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In this episode, we welcome Dr. Harrell Jordan, a nurse educator and author who discusses the often-overlooked perspective of male infertility within the Black community. After being diagnosed with a low sperm count and abnormalities early in his marriage, Harrell shares his multi-year struggle to conceive, which involved failed IVF cycles, surgeries, and the emotional strain of balancing personal faith with medical reality. The ” tug of war” he faced while balancing his Christian faith with the biological realities of infertility led him to author his book, Faith vs. Fertility: A Black Man’s Battle Between Belief and Biology, with the goal of dismantling the cultural taboos surrounding reproductive health and encouraging other men to seek support.
Dr. Jordan offers a vital perspective on how infertility impacts Black men, noting a significant lack of support groups and the societal pressure that often places the fertility burden solely on women. He reflects on the strain the process placed on his marriage and explains why he and his wife eventually chose to limit who they told about their journey to protect their own emotional well-being. Through his story, he emphasizes the importance of proactive health testing for both partners and the need for a supportive community that offers practical help and listening ears rather than just standard platitudes.
Right before receiving his doctorate, Dr. Jordan and his wife discovered that they had surprisingly conceived on their own. The birth of their son, Elijah, Harrell credits “to God because many doctors, many test results don’t line up to the results that we got.” This episode highlights his mission to destigmatize male infertility and encourage other men to embrace healthcare—including mental health counseling—without feeling it diminishes their masculinity. His message is one of openness and resilience, reminding listeners that “nothing is wasted” and that the strength of your relationship remains the most important factor in any family-building journey.
Dr. Harrell Jordan is a nurse educator, author, consultant, and certified Christian counselor committed to building people and institutions with purpose and excellence. Through Career Compass, NCLEX Unplugged, academic consulting, and his book Faith vs Fertility: A Black Man’s Battle Between Beliefs and Biology, he equips students, professionals, and leaders to navigate identity, adversity, and achievement with strategy and spiritual depth. His work sits at the intersection of representation, resilience, and results—empowering others to see what’s possible and become the example others need to see.
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