The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

Life isn't easy, as most of us would agree. Our special guest this week, Eileen Tully, has lived through her own share of traumas and sorrow. But she is still full of exuberance and joy and shares with us some wisdom she has picked up along the path of grief.  Maybe even with a quote from The Office thrown in!

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As we move into a more festive season of the year, the idea of inviting friends and family over for a party or get-together may be a common thought. With her wealth of wisdom on what hospitality means and what it can look like, return guest, Steffani Aquila, shares her insight. Remember, the evil one wants to isolate us, but God knows our hearts need community, so the holidays might look like throwing a party or they might look like simply asking a friend to come over and hang out.

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Did you hear? Springs in the Desert Small Groups are now live! Don't miss this episode all about starting a small group, and don't worry, we will be back with a brand-new, full-length episode next week!

We have a dynamic duo on the podcast this week to share with us their experience facilitating a small group. They are Meg Reister and Bernadette Juliano, and their story is uplifting and inspiring. They share what gifts and graces the Lord has brought into the world through their small group and how it has helped them carry the cross of infertility.  Please see the link below to find a small group to join, or better yet, how to start your own. You have what it takes! Be not afraid!

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Jillian sits down with our good friend, Mary Bruno, to discuss that, although prayer can be difficult in a season of infertility, there are so many ways to speak to and hear from God! If you are looking for new ways to prayer, be sure to check out Mary's newest book, Holding Space for Joy, which just might be the companion you are looking for in your life of prayer!

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We explore the topic of infidelity on the podcast this week with licensed psychotherapist, Clare Kane. Clare joins us again to navigate how we can address infidelity in our marriages if that is something we are suffering through. Even if infidelity isn't a cross we have to deal with, Clare brings additional insight into leaning into our spouse to create an abundantly beautiful marriage. 

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On today's episode, Jillian is joined by a fan favorite: Clare Kane, Professional Contributor for Springs in the Desert and Psychotherapist to have an important conversation about intimacy after medical trauma has been experienced. If you are struggling to reapproach intimacy in this season of infertility, this episode might be a helpful start. Clare not only explains medical trauma, but shares tips on where to begin reapproaching intimacy with your spouse both emotionally and physically.

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We are immensely grateful to Katie Axelson for coming on the podcast this week to share her astonishing story. It’s more than just a story of survival. It’s a story of God touching and healing our wounds with such tender mercy and love. Katie is hopeful her story will help others not feel alone as God uses it for His glory.

It’s a real gift to have Fr. Elias Dorham on the podcast this week to talk about how to practice gratitude and forgiveness in our marriages. Fr. Elias has a strong background in marriage related ministry, and you will find lots to savor and meditate on from the discussion. Please listen and be blessed by his gentle words of encouragement and please let us know how you practice gratitude and forgiveness in your marriage. We’d love to hear!

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We wanted to bring Meg Reister and Bernadette Juliano back on the podcast to dive a little deeper into small groups. The first episode they recorded with us brought up so many great ideas for why and how to start a small group that we wanted to take more time to hear more of the nuts and bolts of how small groups function. If leading or participating in a small group has piqued your interest, you'll want to listen to this episode to learn more!

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In celebration of our upcoming Founding Day, the two women who started this ministry, Kimberly and Ann, take us back in time to when it all began. It's a beautiful story of two women, united by a common cross, who found each other, and then carried that cross to build a community where couples walking the path of infertility would feel seen and heard. You'll even hear the story of how the name of the ministry, 'Springs in the Desert', was born!

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