That Fertile Feeling

When you’ve tried everything to get pregnant—IVF, transfers, “just relaxing”—and it still doesn’t work, you start to wonder if your body is failing you and whether you’ll ever become a mother. This week on the podcast, I talk to pediatrician and mom of three Andrea Ali-Panzarella, who went through years of infertility, recurrent miscarriages, IVF failure, and ultimately made the courageous decision to grow her family through gestational surrogacy. We explore the emotional side of surrogacy, grief, identity, bonding, breaking the silence, and her beautiful children’s book Every Family is a Tree, which shows that there are many valid paths to motherhoodAbout Andrea Ali-PanzarellaAndrea Zorida Ali-Panzarella is a proud mom of three beautiful boys, who was inspired to write this book after a long journey with infertility and loss.  She is also a pediatrician, specializing in child abuse, who has cared for children from all walks of life.Andrea and her husband welcomed their sons with the help of compassionate physicians and caring gestational carriers. As they read to their children each night, she noticed the limited number of books that represented their unique family story and realized the missed opportunities to empower her children to know their worth.  Her hope with this book is that all people, especially children, will feel seen and accepted in this world no matter what their story is.  She is forever grateful to everyone, including her parents, family, and friends, who supported her family’s story along the way. You can find out more about her book and work here: https://www.andreaali-panzarella.com/

What if conception didn’t have to feel like a monthly test of your worth? In this episode, I share how trying to conceive again at 43 brought me a surprising shift: from fear and control to experiencing conception as a sacred mystery. You’ll hear about the old patterns shaped by patriarchal conditioning, the new perspective I discovered through womb connection, and the ancient myths that remind us of the womb as a portal of life and consciousness. Whether you’re in the middle of grief or ready for a new way of seeing your journey, this episode invites you to soften into mystery and remember that you are already whole.Read more about the Sovereign Womb here: thatfertilefeeling.com/womb

Have you ever felt like your womb holds more than just the hope of new life? This week on the podcast, I speak with mythologist Maria Souza about the deep wisdom encoded in fertility myths across cultures. We explore the stories of Demeter, Persephone, Baubo, and Gaia—not as entertainment, but as medicine. Maria shares her personal journey through abortion, miscarriage, and motherhood, and how mythology helped her transform grief into growth. Whether you’re navigating fertility struggles or seeking meaning in loss, this episode offers powerful archetypes, rituals, and reflections to guide you back to your inner sovereignty.Read more about the Sovereign Womb here: thatfertilefeeling.com/womb About Maria Souza:Maria Souza is a Comparative Mythologist, Poet, Historian, and Educator, with a deep commitment to exploring the rich tapestry of myths and their relevance in contemporary life. She holds a postgraduate degree in Comparative Mythology, a Master’s in Ecology and Spirituality, and an Advanced Training Certificate in Applied Mythology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her poetry book, Wild Daughters, weaves together mythological themes and ancient tales, shedding light on the profound initiations women face. Maria offers a range of courses, workshops, and two mentorship programs, guiding women to connect with archetypal wisdom and integrate myths into the heart of their creative and professional lives. She also hosts the Women and Mythology podcast, part of the Joseph Campbell Foundation’s MythMaker℠ Podcast Network, where she explores the enduring relevance of myths in today’s world. You can find out more about her work on Instagram @womenandmythology or on her website womenandmythology.com

This week on the podcast, I open up about our decision to start trying for another baby and walk you through the exact steps I took to prepare—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.As a fertility coach (and mom of three after a decade-long journey), I share what I’ve learned from over 100 episodes, dozens of clients, and my own lived experience—so you can feel empowered on your path too. From functional hormone prep to spirit baby connection, surrender practices, and nervous system support, this is a deeply personal episode about listening to your own timing—and letting go of perfection.Whether you’re just starting or circling back like me, I hope this episode brings you clarity, comfort, and courage.Other episodes I mention on this episode:Episode 115 - Real food for fertility w/ Lily Nichols: https://nl.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/27e83061/episode-115-real-food-for-fertility-with-lily-nichols Episode 93 - Four simple steps to reduce fertility harming chemicals: https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/359c1b34/episode-93-four-simple-steps-to-reduce-fertility-harming-chemicals

Fatigue, brain fog, irregular cycles, or that nagging feeling something’s off—could it be your thyroid? This week on the podcast, I speak with trauma-informed functional thyroid nutritionist and somatic practitioner Aggie McCabe about the deep and often overlooked link between thyroid health, fertility, and nervous system regulation. We explore why thyroid issues—especially Hashimoto’s—are so common in women, how trauma and dysregulation contribute to autoimmunity, and what to do if your doctor says your labs are “normal,” but you still don’t feel like yourself. We also discuss pregnancy loss risk, how to prepare your body for conception with thyroid issues, and what a regulated nervous system has to do with baby-making. Packed with insights and practical tools like “physiological sigh” breathing and the glimmer practice, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and more attuned to your body’s signals.More info about my upcoming program Nourished: thatfertilefeeling.com/nourished About Aggie McCabe:Aggie is a​ certified functional nutritionist & somatic therapist,  and UK leading thyroid expert.  She specialises in Thyroid Conditions, with a particular focus on Hashimoto’s Disease. Aggie is also a fellow thyroid warrior and reversed her own Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Thyroiditis using a combination of nutritional & lifestyle science and somatic nervous system work. Aggie helped hundreds of women with thyroid issues in the UK and worldwide reverse their thyroid symptoms and THRIVE. Use the discount code CALM to save £20 on the monthly subscription to Aggie’s Thyroid Resilience Membership (£39 instead of £59): https://aggiemccabe.com/thyroid-resilience-membership

What if the one feeling you’re most ashamed of… is the one that holds your power?This week on the podcast, I explore the complex relationship between anger and fertility. We talk about the kind of anger that simmers under the surface—the one directed at your body, your doctor, the people who got pregnant easily. I unpack the difference between reactive rage and sacred, righteous anger. And why acknowledging, feeling, and expressing that anger may be the key to coming back into your body and reclaiming your energy. Because you’re allowed to feel everything. Especially this.For more info about my upcoming program The Sovereign Womb: thatfertilefeeling.com/womb

Have you ever wondered if your diet is harming your fertility? This week on the podcast, I speak with nutrition expert Lily Nichols about how outdated advice—like cutting fat or avoiding cholesterol—can disrupt your hormones and hinder conception. We explore the essential role of real food in supporting ovulation, egg quality, and overall hormonal balance. If you’ve been doing everything “right” and still not getting pregnant, this episode will help you reconnect with what your body truly needs.Sign up for my upcoming program ‘The Sovereign Womb’ at thatfertilefeeling.com/womb About Lily Nichols:Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and sensible. She is the founder of the Institute for Prenatal Nutrition®, co-founder of the Women’s Health Nutrition Academy, and the author of three books: Real Food for Fertility (co-authored with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food for Pregnancy, and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily’s bestselling books have helped tens of thousands of mamas (and babies!), are used in university-level maternal nutrition and midwifery courses, and have even influenced prenatal nutrition policy internationally. She writes at https://lilynicholsrdn.com. 

Can trauma be passed on through your mitochondria? In this episode, I explore how emotional and ancestral trauma affects fertility, stress resilience, and gene expression across generations. We dive into the science of mitochondrial health, epigenetic regulation, and how pregnancy shapes a baby’s biology. I also share why healing your nervous system, reconnecting with ancestral wisdom, and tending to your womb space is essential—not just for your well-being, but for future generations. This episode introduces The Sovereign Womb, my 10-week course for deep healing and cellular repair.Sign up for the waitlist at thatfertilefeeling.com/womb

Struggling to connect with your body on your fertility journey? This week on the podcast, I sit down with Tami Lynn Kent, a women’s health physical therapist and the founder of Holistic Pelvic Care. We discuss her transformative work with women’s pelvic health, creativity, and healing through her books Wild Feminine, Wild Creative, and Wild Mothering. Learn how nurturing your feminine energy and reclaiming your creative power can profoundly support your journey toward motherhood.About Tami Lynn KentTami Lynn Kent is the founder of Holistic Pelvic Care for women and author of Wild Feminine: Finding Power, Spirit & Joy in the Female Body, Wild Mothering, and Wild Creative. She is an international teacher and TEDx speaker. Her books have been published in Mandarin, French, Turkish and Dutch. She is also a mother to three beautiful sons. Tami is passionate about empowering women in health & teaching them how to cultivate their creative energy in all stages of life through her practitioner training programs and personal sessions. Find out more at www.wildfeminine.com.or on Instagram @tamilynnkent

Is your body signaling imbalance—irregular cycles, digestion issues, inflammation, or hormonal imbalances? On this episode of the podcast, I share my journey of working intuitively with my thyroid, uncovering deep-rooted patterns, and shifting from fixing to trusting my body’s wisdom. Learn how tuning into your body’s messages can transform your fertility journey. From functional nutrition to meditation and emotional healing, I reveal a three-step approach to holistic healing. Ready to align with your body’s natural intelligence? Listen now and start your journey toward intuitive fertility healing.

Could the struggles you face on your fertility journey be linked to something much deeper—something passed down through generations? This week on the podcast, I sit down with Doula Semin to explore the role of intergenerational trauma in fertility. We dive into how the experiences of our mothers and grandmothers shape our bodies, beliefs, and ability to conceive. Semin shares her journey of breaking free from inherited patterns and reclaiming trust in her body. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying more than just your own story, this episode will help you begin the process of healing what was never yours to holdAbout Semin: Semin is a fertility & birth doula offers holistic support for fertility, pregnancy, and birth. She has become a mother of 2 kids, after working through her own fertility challenges. Her support focuses on (re)building the trust in the body, working through emotional blockages related to the reproductive organs, and (re)finding your creative power. Her doula support combines counseling & coaching, belly massage, and rituals around fertility and grief. You can find out more about her work via her website https://birthwish.nl or follow her on her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/birthwish.nl. She also facilitates the online English-speaking Facebook group Fertility Support Group Netherlands https://www.facebook.com/groups/1744318182466444.

Feeling stuck in scarcity on your fertility journey? The fear of “what if this never happens” can be overwhelming, making it hard to trust the process.This week on the podcast, I share how shifting from scarcity to abundance transformed my experience. Abundance isn’t about forced positivity—it’s about opening yourself up to the flow of life. I talk about the small, tangible ways I practiced abundance, from giving money and space to others to embracing a mindset of generosity. Tune in to explore how stepping into abundance can bring more ease, trust, and connection to your journey.

You thought you could plan your way to pregnancy—until life had other ideas. In this episode, I sit down with Eleni Papagiorgiou, a pediatric surgeon and yoga teacher, who shares how her fertility journey transformed her from a high-achieving, goal-driven doctor into someone who embraces trust, surrender, and the wisdom of the divine feminine. We talk about shifting from control to embodiment, the power of mythology, and practical ways to navigate the emotional and physical challenges of conception.About Eleni Papageorgiou Eleni is the founder of Devi Loka, an NHS pediatric surgeon, and a dedicated yoga practitioner with over two decades of experience. Combining her medical expertise with a deep passion for holistic well-being, she offers bespoke, 1:1 online yoga sessions designed to honor the body's natural rhythms. Inspired by the Divine Feminine, her approach weaves in powerful Goddess archetypes to support women on their personal journeys. You can find her on her website https://www.devi-loka.co.uk/ or on Instagram @devi_loka_.

What if ancient myths held the key to unlocking your fertility journey? On this episode of the podcast, I dive into the timeless wisdom of Northern European folk mythology, inspired by a course I took with Dutch animist Naomi Mirkrida. I share the story of the Spinwiefien, a wise woman who bridges life and death, and explore how her tale mirrors my own journey in embracing surrender and healing on my fertility path. The myth’s transformative journey provides important insights into the power of ancestral wisdom, grounding, and intuitive surrender. You can find out more about Naomi Mirkrida’s work here: https://www.instagram.com/mirkrida/  You can book your free discovery call with me here: https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/booking-calendar/free-discovery-call?referral=service_list_widget

In this episode of That Fertile Feeling, I welcome back astrologer Juan Belmar to explore fertility astrology for 2025. We discuss key planetary movements and their influence on fertility, motherhood, and transformation. Highlights include Jupiter entering Cancer in June, promoting growth and nurturing energy; Chiron in Aries, inviting healing and self-reflection; and Saturn's influence on refining desires and addressing blockages. Juan explains how astrology supports connecting with rhythms of nature, emphasizing the importance of balance, rest, and introspection. We also share practical tips on using lunar cycles for conception and navigating Mercury retrogrades and eclipses. This episode is a rich guide to leveraging cosmic energies for personal and fertility-related growth in the coming year. About Juan Belmar:  Juan Belmar has worked with astrology for more than 20 years. His approach of Western astrology is about personal growth and self-empowerment as well as personal enlightenment. In his readings, he uses different tools, like feminine and masculine oracle cards, numerology, astrological transits, and Western-oriented astrology. All to uncover the messages for you. You can find out more about his work at: ⁠https://www.akashastrology.com/

In this final episode of 2024, I reflect on why our modern lifestyle disrupts balance, how reconnecting with your body can reveal essential healing clues, and the profound role stress plays in fertility. I also explore tracking symptoms, embracing your unique fertility frameworks, and shifting limiting beliefs to truly open up to conception. Ready to transform your fertility journey into a nourishing experience? Listen now and prepare to thrive in 2025. Book a discovery call ⁠HERE⁠ Other relevant episodes: Episode 79 - Optimize your fertility and health with abdominal therapy Episode 91 - Sperm matters (for fertility) Episode 93 - Four simple steps to reduce fertility-harming chemicals Episode 103 - Trauma and fertility

Do you ever feel drained after meals, struggle with cravings, or find it hard to lose weight? This might be your metabolism affecting your fertility. On this episode of the podcast, I break down the link between metabolism, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation—and how they impact hormonal balance. I share practical tips like mindful food pairing and stress management, alongside my own personal journey of overcoming chronic health challenges. Whether you're managing PCOS, endometriosis, or just want to support your reproductive health, this episode offers actionable insights for a healthier, more balanced body. FREE PDF on regulating your nervous system for fertility: thatfertilefeeling.com/nervous-system The Glucose Goddess: https://www.instagram.com/glucosegoddess/

Why would an academic fertility doctor start her own holistic fertility practice? On this episode of the podcast, I interview Dr. Kimiko Kleiman who did just that when she founded Sakura Clinics. We discuss combining medical and alternative approaches to fertility, emphasizing hormonal health, diet, mental well-being, and emotional healing. Kimiko shares her personal journey with miscarriages and IVF, which inspired her integrated approach. Together, we explore the benefits of blending Western medicine with Eastern practices to address underlying fertility challenges.  Book recommendation: Kimiko Kleiman - Verbeter je VruchtbaarheidAbout Kimiko Kleiman: Kimiko Kleiman is a PhD-certified fertility doctor, hormonal therapist, and experienced practitioner. After becoming a patient herself twice, she developed a broader perspective on fertility. Through her practice, Sakura Clinics, she supports individuals on their journey to parenthood, helping them holistically optimize their chances of a healthy pregnancy. You can find out more about her work on her website https://sakuraclinics.nl/ or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sakuraclinics/ 

Trauma leaves an imprint on the body, impacting how we regulate our nervous system and, consequently, our reproductive health. On this episode of the podcast, I discuss different types of trauma—from childhood experiences to intergenerational influences—and how they can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system, affecting fertility. I also talk about the concept of heart rate variability (HRV) - a critical measure of nervous system health - that you can use to find your way back to balance. Listeners can download a free PDF guide to identify and address nervous system imbalances at thatfertilefeeling.com/nervous-system

What if, instead of following each bit of advice out there, there was a full-fledged framework for your unique fertility and hormonal health? That’s what Ayurveda offers. On this episode of the podcast, Ayurvedic practitioner Rachel Jackson and I explore core Ayurvedic principles, such as the importance of balanced doshas and the role of Agni (digestive fire). Rachel emphasizes that healing isn’t just about what we consume physically but also emotionally. We dive into how tuning into your cycle can help you harness inner strength and navigate life’s challenges with resilience. By aligning with natural rhythms, you’re empowered to transform difficult emotions and find balance within, connecting with deeper layers of yourself and the world around you. About Rachel Jackson: Rachel Jackson trained as an Ayurvedic and Lifestyle Therapist with the European Institute of Vedic Studies under Vaidya Atreya Smith. I am committed to helping women understand their sacred, cyclical natures and returning to health and balance by working with their own bodies. I created the Women’s Health package to empower my female clients to understand how their bodies and hormones work, so they can take their health back into their own hands. Find out more about my work at https://www.anadiayurveda.com/ or follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anadiayurveda/