FERN Rising Podcast with Dr. Ashley Burton

This episode marks a powerful turning point - personally, professionally, and physically. Welcome to the first official episode of the FERN Rising Podcast, formerly The Dr. Ashley Burton Podcast.

In this Week 13 pregnancy update, I share the emotional moment of buying baby clothes, how having Derrek home has reignited my motivation to move again, and what it feels like to finally start feeling like myself again. We talk honestly abo...

Welcome to my Week 12 pregnancy update and wow… what a transition point this has been. In this episode, I’m sharing honestly about what the last few weeks have really looked like behind the scenes ; from food aversions and comfort meals, to being sick, to some major physiological shifts that happen right around this stage of pregnancy.

We talk about:
 🌿 Why all I wanted was pancakes and soup  and how I realized I was likely eat...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Nora DeBora - preconception health coach, fertility educator, and host of The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast - to break down the exact functional lab tests every couple should consider before trying to conceive.

Whether you’re preparing naturally, trying without success, or gearing up for fertility treatment, this conversation is a must-listen. We go far beyond the standard bloodwork ...

In this Week 10 pregnancy update, I’m sharing the very real shift into the “eat only bland foods and sleep every chance you get” phase.
We talk about:

• Why I’m choosing walking over resistance training right now
• Navigating nausea, food aversions, and the comfort of beige meals
• The wild fatigue that hits in the evenings
• And, despite all that, why I felt called to submit a speaking application this week

It’s part personal upd...

Welcome to Episode 54!
This week I’m sharing my brutally honest 9-week pregnancy update - and if you’re also in the trenches right now, you’re going to feel so seen.

I dive into:

• The level of exhaustion I did not see coming (like… bone-deep, nap-between-naps tired).
• Is this normal? A quick look at what’s happening hormonally in week 9 that explains everything.
• My new pregnancy boundaries, especially around exercise, movement, ...

In this deeply compassionate and science-driven conversation, I sit down with fertility and hormone specialist Grace Parce of OvaFreak (https://www.ovafreak.com/) and her Instagram community @ovafreak (https://www.instagram.com/ovafreak/) to explore a topic that is both common and rarely spoken aloud: pregnancy loss.

👉 Did you know that approximately 10–20% of clinically-recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage? (March of Dimes)

 In this mini-episode, Dr. Ashley Burton shares the heart and meaning behind her rebrand - FERN Rising: Fertility Education Rooted in Nutrition. Discover how this evolution reflects growth, resilience, and the quiet transformation every woman experiences on her own health journey.

Dr. Ashley also introduces the new FERN Rising Skool Community, a space created to help women fuel their bodies, balance hormones, and build strength from...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton shares a personal pregnancy update and walks you through how an embryo develops into a fetus - week by week. Learn what’s happening in each stage of gestation, how your body supports that growth, and the nutrients and lifestyle factors that make a difference along the way.

Whether you’re newly pregnant, trying to conceive, or simply fascinated by the process, this episode brings science and story t...

Iodine is one of the most powerful and most overlooked micronutrients in women’s health. It fuels thyroid hormone production, supports fertility, and plays a critical role in fetal brain development.

In this episode, we break down the key insights from Dr. David Brownstein’s book “Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It.”

Here’s what we’ll cover:
 ✨ Why iodine is essential for thyroid, reproductive, and metabolic h...

This episode is a little different - more personal, more real.

I’m taking you behind the curtain of early pregnancy - week 4 - and sharing the raw, honest emotions that come with this season. The highs. The fears. The excitement. The uncertainty.

Because conception isn’t just a positive test… it’s a roller coaster of hormones, hopes, and deep inner shifts. Whether you’re on this journey yourself or supporting someone who is, this con...

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton takes a deep dive into Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA), a condition that often develops from the combination of overtraining and underfueling. We’ll explore why energy balance is crucial for restoring your cycle, highlight the importance of minerals (especially magnesium) in hormone regulation, and discuss how resistance training can protect bone health and support HA recovery.

If you’ve ever struggle...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of DEXA scans; what they are, how to read them, and why they’re such a powerful tool for understanding your bone health, body composition, and long-term wellness.

You’ll learn:

• How DEXA scans measure lean tissue, fat mass, and bone density
• Why bone health depends on hormones, nutrition, and exercise
• The difference between T-scores and Z-scores (and when to use each)
• How both women and men...

In this very special episode, I sit down with my sister as she shares the story of her recent pregnancy, birth, and the tender first weeks of motherhood. With her newborn baby in the room, you’ll hear the raw, unfiltered reality of what it’s like to bring life into the world and adjust to those fragile early days. Together we talk about the highs, the challenges, and the vulnerable truths of recovery, bonding, and navigating the un...

Have you ever wondered if the timing of intercourse could influence whether you conceive a boy or a girl? In this episode, I break down the fascinating Shettles Method, based on Dr. Landrum Shettles’ book How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby. We’ll explore the science behind X- and Y-bearing sperm, how ovulation timing and cervical environment may tip the odds, and the practical strategies couples have used for decades to try for a b...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating physiology and biochemistry that unfold after fertilization — and why healthy body fat levels are essential for fertility. You’ll learn how adipose tissue isn’t just “extra weight,” but a hormonally active organ that produces leptin, adiponectin, and estrogen precursors. We’ll explore how fat stores act as a nutritional signal to the brain, supporting reproductive readiness, and why low...

Many women (including myself) wonder if pregnancy is a secret muscle-building window — after all, hormones are high, appetite is up, and the body is in an “anabolic” state. But here’s the twist: that anabolic drive isn’t aimed at your biceps or glutes — it’s focused on growing a baby.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why pregnancy hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin support the uterus, placenta, and breasts — not ske...

I open up about the struggles I’m going through — and growing through — as I navigate big changes in my life: business, family, friendships, and finances. It’s not always easy, but I believe these challenges are the fuel for real growth. Join me as I share my journey and what I’m learning along the way. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as med...

 In this episode, I’m recapping our recent trip to Europe — the sights, the food, and the unexpected impact on my cycle.
 I share how a big change in routine, time zones, and travel stress delayed my ovulation (still waiting at day 22!) and what this taught me about the sensitivity of the menstrual cycle, even when you know what to watch for.
If you’ve ever traveled and noticed your cycle go completely off script, you’re n...

In this episode, Derrek and I sit down to answer some “Conscious Parenting” questions I found on Instagram, originally shared by a doula and midwife assistant. It turned into such a fun and thoughtful conversation! As we prepare to start a family, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore how parenting might shift our relationship, routines, and perspective. Join us for some laughs, honest reflections, and a little peek into ...