Infertile Af

Today, Ali talks to Barbara Ginty, host of the Future Rich podcast, for a special crossover episode to share her deeply personal fertility journey — and to talk honestly about the emotional and financial realities of IVF. Barbara froze her eggs in her 30s, not knowing exactly when or how she might use them. Seven years later, she returned to those frozen eggs and went through IVF — and now, as this episode airs, she’s on the brink of welcoming her first baby. Barbara shares what it was like to trust a decision she made years earlier, the uncertainty of the process, and the surreal feeling of finally reaching this moment. Barbara also turns the mic on Ali, who opens up about her secondary infertility and IVF journey, including the complicated emotions that can come with trying to grow your family after already having a child. For more, check out www.futurerichpodcast.comEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproduc

Today’s guest is Alexis Allegra, and her path to motherhood is one of those stories that reminds you just how many twists and pivots this journey can take. Alexis met her person later in life and, like so many of us, thought, okay — let’s go, let’s start trying right away. But what followed was nearly three years of fertility treatments… chemical pregnancies… failed IVF transfers… and a whole lot of heartbreak and regrouping. In her mid-40s, when things weren’t unfolding the way she’d imagined, Alexis made a brave pivot to embryo donation — a decision that ultimately led her to her healthy baby. In this episode, Ali and Alexis talk about trying to build a family on a timeline you didn’t plan for, grieving the losses you don’t always talk about, redefining what motherhood can look like, and staying open to a path that might be different — but just as beautiful.EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technolog

If you're considering freezing your eggs: This one's for you. Fashion influencer and writer Lily Montasser built her platform sharing effortlessly cool style, NYC life, and sharp, honest storytelling. But recently, she opened up about something far more personal: her decision to freeze her eggs. Instead of keeping it private, Lily brought her followers along for the ride — partnering with Extend Fertility for her treatment, documenting the appointments, the hormones, the doubts, and the unexpected empowerment of taking control of her fertility timeline. In this episode, Ali and Lily talk about what it really feels like to make proactive choices about your future, how Lily felt sexier than ever going through the process, how sharing vulnerably online changed the experience, and why more women are rethinking the “someday” conversation around family-building.Follow her on IG: @lilymontasserSubstack: lilymontasser.substack.comCheck out Extend Fertility: www.extendfertility.com EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF A

On today's episode, content creator and mama of three Ruby Smoot gets real about the parts of infertility and pregnancy after infertility we don’t talk about enough — the mental health spiral, the obsessive thoughts, the fear, and the quiet, heavy darkness that can creep in while you’re trying so hard to become a parent. In this deeply candid conversation, Ruby opens up about pregnancy after infertility while battling OCD and intrusive thoughts, navigating severe nausea called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), and what it felt like to hold hope and despair at the same time, and how becoming pregnant didn’t magically erase the mental health struggles she was carrying. Because as many of us know: having babies doesn’t fix everything — you still have to heal. She also talks about getting pregnant again, and having HG a second time. Now a mom of three kiddos, Ruby reflects on what she wishes she’d known, how she got support, and why talking honestly about maternal mental health might be the most important thing we

Today’s guest is Rachel Swanson — MS, RD, LDN — one of the most in-demand nutritionists in the country, known for helping people optimize performance using deeply science-backed, totally personalized care. She’s also the author of the brand-new book Trying!: A Science-Backed Plan to Optimize Your Fertility. On today's episode, Ali and Rachel flip the fertility conversation on its head with what Rachel calls Fertility 2.0 — a proactive, preventative approach that goes way beyond eggs and sperm to focus on the whole body: your gut, metabolism, sleep, oral health, even your partner’s kissing hygiene (yes, really). This convo was originally aired as part of Fertility Rally Live #10.For more on Fertility Rally, follow IG: @fertilityrallyFor more on Rachel, go to www.rachelswanson.comIG: @rachelsrxEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in th

On this episode, Ali is joined by Jared Walker—author of The Empty Nest and founder of the non-profit Dollar For—for one of the most raw and important conversations we’ve had in a while. It's so great to hear a guy's perspective on infertility, and Jared and his wife are still in the thick of it. There’s no neat ending here, no bow tied on the story—and that’s exactly why this conversation matters. Ali and Jared talk about how he and his wife grew up together (he's best friends with her brother); what happened when they started trying to build their family, including a devastating pregnancy loss; and where they are today. Jared shares how infertility has shaped his marriage, his identity, and his understanding of hope—while simultaneously building a nonprofit that helps people eliminate crushing medical debt. This episode is for anyone who is tired of “success stories only,” who feels stuck in the wait, or who needs permission to say: this is really hard—and I’m still here.For more, go to https://

This episode is a powerful conversation pulled from Fertility Rally Live in November 2025,, where we gathered an incredible panel to talk candidly about surrogacy — from every angle.Moderated by Jessie Jaskulsky of Surrogacy Simplified, the panel includes surrogacy mama Sarrah Strimmel Bentley, experienced surrogate Emily Westerfield, and surrogacy mama Alexandra French of The Surrogacy Foundation for an honest, nuanced discussion about what surrogacy really looks like — emotionally, logistically, ethically, and financially. Covered in the chat: How people arrive at surrogacy (and how complicated that decision can be)The relationship between intended parents and gestational carriersCommon misconceptions and hard truthsWhat surprised them most along the wayWhat they wish they’d known before startingWhether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy from an Intended Parent or Surrogate POV, deep in the process, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand this path to parenthood, this conversa

It's an encore presentation of one of our favorite episodes! Ali's very special guest today is Elizabeth Carr, the first person born in the U.S. — in 1981 — via in vitro fertilization. "My birth was so widely publicized that my first press conference was at three days old," Elizabeth says. "I didn't get here like everybody else." Elizabeth shares what it's been like to live under media scrutiny since the moment she was born (check out the NOVA documentary about her life). She also explains why her parents did IVF in the first place, what the IVF landscape was like back then, how the actual procedure worked (so much has changed!) and the incredible work she's doing today to advocate for IVF and reproductive rights. She also shares how the pope, when she was born, called her "a child of the devil." For more, check out https://ejordancarr.com/ and her IG: @ejordan12 EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Fam

Today, Ali is talking to René Byrd, a British-born singer, songwriter, and media personality known for her powerful voice, soulful pop and R&B style, and her bold, heartfelt storytelling. On this episode, she tells her deeply personal egg freezing, infertility and family building journey, including giving birth to her son via IVF at age 48. Rene talks about the retreat that changed her life for the better, meeting her future husband in a bar (and how she knew she would build her family with him), and facing backlash when she became a mom in her late forties. She also shares the lessons she's learned regarding advocacy, fertility awareness and maternal wellbeing. Follow on IG: @Renebyrdofficial  @Renebyrdofficialglobal EPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo b

On today's episode, Ali is joined by Tara Carlyle—influencer, girl mom, and outspoken advocate for women navigating infertility, including the reality of secondary infertility. Tara shares her personal journey and the emotional whiplash of struggling to conceive again after already having a child—grappling with guilt, grief, and what it’s like to feel dismissed by the medical system. Tara also talks about her advocacy work for a TTC blood panel and deeper investigation into women’s health, especially when symptoms are brushed off or labeled “normal.” Follow Tara on IG: @taracarlyleEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now a

Missed Rally Live #10? No worries! In this special episode, we’re bringing you the powerful Rally Live #10 keynote from Sarah Herron—reality TV alum, writer, advocate, and founder of SheLift. While many of you first met Sarah on The Bachelor, her true impact has come from the way she’s chosen to tell her own infertility story: with honesty, vulnerability, humor, and a fierce commitment to helping others feel less alone. In her keynote, Sarah opens up about living with a limb difference, navigating infertility, experiencing profound pregnancy loss, and redefining resilience on her own terms. She speaks candidly about grief, identity, mental health, and the unexpected places strength can be found. Her words remind us that we can hold joy and heartbreak at the same time—and that there is power in embracing our imperfections. She also talks about being a twin mom and a "Forever mom" to her sweet son, Oliver, who she honors every day. Follow Sarah on IG: @sarahherronEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK S

On this week's episode, Ali sits down with an icon and pioneer in the infertility community: double-board certified REI and infertility warrior Dr. Natalie Crawford. Natalie opens up about her four pregnancy losses before having her two kiddos, being both sides of the stirrups as doctor and patient, and what it's really like to navigate infertility as someone who “knows too much.” She talks about bucking the system when it came to social media; co-founding her boutique clinic in Austin, TX, Fora Fertility (and why she decided to start her own thing); and her new book, The Fertility Formula. Natalie also talks about how to advocate for yourself in the exam room, how her patients inspired parts of the book; and what she wants every fertility patient to hear right now.For more, and to preorder The Fertility Formula, go to www.nataliecrawfordmd.comIG: @nataliecrawfordmdEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Rep

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ali sits down with Connie, a proud Single Mom by Choice whose path to motherhood was anything but traditional—and exactly right for her. Growing up with a Black military dad and a Taiwanese “Tiger Mom,” Connie always felt the weight of expectations about what family should look like. But as she approached her late 30s, knowing she always wanted to have kids, she decided to freeze her eggs. Later, her best friend gave her the clarity she needed: “Connie, if you want your baby, go get your baby. You don’t need to do it the traditional way.” Connie opens up about what it was like navigating the SMBC journey as a woman of mixed race, including the emotional complexity of donor selection and the lack of Black sperm donors in U.S. banks. She shares how she found an amazing doctor and clinic, Dr. Joshua Klein of Extend Fertility -- aka Ali's doctor! Connie also talks about navigating IVF, getting pregnant (with twins!), giving birth during Covid and what life is like

In this special episode, Ali is bringing you the unforgettable keynote from style expert, author, and powerhouse storyteller Lilliana Vasquez at Fertility Rally Live. Lilliana opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood, including the emotional twists, cultural layers, and unexpected turns her family-building path took. With her signature candor, humor, and heart, she shares what it was like to navigate infertility while living in the public eye—and how it ultimately reshaped her identity, her career, and her purpose. She talks about resilience, community, representation, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in the stories around you. Lilliana also dives into the powerful role that vulnerability plays in healing, and offers encouragement for anyone who’s still in the messy middle of their journey.EPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.co

This week, we are celebrating a major milestone: Fertility Rally Live #10. Ten Rallies. Ten waves of community, connection, truth-telling, sisterhood, messy feelings, breakthroughs, belly laughs, and being so deeply seen.To honor this moment, we’re revisiting one of the most unforgettable keynotes in Rally Live history: singer Christina Perri’s beautifully raw, breathtaking, and generous conversation about love, loss, grief, family building, and hope.Whether you were there live or are hearing this for the first time, we hope this conversation finds you gently, wherever you are on your path. We are so grateful to Christina for sharing her beautiful truth, and for every single one of you who has shown up for yourself and each other over these ten Rallies.Mark your calendars: Fertility Rally Live #10 is happening November 14. Even if you can't come live, snag your ticket because you have 30 days to watch all of the talks! Plus you get our Virtual Swag Bag!

Today, Ali talks to Ashtin, who opens up about her long road through infertility, including doing IVF treatment in both Greece and Australia. Ashtin talks about trying to get pregnant for two years, navigating four failed cycles, and then, how she ultimately conceived using the PherDal at-home insemination kit — a non-invasive, science-backed option that helped her finally become pregnant with a healthy baby. Ashtin opens up about all of it, from the countless injections to the travel to being both emotionally and financially drained. She also shares how, after listening to the Infertile AF podcast and hearing an ad for PherDal (and hearing founder Jenn on another episode), she decided to try it -- and crazily enough, it worked!For more on PherDal, go to pherdal.comIG: @pherdal_scienceEPISODE SPONSORS: THERALOGIXIG: @theralogixTheralogix offers evidence-based, physician-founded supplements designed to support reproductive health, from egg and sperm quality to prenatal wellness and beyond. Trusted by fertility

On today's episode, Ali is talking to Kyla Burke—who you might know from her huge following on social media as a fitness expert and creator of the Coached by Kyla app. At just 34 years old, Kyla was told, “You don’t have any eggs. I can barely see your ovaries—there’s nothing. You have no function.” Her AMH was less than 0.01, and her estrogen, LH, and every other hormone were in the post-menopausal range. Her period had disappeared at 33, and she was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure—complete with all the symptoms: hot flashes, muscle aches, insomnia, and heartbreak. But Kyla didn’t stop there. She worked with a reproductive therapist, dove into IVF, and eventually pivoted to donor eggs from a dear from of hers—becoming a proud donor egg mama of two beautiful babies. Oh—and wait until you hear how she met her husband. It might just be the best meet-cute ever shared on the pod.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAd

It's the 350th episode — and we couldn’t think of a more powerful, honest, and inspiring guest to help us celebrate this milestone. Today, Ali is talking with actress, writer, and fierce infertility advocate Camille Guaty, who you may know from Prison Break, The Vampire Diaries, Duster, and so many other shows and movies (Fertility Rally members especially love her in the Disney move, Gotta Kick it Up). But beyond her Hollywood career, Camille opens up about the deeply personal journey that led to her son — a journey that included years of IVF, heartbreak, hope, and ultimately, using donor eggs to build her family. Camille gets candid about the emotional rollercoaster of infertility, pivoting to donor conception, what it was like being a pregnant actress in Hollywood,, the advocacy work she's doing with Resolve, and how she’s now using her voice to normalize all the ways families are made.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/do

This week, Ali sits down with Dr. Mark Ratner, Chief Science Officer at Theralogix and one of the country’s leading experts in reproductive health and nutritional science.After 30 years in private practice focused on male fertility, Dr. Ratner has seen firsthand how confusing — and sometimes misleading — the supplement world can be. In this eye-opening conversation, he and Ali unpack what’s actually backed by science when it comes to fertility supplements, how to choose products that are truly evidence-based, and the importance of transparency in a market full of mystery formulas and marketing claims.They also dive into OvaNAD+, a Theralogix supplement specifically designed to support egg health and mitochondrial function. Mark and the Theralogix team are also offering a special discount to Infertile AF listeners. Save 15% at Theralogix.com with code INFERTILEAF. For more, go to: theralogix.comEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Buildi

In this powerful episode, Ali sits down with Liz Krueger to share her deeply personal journey through infertility and loss. After having her daughter at 35, Liz experienced a series of heartbreaking miscarriages—including one at 16 weeks, when she and her husband lost their baby girl.Liz opens up about the devastation of finding out her highest-graded embryo didn’t survive the thaw, the hemorrhage and loss that followed another pregnancy, and the emotional toll of multiple retrievals and a chemical pregnancy. She also shares how she finally allowed herself to take a three-month leave from work to grieve—a step she had never given herself permission to take before.With raw honesty, Liz reflects on navigating profound grief, the heartbreak of losing embryos without her consent, and the resilience it has taken to keep moving forward. She also shares the hope and vulnerability of finally being pregnant again—and how she’s feeling now, as she prepares to welcome her next baby this winter.EPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFU