Real Stories. Real Life.

About Real Stories. Real Life.

Limited Series: Paths to Parenthood South Asian voices Honest conversations on Paths to Parenthood Fertility, IVF, Single Parenthood, Moving on from IVF to adoption and The couple's perspective.

Publisher

Real Stories. Real Life. by Krupa Suthar

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Sept 2026

Latest episode

6 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

6 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Nov 2026

   In conversation with Bobby Friction on BBC London: Raising awareness of fertility journey's within the South Asian community

   *** National Fertility Awareness Week *** This week marks #nationalfertilityawarnesnessweek Fertility can be a deeply personal experience. But for many South Asian women and couples, it can also come with stigma, cultural expectations and silence. There are also inequalities in fertility treatment outcomes. HFEA data for 2022–24 shows that, among patients aged 18–37, IVF birth rates per embryo transferred were 30% for Asian patients compared with 36% for White patients. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bobby Friction on BBC London to talk about our decade long journey and how I’m now using our struggle to help others through my podcast Real Stories. Real Life. In the interview, I talk through our decade long journey & how how my podcast brings South Asian voices to the forefront , voices which are often seldom heard but massively important to break down stigma. I provide an overview of each episode: 💜 Episode 1: Navigating IVF abroad 💜 Episode 2: Moving on from IVF and navigating adoption 💜 Episode 3: Choosing to become a single mum by choice 💜 Episode 4: The couple’s perspective and the rarely heard male perspective I also discuss how more support is needed to break down barriers to help people feel less isolated. Please do share this interview with anyone you think would benefit 💜

2. 

   16 Oct 2026

   IVF isn't just her Story: The couple's perspective

   What does it take to navigate IVF as a couple? In this episode of Real Stories. Real Life., Krupa speaks to Sonayna and Nim to discuss their fertility journey as a couple. They share their experience of trying  to conceive, adopting a 3-month holistic protocol, managing the physical and emotional realities of IVF alongside demanding careers and coping with the unexpected setback of delaying their transfer after Sonayna developed OHSS. Key takeaways The Dual Impact: Understanding how fertility struggles affect both partners emotionally and mentally. The Male Perspective: We hear from Nim's about his experience of navigating IVF / the fertility journey The 3-Month Reset: How a holistic health transformation tripled Nim’s fertility markers before treatment. Self-Advocacy in Healthcare: Advocating for themselves and overcoming frustrating medical consults. Protecting the Partnership: Practical ways Nim & Sonayna stayed connected as a team during treatment. Work-Life Balance: Managing appointments, stress and career expectations mid-cycle. Navigating Setbacks: Coping with the emotional toll of a delayed transfer due to OHSS. About the guest Fertility conversations rarely feature both partners talking about their individual experience together. In this episode, Sonayna and Nim offer a rare Couples perspective of their IVF journey. They speak openly about the emotional realities of treatment, overcoming cultural pressures and the role workplace and family support played in seeing them through. Resources ·       HFEA — Fertility treatment / IVF: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf/ (https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf/) ·       HFEA — Fertility trends and figures report: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2023-trends-and-figures/ (https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2023-trends-and-figures/) ·       [Nim’s article on IVF: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nim-chandran-86812272_worldivfday-fertilityaction-ivf-share-7485415067715416065-3E-g/ (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nim-chandran-86812272_worldivfday-fertilityaction-ivf-share-7485415067715416065-3E-g/) Connect & Share Your Story: Follow the Show: Subscribe to Real Stories. Real Life. on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite player. Connect with Krupa: Find her on LinkedIn (Krupa Suthar (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/krupasuthar/&utm_source=gemini)) and Instagram (@insightsthatshine (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/insightsthatshine&utm_source=gemini)). Get in Touch: Have a story or experience to share? Email Krupa directly at krupa@insightsthatshine.com.

3. 

   9 Oct 2026

   Choosing single parenthood: The Journey becoming a single mum by choice

   What happens when you know you want to become a parent but you're done waiting for the "right" relationship? Episode summary In this episode, I sit down with Reema @choicemomcoach, who made the brave decision to pursue motherhood on her own in her 30's. Key takeaways In this episode, Reema shares:✨ The factors / decisions behind pursuing single parenthood on her own terms✨ The realities of navigating fertility treatment independently✨ Cultural and family expectations around relationships✨ Handling the assumptions and noise that come with choosing a different path. 🎧 You can listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify or YouTube (Link in bio) #SingleParenthood #Fertility #ivf #ModernFamilies #Podcast Resources Reema's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/choicemomcoach/ Reema's website:  https://www.choicemomcoach.com/ (https://www.choicemomcoach.com/) Donor Conception network: https://dcnetwork.org/ (https://dcnetwork.org/) About the guest Today, Reema openly shares her journey and empowers women 35+ to step into motherhood on their own terms. Connect & Share Your Story: Follow the Show: Subscribe to Real Stories. Real Life. on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. Connect with Krupa: Find her on LinkedIn (Krupa Suthar (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/krupasuthar/&utm_source=gemini)) and Instagram (@insightsthatshine (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/insightsthatshine&utm_source=gemini)). Get in Touch: Have a story or experience to share? Email Krupa directly at krupa@insightsthatshine.com

4. 

   2 Oct 2026

   Not Plan B: Following a more aligned path after 20 rounds of IVF

   How do you know when it’s time to stop the rollercoaster of IVF and move on? Episode summary This episode explores Rita’s long term fertility journey & knowing when it was time to move on. We talk about navigating treatment, hope, expectations and managing devastating negative cycles and heartbreaking miscarriages. The episode focuses how Rita followed her heart to move onto adoption. We explore: navigating the practicalities of paperwork, processes and the panel interview. Key takeaways The emotional reality of prolonged fertility treatment The pressure that can come with deciding whether to continue How hope can change throughout a fertility journey How Rita knew when it was time to move on Navigating the adoption journey, the practicalities, processes and panel interviews About the guest In this deeply touching conversation, Rita shares her personal experience of navigating a long term fertility journey, the impact it had on her, her family and how she knew it was time to step off the IVF rollercoaster and move on. Resources https://www.gov.uk/child-adoption Connect & Share Your Story: Follow the Show: Subscribe to Real Stories. Real Life. on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. Connect with Krupa: Find her on LinkedIn (Krupa Suthar (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/krupasuthar/&utm_source=gemini)) and Instagram (@insightsthatshine (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/insightsthatshine&utm_source=gemini)). Get in Touch: Have a story or experience to share? Email Krupa directly at krupa@insightsthatshine.com.

5. 

   25 Sept 2026

   When IVF takes you abroad: What I learnt about navigating IVF abroad

   What happens when years of fertility treatment in the UK didn't work out? Episode Summary: In this deeply personal opening episode, Krupa shares her experience of exploring IVF treatment abroad after years of navigating fertility treatment in the UK. She talks openly about researching her options, choosing a clinic in Greece, the practical logistics of travelling for treatment, financial considerations and the emotional reality of making such a significant decision. Key Takeaways: What to consider when researching fertility treatment abroad How to approach choosing an overseas clinic The practical realities of travelling for treatment Financial considerations and budget planning The emotional experience of making a major fertility decision About the Guest: Krupa Suthar is the founder of Insights That Shine, a senior qualitative researcher and Women's Health Insights Leader with more than 20 years' experience. She shares her own 12-year fertility journey, including treatment in the UK and abroad. Resources: HFEA — Fertility treatment and choosing a clinic (https://www.hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-clinic/?utm_source=gemini) HFEA — Fertility treatment abroad (https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/fertility-treatment-abroad/?utm_source=gemini) If this episode resonates with you: Follow Real Stories. Real Life. on your podcast platform, and follow @insightsthatshine on Instagram and LinkedIn. Have a story or experience you'd like to share? Get in touch with Insights That Shine at: krupa@insightsthatshine.com (krupa@insightsthatshine.com) Disclaimer: This show is based purely on individual experience and should not be seen to replace medical advice

6. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Real Stories. Real Life. Meet your host: Krupa Suthar

   Real Stories. Real Life. A limited series which shines a light on South Asian paths to parenthood Show information Behind every fertility statistic is a person, a family and a story. Not all paths to parenthood are linear and for the South Asian community,  their voices are seldom heard and can also be filled with cultural expectations, taboos and shame. This limited podcast series focuses on four different paths to parenthood, all of which have undergone fertility treatment. Episode summary In this introduction to Real Stories. Real Life., host and Insights That Shine founder Krupa Suthar shares the personal and professional story behind the series. After spending more than 12 years navigating fertility treatment in the UK and abroad, Krupa explains whyshe wanted to create a space for honest conversations about fertility, parenthood and the experiences of South Asian communities. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in research and listening to people’s stories, she explores why lived experience matters and introduces the conversations to come: IVF, treatment abroad, adoption, single parenthood by choice and the couple’s perspective, including the rarely heard male point of view. Key takeaways Why Real Stories. Real Life was created The personal experience that inspired the series Why South Asian voices need greater visibility in healthcare The importance of lived experience alongside research and statistics A preview of the stories and perspectives explored throughout the series About the host Krupa Suthar is the founder of Insights That Shine and a Senior Research Leader with more than 20 years’ experience in research, user research and Women’s Health. Her work includes advising FemTech companies, leading user research for NHS Test & Trace during the pandemic and serving as a Trustee for Bliss, the charity supporting babies born premature or sick. Krupa draws on her own 12-year fertility journey alongside her professional experience of listening to people’s stories to create conversations designed to bring lived experience to the forefront. Resources Human Fertilisation andEmbryology Authority (HFEA): Choosing a fertility clinic: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-fertility-clinic/ (https://www.hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-fertility-clinic/) HFEA: National Patient Survey 2024: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/national-patient-survey-2024/ ( https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/national-patient-survey-2024/) Living Hellth with Jo Doyle: Krupa’s conversationabout her fertility journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jo1LcDYEVM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jo1LcDYEVM ) If this episode resonates with you Follow Real Stories. Real Life. wherever you listen to podcasts and follow @insightsthatshine on Instagram. If you have a fertility, parenthood or Women’s Health story you’d like to share or something in this series resonates with you, get in touch with Krupa: krupa@insightsthatshine.com (krupa@insightsthatshine.com)

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