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."
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Episode 123: Can Your Fertility Monitor Really Tell When You Ovulate? | Dr. Thomas Bouchard
Season 3 · Episode 123
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 • Duration 33:44
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 122: Can You Really Freeze Your Fertility? | Dr. Phil Boyle
Season 3 · Episode 122
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 • Duration 37:21
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 121: Postpartum, Marquette, and Mira: Separating Hope from Hype
Season 3 · Episode 120
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 • Duration 58:11
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/
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/
BONUS: The Courageous Parent: Equipping Moms & Dads for the Most Important Conversations
Friday, July 31, 2026 • Duration 22:35
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
Episode 119: Talking to Teens About Human Sexuality with Dr. Julia Sadusky
Season 3 · Episode 119
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 • Duration 50:01
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 118: From Frustration to Freedom: Discovering FEMM
Season 3 · Episode 118
Saturday, July 25, 2026 • Duration 35:29
What happens when years of frustration with Natural Family Planning become the very thing that leads you to teach it?
In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amylynn and Emily welcome Nichole Ussery—registered nurse, certified FEMM instructor, and Fiat Hormone Coach—to share her deeply personal journey through miscarriage, postpartum family life, perimenopause, and ultimately discovering the beauty of fertility awareness.
Nichole shares how her experiences with hormonal health challenges, pregnancy loss, and navigating different NFP methods transformed her perspective on women's health. Together, they discuss the importance of treating the root cause—not just symptoms—why ovulation is a vital sign of health, and how restorative reproductive medicine is changing the way women receive care.
Amylynn and Emily also have an honest conversation about the realities of practicing NFP during difficult seasons of marriage, the role of informed consent when prescribing hormonal contraception for medical conditions, and the hope that comes from working with healthcare professionals who truly listen to women.
Whether you're new to fertility awareness, navigating hormone concerns, or looking for restorative reproductive healthcare, this episode offers encouragement, practical insight, and hope.
In This Episode
Nichole's journey from NFP frustration to becoming a FEMM instructor
Miscarriage, infertility, and finding hope
Perimenopause and recognizing hormone changes
Why ovulation is a sign of whole-body health
FEMM and restorative reproductive medicine
Informed consent and hormonal birth control
Supporting women through every stage of reproductive life
Love responsibly.
Resources:
1. FEMM Health- https://femmhealth.org/
2. Nichole's Email- essencenu2911@gmail.com
3. Discovery Call- Essence NU- https://www.essencenu2911.com/booking-calendar/discovery-call
4. Work with Nichole- https://www.essencenu2911.com/
5. Nichole's Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/essencenu2911/
6. Nichole's Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577722655687
Episode 117: The Marquette Method Explained: Dr. Richard Fehring on Science, Faith & the Future of NFP
Season 3 · Episode 117
Friday, July 24, 2026 • Duration 01:02:46
This week on The NFP Podcast, hosts Amylynn and Emily welcome one of the most influential figures in modern Natural Family Planning, Dr. Richard Fehring.
As the developer of the Marquette Method, Professor Emeritus at Marquette University, and one of the world's most highly cited fertility researchers, Dr. Fehring has spent decades advancing the science of fertility awareness while remaining deeply rooted in the Catholic understanding of marriage and human sexuality.
Together they discuss:
Dr. Fehring's remarkable journey into nursing and Natural Family Planning
How the Marquette Method was developed and why it is unique
What makes a high-quality NFP effectiveness study
The science behind fertility biomarkers and hormone monitoring
Why postpartum fertility is so challenging—and how Marquette approaches it
The future of fertility technology, AI, and hormone monitors
Why Natural Family Planning is far more than fertility awareness alone
The importance of marriage preparation, openness to life, and stronger formation for Catholic couples
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Fehring shares decades of research, practical wisdom, and hopeful insights into where fertility care is headed while reminding us that authentic Natural Family Planning respects both the science of human fertility and the beauty of God's design for marriage.
Whether you're brand new to NFP, currently using the Marquette Method, or simply interested in the intersection of faith, medicine, and fertility, this episode is packed with practical knowledge and inspiring conversation.
Love responsibly.
Resources
1. https://www.marquette.edu/nursing/institute-natural-family-planning/model.php
2. AAPLOG Interview- https://aaplog.org/episode/the-menstrual-cycle-as-a-vital-sign-richard-fehring-phd/
3. Dr. Fehring CV- https://www.marquette.edu/nursing/directory/richard-fehring.php
Episode 116: Financing Your Kids' Future: A Catholic Parent's Guide
Season 3 · Episode 116
Thursday, July 23, 2026 • Duration 55:31
How can Catholic parents faithfully prepare their children—not just spiritually, but financially?
In this special episode of The NFP Podcast, Amylynn welcomes her husband, Dr. Joey Smith, finance professor at Washington and Lee University, for a practical conversation on raising financially responsible children. Together they explore how good stewardship is an important part of responsible parenthood and how small decisions today can make a lasting impact on your children's future.
Joey shares simple, practical strategies for teaching children about saving, investing, generosity, and delayed gratification. He also explains powerful financial tools available to families—including 529 College Savings Plans, Custodial Roth IRAs, Trump Accounts, and UTMA/UGMA investment accounts—and discusses when each may be appropriate.
Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or looking for ways to give your children a strong foundation, this episode offers encouragement and practical ideas to help your family become faithful stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to you.
In this episode:
Why responsible parenthood includes financial stewardship
Teaching children healthy money habits
The power of compound growth
529 Plans for education
Custodial Roth IRAs for working teens
Trump Accounts and how they work
UTMA/UGMA investment accounts
Practical ways to build generational financial wisdom
Love responsibly.
Resources:
1. Connect with Dr. Joey Smith- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joey-smith-cfa-0bb38a53/
2. 529 Plan | College Savings Account | Vanguard- https://investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/529-plans?msockid=205ee2fb3a22653939d1f2d43b7064a9
3. 529 Plans - College Savings Plans - Fidelity- https://www.fidelity.com/529-plans/overview?selectTab=5&imm_pid=92206297623&immid=100833_SEA&imm_eid=ep482887995324&utm_source=MICROSOFT&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_account_id=8528177315&utm_campaign=NAT&utm_content=92206297623&utm_term=fidelity+529+application&utm_campaign_id=100833&utm_id=9223640349&gclid=a7db42688aa11b97131d2837d124a77f&gclsrc=3p.ds&
4. Schwab 529 Plan | Charles Schwab - https://www.schwab.com/529-plan?msockid=205ee2fb3a22653939d1f2d43b7064a9
5. Roth IRA: What it is and How to Open an Account | Vanguard- https://investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/iras/roth-ira?msockid=205ee2fb3a22653939d1f2d43b7064a9
6. Roth IRA | Grow Your Retirement Savings | Fidelity Investments- https://www.fidelity.com/retirement/roth-ira?imm_pid=169651397728&immid=100724_SEA&imm_eid=ep343248515473&utm_source=MICROSOFT&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_account_id=4877339293&utm_campaign=RET&utm_content=169651397728&utm_term=open%20roth%20ira%20fidelity&utm_campaign_id=100724&utm_id=21419194274&gclid=6c90012c377f17cef7fb6b736b5b5e92&gclsrc=3p.ds
7. What are Inherited and Custodial IRAs? | Charles Schwab- https://www.schwab.com/ira/inherited-and-custodial-ira?src=SEM&s_kwcid=AL!5158!10!78821460456308!!!!78821871557002!!62077778!5439996897&ef_id=a3550ca4fbc31e20376166fba0396fdb:G:s&keywordid=78821871557002&msclkid=a3550ca4fbc31e20376166fba0396fdb
8. Trump Accounts- https://trumpaccounts.gov/
Episode 115: NFP Awareness Week 2026- The Courage to Become Aware
Season 1 · Episode 115
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • Duration 44:31
What if NFP Awareness Week isn't just about learning Natural Family Planning—but about allowing God to reveal something new in your own heart?
In this special NFP Awareness Week episode, Amylynn and Emily reflect on what it truly means to become aware. Whether you're hearing the Church's teaching for the first time, have practiced NFP for years, or are carrying wounds from your past, this conversation is an invitation to let God gently lead you toward greater healing, freedom, and trust.
Together they discuss the role of awareness, contrition, and conversion in the Christian life, why God is patient with our journey, and how NFP is about far more than charting fertility—it's about transforming our hearts. They also offer encouragement for couples discerning family life, those struggling with past decisions, and anyone wondering where God is inviting them to take the next step.
No matter where you are in your journey, this episode is a reminder that God never stops pursuing us with mercy, truth, and love.
In this episode:
What NFP Awareness Week is really about
Why awareness comes before action
The gift of contrition and God's mercy
Discernment, generosity, and openness to life
Healing from past choices with hope
Why every step toward Christ begins with trust
Love responsibly.
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