The Worth A Shot Podcast

The Worth A Shot Podcast

By Ashley & Brooks McMahonHealth & FitnessParentingKids & Family
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The Worth A Shot Podcast episodes

  • 20. The “No’s” That Built Us

    On this week’s episode of The Worth a Shot Podcast, we’re reflecting on just how many times the word “no” showed up on our fertility journey.

    No appointments available.
     No embryos.
     No insurance coverage.
     No answers.
     No baby.

    But behind every one of those no’s, we found a reason to keep going. We’ll take you through each chapter of our story—the setbacks, the heartbreaks, the breakthroughs—and how we fought to keep hope alive, even when it felt impossible.

    We’re also holding space for those whose journey led them to a different kind of ending. If you had to stop—whether because of finances, emotional burnout, or physical limits—we see your strength, and we honor your story too.

    This episode is a love letter to the fighters, the question-askers, the ones who didn’t give up—and the ones who had the courage to let go.

    Connect with us on Instagram: 

    @theworthashotpodcast

    @itsashleymcmahon

    21 min
  • 19. Shots, Shots, Shots! Real Talk on IVF Medications

    In this episode of Worth a Shot, we break down the many medications involved in IVF — from egg retrieval to transfers. We share our personal stories about the physical and emotional challenges, including tricky injections, unexpected side effects, and how your partner can support you in the process. We also dive into the often-overwhelming costs of these meds, why doing your research on pharmacies can save you thousands, and our top recommendation for Kohll’s Pharmacy, who truly went above and beyond for us. Whether you’re just starting your IVF journey or deep in treatment, this episode offers practical tips, real talk, and a little humor to remind you—you’re not alone.

    Buzz Bee Link

    IVF Organizer

    1 hr 10 min
  • 18. SEASON 2: Our Miscarriage Story - The One We Never Got to Hold

    In the Season 2 premiere of Worth a Shot, we open our hearts to share a chapter of our story we never imagined would be ours.

    This episode revisits the joy and hope that followed our IVF transfer in August, and the deep grief that came with an unexpected loss. We talk about what it felt like to hear the heartbeat, to tell our daughter she was going to be a big sister, and to start dreaming again—only to have those dreams taken away.

    We walk through:

    • The moments of joy we’ll never forget
    • How we found out our baby was gone
    • The physical and emotional aftermath of miscarriage
    • Lingering guilt, questions, and the ache of silence
    • The signs, words, and support that helped us hold on

    This episode is raw, tender, and honest. We don’t have answers—but we’re showing up anyway. Because this baby mattered. And so does your grief.

    Trigger warning: This episode contains conversations around IVF, pregnancy, and miscarriage.

    Thank you for being here. For listening. For holding space.

    —

    If this episode resonates with you, or if you’ve walked through your own loss, know that you're not alone. We see you. We’re with you.

    __


    Follow Along:

    @theworthashotpodcast

    @itsashleymcmahon

    Held book link

    1 hr 2 min
  • 17. Season Finale: PGT Results and...IVF Transfer Prep!

    In our Season 1 finale, we reveal our PGT results and share the excitement and nerves of preparing for the frozen embryo transfer. We answer questions from family and friends, offering a peek into our journey and the steps we're taking for the big day. Join us as we talk about our hopes, fears, and everything in between during this emotional and hopeful time. We will be back soon! For now...focusing on this next big step in our journey!

    Stay connected:
    @theworthashotpodcast
    @itsashleymcmahon

    47 min
  • 16. BONUS: Round #5 Embryo Results

    In this week's episode of our IVF journey, we navigate the emotional rollercoaster of Ashley's recovery week following the fifth round. The tension builds as we await the life-changing phone call that reveals our embryo results, a moment that always has the power to redefine our path. With the call finally received, we discuss the results and the next steps in our journey, balancing hope and realism. As we move forward, we reflect on our mixed feelings—anticipation, resilience, and a cautious optimism guiding us through the uncertainties ahead.

    34 min
  • 15. Getting to Know Us Beyond Infertility

    In this week's episode, you can get to know us on a personal level as we dive into your random questions, sharing insights into our lives outside the fertility journey. We chat about things like our current favorite TV shows, reveal our top travel destinations, and discuss what we do for work. We also open up about our favorite parts of parenting and much more, giving you a closer look at who we are beyond the infertility narrative. Tune in for a fun, personal, and relaxed episode!

    32 min
  • 14. IVF Round #5 Update

    In this week's episode, we dive into our latest journey with IVF round #5, trying a different protocol this time around. We've faced unexpected plot twists and started from scratch, navigating through the emotional highs and lows of each piece of news. Now, we're in the waiting game, unsure of what's next but hopeful for a positive outcome. Join us as we share our experiences, reflections, and the resilience needed to keep moving forward.

    Follow along:
    @theworthashotpodcast
    @itsashleymcmahon

    **We apologize if this week's episode quality isn't the best. There were some unforeseen microphone issues**

    26 min
  • 13. Supporting Friends + Family Through Infertility

    In this week's episode, we delve into the importance of supporting friends and family through the challenging journey of IVF. We share personal experiences of what has been helpful and what hasn't over the past few years, offering insights into the do's and don'ts of providing support. We emphasize the need to give grace to loved ones who may not always know the best way to show their support. Finally, we extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has stood by us during this journey, acknowledging their unwavering support and love.

    Amazon Gift List: CLICK HERE

    Follow us: 
    @theworthashotpodcast 

    31 min
  • 12. Listener Q+A

    In this week's episode, we're diving into our listener mailbag! You've sent in some thoughtful questions, and we're here to answer them! No topic is off-limits! We love hearing from you and are excited to explore the topics that matter most to you all! Tune in to hear insightful discussions, surprising facts, and even a few laughs as we tackle your questions head-on!

    Follow along:
    @theworthashotpodcast

    53 min
  • 11. Just Keep Swimming! Let's Talk Male Factor Infertility

    We are back! In this week's episode we're diving into male factor infertility, a topic that unexpectedly became a significant part of our lives back in 2020 when Brooks was diagnosed with a condition where he was born without vas deferens. We want to shed light on this topic because it's often overshadowed by female infertility, despite it accounting for about a third of infertility cases. Male infertility can result from various factors like low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or blockages. We'll discuss how lifestyle choices, health conditions, and even environmental factors can impact sperm quality, count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity. Our aim is to foster awareness and encourage early testing, which can be straightforward and less invasive compared to female testing. Infertility isn't just a female issue; it's a shared challenge that requires attention to both partners' health. We'll also explore why MFI is less talked about, possibly due to the stigma men feel around their masculinity and societal focus on women as child-bearers. Through listener feedback and expert insights, we'll debunk myths, highlight the alarming decline in sperm rates, and emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle for maintaining male fertility. We discuss practical tips for improving sperm health and address your questions about MFI testing and getting your partner on board with making necessary changes.

    At Home Sperm Test: CLICK HERE
    Natalie Crawford (Fertility Specialist): CLICK HERE

    Follow us:
    @theworthashotpodcast
    @itsashleymcmahon

    47 min

About The Worth A Shot Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to "Worth A Shot," the heartfelt podcast where the journey through infertility and IVF is explored through the honest and raw experiences of husband and wife duo, Ashley and Brooks. Join us…