Unspoken: The Fertility Network Podcast

Guest: TIM ROYLE, TELEVISION DIRECTORIn this conversation, Tim Royle shares his personal journey through IVF,highlighting the emotional and mental challenges faced by men during the process. He discusses the creation of his impactful short film that aims to amplify the male perspective in infertility, the importance of mental health support, and the need for better communication and understanding in the IVF community. Tim emphasizes the hope that exists even in the face of adversity and the significance of finding a supportive community.Tim Royle is a freelance continuing drama director, who works on Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Eastenders. Tim has written and directed the award winning short film, “It’s the Hope that Kills You” about the struggles of going through IVF. The film deals with the emotional toll of fertility treatments, the male perspective on the experience, and the importance of communication and support. Tim hopes to shed light on the struggles of fertility.You can find out more here:YouTube: https://youtu.be/pupNbegZERo?si=uW9KQJHtLoQJgrzJInstagram: @itsthehopethatkillsyoufilmDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111Fertility Network UK:Website: https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/fertilitynetworkuk Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FertilityNetworkUK LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-network-uk TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@fertililitynetworkuk X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/FertilityNUK YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FertilityNetworkUK

Guest: Debbie Newson, Nurse and Author. In this conversation, Debbie shares her personal journey with infertility, describing her painful journey of trying to conceive, the impact on her mental health and relationships through all the trauma, and the experience of coming to the end of her fertility journey without conceiving. She shares how it’s shaped her life and led her to her purpose, whilst living childless not by choice.Debbie is a nurse, author, and motivational speaker who is passionate about inspiring hope, freedom, and transformation. After overcoming childhood trauma and defying expectations, she went on to earn multiple degrees, publish impactful books, and become an accomplished charity ultra-runner raising thousands for charities. In 2025 she completed her “25 in 25” marathon challenge to raise funds for Save the Children. Through her writing, speaking, and nursing, Debbie encourages others to break free from limiting beliefs, embrace their worth, and pursue their boldest dreams. Debbie’s first book, ‘God: Naked at Last’ was published in September 2024 and her second book, ‘The Unexpected Journey’ will be released in 2026.Connext with Debbie: www.debbienewson.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/debbie.newson22/If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111Fertility Network UK: https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTok X (Formerly Twitter)YouTube

Guest: Dr. Alice Domar Ph.D.In this conversation, Anita Guru speaks with Dr. Alice Domar who discusses the profound effects of stress on reproduction, drawing parallels between levels of stress and fertility outcomes. She explains how stress can inhibit reproductive capabilities and emphasizes the body's instinctual responses to environmental threats, suggesting that stress relief education and tools is crucial for fertility.Alice D. Domar, Ph.D., is a pioneer in the field of mind/body medicine. She conducts ongoing ground-breaking research which focuses on the relationship between stress and various medical conditions, including infertility and the impact of lifestyle habits on mental and physical health, with a focus on the impact of cognitive behavioural interventions as well as access to care and patient retention. She is currently the Chief Compassion Officer at Inception Fertility, the largest provider of fertility services in North America, where she leads the Inception Research Institute, furthering the organization’s commitment to advancing groundbreaking research to better understand and treat infertility. She is also an associate professor in obstetrics, gynaecology, and reproductive biology, part-time, at Harvard Medical School, and a senior staff psychologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre.Links:Website - https://dralicedomar.com/Published works - https://dralicedomar.com/published-works/If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111Fertility Network UK: Website: https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/fertilitynetworkuk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FertilityNetworkUK Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-network-uk TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fertililitynetworkuk X (Formely Twitter): https://x.com/FertilityNUK YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FertilityNetworkUK DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

Guest: Clare Ettinghausen, Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).In this conversation, host Anita Guru speaks with Clare Ettinghausen from the HFEA about the critical role of the HFEA in regulating fertility treatment in the UK. The HFEA plays a vital role in ensuring fertility clinics meet the highest standards of care and transparency, helping patients make informed decisions on their fertility journey. Clare shares the latest updates, insights, and guidance available to patients’ navigating treatment in the UK.They discuss the complexities of IVF, the importance of patient safety, the controversial add-ons offered by clinics, and the wealth of data available to patients. Clare emphasizes the need for patients to advocate for themselves, the importance of understanding success rates and costs, and the disparities in treatment experiences among different ethnic groups.This conversation offers practical advice and trusted insights for anyone navigating their fertility journey.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to HFEA and Its Role03:08 Understanding Fertility Regulation and Patient Safety05:50 The Controversy of Add-Ons in IVF Treatment08:59 Utilizing Data for Informed Decisions11:54 Preparing for Fertility Treatment14:53 Addressing Misinformation in Fertility Treatment17:55 Choosing the Right Fertility Clinic20:55 Understanding Success Rates and Costs23:45 Addressing Disparities in Fertility Treatment26:47 Navigating Complaints and Patient Advocacy29:54 Resources and Support for PatientsLinks:You can find out more about the work of the HFEA in the following links: HFEA: HFEA: UK fertility regulator HFEA dashboard | HFEA Research and data | HFEA National Patient Survey 2024 | HFEA Treatment add-ons with limited evidence | HFEA Choose a fertility clinic | HFEAIf you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

Breaking the Silence – Fertility Journeys in the South Asian CommunityWhat happens when life doesn’t follow the path to parenthood? This heartfelt discussion explores identity, purpose, and creating a meaningful life beyond having children with honesty and openness. In this final episode of the Breaking the Silence series, host Anita Guru is joined by:Aisha Balesaria, Coach & Founder of MindBodyRevival_Coach; Writer, Speaker & Reproductive Health AdvocateDr Rima Lamba, Clinical Director & Counselling Psychologist, Blue River PsychologyMs Srividya Seshadri, Consultant Gynaecologist, Apex Fertility Together, they explore how to navigate life when the journey to parenthood takes an unexpected turn. Aisha shares her lived experience and reflections on redefining womanhood, while Dr Lamba and Dr Seshadri bring emotional and clinical perspectives on wellbeing and acceptance.This live recording was part of the Breaking the Silence – Fertility Journeys in the South Asian Community event, held on Tuesday 5th August 2025, bringing together voices from across the community to spark open, honest conversations about fertility and reproductive health.Find out more:If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below. Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111 DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

Breaking the Silence – Fertility Journeys in the South Asian CommunityA heartfelt conversation about grief, miscarriage, and IVF loss in the South Asian community. Our guests share powerful stories of healing, compassion, and finding light after heartbreak whilst balancing cultural expectations from both a lived experience and expert perspective. In this deeply moving discussion, host Anita Guru speaks with:Dr Rima Lamba, Clinical Director & Counselling Psychologist, Blue River PsychologyMadhuri Bedi, Outreach Coordinator for South Asian Communities, SANDSMs Srividya Seshadri, Consultant Gynaecologist, Apex FertilityTogether, they explore the pain and stigma surrounding baby loss, miscarriage, and failed IVF within South Asian communities. Madhuri shares her personal story of loss and advocacy, Dr Lamba brings a therapeutic lens to grief and resilience, and Dr Seshadri offers compassionate clinical insight.This live recording was part of the Breaking the Silence – Fertility Journeys in the South Asian Community event, held on Tuesday 5th August 2025, bringing together voices from across the community to spark open, honest conversations about fertility and reproductive health.Find out more:If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below. Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111 DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

Breaking the Silence – Fertility Journeys in the South Asian CommunityFive inspiring voices open up about fertility struggles, IVF, and breaking cultural taboos in South Asian communities. A raw, hopeful, and honest discussion about what it really means to navigate conception and community expectations.In this powerful opening episode, host Anita Guru is joined by:Dr Ravina Bhanot, GP & Women’s Health SpecialistRakhee Shah, Holistic Fertility Therapist, Integrated Functional Nutrition Practitioner & CoachMs Srividya Seshadri, Consultant Gynaecologist, Apex Fertility Seema Duggal, Fertility in the Workplace, Fertility Network UKAlpa Patel, BBC Presenter & ReporterTogether, they share clinical insights, lived experiences, and cultural perspectives on trying to conceive and undergoing IVF in South Asian communities. This episode breaks the silence around fertility struggles, challenges cultural expectations, and offers hope and solidarity to anyone walking a similar path.This live recording was part of the Breaking the Silence – Fertility Journeys in the South Asian Community event, held on Tuesday 5th August 2025, bringing together voices from across the community to spark open, honest conversations about fertility and reproductive health.Find out more:If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below. Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111 DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

SummaryDoctor Abraham Zavala joins from Clinica Tambre in Alicante and in this episode shares his advice and tips for people starting out on a fertility journey, explaining baseline tests and shares advice for anyone considering treatment abroad. Clinica Tambre are the official sponsor for Season 2 of Unspoken, and we are so excited to invite him onto this episode. From an early age, Dr Abraham Zavala knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine and found his true passion: gynaecology and reproductive medicine. During his training he discovered his interest in helping women and couples along their journey towards parenthood, which led him to specialise in fertility.Today, as part of the Tambre team, he not only contributes through his knowledge and experience in complex cases such as repeated implantation failure or recurrent pregnancy loss, but also with his empathy and commitment to each patient. Dr Zavala talks about his career, what he values most about his work and how he and his team treat each patient at Tambre with a comprehensive, human and attentive approach. Where to find Dr Abraham:Links:You can find out more about Doctor Abraham Zavala and Tambre here –https://www.instagram.com/dr_zavala_gynhttps://www.instagram.com/tambre_international/https://www.clinicatambre.com/en/dr-abraham-zavala-gynaecologisthttps://www.clinicatambre.com If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111We are now sponsored!We are thrilled that Season 2 is sponsored by Tambre – a leading Assisted Reproduction centre based in Madrid.Tambre believe that fertility care should be both advanced and deeply human.Find out more about them here https://www.clinicatambre.com/en/DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

In this episode, Dr Sharleen Hapuarachi from Bourn Hall Clinic, delves into the process of egg collection and freezing, genetic testing and recurrent miscarriage. She shares some common misconceptions and great advice for anyone seeking treatment.Doctor Sharleen is a Consultant at Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic and has established herself as a leading expert in the field of reproductive medicine, securing key roles in areas such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGTA), recurrent miscarriage clinics and transgender fertility preservation. Her dedication to patient advocacy and empowerment is evident in her approach to supporting individuals on their fertility journeys.With a particular interest in fertility preservation, especially social egg freezing, Sharleen is a passionate advocate for women having the right to choose the timing of starting a family. She believes that every woman should have the autonomy to make this decision on her own terms.In addition to her clinical work, Sharleen is committed to the education and development of future IVF specialists. She has initiated a rolling teaching program within her clinic for allied health practitioners in fertility, providing a platform for continuous learning through case reviews and reflections. This initiative has been instrumental in enhancing the knowledge and skills of those entering the field of reproductive medicine.Bourn Hall Clinic are an official partner of Fertility Network UK, they partner with Fertility in the Workplace initiative to improve the experience for those juggling workplace commitments alongside fertility treatment and have been paramount in producing the Clinic Pledge. Links:You can find out more about Doctor Sharleen and Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic here – https://www.bournhall.co.uk/clinic-team/dr-sharleen-hapuarachi/https://www.bournhall.co.ukIf you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below. Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111 We are now sponsored!We are thrilled that Season 2 is sponsored by Tambre – a leading Assisted Reproduction centre based in Madrid. Tambre believe that fertility care should be both advanced and deeply human.Find out more about them here https://www.clinicatambre.com/en/DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

In this episode, Anita Guru is joined by Seetal Savla to discuss the nuances within the South Asian community in relation to fertility, the unhelpful comments, her own lived experiences during a heartbreaking journey, and how to support someone who is on a fertility pathway.Seetal is a fertility patient advocate, writer and speaker. Having experienced multiple failed IVFs and losses before becoming mum to a daughter, she is passionate about sharing her story to support others and challenge stigma - particularly within South Asian communities. Seetal is dedicated to creating space for honest, compassionate conversations around fertility, loss and hope. Through her writing and advocacy, she helps others feel less alone in their journeys.Don’t miss the South Asian Heritage Month Event on 5th August 2025 in LondonWhere to find Seetal:Follow Seetal's story and work on Instagram @seetalsavlaYou can read some of Seetal’s work below:Infertility as an Indian woman for HuffPost UKWhere are all the South Asian egg donors for Metro If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111We are now sponsored!We are thrilled that Season 2 is sponsored by Tambre – a leading Assisted Reproduction centre based in Madrid.Tambre believe that fertility care should be both advanced and deeply human.Find out more about them here https://www.clinicatambre.com/en/DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

In this episode, host Anita is joined by Ogechi Ekwegh, an award-winning volunteer with Fertility Network UK, where she facilitates the Black Women's Group. Over the past four years, she has dedicated her time to volunteering for the charity, including partnering with Gaia Family and Fertility Network UK to organise a mental health and fertility event. Having undergone fertility treatment herself, Ogechi is also exploring alternative paths to motherhood. In addition to her volunteer work, Ogechi is a project manager responsible for planning Judicial recruitment across England and Wales. Where to find Ogechi:You can find out Ogechi here on Instagram @faith_fertilitysupport If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111We are now sponsored!We are thrilled that Season 2 is sponsored by Tambre – a leading Assisted Reproduction centre based in Madrid.Tambre believe that fertility care should be both advanced and deeply human.Find out more about them here https://www.clinicatambre.com/en/DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

Doctor Justin Chu, Medical Director at TFP Oxford Fertility, joins Anita Guru in today's episode, which focuses on male fertility. They explore some of the tests available, common myths and advice for men who wish to preserve or improve their fertility.In April 2024, Dr Justin joined TFP Oxford to provide clinical leadership. He is committed to delivering holistic and expert care to women and couples seeking fertility and recurrent miscarriage assessment and treatment.Justin continues to lead Tommy's Recurrent Miscarriage Centre in Birmingham. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and currently supervises two PhD students at the University of Birmingham.TFP Fertility is an official partner of Fertility Network UK and supports the charity's work for male infertility. The partnership aims to break the silence surrounding male infertility and enable men to speak up about the impact a diagnosis of infertility has on their mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as help them navigate the support available. Where to find Dr Justin Chu:Links:You can find out more about Doctor Justin Chu here - https://tfp-fertility.com/en-gb/tfp-oxford-fertility/our-clinic/team/justin-chu Find TFP Fertility here - https://tfp-fertility.com/Link to resources on HIM Fertility and support group https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/himfertility/If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111We are now sponsored!We are thrilled that Season 2 is sponsored by Tambre – a leading Assisted Reproduction centre based in Madrid.Tambre believe that fertility care should be both advanced and deeply human.Find out more about them here https://www.clinicatambre.com/en/DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

In this episode, host Anita is joined by Geordie Shore and TOWIE star Sophie Kasaei, who has been on a fertility journey for the last 2.5 years with her partner Jordan Brook. She has been documenting her personal journey with fertility on her own social media platforms and on her own 4-part documentary "Geordie Stories: Sophie’s Fertility Journey' available now to watch on Paramount Plus.Guest details Sophie shot to fame in the massive MTV show Geordie Shore in May 2011 and won over the nation. Sophie’s warm and engaging character shone through as she forged lifelong friendships with her cast mates and soon became the nation’s sweetheart.Since being on TV, Sophie has travelled the world, seeing and conquering things such as attending the star studded VMA’s rubbing shoulders with Global superstars. Her fame has built her an ever-growing loyal fan base. Sophie featured in both Geordie OG’s (MTV) and Celebrity Ex on the Beach (MTV), as well as hosting the Geordie Shore after show, Geordie More, on Facebook Watch. Sophie’s career continues to thrive, as does her personal life. She has found her forever love with TOWIE star Jordan Brook and is now a firm fixture in the TOWIE show. As a couple, Sophie and Jordan have documented their struggle to conceive, which led to filming a 4-part documentary ‘Every Woman’ on MTV digital late 2024. Such was the phenomenal reaction to the show, it has now been premiered on Paramount Plus under the new title ‘Geordie Stories: Sophie’s Fertility Journey’.She continues her fertility journey with partner Jordan, and wants nothing more than to fall pregnant during 2025. They are continuing to go above and beyond to make this a reality. And whilst it’s a very testing time, Sophie remains confident and positive. Watch the documentary here:On Paramount Plus - https://www.paramountplus.com/gb/shows/video/szxuVpJqni6_L_GQ_gJmVAQzJYv6uJqt/ On YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMAcrBLSh5a-O7jVUD64s-0L5wha44kXH&si=Cp3nUIb1I1FuXnEgWhere to find Sophie:Links:https://www.instagram.com/sophiekasaei_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sophiekasaeiIf you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below. Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111 We are now sponsored!We are thrilled that Season 2 is sponsored by Tambre – a leading Assisted Reproduction centre based in Madrid. Tambre believe that fertility care should be both advanced and deeply human.Find out more about them here https://www.clinicatambre.com/en/DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

In this episode, host Anita is joined by Jeremy Edwards who talks about his experience with infertility, IVF treatment and the experience from a male perspective. He is incredibly open about the journey to parenthood and the impact on his relationship. Guest detailsJeremy’s career began in TV and as a model when Jeremy landed the role of Kurt Benson in Hollyoaks, he has been a guest presenter on shows like GMTV, then onto Holby City and Millie Inbetween. He married Lydia Metz in 2009 and they have two children together through IVF.Jeremy is now stepping into a bold new role — as a truth-teller, change-seeker, and passionate advocate — with the launch of his brand new Social media channel, TWIST: The Way I See Things. Where to find Jeremy:Links:https://www.instagram.com/jq_edwardshttps://www.tiktok.com/@jeremytwist If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111We are now sponsored!We are thrilled that Season 2 is sponsored by Tambre – a leading Assisted Reproduction centre based in Madrid.Tambre believe that fertility care should be both advanced and deeply human.Find out more about them here https://www.clinicatambre.com/en/DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

Jessica Hepburn joins host Anita Guru to talk about her experiences with infertility, living a life childless not by choice and how adventure has formed a part of her healing journey from multiple losses due to infertility. Jessica openly shares the impact on her life, relationship and career, this is not an episode to be missed!Guest detailsJessica is an author, arts producer and, refers to herself as ‘the most unlikely adventure activist!’Jessica’s own fertility journey lasted 10 years with 10 cycles of unsuccessful IVF where she experienced grief and loss, but found solace in new adventures such as writing. Her books, The Pursuit of Motherhood, 21 miles and Save me from the Waves, take you on an alternative adventure through the ups and downs of her life and provide advice and comfort for those who are on a similar journey. Her books are now being released as a special trilogy.Jessica is the only woman in the world to have completed The Sea, Street, Summit Challenge which involved running the London marathon, swimming the English Channel and then climbing to the top of Mount Everest! Links:Find Jessica’s books here Books - Jessica HepburnJessica’s website - Jessica HepburnYou can find Jessica on Instagram at Jessica Hepburn (@jessica_hepburn_) If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111We are now sponsored!We are thrilled that Season 2 is sponsored by Tambre – a leading Assisted Reproduction centre based in Madrid.Tambre believe that fertility care should be both advanced and deeply human.Find out more about them here https://www.clinicatambre.com/en/DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

In this episode, we are joined by Kim Stubbs from HSBC to talk about fertility in the workplace. Kim shares her own personal experiences of navigating infertility and recurrent baby loss in the workplace and shares advice for anyone navigating a journey to parenthood. Kim discusses the work that HSBC has done in supporting employees through the Employee Resource Group, Journey, and the ways that employees can advocate for themselves to ensure they get the right level of support.Guest detailsKim Stubbs has had a successful career at HSBC spanning 20 years and is currently Head of Supported Banking Journeys at HSBC UK and Co-Chair of Journey ERG. The Journey ERG was a finalist in the Working Family Best Practice Awards in 2024 for the category of Best for Supporting Different Pathways to Parenthood. HSBC UK recently expanded its partnership with Fertility Network UK through the Journey ERG. This collaboration allows the opportunity to build on the incredible work that has already taken place through collaboration and further support individuals navigating the many different pathways to parenthood.Links:Link to Fertility Network UK’s, Fertility in the Workplace resources: https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/fertility-in-the-workplace/If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

In this episode, we are joined by the amazing, eloquent and brave Ruth Corden, who talks about the experience of being childless not by choice after a long journey with infertility. Ruth talks about the mental and emotional agony living with infertility, the impact of pregnancy announcements, how she navigated relationships, and how she made the decision after much heartache to live childless. Guest detailsRuth Corden is a podcaster and co-hosts the podcast series, Finding The Funny.Ruth lives childless not by choice after she and her husband, Matthew, had tried to grow their family for 11 years. The season of trying was full of despair and at points, hope was lost. Since the latter part of 2019, Ruth has made the conscious effort to live an intentional joy filled life, not being a mum has been then hardest thing she has endured, but she knows her mother’s heart with empty arms is so needed in society. Matthew and Ruth remain committed to finding the joy in a story that they didn’t think would be theirs. Links:Link to Ruth’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruth_cordenFinding the Funny podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finding-the-funny/id1518867893If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

SummaryGrace MacDonald is the second woman in the world to give birth through IVF and her story is significant in the history of reproductive medicine. Grace talks about her experiences with the early trials that are depicted in the Netflix film, Joy. She talks about her relationship with the scientists, especially embryologist Jean Purdy, how it has impacted her life and resilience through her journey. Guest detailsGrace MacDonald gave birth to her son, Alastair MacDonald on the 14th January 1979, following Lesley Brown, who was the first to undergo IVF and give birth to a child, Louise Brown, in England.Grace, who was a teacher at the time, volunteered to participate in the IVF research after reading an article in the magazine Lancet. She had to keep her involvement a secret due to the controversy surrounding the new technique. After many failed attempts, she became pregnant on the second cycle of IVF treatment. Grace’s pregnancy followed the pioneering work of Dr. Patrick Steptoe and Dr. Robert Edwards and embryologist Jean Purdy, the British doctors who developed the first successful IVF procedure.Her case was significant as it showed the repeated success of IVF treatment, marking an important moment in the history of reproductive technology. Her contribution to IVF's success has helped shape the field, which today enables millions of families to have children through assisted reproductive technologies. Grace has recently joined Fertility Network UK as a patron and will supporting the mission of the charity. Links:Link to Bourn Hall - https://www.bournhall.co.uk/If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

Jack Thorne and Rachel Mason join host Anita Guru to talk about the release on the 22nd November 2024 of the new Netflix film, Joy, which tells the story of how IVF was born and the story of the pioneering scientists behind it. Jack and Rachel are very candid and open about their own personal journey with infertility and IVF treatment, which was one of the driving forces to write the phenomenal film.Jack Thorne is a BAFTA and Tony Award-winning screenwriter and theatre writer. His film credits include The Swimmers; Enola Holmes and Enola Holmes 2, starring Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin; The Aeronauts, starring Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne; and Wonder; starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson. Thorne’s TV credits include His Dark Materials, Help and Best Interests. On the theatre side, he wrote the Tony and Olivier Award-winning Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and most recently The Motive and the Cue, directed by Sam Mendes.Rachel Mason is half of The Mason Sisters artist management, who represent the multi-award-winning Charlie and Daisy May Cooper (This Country). Joy marks Mason's debut collaboration with her husband Jack Thorne, with whom Mason went through her own IVF journey, leading to their own source of joy – their son, Elliott.Link to Guardian article mentioned in the episode - - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/nov/10/screenwriter-jack-thorne-ivf-joy-film-netflixIf you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/www.instagram.com/fertilitynetworkukhttps://www.facebook.com/FertilityNetworkUKwww.linkedin.com/company/fertility-network-ukhttps://www.tiktok.com/@fertililitynetworkukhttps://x.com/FertilityNUKwww.youtube.com/@FertilityNetworkUKDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.

Dr Thanos Papathanasiou from Bourn Hall Clinic joins Anita Guru and talks about the history of Bourn Hall, the first ever IVF clinic, which is part of the new Netflix film Joy, released on the 22nd November, which is all about the pioneers of IVF. Dr Thanos talks about the emotional triggers of treatment, how clinics can take a compassionate approach to support patient’s mental health, navigating the start and ending of treatment, how to approach medical conditions linked to fertility, the experience of miscarriage and advocating for yourself as a patient.Guest detailsDr. Thanos Papathanasiou is a prominent IVF and fertility specialist, serving as the CEO and Medical Director at Bourn Hall Clinic, the world’s first IVF clinic.He earned his medical doctorate from the University of London, where he researched reproductive disorders. His clinical expertise includes managing poor responses to IVF stimulation drugs, requiring highly individualised treatment approaches. He has published influential, highly cited papers on poor ovarian response.Before joining Bourn Hall, Dr. Papathanasiou established a successful career in Greece, recognised as an expert in fertility and endocrinology. He has published a book on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and has extensive experience in the fertility and endocrine clinics of major London hospitals.His work consistently emphasises the integration of patient-centred care with advanced medical treatments.At Bourn Hall, Dr. Papathanasiou has led initiatives to enhance patient support and streamline fertility treatments. He has also collaborated with Fertility Network UK (FNUK) on the “Fertility in the Workplace” (FiTW) initiative. This programme helps employers implement policies that support employees undergoing fertility treatments, addressing the impact of infertility on their professional lives. Dr. Papathanasiou advocates for flexible appointment schedules and supportive workplace policies to minimise the treatment’s impact on patients’ careers.Dr. Papathanasiou’s dedication to excellence and compassionate care has earned him a reputation as a leading figure in reproductive medicine, and his work with FNUK exemplifies his commitment to holistic patient support.Links:www.bournhall.co.ukhttps://www.gov.uk/request-baby-loss-certificateTrauma research and support https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/access-support/trauma-support/If you are struggling and need support, please contact the charity at https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ or organisations that can support your mental health are below.Contact Samaritans on 116 123Contact NHS on 111DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast.