this podcast blends evidence-based medicine with empathy and curiosity. Whether you’re navigating infertility, exploring reproductive health, or simply seeking knowledge, this show will equip you with insights, expert interviews, and real stories to support your journey. New episodes drop weekly—subscribe and join the conversation. Until next time, stay brave and curious.

  1. Ep 128 Clean Beauty and Skin Care with Jenna Levine

    4D AGO

    Ep 128 Clean Beauty and Skin Care with Jenna Levine

    What’s really in your skincare products? Can “natural” actually mean effective? And how do we navigate the beauty aisle with both curiosity and caution? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Jenna Levine, founder of LINNÉ Botanicals, for a brave and eye-opening conversation about skincare that’s safe, minimal, and deeply rooted in integrity. Jenna brings her passion for formulation, ingredient sourcing, botany, and herbal medicine to life through her brand LINNÉ Botanicals. Her story is personal—shaped by her path to motherhood and her commitment to creating products she trusts for herself and her family. She opens up about the mission behind LINNÉ, a brand built on clean ingredients, thoughtful sourcing, and a belief in the power of pure, unadulterated botanicals to truly nourish the skin. Together, Dr. Shahine and Jenna explore everything from greenwashing in the industry to the surprising sameness behind many "different" products on the shelf. In this episode, listeners will hear: [1:32] Meet Jenna Levine, founder of LINNÉ Botanicals [7:58] Innovative ingredients and their benefits [13:15] Challenges in the beauty industry [22:21] LINNÉ’s philosophy  [28:50] Problems with ‘clean’ in beauty [32:46] Decoding ingredient lists [35:09] Beauty myths––BUSTED [40:41] Ingredient transparency [43:20] LINNÉ’s recommended products [47:42] Upcoming products [53:29] Connect with Jenna & LINNÉ Bontancials    Resources mentioned:  LINNÉbotanicals.com  Use Code DRSHAHINE15 for a 15% discount on all LINNÉ products  (use once per customer and on one time orders, not subscriptions) Connect on IG @linnebotanicals Episode 80: Finding Safer Products with Lanning Ardente: Let Sorette Do the Research for You  Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    56 min
  2. Ep 127 Egg Freezing Top 10 Questions

    JUN 10

    Ep 127 Egg Freezing Top 10 Questions

    What exactly is egg freezing? Is there an ideal age to do it? How many eggs should you freeze to give yourself the best shot at future fertility? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks listeners through the top 10 most Googled questions about egg freezing. From the basics of what the process entails to more nuanced questions about success rates and cost, she provides clear, thoughtful answers rooted in science and clinical experience. In this episode, listeners will hear: [1:12] Question #1: What is egg freezing? [2:45] Question #2: Why would I want to freeze your eggs? [4:46] Question #3: What is the best age to freeze your eggs? [6:53] Question #4: How many eggs should you freeze? [9:36] Question #5: What is the egg freezing process? [10:42] Question #6: What are the risks of egg freezing? [12:18] Question #7: What is the cost of egg freezing? [13:26] Question #8: Does egg freezing guarantee a baby? [14:16] Question #9: Does an IUD have to be removed to freeze your eggs? [14:36] Question #10: How long will the eggs last? This episode will give listeners a better understanding of why someone might choose to freeze their eggs, how to evaluate if and when it’s the right choice, and what to expect logistically, emotionally, and financially.  Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    16 min
  3. Ep 126 Normalize It with Dr. Jessica Zucker: Shame, Stigma & Women’s Stories

    JUN 3

    Ep 126 Normalize It with Dr. Jessica Zucker: Shame, Stigma & Women’s Stories

    What happens when we stop whispering about miscarriage and start telling our stories out loud? How can we begin to shed the shame and silence that so often surround women’s health experiences? And why is open dialogue so essential in shifting the cultural narrative around infertility, menopause, and mental health? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by psychologist and author Jessica Zucker, founder of the #IHadAMiscarriage movement. Drawing from her own experience of miscarriage and her professional expertise, Jessica shares how storytelling and vulnerability have the power to change the way we view and talk about women's health.  Jessica’s book Normalize It further explores these themes, encouraging women to own their experiences and find connection through honesty and shared truth. Together, Dr. Shahine and Jessica dive into the many ways women are pressured to stay silent about their bodies and emotions—from miscarriage and infertility to menopause and mental health.  In this episode you’ll hear: [2:19] Jessica’s personal journey #IHadAMiscarriage [5:05] Impact of #IHadAMiscarriage movement [12:16] Exploring the themes in Normalize It [17:04] Healing potential of storytelling [20:55] Breaking down stigma through community [25:02] Personal experience integrated with professional practice [30:19] Societal pressures on women [34:58] Empowerment through shared experiences [36:35] The importance of education and open dialogue Resources mentioned:  drjessicazucker.com  Normalize It by Jessica Zucker, PhD  Follow Jessica on IG - @ihadamiscarriage  Inside Amy Schumer - Last F**kable Day (ft. Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Patricia Arquette   Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    38 min
  4. Ep 125 Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant

    MAY 27

    Ep 125 Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant

    Are you trying to conceive and feeling unsure about where to start? Wondering if you're making mistakes that could be delaying your journey to parenthood? Curious about what really impacts fertility—and what steps you can take today to improve your chances? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine shares the five most common mistakes couples make when trying to get pregnant—and how to avoid them. Dr. Shahine also offers practical, evidence-based tips to support your fertility journey from the very beginning. Listeners will walk away feeling empowered with three key tips for optimizing fertility and a better understanding of why past or family fertility success doesn’t guarantee the same for everyone. This episode offers clarity, encouragement, and actionable advice, no matter where you are in your TTC (trying to conceive) journey In this episode, you’ll learn: [0:36] Mistake #1: Understanding your cycle [2:46] Mistake #2: Timing intercourse correctly [5:06] Mistake #3: Semen analysis matters [8:23] Mistake #4: Waiting too long to visit a fertility specialist [10:24] Mistake #5: Making assumptions [13:55] Top tips for getting pregnant fast   Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    17 min
  5. Ep 124 Your Surrogacy Questions, Answered: Myths vs. Facts with Mollie Huyck

    MAY 20

    Ep 124 Your Surrogacy Questions, Answered: Myths vs. Facts with Mollie Huyck

    Are you curious about how surrogates are selected and matched? What about knowing the steps it takes to get started? How long does it take and how much does it cost? Surrogacy can be a beautiful and life-changing path to parenthood — but it’s also one that’s often misunderstood. In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down the most frequently asked questions and biggest misconceptions about gestational surrogacy with the Director of the Gestational Surrogacy Program at Pacific NW Fertility, Mollie Hyuck.  From who the legal parents are, to whether the surrogate can keep the baby (spoiler: she can’t), to understanding the emotional, medical, and ethical realities — this episode is your evidence-based guide to what surrogacy is and what it isn’t. In this episode, you’ll learn: [2:20] Common myths about surrogacy (and why they’re wrong) [5:03] How surrogates are selected, screened, and supported [6:48] The difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy [8:28] What intended parents should know about legal and emotional considerations [14:03] Why surrogacy is often misunderstood in media and public opinion [19:37] How to decide if it’s the right path for you Whether you’re considering surrogacy, supporting someone through it, or just curious about the process, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and connected. Resources mentioned:  I Became Your Mama by Mollie Huyck pnwfertility.com roaringadventures.org navieapp.com Connect on Instagram @pnwfertility | @roaringadventures_ | @naviehealth   Episodes mentioned: Ep 49 Olympic Champion Figure Skater to Fertility Advocate: What Tara Lipinski Learned with Unexpecting Ep23 Samantha Busch on Surrogacy and Infertility Advocacy   Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    31 min
  6. Ep 123 Surrogacy Journey Step by Step Guide with Mollie Huyck

    MAY 13

    Ep 123 Surrogacy Journey Step by Step Guide with Mollie Huyck

    Are you curious about what surrogacy really involves—and whether it might be right for you or someone you love? Have you ever wondered if surrogacy is only an option for the wealthy or famous? Do you know the difference between traditional surrogacy and a gestational carrier? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine has an eye-opening conversation with Mollie Huyck to explore the often complex and deeply personal world of surrogacy. Mollie is Director of Gestational Surrogacy Program at PNWF. Mollie's experience in the reproductive health field is deeply intertwined with a personal journey of unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, which spanned a decade of medical treatments including use of gestational surrogacy.  Dr. Shahine and Mollie discuss the step by step process of finding and partnering with a gestational carrier (including warning signs and red flags you don’t want to miss along the way).  In this episode you’ll hear: [2:54] Surrogacy vs. gestational carriers  [5:39] Mollie’s personal journey & professional insights [10:07] Finding the right gestational carrier [12:32] Legal representation is important [17:31] Mental health & counseling during surrogacy [22:01] Navigating surrogacy agencies [32:45] Understanding the timeline & the cost [37:50] Final thoughts Resources mentioned:  pnwfertility.com roaringadventures.org navieapp.com Connect on Instagram @pnwfertility | @roaringadventures_ | @naviehealth Ep 96 Protecting Yourself from Surrogacy Scams with Dr. Brian Levine   Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    39 min
  7. Ep 122 Top Tips to Recover Fast from Your Egg Retrieval

    MAY 6

    Ep 122 Top Tips to Recover Fast from Your Egg Retrieval

    Your egg retrieval is scheduled, and you’ve done what you can to prepare, but what about after? How many eggs is “normal” to retrieve—or what happens if it’s less than expected? What’s a typical recovery, what are signs of a complication, and when should you call the clinic?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine shares five essential things to know both before and after an egg retrieval. She’s covering egg count, how to manage post-procedure discomfort, and recognizing signs of possible complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, constipation, and a heavy period. If you want to know what to expect for your egg retrieval, this episode is for you! In this episode you’ll hear: [1:30] Setting expectations for egg retrieval [4:12] Managing after-procedure pain [6:12] OHSS: what it is & what do do [10:43 Constipation  [12:12] Your next period [13:55] Recap and final thoughts   Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    15 min
  8. Ep 121 Tips for Pelvic Floor Health with Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas

    APR 29

    Ep 121 Tips for Pelvic Floor Health with Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas

    Are you curious about what pelvic floor therapy actually involves? Have you ever wondered whether issues like bladder leaks, painful sex, or postpartum discomfort are just “normal” things you have to live with? Do men experience pelvic floor dysfunction? (hint: yes, men also have pelvic floors). In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a licensed pelvic floor physical therapist. Together, they’re taking the mystery out of pelvic health and explaining why it matters for everyone—not just postpartum women.  Listeners will learn about the wide range of conditions pelvic PT can help with—from incontinence and prolapse to pain during sex and more. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas and Dr. Shahine walk through what a pelvic PT appointment looks like, tackle myths about Kegels, discuss insurance coverage, and highlight the importance of proper toilet posture.  You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of overall pelvic health and feel empowered to take charge of your well-being—because pelvic pain and dysfunction are never “just part of life.”   In this episode you’ll hear: [0:16] Meet Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, PT, DPT, PRPC [1:57] Pelvic floor functions [3:58] What is pelvic floor therapy? [5:57] Conditions that are treated with pelvic floor therapy [12:21] Pelvis floor dysfunction symptoms [16:04] A pelvic PT appointment [22:24] Insurance info [24:18] Myths about pelvic health [34:20] Normalizing post-partum issues [36:57] Common misunderstandings about painful sex [39:06] Treatment options for incontinence  [40:33] Men’s pelvic floor  [42:25] Feeling empowered   Resources mentioned:  thepelvicdancefloor.com @thepelvicedancefloor on Instagram and TikTok  Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    45 min
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4.9
out of 5
130 Ratings

About

Fertility, reproductive health, and wellness are deeply personal—and sometimes, deeply challenging. Brave & Curious is a space for open, honest conversations about the science, emotions, and decisions that shape our reproductive journeys. Hosted by Dr. Lora Shahine, a double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, author, and advocate, this podcast blends evidence-based medicine with empathy and curiosity. Whether you’re navigating infertility, exploring reproductive health, or simply seeking knowledge, this show will equip you with insights, expert interviews, and real stories to support your journey. New episodes drop weekly—subscribe and join the conversation. Until next time, stay brave and curious.

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