Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine

Latest Episodes:

Ep 143 DNA Surprises, Family Secrets, and Finding Belonging in One Big Happy Family with Actress and Writer Lisa Brenner Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a DNA test reveals more than you bargained for? How do you process finding out that your family story isn't what you thought it was? And can identity, belonging, and love transcend genetics?

In this moving episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with actress and writer Lisa Brenner to explore how an unexpected DNA result changed her life and inspired her new film, One Big Happy Family.

Lisa shares the deeply personal journey of discovering she was an NPE (non-parent expected), what it meant for her relationship with her mother, and how decades of secrecy around fertility treatments in the 1960s and 70s shaped her story. Through candid reflection and humor, Lisa reveals how grief, resilience, and identity intertwine with the powerful theme of family—both the one we are born into and the one we build.

Listeners will learn about the hidden history of fertility medicine, the emotional complexity of uncovering DNA surprises, and the healing power of transparency and connection. This episode is filled with honesty, curiosity, and hope, reminding us that family is love—no matter how it's formed.

In this episode you'll hear:

[1:58] Lisa Brenner's "just for fun" DNA test
[5:36] A life-changing moment
[9:57] Fertility treatments in the 1960s and 70s
[20:47] One Big Happy Family, the film, is born
[28:46] Nature vs. nurture
[32:33] Reflections on faith, belonging, & reconciling a hidden identity
[42:48] Lisa's message of hope

Resources mentioned:

onebighappyfamilymovie.com

@onebighappyfamilymovie on IG

@thelisabrenner on IG

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 142 Fact Vs. Fiction on Fertility, Egg Freezing, and IVF Today with Dr. Lucky Sehkon Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

What's the truth about egg freezing success rates? Is IVF really a guarantee for building a family? And how do you separate fertility facts from fiction when the internet is full of clickbait headlines?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with her friend and fellow reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Lucky Sekhon, to explore the myths and realities of modern fertility care. Dr. Sekhon shares both science and lived experience through her personal journey with IVF and personal expertise in guiding patients through tough choices.

This episode focuses on how fertility education, patient empowerment, and evidence-based medicine intersect in today's world of reproductive health. It's a conversation that blends heart, hope, and hard science to give you tools to make informed choices on your fertility journey.

In this episode you'll hear:

[0:19] Online fertility education: empowering but overwhelming
[8:32] Dr. Lucky Sekhon's personal story
[13:19] Grief, shame, and resilience: the emotional side of IVF
[23:29] Balancing patient expectations with IVF success rates
[26:50] ERA and other 'add-ons': the truth
[32:21] Creating reliable online resources for patients
[34:12] No more scary headlines: Tylenol, autism, and fertility myths
[38:49] Dr. Sekhon's book The Lucky Egg

Resources mentioned:

The Lucky Egg by Dr. Lucky Sekhon

theluckyegg.com

@lucky.sekhon on IG

@drluckyegg on TikTok

Fertility 101 with Dr. Lucky Sekhon on YouTube

Brave & Curious Episode 50: Over 25 Years of Taking Charge of Your Fertility with Author Toni Weschler

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 141 Balance and an Eastern Approach to Fertility Care with Lorne Brown, Dr.TCM Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

What does balance really mean in fertility care? Can Eastern medicine like acupuncture and herbs truly support reproductive health? And how can Western and Eastern approaches come together for better outcomes?

In this episode of Brave and Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine leans into these big questions in a conversation that bridges two worlds of medicine. Joining Dr. Shahine is Dr. Lorne Brown, acupuncturist and host of the Conscious Fertility podcast, who brings a holistic perspective rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.

Together, they explore how Eastern practices—like acupuncture, nutrition, and stress reduction—align with Western science and treatments such as IVF, IUI, and recurrent miscarriage care. This integrative dialogue sheds light on how patients can benefit from both evidence-based medicine and time-honored approaches.

In this episode you'll hear:

[1:37] Welcome Dr. Lorne Brown and Dr. Lora Shahine
[3:15] Men's role in fertility and miscarriage
[6:10] Integrating Eastern and Western medicines in fertility care
[9:20] Myths & realities with age and fertility
[14:07] Optimizing fertility through lifestyle and health
[19:24] Embryo transfers: fresh vs. frozen
[26:49] The importance of sperm health
[33:18] The role of stress in fertility
[41:44] Nutritional guidance for fertility
[47:22] Recommended supplements for fertility
[49:09] Final thoughts and resources

Resources mentioned:

Resolve.org

acubalance.ca

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 140 Amanda Knox: Sentenced to Infertility Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

What happens when the most fertile years of your life are taken from you? How do you rebuild when trauma collides with your deepest hopes for motherhood? What does it mean to pursue fertility after prison?

In this powerful episode of Brave & Curious, you'll hear Dr. Lora Shahine's conversation with Amanda Knox who spent four years in an Italian prison and eight years fighting a wrongful murder conviction. Amanda has turned her pain into purpose.

With the recent release of her groundbreaking miniseries on Hulu 'The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox', she sheds light on an often overlooked consequence of incarceration: the profound impact on women's reproductive health.

In this conversation with Dr. Shahine, Amanda shares her journey through miscarriage, the emotional weight of delayed motherhood, and the stigma women face when fertility collides with trauma and injustice.

In this episode you'll hear:

[0:50] Amanda Knox's background and wrongful conviction

[1:34] The impact of incarceration on fertility

[4:27] Amanda's fertility journey & personal struggles

[7:36] A new beginning with Christopher Robinson

[14:51] Amanda's miscarriage experience

[17:04] Reflections on miscarriage and fertility

Learn more about Amanda Knox, her books, podcasts, and projects at amandaknox.com.

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 139 To Fly or Not to Fly and Other Travel Tips for Fertility Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever wondered if flying could impact your fertility? Worried about what happens if you need to travel after an egg retrieval? Curious whether that long-awaited vacation might interfere with success with embryo transfer?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Shahine answers the most common questions about fertility, flying, travel and IVF. She includes practical tips for travel days and leaves you informed to make the right decisions for you with your own doctor's guidelines.

In this episode you'll hear:

[1:18] Flying & fertility treatments
[2:20] Traveling & fertility care: what the evidence shows
[4:55] Egg retrieval & travel tips
[8:02] Embryo transfer & flying
[10:19] Advice from a doctor
[12:43] Essential travel tips for IVF patients
[15:04] A few final tips

Resources mentioned:

Article on circadian rhythms, international travel, and reproductive health https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21872642/

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 138 Fertility Over 40: What You REALLY Need to Know About Conception, Testing & IVF Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Trying to get pregnant in your 40s and feeling bombarded with terms like "geriatric pregnancy" or "diminished ovarian reserve"? Wondering if age is the final word in fertility? Curious about what you can do instead of what you can't?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is getting real about trying to conceive after 40—with clarity, compassion, and science-backed strategies. She covers the impact of age on fertility, the power of early testing, and why aligning your family-building goals with real timelines is more important than ever.

You'll learn practical steps to optimize your fertility, when to consider IVF, and how to feel empowered—not discouraged—by the numbers. Whether you're just starting or still holding onto hope, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating conception in your 40s with confidence.

In this episode you'll hear:

[1:47] Age & fertility
[9:40] An important first step: family building goals
[12:25] Next step: don't wait for testing
[15:38] Tips for trying to conceive
[18:44] Is IVF right for me?

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 137 CoQ10 and Fertility: What You Need for Egg and Sperm Health Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Thinking about adding supplements to your fertility journey? A quick search online can leave you swimming in advice—or drowning. How do you know what really works and what's just hype?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine takes a deep dive into one of the most talked-about fertility supplements: CoQ10. This naturally occurring antioxidant has been linked to improvements in egg quality and sperm health—but is it right for you?

Dr. Shahine breaks down what the research actually says, the potential benefits, and what risks to keep in mind.

In this episode, you're getting clear, evidence-based insights that can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider—and decide if CoQ10 deserves a spot in your supplement lineup.

In this episode you'll hear:

[2:04] What is CoQ10?
[3:41] How CoQ10 works
[4:45] Possible side effects
[5:47] Evidence of CoQ10 for female fertility
[14:55] Evidence of CoQ10 for male factor
[17:46] What Dr. Shahine tells her own patients about CoQ10

Resources mentioned:

Review article of nutrients for IVF, Hart et al. 2024 RBMO www.rbmojournal.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1472-6483%2823%2900869-6

Review article CoQ10 info, Rodriguez-Valera 2021 J Molecular Science www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9541

CoQ10 levels decrease in levels with age, Ben-Meir et al. 2015 Fert Stert www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001502821500374X

Animal studies showing improved egg and embryo quality with CoQ10 supplementation journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMRH.S14681

Randomized controlled trial CoQ10 aneuploidy rates in women doing IVF/ICSI, Bentov et al. 2014 Sage

journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMRH.S14681

Review article on antioxidants (including CoQ10) and male fertility, Kaltsas et al. Medicine 2023

www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/10/1769

Sperm motility improved in men given CoQ10, Balercia, G.2009 Fert Stert www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(08)00487-1/fulltext

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 136 How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Understanding Caffeine and Fertility Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Is your morning coffee helping or hurting your fertility? Should you quit caffeine cold turkey while trying to conceive—or during pregnancy? And where can you turn for solid, trustworthy advice? (Hint: NOT random internet forums)

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down what we really know about caffeine and reproductive health—from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives.

Dr. Shahine shares the actual caffeine content in your favorite drinks, answers the most common questions she hears from patients, and offers guidance on how to personalize your caffeine habits based on your own goals and body.

Listeners will walk away with clear, practical information—and a little more peace of mind. Just remember: there's no one-size-fits-all answer, so be sure to check in with your own healthcare provider, too.

In this episode you'll hear:

[1:55] Western evidence-based approach to caffeine and fertility
[7:00] Eastern medicine approach to caffeine and fertility
[9:27] How much caffeine is in your favorite pick-me-ups?
[10:30] Dr. Shahine's personal recommendations

Resources mentioned:

Caffeine Chart - find out how much is in what you're having: www.cspinet.org/caffeine-chart

1988 Wilcox Study Caffeine Harms Fertility

Large Danish Study Reassuring Results on Caffeine and Fertility

Men's Fertility and Caffeine Study mentioned

Planting the Seeds of Fertility: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 135 You're Pregnant, Now What? Your Guide to the First Trimester Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Wondering what's actually 'normal' in the first trimester? You're not the only one frantically Googling every twinge and symptom. Early pregnancy can feel like a rollercoaster of questions—and not always a fun one.

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks you through the first trimester with clarity and calm. She shares the most common concerns she hears from patients and what might warrant a closer look, all while offering practical advice to help you feel more grounded.

This episode is a reassuring guide through those uncertain early weeks. And if it's not the right time to listen, that's okay too—save it for when you're ready, and always talk to your own provider about your specific care.

In this episode you'll hear:

[2:24] What is going on in your body during the first trimester?
[4:45] Common symptoms during the first trimester
[10:10] Top first-trimester questions: weight gain, cramping, bleeding/spotting, foods to avoid, and exercise
[17:15] Tips for taking care of yourself during the first trimester

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events: Weekly Newsletter

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Ep 134 Detox Your Home: Cleaning House with Lindsay Dahl Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Is your makeup messing with your hormones? Could your cleaning products be impacting your fertility? And how do we make informed choices without spiraling into fear or perfectionism?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites us to ask bold questions about the everyday products we use—and the hidden chemicals within them.

Joining her is activist and author Lindsay Dahl, who's spent her career fighting for consumer safety and pulling back the curtain on toxic chemicals. They talk about the science behind endocrine disruptors, the power of personal storytelling in policy change, and the importance of asking "what's really in this?"—even when the label says "natural." Lindsay's new book: Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid Our Homes of Toxic Chemicals is full of real life examples, engaging stories, and many resources on safety and advocacy.

Listeners will walk away with practical tips for reducing chemical exposure, a deeper understanding of how U.S. regulations compare globally, and an empowering reminder that you don't have to be perfect to make a difference.

In this episode you'll hear: