The NFP Podcast

Amy Smith
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Sexuality
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to "The NFP Podcast," where hosts Amy Smith and Emily Appeldorn bring over a decade and a half of experience guiding single women and married couples through the intricacies of natural family planning (NFP). Join Amy and Emily each week as they delve into the fascinating science of human procreation, unraveling the mysteries of fertility, and exploring the profound nuances of NFP application. With a perfect blend of expertise and compassion, they provide insightful conversations and practical advice on embracing NFP to foster responsible love and intentional family planning. Each episode educates, inspires, and empowers listeners to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Whether you're single, engaged, or married, you'll find valuable discussions on the benefits and challenges of natural family planning, real-life stories from couples who practice NFP, and expert interviews. Subscribe now and start your journey with "The NFP Podcast."

  1. Episode 110: The Goods of Marriage & the Domestic Church

    12 hrs ago

    Episode 110: The Goods of Marriage & the Domestic Church

    In this special episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Emily and Amy conclude their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony by reading and discussing the final sections on the goods and requirements of conjugal love and the domestic church. What does authentic conjugal love look like? Why does the Church describe marriage as faithful, fruitful, and total? And what does it mean for the family to become a "domestic church"? As they reflect on these beautiful concluding passages of the Catechism, Emily and Amy explore God's vision for marriage as a lifelong vocation rooted in sacrificial love, openness to life, and a shared pursuit of holiness. They discuss how the Christian home is called to be the first place where children encounter the love of God, learn the faith, and experience the joy of living as disciples of Christ. To close out this series, each host shares her biggest takeaways from reading through the Catechism's teaching on Holy Matrimony. Emily and Amy reflect on the truths that challenged, encouraged, and inspired them most, offering practical insights for couples striving to build marriages and families firmly rooted in Christ. Whether you're discerning marriage, preparing for your wedding, raising a family, or simply desiring a deeper understanding of the Church's beautiful vision for marriage, this episode serves as a fitting conclusion to our Catechism series on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the Catechism. We pray these conversations have helped you discover the richness of the Church's teaching and encouraged you to embrace God's plan for marriage, family, and faithful love. Catechism References: CCC 1643–1658 Topics: The Goods and Requirements of Conjugal Love • The Domestic Church Hosts: Emily and Amy If this series has blessed you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share these episodes with a friend, your spouse, or someone preparing for marriage. Together, let's continue spreading the beauty and truth of God's design for marriage and family. Resources: 1. Catechism of the Catholic Church- https://www.usccb.org/catechism-of-the-catholic-church 2. Fr Mike Schmitz Catechism Podcast- https://youtu.be/QmixPmwXOi8?si=p0lMNO5FdImuBNqr

    47 min
  2. Episode 109: Love, Sacrifice, and Grace: The Effects of Marriage

    Jun 24

    Episode 109: Love, Sacrifice, and Grace: The Effects of Marriage

    In Episode 109 of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily continue their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Church's rich teaching on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. In this episode, they read and discuss the section on the effects of the sacrament, exploring the unique graces God pours out upon married couples. What does the sacrament of marriage actually do? How does God strengthen husbands and wives through sacramental grace? And how does marriage help spouses grow in holiness and prepare one another for heaven? As they unpack these beautiful teachings from the Catechism, Amy and Emily reflect on the vocation of marriage as a sacred covenant that not only unites a man and woman but also draws them more deeply into the life of Christ. They discuss how sacramental grace empowers couples to love faithfully, forgive generously, carry one another's burdens, and remain steadfast through the joys and challenges of family life. Whether you are engaged, newly married, celebrating decades of marriage, or simply seeking to better understand the Catholic vision of matrimony, this episode offers encouragement and hope for living out God's plan for marriage. Join Amy and Emily as they continue reading through the Catechism and discover how the grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony transforms ordinary human love into a powerful path toward holiness. Catechism References: CCC 1638–1642 Topic: The Effects of the Sacrament of Matrimony Hosts: Amy and Emily Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who wants to grow in their understanding of Catholic marriage and family life. Resources: 1. Catechism-https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_two/section_two/chapter_three/article_7/iv_the_effects_of_the_sacrament_of_matrimony.html 2. Catechism in a Year Podcast- https://ascensionpress.com/pages/catechisminayear

    37 min
  3. Episode 108: Matrimonial Consent

    Jun 17

    Episode 108: Matrimonial Consent

    In Episode 108 of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily continue their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church as they explore the Church's beautiful teaching on Matrimonial Consent (CCC 1625–1632). What does it mean to freely give yourself to another person for life? Why is consent at the very heart of the Sacrament of Matrimony? And what conditions must be present for a valid Catholic marriage? As they read and discuss these important paragraphs from the Catechism, Amy and Emily also share personal stories from their own childhoods, reflecting on the challenges and blessings of growing up in homes where their parents were not equally yoked in faith. Through their experiences, they offer practical wisdom about the impact faith has on marriage, family life, and the spiritual formation of children. Whether you are dating, engaged, newly married, or have been married for decades, this conversation serves as an encouragement to pursue a marriage rooted in Christ and to seek a spouse who shares your commitment to the Catholic faith. Join us as we continue unpacking the richness of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and discover why the Church places such importance on entering marriage with unity of faith, purpose, and mission. Catechism References: CCC 1625–1632 Topic: Matrimonial Consent Hosts: Amy and Emily Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone discerning marriage or seeking to strengthen their Catholic marriage. Resources: 1. Catechism of the Catholic Church- https://usccb.cld.bz/Catechism-of-the-Catholic-Church2/426/#zoom=true

    39 min
  4. Episode 107: Two Vocations, One Destination: Marriage and Consecrated Life

    Jun 10

    Episode 107: Two Vocations, One Destination: Marriage and Consecrated Life

    In this episode of The NFP Podcast, Amy and Emily continue their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church as they explore the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Together, they read and discuss the Church's teachings on virginity for the sake of the Kingdom and the celebration of marriage, reflecting on the unique and complementary vocations to marriage and consecrated life. What does it mean to freely renounce marriage for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom? How does the witness of consecrated virginity illuminate the beauty and purpose of Christian marriage? Amy and Emily unpack these profound teachings while highlighting how both vocations point us toward our ultimate destiny—union with God. They also examine the Church's understanding of the celebration of matrimony, including the role of the spouses' consent, the significance of the wedding liturgy, and the importance of marriage as a sacrament within the life of the Church. Whether you are single, engaged, married, discerning a religious vocation, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of Catholic teaching, this episode offers rich insights into God's plan for love, self-gift, and holiness. Catechism Reading: Paragraphs 1618–1624 Resources: 1. Catechism Online- https://www.usccb.org/catechism-of-the-catholic-church 2. Catechism in a Year Podcast- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09FZr258Ob4 3. Three to Get Married- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09FZr258Ob4 4. Kimberly Hahn, Contraception and Christianity- https://stpaulcenter.com/posts/five-compelling-reasons-why-contraception-is-not-part-of-gods-plan-for-your-marriage/ 5. Theology of the Body for Beginners- https://a.co/d/08hVy6uW

    31 min
  5. Episode 106: Marriage in the Lord: More Than a Contract

    Jun 3

    Episode 106: Marriage in the Lord: More Than a Contract

    In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily continue their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church as they explore the beautiful and challenging teachings on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. They unpack what it means for Christian marriage to be elevated by Christ into a sacrament and a path to holiness. Drawing from the wisdom of the Catechism, Amy and Emily discuss how the grace of the sacrament strengthens husbands and wives to love as Christ loves the Church—faithfully, sacrificially, and fruitfully. They also reflect on the Church's teaching that marriage is a lifelong covenant, examining why permanence and fidelity are not burdens, but gifts that provide stability, freedom, and a witness to God's unwavering love. Whether you are newly married, preparing for marriage, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the Catholic vision of marriage, this episode offers encouragement, practical insights, and a renewed appreciation for God's plan for married life. Resources: 1. Catechism of the Catholic Church- https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_two/section_two/chapter_three/article_7.html

    27 min
  6. Episode 105: What Is Marriage? Exploring Catechism Paragraphs 1601–1608

    May 27

    Episode 105: What Is Marriage? Exploring Catechism Paragraphs 1601–1608

    In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily begin a new series walking through the Church’s teaching on the Sacrament of Matrimony by reading and discussing paragraphs 1601–1608 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Together, they reflect on the Church’s definition of marriage as a covenant by which a man and a woman establish a partnership of the whole of life, ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. Amy and Emily unpack how marriage was written into God’s plan from the very beginning, rooted in creation itself, and elevated by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament. They also discuss the painful effects of sin on relationships, the universal human longing for faithful and fruitful love, and the hope offered through Jesus Christ, who restores and strengthens marriage with His grace. Whether you are preparing for marriage, navigating challenges in your vocation, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of God’s design for love, this episode offers a beautiful introduction to the Church’s timeless wisdom on matrimony. Resources: 1. Catechism Online: https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_two/section_two/chapter_three/article_7.html 2. Ascension Catechism: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/catechism-ascension-edition 3. Ascension Catechism In A Year Podcast: https://youtu.be/NnggjPbIOM8?si=OjbqH6Lc-1Wf0teF 4. Family Camp (Emily's Sister's Camp): https://www.annunciationheights.org/ 5. Hannah's Children (Book): https://a.co/d/09fLiu34

    51 min
  7. Episode 104: Preparing for a Sacramental Marriage: A Conversation with Fr. Kyle O’Connor

    May 20

    Episode 104: Preparing for a Sacramental Marriage: A Conversation with Fr. Kyle O’Connor

    In this insightful episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amylynn and Emily sit down with Fr. Kyle O'Connor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church to discuss the beautiful and intentional process of preparing couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church. Fr. Kyle shares what makes Catholic marriage preparation so unique, from the initial conversations with engaged couples to the spiritual, relational, and practical steps designed to help them build a strong foundation for a lifelong covenant. Amylynn and Emily also explore the Church’s wisdom in guiding couples through topics such as communication, prayer, fertility awareness, and the true meaning of sacrificial love. Whether you are engaged, married, or simply curious about how the Church prepares couples for this sacred vocation, this episode offers a hopeful and inspiring look at the depth, beauty, and purpose of Catholic marriage preparation. Resources: 1. Casti Conubii https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19301231_casti-connubii.html 2. The Marriage Group https://themarriagegroup.com/ 3. USCCB Marriage and Family https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries/marriage-and-family 4. NFP Resources https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning

    1h 12m
  8. Episode 103: Women’s Health by Design with Dr. Marguerite Duane

    May 13

    Episode 103: Women’s Health by Design with Dr. Marguerite Duane

    In this episode of The NFP Podcast, host Amy sits down with Dr. Marguerite Duane for a rich and inspiring conversation on women’s health, fertility awareness, and the beauty of understanding the female body. As co-founder and Executive Director of FACTS about Fertility, Dr. Duane has dedicated her career to educating medical professionals and families on the science supporting fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and restorative reproductive medicine (RRM). Amy and Dr. Duane discuss the inaugural HHS Women’s Health Conference, the growing national conversation surrounding women’s healthcare, and the exciting initiatives currently underway through FACTS. Together they explore how fertility awareness can empower women not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. The conversation also dives into breastfeeding, postpartum transitions, and the gift of mindfully tracking the female cycle during motherhood. Dr. Duane shares how cycle awareness fosters deeper mindfulness, helping women better understand their bodies, emotions, and overall health while navigating the beautiful demands of family life. With her extensive background in family medicine, research, medical education, and restorative reproductive healthcare, Dr. Duane offers practical wisdom and hope-filled insight for women, couples, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper appreciation for God’s design of the female body. Resources: 1. NFP Podcast with Katie Vidmar: https://youtu.be/9hicYXp4ZAc?si=IM3VvOunIoGclnKU 2. FACTS Virtual Conference: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/2026-facts-virtual-conference/ 3. Article on FABMS for Women’s Health and Family Planning: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.858977/full 4. Donate to FACTS...parental leave campaign: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/donate/ https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/supporting-families-at-facts-help-us-expand-paid-parental-leave/ 5. The FACTS CME course examines the broad applications of modern Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs) and their role in pregnancy prevention, women’s health monitoring, and management of reproductive and hormonal health concerns. It features expert presenters and live case studies. There are 13 parts worth 16 CME credits each via AAFP to choose from, covering topics such as infertility, miscarriage, amenorrhea, perimenopause, FemTech, lifestyle for fertility, and more. Learn at your own pace with this online opportunity! See more details at www.FACTSaboutFertility.org/professional-cme-course/ 6. Get connected to like-minded medical professionals through FACTS About Fertility's membership opportunities. Join as an individual, a practice, or an organization, and experience the benefits of access to education and a community that are hard to find in the medical field. Become a member today at www.FACTSaboutFertility.org/join/ and see the difference FACTS can make in your career and your patients' lives!

    56 min
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About

Welcome to "The NFP Podcast," where hosts Amy Smith and Emily Appeldorn bring over a decade and a half of experience guiding single women and married couples through the intricacies of natural family planning (NFP). Join Amy and Emily each week as they delve into the fascinating science of human procreation, unraveling the mysteries of fertility, and exploring the profound nuances of NFP application. With a perfect blend of expertise and compassion, they provide insightful conversations and practical advice on embracing NFP to foster responsible love and intentional family planning. Each episode educates, inspires, and empowers listeners to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Whether you're single, engaged, or married, you'll find valuable discussions on the benefits and challenges of natural family planning, real-life stories from couples who practice NFP, and expert interviews. Subscribe now and start your journey with "The NFP Podcast."

Information

  • Creator
    Amy Smith
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The NFP Podcast

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