What happens when we stop whispering about miscarriage and start telling our stories out loud? How can we begin to shed the shame and silence that so often surround women’s health experiences? And why is open dialogue so essential in shifting the cultural narrative around infertility, menopause, and mental health?

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by psychologist and author Jessica Zucker, founder of the #IHadAMiscarriage movement. Drawing from her own experience of miscarriage and her professional expertise, Jessica shares how storytelling and vulnerability have the power to change the way we view and talk about women's health. 

Jessica’s book Normalize It further explores these themes, encouraging women to own their experiences and find connection through honesty and shared truth. Together, Dr. Shahine and Jessica dive into the many ways women are pressured to stay silent about their bodies and emotions—from miscarriage and infertility to menopause and mental health. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

• [2:19] Jessica’s personal journey #IHadAMiscarriage
• [5:05] Impact of #IHadAMiscarriage movement
• [12:16] Exploring the themes in Normalize It
• [17:04] Healing potential of storytelling
• [20:55] Breaking down stigma through community
• [25:02] Personal experience integrated with professional practice
• [30:19] Societal pressures on women
• [34:58] Empowerment through shared experiences
• [36:35] The importance of education and open dialogue

Resources mentioned: 

drjessicazucker.com 

Normalize It by Jessica Zucker, PhD 

Follow Jessica on IG - @ihadamiscarriage 

Inside Amy Schumer - Last F**kable Day (ft. Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Patricia Arquette

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Are you trying to conceive and feeling unsure about where to start? Wondering if you're making mistakes that could be delaying your journey to parenthood? Curious about what really impacts fertility—and what steps you can take today to improve your chances?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine shares the five most common mistakes couples make when trying to get pregnant—and how to avoid them. Dr. Shahine also offers practical, evidence-based tips to support your fertility journey from the very beginning.

Listeners will walk away feeling empowered with three key tips for optimizing fertility and a better understanding of why past or family fertility success doesn’t guarantee the same for everyone. This episode offers clarity, encouragement, and actionable advice, no matter where you are in your TTC (trying to conceive) journey

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• [0:36] Mistake #1: Understanding your cycle
• [2:46] Mistake #2: Timing intercourse correctly
• [5:06] Mistake #3: Semen analysis matters
• [8:23] Mistake #4: Waiting too long to visit a fertility specialist
• [10:24] Mistake #5: Making assumptions
• [13:55] Top tips for getting pregnant fast

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Are you curious about how surrogates are selected and matched? What about knowing the steps it takes to get started? How long does it take and how much does it cost?

Surrogacy can be a beautiful and life-changing path to parenthood — but it’s also one that’s often misunderstood. In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down the most frequently asked questions and biggest misconceptions about gestational surrogacy with the Director of the Gestational Surrogacy Program at Pacific NW Fertility, Mollie Hyuck. 

From who the legal parents are, to whether the surrogate can keep the baby (spoiler: she can’t), to understanding the emotional, medical, and ethical realities — this episode is your evidence-based guide to what surrogacy is and what it isn’t.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• [2:20] Common myths about surrogacy (and why they’re wrong)
• [5:03] How surrogates are selected, screened, and supported
• [6:48] The difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy
• [8:28] What intended parents should know about legal and emotional considerations
• [14:03] Why surrogacy is often misunderstood in media and public opinion
• [19:37] How to decide if it’s the right path for you

Whether you’re considering surrogacy, supporting someone through it, or just curious about the process, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and connected.

Resources mentioned: 

I Became Your Mama by Mollie Huyck

pnwfertility.com

roaringadventures.org

navieapp.com

Connect on Instagram @pnwfertility | @roaringadventures_ | @naviehealth

Episodes mentioned:

Ep 49 Olympic Champion Figure Skater to Fertility Advocate: What Tara Lipinski Learned with Unexpecting

Ep23 Samantha Busch on Surrogacy and Infertility Advocacy

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Are you curious about what surrogacy really involves—and whether it might be right for you or someone you love? Have you ever wondered if surrogacy is only an option for the wealthy or famous? Do you know the difference between traditional surrogacy and a gestational carrier?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine has an eye-opening conversation with Mollie Huyck to explore the often complex and deeply personal world of surrogacy. Mollie is Director of Gestational Surrogacy Program at PNWF. Mollie's experience in the reproductive health field is deeply intertwined with a personal journey of unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, which spanned a decade of medical treatments including use of gestational surrogacy. 

Dr. Shahine and Mollie discuss the step by step process of finding and partnering with a gestational carrier (including warning signs and red flags you don’t want to miss along the way). 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[2:54] Surrogacy vs. gestational carriers 

[5:39] Mollie’s personal journey & professional insights

[10:07] Finding the right gestational carrier

[12:32] Legal representation is important

[17:31] Mental health & counseling during surrogacy

[22:01] Navigating surrogacy agencies

[32:45] Understanding the timeline & the cost

[37:50] Final thoughts

Resources mentioned: 

pnwfertility.com

roaringadventures.org

navieapp.com

Connect on Instagram @pnwfertility | @roaringadventures_ | @naviehealth

Ep 96 Protecting Yourself from Surrogacy Scams with Dr. Brian Levine

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Your egg retrieval is scheduled, and you’ve done what you can to prepare, but what about after? How many eggs is “normal” to retrieve—or what happens if it’s less than expected? What’s a typical recovery, what are signs of a complication, and when should you call the clinic? 

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine shares five essential things to know both before and after an egg retrieval. She’s covering egg count, how to manage post-procedure discomfort, and recognizing signs of possible complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, constipation, and a heavy period.

If you want to know what to expect for your egg retrieval, this episode is for you!

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:30] Setting expectations for egg retrieval

[4:12] Managing after-procedure pain

[6:12] OHSS: what it is & what do do

[10:43 Constipation 

[12:12] Your next period

[13:55] Recap and final thoughts

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Are you curious about what pelvic floor therapy actually involves? Have you ever wondered whether issues like bladder leaks, painful sex, or postpartum discomfort are just “normal” things you have to live with? Do men experience pelvic floor dysfunction? (hint: yes, men also have pelvic floors).

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a licensed pelvic floor physical therapist. Together, they’re taking the mystery out of pelvic health and explaining why it matters for everyone—not just postpartum women. 

Listeners will learn about the wide range of conditions pelvic PT can help with—from incontinence and prolapse to pain during sex and more. Dr. Jeffrey-Thomas and Dr. Shahine walk through what a pelvic PT appointment looks like, tackle myths about Kegels, discuss insurance coverage, and highlight the importance of proper toilet posture. 

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of overall pelvic health and feel empowered to take charge of your well-being—because pelvic pain and dysfunction are never “just part of life.”

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:16] Meet Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, PT, DPT, PRPC

[1:57] Pelvic floor functions

[3:58] What is pelvic floor therapy?

[5:57] Conditions that are treated with pelvic floor therapy

[12:21] Pelvis floor dysfunction symptoms

[16:04] A pelvic PT appointment

[22:24] Insurance info

[24:18] Myths about pelvic health

[34:20] Normalizing post-partum issues

[36:57] Common misunderstandings about painful sex

[39:06] Treatment options for incontinence 

[40:33] Men’s pelvic floor 

[42:25] Feeling empowered

Resources mentioned: 

thepelvicdancefloor.com

@thepelvicedancefloor on Instagram and TikTok 

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Are you preparing for an egg retrieval and feeling unsure about what to expect? Curious about what you should—and shouldn’t—do on the day of your procedure? 

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks through everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for your egg retrieval. She’s covering the logistics, physical and emotional readiness, and what matters most before, during, and after the procedure. 

All this information will help reduce anxiety and ensure a comfortable and more informed experience. This is a must-listen for those at the beginning of IVF or those simply looking to understand the egg retrieval process better. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:16] Understanding the process

[1:42] Preparing for the “day of”

[4:05] During the procedure

[12:52]  Post-retrieval care

[15:09] Next steps

[17:08] Final thoughts & some encouragement

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Are you wondering whether freezing eggs or embryos is the better choice for fertility preservation? How has freezing technology changed and advanced? What are the ethical, financial, and emotional factors behind this important decision?

In this episode of Brave and Curious, host Dr. Lora Shahine takes a deep dive into the complex and personal decision of egg vs. embryo freezing. With a thoughtful look at the evolution of fertility preservation, she compares past practices with today’s cutting-edge technologies, helping listeners understand how far the field has come and what options are now available.

You’ll gain a better understanding of the pros and cons of freezing eggs versus embryos, including important medical, ethical, and legal factors. Dr. Shahine also explores possible future challenges—like legal disputes over embryo use—and breaks down the financial costs and access issues involved.

You may be surprised by some of the tips and will finish the episode better informed about your choices.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:16] Eggs vs. Embryos

[1:11] Advancements in freezing technology

[4:33] Egg freezing: pros & cons

[9:08] Embryo freezing: pros & cons

[11:19] Final thoughts

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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What role do prenatal vitamins play in fertility and pregnancy? When should you start taking them to support a healthy pregnancy? And how do you choose the best prenatal vitamin with the right nutrients?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Shahine explores the essential role of prenatal vitamins in supporting both fertility and pregnancy. She explains the importance of these supplements, when to start taking them, the difference between folic acid and folate, and what key nutrients to look for. She also discusses recommended daily intakes and how different vitamins—like folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA—contribute to the health of both mother and baby.

Listeners will learn how to evaluate the quality of prenatal supplements and ensure they meet expert guidelines, including recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Whether you're trying to conceive or already pregnant, this episode is full of the knowledge to make informed choices about prenatal nutrition.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:09] Why prenatal vitamins are essential

[2:43] When should you start taking a prenatal vitamin?

[3:32] Key nutrients in prenatal vitamins

• Folic acid vs folate
• Iron
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Others

[15:21] Choosing the right prenatal vitamin brand

[15:55] Making an informed choice 

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Have you ever wondered what a semen analysis actually measures? What do the numbers mean, and how do you know if the results are normal? If something is off, what are the possible causes, and what can be done about it?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down everything you need to know about semen analysis and its role in fertility evaluations. She explains the key measurements, what’s considered normal, and why male factor infertility is an important part of the conception journey.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of semen analysis results, learn how to prepare for the test, and discover what steps to take if results indicate potential concerns. Dr. Shahine also shares practical advice on treatment options and essential questions to ask your doctor, ensuring you feel informed and empowered in your fertility

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:55] Importance of semen analysis in fertility

[2:17] Understanding results

[5:48] Factors affecting sperm count

[12:00] Motility and morphology explained

[19:07] Next steps and treatment options

[21:41] Questions to ask your doctor

[22:44] Closing thoughts

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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