This week, we're taking you behind the scenes of IVF laboratories with Dr. Melanie Walls, Scientific Director at Concept Fertility Centre. With over 18 years of expertise in IVF laboratories and a unique perspective as both a scientist and former IVF patient, Dr. Walls offers rare insight into one of the most crucial yet least discussed aspects of fertility treatment: identification and traceability. Dr. Walls breaks down the sophisticated systems that ensure your eggs, sperm, and embryos are protected throughout your fertility journey. She explains how electronic witnessing works, the evolution of lab safeguards, and the rigorous regulations Australian fertility labs must follow to maintain the highest standards of care. Whether you're just beginning treatment or deep in your fertility journey, this conversation will give you valuable knowledge about the laboratory processes happening behind the scenes and practical advice for being proactive about your own identification during treatment.

This episode is proudly supported by Concept Fertility Centre

Join us this week as we tackle one of the most challenging holidays for women on fertility journeys—Mother's Day. We're honoured to welcome renowned gynaecologist, fertility specialist and Director of Genea Fertility Melbourne City, Dr. Chandrika Parmar, who brings her expertise not just as a fertility specialist but as someone who deeply understands the emotional complexities her patients face during these celebration-focused times. Dr. Parmar shares thoughtful insights on managing grief triggers, setting healthy boundaries with family, and creating meaningful rituals that honour your journey. We discuss practical strategies for navigating social media, family gatherings, and well-meaning but painful comments, plus specific language for declining invitations when needed. Whether you're years into your fertility journey or just beginning, this episode offers both the validation and practical tools needed to move through Mother's Day with your heart intact. Dr. Parmar's compassionate approach reminds us that there's no right way to experience this day—only what feels right for you.

This episode is supported by Genea Fertility Melbourne City

This week, we're joined by Sonja Pototzki-Raymond, the formidable "Search Queen" whose journey from facing abandonment issues and a gruelling fertility battle to building a multi-million dollar digital empire will leave you inspired. Sonja opens up about how leaving Ireland for Australian shores became the catalyst for conquering her demons and founding The Search Republic, now one of Australia's most sought-after Google-accredited agencies.

We dive into how her fertility struggles forged her resilient warrior spirit and led her to become the outspoken advocate she is today. Sonja shares powerful insights from her new book, "The Search for Resilience," revealing how true warriors know when to fight, when to love, and when to surrender. Her message is clear and compelling: you CAN have everything you want in life if you're willing to fight for it.

Don't miss this conversation with a woman who's proven that our deepest challenges often become our greatest strengths.

Grab your copy of Sonja’s book The Search For Resilience here:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Search-Resilience-Awaken-Warrior-Business/dp/1925452964

Follow Sonja on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sonjathesearchqueen

For more info on Sonja’s visit her website
https://sonjathesearchqueen.com/

In recognition of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we welcome back nutrition and lifestyle coach Sarah Hopkins to explore the complex relationship between endometriosis and fertility. Sarah shares insights from helping countless women manage this challenging condition through evidence-based nutritional and lifestyle interventions.

This episode dives into why endometriosis has become increasingly prevalent, the crucial role of inflammation in both endo symptoms and fertility outcomes, and practical strategies for creating an environment where your body can better manage this condition. Sarah breaks down the impact of environmental chemicals, explains which dietary approaches show the most promise, and addresses whether IVF is always necessary for those with endometriosis who want to conceive. From success stories of her clients who've conceived naturally despite their diagnosis to cutting-edge research on the gut-hormone connection, this conversation offers hope and actionable advice for anyone navigating the challenging intersection of endometriosis and fertility.

In honour of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re joined by Liz Bancroft—Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, IVF veteran, and founder of the Hope Affirm Thrive program.

Fertility treatment is often described as a medical journey, but for neurodivergent women, it’s also a sensory, emotional, and psychological battleground—one that standard fertility care is rarely designed to accommodate. From overstimulating clinic environments to invasive procedures that trigger trauma responses, Liz unpacks the hidden stressors that make IVF uniquely challenging for differently wired minds.

But this conversation goes deeper than just managing sensory overwhelm—it’s about healing the nervous system to create the best possible conditions for both emotional and reproductive resilience. Liz breaks down the science behind chronic stress, trauma, and fertility outcomes, revealing why trauma work isn’t just about mental well-being—it’s a critical factor in the IVF process itself.

Beyond the unhelpful “just relax” advice, Liz shares evidence-based strategies for trauma integration, nervous system regulation, and self-advocacy, giving all women the tools to reclaim control, reduce emotional burnout, and navigate IVF in a way that actually works for their brains.

Whether you’re just starting treatment or deep in the trenches, this episode is an essential listen for anyone who feels unseen, overstimulated, or emotionally exhausted by the fertility system—because your mental health matters just as much as your hormone levels.

Resources

www.hopeaffirmthrive.com.au

www.bancroftpsychology.com 

https://emdraa.org/find-a-therapist/ 

In this moving episode, Georgia Prentice shares her challenging fertility journey complicated by a balanced translocation diagnosis, which led her through multiple IVF cycles and clinic changes before finally achieving success with her third egg collection.

Running parallel to her fertility struggles was a heartbreaking countdown—Georgia's father had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and given just 18 months to live. As she navigated the emotional rollercoaster of failed cycles and new hope, Georgia felt the pressure of time slipping away. Though her father passed less than two weeks before her daughter was born, Georgia finds peace in knowing he left this world aware that his legacy would continue, creating a bittersweet ending to her long-awaited path to motherhood.

In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes into the fascinating world of fertility science with Natalie Moska, Laboratory Manager at Genea Fertility Perth. With over 16 years of experience across WA and the UK, Natalie shares her wealth of knowledge on the cutting-edge therapies helping patients on their fertility journey.  

We break down key adjuvant treatments like:  
PICSI – what is it, and who benefits?  
Zymot– how does it work for sperm selection?  
Calcium Ionophore Activation – the role it plays in fertilisation.  

Plus, Natalie opens up about her passion for embryology, her favourite part of the job, and what keeps her inspired in the lab. Whether you’re deep in treatment or simply curious, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand the science behind fertility.  

Proudly supported by Genea Fertility

This week, we’re diving into all your fertility questions—yes, even the quirky or embarrassing ones! Joining us is the incredible Dr. Chandrika Parmar, a renowned gynaecologist, fertility specialist, and Director of Genea Fertility Melbourne City. With her compassionate, patient-centred approach, Dr. Parmar has helped countless families on their fertility journeys. So, whether you’re curious, confused, or just looking for a little guidance, this episode has you covered. Tune in for expert insights, a few laughs, and plenty of reassurance. 
This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility. 

In this episode, Anna Hitch shares her incredible fertility journey, from facing unexplained infertility and a heartbreaking miscarriage to navigating IVF and welcoming her miracle baby, River. Along the way, Anna and her husband battled more than fertility challenges, with his testicular cancer diagnosis during her pregnancy adding another layer of resilience to their story. Anna opens up about what she’s learned, the gratitude she feels for her little boy, and what’s next for their family as they prepare for future IVF.

This week’s episode with Gemma Clark, shines a light on CAPA-IVM (in-vitro maturation), an emerging technology in fertility treatment that offers hope to patients with PCOS and other conditions. A classic PCOS case with no ovulation, Gemma’s fertility journey has been anything but typical. From discovering she has two uteruses, two cervixes, and a tiny second vagina during pre-treatment screening, to a miraculous natural conception of her first child, her story is a testament to resilience. Now, Gemma is embarking on CAPA-IVM with PGT testing. This innovative approach matures eggs outside the body, offering a lower-stimulation alternative to traditional IVF—an especially exciting development for women with PCOS. Tune in to hear Gemma’s honest account of the challenges and possibilities of fertility treatment, and what CAPA-IVM could mean for the future of reproductive medicine.

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at two critical advancements in fertility treatment—Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) and Carrier Screening. These tools are transforming the IVF journey, giving hopeful families more control and confidence when it comes to their future children’s health. I’m joined by two Genea Fertility Melbourne City experts, Sandra Holden, a highly skilled Clinical Embryologist and Lab Manager with over 30 years of experience, and Claire Trumble, an Associate Genetic Counsellor who specialises in reproductive genetics. Together, Sandra and Claire break down the importance of PGT and Carrier Screening, discussing how these powerful tools can assist in creating healthy families and why they’re vital in modern fertility treatment. Whether you're considering IVF or curious about genetic testing, this episode offers invaluable insights from two leading experts in their fields.

This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility