This is Infertility is a bi-weekly podcast where we fuse narrative storytelling with experience and science to give you a new perspective on what it’s really like to go through a family building journey. Each episode dives into the emotional, physical, and financial burdens carried by those who experience infertility on their path to parenthood. Be it IVF, IUI, egg freezing, surrogacy, adoption, etc., the path is never the same and it can be long, painful, and lonely. It’s our mission to give those struggling a platform to be heard, a community connection, and an opportunity to raise awareness of the 1 in 8 who, for many reasons, struggle with infertility.
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This is Infertility

Bonus Episode 14: Journey to Fatherhood: Same Sex Couples + Single Fathers by Choice

Society has come a long way in finally providing fertility and family building benefits for same-sex male couples and single fathers by choice. But this journey can be complex and confusing. Which is why, for our third installment of our Journey to Fatherhood series, we pulled a panel of experts to give an overview on how to build family with a surrogate, donor eggs, and adoption. We also dive into how to maintain the relationships around you and how to ask for emotional support.  

While this episode is definitely worth the listen, we understand that life gets busy and have provided a summary for you here. 

If you missed our previous installments, check out:    

Bonus Episode 11: Journey To Fatherhood: Finding Support in the Journey 

Bonus Episode 13: Journey To Fatherhood: Male Infertility 101 

Experts: Brandon Johnson, MHS, LGSW, Infertility Isn’t Inferior, Dr. Bradford A. Kolb, HRC Fertility and Progyny’s Medical Advisory Board   

Host: Dr. Georgia Witkin, Progyny 

For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources.  

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.     

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.  

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Host

Dr. Georgia Witkin
Progyny

Georgia Witkin, Ph.D., is Head of Patient Services Development for Progyny, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and Director of Psychological Services for RMA of NY.

Georgia is the author of 12 acclaimed books, including The Female Stress Survival Guide, The Male Stress Survival Guide, and Stress Relief for Disasters Great and Small, and is a prolific writer of research articles about women, stress, and reproductive medicine. She has been honored by the AIA, AFA, Resolve, and City of Hope. She has also served as a health reporter/host for CNBC, WNBC, and other networks, and has been featured as a guest expert on 20/20, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and CNN.

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Guest

Brandon Johnson
MHS, LGSW, Infertility Isn’t Inferior

Brandon is a licensed Social Worker based in Richmond, here to guide you through life’s most complex and difficult matters. Brandon truly cares about his patients’ well-being and guarantees top of the line counseling and psychological services catered to your needs.  

  

Since 2000, Brandon has provided several specialized therapeutic services to those dealing with grief and loss, Infertility, depression, anxiety, and even mental disabilities. 

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It was after discovering that Brandon was infertile, that he realized there was no one to turn to. The road was lonely. Brandon began to wonder and research how many men were going through infertility alone. Knowing men are suffering in silence, Brandon decided to take a stand. 

 

There is no need to be alone, we can walk this path together. ​ 

Brad Kolb, MD

Guest

Dr. Bradford A. Kolb, HRC Fertility and Progyny’s Medical Advisory Board   

Dr. Bradford Kolb received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California, Irvine after which, he completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at the University of Southern California, receiving board certification in both fields. 

As a physician, he specialized in the care of complex fertility problems at HRC Fertility Pasadena.  Under his guidance, he has helped improve HRC’s donor pregnancy rate. 

He is internationally known for his expertise in complex reproductive matters and is one of the largest providers of egg donation and surrogacy in the United States with patients traveling from around the world to HRC Fertility Pasadena to see him.  His practice is known for helping to develop and implementing cutting edge technologies in the genetic screening of embryos, the development of new laboratory technologies and the development of highly efficient treatment. In addition to his high success rates, patients are also impressed with his warm bedside manner, compassion and dedication. 

Dr. Kolb’s philosophy is to deliver the best possible care to each patient in a compassionate and individualized manner.  Most impressive is his passion for treating each patient personally throughout their entire course of treatment.  As a result, he has become a magnet for those seeking personalized advanced reproductive care.  In addition, his philosophy towards patient care is embraced by each of Dr. Kolb’s nurses, office staff and embryologists.