Podcast
Fertility Cafe
Hosted by Eloise Drane · EN
Fertility Café explores the evolving world of reproductive health, infertility, and modern family building. Hosted by Eloise Drane, fertility expert, agency founder, past surrogate and egg donor, and mom of five, the show unpacks the medical, emotional, and ethical sides of today’s fertility care.
From IVF, surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, embryo donation, infertility treatment, men’s fertility, hormones, and fertility preservation, each episode dives into every part of assisted reproduction. Hear real stories and expert insights from fertility doctors, surrogates, and intended parents in open conversations.
Whether you are navigating infertility, exploring surrogacy or donation, or curious about reproductive wellness, Fertility Café helps you find clarity, confidence, and hope.
Connect with us: www.thefertilitycafe.com
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Is Fertility Care Getting Better—or Just Bigger
Jan 2700:40:39Tap to summarizeWhen we talk about fertility care, we often focus on the patient experience—what it’s like to navigate appointments, insurance, cycles, and emotional ups and downs. But what happens when we zoom out? In this episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane sits down with Griffin Jones, founder of Inside Reproductive Health, to explore what’s really happening behind the scenes of the fertility industry. From private equity takeovers to digital automation and AI-driven care, Griffin breaks down the trends shaping the future of IVF, patient access, and provider autonomy. He also shares how he went from generalist marketer in Buffalo, NY to creating the leading trade media company in the fertility field—one that now serves clinics, labs, executives, and innovators across the globe. Whether you’re a fertility patient, donor, surrogate, or someone working in the industry, this conversation offers a rare and honest look at the systems shaping reproductive care—and what needs to change for the better. You’ll Learn Why more fertility clinics are being bought by private equity—and what that means for patient care What Griffin is hearing from behind the scenes about AI, automation, and remote fertility care The disconnect between how clinics say they’re improving patient experience vs. what’s actually happening Why many REIs (reproductive endocrinologists) are seeing their roles change—sometimes drastically The risk of fertility care becoming too "factory-like"—and how to preserve patient-first care at scale What Griffin hopes patients will start doing to drive real, lasting change Why leaving honest, specific reviews (yes, even 3 stars!) might be the most powerful tool for reform What the future may hold for access, affordability, and scaling care for everyone—not just the privileged few About Our Guest Griffin Jones is the founder of Inside Reproductive Health, a trade media company serving the fertility industry. He began his journey in marketing, helping small clinics with branding, websites, and video before expanding into podcasting and industry journalism. Today, his platform covers the business, clinical, and policy trends shaping reproductive health care across the U.S. and beyond. Griffin also hosts the Inside Reproductive Health podcast, where he interviews key players—from embryologists and clinic execs to policymakers and startup founders—about the future of fertility medicine. Resources & Links Visit Inside Reproductive Health for podcasts, articles, and industry updates Listen to the Inside Reproductive Health podcast Follow Griffin on LinkedIn: Griffin Jones Related Episodes Ep 100 – The Gut-Fertility Connection Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood Ep 90 – Eastern Medicine and Egg Quality Ep 103 – Fertility Supplements: What Works and What Doesn’t
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Acupuncture for Fertility: Supporting Hormones, Cycles & IVF Success
Jan 2000:33:23Tap to summarizeWhen it comes to fertility care, we often hear about IVF protocols, medication regimens, and surgical procedures. But what about the tools that help prepare the body for conception and support healing along the way? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with Dr. Beck Hoehn, licensed acupuncturist, reproductive health expert, and founder of Mighty River Wellness, to talk about how acupuncture can be a game-changing part of your fertility journey. Dr. Hoehn shares how her own personal health crisis led her into the world of Eastern medicine, and how she now helps people optimize their hormone health, support IVF cycles, manage painful periods, and navigate menopause with more ease and empowerment. From egg quality and low ovarian reserve to painful periods and PCOS, this conversation is packed with practical insights and refreshingly honest takes on what it really means to care for your body while trying to conceive. You’ll Learn Why acupuncture is more than just needles and how it supports hormonal balance, stress reduction, and blood flow How acupuncture can improve IVF outcomes, egg quality, and follicular development The difference between Western and Eastern approaches to painful periods, PCOS, and endometriosis What to expect during your first acupuncture visit How to find a fertility-focused acupuncturist with the right training The role of herbal medicine in regulating cycles, calming hot flashes, and reducing cramps What data-driven hormone tracking tools are helping acupuncturists personalize care Why symptom relief is just the beginning. This is about whole-body support for every phase of reproductive health About Our Guest Dr. Beck Hoehn is a licensed acupuncturist, reproductive health specialist, and the founder of Mighty River Wellness in Los Angeles. After a career in the film industry and a personal injury that left her seeking alternative healing methods, she discovered the profound impact of acupuncture. Now, with a doctorate in fertility research and over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Hoehn helps individuals and couples navigate fertility challenges, menstrual health, and menopause transitions. She is also the creator of the Make a Baby Bundle, an educational resource for those looking to optimize their fertility health from home. Resources and Links Mighty River Wellness: https://www.mightyriverwellness.com Dr. Beck on Instagram: @drbeckhoehn Make a Baby Bundle Course: https://www.mightyriverwellness.com/bundle ABORM Certified Acupuncturists Directory: https://www.aborm.org Related Episodes Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-118-surrogacy-and-the-emotional-journey-to-motherhood/ Ep 103 – Fertility Supplements: What Works and What Doesn’t https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-103-fertility-supplements-what-works-and-what-doesnt/ Ep 100 – The Gut-Fertility Connection https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-100-the-gut-fertility-connection/ Ep 90 – Eastern Medicine and Egg Quality https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-90-eastern-medicine-and-egg-quality/
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What Surrogacy Really Feels Like: A Candid Conversation
Jan 600:40:16Tap to summarizeSurrogacy is often talked about as a beautiful and rewarding journey, but what happens when that journey takes an unexpected turn? In this episode, Eloise Drane sits down with Pamela Marshall, a gestational surrogate whose experience challenged everything she thought she knew about pregnancy, risk, and resilience. Pam shares her deeply personal story of entering surrogacy with excitement and confidence, only to face a rare and serious medical complication that changed the course of her pregnancy. From being hospitalized for weeks to navigating separation from her own children, her journey reveals the emotional and physical realities that many never see. Pam explains what carried her through the hardest moments and why, despite everything, she would make the same decision again. This conversation offers an unfiltered look at the realities of surrogacy and the extraordinary people who choose to walk this path. Guest Bio: Pamela Marshall is a mom of 3 boys, living in Pennsylvania and she is a licensed social worker. She has been a surrogate and loves helping build families! She is also currently a journey manager at Family Inceptions. You’ll hear about: Why Pam chose to become a surrogate What happens when a pregnancy becomes high risk Being hospitalized for weeks away from family The emotional toll of unexpected complications How support systems make all the difference Why she would still choose surrogacy again Related episodes: Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhoodhttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-118-surrogacy-and-the-emotional-journey-to-motherhood/ Ep 93 – U.S. Surrogacy for International Parentshttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-93-u-s-surrogacy-for-international-parents/ Ep 85 – Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Storyhttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-85-surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples-carnell-roberts-tells-his-story/ Ep 49 – Social Surrogacyhttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-49-social-surrogacy/ Ep 37 – Husband’s Are You Prepared (Partner Involvement in Surrogacy)https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-37-husbands-are-you-prepared/
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From Screening to Transfer: The Surrogate’s Medical Process, Explained by a Fertility Doctor
Dec 1600:58:56Tap to summarizeSurrogates often begin their journey excited, hopeful, and ready to help a family grow, but few truly understand the depth of the medical steps involved. In this conversation, Eloise Drane sits down with reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Shannel R. Adams to demystify every stage of the surrogate medical and IVF process, breaking it down into simple, reassuring, and practical explanations. Eloise guides listeners through the realities of medical screening, clearance, genetic discussions, mental health evaluations, and partner requirements, bringing clarity to the questions surrogates commonly ask but rarely get answered fully. Together, they unpack why timelines vary, what doctors look for at each step, and how clinics ensure safety for both the surrogate and the baby she carries. Dr. Adams also walks through the IVF medication protocol, embryo transfer, ultrasound schedule, hormone monitoring, and what actually happens when things don’t go as planned. She explains the “why” behind the rules, from avoiding THC to requiring birth control. Whether someone is preparing for their first journey or wanting deeper insight into the medical side of surrogacy, this episode offers a clear path forward for anyone who wants to feel confident and supported. Guest Bio: Shannel R. Adams, MD, FACOG is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. Highly skilled in all areas of reproductive health, Dr. Adams has a particular expertise and interest in third party reproduction, oncofertility, fertility preservation, male fertility, and holistic care of both mind and body. Dr. Adams graduated from Duke University with an undergraduate degree in Ethics and went on to medical school at Oregon Health and Science University. She completed residency at the University of Hawai’i John A. Burns School of Medicine and her REI fellowship at the University of Cincinnati. You’ll hear about: Why surrogates are surprised by the medical timeline What OB clearance involves Genetic and psychological screening requirements Partner testing and FDA rules Key blood work surrogates must complete Tubes, fibroids, and conditions needing treatment Medication protocols explained simply Lining checks and hormone levels How embryo transfer actually works Pregnancy confirmation Ultrasounds and early monitoring Bleeding in early pregnancy Single embryo transfer guidance Episode Resources: Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss -https://www.amazon.com/Not-Broken-Approachable-Miscarriage-Recurrent/dp/0998714607 Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care -https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Seeds-Pregnancy-Integrative-Fertility/dp/0996348727 Related episodes: Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-118-surrogacy-and-the-emotional-journey-to-motherhood/ Ep 93 – U.S. Surrogacy for International Parents https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-93-u-s-surrogacy-for-international-parents/ Ep 85 – Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Story https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-85-surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples-carnell-roberts-tells-his-story/ Ep 49 – Social Surrogacy https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-49-social-surrogacy/ Connect with Dr. Shannel R. Adams, MD: Pacific Northwest Fertility - https://pnwfertility.com Instagram: @shanneladamsmd Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/ More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/ Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafe Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources
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Ep. 120 Should I Freeze My Eggs? What to Know Before You Decide
Jul 1, 202500:23:29Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane breaks down one of the most buzzed-about topics in modern fertility: egg freezing. Once considered a niche medical intervention, egg freezing has become a mainstream option for those seeking to preserve their fertility, but what does it really involve? Eloise takes you through the entire landscape, from the medical process and emotional considerations to the financial realities and cultural shifts. She unpacks how egg freezing evolved from a last-resort treatment to a proactive choice, what it actually looks like to go through a cycle, and why access remains unequal despite growing interest. This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered: “Is egg freezing right for me?” “What’s the real cost, and not just financially?” “How does this intersect with identity, access, and equity?” Whether you're exploring your options or simply trying to understand the conversation more deeply, this episode offers real talk, grounded insights, and the kind of honesty that Fertility Café is known for. Mentioned Resources: American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM.org) FertilityIQ.com Tune in for a thoughtful guide through the myths, facts, and nuances of egg freezing, because your timeline, your body, and your decisions deserve clarity and care.
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Ep. 119 How Egg Donation Helped Me Become a Mom: Erica Ferraro’s Story
Jun 24, 202500:52:19Tap to summarizeWhat happens when every path to parenthood seems to close? For Erica Ferraro, the answer was egg donation—a deeply emotional and empowering decision shaped by a long, painful battle with undiagnosed endometriosis. In this powerful episode, Erica joins host Eloise Drane to share the real story behind her journey: the years of misdiagnosis, the trauma of IVF failure, and the healing that came from choosing donor conception. You’ll hear: -What it’s really like to receive an endometriosis diagnosis after two decades -Why Erica believes egg donation is a form of organ donation—and not “less than” -Honest insights on grieving genetic loss, finding the right donor, and parenting after donor IVF -How her new book, Moving Mountains for Motherhood, became the U.S.'s first professionally published infertility survival guide Whether you’re navigating your own fertility journey or supporting someone who is, this episode is a raw, real, and hopeful reminder that love—not biology—defines family. Moving Mountains for Motherhood is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. Connect with Erica on Instagram @eri.ferraro Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode to support more honest conversations about modern family building. #FertilityCafe #EggDonation #EndometriosisAwareness #DonorIVF #InfertilitySupport #ModernParenthood
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Ep 118 Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood
Jun 17, 202500:49:10Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt episode, Ashley Hengston opens up about her deeply personal path from infertility to motherhood through surrogacy. She shares the emotional highs and lows—from the grief of infertility to the complex decisions involved in choosing surrogacy. Ashley walks us through the process of matching with a surrogate, navigating medical and legal steps, and managing the emotional terrain of pregnancy and birth. This conversation sheds light on the importance of trust, preparation, and communication in the surrogacy journey. Ashley candidly discusses the emotional impact of the birth, her experience with postpartum depression, and how intended parents can stay connected throughout the process. She also shares the value of community and support groups for those navigating the often isolating road of infertility. Whether you’re considering surrogacy or supporting someone who is, this episode offers raw insight and real encouragement. Have questions about your surrogacy journey? Speak with our expert team today: https://familyinceptions.com/intended-parents/ Stay Connected Instagram: @fertilitycafe Facebook: @fertilitycafe Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/ All information shared is for educational purposes and subject to change. Always consult with a medical or legal professional for personalized advice.
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Ep 117 What Is a Fertility Coach—and Do You Need One
Jun 10, 202500:20:11Tap to summarizeWhat exactly is a fertility coach—and how do you know if you need one? In this solo episode, host Eloise Drane explores the supportive, grounded world of fertility coaching. Whether you're navigating IVF, considering egg freezing, or feeling stuck in the quiet in-between spaces of family building, this episode is a gentle guide to the kind of support many people don’t know is available—and deeply need. Eloise breaks down what fertility coaches actually do, how they differ from therapists and doctors, and why this kind of care can be invaluable when you're facing overwhelming decisions, emotional burnout, or pressure to figure everything out alone. This isn’t about doing more—it’s about finding support that helps you feel more like yourself in the middle of it all. In This Episode: (00:00) A moment of post-appointment overwhelm many listeners will recognize (01:45) The invisible mental load of fertility—and why support often comes too late (04:55) What a fertility coach actually does (and doesn’t do) (10:17) How coaches differ from therapists, doctors, and even your inner circle (15:22) The different types of fertility coaches: emotional, logistical, holistic (20:05) Who fertility coaching is for—and why it’s not just for IVF (26:32) Who may not need coaching right now (and why that’s okay) (29:40) Why support doesn’t have to wait until you’re at your limit (32:08) Letting care be part of the plan—not just a response to crisis Resources & Links Website: thefertilitycafe.com Instagram: @fertilitycafe
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Ep 116 Hidden Struggles of High-Achieving Women in Fertility Treatment with Dr. Chatterjee-Morris
Jun 3, 202500:50:59Tap to summarizeWhy are ambitious women waiting too long to think about fertility preservation, and what's the real cost?Host Eloise Drane welcomes Dr. Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris, a dual board-certified physician in OB-GYN and obesity medicine who brings both clinical expertise and deeply personal experience to today's conversation. Dr. Chatterjee-Morris has navigated her own challenging fertility journey, including multiple egg retrievals, donor eggs, and preparing for surrogacy while maintaining a demanding medical practice. Her unique perspective as both physician and patient offers invaluable insights for women balancing high-pressure careers with family planning decisions and fertility preservation choices. This episode explores the complex reality of fertility treatment for ambitious women in leadership roles, covering egg-freezing decisions, the challenges of coordinating IVF cycles with demanding schedules and navigating fertility clinic experiences. Discussion includes the importance of early fertility preservation, advocating for yourself in medical settings, weight-related barriers in fertility treatment, and the emotional journey of third-party reproduction. Dr. Chatterjee-Morris shares practical advice about choosing fertility clinics, understanding BMI requirements, and making informed decisions about donor eggs and gestational carriers while managing autoimmune conditions. In This Episode: (00:00) Dr. Chatterjee-Morris shares her complete fertility journey from residency decision to current surrogacy plans (08:40) The difficult transition from own eggs to donor eggs to gestational carrier due to multiple sclerosis (14:32) Balancing seven IVF cycles with demanding medical practice and patient care (20:33) Experiencing dismissive treatment and unprofessional care at fertility clinics (27:12) The critical importance of egg freezing in your twenties for career-focused women (32:34) Recognizing endometriosis symptoms early and advocating for reproductive health education (39:44) Navigating weight stigma and BMI requirements in fertility treatment with compassion (46:25) Final advice on self-advocacy and making the best decisions for your fertility journey Share with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! Resources:Instagram/TikTok: @healthyobgyn Website: rivervalleyobgyn.com Book a Free Consultation Have questions about becoming a surrogate? Learn more: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogates/ Curious about how much you could make with surrogacy? Use our Compensation Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogacy-compensation-calculator/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/ Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: familyinceptions.com Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources
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Ep 115 How She Made Surrogacy Legal in Michigan: Stephanie Jones's Story
May 27, 202500:46:13Tap to summarizeWhat would you do if a Google search from your hospital bed revealed your only path to motherhood was illegal in your state?Today Eloise welcomes Stephanie Jones, founder of the Michigan Fertility Alliance and 2024 RESOLVE Hope Award recipient for advocacy. After facing life-threatening pregnancy complications that ended her ability to carry a pregnancy, Stephanie discovered through a Google search from her hospital recovery bed that Michigan banned surrogacy contracts—her only option to grow her family. She leveraged her business expertise as an engineer and company VP to transform this personal crisis into legislative change. The conversation explores Stephanie's journey from secondary infertility through building the Michigan Fertility Alliance from scratch during the pandemic, culminating in the passage of the Michigan Family Protection Act in 2024. Listeners will gain insights into Michigan's surprising surrogacy history, the complexities of having a surrogate birth in another state during COVID, and how the nine-bill package revolutionized fertility and parentage laws for all Michigan families. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction to Michigan's restrictive surrogacy laws and transformation (03:01) Stephanie Jones's background and secondary infertility journey (08:46) The Google search that started it all from hospital recovery bed (12:39) Michigan's surprising surrogacy history from first to banned (18:37) Building advocacy during the pandemic while having daughter via surrogate (20:50) The complicated experience of surrogacy birth in Kentucky during COVID (26:17) Overcoming challenges to get people to care about fertility issues (31:53) Balancing business executive role with intensive advocacy work (34:29) Breaking down the nine-bill Michigan Family Protection Act (38:21) Introduction to State Strong national coalition for advocacy (41:29) The urgent need for fertility advocates to act nowShare with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! Resources:Michigan Fertility Alliance: www.michiganfertilityalliance.org State Strong Coalition: www.statestrong.org Michigan Family Protection Act Information: www.michigan.gov/familyprotectionact Stephanie Jones Email: stephanie@michiganfertilityalliance.org RESOLVE National Infertility Association: www.resolve.org Book a Free Consultation Have questions about becoming a surrogate? Learn more: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogates/ Curious about how much you could make with surrogacy? Use our Compensation Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogacy-compensation-calculator/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/ Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: familyinceptions.com Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources
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