FriedEggs Podcast

A podcast about infertility and IVF

A podcast about infertility and IVF www.friedeggspod.com

  1. 5d ago

    Ep 61: Fertility headlines that made us go WTF

    It’s been a couple of weeks since our last proper catch-up, and woah! So many fertility news headlines. Kayti shares highlights from a whirlwind family trip, her move into a new home, and the chaos of unpacking (or... not unpacking). And we dive into what they’ve been seeing in women’s health and fertility news, including IVF policy debates, teen pregnancy prevention funding cuts and why that’s critical for fertility education, testosterone screenings and menopause care, and a promising new swab test that could make diagnosing endometriosis much easier. We wander from infertility advocacy to climate change, shark sightings, ADHD vs. luteal phase energy, why both of us use home projects as emotional coping mechanisms, and back to fertility advocacy. We also tease at what’s upcoming. Thanks for joining the chaotic energy! Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Tempdrop, a wearable fertility tracker that collects overnight temperature data to help identify ovulation and cycle patterns, even with irregular cycles. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off your own wearable BBT device and a two-month premium app trial at http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFFRIEDEGGSPOD Fact Check Teen pregnancy prevention program cuts: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) canceled 53 out of 67 grants totaling roughly $68 million under the federal Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPPP) in June 2026 in order to promote “conservative-leaning priorities, specifically emphasizing abstinence-only education and marriage.” Source: NPR and NYT Britain’s NHS Endometriosis saliva test, “Endotest”: New research into less-invasive testing for endometriosis could help women get diagnoses sooner. The average time to diagnosis is 7-10 years from symptom onset, and with endo impacting as many as 25-50% of women with infertility, we hope faster diagnosis means faster treatment. Source: BBC and World Health Organization: Endometriosis United States’ DOD policy introducing mandatory testosterone screening for servicemen and women, and “optional” treatment for “low” testosterone. This news was particularly surprising since at the same time, women continue the uphill climb to get much-needed, evidence-backed HRT support during perimenopause and menopause, and gender affirming care for trans people continues to be under attack. Side note: for those of us worried about infertility — testosterone supplementation is a preventable cause of male factor infertility. Sources: PBS, New York Times, NIH and PubMed Correction: More great whites in our SoCal oceans may be a good sign that Southern California’s coastline is healing from years of DDT contaminants. Source: LA Times But the oceans are warming and warming faster than historically observed, which is impacting oceanic animal life, and climate warming is the primary driver. Source: AP News And super El Niño “winter is coming” (queue GOT) with warmer-than-average conditions across portions of the northern tier of states, and Kayti needs to install gutters ASAP. Source: Newsweek and The Weather Channel More FriedEggs episodes you’ll love Ep 59: How to advocate for your fertility and recognize hormone imbalances with Sam Diamond, Co-Founder. We could all use a little encouragement on advocating for our health and care! And tons of good info on PCOS/PMOS. Ep 60: How to track your cycle when trying to get pregnant. With women’s health care under attack and fertility education getting cut in favor of abstinence-only programs, it’s more important than ever to understand our unique cycles. Coming up on the pod: Dr. Natalie Crawford on our fertility health as a biomarker, the uniquely powerful role of our metabolic health, PCOS/PMOS. Dr. Sasha Hakman on becoming the IVF patient herself and setting yourself up for success. Author of You May Feel a Bit of Pressure, Amy Gallo Ryan, joins us to talk about her memoir. Deep-diving into Amy’s surrogacy journey so far, from finding a match to medical clearance and legal to what it takes to finally get to transfer! 👀 Let’s connect! If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

    Ep 61: Fertility headlines that made us go WTF
  2. Jul 28

    Ep 60: How to track your cycle when trying to get pregnant

    Did you know that cycle tracking apps are only about 20% accurate at predicting your ovulation window? This week, Kayti sits down with sex therapist Laura Federico, LCSW CST and midwife Morgan Miller, CPM LM (authors of The Cycle Book) to talk about cycle tracking during IVF and infertility, data privacy, sex during infertility, how a midwife can help during an IVF pregnancy, and so much more! It’s a packed conversation, and we really need to have them both back on to share more of their expertise. Until then, enjoy this conversation and grab yourself a copy of The Cycle Book here. About The Cycle Book A midwife and sex therapist combine their clinical expertise with mindful self-care to help you move from confusion and fear to confidence and direction. No apps, no subscriptions, just you, your body, and science-backed tools. Whether you’re trying to conceive, managing chronic health symptoms, or simply seeking balance, The Cycle Book empowers you to reconnect with your body and live in sync with your natural cycles. No more wondering if it’s "just in your head." About Laura Federico Laura Federico (LCSW CST) is a US-trained Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. She holds an MS from Columbia University in Clinical Social Work, a BA from Marquette University in Social Welfare + Justice and Sociology, and a post-graduate sexologist certification in Holistic Sex Therapy from the Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment. About Morgan Miller Morgan Miller (CPM, LM, IBCLC) is a midwife, lactation consultant, and unapologetic advocate for reimagining perinatal care. As the founder of Soft Corner Midwifery & Birth Center, Morgan has built more than just a practice—she’s created a space where people can heal and be seen. Her work blends clinical expertise with deep listening, radical compassion, and a fierce commitment to autonomy. Follow Laura + Morgan: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraandmorgan/ Connect With Us If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

    Ep 60: How to track your cycle when trying to get pregnant
  3. Jul 21

    Ep 59: How to advocate for your fertility and recognize hormone imbalances with Sam Diamond, Co-Founder of Bird&Be

    This week, we’re joined by Sam Diamond, co-founder of Bird&Be, for a conversation about hormone imbalances and why reproductive health should never be treated as just a women’s issue. Sam shares the personal experiences that led her to build Bird&Be, the science behind the brand’s evidence-based fertility supplements and at-home tests, and how products like inositol can support people navigating ovulation challenges and PCOS (now called PMOS). We also talk about the importance of advocating for your health, recognizing the signs of hormonal imbalances, what sets Bird&Be apart in the fertility space, and why being proactive about reproductive health matters. Plus, we wrap things up with some fun rapid-fire questions for Sam! About Bird&Be Bird&Be offers science-backed supplements, personalized prenatal vitamins, and convenient at-home fertility tests designed to help you better understand your reproductive health, whether you're just starting to think about growing your family, actively trying to conceive, or navigating IVF and fertility treatment. By making expert-backed care and information more accessible, Bird&Be empowers people to take proactive steps on their fertility journey from the comfort of home. About Samantha Diamond Samantha Diamond is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bird&Be, a fertility and reproductive health company dedicated to making evidence-based care more accessible. Inspired by her own experience navigating pregnancy loss and the challenges of trying to conceive, she created Bird&Be to provide science-backed supplements and at-home fertility testing that empower people with better information and support. Follow Sam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupmamma LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/samantha-diamond Connect With Us Have questions about donor eggs, egg freezing, infertility, or family building? Check out Cofertility on Instagram at @cofertility. If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

    Ep 59: How to advocate for your fertility and recognize hormone imbalances with Sam Diamond, Co-Founder of Bird&Be
  4. Jun 16

    Ep 56: Needing donor eggs as the last fertility taboo with Cofounder and CEO of Cofertility, Lauren Makler

    This week, we’re joined by Lauren Makler, co-founder and CEO of Cofertility, to talk about the future of egg freezing, egg donation, and fertility access. Lauren shares the personal health journey that inspired her to build Cofertility and explains how the company is making fertility preservation more accessible through its innovative egg-sharing model (and also why she believes egg donation is fertility’s last taboo). We dive into the emotional realities of donor conception, the stigma surrounding donor eggs, and what it means to navigate grief and hope at the same time while building a family. Whether you’re considering egg freezing, exploring donor-egg IVF, or simply curious about modern family-building, we’re so excited to share this conversation about the many ways families are created today. About Cofertility Cofertility is a human-centered fertility platform helping women freeze their eggs while helping other families build theirs. Through their innovative Split Program, eligible women can freeze their eggs at no cost by donating half of the retrieved eggs to intended parents. CoFertility also takes a modern approach to donor conception by prioritizing transparency, education, optional known donation, and limiting the number of families a donor can donate to. About Lauren Makler Lauren Makler is the co-founder and CEO of Cofertility. After being diagnosed with an extremely rare abdominal disease and facing uncertainty about her own fertility, Lauren experienced firsthand the gaps in fertility preservation and donor egg options. She later became a mother and launched Cofertility to create a more transparent, ethical, and accessible path to egg freezing and egg donation. Lauren has been recognized on the Inc. Female Founders 500 and Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business lists and has become a leading voice in conversations around fertility access, donor conception, and reproductive healthcare. Follow Lauren Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmakler/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmakler/ More valuable nuggets in this episode Fertility Tracking & Cycle Health with Tempdrop: A wearable fertility tracker that collects overnight temperature data to help identify ovulation and cycle patterns, even with irregular cycles. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off and a two-month premium app trial at http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFFRIEDEGGSPOD Fertility Financing with Sunfish: Helping make fertility treatment, IVF, egg donation, surrogacy, and family building more financially accessible. joinsunfish.com Fertility Mental Health with Mavida Health: Mental health support designed specifically for fertility patients. Our episode with Dr. Sarah Oreck on fertility & mental health. Check out mavidahealth.com to learn more. Needle-Free IVF as a less invasive approach to IVF. A newer IVF approach discussed in previous FriedEggs episodes that may reduce the number of injections required during treatment. Talk with your fertility specialist about whether newer protocols may be appropriate for your situation. Learn more at needlefreeivf.com. Related Fried Eggs Episodes * Ep 32: Surrogacy 101 and how to find a surrogate with Carly Joseph * Ep 49: How to care for your mental health while going through IVF with Dr. Sarah Oreck, founder of Mavida Health Connect With Us Have questions about donor eggs, egg freezing, infertility, or family building? Check out Cofertility on Instagram at @cofertility. If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

    Ep 56: Needing donor eggs as the last fertility taboo with Cofounder and CEO of Cofertility, Lauren Makler
  5. Jun 9

    Ep 55: When to tell people about your IVF transfer

    It’s the moment we’ve all waited for: the embryo transfer. Do you tell your family and friends? Do you keep it a secret until you know if it worked, or until the end of the first trimester? In today’s episode, we’re talking about support systems, celebrating small joys, and the emotional labor that comes with sharing your infertility and IVF journey publicly. Today’s episode is brought to you by Tempdrop, a basal body temperature sensor with an accompanying fertility app to help you identify your fertile window. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off your order. This is a free, shorter version of the episode for all subscribers. Paying subscribers (aka members of The Broody Club) can also listen to an extended, ad-free version of this episode (learn more here). This podcast exists because of our listeners, and paid subscriptions let us spend more time on episodes, bring in expert guests, and create content that makes a difference for the infertility community. The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. Enjoy the episode here on Substack at www.friedeggspod.com. Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions: https://20twentypro.com/ 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

    Ep 55: When to tell people about your IVF transfer
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A podcast about infertility and IVF www.friedeggspod.com

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