FERN Rising Podcast with Dr. Ashley Burton

If you are planning to get pregnant in 2026, nutrition matters long before a positive test. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton walks through a food-first, ancestral approach to preconception nutrition inspired by Nourishing Traditions and the work of Dr. Weston A. Price. Rather than focusing on restriction, supplementation, or trends, this episode highlights how traditional diets supported fertili...

Blood pressure often changes dramatically during pregnancy, and for many women, lower numbers are a normal and adaptive part of physiology. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down why blood pressure commonly drops in pregnancy, what symptoms to watch for, and how to support low blood pressure with nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle. She also explains when low blood pressure deserves furthe...

In this episode, I’m joined by my husband for a real, unscripted conversation about marriage. This was his idea: we each came prepared with our top five marriage lessons, shaped by real life, growth, mistakes, and commitment over time. We talk about communication, respect, personal responsibility, navigating differences, and what it actually takes to build a partnership that feels supportive, stea...

Pregnancy comes with a long list of food rules:  no runny eggs, no sushi, no deli meat, no soft cheese,  and for many women, those rules quickly turn into fear and confusion. In this episode, I unpack some of the most common pregnancy food myths and explain where many of these guidelines originated. Much of the information shared in this conversation is drawn from the work of Lily Nichols, RDN , a...

This episode is your grounded, realistic guide to navigating the holidays without slipping into chaos, burnout, or food guilt. I am sharing the ten holiday anchors that I personally use and teach inside FERN Rising to help you stay nourished, calm, and connected while still enjoying the season. Instead of hustling for perfection or starting January feeling depleted, these anchors support your nerv...

This episode marks a powerful turning point - personally, professionally, and physically. Welcome to the first official episode of the FERN Rising Podcast , formerly The Dr. Ashley Burton Podcast. In this Week 13 pregnancy update , I share the emotional moment of buying baby clothes, how having Derrek home has reignited my motivation to move again, and what it feels like to finally start feeling l...

Welcome to my Week 12 pregnancy update and wow… what a transition point this has been. In this episode, I’m sharing honestly about what the last few weeks have really looked like behind the scenes ; from food aversions and comfort meals, to being sick, to some major physiological shifts that happen right around this stage of pregnancy. We talk about:  🌿 Why all I wanted was pancakes and soup   an...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Nora DeBora - preconception health coach, fertility educator, and host of The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast - to break down the exact functional lab tests every couple should consider before trying to conceive. Whether you’re preparing naturally, trying without success, or gearing up for fertility treatment, this conversation is a must-listen. We g...

In this Week 10 pregnancy update, I’m sharing the very real shift into the “eat only bland foods and sleep every chance you get” phase. We talk about: Why I’m choosing walking over resistance training right now Navigating nausea, food aversions, and the comfort of beige meals The wild fatigue that hits in the evenings And, despite all that, why I felt called to submit a speaking application this w...

Welcome to Episode 54! This week I’m sharing my brutally honest 9-week pregnancy update - and if you’re also in the trenches right now, you’re going to feel so seen. I dive into: The level of exhaustion I did not see coming (like… bone-deep, nap-between-naps tired). Is this normal? A quick look at what’s happening hormonally in week 9 that explains everything. My new pregnancy boundaries , especia...

In this deeply compassionate and science-driven conversation, I sit down with fertility and hormone specialist Grace Parce of OvaFreak ( https://www.ovafreak.com/ ) and her Instagram community @ovafreak ( https://www.instagram.com/ovafreak/ ) to explore a topic that is both common and rarely spoken aloud: pregnancy loss. 👉 Did you know that approximately 10–20% of clinically-recognized pregnancie...

 In this mini-episode, Dr. Ashley Burton shares the heart and meaning behind her rebrand - FERN Rising: Fertility Education Rooted in Nutrition. Discover how this evolution reflects growth, resilience, and the quiet transformation every woman experiences on her own health journey. Dr. Ashley also introduces the new FERN Rising Skool Community , a space created to help women fuel their bodies, bala...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton shares a personal pregnancy update and walks you through how an embryo develops into a fetus - week by week. Learn what’s happening in each stage of gestation, how your body supports that growth, and the nutrients and lifestyle factors that make a difference along the way. Whether you’re newly pregnant, trying to conceive, or simply fascinated by the process, thi...

Iodine is one of the most powerful and most overlooked micronutrients in women’s health. It fuels thyroid hormone production, supports fertility, and plays a critical role in fetal brain development. In this episode, we break down the key insights from Dr. David Brownstein’s book “Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It.” Here’s what we’ll cover:  ✨ Why iodine is essential for thyr...

This episode is a little different - more personal, more real. I’m taking you behind the curtain of early pregnancy - week 4 - and sharing the raw, honest emotions that come with this season. The highs. The fears. The excitement. The uncertainty. Because conception isn’t just a positive test… it’s a roller coaster of hormones, hopes, and deep inner shifts. Whether you’re on this journey yourself o...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton takes a deep dive into Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA), a condition that often develops from the combination of overtraining and underfueling . We’ll explore why energy balance is crucial for restoring your cycle, highlight the importance of minerals (especially magnesium) in hormone regulation, and discuss how resistance training can protect bone health and support...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of DEXA scans; what they are, how to read them, and why they’re such a powerful tool for understanding your bone health, body composition, and long-term wellness . You’ll learn: How DEXA scans measure lean tissue, fat mass, and bone density Why bone health depends on hormones, nutrition, and exercise The difference between T-scores and Z-scores (and whe...

In this very special episode, I sit down with my sister as she shares the story of her recent pregnancy, birth, and the tender first weeks of motherhood. With her newborn baby in the room, you’ll hear the raw, unfiltered reality of what it’s like to bring life into the world and adjust to those fragile early days. Together we talk about the highs, the challenges, and the vulnerable truths of recov...

Have you ever wondered if the timing of intercourse could influence whether you conceive a boy or a girl? In this episode, I break down the fascinating Shettles Method , based on Dr. Landrum Shettles’ book How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby . We’ll explore the science behind X- and Y-bearing sperm, how ovulation timing and cervical environment may tip the odds, and the practical strategies couples...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating physiology and biochemistry that unfold after fertilization — and why healthy body fat levels are essential for fertility. You’ll learn how adipose tissue isn’t just “extra weight,” but a hormonally active organ that produces leptin, adiponectin, and estrogen precursors. We’ll explore how fat stores act as a nutritional signal to the brain, supporting...

Many women (including myself) wonder if pregnancy is a secret muscle-building window — after all, hormones are high, appetite is up, and the body is in an “anabolic” state. But here’s the twist: that anabolic drive isn’t aimed at your biceps or glutes — it’s focused on growing a baby. In this episode, we break down: Why pregnancy hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin support the uterus...

I open up about the struggles I’m going through — and growing through — as I navigate big changes in my life: business, family, friendships, and finances. It’s not always easy, but I believe these challenges are the fuel for real growth. Join me as I share my journey and what I’m learning along the way.  Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purp...

 In this episode, I’m recapping our recent trip to Europe — the sights, the food, and the unexpected impact on my cycle.  I share how a big change in routine, time zones, and travel stress delayed my ovulation (still waiting at day 22!) and what this taught me about the sensitivity of the menstrual cycle, even when you know what to watch for. If you’ve ever traveled and noticed your cycle go compl...

In this episode, Derrek and I sit down to answer some “Conscious Parenting” questions I found on Instagram, originally shared by a doula and midwife assistant. It turned into such a fun and thoughtful conversation! As we prepare to start a family, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore how parenting might shift our relationship, routines, and perspective. Join us for some laughs, honest r...

In this episode, I open up about a major fitness revelation—how I turned something healing into something harmful by overdoing it. I share my personal journey as someone navigating the Hypothalamic Amenorrhea spectrum, including the key shifts I made to support my cycle. Tune in to hear the exact strategies that helped me achieve my earliest ovulation yet and a strong 13-day luteal phase. Disclaim...