Fertile-ish Podcast
Real Talk for the Fertility Journey – and all its “Ish”
Let's Talk About the "Ish"
Fertile-ish is here for all the “ish” that comes with trying to grow your family. Whether you’re trying, taking a break, figuring out the next step, supporting someone through the ups and downs, or just trying to survive the waiting, this podcast is for you. Fertile-ish is here for the messy middle, the moments in between, and all the things people don’t talk about.
Hosted by Nurse Practitioner Brandis Montez and Physician Liaison Laura Hendley, Fertile-ish brings you honest conversations, expert interviews, and real-life stories from the fertility trenches — delivered with humor, heart, and zero shame. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Because no one should have to do this alone — and sometimes, a podcast is the best place to start.
Latest Episode
The Transfer Didn't Take...Again
🎙 Episode 15 - "The Transfer Didn't Take...Again"💔 Recurrent Implantation Failure & What Comes Next
In this candid and deeply supportive episode, Laura and Brandis dive into the emotionally draining and often misunderstood experience of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) - when seemingly perfect embryo transfers just… don’t work.
They break down:
The official definition of recurrent implantation failure
Common causes: embryo quality, uterine factors, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and more
What testing can uncover (ERA, ReceptivaDX, ALICE, EMMA, HSG, saline sonogram)
Immune factors and inflammation that could be impacting implantation
Why some protocols (like Lupron suppression) are recommended even when tests come back normal
The risks of transferring multiple embryos without answers
When to consider additional options like reproductive immunology consults, donor eggs, or gestational carriers
Why advocating for yourself and communicating with your provider is everything
👯♀️ Plus, Laura shares her own IVF experience and how she navigated treatment decisions, fear, and loss with honesty, humor, and hope.
📌 Whether you're in the thick of it or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validation, next steps, and a gentle reminder: you’re not alone-and your pain is real.
📩 Want to share your story, a question, or TMI Tuesday tale? Submit at cnyfertility.com/fertileish
All Episodes
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The Transfer Didn't Take...Again
🎙 Episode 15 - "The Transfer Didn't Take...Again"💔 Recurrent Implantation Failure & What Comes NextIn this candid and deeply supportive episode, Laura and Brandis dive into the emotionally draining and often misunderstood experience of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) - when…44 min
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Chronically Clocked: Age & Your Fertility Timeline
🎙️ Episode 14: Chronically Clocked — Age & Your Fertility TimelineAge ain’t just a number - especially when it comes to fertility.In this episode, Laura and Brandis get real about one of the most asked (and misunderstood) topics in reproductive…46 min
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Embryo Red Flags? Let's Talk PGT
🎙 Episode 13: Embryo Red Flags? Let’s Talk PGTEmbryo testing can feel like decoding an alphabet soup-and in this episode, we’re finally breaking it all down. Laura and Brandis get real about preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), who it’s for, and…41 min
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BRB. Being an Emotional Support Human
🎙️ Episode 12: BRB. Being an Emotional Support Human- 💡 In This Episode:How not to say the wrong thing 101. This week, Laura and Brandis dive into the dos, don’ts, and “pls stop talking” moments of supporting someone going through…45 min
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Acronym Overload: WTF is IUI, IVF, AMH, & More
🎙️ Episode 11: Acronym Overload: WTF is IUI, IVF, AMH, & MoreLet’s be real - fertility feels like a whole new language. Whether you're deep in the TTC world or just trying to figure out WTF your doctor meant when…42 min
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TWW - Currently in My Delulu Era
🎙️ Episode 10: TWW – Currently in My Delulu EraThe Two Week Wait: It’s not two weeks—it’s two years (emotionally, at least). In this milestone 10th episode, Laura and Brandis crack open the chaotic, emotional, and often delulu reality of…38 min
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Main Character Energy: Embryo Transfer Edition
🎙️ Episode 9 — Main Character Energy: Embryo Transfer EditionIt’s giving transfer day icon. Whether it’s your first rodeo or you’ve done this dance before, we’re breaking down what to expect when you’re expecting...to implant.This episode is your go-to guide…48 min
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Therapy, Tears, & TTC
🎙️ Episode 8 – Therapy, Tears, & TTCAKA: IVF is hard, our relationships are tired, and yes-we cried (again).This week, Laura and Brandis get real about the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments. From IVF breakdowns to relationship strain, therapy breakthroughs…39 min
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Hollywood Fertility Fantasyland: What They Get Wrong (and Right)
🎬 Episode 7: Hollywood Fertility Fantasyland: What They Get Wrong (and Right)👯♀️ Hosted by: Laura & Brandis🎧 Listen now on Spotify I Apple I YouTube I Amazon I iheartradio🔗 More at cnyfertility.com/fertileishAbout the Episode:Welcome to the chaotic fertility crossover episode…35 min
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Sorry, Not Sorry. CNY's Doing It Better (and Cheaper)
✨ Episode 6- Sorry, Not Sorry. CNY's Doing It Better (and Cheaper) ✨(aka the one where we spill why our clinic is the Costco‑level steal of IVF, minus the $1.50 hot‑dog combo)Budget babes, rejoice: CNY’s base IVF package starts around $4K…47 min
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IVF 101: So...We're Making Embryos, Bestie!
Episode 5- “IVF 101: So… We’re Making Embryos, Bestie!”Brandis and Laura spill all the embryology tea—from that “I‑almost‑peed‑on‑the‑transfer‑table” story to a step‑by‑step IVF play‑by‑play (triggers, retrievals, ICSI, the whole lab glow‑up). They bust the “test‑tube‑baby” myth, talk real success‑rate math,…39 min
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Just in Case: Fertility Edition
🎙️ Fertile-ish Episode 4: "Just in Case: Fertility Edition"💬 In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of fertility preservation and why it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for both men and women. Whether you’re considering freezing your eggs…36 min
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Fertility Myths That Need to Log Off
In this episode, Laura and Brandis bust some of the most common—and frustrating—fertility myths and misconceptions floating around the internet, doctor’s offices, and even dinner tables. From birth control blame to pineapple-core pressure, they dive into where these beliefs come…38 min
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POV: You're Googling "Do I Need a Fertility Doctor" at 2AM
When should you see a fertility specialist? Laura and Brandis break down why you don't have to wait 6–12 months of trying to get evaluated. Whether you're thinking about kids someday, dealing with painful periods, or just curious about your…37 min
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Hard Launch: Our Fertility Era
Welcome to Fertile-ish - a podcast for anyone navigating the ups, downs, and WTFs of trying to conceive, preserving your fertility, or supporting someone who is. In this intro episode, Brandis and Laura share why they started the show, what…9 min
What You'll Hear on Fertile-ish
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Candid Conversations
We don’t sugarcoat the hard stuff. From injections to two-week waits to navigating loss, we talk about it all — openly and unapologetically.
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Expert Advice
You’ll hear from doctors, nurses, embryologists, mental health professionals, and more — breaking down the science in a way that makes sense.
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Real Stories
We spotlight voices from the trying-to-conceive (TTC) community and beyond — because your story deserves to be heard, and someone else may need to hear it.
Meet Your Hosts
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Nurse Practitioner at CNY Fertility – Colorado Springs
Brandis Montez, NP
Brandis is a highly experienced fertility nurse practitioner, having helped thousands of patients navigate their family-building journeys. A trailblazer in the field, she’s one of the first Nurse Practitioners to perform egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and diagnostic hysteroscopies. With over 4,000 embryo transfers performed and a long track record of success, she’s changing the face of fertility care and making it more accessible for all.
Beyond the clinic, Brandis is a trusted voice on CNY Fertility’s Instagram and TikTok, answering patient questions weekly and sharing educational content with authenticity and heart. Now, she brings her voice to Fertile-ish – helping to demystify fertility with compassion, humor, and zero fluff.
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Physician Liaison & CNY Fertility Patient
Laura Hendley
Laura’s journey started just like many listeners — as a fertility patient herself. Inspired by her experience, she left a career in healthcare management to join the CNY Fertility team full-time, where she now connects patients and providers across the country.
Fertile-ish was born from Laura’s desire to create the kind of support she wished she had during the start of her own journey: honest, informative, unfiltered, and full of connection. Whether you’re just starting or deep in the trenches, Laura is here to help you feel seen, supported, and never alone.
