In this heartfelt episode, Dr. D sits down with Jen Rachman, a cancer survivor who opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood. Jen is the Manager of Intended Parent Support for Circle Surrogacy and has used her own personal story to assist many intended parents on their path to parenthood.  Through the help of an egg donor and a surrogate, Jen found her path to parenthood after her cancer treatment. 

Jen Rachman's article in Elephants & Tea referenced in the episode is linked HERE

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

This week, Dr. D is sitting down with Dr. Hugh Taylor to spill the tea on all things uterine-factor infertiity.  Dr. Taylor is the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  Dr. Taylor specializes in some of the most complex uterine factors of infertility, including endometriosis, fibroids, uterine anomalies and Asherman's syndrome.  From ERA to stem cell therapy research, they cover it all!  This is a must-listen for anyone struggling with uterine-factor infertility.

More from Dr. Hugh Taylor HERE

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

We are chatting with a long-time friend and colleague of Dr. D's, Ron Poole-Dayan.  He is the executive director and founder of the Men Having Babies organization, which helps LGBTQ+ families all over the world access education and resources while going through the egg donation and surrogacy process.  Ron and his husband, Greg, were among the first same-sex couples worldwide to father children through the help of a surrogate in 2001.  Men Having Babies holds conferences all over the world that have been instrumental in supporting men creating their families.

More from Ron and 'Men Having Babies' HERE

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

This week, Dr. D tackels the fascinating world of embryo grading with Jack Becker, a Senior Embryologist at San Diego Fertility Center. Jack takes us through the complex process of embryo grading, explaining how embryologists assess the quality and viability of embryos during IVF.  Jack breaks down what mosaic embryos are —embryos with a mix of normal and abnormal cells—and the implications this has on fertility treatments. Dr. D and Jack workshop the future of embryology, discussing cutting-edge advancements and what we can expect from the field in the years to come.   This is a must listen if you are looking towards embryo transfer in the future or are curious about the field of embryology!

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

This week, Dr. D sits down with Emily Jillette to talk about her IVF journey—one that started over 20 years ago.  Emily is a philanthropist, a producer, and a mom of two.  Her and her husband, Penn Jillette (you may recognize from Penn and Teller), have been part of Dr. D’s world since their doctor-patient journey began, and their friendship has only grown stronger over the years.   Emily and Dr. D reminisce about her fertility story and advice she would share with someone going through IVF today.

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

What role does nutrition play in your fertility? A big one! This week, Registered Dietitian Judy Simon shares her expertise about foods that can boost fertility, key vitamins & nutrients for conception, and what to avoid for optimal reproductive health. 

More from Judy Simon HERE

Link to get Judy's Book "Getting to Baby" HERE

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions about eating disorders, which may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. Please take care when deciding whether to continue listening.

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

On this episode, Dr. D shares powerful and uplifting stories from the world of fertility and IVF. From couples who have faced adversity to those who have experienced their dreams of parenthood coming true, Dr. D highlights the resilience, courage, and hope that drive individuals and families on their fertility journeys. If you're looking for a dose of inspiration or a gentle reminder that while the path to parenthood may not always be straightforward, with determination and the right support, miracles can happen. 

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

This week, Dr. D spills the tea with Dean Hutchison.  Dean is a reproductive attorney and the Vice Presidnt of Legal Services for Circle Surrogacy.  Dr. D walks us through the critical legal considerations for intended parents both in the United States and all over the world.  He also explains the intricacies of parental rights and legal protections. Dean and Dr. D explore the stark differences in surrogacy laws from state to state within the U.S. and how international laws come into play for those considering cross-border fertility journeys.  This is a must listen if you are in search of a reproductive attorney or are considering using a surrogate in the future!

More from Dean Hutchison HERE

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

This week, Dr. D dives deep into the growing concern of environmental toxins and their alarming impact on fertility with his guest, Dr. Bryn Willson. Dr. Willson is a board-certified OBGYN & REI physician, with a primary focus in her research on wildfire exposure on birth outcomes.  From pesticides to air pollution and chemicals found in everyday household items, they explore how these harmful substances are affecting reproductive health in both men and women. Dr. Willson also tells us all about the science behind endocrine disrupters and the potential impact on sperm and egg quality. 

More from Dr. Bryn Willson HERE 

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced By Phoebe Gurrola

Can IVF affect your sex life? Let’s talk about it!  Today on the podcast, we’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Sandy Chuan—double board-certified fertility specialist, expert in complex IVF cases, and advocate for compassionate, individualized care.  Dr. D and Dr. Chuan spill the tea on: ✔️ How fertility treatments can impact your sex life ✔️ Tips for maintaining intimacy beyond ovulation calendars ✔️ The science of desire (and why stress is a major factor!) ✔️ When to seek support without feeling shame

More from Dr. Chuan HERE

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola