Fertile-ish

Fertile-ish
  • 5.0 (16)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Fertile-ish- the unfiltered fertility podcast for anyone navigating baby-making and fertility preservation in the 21st century. Whether you're deep in IVF, freezing-curious, or just spiraling from yet another, "So when are you having kids?" convo, we've got you. Hosted by fertility industry insiders, Brandis Montez and Laura Hendley of CNY Fertility, Fertile-ish breaks down the science, the stigma, and the real-life chaos of reproductive health with humor, heart, and zero sugarcoating. Think less textbook, more group chat at 2am.

  1. 1D AGO

    Say It With Your Chest...Fertility Edition

    🎙️ Say It With Your Chest...Fertility Edition 💭🔥 Welcome back to Fertile-ish—the space where we say the quiet parts out loud about fertility, IVF, and everything in between. This episode dives straight into the spicy takes 🌶️ that so many people think during infertility… but rarely feel safe saying. If you’ve ever been told to “just relax” 😅 or heard “at least you know you can get pregnant,” this one is going to hit home. We’re unpacking why those comments aren’t just unhelpful—they can actually be harmful. Infertility is a real medical diagnosis, not something you caused by stress, diet, or that one time you drank out of a plastic water bottle 🙃. We get into the pressure of toxic positivity ✨ and why constantly trying to “stay positive” can feel exhausting—and sometimes completely unrealistic. You’ll hear honest reflections on how infertility can shift your personality, your relationships, and how you move through the world. There’s a real before-and-after, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. We also talk about the misconceptions around IVF—especially the idea that it guarantees a baby. The truth? It often takes multiple cycles, and even when everything looks perfect on paper, it still might not work. That doesn’t mean you did anything wrong 💔. Social media gets a spotlight too 📱—how IVF can look “cute” or even trendy online, while the reality is often filled with grief, trauma, and uncertainty. Not every moment is a milestone worth posting, and not every story gets shared. Support (or lack of it) is another big theme. From well-meaning but clueless comments to the emotional labor of educating others, we explore why even “supportive” people can sometimes miss the mark. And on the flip side, how isolating it can feel to constantly explain your experience. We also normalize the complicated emotions—being genuinely happy for someone else while grieving your own situation at the same time 🤍. Both can exist. Both are valid. There’s space here too for boundaries 🚧—whether that’s taking a break from treatment, stepping back from relationships, or simply protecting your peace. Taking a pause isn’t giving up. It’s choosing yourself. And a reminder we all need: doing everything “right” doesn’t guarantee success. You are not a formula. You are a human going through something incredibly hard. Don’t forget to like, share, follow, and rate us 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ so we can keep bringing these real, unfiltered conversations to more people who need them.

    39 min

  2. APR 28

    TTC 101...But Make It Real Life

    🎙️ TTC 101…But Make It Real Life Trying to conceive sounds simple… until you’re actually trying 😅 In this episode, we’re getting real about what TTC at home actually looks like—no fluff, no myths, just the stuff people wish they knew sooner. From coming off birth control to figuring out your cycle (because why were we only taught how NOT to get pregnant??), we’re breaking down the basics in a way that actually makes sense. We talk through how to set yourself up for success before you even start trying—like why starting a prenatal early matters, what should actually be in it (👀 folic acid is non-negotiable), and how a preconception visit can give you way more clarity than guessing your way through it. We also get into genetic carrier screening and why having that info upfront can completely change your plan—or at least give you peace of mind. Then we get into the timing—aka the part that stresses everyone out. When should you actually be having sex? Are apps enough? What even is the fertile window? We explain why sperm can hang out for up to five days but the egg is on a strict 24-hour timeline, and how to make sure you’re not missing your shot. We also break down ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), what a true positive looks like (hint: it’s not just “two lines”), and why tracking your cycle beyond an app can make a big difference. Of course, we had to bust some myths too. 🙃 No, you don’t need to put your legs up after sex. No, position doesn’t matter. No, Mucinex isn’t a magic fertility hack. And yes… some lubes can actually hurt sperm (so choose wisely 👀). We’re separating what’s actually helpful from what’s just internet noise. We also talk about when it’s time to get help—because there are guidelines, but there are also situations where you don’t need to wait at all. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling unsure where you stand, this episode is your reality check + roadmap all in one. Basically, if you’ve ever thought “am I even doing this right?”—this one’s for you! 💗 Don’t forget to like, follow, share, and rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ it helps more people find Fertile-ish and feel a little less alone in all of this. 💕

    37 min

  3. APR 21

    The OG IVF Baby: With SPECIAL Guest Elizabeth Carr!!

    🎙️ The OG IVF Baby In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, this episode of Fertile-ish is one we’ll never forget. 💛 We’re joined by Elizabeth Carr — the first IVF baby in the United States — and her story is equal parts mind-blowing, emotional, and deeply hopeful. Elizabeth takes us back to the very beginning of IVF in the U.S., when the technology was brand new, experimental, and honestly… a total leap of faith. Her parents' fertility doctors went through 42 failed attempts before her success, her parents traveled across state lines just to access care, and navigated a process with no roadmap, no support groups, and no guarantees. IVF as we know it today? It exists because of stories like hers. We talk about what it’s like to grow up as “the first,” from childhood curiosity to national headlines, and the pressure of representing an entire community of families built through IVF. Elizabeth shares how she’s turned that pressure into purpose, becoming a fierce advocate for patients and access to care — and why she feels protective of every IVF baby that’s come after her. This episode also puts into perspective just how far IVF has come. From two retrieved eggs and no embryo freezing… to today’s advanced technology, genetic testing, and improved success rates — the evolution is unreal. And yet, the emotional experience? Still very real, still very raw, and still something so many people are navigating every day. We also get into the power of community. 🤍 The friendships, the support systems, and the reminder that even when this journey feels isolating… you are not alone. Elizabeth shares a message that hit us hard: if you reach out your hand, someone will grab it. And as if we couldn’t love her more, she shares her newest project — a children’s book called Petri Dish Princess 👑 — helping the next generation understand their origin stories in a way that feels empowering and seen. This episode is about more than just where IVF started. It’s about how far we’ve come, the people who made it possible, and the hope that still exists for anyone in the middle of their journey. ✨ If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to like, follow, and rate Fertile-ish 5 stars.⭐️ It helps us reach more people who need to hear these stories. 💛

    41 min

  4. APR 14

    The Comparison Trap No One Talks About in Infertility

    🎙️ The Comparison Trap No One Talks About in Infertility Infertility has a way of turning comparison into a constant background noise… and before you even realize it, it’s stealing your joy 💔 This episode dives into the very real, very human tendency to measure your journey against someone else’s—and why that can feel so overwhelming when you’re already carrying so much. We talk openly about the thoughts so many people have but don’t always say out loud… Why did it work for her and not me? Why am I on my fourth cycle when someone else got pregnant on their first? Why does their life seem easier, faster, or more supported? The truth is, even when two stories look similar on the surface, there are countless factors behind the scenes that make every fertility journey completely unique. This episode also breaks down the reality of IVF expectations vs. what actually happens. From attrition rates to multiple transfers, we get honest about the fact that IVF is not a guarantee—and why so many people are shocked when it doesn’t work the first time. That disconnect can make comparison even louder, especially when social media is filled with highlight reels and positive tests without the full story. 📱✨ We also share personal moments of navigating jealousy, grief, and the complicated emotions that come up when someone close to you has a different (or seemingly “easier”) outcome. Because here’s the truth: someone else’s success doesn’t invalidate your pain—and your pain doesn’t diminish theirs. Both can exist at the same time. 🤍 You’ll hear real talk about online support groups, unsolicited advice, and how easy it is to spiral when you’re deep in Reddit threads or Facebook groups. We talk about setting boundaries, protecting your mental space, and giving yourself permission to step back when it becomes too much. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is mute, unfollow, and refocus inward. 🧠✨ Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that there is no “right” timeline, no perfect protocol, and no universal path to building a family. Your story is yours—and it’s still unfolding. Even in the moments where it feels uncertain, heavy, or never-ending… you are not behind, and you are not alone. 💫 If this episode resonated with you, we’re always here for support, conversation, and community. 🤍 Follow, like, and rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you get your podcasts!

    41 min

  5. APR 7

    Adenomyosis: The Uterine Condition You've Probably Never Heard Of

    🎙️ Adenomyosis: The Uterine Condition You've Probably Never Heard Of Adenomyosis is one of those conditions that so many people have… but so few have actually heard about until they’re deep in their fertility journey. In this episode of Fertile-ish, we’re breaking down what adenomyosis really is, why it’s often overlooked, and how it can impact your body, your cycles, and your path to pregnancy. 🤍 We talk about how adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, and why that can lead to symptoms like painful periods, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or sometimes… no symptoms at all. It’s often confused with endometriosis or fibroids, which makes diagnosis tricky and sometimes delayed. We also get into why MRI is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and why many people don’t find out they have it until much later in life. This episode dives into the “why” behind adenomyosis, including theories around uterine trauma, prior pregnancies or procedures, and even potential genetic links. We unpack how inflammation plays a major role and what that might mean for implantation, uterine receptivity, and overall fertility outcomes. If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” but still feel like something is off, this conversation will hit home. 💭 We also walk through treatment approaches, including when hormonal suppression might be helpful, why surgery is rarely recommended for those trying to conceive, and how individualized fertility care really is. Not everyone with adenomyosis will struggle to get pregnant, but for those who do, understanding the full picture can make all the difference. This is one of those episodes that empowers you to ask better questions, advocate for yourself, and feel a little less in the dark. ✨ And because we’re always keeping it real… we also talk about how under-discussed this condition is, why awareness matters, and how even in 2026 there’s still so much we’re learning. If you’ve never heard of adenomyosis before, or if you’ve been quietly wondering if it could be part of your story, you are absolutely not alone. 🤍 If this episode helped you feel more informed, supported, or seen, it would mean so much if you took a moment to rate us ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, follow, and like Fertile-ish wherever you listen 💕

    28 min

  6. MAR 31

    The Partner Perspective: The Feelings No One Talks About

    🎙️ The Partner Perspective: The Feelings No One Talks About Infertility is so often centered around the person undergoing treatment… the injections, the appointments, the procedures, the losses. But behind every one of those moments is someone else sitting beside them… holding their hand, showing up, trying to stay strong while watching someone they love go through something incredibly hard. 🤍 In this episode of Fertile-ish, we’re shifting the focus to the partner perspective… the feelings that don’t always get said out loud. The quiet grief. The helplessness. The pressure to be the strong one while carrying emotions of your own. Because even if the roles look different, both partners are experiencing this journey in very real ways. We talk about what it’s like to love someone through infertility while not being able to fix it. That instinct to solve, to make it better, paired with the reality that you can’t. The emotional weight of watching your partner go through injections, procedures, and loss… and the guilt that can come with not being able to take that burden from them. In this episode, Laura shares something incredibly personal… a letter written by her husband from his perspective of infertility. It’s raw, honest, and gives voice to emotions that so many partners feel but don’t always express. From feelings of inadequacy and anger to love, resilience, and unwavering support, his words are a powerful reminder that this journey is deeply felt on both sides. We also get into how infertility can impact identity and self-worth, especially when stigma enters the conversation. Whether it’s male factor infertility, unexplained diagnoses, or failed cycles, there can be this internal narrative of blame, inadequacy, and “why us?” that both partners carry in different ways. We talk about communication… how it can break down, how it can grow, and how important it is to say the things that feel hard. The difference between fixing and listening. The importance of checking in with your partner, creating space outside of fertility, and holding onto the “why” that brought you together in the first place. 💛 This episode is a reminder that infertility is not “you vs. me”… it’s “us vs. this.” That resentment, silence, and isolation can quietly build if we’re not careful… but so can connection, understanding, and strength when we choose to face it together. If you’re in this season, we see you. If you’re the partner trying to hold it all together, we see you too. 🤍 If this episode resonated, share it with your partner, send it to someone who needs it, and don’t forget to follow, rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

    42 min

  7. MAR 24

    Birth Control Breakup: When to Make the Call

    🎙️ Birth Control Breakup: When to Make the Call Thinking about coming off birth control and not sure when to do it? This episode is your no-BS, actually helpful guide to breaking up with birth control the right way. 💊➡️👋🏼 Laura and Brandis dive into one of the most common questions they hear from patients, DMs, and consult calls: “When should I stop birth control if I want to get pregnant?” And spoiler… it’s not always as simple as “just stop and try.” 👀 In this episode, we break down how different types of birth control actually work in your body 🧠🧬 and why that matters when you’re planning your timeline to conceive. From the pill to hormonal IUDs to Depo-Provera, not all methods are created equal when it comes to how quickly your body rebounds—and some require a lot more planning than people realize. ⏳ We’re also clearing up some of the biggest myths floating around social media 🚫 There is no such thing as a “birth control cleanse,” and your body does NOT need detox teas, supplements, or some dramatic reset to “wake back up.” Most methods leave your system quickly, and what happens after stopping is often just your body returning to its natural baseline—not something birth control caused. 💥 This episode also gets into the importance of actually knowing your cycle before trying to conceive 📅 Learning what’s normal for you can help identify potential issues early, saving you months (or years) of frustration. Preventative fertility awareness? We’re here for it. 👏🏼 We also talk about why birth control is often prescribed in the first place (hint: it’s not random), how it can actually be fertility-supportive in some cases, and why understanding the “why” behind your medications is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. 💛 If you’re thinking about trying to conceive soon—or even someday—this episode will help you map out your timeline, avoid unnecessary stress, and make informed decisions that actually support your goals. ✨ Because this isn’t just about stopping birth control… it’s about setting yourself up for what comes next. 🫶🏼 ⭐️ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to give us 5 stars and follow along wherever you get your podcasts—it helps us reach more people who need this info! 💕

    30 min

  8. MAR 17

    One Negative Test. The Next 24 Hours.

    🎙️✨ One Negative Test. The Next 24 Hours. 🤍🧬 The morning after a negative pregnancy test can be one of the quietest and heaviest moments in the fertility journey. The world outside keeps moving exactly the same, but inside, everything can feel different. In this episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis walk through the emotional timeline of the first 24 hours after a negative pregnancy test, offering compassion, perspective, and support for one of the hardest moments in infertility. 🤍🌧️ Instead of trying to rush past the disappointment, this episode slows things down and breaks the day into smaller pieces—because sometimes the only way forward is minute by minute, hour by hour. ⏳ From the initial shock of seeing a negative test to the emotional spiral that can follow later in the day, the conversation blends patient experience with clinical perspective. 💬🩺Laura and Brandis talk about the instinct many people have to search for answers immediately—replaying every detail of the cycle, questioning every decision, or blaming themselves for something small. 🧠💭 The truth is that most outcomes are outside of our control, but the mind naturally looks for reasons in an attempt to regain certainty. 🔍The focus of this episode is regulation and self-compassion. The hours immediately after a negative test are about stabilizing emotionally and physically—taking a breath, sitting with the disappointment, eating something small, hydrating, and allowing yourself to feel whatever emotions come up without judgment. 🌬️🫶 Grief, anger, numbness, embarrassment, and exhaustion are all normal responses when a hoped-for future suddenly disappears. 💔The hosts also discuss the mental “spiral window”—when the brain wants to compare pregnancy tests online, scroll through support groups, or overhaul an entire treatment plan. 📱 During this time, it can help to pause instead: step outside, get fresh air, move your body gently, and give your nervous system time to settle. 🌿☀️🚶‍♀️Another powerful moment in the episode focuses on grieving the imagined future that briefly felt real during the two-week wait—the baby names, the imagined announcement, the moment you pictured hearing “you’re pregnant.” 🍼✨ Losing that vision can be deeply painful, and acknowledging that grief is part of healing. 💛As the day turns to night, Laura and Brandis talk about protecting your mental space. 🌙 Avoid pregnancy content, step away from comparison, and remember: today is not a decision day. Big choices about treatment plans, clinics, or next steps can wait until emotions settle.The message at the heart of this episode is simple:A negative test does not define your strength, your body, or your future. 🤍 It reflects only one cycle in a much bigger story. And if today is a survival day, that’s enough. Getting through today counts. 💪🫶 If you’re listening on one of those heavy mornings, this conversation is meant to remind you that you’re not alone. 🌎 The fertility journey can feel isolating, but there is an entire community walking through it together. 🤝💛 ⭐ Follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—it helps more people find the support they need. 🎧✨ #FertileishPodcast #FertilitySupport #IVFJourney #TTCCommunity #InfertilitySupport 💛🧬

    41 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to Fertile-ish- the unfiltered fertility podcast for anyone navigating baby-making and fertility preservation in the 21st century. Whether you're deep in IVF, freezing-curious, or just spiraling from yet another, "So when are you having kids?" convo, we've got you. Hosted by fertility industry insiders, Brandis Montez and Laura Hendley of CNY Fertility, Fertile-ish breaks down the science, the stigma, and the real-life chaos of reproductive health with humor, heart, and zero sugarcoating. Think less textbook, more group chat at 2am.

Information

  • Creator
    Fertile-ish
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Fertile-ish
  • Show Website
    Fertile-ish

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