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
Lining Check: Not Thick Enough
🎙️ Fertile-ish — Season 2, Episode 3:
“Lining Check: Not Thick Enough”
Episode Overview
In this week’s episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis dive deep into one of the most common — and frustrating — fertility concerns: a thin endometrial lining. Whether you’ve had a cancelled transfer, are anxiously waiting for that “trilaminar” ultrasound report, or just trying to understand why your lining won’t thicken — this episode breaks down the science, the causes, and the real-life stories behind the numbers.
They’ll answer questions like:
What is a healthy lining thickness?
Why does “trilaminar” matter more than just the millimeters?
Can you still get pregnant with a thin lining?
And what can you actually do to help thicken it?
What You’ll Learn
💡 Anatomy Refresher:
Laura and Brandis explain the layers of the uterus — the serosa, myometrium, and endometrium — and why only the innermost layer (the one that sheds each month) really matters for implantation.
🩺 Lining Goals & Measurements:
For frozen transfers: ideal lining ≥ 7mm and trilaminar
For fresh cycles: ≥ 8mm and trilaminar
Why measurement consistency (same sonographer, same technique) is key
And why organization (that three-layer trilaminar look) can matter more than pure thickness
💊 Common Causes of Thin Lining:
Hormonal birth control and prolonged progesterone exposure (like Depo-Provera or Mirena)
Scar tissue and Asherman’s syndrome from D&C, C-section, or retained placenta
Uterine abnormalities (polyps, fibroids, septum)
Long-term suppression of ovulation or endometrial regeneration issues
🧬 Solutions & Treatment Options:
Estrogen therapy (oral, vaginal, patch, or injectable)
Sildenafil (Viagra) to boost blood flow
PRP or Neupogen washes
Vitamin E supplementation
Switching to a natural or modified natural protocol if your body responds better to its own estrogen
Real Talk: Why Every Case Is Different:
From Facebook group myths to “what worked for her” advice, Laura and Brandis explain why fertility protocols can’t be copy-pasted. Even patients with identical labs may respond completely differently. Your baseline lining, hormone response, and surgical history all shape your protocol — and no single “magic number” applies to everyone.
Patient-to-Patient Tips:
✨ Advocate for Yourself: Ask why your provider recommends certain meds, protocols, or tests.
🩻 Don’t Skip the SHG or Hysteroscopy: It’s quick, simple, and can reveal polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue that may be silently affecting implantation.
💗 Remember: Thickness isn’t everything. A 6mm trilaminar lining might be more promising than an 8mm that’s disorganized.
The Fertile-ish Takeaway:
A thin lining doesn’t mean it’s the end of your fertility journey — it’s just another piece of the puzzle. The key is understanding your baseline, working closely with your team, and staying proactive about testing and timing.
Join the Conversation:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow fertility warrior or leave a review to help more listeners find Fertile-ish.
💬 Have a topic you’d love Laura and Brandis to tackle next? DM them on Instagram or drop a comment on Spotify!
🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
📱 Follow: @fertileishpodcast
All Episodes
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Lining Check: Not Thick Enough
🎙️ Fertile-ish — Season 2, Episode 3: “Lining Check: Not Thick Enough”Episode OverviewIn this week’s episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis dive deep into one of the most common — and frustrating — fertility concerns: a thin endometrial lining. Whether…43 min
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Egg Donation: Inside Edition
🎙️ Episode TitleEgg Donation: Inside EditionSeason 2, Episode 2💬 Episode SummaryIn this week’s episode, Laura and Brandis pull back the curtain on egg donation—what it is, who can donate, and how the process really works at CNY Fertility. Whether you’ve…35 min
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Cannabis & Conception: The Science & Stories
🎙️ Season 2: Episode 1Cannabis & Conception: The Science & Stories🧠 Episode SummaryIn the Season 2 premiere, Laura and Brandis dive deep into one of the most frequently asked questions in fertility care — how does marijuana use affect fertility,…34 min
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Preconception Testing: Glow Up Starts Here
🎙️ Episode 25: “Preconception Testing: Glow Up Starts Here”💡 Episode SummaryBefore you jump into treatment—or even start trying—it’s time for your fertility glow-up. In this episode, Laura and Brandis walk listeners through preconception testing: what it is, why it matters,…38 min
Affording Hope: Fertility & Finances
🎙️ Episode 24: Affording Hope: Fertility & FinancesPaying for IVF can feel overwhelming, sometimes even impossible. In this episode of Fertile-ish, Laura and Brandis get real about the financial side of fertility treatment and share resources, strategies, and stories to…41 min
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Doing the Most: Immune Protocols Edition
🎙️ Episode 23: Doing the Most: Immune Protocols EditionWhen it comes to IVF, add-ons and immune protocols can feel like a never-ending menu of “should I or shouldn’t I?” treatments. From PRP therapies and uterine washes to IV infusions and…51 min
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Faith + Fertility (or not)
🎙️ Episode 22: Faith + Fertility (or not)Faith and fertility - it’s a conversation many avoid, but one that so many of us are living. 🌿 Whether your beliefs shape how you pursue treatment, cause hesitation, or provide strength through…47 min
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Endo: She's Expensive, She's Exhausting, She's Extra
🎙️Episode 21: Endo: She’s Expensive, She’s Exhausting, She’s ExtraEndometriosis isn’t just “bad cramps.” She’s a whole personality-loud, dramatic, and unfortunately, way too common. In this episode, Laura and Brandis get real about the reality of endo: how it shows up,…46 min
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TMI Tuesday: Unhinged Edition
Episode 20: TMI Tuesday: Unhinged Edition 🤯💀We asked, you delivered. 🚨 TMI Tuesday spiraled out of control (in the best way possible), so we turned your submissions into a full episode.From Icy Hot mishaps and Disney meltdowns to Cardi B…40 min
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Beyond Biology: All the Ways to Baby
Episode 19 – Beyond Biology: All the Ways to Baby 🌈👶✨When most people picture fertility treatment, they imagine a heterosexual couple going through IVF together. But the truth is, family building comes in so many forms—and today, we’re diving into…42 min
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Secondary Infertility: The Sequel No One Asked For
🎙️ Episode 18: Secondary Infertility: The Sequel No One Asked ForHaving one baby doesn’t always mean the road to baby #2 will be smooth. This week, we’re diving into the often-overlooked topic of secondary infertility - what it is, why…45 min
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PCOS Isn't Just Cysts, Babe
🎙 Episode 17 – PCOS Isn’t Just Cysts, Babe 💁♀️PCOS is way more than just cysts on your ovaries - and in this episode, we’re breaking down all the myths, facts, and real-life experiences that come with it.We’re talking:✨ What…35 min
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From TSA to TSH: Traveling for Treatment at CNY Fertility
🎙️ Episode 16 — From TSA to TSH: Traveling for Treatment at CNY FertilityThinking about hopping on a plane (or a road trip) for IVF? You're not alone. In this episode, Laura and Brandis unpack everything you need to know…44 min
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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
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.
Expert Advice
You’ll hear from doctors, nurses, embryologists, mental health professionals, and more — breaking down the science in a way that makes sense.
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
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.
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.
