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. Episode 100: Back to the Basics: NFP, Marriage, and God’s Design for Love (100th Episode Special)

    3D AGO

    Episode 100: Back to the Basics: NFP, Marriage, and God’s Design for Love (100th Episode Special)

    In this milestone 100th episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily take it back to the basics—revisiting the heart of Natural Family Planning and why it matters now more than ever. Whether you’re brand new to NFP or have been practicing for years, this episode offers a fresh, grounding perspective on the beauty and purpose behind it all. Amy and Emily walk through the different methods of NFP, breaking down how they work and who they serve, while also unpacking the richness of Church teaching on marriage, openness to life, and the dignity of the human person. With honesty and encouragement, they also explore the often-overlooked call to chastity within marriage and how it strengthens intimacy, trust, and authentic love. To celebrate this special episode, they share practical resources, personal insights, and wisdom gained from their journey and conversations over the years. It’s a heartfelt return to the foundations—reminding listeners that NFP is not just a method, but a way of living that reflects God’s design for love and life. Resources: 1. Method resources: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/what-is-charting/ 2. Find a doctor: https://mycatholicdoctor.com/ 3. NFP USCCB: https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning 4. Humanae Vitae: https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html 5. Catechism of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_three/section_two/chapter_two/article_6/iii_the_love_of_husband_and_wife.html 6. NFP Podcast Episode with Fr. Mark Yavarone: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zBapmVKq5DXx4sJogL709?si=kcZdw5DfRfeCl1pU47rNNA

    54 min
  2. Episode 99: Teaching the Language of Gift: Forming Catholic Boys to Understand the Menstrual Cycle

    APR 15

    Episode 99: Teaching the Language of Gift: Forming Catholic Boys to Understand the Menstrual Cycle

    In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily sit down with Christina Valenzuela, owner and creative director of Pearl and Thistle, for a thoughtful and much-needed conversation on forming young men in the truth and beauty of the human body. Together, they explore Christina’s newest resource, Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: A Guide for Catholic Boys, a unique and engaging PDF e-book designed to help boys better understand the dignity, purpose, and design of the female body. Christina shares the inspiration behind the project, walks through the content of the guide, and explains why it’s so important to include boys in conversations about fertility and human anthropology. Amy and Emily reflect on how this resource equips parents—especially mothers and fathers—to speak with their sons about the “language of gift” that the human body communicates. They discuss how fostering this understanding early can shape a deeper respect for women, a greater appreciation for God’s design, and a more authentic vision of love and community. This episode is a must-listen for parents who want to raise sons with clarity, reverence, and confidence when it comes to the beauty of the human person and the sacred rhythms of life. Resources: 1. Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: A Guide for Catholic Boys https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/understanding-the-menstrual-cycle-for-boys/zjhqb 2. Pearl & Thistle Webpage: https://pearlandthistle.com/ 3. Encyclical: The truth and meaning of human sexuality: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_08121995_human-sexuality_en.html 4. The NFP Podcast encyclical episodes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jVTxueZZsOr9xfvsBI74p?si=kIijpUCyQESsogotSfDD-A

    43 min
  3. Episode 98: Healthy Cycles Start Young: A Conversation with Dr. Lara Briden

    APR 8

    Episode 98: Healthy Cycles Start Young: A Conversation with Dr. Lara Briden

    In today’s episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Emily and Amy sit down with renowned naturopathic doctor and women’s health expert Dr. Lara Briden to explore the often-overlooked topic of adolescent cycle health. With nearly 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Briden brings both scientific depth and practical wisdom to a conversation that every parent, young woman, and healthcare-minded listener needs to hear. As the bestselling author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women, Dr. Briden shares what a healthy cycle should look like during the teenage years—and how to identify when something is off. Together, they unpack common concerns like irregular periods, painful cycles, and early signs of conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis, offering a refreshing perspective that prioritizes root-cause healing over symptom suppression. Drawing from her work with patients in Christchurch, New Zealand, as well as her contributions to advisory boards and peer-reviewed research, Dr. Briden equips listeners with practical tools and hope-filled guidance for supporting hormonal health from the very beginning. Whether you’re raising daughters, navigating your own cycle journey, or simply want to better understand the foundations of women’s health, this episode is both empowering and deeply informative. Resources 1. Dr. Briden's Website- https://www.larabriden.com/ 2. Dr. Briden's Blog- https://www.larabriden.com/blog/ 3. Dr. Briden's Books- https://www.larabriden.com/media-page/ 4. Dr. Briden's Podcast- https://www.larabriden.com/podcast/ 5. Instagram Live Recording with Dr. Sarah Hill- https://www.instagram.com/p/DQfUz51E-qC/ 6. Healing Pelvic Pain (Book), Dr. Peta Wright- https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/shop/p/healing-pelvic-pain 7. IIRRM- https://iirrm.org/ 8. My Catholic Doctor- https://mycatholicdoctor.com/

    1h 28m
  4. Episode 97: Endometriosis Explained: Causes, Treatment, and Hope with Dr. Teresa Hilgers

    APR 1

    Episode 97: Endometriosis Explained: Causes, Treatment, and Hope with Dr. Teresa Hilgers

    In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily sit down with Dr. Teresa Hilgers of the Saint Paul VI Institute for a deep dive into endometriosis—one of the most misunderstood and often misdiagnosed conditions affecting women today. Dr. Hilgers brings clarity, compassion, and scientific expertise as she unpacks the root causes of endometriosis, common symptoms, and why so many women struggle to receive accurate diagnoses. She also explores the innovative approaches behind NaProTechnology and the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, explaining how these methods work with a woman’s natural cycle to both identify and treat underlying reproductive health issues. Whether you’ve been personally affected by endometriosis, know someone who has, or simply want to better understand women’s health through a restorative and faith-informed lens, this conversation offers hope, insight, and practical guidance grounded in both science and respect for the dignity of the female body. Resources: 1. Saint Paul VI Institute- https://saintpaulvi.com/ 2. Creighton Model System- https://www.fertilitycare.org/creighton-model-system/ 3. NaPro Technology-https://www.fertilitycare.org/naprotechnology/

    1h 4m
  5. Episode 96: Moses’ Birth Story: The Beauty of Home Birth

    MAR 25

    Episode 96: Moses’ Birth Story: The Beauty of Home Birth

    In this tender and powerful episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily invite listeners into one of life’s most intimate and sacred moments as Amy shares the birth story of her fourth son, Moses. With honesty and heart, Amy recounts the journey of labor—the challenges, the intensity, and the moments that stretched her strength and surrender. She beautifully captures both the physical trials and the deep grace that carried her through. Surrounded by the quiet comfort of home and the joyful presence of her sons, Amy experienced a birth that was not only safe, but profoundly meaningful and life-giving. This episode is a moving reflection on the beauty of home birth, the strength of the female body, and the peace that can come from welcoming a child into the world in a familiar, love-filled space. Whether you are discerning your own birth plans or simply want to hear a story that uplifts and inspires, Amy offers encouragement, insight, and hope for women considering a home birth journey. Come be encouraged by a story of courage, trust, and the miracle of new life.

    53 min
  6. Episode 95: "My life is Lent!" A Catholic Mother's Journey Through Lent

    MAR 18

    Episode 95: "My life is Lent!" A Catholic Mother's Journey Through Lent

    In this heartfelt episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily pull back the curtain and share honestly about their own Lenten journeys as Catholic wives and mothers. From the beauty of spiritual renewal to the real-life challenges of living out prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in the midst of busy family life, Amy and Emily reflect on what Lent looks like in their homes this year. With humor, humility, and encouragement, they talk about the struggles and graces of trying to grow closer to Christ while raising children, caring for their families, and striving to live faithfully in their vocations. Along the way, they also share several faithful and practical resources that have helped guide their Lenten practices and can help you enter more deeply into this sacred season. Whether you’re feeling inspired, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that Lent isn’t about perfection—it’s about conversion. Join Amy and Emily for an honest and encouraging conversation that will help you walk more intentionally with the Lord this Lent. Resources: 1. The Life of St Frances of Rome https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-life-of-st-frances-of-rome/?srsltid=AfmBOoqUAPUOJzGODv36-pIKsIf_GIImVyUWNlCiUIkW5z2VwGMxLb9a 2. The Confraternity of Christian Mothers https://www.christianmothers.org/?srsltid=AfmBOorsHBySoPf9DAkOk81KQgnoorp-fT47YvrQu3XIdeHegpe4ub7N 3. Holy Heroes Stations of the Cross Bundle https://holyheroes.com/products/pray-the-stations-at-home-bundle 4. Novena for Impossible Requests Prayers https://patronessa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/9-month- 5. Info about Novena novena.pdfhttps://patronessa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/9-month-novena.pdf 6. Video format for Novena Prayers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oBiC9Zc9-I&list=RD5oBiC9Zc9-I&start_radio=1 7. Salvation Is From the Catholic Church- How Christ Uses the Church to Bring Us to Him https://a.co/d/0ic6FhMf 8. Why You Should Try Daily Fasting This Lent https://youtu.be/rO5T62IlnUM?si=J__aki5ZVTsYjw3U

    41 min
  7. Episode 94: Charting the Path to Life: Restorative Solutions for Infertility with Dr. Phil Boyle

    MAR 11

    Episode 94: Charting the Path to Life: Restorative Solutions for Infertility with Dr. Phil Boyle

    In this powerful and hope-filled episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily sit down with Dr. Phil Boyle to explore how charting the female cycle can uncover the often-missed root causes of infertility. With decades of experience in restorative reproductive medicine, Dr. Boyle shares how careful cycle tracking is far more than a tool for family planning—it’s a diagnostic key that reveals hormonal imbalances, ovulatory dysfunction, inflammation, and other underlying conditions that may prevent couples from achieving pregnancy. Having helped over 3,500 couples achieve successful pregnancies—many after years of infertility, repeated miscarriage, and failed IVF—Dr. Boyle brings both clinical expertise and deep compassion to this conversation. Amy and Emily discuss how restorative reproductive medicine offers couples a pathway that aligns with their faith while honoring the dignity of their bodies and their marriages. If you or someone you love is longing for answers, clarity, and authentic hope on the infertility journey, this episode will both inform and encourage you. Resources: 1. NeoFertility- https://neofertility.ie/ 2. ChartNeo- https://www.chartneo.com/

    1 hr
  8. Episode 93: Should Christians Use Invitro-Fertilization (IVF)? with Fr. Jason Tyler

    MAR 4

    Episode 93: Should Christians Use Invitro-Fertilization (IVF)? with Fr. Jason Tyler

    In today’s powerful episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily welcome Fr. Jason Tyler for an honest, compassionate, and deeply insightful conversation about IVF and whether it aligns with a Christian worldview for couples longing to conceive. Drawing from his background in moral theology and his role as diocesan bioethicist, Fr. Tyler gently but clearly walks listeners through the ethical, spiritual, and human realities behind assisted reproductive technologies — offering clarity in an area that is often confusing, emotional, and rarely discussed with depth. Together, they explore the Church’s vision for love, marriage, and the dignity of human life, while acknowledging the real pain and longing many couples experience on the infertility journey. This episode is both helpful and, at times, convicting — inviting listeners to reflect on God’s design for family planning and the call to trust Him even in suffering. Fr. Tyler also shares practical resources for couples seeking restorative, faith-aligned approaches to fertility care, all within a riveting and hope-filled conversation. Whether you are personally navigating infertility, walking with loved ones who are, or simply seeking to better understand the Church’s teaching, this episode offers wisdom, compassion, and truth you won’t want to miss. 🎙️💙 Resources: 1. Bioethics Center- https://www.ncbcenter.org/ 2. Creighton- https://creightonmodel.com/ 3. FEMM- https://femmhealth.org/ 4. Fr. Tyler's Secrets of Star Trek Podcast- https://youtu.be/NzMxRkvkKvE?si=2_a8mx-nrh-6TiLo

    1h 15m
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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
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The NFP Podcast

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