Shows
The Whole PineappleThe End of Sex with Hank GreelySorry, folks, it’s official: it’s the end of sex.* Henry “Hank” Greely, Professor by courtesy of Genetics at Stanford School of Medicine, Deane F. and Kate Edelman Johnson Professor of Law, and Director of the Center for Law and the Biosciences, is very interested in how new biomedical technologies impact assisted reproduction. He’s authored two books: The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction in 2016, and CRISPR People: The Science and Ethics of Editing Humans, which published in 2021, and is Chair of the Steering Committee of the Center for Biomedical Ethics, among other impr...
2023-12-011h 01
The Whole PineappleFertility Preservation & Gender-Affirming CareFertility preservation for those undergoing gender-affirming transition is an important area of reproductive medicine. In this episode, Anne and Ruby are talking with Dr. Lynn Davis about how fertility options may be dependent on age, the gametes involved (i.e. sperm or eggs) and the stage of gender-affirming care. Dr. Davis started her educational journey with a double major in Biology and Psychology from the University of Virginia, followed by her MD from the University of Colorado and OB/GYN residency from Harvard. She concluded her training with her REI Fellowship at Stanford University, where she also c...
2023-11-2326 min
The Whole PineappleFertility Preservation after a Cancer DiagnosisA diagnosis of cancer or other serious condition is bad enough — dealing with tests, treatments, insurance, uncertainty, as well as the illness — but knowing that the condition or its treatments can also cause infertility…. It just feels so horribly unfair. The good news is for many, that diagnosis doesn’t have to equal the end of fertility. The landscape for patients has changed. In this episode, Ruby and Anne talk with fellow Seattle Reproductive Medicine provider and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lynn Davis about options for preserving fertility. Dr. Davis started her educational journey with a double m...
2023-11-1640 min
The Whole PineappleMore Needles?!: Acupuncture & Fertility TreatmentsDr. Lee Hullender Rubin wants you to understand acupuncture and how it can aid all kinds of issues, including infertility. The founder of Rosefinch Health, Dr. Lee is an award-winning doctor of acupuncture and a leader in the field of integrative reproductive medicine. She blends compassionate care with over two decades of clinical experience specializing in fertility, IVF support, pelvic and vulvovaginal pain, and cancer-related support. She is also a teacher and researcher in acupuncture and integrative East Asian medicine and founded Rosefinch Academy to help other providers learn more. But about that “being poked with...
2023-11-0239 min
The Whole PineappleLetting Go vs. Giving UpNote: This episode contains news on the future of The Whole Pineapple podcast, so be sure to tune in! There’s a difference between “letting go” and “giving up,” right? Giving up is relinquishing control; letting go is making the decision that this path isn’t serving you right now and it’s time to make a change. But even if letting go is your decision, it isn’t necessarily easy or painless. In this very special snack, Ruby joins Anne and Jamie to talk about balloons and balls and dandelions and whirligigs in...
2023-10-2618 min
The Whole PineappleEqual Playing Field: Bonus Episode with OL ReignFor women athletes, it can sometimes feel like the playing field is so tilted, they’re constantly running uphill to reach their goals. (Seriously, could this analogy BE any better?) There’s been progress, say our guests for this episode, OL Reign players Lu Barnes and Nikki Stanton, but parity is still a long ways off. The way women are (mis)treated in sports is a microcosm for the way women are often treated generally. So even for the non-sporty among us, the stories Lu, Nikki, Ruby, and Anne share will probably feel familiar – and the life lesson...
2023-10-1927 min
The Whole PineappleBook Review: Getting to Baby––A Food First Fertility PlanFirst, we’d like to apologize for the joke that starts this episode. This is what happens when good vegetables go bad…. ;) In this delicious snack, Ruby and Anne are chatting with Judy Simon and Angela Thyer about their new book, Getting to Baby: A Food-First Fertility Plan to Improve Your Odds and Shorten Your Time to Pregnancy. If you are considering starting or building your family, it’s great for everyone involved to get in their best possible health, whether you’ll be carrying the child or not! And this plan can help everyone attain o...
2023-10-0538 min
The Whole PineappleMicrobiome: Balance & Bowel MovementsOK, we knew the human gut had one of these, but the vagina too? What’s actually going on in there? Microbiomes are incredibly diverse ecosystems: we are more bacteria than we are human. Yep. Read that again — there are more bacteria in us than human cells. You, my friend, are a moving, breathing microcosm that is incredibly cooperative when you’re healthy. Don’t panic. Katy Bradbury is back to explain what all this means and how we can use this knowledge to be healthier. Things to know: A healthy gut is NOT f...
2023-09-2834 min
The Whole PineappleWhole Person Fertility CareScheduling to record with this guest was a bit of a journey of its own, but the end result was totally worth it! Registered Nurse, nutritional therapist, and former fertility patient Katy Bradbury understands the fertility journey as thoroughly as anyone can. But her own difficult experience had a genuine bright side: it led her into her career in fertility-centered nutrition. As nutrition often isn’t included in fertility advice or treatment in many places (looking at YOU, USA), this episode can be particularly useful for those who want to optimize their health and physical con...
2023-09-2129 min
The Whole PineappleFertility Through the Decades: Middle School to MenopauseAs anyone born with a uterus will tell you, living in a body equipped with one of these and all that goes with it comes with a special set of challenges. And many of us don’t really know all we need to know, so think of this episode as a sort of Owner’s Manual. So what do we need to know through the decades of our life? TEEN YEARS: Irregular periods are normal, but if they’re super problematic or painful, a discussion with your primary care provider or a gynecologist might be in ord...
2023-09-1425 min
The Whole PineappleWhat Do You Mean My Pregnancy is Ectopic?Ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tubes. As much as 1-2 percent of pregnancies end up in this category, even when the pregnancy results from IVF. In this episode, Ruby and Anne talk with Dr. Amy Criniti, another member of the Seattle Reproductive Medicine team, about some of the questions (and myths) out there about ectopic pregnancies. Why are they so dangerous? If not caught early, the embryo can grow inside the tube. Unlike the uterus, the fallopian tubes aren’t meant to stretch to accommodate a g...
2023-08-3129 min
The Whole PineappleHow to Help When Everything You Say is WrongPhew! Ruby, Anne, and counselor Suzi Mohn are going to fix All The Things today, so the rest of us can relax by the pool. OK, maybe not, but they certainly can help, so listen up! Today’s question is: How can you support your partner in a difficult fertility journey? Often, the one who will not be carrying the baby feels a little helpless and useless during the process. (For ease of communication, we’ll call this person “the partner.”) Partners want to support the one who will bear the child, but they don...
2023-08-1722 min
The Whole PineappleWhat's Love Got to Do With It?: Relationships & InfertilityIndividual and family couples counselor Suzi Mohn has helped families navigate crises for years, and she knows how important support can be during a fertility journey. Infertility can put a huge strain on relationships — stress, financial worries, blame and guilt, turning pleasure into obligation, differing expectations or goals, etc. etc. are all legitimate concerns. Ironically, in the quest to build a family, the family you already have can be put at risk. Fortunately, there are counselors and therapy groups to help couples overcome the difficulties, together. In this episode, Suzi, Anne, and Ruby dis...
2023-08-1042 min
The Whole PineappleHappy Birthday Louise Brown!July 25, 1978 was a great day, and not just because July 25 is Ruby’s birthday. This particular day in 1978, the first IVF baby, Louise Brown, was born! IVF is a lot different now than it was then — a lot was learned on the way to this first successful human pregnancy, and a lot has been learned since. In this snack, Ruby and Anne are talking about the research and experimentation that got us where we are now. One of the biggest changes (and dare we say, improvements) from the experience of Lesley and Peter Brown is how...
2023-08-0325 min
The Whole PineappleThe Politics & Policy of Assisted Reproductive TechnologyContent warning: there are mentions of abortion, incest, and rape in this episode. Advocacy is on the menu for today’s episode — and to quote our Season One guest Lara Hayden in episode 13, listen up to learn how we can all “be prepared, not scared.” Sean Tipton, Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), is a fantastic resource for getting prepared. Mr. Tipton formulates and executes media and government affairs programs for ASRM, the country’s leading organization for professionals involved in reproductive health care and infertility. In this role, he h...
2023-07-2038 min
The Whole PineappleTalking Yourself (& Your Vacuum) Off a CliffHow do you stop “catastrophizing”? And if it’s not clear from context, “catastrophizing” is the art/science/self-destructive spin-out of getting stuck in what Bridget Jones referred to as a “negative thought bog,” like getting mired in a swamp of despair. Like “doom scrolling,” catastrophizing is that rut of negativity you just can’t seem to fight free of. Not to make this a list of metaphors, but Anne’s Roomba story in this episode is perhaps the most perfect example of catastrophizing. But you’ll have to listen to get the joke. 🙂 Fortunately for us, Jaime Mammenga is b...
2023-07-1327 min
The Whole PineappleListener Story: Julie's with Termination of Pregnancy for Medical ReasonsWe often refer to fertility as a “journey” — but sometimes it can feel like a slog through disappointment, bewildering medical terminology, treatments, surgical termination, physical and emotional pain, and more horrors that you really don’t need us to list out. One of the hardest parts may be feeling so isolated, like no one’s journey has been as complicated and fraught as yours, and no one will truly understand what it feels like to be you. In this episode, reproductive psychology expert Dr. Julie Bindeman tells her story. It is a roller coaster that will probabl...
2023-07-0654 min
The Whole PineappleTermination of Pregnancy for Medical ReasonsContent Warning: This episode focuses on pregnancy loss and termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. If you’re not in the right head space to hear this episode, we suggest you skip ahead and come back if and when you’re ready. Please take care of you. Worst-case scenarios suck. There’s no way around that. But one way to make it suck slightly less is to be sure everyone involved is invited into the tough conversation about termination of pregnancy (TOP) for medical reasons. When the bad news is fresh is a really tough time to make a...
2023-06-2954 min
The Whole PineappleExor-Cyst: Demystifying the Common Ovarian CystQ: What is a cyst? A: It’s a pocket of fluid. Q: Why do I have cysts? A: Because you have ovaries. Q: Is it bad? A: Great question. Let’s talk. Not all cysts are bad news. In fact, bodies with ovaries generate cysts pretty regularly as part of the menstrual cycle. For example, what you see on an ultrasound isn’t the egg; the egg is inside a “follicular cyst,” which is what’s big enough to see and measure on an ultrasound. As you liste...
2023-06-2229 min
The Whole PineappleCommunication & Lube: Tips for Great SexWelcome back to Dr. Kelly Casperson, urologist, author, and expert in sexuality, and not to jump in, but let’s “fix” sex already! It’s really challenging to get even our own ideas on sex straight, given what we were taught (or weren’t) and how societal and cultural “norms” around sexual behavior are … often not about sex. Controlling sexuality is a time-honored tradition for controlling women in particular, and Dr. Casperson is ready to help women claim their bodies and their sexual responses through education and by shedding stigma. In this episode, Dr. Casperson, Ru...
2023-06-1517 min
The Whole PineappleSex: The Final Frontier with Dr. Kelly CaspersonBeware the 7-year itch, says Dr. Kelly Casperson. Around that mark (or so the thought goes), many of us start getting a little bored in our careers and in our relationships. But sometimes it works out perfectly: Just as she was getting a little itchy, Dr. Casperson met a patient who was finding her sex life as uninspiring as, well, moldy lettuce. (You’ll get that reference in a minute.) That led to a whole new direction, and one you'll appreciate! Many of us now approaching potentially “itchy” times are finding out where the gaps were i...
2023-06-0834 min
I Want to Put a Baby in You!Episode 164: The Whole Pineapple – Ruby Booras and Anne JudgeAnne Judge, DNP, WHNP-BC, ARNP is a Nurse Practitioner at Seattle Reproductive Medicine (SRM). Anne has worked at SRM since 2007 and has both a personal and professional connection to the field of reproductive medicine. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from Stanford University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Washington, where she completed an honors research project on paternal infant attachment. Passionate about women’s health, Anne initially worked as a labor and delivery nurse, until her personal experiences with infertility inspired her to make a career change into reproductive medicine. Anne obtain...
2023-06-0753 min
The Whole PineappleTry Before You Bi-Opsy: Why, When, & How Do We Test EmbryosDid you know: We can take cells from the outside of an embryo and test them? Formerly, “embryo biopsies” were done only if there was a risk of serious disease like cystic fibrosis. It wasn’t routinely done because taking a cell or two from an embryo that is only 8 cells brought with it the possibility of damaging the embryo. Nowadays, the cells are taken later and aren’t part of the inner cell mass that becomes the actual fetus. These cells still have the information embryologists are looking for (does it have the correct number of c...
2023-06-0122 min
The Whole PineappleSo You're Saying Theres a Chance: Behind the Scenes in the Embryology LabContent Warning: There is discussion of animal testing some listeners may find difficult. Continuing our digital/audio tour of a fertility clinic, we’re stopping off at the Lab, a place full of lovely humans, according to Ruby and Anne. One of those lovely humans is Embryologist, Julia Aliabadi. Julia graduated from the University of Washington in 1992 with a Zoology degree (which apparently is a common path for folks who end up in Embryology). She first worked in andrology before joining Seattle Reproductive Medicine in 2005. So, what actually happens in the lab with the...
2023-05-2547 min
The Whole PineappleIVF Don'ts: Why Does My Clinic Not Want Me To...You’ve decided to give IVF a(nother) try: what should you do or not do during treatment? And how does this relate to Miami vs Pacific Northwest “chic”? Well, let’s just say, it really helps to know the rules in advance…. There are a lot of mythunderstandings (misunderstandings + myths!) out there about IVF, so in this snack, Ruby and Anne are going to talk about the things you genuinely need to know. Here’s what you’ll learn: (and yes, you need to listen to get the full answer!) Exercise: yes, no, decre...
2023-05-1929 min
The Whole PineappleShow Me the Money: Applying for Infertility GrantsNOTE: Yes, Roaring Adventures is focused on helping first responders and active military find funding to support fertility journeys. For you “Too Long/Didn’t Read (TL/DR)” people, even if you’re NOT either of those, keep listening! There is a lot of great information here about resources for anyone needing help with infertility treatment. In order to qualify for Roaring Adventures, you need to meet a few criteria: one partner should be diagnosed with infertility. You should also be a firefighter, nurse, paramedic/EMT, EMS, law enforcement (police officer), or a 911 dispatcher. Be sure to listen t...
2023-05-1125 min
The Whole PineappleRoaring Adventures: Fertility for First RespondersYou’re a soldier, a firefighter, an EMT, a 911 dispatcher, a nurse, a cop; you’re used to taking control and getting things done, even in enormously stressful situations. So where do you turn if your own body just won’t “follow orders”? Mollie Huyck is the Founder and President of Roaring Adventures, a non-profit organization supporting first responders and active duty military members who need help building their families. Seven long years and nine devastating losses before finally having a daughter inspired Mollie to help military and first responders with family building. Why this population...
2023-05-0435 min
The Whole PineappleMore Than Just Kegels: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy with Abby DunningWith a fertility expert and a pelvic floor expert in the same family, one can only imagine the discussions over the dinner table at family reunions…. But fortunately, in this episode, Ruby, Anne, and guest Dr. Abby Dunning are letting us have a little listen-in. And please do listen in, because this is a VERY important conversation for anyone with a pelvic floor. (Hint: that’s ALL of us – even those who weren’t born with a uterus.) Dr. Abby Dunning is a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Ruby’s own home state of Montana. She receiv...
2023-04-2046 min
The Whole PineappleListener Story: A Secondary Infertility ExperienceSecondary infertility is, as Anne says, a “unique subset of the journey.” What is it like to have a child and then experience difficulty conceiving or carrying subsequent pregnancies? In this special episode, a Whole Pineapple listener shares her journey and struggles through secondary infertility. There are lots of special concerns in this situation: when you have a first, people don’t worry about asking when you’re going to have another the way they might hesitate to ask about a first. There’s guilt about potentially having a “lonely only.” And what about as parents age, is...
2023-04-1534 min
The Whole PineappleInconceivable Encore!: More discussion with Meirav ZurWhen you’ve tried ALL THE THINGS to get pregnant, what’s left to do but make a rap about it? It’s a bit of an unconventional snack, but then, many of the things Meirav Zur has tried are pretty “out there” as well. Reflexology? Peeled almonds? Toe magnets? Mantras? And what the hell is a fertility “magician”? In this episode, Meirav refers to “Fertility OCD” – an obsession with making sure you do everything and do all the things exactly right, coupled with the consciousness that the clock is ticking – and how it can rule your life. And as A...
2023-04-0818 min
The Whole PineappleSo Bad It's Funny: Using Humor to Cope with Meirav Zur“Infertility” and “Humor” don’t really seem like they go together, at least not if you’re going through fertility struggles or care about someone who is. But in this episode, Ruby and Anne and their guest Meirav Zur take us on a tour of the absurd side of fertility and fertility treatment. Meirav Zur is an actor, producer, writer, and humorist who has dealt with unexplained infertility. As someone who communicates for a living, she was surprised to find herself so unable and unwilling to talk about the situation she was in. When she was finally r...
2023-04-0645 min
The Whole PineappleFiction Book Club: The Good, the Bad, & the Make You MadShould fertility be a sub-plot? The prefix “sub” is already a bit problematic, since those going through it often feel it’s THE CENTRAL PLOT right now, but that aside, how should we deal with fertility in fiction? Well, say our hosts, if writers are going to take on the topic, they really could at least (a) handle it sensitively, and (b) do their research. In this snack, Ruby and Anne look at several examples of fertility “tropes” that show up again and again in drama, and we reckon a lot of them will feel f...
2023-04-0134 min
The Whole PineappleHistoric Epigenetics: Examples of How Our Ancestors Influence Our HealthWhat does famine data teach us about epigenetics? (Note: Anne and Ruby are not “pro-famine” — they just provide some fascinating and useful information!) What about twins? And how did bees get in there? We’re on a total science-nerd learning path today, and it’s great fun. Our environment can turn genes off and on, so it’s not “nature vs nurture,” it’s “nature AND nurture.” How genes and our environment work together or at odds has real impact not just on our individual health but potentially on our offspring and theirs! Why are famines, devastating as...
2023-03-2528 min
The Whole PineappleYou’re More than Your Genes: How Epigenetics Impacts Generational Health & FertilityWhy do some identical twins have different fingerprints? Oh the 90s, era of the Hale-Bopp Comet and the Human Genome Project in science. Mapping the human genome was A Big Deal, and everyone from then-President Clinton to your high school biology teacher was pretty excited. The genome project eventually led to the lesser-known but also very important Human Epigenome Project — health impacts beyond our genetic code. How are we impacted by environment and behavior, in addition to (or despite) the effects of our genes? Ruby and Anne are having this critical nature/nurture con...
2023-03-2335 min
The Whole PineappleChanges In State Laws: Do I Need to Move My Embryos?If you haven’t yet listened to the longer episode with Ellen Trachman, please do. In that episode, Ruby, Anne, and Ellen talked about many of the larger legal issues surrounding assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In this snack, hosts and guest are tackling specifics around frozen embryos: who do they belong to, how did the Dobbs decision change the laws, do people need to be shipping their embryos to states that are more aligned with their needs and beliefs? The future of ART and legislation around genetic materials such as frozen embryos is very hard to...
2023-03-1122 min
The Whole PineappleRead the Fine Print: Legal Considerations in ARTIs sperm from sex “donated”? Welcome to a crossover episode with podcaster Ellen Trachman, host of I Want to Put a Baby in You. Lawyer by trade, reproductive technology advocate at heart, Ellen Trachman is the founder and managing attorney at Trachman Law Center LLC. Ellen founded her firm in order to bring dedicated and compassionate legal representation to those wishing to build a family or to help others to build a family through assisted reproductive technology (ART). She co-founded the Colorado Fertility Advocates, a nonprofit group dedicated to supporting Colorado families and fertility advocates. The l...
2023-03-0950 min
The Whole PineapplePAVING the Path Through Menopause with Michelle TollefsonPuberty in reverse – Welcome to menopause! Like those tumultuous adolescent years, you may feel like a tourist in your own changing body. And it’s not necessarily a fun destination, with hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, and the longer-term dangers of osteoporosis and increased heart disease risk. But are we thinking about menopause all wrong? In this episode, Ruby and Anne welcome back TWP alum Dr. Michelle Tollefson. Board certified OB-GYN, professor, advocate for lifestyle medicine and women’s health, and co-author of PAVING a Woman’s Path Through Menopause and Beyond, breast-cancer survivor (and thriver) Michelle...
2023-03-0427 min
The Whole PineappleSnack 57: 23 & Your Ancestry: What Commercial Genetic Testing Means for Your Health and FertilityOK, we have to start off with a caveat here: If you did a 23andMe or similar genetic test at home, no medical professional can use the results to diagnose or treat a medical condition. The test may indicate something really important, like you’re a carrier of cystic fibrosis, for example. But to start treatment or make any medical decision, the result must first be validated through a clinical, diagnostic laboratory. In this snack, Ruby, Anne, and guest genetic counselor Rachel Donnell tackle the question: What’s wrong with a commercial test? Answer? There’s nothing wrong...
2023-02-2518 min
The Whole PineappleMy Embryos are Mosaic?: Interpreting Your PGT ResultsRachel Donnell is back! However, unless you’re up on your genetic-testing-of-embryos science, you may want to hold off on this episode until you’ve heard the bonus episode (“56.5”) released a few days before this one. It gives you some background information that will make this episode a lot easier to follow. In this episode, Ruby and Anne are talking with one of SRM’s genetic counselors: Rachel Donnell. Rachel is a certified genetic counselor with 7 years of clinical experience in the infertility setting and a whole lot of experience explaining genetics and genetic testing to patients. Why...
2023-02-2344 min
The Whole PineappleWhat is PGT?PGT or "preimplantation genetic testing of embryos" – even the name is complicated. But, as we’re having a genetic counselor come in to talk about testing and what the results mean, we thought a little primer on the science would help everyone understand the longer episode better. And who better to help us than the genetic counselor herself? We’ll give you her full bonafides with the full episode, but Rachel Donnell is a certified genetic counselor with a Master of Medical Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling and more than seven years of clinical experience under...
2023-02-2119 min
The Whole PineappleIVF is Confusing AF!Hosts Ruby and Anne have been talking about IVF for over a year now and recently realized they never fully defined the term! We know you can Google it, but we thought it’d be helpful to hear what it is from healthcare professionals you know you can trust. And if you’re only too aware of what IVF is, but you’re really tired of explaining it to others, we suggest you send them a link to this episode, and let Ruby and Anne do the heavy lifting for you. In this short snack, Ruby and Anne t...
2023-02-1836 min
The Whole PineappleSensory Overload in Fertility ClinicsWhat can fertility clinics do to help neurodivergent patients be more comfortable when seeking treatment? Patients know that advocating for themselves can be necessary to getting the best medical care, but it can be really difficult for some to be understood when they express themselves — hence this very important conversation! Neurodivergent peoples may communicate their discomfort differently, so it’s truly helpful if clinics are more educated and neurodiversity-friendly. For example, offering multiple ways to make an appointment can really help people who find phone conversations challenging. Secure portals, text, emails, etc. — as long as it can...
2023-02-1130 min
The Whole PineappleNeurodiversity in Fertility Care“Neurodiversity,” says Ruby, is basically a term explaining the unique ways people’s brains work. And Ruby knows. In this episode, she’s “taking down the mask” to talk about her own unique brain! Although neurodiversity is a much more common topic than in days past, it’s still pretty misunderstood. And when you pair it with fertility challenges, well, finding research or even conversations becomes really challenging. But few are as tenacious as these two when it comes to sharing important information. They found a licensed psychologist who works in fertility and who is looking to mak...
2023-02-0946 min
The Whole PineappleFamily Equality & Advocacy: What Happened in US Family Building Law in 2022?Shelbi Day and Rebecca Willman are back with Anne and Ruby for this short snack about family advocacy. Some BIG changes happened in United States law in 2022: The Dobbs decision (aka the reversal of Roe v Wade overturning the federal right to abortion), the many state-level laws that followed, and The Respect for Marriage Act. Trying to understand how all of this affects family building can be confusing and overwhelming. Shelbi and Rebecca break down the details of the most influential laws of 2022, discuss what to expect going forward, and challenge all of us to become advocates f...
2023-01-2823 min
The Whole PineappleManifestos & Bibles: Reviewing books from Dr. Jen GunterAnne and Ruby have a book review for you; actually two book reviews, based on your recommendations! You voted on these books a while back, and our hosts read them, enjoyed them, and are excited to share. Both books are from Dr. Jen Gunter, OB/GYN and New York Times bestselling author. Ruby read The Vagina Bible and Anne read The Menopause Manifesto, and both said these books fight misinformation and answer questions in a way that is scientifically accurate while being funny and relatable. Ruby shares that The Vagina Bible empowers women with information a...
2023-01-2128 min
The Whole PineappleThat's Hysterical!: The History of Hysteria in Women's Health“A tendency to cause trouble” – over history, there have been LOTS of “definitions” of hysteria. Usually from men, starting in the 5th Century BC with Hippocrates. (You’ve heard of the Hippocratic Oath? Yeah. That guy.) Ahem. If you’re like us, the least mention of hysteria in regards to those who identify as women really gets the hackles up. Outdated and untrue though it may be, it’s still a problem: This notion of women being "hysterical" underpins much of women’s struggles to get their issues recognized, respected, studied, and treated. So in this episode, Ruby...
2023-01-1244 min
The Whole PineappleFertility Mood MusicWe’re making you a mixed tape! Well, the 2023 version of a mixed tape — a Spotify playlist. Anne and Ruby share some science behind why music is so powerful in helping us manage Big Emotions like fear, uncertainty, and joy. Anne and Ruby have (quite) different musical tastes and are drawing from different perspectives. Instead of division, this shows how people of all backgrounds and preferences can experience fertility struggles and how we can connect with each other simply with our collective love for and emotional connection to music. Whatever your taste, we hope our “infertility playlist” will have...
2023-01-0737 min
The Whole PineappleMagic Poo and a Year in Review 💩✨The Whole Pineapple's 2022 in review: 12 months of podcasting 25 FULL episodes (including this one) 49 snack episodes 19,000+ downloads 20 countries! What a year it’s been! So much has happened in 2022, and Ruby, Anne, and The Whole Pineapple team are so grateful you've shared it with us. This podcast began with the idea of sharing the science behind fertility treatments and overall wellness, and the team are all thrilled with how it's grown and where it’s headed in 2023. Picking a favorite episode is nearly impossible, with so many amazing guests, but Anne...
2022-12-1558 min
The Whole PineappleLow Sperm Count — When None is the Loneliest NumberToday’s short snack is a listener story and a very special guest – Anne’s husband, Nick! Nick is here to talk about his diagnosis of Severe Male Factor. He shares his and Anne’s fertility journey from his point of view, from the surprise of their diagnosis to the challenges of unsuccessful initial treatments. Have you ever wondered what can go wrong in a collection room? Nick shares some hilarious stories of uncooperative door locks and audiovisual “malfunctions.” Nick also talks to Anne and Ruby about feeling guilty, watching and supporting Anne throughout their experience, and how nervous he...
2022-12-1030 min
The Whole PineappleCompassion FatigueIn this week’s short snack, we have Dr. Eleanor Stevenson back with us! This time we’re talking about the research she’s done on what it’s like to be a provider in the fertility field. Dr. Stevenson’s research centers around the “compassion fatigue” that can weigh on fertility nurses who are not only providing care for their patients but also supporting them emotionally. Her research is based on information gathered from 200+ fertility nurses and focuses on if they experience compassion fatigue and if it leads them to want to leave this demanding profession. Anne and Ru...
2022-12-0323 min
The Whole PineappleForgotten Research — the 'Male' Experience of FertilityToday we're talking research! But don't "change the channel" — you're going to find this both fascinating and easy to digest. In this conversation with Eleanor Stevenson, PhD, RN, FAAN, Ruby and Anne talk about the science behind fertility and why it's so important to patient safety and outcomes to keep up with the science. Some questions they tackle include: How is research conducted? How does data inform treatment? What are researchers looking for? How do they ensure the results are accurate? One special area of focus for Dr. Stevenson is stress and its ef...
2022-12-0146 min
The Whole PineappleGift Ideas for the Fertility JourneyBuying gifts for someone on a fertility journey can be really challenging — you need to know if the recipient is open to a funny gift, for example, or if it's best to avoid the subject altogether. As usual, Ruby and Anne are stepping up to help out! In this episode, they offer a bunch of tips not only about items that are available but also how to think about the person on the other end. From goofy to darkly funny to sweet and meaningful, there are some great ideas here to help you navigate a se...
2022-11-2622 min
The Whole PineappleEmbryo Donation — Practical & Emotional ConsiderationsIn this short snack, Ruby and Anne are talking with counselor Melanie Mikkelsen about building or extending a family with donated embryos. It's a great solution for families that are unable or prefer not to use their own genetic material. However, there are things to keep in mind when considering donating or using donated embryos: It's more complicated than you probably think. It likely takes more time than you think. It's probably more expensive than you imagine. In this short snack, Melanie, Anne, and Ruby are talking about things donors and recipients should be aware o...
2022-11-1923 min
The Whole PineappleCovering the Gamut of Gametes — Sperm, Eggs, & EmbryosWhat is "third-party reproduction?" It's when fertility treatment involves genetic material from someone besides the intended parent(s), whether that's eggs, sperm, or embryos. Sometimes the use of donated eggs or sperm is always part of the plan, while for others the decision to use donated material can be complicated. Often there can be sadness or disappointment that a child does not share the parent(s)' DNA. Advances in consumer genetic testing have also changed how we counsel when someone hopes to use a donor anonymously. Melanie Mikkelsen L.C.S.W., M.S.W., is a counselor at Seat...
2022-11-1754 min
The Whole PineappleMindfulness for the HolidaysThe holidays can bring up a whole lot of emotions: Joy and excitement, sure, but also anxiety, depression, and grief for many. And are you, like us, a little out of practice with making "small talk"? That might lead to some "big talk," but that can bring its own stress! Whatever you're feeling, practicing mindfulness and self care care can really help you have a healthier holiday season. In this episode, Anne Judge and Jamie Mammenga talk about stresses — and solutions! — that come up at this time of the year. Listen in for some...
2022-11-1221 min
The Whole PineappleGut Health and HormonesGut health and hormones — who knew that was a thing? According to Dr. B., these microbes that hang out in our gut are so intertwined with our hormonal balance that the gut microbiome is basically an endocrine organ. Your brain has the most nerves in your body. The second? Your gut. FIVE TIMES more nerves than your spinal cord. With so much going on in our guts, do you think maybe it's time we pay attention to what our guts are telling us? We're living in a scientific revolution, Dr. B tells Ruby an...
2022-11-0527 min
The Whole PineappleFiber-Fueled Fertility with Will BulsiewiczWelcome to Ruby's Happy Place! We're talking healthy food today — especially fiber! Because #EverybodyLovesAGoodPoop. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz (hereafter "Dr. B") is a clinician, researcher, author, gut health expert, and Ruby and Anne's guest for episode 22. If you're operating under the belief that fibrous foods taste about as good as the paper Dr. B's books are written on, listen on. There's so much good here, in information AND flavor. Gut health is more critical than most of us know — sure, it affects our weight and muscle mass, but it can also impact our mood, ener...
2022-11-0357 min
The Whole PineappleFilms, Food, & FertilityWhat do scary movies (or not-so-scary movies), nutrition, wellness, and fertility journeys have in common? Listen to this special Halloween Spooky Snack to find out! It's nearly All Hallows' Eve here in the US, and Ruby and Anne are sharing some of their Halloween favorites — with an eye to wellness and fertility, of course. Pick up some great information on wellness villains (Count Inflammation has a lot of explaining to do) and managing your fertility journey (please don't go down those dark paths alone). And it's OK to indulge in the ful...
2022-10-2937 min
The Whole PineappleSupporting a Loved One through Grief"Let me know what I can do for you!" It's a common statement made by very well-intended friends and family when someone is going through loss. But even thinking about an answer to that question, much less all the surrounding thoughts (Am I asking too much? Do I want to reveal this much about myself?) — it's exhausting for someone who is probably already in emotional chaos. A better solution? Drop off groceries. Don't stay for conversation, just let your loved one know the food is there, and give them space. Or text a note that say...
2022-10-2219 min
The Whole PineappleWhat is a "Grief Coach"?Note: This episode deals with grief and loss. Please consider carefully if this is the right time for you to listen. October is Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, and Infant Loss Awareness Month in the United States. The losses that can accompany an infertility journey often aren't commemorated in the same way as other losses, and that can add an extra burden to those grieving. We already struggle to cope with death in our society; when there's the extra stigma of shame that frequently accompanies infertility or pregnancy or infant loss, people can be left without the...
2022-10-2050 min
The Whole PineappleIndestructible — Infertility PoetrySolace, inspiration, laughter — humans are amazingly good at turning difficult experiences into art, and infertility is no exception. In this short snack, hosts Ruby Booras and Anne Judge share some of their favorite poetry on the challenges of infertility...and take a turn at crafting some poetry of their own! If you've written about your experience, we hope you'll share your writing with us! Find Anne and Ruby on Instagram @thewholepineapplepod or on Twitter @WholePineapple. And of course, on the website: https://thewholepineapple.com/. Resources: Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Be...
2022-10-1527 min
The Whole PineappleMiscarriage — What's Sperm Got To Do With It?What do we know about sperm and miscarriage? Dr. Lora Shahine has a chapter in her book Not Broken about "the other half" (men and miscarriage), and it's the shortest chapter. The reason may be very different than you think. Sperm is half of the genetic equation. And most pregnancies that are lost are lost because of a problem with the embryo — not the person carrying it. So why do we know so little about the sperm side? Historically, infertility and pregnancy loss have focused on the pregnant person, so there's very little rese...
2022-10-0813 min
The Whole PineappleRecurrent Pregnancy Loss with Dr. Lora ShahineHello, Pineapple People! October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, and if you’re grieving a loss and feeling like you might never have the family you’re hoping for, please listen to this episode. We see you. There’s hope. In this episode, hosts Ruby Booras and Anne Judge talk with reproductive specialist Dr. Lora Shahine about the many causes of pregnancy loss — and the many reasons to hope. Anatomy, genetics, environment, physical health: there are so many factors that can lead to pregnancy loss. Dr. Lora Shahine (https://drlorashahine.com/) is...
2022-10-0641 min
The Whole PineappleBMI Limits & Fertility Care"My doctor told me I have to lose weight before I can try IVF." When BMI becomes a barrier to fertility treatment, is that really medically necessary or appropriate? Nutritionist Rachelle Mallik hears "My doc says I have to lose weight" a LOT in her practice, and she'd really rather doctors advise their patients to practice healthy habits than just "lose weight." Eating well and getting exercise may increase someone's chances of a healthy pregnancy, but BMI alone isn't really a good measure of fertility success. In this snack, Ruby and...
2022-09-2424 min
The Whole PineappleDiet Trends & Myths with Rachelle MallikAre gluten and dairy evil? Should I be FODMAPing? Registered Dietitian Rachelle Mallik gets questions about gluten and dairy A LOT, and those who have PCOS or are having challenges with fertility may have some reason to ask. But mostly, there's just a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to food and nutrition. In this episode, hosts Ruby and Anne, and guest Rachelle are demystifying food and fertility so listeners are able to make better-informed decisions. We hope you'll share this episode with anyone who suffers IBS, PCOS, or fertility challenges o...
2022-09-2253 min
The Whole PineapplePCOS MisconceptionsTrue or False: the only issue PCOS causes is problems with fertility. Not sure? Listen up—it's PCOS Awareness Month, and Ruby and Anne are delivering a special episode to provide additional information about this common but little-known disease. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) may occur in as much as 8-12 percent (or more!) of women between 18 and 44. While it is often dismissed as "only a problem for fertility," the truth is, it can factor in many other issues people with PCOS need to be aware of, including diabetes and heart disease. Often those wi...
2022-09-2022 min
The Whole PineappleSnack 36: Mindful Eating for PCOSDo you eat at your desk? Are you stuffing down a bag of something from the junk-food machine between tasks? Are you eating from a bag or a plate, over candlelight or over the sink? Do you have one eye on your phone or laptop the whole time? Who knew there were so many ways to eat unhealthily that have nothing to do with nutrition?! Especially for those managing PCOS, eating mindfully and taking time to eat right can be nearly as important as what's on your plate. In this delicious snack, Anne a...
2022-09-1722 min
The Whole Pineapple"Representation is a Lifeline" with Regina TownsendWhy is it necessary to have a physical space in South Chicago that focuses on reproductive health? Chicago is historically one of the most segregated cities in the US, says Regina Townsend of The Broken Brown Egg, and most reproductive clinics are located in the more affluent, predominantly white neighborhoods on the north side. Reproductive health is difficult enough without having to travel an hour each way to ask a question or understand test results. Enter: The Well Lit Project. Mental health, financial literacy, as well as reproductive health and justice — all of these...
2022-09-1018 min
The Whole Pineapple"Infertility is Bigger than Babies" with Regina TownsendRegina Townsend had periods bad enough to send her to the doctor. And when the doctor was spectacularly unhelpful, her problems forced her on to the emergency room. Where more doctors dismissed her issue or ignored her for hours. It wasn't until Regina and her husband decided to start a family that fertility issues highlighted the problems she'd been having all along. Black women have been told by white culture that they are extremely fertile, so infertility was baffling and embarrassing. As Regina began unpicking all the lies she was told and all th...
2022-09-081h 02The Whole PineappleThe End of Endometriosis?Are you ready to track everything you eat and drink, answer a whole lot of questions, give stool samples, and get weighed over and over (and over) again for 12 weeks? What if you could help end endometriosis? Endometriosis is a much more common problem than previous medical stats might have led us to believe. But as it becomes more and more apparent that many with endometriosis were just mis- or undiagnosed, studies that give us the real facts become more valuable. Like, for example, how much does what you eat affect your endo s...
2022-09-0315 min
The Whole PineappleSexual Dysfunction in the Female BodyVaginismus, dyspareunia, low libido, sexual dysfunction: terms most of us would prefer never to have to learn. Both vaginismus and dyspareunia can cause pain in intercourse or render penetration impossible. There are often very good solutions, but because we find it so difficult to be open about sex — particularly about sexual dysfunction — many live with these conditions for years before being diagnosed. In this week's short snack, Anne and Ruby talk with clinical sexologist Dr. Ioan Hanes about issues people with vaginas can experience in sex or even in trying to use a tampon. If...
2022-08-2718 min
The Whole PineappleWhat is a "Sexologist"? Sex, medicine, and fertility with Dr. Ioan HanesWhat is a “clinical sexologist”? A three-year post-graduate training is required to be registered as a clinical sexologist in Belgium. Sexuality is a complex set of human behaviors involving body, mind, and heart, so it makes sense that experts in the subject undergo some pretty rigorous training. When it comes to fertility, too often the medical aspects can overtake the human, and sex is relegated to its most basic function: to create a pregnancy. But in recent years, says Dr. Hanes, fertility clinics have begun paying more attention to sexual function and dysfunction and the role...
2022-08-2547 min
The Whole PineappleAll About Fibroids with Dr Paul LinPatient: "Why do I have fibroids?" Provider: "Because you have a uterus." It may seem flippant, but it is nonetheless true. Many people with a uterus may not even realize they have fibroids, as they may be asymptomatic or have symptoms that can be explained away as "bad periods." People may not know they have fibroids until they start having extremely heavy periods at perimenopause — or until they have struggles getting pregnant. In this short snack, hosts Ruby Booras and Anne Judge and guest Dr. Lin talk about where fibroids come fr...
2022-08-1321 min
The Whole PineappleTales from the OR — Reproductive Surgeries with Paul LinIt's All Thing Uterus today! As Anne says, today we're going deep on "polyps and fibroids and adhesions, oh my!" Guest Dr. Paul Lin may not have one of these organs, but he is an expert on this complex and important part of the human anatomy. Because so many uterine issues may not present with symptoms — or the symptoms may disguise themselves as irregular periods or other variability — many people don't realize there's a problem until they have difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy. What can go wrong? What symptoms might you be expe...
2022-08-1152 min
The Whole PineappleBook Club — The Birth of the Pill“Sleep on the roof” as contraception. HUH?? Separating sex from reproduction allowed so many women to finally enjoy sexual pleasure, free from concern about unintended pregnancy. Jonathan Eig’s The Birth of the Pill: How Four Crusaders Reinvented Sex and Launched a Revolution is a deep dive into the history of the creation of revolutionary oral hormonal contraception. The four main actors in the story of the Pill are complex characters, as Ruby and Anne say, and the development of the Pill was far from straightforward — and not always legal or entirely e...
2022-08-0635 min
The Whole PineappleRacial Disparities in a Post-Roe WorldNote: The opinions stated by hosts and guest do not necessarily represent the opinions of their employers. With the Supreme Court decision that ended Roe v Wade, states, hospitals, clinics, and caregivers are scrambling to figure out how to provide necessary health services without running afoul of often unclear, poorly created, and poorly worded laws. With disparities already existing in health care — particularly in birthing mortality rates — the end of safe access to abortion in many states will likely mean even greater mortality among Black and other underrepresented minority communities. In this episode, Anne...
2022-07-3021 min
The Whole PineappleRacial Disparities in Fertility and Reproductive HealthAmong the "industrialized" nations, the United States fares worst in terms of maternal mortality. That means more birthing people die in childbirth in the US than in any other industrialized nation. In fact, in 2017, US rates of death from childbirth actually went UP. And for Black people giving birth, the risk of death is even higher. Why are pregnancy and childbirth so much more dangerous in the US than in so much of the world, and why is it even more dangerous for people of color? Dr. Jasmine Johnson is a physician and ass...
2022-07-2850 min
The Whole PineappleWeight Loss Medicines Don't Pull Their WeightFor a very long time, scientists and fertility experts believed overweight or obese bodies had a harder time getting or staying pregnant. Lots of would-be parents went on strict diets or adopted difficult life-style changes in the hopes of achieving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. And many fertility clinics wouldn't perform IVF until the potential parent's BMI dropped below a specific threshold. Was it worth it? Maybe not, say Ruby and Anne. Large-scale, randomized studies seem to show no particular benefit in dropping X% of your body weight. In this short s...
2022-07-2327 min
The Whole PineappleBirds and Bees Talk 2.0 — Teens & Pelvic PainYou thought you were done talking with your teen or pre-teen about reproduction. You had the birds/bees talk — or some version thereof — but now your kid is experiencing pelvic pain, and it's time for Awkward Conversation Two-Point-Oh. But it doesn't have to be. Fortunately there are experts like Dr. Angela Hernandez, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologist at Seattle Children's Hospital. For past generations, getting a proper diagnosis for pelvic pain could take half a dozen doctors and a decade OR MORE, if the diagnosis came at all. Getting a diagnosis — and management plan — ASAP is definite...
2022-07-1619 minThe Whole PineappleWhen Periods are a Pain in the Pelvis with Angela HernandezPeriods can be a pain, disrupting your plans, pimpling your face, and REALLY messing with your moods. But if they're causing a lot of actual pelvic pain, or if the pain is persistent and not only cyclical, that may indicate a problem that's more than "normal" cramps. Müllerian anomalies and endometriosis are common causes for pelvic pain, but because people with uteruses are told that pain is "normal," it can take years to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Yeah.... no. Fortunately, getting the right diagnosis for pelvic pain can mean finding s...
2022-07-1447 min
The Whole PineappleLGBTQIA+ Fertility and Family Building with Lara HaydenAccording to a recent Gallup poll, over 20% of Gen Z identifies as LGBTQIA+, so there are millions of reasons why Lara Hayden (she/they), MSW LICSW is working to raise the bar for LGBTQIA+ medical and fertility care. Lara is a licensed independent clinical social worker who’s passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ folks looking to grow their families. In their conversation, Lara, Ruby, and Anne discuss the importance of harm reduction and investing in health equity work, knowing that it benefits all patients. They talk about the range of experiences people have surrounding gender affirming hormones an...
2022-06-301h 12
The Whole PineappleLet’s Talk About Sex! Part 2Cue the candles and oysters. Let’s talk about sex… Part 2! You had questions, we have answers. On today’s short snack, we’re responding to your queries about sex. Like, are aphrodisiacs real? Is there such thing as a sexual “peak”? And can you control the sex of your baby at conception? Tune in for all that and more. And to continue down the nutrition rabbit hole, check out Ruby's favorite website, nutritionfacts.org
2022-06-2525 min
The Whole PineappleCelebrating Pride as a Family with Jaimie KeltonJaimie Kelton, co-host of the queer families podcast, If These Ovaries Could Talk, is back! On this short snack episode, Jaimie, Ruby, and Anne are talking about what it’s like to be out as an LGBTQIA+ family. Jaimie has some great anecdotes and a lot of insight about undoing internalized homophobia, modeling pride for your kids, and grappling with being a non-biological parent. How to be a queer family out in the world? It boils down to love, of course. Happy Pride! Mentions: Jeffrey Marsh Auntie Uncle Drag Quee...
2022-06-1818 min
The Whole PineappleCelebrating LGBTQIA+ Families with If These Ovaries Could TalkOh-varies, do we have a special treat for you! On this episode, Ruby and Anne talk with Jaimie Kelton, who is the co-host of the famed show, If These Ovaries Could Talk, the queer families podcast. The podcast has been written up in Forbes Magazine, was a Webby Award honoree, and has a celebrity-studded following (like Amy Schumer…no big deal). When she went through her own fertility journey, Jaimie looked around and couldn’t find stories like hers – of queer people building families, facing roadblocks, and experiencing the joys of parenthood. So she started If These Ovarie...
2022-06-1651 min
The Whole PineappleLet’s Talk About Sex! Part 1Cue the mood lighting, Marvin Gaye, and high thread count sheets. Let’s talk about sex! On today’s short snack we’re covering some juicy stuff you’ve always wanted to know about sex, but (maybe) are afraid to ask your fertility doc. Like should you actually stay horizontal after sex to increase chances of pregnancy? Does a clitoral orgasm have any bearing on fertility rates? How often should you have sex if you’re trying to get pregnant? And can you get pregnant while you’re menstruating? Also, did you know Ruby coined a sex position...
2022-06-1133 min
The Whole PineappleWhat’s the Deal with Ovulation Predictor Kits?Ovulation is just one part of the fertility puzzle, but it’s a really important one. So what is ovulation, exactly, and how can we track it? On today’s short snack, Ruby and Anne are going back to basics and talking about hormones, ovaries, and menstrual cycles. And then, the question you’ve all been asking: what’s the deal with ovulation predictor kits, and are they worth using? Anne and Ruby are here to bring you the unvarnished truth. And, if you need even more reason to tune it, Anne’s got one of her special so...
2022-04-3021 min
The Whole PineappleEat Plants for Fertility with Michelle Tollefson"Let food by thy medicine..." We're not sure Hippocrates really said it, but whether he did or not, it's true. What we eat can promote health and healing and may help with fertility challenges. And few people have ever experienced serious side effects from a radish. Equally, inflammatory foods can make conceiving harder, so it's good to know what foods are often culprits. And because every body is different, it's also good to learn your body's language, so you understand what it's trying to tell you. In this episode, Ruby and Anne talk...
2022-04-211h 03
The Whole PineappleShow Up! It’s International Trans Day of VisibilityIt’s International Transgender Day of Visibility, so Ruby and Anne are bringing you a bonus short snack episode to talk about identity, allyship, and how you can put your dollars to work for the LGBTQIA+ community. 1.4 million adults in the U.S identify as transgender, gender queer, diverse, fluid or nonbinary. Let’s show our support! Family Equality http://FamilyEquality.org Family Equality Book Nook https://www.familyequality.org/family-support/lgbtq-books/ Contact your elected officials https://www.familyequality.org/issues-advocacy/state-advocacy/ Donate: http...
2022-03-3115 min
The Whole PineappleHow to find good quality supplementsThe FDA is hands off when it comes to supplements, which means wading through the claims can be tricky and confusing. How do you know if what you’re getting is the good stuff? On this week’s short snack, Anne and Ruby chat with board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Sarah de la Torre to demystify supplement labels, claims, and certifications. What do the percentages mean? How do you know if your fish oil is mercury-free? What if you’re on a plant-based diet? Tune in so you can feel more confident finding and consuming nutrition-packed supplements that w...
2022-03-2614 min
The Whole PineappleEpisode 6: Insights on Functional Medicine & SupplementsYour average drugstore or grocery store holds a dizzying array of supplements. Gummies versus pills, this brand versus that, one-a-day versus as-needed, and don't get us started on the dosage discrepancies. The FDA doesn't regulate nutritional supplements the way it does medications, even though some ingredients in supplements can have profound affects on the body. When it comes to your fertility or your health in general, how do you know which one(s) to choose? In this episode, Ruby and Anne talk with Dr. Sarah de la Torre, a board-certified OB-GYN who has w...
2022-03-2452 min
The Whole PineappleThyroid BasicsHow can such a tiny gland have such big impacts on your health and fertility? In this week’s short snack, Ruby and Anne dig into the thyroid. What’s the deal with T3 and T4? What’s the difference between hypo and hyperthyroidism? What about the hypothalamus and pituitary gland? We even included some fascinating thyroid health history (hint: it involves seaweed in the year 2700 BC!). If it sounds like a lot, fear not: Anne has a song that breaks it all down.
2022-03-1919 min
The Whole PineappleBrea Seaburg Talks Insulin Resistance & Metabolic WellnessWhat exactly are "insulin resistance" and "metabolic wellness," and why are they part of a fertility discussion? In this episode, Anne and Ruby tackle these topics with expert Brea Seaburg. Brea Seaburg is a doctor of nursing practice with expertise in cardiovascular medicine, metabolic health, and chronic disease prevention. Brea has worked as a heart failure nurse practitioner for most of her NP career, but after a personal health "detour" (she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes!), she felt a strong desire to combine her professional interests with her personal health journey. Brea has...
2022-03-1053 min
The Whole PineappleGet Ready to Read! Reviewing two books about in/fertilityIf you’re facing fertility challenges, there are myriad resources for medical and emotional support. There are podcasts (ahem, like this one!), classes, and…books! On today’s short snack episode, Ruby and Anne are reviewing two fantastic reads. Fertility Walk by Tamara Tobias (@fertilitywalk, @tamaratobias.fertilitywalk), a nurse practitioner, dives into the medical side of infertility. What's it like in fertility clinics? What’s the science behind the barriers? What are those gray blobs on your ultrasound? Make IF Make Sense by Regina Townsend (@brokenbrownegg) shares a deeply personal story about the unpredictability – and all the ac...
2022-03-0516 min
The Whole PineappleYoga for Fertility with Lynn JensenYoga has come a long way from a bit of a "fringe" activity to a popular way to get and stay fit. But can it help with fertility? Ruby and Anne’s guest today certainly believes so – in fact, she wrote a book on it! Lynn Jensen is a Registered Yoga Instructor and a Certified Yoga Therapist. In 2002, after her own fertility journey, Lynn founded the Seattle-based Yoga for Fertility program, and since then has helped thousands of women and couples on their paths to parenthood. Lynn is co-author of the book Yoga and Fer...
2022-02-2448 min
The Whole Pineapple"The Camera Goes Where?!" Assessing the Uterus and TubesWe’ve covered the initial fertility tests for eggs and sperm, so on this week’s short snack, it’s time to travel up to the uterus and fallopian tubes. But how? Ruby and Anne discuss the difference between a Hysterosalpingogram or ‘HSG’ and a hysteroscopy, and what information can these diagnostic procedures reveal. When should you consider these tests? What can you expect from the office visit? And what’s the deal with the ‘wandering womb’? Get it all on this episode.
2022-02-1921 min
The Whole PineappleDoes Weight Matter?Between the medical and cultural layers, weight can be a fraught topic. Does it matter for your fertility? In this short snack, Ruby and Anne chat with Dr. Nichole Barker about if and how weight impacts fertility. They unpack some of the muddiness around BMI, and explore the more nuanced goal: wellness. Are you curious how your weight might affect your fertility? Are you unsure about how to have those conversations with your provider? Let’s dig in!
2022-02-1210 min
The Whole PineappleThe Many Kinds of Wellness Medicine DefinedExciting news: Ruby just passed her board exams to become a certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional! But, what exactly does that mean? In this short snack, Ruby and Anne discuss the many different kinds of medicine: conventional, complementary, alternative, functional, preventative, lifestyle, and more. And, they get into some of the systemic issues that prevent a more holistic, patient-centered care model. Your wellcare is unique to you, so let’s explore the many options you have!
2022-02-0518 min
The Whole PineappleFertility and ... Pineapples?How did pineapples — once a way of displaying one's wealth — become a symbol of infertility? In this first episode of The Whole Pineapple, Nurse Practitioners, fertility experts, and podcast hosts Ruby Booras and Anne Judge talk about how pineapples and fertility came to be associated, and whether or not you have to eat the chewy pineapple core to help IVF be more successful. About one in eight women or couples will experience infertility in their lives, making difficulty conceiving much more common than many believe. The Whole Pineapple is about helping couples and thos...
2022-01-1348 min
The Whole PineappleMeet Ruby and AnneNurse Practitioners Ruby Booras (DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, DipACLM/DipIBLM, she/they) and Anne Judge (DNP, ARNP, WHNP-BCare, she/her) know a lot about fertility and wellness in general. And they want to help you be as ready as possible when it's time to start or extend your family. Meet the team who will share information on physical and emotional wellness, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and more — all viewed through the lens of fertility. Learn more about Ruby and Anne and The Whole Pineapple at thewholepineapple.com!
2022-01-1215 min
The Whole PineappleIntroducing The Whole PineappleWhat do you get when you add two nurse practitioners, a healthy serving of science, a heaping scoop of kindness, a dash of fun, and a microphone? The Whole Pineapple podcast takes a whole-person approach to fertility. Join co-hosts Ruby Booras and Anne Judge as they discuss a variety of fertility and wellness-related topics including nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness, stress management, toxic habits, environmental exposures, mental health, sleep, sexual health, relationships, self-care and so much more. From thought-provoking interviews with leading experts and straight-forward conversations about scientific research to inspiring real-life infertility stories from listeners li...
2021-12-1402 min