Fab Fertility
178 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 197 ratingsInfertility is a topic too often ignored.
The mission of this podcast is to bring inspiration, facts, tips, education, support and most importantly a VOICE to all things fertility so that those listening feel empowered and proud to take control of their journey.
Just because fertility is hard, doesn't mean it can't be fabulous.
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Episodes
Episode 164: Fertility Fuck it Friday REUNION Episode
July 14, 2023 13:21 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBAlex from @rockabyemaybe & I have been on a FFIF hiatis for awhile, bc, well, LIFE - but we finally got our shit together and decided to record a reunion episode after almost two years. We catch eachother and everyone up on what we have been up to in our fertility and IVF journeys, what's next, and of course serve up all the usual crazy banter. We've missed y'all! Exciting news coming for the podcast as a whole soon...
Episode 163: FFIF: We're BAAACCCCCCCKKKKKK w/ Alex's Big News
November 27, 2021 15:28 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBWe have missed our podcast fam but we are back! Once you hear what we have been up to, we hope you'll understand our hiatus. On this episode Alex and I catch up, Alex shares her MASSIVE news, and we answer a bunch of listener questions. Good to be back - #fertilityfuckitfriday
Season 2 Trailer: Guest Interviews, IVF Lessons Learned + Listener Chosen Topics
September 22, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 6.04 MBAfter a hiatis from the pod to get my shit & schedule in order, I am back with all new (and improved, IMO) programming for the show. I will quickly share what is in store for season 2, including how YOU will be able to vote on the topics I cover. Thank you for sticking around, being patient & being a BADASS infertility warriors!
Episode 6: FFIF: Roast or Toast: False Positive - A Fertility Related Movie Review
July 30, 2021 11:00 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBOn our inaugural episode of FFIF: Roast or Toast, we pick apart the new Hulu original movie, False Positive - a thriller/suspense film about a woman who undergoes a fucked up and entirely unrealistic version of IVF to start her family. There is a villain - spoiler, it's Pierce Brosnan. Spoiler 2: this is a roast, not a toast. We promise a shit-ton of laughs whether you've watched the film of not. But you'll def want to watch bc it is so ridic. If you guys like this, we will do it once a month!
Episode 162: FFIF: Roast or Toast: False Positive - A Fertility Related Movie Review
July 30, 2021 11:00 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBOn our inaugural episode of FFIF: Roast or Toast, we pick apart the new Hulu original movie, False Positive - a thriller/suspense film about a woman who undergoes a fucked up and entirely unrealistic version of IVF to start her family. There is a villain - spoiler, it's Pierce Brosnan. Spoiler 2: this is a roast, not a toast. We promise a shit-ton of laughs whether you've watched the film of not. But you'll def want to watch bc it is so ridic. If you guys like this, we will do it once a month!
Episode 161: FFIF: IVF Travel Tips, The Weirdest Places We've Gotten Shots, Brows & Britney
July 23, 2021 15:17 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBOn today's episode, Alex and I give you tips on traveling with medication during treatment and discuss the weirdest place we've ever given ourselves or gotten shots. We also discuss clear purses, eyebrows & Alex catches me up on the latest Britney Spears news #freebritney
Episode 5: FFIF: IVF Travel Tips, The Weirdest Places We've Gotten Shots, Brows & Britney
July 23, 2021 15:17 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBOn today's episode, Alex and I give you tips on traveling with medication during treatment and discuss the weirdest place we've ever given ourselves or gotten shots. We also discuss clear purses, eyebrows & Alex catches me up on the latest Britney Spears news #freebritney
Episode 160: FFIF: Infertility Olympics, Soggy Crackers & the Great #StillInfertile Movement
July 09, 2021 17:05 - 50 minutes - 70.5 MBOn this episode, Alex and I address the use of #infertility at every stage of your journey to and through parenthood. Alex educates me on what a soggy cracker is (ummmm.... what???!!!!) and we share what events we would compete in if there was an, "Infertility Olympics"! Per usual, we end answering some listener Q's.
Episode 4: FFIF: Infertility Olympics, Soggy Crackers & the Great #StillInfertile Movement
July 09, 2021 17:05 - 50 minutes - 70.5 MBOn this episode, Alex and I address the use of #infertility at every stage of your journey to and through parenthood. Alex educates me on what a soggy cracker is (ummmm.... what???!!!!) and we share what events we would compete in if there was an, "Infertility Olympics"! Per usual, we end answering some listener Q's.
Episode 3: FFIF: Listener Infertility Q & A + Shrimp & Pink Champagne
July 06, 2021 19:16 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MBAlex and I small talk like two blue-haired BFFs about the Olympic trials, the weather and COVID and then dive into listener Q & A (both fun and serious) involving betas, Chick-fil-a, why birthdays suck so bad when you're battling infertility, and why Alex and I have avoided TTC the old fashion way during our IVF cycles. We also talk about shrimp and pink champagne... listen to find out why!
Episode 159: FFIF: Listener Infertility Q & A + Shrimp & Pink Champagne
July 06, 2021 19:16 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MBAlex and I small talk like two blue-haired BFFs about the Olympic trials, the weather and COVID and then dive into listener Q & A (both fun and serious) involving betas, Chick-fil-a, why birthdays suck so bad when you're battling infertility, and why Alex and I have avoided TTC the old fashion way during our IVF cycles. We also talk about shrimp and pink champagne... listen to find out why!
Episode 158 FFIF: Mosaicism, Our Favorite Fertility/Infertility Items & Our Great Full Bum Versus Night-time Panty Debate
July 06, 2021 19:08 - 24 minutes - 34.7 MBThis episode is quick but action packed! We "hit the ground jogging" discussing mosaicism (fun fact, Alex & I both have frozen mosaic embryos). We then have a friendly debate on full bum versus nighttime panties vernacular, talk about Hulu, and round our chat with a list of our favorite fertility/infertility products.
Episode 2 FFIF: Mosaicism, Our Favorite Fertility/Infertility Items & Our Great Full Bum Versus Night-time Panty Debate
July 06, 2021 19:08 - 24 minutes - 34.7 MBThis episode is quick but action packed! We "hit the ground jogging" discussing mosaicism (fun fact, Alex & I both have frozen mosaic embryos). We then have a friendly debate on full bum versus nighttime panties vernacular, talk about Hulu, and round our chat with a list of our favorite fertility/infertility products.
Episode 157: FFIF: Blocking Our Husbands & Romper Rules
June 11, 2021 20:35 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MBHeyyyyy youuuuu guyyysssss - we are SO happy to be back and better than ever for season 2. Alex brings us up to speed on her surrogacy journey, we discuss our Starbucks orders and our romper requirements and give advice on fertility fundraising, answer listener questions and leave you with all the randomness you've been missing!
Episode 1: FFIF: Blocking Our Husbands & Romper Rules
June 11, 2021 20:35 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MBHeyyyyy youuuuu guyyysssss - we are SO happy to be back and better than ever for season 2. Alex brings us up to speed on her surrogacy journey, we discuss our Starbucks orders and our romper requirements and give advice on fertility fundraising, answer listener questions and leave you with all the randomness you've been missing!
Episode 156: FFIF Season 1 Sendoff: Starbutts, Mother's Day Chat & the Introduction of #WUITTHEHELL
May 07, 2021 15:49 - 53 minutes - 74 MBHoly shit! It is the LAST episode of season 1! Alex and I have quite the spirited conversation about butts so buckle up. Alex shares about her current IVF cycle and surrogacy journey, we get into how to cope with Mother's Day triggers, answer a few questions from all of you, and round out the season with a conspiracy theory and the introduction of our NEW hashtag #WUITTHEHELL
Episode 155: My Top Infertility Advocacy Tips
May 07, 2021 15:18 - 16 minutes - 23.5 MBThis is the LAST Wednesday episode of season one before I take a brief hiatus the remainder of May. I will be back in June with an all new season full of new guests, new topics and tons of inspiration. I asked you all to vote on what topic you wanted covered on this last ep, and you all chose my top advocacy tips. While this episode isn't long, it captures the most critical tips I have learned over the past three years and used in my own journey to advocate for what I wanted and what my body...
Episode 154: FFIF: Coping w/ Infertility Shit Hurdles, Red Light Green Light IVF & Alex's IVF/Surrogacy Update
April 30, 2021 17:31 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBThis episode is a hot mess - from our basket of bothers, to Alex's in depth (& very exciting) surrogacy/IVF update to answering serious & silly questions submitted by you, we cover a lot of shit! We answer how to deal with shit hurdles you come across during treatments & also what to do what you are getting differing opinions from different doctors. Also, in case you're curious what names we think are sexy & what animals we think would be rude if they could talk, this is the episode for you ...
Episode 153: What No One Tells You About IVF Egg Retrievals & Frozen Embryo Transfers
April 28, 2021 21:56 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MBThere is only so much a doctor or nurse who have never experienced these procedures can tell you. Only true warriors who have been through it can tell you the real deets. After going through five retrievals and five transfers and talking to SO many of you through Fab Fertility and Fertility Rally, I feel very equipped to cover this topic with you. This was far and away one of the most voted for topics when I asked you all what you wanted to hear in future episodes. I hope this episode leaves...
Episode 152: FFIF: Dinosaur or Butterfly?! Cast YOUR Vote...
April 16, 2021 19:43 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MBOn this episode, Alex and I laugh... A LOT. We answer a couple of questions about the plan for FFIF going forward, discuss NIAW and answer the listener question, "Why the wait between retrievals and genetic test results sucks so hard?" We then have quite the spirited conversation about butt stuff including plastic poop hammocks and talk about the "right way" to say certain words and ask YOU to cast your vote on IG...
Episode 151: IVF, Fragile X & Putting Hope Into Your Last Shot w/ Chicago Blogger Kit Graham
April 07, 2021 15:16 - 55 minutes - 76.9 MBOn this episode, Chicago travel/food/lifestyle blogger & IVF mama to baby Gwen shares her infertility story. Kit is a fragile X carrier which resulted in diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), making TTC extremely difficult, leading her and her hubby Charles to IVF. Kit has always prided herself in being able to maintain her identity amidst it all and provides some advice on how to not lose yourself while going through treatment. Follow Kit HERE Check out Kit's website HERE
Episode 150: FFIF: Fertility World Scandals, IVF Advice & Other Updates
April 03, 2021 01:31 - 31 minutes - 44.4 MBOn this episode, Alex and I tell you what about our respective cities are bothering us. Then we get into the dreaded April Fools' Day drama that lurks around our community each and every year. Alex gives some updates on her surrogacy journey and then we answer the question, "How do I balance hope and fear going into a repeat IVF cycle?"
Episode 149: Single Motherhood by Choice & Playing by Your Own Rules w/ Founder & CEO of Juliet, Heather Smith
April 01, 2021 21:11 - 39 minutes - 55 MBOn this episode, I interview Founder & CEO of Juliet, Heather Smith. Heather founded Juliet after navigating her own fertility journey where she has pursued single motherhood. Through her two healthcare products, pregnancy test & ovulation tests, she has created a more supportive, stigma & shame free experience, built to bring comfort and certainty to moms in the making. No more inconvenient trips to the grocery store. No more unwanted conversations with well-meaning checkout clerks. No more...
Episode 148: When IVF is Needed for Genetic Reasons w/ Mindee Thompson
March 24, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBOn this episode, I talk with Mindee Thompson from @lipsticktolunges about her family building journey. From an easy first pregnancy, to devastating family prognosis, to the discovery of a genetic condition in her second child, to the necessity of IVF to keep growing their family, this story is full of twists & turns. Shedding light on why IVF is needed for genetic reasons isn't a topic I have covered beyond my own diagnosis so I am so thankful to Mindee for letting us into her world to learn...
Episode 146: FFIF: The Vag Van
March 19, 2021 16:19 - 1 hour - 87.2 MBThe Vag Van - I bet you're wondering what that is. Listen to find out! On this week's episode, we dis hard on daylight savings time because it blows. Alex gives an update on her surrogacy journey - LOTS of juicy & amazing deets this week. Then we get to the remaining questions you asked last week including how to cope with triggers, donor egg IVF accounts to follow, our personal experience with reproductive immunology, & of course some fun ones thrown in too.
Episode 145: Behind the Scenes of I Had A Miscarriage: A Memoir, A Movement w/ Author, Jessica Zucker, Ph.D.
March 18, 2021 15:28 - 43 minutes - 60.5 MBOn this episode, I interview the author of the newly-released book, "I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, A Movement," Jessica Zucker. We talk about how her life & career as a psychologist specializing in reproductive & maternal mental health forever changed when she experienced a later term loss at 16 weeks. All of of a sudden, she deeply understood her patients like she never had before. The impact the loss had on her life never left her, & after having her second child, she decided it was time ...
Episode 144: FFIF: Fertility Friendship Dynamics, Superstitions & Cuss Word Counters
March 13, 2021 03:08 - 53 minutes - 73.8 MBWhile this episode starts off animal heavy, don't worry, we bring the good fertility stuff. We answer some of your questions including how to navigate fertility friendships at different stages, our thoughts on superstitions, and getting in the right financial headspace when you began to get overwhelmed. Alex also gives a juicy update on her surrogacy journey!
Episode 143: A Reproductive Immunology Success Story w/ Author Hollie Overton
March 10, 2021 12:00 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBOn this episode I interview a fellow TTC sister and listener of the Fab Fertility podcast, Hollie Overton. I don't want to give too much away about Hollie's amazing story, but let's just say her IVF journey results in a TRIPLE happy ending. Hollie and I share a passion for self advocacy and interest in reproductive immunology and its potential benefits when all other medical interventions and tests aren't working. Our conversation focuses around those two things with some other fun anecdotes...
Episode 142: FFIF: The Insurance Circus, Falling Short & Learning to Just Say No
March 05, 2021 20:24 - 50 minutes - 70.3 MBOn this episode, Alex and I discuss how full our plates are with work, family planning and everything in between. We discuss the importance of boundaries and learning to just say no. When your plate is too full you constantly feel like you're falling short and that is so toxic for your already compromised mental health that has come as a result of infertility. We get into what a circus insurance claims can be and Alex shares the latest on her surrogacy journey!
Episode 141: Hormones & Skin: The Science Behind the Problems, Dos, Don'ts & Product Recs w/ Dr. Kellie Reed
March 03, 2021 12:00 - 48 minutes - 67.6 MBOn this episode I interview the amazing Austin-based dermatologist and mama of one adorable baby boy, Kellie Reed. We talk all about hormones and their effect on our skin along with what products and treatments you can and can't use or schedule while you are trying to conceive or pregnant. Kellie gives us all of her top tips, favorite products, and even shares her own personal skin regimen of the moment. We even get into nipple care... you know I had to go there! Enjoy!
Episode 140: FFIF: Snow Shit Storms, Treatment Stress at Work, & An Infertility Procedure Recovery Discussion
February 19, 2021 15:28 - 28 minutes - 39.8 MBThis episode is short and sweet! We are in a bit of disarray (especially me) after all the snow we have gotten, but we had to make sure you got your FFIF fix this week. We discuss random acts of kindness we have experienced in our amazing community lately and answer two community questions, one about dealing with treatments at work and the other about recoveries for various infertility procedures including D&Cs, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, transfers and retrievals.
Episode 139: FFIF: Cat Fights, Dunkaroos & IVF Advice
February 12, 2021 15:33 - 1 hour - 87.2 MBOn this episode Alex and I talk about a lot of random shit. Quarantine date nights, our favorite Valentine's Day treats, favorite pizza toppings, and our preferred Dunkaroo icing flavors (how is that for specific)?! We also answer a ton of questions about infertility including how to get your partner on board with IVF, how to stay positive when you get a positive beta after you've experienced loss and more.
Episode 138: FFIF: No Sex in Outer Space
February 05, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 71.4 MBOn today's episode Alex and I talk about how our bodies and bad habits are what's bothering us. We answer several questions submitted by you, both fertility and non-fertility related. Sex during treatments, our go-to supplements, what we'd do if we hung out IRL, our preference on sea or space and much more. It's a mixed bag in this episode and we are all about it. If we didn't get to your question this we, we promise we will next episode!
Episode 137: IVF Rapid Fire w/ Roohi Jeelani, MD
February 03, 2021 17:56 - 52 minutes - 73.2 MBYou guys LOVE episodes with fertility doctors so I am PUMPED to bring you my interview with Dr. Roohi Jeelani. Roohi is a RE at VIOS Fertility Institute in Chicago. She is a big voice on social media, sharing both insight into her personal and professional life. What makes Roohi extra special is she is a fertility patient herself. At the time of this interview, she is gearing up for an embryo transfer. We talk about her personal journey and then she rapid fire answers questions submitted by ...
Episode 136: FFIF: Thongs, Leggings, Panty Liners & Exercise
January 29, 2021 14:30 - 52 minutes - 72 MBIn this episode, Alex and I debate whether or not to wear panties/thongs with leggings. Who knew this question from a listener would create such a hilarious and involved convo?! We also discuss when we exercise throughout treatment, talk about our beloved Peloton app/bike, and a smattering of other relatable fertility-related topics. Oh! And let me not forget the guest appearance from Scotch.
Episode 135: The Loss Lovey Story & Validation vs Authenticity w/ Candace Van Wade
January 27, 2021 12:00 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBOn this episode I bring back my girl, Candace Van Wade aka @operationbabybump, creator of Loss Lovey (@losslovey), and host of The Infertili-TEA Podcast to tell the story of her new business baby. Don't worry, for those who follow Candace, we definitely talk about her rainbow baby Hazel some too. Candace is one of the most passionate, empathetic, and hilarious women I know. Her love for our infertility community has no doubt helped me through some of my dark days and I hope she does the same...
Episode 135: The Loss Lovey Story & Validation vs Authenticity w/ Candance Van Wade
January 27, 2021 12:00 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBOn this episode I bring back my girl, Candace Van Wade aka @operationbabybump, creator of Loss Lovey (@losslovey), and host of The Infertili-TEA Podcast to tell the story of her new business baby. Don't worry, for those who follow Candace, we definitely talk about her rainbow baby Hazel some too. Candace is one of the most passionate, empathetic, and hilarious women I know. Her love for our infertility community has no doubt helped me through some of my dark days and I hope she does the same...
Episode 134: FFIF: Tincture for Your Sphincter
January 22, 2021 16:37 - 40 minutes - 56.7 MBToday we talk about Alex's yeast saga, her at home remedies and diet restrictions. We also discuss what NOT to say to people who have experienced loss of any kind. We talk about our husbands' passive aggressive comments about our wine/Claw consumption and discuss FFIF merch and future group spin socials!
Episode 133: Questions To Ask At Your IVF Consultation
January 20, 2021 22:06 - 36 minutes - 50.9 MBOn this episode, I give some advice on what to ask at your IVF consultation. Whether this is your very first consult, your 4th WTF consult (I have been there), or your second/third/fourth opinion (I have been there too), this episode will be your friend. These are all of the questions I wish I had asked along the way. They are a collection of my mistakes, best practices I have learned and advice I have gotten from other warriors and physicians. I hope it helps!
Episode 132: FFIF: Superstitious Nose Schmear... Like the Cream Cheese
January 15, 2021 12:00 - 42 minutes - 59.3 MBOn this episode I put my podcast editing skills to the test with a surprise intro! We talk about Alex's non-vaginal yeast infection and COVID test as well as our tendency in the infertility community to be extremely superstitious and paranoid. We also play a fun game, "weirdest shit you've Googled this week" and invite you to join us for a FFIF Peloton ride!
Episode 131: FFIF: New Year, Same Us... The Side Boob of Podcasts
January 08, 2021 12:00 - 51 minutes - 71.5 MBAfter our NYE episode with Cori & Kaylee, Alex & I contemplate what our show's rating would be. We talk about how we screw up of medication doses, what is bothering us, Alex's latest test results, my recent appointment and more!
Episode 130: Fundraising, Choosing Your Clinic Wisely, & The Power of a Strong Partnership on Your IVF Journey w/ Jenna Cuccionilli
January 06, 2021 12:00 - 57 minutes - 79.3 MBJenna is an amazing Rae Dunn addicted doctor-to-be pursuing IVF to start her family. With a diagnosis of PCOS and empty follicle syndrome, it is has proven to be an uphill battle. Jenna shares about what her and her husband have been through up until this point including a miscarriage a week before their wedding and a failed IVF cycle. Jenna is a glass half full kind of gal, sharing the lessons she has learned every step of the way. Follow Jenna HERE Read more about Jenna and her journ...
Episode 130: Fundraising, Choosing Your Clinic Wisely, & The Power of a Strong Partnership on Your IVF Journey w/ Jenna Cuccionelli
January 06, 2021 12:00 - 57 minutes - 79.3 MBJenna is an amazing Rae Dunn addicted doctor-to-be pursuing IVF to start her family. With a diagnosis of PCOS and empty follicle syndrome, it is has proven to be an uphill battle. Jenna shares about what her and her husband have been through up until this point including a miscarriage a week before their wedding and a failed IVF cycle. Jenna is a glass half full kind of gal, sharing the lessons she has learned every step of the way. Follow Jenna HERE Read more about Jenna and her journ...
Episode 129: FFIF NYE Explicit: Wanda Stories, Sex, IVF & Lots of Laughs w/ The Angry Infertiles
January 01, 2021 18:23 - 1 hour - 133 MBI can only describe this episode as, "for mature audiences only with a crass sense of humor." We had a blast shooting the shit, telling stories, and laughing our assess off. We hope it has the same effect on you!
Episode 128: Year in Review: Top 10 Podcast Episodes & What's to Come in 2021
December 30, 2020 12:00 - 31 minutes - 44.3 MBIn this episode, I list the top 10 most downloaded podcast episodes in 2020 and share what is coming in 2021! 1. Episode 100: Natalie Crawford, MD Tells All! 2. Episode 92: An Incredible Adoption & Infertility Story w/ Holly Durst Julian 3. Episode 94: Let's Get Real About Infertility, MFI & IVF Success w/ Millie Brooks 4. Episode 72: Uplevel Your Understanding of Embryology 5. Episode 96: Real AF Infertility Talk w/ Monica Caron (@my_so_called_ivf) 6. Episode 95: FFIF: We ...
Episode 127: FFIF: Peloton & Instagram Shit Shows
December 27, 2020 02:57 - 49 minutes - 46.1 MBAlex and I tell some funny stories, we discuss "the post" that shook the infertility world, and catch you up on the latest with Alex's journey towards surrogacy.
Episode 126: FFIF: Traveling Biopsies, Fertility Gift Cards & Being Blindsided w/ the Unexpected
December 18, 2020 12:00 - 56 minutes - 78.4 MBAlex discusses her second surrogacy agency consult & her convo with a Canadian surrogate. We get into a long conversation about how nothing ever goes according to plan with infertility. Surprise cycle cancellations, uncooperative bodies, weird test results - we have experienced it all. We tend to always fall in that special 1% of people that weird shit happens to. If you feel like infertility is kicking your ass & want to laugh about uterine biopsies, we got you!
Episode 125: A Candid Convo w/ The Angry Infertiles
December 16, 2020 02:40 - 52 minutes - 73 MBI am SO excited to bring you this episode with Cori & Kaylee, the co-hosts of The Angry Infertiles podcast. They answer hard questions RE toxic positivity, firing your doctor, & infertility during the holidays. If you know these two (and me, let's be honest) you bet your ass we cover plenty of inappropriate topics & drop plenty of f-bombs. These two live & die by keeping it real & I respect the hell out of that. They have created a space for people to feel ok being angry about infertility. I...
Episode 124: FFIF: Lineup of Penises & Spiraling in Peace
December 11, 2020 17:44On today's episode we laugh a lot! We talk about the postal service, penises (yes, that is the plural form of penis, we checked), fundraising, pregnancy announcements & so much more!
Episode 124: FFIF: Lineup of Penises & Spiraling in Peace
December 11, 2020 17:44On today's episode we laugh a lot! We talk about the postal service, penises (yes, that is the plural form of penis, we checked), fundraising, pregnancy announcements & so much more!