This week, Dr. D is joined by Alease Daniel Barnes, known as Alease the Embryologist on TikTok and Instagram, to break down the most common misconceptions about embryology and the embryological process. Alease and Dr. D cover what embryo grading really means, myths about "perfect" embryos, day 3 vs. day 5 transfers, and misunderstandings about what happens in the lab.

More from Alease the Embryologist HERE

Follow Alease the Embryologist on Instagram for more education on all things embryology!

Follow us on Instagram @fertiliteawithdrd for more fun facts about fertility!

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This week, Dr. D speaks with Jessie Jaskulsky, founder of Surrogacy Simplified, about her work supporting intended parents and surrogates through the surrogacy process. Jessie shares how her business helps simplify complex decisions, addresses common misconceptions about surrogacy, and provides guidance for those considering surrogacy as a family-building option. Whether you're pursuing surrogacy or looking for more information for future plans, Jessie gives first-hand knowledge on what the surrogacy journey looks like.

You can find more information about Surrogacy Simplified HERE

Follow us on Instagram @fertiliteawithdrd for more fun facts about fertility!

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This week, Dr. D sits down with former patients Jason and Jay to discuss their journey to parenthood through IVF and third-party reproduction. As LGBTQ+ intended parents, they share how they accessed information, asked the right questions, and educated themselves on IVF options—including egg donation and surrogacy. Now proud dads of two children, Jason and Jay offer some great insight and encouragement for LGBTQ families seeking knowledge, support, and inclusive fertility care.

Follow us on Instagram @fertiliteawithdrd for more fun facts about fertility!

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This week, Corey and Nakia share their IVF story, opening up about the realities of infertility, IVF, and their journey to parenthood through surrogacy. From the early decisions that led them to IVF, to the decision to move forward with surrogacy, they reminisce with Dr. D about their 10 year journey to creating their family. Corey and Nakia reflect on the moments that challenged them most, the support that carried them through, and how their experience reshaped their understanding of family and parenthood.

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

The holidays can be joyful—but if you're going through IVF, they can also bring tough questions, unsolicited advice, and emotional conversations with family. In this episode, we're talking about how to navigate IVF conversations during the holidays in a way that protects your mental health and honors your boundaries.

We'll cover how to decide what (if anything) you want to share about your IVF journey, ways to respond to invasive family questions, and scripts you can use when family gatherings feel overwhelming.

If you're dealing with infertility, IVF, or pregnancy pressure during the holidays, you're not alone—and you don't owe anyone your story. We hope this provides someone with reassurance and empowerment to you this holiday season!

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

Dr. D sits down with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Andy Huang, known in the fertility world as the IVF Magician. They break down recurrent implantation failure, what's driving the conversation around PGT-P, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of IVF.

Dr. Huang is a board-certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at Reproductive Partners Medical Group, located in Southern California. After completing his residency and fellowship at UCLA Medical School, he has gone on to practice for the last 20 years in the field. He is consistently the recipient of the Top Ten Doctor Award, Best Doctors, Patient's Choice Award, and Compassionate Doctor Award.

More from Dr. Andy Huang HERE

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

We've all heard the term "unexplained infertility" — but what does it actually mean when all your tests look normal and you're still not getting pregnant? In this episode, Dr. Daneshmand breaks it down and what might really be going on beneath the surface — from egg and sperm quality to hidden uterine factors — and why "unexplained" doesn't necessarily mean untreatable. If you've ever felt stuck with an unexplained diagnosis, this one's for you — equal parts insight, science, and hope.

Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG

Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

This week, Dr. D sits down with reproductive attorney Rijon Charne to talk about how a cancer diagnosis changed the course of her life — and ultimately led her to her purpose. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma days before graduating from law school, Rijon faced the daunting reality of preserving her fertility before treatment. Through her own egg freezing journey, she discovered firsthand the emotional and financial hurdles that so many patients encounter when trying to protect their future families.

Today, Rijon uses that experience to advocate for others as the founder of Sunray Fertility Law, helping people navigate the complex world of fertility law and insurance.

More from Rijon Charne and Sunray Fertility HERE