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 experience of miscarriage and her professional expertise, Jessica shares how storytelling and vulnerability have the power to change the way we view and talk about women's health.

Jessica’s book Normalize It further explores these themes, encouraging women to own their experiences and find connection through honesty and shared truth. Together, Dr. Shahine and Jessica dive into the many ways women are pressured to stay silent about their bodies and emotions—from miscarriage and infertility to menopause and mental health.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• [2:19] Jessica’s personal journey #IHadAMiscarriage
• [5:05] Impact of #IHadAMiscarriage movement
• [12:16] Exploring the themes in Normalize It
• [17:04] Healing potential of storytelling
• [20:55] Breaking down stigma through community
• [25:02] Personal experience integrated with professional practice
• [30:19] Societal pressures on women
• [34:58] Empowerment through shared experiences
• [36:35] The importance of education and open dialogue

Resources mentioned:

drjessicazucker.com

Normalize It by Jessica Zucker, PhD

Follow Jessica on IG - @ihadamiscarriage

Inside Amy Schumer - Last F**kable Day (ft. Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Patricia Arquette

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

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 journey from the very beginning.

Listeners will walk away feeling empowered with three key tips for optimizing fertility and a better understanding of why past or family fertility success doesn’t guarantee the same for everyone. This episode offers clarity, encouragement, and actionable advice, no matter where you are in your TTC (trying to conceive) journey

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• [0:36] Mistake #1: Understanding your cycle
• [2:46] Mistake #2: Timing intercourse correctly
• [5:06] Mistake #3: Semen analysis matters
• [8:23] Mistake #4: Waiting too long to visit a fertility specialist
• [10:24] Mistake #5: Making assumptions
• [13:55] Top tips for getting pregnant fast

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

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 Pacific NW Fertility, Mollie Hyuck.

From who the legal parents are, to whether the surrogate can keep the baby (spoiler: she can’t), to understanding the emotional, medical, and ethical realities — this episode is your evidence-based guide to what surrogacy is and what it isn’t.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• [2:20] Common myths about surrogacy (and why they’re wrong)
• [5:03] How surrogates are selected, screened, and supported
• [6:48] The difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy
• [8:28] What intended parents should know about legal and emotional considerations
• [14:03] Why surrogacy is often misunderstood in media and public opinion
• [19:37] How to decide if it’s the right path for you

Whether you’re considering surrogacy, supporting someone through it, or just curious about the process, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and connected.

Resources mentioned:

I Became Your Mama by Mollie Huyck

pnwfertility.com

roaringadventures.org

navieapp.com

Connect on Instagram @pnwfertility | @roaringadventures_ | @naviehealth

Episodes mentioned:

Ep 49 Olympic Champion Figure Skater to Fertility Advocate: What Tara Lipinski Learned with Unexpecting

Ep23 Samantha Busch on Surrogacy and Infertility Advocacy

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books