This episode is a powerful conversation pulled from Fertility Rally Live in November 2025,, where we gathered an incredible panel to talk candidly about surrogacy — from every angle.Moderated by Jessie Jaskulsky of Surrogacy Simplified, the panel includes surrogacy mama Sarrah Strimmel Bentley, experienced surrogate Emily Westerfield, and surrogacy mama Alexandra French of The Surrogacy Foundation for an honest, nuanced discussion about what surrogacy really looks like — emotionally, logistically, ethically, and financially. Covered in the chat:

• How people arrive at surrogacy (and how complicated that decision can be)
• The relationship between intended parents and gestational carriers
• Common misconceptions and hard truths
• What surprised them most along the way
• What they wish they’d known before starting

Whether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy from an Intended Parent or Surrogate POV, deep in the process, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand this path to parenthood, this conversation is thoughtful, real, and incredibly informative. As always — no sugarcoating, no toxic positivity, just real stories from people who’ve lived it.

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology 

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

PherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com 

Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. 

Our Sponsors:
* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.

Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's an encore presentation of one of our favorite episodes! Ali's very special guest today is Elizabeth Carr, the first person born in the U.S. — in 1981 — via in vitro fertilization. "My birth was so widely publicized that my first press conference was at three days old," Elizabeth says. "I didn't get here like everybody else." Elizabeth shares what it's been like to live under media scrutiny since the moment she was born (check out the NOVA documentary about her life). She also explains why her parents did IVF in the first place, what the IVF landscape was like back then, how the actual procedure worked (so much has changed!) and the incredible work she's doing today to advocate for IVF and reproductive rights. She also shares how the pope, when she was born, called her "a child of the devil." For more, check out https://ejordancarr.com/ and her IG: @ejordan12 

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology 

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

PherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com 

Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. 

Our Sponsors:
* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.

Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali is talking to Rene Byrd, a British-born singer, songwriter, and media personality known for her powerful voice, soulful pop and R&B style, and her bold, heartfelt storytelling. On this episode, she tells her deeply personal egg freezing, infertility and family building journey, including giving birth to her son via IVF at age 48. Rene talks about the retreat that changed her life for the better, meeting her future husband in a bar (and how she knew she would build her family with him), and facing backlash when she became a mom in her late forties. She also shares the lessons she's learned regarding advocacy, fertility awareness and maternal wellbeing. 

Follow on IG: @Renebyrdofficial @Renebyrdofficialglobal 

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology 

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

PherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our Sponsors:
* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.

Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today's episode, Ali is joined by Tara Carlyle—influencer, girl mom, and outspoken advocate for women navigating infertility, including the reality of secondary infertility. Tara shares her personal journey and the emotional whiplash of struggling to conceive again after already having a child—grappling with guilt, grief, and what it’s like to feel dismissed by the medical system. Tara also talks about her advocacy work for a TTC blood panel and deeper investigation into women’s health, especially when symptoms are brushed off or labeled “normal.”

Follow Tara on IG: @taracarlyle

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology 

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

PherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

Our Sponsors:
* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.

Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Missed Rally Live #10? No worries! In this special episode, we’re bringing you the powerful Rally Live #10 keynote from Sarah Herron—reality TV alum, writer, advocate, and founder of SheLift. While many of you first met Sarah on The Bachelor, her true impact has come from the way she’s chosen to tell her own infertility story: with honesty, vulnerability, humor, and a fierce commitment to helping others feel less alone. In her keynote, Sarah opens up about living with a limb difference, navigating infertility, experiencing profound pregnancy loss, and redefining resilience on her own terms. She speaks candidly about grief, identity, mental health, and the unexpected places strength can be found. Her words remind us that we can hold joy and heartbreak at the same time—and that there is power in embracing our imperfections. She also talks about being a twin mom and a "Forever mom" to her sweet son, Oliver, who she honors every day.

Follow Sarah on IG: @sarahherron

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology 

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

PherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

Our Sponsors:
* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.

Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's episode, Ali sits down with an icon and pioneer in the infertility community: double-board certified REI and infertility warrior Dr. Natalie Crawford. Natalie opens up about her four pregnancy losses before having her two kiddos, being both sides of the stirrups as doctor and patient, and what it's really like to navigate infertility as someone who “knows too much.” She talks about bucking the system when it came to social media; co-founding her boutique clinic in Austin, TX, Fora Fertility (and why she decided to start her own thing); and her new book, The Fertility Formula. Natalie also talks about how to advocate for yourself in the exam room, how her patients inspired parts of the book; and what she wants every fertility patient to hear right now.

For more, and to preorder The Fertility Formula, go to www.nataliecrawfordmd.com

IG: @nataliecrawfordmd

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology 

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: pherdal_science

PherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.

Our Sponsors:
* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.

Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ali sits down with Connie, a proud Single Mom by Choice whose path to motherhood was anything but traditional—and exactly right for her. Growing up with a Black military dad and a Taiwanese “Tiger Mom,” Connie always felt the weight of expectations about what family should look like. But as she approached her late 30s, knowing she always wanted to have kids, she decided to freeze her eggs. Later, her best friend gave her the clarity she needed: “Connie, if you want your baby, go get your baby. You don’t need to do it the traditional way.” Connie opens up about what it was like navigating the SMBC journey as a woman of mixed race, including the emotional complexity of donor selection and the lack of Black sperm donors in U.S. banks. She shares how she found an amazing doctor and clinic, Dr. Joshua Klein of Extend Fertility -- aka Ali's doctor! Connie also talks about navigating IVF, getting pregnant (with twins!), giving birth during Covid and what life is like today, as a single mom of two five-year-olds.

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology 

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn’t about how you start—it’s about how you grow.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: pherdal_science

PherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.

Our Sponsors:
* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.

Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this special episode, Ali is bringing you the unforgettable keynote from style expert, author, and powerhouse storyteller Lilliana Vasquez at Fertility Rally Live. Lilliana opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood, including the emotional twists, cultural layers, and unexpected turns her family-building path took. With her signature candor, humor, and heart, she shares what it was like to navigate infertility while living in the public eye—and how it ultimately reshaped her identity, her career, and her purpose. She talks about resilience, community, representation, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in the stories around you. Lilliana also dives into the powerful role that vulnerability plays in healing, and offers encouragement for anyone who’s still in the messy middle of their journey.

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology 

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn’t about how you start—it’s about how you grow.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: pherdal_science

PherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.

Our Sponsors:
* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.

Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, we are celebrating a major milestone: Fertility Rally Live #10. Ten Rallies. Ten waves of community, connection, truth-telling, sisterhood, messy feelings, breakthroughs, belly laughs, and being so deeply seen.

To honor this moment, we’re revisiting one of the most unforgettable keynotes in Rally Live history: singer Christina Perri’s beautifully raw, breathtaking, and generous conversation about love, loss, grief, family building, and hope.

Whether you were there live or are hearing this for the first time, we hope this conversation finds you gently, wherever you are on your path. We are so grateful to Christina for sharing her beautiful truth, and for every single one of you who has shown up for yourself and each other over these ten Rallies.

Mark your calendars: Fertility Rally Live #10 is happening November 14. Even if you can't come live, snag your ticket because you have 30 days to watch all of the talks! Plus you get our Virtual Swag Bag!

🎟 Get your ticket (and watch on replay if you can’t come live) here: https://www.accelevents.com/e/fertility-rally-live-fall-2025

Follow us on IG:

@infertileafstories

@fertilityrally

Our Sponsors:
* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.

Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali talks to Ashtin, who opens up about her long road through infertility, including doing IVF treatment in both Greece and Australia. Ashtin talks about trying to get pregnant for two years, navigating four failed cycles, and then, how she ultimately conceived using the PherDal at-home insemination kit — a non-invasive, science-backed option that helped her finally become pregnant with a healthy baby. Ashtin opens up about all of it, from the countless injections to the travel to being both emotionally and financially drained. She also shares how, after listening to the Infertile AF podcast and hearing an ad for PherDal (and hearing founder Jenn on another episode), she decided to try it -- and crazily enough, it worked!

For more on PherDal, go to pherdal.com

IG: @pherdal_science

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

THERALOGIX

IG: @theralogix

Theralogix offers evidence-based, physician-founded supplements designed to support reproductive health, from egg and sperm quality to prenatal wellness and beyond. Trusted by fertility specialists and patients alike, Theralogix products are independently tested for purity and potency—so you know you’re getting only the best. Learn more at theralogix.com

Save 15% right now at Theralogix.com with code INFERTILEAF.

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology 

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn’t about how you start—it’s about how you grow.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

Our Sponsors:
* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.

Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy