Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine

Dr. Lora Shahine
  • 4.9 (146)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 171 What Your Semen Analysis is Not Telling You with Jeff Lysiak, PhD

    1D AGO

    Ep 171 What Your Semen Analysis is Not Telling You with Jeff Lysiak, PhD

    Are you frustrated by a diagnosis of unexplained infertility? What if a "normal" semen analysis is not telling the whole story about sperm health? Could a new male fertility test help explain why fertilization is not happening, even when sperm count, motility, and morphology look fine? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Jeff Lysiak, PhD. He is a reproductive biologist, and co-founder and Chief Science Officer of PS Fertility. He is here to to talk about what standard semen analysis may miss.  Together, Dr. Shahine and Dr. Lysiak explore the science behind sperm fertilization competence, the role of phosphatidylserine (PS) on live sperm, and how Dr. Lysiak's research led to PS Direct, a diagnostic test designed to measure sperm's ability to bind and fertilize an egg beyond traditional semen parameters. Dr. Shahine and Dr. Lysiak also discuss the future of male reproductive health research, including lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and the growing need for more precise answers earlier in the fertility journey. In this episode you'll hear: [0:39] Meet Jeff Lysiak, PhD [2:01] From Placenta to Sperm [3:24] PS Discovery Explained [5:01] How Sperm Meets Egg [9:02] From Lab to Clinic [10:19] Limits of Semen Analysis [12:46] PS Score and Misdiagnosis [14:12] At Home PS Test Kit [18:20] Where PS Fits Clinically [21:13] Varicocele & Repair Surgery [24:14] Using PS to Guide Care [27:26] Lifestyle Factors [33:006] Future Research Directions [34:21] Where to Find the Test & Connect with Jeff   Resources mentioned:  PSFertility.com   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode was sponsored by PS Fertility. This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

    36 min
  2. Ep 170 Cost of Fertility Care: Solutions with Angela Rastegar from Sunfish

    APR 22

    Ep 170 Cost of Fertility Care: Solutions with Angela Rastegar from Sunfish

    What if the hardest part of your fertility journey isn't the medicine, it's affording the best treatment? How do you plan for IVF costs when coverage is unclear or incomplete? And is there a smarter, more supported way to navigate the financial stress of building a family?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Angela Rastegar, CEO and founder of Sunfish, joins Dr. Lora Shahine. They are honoring National Fertility Week through their conversation that explores the real cost of fertility care and why financial planning is just as critical as medical care. Angela shares her deeply personal fertility journey, including multiple rounds of egg freezing without financial support, and how that experience led her to build a platform designed to support patients through every step of their family-building journey, from egg freezing and IVF to surrogacy. Dr. Shahine and Angela talk about the hidden gaps in insurance coverage, the rising reality of fertility-related debt, and how Sunfish's data-driven, AI-powered programs aim to reduce uncertainty with personalized care plans, cost transparency, and even financial protections for IVF and egg freezing outcomes. In this episode you'll hear: [0:34] Angela Rastegar's personal journey, without financial support [3:28] Along comes Sunfish [5:45] The IVF Success Program [8:35] The hidden costs of IVF [13:40] Common misconceptions with insurance coverage [19:53] Step-by-step breakdown of cost [23:01] Grants, loans, and creative solutions [27:08] New AI-powered egg freezing program [30:55]The "silent tax" of egg freezing [37:00] Getting connected to Sunfish Resources mentioned:  joinsunfish.com Sunfish provides personalized financial plans using proprietary software to estimate costs for each Program. If actual costs exceed projections, eligible patients may receive a partial refund under program terms. Sunfish is not a medical provider. Terms and conditions apply.   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

    38 min
  3. BONUS Ep 169 Fighting for Fertility with RESOLVE CEO Danielle Melfi

    APR 19

    BONUS Ep 169 Fighting for Fertility with RESOLVE CEO Danielle Melfi

    IVF is under fire. So, what happens when access to IVF is suddenly at risk? How much power should policy have over your ability to build a family? And what can one voice, or one story, really do to protect fertility care for millions?  In this timely episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Danielle Melfi, the new CEO of RESOLVE, who brings a powerful blend of policy expertise, personal fertility experience, and a deep commitment to family-building equity.  Airing at the start of National Infertility Awareness Week, Dr. Lora Shahine and Danielle are talking about the real-world impact of recent legislative threats to IVF, including the Alabama ruling that temporarily halted treatment. They explore how advocacy organizations mobilize quickly to protect patients.  Danielle shares her own egg freezing journey, her background in government and healthcare advocacy, and how RESOLVE is working to expand access, improve patient education, and fight misinformation in an increasingly complex fertility landscape. In this episode you'll hear: [1:41] Meet Danielle Melfi, CEO of RESOLVE [5:45] Why IVF Stopped in Alabama [10:55] What RESOLVE Does [14:15] Fertility Care Coverage in California and Recent Advocacy Wins [19:29] The Power of Fertility Stories [21:48] Restorative Reproductive Medicine Movement: A Threat in Disguise? [23:12] Personhood Bills Explained [36:55] RESOLVE's Strategic Plan [38:31] Get Involved   Resources mentioned:  resolve.org @resolveorg on Instagram   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

    41 min
  4. Ep 168 Taking Charge of Your PCOS with Cory Ruth, RDN

    APR 7

    Ep 168 Taking Charge of Your PCOS with Cory Ruth, RDN

    What if your PCOS diagnosis is about more than fertility? What if the symptoms you've been told to "just manage" are actually your body asking for deeper support? And what if you could take back control in a way that feels empowering rather than restrictive? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with registered dietitian and author of PCOS is My Power Cory Ruth, RDN  to explain all about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and why it's often misunderstood. Cory shares her personal journey to diagnosis and how it shaped her mission to help women better understand the metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive components of PCOS.  Dr. Shahine and Cory cover the diagnostic criteria, common misconceptions (like "just lose weight"), and the evolving science around lifestyle interventions, blood sugar regulation, and long-term health outcomes. This episode will give listeners a clearer understanding of how to manage PCOS through sustainable nutrition, movement, and mindset shifts, without falling into restrictive or shame-based approaches. Cory's refreshing expertise helps us reframe PCOS as a potential catalyst for lifelong health—giving you the tools to feel informed, supported, and back in the driver's seat. In this episode you'll hear: [1:56] PCOS "triple threat": reproductive, metabolic, & hormonal [5:40] Cory Ruth's personal journey [8:01] Early signs of PCOS [11:43] The Rotterdam criteria [17:33] PCOS is a weight issue: MYTH [19:09] Nutrition is the foundation of PCOS management [22:24] Simple, realistic meal ideas to support PCOS [31:25] Intermittent fasting & PCOS [34:27] Mental health & PCOS [37:35] Long-term risks of PCOS [40:10] Sustainable lifestyle changes that actually work [43:05] Reframing PCOS as an opportunity for lifelong health   Resources mentioned:  www.thewomensdietitian.com @thewomensdietition on Instagram Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

    46 min

  5. MAR 24

    Ep 167 Endometriosis Diagnosis Without Surgery? Dr. Bruce Lessey

    Are you struggling with unexplained infertility and wondering if endometriosis could be the missing piece? Have you been told that surgery is the only way to get a diagnosis? What if a simple test could offer answers without going into the operating room?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes guest Dr. Bruce Lessey, a double board certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist with decades of research experience and over 150 peer-reviewed publications. Together they explore a groundbreaking question in reproductive medicine: can we diagnose endometriosis without invasive surgery? Dr. Lessey and Dr. Shahine explain the science behind BCL6 testing, a biomarker found in the uterine lining that may signal inflammation linked to endometriosis. Dr. Lessey also shares how this research evolved from studying implantation markers to developing a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool, and why timing in the menstrual cycle is critical for accurate results.  They also discuss the realities of delayed diagnosis, the connection between endometriosis and unexplained infertility, and how this test is already being used in clinical settings. In this episode you'll hear: [1:21] Meet Dr. Bruce Lessey [4:27] Why does diagnosing endometriosis take years? [7:16] Introducing BCL6 testing [16:20] Timing the biopsy window [22:51] IVF outcomes study [25:42] Fresh vs. frozen transfers [27:22] Treating expected endometriosis [28:44] Lupron and surgery explained [30:42] BCL6 in recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure [33:04] Progesterone resistance and benefits of letrozole [40:48] Timing and testing pitfalls [43:02] Future research and wrap up Resources mentioned:  Overexpression in Eutopic Endometrium of Women With Endometriosis. doi: 10.1177/1933719116649711.   Endometrial BCL6 testing for the prediction of in vitro fertilization outcomes: a cohort study. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.09.017.   Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and unexplained infertility: twins in disguise. doi: 10.1093/hropen/hoz021.   This episode is sponsored by Cicero Diagnostics. Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

    46 min
  6. Ep 166 Is Inflammation Hijacking Your Fertility? Answers from Natalie Crawford, MD

    MAR 10

    Ep 166 Is Inflammation Hijacking Your Fertility? Answers from Natalie Crawford, MD

    What if inflammation is quietly affecting your fertility? What if the key to improving egg quality and hormonal balance isn't just medical treatment, but the everyday choices you make? And what if understanding your body earlier could change your entire fertility journey?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes fertility specialist Dr. Natalie Crawford to explore how inflammation influences reproductive health and what women can do to support fertility from the inside out. Dr. Natalie Crawford is the author of The Fertility Formula, and she is here to share how her own experience with infertility and pregnancy loss shaped her passion for empowering patients with science-based fertility education.  Together, she and Dr. Shahine discuss the growing role of chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors in fertility challenges. Dr. Crawford explains why fertility medicine often reacts too late in the process and why understanding hormones, ovarian reserve, and reproductive health earlier can help people advocate for themselves and make informed decisions. In this episode you'll hear: [2:32] Dr. Natalie Crawford's fertility journey [7:00] Chronic inflammation and fertility [20:59] Insulin resistance impacts hormones, ovulation, & egg quality [26:34] The connection between stress, cortisol, and fertility outcomes [28:09] Sleep is an important fertility-supporting habit [32:41] Strength training to improve hormone health [41:23] Nutrition basics that work [48:25] Dr. Crawford's framework: Educate, Advocate, Optimize [54:26] Connecting with Natalie Resources mentioned:  nataliecrawfordmd.com As A Woman Podcast @nataliecrawfordmd Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | YouTube   Ep 157 Why Sleep is the Most Powerful Habit You Can't Ignore with Dr. Meredith Broderick Dr. Shahine's Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

    56 min
  7. Ep 165 Do Progesterone Shots Improve Frozen Embryo Transfer Success?

    MAR 3

    Ep 165 Do Progesterone Shots Improve Frozen Embryo Transfer Success?

    Are progesterone shots really necessary for a frozen embryo transfer? Why would your doctor recommend intramuscular injections over suppositories or other less painful options? And could the type of progesterone you use actually affect implantation, miscarriage risk, or live birth rates? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explains the science behind progesterone support in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, especially why intramuscular (IM) progesterone is often recommended in certain programmed cycle protocols.  Dr. Shahine explains how progesterone supports implantation and early pregnancy, the key differences between programmed or medicated and natural or ovulatory FET protocols, and why not all progesterone options perform the same way.  Listeners will learn how IM progesterone compares to other forms and when IM progesterone may meaningfully improve FET success. You'll get some practical guidance on how to talk with your doctor about choosing the right progesterone protocol for your body and your treatment plan.  In this episode you'll hear: [1:11] Progesterone shot fears [2:30] Why progesterone matters [4:22] Why supplement in treatment [5:22] Programmed vs. ovulatory FET [7:31] Progesterone options explained [11:07] Landmark 2021 trial set up [13:08] Results: live birth miscarriage [15:14] Next steps   Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

    17 min
  8. Ep 164 Taking Charge of Cycle Tracking with Author Dr. Toni Weschler

    FEB 24

    Ep 164 Taking Charge of Cycle Tracking with Author Dr. Toni Weschler

    Are ovulation predictor kits enough to time intercourse? Can an app really tell you when you're fertile? And what if your body has been giving you the answers all along?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking to fertility awareness pioneer Dr.  Are ovulation predictor kits enough to time intercourse? Can an app really tell you when you're fertile? And what if your body has been giving you the answers all along?  In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking to fertility awareness pioneer Toni Weschler, author of Taking Charge of Your Fertility, and her niece, software engineer, Sabrina Nowicki. These three women explore how women can confidently track ovulation, understand cervical fluid, and take charge of their reproductive health with both education and technology. Toni Weschler shares the powerful origin story behind her decades of paper charting and why she once resisted fertility apps altogether. She believed that a thermometer, a pen, and knowledge of your own body were enough.  Sabrina explains how that philosophy evolved into Cyclisity, an educational cycle tracking app designed as the perfect companion to the book. Unlike predictive period apps that rely on algorithms and "average" 28-day cycles, Cyclisity follows the sympto-thermal method exactly as taught in Toni's work. It will finally make sense why basal body temperature confirms ovulation but doesn't predict it, how cervical fluid signals approaching fertility, why ovulation predictor kits can miss critical timing, and how improper app use can delay fertility diagnosis or lead to unintended pregnancy.  This conversation is a masterclass in reproductive education and body literacy while blending science, privacy, and modern technology. In this episode you'll hear: [0:39] Meet the guests: Author Toni Weschler and Sabrina Nowicki [2:36] Why track your cycle? [4:03] Understanding ovulation and health [6:49] Sabrina's personal journey [10:29] Toni's period story [13:10] The push for technology [14:52] Early software resistance [18:35] The perfect team forms [22:03] Creating Cyclisity [27:07] Using book and app together [31:41] Temperature vs cervical fluid [32:53] Checking cervical fluid Resources mentioned:  cyclisity.com tcoyf.com @cyclisity on IG @cyclisityapp on TikTok @wanderingsabrina on IG | on TikTok Ep 50 Over 25 Years of Taking Charge of Your Fertility with Author Toni Weschler Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

    49 min
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4.9
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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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