For the final episode of the season, Lucy & Yaelle are handing the mic over to their listeners. This one is personal, the audience trusted them with their dilemmas, and they’ve taken them to heart.

They’re unpacking some of the biggest emotional hurdles shared by the community: the heartbreak and hope of the two-week wait, what it feels like when a partner isn’t quite on the same page, how to cope with unexpected triggers at work, and the relentless stress that can come with infertility and IVF.

The team expresses gratitude to everyone who has been part of the journey, for listening, sharing, and helping shape this space. And to their incredible sponsors, thank you for backing a podcast built on honesty and heart.

They’ll be taking a short break and will be back soon with more. Until then, they’re sending love and thanks to all who have tuned in.

https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place around the world.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

Emma spent seven years in the depths of one of the hardest journeys, trying to become a mother. After seeing a fertility specialist and six months of ovulation induction with no success, she was told she’d need IVF. Reluctantly, she agreed, believing it was her only hope. But after multiple heartbreaking failed IVF rounds, Emma was left shattered, grieving the dream that felt so far out of reach. It wasn’t until she turned to Traditional Chinese Medicine, that everything changed.

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place around the world.

Emma's TCM Doctor : https://firmania.biz/templestowe-lower/mr-marcello-dintini-1351003

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

At just 24 years old, Simone’s world shifted when she came off the pill and was told she was going through early menopause. What followed was something she never expected to face so young. In this episode, Simone shares how she navigated the shock of her diagnosis, processed the need for an egg donor, and how a remarkable friend, who crossed her path at just the right time, stepped forward with a life-changing offer. A beautiful reminder that sometimes, family begins with the kindness of a friend

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place around the world.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

In this heartwarming and honest conversation, we sit down with Elizabeth Car, the very first baby born through IVF in the United States. Elizabeth shares the incredible story of how her parents made history, what it was like growing up with the world watching, and how she turned that spotlight into a lifelong mission to educate and advocate.

We talk about the challenges her family faced, the pressure of being a “first,” and how the fertility space has changed (and what still needs to change). Elizabeth opens up about the stigma that still surrounds infertility, the emotional weight some families carry, and why it’s so important to talk openly, with our communities and with our kids, about how our families come to be.

Elizabeth’s story is not only a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come in fertility science, it’s also a testament to the strength, advocacy, and compassion she continues to bring to this space. Her work is nothing short of inspiring, and this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Elizabeths book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Under-Microscope-USAs-First-Baby-ebook/dp/B0BLHXY5C5

Website: www.ejordancarr.com

Socials https://www.instagram.com/ejordan12/

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place around the world.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials

https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

Considering surrogacy abroad? This episode is your guide to navigating the complex world of international surrogacy. We break down what intended parents need to know, from choosing the right country and avoiding common pitfalls, to understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families.

We chat with Olga from The Surrogacy Insider, an independent surrogacy consultant who supports intended parents with ethical, unbiased advice and brings deep, hands-on experience from working with agencies and clinics across six countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Georgia, Albania and more.

Olga shares insights drawn from over 250 real cases.

Together, we explore how to avoid being misled by unclear information or unethical referrals.

You’ll also hear essential tips on how to confidently research providers, compare options, and build a trusted team. Whether you're overwhelmed by where to start or just want to feel more informed, this episode offers grounded, honest insights to support your journey. This episode is proudly sponsored by the surrogacy insider.

Find Olga here: https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/

Olga offers a FREE, no-obligation Discovery Session to help you explore your options, reach out to book yours.

@thesurrogacyinsider. Whatsapp +38 098 547 64 22

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place around the world.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

We’re back with our trusted Fertility Specialist, Dr. Charley Zheng, someone who has supported both of us through our own fertility journeys, for a deeply honest and, at times, controversial conversation.

In this episode, we ask Charley all the burning, unanswered questions we’ve been holding onto, the ones that so many patients think about but rarely get to discuss openly with their doctor.

Together, we unpack the emotional weight of fertility treatment, from the desperation that leads people to try unproven add-ons in hopes of improving their chances, to the complex reasons behind “clinic shopping” and how hard it can be to make decisions when so much is uncertain.

We also address the recent embryo mix-up that devastated the fertility community, how it could happen, what safeguards exist, and what this means for trust in the system.

Charley speaks openly and humbly from both a clinical and personal perspective, offering a rare glimpse into what it’s like to be a doctor who has also walked this road. In a powerful moment of vulnerability, he shares how his own fertility experience has shaped the way he cares for his patients, with empathy, honesty, and compassion that comes from truly understanding what it’s like to be on the other side.

This is a heartfelt and important conversation, and one with someone we are eternally grateful for in helping make our families possible.

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place in Australia.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Georgina Chambers, Director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit at UNSW Sydney, to discuss the award winning YourIVFSuccess website.

Professor Chambers explains how this government-funded platform is Australia’s first and only independent source of IVF clinic success rates to help bring transparency to patients on their fertility journey. We also explore the world-leading IVF Patient Estimator, how it works, and why data transparency is critical in reproductive healthcare.

Professor Chambers explains how the website empowers patients with clear, comparable data which is drawn from the oldest IVF registry in the world, ANZARD a comprehensive national database of more than 800,000 IVF treatment cycles collected from all accredited clinics across Australia.

Your IVF Success website: https://yourivfsuccess.com.au/

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place in Australia.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

What really happens in the lab where life begins? In this episode, we sit down with a senior embryologist from Genea, Sanj, a passionate and dedicated embryologist, to explore the science, emotion, and wonder behind fertility treatments and early human development. From handling precious embryos to navigating the ethical and emotional terrain of IVF, Sanj shares powerful insights, unexpected challenges, and the deep sense of purpose that drives her work. Whether you're curious about the science or inspired by the human stories behind it, this conversation is both eye-opening and heartfelt.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Genea. Genea is renowned for its expertise in assisted reproduction, offering personalised care and support to patients. With clinics in various locations, they combine advanced technology with expert medical guidance to help individuals and couples achieve their fertility goals. Visit Genea at https://www.genea.com.au/

Your IVF Success website: https://yourivfsuccess.com.au/

https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/my-fundraising/65/sanjana-khanna

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place in Australia.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

The episode everyone has been asking and waiting for. You may know Ilina from Big Miracles, but today, you’ll hear the story behind the scenes, in this intimate and heartfelt conversation, Ilina opens up about her IVF journey: the quiet moments of waiting, the private heartbreaks, and the flickers of hope that kept her going. She reflects on what it means to live in limbo, to grieve and hope at the same time, and to find strength in the most unexpected places. This is a conversation about resilience, tenderness, and the courage it takes to keep believing.

Big Miracles is filmed exclusively in Virtus Health clinics, including IVFAustralia, Queensland Fertility Group, and Melbourne IVF. As leaders in assisted fertility, we are proud to be part of this heartfelt documentary series, showcasing real stories of hope, resilience, and the journey to parenthood.

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Explore more resources:

www.mivf.com.au

www.ivf.com.au

www.tasivf.com.au

www.qfg.com.au

Follow us on Instagram: @ivf_australia

For a consultation with Professor Sacks, visit www.ivf.com.au/specialists/ivf-doctors-australia/a-prof-gavin-sacks

Join Ilina and Sheila's new program, Brave with IVF, to navigate your fertility journey with support and strength: https://www.sheilav.co/brave-through-IVF

Ilina's socials: https://www.instagram.com/ilinagorgievski/

Trying to conceive isn’t always straightforward and when terms like “unexplained infertility” or “secondary infertility” come into play, it’s easy to feel lost. In this candid and empowering episode, Dr. Simon Nothman a top fertility specialist, joins us to break down what these terms actually mean, what the journey to answers can look like, and why fertility care is about so much more than just IVF.

We talk through what really happens during a fertility consult, how genetic testing might reveal unexpected insights, and what options exist beyond the standard paths. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure of where to begin, this episode is here to offer clarity, hope, and next steps.

Perfect for anyone at any stage of their fertility journey.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Genea. Genea is renowned for its expertise in assisted reproduction, offering personalised care and support to patients. With clinics in various locations, they combine advanced technology with expert medical guidance to help individuals and couples achieve their fertility goals. Visit Genea at https://www.genea.com.au/

Dr Simon Nathan’s website: www.drsimonnothman.com.au Socials: @drsimonnothman Dr Simon Nothman’s Marathon Donation page https://donations.ajfn.org.au/simon-nothman-marathon/donatenow

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place in the Australia IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]