Episode 287: Breaking the Silence: A Male Perspective on Infertility & Leadership

Written By Erin Diehl
 
 
 

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In the latest episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with her husband, John Diehl, for a deeply personal and refreshingly candid conversation on a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime: infertility—from the male perspective. 

Breaking the Silence on Infertility 

Infertility affects one in six couples, yet so often, the emotional toll it takes on men is quietly endured rather than openly discussed. Erin and John pull back the curtain on their own experience, sharing the raw, real, and often invisible challenges that come with navigating infertility together. From unspoken fears to unexpected grief, this episode offers an honest look at how this journey impacted their relationship, their mental health, and their understanding of themselves. 

The Emotional Weight No One Talks About 

John brings voice to a kind of pain many men are told to swallow: the confusion, the helplessness, the quiet heartbreak of wanting to show up but not always knowing how. He opens up about the pressure to be strong, the embarrassment he felt, and the isolation that followed. It’s not just a story about infertility—it’s a story about identity, masculinity, and emotional growth in the face of uncertainty. 

The Role of Support—When You Don’t Know What to Say 

Together, Erin and John unpack the complexity of navigating roles in a relationship when you're both hurting in different ways. They reflect on the challenge of supporting each other without having all the answers, and the power of simply being present. This episode is a reminder that showing up, awkwardly and imperfectly, still matters. 

Work, Family, and the Weight We Carry 

Infertility doesn’t clock out at 9 a.m. John speaks to the invisible burden he carried into the workplace—the exhaustion, the distraction, and the shame. Erin and John discuss the importance of workplaces recognizing this reality and making space for the very human experiences their employees are navigating off the clock. 

Creating Space for These Conversations 

This episode is a call to compassion—for ourselves, for our partners, for our coworkers. It’s about removing the stigma, normalizing the hard stuff, and making room for more honest conversations in our relationships and communities. Because when we speak up, we give others permission to do the same. 

Takeaways from John’s Story 

  • You are not alone. 

  • Men experience infertility too—and it’s okay to talk about it. 

  • Support doesn’t always mean having answers. 

  • Safe spaces at work and home matter. 

  • Self-care is essential, especially when you feel like you should just "tough it out." 

Whether you’ve experienced infertility firsthand or want to better understand what someone close to you might be going through, this episode will leave you with more empathy, more language, and a deeper appreciation for the quiet strength it takes to keep going.  

If you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Psychological Safety Playbook for Leaders here. Use this plug-and-play guide to building an environment where your team feels safe to share bold ideas, take creative risks, and fully engage in the work that matters most. 

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) 

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Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! 

 
Erin Diehl
Next

Snack 10: How to Lead with Vulnerability & Break the Silence