This Is Infertility

What does it really mean to own your fertility? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jaime Knopman from CCRM Fertility of New York and author of Own Your Fertility, for a candid conversation about egg freezing, fertility preservation, and grief. Dr. Knopman shares what inspired her to write the book, who it’s for, and why fertility preservation can be one of the first acts of agency in reproductive health. We unpack common misconceptions about egg freezing. The conversation also turns to a topic often left unspoken: fertility-related grief. Dr. Knopman reflects on how grief shows up when timelines shift and how patients can hold both hope and loss at the same time. This episode is for anyone navigating fertility decisions, questioning timing, or seeking clarity and compassion along the journey. Own Your Fertility is now available on Amazon! Guest: Dr. Jaime Knopman, Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Director of Fertility Preservation for CCRM Fertility of New York Hosts:  Dr. Janet Choi, Chief

In this episode, an expert breaks down irregular periods, what they are, how do you know if you're experiencing them, and what to do next? Dr. Ijeoma (Ij) Iko, Pinnacle Fertility Chicago https://www.pinnaclefertility.com/phy...  For more information about advocating for fertility benefits, visit Progyny's Talk To HR page at progyny.com/talktohrtoday Visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @Progynyinc.

In this video, an expert breaks down genetic testing of embryos, from PGT-A to PGT-M. What does it mean, and who should consider this option during an IVF cycle. Dr. Katherine Koniares, CCRM Boston https://www.ccrmivf.com/  For more information about advocating for fertility benefits, visit Progyny's Talk To HR page at progyny.com/talktohrtoday Visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ProgynyInc 

In today's episode, we want to take a moment to thank you for being part of This Is Infertility and to share what's ahead as the podcast evolves. This is not a goodbye, but a transition. One that allows us to continue telling meaningful stories while expanding into education and new conversations across 3 podcasts: fertility, women's health, and menopause. To follow along on this journey, follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn @ProgynyInc. Visit Progyny's Education page for more resources. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at Comms@progyny.com. Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny Thank You for Your Stories & Thank you for Listening Dan Bulger: Since 2018, we've released hundreds of episodes. We've spoken with people from all walks of life, different backgrounds, different family structures, different paths to parenthood, and different outcomes. We've heard stories of hope and heartbreak, of waiting rooms and phone calls, of cycles that didn't work and moments that finally did. We've

Guest: Julie Eshelman, Founder & CEO, Building Military Families Network Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny Today's guest always dreamed of building a family. But when she and her husband began trying to conceive, they faced years of unanswered questions and a string of devastating losses. Like many military families, Julie Eshelman's journey was shaped not just by infertility, but by deployments, changing doctors, starting over in new states, and a healthcare system that doesn't always recognize the unique challenges military families face in building a family. Julie and her husband were unable to access full fertility coverage under TRICARE, creating a financial burden to top up the physical and emotional stress they were already experiencing. These years of heartbreak also led to joy and purpose. Julie is now the mom of a rambunctious three-year-old, and she founded the Building Military Families Network, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting military and veteran families through infertility, loss, and family

Guest: Deniece and Gardy Delerme, AHA Grant Recipients Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny Deniece discovered a lump that led to a stage two breast cancer diagnosis just days before her 33rd birthday. In today's episode, she and her husband Gardy share their emotional journey navigating cancer treatment, fertility preservation, and the financial burden that comes with unexpected medical challenges. Faced with a fast-moving and shocking diagnosis, Deniece made the decision to freeze her eggs before beginning chemotherapy. That choice offered a sense of control, hope, and the possibility of family for her and Gardy. A few years later, Deniece was cancer-free, married to Gardy, and they were ready to embark on family building. But their journey was far from straightforward. Deniece experienced miscarriage, underwent major surgery to remove dozens of fibroids, and faced multiple rounds of unsuccessful fertility treatments. Each setback tested her endurance, but Deniece was strong and resilient, backed by Gardy's continu

Guest: Justine Galloway, Progyny Member Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny Many of the stories we share on this show end with successful pregnancy, that's the goal of family building, after all. But not every journey reaches that destination, and it's important to shine a light on those stories. Sometimes the family building journey means embracing the family you already have and giving yourself permission to come first. Today's episode features Justine Galloway, who is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. As an avid runner, diagnosed with focal dystonia, a neurological condition that made running forward nearly impossible without falling, she reinvented herself, going on to complete two half-marathons, the NYC Marathon, and even setting a Guinness World Record all by running backwards. That same grit carried her into the world of family building. Justine got married at 38 and was hopeful about starting her family. At first it seemed fairly easy, they got pregnant quickly but soon miscarried, which was not abnormal

Guest: Teonna Woolford, CEO & Co-Founder, SC RED Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny Teonna had always known she wanted to have a lot of kids. At the age of nineteen, she discovered something that would change the trajectory of her life: she might be infertile due to sickle cell disease. Despite years of managing sickle cell, in and out of hospitals, doctor's offices, and attending sickle cell conventions, no one had ever talked to her about the link between sickle cell and infertility. Unfortunately, fertility preservation was too financially out of reach. But Teonna's story didn't stop there. She endured a failed bone marrow transplant, chronic pain, and the emotional toll of navigating a healthcare system that often overlooks the reproductive needs of those living with this chronic illness. Out of that struggle came a new purpose. Teonna co-founded SC RED (Sickle Cell Reproductive Health Education Directive) to raise awareness, expand education, and fight for equitable access to fertility care for those with

Guest: Maia Brown, President of The Beltane Guild Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny Firefighters face physical and emotional challenges at work, but what about when they're facing challenges with fertility? In this episode we hear from Maia Brown, a firefighter paramedic and president of The Beltane Guild, a nonprofit dedicated to firefighter reproductive health. Maia shares her deeply personal journey, from discovering diminished ovarian reserve in the middle of paramedic school, to undergoing IVF, to realizing how little support exists for firefighters facing fertility and family building challenges. Now, through The Beltane Guild, Maia is helping fire departments nationwide create comprehensive reproductive health policies and offering grants to firefighters undergoing treatment. She raises the question; can this job have an effect on our reproductive health? Firefighters are exposed to unique circumstances like stress, toxins, irregular sleep schedules and Maia has been partnering on groundbreaking research a

Guest: Ashley Rodón, President of the Carlos Rodón Foundation Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny In this powerful and personal episode, Ashley Rodón, wife of Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón and President of the Carlos Rodón Foundation, opens up about their emotional path to parenthood. Ashley shares how her dreams of starting a family were met with unexpected heartbreak, multiple pregnancy losses, and the resilience to keep moving forward. From the devastation of her first miscarriage to the miracle of her daughter Willow, Ashley reflects on the highs and lows of her fertility journey. Along the way, she found strength and support through her partner, family, friends, and community. Now living life as parents of three, she and Carlos founded The Carlos Rodón foundation, a non-profit bringing people hope through The Willow Grant, which offers the opportunity for families to afford fertility treatment. Ashley shares how their foundation has grown, partnering with organizations like the Nest Egg Foundation and Columbia F

Guest: Jay Shaw, MS, CGC, Senior Product Manager, Fulgent Genetics Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny The Fertility 101 Series, because there's no shortage of daunting terms to keep your mind running, is a quick and dirty breakdown on a specific topic with insights from a fertility expert. Today's episode is a deep dive into the role of genetics in fertility care and planning. We're joined by Jay Shaw, a certified genetic counselor and Senior Product Manager at Fulgent Genetics, who walks us through the basics and beyond when it comes to genetic testing. We start with a foundational overview, and Jay makes sure to break down the medical jargon for us. What is genetic testing? And what do terms like "carrier screening," "single gene disorder," and "pathogenic variant," actually mean? From there, Jay explains how test results can inform decisions around IVF, embryo selection, and prenatal diagnostic testing. She also walks us through options available to people and couples when carrier screening reveals shared risk

Guest: Dustin and Tequila Menken, Progyny Members at TE Connectivity Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny "I grew up with an expiration date." Dustin Menken was born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that brought him lifelong health challenges and made him part of the 98% of men with CF who are infertile. He never imagined he'd live to see 40, let alone become a father. But with persistence, support from his wife Tequila and a critical fertility benefit from his employer, TE Connectivity, through Progyny, Dustin beat the odds. Again. In this episode, Dustin and Tequila Menken share their remarkable story: from a childhood spent in hospitals to navigating genetic testing, sperm aspiration, and multiple IVF cycles. They walk us through the setbacks, the emotional toll, and the moment they finally learned they were expecting their daughter, Jannie Bell Allena, who has now arrived healthy and thriving. Tune into this episode for the Menkens story of resilience, partnership, and the power of access. Behind every

Guest: Danny Ross, Jr., UFCW Local 152 President Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny Danny and Elizabeth Ross got married at 26, excited to start their lives together and hopeful about growing a family. When they started trying, they were met with a series of challenges that changed everything. Elizabeth was diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS. Danny had male factor infertility. After a year of trying to conceive, they were told their best option was IVF. At the time, they had no fertility coverage. They started with IUI. One attempt turned into two, then six, then thirteen. They tore through their savings. Elizabeth suffered an ectopic pregnancy that led to the removal of one of her fallopian tubes. They had hit a wall. IVF was their next and only option. On their third round of IVF, their first daughter was finally born, and they welcomed their second, a few years later. Through it all, Danny and Elizabeth remained each other's rocks: husband, wife, and best friends. Today, Danny is the president of UFCW Loca

Guest: Paul Turek, MD, FACS, FRSM, Founder of The Turek Clinic Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny The Fertility 101 Series, because there's no shortage of daunting terms to keep your mind running, is a quick and dirty breakdown on a specific topic with insights from a fertility expert. When it comes to fertility, men are half of the equation, but too often, they're the half that gets forgotten or overlooked. This Men's Health Month, we're joined by Dr. Paul Turek, a world-renowned urologist and male fertility expert, to talk all things sperm, from how it's made to how it affects fertility and IVF. Dr. Turek explains how sperm health isn't just about making babies, it's also a sign of a man's overall health, tied to things like life expectancy, cancer risk, and heart health. Dr. Turek also tells us about his podcast, Talk with Turek, where he and Rob Clyde expose men's health and talk about it frankly – tackling the issues that matter. So, if you want to hear more on men's health from Dr. Turek, you're in luck! An

Guest: Marea Goodman, Co-Founder of PregnantTogether Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples going through their family building journeys, having a medical support system that truly understand their lived experience can make all the difference. In this episode, we hear from Marea Goodman, a licensed midwife, parent of three, and co-author of Babymaking for Everybody about the role and importance of a midwife. Marea explains how midwives operate across a wide range of settings, from hospitals and fertility clinics to birth centers and home births. While midwives often fly under the radar, they play a vital role in family building, especially in spaces where traditional care may feel less inclusive. Marea offers an in-depth look at the role of midwives, including how they complete years of clinical training to become licensed healthcare providers. Today, Marea's practice supports at-home births, where they connect with patients on a deeply personal level through shared identity, lived

Guest: Maggie Garnsey, Progyny Member at Santander Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For LGBTQ+ couples, traditional fertility coverage can leave them behind with little to no access to the actual coverage. Many are forced to undergo unnecessary, emotionally taxing procedures to meet outdated definitions of infertility. For Maggie and her wife, Alli, they thought they would need to pursue IUI, like many of their friends. However, Maggie discovered that her employer, Santander Bank, offered inclusive fertility benefits through Progyny and that they had something rare: options. In this episode, Maggie takes us through their family forming journey: from discovering the benefit, to forgoing healthcare through Alli's role in the military in pursuit of the best family building option. The couple opted for a reciprocal IVF journey, where using a sperm donor, Alli would retrieve eggs, genetically test and freeze embryos, for Maggie to one day soon, take on the role of carrying the pregnancy. Maggie also shares the impor

Guest: Erin Sarris, Progyny Member Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny When Erin Sarris and her husband first visited a fertility clinic, they were hit with unexpected news: severe male factor infertility and an immediate recommendation to pursue IVF. What followed was a long, winding, and often painful journey filled with setbacks, from failed cycles to loss and emotional isolation. Now a mother of three and author of Cupcakes Everywhere: One Sweet Tale of Overcoming Infertility, Erin shares how infertility reshaped her view and inspired a metaphorical children's book that captures the bittersweet reality of struggling to grow a family. This conversation is raw, vulnerable, and ultimately a reminder that even when the path to parenthood is anything but straightforward For more information, visit Progyny's Podcast page and Progyny's Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story

In this episode, we hear a deeply personal and professional journey. As a benefit's leader, Deanna Allison was on a mission to bring better fertility and family building benefits to her company, Bread Financial. Simultaneously, Deanna had also just set out on her own path to parenthood, realizing she would likely need support to build a family. Deanna shares how her team's search for better benefits led them to adopt Progyny, a decision driven by lived experience, better outcomes, and the desire to truly meet their associates' needs. Deanna was able to utilize Progyny, navigating unsuccessful egg retrievals, and ultimately choosing to use donor eggs to have her beautiful baby girl. Through it all, Deanna's personal experience and professional purpose were aligned — knowing she had done right by Bread Financial Associates through the lens of her own experience. Tune in to explore what it means to build inclusive benefits and how validating it can be when those benefits end up supporting you, too. Guests: D

When Kristina and Lorenzo set out to build their family, they knew their path wouldn't be traditional. Kristina's complex medical history including epilepsy, endometriosis, and thalassemia made pregnancy unsafe, but that didn't stop them from pursuing their dream of having a child. In this episode, they share their deeply personal journey of sacrifice in pursuit of a surrogate—highlighting the emotional highs and lows along the way, from downsizing their apartment to postponing their wedding. They open up about the importance of trust in the surrogacy process and the unwavering love and support they've found in each other; Kristina and Lorenzo remind us there is more than one way to build a family. Thanks to the AHA Grant from The Broken Brown Egg and Progyny, they are one step closer to making their dream a reality. They offer heartfelt advice for others navigating the complexities of infertility, emphasizing the power of advocacy, community, and perseverance. Applications for the latest cycle of AHA Gran

Infertility is a deeply personal and often isolating experience, but for singer-songwriter Nelly Joy, music became both an outlet and a source of connection. In this episode, Nelly shares her raw and emotional journey with endometriosis and the struggles she faced while trying to conceive, which pushed her limits physically and emotionally. From touring with country music legends to navigating the complexities of infertility, Nelly's story is one of physical resilience, partner support, and using art to heal. Listen to her song Baby Showers to discover how Nelly Joy is turning her experiences into then reminder that we are not alone. Guest: Nelly Joy, Musician Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny For more information, visit Progyny's Podcast page and Progyny's Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com. You can find this episode at youtube.c