Cycles and Sanctity Podcast | Trust Your Body, Grow In Holiness

Let's discuss suffering in womanhood, particularly during the winter season of life.  We explore the challenges that come with postmenopausal changes, infertility, and the struggles of motherhood.  Throughout the episode, we emphasize the concept of redemptive suffering and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in the midst of trials.  Drawing on our experiences and insights from saints an...

What is the impact of our mindset and choices on our lives, relationships, and spiritual journey? This conversation explores the struggles of new mothers, the importance of making sacrifices for others, and the process of examining and correcting our thoughts and actions.  Mama Vicki shares her personal journey of self-reliance and negativity, and the profound shift she experienced when trusting i...

This is a throwback episode to when Mama Vicki first joined the Wisdom Wellness Coaching Team. Her expertise as an IBCLC, labor and delivery nurse, and a La Leche League leader for over 20 years is a game-changer for our community of Catholic divas. Mama Vicki's own breastfeeding experience was the start of her remarkable journey. As a coach, her approach is all about empowering and supporting mom...

Thanksgiving isn't just about the turkey—it’s about connection. Navigating holidays can feel like standing at a crossroads of tradition and growth.  In this episode, we talk about recognizing what you can control – your own thoughts and behaviors – rather than external expectations. This empowers you to navigate holiday stress with clarity and calm. Use tools like journaling or coaching to reflect...

Want to know how to enhance joy in your life? Start by being thankful for your body each day.  God created us male and female, and our bodies are His masterpieces.  From womanhood to motherhood, trusting our bodies is a journey. Learn how embracing each stage —from cycles to menopause —can enhance your faith and well-being. Let’s shift from negativity to gratitude, together. When we focus on the p...

Like running a marathon, preparing for birth requires knowledge and support.  Explore how childbirth classes can provide confidence and lower anxiety, transforming fear into celebration and empowerment. In this episode, we emphasize the importance of asking questions, seeking community support, and celebrating the ability to give birth. We invite you to tune in to hear the importance of childbirth...

Addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling—it impacts the entire family. In this episode, we talk to Michele Simpson about what it means to walk beside a spouse battling addiction while remaining rooted in faith, love, and truth. You’ll hear: What it really means to love someone in the midst of their brokenness How to find peace, purpose, and hope when life feels uncertain Why seeing your...

What if the key to peace isn’t having your whole life figured out—but simply taking the next faithful step? In this inspiring conversation, we interview Amanda Villagómez, wife, mom of six, author, and educator, to talk about her book Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith .  We explore what it looks like to trust God when the path ahead feels uncertain, how to surrender perfectionism and se...

Do you ever feel like you’re trying to do it all—and still not getting it “right”?  Today, we are talking about the weight of perfectionism, the trap of people-pleasing, and the freedom that comes when we rest in who God says we are—His beloved daughters. Through Scripture, stories, and soul-level honesty, we share how to break free from unrealistic expectations, stop striving for approval, and re...

Who am I now—and am I truly living as the woman God created me to be?  In this episode, we discuss rediscovering your true identity in Christ, especially during seasons of transition and self-doubt.  We share stories of growth, faith, and surrender, reminding you that you are God’s masterpiece—created with purpose and love. Learn how to move from confusion to clarity, comparison to confidence, and...

When one season ends and another begins, it’s easy to wonder—what’s my purpose now?  In this episode, we talk about how a woman’s mission evolves through life’s transitions—and how God still has a purpose for your life, no matter your age or stage. We share our own stories of confusion, renewal, and rediscovery, reminding you that even when roles change, your mission doesn’t disappear—it grows wit...

In a world full of noise, pressure, and shifting roles, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are.  As women, our identities are often tied to the seasons of our bodies and our roles—daughter, wife, mother, grandmother. But when life changes, we can be left wondering: Who am I now? In this episode, you’ll hear: Why women struggle with shifting identity through life’s seasons. How to rediscover y...

Marriage, motherhood, and faith often intersect in real and messy ways—especially when intimacy, natural family planning (NFP), and life with young children are involved. In this episode, we share honest conversations about navigating marriage, NFP, and intimacy through the lens of God’s design for love. We tackle real questions like: How do we balance intimacy and family planning when we feel ove...

Weaning doesn’t happen in a single day—it’s a process filled with emotions, decisions, and sometimes unexpected twists.  In this episode, we share practical wisdom, personal stories, and faith-filled encouragement to help you navigate weaning with grace and confidence. You’ll learn: The difference between mother-led and child-led weaning—and how to know which path is right for you. Why weaning is...

How do we navigate the big transition from exclusive breastfeeding to introducing solid foods? In this episode, we break down: How to recognize if your little one is ready for solids, What first foods might look like (spoiler: it’s not rice cereal!), and Why patience and play matter more than perfectly following a schedule or fancy baby food marketing.  We weave in reflections on spiritual nourish...

This episode is all about the realities mothers face when shifting from maternity leave back to the workplace, while continuing to nourish and bond with their babies. From talking with HR and coworkers about your needs, to scheduling pumping breaks and handling milk storage, we share real-life advice and encouragement for making this transition smoother.  You’ll also hear tips on balancing marriag...

Motherhood was never meant to be a solo journey. In this final episode of Breastfeeding Month, we explore the power of community and why support makes all the difference in the breastfeeding journey.  We share our own stories of finding encouragement, discuss the beauty of older moms guiding younger ones, and offer practical ways to both seek and give support.  From navigating isolation to buildin...

Breastfeeding is often described as natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. In this episode, we explore the emotional and physical challenges new mothers face, including exhaustion, self-doubt, resentment, and cultural pressures.  We share stories from our own journeys, encouragement that your body was created for this, a...

We are continuing our series for International Breastfeeding Month by exploring the profound beauty and numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.  We share personal stories, practical tips, and faith-filled encouragement, highlighting breastfeeding’s nutritional, emotional, spiritual, and developmental advantages.  From the unique design of breast milk and its properties to its...

In honor of International Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week, we reflect on why breastfeeding matters - on a personal, communal, and even global scale.  Drawing from our decades of experience as a labor and delivery nurse, lactation consultant, and Catholic mindset coach, we explore breastfeeding as not just a natural and sustainable way to nourish a child, but as a sacred act that m...

We are exploring the beautiful intersection of Natural Family Planning (NFP) and breastfeeding, and how these two practices are not only biologically intertwined but also support women spiritually and emotionally.  We discuss how both NFP and breastfeeding foster trust - in our bodies, our babies, our spouses, and ultimately, in the Lord. Using relatable analogies (like learning to ride a bike), t...

We wrap up this month's series on NFP with National NFP Week and a special guest, Beth Kopczyk, certified SymptoPro instructor and Theology of the Body enthusiast from the Diocese of Phoenix.  Together, we explore Beth’s journey from early childhood teaching to empowering teens and adults with NFP, how mindset coaching plays a role in NFP, and why body literacy matters for every woman, single or m...

Do you wonder how we have true freedom in marriage through Natural Family Planning (NFP)? This week, we unpack how NFP isn’t about restriction - it’s about choosing the good for each other, building virtue, and trusting God’s design. We explore why NFP is good news for couples seeking unity, trust, and authentic love and how it’s rooted in virtues like self-mastery, obedience, and trust in God. Wi...

In this episode, we tackle the big questions about Natural Family Planning (NFP) - addressing whether it’s truly different from contraception and how intention and mindset play a crucial role.  We unpack Catholic teaching, share personal experiences, and offer encouragement for couples navigating NFP.  With relatable honesty and faith, we explore how NFP can strengthen marriages and spiritual live...

This week, we're tackling the often-overlooked challenges of practicing Natural Family Planning (NFP) during midlife and perimenopause.  From sudden cycle confusion and unpredictable charting, to shifting emotions and changes in intimacy, we share personal experiences and practical strategies for navigating this “new season” as hormones and family dynamics evolve. If you’ve ever wondered how to ha...