Sleep isn't just rest—it's the foundation of your fertility, hormones, and long-term health. In this episode, we dive deep into how inadequate sleep, circadian rhythm disruption, and conditions like sleep apnea are contributing to the fertility crisis—especially in men.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Bijoy John! a board-certified physician and practicing sleep specialist currently in private practice with over 25 years of experience in Pulmonary/Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. Based in Nashville, TN, he treats both children and adults with various sleep disorders. Dr. John is the founder and medical director of Sleep Wellness Clinics of America which offers in-person and online consultation, education, modern diagnostic modalities, home testing, and comprehensive treatment for a full spectrum of sleep disorders.

He also is the founder of Sleep Fix Academy which offers online courses, podcasts, and other resources to improve sleep quality, and serves as an Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine.

Dr. John is a member of the American Academy of Chest Physicians, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He was recognized as one of the Top 100 Physicians in Nashville for 2022 by My Nashville magazine. Additionally, he received the Top Sleep Specialist award consecutively from 2015–2020 from Nashville Lifestyle magazine, as voted by his peers and patients. He is also mentioned in Marquis Who’s Who as one of the Top Sleep Physicians for 2023-24.

Dr. John has been happily married to Dotty for 30 years and is the proud father of two grown children. He enjoys maintaining his coral reef aquarium, playing ping pong, tennis, golf, and loves to travel.

Discover:

• Why testosterone levels are dropping in young men
• How poor sleep affects egg quality, sperm health & libido
• Signs of hidden sleep disorders (yes, even snoring!)
• Non-CPAP solutions to sleep apnea
• Why "just one more scroll" before bed might sabotage your fertility
• Simple strategies from the “7 Proven Sleep Steps” to balance hormones naturally

💬 Whether you're TTC or just want to optimize your vitality—this episode is a wake-up call (pun intended!).

👇 Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:45 The Sleep-Hormone-Fertility Link

5:22 The Testosterone Decline Epidemic

9:10 Why Snoring Could Be a Red Flag

13:40 Treating Sleep Apnea – Not Just CPAP

18:00 Better Sleep = Better Sperm?

21:30 Weight Loss & PCOS Connections

26:55 7 Proven Sleep Strategies

32:00 The Real Reason You Can’t Give Up Your Phone

36:00 Are Sleep Trackers Helping or Hurting?

🔗 Connect with Dr John on: https://www.facebook.com/sleepfixacademy/

Dr John's Book: Nobody’s Sleeping: 7 Proven Sleep Strategies for Better Health and Happiness

🔔 Subscribe for more fertility-forward conversations!

📲Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.

Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:

- what you loved

- what you want to see improve

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Did you...

If you’ve ever walked into a health food store or Googled “natural fertility supplements,” chances are you’ve heard of Vitex, also known as Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus). It’s one of the most widely recommended herbs for fertility—but what if I told you that most women use it wrong and end up wasting precious time on their TTC journey?

Hi, I’m Dr. Aumatma—a licensed Naturopathic Doctor for over 15 years, with board certification in Naturopathic Endocrinology. I’m the creator of The Restorative Fertility Method and host of the Egg Meets Sperm Podcast, which ranks in the top 5% globally.

I’ve had the honor of becoming a 2-time best-selling author with my books Fertility Secrets and (in)Fertility: Struggles, Secrets, & Successes. Over the years, I’ve been recognized with awards such as Best Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (2015, 2020), Top Women in Medicine Doctor (2020, 2021), and was inducted into the Berkeley Hall of Fame in 2022.

I’ve shared my expertise on over 100 podcasts, speaking on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum, and have been featured as a holistic fertility expert on ABC, FOX, CBS, KTLA, MindBodyGreen, and The Bump.

Through the years, I’ve trained hundreds of practitioners globally in holistic fertility care, and many of them have gone on to become certified in my Fertile Foundations™ system. I also founded Madre Fertility, where we offer a free Smart Fertility Analysis to help people uncover their fertility blocks and map out a personalized path to conception.

In addition to my clinical work, I serve as a Medical Advisor for Mira Fertility, Element, and Feminade—three incredible innovators in fertility and women’s health.

✅ How Vitex actually works (hint: it’s all about your brain, not your ovaries)

✅ The fertility conditions it's clinically proven to help:

• Luteal phase defects

• Mildly elevated prolactin

• Stress- or birth-control-related cycle irregularities

✅ Who should never take it (including most women with PCOS and estrogen dominance)

✅ Correct timing and dosing protocols for best results

✅ Why most over-the-counter Vitex supplements don’t work

✅ Common mistakes that sabotage Vitex’s effectiveness

✅ Safer alternatives for PCOS, estrogen dominance, and thyroid-related fertility issues

✅ How one of my patients regulated her cycles and conceived without Vitex—by addressing her real issue: insulin resistance

This isn’t just anecdotal advice. You’ll see the latest clinical trials, published studies, and fertility journal data that show how Chase Tree supports ovulation, boosts progesterone, and improves cycle regularity—for the right person.

💡 Key Insight: Vitex is NOT a one-size-fits-all herb. If you have PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, or are on hormonal meds, this herb could actually make things worse. Know before you dose.

🔍 Take my free fertility root cause quiz:

👉 https://madrefertility.com

Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.

Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo...

Could your genes be the missing piece in your fertility and weight loss journey? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we explore how genetics—not just hormones or lifestyle—may be silently shaping your reproductive health, metabolism, and cravings.

Discover how genetic testing reveals your unique “Genetic Avatar”—like Cortisol Carrier, Hormone Havoc, or Cravings Captive—and what it means for your personalized path to better fertility, balanced hormones, and sustainable weight loss.

In this episode, I talked with Dr Phyllis Pobee. Dr. Phyllis Pobee is a triple-board-certified physician who lost 100 pounds using genetic science. She now helps women over 30 unlock sustainable weight loss, balance hormones, and optimize fertility—without fad diets or surgery. As the author of Lean Genes, she’s on a mission to change the way we approach weight and health for good.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why “test, don’t guess” is critical in fertility and hormonal health
• How chronic stress, cortisol genes, and estrogen metabolism affect implantation and miscarriage risk
• The truth about supplements like magnesium, DIM, and adaptogens like ashwagandha
• What the COMT, NR3C1, and CRH genes reveal about your body’s stress response
• How to create a precision fertility plan based on your unique genetic profile

🧬 Ready to Decode Your DNA?

👉 Starter Guide: https://genelean360.com/starterguide

👉 Website: GeneLean360.com

👉 Learn more: GeneticWeightLoss.com

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 Why genetics is the missing link

02:45 What is a Genetic Avatar?

06:20 Cortisol genes & fertility

11:50 Estrogen metabolism & miscarriage risk

16:10 The power of precision supplements

20:00 Lifestyle shifts based on your DNA

25:30 My personal story with genetic testing

Connect with Dr Phyllis on:

Website: GeneLean360.com

Facebook: facebook.com/yourweightlossdoc

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drphyllis

YouTube: youtube.com/@Genelean360

Instagram: instagram.com/genelean360

TikTok: tiktok.com/@yourweightlossdoc

Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.

Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:

- what you loved

- what you want to see improve

- any guests you want me to bring on

- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!

Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the...

In this powerful, research-backed episode, I uncover the little-known connection between gut health and male reproductive function. Sharing the real-life case of Michael—a man told he'd likely never conceive naturally—I walk you through how a 30-day gut restoration protocol led to a 127% increase in motility, a 45% boost in morphology, and a natural pregnancy just 3 months later.

Hi, I’m Dr. Aumatma—a licensed Naturopathic Doctor for over 15 years, with board certification in Naturopathic Endocrinology. I’m the creator of The Restorative Fertility Method and host of the Egg Meets Sperm Podcast, which ranks in the top 5% globally.

I’ve had the honor of becoming a 2-time best-selling author with my books Fertility Secrets and (in)Fertility: Struggles, Secrets, & Successes. Over the years, I’ve been recognized with awards such as Best Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (2015, 2020), Top Women in Medicine Doctor (2020, 2021), and was inducted into the Berkeley Hall of Fame in 2022.

I’ve shared my expertise on over 100 podcasts, speaking on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum, and have been featured as a holistic fertility expert on ABC, FOX, CBS, KTLA, MindBodyGreen, and The Bump.

Through the years, I’ve trained hundreds of practitioners globally in holistic fertility care, and many of them have gone on to become certified in my Fertile Foundations™ system. I also founded Madre Fertility, where we offer a free Smart Fertility Analysis to help people uncover their fertility blocks and map out a personalized path to conception.

In addition to my clinical work, I serve as a Medical Advisor for Mira Fertility, Element, and Feminade—three incredible innovators in fertility and women’s health.

💡 You’ll learn the exact strategy that helped Michael improve:

✔️ Sperm concentration (from 12M → 28M/mL)

✔️ Morphology (from 2% → 4%)

✔️ Motility (from 32% → 58%)

✔️ Testosterone (from 440 → 600 ng/dL)

✔️ DNA fragmentation (from 38% → 22%)

🌱 This Episode Covers:

• Why gut health is crucial for sperm production & hormone balance
• How leaky gut, dysbiosis & inflammation disrupt male fertility
• The 4R Protocol: Remove, Replace, Re-inoculate, Repair
• Real test results from stool analysis and semen follow-ups
• Foods, probiotics & lifestyle tips to naturally support male fertility

💥 Plus, discover:

• The harmful effects of protein powders, alcohol, and over-exercise
• How medications like ibuprofen and antibiotics alter sperm health
• Why even “healthy” foods like garlic & cauliflower may sabotage gut function in some men

🎯 If you’ve been told there’s “nothing more you can do” for male fertility—listen to this episode!

👨‍⚕️ As always, this episode is for educational purposes. Please consult your healthcare provider before implementing any new protocols.

📚 Further Learning Resources:

• Cleveland Clinic: Gut-Sperm Research
• American Journal of Reproductive Immunology: Inflammation & Sperm DNA
• Journal of Endocrinology: Gut Microbiome & Testosterone

📌 Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & Overview

02:18 – Michael’s Journey

06:40 – The Male Fertility Crisis

09:20 – The Gut-Sperm Link Explained

14:00 – 4-Step Gut Protocol in Detail

27:30 – Daily Habits That Harm Fertility

34:10 – Foods That Heal the Gut & Reboot Sperm Health

38:00 – Final Results & Insights

Been curious about menstrual cups? Join in this insightful discussion as Sivaranjani Ganapathy shares her decade-long experience, revealing not just the ease and comfort (say goodbye to rashes and hello to tummy-sleeping freedom!), but also a less-talked-about aspect: how menstrual cups can sometimes show changes in your period blood.

Sivaranjani Ganapathy’s health journey has been deeply personal and transformative. She was diagnosed with PCOD and faced unexplained infertility, undergoing conventional treatments for two years. These included follicular studies (both with and without medications), failed IUI procedures, and ultimately being offered IVF as the only remaining option.

A miscarriage following a spontaneous conception became a pivotal moment—it showed her that conception was possible, but sustaining the pregnancy was the challenge. This insight led her to shift her approach. By tuning into her body and trusting its signals, she was able to conceive naturally—twice—without medical intervention.

The process required deep unlearning and working through emotional trauma. Today, Sivaranjani is dedicated to helping other women reconnect with their bodies, release emotional stagnation, and realign with their feminine energy to support healthy menstruation and enhance fertility.

Dive deep into the concept of "stagnation" – that darker period blood and clots – and explore practical, gentle methods to encourage healthy flow.

Discover:

• Simple Self-Care Rituals: Learn step-by-step instructions for a gentle uterus massage you can do at home (when not on your period!) to support healthy circulation.
• The Power of Castor Oil Packs: Uncover how castor oil packs can be a powerful tool for addressing stagnation (with important considerations if you're planning pregnancy!).
• Easy Acupressure Points: Find out specific acupressure points on your hands that you can gently press or use with magnets or seeds to support your uterus and ovaries.
• The Liver Connection: Understand the surprising role your liver plays in period health and learn a simple acupressure point to support liver detoxification.

But this isn't just about the physical! Explore the fascinating connection between your emotions and your menstrual cycle.

Discover how:

• Unprocessed Emotions: Anger, frustration, fear, and deeply held patterns of shame or the need for validation can manifest as period discomfort and stagnation.
• Chakra Insights: Get a brief introduction to the chakra system and how imbalances in your root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras can be linked to physical issues.
• A Quick Chakra Check-in: Participate in a simple color association exercise to gain potential insights into which energy centers might need your attention.

If you've tried everything for period issues without lasting relief, this episode encourages you to consider the often-overlooked emotional landscape. Learn about simple practices like guided meditations, frequency music, journaling, and bodywork that can support emotional release and positively impact your period health.

Plus, get valuable insights into maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome, especially if you're using menstrual cups or on a fertility journey. Discover signs of imbalance and simple ways to support your vaginal flora through probiotics.

Whether you're a long-time menstrual cup user, struggling with period discomfort, or curious about the holistic connection between your body and emotions, this episode offers practical tips and a fresh perspective on nurturing your cycle.

Connect with Sivaranjani Ganapathy:

Instagram:

Plastics are deeply woven into the fabric of our everyday lives—from the water bottles we sip from to the skincare products we apply, and even the yoga pants we wear. But beneath this modern convenience lies an alarming truth: plastics are loaded with hormone-disrupting chemicals that may be sabotaging your fertility, energy, mood, and overall health.

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, I share Elena's real-life story of how eliminating plastic exposure for just 30 days dramatically improved her hormone balance, energy, skin, and sleep—and ultimately helped her conceive naturally after 3 years of trying.

• What endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like BPA, BPS, and phthalates are, and how they hijack your hormones
• How these toxins affect thyroid function, estrogen dominance, testosterone, prolactin, and more
• Why "BPA-free" doesn't mean safe—BPS and BPF may be worse
• Why even low doses of plastic toxins can have a big impact—especially during key hormonal transitions
• The 3-phase detox plan Elena used: Kitchen, personal care, and hidden sources
• Her hormone lab results before and after the detox
• How reducing plastic exposure can enhance reproductive health, reduce PMS, and improve energy and sleep

Metric Before and After 30 Days

Estrogen: Progesterone Ratio28:115:1 Prolactin24 mg/mL16 mg/mLTSH (Thyroid)3.8 µIU/mL2.7 µIU/mLFree Testosterone0.8 pg/mL1.3 pg/mLBPA in Urine—↓ 78%Phthalates in Urine—↓ 62%

1. Plastic Water Bottles → Stainless or Glass + Home Filter
2. Plastic Food Containers → Glass or Stainless (especially for hot/acidic foods)
3. Nonstick Cookware → Cast Iron or Ceramic
4. Plastic-Packaged Skincare → Natural, fragrance-free alternatives
5. Canned Foods with BPA Lining → Glass Jars or BPA-free Cans

• Track improvements with hormone panels that include estrogen metabolites
• Consider urine tests for BPA/phthalates
• Supplements: NAC, calcium D-glucarate, DIM, B-complex
• Sweat it out: Sauna therapy can support toxin release

Elena’s story isn’t an outlier. While total plastic elimination isn’t realistic, small, strategic changes can create measurable improvements. The goal isn't perfection—it’s reducing your body’s toxic load so it can heal, balance, and thrive.

Ready to take the first step?

📥 Grab the FREE 30-Day Plastic Detox Toolkit with a printable tracker, shopping list & product recommendations → http://holisticfertilityinstitute.com/plastic

Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.

Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:

- what you loved

- what you want to see improve

- any guests you want me to bring on

- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!

Did you know you can

The fertility journey can be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences a couple faces. In this deeply compassionate episode, we explore the often-overlooked mental health aspects of trying to conceive and how unresolved trauma can impact both your emotional well-being and your fertility journey.

Our guest, Adalina East, brings a unique perspective as someone who has found a way to live kindly to her body, mind, and spirit after healing from a lifetime of trauma. She shares invaluable insights on maintaining mental health, processing trauma, and finding joy even in the midst of fertility struggles.

✅ Mental Health Strategies - How to protect and maintain your emotional wellbeing throughout fertility challenges

✅ Trauma-Informed Fertility Support - The importance of neuroscience-based trauma processing work during and after fertility struggles

✅ Reclaiming Joy - Practical tips for having fun and maintaining your identity outside of the trying-to-conceive process

✅ Spiritual Wellness - Gentle approaches to spiritual connection, whether welcoming new life or finding peace with timing

✅ Holistic Healing - How addressing trauma can support both mental health and fertility outcomes

Adalina is an international lecturer, mental health and leadership expert, EMDR therapist, and multidimensional mentor who works with a global clientele to heal from trauma, C-PTSD, PTSD, OCD, and more. She is the founder of Transformational Healing™, a unique approach that integrates neuroscience, counseling, and spiritual insight to help individuals rewire their brains and create lasting, meaningful change.

With a background in neuroscience and counseling, Adalina combines evidence-based practices with intuitive guidance to lead others through deep healing and personal transformation. Her decade-long career with the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations has taken her across eight countries, where she has supported thousands in their recovery journeys—and empowered them to guide others in doing the same.

🌱 Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health during fertility struggles

🌱 Unprocessed trauma can impact both emotional well-being and fertility outcomes

🌱 It's essential to maintain your identity and joy outside of trying to conceive

🌱 Spiritual practices can provide comfort and perspective during uncertain times

🌱 Healing is possible, and you don't have to navigate this journey alone

IG: https://www.instagram.com/adalinaeast/?hl=en

Website: https://adalinaeast.com/

1. Prioritize your mental health alongside your physical fertility care
2. Consider trauma-informed support if you have a history of trauma
3. Schedule regular "fertility-free" time for activities that bring you joy
4. Reach out for support - you don't have to do this alone

Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.

Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:

- what you loved

- what you want to see improve

- any guests you want me to bring on

- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!

💥 Creatine isn't just for athletes anymore — it's a game-changer in fertility science. If you’re trying to conceive or optimizing your reproductive health, this video uncovers the powerful role creatine plays in egg quality, sperm function, and embryo development.

🧠 What are covered:

00:00 – What creatine really is and why it's not just a sports supplement

02:12 – How creatine fuels energy-demanding reproductive cells

04:45 – Creatine’s role in mitochondrial health and aging ovaries

07:30 – The science behind creatine and female fertility: egg quality, follicular fluid, ovarian creatine transport

11:00 – How creatine supports sperm motility, DNA integrity, and energy production in men

14:20 – Potential neuroprotective effects during pregnancy

17:00 – Who benefits most: Women over 35, low AMH, vegans/vegetarians, men with low motility

20:00 – Safe creatine supplementation: dosage, timing, and forms

23:30 – When to start creatine for fertility (the 90-day cycle)

26:00 – Natural creatine sources vs. supplementation

28:00 – Key nutrient co-factors (Vitamin D, B Vitamins, Omega-3s)

30:00 – Final thoughts: Creatine as a foundational fertility support nutrient

📌 This is a must-listen episode if you're navigating infertility, looking to enhance IVF outcomes, or planning for a healthy pregnancy. Backed by the latest science in reproductive biochemistry, this might be the missing piece in your fertility journey.

Don't miss out on this in-depth episode filled with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your fertility journey.

Let’s chat! I want to hear from you! Send me a voice memo with:

- what you loved

- what you want to see improve

- any guests you want me to bring on

- AND any questions you want me to cover on the podcast!

Did you know you can join my private community to support you in getting Fertile As F***? This is the place for live interactions, support, and learning on the fertility journey.

Want more amazing content? Join me on IG.

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🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!