The NFP Podcast

Amy Smith
  • 5.0 (8)
  • 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. 3d ago

    Episode 128: To Have or Have Not: Discernment, Desire & Responsible Parenthood

    What happens when you and your spouse have prayerfully discerned that now is not the time to welcome another child—but then the fertile window arrives, desire increases, and suddenly that decision doesn't seem so certain? Is this a genuine invitation from God to reconsider, or are we allowing the desires of the moment to override a decision made in prayer and peace? In this candid episode of The NFP Podcast, Amylynn and Emily explore one of the more challenging aspects of Natural Family Planning: honoring discernment when practicing self-mastery requires sacrifice. Drawing on Catholic teaching, Ignatian principles of discernment, and their own experiences in marriage, they discuss the relationship between openness to life and responsible parenthood—and why these two beautiful responsibilities should never be separated. Together, they explore: - Why the fertile window may not be the best time to reconsider a previously discerned decision to avoid pregnancy. - The difference between genuine openness to life and allowing heightened desire to direct our decisions. - How the virtue of chastity and the practice of self-mastery strengthen marriage. - Why the needs of our existing children, our health, and our current season of life deserve thoughtful consideration. - How couples can revisit their discernment with greater peace and intentionality. - Why abstinence, though difficult, can become an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper marital love. This conversation isn't about diminishing the goodness of sexual intimacy or the extraordinary gift of a new child. It's about recognizing that both are gifts worthy of thoughtful, prayerful discernment. NFP isn't merely fertility awareness. It's an invitation to grow in virtue. Whether you're navigating the challenges of periodic abstinence, wondering if your family is complete, longing for another baby, or simply seeking to live your marriage more faithfully, this episode invites you to consider what it means to love responsibly. Join Amylynn and Emily for an honest conversation about desire, sacrifice, discernment, and the beautiful—and sometimes difficult—call to seek God's will in marriage. Subscribe to The NFP Podcast for new episodes every Wednesday. Have a question or a story to share? We'd love to hear from you at thenfpshow@gmail.com. Love responsibly! Resources: 1. Fr. Tad: https://youtu.be/yzTyMxERhlg?si=blOUB8hcSj_BUOeF 2. Fr. Mark: https://youtu.be/37W_ICkzsz4?si=diulSr6sHAMQACnN 3. Ignatian principles of discernment: https://www.discerninghearts.com/catholic-podcasts/dos1-fr-timothy-gallagher-discernment-of-spirits-part-1-introduction-to-the-spiritual-exercises-of-st-igantius-of-loyola/

    Episode 128: To Have or Have Not: Discernment, Desire & Responsible Parenthood

  2. Sep 23

    Episode 127: The Gift Our Mother Gave Us: Three Sisters on Growing Up with Cycle Awareness

    In this special episode of The NFP Podcast, Emily and Amylynn sit down with Lauren, Mary-Grace, and Claire, the three oldest daughters of the Gramlich family, for an honest conversation about what it was like to grow up in a home where menstrual cycles, fertility, and women's health were talked about openly. Their mother began these conversations when they were young, answering questions honestly and eventually teaching her daughters how to chart their cycles. What began as simple lessons about their changing bodies became something much deeper: a lifelong understanding of their health, femininity, fertility, and dignity. The sisters share three different journeys. Lauren discusses beginning her cycle at a young age, later navigating endometriosis and polycystic ovaries, and how years of charting helped her recognize patterns in her health before eventually entering marriage and becoming pregnant. Mary-Grace shares her experience with irregular cycles and polycystic ovaries and how her fascination with fertility awareness eventually influenced her academic interests and desire to work in women's health and bioethics. Claire explains how charting—even without significant reproductive health problems—has helped her better understand her body and become more compassionate toward herself. Together, they reflect on what happened when they left home and discovered how many of their peers knew very little about their own cycles—and how often severe menstrual pain, irregular cycles, and hormonal problems were simply accepted as normal. The conversation also goes somewhere we don't often hear young women speak so candidly: dating, chastity, attraction, and self-mastery. Lauren and Mary-Grace explain how understanding the hormonal changes occurring throughout their cycles helped them better understand their own desires, respect their bodies, and navigate romantic relationships with greater intentionality. And perhaps most beautifully, the sisters reflect on the gift their mother gave them—and how they hope to pass that gift on to another generation. For the mother wondering whether she waited too long to begin these conversations, and for the young woman who feels like she doesn't understand her own body, Claire offers a wonderfully simple encouragement: don't worry about catching up. Just start. Because your cycle isn't merely about whether you can become pregnant. It's part of your health. It's part of your story. And it's worth getting to know. Join Emily and Amylynn for this beautiful intergenerational conversation about mothers and daughters, puberty, cycle charting, reproductive health, dating, fertility, faith, and learning to see the female body as something beautifully and intentionally created. Resources: 1. Creighton Model Charting Method: https://creightonmodel.com/ 2. What Women Aren't Told: Cycles and The Pill w/Dr Sarah Hill | E271 Lila Rose Show: https://youtu.be/LFrGtyOZJtA?si=X5eW-e8fpJejSSZa 3. How Eucharistic Faith Aided Recovery of My Eating Disorder: https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/how-eucharistic-faith-aided-recovery-of-my-eating-disorder 4. The Catholic Table: Finding Joy Where Food and Faith Meet: https://a.co/d/0g78oCui 5. Made for This: The Catholic Mom's Guide to Birth: https://a.co/d/09TVN5yS 6. The Care and Keeping of You 1: The Body Book for Younger Girls (American Girl® Wellbeing): https://a.co/d/0eNDP8nD

    Episode 127: The Gift Our Mother Gave Us: Three Sisters on Growing Up with Cycle Awareness

  3. Sep 16

    Episode 126: The Fertile Hive: Hope, Healing & Answers for Infertility

    What if infertility isn't really "unexplained"? In this episode of The NFP Podcast, Emily welcomes Naomi Davis, Creighton Model FertilityCare Practitioner, NaProTECHNOLOGY Medical Consultant, and co-creator of The Fertile Hive, a new online community designed to support women and couples navigating infertility through restorative reproductive medicine. Naomi shares her own journey with irregular cycles and PCOS, how she discovered NaProTECHNOLOGY, and why she is passionate about helping women uncover the root causes of infertility instead of simply managing symptoms or being told their only option is IVF. Together, Emily and Naomi discuss: Why so many cases labeled "unexplained infertility" actually have identifiable causes How the Creighton Model serves as the foundation for NaProTECHNOLOGY The importance of understanding cervical mucus and the menstrual cycle as vital health signs The strengths—and limitations—of today's fertility technology, apps, and wearable devices Why education should always accompany technology so women understand what their bodies are communicating How NaPro physicians use individualized hormone testing, ultrasound, and restorative treatments to address underlying health conditions The different levels of NaProTECHNOLOGY training and why surgical expertise matters How The Fertile Hive provides trustworthy education, expert guidance, and a supportive community for women seeking natural, restorative fertility care Whether you're just beginning to ask questions about your fertility, have recently received an infertility diagnosis, or have been searching for answers for years, this conversation offers hope, practical guidance, and encouragement that you are not alone. God designed the female body with incredible wisdom. Every woman deserves to understand her fertility, receive compassionate care, and have access to treatments that seek to restore health rather than simply bypass it. Join us for this encouraging conversation about faith, science, restorative medicine, and the hope that comes from treating the whole person—not just the diagnosis. References: 1. The Fertile Hive- https://thefertilehive.com/ 2. The Creighton Model FertilityCare System- https://creightonmodel.com/ 3. FertilityCare Charting System- https://www.fertilitycare.org/

    Episode 126: The Fertile Hive: Hope, Healing & Answers for Infertility

  4. Sep 9

    Episode 125: What Every NFP User Should Know About Cervical Fluid

    How effective is Natural Family Planning—and why do some couples experience unexpected pregnancies despite faithfully following their method? In this thought-provoking episode of The NFP Podcast, Amy and Emily welcome Allison Dreher—former Billings Ovulation Method instructor, international speaker, fertility awareness advocate, and women's health educator—for an honest conversation about one of the most important (and often least discussed) topics in the NFP community. Together, they explore the science behind cervical fluid, why it is one of the body's most valuable biomarkers of fertility, and how understanding the body's natural signs can empower women to better understand their reproductive health. Allison also introduces Isvara, a new fertility awareness app developed through the Saint Augustine Foundation that focuses on body literacy, cycle tracking, and connecting women with restorative reproductive healthcare providers and certified NFP instructors. But this conversation goes far beyond charting. Amy, Emily, and Allison candidly discuss the emotional realities many couples experience when practicing NFP—including the grief, frustration, and isolation that can accompany an unexpected pregnancy or years of abstinence while trying to avoid pregnancy for serious reasons. Together they reflect on why these stories deserve more compassionate discussion within the NFP community and how we can better support couples carrying these crosses. Throughout the episode, the hosts also examine why ovulation is a vital sign of women's health, the importance of body literacy from adolescence through menopause, the differences between various fertility awareness methods, and why learning to recognize your body's unique patterns can deepen both your confidence and your conversations with healthcare professionals. Whether you're brand new to fertility awareness or you've been charting for years, this episode offers an encouraging reminder that understanding your body is about far more than family planning—it's about recognizing the incredible wisdom built into the female body and learning to approach it with confidence, curiosity, and compassion. Join us for a conversation that combines cutting-edge science, practical wisdom, and heartfelt encouragement for every woman seeking to better understand her fertility journey. Resources: 1. URL to the web based platform for Evaria: https://evaria.cwcnfp.org 2. Fertility Awareness 101- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRlFvKP4gYQU&si=KIUKxF_y-xx2KaI9 3. Body Literacy 101 videos- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQUsSo8B32K0 4. St. Augustine Foundation- https://www.thestaugustinefoundation.com/

    Episode 125: What Every NFP User Should Know About Cervical Fluid

  5. Sep 2

    Episode 124: Raising Sexually Confident Kids in a Confused Culture

    How do faithful parents prepare their children to navigate today's confusion surrounding identity, sexuality, and relationships without fear? In this powerful episode of The NFP Podcast, Amy and Emily welcome Dr. Anna Samuel—academic director of CanaVox, former executive director of the Witherspoon Institute, and co-author of Courageous Conversations: Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Sexual Identity and Attraction. Together they explore why conversations about sexuality are uniquely challenging in today's culture, why parents must be the first and most trusted voices in their children's lives, and how mothers and fathers can confidently lead their families with both truth and compassion. Drawing from philosophy, developmental psychology, natural law, and years of practical experience helping parents around the world, Dr. Samuel offers a refreshing and deeply hopeful vision for forming children who know who they are, understand God's design for the human person, and can engage today's culture with clarity and charity. Throughout the conversation, Amy and Emily unpack some of the book's most practical insights, including the importance of establishing a child's identity before cultural confusion takes root, explaining difficult topics in age-appropriate ways, protecting childhood innocence without keeping children ignorant, and preparing teenagers to confidently navigate the realities they'll encounter in school, friendships, dating, and beyond. Resources: 1. Courageous Conversations: Tips for Talking to Kids About Sexual Identity and Attraction, Parenting Guide - https://a.co/d/0dcYayK6 2. Canavox- https://canavox.com/ 3. Sex, Gender and Identity Video- https://vimeo.com/266942512?share=copy&fl=cl&fe=ci 4. The Witherspoon Institute- https://winst.org/

    Episode 124: Raising Sexually Confident Kids in a Confused Culture

  6. Aug 26

    Episode 123: Can Your Fertility Monitor Really Tell When You Ovulate? | Dr. Thomas Bouchard

    How accurately can an at-home fertility monitor actually tell you when you're ovulating? In this episode of The NFP Podcast, Amy sits down with Dr. Thomas Bouchard, family physician, clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary, and researcher in menstrual cycle monitoring, to unpack his newly published research validating the Mira fertility monitor against ultrasound-confirmed ovulation and serum hormone measurements. Dr. Bouchard takes us behind the scenes of the study, which followed regularly cycling women through intensive hormone testing, bloodwork, and follicular ultrasounds. The result is a fascinating look at what is actually happening inside the body when our fertility monitors show estrogen, LH, and progesterone changes. And one of the findings may challenge the way you think about the familiar “LH peak.” Amy and Dr. Bouchard discuss how ovulation can sometimes occur while LH is still rising, why an obvious LH peak isn't a perfectly precise marker for the moment of ovulation, and how quantitative hormone monitors can reveal changes that simpler “low, high, peak” systems may miss. They also explore the value of progesterone (PdG) for confirming that ovulation has occurred, the importance of first-morning urine and testing timing, and why hormone levels in urine don't necessarily correspond perfectly with a blood sample taken many hours later. For NFP users, the conversation raises an especially important question: Does having more hormone data make avoiding or achieving pregnancy easier? Dr. Bouchard explains why a fertility monitor should not be confused with an NFP method. The monitor provides biological information—but couples still need an evidence-based framework for identifying the fertile window and applying that information to their family-planning intentions. He discusses the Marquette Method, the importance of multiple fertility indicators, and why couples who are highly motivated to avoid pregnancy may benefit from more conservative rules and guidance from a trained instructor. Finally, Amy and Dr. Bouchard look toward the future of fertility technology—including the possibility of continuous hormone monitoring—and ask whether more data will necessarily translate into better decisions. Whether you use Mira, Clearblue, the Marquette Method, another fertility-awareness method, or simply want to better understand the incredible hormonal dynamics surrounding ovulation, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into what the latest research is teaching us about reading the language of the female body. The bottom line: Fertility monitors are giving women unprecedented access to their hormonal patterns—but understanding those numbers, and using them responsibly for family planning, requires more than simply waiting for a monitor to say “peak.” Resources: 1. Recent journal article: https://www.rbmojournal.com/article/S1472-6483(26)00422-0/fulltext 2. Learn the Marquette Method: https://www.vitaefertility.com/ 3. Marquette Method on The NFP Podcast: https://youtu.be/--jJB7m5Bfs?si=oDrqaNBavE5oN0Rn

    Episode 123: Can Your Fertility Monitor Really Tell When You Ovulate? | Dr. Thomas Bouchard

  7. Aug 19

    Episode 122: Can You Really Freeze Your Fertility? | Dr. Phil Boyle

    Egg freezing is increasingly promoted as a way for women to take control of their reproductive futures—but does freezing your eggs really preserve your fertility? In this episode of The NFP Podcast, Amy welcomes back Dr. Phil Boyle, founder of NeoFertility and a longtime physician in restorative reproductive medicine, for a thought-provoking conversation about egg freezing, fertility preservation, and the realities of female reproductive aging. Dr. Boyle explains what actually happens during the egg-freezing process—from ovarian hyperstimulation and egg retrieval to freezing, thawing, fertilization, and ultimately IVF. He also discusses an important distinction that can easily get lost in conversations about fertility preservation: freezing eggs is not the same thing as guaranteeing a future baby. Dr. Boyle also introduces ovarian tissue cryopreservation, particularly in the context of cancer treatment, as an approach that may allow women to preserve ovarian tissue while retaining the possibility of natural conception later. But this conversation goes beyond medicine and statistics. Amy and Dr. Boyle consider the deeper cultural and philosophical questions surrounding fertility: Has technology given women a false sense that childbearing can simply be postponed? What happens when fertility becomes something we attempt to control technologically rather than understand and care for? And what would it look like for our culture to once again recognize that human fertility has a natural season? The episode returns to a beautiful idea Dr. Boyle shared during his previous appearance on the podcast: children are a fruit of our love, not our labor. Whether you are considering egg freezing, working with women who are concerned about their future fertility, teaching NFP, or simply trying to better understand the conversation surrounding fertility preservation, this episode offers an important perspective you won't want to miss. Resources: 1. Dr. Boyle's Medical Practice- https://neofertility.us/about 2. The Birth Gap- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2GeVG0XYTc 3. Ovarian Tissue Freezing- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ovarian-tissue-freezing-cryopreservation 4. Previous Episode on The NFP Podcast- https://youtu.be/MB1cgPWn-hk?si=TpNZGLIE6dUpWDW9

    Episode 122: Can You Really Freeze Your Fertility? | Dr. Phil Boyle

  8. Aug 12

    Episode 121: Postpartum, Marquette, and Mira: Separating Hope from Hype

    How well do fertility monitors really work during the postpartum period? In this episode of The NFP Podcast, Amy welcomes back Anne-Marie Williams, host of the Postpartum on Purpose podcast and longtime writer for Natural Womanhood, for an honest and thought-provoking discussion about her experience using the Mira Monitor with the Marquette Method after the birth of her fifth child. Anne-Marie shares why she initially believed the Mira Monitor would provide clear answers about her fertility—and what surprised her most once she began using it. Together, Amy and Anne-Marie explore the strengths of hormone-monitor technology, the challenges unique to postpartum fertility, and why no monitor is a "magic bullet." The conversation also dives into several important questions facing the NFP community today: What can fertility monitors accurately tell us—and where do they still fall short? Why is postpartum fertility often more complicated than couples expect? How should NFP instructors communicate uncertainty while still providing confidence in the methods they teach? Are women receiving enough information to make truly informed decisions? How do couples navigate long periods of abstinence with honesty, charity, and hope? Throughout the episode, Amy and Anne-Marie advocate for continued research into women's health, greater transparency in fertility education, and a compassionate approach that acknowledges both the beauty and the genuine difficulty many couples experience while practicing Natural Family Planning. Whether you're currently postpartum, considering the Marquette Method, or simply interested in the future of fertility awareness, this conversation offers a balanced, thoughtful perspective grounded in both science and faith. In this episode, you'll learn: -Anne-Marie's firsthand experience using the Mira Monitor postpartum -How Mira differs from the Clearblue Fertility Monitor -Why hormone trends matter more than individual numbers -The current state of Mira research and Marquette protocols -Challenges unique to breastfeeding and the return of fertility -Why transparency and ongoing research are essential for serving couples well -Encouragement for couples navigating difficult seasons of abstinence Resources Mentioned: 1. Anne-Marie Williams Postpartum on Purpose Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tCRiJxfKYyOZcMyRYOQ5E?si=d9782f1c4c844fcf 2. Natural Womanhood- https://naturalwomanhood.org/ 3. Marquette Method of Natural Family Planning- https://www.vitaefertility.com/marquette-method-explained/ 4. Louise Boychuk interviews on The NFP Podcast- https://youtu.be/--jJB7m5Bfs?si=tahTffpgjlJaDAeL 5. Anne Marie on Abby's Podcast- https://youtu.be/VWqmyYEvM-U?si=ElBeikTlhKctr4Ef 6. Dr. Lara Briden's Blog- https://www.larabriden.com/blog/

    Episode 121: Postpartum, Marquette, and Mira: Separating Hope from Hype
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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
    130
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The NFP Podcast

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