Overthinking About Fertility

Jan 22, 2025

Join host Amanda Montell as she welcomes Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, a certified fertility awareness educator and author. They dive deep into the emotional turmoil surrounding fertility, addressing societal pressures and pervasive misinformation. Lisa sheds light on the importance of understanding menstrual cycles and how fertility awareness can empower women. They also confront myths about reproductive health, discuss the implications of hormonal birth control, and emphasize the need for open conversations about parenting choices. A thought-provoking listen!

Ask episode

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

Navigating Fertility and Societal Pressures

02:08 • 14min

Navigating New Year Goals and Personal Transitions

16:27 • 4min

Navigating the Complexities of Fertility

20:06 • 5min

Navigating Fertility: Myths and Realities

24:40 • 7min

Navigating Fertility and Reproductive Choices

31:52 • 19min

Navigating Parenthood: Hormones and Choices

51:08 • 19min

Delicate does not even begin to describe this week's topic, and we're so thankful for the vulnerable thought spirals listeners submitted for discussion. The concept of fertility is often surrounded by an overwhelming mix of mystery, pressure, shame, fear, and misinformation—and, if you're fortunate to find it, hope and solidarity, too. From decoding hormones to navigating the emotional and societal complexities of "trying" (or choosing not to), there’s no shortage of material to overthink about. Host Amanda Montell (@amanda_montell) is joined by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack (@fertilityfriday), certified fertility awareness educator, holistic reproductive health practitioner, and author of three bestselling books on fertility and menstruation. Together, they unpack how fertility awareness can empower us, challenge long-held myths, and shift the way we view reproductive health in the modern world.

CORRECTION:

A couple of points made in this week’s interview—namely, the study about birth control pills disrupting pheromones and the implication that hormonal IUDs and birth control pills can cause the same side effects—are debated. Listen to Science Vs the Pill to learn more. Thanks for your listenership and thoughtful engagement! Overall, we hope this episode inspires more critical conversation and self-advocacy, and less shame, about the thought spiral-inducing subject of fertility ❤️

Further Reading: Lisa Hendrickson-Jack’s The Fifth Vital Sign

- Join the "Magical Overthinkers Club" by following the pod on Instagram @magicaloverthinkers.

- To access early, ad-free episodes and more, subscribe to the Magical Overthinkers Substack.

- Pick up a hard copy of Amanda's book The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, or listen to the audiobook.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Indoor cats and indoor humans agree - Pretty Litter helps my house smell fresh and clean. Go to https://PrettyLitter.com/magical to save 20% on your FIRST order and get a free cat toy.
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://SHOPIFY.COM/magical

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices