Her Herd

In this episode, we sit down with Jenny, a rural mum whose birth story takes us deep into the complexity of what it means to carry risk, fear, and strength all at once.After trying to conceive for five months, Jenny was told her pregnancy was high-risk due to her BMI and a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. What followed was weeks of uncertainty, a five-hour relocation to Newcastle for care, an induction at 38 weeks, and an emergency caesarean under general anesthetic. Her baby was born small and unexpectedly, with forceps. But that wasn’t the end — days later, Jenny developed sepsis and was hospitalised for 10 days.Jenny speaks with honesty and clarity about the mental toll of her experience, the trauma that followed, and the hard decision not to have more children. But she also shares her resilience — in finding support, making changes for her mental health, and in speaking up for herself and other women navigating birth in larger bodies.This conversation is a reminder that trauma and strength often walk side by side — and that no one should have to carry it alone.We’re so grateful to Jenny for trusting us with her story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Shara, a rural mum who shares the extraordinary journey of her four births - each one completely different, each shaped by its own set of challenges, decisions, and lessons. From a hospital birth during the peak of COVID-19 restrictions at just 21, to the calm of a water birth, the chaos of an unplanned roadside delivery, and finally, a planned home birth supported by family - Shara’s story is full of grit, self-trust, and quiet determination.She reflects on what it was like navigating a system with limited midwifery options and no continuity of care, and how that shaped her choices along the way. With every birth, Shara grew more confident in listening to her body, asking questions, and making informed decisions - even when they went against what others expected.This is a story about learning as you go, finding your voice, and doing birth your own way - four times over. We’re so grateful to Shara for sharing her story with us. It’s one that reminds us just how strong women are, and how every birth deserves to be seen and heard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Jordan, a mum of three from regional NSW, who shares her story of welcoming her son River into the world - born with a cleft lip and palate.Jordan speaks with openness and heart about the shock of receiving River’s diagnosis at the 20-week scan, and the uncertainty that followed. From a planned caesarean at 36 weeks to feeding challenges, early surgeries, and the many moments in between - this is a story about strength, love, and learning to parent through the unexpected.She reflects on the emotional toll, the anxiety about what lay ahead, and the deep bond that grew between them despite the complexities of care. There’s honesty here about the grief, but also so much joy and pride. Jordan also shares beautiful advice for other parents navigating similar paths - reminding us that even when things don’t go to plan, there is still room for connection, beauty, and hope.This is an episode about finding your feet while the ground is shifting. About advocacy, adjustment, and showing up for your baby in every way you can.We’re so grateful to Jordan for sharing River’s story with us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Leah, a mum of three living in Narrabri, who shares the raw, beautiful, and at times deeply challenging journey of becoming a parent in regional Australia.Leah’s story spans fertility struggles, an ectopic pregnancy, IVF, and the surprise of naturally conceiving identical twins. With honesty and grace, she talks us through what it was like to face medical emergencies far from major hospitals, to drive hours for basic care, and to navigate high-risk pregnancies and diagnoses with limited local resources.From emergency surgery and IVF in Sydney, to a twin pregnancy complicated by talipes (club foot) and preterm labour at 33 weeks, Leah and her husband Pat have weathered it all with resilience and love. Their twins were born at 36 weeks via c-section and required follow-up treatment far from home - adding another layer to an already complex postpartum experience.Leah also speaks to the emotional toll - the quiet grief of pregnancy loss, the mental load of parenting under pressure, and the importance of protecting your mental health when the system isn’t built for families like yours.This is a story about trust, distance, diagnosis, and sheer determination. We’re so grateful to Leah for sharing it with us. It’s one that will stay with you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tylia shares the story of her first pregnancy with her son Harvey, now almost four - a pregnancy marked by placenta previa, a short cervix, leaking fluids and a birth that ended in a fast labour, significant blood loss, and later, complications that went undetected for six weeks.Her second pregnancy, after a heartbreaking miscarriage, was shadowed by anxiety and uncertainty. From an ovarian cyst to worrying scans, and finally, early induction at 37 weeks due to low fluid and a calcifying placenta - every step required Tylia to dig deep for faith, trust, and connection. She speaks candidly about the emotional toll of pregnancy after loss - how difficult it is to bond, to hope, to believe your baby will make it here safely. And she opens up about the challenges of accessing maternity care from her rural community, an hour from the nearest hospital, and the strain that distance can place on decision-making, reassurance, and basic monitoring.Tylia’s story is one of deep love, lingering fear, and incredible resilience. We are so grateful to her, and to her family, for trusting us with her story.We hope this episode helps other rural families navigating pregnancy after loss feel a little more seen, a little more supported, and a little less alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Kylie, a certified pregnancy, birth, and postpartum doula from Griffith, NSW. Kylie shares her personal journey into motherhood, a journey filled with unexpected twists, deep resilience, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that now shapes the beautiful support she offers to other families.Kylie takes us through both of her births: from being hospitalised at the end of her first pregnancy with a severe respiratory infection, to an emergency caesarean where she lost consciousness and woke up alone in recovery. Her story doesn’t stop there. Kylie developed a rare nerve condition, Parsonage Turner syndrome, leading to the loss of function in her arm and two years of intense physiotherapy. Add to that postnatal anxiety, and you get a raw, real, and incredibly brave insight into the hidden layers of early motherhood.With her second pregnancy, Kylie faced gestational diabetes, another caesarean, and again, complications with spinal anesthesia and the return of nerve pain and anxiety. But through it all, her strength, humour, and fierce love for her boys; Spencer and Miles shine through. Now, as a working doula, Kylie channels her lived experience into her practice, offering calm, continuous, and deeply compassionate care to families across rural NSW. She speaks candidly about the importance of birth education, postpartum planning, and supporting not just the birthing person, but their partners too.This conversation is raw, heartfelt, and full of moments that will stay with you long after you’ve listened. There’s laughter, deep emotion, and so much insight. Kylie’s story is a powerful reminder of why support in birth and postpartum truly matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is one of those rare, unforgettable conversations—equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and deeply human. Georgie, a beautiful soul from Narromine, NSW (and an incredibly talented baby photographer), joins us to share her deeply personal journey through love, pregnancy, and unimaginable loss.From the laugh-out-loud stories of life on the road with her husband during their 15-month Aussie lap, to the moments that made us hold our breath and wipe away tears—this one has it all. Georgie’s pregnancy with mono-mono twins, Ella and Eden, came with huge risks and even bigger emotions. It’s not often you hear about these kinds of pregnancies, and Georgie speaks with such honesty, grace, and strength.We talk about everything—gestational diabetes, navigating rural healthcare, the surreal experience of stillbirth at 20 weeks, and what it means to be held by community when your world falls apart. There’s also raw insight into the hospital experience, birth and death certificates, epidurals, and the need for better postnatal care—especially in the bush.Recording this episode was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. It was one of the funniest, most fun, and yet saddest chats we’ve had—and honestly, we could’ve talked to Georgie all day. We hope you find connection, compassion, and courage in her story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when maternity services start disappearing from rural towns? For Alecia, it wasn’t a question, it was her reality. In this episode, Jen Laurie chats with Alecia from the Maternity Consumers Network (MCN), whose passion for improving maternity care started close to home and quickly turned into a statewide movement.Back in 2020, MCN launched the Bush Babies campaign in Queensland, an 18-month push to protect and restore maternity services in rural communities. What started as a local fight became a catalyst for real change, helping to reopen facilities and bring national attention to the growing gaps in rural care.Alecia shares what it’s like to raise your voice from a small town, and how she’s helped build MCN into the largest maternity consumer organisation in the country. From the challenges of accessing respectful care to the emotional impact of birthing far from home, this conversation is real, raw, and full of heart.She also talks about the groundbreaking Respect for Maternity Care training that MCN created, now delivered in over 50 maternity services around Australia. Backed by the federal government, it’s helping change the way providers support women during birth and beyond, with a focus on reducing trauma and increasing informed consent.Alecia’s story is proof that big change can start in small places, and that women’s voices, when amplified, can reshape systems.In this episode, we cover:How the 2020 Bush Babies campaign helped spark statewide changeThe real-life impact of losing local birth servicesWhy respectful, trauma-informed care matters—and how it’s being taught across the countryThe importance of community-driven advocacyAlecia’s role in launching a publicly funded home birth pilot on the Sunshine CoastThis one’s for anyone who cares about birth, equity, and making sure rural families aren’t left behind. Don’t miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Jemimah - mother of three, passionate advocate for intentional movement, and the founder of Moved, a beautiful studio based in Armidale, Northern NSW. Jemimah isn’t just a guest - she’s also a listener of the podcast, and I absolutely love when our community becomes part of the conversation.Jemimah’s story is deeply rooted in themes that will resonate with so many of you: consent, autonomy, trusting your intuition, and the powerful reminder that your voice matters—especially in birth spaces. She takes us through her three unique birth journeys and shares how the book Birth Skills by Juju Sundin helped equip her with movement tools that supported her through labor—from gripping a hairbrush for sensory focus to using her voice as a powerful release.But Jemimah’s story doesn’t stop at birth. Her journey from teaching aerobic-style classes to founding Moved was inspired by biomechanist Katie Bowman’s philosophy that movement is not just exercise - it’s nourishment. In this episode, Jemimah shares how she helps women integrate quality, functional movement into their everyday lives and why it matters so deeply—especially in postpartum recovery. We also explore the quieter, more tender sides of motherhood: what it means to surrender, to hold boundaries, and to advocate for yourself in a system that often makes that difficult. One of the most powerful messages Jemimah shares is this: you are allowed to say “no thank you.” That’s your right. Movement is nourishment. Your body, your choices.Stay tuned to the end for a beautiful offering: a special online postnatal movement class available to all listeners—including those who have experienced loss. It’s a gentle, welcoming invitation to reconnect with your body, wherever you are in your journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a truly fascinating story—one that offers a rare glimpse into life in one of the most remote corners of Australia. It’s not often that I get the opportunity to speak with someone who has lived as remotely as today’s guest. Claire’s journey is remarkable: after leaving her career in the wine-making regions of Canada, she and her husband made the bold decision to move to Groote Eylandt, a secluded island in the Northern Territory, to start their family.Life on Groote is both breathtaking and challenging. The landscapes are stunning—untamed wilderness, endless blue horizons, and a deep connection to the land. But with such beauty comes isolation. Most forms of medical care require a flight to the mainland, raising profound questions about how one prepares for birth in such a remote location.Claire’s story is also one of contrast. Her first baby was conceived and born on Groote, surrounded by its wild, remote beauty. Her second, however, was born in Tasmania—an entirely different environment, yet just as significant in its own way. Both births were beautiful, yet starkly different, highlighting how place, access to care, and personal experience can profoundly shape the journey into motherhood.This is an incredible testament to the power of intuition, resilience, and trust in one’s body. Claire speaks beautifully about how women are often “forged in the fire” of their experiences, with each challenge shaping the way they navigate future ones. Her reflections on pregnancy and birth offer deep insight into what it means to listen to yourself, embrace uncertainty, and find strength in the unknown.Stay tuned until the very end—Claire shares some of the most profound and empowering advice I’ve heard on the podcast so far. And if her story resonates with you, you’re in luck! Claire runs Your Brighter Beginnings, offering a suite of resources and support for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum.This is a conversation you won’t want to miss—one that will transport you to the vast and remote beauty of Groote Eylandt while exploring how the experience of birth can be shaped by the places we call home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to today's episode! If you love scrolling through warm, beautiful corners of the internet, chances are you’ve come across Sara’s world—StoneyCreek Flower Farm. It’s one of those peaceful, inspiring spaces that might even have you planning your own trip to a nursery.But today, we’re stepping beyond the flowers and into an incredible birth story—one that highlights the challenges of giving birth in a rural town where maternity services can be put on bypass at any time. Sara, a mother of two beautiful boys, Archie and Freddie, experienced this firsthand when she went into labor with Freddie, only to find that the local maternity ward wasn’t available.If you’re a rural woman navigating a similar reality—where services can suddenly be unavailable, and you’re left wondering how to plan for your own birth—this episode is for you. Sara’s story is powerful, eye-opening, and one that every expecting mother in a rural community needs to hear.A huge thank you to Sara for sharing her story with such raw, beautiful honesty—layered with the practicality and strength we’ve come to know and love from women of the bush. Your openness and courage in telling this story will no doubt resonate with so many, offering both insight and support to those facing similar challenges. We’re so grateful to have had you on to share this journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of the podcast, Chloe shares her incredible and eye-opening birthing experience, revealing what happens when maternity services are an hour away. Chloe’s story is one of resilience and courage—she’s been through so much, from the heartbreaking loss of her daughter at 26 weeks, to having her first son 100 kilometers from home, and then delivering in a situation where the nearest maternity ward was no longer an option. In fact, Chloe was told, "Do not come here," leaving her with only two choices: a netball court or the emergency department of a hospital that had recently closed its maternity services. What do you do when your husband is the only one there to catch your baby? Chloe’s journey makes it clear why the fight for accessible rural and regional maternity services is so critical. Chloe, we’re beyond thankful that you shared your story with our Herd community, and we’re honored to provide the platform for you to set the record straight on what really happened. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we first sat down with Sophie in Episode One, we were introduced to a woman whose openness, raw emotion, and unwavering honesty set the bar for everything that followed. Sophie's ability to share the highs and lows of her life – from motherhood to running a sheep farm with her husband Ross, to navigating rural life with their son Dougal – touched a chord with so many of you. Her unique combination of grace, humor, and vulnerability made her story unforgettable.Sophie’s journey, as she so honestly described, included the unexpected surprises of a COVID birth and the battles that came with fertility. She spoke candidly about the emotional toll and the challenges of accessing treatment while living rurally – a reality many women know all too well. Sophie's message was clear: listen to your gut, advocate for yourself, and never be afraid to ask for help.As we pick up with Sophie in this second chapter, we are reminded why her first episode remains a fan favorite. This time, we dive deeper into the complexities of fertility, love, loss, and the unexpected twists that life throws your way. Sophie brings us her characteristic honesty, humor, and wisdom as she discusses the heartache of miscarriages, the unpredictability of pregnancy, and the ongoing battle that fertility presents.For Sophie, this isn't a "journey" – as she so brilliantly puts it, fertility is a battle. There is nothing fun about it. It's a daily fight filled with tough decisions, emotional setbacks, and, at times, unimaginable grief. Yet, true to her spirit, Sophie shares it all with humor, grace, and the kind of candidness that continues to resonate with listeners.So, buckle up for a conversation that’s filled with both tears and laughter, a reflection of life with Sophie, Ross, and their incredible family. It’s not always easy, but it’s always real, and that's why we are so grateful to have Sophie back with us once again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt podcast episode, I sit down with Raechel, an incredibly talented country singer-songwriter, whose story is as inspiring as her music. Raechel’s journey into the world of songwriting was deeply shaped by her childhood spent performing in her family band, while traveling and living in a caravan across rural Australia. These early years fostered a profound connection to the land, and it’s this connection that permeates her music today.Raechel is not only a gifted artist but also a dedicated mum, radiating warmth, positivity, and an unshakeable talent. As we delve into her personal story, she opens up about her unique pregnancy and birth experiences. From her first birth in the private system in a big city to her final one—a home birth in a rural community with no local maternity services—Raechel’s journey highlights the incredible resilience and strength of women, especially in rural maternity black spots.Raechel speaks so beautifully about her last birth, supported by midwives who truly go above and beyond to create innovative and compassionate solutions for women in these under-served areas. She talks openly about the process, the beauty of trusting her intuition, and the empowering experience of leaning into her own power.The conversation takes a vulnerable turn as Raechel shares her story of miscarriage. With raw honesty, she walks us through her personal experience of miscarrying at home, discussing the emotional and physical challenges she faced, both expected and unexpected. Her openness and honesty about the process offer comfort and understanding to those who may have gone through a similar journey.This episode is an epic conversation with a woman who feels like your best friend by the end. Raechel’s warmth, honesty, and incredible strength shine through as she shares her personal experiences, her wisdom, and her deep connection to the experiences that shape both her art and her life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this powerful episode of Her Herd, where we’re joined by the brilliant, witty, and incredibly passionate Kate Brow. Kate’s the kind of rural mum who manages to juggle a high-profile job with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade while running a sheep and cattle farm in rural New South Wales. And she does it all with a sharp sense of humor and the kind of grace that can only come from someone who's walked through the fire—literally and figuratively.Kate’s story is one of resilience, raw beauty, and incredible strength. In the summer of 2019, while bushfires ravaged her region, she gave birth prematurely to her second daughter at just 35 weeks. If that wasn’t enough, Kate found herself navigating the chaos of postpartum life during the COVID-19 pandemic. She opens up about the trauma of losing her second pregnancy, the intense challenges of a premature birth, and the mental health hurdles that followed. But her story isn’t just about survival—it’s about healing, too. Her third pregnancy was what Kate calls her "healing pregnancy," and it empowered her to rebuild her confidence and reconnect with her own expertise as a mother.Kate’s journey is one that speaks to the power of leaning into your support network, trusting yourself, and knowing that you are the expert on your own experience. This conversation is full of raw, confronting imagery—from living through the fires and smoke of 2019 to navigating postpartum in the midst of a global pandemic. But it’s also filled with hope, healing, and the kind of insight that only someone as grounded and real as Kate can offer.Kate, thank you so much for sharing your story with us today. Your bravery and vulnerability are a gift, and we are honored to have you as part of the Her Herd community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Part 2 of my interview with Kirsty Bryant.If you listened to Part 1, you know just how powerful Kirsty's story is. From being the first woman to receive a uterus transplant to navigating her IVF journey, Kirsty has faced challenges most people can’t even imagine. But her story is about so much more than just medical procedures—it’s about love, resilience, and what it truly means to keep fighting for your dreams.In this episode, we dive deeper into the journey to baby Henry. What happens when you wake up and don’t have a uterus? How do you process the emotions when it seems like everyone around you is getting their period back, while you’re still facing infertility? Kirsty shares the raw, real experiences of secondary infertility and the decision to move forward with a uterus transplant, as well as the IVF process that ultimately led to the birth of Henry.I also ask her some tough questions—like whether it’s easier to have a hysterectomy when it's a choice, and what the healing process really looks like after such a life-changing decision.This is the conclusion to an incredible journey. Kirsty, Nick, and their kids Henry and Violet have been through so much, and I’m so grateful they’ve chosen to share their story.If you missed part 1 go back now and listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me introduce you to a very special friend of mine—Kirsty Bryant. You may have heard her name before because, well, she's kind of a big deal. Kirsty made history as the first woman to receive a uterus transplant, but her story goes so much deeper than that. Her journey with her husband Nick and their two beautiful kids is one full of love, strength, and resilience. It’s a story you truly can’t sum up in just a few sentences.The last time I was in Coffs Harbour, I made sure to spend some quality time with Kirsty, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of incredible. Kirsty was one of the standout speakers at Podcast to Plate, and since that event, I’ve been flooded with questions about her journey. So I decided to do something a little different—a “you can’t ask that” style interview, where I asked all the questions you might be thinking but never quite say out loud.We laughed, we cried, and we dug into the tough stuff—the things that helped, the things that didn’t, and the things she’d do differently. I spent four hours at Kirsty’s house, and what we covered was so real and raw, I couldn’t wait to share it with you.This is part 1 of one of my all-time favorite episodes. It was originally slated for episode 4, but I just couldn’t wait any longer to bring it to you. If you've heard Kirsty speak before and found yourself with more questions, this is the episode you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, we are joined by Matt, who shares his deeply personal journey through pregnancy after loss, the challenges, and the emotional complexities of navigating grief, hope, and the desire to grow their family. Matt's story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and the deep bond he and his wife share as they rebuild after the loss of their daughter, Wren.Pregnancy after loss is a beast. It’s not just the emotional toll of grieving a lost child while trying to conceive again—it’s about juggling those emotions with the needs of a toddler, the uncertainty of what others will say, and the fear of going through the heartbreak once more. Matt and his wife knew their path wouldn’t be easy, but they also understood the importance of being on the same page, supporting one another, and prioritizing their mental health as they moved forward.Matt talks openly about the complexities of trying to conceive while grieving, managing anxiety, and the mental strain of the "what ifs" that constantly loom. He shares how important it was to seek professional support, including therapy and online support groups for fathers, to help him navigate this emotional terrain. Staying active, communicating openly with his wife, and finding solace in simple things like running and meditation were key in helping him cope.As their pregnancy progressed, Matt’s emotions were a mix of joy and sadness—happy to be pregnant again but heartbroken that Wren wouldn't be here to experience it. The journey was filled with the tension of missing out on milestones with Wren while eagerly awaiting their new baby. He also describes how they navigated the emotional complexities with their 3-year-old daughter, Edie, who asked the difficult question: “Is this baby going to die like Wren?”Their response was to be as honest as possible, without burdening her with their own fears.Through it all, Matt and his wife were determined to create a plan that would support them both physically and emotionally. They worked with their medical team to ensure their wishes for the birth were met and sought continuous support to help manage their anxiety. The birth of their son, Noah, was a moment of both relief and joy, but it also amplified the grief of losing Wren.Matt's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between partners in the face of unimaginable loss. He offers valuable insights into how to navigate pregnancy after loss, emphasizing the importance of communication, self-care, and seeking the support you need.As Matt reflects, "Nothing is easy about pregnancy after loss, and it definitely affects both mums and dads, even if us dads don't always find the courage to speak of it." His story of perseverance, love, and loss is one that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a child, and it reminds us that healing is not linear, but with support and open communication, it is possible to move forward and grow your family.Matt’s advice on navigating pregnancy after loss:Prioritize mental health through counseling, therapy, and support groups.Stay physically active—whether through exercise, running, or something that helps you reset.Communicate openly with your partner and medical team to ensure your needs are met.Take time off work to be present at consultations and scans—never feel like you should miss a moment.Embrace self-care strategies, like meditation or relaxation techniques, to manage anxiety.Matt’s story is one of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is room for new life, love, and joy. His commitment to honoring Wren’s memory while celebrating Noah’s arrival is a beautiful testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of loss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a very special episode of The Herd podcast! Today’s episode is unlike anything you’ve heard before, as I sit down with my brother, Tim. Tim and his wife, Sammy, have always faced life's challenges with their trademark "get on with it" attitude, and this conversation is no different. While we’ve always been open with one another, this episode offers a level of candidness and insight that only a sibling bond can provide.In this episode, we dive into Tim's journey with cystic fibrosis (CF) and how it has shaped his life. From early health challenges to the surprising discovery of male factor infertility, Tim and Sammy have tackled each hurdle with determination and resilience. Tim’s approach is one of practicality and grit—there’s no self-pity, just a commitment to pressing forward. He shares openly about his health, what it means to live with CF, and how it has impacted his fertility, all while maintaining a sense of humor and a refusal to let anything hold him back.Tim’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that can come from confronting life’s toughest challenges head-on. His approach to his health is refreshingly blunt—no drama, just the facts and a steady resolve to move forward. For Tim and Sammy, it’s not about the cards they’ve been dealt, but how they play them.A Personal Note: As Tim’s sister, this conversation was incredibly eye-opening for me. Even though I’ve known him my whole life, I found myself learning things about him—his journey, his attitude, and his resilience—that I hadn’t fully understood before. Tim’s generosity in sharing such candid details of his experience is truly appreciated. I’m grateful to him for his openness, which gave me a deeper insight into his world and allowed me to see things from a perspective I hadn’t considered.Thank you, Tim, for being so generous with your story. Your honesty is not only inspiring but also a gift to those who may be navigating similar challenges. I’m proud to be your sister and to have shared this conversation with you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan’s story is one of deep vulnerability and honesty, and his unique perspective as a husband and father adds a layer to the conversation that we don't often hear from men. He shares the highs and lows of their IVF journey, the emotional toll of multiple miscarriages, and the weight of grief that can often go unspoken in male experiences of infertility.From the moment Ryan and Ellin learned of Ellin’s PCOS diagnosis, they knew the road ahead might not be easy, but nothing could fully prepare them for the heartache they’d face. After multiple rounds of ovulation induction and IVF, they were blessed with their son, Vance—but their journey didn’t stop there. The rollercoaster ride continued, with painful losses and unexpected turns that tested their strength as a couple.In this episode, Ryan also shares a powerful moment that stands out for him: the small but meaningful details like naming their embryos "Glow", "Bloom", "Aura", and "Spark"—a tribute to the potential lives that briefly flickered on the ultrasound screen.What makes Ryan’s story even more special is the unburdened honesty with which he speaks about grief, loss, and the balancing act between accepting the family they have while still yearning for more. It’s a raw, unfiltered conversation about hope, healing, and the emotional complexities of building a family through IVF.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s been touched by infertility, loss, or just wants a deeper understanding of the emotional journey that many men experience but often don’t talk about. Ryan's openness is a reminder that there’s no one right way to process grief, and that sharing our stories can help others feel less alone. A huge thank you to Ryan for his vulnerability and for allowing us to share his and Ellin’s journey with all of you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.