Fertile-ish

Fertile-ish
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Medicine
  • Weekly

Welcome to Fertile-ish — the unfiltered fertility podcast for anyone trying to make sense of baby-making, reproductive health, and everything that comes with it. Hosted by Laura Hendley — fertility industry leader, advocate, and longtime fertility patient — Fertile-ish brings together real conversations with fertility experts, industry leaders, advocates, and people who have actually lived it. From trying to conceive and fertility treatments to egg freezing, male factor infertility, reproductive health, loss, relationships, and the emotional chaos no one quite prepares you for, we’re talking about all of it. Expect real science without the medical-school lecture, honest conversations without the sugarcoating, and plenty of humor along the way. Because fertility is complicated enough. Less textbook. More group chat at 2 a.m.

  1. 7h ago

    The Embryologist Has Entered the Chat

    🎙️The Embryologist Has Entered the Chat💕 Featuring Alease Barnes, Embryologist What REALLY happens behind the doors of an IVF lab? 🧫🔬 And could the lab you choose make or break your chances of success? This week on Fertile-ish, I’m joined by the incredible Alease Barnes, better known as Alease the Embryologist! Alease was actually the very first fertility educator I followed when I started my own journey, so having her on the podcast is extra special! 💗 🧬 We’re pulling back the curtain on IVF labs, from staffing and safety protocols to embryo handling, success rates, and the questions EVERY patient should be asking before choosing a clinic. 🥚 Alease also shares her personal egg freezing journey, including why she chose to freeze eggs instead of embryos, and what surprised her most about experiencing fertility treatment from the other side of the lab. 🤖 We dive into the future of embryology, including AI, automation, and whether newer technology actually means better outcomes for patients. 📣 And we’re talking ADVOCACY! From Capitol Hill to helping establish a family-building coalition in North Carolina, Alease shares how she’s working to improve fertility education, patient protections, and access to care. 💗 But one of the most beautiful reminders from this conversation? Even when you never meet your embryologist, there are people behind those lab doors who genuinely care about you and your future family.Expect fascinating science, real talk, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of the ish that comes with fertility! 💕 Connect with Alease! 📸 Instagram: @alease_the_embryologist🎥 TikTok: @aleasetheembryologist🌐 Website: aleasetheembryologist.com📚 FREE RESOURCE: Alease’s guide to choosing a fertility clinic, available on her website!🎧 Watch & Listen!📺 WATCH on Spotify or YouTube!🎙️ LISTEN on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts!💗 Love this episode? Follow, subscribe, leave a five-star rating, and share it with someone who deserves to know what’s happening behind those lab doors!✨ New episodes every Tuesday!

  2. 6d ago

    The Pause Is Part of the Story

    🎙️ Season 4, Episode 1: The Pause Is Part of the Story 💕 Featuring Katie Fissore Burke What happens when you’ve spent years trying to become a mom, but somewhere along the way, you realize you’ve put the rest of your life on hold? We’re kicking off Season 4 of Fertile-ish with writer, actress, filmmaker, and fertility advocate Katie Fissore Burke for a conversation that’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and painfully relatable! 💗 💔 From more than five years of infertility and pregnancy loss to navigating friendships, marriage, and the pressure to do EVERYTHING right, Katie gets real about the emotional roller coaster of trying to build a family. 🤦‍♀️ We’re talking unsolicited advice, pregnancy announcements, the comparison trap, and why infertility somehow makes two weeks feel like seven years. 💍 Most importantly, Katie shares why she and her husband decided to pause fertility treatment to focus on themselves and their marriage, without giving up on their dream of becoming parents. ✨ Because you can desperately want to become a mom without putting the rest of your life on hold. Expect laughter, tears, a little TMI, and all the ish that comes with infertility! 💕 Connect with Katie! 📸 Instagram: @katiefissoreburke ✍️ Newsletter: https://katiefissore.com/newsletters 🎬 Follow along with Katie’s upcoming feature film, Almost Thirty! 🎧 Watch & Listen! 📺 WATCH on Spotify or YouTube! 🎙️ LISTEN on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts! 💗 Love the episode? Follow, subscribe, leave a five-star rating, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! ✨ New episodes every Tuesday!

    The Pause Is Part of the Story

  3. May 26

    The Hidden Realities of Endometriosis w/ Dr. James Kondrup

    🎙️ The Hidden Realities of Endometriosis In this incredibly insightful episode of Fertile-ish, we sit down with special guest Dr. James Kondrup to have an honest conversation about the hidden realities of endometriosis and the ways it can impact fertility, IVF outcomes, chronic pain, and everyday life. Dr. Kondrup shares his decades of experience in minimally invasive surgery and endometriosis care, explaining why so many patients go years without answers and how symptoms are often dismissed or misunderstood along the way. 💛 We dive deep into the difference between excision and ablation surgery, how endometriosis can affect egg reserve and implantation, and why choosing the right surgeon matters so much for preserving fertility. Dr. Kondrup also discusses endometriomas, fertility preservation, recurrent implantation failure, suppression protocols, and what recovery from endometriosis surgery actually looks like. We also talk about “silent endometriosis,” how inflammation may play a role in symptoms and fertility outcomes, and why advocating for yourself as a patient is one of the most important things you can do. 🩺✨ This episode is filled with validation, education, humor, and hope for anyone navigating infertility, IVF, chronic pelvic pain, or the emotional ups and downs that often come with endometriosis. And yes… there’s even a very real conversation about banking eggs instead of embryos when you’re “not totally sure you’re keeping this guy.” 😂🥚 If this episode made you feel seen, helped answer some of your questions, or taught you something new, be sure to like, follow, subscribe, and leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star rating and review! Your support helps more people find Fertile-ish and keeps these important conversations going. 💕🎧

  4. May 19

    The Clomid vs Letrozole Group Chat Debate

    🎙️ The Clomid vs. Letrozole Group Chat Debate This week on Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis are diving into one of the most common fertility questions out there: Clomid or Letrozole… and what’s actually the difference? 🤔💊 From side effects and ovulation induction to PMOS (formerly known as PCOS), unexplained infertility, IVF protocols, and why some providers prescribe one medication over the other, they break down the science in a way that actually makes sense. The episode covers how both medications work differently in the body to achieve the same goal; helping follicles grow and triggering ovulation. 🌱 They explain why Clomid can come with more menopausal-style side effects, like hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, and thinning of the uterine lining, while Letrozole is often better tolerated and is considered the first-line medication for many patients with PMOS. They also get real about the frustrating reality many fertility patients face when they’re handed a prescription for Clomid or Letrozole without a full fertility workup first. 😵‍💫 The conversation touches on why testing matters before wasting months trying medications blindly, including semen analysis, HSG testing, hormone panels, and evaluating lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Laura and Brandis also discuss superovulation, timed intercourse cycles, IUI, IVF, modified natural transfer cycles, and the important reminder that going to a fertility clinic does not automatically mean jumping straight to IVF! 🙌 They explain how fertility treatment is never one-size-fits-all and why advocating for yourself and asking questions about your treatment plan is so important. Plus, they share personal experiences with these medications, funny fertility moments, transfer anxiety, and why even fertility professionals still spiral over their own estrogen levels sometimes. 😂 Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey, currently taking Clomid or Letrozole, navigating PMOS, or simply trying to understand your options better, this episode is packed with information, validation, and plenty of honest conversation. 💗 Be sure to like, follow, and subscribe to Fertile-ish wherever you listen to podcasts. 🎧✨ And if you’re loving the show, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star rating and review — it helps more people find the podcast and supports our mission to make fertility conversations more honest, educational, and relatable!

  5. May 12

    So...You Wanna Donate Your Eggs?

    🎙️ So...You Wanna Donate Your Eggs? 🥚✨ Featuring Special Guest: Allyson Santoro In this episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis sit down with Allyson Santoro, RN and Director of Third-Party Programs at CNY Fertility, to break down everything you need to know about becoming an egg donor 💕 From qualifications and testing to compensation, anonymity, and what the actual donation process looks like, this episode gives an honest and informative look into the world of egg donation. Whether you’re considering becoming a donor, exploring donor eggs to grow your family, or just curious about the process, this episode answers the questions everyone is asking 👀 You’ll hear all about why women choose to donate their eggs 🌸, what the screening and medical testing process looks like 🩺, how genetic carrier screening works 🧬, and what to expect during monitoring appointments and egg retrieval 💉🥚 Allyson also shares insight into compensation 💰, recovery after retrieval, risks and side effects, and how donor anonymity has changed in today’s world with DNA testing and Open ID donation 🌎 Laura and Brandis also dive into common myths and misconceptions surrounding egg donation ✨ including whether donors can freeze some of their own eggs while donating to help another family grow 🤍 This episode is packed with education, transparency, and real talk about one of the most selfless gifts someone can give 💗 📞 CNY Fertility: 844-315-BABY📧 Questions about egg donation? Contact Laura at lhendley@cnyfertility.com About Our Guest 🌟Allyson Santoro is a registered nurse and the Director of Third-Party Programs at CNY Fertility. She works closely with egg donors and recipient families, helping guide them through the donation process with compassion, education, and support 🤍 ⭐ Don’t forget to rate and review Fertile-ish📲 Follow, share, and tag your fertility besties 💕 New episodes drop every Tuesday 🎙️✨

  6. May 5

    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.

  7. 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. 💕

  8. 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. 💛

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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to Fertile-ish — the unfiltered fertility podcast for anyone trying to make sense of baby-making, reproductive health, and everything that comes with it. Hosted by Laura Hendley — fertility industry leader, advocate, and longtime fertility patient — Fertile-ish brings together real conversations with fertility experts, industry leaders, advocates, and people who have actually lived it. From trying to conceive and fertility treatments to egg freezing, male factor infertility, reproductive health, loss, relationships, and the emotional chaos no one quite prepares you for, we’re talking about all of it. Expect real science without the medical-school lecture, honest conversations without the sugarcoating, and plenty of humor along the way. Because fertility is complicated enough. Less textbook. More group chat at 2 a.m.

Information

  • Creator
    Fertile-ish
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Fertile-ish
  • Show Website
    Fertile-ish

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