What exactly is an ovarian cyst—and should you be worried if you have one? Could your pain be more than just a normal part of your cycle? And how do you even begin the conversation with your doctor? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine invites you to get curious about your body, embrace the power of knowledge, and tackle the unknowns of ovarian health with bravery and clarity. Dr. Shahine walks through the five most important things to know: symptoms, types, causes, treatmen...
Jul 01, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 130
What if IVF didn’t have to mean so many shots? Could a new protocol allow for fewer shots, less office visits, AND be less expensive? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Linnea Goodman to answer these questions and more. They review Dr. Goodman’s research into a protocol, not new to the fertility field around the world, but new to most listeners in the United States that has many benefits to IVF patients. Dr. Linnea Goodman is a board-certified reproductive ...
Jun 24, 2025•38 min
What’s really in your skincare products? Can “natural” actually mean effective? And how do we navigate the beauty aisle with both curiosity and caution? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Jenna Levine, founder of LINNÉ Botanicals, for a brave and eye-opening conversation about skincare that’s safe, minimal, and deeply rooted in integrity. Jenna brings her passion for formulation, ingredient sourcing, botany, and herbal medicine to life through her brand LINN...
Jun 17, 2025•56 min
What exactly is egg freezing? Is there an ideal age to do it? How many eggs should you freeze to give yourself the best shot at future fertility? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine walks listeners through the top 10 most Googled questions about egg freezing. From the basics of what the process entails to more nuanced questions about success rates and cost, she provides clear, thoughtful answers rooted in science and clinical experience. In this episode, listeners will hear...
Jun 10, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 127
What happens when we stop whispering about miscarriage and start telling our stories out loud? How can we begin to shed the shame and silence that so often surround women’s health experiences? And why is open dialogue so essential in shifting the cultural narrative around infertility, menopause, and mental health? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by psychologist and author Jessica Zucker, founder of the #IHadAMiscarriage movement. Drawing from her own...
Jun 03, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 126
Are you trying to conceive and feeling unsure about where to start? Wondering if you're making mistakes that could be delaying your journey to parenthood? Curious about what really impacts fertility—and what steps you can take today to improve your chances? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine shares the five most common mistakes couples make when trying to get pregnant—and how to avoid them. Dr. Shahine also offers practical, evidence-based tips to support your fertility jo...
May 27, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 125
Are you curious about how surrogates are selected and matched? What about knowing the steps it takes to get started? How long does it take and how much does it cost? Surrogacy can be a beautiful and life-changing path to parenthood — but it’s also one that’s often misunderstood. In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down the most frequently asked questions and biggest misconceptions about gestational surrogacy with the Director of the Gestational Surrogacy Program at P...
May 20, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 124
Are you curious about what surrogacy really involves—and whether it might be right for you or someone you love? Have you ever wondered if surrogacy is only an option for the wealthy or famous? Do you know the difference between traditional surrogacy and a gestational carrier? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine has an eye-opening conversation with Mollie Huyck to explore the often complex and deeply personal world of surrogacy. Mollie is Director of Gestational Surrogacy Pr...
May 13, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 123
Your egg retrieval is scheduled, and you’ve done what you can to prepare, but what about after? How many eggs is “normal” to retrieve—or what happens if it’s less than expected? What’s a typical recovery, what are signs of a complication, and when should you call the clinic? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine shares five essential things to know both before and after an egg retrieval. She’s covering egg count, how to manage post-procedure discomfort, and recognizing signs ...
May 06, 2025•15 min•Season 1Ep. 122
Are you curious about what pelvic floor therapy actually involves? Have you ever wondered whether issues like bladder leaks, painful sex, or postpartum discomfort are just “normal” things you have to live with? Do men experience pelvic floor dysfunction? (hint: yes, men also have pelvic floors). In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, a licensed pelvic floor physical therapist. Together, they’re taking the mystery out of pelvic health and ...
Apr 29, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 121
Are you preparing for an egg retrieval and feeling unsure about what to expect? Curious about what you should—and shouldn’t—do on the day of your procedure? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks through everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for your egg retrieval. She’s covering the logistics, physical and emotional readiness, and what matters most before, during, and after the procedure. All this information will help reduce anxiety and ensure a com...
Apr 22, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 120
Are you wondering whether freezing eggs or embryos is the better choice for fertility preservation? How has freezing technology changed and advanced? What are the ethical, financial, and emotional factors behind this important decision? In this episode of Brave and Curious , host Dr. Lora Shahine takes a deep dive into the complex and personal decision of egg vs. embryo freezing. With a thoughtful look at the evolution of fertility preservation, she compares past practices with today’s cutting-e...
Apr 15, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 119
What role do prenatal vitamins play in fertility and pregnancy? When should you start taking them to support a healthy pregnancy? And how do you choose the best prenatal vitamin with the right nutrients? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Shahine explores the essential role of prenatal vitamins in supporting both fertility and pregnancy. She explains the importance of these supplements, when to start taking them, the difference between folic acid and folate, and what key nutrients to l...
Apr 08, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 118
Have you ever wondered what a semen analysis actually measures? What do the numbers mean, and how do you know if the results are normal? If something is off, what are the possible causes, and what can be done about it? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down everything you need to know about semen analysis and its role in fertility evaluations. She explains the key measurements, what’s considered normal, and why male factor infertility is an important part of the co...
Apr 01, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 117
Have you ever wondered if your menstrual bleeding is heavier than normal? What are the key signs that your flow might be excessive? How can you best prepare for a doctor’s visit if you suspect something isn’t right? In this episode of Brave & Curious , Dr. Lora Shahine covers the topic of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and how to determine whether your bleeding is abnormal. She explains what constitutes a normal period, highlights seven clues that signal excessive bleeding, and explo...
Mar 25, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 116
Welcome to Brave & Curious with Dr. Lora Shahine: new name, same trusted information. The mission behind Baby or Bust is not changing! It is still Dr. Shahine’s passion to educate and teach about women’s health and fertility. The new show, Brave & Curious, will continue to explore fertility and reproductive health. AND it is also expanding to include broader wellness topics that impact individuals on their reproductive journeys and beyond. With this evolution, Dr. Shahine aims to foster ...
Mar 18, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 115
Are you in the dreaded two-week wait and wondering what symptoms to look for? How can you tell the difference between early pregnancy signs and normal cycle symptoms? What are the most common mistakes people make when testing for pregnancy too early? In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is easing your uncertainty around the two-week wait, explaining the early signs of pregnancy and how they relate to different phases of the menstrual cycle. She explains the role of progesterone, potential implantat...
Mar 11, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 114
How long does the IVF process take from start to finish? What are the key stages involved in egg freezing versus embryo creation? What factors can influence the overall timeline to pregnancy? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility , Dr. Laura Shahine breaks down the IVF process and its timeline, to help you navigate this complex journey. She explains the four main stages of IVF: the compliance checklist, preparation for stimulation, the stimulation cycle, and for those pursuing embryo creatio...
Mar 04, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 113
Are you wondering how to improve your egg quality for better fertility outcomes? What impact do toxins, stress, and lifestyle choices have on reproductive health? And how can you take proactive steps without feeling overwhelmed or restricted? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down five actionable steps to support and improve egg quality. She explains the role of limiting harmful toxins (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana) and reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors (B...
Feb 25, 2025•17 min
Did you know there are ten types of miscarriage?! What are they? When it comes to a loss, does it really matter what kind of miscarriage you’ve experienced? (Hint: yes it does.) And how can proper diagnosis and evaluation help those facing recurrent miscarriages? In this episode, Dr. Shahine breaks down the ten different types of miscarriage, including early and late, clinical and biochemical, threatened, missed, inevitable, complete, septic, and recurrent miscarriages. She shares the informatio...
Feb 18, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 111
How does air pollution impact fertility and IVF success rates? What do recent studies reveal about the effects of wildfire smoke on reproductive health? What can you do to improve the air quality in your home to support fertility? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility , Dr. Lora Shahine shares the latest research on air pollution and fertility. She talks about how environmental toxins, especially from wildfires and poor air quality, can influence reproductive health. Dr. Shahine sheds light ...
Feb 11, 2025•15 min•Season 1Ep. 110
What should you expect on the day of your embryo transfer? How can you best prepare to maximize your chances of success? What are some common misconceptions about the procedure? How soon will you know if you’re pregnant? In this episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility podcast, Dr. Lora Shahine answers these questions to guide you through this critical step in your fertility journey. Dr. Shahine walks through the embryo transfer process, offering insight and tips to help you feel confident and info...
Feb 04, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 109
If your doctor has recommended an HSG (hysterosalpingogram), you may be feeling uncertain about what to expect. How does an HSG work? Will it be painful? What might the results mean for your fertility journey? How can you best prepare to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible? In this episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility Podcast , Dr. Lora Shahine goes into the details of the HSG test, a diagnostic tool commonly used to evaluate the health of the fallopian tubes and uterine c...
Jan 28, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 108
How do you know if you’re ovulating? What are the best ways to track ovulation? How can knowing your ovulation status help you optimize your chances of conception? In this episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility Podcast , Dr. Lora Shahine is talking all about ovulation––why it’s crucial for fertility, and how to when it’s happening. You’ll hear how to recognize the physical signs of ovulation, how to use at-home tools like basal body temperature charting and ovulation predictor kits, and the purpo...
Jan 21, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 107
You’re in the two-week-wait, analyzing every single little cramp, possible symptom, any little difference that could indicate pregnancy. If you’ve been on a fertility journey and trying to get pregnant for any amount of time, this will probably be familiar. Then comes some spotting or light bleeding–is this your period? Or could it be implantation bleeding? It can be hard to tell. So in this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Lora Shahine goes over how to tell the difference and what exactly...
Jan 14, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 106
Are you struggling with the anxiety and uncertainty of the two-week wait? Wondering what you should or shouldn’t do during this emotionally charged time? How can you take care of yourself while waiting for answers? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility , Dr. Lora Shahine guides listeners through the two-week-wait, the time between potential conception and pregnancy confirmation. She shares both professional expertise and personal insight and has practical advice on managing this challenging ...
Jan 07, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 105
Are you looking for practical strategies to boost your chances of conceiving? Wondering how to fine-tune your lifestyle for reproductive health? Curious about common mistakes to avoid on your fertility journey? In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine shares five essential strategies to enhance fertility. You’ll hear tips on optimizing nutrition, tracking ovulation and menstrual cycles, managing stress, improving lifestyle habits, and knowing when to seek specialized care. Dr. Shahine a...
Dec 31, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 104
Can birth control really cause infertility? Is the obsession with hormonal balance grounded in fact or fiction? Does hovering over a public toilet protect you from disease? Don’t let “medical” myths affect your health decisions! Dr. Karen Tang, board certified OBGYN, founder of Thrive Gynecology and women’s health expert, is back for an eye-opening conversation that will tackle these questions and more, addressing the widespread misinformation about women’s health. In this episode, Dr. Lora Shah...
Dec 24, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 103
Have you been told your debilitating period pain is normal? Have you ever wondered if you have endometriosis? Maybe you’re curious how you can find out for sure? In this conversation Dr. Karen Tang, author of It’s Not Hysteria and founder of Thrive Gynecology, joins Dr. Lora Shahine to delve into the complexities of endometriosis, a common, often-misdiagnosed condition that affects many women. In this episode you’ll hear the symptoms, challenges, myths, and various treatment options available. D...
Dec 17, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 102
Do you dread holiday gatherings because of those awkward “When are you going to have a baby?” questions? Why do people feel it’s appropriate to ask if you’re “trying” [wink wink] yet? Nothing sucks the fun out of a party like “you better not wait too long” or “when are you going to make your mom a grandma”? Painful comments and questions come up year round, but holiday parties can be a real minefield. To help, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, and Breathwork teacher Jennifer Edmonds is joining Baby or ...
Dec 10, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 101
