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

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

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

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!

Episode 102: Infertility, IVF, and the Search for Truth: A Faithful Response (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this important and heartfelt conversation, Amy and Emily continue their discussion on infertility, IVF, and the deeper questions raised by the viral interview with Abbey Sharp and Kathryn Blaze Baum. Building on the foundation of Part 1, they move beyond analysis into a more personal and pastoral reflection—walking with listeners through the tension between deep longing and faithful discernment. Amy and Emily gently but clearly unpack the emotional and spiritual aftermath that can accompany the pursuit of IVF, sharing stories, patterns, and common struggles they’ve encountered in their work with women and couples. They address the often unspoken grief, confusion, and relational strain that can follow these decisions, while also calling attention to the ways our culture can unintentionally isolate women in their suffering rather than truly support them. With clarity and conviction, they further explore what it means to trust God in the midst of unanswered prayers, and how surrender—though difficult—can open the door to unexpected healing and peace. They highlight the life-giving possibilities of restorative reproductive medicine and Natural Family Planning, not just as alternatives, but as pathways that honor the dignity of the human person and the integrity of the body. This episode is ultimately an invitation: to rethink what it means to pursue parenthood, to embrace a vision of fertility that is rooted in truth and love, and to find hope even in the midst of deep suffering. Whether you are personally walking through infertility or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Resources: 1. Abbey Sharp Interview: • IVF, Miscarriage & Surrogacy: The Emotiona... 2. Abbey Sharp Infertility Story: • Why am I INFERTILE?? Why not ADOPT? What a... 3. NeoFertility: https://neofertility.us/ 4. FACTS About Fertility: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/ 5. NaPro Technology: https://naprotechnology.com/ 6. International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine: https://irrma.org/

Episode 101: Infertility, IVF, and the Search for Truth: A Faithful Response (Part 1)

In this deeply honest and compassionate episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily reflect on a recent viral interview featuring YouTube dietitian and influencer Abbey Sharp and author Kathryn Blaze Baum, who openly share their personal experiences with infertility and IVF. Amy and Emily begin by acknowledging the real and profound sorrow that accompanies infertility—a cross carried by many couples in silence. With empathy and care, they enter into the conversation, affirming the dignity of every person and the deep desire for motherhood that underlies these journeys. At the same time, they courageously speak truth about the moral and emotional complexities surrounding IVF and other reproductive technologies. Drawing from both faith and science, they unpack some of the cultural narratives and internal beliefs that can lead women to pursue these paths—often without fully understanding the long-term implications for their bodies, relationships, and children. Offering a hopeful alternative, Amy and Emily introduce listeners to the beauty and effectiveness of Natural Family Planning and restorative reproductive medicine—approaches that seek to heal the root causes of infertility rather than bypass them. This episode invites listeners into a deeper reflection on suffering, trust, and the true meaning of human dignity. This is part 1 of a two-part episode tackling one of the most sensitive and important topics in women’s health today. Resources: 1. Abbey Sharp Interview: https://youtu.be/qC_0swTj3As?si=NS_Tw9gex5nMotTw 2. Abbey Sharp Infertility Story: https://youtu.be/VMCpIsAgyrk?si=dKT_hgFt0XDp3MBO 3. NeoFertility: https://neofertility.us/ 4. FACTS About Fertility: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/ 5. NaPro Technology: https://naprotechnology.com/