MILES: Men, Infertility, and Life Experiences

During National Infertility Awareness Week, we’re joined by Michael Hughes, advocate, speaker, and host of the podcast The Full Stop, coming to us from Australia. Michael shares his powerful perspective on being Childless Not By Choice (CNBC) and the often-overlooked emotional, social, and identity challenges that come with this experience.

Together, we explore the grief of unmet expectations, the stigma surrounding involuntary childlessness, and the importance of creating space for honest conversations about loss, purpose, and belonging. Michael also discusses how his own journey inspired him to launch The Full Stop, a podcast dedicated to giving a voice to those navigating life without children and challenging the silence around this topic.

As we recognize National Infertility Awareness Week, this conversation is a meaningful reminder that infertility and childlessness impact people in many different ways—and that every story deserves to be heard.

Michael Hughes

https://www.instagram.com/michael_fullstop/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hughes-60996816/

https://www.thefullstoppod.com/

Steven J. Miller, APSW

⁠https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/

In this episode of The MILES Podcast, we explore the deeply complex and often misunderstood experience of Terminating for Medical Reasons (TFMR). Joined by Dr. Julie Bindeman, PsyD—a licensed psychologist and expert in reproductive mental health—we unpack the psychological layers that accompany this difficult decision.

Dr. Bindeman brings both clinical insight and compassionate understanding to a conversation that many individuals and couples face in silence. Together, we discuss the impact of TFMR on grief, relationships, and mental health, as well as the importance of validating these experiences without stigma or judgment.

This episode creates space for honesty, education, and empathy—whether you are someone who has experienced TFMR, are supporting a loved one, or are a clinician seeking to better understand and support your clients.

Dr. Julie Bindemanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebindeman/https://www.instagram.com/dr.juliebindeman/

Steven J. Miller, APSW

https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of reproductive trafficking. Joining us is psychologist Kristin Chambliss, who brings clinical insight and an ethical perspective to a conversation at the intersection of mental health, reproductive medicine, human rights, and global inequality.

Together, we unpack what reproductive trafficking is, how it can manifest in fertility treatment contexts, and why vulnerable individuals and families may be at increased risk. Dr. Chambliss discusses the psychological impact on intended parents, donors, and surrogates.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the systemic factors that contribute to exploitation, including financial desperation, lack of regulation, stigma surrounding infertility, and disparities in access to care. We also explore how clinicians, advocates, and patients can recognize warning signs, promote ethical practices, and support policies that protect reproductive autonomy and dignity.

This episode is essential listening for mental health professionals, fertility providers, social workers, and anyone interested in reproductive justice. Join us for a nuanced conversation that challenges assumptions, elevates awareness, and highlights the importance of compassion, informed consent, and advocacy in reproductive spaces.

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

Dr. Kristen Chambliss

https://www.instagram.com/drkristenchambliss/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-chambliss-90670b17/

Steven Miller's Social Media

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/⁠

In this episode of The MILES Podcast, Steven sits down with Dr. Julia Woodward to explore how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can support individuals and couples navigating infertility.

Infertility is filled with uncertainty, loss of control, grief, and the constant pull between hope and heartbreak. Dr. Woodward breaks down how ACT helps people stop fighting their internal experience and instead build psychological flexibility — making room for painful thoughts and emotions while still moving toward what matters most.

Together, they discuss:

• Why “positive thinking” isn’t the answer

• How acceptance is different from giving up

• Defusing from shame, self-blame, and identity threats

• Supporting men who feel pressure to “fix” the problem

• Staying connected to values in the middle of medical uncertainty

This conversation is both practical and compassionate, offering tools clinicians can use in reproductive medicine and language that resonates deeply with those personally walking the infertility journey.

Whether you’re a mental health professional, someone trying to conceive, or supporting a partner through infertility, this episode offers a grounded, evidence-based framework for living meaningfully — even when outcomes are unknown.

Because while we can’t always control the results, we can choose how we show up.

Dr. Julia Woodward

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-woodward-9746387/

Steven Miller's Social Media

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/⁠

In this episode, we explore how infertility affects couples — emotionally, relationally, and individually. While infertility is often discussed as a medical diagnosis, its impact on communication, intimacy, identity, and partnership can be just as profound. Couples may find themselves navigating grief, uncertainty, shifting roles, and different coping styles, all while trying to stay connected to one another.

I’m joined by Dr. Liz Grill, a psychologist specializing in reproductive mental health, to talk about the complex dynamics infertility can introduce into relationships. Dr. Grill shares insights on how partners can support one another through fertility treatment, as well as practical strategies for maintaining empathy and connection during stressful moments.

Whether you are personally experiencing infertility, supporting a loved one, or are a mental health or medical professional seeking to better understand the couple experience, this conversation offers validation, guidance, and hope.

Dr. Liz Grill

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlizgrill/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.lizgrill/

Steven Miller's Social Media

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Anna Flores-Locke, LPC, for an insightful conversation on the impact of infertility within the Latinx community. We explore the unique cultural, systemic, and access-related barriers that individuals and couples may face, as well as the powerful resilience factors that are often overlooked. Dr. Flores-Locke also unpacks the role of machismo in infertility experiences—challenging common assumptions and asking an important question: Is machismo always harmful, or can it also be a source of strength? Tune in for a nuanced, culturally grounded discussion you won’t want to miss.Dr. Anna Flores Locke is an international award-winning author and educator who has worked in the mental health profession for more than fifteen years. She holds a doctorate in counseling and is a licensed professional counselor in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Puerto Rico. She currently owns Charlandra Counseling Services, a virtual infertility counseling center, and is an assistant professor at Nyack College. Dr. Anna is an active leader in the American Counseling Association and the author of Body Betrayal: Understanding and Living with Infertility and Introduction to 21st Century Counseling: AMulticultural and Social Justice Perspective. From her personal and clinical experience with infertility, Dr. Anna created the Fertility Clarity © approach to infertility counseling. She is a Latina twin mom from Chicago, currently lives in New Jersey, and enjoys dancing and going to the beach. Dr. Anna is available for seminars, consulting, group book discussions, and speaking engagements. Learn more at www.charlandra.com or contact her at [email protected].

Social Media

Facebook: www.facebook.com/charlandra1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.anna.flores.locke/

Steven Miller's Social Media

⁠https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/

Welcome to the 4th Season of The MILES Podcast!

Steven Miller and Elizabeth Carr, the first baby born through IVF in the U.S., discuss their experiences with infertility and the importance of education and awareness. They explore the emotional impact, the role of nonprofits, and how open conversations can reduce stigma and support mental health.

Elizabeth Carr's Social Media

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethc/

Steven Miller's Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/sjmiller2024/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-miller-7082b1191/

This week's episode was a recording that got away from me and was never released. This was not due to the quality of the conversation with Lisa, but just an error on my part.

Lisa Schuman, LCSW, is a leading expert in family building and has helped people around globe build the families of their dreams. She has lectured extensively and has written numerous articles on a variety of family building subjects including LGBTQ, and single parent family building. Ms. Schuman also runs workshops and offers counseling for parents and children who have formed their families through sperm and egg donation or adoption.

Ms. Schuman has been working as a licensed therapist for more than two decades and is currently the Director of Mental Health Services for Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut and Gay Parents to Be. 

⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/NseN5TW7JcdBWwCs8⁠⁠⁠

Volunteer Form:

⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/eSQJ46mRjTK57fVT8⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠www.menshelpline.org⁠⁠

In this episode, I have the honor of interviewing Dr. Dan Nayot from Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Nayot is currently the Medical Director of The Fertility Partners, Canada’s largest network of IVF clinics. As part of the executive team, he is committed to optimizing patient outcomes, physician education, implementing technological innovation, and spearheading research and development. 

⁠⁠https://forms.gle/NseN5TW7JcdBWwCs8⁠⁠

Volunteer Form:

⁠⁠https://forms.gle/eSQJ46mRjTK57fVT8⁠⁠

⁠⁠www.menshelpline.org⁠⁠

This week I had the privilege of interviewing Brian Decker from the Seattle, Washington area. Brian was the first to sign up as a volunteer for our Peer Support program. Brian and his wife have gone through IUI, IVF, and a miscarriage, and was successful with IVF, with the birth of his son. We discuss his experience with the fertility journey and the support he received.

Participant Form for Peer Support Program

⁠https://forms.gle/NseN5TW7JcdBWwCs8⁠

Volunteer Form:

⁠https://forms.gle/eSQJ46mRjTK57fVT8⁠

⁠www.menshelpline.org⁠