The Truth About Stress and Fertility Jacky Boivin is Professor of Health Psychology at Cardiff University and Director of Women’s Health Research Wales. Her work examines how psychological factors affect fertility, from the desire and timing of having children, through to how people adapt emotionally when attempts to conceive succeed or fail and develops evidence-based tools and interventions to support people trying to conceive and the professionals who care for them. https://whrw.uk/ Instagram - @womenshealthresearchwales In this episode, Joyce is joined by Professor Jacky Boivin, one of the world's leading experts in fertility psychology, for a thought-provoking discussion about the relationship between stress, fertility, and emotional wellbeing. Together, they explore one of the most common myths in reproductive health: the belief that people simply need to "relax" in order to conceive. Drawing on decades of research, Jacky explains what the evidence really tells us about stress and fertility, why infertility can be emotionally challenging, and how the fertility journey can affect individuals and relationships. The conversation explores the psychological impact of fertility treatment, the value of counselling and peer support, and practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing while navigating uncertainty. The episode also examines the growing influence of social media on fertility information, the importance of evidence-based advice, and how patients can make informed decisions about treatment options. This insightful and compassionate discussion offers reassurance, understanding, and practical guidance for anyone trying to conceive or supporting someone on their fertility journey.

Becky Kearns is co founder and CEO of Fertility Matters at Work, a UK organisation dedicated to improving workplace support for people experiencing fertility challenges. A former HR professional, she combines her career expertise with her own lived experience of early menopause, IVF and donor conception to advocate for better awareness and support. Becky is also the founder of Paths to Parenthub and is an established patient advocate, speaker and writer, regularly featured in national media, and is leading efforts to make workplaces more fertility friendly. https://fertilitymattersatwork.com/ https://pathstoparenthub.com/ Instagram: @fertilitymattersatwork, @definingmum Joyce and Becky discuss the emotional, practical and financial realities of trying to conceive while managing a career. They explore why many people feel unable to tell their employers they are struggling, the psychological impact of fertility treatment and pregnancy loss, and the difficulties of balancing appointments, treatment and work responsibilities. The conversation highlights the vital role employers can play in creating supportive workplace cultures, the importance of fertility policies, manager training and peer support, and the need to include men, LGBTQ+ individuals and solo parents in discussions about fertility and family building. Becky also shares her vision for legislative change, including better workplace protections for those undergoing fertility treatment and greater recognition of fertility challenges as a significant life event. This is a moving and important discussion for anyone experiencing fertility challenges, as well as employers, managers and colleagues who want to better understand how to support people through one of the most difficult journeys of their lives.

Anis Feki is the head of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Hospital Cantonal, and professor at the university of Fribourg, Switzerland. He is a fertility specialist with extensive experience in reproductive medicine and assisted reproduction. He has worked internationally in both clinical practice and research, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and delivering personalised fertility care. His work covers all aspects of fertility treatment, including IVF, and he is known for his clear, evidence-based approach to supporting patients through what can be a complex and emotional journey. He derived the first human embryonic stem cell line and the first iPS cells in Switzerland. He is currently chair of the largest fertility society – the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. Instagram: @anis.feki.fribourg Resources about fertility and treatmentshttps://www.eshre.eu/Home/IRHEC/IRHEC_Resources https://www.hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-fertility-clinic/search/ https://fertilityeurope.eu/ What actually happens when you start fertility treatment? How successful are treatments such as IUI, IVF and ICSI? What are the real costs, risks and emotional challenges involved? And how can you avoid the myths and misinformation that surround fertility treatment? In this episode, Professor Anis Feki, fertility specialist, discusses everything you need to know about fertility treatment, from your first consultation through to IVF, embryo freezing, donor conception and what happens when treatment is unsuccessful. Anis explains why fertility treatment should always be personalised, the importance of multidisciplinary care, and why emotional support is just as important as medical treatment. We also discuss fertility treatment success rates, the impact of age, endometriosis, male infertility, counselling, social media myths and the growing market for IVF add-ons. Whether you are currently undergoing fertility treatment, considering your options, or supporting someone on their fertility journey, this episode provides practical, evidence-based guidance delivered with empathy and honesty.

Nick Macklon has been Group Medical Director for London Women’s Clinic, London Sperm Bank and London Egg Bank since 2017. He is an internationally recognised gynaecologist and leader in reproductive medicine and has held Professorship and Departmental Head positions at the Universities of Utrecht in the Netherlands, Southampton, UK and Copenhagen in Denmark, as well as a visiting Professorship in Adelaide, Australia. He has published many scientific papers and books and is regularly invited to lecture in the UK and abroad. Nick is Co-Chief Editor of one of the leading Scientific journals in reproductive medicine, Reproductive Biomedicine Online. His work focuses on understanding early pregnancy, implantation, and improving outcomes in fertility treatment, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based care and avoiding unnecessary interventions. Instagram: @NickMacklon Information about fertility - https://www.eshre.eu/Home/IRHEC/IRHEC_Resources If you are trying to get pregnant, should you have fertility tests? Which tests are actually useful? And how can you avoid being overwhelmed by the growing number of fertility tests, supplements, social media influencers and online advice? In this episode, Professor Nick Macklon discusses fertility testing, from trying to conceive naturally through to investigations in a fertility clinic. We explore the benefits and limitations of fertility tests, including sperm testing, hormone testing and the growing market for at-home fertility tests. Nick explains why age remains one of the most important predictors of fertility, why fertility test results always need to be interpreted in context, and why some tests can create unnecessary anxiety or false reassurance. We also discuss unexplained infertility, fertility treatment pathways, IVF add-ons, the influence of social media and AI, and how people can find trustworthy information when making decisions about their reproductive health. Whether you're trying to conceive now, planning for the future, or simply interested in understanding fertility better, this episode provides evidence-based guidance to help you navigate a complex and often confusing topic.

Audrey Gaskins is Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. She is an environmental and reproductive epidemiologist who goal is to conduct research that can better enable people to achieve healthy pregnancies, babies and families. Her research looks at how environmental, dietary and lifestyle factors experienced through the life course influence reproductive health in men and women. A key aim of Audrey's work is to elucidate the biological mechanisms through which diet and environmental exposures influence fertility, strengthening causal inference in observational research. Link: https://www.audreygaskins.com/ In this episode, Joyce is joined by Professor Audrey Gaskins, a leading reproductive epidemiologist, to explore what really matters when trying to conceive. Together they unpack the evidence behind diet, lifestyle and fertility, moving beyond myths and quick fixes to focus on what the science actually shows. Audrey explains how nutrition influences key biological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress and hormone function, and highlights the benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole foods, seafood, fruits and vegetables. The conversation also covers the role of supplements, emphasising that folic acid is essential and while simple, affordable prenatal vitamins can be beneficial for women, there is little evidence to support expensive or heavily marketed fertility products, particularly for men. They also tackle some of the biggest areas of confusion in fertility, including ultra-processed foods, alcohol and caffeine, exercise, weight, and environmental exposures such as plastics and vaping. Audrey brings clarity to common misconceptions, from viral fertility “rituals” to influencer-driven misinformation, stressing the importance of evidence-based advice over social media trends. The episode reinforces that there is no magic solution, good fertility health comes from consistent, manageable lifestyle habits, alongside realistic expectations and informed decision-making. This is a reassuring and practical discussion for anyone trying to conceive, whether at the start of their journey or undergoing fertility treatment.

Julie Angel is a movement coach, artist, award winning filmmaker and author. After completing the world's first parkour themed PhD, she continued to move and learn from some of the best teachers and coaches in different movement worlds. An eternal optimist she now focuses on helping midlife women break free from the negative cycle of extreme workouts, diets, anxiety and injuries to find sustainable strength and balance in life. She uses movement snacks, strong resting, positive ageing and tools from parkour, natural movement, animal flow, original strength, the oxygen advantage and many more to help people connect to and create a strong body and strong mind. Finding and creating your own sustainable movement culture should be a fun practice that feels good. It's a holistic approach to mind and body. https://julieangel.com/ Instagram: @julieangel In this inspiring episode, Joyce talks to Dr Julie Angel who is a movement coach, filmmaker, and creative thinker, for a powerful conversation about movement, ageing, and how women can rethink their relationship with their bodies. Julie sees the world as a playground, encouraging people to move through it with curiosity, creativity, and a sense of play. Drawing on her work in parkour and movement coaching, she challenges the idea that exercise must be structured or prescriptive, instead highlighting how movement can be exploratory, adaptable, and energising when it reflects individual needs and preferences. A central message of the episode is Julie’s belief that women should create their own “movement culture”, finding ways to move that genuinely fit their lives and give them energy. Rather than following routines that feel restrictive or unenjoyable, she advocates for experimentation and personalisation, with a focus on removing barriers to movement. Importantly, she emphasises that meaningful change comes from small, consistent steps, whether through simple “movement snacks”, breathing, or everyday activity. It is a reassuring and empowering reminder that it is never too late to begin, and that movement, approached creatively, can build strength, confidence, and joy over time.

Nitu Bajekal is a gynaecologist with over 40 years experience in women’s health and is the author of Finding me in Menopause and co-author of Living PCOS free. She has created a web site packed with free resources to empower women to take charge of their own health.Link: https://nitubajekal.com/ Instagram: @drnitubajekal Nitu and Joyce explore the key pillars of healthy ageing: nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental health, and social connection. Nitu emphasises the importance of strength training for bone and muscle health, plant based nutrition focused on colour and protein, and the profound impact of sleep, stress management, and self compassion. She highlights how confidence built through physical activity, especially from a young age, supports both mental and physical resilience later in life. Above all, she stresses that there are no quick fixes, but small, sustainable changes can have powerful effects. Her core message is clear: if you don’t make time for wellness, you will have to make time for illness.

Jinty Sheerin and Lou Hockings-Thompson – The Womenkind Collective; spilling the tea on taboos Jinty Sheerin and Lou Hockings-Thompson are best friends and hosts of the WomenKind Collective Podcast, delivering a weekly mix of real talk, education, and humor centered on women’s health, menopause, relationships, and smashing the patriarchy. They are active campaigners, founding Exmouth's first Menopause Café and launching the #WheresMyClinic campaign for better Devon-based NHS menopause care. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/womenkindcollective/ In this episode, Joyce is joined by the brilliant and hilarious Jinty and Lou, best friends and hosts of the WomenKind Collective Podcast. Their friendship, humour and warmth shine through from the very start, setting the tone for a conversation that is both uplifting and deeply honest. Together, they reflect on how their podcast began during lockdown as a way to stay connected and has since grown into a much-needed space for open conversations about women’s health, menopause, relationships and the subjects that are too often left unspoken. With humour, humanity and refreshing candour, they make complex and taboo topics feel relatable and accessible. The conversation explores the changing nature of female friendship in midlife, the importance of creativity, and the value of making time for joy. Mental health, anxiety, saying no, finding comfort in simple rituals such as making tea, and the restorative power of nature all feature in this rich discussion. There is also a strong message about giving women permission to prioritise themselves, seek adventure, and embrace this stage of life with curiosity and courage. Honest, funny and full of wisdom, this episode is a celebration of friendship, self-discovery and the many ways women can find joy as they grow older.

Breeda is a former Midwife and Community/Public Health Nurse who became interested in menopause in 2018 while completing a psychology degree. Realising how little she knew about this life stage, and how under-researched midlife women are, she went on to complete a master’s in 2020. Her dissertation, “Silence, Taboo and Midlife Women,” explored Irish women’s experiences of menopause, a topic long clouded by stigma. Breeda views menopause as a societal and cultural issue and believes that everyone, women, men, girls, and workplaces, needs better education. Having supported hundreds of women, she is convinced that education is the key to navigating this significant life stage. Her mantra is: educate, educate, educate, its life changing. Breeda is the author of the book Midlife Women Rock. She is now a sought-after speaker on menopause and midlife women, contributing to conferences and seminars across the UK and Ireland and helping to break the long-standing taboo.https://midlifewomenrockproject.com/ Instagram @midlifewomenrock Breeda shares how her own menopause journey led her to question the silence, shame and negativity surrounding this life stage, and why education is so important in helping women understand what is happening to their bodies and minds. Together, Joyce and Breeda discuss the need to challenge outdated narratives around ageing, the empty nest, retirement and invisibility, and instead encourage women to see midlife as a time to rediscover themselves, explore new passions and embrace freedom, purpose and growth. They also explore the practical side of thriving in midlife, including the importance of movement, strength, rest, social connection and self-care, as well as the reality that women’s experiences of perimenopause and menopause are not all the same.Breeda speaks honestly about HRT, why it can be life-changing for some women but is not the right choice for everyone, and the need to move beyond one-size-fits-all messaging. This is an uplifting and thoughtful conversation about courage, curiosity and finding joy in the years beyond fifty, with inspiring reflections on nature, adventure, health, happiness and what it really means to rock midlife.

S4, #8. Jackie Lynch: Nutrition for a happy menopause Jackie Lynch is an award-winning nutritionist, menopause specialist, author, and workshop facilitator. In 2010, she founded the WellWellWell nutrition clinic, specialising in women’s health and the menopause. Named the Menopause Nutrition Clinic of the Year 2020-21, Jackie is also the host of the lifestyle podcast The Happy Menopause, and is a successful author, and TV guest expert. She has appeared on programmes including Channel 4’s Superfoods. Jackie’s podcast was shortlisted for the 2021 and 2022 International Women’s Podcast Awards. She is the author of The Happy Menopause: Smart Nutrition to Help You Flourish, which was highly commended at the 2021 UK Health & Wellbeing Awards. And her latest book was published in 2025 - The Happy Menopause Guide to Energy: Nutrition to Rejuvenate Your Brain & Body. https://www.well-well-well.co.uk/about/ @wellwellwellUK In this episode, Joyce is joined by nutritionist Jackie Lynch to explore how food and lifestyle can support women through perimenopause, menopause and beyond. Jackie shares her own menopause journey, explains how stress shaped her symptoms, and describes why she became so passionate about menopause nutrition. They unpack why there is no true “quick fix” for menopause symptoms. Instead, they focus on practical, evidence-based steps such as getting the basics right with protein, fats and carbohydrates, supporting energy through balanced meals, and recognising the powerful effects of stress, self-care and good nutrition on physical and mental wellbeing. They also tackle some of the biggest myths and trends in women’s health, including the dangers of social media misinformation, the booming menopause supplement market, ultra-processed foods, sugar cravings, weight-loss jabs, smoothies, soya, and the fear-driven messaging around weight gain in midlife. Jackie offers a refreshingly realistic view of healthy ageing, emphasising that longevity is not just about living longer, but about extending health span through nourishing food, movement, sleep and stress reduction. The episode closes on a warm and inspiring note, with Jackie reflecting on ageing, adventure, happiness and the advice she would give her younger self: trust your instincts, try new things, and make the most of life.