Faith Over Pharma | Holistic Health, Longevity, Hormones & Fertility

Faith Over Pharma | Holistic Health, Longevity, Hormones & Fertility

By Susan Gladstein | Holistic Health & Longevity PractitionerAlternative HealthHealth & FitnessReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf-Improvement
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Faith Over Pharma | Holistic Health, Longevity, Hormones & Fertility episodes

  • 48. Gut Health & Fertility: How Inflammation Impacts Egg and Sperm Quality with Aimee Raupp

    If you’re feeling frustrated, heartbroken, or completely confused by your fertility journey after a vasectomy reversal—this episode is for you. You’ve been told everything looks “normal,” but you’re still not getting pregnant. You’ve tried tracking, timing, maybe even medications… yet no one is talking to you about your gut health, your inflammation, or how those two things could be quietly impacting your chances of conceiving.

    In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author, acupuncturist, and fertility expert Aimee Raupp to explore the critical (and often ignored) link between gut health, inflammation, and egg and sperm quality. Aimee shares her holistic approach to supporting fertility after vasectomy reversal—one that goes far beyond the standard protocols and digs into the root causes of infertility.

    We talk about:

    • How chronic inflammation affects both egg and sperm quality
    • Why gut health is the foundation of hormone balance and fertility
    • What conventional fertility clinics often miss—and how to advocate for more complete care
    • Practical lifestyle shifts that reduce inflammation and improve conception outcomes
    • The emotional toll of being told you're "just too old"—and why that's not the full story
    • If you’re trying to conceive after a vasectomy reversal and feeling unseen or unsupported, this episode will validate what your intuition has been telling you: there’s more to the story, and there’s more you can do—starting with your gut.

      XO,

      Susan

      Thanks for listening!


      If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe, leave a review (seriously, I read every single one!), and share it with someone who might need some inspiration.

       

      Connect with Aimee:

      Instagram @aimeeraupp

      Facebook @bodybeliefexpert

      YouTube @aimeeraupp

      https://aimeeraupp.com/


      Next Steps:

      Join us in the free Facebook group:  Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal Community

      Get Holistic Fertility Support Straight To Your Inbox

      Let’s Connect on Instagram @conceivingaftervr
      Schedule Your Free Fertility Consultation

      54 min
    • 47. Top Fertility Nutrition Mistakes That Could Be Holding You Back from TTC with Lily Nichols RDN

      Feeling overwhelmed by all the mixed messages about fertility nutrition? It can be so frustrating to navigate the maze of diet recommendations, conflicting advice, and all the “what should I eat?” questions. If you’re wondering how to nourish your body (and your partner’s) the right way for fertility, you’re not alone.

      In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Lily Nichols, a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator, to get to the bottom of it all. Lily is the author of Real Food for Fertility, Real Food for Pregnancy, and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes, where she shares evidence-based, real-food strategies that help women and couples boost their fertility and reproductive health.

      Here’s what we’re chatting about in today’s episode:

      • The most important nutrients for fertility: What both you and your partner should be eating to support egg quality, sperm health, and overall reproductive health.
      • Common fertility nutrition mistakes: Could your diet choices be unintentionally holding you back from conception? Lily’s got the answers.
      • Blood sugar balance and fertility: Why stabilizing blood sugar is essential for both you and your partner to improve fertility and balance hormones.
      • How food helps balance hormones: What to eat (and what to avoid) to support healthy progesterone levels and maintain a strong luteal phase for a better chance at conception.
      • Nutrition strategies for women over 35: If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s and feeling the pressure of declining fertility, this episode is packed with tips to improve your chances, no matter your AMH level.
      • Whether you’re struggling to conceive, dealing with hormone imbalances, or just looking for clear, practical guidance on optimizing your fertility (and your partner’s), you’ll walk away from this episode with actionable tips you can start using today.

        XO,

        Susan

        Thanks for listening!

        If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe, leave a review (seriously, I read every single one!), and share it with someone who might need some inspiration.

         

        Connect with Lily:

        https://lilynicholsrdn.com

        Download first chapter of Real Food for Fertility for free at https://realfoodforfertility.com/

        Instagram @LilyNicholsRDN


        Next Steps:

        Join us in the free Facebook group:  Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal Community

        Get Holistic Fertility Support Straight To Your Inbox

        Let’s Connect on Instagram @conceivingaftervr
        Schedule Your Free Fertility Consultation

        46 min
      • 46. TTC, Parenthood & Marriage: How to Stay Connected Through Every Season with Miranda Bayard-Clark

        The TTC journey after a vasectomy reversal can feel overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally exhausting—especially when it starts to put strain on your marriage. You and your spouse want the same thing, but the stress of tracking cycles, dealing with setbacks, and waiting for your miracle baby can make you feel like you're drifting apart.

        But what if this season of waiting could actually bring you closer together instead of pulling you apart?

        In today’s episode, I’m joined by Miranda Bayard-Clark, couples therapist, relationship consultant, and host of the Love After Lullabies podcast. With over 13 years of experience, Miranda specializes in helping couples navigate the emotional and relational shifts that come with trying to conceive, pregnancy, and parenthood.

        Inside This Episode, We Cover:

        🔹 How TTC stress impacts your marriage (and what to do about it)

        🔹 Small, daily habits to help you and your spouse stay connected—even when disappointment hits
        🔹 Why intimacy can start to feel like a chore (and how to bring back emotional connection outside of your fertile window)
        🔹 What to do when your partner isn’t as ‘all-in’ as you are with lifestyle changes, tracking, or treatment decisions
        🔹 How to prepare your relationship for a new baby—so you don’t wake up months later feeling like roommates

        If TTC has started to take over your relationship, you’re struggling with resentment over lifestyle changes, or you feel like you and your spouse are drifting apart under the weight of stress and disappointment, this episode is for you. Whether you already have kids or are trying to conceive your first together, we’re covering practical ways to protect your marriage, reconnect as a couple, and create a foundation that will last long after your baby arrives.

         

        XO,

        Susan

        Thanks for listening!

        If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe, leave a review (seriously, I read every single one!), and share it with someone who might need some inspiration.

         

        Connect with Miranda Bayard-Clark:

        Love After Lullabies Podcast

        Website: www.loveafterlullabies.com

        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveafterlullabies/

        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/818194252548981

        Use code “CVR600” to save $600 off Miranda’s Baby Ready Blueprint plan

         

        Next Steps:


        Join us in the free Facebook group:  Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal Community

        Get Holistic Fertility Support Straight To Your Inbox

        Let’s Connect on Instagram @conceivingaftervr
        Schedule Your Free Fertility Consultation or Phototherapy Consultation

        Join the Hope & Healing Fertility Retreat wait list

        46 min
      • 45. Should You Do IVF After Vasectomy Reversal? 5 Things to Know First

        Are you feeling the pressure to “just do IVF” after months of trying to conceive post-vasectomy reversal?

        You’re not alone—and you’re not without options.

        In this deeply honest and eye-opening episode, I’m breaking down what most couples aren’t told about IVF. From success rates and emotional costs to the ethical questions no one prepares you for, we’re going beyond the surface to give you the full truth—so you can make this decision from a place of peace, not panic.

        You’ll learn:

        ✔️ Why IVF is often recommended too soon after reversal
        ✔️ What the real success rates look like (and how age really factors in)
        ✔️ The financial, physical, and emotional toll of IVF most couples aren’t warned about
        ✔️ What IVF post-reversal actually entails—ICSI, sperm retrieval, and more
        ✔️ The ethical and faith-based considerations that deserve your attention
        ✔️ 5 critical things every couple should do before considering IVF

        Whether you’re just a few months into trying or you’re feeling exhausted by the wait, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and more empowered in your next step—whatever that looks like.

        XO,

        Susan

        Thanks for listening!

        If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe, leave a review (seriously, I read every single one!), and share it with someone who might need some inspiration.


        Next Steps:
        Join us in Costa Rica for the Refresh & Flourish Retreat, July 30-August 4
        Join the Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal Community

        Get Holistic Fertility Support Straight To Your Inbox

        Let’s Connect on Instagram @conceivingaftervr
        Schedule Your Free Fertility Consultation or Phototherapy Consultation

        34 min
      • 44. Why ‘Normal’ Fertility Results Aren’t Enough: How a Holistic Approach Can Transform Your Chances of Conceiving

        Have you been told that your fertility labs are "normal," yet month after month, you’re faced with negative pregnancy tests? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m calling out one of the biggest frustrations I hear from couples trying to conceive — the belief that 'normal' means everything is fine. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

        You’ll learn why standard lab results often miss critical information, especially when it comes to thyroid health, testosterone levels, and overall hormonal balance. I’ll also break down why many doctors stop investigating after a basic panel, leaving couples without answers and feeling like their bodies are broken.

        But here’s the truth: Normal doesn’t mean optimal. And optimal is what you need when trying to conceive.

        If you’ve been drained emotionally, financially, and physically with nothing to show for it, this episode is your reminder that there’s still hope. You don’t have to accept defeat, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.

        In This Episode, You'll Learn:

        • Why 'normal' labs may still be holding you back from getting pregnant
        • The role of thyroid health and how subclinical hypothyroidism is often ignored
        • The shocking decline in testosterone levels and why it matters for male fertility
        • How Western medicine often fails couples by ignoring the holistic factors that impact fertility
        • Why a personalized, foundational approach can make all the difference
        •  

          XO,

          Susan

          Thanks for listening!

          If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe, leave a review (seriously, I read every single one!), and share it with someone who might need some inspiration.


          Next Steps:
          Join us in the free Facebook group:  Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal Community

          Get Holistic Fertility Support Straight To Your Inbox

          Let’s Connect on Instagram @conceivingaftervr
          Schedule Your Free Fertility Consultation or Phototherapy Consultation

          20 min
        • 43. Coping with Pregnancy Loss and Finding Hope After Miscarriage with Allison Schaaf

          Miscarriage is an experience no one wants to face, yet so many women do—often in silence. In this episode, I sit down with Allison Schaaf, founder of Miscarriage Hope Desk, to talk about the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy loss, how to process grief, and what it looks like to find hope again.

          Whether you're trying to conceive after a vasectomy reversal, navigating recurrent pregnancy loss, or simply struggling with the uncertainty of your fertility journey, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone. Allison shares her personal story of six losses, what led her to create Miscarriage Hope Desk, and the resources she’s developed to help women advocate for themselves, find support, and heal emotionally and physically.

          In This Episode, We Discuss:

          • The emotional toll of miscarriage and pregnancy after loss
          • How to advocate for yourself with doctors and push for testing
          • Common misconceptions about miscarriage and fertility
          • The impact of miscarriage on marriage and how partners grieve differently
          • Practical ways to process grief and find support
          • Faith, healing, and trusting God’s timing
          • If you’ve experienced a miscarriage or are in the midst of a long fertility journey, this episode is for you. 

             

            XO,

            Susan

            Thanks for listening!

            If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe, leave a review (seriously, I read every single one!), and share it with someone who might need some inspiration.

            Connect with Allison Schaaf:

            Miscarriage Hope Desk Website: www.miscarriagehopedesk.org
            Instagram: @miscarriagehopedesk
            Substack: miscarriagehopedesk.substack.com
            Miscarriage Hope Desk Podcast (Archived Episodes): Available wherever you listen to podcasts


            Next Steps:

            Join us in the free Facebook group:  Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal Community

            Get Holistic Fertility Support Straight To Your Inbox

            Let’s Connect on Instagram @conceivingaftervr
            Schedule Your Free Fertility Consultation

            41 min
          • 42. Fertility Roadblocks? How Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Can Help You Conceive with Tsao Lin Moy

            You’ve tried everything—tracking cycles, changing your diet, maybe even investing in fertility treatments—yet you’re still not seeing those two pink lines. You’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and starting to wonder:


            “What if something is missing?”
            “Why does my doctor say everything is ‘normal’ when I know something isn’t right?”
            “Is there a better way to support my body naturally?”

            If any of this sounds familiar, you’re going to love today’s episode.

            I’m joined by Tsao-Lin Moy, L.Ac., MSOM, a highly skilled expert in Alternative and Chinese Medicine who has spent over 22 years helping women optimize their fertility. Tsao is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and the founder of Integrative Healing Arts in NYC. She specializes in fertility, pelvic floor health, anti-aging, stress management, and overall wellness using acupuncture, herbal medicine, energy healing, and traditional wisdom like Feng Shui and the Chinese Zodiac.

            In this episode, we’re breaking down:

            • How acupuncture improves blood flow, hormone balance, and fertility outcomes
            • Why stress and inflammation could be the biggest roadblocks to conception
            • How Chinese medicine views fertility holistically—beyond just lab results
            • Key lifestyle changes that can make a real difference in your TTC journey
            • If you’re tired of hearing “just relax and it’ll happen” and want real, actionable strategies to support your body naturally, this episode is for you.

              XO,

              Susan

              Thanks for listening!

              If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe, leave a review (seriously, I read every single one!), and share it with someone who might need some inspiration.

               

              Connect with Tsao:

              Website

              Instagram
              LinkedIn
              Get a Free Chapter from Her Book

               


              Next Steps:

              Join us in the free Facebook group:  Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal Community

              Get Holistic Fertility Support Straight To Your Inbox

              Let’s Connect on Instagram @conceivingaftervr
              Schedule Your Free Fertility Consultation

              50 min
            • 41. Navigating Semen Analysis After Vasectomy Reversal with Dr. James Smith

              Are you stressing over semen analysis results after your vasectomy reversal? Wondering if the reversal actually worked or feeling stuck without clear answers?

              If you’re feeling overwhelmed by confusing lab results, frustrated by lack of post-reversal guidance, or questioning whether you're doing everything right to boost sperm health, this episode is for you.

              In this episode, I sit down with Dr. James Smith, Professor of Urology at UCSF and Chief Medical Officer at Fellow Health, who has dedicated his career to helping men improve fertility outcomes and navigate the complex world of post-reversal care. Dr. Smith breaks down why semen analysis is crucial after a vasectomy reversal, what makes a high-quality analysis (and how many labs get it wrong), and what couples can do to naturally improve sperm health.

              We talk about why so many couples are pushed towards IVF or IUI too soon, the simple lifestyle changes that can make a big impact on sperm quality, and how inaccurate semen analyses can give you false hope—or worse, leave you feeling hopeless. Plus, Dr. Smith shares why at-home semen analysis through Fellow Health is changing the game for post-reversal couples, offering accurate, lab-grade results without the awkward clinic visits.

              If you’ve ever wondered:

              ❓ “Is the reversal actually working?”
              ❓ “Can we avoid costly fertility treatments?”
              ❓ “Are we missing something simple that could improve our chances?”

              This episode is packed with answers, expert advice, and hope for the next steps in your fertility journey.

              📌 Connect with Dr. James Smith:

              • 💼 Dr. James Smith on LinkedIn
              • 📧 Email: [email protected]
              • 🌐 Learn More About Fellow Health
              •  

                Next Steps for Your Fertility Journey:

                • 🎉 Join our free Facebook group: Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal Community
                • 📬 Get holistic fertility support straight to your inbox: Join My Newsletter
                • 📅 Book your free fertility consultation: Schedule Now
                • 💖 Let’s connect on Instagram: @conceivingaftervr
                • 36 min
                • 40. Irregular Cycles & Fertility Struggles? How to Track Ovulation, Fix Your Period, and Improve Your Chances with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack

                  Are irregular cycles making it harder to conceive? You’re not alone! Many women struggling with fertility after vasectomy reversal (or in general) feel frustrated by confusing ovulation signs, irregular periods, and lack of clear answers.

                  In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, Certified Fertility Awareness Educator and bestselling author of The Fifth Vital Sign and Real Food for Fertility. Lisa is here to debunk fertility myths and teach you how to track your cycle accurately, fix period irregularities, and optimize your chances of conception—naturally!

                  What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

                  ✔️ How to tell if you’re actually ovulating (beyond OPKs and apps)

                  ✔️ The truth about irregular cycles—what’s normal vs. a red flag
                  ✔️ Why tracking cervical mucus can be more effective than ovulation strips
                  ✔️ How stress, nutrition, and hormones impact your menstrual cycle
                  ✔️ What your period is revealing about your overall health
                  ✔️ Lisa’s top tips for regulating your cycle and improving fertility naturally

                  If you’re tired of guessing and want real, science-backed insights on how to regulate your cycle and maximize your chances of pregnancy, this episode is for you!


                  Connect with Lisa:

                  Fertility Friday
                  The Fifth Vital Sign Book
                  Real Food for Fertility Book
                  Fertility Awareness Mastery Program

                   

                  Next Steps:


                  Join us in the Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal Community

                  Get Holistic Fertility Support Straight To Your Inbox
                  Let’s Connect on Instagram @conceivingaftervr
                  Schedule Your Free Fertility Consultation

                   

                  55 min
                • 39. Pelvic Floor & Core Rehab: The Best Exercises for Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum with Dr Jena Bradley

                  Trying to conceive after a vasectomy reversal? Preparing for pregnancy? Or wondering how to get your body back after baby? If you’ve worried about leaking when you laugh, the dreaded mom pooch, or struggling to recover postpartum, you’re not alone.

                  Many women are never told how to properly strengthen their core and pelvic floor before, during, and after pregnancy—leading to weak abs, back pain, slow recovery, and feeling like their body just isn’t the same. But there’s good news: you CAN rebuild your core, reduce diastasis recti, strengthen your pelvic floor, and feel stronger than ever.

                  In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jena Bradley, a physical therapist, postpartum fitness expert, and mom of four, who is sharing:

                  ✅ The best exercises to prevent leaks, heal faster, and rebuild core strength

                  ✅ Why pelvic floor health is key for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery

                  ✅ How to reduce the "mom pooch" and restore your core after baby

                  ✅ Why many moms struggle with diastasis recti and how to fix it naturally

                  ✅ Simple, time-saving workouts for busy moms who feel like they don’t have time

                  ✅ The #1 mistake women make with postpartum recovery (and how to avoid it!)

                   

                  If you’re planning for pregnancy, in the trenches of TTC, or recovering postpartum and feeling frustrated with your body, this episode is packed with practical steps to help you feel strong, confident, and in control of your health.

                   

                  XO,

                  Susan

                  Thanks for listening!

                  If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe, leave a review (seriously, I read every single one!), and share it with someone who might need some inspiration.

                   

                  Connect with Dr. Jena Bradley:

                  Podcast: The Fit Postpartum Mom Podcast
                  Website & Programs: Live Core Strong

                  Instagram: @LiveCoreStrong

                  YouTube: Live Core Strong
                  FREE Workshop: Join here
                  VIP List: Sign up
                  FREE 30-Day Postpartum Ab Workout Challenge: Start today


                  Next Steps:

                  Join us in the free Facebook group:  Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal Community

                  Get Holistic Fertility Support Straight To Your Inbox

                  Let’s Connect on Instagram @conceivingaftervr
                  Schedule Your Free Fertility Consultation

                  39 min

                About Faith Over Pharma | Holistic Health, Longevity, Hormones & Fertility

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