Explore every episode of the podcast Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Ep 148 PMS Explained and Made Better: The Period Brain with Sarah Hill, PhD. | 04 Nov 2025 | 01:13:47 | |
Why do our moods shift so dramatically across the month? What's really happening in our brains during the luteal phase of our cycle? And could understanding our hormones actually make us feel better? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with evolutionary psychologist and author Sarah E. Hill, PhD to talk about the fascinating link between hormones, brain function, and overall health. They explore how deeply our cycles shape our energy, emotions, and resilience—and why this understanding is long overdue. Dr. Hill brings her groundbreaking insights from her books This Is Your Brain on Birth Control and The Period Brain to explain how estrogen and progesterone guide us through distinct physiological "seasons." She and Dr. Shahine discuss PMS, PMDD, and why women have two primary sex hormones when men only have one. With empathy, curiosity, and humor, they trace the science, the evolutionary logic, and the societal biases that have kept women's hormonal health misunderstood for generations. This episode invites you to stop fighting your biology and start partnering with it because understanding your cycle is one of the bravest, smartest things you can do for your health. In this episode you'll hear:
Resources mentioned: floatingkitchen.net/roasted-cauliflower-tacos-with-chipotle-cream
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books | |||
| Ep 147 Men's Perspective on Infertility with Jared Walker | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:43:01 | |
What does infertility feel like from a man's point of view? How do couples navigate years of uncertainty, loss, and hope when answers never come? And can creative expression, like writing a book, help rebuild connection in the midst of pain? In this powerful and vulnerable conversation of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with The Empty Nest author Jared Walker to talk about infertility, grief, and how storytelling can bridge emotional distance between partners. Jared shares the deeply personal journey that inspired his illustrated book The Empty Nest, written for his wife after years of infertility and miscarriage. What began as private journaling became a love letter to their shared resilience. And ultimately, a gift to the fertility community. Jared's story captures the isolation, longing, and quiet courage that so many couples experience. This episode is full of honesty and vulnerability that can heal and connect, even in the hardest moments. This episode is a moving reminder that infertility is never just "her story". It's their story, and hope can take many forms. In this episode you'll hear:
Resources mentioned: @dollarfor on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | YouTube
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books | |||
| Ep 138 Fertility Over 40: What You REALLY Need to Know About Conception, Testing & IVF | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:22:41 | |
Trying to get pregnant in your 40s and feeling bombarded with terms like "geriatric pregnancy" or "diminished ovarian reserve"? Wondering if age is the final word in fertility? Curious about what you can do instead of what you can't? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is getting real about trying to conceive after 40—with clarity, compassion, and science-backed strategies. She covers the impact of age on fertility, the power of early testing, and why aligning your family-building goals with real timelines is more important than ever. You'll learn practical steps to optimize your fertility, when to consider IVF, and how to feel empowered—not discouraged—by the numbers. Whether you're just starting or still holding onto hope, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating conception in your 40s with confidence. In this episode you'll hear:
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books | |||
| Ep 48 Tips for IUI Success | 04 Dec 2023 | 00:16:30 | |
The good news: IUIs can work! Intrauterine insemination (sometimes laughingly referred to as "the turkey baster method"), or IUI, can help overcome issues like low sperm count or low sperm motility by getting sperm closer to where it needs to be around the time of ovulation. This method of dealing with infertility is also less expensive and much less invasive for the person hoping to carry the pregnancy. It can also be a great method if you're planning on using donor sperm. The harder news to hear: it may not work the first time. That said, there are things you can do to increase your chances of a successful IUI, and in this episode, Dr. Shahine goes into your many options, both medical and behavioral. In this episode you'll hear: [00:00] Intro to the Episode [01:27] IUI review – what it is, how it works, how is it different from IVF [04:31] Tips BEFORE you do your first IUI Tip #1 Get testing before you start Tip #2 Review your family goals with your doctor Tip #3 Make a long-term plan – how many IUIs? [06:10] 5 Tips for Success with IUIs [06:10] Tip # 1 Medications used with IUIs [07:25] Tip #2 Monitoring with IUI cycle: OPK vs. Ultrasounds [08:33] Tip#3 Use of Trigger Shots for timing IUI [09:11] Tip#4 Optimize sperm counts for IUI to improve success [10:15] Tip #5 Optimize overall health to improve success with IUI [11:43] Chances of Success with IUI [12:33] Fertility Story for the week – An indication for IUI that you may not have heard of before [15:37] Summary and Outro Resources mentioned: Tips for Timing Trying: Dr. Shahine's video on Baby-Making Tips Tips for Ovulation: Dr. Shahine's video on How to Know When You are Ovulating
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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| Ep 47 Weight and Fertility: Optimizing Health NOT Restriction and Shame with Dr. Stephanie Fein | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:38:15 | |
Ep 47: Weight and Fertility: Optimizing Heath NOT Restriction and Shame with Dr. Stephanie Fein Weight loss for fertility is controversial and complicated, and to be perfectly honest, more research is needed to fully understand the link between body weight and fertility. Whatever studies find, weight loss for fertility should never involve shaming or guilt. In this episode, Dr. Shahine talks weight and fertility with Stephanie Fein, MD. Dr. Fein started in social psychology, then moved to Internal Medicine, where she completed a residency program. She then went on to obtain a Masters in Public Health. All of these skills came together when Dr. Fein was moonlighting at a weight-loss clinic while doing her residency; a conference on weight and fertility solidified her decision to move into helping people optimize their fertility with weight loss. What does the research really show? Perhaps most important to understand, no two bodies are the same, and many of the numbers and other information you'll hear on the Internet (and maybe even from your doctor), won't apply for all. In this episode you'll hear: Time Stamps [00:00-03:18] Intro to the show and Dr. Stephanie Fein [03:19-07:27] Dr. Fein's inspiration from medical doctor to Weight Loss for Fertility [07:28-16:43] Research on weight and fertility – Why BMI as a marker? [11:32-15:33] Obesity, reproductive health and Insulin, visceral fat, and hormones [15:34-16:43] PCOS and inflammation [16:44:19:15] Realistic weight loss expectations and sustainability [19:16-26:27] Why people overeat – changing your relationship with food [26:28-30:13] Dr. Fein's advice on how to talk to your doctor about weight Dr. Fein answers Questions from Instagram Community Follow @drlorashahie [30:20]- Trish asks "How does gastric bypass impact fertility and pregnancy" [31:20]- Sara asks "Can I use Ozempic or Wegovy while trying to conceive?" [38:14]-Samantha asks "Is it ok to try to lose weight while trying to conceive?" [36:00-38:14] Summary and finding Dr. Stephanie Fein If you want information about weight loss and possible impacts on fertility, you can find Dr. Fein on her website: stephaniefeinmd.com Resources mentioned: Podcast 'Weight Loss for Fertility with Dr. Stephanie Fein': stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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| Ep 46 Tips for Surviving and Thriving Thanksgiving with Infertility | 20 Nov 2023 | 00:10:39 | |
Holiday events can mean facing some awkward questions about family building - are you ready? "So, when are you having another?" "You had a baby? It's about time!" "When are you going to make your mom a grandma?" "Baby weight, huh?" "Should you be drinking that when you're breastfeeding?" UGH. Holiday conversations — especially when alcohol and holiday conviviality reduces people's inhibitions — can be kind of awful. So this year, please put yourself first. Dr. Shahine has some great tips on how you can do that. From finding an ally (hint: it doesn't have to be your partner, who is likely fighting their own conversational battles) to designing conversational strategies from polite deflection to well-deserved zingers, being prepared in advance can really help in the moment. In this episode you'll hear: [00:00] Intro to Baby or Bust and Episode on Holidays with Infertility [01:26] Intro Tips for Surviving and Thriving Thanksgiving with Infertility [02:05] Tip #1 Don't Go [03:06] Tip #2 Find Your Ally [04:38] Tip #3 Plan Your Answers to Awkward Fertility Conversations [06:02] Tip #4 Plan an Exit Strategy [06:33] Tip #5 Plan Self Care and Recharge [07:51] Fertility Story: My First Holiday Season with a Baby after struggling with Infertility – the awkward fertility conversations continued [09:51] Outro and thank you Learn more from Dr. Shahine www.drlorashahine.com Send your fertility stories, topics you'd like to learn about, and people you want Dr. Shahine to interview to hello@drlorashahine.com. Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books | |||
| Ep 45 Yoga for Fertility with Author and Yoga Instructor Lynn Jensen | 13 Nov 2023 | 00:41:11 | |
In this episode, Dr. Shahine explores the benefits and research supporting Yoga for Fertility with master instructor and author of the first book on the subject, Lynn Jensen. People on fertility journeys often say they feel like their bodies don't belong to them anymore. Between the tests and the treatments and the theories, it's easy to see how people can feel disconnected physically and emotionally. Lynn Jensen's Yoga for Fertility classes helps heal bodies AND minds. Lynn has a specialization in yoga for the fertility journey, so her students can trust that they're maximizing their physical and emotional wellness. Lynn is a Registered Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Alliance and a Certified Yoga Therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists since 2013. Not only does Lynn have highly specialized training, she's been through the journey herself. Her classes often turn into impromptu counseling sessions, and her students make lifelong bonds with her and each other. In this podcast, Lynn and Dr Shahine talk about the many ways yoga heals and strengthens the body for fertility and the mind for the challenges of the journey. Find Lynn and sign up for classes at her website, https://yogaforfertility.net/. In this episode you'll hear: [00:00] Intro to Episode 45 [03:23] Lynn's Fertility Story and Origins of Yoga for Fertility [08:46] What Makes Yoga for Fertility Different from Other Practices? [10:30 Chakra system and relation to hormones [11:21] Dr. Shahine describes a class she took with Lynn [12:28] Yoga poses changing through the menstrual cycle [13:41] Lynn's favorite pose during the two week wait [14:48] The research that supports the benefits of Yoga for Fertility [21:03] Lynn's advice on exercise during fertility treatment like IVF [25:37] Lynn describes a typical class [28:39] Lynn guides Dr. Shahine through a breathing exercise Questions from Instagram @drlorashahine: [33:10] Sandy: Is it ok to do yoga during an IVF cycle? [33:28] Katrina: Who are your classes for? Egg freezing? Couples? [35:18] Anne: Can yoga help patients with miscarriage? [37:19] How to find a certified yoga for fertility instructor? [38:29] Tribute to Lynn from a former student [39:11] How to find Lynn and Yoga for Fertility: https://yogaforfertility.net/instructor/ Resources mentioned in the show: Domar A, et al. Impact of group psychological interventions on pregnancy rates in infertile women Fertil Steril 2000 Apr;73(4):805-11. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(99)00493-8. Dumbala et al 2020. Effect of Yoga on Psychological Distress among Women Receiving Treatment for Infertility. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32669765/ Thakur 2021. Effect of yoga on polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=yoga+and+fertility&filter=simsearch1.fha Yoga Can Improve Assisted Reproduction Technology Outcomes in Couples With Infertility. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29112941/ Return to Zero: HOPE Kiley Hannish. Support for miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, stillbirth: https://rtzhope.org/ Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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| Ep 44 Listen to Women: Lessons Learned from The Retrievals | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:26:38 | |
It's easier to be shocked by the story The Retrievals podcast reports and moves on but extremely important to reflect on why it happened in order to prevent history repeating itself (again). For months, a nurse at a Fertility Center in the United States replaced the pain reliever fentanyl with normal saline, taking the fentenyl for her own use, but left women undergoing egg retrievals without pain relief. Patients in pain for a procedure is horrible enough, but it's extremely disturbing that the women who tried to report and question what happened felt like their concerns were ignored. In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine takes us through what an egg retrieval process should be like and is like, the majority of the time. Dr. Shahine also explores the history of women and the medical community and why women so often have to advocate for themselves to get even a minimum of care. She leaves with tips on how to advocate for yourself so you receive the attention and care you deserve. Listen and share! Take a moment to follow the show and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts! What you'll hear in this episode: [00:00] Intro to Episode: The Gender Bias in Medicine [00:37] Intro to Baby or Bust and thank to our sponsor Seattle Sperm Bank [01:12] Intro to the Retrievals Podcast by the New York Times and Serial Network: The Story [04:38] What is pain control supposed to be like for a retrieval? [04:43] Fentanyl: What is it and What does it do? [05:12] Midazolam (Versed): What is it and What does it do? [10:22] What pain control is like at my clinic PNWF in Seattle [10:40] Propofol: What is it and Why is it different? [12:15] Dr. Shahine describes her own experience with her egg retrieval [12:52] Why did this happen? Why is it common for women to feel dismissed in medicine? [14:43] The gender bias in medicine – pain, endometriosis, and more [16:15] The book Doing Harm by Maya Dusenbery [17:02] The knowledge gap – women excluded from medical trials, lack of teaching women's health in medical training, lack of investment in research into diseases that mainly impact women [18:30] The trust gap: doctors not trusting women's description of symptoms [19:25] What can be done to change this? [20:10] Learning how to advocate for YOUR care: Tips for you from Dr. Shahine [22:31] Recap [23:46] Fertility Story of the Week: The patient that told Dr. Shahine about the Retrievals Podcast [25:53] Resources and thank you Resources mentioned: Retrievals article in New York Times The Retrievals podcast on Apple
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine | |||
| Ep 43 Preventing and Treating OHSS: A Scary IVF Risk | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:32:32 | |
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is one of the scariest risk factors of IVF, but it doesn't have to be. With preparation, treatment choices, and prevention, you can avoid this uncomfortable and potentially dangerous risk factor from ovarian stimulation. To maximize the number of eggs retrieved for IVF and egg freezing, fertility treatment involves stimulating the ovaries to mature more eggs. A higher egg number can often predict a higher success rate with treatment, but a side effect can be significant fluid shifts and bloating also known as OHSS. When OHSS occurs, it can be mild, moderate, or severe, with symptoms ranging from discomfort and bloating to significant dehydration, shortness of breath, nausea, and even hospitalization for recovery. In this episode, Dr. Shahine does a deep dive into OHSS. You'll learn
This week's fertility story is about an OHSS patient Dr. Shahine will never forget from her training. It's a reminder to never to ignore your care team's instructions. In this episode you'll hear: [00:00] Intro: What is OHSS and why is it scary? [01:07] My experience caring for patients with OHSS over the years [02:13] OHSS Definition, Classification [05:29] Physiology of OHSS – Why does it happen? [07:12] Risk factors for OHSS – Who is at risk? [09:41] Treatment options to prevent and recover quickly from OHSS [09:55] Prevention of OHSS
[21:47] Treatment if OHSS happens
[25:58] Fertility story of Dr. Shahine's Patient: Warning of the dangers of OHSS [31:51] Outro and thank you Resources mentioned: Try LMNT daily during your stimulation process to increase electrolyte intake and decrease the symptoms of bloating during IVF and egg freezing. Mix one packet in 40 ounces of water and sip throughout the day. LMNT has sodium and potassium to help decrease bloating as well as magnesium to prevent constipation (common after egg retrieval) Using this link: drinklmnt.com/DrShahine or code DrShahine at checkout to get a sample pack of all flavors with your first purchase. Dr. Shahine's YouTube Videos on OHSS OHSS is the Biggest Risk Factor for IVF: What you need to know
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Studies mentioned in podcast Who is at risk of OHSS?
Aspirin and OHSS: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028209001320 Metformin and OHSS: https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/26/8/2178/645906 Trigger shot and OHSS: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1472648310602003 Cabergoline and OHSS: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/92/8/2931/2597480 | |||
| Ep 42 Busting Fertility Myths with Angel Investor and Author Leslie Schrock | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:45:15 | |
Like our own expert Siri, Leslie Schrock should be available on-demand for anyone who's struggling with fertility. And she can be! With two books and now on an episode of Baby or Bust, everyone can access her informed and sensitive approach to miscarriage, medically necessary abortion, and other fertility challenges. Leslie Schrock is an author, entrepreneur, and angel investor who has been involved in health and fertility for pretty much her entire working life. Her first book, Bumpin': The Modern Guide to Pregnancy mixes clinical research with practical advice for working families. Her second book, Fertility Rules, does the same for fertility. After working in advertising for many years, Leslie helped found and grow Rock Health, a digital health startup incubator and venture fund and was named one of the Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company. In this episode you'll hear: [00:37:] Thank you to sponsors [01:10:] Learn more about author, Leslie Schrock [02:23:] Episode starts — How Dr. Shahine found Leslie's books and what was different about 'Bumpin' and 'Fertility Rules' [04:54]: Leslie's fertility story — expectations crashed, recurrent pregnancy loss, terminating a highly desired pregnancy, a tough pregnancy and delivery, and more [09:18:] What's different about Leslie's writing and her motivation – giving facts without fear, allowing all the feelings and frustrations without shame and guilt Busting fertility myths with Leslie Schrock [16:34:] Myth #1 "Fertility is a Woman's Problem" The role of men in reproduction — "Men need a seat at the fertility table!" [24:00:] Myth #2 "Supplements Cure Infertility" — What you need and don't need while trying to conceive and how to find what's safe [27:21:] Myth #3 "We Always Know the Cause of Miscarriage" — The patients with easy conception but miscarriage experience a different kind of infertility. Is it really just "bad luck"? [32:46:] The Hope Trial at Stanford — enroll to learn more about genetics and recurrent miscarriage [34:50: Myth] #4 "Abortion is NOT healthcare" — Sometimes abortion is not a choice. Terminating a highly desired pregnancy for a lethal anomaly was a heartbreaking experience for Leslie [39:25]: Learn about the non-profit Doctors for Fertility [39:43]: Myth #5 "Once you have a baby, no more infertility" — Secondary infertility impacted both Dr. Shahine and Leslie [42:45:] Wrapping up and thank you Resources mentioned: Fertility Rules by Leslie Schrock Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine | |||
| Ep 41 Tips for Choosing a Sperm Donor with Seattle Sperm Bank's Director Angelo Allard | 16 Oct 2023 | 00:49:51 | |
Baby or Bust is back - better than ever. After a little break, your podcast about all things fertility is back. Same host, Dr. Lora Shahine, same goals to educate and support the fertility community but new format and new production team. We're moving away from seasons and delivering weekly content. We listened to your feedback and will continue interviews but adding episodes with in-depth education from Dr. Shahine on certain topics. Send us topics you'd like to learn about and interview suggestions to hello@drlorashahine.com In this episode, we answer the question: How does a sperm bank work with donors to meet the needs of patients? Host Dr. Lora Shahine interviews Angelo Allard, the General Supervisor at Seattle Sperm Bank (SSB) — one of the largest and most respected sperm banks in the country. For almost 15 years, Angelo has been working with patients to find the right donors and build happy, healthy families. Angelo explains in-depth every step of the process, from how SSB vets and approves donors, through the regulation and oversight of sperm banks and how SSB supports recipients in choosing their donor, to how much gametes cost, and even how you can return unused vials. Angelo also answers listeners' questions, so if you still have unanswered questions after the episode, be sure to connect with Dr. Shahine or the Seattle Sperm Bank for answers! In this episode you'll hear: [0:00-03:28] Intro [03:29-4:54] Angelo's role at Seattle Sperm Bank [04:55-11:54] Can anyone donate? Learn how donors are screened [11:55-14:27] Are sperm counts really falling around the world? Angelo says "Yes." [14:28-16:50] Are sperm banks regulated? Learn about lab and sperm bank oversight. [16:51-26:18 ]How do recipients choose a donor? What do they learn about the donor? Photos? [26:18-30:02] How do you know what type of sperm preparation to buy? Learn about the different labels and preparation. [30:03-30:21] How much does donor sperm cost? [30:22-32:55] How many vials of donor sperm should someone buy? [32:56-33:22] Can you return donor sperm you don't use? [33:23-36:17] Can a donor truly be anonymous? [36:18-39:01] How many children can a donor have from donation? Questions from Instagram: [39:02- 40:16] How do you appeal to different races and ethnicities to donate? [40:17-42:03] Any impact on sperm banks or use of donor sperm after overturn of Roe v Wade? [42:04-44:02] How do recipients learn about any new health information on donors in the future? [44:03-48:16] Angelo's memorable and inspirational patient story [48:17-49:55] Outro
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine | |||
| Ep 40 Chris Charbonneau on Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Rights | 29 May 2023 | 00:41:44 | |
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, reproductive rights have been called into question—including IVF. On this episode of Baby or Bust, our host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Chris Charbonneau, the longest-serving CEO of Planned Parenthood and host of the Fall of Roe podcast, for her take on what's coming. Roe v. Wade is about much more than elective abortion, and this timely episode breaks down the national implication for American residents. Chris shares her wisdom on the anti-choice movement, the misunderstandings about abortions, the power of words, and why fertilized embryos for IVF may also be at risk. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 39 Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin on Acupuncture and Fertility | 22 May 2023 | 00:28:23 | |
If you're struggling with infertility, you'll often try anything to get that family you desire—including acupuncture. Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin, an internationally recognized and award-winning doctor of acupuncture, meets with host Dr. Lora Shahine to dispel myths and share truths about Eastern Medicine and fertility. With over 30 peer-reviewed research publications about acupuncture and fertility, Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin is a true master of the craft. In this episode, she teaches about the Eastern Medicine approach to fertility care, including lifestyle modifications, herbs, and acupuncture, along with the science behind this approach. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 137 CoQ10 and Fertility: What You Need for Egg and Sperm Health | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:20:12 | |
Thinking about adding supplements to your fertility journey? A quick search online can leave you swimming in advice—or drowning. How do you know what really works and what's just hype? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine takes a deep dive into one of the most talked-about fertility supplements: CoQ10. This naturally occurring antioxidant has been linked to improvements in egg quality and sperm health—but is it right for you? Dr. Shahine breaks down what the research actually says, the potential benefits, and what risks to keep in mind. In this episode, you're getting clear, evidence-based insights that can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider—and decide if CoQ10 deserves a spot in your supplement lineup. In this episode you'll hear:
Resources mentioned: Review article of nutrients for IVF, Hart et al. 2024 RBMO www.rbmojournal.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1472-6483%2823%2900869-6 Review article CoQ10 info, Rodriguez-Valera 2021 J Molecular Science www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9541 CoQ10 levels decrease in levels with age, Ben-Meir et al. 2015 Fert Stert www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001502821500374X Animal studies showing improved egg and embryo quality with CoQ10 supplementation journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMRH.S14681 Randomized controlled trial CoQ10 aneuploidy rates in women doing IVF/ICSI, Bentov et al. 2014 Sage journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMRH.S14681 Review article on antioxidants (including CoQ10) and male fertility, Kaltsas et al. Medicine 2023 www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/10/1769 Sperm motility improved in men given CoQ10, Balercia, G.2009 Fert Stert www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(08)00487-1/fulltext
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books | |||
| Ep 38 Mikki Morrissette on Choosing Single Motherhood | 15 May 2023 | 00:31:30 | |
There's a movement of single women creating families by choice—and today's guest is a leading voice on the topic. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Lora Shahine is joined by Mikki Morrissette, author of Choosing Single Motherhood and founder of the online resource Choice Mom. As a single mom by choice, Mikki is deeply familiar with the unique fulfillments and challenges of starting a family solo. In this episode, she details the financial considerations and career implications of becoming a choice mom, discusses finding a sperm donor, shares benefits of being a single mom by choice, and more. This episode Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 37 Brett Russo on Her Memoir About IVF | 08 May 2023 | 00:35:39 | |
When you're used to checking off boxes for life's milestones—college, husband, career, friends—infertility can be a tough pill to swallow. In this episode, our Baby or Bust guest Brett Russo dishes the details behind her memoir The Underwear in My Shoe: My Journey through IVF, Unfiltered with host Dr. Lora Shahine. While there are many infertility memoirs out there, Brett's story takes honesty to a whole new level. In this episode, she details starting pregnancy in her late 30s, witnessing friends get easily pregnant, going through IUI, experiencing IVF, grief, and what she would change if she could do it all over again. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
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| Ep 36 Dr. Lariah Edwards on Environmental Toxins and Fertility | 01 May 2023 | 00:33:52 | |
You are what you eat, but you can also be what you apply and breathe. In this episode of Baby or Bust, environmental research scientist Dr. Lariah Edwards shares her findings on the latest research about toxins and reproductive health with our host Dr. Lora Shahine. As a research scientist in the Department of Health Science at Columbia University and alumna of the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice Fellowship, Dr. Edwards is an expert in hormone-altering chemicals. Together with Dr. Shahine, she shares where we can find toxins, the impact on fertility, how chemical regulation works, and where to start with reducing exposure. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 35 Louise Brown on Being the First IVF Baby | 24 Apr 2023 | 00:31:16 | |
On July 25, 1978, family building changed forever when the world's first IVF baby was born. On today's episode of Baby or Bust, our host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with now-adult Louise Brown to discuss her experience as a living symbol of the powers of fertility medicine. Over 10 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilization worldwide, and Louise Brown was the first. She shares her parents' journey of choosing IVF, questions she got from friends growing up, and how she advocates for IVF. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 34 Arden Cartrette on Pregnancy Loss | 17 Apr 2023 | 00:28:18 | |
Miscarriage is common, but many feel alone and unsupported as they process their loss. On today's Brand Therapy episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Arden Cartrette, The Miscarriage Doula, to discuss grief, support systems, miscarriage doulas, and pregnancy loss. A certified birth and bereavement doula, Arden established an online community and team of doulas to help bring empathetic support to people who have experienced miscarriages. As someone who's experienced infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, Arden shares how people process miscarriage, the risks of toxic positivity, pregnancy after miscarriage, triggers, and the benefits of a miscarriage doula. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 33 Alison Prato on Secondary Infertility | 10 Apr 2023 | 00:23:29 | |
When you have a child and are ready to have another, secondary infertility can be confusing and devastating. Baby or Bust host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Alison Prato, a journalist, podcaster, and co-founder of Fertility Rally, to discuss the misconceptions and experiences of secondary infertility. Alison got pregnant with her first child at 34 without reproductive assistance, and she never expected to have struggles getting pregnant with her second. After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, she was diagnosed with secondary infertility, which changed her life forever. This episode explores the pressure of creating a sibling, grief about changed family plans, assumptions about fertility, and recommendations for advocating for your care. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 32 Dr. Temeka Zore on the Two-Week Wait | 03 Apr 2023 | 00:27:01 | |
The two-week wait can be an agonizing time for hopeful parents. In this Baby or Bust episode, reproductive endocrinologists Dr. Lora Shahine and Dr. Temeka Zore discuss the science of early pregnancy, including the two-week wait, a positive pregnancy test, and first-trimester bleeding. Whether you are trying for a baby with or without reproductive assistance, the two-week wait and early pregnancy can be overwhelming. Dr. Temeka Zore has valuable insights from helping patients during this time, and in this episode, she teaches the signs of implantation bleeding, early symptoms of pregnancy, progesterone's impact on menstruation, and why you can get false positives on home tests. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 31 Chiemi Rajamahendran on Intimacy and Grief | 27 Mar 2023 | 00:32:27 | |
Infertility can impact every part of your life—including your relationship with your partner. Baby or Bust host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with guest Chiemi Rajamahendran, an infertility and grief coach, to discuss the mental aspects of fertility, including sadness, anger, resentment, and shame. Chiemi Rajamahendran supports individuals and couples worldwide who are facing infertility and loss, and in today's episode, she shares her techniques for grappling with the emotional rollercoaster of fertility. From acknowledging your emotions (positive and negative) to processing trauma to prioritizing communication to enjoying intimacy, this episode will help you show compassion for yourself, your partner, and your experiences. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 30 Jessica Valant on Fitness and Fertility | 20 Mar 2023 | 00:28:34 | |
Fitness and fertility can be a confusing juggling act of myths, recommendations, and reality. In today's Baby or Bust episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with licensed physical therapist and Pilates teacher Jessica Valant to discuss her fertility journey and her fitness recommendations when you're trying to conceive. Jessica is an open book during this episode, and she shares her endometriosis diagnosis, pregnancy journey, IVF experience with multiple failed cycles, and healing your body through movement. Lora and Jessica also discuss honoring fear, exercising during IVF and pregnancy, listening to your body, and busting common exercise myths. This episode will help you feel empowered to feel safe in your own body. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 29 Kellee Stewart on Fertility Advocacy and Education | 13 Mar 2023 | 00:31:57 | |
We've come a long way in fertility education, but many individuals aren't aware of family-building options. Baby or Bust host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with guest Kellee Stewart (Hot Tub Time Machine, All American, Chicago Med) to discuss her fertility journey's trajectory from egg freezing to advocacy. In this heartfelt and educational episode, Kellee shares how her lack of fertility knowledge kickstarted a lifelong commitment to fertility advocacy. She shares her perspective on egg freezing, educational lapses on reproductive health, systemic healthcare biases against Black women, and why she's determined to be a force for change. This episode is informative, fascinating, and deeply inspiring. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 136 How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Understanding Caffeine and Fertility | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:12:20 | |
Is your morning coffee helping or hurting your fertility? Should you quit caffeine cold turkey while trying to conceive—or during pregnancy? And where can you turn for solid, trustworthy advice? (Hint: NOT random internet forums) In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down what we really know about caffeine and reproductive health—from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives. Dr. Shahine shares the actual caffeine content in your favorite drinks, answers the most common questions she hears from patients, and offers guidance on how to personalize your caffeine habits based on your own goals and body. Listeners will walk away with clear, practical information—and a little more peace of mind. Just remember: there's no one-size-fits-all answer, so be sure to check in with your own healthcare provider, too. In this episode you'll hear:
Resources mentioned: Caffeine Chart - find out how much is in what you're having: www.cspinet.org/caffeine-chart 1988 Wilcox Study Caffeine Harms Fertility Large Danish Study Reassuring Results on Caffeine and Fertility Men's Fertility and Caffeine Study mentioned Planting the Seeds of Fertility: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books | |||
| Ep 28 Andrea Helton León on the Taboo of Infertility | 06 Mar 2023 | 00:28:38 | |
It seems like the stigma of infertility is coming out of the shadows, but is that true for all communities? On today's Baby or Bust, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Andrea Helton León (also known as @hotmessivfmom) to discuss the taboo of infertility in the Latinx community. Andrea experienced eight recurrent pregnancy losses and felt isolated. Between her family and her Spanish congregation church community, no one acknowledged or discussed infertility. Andrea decided to share her fertility journey online publicly, and now, with a community of over 150k people, she's paving the way for meaningful infertility discourse in her culture. This episode is a gripping discussion about shame, community, IVF, and IUI through a Hispanic lens. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 27 Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo on Celebrity Fertility News | 27 Feb 2023 | 00:30:11 | |
Lights, camera, fertility. Today's Baby or Bust episode brings back season one guest, stand-up comedian, writer, and fertility advocate Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo to discuss the misrepresentations of infertility in celebrity news with reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine. Fertility can be a lonely journey, and it doesn't help when headlines skip over important details. Our guest Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo drills down into the implications of fertility headlines in the news, including Kourtney Kardashian and IVF, Hilary Swank getting pregnant with twins at 48, Chrissy Teigen's pregnancy loss, and more. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 26 Sarah Herron from The Bachelor on Mental Health and IVF | 20 Feb 2023 | 00:31:47 | |
Infertility is both a physical and emotional struggle, and today's guest is an open book about hers. On this episode of Baby or Bust, our host Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Sarah Herron, a three-time Bachelor contestant whose fertility journey coincided with a diagnosis of type two bipolar disorder. This episode focuses on Sarah's experience caring for her mental health with infertility. She shares her many different diagnoses—endometriosis, infertility, bipolar disorder—and the way she supported herself while building her family. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 25 Tarun Verma on His Infertility Film "Conception" | 13 Feb 2023 | 00:25:18 | |
Many infertility journeys happen behind closed doors, but the new film "Conception" puts IVF in the spotlight. In this Baby or Bust episode, reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with writer, producer, and director Tarun Verma to discuss the making of his film about infertility. As a former pharmacist who was heavily involved in the fertility space, Tarun was inspired to create a story that followed a couple undergoing IVF. Now debuting his film "Conception," he shares the thoughtful considerations behind this project. Dr. Lora Shahine and Tarun discuss real-life moments that inspired the script, assembling a diverse cast, capturing the complexity of experiencing infertility, and where you can view the film. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 24 Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh on Egg Freezing | 06 Feb 2023 | 00:26:52 | |
Two reproductive endocrinologists walk into a podcast recording... And the result is a fascinating discussion about egg freezing. In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh (also known as "The Egg Whisperer") to articulate the controversies, misunderstandings, and opportunities with egg freezing. As a leading voice in oocyte cryopreservation, Dr. Aimee has shaped public discourse around egg freezing through her wildly popular podcast and social media presence. She shares the ins and outs of egg freezing (Who should do this? What's the process? What should we know?) and why you might want to make this empowering choice. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 23 Samantha Busch on Surrogacy and Infertility Advocacy | 30 Jan 2023 | 00:33:21 | |
To many, getting pregnant can feel like a struggle, and today's guest transformed that struggle into strength. In this Baby or Bust episode, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with IVF advocate and entrepreneur Samantha Busch about everything she learned in her fertility journey. Samantha knew she wanted to be a mom, but what she didn't expect was experiencing infertility at 25. To our host, Samantha shares her family-building journey with her husband, Kyle Busch, complete with PCOS, Clomid, IVF, surrogacy, and her journey towards advocacy. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 22 GG from Shahs of Sunset Shares Her Fertility Journey | 23 Jan 2023 | 00:30:06 | |
fReality TV has many ups and downs, and your fertility journey can often be the same. In this Baby or Bust episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi for a frank discussion about her tumultuous journey toward motherhood—and no topic is off limits. GG always knew she wanted to be a mother, but life seemingly had other plans. With Dr. Shahine, GG reflects on pregnancy loss, including an ectopic pregnancy, losing both fallopian tubes, using a sperm donor, utilizing IVF, and being a single mom by choice. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 21 Amanda Knox on Fertility and Incarceration | 16 Jan 2023 | 00:35:47 | |
Doing time in prison is one thing, but doing it during childbearing years can be a lifetime sentence of its own. In this gripping episode of Baby or Bust, Amanda Knox shares her experience of wrongfully losing her most fertile years in prison with our host Dr. Lora Shahine. Since being in an Italian prison for four years and on trial for murder for another eight, Amanda Knox has used her platform to speak out about the fertility consequences on women in prison. In an honest discussion with host and reproductive endocrinologist Lora Shahine, Amanda shares her lifelong desire to be a mom, women's unique challenges of becoming mothers after prison, her grief with a miscarriage, trauma's impact on fertility, and more. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media. Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga and executive produced by Paul Anderson and Nick Panella for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 20 Separating Fact from Fiction with COVID-19 and Fertility | 01 Jun 2022 | 00:27:16 | |
Fasten your seatbelts for a controversial—and educational—episode about COVID-19 and fertility. In this intimate episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine provides an illuminating medical overview of the pandemic's impact on the fertility community. This episode quells COVID-19 rumors and fears by deciphering studies about infections and vaccinations. Lora highlights the origins of misleading COVID-19 vaccine fears, addresses COVID-19's effect on menstrual cycles and fertility, and provides her take on risks associated with getting vaccinated. For a digestible analysis of COVID-19 and fertility data, listen to this episode. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media! Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 19 Environmental Toxins and Reproduction Health: Potential Countdown to Human Extinction with Dr. Shanna Swan | 25 May 2022 | 00:32:52 | |
Today's men have almost 60% less sperm than their parents or grandparents, and research points to environmental toxins as the likely culprit. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Dr. Shanna Swan, an award-winning scientist, and researcher, to talk through toxins' impact on our reproductive and overall health. With over 200 scientific papers (including one that went viral) and a successful book, Dr. Swan is a leading voice in toxins awareness in fertility medicine. This episode tackles big topics about humanity—Are humans on their way to extinction? Why are sperm counts dropping? Does our species have a reproductive problem?—and get specifics about actions to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors. You can learn more about Dr. Swan here: https://www.shannaswan.com/ Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media! Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 135 You're Pregnant, Now What? Your Guide to the First Trimester | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:19:23 | |
Wondering what's actually 'normal' in the first trimester? You're not the only one frantically Googling every twinge and symptom. Early pregnancy can feel like a rollercoaster of questions—and not always a fun one. In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks you through the first trimester with clarity and calm. She shares the most common concerns she hears from patients and what might warrant a closer look, all while offering practical advice to help you feel more grounded. This episode is a reassuring guide through those uncertain early weeks. And if it's not the right time to listen, that's okay too—save it for when you're ready, and always talk to your own provider about your specific care. In this episode you'll hear:
Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books | |||
| Ep 18 History and Perspective of Assisted Reproduction from Living Fertility Legend Dr. Cappy Rothman | 18 May 2022 | 00:22:16 | |
Building a family with donor sperm is more common today than ever before. In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine meets with the father of modern sperm donation, Dr. Cappy Rothman, who explores the past, present, and future of the sperm donation process. As the co-founder of California Cryobank, the world's largest sperm bank, Dr. Rothman has been at the forefront of assisted reproduction since its inception. Dr. Shahine and Dr. Rothman dig into the history of sperm banking (spoiler alert: The concept wasn't well-received when first shared in the 1950s) and his advocacy for sperm bank access for couples experiencing infertility. The episode also touches upon 23andMe and Ancestry.com's implications with donor anonymity, what people generally want in a donor, the information captured by sperm banks, and much, much more. You can learn more about Dr. Rothman here: https://www.laweekly.com/the-god-of-sperm/ Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media! Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 17 Sperm Donation: Myths vs. Reality from a Sperm Donor | 11 May 2022 | 00:27:06 | |
Sperm donation is more common than ever, but it's rare to hear about the donor's motivations and repercussions—until now. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with long-time sperm donor Zack to learn about his experience discovering, applying, and becoming a frequent donor. Zack's initial motivation for becoming a sperm donor seems like something out of a movie script: He was a starving student who needed to pay the rent. What started as a solution to make ends meet has grown into a mission to help others build families, and this Baby or Bust episode explores the ins and outs of embracing this much-needed role in the fertility process. From detailing the application process to remembering his own family's reactions, this refreshing discussion will open your eyes to the possibilities that come from sperm donations. You can learn more about The Seattle Sperm bank here: https://www.seattlespermbank.com/ Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media! Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 16 Surrogacy: Finding Purpose and Fighting Misconceptions with Eloise Drain | 04 May 2022 | 00:38:37 | |
Surrogacy is shrouded in misconceptions, and it's often the answer to the end of a long infertility journey. Eloise Drane, the owner of egg donor and surrogacy agency Family Inceptions, tackles the misunderstood topic head-on with Baby or Bust host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine. Eloise Drane is deeply familiar with the surrogacy process—personally and professionally. As a six-time egg donor and three-time gestational surrogate, this episode highlights Eloise's perspective on traditional vs. gestational surrogacy, the role of a surrogacy agency, considerations with surrogacy compensation, and advice for intended parents. Together with Dr. Shahine, this episode gives an honest depiction of surrogacy while dispelling common stigmas. You can learn more about Eloise here: https://familyinceptions.com/about-us/meet-our-team/ Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media! Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com
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| Ep 15 Men Matter: The Other Half of Infertility from Male Fertility Expert Dr. Paul Turek | 27 Apr 2022 | 00:31:05 | |
Male infertility: How common is it, and what can you do to beat the odds? In this information-packed episode of Baby or Bust, reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine speaks with Dr. Paul Turek, a leading innovator in male reproductive health and founder of The Turek Clinic, to separate fact from fiction with male infertility. This episode gives you all the must-knows about improving male fertility—from the food you consume and the lifestyle you lead. Dr. Turek shares his wisdom on why history is the most crucial consideration for a low sperm count, clarifies what evidence says about ideal nutrition, and addresses if someone can *really* be too fit to be fertile. Our host and guest also touch upon marijuana's effect on sperm motility, the risks of BPA exposures with reproductive health, supplements that might improve sperm count, and Dr. Turek's views on COVID-19's relationship to sperm production. A must-listen for anyone interested in the male factor of infertility. You can learn more about Dr. Paul Turek here: https://www.theturekclinic.com Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media! Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 14 Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis: Fighting Misconception and Finding Hope with Pelvic Pain Specialist Dr. Sonia Bahlani | 20 Apr 2022 | 00:32:20 | |
Many women suffer in pain—from periods, intercourse, and everyday life—for years before getting a diagnosis. In today's episode, Dr. Lora Shahine meets with guest Dr. Sonia Bahlani, a chronic pelvic pain specialist, to uncover advice that helps listeners advocate for the care they need and deserve. The two doctors discuss our society's acceptance of pain as part of the female experience (spanning back to the 1800s) if periods are supposed to be painful, and common signs of endometriosis. Dr. Bahlani also shares her recommendations for listening to your body, rejecting gaslighting, recognizing racial bias in medical environments, and considering a holistic approach to health for pain relief. You can learn more about Dr. Sonia Bahlani here: https://www.pelvicpaindoc.com Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media! Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 13 Love Makes a Family: An Adoption Story with Cathie Quillet | 13 Apr 2022 | 00:31:55 | |
There are many ways to build a family, and today we're talking about adoption. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Cathie Quillet, a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and public speaker, to expound on the ins and outs of adoption. This episode focuses on Cathie's endometriosis diagnosis that forever changed her perspective on building a family. Cathie shares her story on overcoming immense fertility challenges—including multiple miscarriages, IVF, partial hysterectomy, and oophorectomy—as part of her journey to adoption. Additional topics discussed include an overview of adoption agencies, deciding between domestic and international adoptions, adoption waiting lists, adoption costs, and a step-by-step guide to adoption. You can learn more about Cathie here: https://thequilletinstitute.com/about-cathie/ Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media: Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 12 Against the Odds: Having a Baby Naturally After Failing IVF with Kaci Aitchison Boyle | 06 Apr 2022 | 00:33:10 | |
Each person's fertility journey can be full of surprises, and Baby or Bust guest Kaci Aitchison Boyle is no exception. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with communications master (and former patient) Kaci to discuss her experience undergoing years of fertility treatments—and a surprise pregnancy at age 40. This episode focuses on Kaci's fertility story, starting with the common misconception from adolescence that getting pregnant is easy for everyone. Kaci shares her challenges starting a family, learning about different fertility treatments, undergoing multiple rounds of IUI and IVF, and the experience of being a parent after loss. For anyone struggling to build a family, this episode will provide you with comfort and hope. You can learn more about Kaci here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaciaitchison/ Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media: Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 11 Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Through Infertility with Dr. Ali Domar from Harvard University | 30 Mar 2022 | 00:39:32 | |
Let's get to the heart of emotional stress and its impact on physical health. Reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Dr. Ali Domar, a world leader in mind-body medicine, for an honest discussion about stress, infertility, grief, empathy, and the many different emotions that come with family building. Dr. Domar is a pioneer in the application of mind/body medicine and reproductive health, and in this episode, she sheds light on the discoveries she's made about stress and the body throughout her career. Dr. Shahine and Dr. Domar dive right into stress and its correlation with infertility, along with the benefits of developing mind/body management skills. Additional points of discussion include the differences between the way men and women process stress with infertility, the emotional impact of IVF between partners, and celebrities' impact—for better and for worse—on the way we understand infertility. You can learn more about Dr. Domar here: www.dralicedomar.com Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media: Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 10 When Infertility is the Man's Fault with Laura and Jon Summers from Infertility Man | 23 Mar 2022 | 00:27:54 | |
Infertility can feel like a women's club, but men are also affected by the emotional tolls. Dr. Lora Shahine speaks with Jon and Laura of Infertility Man (a website, YouTube channel, and soon-to-be book) to share their perspective on building a family through IVF after Jon survived testicular cancer. Jon and Laura chat about their decision to proceed with IVF, document their fertility story online, and mission to illuminate the male factor in infertility. The two recount undergoing 14+ egg retrievals and IVF cycles, share tips for improving couples' communication and discuss finding normalcy through daily routines. You can learn more about Jon and Laura here: https://www.infertilityman.com Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media: Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 9 IVF is Not Like Ordering Off A Menu and Other Celebrity Misconceptions with Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo | 16 Mar 2022 | 00:36:51 | |
Buckle up for some frank conversations about infertility. In this episode of Baby or Bust, host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo, an award-winning writer, stand-up comic, and infertility advocate, to discuss pop culture's role in misconceptions about IVF and fertility. Our guest, an infertility warrior and women's health advocate, brings a refreshing voice to mainstream fertility discussions. Lora and Jennifer discuss the nuances of fertility-related controversies by prominent figures (including Paris Hilton, Chrissy Teigen, Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Obama, Lena Dunham, and Janet Jackson) and clarify misunderstandings about fertility in public discourse. You can learn more about Jennifer here: https://wonderwomanwriter.com/ Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media: Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 134 Detox Your Home: Cleaning House with Lindsay Dahl | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:48:14 | |
Is your makeup messing with your hormones? Could your cleaning products be impacting your fertility? And how do we make informed choices without spiraling into fear or perfectionism? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites us to ask bold questions about the everyday products we use—and the hidden chemicals within them. Joining her is activist and author Lindsay Dahl, who's spent her career fighting for consumer safety and pulling back the curtain on toxic chemicals. They talk about the science behind endocrine disruptors, the power of personal storytelling in policy change, and the importance of asking "what's really in this?"—even when the label says "natural." Lindsay's new book: Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid Our Homes of Toxic Chemicals is full of real life examples, engaging stories, and many resources on safety and advocacy. Listeners will walk away with practical tips for reducing chemical exposure, a deeper understanding of how U.S. regulations compare globally, and an empowering reminder that you don't have to be perfect to make a difference. In this episode you'll hear:
Resources mentioned: EWG Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org › skindeep
https://lindsaydahl.substack.com Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid our Homes of Toxic Chemicals by Lindsay Dahl
Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books | |||
| Ep 8 Validating Your Own Fertility Journey with Kaela McDougall from 'Infertile Mafia' Podcast | 09 Mar 2022 | 00:26:42 | |
This episode acknowledges the loneliness of infertility and support systems to help. Reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with podcaster and advocate Kaela McDougall to discuss the pain of infertility, humor as a tool for healing, and the special connection shared between those who have experienced infertility. Kaela is the co-host of The Infertile Mafia, a podcast dedicated to sharing truths about infertility, IVF, and trying to conceive. In this episode of Baby or Bust, Kaela tells her story about experiencing infertility, starting her podcast, and finding solace in the strong community she's discovered on social media. Lora and Kaela explore the benefits of honoring your emotions, finding strength in vulnerability, and advocating for yourself. You can find more about Kaela here: https://infertilemafia.podbean.com/ Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media: Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 7 When and How to See a Fertility Specialist with Dr. Natalie Crawford from Fora Fertility | 02 Mar 2022 | 00:31:08 | |
It's tough to know when to see a fertility doctor, and this episode will help you figure out the right time. Host Dr. Lora Shahine joins friend and fellow reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Natalie Crawford for an informative chat about their work, including misleading media portrayals and relationships with infertility patients. As doctors who have committed their careers to helping others build families, Dr. Shahine and Dr. Crawford have seen it all. This episode debunks common misconceptions—IVF recommendations, waiting periods before seeing a fertility doctor, patient ages—through a lens of compassion. This episode gives a run-through of what you can expect in your first visit, finding a clinic that's a good fit, and considerations with at-home testing. You can learn more about Dr. Natalie Crawford here: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media: Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||
| Ep 6 Lesbian Family Building Options with Jaimie and Robin from 'If These Ovaries Could Talk' Podcast | 23 Feb 2022 | 00:36:14 | |
When you're in the LGBTQ+ community, there's a lot to navigate with parenthood. Today, host Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Jaimie Kelton and Robin Hopkins, creators and authors of the podcast and book If These Ovaries Could Talk, for an enlightening conversation about building—and celebrating—families of all forms. This episode is a crash course on the reproductive possibilities within the LGBTQ+ community. Jaimie, Robin, and Lora discuss reproductive discrimination, second-parent adoption laws, and deciding the road that's right for you. Lora also shares her medical insight on reproductive possibilities among a couple with uteruses and ovaries, such as receiving donor sperm and undergoing reciprocal IVF. You can find more about Jaimie and Robin here: https://www.ovariestalk.com Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media: Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn This episode of Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com | |||