Big Fat Negative: TTC, fertility, infertility and IVF

We're back for one night only and we're joined by economist, author, data scientist and all-round HERO Emily Oster, who tells us what the data says about everything from Just Relaxing to acupuncture.

Well, that's a wrap for series 7. To celebrate, Gabby and Emma are raising a festive glass and answering questions from listeners. They're also exchanging gifts - you be the judge of who's the winner.Lots of hugs for your jourrrrney in 2025 - and see you soon! You can sign up to our substack at https://bigfatnegative.substack.com/.

We've heard some heart-breaking stories about the IVF postcode lottery - people who've aged out of their ICB's limit as they tried to lose weight to start IVF, couples who aren't allowed NHS-funded IVF because one person has a child from a former relationship. Amber Izzo and Katie Rollings want to do something about that.Today we talk to them about their campaign to end the postcode lottery, and how you can get involved.Prof Tim is talking about Ayurvedic medicine.Dov Fox has an audiobook! It's called Donor 9623, and it's about a reproductive hoax. You can find it at https://www.audible.com/podcast/Donor-9623-Part-One/B08GC5KWW8, and part two at https://www.audible.com/podcast/Donor-9623-Part-Two/B0C62FFNL4.

This week we are lucky enough to be joined by THE Louise Joy Brown, the first IVF baby. She talks about how her mum felt about going through IVF, her relationship with Bob Edwards, Patrick Steptoe and Jean Purdy, and why the science is now more important than ever.No Prof T again this week.To sign up to our Substack, you can go to https://bigfatnegative.substack.com/.

This week we're talking to Aisha Balesaria, aka Mind Body Revival Coach, about childlessness not by choice. She discusses her chronic endometriosis and adenomyosis, and explains why having a strong idea of why you want a baby in the first place can be a great first step to deciding when to give up IVF treatment. You can find Aisha's book, We Are One in Eight, at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/We-Are-One-Eight-infertility/dp/B092H9TMT8No Prof Tim this week!

Surprise! We're here on a Friday to give you a little something extra: an interview with the screenwriters of the new Netflix movie Joy, which comes out today, starring Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton and Bill Nighy, about Jean Purdy, Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe, the creators of IVF. Rachel Mason and Jack Thorne tell us about how their own experiences of IVF informed the narrative of the movie, why it was important to centre the story on Purdy, and which of the stars is the most beautiful cryer.No Prof Tim this week - see you on Tuesday!