This week, Corey and Nakia share their IVF story, opening up about the realities of infertility, IVF, and their journey to parenthood through surrogacy. From the early decisions that led them to IVF, to the decision to move forward with surrogacy, they reminisce with Dr. D about their 10 year journey to creating their family. Corey and Nakia reflect on the moments that challenged them most, the support that carried them through, and how their experience reshaped their understanding of family and parenthood.

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

The holidays can be joyful—but if you're going through IVF, they can also bring tough questions, unsolicited advice, and emotional conversations with family. In this episode, we're talking about how to navigate IVF conversations during the holidays in a way that protects your mental health and honors your boundaries.

We'll cover how to decide what (if anything) you want to share about your IVF journey, ways to respond to invasive family questions, and scripts you can use when family gatherings feel overwhelming.

If you're dealing with infertility, IVF, or pregnancy pressure during the holidays, you're not alone—and you don't owe anyone your story. We hope this provides someone with reassurance and empowerment to you this holiday season!

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

Dr. D sits down with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Andy Huang, known in the fertility world as the IVF Magician. They break down recurrent implantation failure, what's driving the conversation around PGT-P, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of IVF.

Dr. Huang is a board-certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at Reproductive Partners Medical Group, located in Southern California. After completing his residency and fellowship at UCLA Medical School, he has gone on to practice for the last 20 years in the field. He is consistently the recipient of the Top Ten Doctor Award, Best Doctors, Patient's Choice Award, and Compassionate Doctor Award.

More from Dr. Andy Huang HERE

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

We've all heard the term "unexplained infertility" — but what does it actually mean when all your tests look normal and you're still not getting pregnant? In this episode, Dr. Daneshmand breaks it down and what might really be going on beneath the surface — from egg and sperm quality to hidden uterine factors — and why "unexplained" doesn't necessarily mean untreatable. If you've ever felt stuck with an unexplained diagnosis, this one's for you — equal parts insight, science, and hope.

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

This week, Dr. D sits down with reproductive attorney Rijon Charne to talk about how a cancer diagnosis changed the course of her life — and ultimately led her to her purpose. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma days before graduating from law school, Rijon faced the daunting reality of preserving her fertility before treatment. Through her own egg freezing journey, she discovered firsthand the emotional and financial hurdles that so many patients encounter when trying to protect their future families.

Today, Rijon uses that experience to advocate for others as the founder of Sunray Fertility Law, helping people navigate the complex world of fertility law and insurance.

More from Rijon Charne and Sunray Fertility HERE

Navigating fertility challenges can be one of the most emotionally taxing experiences in a person's life — filled with uncertainty, hope, and heartbreak. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Oreck, reproductive psychiatrist and founder of Mavida Health, to explore the often-overlooked mental health aspects of fertility.

Dr. Oreck shares her expert insights on how stress, anxiety, and depression can impact both individuals and couples during the fertility journey. We dive into practical strategies for coping, how to recognize when to seek professional support, and why emotional well-being is just as critical as physical health during this time.

Whether you're currently undergoing fertility treatments, supporting a partner, or working with patients in this space, this conversation offers compassionate guidance, evidence-based tools, and a reminder that you're not alone.

For more information about Mavida Health, click HERE

In this episode, Dr. D sits down with Cheri Bergeron, author, life coach, and founder of Cheri's Choice which explores what it truly means to build a family on your own terms. From navigating fertility treatments and foster care to winning a landmark Texas case that reshaped laws around assisted reproduction, Cheri's story is one of resilience, purpose, and redefining what motherhood looks like in today's world.

She shares how her book, Mission: Motherhood, was born from her own challenges and triumphs, proving that there's more than one path to creating the family of your dreams. This episode is for every woman who's ever questioned the "fairy tale" version of motherhood and is ready to write her own story.

✨ Topics covered:

• Overcoming societal expectations around motherhood

• Finding strength through IVF, foster care, and legal battles

• Building community and confidence as a single mom by choice

• How to reclaim your story and pursue motherhood with purpose

💜 Listen now and be inspired to rewrite your own version of "happily ever after."

Purchase Cheri's book: https://www.cheribergeron.com/book
Learn more about her mission: https://www.cheribergeron.com/

Today we're joined by the legendary Esther Vergeer — widely regarded as one of the greatest wheelchair tennis players of all time. A seven-time Paralympic gold medalist, 48-time Grand Slam champion, and former world number one who held her title for over a decade with an astonishing 470 consecutive match wins, Esther's greatest win was her journey to parenthood.

Beyond her extraordinary career, Esther is the founder of the Esther Vergeer Foundation, empowering children with disabilities through sports, and the author of Fierce and Vulnerable. But today, she's opening up about a deeply personal journey: becoming a mother through IVF and surrogacy.

In this episode, Esther shares:
✨ What led her to pursue IVF
✨ How she began the process of finding a surrogate and agency
✨ The biggest misconceptions about surrogacy
✨ Her best advice for those just starting their IVF journey

Link to The Esther Vergeer Foundation HERE