Beyond the Egg: Rethinking Fertility Through Egg, Embryo, and Sperm Health

What if everything you thought you knew about fertility was only half the story? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist Dr. Natalie Crawford for a deeply honest, science-backed conversation about what's really going on inside your body and why so many women are left in the dark until it's too late. Dr. Crawford opens up about her own fertility journey: recurrent pregnancy loss, an ectopic pregnancy, and the humbling realization that even as an OB-GYN and fertility fellow, she didn't have the answers to her own most basic questions. That experience, combined with years of clinical research, led her to a powerful conclusion: inflammation is the silent driver behind far more fertility struggles than we're told, and most of us have more control than we think. From egg quality and ovarian reserve to sperm health, insulin resistance, and the role of sleep and stress, this conversation goes places most doctors simply don't have time to take you. If you've ever felt dismissed, confused, or like you're always one step behind on your own health, this episode is for you. You'll Learn Why fertility is a marker of long-term health, not just a life stage The difference between egg quantity (ovarian reserve) and egg quality, and why it matters What AMH actually tells you, and what it doesn't How chronic inflammation and insulin resistance silently impact your eggs, sperm, and hormones Why sperm health is 50% of the fertility equation and gets about 10% of the conversation What men should absolutely avoid if they want to preserve their fertility How sleep, stress, and exercise form the foundation of hormonal health Why IVF is not a guarantee, and how lifestyle factors affect your outcomes even during treatment What to ask your doctor that most patients never think to ask How Dr. Crawford's new book, The Fertility Formula, gives you an actionable roadmap no matter where you are in your journey About Our Guest Dr. Natalie Crawford is a double board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, host of the As a Woman podcast, and author of the forthcoming book The Fertility Formula. She holds a master's degree in clinical research and has spent her career bridging the gap between cutting-edge fertility science and the real, everyday questions her patients are asking. After experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss and an ectopic pregnancy during her own medical training, Dr. Crawford channeled her personal struggles into a mission: to make fertility education proactive, personalized, and empowering, long before a patient ever needs to sit in a fertility clinic. Her work challenges the industry's reactive model and advocates for earlier testing, lifestyle-informed care, and treating fertility as the whole-health marker it truly is. Resources & Links Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd Podcast: As a Woman -- available on all podcast platforms and YouTube Book: The Fertility Formula – available at www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book  Connect with Eloise & Family Inceptions: www.familyinceptions.com  Fertility360: www.fertility360.com  Related Episodes Ep 129 -- Acupuncture for Fertility: Supporting Hormones, Cycles & IVF Success How acupuncture s... Chapters (00:00:00) - Fertility Cafe(00:01:04) - Fertility Cafe: The Science of It(00:01:59) - Dr. Natalie Crawford on her personal journey to motherhood(00:09:09) - Ideas for more proactive fertility care(00:15:33) - Does the metabolic health of your eggs affect your fertility?(00:18:42) - Ovarian reserve test and egg quality: What's the difference(00:22:01) - Fertility and Well-Being(00:22:45) - How to help others with infertility(00:29:50) - Sperm health in order to conceive(00:36:32) - Insulin resistance or diabetes risk(00:38:47) - Hormonal health 6, Sleep, Exercise(00:44:34) - How to talk about infertility with a partner(00:50:46) - Is IVF a good plan for getting pregnant?(00:51:56) - The Fertility Formula

What does it actually take to become an egg donor, and what happens after the retrieval that no one warns you about? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with Christina Alicea, a fertility field professional and five-time egg donor, for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations about the egg donation experience you'll find anywhere. Christina brings a rare dual perspective: she has worked inside fertility clinics and egg donation agencies for over seven years and has personally gone through the process five times. From the initial application to the emotional weight of long-term implications, Christina pulls back the curtain on what donors are often underprepared for physically, emotionally, and ethically. If you've ever considered egg donation... If you work with donors and want to better understand their experience... If you're an intended parent curious about what a donor actually goes through... This episode is for you. You'll Learn What the egg donation screening process actually involves and how to prepare for it What donors experience physically and emotionally during a cycle (the parts no one talks about enough) What OHSS is, why it matters, and one cautionary story about ignoring aftercare instructions Why true anonymity in egg donation no longer exists and what that means for everyone involved The spectrum of donation arrangements, from de-identified to fully open, and how they've evolved Why the donor-conceived community is changing the conversation around transparency and identity What the long-term research gaps mean for donors who want to protect their future fertility Why egg donation is a lifetime commitment and not just a medical procedure What Christina would tell any woman considering donation before she even fills out the application About Our Guest Christina Alicea is a fertility field professional with over seven years of experience working inside fertility clinics and egg donation agencies. She is also a five-time egg donor whose donation arrangements have ranged from de-identified to fully open. Christina brings a deeply personal and professionally informed perspective to conversations about donor education, ethical practices, and the long-term implications of egg donation. Her passion lies in helping donors see beyond the compensation and understand the full scope of the commitment they are making. Resources & Links Connect with Eloise & Family Inceptions: familyinceptions.com Become an Egg Donor: familyinceptions.com/egg-donors  Related Episodes Ep. 134 -- The Truth About Birth Control, Ovulation, and Your Hormones with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack A deep dive into the menstrual cycle as a vital sign, how hormonal birth control affects the body, and why understanding your cycle matters before and beyond trying to conceive. Ep. 129 -- Acupuncture for Fertility: Supporting Hormones, Cycles & IVF Success How acupuncture supports hormone balance, regulates cycles, and complements fertility treatment. Ep. 126 -- What Your OBGYN Isn't Telling You A candid discussion about the gaps in reproductive health education and why so many women leave appointments without real answers.   Chapters (00:00:00) - Fertility Cafe(00:00:59) - Fertility Cafe: Donor Spotlight(00:01:43) - I Donated My Eggs to Help Others(00:06:00) - The Donor Selection Process(00:07:53) - Donor Experience: My First Cycle(00:14:55) - Donors Remember When They Donated First Time(00:15:41) - Was My Egg Donation Open or Closed?(00:16:44) - De-Identified Donor arrangements(00:18:26) - Donor experiences(00:21:00) - Donor conceived people on the issues of anonymity(00:28:43) - Donor Conceived Community's Voices(00:42:38) - What would you tell a potential donor about the egg bank?

You've decided you want to build your family through surrogacy. Now what? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with surrogacy Family Support Advisor,  Jennifer Silva to walk intended parents through the entire surrogacy journey, from that very first phone call to bringing your baby home. Jennifer draws on both her professional expertise and her own deeply personal fertility journey to give one of the most honest, comprehensive conversations about surrogacy you'll find anywhere. This episode doesn't sugarcoat the process. It breaks down what the matching phase actually involves, why surrogate screening matters more than most agencies let on, what the real financial picture looks like, and why emotional preparation is just as important as having the right embryos. If you've ever wondered how long surrogacy actually takes... If you've been shocked by the costs and aren't sure what you're really paying for... If you're trying to figure out whether you're truly ready to begin... This episode is for you. You'll Learn The major phases of a surrogacy journey and what to expect at each stage Whether you need embryos ready before reaching out to an agency Why realistic timelines are 18 to 24 months and why that's actually a good thing What thorough surrogate screening looks like and why it protects everyone The real financial picture: why total costs range from $140,000 to $200,000+ What most intended parents don't realize about surrogate compensation and insurance Why double embryo transfers are rarely done and what to consider instead How to think through matching criteria, communication styles, and relationship expectations Why emotional preparation and processing past trauma matters before you start What questions to honestly ask yourself before taking the first step Why doors are never truly closed and what to do if you're not ready yet About Our Guest Jennifer Silva is a surrogacy Family Support Advisor with deep firsthand knowledge of the fertility journey. After years of navigating her own infertility, severe endometriosis, and multiple IVF clinic changes, Jennifer became a passionate advocate for intended parents, particularly around education, transparency, and emotional readiness. She works closely with Family Inceptions to guide intended parents through every stage of the surrogacy process, from initial consultation through matching, medical clearance, transfer, pregnancy, and birth. Her approach is rooted in honesty, patience, and making sure every family is truly prepared: not just on paper, but emotionally, financially, and relationally. Resources & Links Family Inceptions Website: familyinceptions.com Free Consultation: Available through the Family Inceptions website Related Episodes Ep 126: What Your OBGYN Isn't Telling You A candid discussion about the gaps in reproductive health education and why so many women leave appointments without real answers. Essential listening for anyone advocating for themselves through a fertility journey. Ep 129: Acupuncture for Fertility: Supporting Hormones, Cycles & IVF Success How acupuncture supports hormone balance, regulates cycles, and complements IVF treatment. A great resource for intended parents still in the embryo creation phase.   Chapters (00:00:00) - Fertility Cafe(00:00:52) - The Surrogacy Process(00:01:35) - What Is The Process of Surrogacy?(00:04:22) - surrogacy wait times(00:05:54) - The Secret to Screening Surrogates(00:06:54) - The Due Dilution of Surrogates(00:09:40) - What's The Most Important Requirement for surrogacy?(00:10:32) - The Secret to Endometriosis(00:13:21) - What is a surrogate match?(00:14:46) - What do you think about intended parents when they're starting the surrog(00:17:32) - The Financial Side of Surrogacy(00:25:34) - I Want A Double Embryo Transfer(00:31:16) - The Surrogacy Financial Plan(00:36:30) - surrogacy: How to Prepare for the First Consultation

What happens when a sperm donor and his donor-conceived child find each other decades later? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with reproductive medicine physician Dr. Danny Shapiro and Georgia state legislator Josh McLaurin for a conversation that is equal parts fascinating, deeply personal, and profoundly important for the future of donor conception. Dr. Shapiro donated sperm as a medical student at Emory in the 1980s, never expecting to one day come face to face with the result. Josh McLaurin didn't find out he was donor-conceived until he was 31 years old, a revelation that sent him on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately led him straight to his biological father's 23andMe profile. The twist? Danny was already Josh's elected state representative. This conversation goes far beyond one family's story. It unpacks the psychology of disclosure, the case for open donation, the evolving landscape of donor-conceived rights, and what it truly means to find yourself through your DNA. If you have ever wondered what happens after the match is made... If you are a donor, a donor-conceived person, or a recipient parent navigating disclosure... If you believe the fertility industry needs to evolve alongside the families it creates... This episode is for you. You'll Learn What it was actually like to donate sperm in the 1980s, before FDA oversight and genetic screening How Josh discovered the truth at 31 and what the emotional journey really looked like Why so many donor-conceived people describe feeling "broken" before they know the truth How a 23andMe profile and a state legislature seat collided in the most unexpected way What changed in Dr. Shapiro's patient consultations after living this experience firsthand Why open donation is better for everyone, and where resistance in the field still exists What the Colorado donor-conceived rights law gets right, and where it may go too far How Josh and Danny navigated building a relationship without pressure or expectation Why DNA is disposition, not destiny, and what that means for self-awareness and grace What donors, donor-conceived people, and recipient parents can take away from this story About Our Guests Dr. Danny Shapiro is a reproductive endocrinologist and one of the founders of My Egg Bank, now the largest network of frozen donor egg banks in the United States. He has spent decades helping individuals and couples build families through assisted reproduction, and since connecting with Josh in 2019, has become an advocate for open donation and greater transparency in the fertility field. Senator Josh McLaurin was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2022 and serves Georgia's 14th Senate District, covering portions of north Fulton County including Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Atlanta, and Alpharetta. Previously, he served four years in the Georgia House of Representatives. A Double-Dawg graduate of UGA, he received his law degree from Yale and has built a legal practice focused on business litigation and aviation law. He grew up in Cobb County, discovered he was donor-conceived at age 31, and located Dr. Shapiro through 23andMe, only to realize Danny had been his own elected representative all along. Josh is now an advocate for donor-conceived rights and the policy changes needed to support them. Resources & Links Dr. Danny Shapiro Reproductive Biology Associates (RBA): rbafertility.com My Egg Bank: myeggbank.com Senator Josh McLaurin Georgia Senate Official Page: Chapters (00:00:00) - Fertility Cafe(00:00:57) - Dr. Daniel Shapiro and Senator Josh McLaurin(00:02:42) - Dr. Shapiro on Becoming a Sperm Donor(00:04:49) - I Learned That My Father Is Not My Biological Father From 23and(00:09:24) - Donor Registry Recruitment Through 23andMe(00:16:03) - "I Should've Told My Parents About This"(00:21:45) - The Secret Life of Donor Egg Banks(00:26:37) - Donor Conceived Person on the Colorado Law(00:35:00) - Open Donor Selection(00:39:09) - Donor-Confidential: The Friendship(00:46:29) - What Would You Want People To Know About The Love Letter(00:48:27) - Donor's Story

What does it really take to become a surrogate physically, emotionally, and mentally? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with Darnae Pitts, wife, mother of two, and two-time gestational surrogate, to talk about what surrogacy actually looks like behind the scenes. From being initially denied due to mental health and BMI requirements to navigating a divorce before starting her first journey, Darnae shares the determination it took to qualify. She opens up about losing weight to meet medical guidelines, strengthening her mental health, and learning that “not right now” did not mean “never.” Darnae walks us through both of her surrogacy journeys, including an unexpected emergency C-section at 38 weeks, a successful VBAC the second time, and the emotional moment of watching intended parents meet their babies for the first time. She speaks candidly about hormone injections, intense medical screenings, strict IVF schedules, and the physical and emotional realities that most people never see. The conversation also explores boundaries in the delivery room, cultural stigma around surrogacy, breastfeeding and pumping after delivery, balancing marriage and motherhood while carrying for another family, and what recovery truly feels like once the baby goes home with their parents. If you have ever wondered how surrogates give the baby back… If you have questioned whether you could emotionally handle carrying for someone else… If you are considering becoming a surrogate and want to know what it really requires… This episode offers an honest and grounded look at the strength, structure, and support necessary for a successful journey. You’ll Learn Why mental health stability is essential before becoming a surrogate What the medical screening process actually involves The BMI and health requirements agencies look for How IVF medications and hormone injections impact the body What it feels like emotionally to deliver a baby for another family How to set clear boundaries during appointments and delivery The realities of postpartum recovery after surrogacy Why not everyone should become a surrogate What makes someone mentally and emotionally prepared for a second journey About Our Guest Darnae Pitts is a wife, mother of two, and two-time gestational surrogate who felt called to help other families experience parenthood. After navigating a divorce, prioritizing her mental health, and meeting strict medical qualifications, Darnae completed two successful surrogacy journeys. Her experiences included both an emergency C-section and a VBAC delivery, pumping breastmilk postpartum, and maintaining close relationships with both intended families. Darnae is passionate about educating others on what surrogacy truly involves and hopes her story helps intended parents and future surrogates better understand the commitment, boundaries, and strength required to build families through surrogacy. Resources & Links Learn more about surrogacy and Family Inceptions: familyinceptions.com Follow Fertility Café on Instagram: @fertilitycafe Watch full episodes on YouTube: Fertility Café Related Episodes Ep 128 – What Surrogacy Really Feels Like: A Candid Conversation Ep 112 – Surrogate Logistics – Travel, Timelines, and Support Chapters (00:00:00) - Fertility Cafe(00:00:55) - What Happens After You're a Surrogate?(00:02:07) - Melissa's Surrogacy Journey(00:05:42) - Baby's First C-Section(00:09:43) - Baby's First Mother's Reception(00:10:08) - Baby's C-section delivery(00:10:52) - After Delivery, How Did You Feel?(00:12:22) - I Was A Surrogate Mother 2(00:16:32) - What Does Your Relationship With The Intended Parents Look Like?(00:17:32) - Mariah Carey On Being a Surrogate(00:19:58) - Married Woman Carves 4 Pregnancies In Her Body(00:21:29) - Marriage 2: Experiences from Journey 1(00:22:55) - On Boundaries During Pregnancy(00:25:02) - What Makes A Good Surrogate?(00:26:49) - What's Advice For A Surrogate Who's Thinking of Doing(00:28:17) - Surrogacy: How has it Changed Your Life?

Why are we taught so little about something that happens every single month for decades of our lives? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with fertility awareness educator and author Lisa Hendrickson-Jack to unpack one of the most overlooked truths in women’s health: the menstrual cycle is not just about getting pregnant. It is a vital sign. From heavy periods and birth control prescriptions in her teens to becoming a pioneer in fertility awareness education and podcasting, Lisa shares how charting her cycle transformed her understanding of her body and ultimately her career. This conversation goes far beyond basic sex education. It breaks down what is actually happening during your cycle, how ovulation impacts overall health, what hormonal birth control really does to the body, and why so many women feel confused or dismissed when something feels “off.” If you have ever been told your symptoms are normal when they do not feel normal… If you have ever come off birth control and wondered why your body felt different… If you want to better understand what your cycle is actually telling you… This episode is for you. You’ll Learn What it really means when we say “the menstrual cycle is a vital sign” What’s happening hormonally from your period to ovulation to the luteal phase Why the 28-day cycle myth is misleading — and what’s actually normal How cervical fluid works (and why most of us were never taught about it) The key role ovulation plays in bone density, mood, and long-term health How hormonal birth control suppresses ovulation — and what that means for your body Why there can be a temporary period of subfertility after coming off the pill What research shows about post-pill cycle normalization Why women often feel dismissed by providers — and how to advocate for yourself The importance of learning your body before trying to conceive About Our Guest Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified fertility awareness educator, host of the Fertility Friday podcast, and author of The Fifth Vital Sign and Real Food for Fertility (co-authored with Lily Nichols, RDN). Lisa has been charting her cycle since age 18 and was one of the first voices to bring fertility awareness education to the podcast space in 2014. Today, her work focuses not only on educating women directly but also on training health practitioners to use the menstrual cycle as a diagnostic and health tool. Her mission is simple but powerful: to help women understand their bodies in a way that is informed, practical, and grounded in research. Resources & Links Fertility Friday Podcast (look for the pink cover) Website: fertilityfriday.com Book: The Fifth Vital Sign Book: Real Food for Fertility (realfoodforfertility.com — free first chapter available) Instagram: @fertilityfriday Connect with Eloise & Family Inceptions: familyinceptions.com Related Episodes Ep 129 – Acupuncture for Fertility: Supporting Hormones, Cycles & IVF Success A conversation on how acupuncture supports hormone balance, regulates cycles, and complements fertility treatment. Ep 126 – What Your OBGYN Isn’t Telling You A candid discussion about the gaps in reproductive health education — and why so many women leave appointments without real answers. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Fertility Cafe(00:00:59) - Fertility Cafe: The Cycle(00:01:42) - Unpacking Fertility Awareness(00:02:29) - Fertility Awareness For Women(00:08:41) - You Talk About Your Period on the Podcast(00:11:48) - Maiden's menstrual cycle as a vital sign(00:16:07) - How to Tell When You're Expecting Ovulation (Cycle(00:20:44) - How much variation is normal in your menstrual cycle?(00:26:28) - What is the normal range of period bleeding?(00:28:40) - How Does Birth Control Work?(00:35:34) - There's a temporary period of subfertility post pill(00:41:29) - Coming off the Pill(00:47:23) - Trust Your Intuition(00:49:25) - Lisa On Real Food For Fertility(00:51:24) - How to chart your cycle

What does it take to navigate a U.S. surrogacy journey from abroad—and how do you stay grounded when the internet offers either too little or way too much information? In this episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane talks with Richard Westerby and Julio of IVF Daddies about Richard’s 14-year journey to fatherhood, the realities international parents face (legal, financial, and logistical), and why transparency and the right team matter more than glossy promises. Whether you’re two dads, a heterosexual couple, or a solo parent exploring options, this conversation offers practical steps, candid cost talk, and a framework for picking trustworthy partners. You’ll Learn Why many international families choose the U.S.—and the state-by-state legal factors that matter A realistic all-in cost range for U.S. surrogacy today and where surprises tend to appear How to structure your “team” (agency, clinic, attorneys, insurance) to reduce conflicts of interest The first questions to answer before you start (home-country legal path, embryos, sperm/egg/uterus plan) How to sort signal from noise when there’s “too much information”—and build your own decision tree An ethical, human-centered approach: what it looks like when things go right—and when they don’t About Our Guests Richard Westerby & Julio (IVF Daddies) are the creators of the IVF Daddies podcast and community, focused on demystifying fertility and surrogacy with straight talk and heart. Richard is the author of Our Journey: One Couple’s Guide to US Surrogacy (Amazon). Together, they advocate for informed choice, dignity for surrogates, and truly transparent care. Resources & Links Website: ivfdaddies.com (episodes, anonymous confessions, community) Instagram/YouTube: @ivfdaddies Book: Our Journey: One Couple’s Guide to US Surrogacy by Richard Westerby (Amazon) Connect with Eloise & Family Inceptions: familyinceptions.com Related Episodes Ep 93  U.S. Surrogacy for International Parents Ep 103  Choosing Your Family Building Team Chapters (00:00:00) - Why More People Are Going to the US for Reproductive Treatment and(00:00:56) - Fertility Cafe(00:01:47) - Fertility Cafe: Surrogacy(00:02:42) - ICF Daddies(00:03:20) - Tom Selleck on Surrogacy(00:06:16) - The Surrogacy Process in the US(00:10:21) - Why Do People Consider Doing Surrogacy Outside Their Home Country?(00:17:53) - US Surrogacy: The Process(00:19:19) - What Does a Typical Surrogacy Journey Look Like?(00:23:39) - Surprise Costs of Surrogacy(00:30:48) - US surrogacy and the birthright citizenship(00:36:11) - The Importance of Surrogacy

What does it mean to grow up “the first” of anything—especially the first IVF baby born in the United States? In this episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane talks with Elizabeth Carr about her parents’ journey through early, experimental IVF, what has—and hasn’t—changed in 40+ years, and how media attention shaped her advocacy. With clarity and compassion, Elizabeth unpacks common misconceptions (“test tube baby,” “miracle baby”), why patient autonomy matters, and the very real barriers families still face: geographic access and uneven insurance coverage. Whether you’re a patient, provider, or policymaker, this conversation offers a grounded look at assisted reproduction—past, present, and what’s next. You’ll Learn • How Elizabeth’s parents navigated early IVF and why parts of today’s protocol are still similar • What it was like growing up under a media spotlight—and how that informed her advocacy • The biggest barriers to care: fertility deserts, travel burdens, and inconsistent insurance coverage • How to talk with kids about IVF from toddler to teen—age-appropriate, stigma-free language • Where innovation (PGT, freezing, AI) meets ethics—and why informed consent should lead • Why the conversation about IVF stigma feels the “same volume” today, just amplified by social media • What providers and lawmakers can do to center education, consent, and access About Our Guest Elizabeth Carr is the first baby born via IVF in the United States and a long-time advocate for fertility access and patient education. She works in PR/marketing for a PGT company and dedicates personal time to answering patient questions and engaging lawmakers on coverage and access. Find her on Instagram @EJordan12 and at EJordanCar.com. Resources & Links Follow Elizabeth on Instagram: @EJordan12 Visit Elizabeth’s website: EJordanCar.com Related Episodes Ep 119 – The Grief of Waiting: Invisible Losses in Family Building Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood Chapters (00:00:00) - Is IVF Expensive?(00:00:36) - Fertility Cafe: The Legacy of IVF(00:02:38) - In the Elevator With IVF(00:04:14) - Born in a Test Tube Baby:(00:06:01) - The Secret Life of My Birth(00:09:23) - Elizabeth's Birth Through IVF(00:11:05) - What IVF Was Like in the 1980s(00:15:20) - Multiple barriers to IVF in the US(00:20:42) - I Was Conceived Through IVF(00:25:36) - Marriage and the Future of Reproductive Tech(00:31:46) - What message would you share with fertility professionals and even lawmakers(00:33:41) - Elizabeth Jordan on What She Does Now

What does it mean to consciously choose not to have children, especially in a culture that often defines womanhood by motherhood? In this episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane welcomes back filmmaker Chiquita Lockley, creator of the documentary Eggs Over Easy: Black Women & Fertility. This time, Chiquita shares her personal journey and decision to live childfree by choice. It is a thoughtful, often emotional, and deeply grounded conversation about identity, legacy, caregiving, and the path not taken. With clarity and compassion, Chiquita speaks about what it means to opt out of motherhood on her own terms, while still living a life rich in love, purpose, and community. The conversation invites listeners to reflect honestly on their own desires, pressures, and timelines. Whether you are questioning your path, navigating reproductive decisions, or seeking affirmation for a choice that goes against the grain, this episode offers space to breathe and consider what a full life looks like for you. You’ll Learn What distinguishes being childfree from being childless, and why the difference matters How Chiquita’s thinking shifted over time through research, health challenges, and aging The emotional weight of redefining motherhood and letting go of a lifelong checklist Why caregiving does not require parenting, and how mentorship and godparenting fill her cup What legacy means beyond biological children Common misconceptions about childfree women, including the myth of selfishness Practical and emotional advice for those in a space of uncertainty or transition About Our Guest Chiquita Lockley is a writer, filmmaker, and producer known for her feature documentary Eggs Over Easy: Black Women & Fertility, which aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Her work centers on storytelling that uplifts Black women’s experiences and expands the public understanding of reproductive health and autonomy. She continues to serve as a mentor, advocate, and board chair for multiple nonprofit and creative initiatives. Her voice is a vital part of the cultural shift toward more inclusive and informed conversations about fertility, family, and freedom. Resources & Links Visit Chiquita’s Website: www.chiquitalockley.com Follow Chiquita on Instagram: @chiquitalockley Watch and learn more about Eggs Over Easy: www.eggsovereasyfilm.com Follow Eggs Over Easy on Instagram: @eggsovereasyfilm Like Eggs Over Easy on Facebook: Eggs Over Easy Film Related Episodes Ep 119 – The Grief of Waiting: Invisible Losses in Family Building Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood Chapters (00:00:02) - 9 Stories of People Who Choose Not to Have Children(00:00:54) - Fertility Cafe: The Journey to Parenthood(00:02:44) - Eggs Over Easy: Will I Be Happy With My Decision(00:09:00) - Mariah Carey on Being Good Without Having Children(00:11:22) - I Had A Hysterectomy To Have Kids(00:16:45) - How To Get Out Of Your Mid-30s(00:22:41) - When You Decided To Not Have Children,(00:25:44) - I Said I Don't Want A Parent in My Life(00:32:24) - Black Women Who Don't Have Kids(00:36:51) - Do you have a lot of People similar to that made the same(00:38:32) - Sarah Fawn on Legacy(00:40:20) - Kalei Stewart on How To Decide If You Want Kids(00:44:56) - Olive Winfrey on Reproductive Health(00:45:57) - Black Women Speak Out About Reproductive Health

When we talk about fertility care, we often focus on the patient experience—what it’s like to navigate appointments, insurance, cycles, and emotional ups and downs. But what happens when we zoom out? In this episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane sits down with Griffin Jones, founder of Inside Reproductive Health, to explore what’s really happening behind the scenes of the fertility industry. From private equity takeovers to digital automation and AI-driven care, Griffin breaks down the trends shaping the future of IVF, patient access, and provider autonomy. He also shares how he went from generalist marketer in Buffalo, NY to creating the leading trade media company in the fertility field—one that now serves clinics, labs, executives, and innovators across the globe. Whether you’re a fertility patient, donor, surrogate, or someone working in the industry, this conversation offers a rare and honest look at the systems shaping reproductive care—and what needs to change for the better. You’ll Learn Why more fertility clinics are being bought by private equity—and what that means for patient care What Griffin is hearing from behind the scenes about AI, automation, and remote fertility care The disconnect between how clinics say they’re improving patient experience vs. what’s actually happening Why many REIs (reproductive endocrinologists) are seeing their roles change—sometimes drastically The risk of fertility care becoming too "factory-like"—and how to preserve patient-first care at scale What Griffin hopes patients will start doing to drive real, lasting change Why leaving honest, specific reviews (yes, even 3 stars!) might be the most powerful tool for reform What the future may hold for access, affordability, and scaling care for everyone—not just the privileged few About Our Guest Griffin Jones is the founder of Inside Reproductive Health, a trade media company serving the fertility industry. He began his journey in marketing, helping small clinics with branding, websites, and video before expanding into podcasting and industry journalism. Today, his platform covers the business, clinical, and policy trends shaping reproductive health care across the U.S. and beyond. Griffin also hosts the Inside Reproductive Health podcast, where he interviews key players—from embryologists and clinic execs to policymakers and startup founders—about the future of fertility medicine. Resources & Links Visit Inside Reproductive Health for podcasts, articles, and industry updates Listen to the Inside Reproductive Health podcast Follow Griffin on LinkedIn: Griffin Jones Related Episodes Ep 100 – The Gut-Fertility Connection Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood Ep 90 – Eastern Medicine and Egg Quality Ep 103 – Fertility Supplements: What Works and What Doesn’t Chapters (00:00:00) - The fertility industry's growth, challenges(00:00:48) - Fertility Cafe: The Business of Infertility(00:01:59) - Fertility Cafe(00:02:45) - A Taste of Your Hot Takes(00:02:57) - Inside Reproductive Health: From Marketer to Industry Leader(00:06:24) - The Future of Fertility Clinics(00:13:35) - Obamacare: Do the Networks Tell Doctors How to Practice Medicine?(00:18:17) - Patient Care: Quality and Accountability(00:23:54) - The Future of Fertility Care(00:26:34) - Will Remote Care Increase the Need for IVF?(00:29:56) - Venture Capital and Private Equity: The Future of Infertility(00:36:13) - What Do We Need to Change in the Fertility Space?