Share

Pregnantish
Infertility Looks Like: CNN Reporter Chloe Melas & Fitness Influencer Brian Mazza
When CNN Entertainment Reporter and New York Times best-selling author Chloe Melas married her husband, Fitness Influencer Brian Mazza, she expected them to start their family when they were ready, just as their friends had. After all, she was healthy and in her 20s and she didn't know anyone who had openly struggled with infertility.
But when she was diagnosed with Low Ovarian Reserve at 29 and told that her husband had Male Factor Infertility, she knew that if she wanted to become a mother, she needed to pursue IVF and this led to feelings of confusion, anger and depression.
Now, as an outspoken advocate, and using her platform to spread infertility awareness, Chloe is passionate about sharing her story so others don't feel as helpless as she once felt and so more are educated about the fact that being young or having sex doesn't guarantee a pregnancy.
This episode is about balancing life and love while struggling with grief, what she has learned about resilience both through her experience and her grandfather's experience as a POW, and what she hopes and advocates for when she looks toward the future of assisted reproductive technology.
Today's show is presented by Generation Next Fertility in New York City, whose mission is to provide individualized patient centric quality care and innovative technologies to help patients become parents. Tune in to this episode to hear how Dr. Janelle Luk helps patients navigate tough diagnoses like Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Male Factor Infertility. For more, visit generationnextfertility.com
More episodes
View all episodes

Freezing My Eggs For My 35th Birthday: Real Talk with Jordyn Taylor Braff
49:54|On this episode of the pregnantish podcast, we’re joined by someone who knows what it means to evolve, pivot, and take ownership of her path, personally and professionally. Jordyn Taylor Braff is a bi-coastal real estate agent helping clients find their dream homes in both New York and Los Angeles. Some may know her from the reality show Selling the City, from her music career with Interscope Records, or as Trevor Noah’s ex; but what they may not know is how much Jordyn dreams of motherhood, and why she’s empowered to share her fertility journey of freezing her eggs publicly. As a 35th birthday gift, Jordyn made the decision to preserve her fertility. In this candid conversation, she shares the real story behind that choice – the fears, the empowerment, and the emotional roller coaster that so many can relate to but rarely talk about.This episode also features Dr. Kate Devine, Medical Director and Chief Research Officer at US Fertility, who brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation. Dr. Devine shares the newest published research on egg freezing and undergoing fertility treatments over 35 years old, and how modern medicine continues to expand the possibilities for family building.This timely conversation is about what’s next for Jordyn in life and love, why she’s sharing her decision to freeze her eggs, and why there should never be shame attached to admitting that you dream of parenthood in your future. This episode is presented by Shady Grove Fertility, a clinic in the US Fertility network. Shady Grove Fertility offers cutting-edge fertility treatments to help you grow your family. Explore the Shady Grove Fertility difference and their exclusive 100 percent refund for IVF at ShadyGroveFertility.com.
Going the Distance for Family with International Soccer Star, Ali Riley
48:31|In this powerful episode of our Going the Distance for Family series, international soccer star and fertility advocate, Ali Riley, opens up about how a recent injury — while physically and emotionally challenging — became an unexpected turning point in her life. For the first time in years, Ali had space to pause. And in that pause, she found clarity about her future, including her family-building goals. In a real talk and hopeful conversation, she shares how she and her husband are now exploring IVF, due in part to his diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome, and what she wishes for ahead. Ali also reflects on the lack of fertility education and access in elite athletics, and the change she's trying to bring not just to the soccer field -- but to the women's health field.This episode includes a special midroll segment with Dr. Asima Ahmad, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot Fertility, who talks about the importance of reducing the financial barrier to access care, and why preparing your body for pregnancy during the 'premester' period is worth focusing on.Ali’s story is one of resilience, perspective, and hope. It’s proof that going the distance for family isn't something to be ashamed of, but to celebrate. This episode is sponsored by Carrot Fertility, a global fertility and family-building platform whose comprehensive care drives clinical outcomes that create industry-leading cost savings. Learn more at get-carrot.com
Behind the Headlines: Jenna Wolfe on LGBT Family-Building, BRCA and Life
50:59|For years, Jenna Wolfe was a familiar face on NBC’s Today Show and Weekend Today, delivering news with humor and heart. Behind the scenes, she was on a deeply personal journey—building a family with her partner, fellow NBC journalist Stephanie Gosk. Over a decade ago, Jenna made headlines when she came out publicly on the show and announced she was expecting their first child. What the headlines didn’t reveal were the intimate realities behind that moment—from navigating fertility treatments to selecting a sperm donor and not knowing how the national viewing audience would react to her coming out. In this inspiring episode, Jenna speaks with pride about her family and stepping into motherhood, a role she never imagined but deeply cherishes, living with the BRCA gene, and the resilience she’s built through life’s challenges. We’re also joined by Dr. Nicole Ulrich, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Director of Advocacy at The Fertility Institute, part of the First Fertility Network. She offers fertility education that so many of us wish we knew and insights on the importance of self-advocacy in reproductive health.This episode is presented by First Fertility, a network of clinics in 14 states supporting all paths to parenthood. For more, visit FirstFertility.com.
Pregnantish Pride: Why Trystan Reese is a Trans Fertility Advocate
42:06|In this special Pregnantish Pride episode, we’re honored to welcome Trystan Reese — speaker, educator, and trailblazing trans dad — for a candid conversation about parenthood, advocacy, and what it means to build a family in a non-linear way. Trystan made headlines as a transgender man to publicly share his journey of carrying a biological child. But behind the media frenzy was a deeply personal decision — rooted in love and the desire to expand his family with his partner, Biff. While his story was often sensationalized, Trystan has remained committed to educating others and speaking out, not just for himself, but for the broader trans community — especially trans women, who he says too often bear the brunt of bias and misinformation.In this episode, Trystan reflects on how his family — which includes three beautiful children, two through adoption — is both ordinary and extraordinary. He opens up about the need for fertility clinics to better understand trans patients, the harmful assumptions people make, and why it’s so important to amplify positive stories about trans families, especially in a time of rising negativity and erasure.As Trystan puts it, his family — like so many others — took the broken shards of glass life gave them and turned them into a beautiful mosaic. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ Fertility Out Loud and Director of Fertility Coaching, Connie Stark, for sharing the importance of fertility coaching for all aspiring parents, including LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Explore personal stories, expert insights, and helpful tools at fertilityoutloud.com
The Reality of Infertility With Reality Stars Nia Sanchez, Tara Conner + Whitney Bischoff Angel
45:25|What happens when reality TV stars face the reality of infertility? In this powerful pregnantish podcast episode, recorded live at our annual “Reality of Infertility” event, Andrea is joined by three bold voices/former and current reality stars: Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez (now seen on Bravo’s “The Valley”), Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, and Whitney Bischoff Angel, a former “Bachelor” winner and longtime fertility nurse. Together, they pull back the curtain on the funny and strange parts of recording their lives for millions to see, and the reality of family building despite the setbacks and challenges they faced.In this candid conversation, our guests get real about pregnancy loss, secondary infertility, mental health, egg freezing, life after IVF and the silence that still surrounds reproductive struggles that they’re determined to break. Also featured in this episode is Kathy Lee-Sepsick, Founder & CEO of Femasys, sharing insights about FemaSeed, a next gen insemination innovation that’s helping people conceive safely and affordably.Whether you're on your fertility journey or supporting someone who is, this compelling episode shares the highs, the lows and the reality of navigating stressful life chapters and getting pregnant “with help” ...even when the cameras are rolling. Today's episode is presented by FemaSeed, a breakthrough in insemination that delivers sperm where conception naturally happens - in the fallopian tube. Clinically backed by data, this safe and affordable option showed doubled pregnancy rates over IUI as a step before IVF. Learn more at femaseed.com
Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (but Were Never Told)
52:20|In this insightful and informative episode of the pregnantish podcast, first airing in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week '25, we're joined by Dr. Karen Tang, a board-certified gynecologist and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon and the author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (but Were Never Told)" From media stories to medical discussions, fertility and infertility is full of misconceptions! This episode delves into how and why we should shift the conversation from fear-based, negative messaging about reproductive health to one that's positive, empowering, and focused on achieving the reproductive goals people desire. This episode's Midroll features Dr. Lucky Sekhon, Board Certified OBGYN & Fertility Doctor who practices at RMA of NY, the episode sponsor, to tackle some of the more common myths and why sexual and reproductive health education needs a major overhaul. Both doctors in this conversation have used their platforms, including on social networks like Instagram and TikTok, to educate audiences and tackle misinformation. After all, in a recent pregnantish survey of over 800 people, we learned that social media is the #1 way people today access fertility information and education. With 1 in 6 facing infertility and 1 in 4 navigating pregnancy loss today, there's nothing niche about this topic. This episode is a celebration of breaking down barriers, busting myths and encouraging people to take control of their fertility so they can best advocate for their health. Thank you to episode sponsor RMA of New York, a global leader in reproductive medicine who is partnered with US Fertility and its network of premier reproductive medicine practices. Get the facts about your reproductive health at rmany.com.
Love & Egg Freezing with Bachelor Star & Endometriosis Advocate, Lexi Young, and Fertility Specialist Dr. Valerie Libby
43:46|Former Bachelor star, In the Wild Dating founder, and passionate endometriosis advocate Lexi Young joins the Pregnantish Podcast to share her deeply personal journey with fertility, health struggles, and the power of speaking out. Lexi opens up about how endometriosis shaped her relationships—including the end of a long-term partnership—and why she chose to use her platform on The Bachelor to bring awareness to reproductive health challenges.In this episode, Lexi reflects on the physical and emotional toll of living with endometriosis while filming reality TV, from managing ovarian cysts to dealing with “endo belly” under the scrutiny of cameras. She also discusses her decision to freeze her eggs with the guidance of Dr. Valerie Libby, MD, MPH, FACOG—a double-board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at Shady Grove Fertility in Atlanta. Dr. Libby joins the conversation to break down why fertility awareness is critical, how endometriosis impacts reproductive health, and why a diagnosis doesn’t mean giving up on the dream of parenthood.This episode is a candid conversation about love, fertility, and the importance of advocating for your health. Tune in to hear more about Lexi's journey and why sharing your story can be a powerful tool in supporting others.Thank you to Dr. Libby and her team at Shady Grove Fertility, who sponsored this episode. Shady Grove Fertility offers cutting-edge fertility treatments to help you grow your family. Explore the Shady Grove Fertility difference and their exclusive 100 percent refund for IVF at ShadyGroveFertility.com
Welcome to the Future of Fertility...and Where We're Still Behind
42:34|In this special new year episode of the Pregnantish Podcast, team member Carolyn Kossow—whose studies focused on assisted reproductive technology and third-party reproduction—joins award-winning journalist and author of “Elusive Mommyhood”, Ginanne Brownell, to explore the evolving landscape of fertility. From the rise of "ethical IVF" and surrogacy and third-party reproduction trends around the world, to the long-overdue focus on sperm factors and male factor infertility, we examine how reproductive technology is advancing—and where access and policies still lag behind. With global population declines, shifting attitudes in countries like China (which once enforced a one-child policy and now supports IVF) and reproductive rights under threat in parts of the U.S., these conversations are now part of the zeitgeist– though still wildly misunderstood by the general public. As pregnantish celebrates 8 years as the first media platform to help people navigate infertility and modern family building, and marks over one billion reached globally, with our fertility focused content and education, we remain committed to storytelling as a catalyst for awareness, advocacy, and change.Tune in as we unpack what’s next in the future of fertility—and why our voices are more important now than ever.
The Science of Happiness Despite our Circumstances, with NYU Clinical Instructor, Dan Lerner
30:40|What does it mean to lead a happy life and to achieve a state of well being despite our external circumstances?In this holiday episode of the pregnantish podcast, Daniel Lerner, co-instructor of NYU’s most popular elective course “The Science of Happiness” explores what it means to live a truly fulfilling life - especially in the face of life’s challenges.According to Dan, the goal isn’t always to feel “happy” but to find meaning, build resilience and embrace a new perspective on stress. He introduces the concept of ‘post traumatic growth’, revealing how life’s most difficult moments can spark profound personal transformation and why, even if we wouldn’t wish our tough circumstances on others, we can be positively impacted by the way we navigate and grow from these challenges. This inspiring and informative conversation offers hope, actionable insights, and a fresh take on navigating the ups and downs of family-building journeys and other non-linear grief chapters.This episode is supported by pregnantish, soon celebrating 8 years as the first media platform and community to help people navigate infertility and fertility treatments, and tell their stories. Since inception, we’ve reached over one billion people with fertility news and content. Visit www.pregnantish.com and follow @pregnantish