Talking Away the Taboo with Dr. Aimee Baron

In this episode, IWSTHAB's Surrogacy Support Consultant Aliza Abrams Konig sits down with Andrea Syrtash, a relationship expert and founder of Pregnantish, and her cousin Elana Syrtash-Ochs, an early childhood educator and enentrepreneur, to discuss their shared journey through gestational surrogacy. The conversation explores the profound emotional shift that occurs when a family member steps in after years of infertility, loss, and the heartbreak of being ghosted by a previous surrogate. Andrea reflects on her winding path to parenthood, marked by endometriosis, multiple miscarriages, and the eventual realization that she needed a gestational carrier. After a devastating experience with a surrogate who disappeared mid-process, Elana moved the family toward healing by offering to carry Andrea's baby herself. Together, they navigate the unique dynamics of intrafamily surrogacy, discussing how they set healthy boundaries, managed the curiosity of young children, and even educated hospital staff on how to respectfully handle a surrogacy birth. Their story is a powerful testament to trust, "beshert" timing, and the strength of family bonds. If you are navigating the complexities of surrogacy this episode offers a roadmap of honesty and hope. View additional surrogacy resources: here More about Andrea Syrtash: Andrea Syrtash is a relationships and sexual health author, fertility advocate, and founder of Pregnantish—the first media platform exclusively dedicated to helping people navigate fertility treatments and infertility. She is also the founder of the World Fertility Awards, the first global, consumer-facing event recognizing and celebrating assisted reproductive technology and the future of family. Andrea is passionate about supporting the 1 in 6 diagnosed with infertility worldwide, as well as the many more who lack access to the care and information they need to build their families. She is the author of multiple books published by Penguin Random House, including He's Just Not Your Type (And That's a Good Thing) and Cheat on Your Husband (With Your Husband) She has hosted television programs for Oprah's OWN (Canada), Discovery Network, and Fox, and regularly appears as a guest expert in global media including Good Morning America, Women's Health, The Times of India, Forbes Brazil and NHK Japan. Andrea hosts the Pregnantish podcast, which explores the extraordinary lengths people go to create their families through science and was recently named a New York Times–recommended listen. As Editor-in-Chief of pregnantish, Andrea authored and helped lead one of the largest studies on fertility patient retention, "Why I Left My Fertility Clinic for Another ART Provider," published in Human Reproduction (2022). Originally from Toronto, Andrea lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter, who was born via gestational surrogacy after many years of fertility treatment. She remains deeply committed to breaking the stigma around infertility and elevating conversations about modern family-building. Connect with Andrea: - Check out Andrea's Instagram - Visit her website here - Send her an email More about Elana Syrtash-Ochs, M.Ed: Originally from Toronto, Canada, Elana (Syrtash) Ochs has been involved in children's programming for over 20 years. Elana is the owner and director of Kol Chaverim Preschool in Fair Lawn, NJ which was founded in 2012 as well as KC Kids Aftercare program at Yeshivat He'Atid, in Teaneck, NJ, founded in 2016. Elana also created Gan Yavneh Daycare and served as Yavneh Academy's Preschool Director and Manager for 3 years from its inception in 2017. Elana has several years of experience as an educator, preschool director, camp director and consulting director for programs all around NY & NJ. Elana ran her swim program, Morah Elana's Swim, in Englewood from 2012-2022 and was the Program Director & Host at Upscale Getaways Passover Program in Niagara Falls, Canada for several years as well. Elana graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in English Literature, a Minor in Music and an A.A. in Judaic Studies. She also earned a dual Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education at Touro College, NY. Prior to working as a Preschool Director, Elana worked as an EMT in New York. She was also the Head Lifeguard at the camp run by the Hebrew Academy for Special Children (HASC) for 2 years. Elana was selected to join Teach for America in 2008 and served as a special educator and corps member in Harlem and the Bronx. Connect with Elana: - Check out Elana's Instagram and Facebook - Send her an email More about Aliza Abrams Konig, MSW: Aliza Abrams Konig is the Director of Student Leadership at Yeshiva University. Throughout Aliza's career, she has worked within areas of student life, team building, creating curricula, and Experiential Education. Earlier in Aliza's career she served as the YU Director of Alumni Engagement, Assistant Principal at Central, Yeshiva University High School for Girls, Director of Student Life at Stern College, and as the Director of Jewish Service Learning for the University. Aliza is a member of the inaugural Wexner Field Fellows program through the Wexner Foundation. As a sought-after consultant on surrogacy, Aliza is passionate about raising awareness around surrogacy in the Jewish community. She has spoken on podcasts, worldwide in synagogues, community centers, and schools about the contemporary Jewish family, dating, infertility, and surrogacy. Aliza holds a BA in Judaic Studies from Stern College, and a Master's in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and is now a doctoral candidate at Wurzweiler. Aliza, her husband Samuel, and their family live in Riverdale, New York, where they are very involved with their community, synagogue, and other local organizations. Connect with Aliza: - Set up a surrogacy consultation here - Contact her via email - Connect on Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

In this two-part conversation, we return to Sarah Guigue's fertility journey with honesty, vulnerability, and deep intention. When we first recorded in November 2025, Sarah was still pregnant. She made the brave choice to speak in the middle of it, not after the ending was known, because she wanted to capture the raw intensity of pregnancy after loss. The fear. The hope. The constant calculations. The way joy and terror lived side by side. Sarah shares how private she wanted to be during that pregnancy. How she almost didn't tell her immediate family. How she entered what she calls her "nesting" period, pulling inward, limiting public appearances, and protecting herself from questions and commentary that felt too heavy to carry. Not because she wasn't grateful, but because she was surviving. She speaks powerfully about the strength it took to try again. About her deep belief that G-d co-creates life with us, and that we are meant to be vessels, even when the risk feels unbearable. That faith didn't erase fear, but it gave her the courage to move forward anyway. In the second half of this episode, recorded after the birth of her baby, Sarah reflects on how her emotions have shifted. What stayed with her. What surprised her. And how pregnancy after loss doesn't simply end at delivery, even when the outcome is joyful. This episode is for anyone who has lived in the in-between. Anyone who protected their heart by staying quiet. Anyone who kept going not because they were fearless, but because something deeper carried them forward. More about Sarah Guigue: Sarah Encaoua Guigue is a passionate coach, educator, writer, MC, and content creator devoted to living and sharing the light of Chassidus. Through her platform Hassidic Hipster Girl, she brings deep spiritual ideas into relatable, modern conversation—infusing daily life with meaning, joy, and connection to Hashem. Driven by the Lubavitcher Rebbe's vision of Dira Betachtonim—making a dwelling place for Hashem here in the physical world, Sarah guides women & girls from stuck to soul-aligned through her 1:1 coaching, and various offerings. She can be reached via Instagram DMs @hassidic.hipster.girl Connect with Sarah: - Check out Sarah's Instagram - Visit her website here - Connect with Sarah via email Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

On this re-released episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Romy Shulman joins Aimee Baron, MD for a thoughtful and practical conversation about how to celebrate Purim while honoring your mental health. Purim is meant to be joyful, but it can also feel overwhelming. Together they explore how choosing a smaller Megillah reading with fewer children can create a more manageable and meaningful experience. They also discuss rethinking mishloach manot by giving gifts of food specifically to those who have supported you, rather than feeling obligated to give to everyone you know. The conversation also reframes the Purim seuda (meal), suggesting that instead of hosting a large gathering, people may consider making the meal more intimate to connect more deeply. This episode offers empowering permission to celebrate differently and create a Purim that feels aligned and intentional.    Connect with Chana, UK: -Check out their website here - View their Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn  

In this episode, Aimee speaks with "Q" about infertility, identity, and redefining motherhood. She shares her diagnosis of PCOS and the emotional toll of years of fertility treatments, including multiple IUIs. Q discusses the decision she made to look into other options. She opens up about the heartbreak of closed doors, including her 15-year hope of adopting from Ethiopia, which became complicated after policy changes. F shares how she ultimately built her family through domestic adoption in the United States after navigating the cultural pressure to have biological children, and stereotypes about fertility in Black women. This conversation is a powerful reminder that family-building can look different than expected and still be deeply intentional and sacred. Note:  "Q" is a pseudonym and the voices in this episode have been altered to ensure the anonymity of our guest   Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

In this episode of Talking Away the Taboo, Aimee sits down with Shira Sussi, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, for an honest conversation about pregnancy loss, the challenges of returning to work afterward, and her journey of building a family while holding joy and grief simultaneously. Shira shares her path to motherhood, which includes multiple losses, two medical terminations, and the emotional complexities of parenting after loss. She opens up about the stigma surrounding pregnancy loss and termination, as well as how grief has reshaped both her personal life and professional approach. The conversation also explores how Shira navigated the blending of different Jewish backgrounds within her marriage and vulnerability of talking about loss with her children. If you're navigating loss, seeking healing, or trying to find your way through a transition, this episode is for you. More about Shira Sussi MS RD CDN: Shira Sussi MS RD CDN is a Brooklyn-based registered dietitian nutritionist and mother of two living children. She supports families during the all-encompassing life-phase of pregnancy and postpartum, and teaches parents simple, practical approaches to creating more intuitive eaters while building a positive feeding relationship with their child. Connect with Shira: - Check out Shira's Instagram - Visit her website Shira Sussi Nutrition - Connect with Shira via email Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn  

In this episode of Talking Away the Taboo, Dr. Baron is joined by Hadassah Eventsur, an occupational therapist and life coach, for a deeply needed conversation about neurodiversity in Jewish life, and how that contributes to a smaller family size.   Hadassah reached out to name something many women feel but struggle to articulate: the pain of wanting a large family while knowing that undiagnosed ADHD or other neurodivergent traits make the day-to-day demands of parenting feel overwhelming or unsustainable. Dr. Baron names this experience as circumstantial infertility, where the barrier to growing a family isn't medical, but rooted in capacity, support, and how the world is built.   Hadassah shares her own journey of recognizing her neurodivergence, the coping strategies she developed long before she had language for them, and the shame that so often accompanies doing things "differently." From challah baking to daily routines, she explains how COVID became a turning point in understanding her brain with more compassion.   Together, they explore: Why neurodivergent women often feel unseen and unsupported How communal expectations around motherhood can deepen shame The difference between desire and capacity, and why both matter Practical, realistic tools for executive functioning and emotional regulation The power of community over advice, fixes, or judgment This conversation is for anyone who has ever thought, "I want more, but I don't know how I'd survive it," and felt alone in that tension. It's an invitation to widen how we define infertility, support, and what it means to make thoughtful, loving decisions without shame. More about Hadassah Eventsur, MS, OTR/L: Hadassah Eventsur, MS, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist, Transformational Coach, Mishpacha Magazine contributor on Neurodivergence in adult women and the Founder of MindfullyYou, a Supportive Community for the Frum Neurodiverse Population.  Connect with Hadassah: - Check out Hadassah's Instagram - Visit her website Mindfully You and set up an appointment   Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

In this episode of Talking Away the Taboo, Dr. Baron is joined again by Pam Krooth as they pick up right where their first conversation ended, the moment Pam received the call about a little boy available for adoption. Pam shares her experience adopting her son, David, from Ethiopia, including the emotional weight of the legal process, the heartbreak of separation during visa delays, and the realities of bringing a young child into a new country, culture, and family. She reflects on the importance of ethical adoption practices, thorough preparation, and honest self-assessment before choosing this path. The conversation also explores raising a child of color in a Jewish family, navigating dual racial and cultural identities, and why love alone isn't enough without intentional representation and open, ongoing dialogue. Pam emphasizes respecting a child's timeline, avoiding secrecy in adoption, and creating space for age-appropriate conversations about identity and origins. This episode offers an honest look at what adoption truly asks of parents, and how openness, humility, and care help build trust over time. More about Pam Krooth, LCSW: Pam Krooth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who resides in Maryland with her husband, two children and French Bulldog. She is the mother of a biological and adopted child. She is currently on the Board of Directors at The Lab School of Washington, DC, an independent private school for children with language based learning differences. And is on the Board of Directors at Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE), an organization that provides mental health treatment and education to adoptive, foster and kinship individuals and families, as well as training in adoption competency to professionals working with these populations. Resources: - Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) Connect with Pam: -Check out Pam's Instagram - Contact Pam via email at pamela.k@therapist.net Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn  

In this episode, Aimee sits down with Amanda Bryk, a new IWSTHAB board member, to talk honestly about miscarriage, anxiety, and the complicated reality of building a family after loss. Amanda shares her first miscarriage and the shock of learning there was no heartbeat at an early ultrasound, navigating that moment without her husband Darren present due to residency, and the emotional weight of making decisions no one prepares you for. As her losses continued, Amanda opens up about how anxiety followed her into subsequent pregnancies and how grief doesn't disappear just because you go on to have living children. Together, Aimee and Amanda talk about balancing careers, relocations, and family planning, the absence of miscarriage leave in the workplace, and the pressure to share deeply personal information just to get through the day. Amanda reflects on circumstantial infertility, social media support after loss, invasive questions that often come from ignorance, and the unexpected comfort of finding others who truly understand. This conversation also explores partnership. Amanda shares how she and Darren navigated different expectations around family size, guilt, responsibility, and how they kept showing up for one another through uncertainty, COVID, moves, and traumatic pregnancies. If you've experienced miscarriage, pregnancy loss, fertility anxiety, or the emotional whiplash of holding gratitude and grief at the same time, this episode is for you. You're not alone, and you're not doing it wrong. More about Amanda Bryk, JD: Amanda Bryk is a non-practicing attorney who worked in the financial markets practice of an AM100 law firm for 5 years. Amanda struggled with multiple pregnancy losses and secondary infertility and turned to social media when she felt alone within her community. She is excited to be a part of IWSTHAB and give back to a cause deeply personal to her family. Amanda now devotes her time to her husband (a urologist specializing in male infertility) and 3 children, volunteering at their school and volunteering within the Hollywood, Florida Jewish community. Connect with Amanda: -Check out Amanda on Instagram and connect with her via email Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

In this episode, Tamar and Giddy share their story - how they met, fell in love, and built a marriage shaped by multiple losses, 11 rounds of IVF, and the constant waiting that comes with not knowing what's next. They talk openly about how infertility impacts a marriage, how they learned to support each other while grieving differently, and the role therapy, creativity, faith, and community played in helping them survive the most challenging moments. Tamar also shares how their Instagram page, Tales of Tamar, became a creative outlet and source of connection during COVID — and how telling their story changed their relationship. The episode also touches on the added complexities of navigating fertility challenges in Israel, the assumptions people make about adoption and surrogacy, and what it feels like to be "hostage to infertility." Woven throughout is a conversation about emuna, doubt, and finding meaning without tidy answers. Want to be inspired by a couple who doesn't have all the answers? This episode shows how they navigate hope, loss, and the unknown while staying connected and resilient. Resources: Mercaz Panim (Rachi Hain) Bonei Olam Tahreinu Leeman Hayeled (Adoption in Israel) Bar Toov (Male Infertility) More about Tamar Ben Tzvi: Tamar Ben Tzvi is the founder of Tales Of, a social media company helping mission-driven businesses and organizations, and @talesoftamar, her Instagram page, which she started 5.5 years ago to break the ice around infertility in the Orthodox Jewish community and create a safe space for open conversation about taboo topics. Tamar and her husband, Giddy Ben Tzvi, live in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel, and have been happily married for over 9 years. Together, they are navigating a long and challenging fertility journey of 7.5 years. Through Tales of Tamar, Tamar runs two initiatives: a Tefillah initiative that pairs people up to daven for others going through a similar struggle, and a challah-baking initiative in which people bake as a Tefillah for those struggling with infertility. Connect with Tamar: -Check out Tamar's Instagram  - View her website and connect with her via email at Tamar@tales-of.com More about Giddy Ben Tzvi: Giddy Ben Tzvi, originally from Rockville Maryland, he is a proud alum of the Melvin J.Berman Hebrew Academy (Here We go Cougars Here we go!), Yeshivat Torat Shraga, and holds a B.A. in Psychology from Yeshiva University. He works as a recruiter for UrbanRecruits, where he works to help jobseekers find gainful employment in the Israeli job market. He lives in Ramat Bet Shemesh with his incredible wife Tamar, he enjoys learning Torah, especially works of Machshava (Jewish Thought), playing a good game of basketball, going for a good run, chillin with friends, and watching some quality TV with Tamar. Connect with Giddy: - Check out his Instagram and Facebook - Connect with Giddy via email   Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

This episode brings together the science, the medicine, and the lived experience behind BRCA mutations.  Emily Goldberg, JScreen's Director of Genetic Counseling Services, breaks down what these mutations are, how they're inherited, and what the actual cancer risks look like. Dr. Melissa Frey, a GYN oncologist at Cornell who works closely with high-risk families, walks us through what happens after someone tests positive — from screening to risk-reducing surgeries to the big conversations around fertility and timing. We also hear from Heather Boussi, who shares her powerful story of living with both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. She talks about diagnosis, surveillance, surgeries, and how this all shaped her family-building decisions. Lastly, we look at what BRCA means for men, how that journey differs, and why PGT can still be an option. If you or someone you love is navigating this, we close with places to turn for support: JScreen, Sharsheret, I Was Supposed To Have A Baby, and Stardust (links below). It's a mix of expertise, honesty, and heart — the kind of conversation so many people wish they had heard earlier, especially when faced with such difficult decisions.  Note: This episode is the 4th of a series of 5 that we are collaborating on with Jscreen in 2025.  Take a look at our previous three episodes here : Episode 157: Introduction to Genetics and Infertility Episode 166: Fragile X Syndrome: A Silent Factor in Infertility Episode 185: It's Not Just Her: Male Factor Fertility and Genetics Uncovered Resources: Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program Facing Our Risk Empowered (FORCE) Jewish Fertility Foundation Stardust Foundation Sharsheret JScreen More about Emily Goldberg: Emily Goldberg serves as the Director of Genetic Counseling Services at jscreen, where she is dedicated to helping individuals understand and manage their genetic health. With dual bachelor's degrees in biology and psychology from Brandeis University and a master's degree in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College, Ms. Goldberg has been a certified genetic counselor since 2011. Prior to joining jscreen, she worked at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, specializing in prenatal and cancer genetics. In addition to her role at jscreen, Ms. Goldberg is committed to education, serving as an Instructor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and adjunct faculty at Sarah Lawrence College, where she teaches and mentors future genetic counselors. Her expertise and dedication make her a key member of the jscreen team. Connect with JScreen: - visit their website here - check out their Instagram   More about Melissa Frey, MD: Dr. Melissa Frey is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Director of the Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program at Weill Cornell Medicine / NewYork Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Frey's clinical care and research focus on the management of individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes (e.g. BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome) and strong family history of breast and gynecologic cancers. She performs gynecologic cancer risk-reducing surgeries and is the principal investigator on several large trials aimed at cancer prevention among high-risk individuals. Dr. Frey has presented her research at national and international meetings and has more than 130 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Connect with Dr. Melissa Frey: - check out her Instagram  - view the Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program website   More about Heather Boussi :  Heather grew up in Westchester, NY and now lives in Englewood, NJ with her husband and three children. Her personal experience with hereditary cancer risk and genetic testing has made her a passionate advocate for awareness, education, and empowerment in women's health. Grounded in faith and family, Heather shares her story to help others approach life's challenges with strength, perspective, and gratitude. Connect with Heather: - check out Heather's Instagram and connect with her via email   Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

Like so many, Pam Krooth, LCSW, spent years trying not to get pregnant, only to find herself aching for the thing she once assumed would come easily. What followed was a long, emotional road marked by pain, heartbreak, and the slow, painful shift between expectation and reality. Throughout Pam's story, we see how the path to the family she hoped for looked nothing like what she once imagined, and how hard it was when the timing was out of her control. After infertility, postpartum depression, and a miraculous adoption, she found her way to a different kind of motherhood, which reminds us to stay open to the many ways a family can be created, because the unexpected path can sometimes lead somewhere even more beautiful. This raw, honest conversation reminds us that there isn't one way to become a parent, and that every path, however unexpected, is miraculous. More about Pam Krooth: Pam Krooth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who resides in Maryland with her husband, two children and French Bulldog. She is the mother of a biological and adopted child. She is currently on the Board of Directors at The Lab School of Washington, DC, an independent private school for children with language based learning differences. And is on the Board of Directors at Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE), an organization that provides mental health treatment and education to adoptive, foster and kinship individuals and families, as well as training in adoption competency to professionals working with these populations. Resources: - Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) Connect with Pam: -Check out Pam's Instagram - Contact Pam via email at pamela.k@therapist.net Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

A husband and wife sit down together to share their full fertility journey - from trying earlier than expected, to three heartbreaking miscarriages, IVF, October 7th, and ultimately, welcoming two beautiful daughters. In this deeply personal conversation, Rabbi Danny and Tamara Stein speak openly about the experience from both perspectives: the pain of loss, the fear of pregnancy after miscarriage, the anxiety of parenting during times of crisis, and the ongoing work of staying connected as a couple. They also reflect on what it means for men to have space to grieve, hope, and believe, and what it's like to navigate infertility and loss while serving as clergy, balancing the role of comforting others with managing their own heartbreak. More about Rabbi Danny Stein: Danny Stein is the rabbi of the Selma and Lawrence Ruben Base UWS, a pluralistic Jewish community for 20s & 30s in New York-based out of his and his wife Tamara's home. He feels passionate about helping folks connect with Judaism in ways meaningful for themselves. After being supported by IWSTHAB amidst his own fertility journey filled with losses and uncertainty, Danny is proud to help change the conversation within Jewish communities. He loves studying Hasidut, eating sushi, and is an overjoyed abbah (father) to their IVF baby. Connect with Rabbi Danny Stein: -Contact his personal Instagram and Upper West Side BASE Instagram More about Tamara Stein (J.D.): Tamara is originally from Sacramento, CA, but has been living on the East Coast and in the Midwest for well over a decade. She moved to the Upper West Side of New York City in 2023 to create Base UWS, a pluralistic, diverse, vibrant Jewish community for 20s and 30s out of her and her husband Danny's home. Tamara is a lawyer who received her J.D. from Suffolk University in Boston, MA. On top of helping to run Base UWS, Tamara currently works full-time as the Deputy Director at Mayday Health, a non-profit that educates folks on medication abortion and how to access it in all 50 states. She is passionate about using her love of policy, law, operations, and strategic thinking to contribute to health equity and access, and feels privileged to have been given the opportunity to merge her passions with a career. Tamara loves (in no particular order): eating sushi, traveling to visit friends and family, trying new workout classes around the city, making challah, arguing about anything and everything, watching The Bachelor, and taking long walks on Shabbat with no destination in mind. Lastly, she is the very proud and grateful mom to her two favorite little kiddos- Ruthie (2) and Avi (almost 1!) Connect with Tamara Stein: -Visit her Instagram -Check out the Upper West Side BASE   Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn  

What happens when you have a profound loss, but no grave to visit?  In this episode, Danielle shares her unique fertility journey — one that challenges our assumptions about what "fertility struggles" look like. From the joy of welcoming her third child to the unexpected trauma that followed, Danielle opens up about grief that doesn't come with a funeral, the profound loss of her ability to have more children, and the moments when her pain felt invisible. We explore how her body carries memory and trauma, how medical care and community influenced her recovery, and the ways she has found growth and meaning in the aftermath. Danielle's story reminds us that resilience isn't about pretending nothing happened — it's about choosing how to live with it, learning from it, and finding new ways to move forward.   More about Danielle Mizrahi (LCSW): Danielle Mizrahi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified perinatal mental health specialist (PMH-C) with a private practice in West Hempstead, NY. She currently specializes in maternal mental health and working with women throughout the reproductive lifespan. Danielle was drawn to IWSTHAB because of her own personal experiences with infertility. She is committed to supporting others through their own journeys to creating a family. Danielle lives in West Hempstead with her husband and 3 miracles, Reuben, Jacob and Sarah. Connect with Danielle Mizrahi: -Visit her Instagram: The Mended Motherhood Collective -Contact Danielle via email Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

Infertility isn't only a women's issue, though too often, it's talked about like it is. In this episode, we're digging into male factor infertility: what it means, how it's diagnosed, and how it impacts couples emotionally, physically, and relationally. We're joined by Paul Kassebaum, a quantum physicist, and his wife Julia Cohen, an economist, who live in Westchester, NY. In 2021, their family-building journey took an unexpected turn with a diagnosis of male factor infertility. They open up about the medical and emotional twists and turns of their path, and why they hope sharing their story will help others feel less alone. To give us a full picture, we also bring in experts: Dr. Ariel Moradzadeh, a reproductive endocrinologist, and Abbe Golding, a genetic counselor at Jscreen. Together, we explore: What male factor infertility actually is, what the causes are, and how it's evaluated Who should be doing the testing and why it matters The role genetics can play in male infertility The emotional and psychosocial impact on men and couples How couples like Paul and Julia navigate the unexpected and find resilience Whether you're directly facing male factor infertility, supporting a partner, or simply learning more about the different paths to parenthood, this conversation is a mix of story, science, and support. Note: This episode is the 3rd of a series of 5 that we are collaborating on with Jscreen in 2025.  Take a look at our previous two episodes here : Episode 157: Introduction to Genetics and Infertility Episode 166: Fragile X Syndrome: A Silent Factor in Infertility About Paul Kassebaum and Julia Cohen: Paul Kassebaum (Kass-eh-bomb) and Julia Cohen live in Westchester, NY where Paul is a quantum physicist and Julia is an economist. In 2021 they were forced to reconsider how to start a family when presented with a diagnosis of male factor infertility. They hope that by sharing both the medical and emotional aspects of their journey they can be a resource for other couples navigating the infertility space. About Dr. Ariel Moradzadeh: Dr. Ariel Moradzadeh attended medical school at The David Geffen school of medicine at UCLA. Following medical school, he completed his General Surgery internship and Urology residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he developed his passion for men's health and male infertility. Following residency, he completed an andrology, men's health, male and infertility fellowship at UCLA, and he now works as a full-time reproductive Urologist at Cedars-Sinai. When he is not treating patients, he enjoys running, swimming, weight lifting and yoga. About Abbe Golding: Abbe Golding is a certified genetic counselor and works as a community education and outreach manager for JScreen. She is passionate about providing genetic knowledge that empowers individuals to make informed healthcare decisions. Abbe believes that accurate and relatable genetic information should be accessible to everyone. Abbe lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Connect with JScreen -visit their website here -check out their instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

Briana Felsen's path to motherhood was anything but straightforward. When she learned she was a BRCA carrier, everything changed—her sense of time, her plans for the future, and her relationship with her own body. Facing a 72% lifetime risk of breast cancer, she found herself racing against the clock to build her family before needing preventative surgery. What followed was a fertility journey deeply intertwined with Jewish time—the holidays marking both medical milestones and heartbreaks. From an ectopic pregnancy on the High Holidays to finally learning she was pregnant on Chanukah, her story is one of resilience, faith, and finding light after darkness. We talk about: - How a BRCA diagnosis reshapes family planning and fertility decisions - Navigating IVF, PCOS, and genetic testing with faith and fear in equal measure - What it feels like when Jewish holidays become painful reminders instead of celebrations - The toll of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, even when a good dose of Zoloft helped her hold on For anyone navigating a genetic diagnosis or struggling with fertility challenges, this raw and heartfelt conversation is a reminder that you are never alone. More about Briana Felsen: Briana Felsen is a development professional who works in the Israel space. First in South Florida and now back home right outside of Washington, DC. She graduated from Indiana University with her undergraduate degree in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures and George Washington University for her graduate program in Israel Education. Briana is passionate about Jewish community building, reading good books, Hoosier basketball, and the perfect wine and cheese pairing. Briana lives in Potomac Maryland with her husband Jerry and their dog Skipper and the newest member of their family, their IVF baby, Sonny. Connect with Briana Felsen: - Follow her on Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

In his first-ever podcast conversation, Aimee sits down with Rabbi Elon Soniker, author of Uriel's Light, to talk about faith, family, and finding meaning after unimaginable loss. Rabbi Soniker shares the story of his son, Uriel, his brief but powerful life, and the light that continues to shine through his memory. Together, they explore what it means to grieve as a parent, as a rabbi, and as part of a community that often doesn't know what to say or do in the face of perinatal loss. This powerful conversation moves through so many of the questions we all wrestle with: How can faith and pain coexist without canceling each other out? How do we grapple with unimaginable pain when there are no easy answers? How can people show up for families after miscarriage, stillbirth, or other losses? How do we talk to children about death or loss without frightening them? Rabbi Soniker's honesty, humility, and spiritual insight offer comfort and clarity — reminding us that grief and light can, in fact, exist together. More about Rabbi Elon Soniker: Rabbi Elon Soniker is the Rav of Congregation Anshei Shalom in West Hempstead, NY, and Judaic Studies Principal at Ohr Yisroel in New Jersey. Rabbi Soniker recently published a book titled "Uriel's Light: Reflections on Tragedy and Emunah" in honor of his son Uriel z"l. The book contains letters, divrei Torah and reflections written during the brief life and the year following the passing of his baby son. Rabbi Soniker lives in West Hempstead with his wife and children. Resources Mentioned: View Rabbi Elon Soniker's book Our Son Uriel's Light: Reflections on tragedy and Emunah Pain is a Reality; Suffering is a Choice, by Rabbi Asher Resnick Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

"I've never done something like this before." In this episode, I sit down with Jami Nelson, a mother, grandmother, and lifelong nurturer who has spent more than three decades living with the loss of her son, Dov Ber, who died of SIDS as an infant. Speaking publicly for the first time, Jami opens up about what she remembers most about that time, how she survived the early days of grief when support was scarce, and how her relationship with loss has evolved over the years. She shares what it was like to raise four children while carrying the memory of one who wasn't there, and how that experience shaped the way she later supported others through their own heartbreak. Together, we talk about: The quiet ways grief lingers through everyday life and motherhood The kind of help you keep going when your world has fallen apart What parents newly navigating loss need to hear from someone who's lived it How others can support someone who has had a loss This episode speaks about the ache that never fully fades, and the strength of mothers who carry their children's memories in their hearts, always. More about Jami Nelson: I live in Boynton Beach Florida for the past 6 years after living in Cedarhurst, New York where I raised 4 children, ages 40, 37, 35 and 31. I was a teacher, labor and postpartum doula, lifeguard/swim teacher and administrative assistant. I love cooking, reading, being in the pool and spending time with my husband, children, grandchildren and good friends. Jami has been married to her husband Jonathan for 42 years. Connect with Jami Nelson: - Follow her on Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Karen Perolman and Rabbi Danny Stein for an open and tender conversation about navigating fertility struggles while serving as rabbis. Together, they share their personal stories, what it felt like to move through the High Holidays in the midst of pain, and the complicated balance of leading a congregation while caring for their own hearts. This is a powerful look at faith, vulnerability, and resilience—and a reminder that no one is immune to the challenges of fertility journeys, not even those guiding our communities.   More about Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman: Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman is the Senior Associate Rabbi at Temple B'nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey, the congregation she has served since 2008. She was ordained as a rabbi by the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 2010. Her writings have been published online and in five CCAR Press publications: The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food Ethic (2011), Moral Resistance and Spiritual Authority: Our Jewish Obligation to Social Justice (2019), The Sacred Encounter: Jewish Perspectives on Sexuality (2014), and Mishkan Ga'avah: Where Pride Dwells (2020) and The Sacred Struggle: Jewish Responses to Trauma (2025). She is the co-founder of Modern Jewess, an emerging publication for Jewish women to write and connect. Karen has been a proud board member of I Was Supposed To Have a Baby since 2024. She lives in New Jersey with her wife, Liz Glazer, a lawyer-turned-comedian, their teenage cat Jack, and toddler, Eloise. Connect with Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman: - Follow her on Instagram - Visit her website here - Feel free to reach out via email at: krperolman@gmail.com    More about Rabbi Danny Stein:  Danny Stein is the rabbi of the Selma and Lawrence Ruben Base UWS, a pluralistic Jewish community for 20s & 30s in New York-based out of his and his wife Tamara's home. He feels passionate about helping folks connect with Judaism in ways meaningful for themselves. After being supported by IWSTHAB amidst his own fertility journey filled with losses and uncertainty, Danny is proud to help change the conversation within Jewish communities. He loves studying Hasidut, eating sushi, and is an overjoyed abbah (father) to their IVF baby. Connect with Rabbi Danny Stein:  - Follow his personal Instagram account    - Check out the Base Upper West Side Instagram - Visit the Base Upper West Side website   Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

With the holidays around the corner, we're bringing back our conversation with Tzipora Grodko: 7 Things You're Doing That Make Your Guests Uncomfortable. This episode is a gentle but honest reminder that gatherings can be complicated, especially for those navigating fertility struggles and loss. As we head into a season filled with meals, family time, and community, it's worth listening again with fresh ears—and a little extra sensitivity.   Previous Episodes with Tzipora Grodko:  - Episode 178: Finding Strength in Unwritten Chapters with Rachel Honeyman, Tzipora Grodko, and Peri Lyman More about Tzipora Grodko, LMSW: Tzipora Grodko is a dynamic public speaker, psychotherapist, and coach who inspires audiences across the Jewish world with powerful messages of confidence, resilience, and personal growth. Her viral talk, Things Shadchanim Should Know, reframed the "shidduch crisis" with a more compassionate lens, making her a leading voice in single advocacy. Ranked as the #1 Meaningful People episode of 2022, Tzipora has since traveled globally, speaking at schools, organizations, and events on topics like mental health, leadership, and breaking societal stigmas. She recently launched Stories of Hope, the first Orthodox podcast of its kind, featuring extraordinary stories of unexpected love. Through her work, she continues to inspire deeper understanding, broader possibilities, and a future filled with support and hope. Connect with Tzipora: - Follow her on Instagram - Visit her website here   Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

As the High Holidays approach, so many of us walk them with heavy hearts. The traditional prayers are filled with stories of Sarah, Chana, and Rachel — women who struggled with infertility — and with prayers about life, family, and legacy. For those still waiting, or those whose journeys haven't unfolded the way they once imagined, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur can feel complicated, overwhelming, even painful.   In this episode, Aimee sits down with Chavie Bruk, a "Talking Away the Taboo" regular (I think this is her 4th time on the podcast), a woman whose path to motherhood was through adoption, not biology. Together they talk about what emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust) look like in the face of unanswered prayers, and how fertility challenges shape our experience of the Yamim Noraim.  She's raw, honest, and unabashedly frank about her struggles, and every time I speak with Chavie, I am blown away by the wisdom she shares, and I know you will be too.    They explore: How she still struggles 18 years after learning that she would never have children  How she straddles the fact that her story is hard and painful, and yet she accepts that this is what Gd has chosen for her Finding God in disappointment, grief, and renewal The insensitive things people say, especially this time of year, and how to respond so you don't get consumed by the anger What advice she gives to people who are still in the midst of their struggles This is a conversation about faith, honesty, and resilience, and about making space for all feelings.   More about Chavie Bruk: Chavie Bruk is a mother of five adopted children and is the co-director of Chabad Lubavitch of Montana together with her husband. On her podcast, Totally Unexpected! Chavie sits with guests to her about the one unexpected moment that changed their lives. She hopes listeners will see themselves in these stories, feeling a little less alone and little more connected.   Connect with Chavie Bruk:  - Follow her on Instagram   - Read her blog Totally Unexpected    - Listen to her Totally Unexpected podcast on Spotify and Apple   Previous Episodes with Chavie:  - Episode 8. My Adoption Stories with Chavie Bruk    - Episode 47. Expectations, Pain and Adoption with Chavie Bruk   - Episode 141. Pain Doesn't End... or Does It? with Chavie Bruk   - Episode 100. With Aliza Abrams Konig, Etsy Perman, Chavie Bruk, Lizzy Savetsky, Adelle Bryski, Amy Seroussi & Malki Rodal    Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn