The Home of Fertility with Liz Walton & Helen Zee

Today Helen is joined by Dr. Sasha Edelstein, fertility specialist and co-founder of Thrive Fertility, to demystify what really drives success in fertility care—the team and the lab, not just the doctor. Dr. Sasha shares how his own IVF journey shaped a clinic built on compassion, transparency, premium science, and accessible pricing. We unpack practical questions to ask any clinic: Is the Operati...

Today, Helen sits down with Dr. Mei Cheah—fertility specialist, surgeon, co-founder of Create Fertility, and endometriosis patient—to unpack the realities of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fertility. Dr. Mei blends clinical precision with lived experience to explain why endometriosis has no single “cure”, how symptoms impact intimacy, identity, and daily life, and where surgery, medical managemen...

We explore how to hold yourself with care during fertility challenges, from the relentless decision-making inside treatment to the tender work of grieving and rebuilding if parenthood doesn’t happen. Counselor Sarah Roberts shares her 10-year TTC story and practical tools to separate good decisions from uncertain outcomes, honor ambivalence, and live a meaningful life either way. • spring energy,...

We talk with Sapyen founder Ash Ramachandran about removing the friction from male fertility testing—extending sample viability to three days, matching lab accuracy, and lowering costs so men can test sooner and couples decide faster. Practical next steps, what to ask for, and how clinics and coaches use at‑home diagnostics to cut wait times and stress. • why male fertility testing needs a reset •...

Worried about money, fairness, or “what ifs” as you plan a family? Family lawyer Jane Libbis joins Helen to demystify the legal side of family planning—so you can protect your relationship, your kids (and even your pets) without losing the romance. We cover: when and why to consider a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) (prenup/cohab), how to turn values into practical plans, and why these conversat...

We share a clear path to accessing superannuation for fertility treatment with psychiatrist Dr. Justine Schelle, explaining why the ATO requires a psychiatric assessment and how that step protects mental health. Dr Justine shares generously the steps, including how Fertility Psych offers a unique service to streamline the process and save on costs and timings. You will hear which treatments qualif...

We sit down with Dr. Anne Poliness to unpack egg freezing—who it helps, what the process looks like, and how to decide if and when it fits your life. We clear up myths, talk safety and consent, and share practical steps that lower stress and increase choice. Discover and consider your choices when: • Elective and medical reasons to freeze eggs  • Relief that comes from informed choices  • Process...

Nicole Haak, an experienced naturopath specializing in fertility, shares her holistic approach to preconception care and explains why preparing your body before conception is crucial for optimal reproductive health. • Preconception care is essential because eggs and sperm take up to 100 days to develop • Environmental toxins like microplastics are now found in reproductive tissues and act as hormo...

Sports broadcaster Sam Hargrove shares his journey through male infertility, from receiving a devastating zero sperm diagnosis to becoming a father of two boys through IVF. His openness about the emotional impact of infertility challenges the stigma many men face, offering hope and practical wisdom for others on similar paths. • Male infertility accounts for approximately 41-43% of fertility issue...

In this deeply nourishing chat, Helen welcomes Dr Cecilia Kitic—researcher, exercise physiologist, and founder of The IVF Project and Fertile Gut—to unpack the gut–fertility axis. With 80+ publications in immuno-nutrition, Dr Cecelia explains how the microbiome shapes hormones, inflammation, ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. We cover the estrobolome and oestrogen balance, SCFAs, enz...

Trying to conceive after 40? Don't let discouraging statistics dim your hope. In this illuminating conversation, fertility naturopath Tasha Jennings challenges the notion that "old eggs" determine your reproductive destiny. We explore and discuss: • AMH testing indicates egg quantity but not quality - with natural conception you only need one good egg each month. • Your eggs aren&ap...

What happens when you've done everything "right" on your fertility journey, but the missing piece hasn't been discovered? Natasha's powerful story reveals the often-overlooked factor that finally led to her son's birth after four heartbreaking losses. From the moment her husband Ryan purchased a conscious conception book as a gift for her, their approach to creating l...

Ever wondered what really makes the difference in fertility treatment success? Lucy Lines pulls back the curtain on the fertility industry with unparalleled insider knowledge from her 25 years as a clinical embryologist and fertility educator. The conversation shatters common misconceptions, particularly the myth of "the best" fertility specialist. Lucy explains why personal connection w...

The psychological burden of fertility treatment is largely preventable with the right support, yet nearly half of patients discontinue IVF due to stress rather than medical or financial reasons. • Alarming statistics show 76% of women experience anxiety and 56% experience depression at clinical levels during fertility treatment • Traditional advice to "just relax" is harmful when your ne...

In this heartfelt episode of The Home of Fertility , host Helen Zee speaks with Julia Macken , mama, business owner, and IVF warrior, who courageously shares her story of fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, resilience, and ultimately hope. Julia opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of unexplained infertility, IVF cycles, and the devastating loss of her baby Thomas — and how she and her husb...

Ever felt like your body's fertility is a mystery you're supposed to somehow figure out on your own? Dr. Sam Sturrock is changing that narrative by empowering patients through knowledge and compassionate care. As a fertility specialist at Monash IVF, Dr. Sturrock brings both medical expertise and a refreshingly approachable presence to conversations about reproductive health. In this ill...

The fertility journey is never one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, messy, miraculous—and often misunderstood. In this season opener, Liz Walton and Helen Zee reunite to launch Season 2 of The Home of Fertility podcast, weaving together science and soul, lived experience and professional expertise, in a space where all stories are welcome. What began as a connection at the Australian Fertility Summit...

Helen Z explores the profound connection between women's bodies, conscious conception, and the spiritual journey of fertility through her unique approach blending somatic therapy, relationship coaching, and lifestyle medicine. • Helen's journey began as a fitness professional and yoga teacher invited to work with an IVF clinic, where she achieved a 70% pregnancy success rate • Conscious...

Julie Tenner shares her journey of understanding the womb as more than just a reproductive organ, but as a center of feminine power, creativity, and ancestral wisdom that can transform our relationship with ourselves. • The womb represents our capacity to receive in life, not just create babies • Disconnection from our wombs comes from patriarchal conditioning that values static functioning over c...

We explore the sacred journey of womb connection and how disconnection from our feminine essence impacts fertility, physical health, and overall wellbeing. Kat Wheeler shares profound insights about the womb as our center of creativity, intuition, and feminine power. • The womb is more than a reproductive organ—it's our seat of intuition, creativity, sensuality, wisdom, and pleasure • Many wo...

Liz and Sharna explore the concept of fertility trauma, how it manifests in the body as a trauma response, and pathways to healing through acknowledging our experiences and finding safety within ourselves. • Fertility trauma is real and often comparable to receiving a cancer diagnosis in terms of emotional impact • The body cycles through fight, flight, and freeze responses during fertility strugg...

Sarah Roberts shares her personal journey through ten years of trying to conceive, including IVF, and her eventual transition to permanent, involuntary childlessness. After healing and growth, she founded The Empty Cradle to create supportive spaces for women navigating similar paths. • Early desire for motherhood emerged during a pregnancy scare in her late teens • Tried for a decade to have chil...

This episode delves into the topic of endometriosis, exploring its physical symptoms and the emotional factors intertwined with fertility challenges. We discuss the role of meta consciousness in understanding the body's responses to perceived threats, emphasizing self-compassion and emotional healing as essential for reclaiming wellness.  Ever wondered if the emotional and physical rollercoas...

Kirsten McLennan shares her transformative journey through infertility and surrogacy, highlighting the emotional toll, the importance of advocacy, and the powerful connections that can be forged along the way. Her story serves as both a beacon of hope and a practical guide for those on a similar path. What if the journey to parenthood doesn't follow the path you expected? Join us as we naviga...

This episode highlights the raw and transformative journey of navigating fertility struggles, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and education. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of early awareness, mental health, and community support on the path to parenthood. What if understanding your fertility journey could transform not only your own life but also inspire an entire communit...