This is Infertility
This is Infertility is a bi-weekly podcast where we fuse narrative storytelling with experience and science to give you a new perspective on what it’s really like to go through a family building journey. Each episode dives into the emotional, physical, and financial burdens carried by those who experience infertility on their path to parenthood. Be it IVF, IUI, egg freezing, surrogacy, adoption, etc., the path is never the same and it can be long, painful, and lonely. It’s our mission to give those struggling a platform to be heard, a community connection, and an opportunity to raise awareness of the 1 in 8 who, for many reasons, struggle with infertility.
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Redefining Belonging – Jessica’s Journey from Adoptee to Advocacy
11/18/2024
Redefining Belonging – Jessica’s Journey from Adoptee to Advocacy
This National Adoption Month, we hear from Jessica Luciere, a transracial, transnational adoptee, who shares her journey of self-discovery. Growing up with the love and support of her parents, Jessica also yearned for a sense of community to help her navigate her identity. She ultimately realized the importance of representation and the power of connecting to others with similar backgrounds. Today, Jessica works alongside adoptees, families, and professionals, as a program facilitator and adoptee advocate, creating spaces that celebrate and honor diverse backgrounds and foster deeper connections. Join us as Jessica dives into the importance of community, mentorship, and how she’s using her experience to support others. Guest: Jessica Luciere Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny A note from our host: My parents were foster parents throughout my life. Over time, they helped over 100 kids before they retired. In fact, my younger brother was adopted through that program. Being a kid, I had a different family life than my friends and neighbors. For me, it was a source of pride, and I still believe my parents are heroes. For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Surrogacy: Finding the Perfect Match – Insights for Intended Parents and Surrogates
11/04/2024
Surrogacy: Finding the Perfect Match – Insights for Intended Parents and Surrogates
On today’s episode, we’re joined by Sammi Itatani and Carly Vollero from , a matching platform devoted to fostering strong, authentic matches between surrogates and intended parents. They tell the stories of their own surrogacy journeys, with Sammi’s experience as a two-time surrogate and Carly’s journey as a parent through surrogacy. They bring personal and professional insights into what makes these partnerships successful. They also dive into the importance of compatibility, navigating legal and financial hurdles, and understanding the different relationship dynamics surrogates and intended parents may seek. Tune in to hear Sammi’s and Carly’s experiences and how to be thoughtful in the surrogacy journey to create happy, healthy babies. Guests: Carly Vollero, General Counsel at Nodal and Sammi Itatani, Program and Community Manager at Nodal Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Facing Menopause: A Candid Conversation with a Doctor and a Therapist
10/21/2024
Facing Menopause: A Candid Conversation with a Doctor and a Therapist
This Menopause Awareness Month, we bring together two experts who are specialists in their fields and personally navigating their own menopause journeys. Dr. Janet Choi, an OBGYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and Dr. Juliana Hauser, a therapist with a focus on sexuality and menopause, share their personal experiences with menopause. Alongside their professional expertise, they offer a rare dual perspective on the physical and emotional changes that come with this life stage. Through this candid conversation, they discuss the often-overlooked aspects of menopause, from hair loss to mental health, shedding light on the profound impact it has on a woman's identity and quality of life. Together, they emphasize the importance of normalizing these conversations and encouraging women to seek support and treatment during this pivotal time. Guest: Dr. Juliana Hauser, Therapist and Menopause Expert Host: Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer at Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Protecting Her Fertility Future in the Face of Breast Cancer
10/07/2024
Protecting Her Fertility Future in the Face of Breast Cancer
In honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting Joyelle Fleming’s story with breast cancer, which began at the young age of 31. During her journey, Joyelle was faced with a difficult decision – what to do about her future fertility given the impact of cancer treatment. With the support of her doctors and access to fertility benefits through Progyny, Joyelle was able to freeze her eggs and focus on fighting cancer. In this episode, Joyelle reflects on her experience, from navigating fertility preservation to finding strength and support from loved ones and breast cancer advocacy groups. Her story highlights the power of proactive choices and the peace of mind they can provide in the face of life’s toughest moments. To learn more about oncofertiltiy, Breast cancer resources mentioned in this episode: · · · · Guest: Joyelle Flemming, Progyny Member at Genentech Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins: Mandy’s IVF Journey
09/23/2024
The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins: Mandy’s IVF Journey
Today’s guest discusses her unexpected struggles with infertility. After a year of trying to conceive, Mandy Menaker trusted her instincts and decided to seek advice from others. She turned to Julie Campbell, at Progyny, who helped guide her on how to find the right fertility clinic, navigate insurance, and understand the ins and outs when it comes to fertility treatment. After the rollercoaster of emotions and multiple rounds of fertility treatment, Mandy and her husband Eric finally achieved their dream of becoming parents. But the journey didn’t stop there, Mandy later conceived her second child naturally, a surprise that reaffirmed the unpredictable nature of fertility. Along the way, Mandy learned how to advocate for herself and celebrate small wins to help cope with the ups and downs of IVF. Inspired to help others facing similar challenges, Mandy wrote an article for PR Daily, offering practical tips and emotional support to those navigating a family building journey You can read her article here: Guest: Mandy Menaker, Fertility Advocate Host: Julie Campbell, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].
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Two Journeys, One Friendship: Egg Donation, Surrogacy, and Secondary Infertility
09/09/2024
Two Journeys, One Friendship: Egg Donation, Surrogacy, and Secondary Infertility
In this episode, we dive into a powerful story of two lifelong friends, Nicole Gomez Fisher and Mary Lamattina, who supported each other through some of the most challenging moments of their lives; navigating infertility. They both faced their own unique struggles, Mary with , experiencing multiple miscarriages after her first child, and Nicole facing the heartbreak of failed attempts and what seemed like the never-ending emotional hurdles of and . With time, friendship, and medical intervention, both women found ways to grow their families and meaningful ways to incorporate their experiences into their careers. Guests: Mary Lamattina, benefits consultant and Nicole Gomez Fisher, award-winning writer, director, and producer of the film, Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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How Lauren Turned Her Infertility Story into an Infertility Non-profit
08/26/2024
How Lauren Turned Her Infertility Story into an Infertility Non-profit
Today's guest is a testament to resilience, turning personal pain into a powerful purpose. Lauren Clements faced a long, difficult journey in her efforts to build a family, battling through a diagnosis of PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, and undergoing numerous treatments. Yet, despite these significant setbacks, Lauren never lost hope. In this episode, she opens up about how these challenges inspired her to create , a nonprofit dedicated to providing local resources, advocacy, and financial grants to those struggling with infertility in Detroit. Lauren's story is one of courage, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others find hope amidst their own. Guest: Lauren Clements, Founder and President of Chosen Infertility Group Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Teamwork makes a dream work: How Jennifer’s village made parenthood possible
08/12/2024
Teamwork makes a dream work: How Jennifer’s village made parenthood possible
Today’s episode is a story of teamwork. Along each step of her path to parenthood, Jennifer Osmond’s obstacles were overcome with the help of her village; A doctor who laid out options and supported her along the way. An employer that provided Progyny and eased the financial strain of fertility treatment. And a wife who managed the logistics of their journey so that Jennifer could focus on her well-being. Without Jennifer’s support system, her journey would not have been made possible. Guest: Jennifer Osmond, Progyny Member at AT&T Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Fertility 101: Egg Donation: Transparency for the Intended Parent and Donor
07/29/2024
Fertility 101: Egg Donation: Transparency for the Intended Parent and Donor
The Fertility 101 Series, because there’s no shortage of daunting terms to keep your mind running, is a quick and dirty breakdown on a specific topic with insights from a fertility expert. In this episode, we dive into the detailed process of and its profound implications for families with Aisha Lewis, President of , a known donor egg program. Aisha discusses the steps involved on both ends of the egg donation process, from the pivotal choices donors can make surrounding their anonymity and the meticulous screening process donors undergo, to the legal considerations that ensure clarity and protection for all parties involved. Join us as we unravel the complexities of egg donation, the different considerations, and how patients and donors can be empowered in their decisions. Guest: Aisha Lewis, Everie Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at . This episode is also a video:
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A Decade with Whitney: Freezing her Eggs, Winning the Bachelor, and Becoming a Mom
07/15/2024
A Decade with Whitney: Freezing her Eggs, Winning the Bachelor, and Becoming a Mom
You may know her as the winner of ABC’s The Bachelor from season 19, but patients at OVA Egg Freezing Specialty Center in Chicago know Whitney Bischoff Angel as their fertility nurse who can also relate to their journey. In this episode, Whitney tells us about her decision to freeze her eggs in 2013, a decision that provided her with peace of mind as she navigated life's uncertainties. She also shares where she is today, almost a decade later, and her journey to parenthood. Whitney now uses her personal journey to empower women with choices and provide compassion and support to patients during their own egg freezing journeys. Guest: Whitney Bischoff Angel, RN, BSN, OVA Egg Freezing Host: Julie Campbell, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at . This episode is also a video! Watch it here:
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Experiencing the Unexpected: Sarah's IVF Journey
07/01/2024
Experiencing the Unexpected: Sarah's IVF Journey
Today’s episode is a story of trial and error. Sarah Freese was not expecting to have difficulty conceiving until she discontinued her birth control and found that her menstrual cycle didn’t return. She was suddenly thrusted into a new world, one filled with new medical terms, fertility doctors, and a treatment plan that came with a high price tag. Sarah then discovered her employer, LinkedIn, offered coverage for fertility treatment through Progyny. This meant she didn’t need to make cost-based decisions and instead was able to pursue treatment that would result in the best possible outcome. Join us for this episode to hear how Sarah navigated her family building journey, the highs and lows that came with it, and how through trial and error, she found a path that worked. Guest: Sarah Freese, Principal Customer Success Manager at LinkedIn, Infertility Advocate, and Progyny Member Host: Lissa Kline, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at . This episode is also a video! Watch it here:
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Fertility 101: Transgender Family Building Options
06/17/2024
Fertility 101: Transgender Family Building Options
The Fertility 101 Series, because there’s no shortage of daunting terms to keep your mind running, is a quick and dirty breakdown on a specific topic with insights from a fertility expert. This week’s episode answers all the questions around transgender family building options and how it works. Dr. Daniel Potter at HRC Fertility joins us to discuss the impact of hormone affirming therapy, the importance of fertility preservation, questions to consider if one is deciding to build a family, and how to better serve this community. Guest: Dr. Daniel Potter, Regional Medical Director at HRC Fertility Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception
06/03/2024
Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception
In today’s episode, we explore the complex world of donor conception with experts Dr. Mark Leondires and Lisa Schuman, LCSW. They provide an overview of their book, , which serves as a resource for those considering donor conception due to infertility, medical issues, same-sex partnerships, or gender orientation. The book covers everything from initial considerations and emotions to the medical and genetic processes involved, selecting the right donor, and talking to children about their donor conception. Tune in to hear how to manage the challenges of a donor conception journey. Guest: Dr. Mark Leondires and Lisa Schuman, LCSW, authors of Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception Dr. Mark Leondires Medical Director and Founding Partner at Illume Fertility and Gay Parents to Be Lisa Schuman, LCSW Founder of The Center for Family Building Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at . This episode is also a video! Watch it here:
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Overcoming the Emotional Toll of Infertility
05/20/2024
Overcoming the Emotional Toll of Infertility
Today’s episode highlights the emotional toll that infertility can take on individuals and couples. Our guest speaks candidly on how her fertility journey affected her mental health, marriage, and perspective towards friends who found easy success with pregnancy. Hana Peters and her husband started trying to have a baby and soon realized they needed to seek additional support. In this episode, Hana shares her journey. She speaks on the unsolicited advice she received along the way and how this impacted her relationships, her initial reaction to a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, and how For mental health support and resources, check out: Progyny Article: This is Infertility Podcast episode: Bonus Episode 10: Prioritizing Your Mental Health During Your Fertility Journey Employer guide: Guest: Hana Peters, Progyny Member at Salesforce Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected]. This episode is also a video! Watch it here:
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Single Parent by Choice: Rethinking the Notion of Family
05/06/2024
Single Parent by Choice: Rethinking the Notion of Family
In today’s episode, award-winning journalist, Rachel Lehmann-Haupt shares insights from her two books, which have ignited the knowledge and passion that came from her own family building journey. Her latest book, , calls upon her experience of becoming a single parent by choice. She dives into her own family building journey, how she’s navigated using a sperm donor and the relationships she’s built from this, and how she’s rethinking and redefining the meaning of family. Guest: Rachel Lehmann-Haupt, award-winning journalist and author Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected].
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#NIAW: A Path to Parenthood Turned into a Path to Purpose
04/22/2024
#NIAW: A Path to Parenthood Turned into a Path to Purpose
Today’s guest embodies the purpose of National Infertility Awareness Week. Each year the infertility community, led by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, takes this week to amplify and educate the public about reproductive health and issues that make building a family difficult for many. Danielle Zoll has dedicated herself to advocacy and awareness through her St. Louis based organization, . The isolation Danielle felt along her path to parenthood with endometriosis, lack of coverage, and pregnancy loss, inspired her to build a community that supports others along their family building journeys. Tune in for how Danielle made her miracle. Guest: Danielle Zoll, founder of Making a Miracle Host: Emma Gallagher, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at
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Becoming a Single Parent by Choice: How Gloria Met Emmet
04/08/2024
Becoming a Single Parent by Choice: How Gloria Met Emmet
With a focus on her career and a determination to find the right "other half” for her child, today’s guest shares her journey to being a single parent by choice. Navigating the stress of her ticking biological clock, Gloria Soler went from realizing that the perfect parenting partner was not yet on her horizon to manifesting her own dreams of parenthood. Gloria went to find the doctor, the right , the right treatment, and with a comprehensive employer-sponsored benefit, Gloria met the love she had been searching for all along, her son Emmet. Tune into Gloria’s journey with Progyny to learn how she navigated her path to parenthood. Guest: Gloria Soler, Progyny Member Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at
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From Surgeries to Success: Haley's Path to Parenthood
03/25/2024
From Surgeries to Success: Haley's Path to Parenthood
The journey to ideal health is a constant battle. And when emergency surgery is needed, most may not think twice about the impact this will have on their future fertility. In today’s episode, we hear from Haley, who shares her family building journey. It’s one marked by multiple diagnoses, surgeries, and financial strain. Despite these setbacks, Haley was determined to become a parent. She advocated for herself and found a doctor that she could trust. She then learned her employer had a fertility benefit, which relieved the financial pressure and helped her to reach her goal. Haley's journey embodies the realities that many face on the path to parenthood: a mix of setbacks, doubts, and ultimately, hard-won victories. Guest: Haley, Progyny Member Host: Shannon Zuber, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at
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Fertility 101: Common Fertility Tests
03/11/2024
Fertility 101: Common Fertility Tests
The Fertility 101 Series, because there’s no shortage of daunting terms to keep your mind running, is a quick and dirty breakdown on a specific topic with insights from a fertility expert. This week's guest, Dr. Paul Dudley, Medical Director of Pinnacle Fertility Atlanta, dives into what tests are expected including the need for a blood test, semen analysis (if a partner is involved), and comprehensive assessments like an evaluation. He also shares his perspective on at-home fertility testing kits and when to seek guidance from your doctor when Guest: Dr. Paul Dudley, Medical Director, Pinnacle Fertility Atlanta Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at
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The Role of Doulas
02/26/2024
The Role of Doulas
Today’s episode delves into a supportive yet often overlooked contributor to the birthing process and much more: the role of doulas. Our guest, Latham Thomas, Founder of , elaborates on the diverse responsibilities of doulas, ranging from offering emotional and physical support in co-creating your birth plan, to advocating for individuals and facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers. She explains what to keep in mind when finding the right doula for you. And highlights how doulas work to address birth disparities within marginalized communities. Latham shares Mama Glow's mission of democratizing doula support, which aims to transform maternal care on what she describes as the childbearing continuum. Guest: Latham Thomas, Founder of Mama Glow Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at
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Building Families with Ferring — A Win-Win
02/12/2024
Building Families with Ferring — A Win-Win
Times are changing, and more employers are choosing to prioritize fertility and family building benefits to attract and retain talent. Investing in employee benefits isn't just about cost, it’s about fostering a positive employee experience, driving engagement, and ultimately enhancing business performance. Today's guest, Purvi Tailor, Vice President of Human Resources at Ferring U.S., describes Ferring’s groundbreaking approach to employee benefits. With a focus on enhancing the family building journey for employees, she discusses the implementation of the, "Building Families at Ferring" package, which includes access to unlimited financial support for family building care, 26 weeks of paid parental leave, and a supportive workplace culture. Tune in to learn how you can start reimagining your company's benefits package for a brighter future. Guest: Purvi Tailor, Vice President of Human Resources at Ferring U.S. Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at Music: Artist: Andy G Cohen Track: A Perceptible Shift URL: Artist: Josh Woodward Track: Hollow Grove Instrumental Version URL: Artist: Jahzzar Track: MainSquare URL:
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Unexplained Infertility, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, and Switching Doctors
01/29/2024
Unexplained Infertility, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, and Switching Doctors
Struggling with disbelief, enduring back-to-back treatments, cancelled appointments, and an overwhelming emotional toll - these experiences are all part of Sonya Heer's journey to building a family. How did she get here? Sonya and her husband embarked on what most couples do: they got married, spent some quality time together, and then wanted to expand their family. But, after months of not having success, Sonya turned to a specialist where she was diagnosed with . This left Sonya with more questions, but she persevered and continued treatment. After more rounds, she realized there must be something else to her diagnosis. In this episode, hear how Sonya navigated her journey, how she advocated for herself and found the right doctor, how unexplained infertility turned into ovarian reserve, and why despite it all she continued. Sonya also shares the stress of paying for treatment and the difference when she gained access to a comprehensive family building benefit through her employer. Guest: Sonya Heer, Progyny Member Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at
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Becoming a Single Parent by Choice: IVF + a Sperm Donor
01/16/2024
Becoming a Single Parent by Choice: IVF + a Sperm Donor
Today’s guest spent a great deal of time juggling a lot of things many tasks on a tight schedule – she was busy creating a successful career for herself , as she was creating a successful career for herself as a senior producer at a media and entertainment companySenior Producer at Warner Brothers Discovery Sports. Lakia Holmes At 37 years old, Lakia Holmes realized one day that her to-do's at work may not be the only thing functioning on a tight schedule. Aware of her biological clock, Lakia looked into so she could continue waiting for the perfect partner for her and her future baby. However, her doctor informed that her best chance What she wasn’t prepared for her doctor to tell her was that her best bet at motherhood was through IVF. and that she had two blocked fallopian tubes, leaving her with a 2% chance of natural conception. Lakia was shocked into a realization; being a mother is what she has always wanted, partner or no partner. In this episode, Lakia dives into her decision to , her family building experience, and the impact of having access to . Tune in for Lakia’s journey of , and how she was able to do it with and the help of her Progyny PCA. Guest: Lakia Holmes, Progyny Member Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Wrapping Season 6 with Your Burning Questions
12/18/2023
Wrapping Season 6 with Your Burning Questions
As the sixth season of This Is Infertility comes to a close, we wanted to thank all of our incredible listeners for keeping us part of your journey. This episode has been requested by many of our listeners, and certainly could not have been made without you. Today our host sits down with 30 of our amazing in-network reproductive endocrinologist to answer your burning questions. Wondering what these doctors are thinking along your journey? Tune in for their expert medical opinions, taste in waiting room music, and unrelenting support for the people they treat every day. For more episodes featuring our medical experts, check out: Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny Guests: Alex Quaas, Shady Grove Fertility Allison Rodgers, FCI Anate Brauer, Shady Grove Fertility Anish Shah, Shady Grove Fertility Emily Barnard, Shady Grove Fertility Gayane Ambartsumyan, RPMH Ian Waldmen, CCRM Jason Yeh, Aspire HFI John Crochet, Shady Grove Fertility Jonah Bardos, CCRM Joseph Davis, Shady Grove Fertility Karissa Hammer, IHR Kemi Nurudeen, Aspire HFI Lucky Sekhon, RMA NY Marc Gualtieri, IVF Florida Maria Costantini-Ferrando, RMA NJ Ndeye-Aicha Gueye, RMA NJ Paul Shin, Shady Grove Fertility Priya Maseelall, Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility Rachel Warwar, Reproductive Gynecology and Infertility Serena Chen, CCRM Seth Levrant, IHR Shruti Malik, Shady Grove Fertility Sina Abhari, CCRM Stephanie Thompson, CCRM For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at . Music credit: Artist: Jahzzar Track: Joke URL: Track: Talk to Me URL:
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A Mic for the LGBTQIA+ Community: The Queer Family Podcast
12/04/2023
A Mic for the LGBTQIA+ Community: The Queer Family Podcast
Almost three years ago, we published a list of our Topping that list was a podcast called, If These Ovaries Could Talk, a show centered around the lesbian experience of fertility and family building. Today’s guest, Jaimie Kelton, created this podcast after going through the journey to build her family, and struggling to find relatable content and education for queer identities. As her following has grown, so has her podcast. Jaimie explains how her show has now evolved into a podcast for diverse identities, and all LGBTQIA+ stories alike. She dives deep into her story, the evolution of the podcast, and the reality of family building in the LGBTQIA+ community. Guest: Jaimie Kelton, Host of The Queer Family Podcast Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Finding the Right... Everything: A Journey of Trial and Error
11/20/2023
Finding the Right... Everything: A Journey of Trial and Error
Today’s guest walks us through her experience with the wrong physician, the wrong clinic, the wrong treatment, the wrong coverage, and the wrong...well, everything. Sherri Sawyerr describes her experience of trial and error in pursuing parenthood, and how taking the wrong path can often pave the way for the right one. During her journey with and , , , and ultimately, the decision to use : Sherri realized that it’s important to have a voice through all of this. And she uses that voice on her YouTube, , where she encourages perseverance and togetherness through an experience that so many women are silently living through. In this episode, hear from Sherri on the other side of trial and error. She dives into how she found Progyny through her new employer, a clinic that suits her needs, and the progress she’s been able to make in her journey. Guest: Sherri Sawyerr, Progyny Member Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at . Music: Artist: Kai Engel Track: Brand New World URL: Artist: Lee Rosevere Track: Maximum Relax URL: Track: All the Answers URL: Track: Easy Life URL: Track: Sad Marimba Planet URL: Track: Making a Change URL: Track: Betrayal URL:
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WorkLIFE Balance: The Need for Family Building Support in the Workplace
11/06/2023
WorkLIFE Balance: The Need for Family Building Support in the Workplace
This Veteran’s Day, we’re featuring Brian Tucker, a Veteran who is outspoken about his experience with male factor infertility. He is also an HR disruptor who knows that employers, are, in part, responsible for executing the American Dream. On the path to building a family, Brian and his wife, Jenny, found themselves at a financial crossroad. Their coverage for fertility treatment was miscommunicated, which left them confused about what they actually need to pay vs what was covered. Left completely in the dark, with one common goal of having a child, they chose the only clear-cut financial benefit that was laid out for them, a Veteran’s discount. Having experienced this, Brian now speaks about his experience – and has presented at DisruptHR, where he discussed the need for more support in the workplace. Listen to him here: We also hear from Dr. Tolulope Bakare, a Reproductive Urologist from Posterity Health, and Dr. Ron Feinberg, Reproductive Endocrinologist from RADfertility of CCRM, about the treatment options when diagnosed with male factor infertility. Guest: Brian Tucker, Director of Human Resources at Elior North America, Veteran, and Infertility Advocate Dr. Ron Feinberg, RADfertility Dr. Tolulope Bakare, Posterity Health Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Transformative Benefits: An Inside Look at an Amazonian's Family Building Journey
10/23/2023
Transformative Benefits: An Inside Look at an Amazonian's Family Building Journey
In the LGBTQIA+ community, options for family building are often limited – some by the ways employers choose to define infertility, and who can gain access to the benefit. Today’s guest, Stephanie Kalili, always knew she wanted to be a mom, but she didn’t know what this journey might look like for her. After meeting her wife and building a life together, Stephanie knew she was interested in conception through . The only problem was access and affordability. Luckily for Stephanie, she happens to be employed Amazon, an employer that offers inclusive family building . In fact, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, honors an organization each year with the Hope Award for Access. This award is given to an organization that is really moving the needle and expanding access to fertility and family building care – . To learn more about Amazon’s benefits, . To learn more about RESOLVE’s annual Night of Hope gala, . Guest: Stephanie Kalili, Progyny Member Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Episode 168: Egg Freezing 101
10/09/2023
Episode 168: Egg Freezing 101
The Fertility 101 Series, because there’s no shortage of daunting terms to keep your mind running, is a quick and dirty breakdown on a specific topic with insights from a fertility expert. In today’s episode, our host speaks with Dr. Anate Brauer, IVF Director at Shady Grove Fertility New York about all things . She answers questions ranging from, “Why do people freeze their eggs?” to “How does it even work?” If you’re questioning whether you would like to freeze your eggs, or just wonder about this modern medical practice, let this educational episode serve as a starting place. For additional resources and answers to frequently asked questions, check out: Guest: Dr. Anate Brauer, IVF Director at Shady Grove Fertility New York Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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Egg Freezing: The Backup Plan
09/25/2023
Egg Freezing: The Backup Plan
People are increasingly having children later in life and for some, the decision is to have no children at all. Those who teeter between the options, unsure of their decision, know that one thing is true; time is ticking. Today’s guest, Shannon Fender, wasn’t always certain about parenthood, but at one point she realized she should put things in place in case that was something she wanted to pursue in the future. In this episode, Shannon dives into her experience with egg freezing and her gratitude for employers like hers, who have chosen to invest in the lives of their employees. Shannon is joined by Dr. Kathy Hong, an REI from RMA of NJ, where she describes the medical preparation and procedure that’s part of the egg freezing process. Guests: Shannon Fender, Progyny member, Dr. Kathy Hong, RMA of New Jersey Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at .
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