Explore every episode of the podcast Fertile-ish

🎙 Episode 13: Embryo Red Flags? Let’s Talk PGT

Embryo testing can feel like decoding an alphabet soup-and in this episode, we’re finally breaking it all down. Laura and Brandis get real about preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), who it’s for, and how to decide if it’s right for you.

🧬 What We Cover:

• What PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR actually mean

• The difference between carrier screening, karyotypes, and embryo testing

• Why some patients test every embryo-and others don’t test at all

• How PGT can impact embryo selection, miscarriage risk, and live birth rates

• What “mosaic embryos” are and why they’re controversial

• Compassionate transfers, family balancing, and navigating clinic policies

• The ethics of emerging tech like polygenic testing (aka embryo red flag overload)

💬 This episode is packed with insights to help you have informed convos with your doctor-and make decisions that actually align with your values and goals.

📬 Want to weigh in?
We want to hear your experience with PGT, carrier screening, mosaic embryos, or even your decision not to test. Submit your story (anonymous or not!) at CNYfertility.com/fertileish

Because let’s be honest: in fertility, there are no one-size-fits-all answers—only informed choices.

🎙️ Episode 12: BRB. Being an Emotional Support Human-

💡 In This Episode:

How not to say the wrong thing 101. This week, Laura and Brandis dive into the dos, don’ts, and “pls stop talking” moments of supporting someone going through fertility struggles. Whether you’re a well-meaning mother-in-law, a confused bestie, or a pregnant sister trying to navigate this emotional tightrope-this episode is your crash course in being a great friend/family member through the throes of infertility.

🔥 Hot Takes:

How to actually show up for your friend or loved one TTC (trying to conceive)

• What not to say (looking at you, “Just relax!” and “Why don’t you just adopt?”)

• Navigating support when you're pregnant and your loved one is struggling

• Thoughtful ways to offer help-without being invasive

• Acts of love: from casseroles to baby dust bottles

• The power of asking: “How can I support you?”

• Partner talk: checking in on each other through the chaos

• Guest voice: Fertility friend Krystal shares advice from the other side

• Toxic positivity ≠ helpful

• Please don’t ask “Are you pregnant yet?” 3 days after a transfer

• Support isn’t always about fixing-it’s about being present

🛎️ New episodes drop every Tuesday!

📱 Follow, rate, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon, iheartradio, or wherever you get your pods.

🎙️ Episode 11: Acronym Overload: WTF is IUI, IVF, AMH, & More

Let’s be real - fertility feels like a whole new language. Whether you're deep in the TTC world or just trying to figure out WTF your doctor meant when they said, “Your AMH looks good, but we still recommend an FET,” we’ve got you.

In this episode, Laura and Brandis break down the fertility alphabet soup - decoding the most common (and confusing) acronyms and medical lingo you’ll run into on your journey.

📚 What We Cover:

• TTC, BFP, CD, DPO… What all the letters mean (and why they matter)

• The difference between IUI and IVF

• Hormone crash course: AMH, LH, E2, P4, and why they fluctuate

• What’s a “Beta” and why everyone’s obsessed with it

• HSG vs. SIS vs. HSC (yes, those are all real things and no, you’re not crazy)

• The truth about sperm (yep, it affects miscarriage risk and pregnancy symptoms too!)

• Bonus: BD = baby dance. We didn’t make it up. The internet did.

Whether you're tracking OPKs or wondering if your RE suggested PGT-A or ICSI, this episode is your fertility dictionary. Because informed = empowered, and no one should need Google Translate for their own uterus.

💌 Connect With Us:
Have an acronym we missed? Or one you totally made up? DM us @fertileishpod or submit it at cnyfertility.com/fertileish. We just might start the trend for you.

🔊 Listen on Spotify, Apple, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your pods.

#TTC #FertilityPodcast #IUI #IVF #OPK #AMH #FertilityAcronyms #Fertileish #FET #BFP #BFN #BetaIsLife #PGTA #ICSI #Fertility #FertilityJourney #TTCJourney #Infertility #InfertilityAwareness #FertilityTreatment #TWW #IVFWarrior #Embryo #EmbryoTransfer #HSG #SHG #SIS #HSC #Beta #CNYFertility

🎙️ Episode 10: TWW – Currently in My Delulu Era

The Two Week Wait: It’s not two weeks—it’s two years (emotionally, at least). In this milestone 10th episode, Laura and Brandis crack open the chaotic, emotional, and often delulu reality of life during the TWW.

Whether you’re refreshing your patient portal every five minutes, lining up 12 home pregnancy tests with timestamps, or just vibing with your hydrangeas, this episode is a warm hug for anyone trying to survive the limbo between transfer and test day.

🧠 What We Cover:

• What exactly is the TWW, and why is it so mentally brutal?

• The temptation (and spiral) of testing early

• Coping with obsessive Googling, Reddit rabbit holes, and false hope

• Managing expectations: toxic positivity vs. emotional preparedness

• Finding your peace: walks, art therapy, diamond art embryos (yes, really)

• How to build a support system (even if it’s not IRL)

• Why therapy and grounding tools are clutch—even after the TWW

• How CNY Fertility’s team gets it because we’ve lived it too

💡 Fertile-ish Tips for Surviving the TWW:

• Get a “transfer buddy” to talk you down from the ledge

• Go for a nightly walk, water your plants, romanticize your peace

• Try crafts, books, or diamond art to pass the time creatively

• Know that feeling delulu is valid—and totally normal

• Protect your peace by choosing what and when to share

• Therapy = self-care, not a last resort

💬 Listener Call-In:
Going through the TWW? Share your funniest, weirdest, or most delulu moment with us—we might feature it in a future episode! Got a go-to distraction technique? Spill the tea.

📩 Submit via cnyfertility.com/fertileish or DM us on Instagram.

📲 Follow Us:

• IG: @fertileishpodcast

• Submit questions & episode ideas: cnyfertility.com/fertileish

✨ Whether you're clinging to hope, resisting the urge to test, or deep in your Pinterest baby clothes board... you're not alone. We're here. We get it. And we’re cheering for you. 💕

🎙️ Episode 9 — Main Character Energy: Embryo Transfer Edition

It’s giving transfer day icon. Whether it’s your first rodeo or you’ve done this dance before, we’re breaking down what to expect when you’re expecting...to implant.

This episode is your go-to guide on:

• 🧬 Fresh vs. frozen embryo transfers - what’s the difference?

• 🧻 What’s the deal with the full bladder and will I pee on someone?

• 💉 Transfer protocols explained: medicated, modified natural, and natural

• 🔬 What affects your uterine lining and why it matters

• 🩺 Testing before transfer: saline sonos, hysteroscopy, TSH levels, and more

• 🧠 Managing expectations and staying sane during the dreaded two-week wait

• 🔁 When it’s time to switch things up (protocol changes, testing, or just vibes)

• 🧘🏽‍♀️ How to bring your own energy to transfer day - socks, music, TikToks, whatever makes it yours

✨ Plus: Laura shares real-life TTC feels, and Brandis drops the stats you actually want to hear. Because failed transfers suck - but they aren’t the end of the story.

💌 Got questions or ideas for the pod? Hit us up:

• Instagram & TikTok: @fertileishpodcast

• Submit anonymously at cnyfertility.com/fertileish

🧚‍♀️ PSA: You are the main character - even with a bloated bladder and progesterone butt shots.

🎙️ Episode 8 – Therapy, Tears, & TTC
AKA: IVF is hard, our relationships are tired, and yes-we cried (again).

This week, Laura and Brandis get real about the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments. From IVF breakdowns to relationship strain, therapy breakthroughs to those dreaded brunch pregnancy announcements-this episode dives into the messy, honest, and healing side of TTC.

💔 Topics We Cover:

• Why fertility struggles can rock your relationship

• Couples therapy wins (and awkward first date flashbacks)

• Setting boundaries with people, social media, and your own brain

• Guilt, grief, and the myth of the perfect pregnancy timeline

• Tips for managing emotional overload (journaling, yoga, cocktails... we said what we said)

📣 Listener Confessions:
We read your stories-from crying in the brunch bathroom to feeling left behind while everyone else moves forward. You're not alone. Ever.

🛠️ Coping Tools We Mention:

• Fertile Hope Yoga (virtual support + meditations)

• Journaling with photo stickers (hello, future fertility scrapbook)

• Therapy (individual & couples)

• Setting “no fertility talk” breaks

• Making the journey your own

💌 Need support?
Hit us up at cnyfertility.com/fertileish or DM us on Instagram. We’ve got you.

🎬 Episode 7: Hollywood Fertility Fantasyland: What They Get Wrong (and Right)
👯‍♀️ Hosted by: Laura & Brandis
🎧 Listen now on Spotify I Apple I YouTube I Amazon I iheartradio
🔗 More at cnyfertility.com/fertileish

About the Episode:
Welcome to the chaotic fertility crossover episode we had to do: Hollywood vs. reality. From matcha miracles to miracle babies at 50+, Laura and Brandis are calling out the mixed messages, magic timelines, and media-fueled misconceptions that have us all screaming “HOW?!”

We’re breaking down:
✨ Celebs who “just stopped trying and got pregnant”
🧬 Designer baby myths & yoni steams
🕰️ The ticking clock trope (we see you, Bachelor Nation)
📺 IVF portrayed in 30 seconds or less
🤯 Why “natural” isn’t always better

Whether it’s Kardashians, Teen Mom, or tabloid headlines, we’re setting the record straight on what’s actually possible—and what’s just ✨TV magic✨.

Hot Takes & Real Talk:

• Fertility facts don’t care about your Hollywood inspo board

• No, you can’t pick your baby’s eye color (yet)

• IVF ≠ instant pregnancy

• Therapy is hot. Unrealistic expectations are not.

💌 Have a fertility myth or media moment you want us to unpack? Slide into our DMs or drop it in our Thursday Q&A!

🫣 Got a TMI fertility moment? Send it in for next week’s TMI Tuesday (we’ll keep it anonymous, promise) at www.cnyfertility.com/fertileish

✨ Episode 6- Sorry, Not Sorry. CNY's Doing It Better (and Cheaper) ✨

(aka the one where we spill why our clinic is the Costco‑level steal of IVF, minus the $1.50 hot‑dog combo)

• Budget babes, rejoice: CNY’s base IVF package starts around $4K (meds + anesthesia included) instead of the usual $20‑30K bag‑breaker.

• Zero gate‑keeping: No hard cut‑offs on BMI, AMH, or age. If you want a shot with your own eggs, we’ll cheer you on (and be real about the odds).

• Financing that actually approves you: 100 % in‑house plans (6‑24 mo) with no credit check.

• Extra sciencey add‑ons: Immune protocols, PRP, acupuncture, & Fertile‑Hope yoga for the mind‑body glow‑up.

• DIY monitoring: New at‑home ultrasound collab (SAMA) for the road‑warriors and WFH‑girlies.

• Doc on speed‑dial: Dr. Kiltz literally drops his cell on IG Lives and texts back at 5 AM. Love it.

1. Affordability isn’t a gimmick — low overhead + private ownership lets CNY keep prices spicy‑low without cutting corners.

2. Patient‑led everything — from anesthesia for HSGs to playlist choices (yes, blast Taylor Swift during scopes).

3. Whole‑human care — mental‑health groups, Fertile‑Hope yoga, webinars, and meditations mean you’re never stuck doom‑scrolling alone at 2 AM again.

4. Choice ≠ chance — we’ll lay out stats honestly, then hand you the steering wheel. Closure or miracles… both valid.

• Show site + resource hub: cnyfertility.com/fertileish

• Immune protocol cheat‑sheet: cnyfertility.com/boosting-female-fertility

• Need a 15‑min “is CNY for me?” Zoom? 👉 cnyfertility.com/intro-call

Got a spicy TMI Tuesday story, IVF meme, or random late‑night cry question?
DM @fertileishpodcast on IG or drop a voice note via Spotify Q&A. We might read you on air (anonymously, unless you’re into fame).

Rate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, follow, and share with the friend who still thinks IVF costs more than a down payment. Catch you next week, fam! 🎧

Episode 5- “IVF 101: So… We’re Making Embryos, Bestie!”

Brandis and Laura spill all the embryology tea—from that “I‑almost‑peed‑on‑the‑transfer‑table” story to a step‑by‑step IVF play‑by‑play (triggers, retrievals, ICSI, the whole lab glow‑up). They bust the “test‑tube‑baby” myth, talk real success‑rate math, and share zero‑judgement advice for supporting friends in the thick of treatment.

Key Takeaways:

• ICSI for everyone: At CNY Fertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection comes standard—better fertilization rates, no up‑charge.

• IVF ≠ guaranteed: Age, egg quality, and embryo genetics still rule; multiple cycles are normal.

• Language matters: “Test‑tube baby” is canceled—let’s stick with IVF or ART.

• Support hacks: Ask “How can I help?” before assuming; tiny gestures (a meme, a heat pad drop‑off) can be huge.

• Normalize the process: More openness = less stigma, fewer wild Reddit rumors.

• 📸 Follow the chaos on IG, FB, & TikTok: @fertile.ish + @cnyfertility

• 💌 Submit TMI Tuesday stories or episode Qs: www.cnyfertility.com/fertileish

Loved the show? Smash that Follow button on Spotify/Apple/YouTube/Amazon/iheartradio, drop a 5‑star review, and share this episode with the friend who still thinks embryos chill in test tubes. Need support? Hit our DMs—no question is TMI here!

🎙️ Fertile-ish Episode 4: "Just in Case: Fertility Edition"

💬 In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of fertility preservation and why it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for both men and women. Whether you’re considering freezing your eggs or sperm for future use, or wondering if embryo freezing might be the right option for you, this episode has all the details you need.

• • Why Freeze Your Eggs or Sperm?

    • The growing trend of fertility preservation, especially due to social media influencers and celebrities sharing their experiences.

    • Key reasons people pursue egg or sperm freezing, such as career timing, medical reasons (like cancer treatments), or personal circumstances (e.g., not yet ready for kids or concerned about future fertility due to family history).

  • Male Fertility & Sperm Freezing:

    • Men also face age-related fertility decline, and freezing sperm is becoming more talked about in the media.

    • Craig Conover from Southern Charm made headlines for freezing his sperm, normalizing the conversation around male fertility.

  • Understanding the Process:

    • Egg Freezing: Detailed explanation of the process, including the hormonal treatments, injections, egg retrieval, and what to expect in terms of side effects and outcomes.

    • Sperm Freezing: A simple process that can be done at home or in a clinic, often less costly than people expect.

    • Embryo Freezing: Creating embryos through IVF for later use, and the role genetic testing can play in family planning.

  • Cost and Financing:

    • A breakdown of the costs involved with egg freezing and sperm freezing, with insights on financing options to make it more accessible.

  • Success Rates and Considerations:

    • Factors like age, health, and genetic testing influence your chances of success when using frozen eggs or sperm in the future.

    • The importance of having candid conversations with your fertility provider about your goals, the number of cycles required, and potential outcomes.

  • The discussion about PCOS, how it affects egg freezing, and what you can expect if you’re going through that process.

  • Tips for managing medication side effects from hormones and injections, and debunking myths about the discomfort of the process.

  • Want more information? Visit CNY Fertility's website for resources, consultations, and the opportunity to ask questions directly through their Fertile-ish page. www.cnyfertility.com/fertileish

  • Don’t forget to subscribe to Fertile-ish, like, and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, iheartradio, and YouTube!

  • Follow CNY Fertility on social media to stay updated: TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

In this episode, Laura and Brandis bust some of the most common—and frustrating—fertility myths and misconceptions floating around the internet, doctor’s offices, and even dinner tables. From birth control blame to pineapple-core pressure, they dive into where these beliefs come from, what the science actually says, and how misinformation can impact real people on fertility journeys.

💬 In this episode we cover:

🔗 Listener Q: Got a myth you’ve heard or want us to fact-check? Send it to us at cnyfertility.com/fertileish — we might feature it in a future episode!

🧠 Reminder: Everyone’s fertility journey is different. You’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong.

When should you see a fertility specialist? Laura and Brandis break down why you don't have to wait 6–12 months of trying to get evaluated. Whether you're thinking about kids someday, dealing with painful periods, or just curious about your fertility, this episode gives you the real talk. They cover what to expect at a first consult, myths about family history, and why fertility testing is just smart health care — not a commitment to treatment.

Key topics:

• Baseline fertility testing (AMH, imaging, carrier screening)

• Fertility preservation for single individuals

• Patient autonomy and making your own plan

• What it’s really like to see a specialist

• Options for same-sex couples, solo parents, and more

Resources:

• Learn more at cnyfertility.com/fertileish

• Follow CNY Fertility on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube & Facebook!

New episodes every Tuesday! Subscribe and leave a review!

Welcome to Fertile-ish - a podcast for anyone navigating the ups, downs, and WTFs of trying to conceive, preserving your fertility, or supporting someone who is. In this intro episode, Brandis and Laura share why they started the show, what "fertile-ish" means, and what you can expect this week. Think: honest convos, expert insights, and maybe a few fertility TMI stories. Let's get into it.

Follow us on IG: [@fertileishpodcast] [@cnyfertility]

Visit our website: www.cnyfertility.com/fertileish