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Today's episode is a really special one because Ali is sitting down with three of her favorite people in the world: Helen, Aaron, and Blake—the real-life family behind her “Work of ART” children's book, Beautiful Bird.If you've read the book, then you already know a little bit about Jack Bird, the incredible boy at the center of the story. And today, you're going to hear the real origin story. This is a conversation about love, friendship, family building, and creating a family that looks different than what many of us grew up seeing—but is every bit as beautiful. Helen always knew she wanted to be a mom, and as a solo mom by choice, she embarked on a journey to build her family with the help of her dear friend Aaron. At the time, Aaron was building a life with his partner, Blake, and together, the three of them created a beautiful, intentional village around Jack from the very beginning.Ali, Helen, Blake and Aaron talk about fertility treatments, donor conception, LGBTQ+ family building, and what it means to redefine family in a way that puts love, honesty, and a child's well-being first. They also talk about one of the most difficult chapters of their journey: Jack's unexpected 33-day stay in the NICU after he was born, and how that experience shaped all of them as parents and as a family. Most of all, this is a story about showing up for one another. It's about friendship becoming family, about creating your own blueprint, and about the many different ways people can build a loving home.Snag a copy of Beautiful Bird for just $15 here: https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.CARAWAYCaraway cookware is beautiful, first of all — like, actually gorgeous sitting on your stove — but it also makes cooking feel easier and less stressful.Visit carawayhome.com to take an additional 10% off your next purchase using code INFERTILEAF at checkout.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode, we're talking about something that affects millions of fertility patients—but that almost nobody talks about until the bill shows up: reproductive tissue storage.If you have embryos, eggs, or sperm in storage, you know the drill. Every year, another invoice arrives. Maybe it's $600. Maybe it's $800. Maybe it's over $1,000. Most people just pay it because they assume that's the cost. But what if it isn't? Ali's guest today is Charlie Boyer, CEO and Co-Founder of Generations CryoVault, and he's on a mission to shake up an industry that he believes has gotten way too comfortable charging fertility patients more and more for storage. Charlie's background is actually in financial services and cord blood storage, but after taking a closer look at reproductive tissue storage, he started asking some uncomfortable questions: Why are prices so high? Why don't patients know they have options? And why are so many clinics owned by private equity firms without patients even realizing it? In this conversation, Ali and Charlie talk about transparency, private equity, patient choice, and Generation CryoVault's new Pricing Promise, which aims to dramatically lower the cost of long-term embryo, egg, and sperm storage. They also discuss whoownsyourcare.org, how to find out who actually stores your tissue, and what questions every fertility patient should be asking their clinic. Whether you have embryos in storage right now, you're considering fertility treatment, or you're just curious about where all those fertility dollars are going, this is a fascinating conversation about an often-overlooked part of the family-building journey.For more info, go to https://gencryo.com/IG: @generationscryovaultEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.CARAWAYCaraway cookware is beautiful, first of all — like, actually gorgeous sitting on your stove — but it also makes cooking feel easier and less stressful.Visit carawayhome.com to take an additional 10% off your next purchase using code INFERTILEAF at checkout.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I'm opening a three-part series called Leaders Are Readers with a summer reading list on one of the most important topics for any leader to understand: POWER.This episode is about three books that have genuinely stayed with me because they changed how I think about leadership, influence and power.I share why Barbarians at the Gate is one of the best business books of our time, what The Powers That Be reveals about media, politics and public opinion, and why Dune is far more than a science fiction epic.These books are not obvious personal development books, but they are deeply relevant for leaders. They show us how power actually moves through business, institutions, politics, culture, story, conflict and human psychology.If you've ever:• wanted to become a more original thinker• felt bored by generic leadership books• wanted to understand how power really works• been fascinated by ambition, greed, media or mythology• wanted a summer reading list with depth and intelligenceIn this episode, we cover:• why leaders are readers, and how reading gives you a genuine edge• the brutal corporate power battle behind Barbarians at the Gate• how The Powers That Be exposes the relationship between media and political power• how Dune explores power through politics, religion, ecology and internal conflict• why unconventional books can teach leaders more than traditional business booksThe books we remember are often the books that change the way we see the world. These three stayed with me because they each reveal something different about power, and once you see it, you can't unsee it.Books mentioned:Barbarians at the Gate — Bryan Burrough & John HelyarThe Powers That Be — David HalberstamDune — Frank HerbertYou can find out more about working with me at www.kayaramjee.com

Today's guest is Cory Allen—a former police officer, longtime U.S. Secret Service Agent who spent years protecting Michelle Obama, author, dad, and advocate for LGBTQ+ family building.You may know Cory from his memoir, Breaking Free, where he shared his journey as a gay Secret Service Agent. Now he's written a children's book called Dada Takes a Trip, inspired by the very real emotions that come with leaving your child behind for a work trip—and helping kids understand that love doesn't disappear just because a parent is away.In this episode, Cory opens up about his path to parenthood through surrogacy, the losses and challenges he and his husband faced along the way, and what it's been like building their family. Cory and Ali also talk about fatherhood, vulnerability, the highs and lows of surrogacy, and why he believes more men should feel comfortable talking about their emotions.For more, go to https://www.coryallenbooks.com/IG: @authorcoryallenEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.CARAWAYCaraway cookware is beautiful, first of all — like, actually gorgeous sitting on your stove — but it also makes cooking feel easier and less stressful.Visit carawayhome.com to take an additional 10% off your next purchase using code INFERTILEAF at checkout.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In a world filled with endless sermons, podcasts, YouTube channels, audiobooks, devotionals, and Christian content, an important question emerges: Are believers growing spiritually—or simply consuming more information?In this episode, the team explores the difference between biblical knowledge and genuine transformation. They discuss how Christians today have unprecedented access to teaching from trusted voices, yet many still struggle with obedience, discipleship, and spiritual maturity. Is it possible to know a great deal about God without becoming more like Him?Join us as we examine the dangers of mistaking content consumption for spiritual growth, the importance of personal Bible study, and why true discipleship requires more than learning facts. If you've ever wondered whether your faith is moving from your head to your heart, this conversation is for you.Clarity in chaos. Bringing hope to a chaotic world.patreon.com/TheTruthResponsehttps://linktr.ee/thetruthresponsehttps://www.instagram.com/thetruthresponse/https://www.facebook.com/thetruthresponsehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-response/id1504362531https://open.spotify.com/show/6Kpkgsy7I7zVuv5UyiRACu?si=BqwQH988RW2DpLbYg5BnSA Derek's Recommendations & InfluencesApologists / SpeakersFrank Turek — Derek's top recommendation and biggest influence in apologetics. He repeatedly praises Turek's ability to answer difficult questions with kindness and clarity.Wes Huff — Derek's second favorite apologist and one he sees as addressing modern questions effectively.BooksI Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist — Specifically recommended by Derek as an impactful apologetics book.Case for Christ — Mentioned positively by Derek as a worthwhile read.Podcasts / ContentNinjas are Butterflies (mentioned as "Christian-adjacent" content Derek enjoys).ShowsThe Chosen — Discussed positively as a show they want to watch/catch up on.House of David — Derek specifically praised the portrayal of Samuel.Matt's Recommendations & InfluencesBible Teachers / PastorsSkip Heitzig — Matt's #1 influence and strongest recommendation. He calls him one of the greatest Bible teachers of their generation.John MacArthur — Highly praised; Matt owns and uses his New Testament commentary set.Charles Stanley — Long-time influence.Alistair Begg — One of Matt's favorites for more than 20 years.Rick Warren — Mentioned as someone Matt has listened to.Josh Howerton — Matt specifically enjoyed his teaching on denominations.Craig Groeschel — Mentioned as someone Matt listens to.ApologistsRavi Zacharias — Matt praised his teaching while acknowledging the issues surrounding his legacy.Lee Strobel — Recommended positively.J. Warner Wallace — Recommended for people seeking evidence and information.Gary Habermas — Mentioned positively among the "old school" apologists.BooksThe Screwtape Letters — Matt highly enjoyed the audiobook version.Seeing the Supernatural — Matt said it was really good and he enjoyed it very much.Historical Christian InfluencesCharles Spurgeon — Praised by Matt as "really great."Billy Graham — Mentioned as one of the greatest evangelists and part of a positive illustration.ShowsHouse of David — Matt generally liked it, though he had some criticisms.Dave's Recommendations & InfluencesAuthors / SpeakersSteve Harvey — Dave said he was surprisingly impressed by Harvey's wisdom and ability to make ideas digestible.BooksThe 5 Levels of Leadership — Dave had recently completed it and referenced it positively.Never Split the Difference — Dave called it a "phenomenal book" and used it to illustrate a point about communication.ShowsPromised Land — Dave brought it up and described a scene he enjoyed.

You know the feeling. You post the last minute cancellation, the one that used to fill within the hour, and now it just sits there. The Monday DMs that used to be mental are quiet. The new client requests that used to roll in are a trickle. You are not imagining it, and you are not doing anything wrong.In this episode, Sam and Jen are joined by one of Sam's dearest friends and the final piece of her rat pack, Rach from Halo Hair and Beauty in Tweed. Fourteen years a salon owner, six years an educator, and refreshingly honest about what has actually shifted in this industry. Rach and the girls get into the thing most owners are quietly worried about and almost no one is saying out loud. The clients are not coming the way they used to, building a new column is harder than it has been in years, and the old playbook of post on Monday and fill by Friday does not work anymore.This is a real conversation about the new landscape of the Australian salon industry. Why younger clients are skipping colour altogether. Why the hate around pricing online misses what a haircut actually costs to deliver. Why a smaller team has quietly become the smarter, calmer, more profitable choice. And the slow shift that comes with time in the chair, when you stop chasing the bigger salon and start enjoying the one you already built.What we coverWhy building a new client column is so much harder than ten years agoThe new client landscape and why last minute spots no longer fill the way they didYounger clients going natural and skipping colour, and what that does to the booksThe online hate around salon pricing and the real cost behind a haircutWhy a smaller team often means better culture, less tax and more profitKnowing your numbers and team targets so you are not paying people to do nothingWhy going back to basics is the skill apprentices are missingChoosing to enjoy the salon you have built instead of always chasing moreSome weeks the most powerful thing you can do is jump in, do what you need, and jump back out.FAQsWhy is it harder to build a new client column now than it used to be? Demand has shifted, so the steady stream of new clients many salons relied on has slowed right down. More people are going natural or stretching out appointments, which means fewer new bookings and a slower build for newer team members.Is a smaller salon team better than a bigger one? For many owners, yes. A smaller team can mean stronger culture, less time spent managing people, and a lower wage, tax and superannuation load, which often leaves the business more profitable and far less stressful to run.Why do salon prices feel so high right now? A haircut or colour covers far more than the time in the chair. Rent, stock, insurance, superannuation and tax all come out of that price, and rising client expectations mean each service takes more time and skill than it used to.Mentioned in this episode:

Model, entrepreneur, and new mom Analicia Chaves (aka Ana Montana on socials) joins Ali to share the fertility journey that led her to motherhood—and the mission that grew from it.Ana opens up about her experience with infertility and IVF, revealing how little she knew about fertility challenges before facing them herself. "I didn't even know infertility was a thing until it happened to me," she says. While her friends seemed to be getting pregnant naturally, Ana found herself navigating a world of uncertainty, fear, and overwhelm.She shares her struggles with endometriosis, heavy bleeding, and painful periods—symptoms she once assumed were simply a normal part of being a woman—as well as the many lifestyle changes she made while trying to conceive, from giving up alcohol and changing her diet to acupuncture, lymphatic massages, and finding support and education through TikTok's TTC community.Ana also discusses launching I AM FERTILITY, a foundation dedicated to supporting others on their family-building journeys. She shares details about the foundation's first initiative, the HOPE Grant Program, which will award two hopeful mothers $5,000 each toward IVF treatment.For more info, go to https://iamfertility.co/IG: @iamfertilitynonprofitEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.CARAWAYCaraway cookware is beautiful, first of all — like, actually gorgeous sitting on your stove — but it also makes cooking feel easier and less stressful.Visit carawayhome.com to take an additional 10% off your next purchase using code INFERTILEAF at checkout.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Angela Rastegar knows firsthand just how overwhelming — and expensive — the family-building journey can be. Before co-founding Sunfish, she spent years working in healthcare and tech while navigating her own fertility journey, including egg freezing and later, embryo creation. Now, she's turned that experience into her life's work. Through Sunfish, Angela is helping make fertility and family-building care more accessible with emotional support plus real financial savings — we're talking $8,000 to $18,000 per cycle. And the best part? Sunfish is built for anyone on any path to parenthood.In this episode, Angela opens up to Ali about the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatment, the realities of trying to preserve options for your future self, and why she's so passionate about changing this space for others.Disclaimer: 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.For more, go to www.joinsunfish.com IG: @joinsunfishEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.CARAWAYCaraway cookware is beautiful, first of all — like, actually gorgeous sitting on your stove — but it also makes cooking feel easier and less stressful.Visit carawayhome.com to take an additional 10% off your next purchase using code INFERTILEAF at checkout.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

LISTEN AGAIN NBC News correspondent and former CNN entertainment reporter Chloe Melas joins Infertile AF for an incredibly honest conversation (from 2020) about the emotional toll of infertility, navigating IVF in the public eye, and the pressure so many women feel to “do it all” while struggling behind the scenes. Chloe opens up about her two-year journey to parenthood with husband, Brian, after diagnoses of low ovarian reserve and male factor infertility. She shares the heartbreak, uncertainty, and resilience that ultimately led to the birth of both of their sons through IVF — plus what she wishes more people understood about fertility struggles and assisted reproduction.EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.CARAWAYCaraway cookware is beautiful, first of all — like, actually gorgeous sitting on your stove — but it also makes cooking feel easier and less stressful.Visit carawayhome.com to take an additional 10% off your next purchase using code INFERTILEAF at checkout.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why do certain spiritual books appear at specific moments in human consciousness?In this one question channeling session, Ameera May asks why she has been guided to publish the collaborative book Between Earth and Eternity, why the timing is happening now, and how spiritually challenging ideas are meant to reach the people they are intended for.This episode explores reincarnation, soul contracts, multidimensional consciousness, spiritual publishing, collective consciousness, and the role of knowledge-sharing in human spiritual evolution.What You'll HearWhy some spiritual projects feel bigger than the individual creating themHow collective consciousness was described during the transmissionWhat “knowledge-bearing” souls and civilizations areWhy reincarnation teachings are re-emerging nowHow spiritually controversial ideas can create transformationWhy different readers resonate with different chapters and teachingsHow channeling and consciousness sharing work through collaborative booksThe role of simplicity when communicating spiritual conceptsThis Episode Is For Listeners Who Are:Exploring reincarnation, soul contracts, or consciousness after deathPublishing, teaching, or sharing spiritual knowledgeCurious about channeling and multidimensional consciousnessFeeling guided toward a larger spiritual purposeInterested in past lives, spiritual awakening, and consciousness studiesThis episode is part of Season 20: One Question Channeling Sessions.Each episode features one guest, one question, and one direct transmission shared exactly as it happened.These are real sessions, not interviews.

This week on Infertile AF, Ali sits down with comedian, creator and storyteller Candice Guardino for a heartfelt and deeply honest conversation about infertility, IVF, pregnancy loss, endometriosis, and finding light through the hardest moments. Candace opens up about freezing her eggs, navigating fertility treatment while building her career, the emotional toll of trying to conceive, and how comedy became both a coping mechanism and a way to connect with others.They also talk about the pressure women feel around timelines, relationships, and motherhood, plus the importance of telling these stories out loud. Equal parts funny, vulnerable, and validating, this episode is for anyone who's ever felt alone on the path to parenthood.Make sure to check out Candace's comedy special, Italian Bred, about growing up and her Italian upbringing. Follow on IG: @candiceguardinoEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.CARAWAYCaraway cookware is beautiful, first of all — like, actually gorgeous sitting on your stove — but it also makes cooking feel easier and less stressful. Visit carawayhome.com to take an additional 10% off your next purchase using code INFERTILEAF at checkout.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today on Infertile AF, Ali is talking to Kat — better known online as @theivfbaby. And yes, that's exactly what it sounds like: Kat was conceived through IVF herself, long before people were openly talking about infertility, assisted reproduction, or what it means to grow up as an IVF-conceived person.Now, she's using TikTok and Instagram to normalize IVF from a perspective we rarely hear — the IVF-conceived person herself. Through myth-busting videos and answering the questions people are sometimes too afraid to ask, Kat is helping break down stigma in a big way.In this episode, she shares her full story — what it was like learning she was conceived through IVF, how it's shaped her identity, the good and bad reactions she gets online, and why she believes visibility matters so much right now. They also talk about misinformation, the weird comments people make about IVF babies and why she's so passionate about changing the conversation around ART.EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.GENERATIONS CRYOVAULTIG: @generationscryovaultWebsite: www.gencryo.comIf you're going through fertility treatment, you already know—every decision matters. But here's one thing most people don't realize: you DO have a choice in where your eggs, sperm, and embryos are stored. Most clinics just keep them… or quietly move them to a partner facility. No conversation. No options. But that's not your only path. Enter Generations CryoVault. Their motto says it all: Your tissues. Your choice. They specialize in one thing—secure, long-term reproductive storage—and they do it better. Because they're independent, and they're not juggling procedures or upsells. Use code INFERTILEAF26 to  receive one month off an annual plan. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's guest is someone so many of you already know and love from IG and TikTok—Loren Rosko—and her story goes way beyond the viral song parodies and infertility anthems. Loren started making TikToks during COVID, at a time when so many of us were feeling isolated and searching for connection. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into something much bigger—a space where she could share everything she was going through in life, including navigating infertility. In this episode, Ali and Loren get into all of it, including PCOS, miscarriage, IVF, loss, what it feels like to share something so personal to a community of millions. Loren also talks about being pregnant—and due very soon — with her baby girl, and how she's used humor, honesty, and music to make people feel less alone. Follow on IG: @lorenroskoEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.GENERATIONS CRYOVAULTIG: @generationscryovault Website: www.gencryo.com If you're going through fertility treatment, you already know—every decision matters. But here's one thing most people don't realize: you DO have a choice in where your eggs, sperm, and embryos are stored. Most clinics just keep them… or quietly move them to a partner facility. No conversation. No options. But that's not your only path. Enter Generations CryoVault. Their motto says it all: Your tissues. Your choice. They specialize in one thing—secure, long-term reproductive storage—and they do it better. Because they're independent, and they're not juggling procedures or upsells. Use code INFERTILEAF26 to  receive one month off an annual plan. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if the products you use every single day—your water bottle, your skincare, your food containers—are quietly impacting your fertility? In this episode, Ali dives into The Plastic Detox on Netflix—the documentary that has everyone questioning what's in their homes (and their bodies). Ali is joined by Dr. Shanna Swan, one of the world's leading researchers on environmental exposures and reproductive health—and a featured expert in the film. Ali and Dr. Swan talk about how the doc came to be, the real link between plastics, chemicals, and fertility, and how you can make realistic, non-overwhelming changes in your daily life. EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's episode, Ali sits down with an icon and true pioneer in the infertility space: double board-certified REI and infertility warrior, Dr. Natalie Crawford. Natalie opens up about her own journey through four pregnancy losses before welcoming her two children—and what it's like to be on both sides of the stirrups as both doctor and patient. She shares the unique challenge of navigating infertility as someone who “knows too much,” and how that knowledge can be both empowering and overwhelming. They also talk about how Natalie has built a massive, trusted community by showing up authentically on social media, why she decided to break away and co-found her boutique clinic, Fora Fertility in Austin, Texas, and what it really took to start her own thing.Plus, Natalie shares insights from her new book, The Fertility Formula—including how to advocate for yourself in the exam room, what her patients taught her along the way, and what she wants every fertility patient to hear right now.For more, and to order The Fertility Formula, visit www.nataliecrawfordmd.comIG: @nataliecrawfordmdEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's guest is Jackie Hutson, who opens up about experiencing multiple miscarriages, navigating uterine challenges, and the toll infertility can take on your relationship and sense of self. Ali and Jackie talk about what it means to keep moving forward after loss, and how those experiences shape you in ways you never expect. Now a mama of two boys, Jackie has created something meaningful: Piper & Mint, a groundbreaking pajama brand that's perfect for the fertility community—because she knows just how important comfort and care are during some of life's hardest moments.For more, go to PiperAndMint.com and use code INFERTILEAF for 15% offEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali is bringing back a special encore episode with the incredible Sheinelle Jones — an award-winning journalist and co-host of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. In this powerful conversation from December 2021, Sheinelle opens up about her personal experience with miscarriage and infertility, sharing the heartbreak, the resilience, and the honesty. She also talks about her documentary, "The Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret." If you missed this one the first time — or need it today — make sure to give it a listen.EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PIPER & MINTPiper & Mint makes pajamas specifically for women dealing with night sweats and temperature swings — which, hi, is basically everyone in this community at some point.Their fabric is sweat-wicking, mint-infused, and designed to help keep you cooler and more comfortable so you can actually get some rest.And honestly? During infertility… we'll take any win we can get.I'm a fan, and if you want to try them, go to PiperAndMint.com and use code INFERTILEAF for 15% offAgain, that's INFERTILEAF for 15% off at PiperAndMint.com. PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali is talking to Emily Westerfield — a surrogate to nine babies and mom of three — who has carried a total of twelve healthy pregnancies… six boys and six girls. Emily has delivered nine babies through surrogacy, helping other families grow in the most extraordinary way. But as you'll hear, this journey has not come without high highs, low lows, and everything in between. Ali and Emily talk about the happiest parts — including when she decided that becoming a surrogate was her calling, as well as the hardest parts — including miscarrying a surrogate pregnancy at 19 weeks — and what it actually takes, physically and emotionally, to show up again after loss, for yourself and for someone else. They also get into what surrogacy really looks like behind the scenes, why language matters — and why she never uses the term “surrogate mother.” She also talks about supporting others through her agency, Carrying Dreams Surrogacy.For more, go to https://carryingdreams.com/Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/carrying.dreams/EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PIPER & MINTPiper & Mint makes pajamas specifically for women dealing with night sweats and temperature swings — which, hi, is basically everyone in this community at some point.Their fabric is sweat-wicking, mint-infused, and designed to help keep you cooler and more comfortable so you can actually get some rest.And honestly? During infertility… we'll take any win we can get.I'm a fan, and if you want to try them, go to PiperAndMint.com and use code INFERTILEAF for 15% offAgain, that's INFERTILEAF for 15% off at PiperAndMint.com. PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp dot com. Your emotional wellbeing matters. Find support and feel lighter in therapy. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cheri Bergeron's path to motherhood is anything but simple—and that's exactly why her story is so powerful. Cheri is the author of Mission: Motherhood, and in this episode, she shares with Ali the full, unfiltered journey: from devastating pregnancy loss to IVF, to donor conception, and ultimately becoming a mom to her two children.But Cheri didn't just navigate the system—she challenged it. Cheri and Ali also talk about the lawsuit that helped reshape what family-building can look like for women everywhere, and why her experience has become a rallying cry for so many trying to build families outside the traditional mold. They also talk about foster parenting, late stage termination, navigating NICU life, how family building and infertility can really test a relationship and her nonprofit, Cheri's Choice. For more, go to https://www.cheribergeron.com/EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp dot com. Your emotional wellbeing matters. Find support and feel lighter in therapy. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's episode is a special one — it's a replay of Ali's 2023 conversation with Dr. Lucky Sekhon. Lucky is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, and OB-GYN at RMA of New York. She's also one of the most trusted voices on social media and TV when it comes to fertility, IVF, and reproductive health, breaking down complicated topics with clarity, compassion, and actual science.In this conversation, Lucky opens up about her own family-building journey — including how, when it came time to start her family, she chose to create embryos and go through IVF herself. Ali and Lucky talk about what it's like when the fertility doctor becomes the fertility patient, how that perspective shapes the way she treats her own patients, and why she's so passionate about helping people understand their reproductive options.Since this interview originally aired, Lucky has also written a fantastic book called The Lucky Egg, which helps people better understand fertility, IVF, and reproductive health. So whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or coming back to it, it's a really thoughtful look at fertility from both sides of the exam table.EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp dot com. Your emotional wellbeing matters. Find support and feel lighter in therapy. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when one of the most disciplined bodies in the world can't do the one thing everyone assumes it should? On this episode -- one of our most downloaded of all time -- Ali sits down with Mathilde Froustey, principal dancer at the San Francisco Ballet and widely considered one of the most extraordinary dancers in the world.Born in Bordeaux, France, Mathilde began dancing at just nine years old, training at the prestigious Marseille National School of Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet School before rising to the top of the international ballet world. Onstage, her body is her instrument — powerful, precise, and seemingly unstoppable. But behind the curtain, Mathilde has been fighting battles that almost no one in the dance world talks about. In this candid and emotional conversation, she opens up for the first time about her experience with infertility — a subject she says remains deeply taboo in professional dance. Mathilde shares what it was like to go through IVF while performing at the highest level, navigating intense body scrutiny, and hearing painful comments about her appearance during one of the most vulnerable periods of her life. She also talks about her past struggle with an eating disorder, the pressure dancers face to maintain a certain body type, and the silent toll of trying to build a family inside a culture that rarely makes space for it.“In the dance world, infertility is a taboo subject,” Mathilde says.Not anymore.This is a powerful conversation about perfection, pressure, and what it means to reclaim your body — both onstage and off.EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp dot com. Your emotional wellbeing matters. Find support and feel lighter in therapy. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's Endometriosis Awareness Month. Ali's guest this week, Holly Abel, was eleven years old when her debilitating periods started. For decades, doctors told her it was “normal.” That she was dramatic. Hormonal. Sensitive. It wasn't normal. In early 2023, Holly was finally diagnosed with severe stage 4 endometriosis — affecting multiple organs throughout her body. Shortly after, she experienced a miscarriage. In December 2023, she underwent major surgery. Then in March 2024, after a routine HSG, everything began to unravel. By early May, she was in septic shock and given a 10% chance to live. In July, a total hysterectomy saved her life… and ended her ability to carry children. Holly talks about all of this and more in an educational, emotional episode about medical trauma, advocacy and survival. EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp dot com. Your emotional wellbeing matters. Find support and feel lighter in therapy. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali talks to Barbara Ginty, host of the Future Rich podcast, for a special crossover episode to share her deeply personal fertility journey — and to talk honestly about the emotional and financial realities of IVF. Barbara froze her eggs in her 30s, not knowing exactly when or how she might use them. Seven years later, she returned to those frozen eggs and went through IVF — and now, as this episode airs, she's on the brink of welcoming her first baby. Barbara shares what it was like to trust a decision she made years earlier, the uncertainty of the process, and the surreal feeling of finally reaching this moment. Barbara also turns the mic on Ali, who opens up about her secondary infertility and IVF journey, including the complicated emotions that can come with trying to grow your family after already having a child. For more, check out www.futurerichpodcast.comEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's guest is Alexis Allegra, and her path to motherhood is one of those stories that reminds you just how many twists and pivots this journey can take. Alexis met her person later in life and, like so many of us, thought, okay — let's go, let's start trying right away. But what followed was nearly three years of fertility treatments… chemical pregnancies… failed IVF transfers… and a whole lot of heartbreak and regrouping. In her mid-40s, when things weren't unfolding the way she'd imagined, Alexis made a brave pivot to embryo donation — a decision that ultimately led her to her healthy baby. In this episode, Ali and Alexis talk about trying to build a family on a timeline you didn't plan for, grieving the losses you don't always talk about, redefining what motherhood can look like, and staying open to a path that might be different — but just as beautiful.EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BERRY FERTILITYIG: @berry.fertilityThe Berry Fertility app is packed with support: dozens of injection tutorials, over 100 articles, 200 FAQs, and if you still have questions, the Berry team is literally a tap away through in-app chat.Berry has a free version, and you can try Premium free for seven days. After that, it's $12.99 a month or $99 for the year.InfertileAF listeners get 30% off an annual membership with the code INFERTILEAF when you sign up at berryfertility.com or in the Berry Fertility app.Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you're considering freezing your eggs: This one's for you. Fashion influencer and writer Lily Montasser built her platform sharing effortlessly cool style, NYC life, and sharp, honest storytelling. But recently, she opened up about something far more personal: her decision to freeze her eggs. Instead of keeping it private, Lily brought her followers along for the ride — partnering with Extend Fertility for her treatment, documenting the appointments, the hormones, the doubts, and the unexpected empowerment of taking control of her fertility timeline. In this episode, Ali and Lily talk about what it really feels like to make proactive choices about your future, how Lily felt sexier than ever going through the process, how sharing vulnerably online changed the experience, and why more women are rethinking the “someday” conversation around family-building.Follow her on IG: @lilymontasserSubstack: lilymontasser.substack.comCheck out Extend Fertility: www.extendfertility.com EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BERRY FERTILITYIG: @berry.fertilityThe Berry Fertility app is packed with support: dozens of injection tutorials, over 100 articles, 200 FAQs, and if you still have questions, the Berry team is literally a tap away through in-app chat.Berry has a free version, and you can try Premium free for seven days. After that, it's $12.99 a month or $99 for the year.InfertileAF listeners get 30% off an annual membership with the code INFERTILEAF when you sign up at berryfertility.com or in the Berry Fertility app.Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today's episode, content creator and mama of three Ruby Smoot gets real about the parts of infertility and pregnancy after infertility we don't talk about enough — the mental health spiral, the obsessive thoughts, the fear, and the quiet, heavy darkness that can creep in while you're trying so hard to become a parent. In this deeply candid conversation, Ruby opens up about pregnancy after infertility while battling OCD and intrusive thoughts, navigating severe nausea called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), and what it felt like to hold hope and despair at the same time, and how becoming pregnant didn't magically erase the mental health struggles she was carrying. Because as many of us know: having babies doesn't fix everything — you still have to heal. She also talks about getting pregnant again, and having HG a second time. Now a mom of three kiddos, Ruby reflects on what she wishes she'd known, how she got support, and why talking honestly about maternal mental health might be the most important thing we can do for each other.Follow her on IG: @rubydu91 And TikTok: ruby.duEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BERRY FERTILITYIG: @berry.fertilityThe Berry Fertility app is packed with support: dozens of injection tutorials, over 100 articles, 200 FAQs, and if you still have questions, the Berry team is literally a tap away through in-app chat.Berry has a free version, and you can try Premium free for seven days. After that, it's $12.99 a month or $99 for the year.InfertileAF listeners get 30% off an annual membership with the code INFERTILEAF when you sign up at berryfertility.com or in the Berry Fertility app.Our Sponsors:* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's guest is Rachel Swanson — MS, RD, LDN — one of the most in-demand nutritionists in the country, known for helping people optimize performance using deeply science-backed, totally personalized care. She's also the author of the brand-new book Trying!: A Science-Backed Plan to Optimize Your Fertility. On today's episode, Ali and Rachel flip the fertility conversation on its head with what Rachel calls Fertility 2.0 — a proactive, preventative approach that goes way beyond eggs and sperm to focus on the whole body: your gut, metabolism, sleep, oral health, even your partner's kissing hygiene (yes, really). This convo was originally aired as part of Fertility Rally Live #10.For more on Fertility Rally, follow IG: @fertilityrallyFor more on Rachel, go to www.rachelswanson.comIG: @rachelsrxEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Our Sponsors:* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.comOur Sponsors:* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 25 of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author, speaker, and leadership strategist Tara Jaye Frank to discuss her powerful book You Are Before the World. Tara opens up about her journey through motherhood, career evolution, and personal growth, exploring what it means to reclaim self-worth, set boundaries, and release the emotional labor often carried by helpers and caretakers.The conversation dives into Tara's writing process, the importance of authentic connection, and how partnership and communication shape both personal relationships and leadership. Tara also shares insights into her upcoming documentary film, 92: The Silent Revolt, which examines the collective experience of Black women in the aftermath of the 2016 election and the ongoing fight for visibility, sovereignty, and systemic change.This episode is a compelling exploration of identity, leadership, and empowerment—encouraging listeners to prioritize themselves, honor their voices, and step fully into their power.What We're Talking About...You Are Before the World reinforces the importance of self-prioritization without guilt.True fulfillment comes not from what we do, but from what we place our trust in.Helpers and caregivers often carry the emotional burden of others' expectations and perceptions.Cultivating self-worth is essential for mental health, leadership, and overall well-being.Writing and creative expression can be powerful tools for personal growth and transformation.Healthy partnerships are necessary to create balance in relationships, careers, and family life.Open and honest communication is critical for navigating challenges together.Reclaiming personal sovereignty is a vital act of self-care and boundary-setting.The documentary 92: The Silent Revolt explores the collective experience of Black women after the 2016 election.Burnout is harmful and must be acknowledged and addressed at both individual and community levels.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:51 Lessons from Maya Angelou09:47 The Journey of Self-Discovery13:53 Navigating Motherhood and Expectations18:41 The Importance of Partnership23:02 The Title and Theme of the Book26:55 The 92 Project Film Discussion31:31 The Power of Trust and Authenticity32:01 Celebrating Black Women's Stories and ExperiencesLinks MentionedTara Jaye Frank's website: http://www.tarajayefrank.com/booksThe 92 Project: https://www.ikoni.org/92-project

On this episode, Ali is joined by Jared Walker—author of The Empty Nest and founder of the non-profit Dollar For—for one of the most raw and important conversations we've had in a while. It's so great to hear a guy's perspective on infertility, and Jared and his wife are still in the thick of it. There's no neat ending here, no bow tied on the story—and that's exactly why this conversation matters. Ali and Jared talk about how he and his wife grew up together (he's best friends with her brother); what happened when they started trying to build their family, including a devastating pregnancy loss; and where they are today. Jared shares how infertility has shaped his marriage, his identity, and his understanding of hope—while simultaneously building a nonprofit that helps people eliminate crushing medical debt. This episode is for anyone who is tired of “success stories only,” who feels stuck in the wait, or who needs permission to say: this is really hard—and I'm still here.For more, go to https://dollarfor.org and https://theemptynestbook.com/EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Our Sponsors:* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.comOur Sponsors:* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is a powerful conversation pulled from Fertility Rally Live in November 2025,, where we gathered an incredible panel to talk candidly about surrogacy — from every angle.Moderated by Jessie Jaskulsky of Surrogacy Simplified, the panel includes surrogacy mama Sarrah Strimmel Bentley, experienced surrogate Emily Westerfield, and surrogacy mama Alexandra French of The Surrogacy Foundation for an honest, nuanced discussion about what surrogacy really looks like — emotionally, logistically, ethically, and financially. Covered in the chat: How people arrive at surrogacy (and how complicated that decision can be)The relationship between intended parents and gestational carriersCommon misconceptions and hard truthsWhat surprised them most along the wayWhat they wish they'd known before startingWhether you're just beginning to explore surrogacy from an Intended Parent or Surrogate POV, deep in the process, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand this path to parenthood, this conversation is thoughtful, real, and incredibly informative. As always — no sugarcoating, no toxic positivity, just real stories from people who've lived it. EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's an encore presentation of one of our favorite episodes! Ali's very special guest today is Elizabeth Carr, the first person born in the U.S. — in 1981 — via in vitro fertilization. "My birth was so widely publicized that my first press conference was at three days old," Elizabeth says. "I didn't get here like everybody else." Elizabeth shares what it's been like to live under media scrutiny since the moment she was born (check out the NOVA documentary about her life). She also explains why her parents did IVF in the first place, what the IVF landscape was like back then, how the actual procedure worked (so much has changed!) and the incredible work she's doing today to advocate for IVF and reproductive rights. She also shares how the pope, when she was born, called her "a child of the devil." For more, check out https://ejordancarr.com/ and her IG: @ejordan12 EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali is talking to René Byrd, a British-born singer, songwriter, and media personality known for her powerful voice, soulful pop and R&B style, and her bold, heartfelt storytelling. On this episode, she tells her deeply personal egg freezing, infertility and family building journey, including giving birth to her son via IVF at age 48. Rene talks about the retreat that changed her life for the better, meeting her future husband in a bar (and how she knew she would build her family with him), and facing backlash when she became a mom in her late forties. She also shares the lessons she's learned regarding advocacy, fertility awareness and maternal wellbeing. Follow on IG: @Renebyrdofficial  @Renebyrdofficialglobal EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today's episode, Ali is joined by Tara Carlyle—influencer, girl mom, and outspoken advocate for women navigating infertility, including the reality of secondary infertility. Tara shares her personal journey and the emotional whiplash of struggling to conceive again after already having a child—grappling with guilt, grief, and what it's like to feel dismissed by the medical system. Tara also talks about her advocacy work for a TTC blood panel and deeper investigation into women's health, especially when symptoms are brushed off or labeled “normal.” Follow Tara on IG: @taracarlyleEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Missed Rally Live #10? No worries! In this special episode, we're bringing you the powerful Rally Live #10 keynote from Sarah Herron—reality TV alum, writer, advocate, and founder of SheLift. While many of you first met Sarah on The Bachelor, her true impact has come from the way she's chosen to tell her own infertility story: with honesty, vulnerability, humor, and a fierce commitment to helping others feel less alone. In her keynote, Sarah opens up about living with a limb difference, navigating infertility, experiencing profound pregnancy loss, and redefining resilience on her own terms. She speaks candidly about grief, identity, mental health, and the unexpected places strength can be found. Her words remind us that we can hold joy and heartbreak at the same time—and that there is power in embracing our imperfections. She also talks about being a twin mom and a "Forever mom" to her sweet son, Oliver, who she honors every day. Follow Sarah on IG: @sarahherronEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com. Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What tasks in your business, when completed, make other tasks easier or unnecessary? Those are your $10,000 an hour activities, and they should be at the top of your daily to-do list. By prioritizing these tasks each day, you can stop working at a set time, leave the office, and prevent work from spilling over into your personal life. Join Dr. Sabrina Starling as she reveals the foundational principles that allow her to work less and still accomplish her goals in a growing business. In this training, you'll discover the mindset, systems, and foundation to take your life back from your business. Profit by Design is a Tap the Potential production. Show Highlights:Our clients are accomplishing unbelievable things within the first 30 days of signing up with us!Your first step: Download the Chart of $10,000 an Hour Activities here.Identify the wins and successes you want to experience in the next 1-2 years. Being emotionally present is the greatest gift to give another person.Dr. Sabrina looks back 20 years to the powerful question, “What do I want?”Limits force innovation and creativity. Be effective, not busy. Slim Starling's entrepreneurial success in the 1950sSad statistics about today's business owners and their livesSpeaking, presenting, writing blog posts, podcasting, and writing booksThe power of consistency led to Dr. Sabrina's TEDx talk: From Burnout to Balance80/20 principle: 20% of our efforts are responsible for 80% of our resultsUsing the Chart of $10,000 an Hour Activities as a powerful delegation tool for your teamDon't delude yourself about the extra busyness you're doing in your business!Let your A-players spread their wings and grow! They want more opportunities!Your next step? Take the Better Business Better Life Assessment!Resources:Download your Chart of $10,000 an Hour Activities now!Ready to take your life back from your business? Want more time for what matters most and more money in your bank account than ever? Book a call with us today! Master your time and profit! Give us 20 minutes of your time, take the Better Business Better Life Assessment, and receive a free paperback copy of my book, The 4 Week Vacation®️.Join the Tap the Potential Community on Mighty Networks: www.tapthepotential.com/group. Mentioned in this episode:Jumpstart Your Business!Spending too much time working and not paying yourself enough? In 30 days, you could reclaim 10 hours a week and finally enjoy weekends — while your business runs well without you. Click here to join us for the final Better Business Better Life Jumpstart of the year happening Dec. 3 and 4th. https://www.tapthepotential.com/jumpstart

On this week's episode, Ali sits down with an icon and pioneer in the infertility community: double-board certified REI and infertility warrior Dr. Natalie Crawford. Natalie opens up about her four pregnancy losses before having her two kiddos, being both sides of the stirrups as doctor and patient, and what it's really like to navigate infertility as someone who “knows too much.” She talks about bucking the system when it came to social media; co-founding her boutique clinic in Austin, TX, Fora Fertility (and why she decided to start her own thing); and her new book, The Fertility Formula. Natalie also talks about how to advocate for yourself in the exam room, how her patients inspired parts of the book; and what she wants every fertility patient to hear right now.For more, and to preorder The Fertility Formula, go to www.nataliecrawfordmd.comIG: @nataliecrawfordmdEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ali sits down with Connie, a proud Single Mom by Choice whose path to motherhood was anything but traditional—and exactly right for her. Growing up with a Black military dad and a Taiwanese “Tiger Mom,” Connie always felt the weight of expectations about what family should look like. But as she approached her late 30s, knowing she always wanted to have kids, she decided to freeze her eggs. Later, her best friend gave her the clarity she needed: “Connie, if you want your baby, go get your baby. You don't need to do it the traditional way.” Connie opens up about what it was like navigating the SMBC journey as a woman of mixed race, including the emotional complexity of donor selection and the lack of Black sperm donors in U.S. banks. She shares how she found an amazing doctor and clinic, Dr. Joshua Klein of Extend Fertility -- aka Ali's doctor! Connie also talks about navigating IVF, getting pregnant (with twins!), giving birth during Covid and what life is like today, as a single mom of two five-year-olds.EPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this special episode, Ali is bringing you the unforgettable keynote from style expert, author, and powerhouse storyteller Lilliana Vasquez at Fertility Rally Live. Lilliana opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood, including the emotional twists, cultural layers, and unexpected turns her family-building path took. With her signature candor, humor, and heart, she shares what it was like to navigate infertility while living in the public eye—and how it ultimately reshaped her identity, her career, and her purpose. She talks about resilience, community, representation, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in the stories around you. Lilliana also dives into the powerful role that vulnerability plays in healing, and offers encouragement for anyone who's still in the messy middle of their journey.EPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali talks to Ashtin, who opens up about her long road through infertility, including doing IVF treatment in both Greece and Australia. Ashtin talks about trying to get pregnant for two years, navigating four failed cycles, and then, how she ultimately conceived using the PherDal at-home insemination kit — a non-invasive, science-backed option that helped her finally become pregnant with a healthy baby. Ashtin opens up about all of it, from the countless injections to the travel to being both emotionally and financially drained. She also shares how, after listening to the Infertile AF podcast and hearing an ad for PherDal (and hearing founder Jenn on another episode), she decided to try it -- and crazily enough, it worked!For more on PherDal, go to pherdal.com IG: @pherdal_science EPISODE SPONSORS: THERALOGIXIG: @theralogixTheralogix offers evidence-based, physician-founded supplements designed to support reproductive health, from egg and sperm quality to prenatal wellness and beyond. Trusted by fertility specialists and patients alike, Theralogix products are independently tested for purity and potency—so you know you're getting only the best. Learn more at theralogix.comSave 15% right now at Theralogix.com with code INFERTILEAF.BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Ali sits down with Dr. Mark Ratner, Chief Science Officer at Theralogix and one of the country's leading experts in reproductive health and nutritional science.After 30 years in private practice focused on male fertility, Dr. Ratner has seen firsthand how confusing — and sometimes misleading — the supplement world can be. In this eye-opening conversation, he and Ali unpack what's actually backed by science when it comes to fertility supplements, how to choose products that are truly evidence-based, and the importance of transparency in a market full of mystery formulas and marketing claims.They also dive into OvaNAD+, a Theralogix supplement specifically designed to support egg health and mitochondrial function. Mark and the Theralogix team are also offering a special discount to Infertile AF listeners. Save 15% at Theralogix.com with code INFERTILEAF. For more, go to: theralogix.comEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this powerful episode, Ali sits down with Liz Krueger to share her deeply personal journey through infertility and loss. After having her daughter at 35, Liz experienced a series of heartbreaking miscarriages—including one at 16 weeks, when she and her husband lost their baby girl.Liz opens up about the devastation of finding out her highest-graded embryo didn't survive the thaw, the hemorrhage and loss that followed another pregnancy, and the emotional toll of multiple retrievals and a chemical pregnancy. She also shares how she finally allowed herself to take a three-month leave from work to grieve—a step she had never given herself permission to take before.With raw honesty, Liz reflects on navigating profound grief, the heartbreak of losing embryos without her consent, and the resilience it has taken to keep moving forward. She also shares the hope and vulnerability of finally being pregnant again—and how she's feeling now, as she prepares to welcome her next baby this winter.EPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipTHERALOGIXIG: @theralogixTheralogix offers evidence-based, physician-founded supplements designed to support reproductive health, from egg and sperm quality to prenatal wellness and beyond. Trusted by fertility specialists and patients alike, Theralogix products are independently tested for purity and potency—so you know you're getting only the best. Learn more at theralogix.comSave 15% right now at Theralogix.com with code INFERTILEAF. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode, Ali talks to Broadway star and motivational speaker Sarrah Strimel Bentley, whose story is as powerful as it is vulnerable. After dazzling audiences in seven Broadway shows, Sarrah's life took a shocking turn when she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. The treatment plan didn't just mean chemotherapy and a double mastectomy—it also came with the devastating news that her fertility would be at risk.Sarrah opens up about the whirlwind that followed: racing to freeze embryos before starting chemo, navigating “funky sperm morphology” with her husband, experiencing the raw, messy emotions of IVF in the face of a cancer diagnosis, and what happened when they pivoted to a surrogacy journey. She shares the moments that broke her—like crying so loudly her neighbors called security—and the humor and grace that carried her through (“Prayer and Pinot Grigio”).Follow Sarrah on IG: @sarrahstrimelbentleyEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipPHERDALIG: pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.EXTEND FERTILITY IG: @extendfertilitywww.extendfertility.comFertility shouldn't be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you're preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they're here with expert support every step of the way. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this powerful episode, Ali sits down with Lacy Nicole—who you may have seen in the headlines for dating Jesse Lally from the hit reality show The Valley—but her story goes far deeper than Bravo antics. Lacy has endured the unthinkable: she survived a kidnapping before even beginning her infertility journey, and then faced years of debilitating reproductive health struggles—stage four endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, polyps, 28 ER visits, and multiple surgeries. She opens up about Lupron shots, induced menopause, internal bleeding, chronic fatigue, and the emotional toll of IVF, miscarriages, anxiety, and PTSD. She also talks about finding strength in the endo community, her current egg freezing journey, and finally finding a medical team who advocates for her care. Raw, honest, and inspiring, Lacy's story is a testament to resilience, community, and refusing to stay silent. This is an episode you—and anyone navigating infertility or chronic illness—won't want to miss.EPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipBELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Ali sits down with Savannah Bisby, who shares her infertility story on IG @infertilityfriends, to talk about Savannah's journey so far. She's still in the thick of it, battling endometriosis, doing five IUIs (including double inseminations), a laparoscopy, and taking a deep dive into reproductive immunology. Savannah talks about the emotional whiplash of infertility, including embryo transfer decisions and finding herself on a bachelorette party while waiting for beta results, suspended between hope and dread. Savannah also talks about how Inito, an at-home fertility monitor that tracks your hormones, has helped on her journey, how she finally became pregnant and navigated a devastating loss, and why the summer of 2025 became a heartbreak she and her husband will never forget. Her story is still unfolding, and we are rooting so hard for our sweet friend. Follow Savannah on IG: @infertilityfriendsEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipINITOhttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFIG: @initofertiilityFor years, clinical labs were the only way to get a clear view of your hormone levels and ovulation patterns. But for many people in the trying to conceive community—especially those with hormone imbalances or conditions like PCOS—frequent lab visits can be costly, inconvenient, and take up a ton of time. This is why I'm excited to tell you about Inito, which is unlike anything else out there. Inito is an at-home fertility monitor that tracks all four key hormones—Estrogen, LH, FSH, and PdG—on a single test strip. Instead of piecing together fragments of info, Inito offers a full, clear picture of your hormone health through a data chart and clear insights that are unique to your body and your cycle.The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code INFERTILEAF at ihttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFEXTEND FERTILITY IG: @extendfertilitywww.extendfertility.comFertility shouldn't be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you're preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they're here with expert support every step of the way. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali sits down with Jessica Bell van der Wal, founder of Frame, to talk about her deeply personal fertility journey and what ultimately led her to create a resource to better support others.Jessica talks about learning about her mother's miscarriages, growing up Catholic, and facing her own unexpected challenges when trying to conceive. She opens up about having PCOS, a mild thyroid condition, irregular cycles, and ovarian cysts, and also navigating infertility treatment with no fertility coverage. She also gets real about anxiety and shame, the loneliness of late-night Googling, and going through IUI (which ultimately led to her pregnancy). Follow on IG: @meet_frameFor more, click: www.frameyourfuture.comTOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: TTC; ART; IUI success; PCOS; thyroid condition; ovarian cysts; male factor infertility; anxiety; shameEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Order yours now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali is joined by Dr. Amanda Adeleye, the founding partner and Medical Director of CCRM Fertility of Chicago -- and an REI who isn't afraid to tackle some of the biggest myths and misconceptions around fertility. Ali and Dr. Adeleye dig into some of her patients FAQs, from the stereotype that Black-identifying people are “hyper fertile,” to what you should tell your doctor if you have a history of substance use or abuse. They talk about how they are both featured experts who answer questions on Roon.com -- a free, trusted resource built by doctors that helps you navigate your health journey with expert videos. They also bust myths about male factor infertility and whether long-term birth control use contributes to infertility. Spoiler alert: Dr. Adeleye sets the record straight.Follow on IG: @amanda.j.adeleye_md and @roonwomenshealthFor more, click: www.roon.comTOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: TTC; ART; IVF; male factor infertility; substance use and abuse; fertility stereotypes for Black-identifying people; birth controlEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's a very special minisode with three of Ali's favorite people in the fertility world: Dr. Carrie Bedient, Dr. Susan Hudson and Dr. Abby Eblen, aka Fertility Docs Uncensored. Today, we're diving into their brand-new book, The IVF Blueprint, which comes out September 23. The docs and I break down what they've learned from years of guiding patients through IVF—the science, the strategy, and the emotional side of treatment. We talk about why they wrote this book, what each one of them brought to the table, and how it aims to empower anyone navigating infertility with knowledge, clarity, and compassion. Whether you're just starting to explore IVF, already in treatment, or supporting someone you love, this episode is packed with insights and real talk from some of the most trusted voices in reproductive medicine.Follow on IG: @fertilitydocsuncensoredFor more, click: https://www.fertilitydocsuncensored.com/TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: TTC; ART; IVF; egg retrieval; frozen embryos; embryo transfers; empowerment and education; REIs; what to ask your doctor before IVF EPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today's episode, Ali is joined by Kati Cattaneo—Los Angeles real estate agent, influencer, storyteller, and IVF warrior—for a convo that blends heart, humor, and resilience. Kati opens up about the real and sometimes awkward parts of trying to conceive (“I kinda got crazy with my husband about timing things… and he was like, ‘What the heck—sex is supposed to be fun!'”), navigating her diagnosis of hydrosalpinx, pivoting to IVF, and going through her second egg retrieval on January 7—the very same day the Palisades wildfire destroyed her home. Kati -- who has a big following on IG and TikTok — talks about why she's sharing her infertility journey on socials in real time, what it felt like to lose their home in the LA wildfires (and if they'll rebuild), and where she is now in her family building journey (hint: It's not over yet). Follow on IG: @katicattTOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: TTC; ART; IVF; Los Angeles wildfires; Palisades fires; hydrosalpinx; timed intercourse; egg retrieval; frozen embryosEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali joined by the multifaceted Erica Cobb—TV host, podcaster, and self-proclaimed “eternal optimist”—as she shares her raw and powerful journey through infertility, IVF, and surrogacy. Erica opens up about the challenges she's faced so far, including a tumor on her pituitary gland, blocked fallopian tubes, and the emotional toll of hearing, “You're pregnant, but not pregnant enough.” Through it all, Erica remains steeped in gratitude and grounded in intention. We talk about spirit babies, manifestation, navigating roadblocks, and the incredible woman currently carrying her baby as a gestational carrier. Her story is still unfolding-- so make sure to listen in and follow along for what happens next. For more, go to www.comeback.tvFollow on IG: @ericacobbTOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: TTC; ART; IVF; pituitary gland tumor; blocked fallopian tubes; spirit babies; manifestation; navigating roadblocksEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipINITOhttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFIG: @initofertiilityFor years, clinical labs were the only way to get a clear view of your hormone levels and ovulation patterns. But for many people in the trying to conceive community—especially those with hormone imbalances or conditions like PCOS—frequent lab visits can be costly, inconvenient, and take up a ton of time. This is why I'm excited to tell you about Inito, which is unlike anything else out there. Inito is an at-home fertility monitor that tracks all four key hormones—Estrogen, LH, FSH, and PdG—on a single test strip. Instead of piecing together fragments of info, Inito offers a full, clear picture of your hormone health through a data chart and clear insights that are unique to your body and your cycle.The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code INFERTILEAF at ihttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFEXTEND FERTILITY IG: @extendfertilitywww.extendfertility.comFertility shouldn't be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you're preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they're here with expert support every step of the way. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy