The Home of Fertility with Liz Walton & Helen Zee

We talk with Sapyen founder Ash Ramachandran about removing the friction from male fertility testing—extending sample viability to three days, matching lab accuracy, and lowering costs so men can test sooner and couples decide faster. Practical next steps, what to ask for, and how clinics and coaches use at‑home diagnostics to cut wait times and stress.

• why male fertility testing needs a reset
• clinic backlogs, one‑hour viability and access gaps
• Sapien’s transport medium extending viability to three days
• achieving lab‑grade accuracy at home
• affordability compared with traditional labs
• adoption by major IVF clinics and small practices
• when to request DNA fragmentation and other advanced tests
• how early testing changes timelines and outcomes
• where to buy: website and 200+ Australian pharmacies

Struggling to get a straight answer on male fertility? We sat down with Sapyen founder and CEO Ash Ramachandran to unpack why semen testing has stayed stuck in the 1970s—and how a new at‑home diagnostic finally fixes access, accuracy, and affordability without the awkward clinic dash. Ash shares the personal spark behind the company and breaks down the science problem most people never hear about: sperm samples are typically viable for only an hour, which forces narrow lab windows, long travel, and repeat failures. Sapien’s patent‑pending transport medium extends viability up to three days by mimicking the female reproductive tract, enabling men to collect at home and ship to a NATA‑accredited lab for results that match clinical standards.

We explore the real‑world impact: fewer delays, lower costs, and better data earlier in the journey. Ash explains how leading IVF networks, including Monash IVF and others, integrate Sapyen to improve patient experience and throughput, while smaller clinics, coaches, and naturopaths use it to offer lab‑quality analysis without building a lab. We also dig into advanced testing like DNA fragmentation—when to ask for it, what it reveals about oxidative stress and sperm integrity, and how those insights can change treatment plans, save money, and sometimes avert unnecessary IVF cycles.

If male factors represent half of fertility challenges, making testing simple and private is a game‑changer. You’ll hear why many purchases are driven by women advocating for faster answers, how access in regional areas is finally improving, and the exact questions to bring to your clinician when progress stalls. Ready to replace guesswork with clarity?

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LinkedIn - Ash Ramachandran - (32) Ash Ramachandran | LinkedIn

LihkedIn - (32) Sapyen: Posts | LinkedIn

Website - Sapyen: The Most Accurate Male Fertility Test, From Home

We explore how to hold yourself with care during fertility challenges, from the relentless decision-making inside treatment to the tender work of grieving and rebuilding if parenthood doesn’t happen. Counselor Sarah Roberts shares her 10-year TTC story and practical tools to separate good decisions from uncertain outcomes, honor ambivalence, and live a meaningful life either way.

• spring energy, clinic timing and why community matters
• Sarah’s decade of IVF, losses and the choice to end treatment
• naming grief and integrating longing without erasing it
• identity beyond motherhood and reclaiming other parts of self
• decision-making myths and separating decisions from outcomes
• practical models for clarity and handling ambivalence
• managing overwhelm, control loops and regret-minimization
• boundaries, self-compassion and gentle daily practices
• why the Melbourne Fertility Expo offers real access and safety

What if the path you’ve poured your heart into doesn’t end the way you hoped? We sit down with counselor and childless advocate Sarah Roberts to chart a compassionate way through fertility treatment, decision fatigue, and the possibility of a meaningful life—even if motherhood doesn’t happen. Sarah shares her 10-year TTC story, twelve reproductive losses, and the brave choice to leave treatment, offering language for grief that most clinics and timelines can’t hold.

We dig into the real reasons fertility decisions feel so heavy: myths about the “right” choice, the urge to control probabilistic outcomes, and the constant mental hum of “what else can I do?” You’ll hear practical decision-making tools that separate choices from results, honor ambivalence without getting stuck, and align next steps with your values, health, and resources. We also explore how motivation shifts over time—from early optimism to no-regrets clarity—and how to differentiate the emotional importance of a dream from the actual odds in front of you.

Along the way, Sarah models a kinder inner conversation: holding the part of you that longs to mother while reconnecting with the many other parts of your identity. We talk boundaries for baby showers and nosy questions, cultivating self-compassion as a daily skill, and finding community that replaces isolation with steady support. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your heart intact while navigating IVF, or how to rebuild if parenthood isn’t your ending, this conversation is a balm—and a map.

If this podcast resonated, please share it
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And if you'd like to connect or share your story, find us on Instagram and Facebook at Australian Fertility Summit

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website - The Empty Cradle is a healing community for childless women

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We share a clear path to accessing superannuation for fertility treatment with psychiatrist Dr. Justine Schelle, explaining why the ATO requires a psychiatric assessment and how that step protects mental health. Dr Justine shares generously the steps, including how Fertility Psych offers a unique service to streamline the process and save on costs and timings.

You will hear which treatments qualify—IVF, egg collection, IUI, surgical sperm retrieval, and related gynaecological procedures—and get clarity in what’s changed for surrogacy access. We also cover donor options, interstate and overseas care, and how accommodation and flights can be included when tied to treatment.

• Why a psychiatrist assessment is required by the ATO for fertility treatment 
• How assessments detect depression risk and support safe pregnancy and postpartum 
• What procedures qualify, including IVF, IUI, surgical sperm retrieval, and related surgery 
• National telehealth access and rural Medicare benefits 
• Using your partner’s super and lodging multiple applications within six months 
• Donor eggs, embryos, imported sperm, travel costs, and now surrogacy eligibility 
• DIY MyGov application steps to avoid third‑party fees 


Dr Schelle brings over 20 years of experience across Australia and Internationally. Her career spans hospital settings, clinical roles, the medico-legal industry, and FIFO psychiatry in regional areas. From 2016 to 2022, she was the consultant psychiatrist for the Assertive Outreach Team at Royal North Shore Hospital, leaving this role to concentrate on FertilityPsych and other psychiatric pursuits.

Having grown up and worked rurally, Dr Schelle understands the lack of accessible services in remote areas and recognises that even in cities, finding the right psychiatrist can be challenging. She has a strong interest in fertility-related psychiatry and supporting individuals and families through this journey.

Worried about money, fairness, or “what ifs” as you plan a family? Family lawyer Jane Libbis joins Helen to demystify the legal side of family planning—so you can protect your relationship, your kids (and even your pets) without losing the romance.
We cover: when and why to consider a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) (prenup/cohab), how to turn values into practical plans, and why these conversations can strengthen your relationship. We also unpack blended families, shared parental leave and career/earning shifts.
 You’ll leave with a calm, practical roadmap you can tailor to your life—before baby, during fertility treatment, or as a modern blended family.

What you’ll learn

• How prenups/BFAs actually work (and why they’re not just for the rich)
• Value-led planning that reduces conflict and anxiety
• Blended family realities: multiple homes, step-siblings, coherence for kids
• How counselling + legal planning = a stronger foundation

Perfect for: couples planning pregnancy, solo parents by choice, blended families, and anyone who wants clarity, fairness, and peace of mind.

Jane Libbis is a family lawyer who creates a supportive, compassionate environment for clients navigating separation and new beginnings. She advises on all areas of family law — property, parenting, and pre-nuptial agreements — with a special focus on step-families, second marriages, and those starting afresh after 40. A proud dog mum, she also brings unique insight into pet custody matters. Passionate about love, connection, and personal growth, Jane combines her legal and counselling backgrounds to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence into their next chapter.

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We sit down with Dr. Anne Poliness to unpack egg freezing—who it helps, what the process looks like, and how to decide if and when it fits your life. We clear up myths, talk safety and consent, and share practical steps that lower stress and increase choice.

Discover and consider your choices when:
• Elective and medical reasons to freeze eggs 
• Relief that comes from informed choices 
• Process overview: stimulation, retrieval, freezing 
• Safety, overstimulation risk, and monitoring 
• Storage duration, consent extensions, donation options 
• When not to freeze and better timing choices 
• Moving eggs across borders and logistics 
• Solo parent pathways and access to treatment 
• Endometriosis considerations and preservation timing

Dr Anne Poliness has extensive experience in gynaecology and infertility including treating all fertility issues. She treats each patient as an individual to help and support them on their fertility. Anne listens to patient's needs and is dedicated and motivated to problem solve fertility issues. No fertility question is too simple or difficult to work through.

Social Media Links :
Facebook- City Fertility
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Instagram - @cityfertilitycentre
@rainbowfertility

Nicole Haak, an experienced naturopath specializing in fertility, shares her holistic approach to preconception care and explains why preparing your body before conception is crucial for optimal reproductive health.

• Preconception care is essential because eggs and sperm take up to 100 days to develop
• Environmental toxins like microplastics are now found in reproductive tissues and act as hormone disruptors
• The gut microbiome plays a critical role in hormone metabolism and reproductive health
• Comprehensive testing should include nutrient levels, hormone profiles, thyroid function, and semen analysis
• Optimal nutrition for fertility includes three cups of vegetables daily (one being dark leafy greens), healthy fats, and protein with every meal
• Working with practitioners who have time to understand your unique health picture creates empowerment on your fertility journey

Nicole Hack takes us deep into the world of naturopathic fertility care, revealing why what happens before conception matters more than most people realize. This eye-opening conversation illuminates how the 100-day development cycle of both eggs and sperm creates a critical window for improving reproductive health through targeted nutrition, lifestyle changes, and environmental awareness.

The discussion shines a particularly powerful light on environmental toxins – a topic that deserves far more attention in fertility conversations. Nicole shares alarming research about microplastics found in reproductive tissues and explains how these endocrine disruptors silently impact hormone balance. From plastic water bottles to household cleaning products, these ubiquitous chemicals create reproductive challenges that conventional medicine often overlooks.

What sets this episode apart is Nicole's balanced approach that combines evidence-based recommendations with practical, accessible advice. Rather than overwhelming listeners with an impossible list of changes, she emphasizes starting with foundational habits: consuming three cups of vegetables daily (one being dark leafy greens), incorporating healthy fats, and ensuring protein at every meal.

The conversation also explores the fascinating connection between gut health and fertility, illuminating how the microbiome influences hormone metabolism and reproductive function. Nicole explains how comprehensive testing that goes beyond standard medical assessments can identify subtle imbalances affecting fertility, giving couples powerful information to address underlying issues.

Throughout the episode, there's a refreshing emphasis on empowerment. Working with practitioners who take time to understand your unique health picture creates agency during what can otherwise feel like a powerless waiting game. The health practices established during preconception not only optimize fertility but also support family wellbeing for generations to come.

Ready to take control of your fertility journey?

Join us at the Australian Fertility Summit on November 8th at Box Hill Town Hall, where you can meet Nicole and other fertility experts in person. The more we talk about fertility challenges, the faster we can break down stigma and help everyone access the support they deserve. Tickets are on sale now - give yourself or someone you love the gift of fertility knowledge and support.

Find Nicole Haak 

website - Home - Nicole Haak | Naturopathy for fertility, hormone imbalance, gut and thyroid health

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Sports broadcaster Sam Hargrove shares his journey through male infertility, from receiving a devastating zero sperm diagnosis to becoming a father of two boys through IVF. His openness about the emotional impact of infertility challenges the stigma many men face, offering hope and practical wisdom for others on similar paths.

• Male infertility accounts for approximately 41-43% of fertility issues, yet many men avoid getting tested
• Sam's zero sperm diagnosis was traced to a traumatic sports injury during his teenage years
• The emotional impact of infertility can trigger feelings of inadequacy and shame in men
• Speaking openly about fertility struggles helps reduce stigma and connects people through shared experiences
• Getting tested early provides clarity and direction, preventing unnecessary relationship strain
• Fertility challenges can lead to personal growth and deeper connections between partners
• Sam now considers himself "a better man" having gone through the fertility journey
• Both partners benefit from viewing infertility as "our" challenge rather than assigning individual blame
• The Melbourne Fertility Expo on November 8, 2025 will feature conversations about fertility, including a panel with Sam

"It takes balls to talk about infertility," says sports broadcaster Sam Hargrove in this powerful, vulnerable conversation about male fertility challenges. Sam's journey begins with a gut feeling that something wasn't right when he and his partner Evie started trying for a family. Rather than waiting, he took the step many men avoid—getting tested. The devastating news came minutes before he was due on air: zero sperm.

Sam takes us through the emotional earthquake of that moment, the immediate questioning of his masculinity, and how he fought back from that dark place. With remarkable candor, he shares how a teenage sports injury likely caused his fertility issues, the intensive medical interventions that followed, and the journey that eventually led to the birth of his two sons through IVF. His story illustrates how common male fertility issues actually are—comprising at least 41% of infertility cases, though likely higher since many men refuse testing.

What makes this episode essential listening is Sam's perspective on how facing infertility transformed him. "I'm a better man now than I ever was before I found out I had zero sperm," he reflects, highlighting how challenges that initially seem devastating can become catalysts for profound personal growth. The episode also offers practical wisdom: get tested early, use available support services, and speak openly about fertility struggles to break down harmful stigma.

Whether you're facing fertility challenges yourself or simply want to understand what millions of couples experience, Sam's story offers both comfort and courage. His willingness to share helps create a world where fertility isn't wrapped in shame but discussed with the same openness as any other health concern. After all, as Sam puts it with characteristic humor, no one puts their sperm count on their resume—so why should it define anyone's worth?

Visit AustralianFertilitySummit.com.au for early bird tickets to the Melbourne Fertility Expo. Find Sam on Instagram @SamHargrove99 or listen to his Course Language golf podcast.

In this deeply nourishing chat, Helen welcomes Dr Cecilia Kitic—researcher, exercise physiologist, and founder of The IVF Project and Fertile Gut—to unpack the gut–fertility axis. With 80+ publications in immuno-nutrition, Dr Cecelia explains how the microbiome shapes hormones, inflammation, ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. We cover the estrobolome and oestrogen balance, SCFAs, enzymes (e.g., β-glucuronidase), mitochondrial support for egg quality, links to PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, male factor (incl. DNA fragmentation), IVF response and FET success. 

You’ll hear practical, evidence-led ways to “feed your microbiome”: food-first strategies, smart supplementation, movement, sleep, and stress regulation—plus when advanced metagenomic testing can help. If you’ve wondered why “normal” tests still leave you stuck, this episode translates cutting-edge science into simple habits that improve preconception health for all genders. A must-listen, with Dr Cecilia explaining in simple terms what can optimise your gut microbiome.

About Dr Cecelia Kitic: Dr Cecilia Kitic is a researcher and exercise physiologist with a PhD in immunonutrition and more than 80 published papers exploring how the gut microbiome, inflammation, hormones, and nutrition interact. She is the founder of The IVF Project—the world’s first accredited allied health integrated practice for preconception care, delivering dietetics, exercise physiology, and psychology services to optimise reproductive outcomes. Building on this expertise, she also founded Fertile Gut, a science-backed supplement brand dedicated to nurturing women’s gut health from menstruation through to menopause. Co-author of the book Create a Fertile Gut, Dr Kitic is passionate about turning complex science into practical strategies that empower women to take control of their health.

Follow Dr Kitic: https://www.instagram.com/theivfproject/?hl=en

What happens when you've done everything "right" on your fertility journey, but the missing piece hasn't been discovered? Natasha's powerful story reveals the often-overlooked factor that finally led to her son's birth after four heartbreaking losses.

From the moment her husband Ryan purchased a conscious conception book as a gift for her, their approach to creating life took a meaningful turn. Together they moved away from mechanical, scheduled intimacy toward reconnecting with the spiritual essence of creating new life from love. But despite their aligned intentions and impeccable lifestyle choices, pregnancy losses continued to devastate them.

The breakthrough came when they insisted on DNA fragmentation testing—a male fertility assessment their doctors had repeatedly dismissed as unnecessary. This advocacy revealed significant issues that, once addressed through targeted supplements and lifestyle modifications, paved the way for their natural conception success.

What makes Natasha's story particularly valuable is her wisdom about maintaining what she calls the "relationship container" throughout the fertility journey. Rather than putting life on hold, she and Ryan chose to get married in Vegas and continued nurturing their connection—creating a foundation of joy rather than deprivation. This conscious decision to keep living fully while navigating fertility challenges represents a profound shift from the common tendency to postpone happiness until after achieving pregnancy.

For anyone experiencing the emotional overwhelm of fertility struggles, Natasha's insights about nervous system regulation and the importance of external support provide practical guidance. Her evolution from conscious conception to conscious pregnancy to conscious parenting demonstrates how maintaining spiritual connection throughout the journey creates resilience.

Whether you're just beginning your fertility journey or feeling stuck in repeated disappointments, this conversation offers the genuine hope that comes not from empty platitudes but from someone who's walked through the darkness and emerged holding their miracle in their arms.

What questions has your fertility team not explored? How might strengthening your relationship container support your path forward? Sometimes the missing piece lies in someone else's story.

Trying to conceive after 40? Don't let discouraging statistics dim your hope. In this illuminating conversation, fertility naturopath Tasha Jennings challenges the notion that "old eggs" determine your reproductive destiny.

We explore and discuss:

• AMH testing indicates egg quantity but not quality - with natural conception you only need one good egg each month.
• Your eggs aren't "old" - they're developing in an older environment that can be optimised.
• Five key factors affect egg quality: mitochondrial energy, DNA development, antioxidants, cellular health, and minimising environmental toxins.
• Male fertility factors are equally important - sperm health becomes more crucial as women age.
• Comprehensive hormone testing provides valuable insights beyond standard panels.
• Perimenopause doesn't mean you can't conceive - many women successfully have babies during this phase.
• Pausing fertility treatments to optimise egg quality for 3 months can dramatically improve success rates.
• It takes just 6 days of dietary changes to alter gene expression that impacts fertility.
• Fertility optimisation creates "side effects" of improved overall health, vitality and longevity.
• Having a clear, personalised plan restores empowerment for women on the fertility journey.

You will want your note taker for this episode.

Download Tasha's free Fertility Over 40 guide at tashajennings.com.au/fertilityover40 for five immediate actions to improve your egg quality.

About Tasha:

Tasha Jennings is a Fertility Naturopath, helping proactive women and couples improve their fertility wellbeing to create healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, through her Your Fertile Pantry Online Program, her Private Online Consultations and her Premium Prenatal Supplement, Zycia Natal Nutrients.

Author of The Fertility Diet and The Vitamins Guide, Tasha is also regularly called on for expert comment by major media publications including The Age, The Herald Sun, New Idea, Yahoo 7, News.com and many more. 

Tasha also enjoys sharing the latest fertility information and research, interviewing World Leading Fertility Experts for her Conceive Baby Podcast and educating other Health Professionals at a speaker at Major Fertility Conferences.

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