Fertile-ish — Season 2, Episode 6

“The Birth of CNY Fertility: How One Doctor Changed Fertility Forever”

Episode SummaryIn this milestone episode, Laura and Brandis welcome their very first guest: Dr. Robert Kiltz, founder and owner of CNY Fertility. Recorded live at ASRM in San Antonio 🎤✨, this conversation dives into the origins of CNY, Dr. Kiltz’s philosophy on healing, accessibility, and the mission that has guided him for nearly four decades in reproductive medicine. If you’ve ever wondered what makes CNY so different, this episode tells the full story.

In This Episode🌱 The Birth of CNY Fertility

Dr. Kiltz shares how early suffering, witnessing illness, and even losing a job at 41 became the catalyst for creating a clinic rooted in compassion. Borrowing $150,000, he launched CNY with one purpose: help people build families, regardless of circumstance.

💸 Making Fertility Affordable

He explains why CNY chose a different path when IVF costs skyrocketed nationwide. From low-cost IVF to financing and inclusive packages, affordability remains a core pillar of CNY’s mission.

🧘‍♀️ Mind–Body–Spirit Medicine

Once a numbers-only surgeon, Dr. Kiltz describes how his personal journey led him to embrace acupuncture, meditation, visualization, carnivore/keto nutrition, and fasting. Today, these practices are integrated into CNY’s holistic approach.

💛 The Power of Listening

Fertility is more than lab work—it's emotional, personal, and deeply human. Dr. Kiltz discusses why he prioritizes patient stories and even shares his real cell phone number so patients never feel alone.

🌍 Building a Community

From CNY Healing Arts to Molecular Fertility, Kiltz Health, and the Mighty Tribe, Dr. Kiltz highlights how these programs grew from a desire to provide accessible education, supplements, coaching, and community support.

🤝 The Heart of CNY’s Culture

Laura and Brandis reflect on the unique teamwork and compassion within the CNY family. Dr. Kiltz credits the staff, partners, and worldwide community, emphasizing that CNY’s success is about people—not profit.

💬 What He Wants Every Patient to Know

Above all: “We care about you.” And if it ever doesn’t feel that way, he encourages patients to text him directly.

Key Takeaways

• CNY was created to make fertility care accessible to everyone 💕

• Mindset, faith, nutrition, and holistic tools matter on this journey

• Community and connection are central to CNY’s mission 🤍

• Every patient deserves to be heard, supported, and cared for

📚 Resources Mentioned

Favorites from Dr. Kiltz: Think and Grow Rich, The Power of Positive Thinking, The Alchemist, Jesus Calling, and The Fertile Secret, among others.

🎙️ Fertile-ish

Season 2, Episode 5 — “Am I the Fertility A-hole?”

Description:This week, Laura and Brandis are tackling one of the most relatable questions in the fertility world: Am I the fertility a-hole? From skipping baby showers and dodging pregnancy announcements to setting boundaries with family and friends, the hosts weigh in on real listener-submitted scenarios that hit way too close to home.

It’s a mix of humor, honesty, and heartfelt truth-telling — because sometimes protecting your peace makes you feel like the a-hole, when really, it just makes you human.

💬 What We Discuss

• When to share (or not share) your fertility journey

• Saying “no” without guilt — from baby showers to Mother’s Day brunch

• Navigating awkward family comments (“science babies,” anyone?)

• Dealing with comparison, jealousy, and emotional burnout

• Partner disconnect after loss or failed cycles

• The art of muting, unfollowing, and boundary-setting for your sanity

✨ Favorite Moments💭 “You don’t owe anyone your fertility story — not your mom, not your in-laws, not your best friend.”
💭 “Sometimes you’re not the fertility a-hole… you’re just trying to survive something impossibly hard.”
💭 “Boundaries aren’t mean — they’re maintenance.”

💌 TakeawayThis episode is your permission slip to honor your emotions, guard your energy, and do what’s best for you — even if others don’t get it. Because in the messy, emotional world of fertility… you’re allowed to put yourself first.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
💬 Got your own “Am I the Fertility A-hole?” moment? DM us on Instagram @FertileishPodcast or submit at cnyfertility.com/fertileish — we might feature it in a future episode!

🎙️ Episode Title:

So…My AMH Is Low. Now What?

💬 Episode Description:

You got your labs back… and your AMH is low. Now what does that actually mean? In this episode, Laura & Brandis break down AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) in plain English — what it measures, what it doesn’t predict, and how it fits into the bigger picture of your fertility journey.

They unpack:

• The science behind AMH and ovarian reserve 🧬

• Why a “low” result isn’t the same as “infertile” 🙅‍♀️

• The difference between quantity vs quality of eggs

• What to know about diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)

• Why many OBGYNs don’t routinely test AMH —and why maybe they should

• CNY Fertility’s inclusive philosophy of giving everyone a chance, regardless of AMH, age, or BMI

• Emotional realities of hearing “low AMH” and finding hope through knowledge, support, and next steps

If you’ve ever felt defeated by a number on a lab report, this episode will remind you: AMH is information — not a verdict. 💗

🩺 Key Takeaways:

• AMH measures how many eggs you’re likely releasing monthly — not how good those eggs are.

• Your AMH can fluctuate ~30 % from month to month.

• Age remains the #1 predictor of fertility and IVF success.

• Even with low AMH, pregnancy is possible — it may just take more cycles.

• Advocate for yourself: ask for your AMH to be checked and get proper counseling.

• Why AMH isn’t checked routinely during annual physicals

• What can cause low AMH (genetics, environment, surgery, endocrine disruptors, etc.)

• How birth control can temporarily suppress AMH results

• When to explore genetic screening or autoimmune workups

• How emotional burnout — not biology — is the #1 reason people stop IVF

Emotional Support:

Hearing “low AMH” can be scary — but you are not alone. Seek out fertility-informed therapists, peer support groups, or virtual communities to process grief and find hope.

Fertile-ish Tip:

“Knowledge is power — not pressure. Checking your AMH isn’t about panic; it’s about planning.”

🔗 Listen & Connect:

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.
💻 Learn more at CNYFertility.com/Fertileish
📸 Follow along @FertileishPodcast for clips and community conversations.

🎙️ Fertile-ish — Season 2, Episode 3:

“Lining Check: Not Thick Enough”

Episode Overview

In this week’s episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis dive deep into one of the most common — and frustrating — fertility concerns: a thin endometrial lining. Whether you’ve had a cancelled transfer, are anxiously waiting for that “trilaminar” ultrasound report, or just trying to understand why your lining won’t thicken — this episode breaks down the science, the causes, and the real-life stories behind the numbers.

They’ll answer questions like:

• What is a healthy lining thickness?

• Why does “trilaminar” matter more than just the millimeters?

• Can you still get pregnant with a thin lining?

• And what can you actually do to help thicken it?

What You’ll Learn

💡 Anatomy Refresher:
Laura and Brandis explain the layers of the uterus — the serosa, myometrium, and endometrium — and why only the innermost layer (the one that sheds each month) really matters for implantation.

🩺 Lining Goals & Measurements:

• For frozen transfers: ideal lining ≥ 7mm and trilaminar

• For fresh cycles: ≥ 8mm and trilaminar

• Why measurement consistency (same sonographer, same technique) is key

• And why organization (that three-layer trilaminar look) can matter more than pure thickness

💊 Common Causes of Thin Lining:

• Hormonal birth control and prolonged progesterone exposure (like Depo-Provera or Mirena)

• Scar tissue and Asherman’s syndrome from D&C, C-section, or retained placenta

• Uterine abnormalities (polyps, fibroids, septum)

• Long-term suppression of ovulation or endometrial regeneration issues

🧬 Solutions & Treatment Options:

• Estrogen therapy (oral, vaginal, patch, or injectable)

• Sildenafil (Viagra) to boost blood flow

• PRP or Neupogen washes

• Vitamin E supplementation

• Switching to a natural or modified natural protocol if your body responds better to its own estrogen

Real Talk: Why Every Case Is Different:

From Facebook group myths to “what worked for her” advice, Laura and Brandis explain why fertility protocols can’t be copy-pasted. Even patients with identical labs may respond completely differently. Your baseline lining, hormone response, and surgical history all shape your protocol — and no single “magic number” applies to everyone.

Patient-to-Patient Tips:

✨ Advocate for Yourself: Ask why your provider recommends certain meds, protocols, or tests.
🩻 Don’t Skip the SHG or Hysteroscopy: It’s quick, simple, and can reveal polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue that may be silently affecting implantation.
💗 Remember: Thickness isn’t everything. A 6mm trilaminar lining might be more promising than an 8mm that’s disorganized.

The Fertile-ish Takeaway:

A thin lining doesn’t mean it’s the end of your fertility journey — it’s just another piece of the puzzle. The key is understanding your baseline, working closely with your team, and staying proactive about testing and timing.

Join the Conversation:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow fertility warrior or leave a review to help more listeners find Fertile-ish.
💬 Have a topic you’d love Laura and Brandis to tackle next? DM them on Instagram or drop a comment on Spotify!

🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
📱 Follow: @fertileishpodcast

🎙️ Episode TitleEgg Donation: Inside Edition
Season 2, Episode 2

💬 Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Laura and Brandis pull back the curtain on egg donation—what it is, who can donate, and how the process really works at CNY Fertility. Whether you’ve thought about donating eggs yourself, are curious about using a donor, or just want to understand what “open ID” means, this episode offers a transparent, compassionate, and empowering look inside the world of egg donation.

They break down the qualifications, medical steps, compensation, and emotional considerations of becoming an egg donor—plus, they share personal experiences from their own egg retrievals to help listeners know what to expect.

🧬 Key Topics Covered

• CNY’s In-House Donor Program: How it works and what makes it unique.

• Qualifications for Egg Donors:

  • Ages 21–32

  • BMI between 18–35

  • Non-smoker/non-drug user

  • AMH level of 1.5 or greater

• Open ID Policy Explained: What “open ID” means, how donor privacy is maintained, and how donor-conceived individuals can access medical information at age 18.

• The Donation Process:

  • Medical screening and genetic testing

  • The IVF cycle timeline (injections, monitoring, egg retrieval)

  • Recovery tips and aftercare (yes—bring sweatpants!)

• Compensation & Split Cycles:

  • Donors earn $4,000 per cycle

  • Option to split cycles—freeze or use half of your eggs while donating the rest

• Known vs. Anonymous Donors:

  • How it works if you’re donating to someone you know

  • Why “anonymous” donation is evolving with DNA testing and transparency

• Egg donation is an incredibly generous and life-changing act that helps individuals and couples create families.

• The process is safe, structured, and supported—with donor privacy, medical safety, and emotional care at the forefront.

• Learn more or apply: cnyfertility.com/become-an-egg-donor

• Ask a question or share your story: Submit anonymously at cnyfertility.com/fertileish

• Connect with Laura & Brandis: DM @fertileish_podcast on Instagram

🎧 Listen NowAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🎙️ Season 2: Episode 1

Cannabis & Conception: The Science & Stories

🧠 Episode Summary

In the Season 2 premiere, Laura and Brandis dive deep into one of the most frequently asked questions in fertility care — how does marijuana use affect fertility, conception, and pregnancy? From breaking down the science of how THC interacts with reproductive hormones to sharing real-life stories of patients who’ve seen the impact firsthand, this candid conversation gets to the truth about cannabis and conception, without judgment, stigma, or shame.

The hosts discuss:

• How marijuana impacts both male and female fertility

• The effects of THC on ovulation, sperm production, and hormone regulation

• The link between cannabis use and lower IVF success rates

• What current research shows about THC exposure in pregnancy and child development

• Why being honest with your fertility provider matters and how to have that conversation

Whether you’re using cannabis medicinally, recreationally, or considering conception in the near future, this episode arms you with the knowledge to make informed choices and optimize your fertility health.

🔬 Key Topics Covered

• The Science: How THC disrupts FSH, LH, and testosterone production and what that means for egg and sperm quality.

• Male Fertility: Why men who stop THC use 3 months before conception often see dramatic sperm improvements.

• Pregnancy & Beyond: The risks of THC exposure to the placenta, fetal growth, and long-term child development.

• Real Talk: Why “my friend smoked and got pregnant fine” isn’t the full story and how fertility outcomes are more complex than we think.

• “Even short-term THC use can affect sperm count and egg quality.”

• “Just because you have regular cycles doesn’t mean you’re ovulating normally.”

• “We’re not asking to judge; we’re asking so we can help you optimize your chances.”

Fertility is complex, and while THC may be natural, its impact on reproductive health is very real. Knowledge and transparency are key. The goal isn’t judgment — it’s empowerment, understanding, and helping you take the best possible steps toward your family-building goals.

💕 Episode Resources

• Learn more about CNY Fertility and our comprehensive fertility and reproductive immunology programs.

• Explore research on marijuana use and fertility via ASRM, NIH, and Fertility & Sterility Journal.

Listen to Fertile-ish on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow along on Instagram @fertileishpodcast for behind-the-scenes clips, fertility tips, and TMI Tuesday stories.

🎙️ Episode 25: “Preconception Testing: Glow Up Starts Here”

💡 Episode Summary

Before you jump into treatment—or even start trying—it’s time for your fertility glow-up. In this episode, Laura and Brandis walk listeners through preconception testing: what it is, why it matters, and how to make the most of it. From bloodwork and imaging to sperm health and hormone tracking, they unpack the essentials that can help you understand your fertility baseline and optimize your health for conception success.

Whether you’re TTC, freezing your eggs, or just curious about your reproductive health, this episode is your roadmap for understanding your body before the first shot, scan, or supplement.

🧬 What You’ll LearnThe Basics of Preconception Testing:Why testing before treatment can save time, money, and heartbreak later.

🎧 Listen & SubscribeFollow Fertile-ish wherever you get your podcasts:
🎵 Spotify | 🍎 Apple Podcasts | 💗 CNYFertility.com/Fertileish

📲 Join the Conversation💬 What preconception tests surprised you most?
📸 Tag us @fertileishpodcast on Instagram and share your #FertilityGlowUp moments.
🩷 Don’t forget to rate & review; it helps more listeners find hope, humor, and help on their fertility journey.

🎙️ Episode 24: Affording Hope: Fertility & Finances

Paying for IVF can feel overwhelming, sometimes even impossible. In this episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis get real about the financial side of fertility treatment and share resources, strategies, and stories to help make hope more affordable. 💛

From the shocking national averages to creative fundraising ideas and CNY’s unique approach to affordability, this episode covers everything you need to know about navigating fertility costs without losing your sanity (or your savings).

What We Cover in This Episode:

• 💸 The true cost of IVF: why $20–30K per cycle is the national average—and why it often doesn’t include meds.

• 🏷️ Breaking down costs: medications, monitoring, anesthesia, and all those “surprise” fees that can sneak up.

• 🧩 Creative funding options: from IVF puzzle pieces and bake sales to crowdfunding and grants.

• 🌍 CNY’s affordability model: transparent pricing, medication bundles, and packages designed to make treatment accessible worldwide.

• 💳 Financing & discounts: in-house 100% approval financing, gift card promos, military discounts, pay-in-full savings, and more.

• 🎁 Grants & giveaways: how to apply for CNY’s monthly IVF grant and where to find other nationwide opportunities.

• 📊 Helpful tools: the online pricing calculator, insurance worksheets, and financial packets every patient should know about.

Fertility treatment is more than a medical journey; it’s an emotional and financial one too. Understanding your options can help you feel empowered, prepared, and supported. Whether you’re just beginning your path or already deep in treatment, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways (and a little hope).

Resources & Links:

• 🌐 CNY Fertility – Pricing & Affordability

• 📝 Apply for the CNY IVF Grant

• 🧘 Fertile Hope Yoga Membership

• 📑 Financial Welcome Packet & Resources

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you. Your support helps us continue bringing real, raw, and hopeful conversations to the fertility community.

🎙️ Episode 23: Doing the Most: Immune Protocols Edition

When it comes to IVF, add-ons and immune protocols can feel like a never-ending menu of “should I or shouldn’t I?” treatments. From PRP therapies and uterine washes to IV infusions and immune-modulating meds, there’s a lot of science, a lot of opinions, and even more patient questions.

In this episode, Laura and Brandis break it all down: what immune protocols actually are, why they’re sometimes recommended, and which scenarios they can make a difference in. We’re covering:

✨ PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapies: intra-ovarian, high-volume, and uterine washes
✨ Infusions like IVIg, intralipids, and Omegaven
✨ Add-ons including Neupogen, HCG washes, endometrial scratch, and more
✨ The four levels of CNY’s immune protocols, and who might benefit from each
✨ Real-life patient experiences and what’s hype vs. what’s helpful

We also get real about the cost, the controversy, and the fact that *spoiler alert* sometimes it’s just about finding the right embryo.

Whether you’re dealing with unexplained infertility, recurrent loss, autoimmune conditions, or just want to know what “immune protocol” even means, this episode is for you.

🔗 Learn more at cnyfertility.com/fertileish
📱 Follow along on IG: @fertileishpodcast
⭐ Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

🎙️ Episode 22: Faith + Fertility (or not)

Faith and fertility - it’s a conversation many avoid, but one that so many of us are living. 🌿 Whether your beliefs shape how you pursue treatment, cause hesitation, or provide strength through the struggle, faith is deeply intertwined with fertility journeys.

In this episode, Laura and Brandis open up about:

• Navigating the sometimes-controversial intersection of faith and fertility treatment

• How religious beliefs can influence decisions around IVF, IUI, sperm collection, embryo creation, genetic testing, and compassionate transfer

• Provider perspectives on supporting patients without bias while honoring personal values

• Common fears about judgment, shame, or conflict with family or faith communities; and how to find support

• The unique ways CNY Fertility accommodates religious preferences, from natural IVF to alternative sample collection to prayer and music during transfers

• The importance of informed choice, respect, and knowing you’re not alone - whatever your beliefs may (or may not) be

✨ Whether you find strength in faith, science, community, or all of the above, this episode is here to remind you: your journey is valid, your beliefs matter, and there’s space for everyone at the table.

🔗 Learn more: cnyfertility.com/fertileish
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @fertileishpodcast
💬 If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and subscribe to Fertile-ish wherever you listen to podcasts.