Ali Prato
Hi! Tell us about yourself
I’m a journalist, podcast host, membership community founder, children's book author and mom who turned my own secondary infertility journey
into a mission to help others feel seen, supported, and less alone. I'm from Chicago, lived in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for 18 years and moved to Maplewood in 2021.
My husband Vince and I have two kids, Ever (16) and Sonny (10), and a rescue dog named Sweet Baby Ray. I truly love living in SOMA.
Tell us about your business
Infertile AF Group and Fertility Rally are based in Maplewood, and serve people all over the world who are navigating infertility and modern family building. Through storytelling, community, and connection, we create spaces where no one feels alone in this experience. Infertile AF Group is home to the award-winning Infertile AF podcast--which just celebrated 350 episodes and has had more than 2 million global downloads--and the “Work of ART” children’s book series, while Fertility Rally--the Worst Club with the Best Members--is a 24/7 membership community offering virtual support groups, IRL and virtual events and hundreds of people who "get it." My goal is to normalize the conversation around infertility and ART, to help people navigate their fertility journeys, and to celebrate every path to parenthood.
What is it about you that makes you so good at what you do?
Because I’ve lived it. I know what it feels like to be in the trenches of infertility, to crave connection, and to need a hug or a laugh when things feel impossibly hard. Four years of infertility and having a baby through IVF changed me forever -- and I'm more empathetic and passionate about wanting to help people than I ever was before. I have always loved storytelling, and with the podcast, Fertility Rally and my children's books, the through line is that I tell the truth, I find the humor, I blast stigmas and I bring people together, so no one ever has to go through this alone.
What are 5 words that describe what you do?
Storytelling, community, connection, empowerment, love
What are 3 things that contribute to a successful work day?
A good workout, an empty house, Diet Coke
What 4 items are essential for you to do the work you do?
Strong wifi, podcast mic, Instagram, and the courage to talk about all the things no one else will.
What's something that’s surprised you about running your own business?
What’s surprised me most is how personal it all is—and how many different roles I’ve had to take on. One minute I’m a podcast host or community cheerleader, the next I’m the accountant or shipping manager. I HATE admin so that part is very heard for me. But at the end of the day, it's the incredible members who I meet at Fertility Rally IRL events, or the listeners who write me saying that my podcast has helped them, that make it all worthwhile.
What's your superpower in business?
Empathy and being an excellent listener.
What's the weirdest thing on your desk right now?
I don't have a desk! I sit in a chair or on the couch, put my feet up and have the laptop on my actual lap.
Paint us a picture of your business journey in five words.
Unexpected • Emotional • Creative • Connected • RealAF
If your business had a theme song, what would it be and why?
"Here Comes the Sun," because I heard that song constantly when I was going through my horrendous infertilty journey -- and I always considered it a good luck sign from the universe. Everyone who's heard my story (you can hear it on the first episode of Infertile AF) knows that that's my theme song.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your business?
I hope my legacy is that I helped people around the world feel seen, supported, and less alone. That we made infertility something you could talk about without shame—and even laugh about sometimes. I want our work to remind people that kindness is paramount, that giving back matters, and that community really can change everything.
A quote you live by
Tell your people you love them. And if you see something beautiful in someone, let them know.