The Coherence Code Podcast

In this episode, Kerry Hinds, founder of Fertile Body Yoga, shares how nervous system regulation, receptivity, and embodied awareness can transform the fertility journey. Drawing from her own experience with pregnancy loss, IVF, and eventual natural conception, Kerry explains how chronic stress, perfectionism, and constant “doing” can keep the body in survival mode — and how slowing down, creating space, and restoring parasympathetic balance can support healing and fertility.

Through yoga, breath, and presence, she teaches that surrender is not giving up — it is releasing resistance so the body can return to flow, safety, and receptivity.

Key Takeaways:

• Fertility requires safety, not survival mode. Chronic stress shifts the body away from reproduction.
• Surrender is not quitting — it’s releasing resistance. You can desire a baby without gripping tightly.
• Space creates receptivity. When the body softens, healing and conception become possible.
• Mind, body, and energy are inseparable. Yoga helps regulate the nervous system and restore balance.
• Perfectionism and people-pleasing increase stress load. Self-care and boundaries are essential.

🎁 My Gift to Your Listeners:

Free Yoga Class: https://fertilebodyyoga.kit.com/26112c51ff

Free 5 Day Fertility Refresh: https://fertilebodyyoga.kit.com/4a37151e2f

Kerry Hinds Bio:

Kerry Hinds is the owner and founder of Fertile Body Yoga, a virtual yoga studio that is dedicated to supporting women navigating their fertility journey - whatever it may look like. She offers both livestream and on-demand Fertility Yoga Classes and Small Group Programs that embrace the complete journey - physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically, spiritually, and socially.

Kerry has been teaching yoga for 20 years and specializes in fertility yoga, supporting women’s physical and mental health, since 2016. She is also an Ayurvedic Health Advisor and offers fertility support through the lens of yoga’s sister science. Her classes and programs are informed by her own experiences with pregnancy loss, years of IVF, and eventually completing her family with 2 children. Kerry has supported 1000’s of women on their fertility journeys with yoga, meditation, ayurveda, and mindset work. Kerry also hosts Fringe Fertility - a podcast that highlights supportive fertility practices outside of the doctor’s office.

Where to find Kerry Hinds:

• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fertilebodyyoga/
• Fringe Fertility Podcast:https://fertilebodyyoga.com/podcast/
• Website: https://fertilebodyyoga.com/

📧 For guest opportunities, collaborations or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at: [email protected]

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@coherence_code_podcast

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Coherence Code Podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.

Dr. Aimie Apigian returns to explore how unresolved trauma and chronic survival stress can evolve into fatigue, autoimmune symptoms, digestive issues, and brain fog. This conversation dives into why high-functioning, driven individuals often feel depleted despite appearing “fine,” and how nervous system dysregulation keeps the body stuck in a state of danger.

Learn how restoring safety, regulating the nervous system, and repairing biology can reverse chronic symptoms and build true resilience from the inside out.

Key Takeaways:

• Autoimmune symptoms may reflect a nervous system stuck in chronic danger mode.
• High-achieving, perfectionist personalities are more prone to trauma-driven depletion.
• Emotional overwhelm can trigger immune activation and brain inflammation.
• Digestive dysfunction and fatigue often stem from vagus nerve shutdown and metabolic stress.
• Healing begins with restoring safety and regulating the nervous system before processing trauma.

Dr. Aimie Apigian Bio:

Dr. Aimie Apigian, MD, MS, MPH, is a double board-certified physician in Preventive and Addiction Medicine with advanced degrees in Biochemistry and Public Health. She is the founder of The Mind-Body-Biology Institute and creator of The Biology of Trauma®, a pioneering framework that integrates medicine, neuroscience, and somatic therapies to address how trauma is stored in the body—and how to heal it. Inspired by her personal journey as a foster and adoptive mother, Dr. Aimie blends rigorous science with deep compassion to help individuals and practitioners achieve lasting transformation. Her book, The Biology of Trauma, reveals the cellular and emotional roots of fear, pain, and overwhelm, and offers a practical path to true mind-body-biology healing.

The Biology of Trauma: Your Issues are Stuck in Your Tissues with Dr. Aimie Apigian

💻 https://youtu.be/DSZaz1QZmcY

🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xGsDHZk8O9o6nEkLzrcQM?si=EB0DHiT7Q0KMC7-SMv7ocw

Where to find Dr. Aimie Apigian:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draimie/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-aimie-apigian
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAimieApigian
• Website: https://biologyoftrauma.com/
• Podcast: https://biologyoftrauma.com/biology-of-trauma-podcast/
• Book: https://www.biologyoftrauma.com/book

📧 For guest opportunities, collaborations or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at: [email protected]

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@coherence_code_podcast

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Coherence Code Podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.

In this inspiring conversation, Tama Kieves — Harvard Law graduate turned bestselling author and transformational coach — shares how she left a successful legal career to follow her true calling.

She explores how fear, self-judgment, and cultural expectations block authentic fulfillment, and offers practical tools to help you trust yourself, listen to your inner wisdom, and create a meaningful life aligned with your purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Success without purpose can lead to emptiness and burnout.
• Fear often disguises itself as “being realistic.”
• Self-judgment blocks intuition and inspiration.
• Difficult emotions can be gateways to growth and transformation.
• Trusting yourself opens the path to meaningful work and authentic expression.

Tama Kieves’ Bio:

Tama Kieves, an honors graduate of Harvard Law School, left her law practice to write and help others live and breathe their most meaningful self-expression. She is the bestselling author of 5 books including her NEWEST groundbreaking book Learning to Trust Yourself: Breaking Through the Blocks that Hold You Back Featured in USA Today and Oprah media, she is a sought-after TEDx speaker and visionary career/success coach, who has helped thousands world-wide to discover and thrive in the life, calling and work of their dreams. She’s also taught A Course in Miracles for years and is known for her smart, spitfire spirituality, electric humor, and the big possibilities she brings out in others.

Where to find Tama Kieves:

Join her for online programs and destination retreats.

For support for any of your dreams, join her at www.tamakieves.com

Tama’s FREE gift: It’s her #1 tool for trusting yourself and undoing fear.

Here’s the link: www.tamakieves.com/best-tool

Tama’s Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Tama-J.-Kieves/author/B001K8CTHI?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Tama Kieve’ Social Media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamakieves
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TamaKievesAuthor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TamaKieves/videos
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamakieves/

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@coherence_code_podcast

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Coherence Code Podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.

In this follow-up conversation, Dr. Lorne Brown sits down again with Dr. Mark Ratner, Chief Scientific Officer at Theralogix, to revisit the controversy surrounding resveratrol and IVF outcomes.

After a 2019 study suggested resveratrol might reduce implantation rates, Dr. Ratner conducted a deep dive into the latest research — including four newer prospective randomized trials and a recent study on pterostilbene.

The result? A very different picture.

This episode breaks down what the science actually says about egg quality, implantation, miscarriage risk, and live birth outcomes — and whether resveratrol truly poses a risk during IVF.

Key Takeaways:

• The 2019 resveratrol study was retrospective and had significant baseline differences between groups.
• Four newer prospective randomized trials show no reduction in pregnancy rates with resveratrol.
• Multiple studies report improvements in egg quality, embryo quality, and fertilization rates.
• SIRT1 plays a central role in ovarian reserve and uterine receptivity.
• Pterostilbene, a better-absorbed analog, restored implantation and live birth rates in aging mice.

Dr. Mark Ratner’s Bio:

Dr. Ratner is a board-certified urologist and the Chief Science Officer of Theralogix, a Washington, DC based company which markets micronutrient supplements with a focus on reproductive health. Dr. Ratner did his undergraduate and graduate studies in nutrition at Cornell University. He received his M.D. and residency training at Tulane University School of Medicine.

Where to find Dr. Mark Ratner:

• Website: https://theralogix.com/
• Special Offer: https://theralogix.com/discount/LORNE?redirect=/products/ovanad
• Ian Kent - VP, Sales & Business Development
• 📧 [email protected]
• Julie Schaefer - Canadian Sales Representative
• 📧 [email protected]

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@coherence_code_podcast

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Coherence Code Podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.

NAD⁺ has become a popular topic in fertility and longevity conversations, often surrounded by bold claims and supplement hype. But what does the science actually say—and how does NAD⁺ truly relate to egg quality, ovarian health, and reproductive aging?

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Mark Ratner to explore the real role of NAD⁺ in mitochondrial function, cellular energy production, and DNA repair in egg cells. We discuss why NAD⁺ levels decline with age, how inflammation and metabolic stress accelerate that decline, and what current research actually supports when it comes to supplementation. This conversation moves beyond quick fixes, offering an evidence-informed perspective for both people trying to conceive and practitioners seeking clarity amid the noise.

Key Takeaways:

• NAD⁺ is essential for cellular energy production and DNA repair in egg cells
• Fertility decline with age reflects reduced cellular function, not only egg count
• Chronic inflammation and metabolic stress accelerate NAD⁺ depletion
• Raising NAD⁺ levels does not automatically restore cellular health
• Effective fertility support requires lifestyle, metabolic, and inflammatory care—not supplements alone

Dr. Mark Ratner’s Bio:

Dr. Ratner is a board-certified urologist and the Chief Science Officer of Theralogix, a Washington, DC based company which markets micronutrient supplements with a focus on reproductive health. Dr. Ratner did his undergraduate and graduate studies in nutrition at Cornell University. He received his M.D. and residency training at Tulane University School of Medicine.

Where to find Dr. Mark Ratner:

• Website: https://theralogix.com/
• Special Offer: https://theralogix.com/discount/LORNE?redirect=/products/ovanad
• Ian Kent - VP, Sales & Business Development
• 📧 [email protected]
• Julie Schaefer - Canadian Sales Representative
• 📧 [email protected]

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@coherence_code_podcast

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Coherence Code Podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.

In this episode of the Conscious Fertility and Beyond Podcast, Dr. Lorne Brown speaks with Dr. Garret Yount, a molecular neurobiologist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. Dr. Yount shares his groundbreaking research on consciousness, biofield science, and self-healing.

From personal experiences with clairvoyance at age 13 to NIH-funded research on Qigong and energy healing, his journey bridges rigorous science with ancient practices. The conversation explores lucid dreaming as a healing tool for PTSD, the placebo effect at the genetic level, and why cultivating awareness of our “vibes” can transform health and wellbeing.

Key Takeaways:

• Biofield science explained: A modern scientific framework for understanding chi, prana, and subtle body energies.
• Placebo power: Belief and intention can regulate gene expression, proving the mind’s profound healing potential.
• Qigong in the lab: Experiments show possible effects of emitted Qi on cell cultures, but reproducibility challenges highlight the mysterious “trickster” nature of consciousness research.
• Lucid dreaming for PTSD: Structured workshops reduced symptoms significantly, showing subconscious healing potential through dreamwork.
• Vibes matter: Conscious, subconscious, and superconscious vibes shape our interactions, health, and sense of connection.

Dr. Garret Yount’s Bio:

Garret Yount, PhD, is a molecular neurobiologist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) where his research focuses on laboratory-based models of exceptional human abilities. He obtained his BS from the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology at the Pennsylvania State University and his PhD from the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He began his formal studies in consciousness research with a small grant from the Institute of Noetic Sciences in 1995, which allowed him to work with biofield practitioners and spiritual healers in the laboratory. Since then, Dr. Yount has conducted carefully controlled laboratory experiments with spiritual healers and biofield practitioners from around the world, including China, Brazil, Canada, USA, Japan, India, Russia, Hungary, and Sri Lanka, and was fortunate to be among the first scientists to be awarded a Research Project Grant (R01) from the National Institutes of Health to study energy healing. He is the author of Why Vibes Matter: Understand Your Energy and Learn How to Use it Wisely.

Where to find Dr. Garret Yount:

• Website: https://noetic.org/profile/garret-yount/
• Book “Why Vibes Matter” : https://noetic.org/why-vibes-matter-book/

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Download a free copy of the Acubalance Fertility Diet & Recipes and a copy of the ebook 5 Ways to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Pregnant from Acubalance.ca

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@conscious_fertility_podcast

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Conscious Fertility podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Samuel Wood returns to share cutting-edge advances in ovarian rejuvenation, fertility optimization, and regenerative medicine. The conversation explores how mitochondrial energy impacts egg quality, how next-generation platelet therapies and NAD support ovarian function, and what new research suggests about GLP-1 weight-loss medications and fertility.

Dr. Wood also discusses groundbreaking stem-cell research that could one day allow skin cells to become eggs or sperm, opening new possibilities for fertility preservation and same-sex family building. This episode blends clinical insight, innovation, and hope for individuals navigating fertility challenges.

Key takeaways:

• Ovarian rejuvenation works best when growth factors are precisely delivered — not too much, not too little.
• Next-generation protocols (Gen 3 & Gen 4) may extend ovarian benefits up to 6–7 months.
• NAD combined with growth factors shows promising improvements in egg quantity and pregnancy outcomes.
• GLP-1 medications may improve fertility beyond weight loss by optimizing the egg’s environment.
• Future stem-cell technology could allow skin cells to become eggs or sperm, transforming reproductive options.

Dr. Samuel Wood’s Bio:

Dr. Samuel Wood, M.D., Ph.D., MA, MBA, HCLD/CC (ABB), FACOG, is a fertility specialist and expert in reproductive genetics with over 30 years of clinical experience. Serving as the Director of Fertility Services in San Diego, CA. Dr. Wood's academic background includes a master's degree in psychology, a doctoral degree in biochemistry and molecular biophysics, and a Master of Business Administrator (MBA). After a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Dr. Wood completed a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Wood is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Where To Find Dr. Samuel Wood:

• Gen 5 Fertility website: https://www.gen5fertility.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gen5fertility/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075916125097
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gen-5-fertility-center/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWC41CKLMf7umAo8k-6MR5A
• Episode 69: PRP and Ovarian Rejuvenation for Egg Quality with Dr. Samuel Wood - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4TwwQaXtGv3cUPoVJXNDsH?si=59d08b76a4904204

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Download a free copy of the Acubalance Fertility Diet & Recipes and a copy of the ebook 5 Ways to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Pregnant from Acubalance.ca

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@conscious_fertility_podcast

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Conscious Fertility podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Lorne Brown sits down with renowned reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Zaher Merhi to explore the rapidly evolving field of ovarian rejuvenation and fertility optimization. Dr. Merhi shares cutting-edge insights on PRP (platelet-rich plasma), low-level laser therapy, stem cells, mini-IVF protocols, and why egg quality—not just quantity—matters most.

They dive into how mitochondria influence egg health, why high-dose IVF medications may compromise embryo quality, and how integrative approaches can improve outcomes for women with low ovarian reserve, high FSH, or repeated IVF failure. This conversation bridges science, clinical experience, and holistic fertility care.

Key takeaways:

• Egg quality matters more than egg quantity for achieving healthy embryos and live births.
• PRP can improve ovarian function and egg quality when applied correctly and paired with appropriate stimulation strategies.
• High-dose IVF medications may negatively affect egg quality, especially in women with low ovarian reserve or high FSH.
• Low-level laser therapy shows promising potential for improving ovarian markers and mitochondrial function.
• Not all fertility patients truly need IVF—many implantation issues can be addressed without aggressive treatment.

Dr. Zaher Merhi’s Bio:

Dr. Zaher Merhi is the founder and the medical director of Rejuvenating Fertility Center (RFC). He is an internationally recognized fertility doctor, lecturer, editor, and grant reviewer. His training and faculty appointments included Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, NYU School of Medicine, and University of Vermont. He was a Professor at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and the Director of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Fellowship program (ACGME accredited). He is currently a Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Maimonides Medical Center in New York. He has 3 American Board certifications in OB/GYN, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and High-Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD).

Dr Merhi is one of the few Reproductive Immunologists in the country and is an active researcher with an interest in women older than 40 with Low Ovarian Reserve (low AMH or high FSH), Stem Cell ovarian rejuvenation, gentle stimulation IVF, natural IVF, and IVF without injectables. He was named “ONE OF THE TOP 2% SCIENTISTS IN THE WORLD.”

Where To Find Dr.Zaher Merhi

• Website: https://www.rejuvenatingfertility.com/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dr_merhi/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064035250450

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Download a free copy of the Acubalance Fertility Diet & Recipes and a copy of the ebook 5 Ways to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Pregnant from Acubalance.ca

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@conscious_fertility_podcast

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Conscious Fertility podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Lorne Brown sits down with board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Hannah Ryles to explore how movement and exercise directly impact fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and postpartum recovery. Dr. Ryles shares the latest research on how the right type and intensity of exercise can support ovulation, metabolic health, IVF success, and healthy pregnancies—while also highlighting when exercise can become counterproductive.

The conversation covers common misconceptions about exercise during pregnancy, how to personalize movement based on body type and health conditions like PCOS, and why postpartum recovery requires patience and intentional care. Dr. Ryles also introduces the OB-GYN–approved Expect fitness app as a supportive tool for women across the full reproductive journey.

Key takeaways:

• Moderate exercise supports fertility, while excessive or exhaustive exercise may reduce fertility in healthy-weight women.
• Exercise improves metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and hormone regulation—key drivers of reproductive health.
• Movement should be personalized, especially for conditions like PCOS, IVF cycles, and different pregnancy stages.
• Pregnancy exercise requires mindful adjustments, including avoiding overheating, prolonged supine positions, and overexertion.
• Postpartum recovery prioritizes healing and pelvic floor support, with gradual return to activity and self-compassion.

Dr. Hannah Ryles Bio:

Dr. Hannah Ryles, MD received her medical degree and completed her residency at the University of Pennsylvania. She is an OB/GYN at the University of Chicago, specializing in minimally invasive surgical management of complex gynecologic conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and pelvic pain. Dr. Ryles is known for her patient-centered approach, combining advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques with open communication and shared decision-making to help women feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.

As an OB/GYN advisor with Expect, Dr. Ryles helps design science-backed prenatal and postnatal workouts tailored to every trimester, medical need, and fitness level. Her focus is on safety, pelvic floor health, and fertility optimization—developing movement programs that balance hormones, lower stress, and support healthy weight and muscle function. She’s passionate about helping women strengthen their bodies before, during, and after pregnancy through evidence-based fitness rooted in women’s health research.

Where To Find Dr. Hannah Ryles

• Expect Fitness website:https://www.expect.fit/
• Expect Fitness App: https://expect.app.link/website
• LinkedIn Hannah Ryles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-ryles-a15a3430a/

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Download a free copy of the Acubalance Fertility Diet & Recipes and a copy of the ebook 5 Ways to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Pregnant from Acubalance.ca

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@conscious_fertility_podcast

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Conscious Fertility podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.

In this insightful episode of The Conscious Fertility and Beyond Podcast, Dr. Lorne Brown is joined by his colleagues from Acubalance, Dr. Kali MacIsaac Francis and Dr. Ashley Damm, to demystify perimenopause and menopause.

Together they unpack the hormonal fluctuations behind symptoms like brain fog, sleep changes, and mood shifts—and explain why resilience and lifestyle foundations are key to thriving through midlife. From hormone therapy to nutrition and mindset, this conversation offers both science and compassion for women navigating this natural transition.

Key takeaways:

• Perimenopause starts earlier than most think: Symptoms can appear up to 10 years before menopause and vary widely between women.
• Lab tests don’t tell the full story: Hormone levels fluctuate too much for a single blood test to define perimenopause—symptoms matter more.
• Resilience is the real root: It’s not just declining hormones, but our body’s adaptability—sleep, stress, diet, and emotional regulation—that determine how we feel.
• Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) is safe and effective when used correctly: The original fears from early studies were largely due to outdated synthetic hormones and misinterpreted data.
• Lifestyle medicine is foundational: Building muscle, improving sleep, balancing blood sugar, and nourishing the adrenals are non-negotiables for long-term vitality.

But here’s the secret: you’re not broken. You’re becoming.

Menopause isn’t a disease to be treated — it’s a transformation to be supported. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we don’t see menopause as the end of something. We see it as a rebirth — a powerful shift in Jing, Qi, and Shen — that can bring wisdom, vitality, and even deeper connection to yourself.

And yes, it’s possible to feel like yourself again (maybe even better). Here’s how to survive — and thrive — during menopause.

More links:

• https://acubalance.ca/acubalance-longevity-diet-basic-principles-and-recipes/
• How to Thrive During Menopause Naturally: A Holistic Guide to Balance, Energy & Ease
• You Are Not Losing It — Just Changing: Understanding Perimenopause - Acubalance Wellness Centre
• Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Menopause Relief in Vancouver | Acubalance
• Say Goodbye to Hot Flashes: Natural Solutions for Hormonal Balance - Acubalance Wellness Centre
• Can Progesterone Support Help with Weight Loss in Perimenopause and Menopause? - Acubalance Wellness Centre
• https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx

Dr. Kali MacIsaac Francis Bio:

Dr. Kali MacIsaac Francis is a women’s health expert and Clinical Director of Naturopathy at Acubalance Wellness Centre. Her clinical focus includes reproductive endocrinology, fertility optimization, and menopause hormone therapy, with a commitment to evidence-informed, integrative care.

She is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in good standing with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia, and a member of the BC Naturopathic Association (BCNA), Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (EndoANP), and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). Dr. MacIsaac Francis is also a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) and holds the Prescriptive Authority in British Columbia.

Dr. Ashley Damm Bio:

Dr. Ashley Damm is a Naturopathic Doctor with a special interest in women’s health, including PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, perimenopause, menopause, and digestive wellness. She combines evidence-based medicine with a holistic approach to help women restore balance and vitality through all stages of life.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University, completing Cooperative Studies in Research and Development, and later obtained her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Damm is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) and holds a Prescriptive Authority in British Columbia.

Where To Find Dr. Kali MacIsaac Francis & Dr. Ashley Damm:

• Acubalance Wellness Centre: https://acubalance.ca/our-clinic/

📧 For guest opportunities, collaborations or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at: [email protected]

How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)

Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown

Lornebrown.com

Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown:

https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/

Download a free copy of the Acubalance Fertility Diet & Recipes and a copy of the ebook 5 Ways to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Pregnant from Acubalance.ca

Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:

@acubalancewellnesscentre

@conscious_fertility_podcast

@lorne_brown_official

DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Conscious Fertility podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.