When you’ve tried everything to get pregnant—IVF, transfers, “just relaxing”—and it still doesn’t work, you start to wonder if your body is failing you and whether you’ll ever become a mother. This week on the podcast, I talk to pediatrician and mom of three Andrea Ali-Panzarella, who went through years of infertility, recurrent miscarriages, IVF failure, and ultimately made the courageous decision to grow her family through gestational surrogacy. We explore the emotional side of surrogacy, grief, identity, bonding, breaking the silence, and her beautiful children’s book Every Family is a Tree, which shows that there are many valid paths to motherhood

About Andrea Ali-Panzarella

Andrea Zorida Ali-Panzarella is a proud mom of three beautiful boys, who was inspired to write this book after a long journey with infertility and loss. She is also a pediatrician, specializing in child abuse, who has cared for children from all walks of life.

Andrea and her husband welcomed their sons with the help of compassionate physicians and caring gestational carriers. As they read to their children each night, she noticed the limited number of books that represented their unique family story and realized the missed opportunities to empower her children to know their worth. Her hope with this book is that all people, especially children, will feel seen and accepted in this world no matter what their story is. She is forever grateful to everyone, including her parents, family, and friends, who supported her family’s story along the way. You can find out more about her book and work here: https://www.andreaali-panzarella.com/

What if conception didn’t have to feel like a monthly test of your worth? In this episode, I share how trying to conceive again at 43 brought me a surprising shift: from fear and control to experiencing conception as a sacred mystery. You’ll hear about the old patterns shaped by patriarchal conditioning, the new perspective I discovered through womb connection, and the ancient myths that remind us of the womb as a portal of life and consciousness. Whether you’re in the middle of grief or ready for a new way of seeing your journey, this episode invites you to soften into mystery and remember that you are already whole.

Read more about the Sovereign Womb here: thatfertilefeeling.com/womb

Have you ever felt like your womb holds more than just the hope of new life?

This week on the podcast, I speak with mythologist Maria Souza about the deep wisdom encoded in fertility myths across cultures. We explore the stories of Demeter, Persephone, Baubo, and Gaia—not as entertainment, but as medicine. Maria shares her personal journey through abortion, miscarriage, and motherhood, and how mythology helped her transform grief into growth. Whether you’re navigating fertility struggles or seeking meaning in loss, this episode offers powerful archetypes, rituals, and reflections to guide you back to your inner sovereignty.

Read more about the Sovereign Womb here: thatfertilefeeling.com/womb

About Maria Souza:

Maria Souza is a Comparative Mythologist, Poet, Historian, and Educator, with a deep commitment to exploring the rich tapestry of myths and their relevance in contemporary life. She holds a postgraduate degree in Comparative Mythology, a Master’s in Ecology and Spirituality, and an Advanced Training Certificate in Applied Mythology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her poetry book, Wild Daughters, weaves together mythological themes and ancient tales, shedding light on the profound initiations women face. Maria offers a range of courses, workshops, and two mentorship programs, guiding women to connect with archetypal wisdom and integrate myths into the heart of their creative and professional lives. She also hosts the Women and Mythology podcast, part of the Joseph Campbell Foundation’s MythMaker℠ Podcast Network, where she explores the enduring relevance of myths in today’s world. You can find out more about her work on Instagram @womenandmythology or on her website womenandmythology.com