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FriedEggs Podcast

A podcast about infertility and IVF

A podcast about infertility and IVF

www.friedeggspod.com
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  • 23 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 43 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S3 · E64
    Tuesday · 1 hr 12 min

    Ep 64: What your fertility can tell you about your health with Dr. Natalie Crawford

    What if your fertility could tell you something about your overall health? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Natalie Crawford, OB-GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and author of the bestselling book The Fertility Formula, to talk about fertility as a health marker—and why fertility isn’t just about getting pregnant. We get into metabolic health, inflammation, hormones, and the clues our bodies can give us long before we’re trying to conceive. Dr. Crawford breaks down what’s actually worth paying attention to, what we tend to normalize, and how understanding your fertility can give you more information and agency when it comes to your health. We also talk about the tricky line between knowing what you can influence and accepting what you can’t, especially if you’re already navigating infertility, IVF, recurrent pregnancy loss, or another complicated fertility journey. And because we love a behind-the-scenes publishing story, Dr. Crawford shares what it was like to turn her years of medical knowledge into The Fertility Formula and go from doctor to bestselling author. About Natalie Crawford, MD Today's guest is Dr. Natalie Crawford, a double board-certified fertility doctor, educator, and author of The Fertility Formula. You may know her from her podcast, “As a Woman”, social media, or the countless educational resources she's created to help people better understand their bodies and reproductive health. Dr. Crawford's work bridges the gap between fertility medicine and overall health, asking not just how we get pregnant, but how we can better understand and support our bodies throughout our lives. We’re so excited to have this conversation and dive into topics like fertility as a health marker, the power of knowledge, and what we can actually do to improve our fertility. Website: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd The Fertility Formula: https://bookshop.org/a/126795/9780593994306 Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Tempdrop, a wearable fertility tracker that collects overnight temperature data to help identify ovulation and cycle patterns, even with irregular cycles. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off your own wearable BBT device and a two-month premium app trial at http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFFRIEDEGGSPOD Connect With Us If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • August 19 · 30 sec

    (extended version) Ep 63: Finding our strength again after years of infertility

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.friedeggspod.com This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.friedeggspod.com In this week’s episode, we’re chatting about Amy’s work sabbatical and upcoming voyage to Europe, plus Kayti’s book (manifestation!) and getting back into writing. We share a surrogacy update and talk about returning to the gym after years of the physical and mental exhaustion that came with infertility and IVF. Amy opens up about feeling disconnected from her body after so much treatment, and why getting stronger has become less about how she looks and more about feeling like herself again. Of course, there’s a pull-up goal involved. Let’s connect! If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre.

  • S3 · E63
    August 18 · 49 min

    Ep 63: Finding our strength again after years of infertility

    In this week’s episode, we’re chatting about Amy’s work sabbatical and upcoming voyage to Europe, plus Kayti’s book (manifestation!) and getting back into writing. We share a surrogacy update and talk about returning to the gym after years of the physical and mental exhaustion that came with infertility and IVF. Amy opens up about feeling disconnected from her body after so much treatment, and why getting stronger has become less about how she looks and more about feeling like herself again. Of course, there’s a pull-up goal involved. Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Tempdrop, a wearable fertility tracker that collects overnight temperature data to help identify ovulation and cycle patterns, even with irregular cycles. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off your own wearable BBT device and a two-month premium app trial at http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFFRIEDEGGSPOD Let’s connect! If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E62
    August 11 · 43 min

    Ep 62: The memoir helping us get through infertility (with Amy Gallo Ryan, author of You May Feel a Bit of Pressure)

    In this episode, we’re joined by writer and author Amy Gallo Ryan to talk about her memoir, You May Feel a Bit of Pressure, and what it means to make sense of infertility through writing. We talk about the ways IVF can shape your identity, the pressure to tell a certain kind of infertility story, and why the emotional impact can stick around long after treatment ends. Amy also shares why she chose a nonlinear structure for her book and what it was like to turn such a personal experience into a story. We get into the messy reality of writing and publishing, including finding your voice, dealing with rejection, and putting something deeply personal out into the world. Amy also reads an excerpt from You May Feel a Bit of Pressure. About Amy Gallo Ryan Amy Gallo Ryan is a Brooklyn-based author, essayist and former magazine editor whose personal essays have appeared in Vogue, Lit Hub, Hippocampus and Pregnantish, among other publications. Her debut memoir-in-essays, You May Feel a Bit of Pressure, was named a critic’s recommendation by Kirkus Reviews and called “a riveting examination of infertility” by The Book Life Prize. Her website: https://www.amygalloryan.com/ Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Tempdrop, a wearable fertility tracker that collects overnight temperature data to help identify ovulation and cycle patterns, even with irregular cycles. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off your own wearable BBT device and a two-month premium app trial at http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFFRIEDEGGSPOD Connect With Us If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E61
    August 4 · 53 min

    Ep 61: Fertility headlines that made us go WTF

    It’s been a couple of weeks since our last proper catch-up, and woah! So many fertility news headlines. Kayti shares highlights from a whirlwind family trip, her move into a new home, and the chaos of unpacking (or... not unpacking). And we dive into what they’ve been seeing in women’s health and fertility news, including IVF policy debates, teen pregnancy prevention funding cuts and why that’s critical for fertility education, testosterone screenings and menopause care, and a promising new swab test that could make diagnosing endometriosis much easier. We wander from infertility advocacy to climate change, shark sightings, ADHD vs. luteal phase energy, why both of us use home projects as emotional coping mechanisms, and back to fertility advocacy. We also tease at what’s upcoming. Thanks for joining the chaotic energy! Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Tempdrop, a wearable fertility tracker that collects overnight temperature data to help identify ovulation and cycle patterns, even with irregular cycles. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off your own wearable BBT device and a two-month premium app trial at http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFFRIEDEGGSPOD Fact Check Teen pregnancy prevention program cuts: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) canceled 53 out of 67 grants totaling roughly $68 million under the federal Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPPP) in June 2026 in order to promote “conservative-leaning priorities, specifically emphasizing abstinence-only education and marriage.” Source: NPR and NYT Britain’s NHS Endometriosis saliva test, “Endotest”: New research into less-invasive testing for endometriosis could help women get diagnoses sooner. The average time to diagnosis is 7-10 years from symptom onset, and with endo impacting as many as 25-50% of women with infertility, we hope faster diagnosis means faster treatment. Source: BBC and World Health Organization: Endometriosis United States’ DOD policy introducing mandatory testosterone screening for servicemen and women, and “optional” treatment for “low” testosterone. This news was particularly surprising since at the same time, women continue the uphill climb to get much-needed, evidence-backed HRT support during perimenopause and menopause, and gender affirming care for trans people continues to be under attack. Side note: for those of us worried about infertility — testosterone supplementation is a preventable cause of male factor infertility. Sources: PBS, New York Times, NIH and PubMed Correction: More great whites in our SoCal oceans may be a good sign that Southern California’s coastline is healing from years of DDT contaminants. Source: LA Times But the oceans are warming and warming faster than historically observed, which is impacting oceanic animal life, and climate warming is the primary driver. Source: AP News And super El Niño “winter is coming” (queue GOT) with warmer-than-average conditions across portions of the northern tier of states, and Kayti needs to install gutters ASAP. Source: Newsweek and The Weather Channel More FriedEggs episodes you’ll love Ep 59: How to advocate for your fertility and recognize hormone imbalances with Sam Diamond, Co-Founder. We could all use a little encouragement on advocating for our health and care! And tons of good info on PCOS/PMOS. Ep 60: How to track your cycle when trying to get pregnant. With women’s health care under attack and fertility education getting cut in favor of abstinence-only programs, it’s more important than ever to understand our unique cycles. Coming up on the pod: Dr. Natalie Crawford on our fertility health as a biomarker, the uniquely powerful role of our metabolic health, PCOS/PMOS. Dr. Sasha Hakman on becoming the IVF patient herself and setting yourself up for success. Author of You May Feel a Bit of Pressure, Amy Gallo Ryan, joins us to talk about her memoir. Deep-diving into Amy’s surrogacy journey so far, from finding a match to medical clearance and legal to what it takes to finally get to transfer! 👀 Let’s connect! If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E60
    July 28 · 55 min

    Ep 60: How to track your cycle when trying to get pregnant

    Did you know that cycle tracking apps are only about 20% accurate at predicting your ovulation window? This week, Kayti sits down with sex therapist Laura Federico, LCSW CST and midwife Morgan Miller, CPM LM (authors of The Cycle Book) to talk about cycle tracking during IVF and infertility, data privacy, sex during infertility, how a midwife can help during an IVF pregnancy, and so much more! It’s a packed conversation, and we really need to have them both back on to share more of their expertise. Until then, enjoy this conversation and grab yourself a copy of The Cycle Book here. About The Cycle Book A midwife and sex therapist combine their clinical expertise with mindful self-care to help you move from confusion and fear to confidence and direction. No apps, no subscriptions, just you, your body, and science-backed tools. Whether you’re trying to conceive, managing chronic health symptoms, or simply seeking balance, The Cycle Book empowers you to reconnect with your body and live in sync with your natural cycles. No more wondering if it’s "just in your head." About Laura Federico Laura Federico (LCSW CST) is a US-trained Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. She holds an MS from Columbia University in Clinical Social Work, a BA from Marquette University in Social Welfare + Justice and Sociology, and a post-graduate sexologist certification in Holistic Sex Therapy from the Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment. About Morgan Miller Morgan Miller (CPM, LM, IBCLC) is a midwife, lactation consultant, and unapologetic advocate for reimagining perinatal care. As the founder of Soft Corner Midwifery & Birth Center, Morgan has built more than just a practice—she’s created a space where people can heal and be seen. Her work blends clinical expertise with deep listening, radical compassion, and a fierce commitment to autonomy. Follow Laura + Morgan: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraandmorgan/ Connect With Us If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E59
    July 21 · 51 min

    Ep 59: How to advocate for your fertility and recognize hormone imbalances with Sam Diamond, Co-Founder of Bird&Be

    This week, we’re joined by Sam Diamond, co-founder of Bird&Be, for a conversation about hormone imbalances and why reproductive health should never be treated as just a women’s issue. Sam shares the personal experiences that led her to build Bird&Be, the science behind the brand’s evidence-based fertility supplements and at-home tests, and how products like inositol can support people navigating ovulation challenges and PCOS (now called PMOS). We also talk about the importance of advocating for your health, recognizing the signs of hormonal imbalances, what sets Bird&Be apart in the fertility space, and why being proactive about reproductive health matters. Plus, we wrap things up with some fun rapid-fire questions for Sam! About Bird&Be Bird&Be offers science-backed supplements, personalized prenatal vitamins, and convenient at-home fertility tests designed to help you better understand your reproductive health, whether you're just starting to think about growing your family, actively trying to conceive, or navigating IVF and fertility treatment. By making expert-backed care and information more accessible, Bird&Be empowers people to take proactive steps on their fertility journey from the comfort of home. About Samantha Diamond Samantha Diamond is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bird&Be, a fertility and reproductive health company dedicated to making evidence-based care more accessible. Inspired by her own experience navigating pregnancy loss and the challenges of trying to conceive, she created Bird&Be to provide science-backed supplements and at-home fertility testing that empower people with better information and support. Follow Sam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupmamma LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/samantha-diamond Connect With Us Have questions about donor eggs, egg freezing, infertility, or family building? Check out Cofertility on Instagram at @cofertility. If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E58
    June 30 · 25 min

    Ep 58: Birth after IVF, part two

    We’re so excited to bring you part two of this episode! Kayti continues sharing her birth story after a long journey to pregnancy via IVF. This is part two of a two-part episode (We recommend catching up on the first half if you haven’t already!). Disclaimer: these episodes include discussions of a traumatic birth experience. Please guard your heart and skip them if you’re not in a place to listen right now. 🩷 If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E57
    June 24 · 55 min

    Ep 57: Birth after IVF, part one

    Kayti shares her birth story after a long journey to pregnancy via IVF. This is part one of a two-part episode and includes discussions of a traumatic birth experience. This episode is sponsored by Tempdrop, a wearable fertility tracker that collects overnight temperature data to help identify ovulation and cycle patterns, even with irregular cycles. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off your own wearable BBT device and a two-month premium app trial at http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFFRIEDEGGSPOD If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E56
    June 16 · 1 hr 1 min

    Ep 56: Needing donor eggs as the last fertility taboo with Cofounder and CEO of Cofertility, Lauren Makler

    This week, we’re joined by Lauren Makler, co-founder and CEO of Cofertility, to talk about the future of egg freezing, egg donation, and fertility access. Lauren shares the personal health journey that inspired her to build Cofertility and explains how the company is making fertility preservation more accessible through its innovative egg-sharing model (and also why she believes egg donation is fertility’s last taboo). We dive into the emotional realities of donor conception, the stigma surrounding donor eggs, and what it means to navigate grief and hope at the same time while building a family. Whether you’re considering egg freezing, exploring donor-egg IVF, or simply curious about modern family-building, we’re so excited to share this conversation about the many ways families are created today. About Cofertility Cofertility is a human-centered fertility platform helping women freeze their eggs while helping other families build theirs. Through their innovative Split Program, eligible women can freeze their eggs at no cost by donating half of the retrieved eggs to intended parents. CoFertility also takes a modern approach to donor conception by prioritizing transparency, education, optional known donation, and limiting the number of families a donor can donate to. About Lauren Makler Lauren Makler is the co-founder and CEO of Cofertility. After being diagnosed with an extremely rare abdominal disease and facing uncertainty about her own fertility, Lauren experienced firsthand the gaps in fertility preservation and donor egg options. She later became a mother and launched Cofertility to create a more transparent, ethical, and accessible path to egg freezing and egg donation. Lauren has been recognized on the Inc. Female Founders 500 and Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business lists and has become a leading voice in conversations around fertility access, donor conception, and reproductive healthcare. Follow Lauren Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmakler/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmakler/ More valuable nuggets in this episode Fertility Tracking & Cycle Health with Tempdrop: A wearable fertility tracker that collects overnight temperature data to help identify ovulation and cycle patterns, even with irregular cycles. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off and a two-month premium app trial at http://www.tempdrop.com/discount/AFFRIEDEGGSPOD Fertility Financing with Sunfish: Helping make fertility treatment, IVF, egg donation, surrogacy, and family building more financially accessible. joinsunfish.com Fertility Mental Health with Mavida Health: Mental health support designed specifically for fertility patients. Our episode with Dr. Sarah Oreck on fertility & mental health. Check out mavidahealth.com to learn more. Needle-Free IVF as a less invasive approach to IVF. A newer IVF approach discussed in previous FriedEggs episodes that may reduce the number of injections required during treatment. Talk with your fertility specialist about whether newer protocols may be appropriate for your situation. Learn more at needlefreeivf.com. Related Fried Eggs Episodes * Ep 32: Surrogacy 101 and how to find a surrogate with Carly Joseph * Ep 49: How to care for your mental health while going through IVF with Dr. Sarah Oreck, founder of Mavida Health Connect With Us Have questions about donor eggs, egg freezing, infertility, or family building? Check out Cofertility on Instagram at @cofertility. If this episode resonated with you, leave a rating on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. It helps more people navigating infertility find the support and community they deserve. 💛 The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions. 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E55
    June 9 · 59 min

    Ep 55: When to tell people about your IVF transfer

    It’s the moment we’ve all waited for: the embryo transfer. Do you tell your family and friends? Do you keep it a secret until you know if it worked, or until the end of the first trimester? In today’s episode, we’re talking about support systems, celebrating small joys, and the emotional labor that comes with sharing your infertility and IVF journey publicly. Today’s episode is brought to you by Tempdrop, a basal body temperature sensor with an accompanying fertility app to help you identify your fertile window. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off your order. This is a free, shorter version of the episode for all subscribers. Paying subscribers (aka members of The Broody Club) can also listen to an extended, ad-free version of this episode (learn more here). This podcast exists because of our listeners, and paid subscriptions let us spend more time on episodes, bring in expert guests, and create content that makes a difference for the infertility community. The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. Enjoy the episode here on Substack at www.friedeggspod.com. Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions: https://20twentypro.com/ 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E55
    June 9 · 58 sec

    (extended version) Ep 55: When to tell people about your IVF transfer

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.friedeggspod.com It's the moment we've all waited for: the embryo transfer. Do you tell your family and friends? Do you keep it a secret until you know if it worked, or until the end of the first trimester? In today's episode, we're talking about support systems, celebrating small joys, and the emotional labor that comes with sharing your infertility and IVF journey publicly. This is an extended, ad-free version of The FriedEggs Podcast for paying subscribers (aka members of The Broody Club). This podcast exists because of our listeners, and paid subscriptions let us spend more time on episodes, bring in expert guests, and create content that makes a difference for the infertility community. Learn more here. The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. Enjoy the episode here on Substack at www.friedeggspod.com. Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions: https://20twentypro.com/ 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre

  • S3 · E54
    June 2 · 24 sec

    (extended version) Ep 54: How to ask your IVF doctor hard questions & Amy's PGT-A results

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.friedeggspod.com In today’s episode, Amy shares her PGT-A results from her 5th egg retrieval! She also answers listener questions and shares notes from her conversation with her doctor after her egg retrieval. This is an extended, ad-free version of the episode for paying subscribers (aka members of The Broody Club). This podcast exists because of our listeners, and paid subscriptions let us spend more time on episodes, bring in expert guests, and create content that makes a difference for the infertility community. Learn more here. The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. Enjoy the episode here on Substack at www.friedeggspod.com. Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions: https://20twentypro.com/ 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre

  • S3 · E54
    June 2 · 50 min

    Ep 54: How to ask your IVF doctor hard questions & Amy's PGT-A results

    In today’s episode, Amy shares her PGT-A results from her 5th egg retrieval! She also answers listener questions and shares notes from her conversation with her doctor after her egg retrieval. Today’s episode is brought to you by Tempdrop, a basal body temperature sensor with an accompanying fertility app to help you identify your fertile window. Use code AFFRIEDEGGS for 10% off your order. This is a free, shorter version of the episode for all subscribers. Paying subscribers (aka members of The Broody Club) can also listen to an extended, ad-free version of this episode (learn more here). This podcast exists because of our listeners, and paid subscriptions let us spend more time on episodes, bring in expert guests, and create content that makes a difference for the infertility community. The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. Enjoy the episode here on Substack at www.friedeggspod.com. Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions: https://20twentypro.com/ 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E53
    May 26 · 1 hr 3 min

    Ep 53: Amy recaps her 5th egg retrieval (pt 1)

    In today’s episode, Amy shares the results of her 5th IVF egg retrieval. She reflects on her new STIMs protocol, insurance battles to get medications covered, and how this round compared to previous cycles. This is part one of a two-part episode as she waits for PGT-A results. She’ll be answering listener questions about this retrieval in the next episode, so drop any qs you have in the comments! The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. Enjoy the episode here on Substack at www.friedeggspod.com. Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions: https://20twentypro.com/ 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E52
    May 15 · 43 min

    Ep 52: A better way to pay for IVF

    Today, we’re joined by Angela Rastegar, Co-Founder and CEO of Sunfish (www.joinsunfish.com), a fertility fintech company focused on making family building more financially accessible and a lot less overwhelming. We talk about the surprising and hidden costs of IVF, and how the financial side of fertility care can feel just as overwhelming as the treatments themselves. Angela shares how Sunfish is helping patients navigate their options more clearly, including those using donor eggs or sperm, surrogacy, reciprocal IVF, and increasingly, people looking to freeze their eggs. We also get into what shifts when you don’t have to carry all of that financial stress alone, and how better tools and guidance can make the entire experience feel more manageable. We know you’ll appreciate this conversation with Angela as much as we did. If you’re comfortable sharing, we’d love to hear how the financial side of IVF or fertility care has impacted your own journey — drop your thoughts in the comments below. x About Angela Rastegar: Angela Rastegar is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sunfish, a fertility fintech company focused on making family building financially accessible and predictable. Angela brings a rare combination of venture capital fluency, healthcare operating experience, and deeply personal “lived experience” to the fertility space. She previously founded and exited two companies and served as a venture capital investor at Village Capital, focusing on early stage health tech and fintech businesses. Angela holds a BA in Human Biology and an MBA from Stanford University. Her commitment is deeply personal: she has navigated her own fertility journey, which solidified her belief that everyone deserves a “Family Planning Advisor”. She is now a leading voice on how data autonomy and financial innovation can democratize reproductive rights. She resides in Los Angeles with her family, continuing her own journey while helping thousands of others start theirs. * About Sunfish: Sunfish is a trusted guide for anyone navigating IVF, surrogacy, egg/sperm donation, or fertility preservation. They help self-pay IVF patients with transparent pricing, bundled discounts, and a partial money-back guarantee. Sunfish provides personalized financial plans using proprietary software to estimate costs for each Program. If actual costs exceed projections, eligible patients may receive a partial refund under program terms. Sunfish is not a medical provider. Terms and conditions apply. * Resources: 💰 Sunfish financial planning calculator: https://www.joinsunfish.com/ivf-financial-planning 💰 Database of grants and discounts for fertility care: https://www.joinsunfish.com/grants 🥚 **Newly launched egg freezing packages: https://www.joinsunfish.com/success-program/egg-freezing Instagram (@joinsunfish)https://www.instagram.com/joinsunfish/ The FriedEggs Podcast is hosted and produced by Kayti Christian and Amy Salke. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care. Enjoy the episode here on Substack at www.friedeggspod.com. Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 🎥 Photography by 20Twenty Productions: https://20twentypro.com/ 🎶 Show music by the magical Clayre This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E51
    May 1 · 58 min

    Ep 51: Navigating online misinformation in fertility care with Dr. Lucky Sekhon

    We’re so thrilled to welcome Dr. Lucky Sekhon — double-board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, fertility expert, educator, and author of The Lucky Egg — on the podcast this week for a conversation that feels like a reset button on everything you’ve heard about fertility. Because let’s be honest: the internet is loud. And not all of it is helping. 🥚 What this episode will help you do: * Spot misinformation fast: why anecdotes aren’t evidence and how to tell what’s actually legit * Focus on what matters: what AMH, IVF, and egg freezing really mean (no fluff, no fear) * Navigate your care better: what your doctor should be explaining and how to advocate for yourself * Stay grounded in the process: how to make smart next moves without chasing every “solution” The takeaway? Fertility isn’t just about biology — it’s about information. And most people are navigating this without the full picture. Resources: 📘 The Lucky Egg: your fertility roadmap https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/lucky-egg-9781250408716/ 🌐 theluckyegg.com: expert guides + calculators https://theluckyegg.com/ Instagram (@lucky.sekhon) https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon 🎧 Call Your Doctor: podcast on women’s health, hormones & fertility, no fluff https://open.spotify.com/show/1oTFJrB6hK9pb2aJsdXnqh?si=90e82aa7556a4b75 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • S3 · E50
    April 24 · 1 hr 26 min

    Ep 50: How infertility has changed us (it's not all bad)

    We’re back!! 💛 Welcome to Season 3 and Episode 50 (how did that happen?!). We’re so, so glad you’re here. After a 2 month-ish “break” (read: planning, recording, and recording some more), we’re finally back at the mic for a long overdue catch-up! In episode 50 of the pod, we’re sharing about all the things that have been happening for us this spring, e.g., Amy’s egg retrieval and ongoing insurance saga, Kayti’s plans for an IVF cycle later this summer, and Amy’s progress toward finding a gestational carrier match. Since this episode is dropping during National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), we also want to share a few organizations we love that are doing incredible work in this space. This community is the reason we’re here — your stories, your honesty, your resilience, your willingness to keep showing up for yourselves and for each other. If you’re listening, you’re likely living this, or loving someone who is. And we want to say this clearly: the more stories we share, the louder we become. The louder we become, the more we normalize these conversations. And the more we normalize them, the closer we get to better access, better care, and better systems for all of us. We all deserve comprehensive, proactive, and compassionate fertility and women’s healthcare. Be sure to check out these organizations—and give them a follow for more education and to show your support. * RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association empowers people navigating their fertility journey through trusted information, community support, and grassroots advocacy that make family-building options accessible to everyone. * Sunfish: an LA-based organization helping self-pay IVF patients with transparent pricing, bundled discounts, and a partial money-back guarantee. * Cofertility: an LA-based company reimagining a more ethical and transparent egg-freezing process, and providing a ton of education around the process. * Babyquest Foundation, BabyList IVF Grants: Providing financial assistance through fertility grants to support the high costs of IVF (in vitro fertilization), gestational surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, egg freezing, and embryo donation. ✨BONUS✨ research astronaut and IVF warrior extraordinaire, Kellie Gerardi, has generously funded a grant to help more families welcome their own space baby. * Paid Research Opportunity: If you’re about to start an IVF cycle, you may be eligible for a research study led by Auburn University and Purdue University on how treatment affects work and daily life. Compensation up to $70. Participation is fully online and confidential. Learn more and see if you’re eligible: tinyurl.com/workandIVF Got an organization supporting and advocating for fertility and women’s health care? We’d love to share it! 🧡 And finally (but certainly not least!!) we have to shout out our wildly talented, magical, all-around iconic friend Clayre for our new show music. Check her out on Spotify. We’re obsessed. 💫 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • April 17 · 59 min

    Bonus: Hot dogs w/ a side of menopur: our conversation with the team behind Costco's IVF announcement

    Surprise! Ahead of our Season 3 premiere next week (April 24, mark your calendars and hit follow), we’re dropping a very special bonus episode today. We’re talking about the Costco fertility news everyone’s been buzzing about and how this offering actually works for IVF patients. We first sat down with David Goldhill, the Co-Founder and CEO at Sesame, and then spoke to Lynn Mason, the CEO of IVI RMA North America. Both of them helped us to unpack the three-way partnership between Costco, Sesame, and IVI RMA North America, and how it’s working to bring more transparency and lower costs to fertility care and IVF treatment this year. And because yes, this involves Costco: no, you don’t need to buy IVF meds in bulk. No, there aren’t free samples (unfortunately). And yes—you can still grab your rotisserie chicken, paper towels, and snacks while picking up your prescriptions. We get into why Costco is entering the fertility space, how this model is designed to reduce one of the biggest barriers in IVF (cost) and what it looks like to simplify a system that’s traditionally been expensive, gatekept by insurance, and nearly impossible to navigate. We also talk about how this partnership actually works, who it’s for (currently and how they hope to expand it in the future), and what it means for the future of reproductive healthcare. It’s IVF, Costco-style. 🤪 Have you used Sesame, IVI RMA, or Costco yet for fertility benefits? Let us know in the comments x Today’s guests: David Goldhill (Co-Founder & CEO, Sesame) is a nationally recognized healthcare reform advocate and the co-founder and CEO of Sesame, the leading cash-pay healthcare platform connecting patients directly with top-rated doctors at transparent, up-front prices. His journey into healthcare transformation began in 2009 with his groundbreaking Atlantic cover story, “How American Healthcare Killed My Father.” The piece sparked a national conversation and led to his bestselling book, Catastrophic Care: Why Everything We Think We Know About Health Care Is Wrong, establishing David as a leading voice in rethinking how healthcare is financed and delivered in America. Today, those ideas power Sesame’s mission to expand access to affordable care for millions of Americans shut out of the traditional system — from primary care to specialty services. David previously served as Chair of The Leapfrog Group, the nation’s leading advocate for healthcare transparency and patient safety, a role closely aligned with Sesame’s mission. He termed off the board two years ago. He currently serves as a Senior Fellow in Health Care Policy at the Manhattan Institute, where he remains deeply engaged in efforts to reform how care is delivered in the United States. Prior to his work in healthcare, David built a distinguished media career as President and CEO of Game Show Network and President of Television at Universal Studios. * About Sesame: Sesame is the only cash-pay healthcare platform connecting patients directly with top-rated doctors at transparent, up-front prices. By removing insurance, Sesame unlocks lower cost, more convenient access to high-quality clinicians for everyday care. Sesame has served over 1 million patients to date, offering more than 380 services across all 50 states. Learn more at sesamecare.com. Lynn Mason (Chief Executive Officer, IVI RMA North America) is leading a revolution in reproductive medicine—one built on science, scale, and deep compassion. As CEO of IVI RMA North America, Lynn oversees one of the largest reproductive health networks in North America with 27 labs and 73 locations across the U.S. and Canada. This vast network has helped deliver more than 220,000 babies over the last 20 years to loving families using groundbreaking IVF techniques and compassionate, patient-centered care. But her mission is far from complete. Under her leadership, IVI RMA North America has expanded access to world-class fertility care for millions of Americans pursuing their fertility preservation and family-building goals, adding 13 labs and 37 new locations and setting new standards in outcomes, innovation and equity. Lynn is a trailblazer redefining what fertility care looks like at scale: more inclusive, more accessible, more research-driven, and more personalized. A seasoned healthcare executive, Lynn has spent her career driving systemic change in complex care environments. At Broadstep Behavioral Health, Lynn doubled the company’s size and expanded care delivery across seven states. Her leadership at DaVita Kidney Care, DaVita RX, ChenMed, and United Allergy Services also reflects a consistent theme of her strength at building bold, patient-first models that scale nationally, grow rapidly and close critical gaps in care. Lynn is President-Elect of Fertility Providers Alliance and contributes to the boards of ConvenientMD, Stella Behavioral Health, Shoes That Fit and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative. She is also an active member of Stanford Women on Boards and the Stanford Black Alumni Association and holds degrees from Washington University in St. Louis, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DHA) from Virginia University of Lynchburg. * About IVI RMA North America: IVI RMA North America, comprises Reproductive Medicine Associates, Boston IVF, and Toronto-based TRIO. It spans 27 IVF laboratories and has helped women and couples achieve pregnancies which have led to the birth of over 220,000 babies to date. Pioneers in innovative care, including PGT-A, single embryo transfer, fertility preservation, LGBTQ+ care, and more, the network has published over 1,000 papers which have pushed the fertility industry forward. IVI RMA North America is part of IVI RMA Global, the world’s leading reproductive medicine group committed to providing evidence-based fertility solutions to patients seeking treatment anywhere in the world. IVI RMA Global employs more than 6,000 people across 200+ locations in 15 countries. Learn more at rmanetwork.com and https://www.bostonivf.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.friedeggspod.com/subscribe

  • March 31 · 28 sec

    Bonus content: Kayti's embryo transfer

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.friedeggspod.com From the archives: Today's bonus episode is a flashback to October 2024, the day of Kayti's embryo transfer. After recording an episode for the pod, Amy and Kayti talk about how the transfer went, Kayti's valium nap, and whether she plans to test early or not. For more content, visit www.friedeggspod.com

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