Ep 165: Raising Awareness for Perinatal Mental Health with Hamish Magoffin from the PAM Foundation
Today’s guest is leading the charge in raising awareness for perinatal mental health (PMH). On the Fertility Forward podcast today is Hamish Magoffin, Founder of the Pranaiya & Arthur Magoffin (PAM) Foundation. Hamish established the PAM Foundation in memory of his late wife, Pranaiya, and their son, Arthur. The foundation is dedicated to raising awareness, improving care, and supporting research on (PMH) conditions. Hamish has taken on remarkable challenges to promote PMH awareness, including running and cycling across the UK. Beyond his philanthropic work, he is also the Co-Founder of Break Off Capital, which has been investing long-term capital in companies commercializing cutting-edge science for over a decade. Tune in to hear the story behind the PAM Foundation, the people and projects driving its mission, and the foundation’s goals as it expands into the US. Hamish also discusses the importance of developing better awareness and follow-up care for PMH and how his endurance challenges tie into this critical cause. Don’t miss it!
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31:10
Ep 164: The Power of Knowledge with Dr. Taraneh Nazem and Carissa Simek
Here on the Fertility Forward podcast, we often say that knowledge is power — and that you are your own best advocate! Joining Rena and Dara on the show today are two passionate guests who are dedicated to educating women about infertility, fertility benefits, healthcare coverage, and women’s health. We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Taraneh Nazem, a double board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Infertility Specialist, and Obstetrician-Gynecologist at RMA of New York’s Westside office, along with Carissa Simek, one of Dr. Nazem’s patients. In today’s episode, Carissa opens up about how her desire for better fertility coverage led her to change jobs — and the incredible fertility journey she’s walked with Dr. Nazem. They discuss the panel discussions they’ve led, the catalyst behind Carissa’s decision to preserve her fertility, and how advocating for fertility education has empowered Carissa in her own life. We also explore the conversation around freezing eggs versus embryos, the biggest challenges Dr. Nazem faces in her field, and how infertility treatments can impact daily life. For all this and much more, don’t miss this insightful conversation!
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39:09
Ep 163: Mosaic Embryo Transfers and the Future of Fertility with Dr. Phillip Romanski
How can data enable doctors to best support their patients? Reproductive endocrinologist and associate research director Dr. Phillip Romanski joins us in conversation to discuss the annual Pacific Coast Reproductive Society Conference (PCRS), everything he learned, and what he spoke about. Tune in to hear Dr. Romanski’s perspective on mosaic embryo transfers before we dive into the complex world of segmental mosaic embryos and fully segmental aneuploid embryos. We discuss Preimplantation Genetic Testing, how to personalize care on an ongoing basis, and how in vitro maturation and in vitro gametogenesis will shape the future of fertility. Join us today to hear all about the topics covered at this year’s conference, the developments RMA doctors are focused on today, and more. Thanks for listening.
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18:31
Ep 162: Navigating Fertility and Cancer Treatment with Alexandria Touris and Dr. Matthew Lederman
When is the right time to have children? What if you put having a family on the back burner and then something tragic happens that prevents you from conceiving? Today, we are joined by cancer survivor and RMA client Alexandria Touris and her doctor, our very own Matthew Lederman, to discuss navigating fertility with cancer. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about how Alexandria’s life was turned upside down when she received her cancer diagnosis, her egg retrieval process, the kind of support system she had, and her personal opinion (and words of wisdom) about freezing your eggs if having a family may ever be on the cards for you. Dr. Lederman also explains that cancer is affecting younger women before sharing some of the difficult questions he asks his patients to individualize their care. Finally, we discuss what we are grateful for today. To hear all this and even be reminded to be kind and pay it forward, be sure to press play now!
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45:21
Ep 161: Alleviating the Financial Strain of Infertility in the Jewish Community with Jenn Leffell
An infertility journey comes with many stressors, from emotional and social challenges to family pressures and the unavoidable financial strain. Today’s guest, Jenn Leffell, co-founder and COO of the Stardust Fertility Foundation, is working to ease one major hurdle—cost. Stardust Fertility Foundation helps bring more Jewish babies into the world by alleviating the financial burden of fertility treatments through its Stardust grants. These grants are available to all Jewish individuals and couples in the tri-state area, regardless of background, identity, or level of observance. As a passionate fertility advocate, Jenn is dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve their dreams of building a family. In this episode, Jenn shares the journey and inspiration behind founding Stardust Fertility, how they select grant recipients, and their unique partnerships with clinics and pharmacies in the area. She also unpacks what makes for a strong grant candidate and how they approach marketing their organization, and she gives us a sneak peek into their upcoming annual gala. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Jenn Leffell!
Fertility Forward, the official podcast of RMA of New York, is dedicated to bringing listeners cutting edge and accurate information on different aspects of the fertility space. Hosts Rena Gower and Dara Godfrey interview a wide range of experts including medical professionals, mental health specialists, wellness practitioners, personal trainers, and entrepreneurs in the fertility realm. Each podcast concludes with a message of positivity, authenticity, and a healthy dose of gratitude.
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