Big Fat Negative: TTC, fertility, infertility and IVF

The comedian Kate-Lois Elliott joins us today to talk about how she's balancing the demands of a comedy career with TTC and infertility - and what the books don't tell you about how it affects your ambition.Meanwhile, The Evewell's Emma Whitney explains whether it's possible to rejuvenate older eggs.Swears throughout.

The actor and writer Natalie Walmsley tells us their story of IUI, ectopics and queer conception - and how they are turning their story into a sitcom. Swears throughout.

We're back! (Sort of). Today we're interviewing Dr. Shanna Swan, the presenter of The Plastic Detox, a new Netflix documentary examining the effect of plastics on our fertility. Dr. Swan explains how plastics affect our bodies -- and the small things we can do to limit our exposure.

You might know Dr Jessica Zucker better as @IHadAMiscarriage, the campaigner who helped thousands of women to tell their stories of loss. She joins us to tell us about her new book Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma and Shame That Shapes Women's Lives. She discusses pregnancy loss and how it can change your life. Sorry about the strange hum - that's a recording issue. See you soon!

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/.