Don't Tell Me To RELAX- A Fertility Podcast
Episodes
Using the wisdom of Chinese Medicine to guide you through the emotional ups and downs of fertility
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
***BONUS CHRISTMAS EPISODE***We are releasing this in the middle of Christmas in case anyone is looking for some extra emotional support during this t...
Saying No (or Yes) to Alcohol When You’re Trying to Conceive with Kirsty Harrison
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am with Fertility Nutritionist Kirsty Harrison to discuss the complexities of alcohol consumption during the festive season, when you are trying to ...
What to do when IVF isn't successful with Dr Bora from Alma Fertility
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your IVF has not gone how you hoped this episode is for you.I am with Dr. Shabana Bora from Alma Fertility to discuss the emotional and practical a...
It's The Hope That Kills You - Tom Royle's new film on male side of fertility.
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by Tim Royle this week. Tim shares his deeply personal journey through IVF alongside his wife, Hannah .Tim discusses how going through so ...
Navigating the Complexities of Secondary Infertility
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am with Dr. Grace Lee Brindle from Hope In Mind Psychology to discuss the often overlooked topic of secondary infertility. We explore the emot...
What fertility tests should I have when I'm Trying To Conceive?
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 8 of our Teaching To Conceive Series💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive...
Understanding Miscarriage: Types, Management and Support Options
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the next 3 months we will be looking at the complex and emotional topic of miscarriage. In this episode I am joined by Morven, an Independent Fer...
How To Choose A Fertility Acupuncturist?
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As it is Acupuncture Awareness Week we thought "How to Find A Fertility Acupuncturist" would be a good topic to cover.I am joined by Fertili...
How do you choose an IVF clinic?
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am with Kayleigh from Seen (previously Fertility Mapper) to discuss the often very difficult decision of choosing an IVF clinic to work with.We expl...
Rethinking & Revolutionising IVF with Dr Rahi Victory
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am with Dr. Rahi Victory to discuss his approach to IVF and the challenges he sees within the fertility industry. Dr. Victory is a board-certified O...
How Breathwork can support your fertility journey with Annabel Tindale
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am with Annabel Tindale today, a trained breathwork coach, discussing the benefits of breathwork, particularly in relation to stress, anxiety, and f...
How Reflexology Can Support Your IVF Treatment
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm with Katy this week discussing the benefits of reflexology alongside IVF. We discuss how reflexology works, its historical background, and its...
What is a fertility massage and how can it help when you're Trying To Conceive- with Kristina Parker
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by the lovely Kristina Parker from Harwood Fertility today, to discuss the benefits and techniques of fertility massage. Kristina is an ac...
Keeping Cool: Can Lowering Testicle Temperature Boost Male Fertility with Josh From Snowballs
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am with Josh, the founder of Snowballs, a company that produces organic men's underwear designed to help improve male fertility by cooling...
Social Media and Fertility- helpful or harmful?
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Katy and I are digging into the pros and cons of social media and fertility. We discuss our personal experiences of it and the overwhelming ...
Navigating Fertility in a Bigger Body with Nicola Salmon
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am with Nicola Salmon this week. Nicola is a fat positive fertility specialist, who shares her personal journey with fertility and body image. We di...
Does Egg Freezing Really Protect Your Future Fertility? with Marca Nieto Embryologist & Acupuncturist
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by lovely Marca, Embryologist and Acupuncturist to look egg freezing, what's involved, what you need to know and how you can prepare for i...
How to Improve Your Fertility?
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're back for a brand new series 🤩And to kick off we are delving into the BIG topic of improving fertility- what does this mean and is it actually...
Understanding Grief in Pregnancy Loss & Fertility Struggles with Julia Bueno
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For this last episode in this series I am joined by psychotherapist and author of Brink of Being, Julia Bueno. Julia shares her insights on miscarriag...
Testing & Investigating Recurrent Pregnancy Loss with Rachel Sheriff from The Fertility Suite
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by Rachel Sherriff, from The Fertility Suite to discuss the complex and sensitive topic of recurrent pregnancy loss. Rachel shares her per...
Recurrent Loss, TFMR and 11 rounds of IVF- a personal account with Fertility Coach Yulia
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
***Trigger warning- this episode discusses miscarriage, Termination For Medical Reason and fertility trauma.***I am joined by the lovely fertility coa...
Emma & Alice Test with Dr Ed Coates from The Evewell
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by Dr. Ed Coates to discuss the EMMA and ALICE tests, which analyze the uterine microbiome to assess fertility health. Dr Coates explains ...
Microbiome Testing for Unexplained Infertility, Miscarriage and IVF Implantation Failures with Fertilysis
21 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I joined by, Dr. Panagiotis Venieratos from Fertilysis to discuss the complexities of unexplained infertility and the significant role of the microbio...
How do you navigate the emotional toll of miscarriage? With Carly Garrett
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For further support Carly will be running the event below in our community as part of this series. To access it follow this link to join our com...
Miscarriage and Your Immune System with Professor Shehata
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by Professor Hasan Shahata from the Centre for Reproductive Immunology and Pregnancy. We discuss the complexities of reproductive immunolo...
The Next Step After Miscarriage: Investigations & Testing Options with Dr Sami from Plan Your Baby
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by Dr. Sami from Plan Your Baby to discuss the complexities surrounding miscarriage, including the various tests and investigations availa...
Navigating Fertility Challenges in the Workplace with Emma Menzies
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I am speaking with Emma Menzies, a Fertility at Work coach and consultant, about the intersection of fertility challenges and workplac...
Fertility Action Network- A new charity for Fertility Support
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We have got an extra episode on the podcast this week as we are celebrating the launch of the new fertility support charity- Fertility Action Network....
How Does an Andrologist Help with Male Fertility and Klinefelter syndrome with Tet Yap
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Tet Yap, a consultant andrological surgeon, joins me this week to talk about male fertility, the role of andrology, and the challenges faced by men...
A Better Way To Investigate Your Progesterone with Dr Amy Beckley from Proov
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about progesterone, what it is, why it's important for fertility, how to test it and how best to support it.I am joined by Dr. Amy...
The Power of a Fertility Support Community- come and join us!
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined this week by some of our lovely team to tell you about our new Don't Tell Me To RELAX community. We are moving it and we' love for you to ...
Navigating the unhelpful "advice" when you're Trying To Conceive
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the final episode in this series Katy and I are discussing all those unhelpful nuggets of useless and often hurtful advice/ comments that peop...
IVF Add Ons- are there really no benefits? with Emma Whitney
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the last couple of weeks there have been a lot of reports across the media about IVF Add Ons and there being no benefit to them.The Human Fertilisa...
FemTech- can it help you to conceive?
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Katy & I delve into the world of FemTech, discussing various technologies designed to help track menstrual cycles and fertility. We look at the pr...
Mother's Day- some help & support to see you through 💛
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Myself and Fertility Coach, Carly Garrett discuss the emotional challenges surrounding Mother's Day for those in the fertility community. Carly also p...
IVF Add Ons With Dr James Nicopoullos from The Lister
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are discussing IVF Adds Ons this week with James Nicopoullos, clinical director at The Lister Fertility Clinic.We discusses the complexities and co...
Optimising Your IVF Treatment with Lynne Chapman
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by Dr Lynne Chapman from LCRH. We are discussing the process of IVF and the advantages and disadvantages of the extra testing and investi...
Can supplements help improve egg quality with Ovum
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am with Jenny Wordsworth, CEO and founder of Ovum this week. Ovum is a female led company dedicated to improving the fertility journey for women. Je...
Optimising Egg Quality - with Kirsty Harrison Fertility Nutritionist.
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I have lovely fertility nutritionist Kirsty Harrison on the show this week and we are continuing the conversation about egg quality. Kirsty explains w...
Can I Improve My Egg Quality? with Marca Nieto Sanchez, Embryologist & Acupuncturist
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am joined by our very own, very lovelyMarca Nieto,acupuncturist here at Hannah Pearn and Embryologist atThe Lister Fertility Clinic.We are dis...
IVF BFF - a personal insight into two friends navigating IVF
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am joined by Sian, and Catherine from IVF BFF. Sian and Catherine are friends, who re connected through our Don't Tell Me To RELAX Faceboo...
The Role of Diagnostic Scans in Fertility Investigations with IVF Matters
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I have Dr Irfana Koita from IVF Matters with me to discuss the various physical investigations available for women's health and fertility. Irfana disc...
What A Holistic Approach To Investigating Your Fertility Looks Like.
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Katy is back this week! And we are discussing what a holistic approach to investigating your fertility looks like. We're talking all about the wid...
Unlocking Complex Fertility Issues with Naava Carman.
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm talking with Naava Carman from The Fertility Support Company. Naava is a seasoned acupuncturist and herbalist specialising in fertility and gy...
Coping with The Heart Break of a Negative Pregnancy Test
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am joined by Fertility Coach Carly Garret and we are discussing the emotional and physical impact of negative pregnancy. We discuss: - Why ne...
Fertility Acupuncture - Everything You Need To Know
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by our team of Fertility Acupuncture Affiliates, who work across the UK. We answer the most common questions we get asked about Acupunctur...
Why You Don’t Always Need New Year’s Resolutions (esp when you're trying to conceive!)
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm kicking off 2025 and our new series discussing the pressures surrounding New Year's resolutions and the unrealistic expectations often placed on i...
Common Mistakes To Avoid When You're TTC
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the last episode of this series and Katy and I are going over common mistakes we see and hear when people are Trying To Conceive. We look at: ...
Everything You Need To Know About Ovulation Induction with Plan Your Baby
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I am talking with Marija from Plan Your Baby about fertility support options that do not involve IVF. We discuss: How ovulation i...
At home insemination with Bea Fertility
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by Tess, co-founder and CEO of Bea Fertility. We are discussing their innovative at-home intracervical insemination device. Tess shares h...
What Every Woman Needs To Know About Fertility with Jane Knight & Toni Belfield
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 10 of our Teaching To Conceive Series! This is the last in this series and what a way to end! I am joined by the LEGENDS that are Jane Knight...
How to navigate pregnancy announcements & other difficult situations when you're Trying To Conceive
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 9 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Concei...
Why is breakfast important when Trying To Conceive?
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 7 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Concei...
Are ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) the best way to track your ovulation?
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 6 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Concei...
Luteal Phase and Progesterone- everything you need to know.
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 5 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Concei...
The Worst Girl Gang Ever- and the BIG announcement
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
***BONUS EPISODE*** To celebrate the fantastic news that The Worst Girl Gang Ever have achieved charitable status we have Bex and Laura on the show. T...
Everything you need to know about ovulation to maximise your chances of conception
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 4 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Concei...
The Follicular Phase Of Your Cycle & Your Fertility
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 3 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Concei...
What is a healthy period & why it's essential for fertility
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 2 of our TTC Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. Which offers ...
How To Get Pregnant- The Importance of Fertility Education
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Series 5 of the Podcast! Episode 1 of our Teaching To Conceive Series 💛 As part of this Series we are running a free fertility maste...
Recurrent Miscarriage, low AMH and IVF- Charlotte shares her story
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is our final episode for this Series, we will be back in September! TRIGGER WARNING: in this episode we discuss miscarriage, IVF failure and pre...
Why is good sleep so important for your fertility?
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Charlotte Faure Green, a nutritionist specializing in anxiety, stress, and sleep, shares her personal journey with sleep issues and how she became int...
The benefit of Yin Yoga for Fertility
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Laura Wilkes, a women's health coach and yin yoga teacher, discusses the benefits of Yin yoga for women trying to conceive. Laura will be comin...
Navigating Pregnancy After Fertility Struggles and Loss
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING: this episode discusses miscarriage, baby loss and failed IVF. Hazel Leonard, a fertility educator, registered midwife from The Prepared Pine...
Understanding the Importance of the Vaginal and Seminal Microbiome
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by Dr. Golnoush Golshirazi, CEO and founder of ScreenMe. We discuss the importance of the vaginal and seminal microbiome in women's ...
Sex when you're Trying To Conceive
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is the last in our Men in May Series and we are discussing sex and TTC. Which obviously is for men and women. Sex and TTC, a topic not often disc...
What happens to men through IVF treatment?
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are looking at what happens for the man as they go through IVF. I am joined by Kathryn Hawes, an embryologist at The Lister, to discus...
Mental Health, Fertility and Men
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is the third episode in our Men in May Series. I am joined by Shaun Greenaway and Ciaran Hannington, hosts of the Male Fertility Podcast. Shau...
The Impact of Nutrition on Male Fertility
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our second episode as part of our Men in May mini series I am joined by friend of the show Kirsty Harrison. Kirsty is a nutritionist who specialis...
Comprehensive Testing & Lifestyle Advice for Male Fertility
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This month in our community and through the podcast we are focusing in on Men. This is the first episode in our Men in May mini series I am joined by...
Understanding the Role of Mental Health in Fertility
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am joined by Alejandra, from Fertility Support. Alejandra is an integrative psychotherapist, and we discuss the impact of mental h...
The benefits of acupuncture for IVF
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am joined by lovely Bella, an acupuncturist who specialises in fertility and works in our team. Bella shares her journey into acupuncture and ...
5 things everyone should know about their fertility
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am finally back with Katy, having a catch up, she's an award winner now AND has her very own clinic! and discussing some fertility fu...
Understanding your fertility & hormones with the DUTCH test- Giulietta Durante
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is the DUTCH test? The DUTCH test stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones and is an excellent way to get to the bottom on hormone...
Does contraception affect fertility long term? With Dr Fran from The Lowdown
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Katy and I are joined by Dr Fran from The Lowdown. The Lowdown is a research platform for women’s health. It enables women to review and research th...
How do environmental toxins affect fertility?
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by the very lovely and very knowledgable Angela Heap and we are discussing toxins and the impact on fertility. In our everyday lives we c...
What is reproductive immunology? - with Dr Yau Thum
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by Dr Yau Thum from the Lister to discuss Reproductive Immunology. Reproductive Immunology looks at how the immune system and the reprod...
How does your digestion impact your fertility?
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by fertility nutritionist Kirsty Harrison to talk about digestion and its links to reproductive health. Kirsty is our lovely nutritionist...
The Conception Plan with Dr Larisa Corda
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Conception Plan with Dr Larisa Corda. Dr Larisa Corda is a fertility expert, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, a spiritualist and TV Doctor and a...
Navigating The Two Week Wait
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
TWW The two week wait is often one of the most difficult times to get through, in both natural cycles and assisted conception cycles. It is easy to fe...
Trying To Conceive over 40
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
TTC over 40 There is an increasing number of people in their 40s trying to conceive, both naturally and with assisted conception. Dr Amanda Tozer, c...
Fertility MOT's
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am joined by fellow fertility acupuncturist Alex O'Connor to discuss the pros and cons of fertility MOTS. Fertility MOTs have had an explosion i...
Advice for each stage of IVF with Trudi Campbell Nursing Director at the Evewell
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Buckle up peeps because this one is full to the brim with helpful information for each stage of the IVF process. IVF can be an intense process, physic...
How to prepare for pregnancy in 2024
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year 💛 Myself and Katy are kicking off the new year with how and why it’s important to prepare for pregnancy. Research shows that prep...
TTC & Christmas: a helpful and sensible guide with Kirsty Harrison
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas can be a tricky time when you're TTC and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There can be fear and guilt around eating and drinking, and p...
What you need to know about IVF with Lucy Lines
09 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lucy Lines is an independent embryologist, fertility educator and IVF patient advocate. Her goal is to help people navigate the often complicated road...
Fertility Investigations & Unexplained Infertility with The Fertility Detective
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica Bourke (AKA The Fertility Detective) provides a unique, individualised service that is founded on her in-depth knowledge of all aspects of fer...
Should I do IVF abroad?
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are an increasing number of people who are traveling abroad for IVF treatment. We discuss this with Emma from Your IVF Abroad, who had treatment...
Why we need better fertility investigations for men.
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are joined by the formidable Claire Mooney, who is on a mission to improve investigations and treatment in male reproductive health. She is a cons...
What is PGT-A testing?
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are discussing genetic testing including karyotyping and PGT-A testing with Kathryn Hawes. Kathryn is a senior embryologist and genetic l...
The Emotional Toll of Fertility Struggles with Ceci Jeffries
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I am not sure Ceci needs an introduction but if you don't know Ceci and her work then she describes herself as "an infertility, anxiety and g...
Fertility Awareness Week Special
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Katy and myself are doing a special episode as part of Fertility Awareness Week 2023. We asked listeners “what do yo...
Should you freeze your eggs?
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There has been a huge rise in the popularity in freezing eggs over the last 5 years. COVID is thought to be a huge factor that impacted this. Statisti...
The IVF Positivity Planner
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Banks is an experienced Personal Development Coach and best-selling author who specialises in supporting women through the challenging stages of...
What does an embryologist do in IVF?
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Emma Whitney is the Laboratory Manager at The Evewell. She is also Emma the Embryologist on Instagram and does great educational posts about embryolog...
Cervical Mucus: how it can help you to conceive
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cervical Mucus. It's something that Katy and myself talk about a LOT. In fact, we first met on Instagram because we were both discussing this topi...
Why do people have IVF?
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ed Coats is a fertility consultant, hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgeon and medical director at the Evewell West London clinic. He joins us to sha...
Acupuncture for Fertility with Hannah Pearn
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're kicking off Series 3 talking about acupuncture! I realised that we have never actually done an episode about acupuncture and fertility so I tho...
At Home Hormone & Fertility Testing with Hertility
04 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am joined by Dr Helen O'Neil, CEO and Founder of Hertility, a company providing at home hormone and fertility tests for women. With He...
Nutrition and Lifestyle Advice for Sperm Health
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a well timed episode on the back of the recent Channel 4 documentary "Celebrity Save Our Sperm" Which I can highly recommend if you ...