Pod·ology

Daniel Bernal, Carolyn Huffman, Jeff Deaton

Pod·ology: The podcast where science collides with culture, without the complicated jargon. With an expert in the field, we bridge the gap between rigorous evidence and the conversations happening at your dinner table, turning complex data into the stories that define our lives. If you want to be more informed and a better conversationalist at your next gathering, join Daniel, Carolyn, and Jeff as they unpack the topics that actually matter—answering the questions you’ve always wondered about, but didn't know who to ask. Daniel Bernal is an industrial engineer dedicated to helping companies integrate renewable energy into their business models. Born to Mexican parents, Daniel grew up in Northern Mexico while attending school across the border in El Paso—a binational upbringing that gives him a unique perspective and the ability to see two sides of an issue. As our resident Gen Zer, he keeps the show grounded in the future while providing a fresh reality check for our listeners who are also trying to navigate a changing world. Carolyn Huffman has spent more than 30 years in healthcare, as a nurse and nurse practitioner. She later earned her PhD to better understand how science brings clarity to complex care. Now a researcher and professor, she brings a lifelong passion for translating evidence into practice, ensuring the science we discuss is both proven and practical. Jeff Deaton is a physician with over 30 years of experience in reproductive medicine, a seasoned voice who reminds us that medicine existed long before Google. A published author and historian at heart, Jeff is as likely to be found hunting for a rare first edition book as he is analyzing the data for an upcoming Pod-ology episode. He brings wisdom and context to remind us that while technology evolves, the human element remains at the heart of science. Learn more at https://www.JeffDeatonMD.com We welcome your feedback! Email the show at: hellopodology@gmail.com

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    “When Waiting Becomes Life” - Dr. Jeff Deaton The Emotional Side of Infertility

    Welcome to another episode of Pod-ology! What happens when life doesn’t follow the timeline you planned? In this episode, Daniel and Carolyn sit down with reproductive endocrinologist and author-- our own Jeff Deaton, to explore the emotional and physical challenges of infertility. Drawing from decades of clinical experience—and his book When Waiting Becomes Life—Jeff walks us through the complexity of infertility. Whether you’re in the midst of infertility treatment, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand, this episode invites you to rethink what it means to live fully even during uncertainty. Episode Highlights: Impact of fertility on relationships and identity Alternative paths to parenthood How friends and family can support loved ones in the journey Dr. Jeff Deaton is a well known fertility expert who currently directs the Wake Forest University Center for Fertility and Reproductive Surgery in Winston Salem, NC. A respected voice in the field of infertility, he has published multiple scientific papers and helped countless women and couples achieve their goal of having a family. Visit Resolve: The National Infertility and Family Building Association (https://resolve.org/) for helpful resources on how to navigate the infertility journey or find a support group in your area. To find a clinic near you got to Society for Assisted Reproduction: https://www.sart.org/ For information on a variety of topics including infertility, unexplained infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and male infertility visit: ReproductiveFacts.org Dr. Jeff Deaton’s website: jeffdeatonmd.com When Waiting Becomes Life is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Bookshop.org, Powell’s Books and Walmart. For direct links to your favorite book retailer see below. Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonAmazon Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonBandN Books-A-Million: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonBAM Bookshop.org: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonBookshop Powell's Books: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonPowellsBooks Walmart: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonWalmart

    “When Waiting Becomes Life” - Dr. Jeff Deaton The Emotional Side of Infertility
  2. Jun 9

    Fertility Preservation: Should I freeze my eggs?

    Welcome to another episode of Pod-ology. What if biology had a “pause” button? In this episode, we explore the science—and cultural implications—of egg freezing. From career planning to cancer treatment, fertility preservation is reshaping how and when people think about family-building. With our own reproductive endocrinologist Jeff Deaton taking the lead, we unpack what egg freezing actually involves, who it’s for, and the emotional and ethical questions that come with putting reproduction “on ice.” Episode Highlights: Egg freezing isn’t a guarantee—it’s a strategic option. Success depends heavily on age and egg quality, not just the number frozen. Timing matters more than most people think. Early-to-mid 30s is often the optimal window, while outcomes decline significantly after 40. The process is intensive but short-term. About two weeks of hormone injections, monitoring, and a brief outpatient retrieval procedure. Fertility preservation reflects modern life choices. From cancer patients to career-focused individuals, egg freezing is reshaping how people plan families. Dr. Jeff Deaton is a well known fertility expert who currently directs the Wake Forest University Center for Fertility and Reproductive Surgery in Winston Salem, NC. A respected voice in the field of infertility, he has published multiple scientific papers and helped countless women and couples achieve their goal of having a family. To find a clinic near you go to Society for Assisted Reproduction: https://www.sart.org/

    Fertility Preservation: Should I freeze my eggs?

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Pod·ology: The podcast where science collides with culture, without the complicated jargon. With an expert in the field, we bridge the gap between rigorous evidence and the conversations happening at your dinner table, turning complex data into the stories that define our lives. If you want to be more informed and a better conversationalist at your next gathering, join Daniel, Carolyn, and Jeff as they unpack the topics that actually matter—answering the questions you’ve always wondered about, but didn't know who to ask. Daniel Bernal is an industrial engineer dedicated to helping companies integrate renewable energy into their business models. Born to Mexican parents, Daniel grew up in Northern Mexico while attending school across the border in El Paso—a binational upbringing that gives him a unique perspective and the ability to see two sides of an issue. As our resident Gen Zer, he keeps the show grounded in the future while providing a fresh reality check for our listeners who are also trying to navigate a changing world. Carolyn Huffman has spent more than 30 years in healthcare, as a nurse and nurse practitioner. She later earned her PhD to better understand how science brings clarity to complex care. Now a researcher and professor, she brings a lifelong passion for translating evidence into practice, ensuring the science we discuss is both proven and practical. Jeff Deaton is a physician with over 30 years of experience in reproductive medicine, a seasoned voice who reminds us that medicine existed long before Google. A published author and historian at heart, Jeff is as likely to be found hunting for a rare first edition book as he is analyzing the data for an upcoming Pod-ology episode. He brings wisdom and context to remind us that while technology evolves, the human element remains at the heart of science. Learn more at https://www.JeffDeatonMD.com We welcome your feedback! Email the show at: hellopodology@gmail.com