Ep 149 Decoding Trump's IVF Promises with ASRM Director of Government Affairs, Jessie Losch
What does Trump's "Father of Fertility" claim really mean? How might his new IVF announcements impact real patients? And could policies disguised as "restorative" actually restrict reproductive freedom? In this timely episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Jessie Losch, Director of Government Affairs at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), to talk about the politics, promises, and pitfalls surrounding the latest White House statements on fertility care. Jessie helps clarify what the October 16th announcement actually said — and what it didn't. Together, they explain Trump's partnership with pharmaceutical company EMD Serono, the creation of TrumpRx, and the proposed insurance coverage changes that claim to make IVF more affordable. With so much misinformation swirling, Jessie explains how ASRM advocates for patients and providers in a rapidly shifting policy landscape, especially as fertility care becomes increasingly politicized in a post-Roe world. Listeners will learn what's real and what's rhetoric in these "pro-IVF" promises, what the emerging term Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) really means, and how it could threaten access to standard fertility treatments. Dr. Shahine and Jesse discuss the nuance behind headlines, the importance of informed consent, and practical steps patients and clinicians can take to support advocacy efforts through ASRM and RESOLVE. In this episode you'll hear: [2:12] Understanding ASRM's role in advocacy [6:15] An explanation of Trump's IVF announcement [12:13] What is TrumpRX? And what does it mean for patients? [19:55] The red flags in "root cause" language [26:28] The rise of restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) [38:05] Legislation to watch: the Restore Act and Moral Framing [47:11 How to stay informed and take action Please note there is no funding or sponsorship for this episode. See links below for facts and updates as policies change. Resources mentioned: @Jessie-Losch on LinkedIn @jessielosch on BlueSky asrm.org resolve.org Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
--------
52:17
--------
52:17
Ep 148 PMS Explained and Made Better: The Period Brain with Sarah Hill, PhD.
Why do our moods shift so dramatically across the month? What's really happening in our brains during the luteal phase of our cycle? And could understanding our hormones actually make us feel better? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with evolutionary psychologist and author Sarah E. Hill, PhD to talk about the fascinating link between hormones, brain function, and overall health. They explore how deeply our cycles shape our energy, emotions, and resilience—and why this understanding is long overdue. Dr. Hill brings her groundbreaking insights from her books This Is Your Brain on Birth Control and The Period Brain to explain how estrogen and progesterone guide us through distinct physiological "seasons." She and Dr. Shahine discuss PMS, PMDD, and why women have two primary sex hormones when men only have one. With empathy, curiosity, and humor, they trace the science, the evolutionary logic, and the societal biases that have kept women's hormonal health misunderstood for generations. This episode invites you to stop fighting your biology and start partnering with it because understanding your cycle is one of the bravest, smartest things you can do for your health. In this episode you'll hear: [1:56] Why PMS exists [6:13] A simple, clear breakdown of the menstrual cycle [9:48] The roles of estrogen & progesterone [13:05] The Brain–explained [24:23] A little more about progesterone [30:37] The link between progesterone and autoimmune disease [38:21] Is your PMS actually PMDD? [40:50] The five pillars of hormone health: sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management, and social support [44:13] Some surprising research [46:02] Stress and ovulation [51:55] Hormone "balancing" is a myth [57:17] Practical, and hopeful, lifestyle shifts [1:12:19] Conclusion & final thoughts Resources mentioned: sarahehill.com @sarahehillphd on Instagram substack.com/sarahehillphd floatingkitchen.net/roasted-cauliflower-tacos-with-chipotle-cream Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
--------
1:13:47
--------
1:13:47
Ep 147 Men's Perspective on Infertility with Jared Walker
What does infertility feel like from a man's point of view? How do couples navigate years of uncertainty, loss, and hope when answers never come? And can creative expression, like writing a book, help rebuild connection in the midst of pain? In this powerful and vulnerable conversation of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with The Empty Nest author Jared Walker to talk about infertility, grief, and how storytelling can bridge emotional distance between partners. Jared shares the deeply personal journey that inspired his illustrated book The Empty Nest, written for his wife after years of infertility and miscarriage. What began as private journaling became a love letter to their shared resilience. And ultimately, a gift to the fertility community. Jared's story captures the isolation, longing, and quiet courage that so many couples experience. This episode is full of honesty and vulnerability that can heal and connect, even in the hardest moments. This episode is a moving reminder that infertility is never just "her story". It's their story, and hope can take many forms. In this episode you'll hear: [1:13] Jared's story of love, loss, & creation of The Empty Nest [5:09] Couples grieve differently [9:04] The silence around men's experience with infertility [13:50] Vulnerability, social media, & the courage to share publicly [24:14] Reading from The Empty Nest: isolation, grief, and quiet beauty [30:29] Why men need to be part of the fertility conversation [40:03] Connect with Jared & find his book Resources mentioned: www.dollarfor.org/gethelp @dollarfor on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | YouTube Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
--------
43:01
--------
43:01
Ep 146 Embryos from Skin Cells: Science and the Future with Dr. Paula Amato
What if your skin cells could help you have a baby? Could the future of fertility mean having genetically related children even if a woman is in menopause or lost fertility due to cancer treatments? In this fascinating episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Dr. Paula Amato, reproductive endocrinologist and researcher at Oregon Health & Science University, to unpack the groundbreaking study that made headlines around the world — creating human embryos from skin cells. Dr. Amato explains the science behind this breakthrough, known as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), and how her team combined genetic material from skin cells and eggs to explore what could one day help people with infertility. She describes the painstaking process of somatic cell nuclear transfer, the ethical oversight behind this research, and the incredible collaboration that led to this first step forward. Together, Dr. Shahine and Dr. Amato break down complex genetics, discuss the difference between this and "three-parent IVF," and reflect on what it all means for the future of reproductive medicine. In this episode you'll hear: [2:06] Ripped from the headlines: Human Embryos Made From Skin Cells [4:15] A refresher on chromosomes [7:55] Step-by-step explanation of the science [11:27] Introducing IVG (in vitro gametogenesis ) [15:24] IVG vs IVF [19:38] Who does this benefit? [22:20] How might it change the future? [25:37] Ethical and societal questions [28:03] Balancing progress with responsibility [33:45] What is next in fertility science? Resources mentioned: Research Study in Nature Communications OHSU Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy @paula-amato on LinkedIn Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
--------
34:55
--------
34:55
Ep 145 Dr. Shahine's Fertility Journey: Interview by Jennifer Edmonds
What happens when a fertility doctor becomes the patient? How does infertility change the way you practice medicine? And what can we all learn from a journey that blends science, compassion, and lived experience? In this special episode of Brave and Curious, the tables are turned as Dr. Lora Shahine takes the guest seat to share her personal fertility story. Interviewed by fertility advocate Jennifer Edmonds, this heartfelt conversation dives into the vulnerable, complex, and sometimes humorous realities of being both doctor and patient on the path to parenthood. Dr. Shahine opens up about her own struggles with infertility, secondary infertility, and the emotional rollercoaster of IVF. She offers insight into how those challenges deepened her empathy for patients and reshaped her medical approach. Together, she and Jennifer explore the evolution of fertility care over the past two decades, the importance of early education, and how social media has transformed community and connection in the fertility world. In this episode you'll hear: [0:26] Meet the interviewer: Jennifer Edmonds [0:49] Dr. Lora Shahine's fertility journey [2:15] Professional background & teacher [3:08] Social media & support [9:23] Fertility trends and patient insights [13:15] Holistic health & fertility [17:02] Stress management & mental health [24:33] Realistic expectations & success rates [30:05] Advice for the journey Resources mentioned: drlorashahine.com Your Journey to Fertility Podcast with Jennifer Edmonds www.elementpilatesyoga.com Follow Jen on Tiktok @elementpilatesandyoga Follow Jen on YouTube @elementpilatesyoga Follow Jen on IG @jen.elementpilatesyoga Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Fertility, reproductive health, and wellness are deeply personal—and sometimes, deeply challenging. Brave & Curious is a space for open, honest conversations about the science, emotions, and decisions that shape our reproductive journeys.
Hosted by Dr. Lora Shahine, a double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, author, and advocate, this podcast blends evidence-based medicine with empathy and curiosity. Whether you're navigating infertility, exploring reproductive health, or simply seeking knowledge, this show will equip you with insights, expert interviews, and real stories to support your journey.
New episodes drop weekly—subscribe and join the conversation. Until next time, stay brave and curious.
España