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
As the High Holidays approach, many of us gather with family, see old friends at shul, and catch up on a year's worth of life. But for those who don't fit the "expected" mold—singles, people without children, divorced or widowed individuals, single parents—these moments can feel isolating instead of uplifting. In this episode, Dr. Aimee Baron sits down with Rabbi Yisrael Motzen, who recently launched "Kol Echad," an Orthodox Union initiative to make sure no one in our community is overlooked or left behind. Together, they talk about: Rabbi Motzen's background and how/why he came into this work. How so many people feel unseen in Jewish communal life, and how "Kol Echad" aims to fix it Simple and practical suggestions that synagogues, hosts, and individuals can make to be more inviting and inclusive Impressing upon people that we all need to be involved in this to make a difference This conversation is both honest and hopeful, reminding us that true community is built not only at the family table but also in the act of making space for each other—especially those carrying unseen stories. Whether you're someone who has felt "forgotten," or someone who wants to do better at seeing others, this episode offers wisdom, compassion, and a path forward. Mentions: Unmatched by Sarah Lavane More about Rabbi Yisrael Motzen: Rabbi Yisrael Motzen is the rabbi of Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Congregation in Baltimore, Maryland. He serves as special assistant to the executive vice presidents of the Orthodox Union and is also the director of Kol Echad, a new OU department dedicated to creating communities where every single person matters. Sign up for the Kol Echad E-Magazine here Connect with Rabbi Yisrael Motzen: - Follow him on Instagram - Connect with Kol Echad 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
What happens when life doesn't unfold the way you thought it would? When the hopes you once held close—marriage, children, grandchildren—don't materialize, or take a completely unexpected path? In this powerful episode, we share the stories of three extraordinary women who bravely open up about their deeply personal experiences of waiting, grieving, and finding meaning in places they never expected. Rachel made the decision to stop trying after years of heartbreaking fertility treatments. Even though the choice was hers, it still hurts, and sometimes in the moments she least expects it (like shul dinners- this was NOT what I expected her to say). Tzipora, a single woman, vulnerably shares that a lot of her pain comes from younger family members who get married and have kids while she is still waiting. Seeing others move forward with their lives, while she is still stuck as the "cool auntie," is just so hard. Peri will never be a grandmother, and she is okay with that. But it's when other people start to brag about the newest baby in their family, or when she needs to put on a brave face for too long, it just becomes too much. More about Rachel Honeyman: Rachel Honeyman has been involved with IWSTHAB since its early days — first as a recipient of support, then as a board member. Rachel and her husband, Tzvi Doron, are childless-not-by-choice after a painful, 5+ year infertility journey, about which they've both written and spoken publicly (including in Instalives and podcasts for IWSTHAB). While motherhood isn't in the cards for Rachel, she gains great comfort in being able to give back to the IWSTHAB community. Rachel has a Master's in English, runs a marketing and web design agency called HoneyBeBold, and is a martial artist and women's self-defense instructor. She lives in Long Island, NY. Connect with Rachel: - Follow her on Instagram - Visit her website here 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 More about Peri Lyman: Songwriter, reading specialist, kugel maker extraordinaire Connect with Peri: -Follow her personal and Loaleinu Instagram accounts - Visit her website here - Feel free to reach out via email at: Perilyman@gmail.com 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 couldn't have my child bearing years end with a dead baby" with Taliya Corbett This is a messy, complicated truth of what it means to carry both heartbreak and hope. After the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Ora, all Taliya could think was—"The only thing that will make me feel okay again is another baby." But the road to pregnancy wasn't simple. And even when she finally conceived, she didn't feel joy. Or hope. Or love. This episode is for anyone who's been told that a new baby will "fix it"—and then finds themselves drowning in guilt when it doesn't feel that way at all. Because love after loss is not always immediate. And healing isn't always linear. And sometimes you need some medicine to help with the anxiety too More about Taliya Corbett: Homeschooling mom of five and one angel always in her heart. Taliya is a stillbirth warrior turned storyteller who shares her wild, sacred, and unfiltered journey through motherhood, faith, grief, and healing. From iced coffee-fueled chaos to deep spiritual reflections, she invites you into a life that's messy, meaningful, and magnetic. Connect with Taliya: - 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
Renowned Jewish matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom joins us for a raw and honest conversation about the intersection of egg freezing and dating. We get into the pressure, the judgment, and the impossible choices many women face—whether they want to freeze, don't want to, or simply can't. Aleeza also shares how this shows up in the dating world: men asking about egg freezing before a first date, when (or if) to bring it up in the dating process, and what real support looks like from friends and family. Whether you're navigating this yourself or walking alongside someone who is, listen with an open heart…people are struggling and we don't need to add pressure to this already difficult time in people's lives. More about Aleeza Ben Shalom: Aleeza Ben Shalom is the renowned globe-trotting Jewish Matchmaker, who captivated audiences worldwide with her highly popular Netflix show, "Jewish Matchmaking," reaching millions of viewers across 130 countries. She continues to wow audiences worldwide with her in-person and virtual appearances and has recently published her third book, "Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Find Me A Love That Lasts." To date, she has successfully helped thousands of people get married, and has trained over 350 matchmakers and coaches Connect with Aleeza: - Follow her on Instagram - Check out her 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
In this anonymous and deeply moving episode, a woman shares the story she never imagined would be hers. She always thought getting pregnant would be a struggle, but when it finally happened naturally (and it was twins!), there were mixed emotions... because she and her husband both carry a serious genetic disorder. And that meant there was a possibility the babies might be affected. What follows is a harrowing journey of diagnostic testing, endless waiting, and pain. This is a story about maternal love, medical complexity, and emotional devastation. About the babies she chose to protect, even if it meant letting them go. About what life looks like after, and how a single question—"How many kids do you have?"—can carry a thousand invisible layers. She speaks straight to the hearts of those who've faced impossible choices, and to the people who want to support them but don't know how. It's not an easy listen, but it's a necessary one. Content warning: This episode includes discussions of TFMR (termination for medical reasons), genetic illness, and pregnancy loss. Mentions: Jscreen Genetic testing 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 raw and real conversation, we sit down with a therapist and mom of four who opens up about what it was like to fall apart just when everything looked "fine." She shares the unexpected crash of antenatal depression during her third pregnancy, the challenge of diagnosing herself when she's supposed to be the expert, and how she finally got the help she needed. We talk about receiving a BRCA+ diagnosis after her mother's cancer, deciding to undergo a preventive mastectomy (with a hysterectomy still to come), and grieving the loss of future fertility. Julia also reflects on how her view of G-d has shifted from religious anxiety and bargaining to a more grounded kind of faith, and why posting honestly on social media became her lifeline. If you've ever felt pressure to "hold it together," questioned your faith, or wondered how anyone survives the chaos of being human—this episode is for you. Topics include: - What antenatal depression can actually look like (even when you're a therapist) - Getting a BRCA+ diagnosis and making hard decisions - Letting go of the fantasy of more children - Religious anxiety, fear, and finding balance - How humor and public storytelling became part of her healing - Control, or lack thereof—and learning to live with it Mentions: Sharsheret and Chai Lifeline More about Julia Makowsky: Grew up in Los Angeles moved to New York for school where I was set up with my husband. I have a masters degree in social work and have been working in the field for over 13 years. I am a mom of 4 children and reside in the five towns. Recently I was diagnosed with BRCA1 where I have been navigating what is the best course of action for myself and my family. Connect with Julia: - 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
"I finally wanted this baby—and then I lost her." In this heartbreaking and brave conversation, Hasidic Hipster Girl Sarah Guigue shares the story behind her stillbirth with honesty, vulnerability, and warmth. It's filled with hope, loss, and survival, told with stunning courage. Sarah grew up carrying adult responsibilities from a young age. Taking care of her siblings, holding the household together, she longed for freedom. So when she got married, she felt relief. Independence. And for a long time, no desire to have children. It took years of healing and hard work before she finally felt ready. And then came the pregnancy. It was complicated, filled with uncertainty—but also faith. Sarah deeply believed things would be okay. She and her husband saw many doctors, and were prepared for every possibility. Still, nothing could prepare them for the day they lost their baby. In this episode, Sarah opens up, raw, beautiful, and utterly unfiltered, about the complicated emotions around becoming a mother after childhood parentification, the day she gave birth and said goodbye, and how she copes when the grief feels unbearable. 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 Guigue: - Follow her on Instagram - View Sarah's additional content 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 do everything "right," but life doesn't follow the script? In this deeply honest conversation, Bianca Jade—a 46-year-old Jewish Latina woman—shares the winding, emotional path of her fertility journey. From freezing her eggs in her late 30s after a much-needed push from her therapist, to getting married at 44 and diving headfirst into trying to conceive, Bianca opens up about the pain of two miscarriages, the complexity of waiting, and the quiet grief of time passing. We talk about what it means to take control - switching clinics, finding coaching - and what it means to surrender. Surrendering to uncertainty. To the reality of not having a baby yet. And even to the possibility that a baby might never come. Bianca reflects on the deep spiritual work she's done (with the help of teachers like Jackie Glaser), the questions she's had to sit with, and how she's found joy and meaning in a life that looks different than she once imagined. This episode is for anyone navigating fertility with a timeline that doesn't match everyone else's—and for anyone who's learning how to live fully, with or without children. Mentions: The Joy of Later Motherhood: Your Natural Path to Healthy Babies Even in Your 40's by Bettina Gordon-Wayne "Joy - The Birth of IVF" a Netflix series Practioner Aimee Raupp Rejuvenating Fertility Center More about Bianca Jade: Bianca Jade is a leading beauty, fitness and integrative lifestyle influencer, TV Host and wellness personality. She's known for her personal blog Mizzfit.com, where wellness meets style. As a Latin-American entrepreneur and TV/internet personality, Bianca shares her life experiences navigating the health & wellness world with audiences across the nation and amongst her half a million follows on social media. Bianca has appeared on outlets such as Today Show, CBS Morning News, Dr. Oz, Banfield, and regional affiliates across the country. Bianca is also a beauty expert and educator, and lifestyle guest host on HSN. She shares her health & beauty tips with publications like New Beauty magazine as a contributor (in both English and Spanish) and travels the world featuring wellness destinations for healthy travelers. In 2018, Bianca had the foresight to do an egg retrieval and shared her experience online. "My Egg Freezing Story" quickly went viral on Youtube, inspiring fertility awareness online and in the media. At 45, Bianca officially started her IVF journey and uses her social platforms to advocate for fertility education, wellness and community. Her latest exciting venture is "Primed for Pregnancy" Retreat which provides women with all the resources, information, and coaching needed to navigate their own fertility journey with confidence. Bianca is currently working on her first book about Fertility Wellness and Mental Health. "I started IVF when I was 38 years old by freezing my eggs at the suggestion of my therapist, who I'm eternally grateful to. Never knew if I would actually get married or have a family but just didn't want to live with any regrets. At 44 I got married, and a few months before our wedding we visited my IVF doctor to just check-in and tell him that we wanted to fertilize soon. I remember him telling me to "hurry up" and even "to do it before the wedding" but I just felt like I had a lot of time on my hands...which kind of makes me laugh now. Less than 2 months after our wedding, I was pregnant naturally. And less than 2 months later, I had miscarried. Here I was going through the real deal fertility journey and learning that "yes, I was part of a statistic now". For a year I couldn't conceive and then this past Feb, I got pregnant! We surprised my parents at a fancy dinner with the news, only to find out 2 weeks later that we lost the baby again. This is where I stop typing and take a long breadth because all I know is that this journey is not easy for everyone including myself but I refuse to give up until it's time to make a shift. I have 2 embryos left and I'm well aware that I'm at the end of my opportunity of having biological children. I have made peace with that. What I've learned is the most important thing to me is to be a mother. The person I was before I started this journey is not who I am today, 2 losses later. I'm a very strong woman who is here to put it all on the table and help other women not make the same mistakes I did. Thank you for inviting me on your podcast! xo" Connect with Bianca Jade: - Follow her on Instagram - Check out the Primed for Pregnancy retreat 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 episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Michael Neuman, LCSW joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -his own personal fertility journey -his clinical work -what it's like for men to carry invisible grief, societal pressure, and silence—all while being expected to "be strong" -the emotional toll of fertility journeys and loss on men -what it looks like when men are struggling and what actually helps (and what really doesn't) when you're trying to support a partner More about Michael: Michael Neuman, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist based in Miami and Hollywood, seeing kids and young adults, specializing in anxiety, depression, life adjustments, and paternal mental health. He is the founder of Ji4Life, a nonprofit that helps kids and teens with physical challenges compete in extreme races and trains weekly at the Jewish Leadership Academy. A dedicated athlete, Michael has competed on American Ninja Warrior twice, a winner on CBS's Million Dollar Mile, and appeared on Amazon Prime's Beast Games. He lives in Florida with his wife and daughter. Connect with Michael: -Follow him on Instagram -Check out the Instagram page for Ji4Life -Join his Father Postpartum Support Group 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 episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaz Naor joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -the raw and remarkable story of how he became a father through surrogacy -the emotional complexities, logistical challenges, financial hurdles, and moments of deep joy that shaped his path to parenthood -what led him to pursue fatherhood on his own -the decision to use surrogacy and the entire process from choosing an egg donor to the moment his daughter was born -how Jewish tradition community played a role in his journey -the hope and strength required along the way -what he wants other men, queer folks, and Jewish families to know about nontraditional paths to parenthood More about Chaz: Chaz Naor is a native New Yorker, an active member of the Jewish LGBTQ+ community, a dedicated higher education professional, a passionate theater producer and avid theatergoer—and, above all, a devoted solo dad to his one-year-old daughter, Lia. As if he weren't busy enough, Chaz recently joined Ivy Fertility as a consultant, partnering with intended parents to demystify the surrogacy process and support them in building families of their own. For Chaz, sharing his surrogacy story isn't just personal—it feels essential. He knows there are so many gay men who dream of becoming fathers but feel unsure, overwhelmed, or even scared to take the leap. By being open about his story, Chaz hopes to break down those barriers, show what's possible, and give others the confidence to pursue the family they deserve. Connect with Chaz: -Read an article about Chaz -Follow him 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
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Jordana Brown joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -her journey becoming a frum single mother by choice -the unexpected path that led her here and how she never imagined this would be her story -the emotional toll of letting go of "the plan" and the strength it took to move forward anyway -the moment the decision became real, egg freezing, the heartbreak of multiple pregnancy losses, and the incredible strength she had to keep trying -how people judged, supported, misunderstood, and sometimes surprised her—and what she wishes others understood about this path If you've ever felt like your life looks different than you thought it would—or if you're wondering what it means to choose motherhood on your own terms—this one is for you. This is a special mother's day episode - for all the mothers out there who fought desperately, year after year, to have a child. More about Jordana: Jordana is a single mom living with her yummy daughter Amalia in Israel. She made Aliyah from Queens, NY in 2014, started out in Jerusalem and moved to Tel Aviv seven years ago. After getting her Master's in speech pathology, Jordana hasn't practiced in 10 years and now works in marketing. Jordana enjoys wine nights, reads voraciously and lives for European travel and her Friday brunches- none of these activities have happened since Amalia came on the scene. But she's worth it. Connect with Jordana: -Follow her on Instagram -Check out her blog 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
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Sarah Ickovitz, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -her powerful story of navigating remarriage, discovering genetic challenges, and turning to IVF with genetic testing -the emotional impact of learning you carry a genetic condition -how she was able to make it through all the hard moments in the process -what helps her stay focused and stay positive through it all This is a moving conversation about what it means to rebuild, reimagine family, and keep going with courage. More about Sarah: -Sarah is a remarried Mom of 4. She has 1 IVF baby and 1 on the way. Inspiring others that true happiness does exist. Connect with Sarah: -Follow her on Instagram -Send her an 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
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Jessica Zucker, PhD, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -her new book, "Normalize It" -how she expands her lens to address a multitude of challenges that women face- that so often make them stay silent -how to speak about the uncomfortable to help make you feel less alone (even though I hate that phrase- listen to hear why!) More about Dr. Zucker: Dr. Zucker specializes in reproductive and maternal mental health, which means she primarily works with women who are contemplating or struggling with pregnancy, pregnancy and infant loss, pregnancy after loss, pregnancy ambivalence, during transitions in motherhood, prenatal and postpartum adjustments, birth trauma, perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and in the midst of relationship challenges after the birth or loss of a child. In her critically acclaimed, groundbreaking book I Had a Miscarriage, Jessica Zucker boldly exposed the silence, stigma, and shame that surround pregnancy loss and demonstrated the need to normalize conversations around painful reproductive events that too often go unspoken. In Normalize It, Zucker expands her lens to address a multitude of challenges women face—from girlhood, body image, motherhood, reproductive choice, sexual trauma, menopause, and more—that so often incite shame and overwhelming cultural pressure to stay silent. Based on patient stories, coupled with cutting-edge psychological research, Zucker fearlessly shares her insights into the shame and stigma that shroud so many women's experiences and explores the liberation that can follow when we get vulnerable and talk about the hard stuff. Connect with Dr. Zucker: -Check out her new book, Normalize It -Take a look at her website -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