Podcast
Fertility Forward
Hosted by Rena Gower & Dara Godfrey of RMA of New York · EN
Fertility Forward, the official podcast of RMA of New York, is dedicated to bringing listeners cutting edge and accurate information on different aspects of the fertility space. Hosts Rena Gower and Dara Godfrey interview a wide range of experts including medical professionals, mental health specialists, wellness practitioners, personal trainers, and entrepreneurs in the fertility realm. Each podcast concludes with a message of positivity, authenticity, and a healthy dose of gratitude.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 173: Surrogacy with Carly Joseph
Sep 400:28:29Tap to summarizeSurrogacy is often considered a ‘last resort’ for people dealing with infertility, but it can be an incredibly beautiful (and challenging) way to start a family. In this episode of Fertility Forward, Carly Joseph joins us to share her surrogacy journey and to talk about her surrogacy concierge service that gives families going through surrogacy the support they need. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Carly’s infertility and IVF experience, what inspired her to start her surrogacy business, how she helps her clients, and so much more! We delve into the first steps to take when considering surrogacy before discussing how you can make the decision to go that route. Carly even tells us the one thing she wishes she had done differently in her surrogacy experience. Finally, our guest does not hesitate to share gratitude for her wonderful nanny. Thanks for listening in!
Transcribe →Ep 172: Navigating the Cost of Your Fertility Journey with Dr. Taraneh Nazem, Carissa Simek, and Ben Howard
Aug 2100:37:11Tap to summarizeInsurance coverage, healthcare benefits, and navigating the fertility journey from a cost perspective are incredibly important topics of discussion. Today on Fertility Forward, we welcome Dr. Taraneh Nazem and Carissa Simek back to the show to share their perspectives on this issue, as well as the co-founder of Sheer Health, Ben Howard. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about what Sheer Health is, how they alleviate financial and logistical pressure from both the patient and the doctor, and the importance of taking advantage of healthcare benefits. We delve into how Carissa tracked the financial side of her own fertility journey before hearing all about exactly how Sheer Health works for both patient and doctor. Finally, Ben tells us about his personal journey with fertility, how to access Sheer Health, and we share what we’re grateful for today. Thanks for listening!
Transcribe →Ep 171: Fertility and Perimenopause Dr. Adrienne Mandelberger
Aug 7, 202500:46:43Tap to summarizePerimenopause is a topic that is not discussed often enough and having the conversation helps empower women to know that they don’t need to suffer through it! Today, on Fertility Forward, we are discussing all things perimenopause with the CEO of Balanced Medical, Dr. Adrienne Mandelberger. She is a minimally invasive gynecologist and menopause specialist with a passion for preparing women for perimenopause. Tuning in, you’ll hear our guest debunk some perimenopause and fertility myths, symptoms of perimenopause, why diagnosis is difficult through testing, and the importance of tracking symptoms. We delve into perimenopause symptom types and treatment options before talking about the incredible benefits of hormone therapy to mitigate perimenopause symptoms. We even discuss why perimenopause does not mean infertility! Finally, we share what we are grateful for today. To hear all this and more, be sure to listen now.
Transcribe →Ep 170: Inside the Embryology Lab with Rick Slifkin
Jul 24, 202500:50:25Tap to summarizeThe embryology lab is often a mystery to patients, but it plays a critical role in every IVF journey. In this episode, we’re joined by Rick Slifkin, Embryology Associate Laboratory Director at RMA of New York, for a rare behind-the-scenes look at what happens after egg retrieval. With nearly two decades of experience, Rick walks us through each step of the process, from fertilization and embryo development to genetic testing and cryopreservation. He explains what makes a lab truly high-performing, how strict protocols minimize stress on eggs and embryos, and why innovations in freezing and thawing are making a meaningful difference. Rick also shares the latest research on abnormal fertilization and embryo viability, offering a window into how science and data are improving outcomes. Whether you're navigating treatment or simply curious about the process, this episode offers clarity and reassurance from someone who has seen it all. Join us for a deep dive into the lab work that makes modern fertility care possible!
Transcribe →Ep 169: Sperm Health and Family Planning with Deb Valentin of Sage Wellness (Part 2)
Jul 10, 202500:29:58Tap to summarizeThe male factor is one-third of fertility overall and therefore, sperm health is imperative to fertility! Welcome to part two of our conversation with Deb Valentin about sperm health! In this part of the conversation, we discuss how diet affects sperm health, how different nutrients and food groups improve (and harm) sperm, the best supplements to support sperm health, and more! We delve into the dangers of alcohol and smoking when it comes to sperm health and the importance of exercise before discussing how to manage testicular temperature regulation. Be reminded to drink water, learn about how often a man needs to ejaculate, and the power of acupuncture for sperm health. We even talk about how important optimism and positive thinking are during any fertility journey. Finally, Deb shares the importance of finding the joy in getting healthy through your fertility journey. Thanks for listening!
Transcribe →Ep 168: Sperm Health and Family Planning with Deb Valentin of Sage Wellness (Part 1)
Jun 19, 202500:31:00Tap to summarizeWhat if the key to unlocking fertility lies in addressing both partners equally? Today on Fertility Forward, we’re joined by Deb Valentin, a renowned integrative acupuncturist, herbalist, fertility specialist, and founder of Sage Wellness in Manhattan, to shed light on the often-overlooked role of male fertility in family planning. With over 20 years of experience, Deb combines Eastern wisdom with modern techniques for a holistic approach to fertility that addresses both male and female factors. We explore how lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, diet, and habits like smoking and alcohol consumption can significantly impact sperm quality and overall fertility. Deb shares small, sustainable changes that can make a big difference in fertility outcomes and emphasizes the importance of early intervention for both men and women, stressing that fertility should be a shared responsibility in family planning. To learn why progress, not perfection, is key to improving fertility and why addressing male fertility is essential for anyone on the journey to parenthood, tune in today!
Transcribe →Ep 167: Navigating Pregnancy and Parenthood as a Transgender Man: A Conversation with Trystan Reese
Jun 5, 202500:34:47Tap to summarizeJoining us on the Fertility Forward podcast today is Trystan Reese, an award-winning author, facilitator, and longtime advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion with nearly two decades of experience in the trans community. Trystan is the author of the acclaimed memoir How We Do Family (2021) and co-author of the children’s book The Light of You, written with his partner, Biff Chaplow. A Lambda Literary Fellow, Trystan first captured national attention with his viral storytelling performance on The Moth’s mainstage. He is also the founder of Collaborate Consulting, LLC, where he leads training on LGBTQ+ inclusion, and his work has been featured in multiple anthologies focused on mental health and social justice. In today’s conversation, Trystan shares his powerful story of navigating pregnancy as a transgender man. He reflects on how he researched and prepared for the experience, offers thoughts on current “best practices” around hormones and gestational care, and unpacks both internal and systemic barriers to trans-inclusive fertility support. Most importantly, he leaves listeners with a message of hope, resilience, and deep wisdom. Don’t miss this inspiring and eye-opening episode, tune in now!
Transcribe →Ep 166: Support for the Journey to Motherhood with Dr. Catherine Birndorf
May 15, 202500:42:20Tap to summarizeThe journey from trying to conceive, to pregnancy, to postpartum, can be the most beautiful time of someone’s life, but also the hardest, and that’s where finding the right support is key. Dr. Catherine Birndorf is a reproductive psychiatrist, the co-founder, CEO, and Medical Director of The Motherhood Center of New York, and the Founding Director of the Payne Whitney Women’s Programme at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is also a clinical associate professor of psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology, and the author of multiple books, including What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood. During this episode, we dive into a huge variety of topics, including perinatal, mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS), medication, and more. From how to know when something is wrong and where to seek the necessary support to understanding treatability, we cover it all. Thanks for listening!
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