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. 4d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Aug 5

    Episode 120: Sterilization, IVF, Ectopic Pregnancy & NFP: A Catholic Ethicist Responds

    How should Catholics navigate some of the most difficult ethical questions surrounding marriage, family planning, infertility, and sexuality? In this episode of The NFP Podcast, Amy and Emily are joined by Fr. Tad Pacholczyk, Senior Ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, for an honest and compassionate conversation about the Church's moral teaching on some of the questions couples wrestle with most. Drawing from his background in neuroscience, priestly ministry, and more than two decades of bioethics work, Fr. Tad explains not only what the Church teaches—but why those teachings are rooted in the dignity of the human person and the natural law. Together they discuss how NFP instructors, marriage mentors, and engaged couples can faithfully communicate the truth with both courage and charity. Fr. Tad offers practical guidance for teaching chastity, accompanying couples who are cohabitating, and recognizing the delicate balance between pastoral sensitivity and speaking the truth in love. The conversation also tackles several challenging topics that many Catholics have asked about but rarely hear discussed openly, including: What the Catholic Church actually teaches about Natural Family Planning and responsible parenthood Why the Church approaches bioethical questions through the lens of natural law How NFP educators should approach couples who are sexually active before marriage The role of prudence in accompanying couples toward holiness The ethics of ectopic pregnancy and morally permissible medical treatment How spouses should respond when one spouse chooses sterilization against the wishes of the other Whether sterilization reversal is required The importance of communication, sacrifice, and growth within marriage Why Humanae Vitae remains one of the Church's most prophetic documents on marriage and family life Throughout the episode, Fr. Tad reminds listeners that the Church's teachings are never arbitrary rules—they are an invitation to human flourishing. Rather than focusing simply on what Catholics cannot do, he explains how the Church's moral vision ultimately points every couple toward authentic freedom, deeper communion, and greater holiness. Whether you're preparing for marriage, practicing Natural Family Planning, working in marriage ministry, or simply seeking to better understand the Catholic vision of human sexuality, this conversation offers wisdom, clarity, and hope. Resources: Free Consultation with the NCBC https://www.ncbcenter.org/consultation-form Humanae Vitae https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html Vademecum For Confessors Concerning Some Aspects of the Morality of Conjugal Life https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_12021997_vademecum_en.html When Pregnancy Goes Awry: The Moral Ending to an Ectopic Pregnancy https://www.ncregister.com/blog/when-pregnancy-goes-awry-the-moral-ending-to-an-ectopic-pregnancy Fr Tad Writings: https://www.fathertad.com/writings/

    Episode 120: Sterilization, IVF, Ectopic Pregnancy & NFP: A Catholic Ethicist Responds

  7. Jul 31

    BONUS: The Courageous Parent: Equipping Moms & Dads for the Most Important Conversations

    Parents are the primary educators of their children—but how do we actually prepare for the conversations that matter most? In this special episode, Amy and Emily introduce an exciting new project they've developed alongside psychologist Dr. Julia Sadusky: The Courageous Parent, a 12-week virtual small-group experience designed to equip Catholic parents to confidently discuss sexuality, relationships, puberty, pornography, boundaries, and God's beautiful design for the human person with their children. Building upon Dr. Sadusky's outstanding course, Talking with Your Teen About Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics, this new small-group experience combines expert instruction with authentic community. Each week, parents will watch a course module together, participate in guided discussion, receive practical conversation tools, and leave with simple activities to help bring these important discussions into their own homes. Throughout the episode, Amy and Emily reflect on why God has entrusted parents—not schools, not youth ministers, and not even experts—with the primary responsibility of forming their children's understanding of human sexuality. They also discuss overcoming fear, learning from previous generations, healing our own experiences, and becoming proactive rather than reactive as our children grow. Whether you're raising a curious nine-year-old or navigating the teenage years, this episode is an invitation to embrace your vocation with greater confidence, clarity, and courage. If you've ever wondered, "Am I ready to have these conversations?"—this episode is for you. Registration for The Courageous Parent is now open. We'd love to walk alongside you as we grow together in wisdom, confidence, and the courage to faithfully lead our families. Resources: 1. The Courageous Parent Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejKV0WTqa8rAwe1ra9zS1milUe_-BWQC1AOGuZ0Au5iEdaAw/viewform?usp=header 2. Dr. Sadusky's Teen Course: https://talkingtoyourteencourse.com/ 3. Dr. Sadusky on The NFP Podcast: https://youtu.be/y_1FIaatu0A?si=8PfBi6VZF2aERstE

    BONUS: The Courageous Parent: Equipping Moms & Dads for the Most Important Conversations

  8. Jul 29

    Episode 119: Talking to Teens About Human Sexuality with Dr. Julia Sadusky

    How do faithful Catholic parents talk to their children about human sexuality with confidence, clarity, and hope? In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy Smith and Emily Apeldoorn welcome back licensed psychologist, author, and speaker Dr. Julia Sadusky to discuss her brand-new Talking to Teens Course—a practical, faith-filled resource designed to equip parents to become the primary educators of their children in matters of sexuality. Drawing from years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families, Dr. Sadusky explains why the most important conversations begin long before "the talk." Together they walk through each of the course's twelve modules, discussing how parents can confidently navigate conversations about: Preparing yourself before talking with your children Building a positive Catholic vision of sexuality Puberty and healthy body development Attraction and dating Sexual intercourse within God's plan for marriage Protecting teens from boundary violations Addressing masturbation with both truth and compassion Pornography and how to respond when exposure happens Sexual orientation and gender questions Healthy technology habits in a digital world Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sadusky offers practical scripts, encouragement for parents who feel "behind," and a refreshing reminder that these conversations don't require perfection—they require presence. Amy and Emily also discuss why Catholic parents should intentionally prepare for these conversations years before adolescence, how families with multiple children can approach these topics, whether moms and dads have different roles, and why creating an open, trusting family culture is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children. Whether your children are toddlers, teenagers, or somewhere in between, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, equipped, and inspired to embrace your God-given role as the primary educator of your children in the beautiful truth of human sexuality. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why age 7–8 is an ideal time for parents to begin preparing How to move beyond "the sex talk" toward lifelong conversations Why proactive conversations are more effective than reactive ones How to discuss difficult topics without fear or shame Practical ways to foster trust so your children come to you first How Catholic teaching and modern psychology beautifully complement one another If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing enough?" or "Where do I even begin?"—this episode is for you. Be sure to check the show notes for Dr. Julia Sadusky's Talking to Teens Course, available handouts, and an exclusive discount for NFP Podcast listeners. Discount Code for Teens Course: THENFPPODCAST25 Online Course - Talking With Your Teens About Sex - Dr Julia Sadusky ***There is an extended supplemental handbook (to be used for extended journaling/reflections/conversations WITH your teen) that's available in English and Spanish for download, included in the cost of the full course. Resources: 1. Talking to Your Teens about Sex Book: https://a.co/d/08XvOhpP 2. Dr. Sadusky Website-https://www.juliasadusky.com/ 3. YouTube Advertisement for Course- https://youtu.be/VUYq6pqSnes?si=7uxOMAnOxPObWjK- 4. Previous Dr. Sadusky Appearance on The NFP Podcast- https://youtu.be/AniIXlzNaaQ?si=M5253o5-yWhHfaXE

    Episode 119: Talking to Teens About Human Sexuality with Dr. Julia Sadusky
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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
    127
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The NFP Podcast

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