IVF DADDIES

In this episode IVF Daddies examines how modern family building is evolving beyond clinics and contracts into community infrastructure.We sit down with the founders of Families Out Loud to analyze what has changed in the surrogacy landscape over the past year and what that shift tells us about the future of IVF assisted reproduction and intended parent education.This is not a promotional conversation. It is an industry level discussion aboutWhy safe spaces matter in surrogacyHow same sex and heterosexual journeys begin differently but merge in processWhat actually builds trust between intended parents and providersHow the surrogacy community responds when agencies collapseWhy education reduces risk and shortens consultation cyclesThe rise of AI tools in assisted reproductive technologySurrogacy is process management with human emotion layered on top.And the starting point determines everything.If you are exploring IVF egg donation gestational surrogacy or navigating infertility this episode provides structural clarity not hype.IVF Daddies remains committed to decoding assisted reproduction through lived experience transparency and systems level insight.IVFsurrogacygestational carrierinfertilityintended parentsassisted reproductive technologyLGBTQ parentsheterosexual infertilityfertility educationsurrogacy transparencyfertility AInonprofit fertility supportCHAPTERS00:00 One Year Later What Changed in Surrogacy02:48 From Niche Community to Cross Family Infrastructure05:29 What a Safe Space in Surrogacy Actually Means08:28 Trust Vulnerability and Emotional Risk11:03 Different Starting Points Same IVF Process14:03 Educating Families and Reducing Stigma16:46 The Role of Providers and Ethical Collaboration19:43 When an Agency Fails How the Industry Responds22:29 Nonprofit Structure and Education Strategy24:22 The Rise of AI in Assisted Reproduction28:40 Why Education Protects Intended Parents31:18 Building Sustainable Family Building InfrastructureSurrogacy is not just a medical process.It is infrastructure.The families who start informed are the families who finish protected.

What happens when a non-profit succeeds so completely that it stops being charity and becomes infrastructure?In this episode of IVF Daddies, we sit down with Ron Poole-Dayan, founder of Men Having Babies, to examine how gay fatherhood moved from legal impossibility to corporate policy, insurance coverage, and international debate, and what it actually costs to change a system at scale.This is not a feel-good conversation about surrogacy.It is a systems-level discussion about power, ethics, money, advocacy, and the uncomfortable reality that any non-profit operating near medicine, law, and vulnerable populations eventually becomes a gatekeeper.We explore:Why redefining infertility as a social status changed insurance lawHow workplace benefits quietly replaced litigationWhy ethical standards create both protection and exclusionWhy the goal of real advocacy is to make itself unnecessaryThis episode matters now, especially in Europe, as debates around surrogacy, cross-border family building, and regulation intensify ahead of major community and policy conversations in Brussels.If you care about family, ethics, systems, and how change actually happens, this conversation is for you.We’re releasing this episode as we head to Brussels on the 7th to engage directly with families, advocates, and institutions navigating the next phase of family-building infrastructure in Europe.This conversation is not about defending one organization.It is about understanding how social change actually works, and why every mature movement eventually faces scrutiny not for failing, but for succeeding.If you want elite parenting to be boring, protected, and normal, this is the price.CHAPTERS:00:00 Why Men Having Babies Exists02:48 Financial Assistance and Industry Proximity05:41 Advocacy, Law, and Institutional Power08:22 Redefining Infertility, Medical vs Social Status10:48 Workplace Benefits and Corporate Policy13:35 Cultural Blind Spots Around Male Parenthood16:18 How Surrogacy Evolved and Why It’s Contested19:01 When Advocacy Becomes InfrastructureMen Having Babies, Official Sitehttps://menhavingbabies.orgMen Having Babies, GPAP Financial Assistancehttps://menhavingbabies.org/gpapIVF Daddieshttps://ivfdaddies.comFollow IVF DaddiesInstagram, https://instagram.com/ivfdaddiesYouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@IVFDaddiesThis episode is relevant to:Surrogacy ethicsLGBTQ+ parentingNon-profit governanceInsurance coverage and infertility lawWorkplace family benefitsEuropean surrogacy regulationFamily-building infrastructureReproductive justice and institutional power

What if some of the most damaging IVF advice women hear doesn’t come from social media, but from oversimplified medical reassurance and pop-culture fertility narratives?In this episode of IVF Daddies, Richard Westoby sits down with reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Brooke Freeman to unpack one of the most misunderstood and quietly harmful fertility myths:“You have time.”We break down why markers like AMH measure egg quantity, not quality, why age still matters biologically no matter how “good” your numbers look, and why being told you can wait in your 40s often leads to irreversible loss of options.Dr. Freeman explains:Why egg freezing and IVF are tools, not guaranteesWhy “it only takes one” is true, but dangerously incompleteHow false reassurance creates false hopeWhy celebrities and TV shows distort fertility expectations by leaving out donor eggs and embryo freezingAnd why context matters more than comfort when people are making life-defining decisionsThis episode is not medical advice.It’s not about blaming doctors.And it’s not about scaring people.It’s about telling the truth with clarity, before time runs out.If you’ve ever felt confused by fertility advice, pressured by age, or misled by success stories that don’t tell the whole story, this conversation is for you.Chapters00:00 Understanding Egg Freezing and Fertility02:38 The Reality of IVF and Age Factors05:51 The Importance of Accurate Medical Advice08:29 Empowering Women in Fertility ChoicesThe KardashiansKim KardashianJanet JacksonAll's FairCULTURE CONTEXT DISCUSSED

Trying to build a family is hard. Doing it without a clear legal framework makes everything heavier.In this episode of IVF Daddies, we share what it really means to try to become parents in the Netherlands — a system filled with uncertainty, legal grey zones, and no clear roadmap for families like ours.We talk openly about loss, grief, and the emotional toll of repeated setbacks. About failed attempts and unexpected moments of hope. About how grief shows up in ways you don’t always recognise at first — and how you keep going when there are no guarantees, medically, legally, or emotionally.This isn’t a polished success story. It’s a firsthand account of what happens when the system doesn’t reflect your reality, but the desire to become parents doesn’t disappear.If you’ve ever faced barriers created by laws, institutions, or circumstances beyond your control — and still had to find a way forward — this conversation is for you.Real talk for real families. No rulebook. Just honesty.CHAPTERS:00:00 Why We Wanted a Family02:20 When the First Plan Didn’t Work05:22 Trying Different Paths07:45 Emotional Highs and Lows10:13 Finding Support12:49 Moments of Hope15:17 Facing Setbacks17:11 Processing Loss18:59 Choosing to Continue21:32 Trust and Connection23:48 Sharing Our Story25:50 Navigating Complex Rules27:34 Waiting and Uncertainty30:48 The Day Everything Changed34:06 Talking About It as a Family

IVF, surrogacy, and family building are not niche medical topics, they are public health issues. When access breaks down, misinformation spreads, and trust in medicine erodes, the impact reaches far beyond individual patients.In this episode of the IVF Daddies Podcast, Julio Gaggia speaks with Demetre C. Daskalakis, physician and public health leader with deep experience in community-based care and health equity. Drawing from frontline work in LGBTQ healthcare and public health systems, this conversation examines how political pressure, structural failures, and medical misinformation are reshaping reproductive healthcare.This episode explores:Why IVF and surrogacy access should be treated as public health infrastructureHow misinformation damages clinician–patient trustThe ethical burden placed on healthcare providersWhy LGBTQ families are disproportionately affected by system failuresHow community-based public health models restore care and accountabilityRather than framing fertility as a personal or consumer problem, this discussion positions family creation as a population-level health issue — shaped by policy, ethics, access, and trust.This episode is essential listening for:Intended parents navigating IVF or surrogacyClinicians and healthcare professionalsPolicymakers and public health leadersAnyone concerned with reproductive rights, health equity, and ethical careKey takeaway:When reproductive healthcare fails, families don’t just struggle individually — public health fails collectively.00:00 — The Current State of Public Health03:02 — Science, Misinformation, and Public Trust05:30 — Ethical Courage in Medicine08:23 — The Growing Burden on Clinicians11:20 — Family Creation as a Public Health Concern13:54 — How Public Health Systems Regressed16:47 — Community-Based Care as a Solution19:35 — Lessons from Recent Public Health Crises22:21 — Building a More Resilient Healthcare FutureIVF costs & access: https://ivfdaddies.com/costsListen to more episodes: https://ivfdaddies.com/episodesShare lived experience anonymously: https://ivfdaddies.com/confessionsSubscribe to the newsletter: https://ivfdaddies.com/#newsletterIVF Daddies connects reproductive medicine, public health, and real family experiences — with clarity, accountability, and zero spin.ChaptersResources & Links

All's Fair: What happens when reality TV finally touches the part of IVF nobody wants to talk about — the embryos, the consent, and what happens in a divorce?Kim Kardashian opened a door. Ryan Murphy kicked it wider.But ALL’S FAIR just did something rare: they made mainstream America confront the emotional and legal reality of IVF and surrogacy.And today, we’re going deeper.This episode breaks down what actually happens when you create embryos…Chapters00:00 Introduction to IVF and Reality TV02:39 Understanding Consent in Embryo Transfer05:31 The Reality of Embryo Transfer Procedures08:19 Personal Experiences with Embryo Custody11:22 Fertility Preservation and Its Complexitieswhat happens when you separate…and why consent isn’t “drama” — it’s the entire foundation of reproductive autonomy.Dr. Brooke Freeman and Richard Westoby unpack the real stakes behind the headlines:frozen embryos, custody battles, fertility preservation, and the part reality TV never explains — the emotional weight of “The finality of that is hard.”If you care about reproductive freedom, family building, or the future of IVF… this conversation will change the way you watch reality TV forever. HUGE THANKS to Ryan Murphy (a dad via surrogacy himself!) for producing content that opens up the essential global conversation about Reproductive Health and family building.

A conversation about visibility, community, and the stories shaping today’s media landscape.This episode unpacks a cultural moment that’s been building across Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas. From Bravocon energy to the storylines dominating reality TV and celebrity culture, people are beginning to see through the noise — and understand why visibility matters more than ever.We explore how today’s media voices are shaping public understanding, why familiarity changes hearts, and how advocacy becomes stronger when people can finally see themselves in the story. It’s a grounded, honest look at community, culture, and the momentum that’s reshaping the conversation everywhere.In this episode:• How visibility in media influences culture• Why community stories shift public perception• The impact of major media events like Bravocon• What LA, NYC, and Vegas teach us about momentum• Why support grows when people understand the narrativePerfect for listeners who care about connection, representation, and the deeper meaning behind what’s happening in entertainment and community culture.https://www.instagram.com/anthonyramosah/https://www.instagram.com/ivfdaddieshttps://www.instagram.com/juliogaggiahttps://glaad.org/BravoCon is a significant event for LGBTQ representation.Reality TV offers a unique platform for authentic storytelling.The portrayal of queer families in media is evolving.Allyship is crucial in supporting the LGBTQ community.Visibility in media can shape societal acceptance.Authenticity in reality TV resonates with audiences.There is a need for more LGBTQ family narratives.Challenges for the LGBTQ community persist, but progress is being made.Celebrity culture influences public perception of LGBTQ issues.The future of LGBTQ representation in media looks promising.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Queer Representation in Media02:43 The Impact of BravoCon on LGBTQ+ Visibility05:29 Reality TV vs. Traditional Media: A New Era of Representation08:21 The Role of Reality TV in Shaping Family Narratives11:14 Allyship and Authenticity in the LGBTQ+ Community14:01 Challenges and Triumphs in LGBTQ+ Representation16:45 Looking Ahead: Future of LGBTQ+ Families in Media19:24 Reflections on Allyship and Community Support22:17 Celebrity Influence and Personal Connections25:08 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

When you change what you feed your attention, you change your life. Julio Gaggia sits down with author and creator Jorge Perez to unpack how focus, language, and perspective shape our reality—plus the origin story behind his book “The Shut the F* Up Method.”** We cover the art of non-complaint, why negativity spreads in groups, and how to redirect energy toward growth, relationships, and purpose (including hard chapters like grief, identity shifts, and IVF journeys).Author Jorge Perez joins Julio Gaggia to break down The Shut the F** Up Method*: how silence, focus, and attention can reshape stress, relationships, and creativity. A masterclass on energy, grief, and reinvention.You’ll learn:Why where you put attention, energy grows—and how to audit yours in 5 minutesThe non-complaint protocol to stop feeding negativity at work, home, and in communityPerspective tools for grief, reinvention, and identity (without toxic positivity)Desire vs. attachment: how clutching repels outcomes (career, love, IVF hopes)A simple writing ritual to turn frustration into a book-worthy insightPower quotes:“Life sucks if we focus on that.” • “Life is great if we put attention there.” • “Where you put your attention, energy grows.”Chapters00:00 Why attention is currency02:24 Reinvention after loss05:19 Stress, language, and the body08:17 The STFU Method (non-complaint in practice)10:28 Inspirations + creative triggers12:09 Independence vs. partnership14:06 Identity and transformation15:59 Friendships that mirror growth19:01 Lessons from grief & acceptance23:54 Normalizing death conversations26:08 Grieving and moving forward28:22 The IVF & surrogacy chapter30:50 Tools for navigating fertility stress37:02 Perspective as a daily practice39:11 Desire vs. attachment47:52 Closing doors, opening heartsJoin & support:💌 Newsletter: https://ivfdaddies-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ (episodes, tools, community drops)https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shut-Fuck-Up-Method-Silence/dp/B0D57ZWRQ4Because attention is a choice—and your life follows it.attention, focus, energy, silence, non-complaint, mindfulness, personal growth, self-help, reinvention, grief, mindset, mental health, Jorge Perez, Shut the F*** Up Method, perspective, epigenetics, emotional resilience, book writing, inspiration, stress management, Julio Gaggia Podcast#AttentionIsCurrency #STFUMethod #JorgePerez #MindsetShift #StopComplaining #EnergyMatters #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Reinvention #MentalHealthattention, focus, energy, silence, non-complaint, mindfulness, personal growth, self-help, reinvention, grief, mindset, mental health, Jorge Perez, Shut the F*** Up Method, Byron Katie, Sam Harris, Joe Dispenza, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Patricia Velasquez, book writing, stress management, Julio Gaggia Podcast, neuroscience of attention, celebrity reinvention#AttentionIsCurrency #STFUMethod #JorgePerez #ParisHilton #LindsayLohan #ByronKatie #SamHarris #JoeDispenza #PatriciaVelasquez #MindsetShift #StopComplaining #EnergyMatters #SelfHelp #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of IVF Daddies, hosts Richard and David open up about the beautiful chaos of parenting as gay dads — from sleepless nights to building an inclusive community where LGBTQ+ families can thrive.Discover the story behind Hey Gaddies, a brand redefining fatherhood through representation, love, and visibility. We talk about step-parenting, transgender parents, and the power of unlearning old norms to create a new kind of family narrative — one built on authenticity and pride. 🌈Chapters00:00 Navigating Parenting Challenges02:50 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Gay Dads05:41 Building Community and Identity08:31 The Evolution of Queer Parenting11:25 The Role of Stepparents in Queer Families14:15 Balancing Traditional Roles in Modern Families16:59 Creating a Supportive Environment19:50 The Importance of Community Connections21:59 Building Community as Gay Dads30:48 Navigating Step Parenting in the LGBTQ+ Community38:03 Celebrating Transgender Parents and Representation40:44 Unconscious Bias in Parenting💡 Key Topics:The hardest parts (and best rewards) of parenting as gay dadsWhy visibility for queer and transgender parents mattersHow to build meaningful community connectionsThe evolution of Gaddies — from idea to inclusive movementThe power of creating a “Gaddy’s Day” to celebrate diverse families🎙️ “We are building role models now.”🎙️ “I want to create a Gaddy’s Day.”🎙️ “Nobody is born a bigot.”🌍 Join the Movement:Instagram - @IVFDADDIES💌 Subscribe to our community newsletter — ivfdaddies-newsletter.beehiiv.com🛍️ Shop and celebrate Hey Gaddies — hey-gaddies.com📱 Follow & connect with us:https://heygaddies.com/pages/newsletterInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Threads → @HeyGaddies👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Because every family deserves to be seen.#IVFDaddies #GayDads #LGBTQParenting #QueerFamilies #TransParents #PositiveDisruption #HeyGaddies #ParentingPodcast #RepresentationMatters

What happens when chosen family meets real-world adoption?In this powerful episode, Richard from IVF Daddies sits down with Mocca Bonè, the electrifying bearded queen from Drag Race Belgique, to talk about love, identity, and what it really means to build a family when society still hasn’t caught up.From navigating international adoption to confronting stereotypes, this is a story about courage, visibility, and the power of showing up as your full self — no filters, no shame, just heart.Follow:http://instagram.com/ivfdaddies/https://www.instagram.com/mocca_bone/https://www.instagram.com/dragracebelgique/What you’ll hear:• The emotional reality of LGBTQ+ adoption journeys• How visibility in drag culture shifts public perception• Parenting, partnership, and representation in today’s media• Why love—not labels—defines a familyIf you’ve ever wondered what family looks like beyond the headlines, this one’s for you.Watch more stories of love, identity, and modern family at ivfdaddies.comShare your story: ivfdaddies.com/confess🕒 CHAPTERS00:00 – When Chosen Family Becomes Real02:29 – The Adoption Journey No One Talks About04:50 – Facing Judgment with Pride07:32 – Raising Kids in a World That’s Still Learning10:07 – Media, Drag, and Family Representation12:57 – Balancing Spotlight and Parenthood15:26 – Hope, Courage, and What Comes Nexthttps://ivfdaddies-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Becoming parents through surrogacy changes you — emotionally, psychologically, and forever.In this episode, IVF Daddies and DADS.KIDS.MIRACLES share the moment everything shifted, and the emotional reality of surrogacy that no one prepares you for. This is not a polished success story. It’s the waiting, the fear, the updates that stop your heart, and the love that rewires how you see parenthood.This conversation explores:The moment intended parents realize everything has changedThe emotional rollercoaster of surrogacy and medical uncertaintyNavigating fear, hope, and premature birthLetting go of control and learning to trust the processHow surrogacy reshapes identity, not just family structureSurrogacy isn’t just about IVF, medicine, or logistics — it’s about connection, resilience, and showing up when outcomes are unclear. It’s about the bond between intended parents and surrogates, and the quiet strength required to keep going.If you’re considering surrogacy, already in a journey, supporting someone who is, or reflecting on a complicated path to parenthood, this episode will feel deeply familiar.“You can decide what you do — but parenthood decides who you become.”Here, you’ll hear how connection, trust, and communication become the foundation of everything. When you’re an intended parent, every call from the surrogate can change the course of your day — and every milestone, no matter how small, feels monumental. The journey is unpredictable, but it’s also deeply human.We discuss what it means to stay grounded through unexpected news, how to navigate medical uncertainty, and how to hold space for hope even when outcomes are unclear. The story includes moments of premature birth, gratitude, and a love so profound it reshapes what parenthood means.This isn’t just about IVF or fertility treatments — it’s about identity, partnership, and how family expands beyond biology. It’s about the quiet strength of those who carry life for others, and the deep emotional bond that forms between intended parents and surrogates. It’s about learning that parenthood isn’t only about genetics or timing — it’s about showing up, over and over, no matter what happens.In this episode, we look at the conversations that matter most:– How do couples decide that surrogacy is the right path?– How do they manage the rollercoaster of updates, appointments, and emotions?– What happens when things don’t go as planned — and what keeps them going?– How can family, friends, and community be a source of stability?– And most importantly, how do you stay connected to joy when fear feels closer?Through honesty and compassion, this episode celebrates the real faces behind modern parenthood — couples, surrogates, and families redefining what love looks like in the 21st century. It’s a reminder that no matter how advanced the science becomes, the heart of surrogacy is still deeply human.If you’re considering surrogacy, in the middle of a journey, or supporting someone who is, this story offers perspective, comfort, and hope. Because the path to parenthood can be messy, emotional, and imperfect — but it’s also full of meaning, connection, and miracles that change you forever.“You can decide what you do, but parenthood decides who you become.”and discover the courage, vulnerability, and beauty behind creating life in a new way.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Family Life and Surrogacy00:12 The Journey of Premature Birth01:00 Navigating the Emotional Rollercoastersurrogacy, parenthood, family, fertility, emotional journey, surrogacy stories, intended parents, family building, ivf daddies, dads kids miracles, modern families, parenthood stories, fertility awareness, family life, love, connection, emotional health, surrogacy podcast, ivf podcast, fertility podcast#surrogacy #ivf #parenthood #family #fertility #ivfdaddies #dadskidsmiracles #surrogacystory #fertilityjourney #familybuilding #intendedparents #love #hope #miracles #modernfamilies

Let’s be real — most fertility conversations still center straight couples.Dr. Said Daneshmand is here to change that. In this unfiltered, deeply human episode of IVF Daddies, he opens up about what it actually takes for LGBTQIA+ families to build their dreams through IVF, surrogacy, egg donation, and reciprocal IVF.From gay male couples navigating surrogacy to lesbian couples sharing pregnancy through reciprocal IVF — this episode exposes the truth, the costs, the options, and the emotional rollercoaster behind modern family creation.💬 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:• The real steps of IVF + surrogacy for LGBTQIA+ couples• Why access, cost, and transparency still fail queer families• How egg and sperm donation work — without the clinic jargon• What “reciprocal IVF” means (and why it’s a love story)• Why community support isn’t optional — it’s survival• How Dr. Daneshmand is rebuilding fertility care with empathyThis isn’t a sterile medical chat — it’s a movement.Because love makes families, but access makes them possible.🎧 LISTEN NOW — because equality doesn’t stop at marriage; it starts at conception.🎬 WATCH THE SHORT CLIP:👉 YouTube Shorts – Dr. Said Daneshmand: IVF & Surrogacy for LGBTQIA+ Families✨ CTA (for Spotify Explore SEO):👉 FOLLOW IVF DADDIES for more brutally honest fertility conversations, global experts, and real stories from parents rewriting the rules of family.🧠 SEO KEYWORDS:IVF, surrogacy, LGBTQIA+, fertility, family building, egg donation, sperm donation, reproductive health, intended parents, fertility services, gay dads, lesbian moms, reciprocal IVF, queer families, fertility equality, assisted reproduction

Forget polished fertility ads and sugar-coated promises. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Mikowski sits down with IVF Daddies and lays out the raw facts about egg freezing: the decline of egg quality, what your “optimal age” really looks like, the emotional and physical dose of hormonal treatment, and the stats that nobody wants you to know.follow more on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivfdaddiesWe’re calling out the industry, answering your “what if’s” and “should I’s,” and giving you the freedom to plan YOUR body, not someone else’s timeline.You’ll walk away knowing:• When egg freezing actually gives you a statistical advantage• Why “egg quality” matters more than “egg count”• What the injections + retrieval really feel like• How lifestyle, age and partner-status factor in (spoiler: you don’t need a partner)• How egg freezing doesn’t ruin your future fertility—but you still need to act with eyes wide open👉 WATCH & LISTEN NOW — because your biological clock shouldn’t be driven by fear, but by data + choice.Chapters00:00 Understanding Egg Freezing02:50 The Optimal Age for Egg Freezing05:38 The Egg Freezing Process08:49 Managing Expectations and Side Effects11:27 Long-term Considerations and RecommendationsFOLLOW IVF DADDIES on Spotify, YouTube and wherever you get your pods. Hit that subscribe button for game-changing fertility truth bombs, real stories, and experts who tell you what works — no fluff.egg freezing, fertility, egg retrieval, egg quality, optimal age, IVF, women’s health, reproductive options, family planning, hormonal treatment, fertility freedom, fertility preservation, fertility education, Dr. Sarah Mikowski

Surviving cancer should mean a new beginning — not the end of your dream to become a parent.In this powerful IVF Daddies episode, Dr. Paul Brezina reveals how fertility preservation is giving cancer survivors a second chance at family, hope, and life beyond treatment.You’ll learn:• The critical window for preserving fertility before cancer treatment begins• How new programs are protecting survivors’ future families• Why awareness and early planning save more than just health — they save hope• The breakthroughs changing how oncology and fertility care work togetherThis isn’t about politics. It’s about people — the survivors, doctors, and families who refuse to let cancer define the rest of their story.Watch, share, and subscribe for more stories of resilience, science, and the future of fertility care.Chapters:00:00 Cancer Survivors and Fertility03:10 The Fertility Crisis No One Talks About08:45 How Funding Cuts Hurt Real Patients12:30 IVF, Oncology, and the Fight for Future Families18:00 What the Medical System Is Getting Wrong24:15 What Needs to Change NowSearch-Boosted Keywords:cancer research cuts 2025, IVF after chemo, fertility preservation defunded, cancer survivor fertility options, US government cancer budget cuts, Dr. Paul Brezina, oncology and fertility, reproductive health crisis, sperm freezing after cancer, IVF DaddiesEvery survivor deserves the chance to build a future. Watch this and share it — because awareness today creates families tomorrow.They Survived Cancer… But Lost the Chance to Be ParentsCancer Survivors Are Losing Their Chance at Parenthood — Here’s WhyLife-Saving Fertility Care for Cancer Patients Is Being DefundedThe Silent Crisis: Cancer Survivors Denied Parenthood

Surrogacy and IVF in Europe are defined by legal contradictions, unequal access, and cross-border confusion — especially for LGBTQ families.In this episode of IVF Daddies, Richard Westoby and Julio Gaggia break down why building a family through surrogacy in the EU is so complex, why many intended parents are forced to leave Europe, and how inconsistent laws create emotional, legal, and financial risk.Rather than abstract policy talk, this conversation is grounded in lived experience — from navigating international surrogacy, to confronting legal limbo, to understanding why Europe’s fertility framework no longer reflects modern families.This episode covers:How surrogacy laws differ across EU countriesWhy same-sex couples face unequal access to IVF and parentage rightsThe legal risks of cross-border surrogacy in EuropeCost, medication, and logistical challenges in international fertility journeysWhy community support matters when legal systems fail familiesThis is not a critique of Europe — it’s an explanation of how outdated laws collide with real lives, and why reform, clarity, and cross-border understanding are urgently needed.If you are:Considering IVF or surrogacy in EuropeAn LGBTQ intended parent navigating legal uncertaintyA professional working in fertility, law, or policyOr trying to understand why EU family-building is so fragmentedThis episode provides context, clarity, and real-world insight.00:00 — New Beginnings and Why Europe Is Complicated02:47 — Surrogacy and IVF Challenges Across the EU05:24 — Legal Limbo and Real Family Stories07:54 — Costs, Medication, and Practical Barriers10:51 — International Surrogacy and Parentage Risk13:34 — Why Families Leave the EU to Have Children16:26 — Women, Health, and Changing Power Dynamics18:59 — Community as a Survival SystemLearn more: https://ivfdaddies.comSubscribe & follow stories: https://ivfdaddies-newsletter.beehiiv.comDM @IVFDaddies — lived experience shapes future episodes.IVF Daddies exists to explain the systems behind family building — not to simplify them, but to make them navigable.ChaptersResources

Your doctor throws acronyms at you like you’re in a spelling bee — AMH, FSH, HSG — and somehow you’re supposed to know if you’re still fertile?In this brutally honest episode, Dr. Linnea Goodman joins IVF Daddies to decode the fertility alphabet soup: what those numbers actually mean, how to read your labs without crying, and why male fertility tests deserve equal airtime.Chapters00:00 Understanding Fertility Testing Acronyms10:21 The Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Interactions15:18 Male Fertility Testing: Semen Analysis20:09 Evaluating the Uterus and Fallopian Tubes👀 We talk about:• AMH vs FSH — egg quantity isn’t the same as quality• Why semen analysis should be foreplay, not an afterthought• The “HSG” test no one warns you about• How PCOS, hormones, and stress tag-team your fertility scoreThis is the episode your OB-GYN wishes they had time to record — zero fluff, all facts, and a little laughter because, honestly, fertility is weird AF.🩸 Listen now and tell us: What fertility test result made you Google at 2 a.m.?💌 DM or tag @IVFDaddies on Instagram with your story — you might hear it on our next episode.💡 Subscribe to IVF Daddies on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for more unfiltered family-building stories. https://ivfdaddies-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Love brought them to Ibiza. Parenthood took them on a journey through egg donation, surrogacy, and the fight for LGBTQ+ family rights in Belgium.In this deeply personal episode, Richard Westoby sits down with Guy, co-author of a new book about love, resilience, and the modern family. Together with his husband Milan, Guy opens up about their Ibiza wedding, the emotional challenge of choosing the right egg donor, and their dream to inspire better surrogacy legislation in Belgium.Their story isn’t just about having kids — it’s about visibility, courage, and changing how Europe understands family. 🌈🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation about love, advocacy, and the future of parenthood in Europe.👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review to amplify LGBTQ+ family stories that deserve to be heard.IVFDADDIES NEWSKeywordsGuy & Milan — Belgian LGBTQ+ parents, advocates for surrogacy law reform, and authors inspiring families across Europe.Richard Westoby — IVF Daddies co-host and surrogacy pioneer championing intended-parent rights worldwide.Ibiza, surrogacy, egg donation, LGBTQ+ families, parenthood, family advocacy, Belgium, parenting journey, love, family storiesIn this episode, Richard Westby speaks with Guy, who shares his journey of love, marriage, and parenthood with his husband Milan. They discuss their wedding in Ibiza, the challenges they faced in choosing an egg donor, and their experiences with surrogacy. Guy also talks about their new book, which aims to inspire other LGBTQ+ families and advocate for better legislation in Belgium regarding surrogacy. The conversation highlights the importance of sharing positive family stories and using their platform to inspire change.TakeawaysGuy and Milan got married in Ibiza in 2020.They started their journey to parenthood after their wedding.Choosing the right egg donor was a significant challenge.Genetic testing is crucial when selecting an egg donor.They wanted their children to have the option to contact their donor.Guy wrote a book to share their family's story.Their story aims to inspire other LGBTQ+ families in Belgium.Positive media coverage has helped change perceptions.They hope to influence legislation on surrogacy in Belgium.Using their platform for advocacy is important to them.Chapters00:00 Journey to Parenthood: A Love Story02:43 Navigating the Surrogacy Process05:11 The Impact of Their Story on Society07:38 Advocacy for Change in BelgiumIf this episode moved you, follow IVF Daddies on your favorite platform, share it with someone dreaming of parenthood, and tag us to help bring more visibility to LGBTQ+ families everywhere."We wanted to tell our own story from the start.""Using your platform for good is important.""Thank you for being here today."

One decision nearly ended our surrogacy journey before it began.In this IVF Daddies episode, Julio & Richard share the little-known red flags that can derail IVF and surrogacy — from medical surprises to emotional landmines. Joined by Dr. Lauren Garrett, we dive deep into genetic testing and why understanding results early is critical for building a healthy family.What you’ll learn:• Why preconception genetic testing matters• What expanded carrier screening actually looks for• How pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) works• The truth about mosaic embryos and healthy pregnancies• What’s coming next in non-invasive genetic testingComment below: Do you think every IVF patient should do genetic testing before transfer?Subscribe for unfiltered IVF truths, emotional support, and practical insights for modern family building.Submit your anonymous story → https://ivfdaddies-newsletter.beehiiv.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Genetics in Fertility02:55 Understanding Preconception Genetic Testing05:45 Embryo Testing: Techniques and Implications08:45 Pre-implantation Genetic Testing Explained11:26 The Future of Genetic Testing in Fertility

In collaboration with https://www.ivyfertility.com/ and https://www.reproductivepartners.com/In this conversation, Dr. Nurit WinklerDouble Board-Certified Fertility Specialist & International Reproductive Expert, discusses the complexities of navigating fertility treatment options. Emphasizing the importance of understanding patient needs and preferences, she highlights the balance between medical advice and patient autonomy. The discussion also covers the role of holistic approaches in managing stress during treatment, the significance of early diagnostics, and the various treatment options available based on individual diagnoses. Dr. Winkler advocates for a respectful and collaborative approach to fertility care, ensuring that patients feel empowered in their treatment decisions.It's important to match treatment options with patient desires.Respecting patient wishes is crucial in fertility treatment.Holistic approaches can help manage stress during treatment.Patients should not feel guilty about their fertility challenges.Early diagnostics can lead to better treatment outcomes.Each treatment should be tailored to the individual's diagnosis.Clomid is not effective for all patients, especially older women.IVF may not always be the first option for younger patients.Open communication between doctor and patient is essential.Navigating fertility options early can expand treatment possibilities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fertility Treatment Options01:21 Understanding Patient Needs and Treatment Preferences04:23 The Role of Holistic Approaches in Fertility08:47 Navigating Fertility Diagnostics and Early Intervention11:40 Exploring Treatment Options Based on DiagnosisSound Bites"Don't feel guilty about that.""Anything that can be done to help you...""The sooner you do that, the better..."

In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, Dr. Connor Curley shares his journey from being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis to founding Phytofix, a nutrition product company focused on food supplements. He discusses the importance of nutrition in managing health conditions like MS and endometriosis, and how this led to the development of Fertility Fix, a product designed to support fertility in both men and women. The conversation highlights the often-overlooked connection between nutrition and reproductive health, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches in fertility treatments.TakeawaysDr. Curley was diagnosed with MS at 15, which shaped his career.Phytofix focuses on science-based nutrition supplements.Lifestyle factors play a significant role in managing MS.Endometriosis is often neglected in healthcare discussions.Fertility issues affect one in six couples globally.Fertility Fix was developed based on scientific research.The product is designed for both men and women.Nutrition can improve sperm and egg quality.Some nutrients can help reduce the risk of miscarriage.Phytofix has already seen success with pregnancies since launching.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Connor Curley and Phytofix02:25 The Journey from MS to Nutrition Science05:07 Exploring Endometriosis and Its Impact on Fertility07:35 The Development of Fertility Fix09:33 The Importance of Nutrition in IVF and Pregnancy10:39 Conclusion and Future DirectionsIVF, fertility, nutrition, endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, health supplements, Phytofix, fertility fix, pregnancy, wellness"It's unisex and convenient.""It tastes really good.""It's doing something right now."