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/

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

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

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- [email protected]

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

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

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/

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.

What happens when two childhood friends grow up, fall in love, and continue saying "yes" to God through every season of marriage?

In this heartfelt episode of The NFP Podcast, Amylynn and Emily sit down with Chris and Stephanie to share a remarkable story of faith, discernment, and God's providence. From meeting in elementary school and reconnecting in college to discovering the beauty of Theology of the Body and Natural Family Planning, their journey has been one of continual trust in God's plan.

Together they discuss what it's been like to navigate marriage, difficult pregnancies, raising four children (with a fifth on the way!), career changes, medical school, and the monthly discernment that comes with faithfully living NFP. Along the way they reflect on how God has remained faithful through uncertainty, sacrifice, and unexpected twists, revealing His goodness one step at a time.

They also share practical wisdom about raising children in a home where conversations about faith, love, and human sexuality happen naturally and age-appropriately, helping build a culture of openness rooted in the truth of the Catholic faith.

Whether you're engaged, newly married, raising a family, or simply wondering how to trust God more deeply in your own vocation, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that His plans are always worth following.

In this episode you'll hear:

How Chris and Stephanie's love story began in elementary school

Discovering Theology of the Body and the Church's teaching on NFP

Learning the Marquette Method and discerning family life together

Navigating difficult pregnancies with faith and trust

Leaving engineering to pursue medicine through God's guidance

Raising children with openness, honesty, and Catholic values

Why discernment is a lifelong conversation—not a one-time decision

Love responsibly.

Resources:

1. Vitae Fertility: https://www.vitaefertility.com/

2. Good News About Sex and Marriage: https://a.co/d/06o7umtE

3. Humanae Vitae: https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html

BONUS CONTENT: NFP Awareness Week 2026

What does it really mean for a Catholic couple to be open to life? Does being open to life mean having as many children as possible? And is it ever okay to say your family is "complete"?

In this listener-requested episode, Amylynn and Emily unpack one of the most misunderstood teachings of the Catholic Church. They explore the difference between having an "I'm done" mentality and prayerfully discerning that your family may be complete while remaining open to God's will.

Together they discuss:

The Church's teaching on responsible parenthood

Why openness to life is an attitude—not a number

The beauty of monthly discernment through Natural Family Planning

How couples can find peace amid cultural pressures and difficult questions like, "Are you done having children?"

Why every child is a gift, and why true discernment always begins by keeping our eyes fixed on Christ.

Whether you're newly married, raising a growing family, or prayerfully discerning your next step, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that the Holy Spirit—not the culture—should guide our family planning decisions.

Love responsibly.

Resources:

1. Podcast Episode with Fr. Yavarone https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zBapmVKq5DXx4sJogL709?si=ddc3338e1bd14f57

As fertility technology continues to advance, Catholic couples and Natural Family Planning instructors are being faced with important new questions. Can Catholics morally use fertility monitors developed by companies whose values don't align with Church teaching? How should NFP instructors navigate affiliate relationships, product recommendations, and emerging reproductive technologies? Where should we draw the line?

In this thought-provoking episode of The NFP Podcast, Emily and Amylynn welcome back Louise Boychuk, President of the Marquette Method Professional Association, along with veteran Marquette instructor Sara Flood, to discuss the ethical challenges surrounding modern fertility technology ("FemTech") and Natural Family Planning.

Drawing from the presentation they developed for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Louise and Sara unpack the four major ethical issues every NFP instructor—and many couples—should understand:

Cooperation with evil

Avoiding scandal

Conflicts of interest in healthcare and product recommendations

The importance of evidence-based research when recommending fertility technologies

The conversation explores real-world examples involving fertility monitors, wearable devices, affiliate marketing, artificial intelligence, and the growing influence of technology in reproductive healthcare. Throughout the discussion, Emily, Amylynn, Louise, and Sara emphasize the importance of prudential judgment, faithful discernment, and remaining rooted in both sound Catholic moral theology and scientific evidence.

Whether you're an NFP instructor, a healthcare professional, or a couple using Natural Family Planning, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating an increasingly complex technological landscape with wisdom, integrity, and peace.

Join us as we explore how faithful Catholics can embrace helpful technology without compromising the values at the heart of Natural Family Planning.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Work with Louise Boychuk: www.vitaefertility.com

2. Work with Sara Flood: www.nfpcoach.com

3. Marquette Method Professional Association: www.marquettemethodprofessionals.com

4. Listeners can find certified Marquette Method Instructors at:

www.marquettemethod.com

5. Previous NFP Podcast episode featuring Louise Boychuk on the Marquette Method: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1GzpXd93HIavh2lBrGu3Co?si=58d9308c797e4cb2

Join us as we explore how faithful Catholics can embrace helpful technology without compromising the values at the heart of Natural Family Planning.