TW: Mention of suicidal tendencies.

This is probably the hardest episode I've done. It's been almost a year since our infertility journey ended and today my husband is helping me share my experience through it all. From IVF, to societal pressures, to almost losing everything, this journey changed me as a person, as a woman, and as a wife. It might not have had the happy ending we dreamed of, but we got the ending we deserved—a healthy one. For anyone else starting their infertility journey or staying strong through IVF, know that we are here for you.

In honor of Infertility Awareness Month, I’m joined by my husband Jamie—as we share what IVF looked like from his side of the journey. This episode shines a light on what IVF felt like for Jamie, how couples can stay connected, and why men need more support, space, and voice in this conversation. Infertility is so often centered around women—and while that’s valid and necessary, men are also deeply impacted. Their emotions, questions, and grief often go unheard. If you or someone you love is walking this path, we hope this episode offers understanding, comfort, and a reminder: you’re not alone—and neither is he.

I've lived through many traumatic events in my life, but I didn't want trauma to BE my life so I started my self-healing journey in 2016. As I reflect on what almost a decade of working on myself, healing on the inside and outside, here are three things I was not expecting from this journey. Self-healing is hard work. Many hours of therapy, some medication assistance, lots of self-care, and a strong support system have all made my progress possible. Even though the work isn't over, I'm really proud of how far I've come...how far WE have come.

Learn more about trauma healing at health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-heal-from-trauma

Grief can change how a holiday or special occasion feels. This is the first Mother's Day since dealing with infertility and finding out I can't have kids. I've been dreading it. But the first holidays after loss, whether it's a loved one or a future you envisioned, is always the hardest. Yet somehow we get through it. Because holidays are tough. Grief is tough. But we're pretty effin' tough too.

Just because you can't dodge all stress doesn't mean you have to drown in it. In this episode, we’re talking about how to make life less stressful, not stress-free because that's not realistic. I'll share my favorite practical, gentle strategies that help me stay grounded so you can too. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin or just need a reset, this episode is here to remind you: you’re not alone, and you’ve got the tools to handle this. Take a breath, press play, and let’s work through it — together.

Let’s talk about what chronic stress actually does to your body — because it’s more than just feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

When we’re stressed, the brain turns on what’s called the fight or flight response. That’s helpful in short bursts — like slamming on the brakes to avoid a car accident. But when that stress response gets stuck in the ‘on’ position for days, weeks, or even years, things start to break down.

Chronic stress isn’t just a mood — it’s a full-body health risk.

Learn more about the health impacts of chronic stress at these resources:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stresshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1361287/

Look at how far you've come. All the things you've had to overcome. All the roles you've had to take. All the healing you've done. Look at the person you've become DESPITE everything that life has thrown at you. I still beat myself up when I'm not where I want to be, when instead I should be giving myself more credit for how far I've come (according to my therapist, who is always right). We all need this reminder. This episode is for you.

Dealing with infertility can feel very isolating and overwhelming, especially when others don't understand what you're going through. It's also difficult when no one wants to talk about such a sensitive and sad topic. So how do you support someone going through infertility? Today we're chatting with my bestie Casie about her journey with infertility. She shares some really vulnerable experiences and provides insightful advice on what to do and what NOT to do when supporting someone going through infertility. If your partner, friend, or loved one is dealing with infertility, then you'll want to listen to this episode!