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

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...

Our conversation today is about the unique stages of womanhood and how husbands can better support their wives - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Drawing from personal stories and Catholic teaching, we cover everything from body changes and societal pressures to pregnancy, postpartum challenges, and the evolving seasons of marriage.  We dive into what true support looks like - affirmation...

Today, we are exploring the challenges and opportunities of navigating marriage and intimacy during midlife.  We discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual changes that often arise in this season and how Catholic coaching and communication can help couples grow closer.  Our conversation emphasizes the importance of intentional time, understanding temperaments, and renewing intimacy with grace,...

In this powerful episode, we welcome Steve Pokorny, founder of Freedom Coaching, to discuss healing from pornography and unchaste behavior through a Christ-centered approach.  Steve shares how his ministry helps men and women of all ages break free from compulsion by restoring their identity as beloved children of God.  The conversation emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and the importance of suppo...

Today, we are joined by Catholic coach Michele Simpson for a candid, faith-filled conversation on Walking With A Spouse With An Addiction.  Drawing from decades of personal experience, we tackle the deep loneliness, complex emotions, and unique challenges that come with loving a spouse struggling with addiction. In this episode, you’ll hear honest stories, practical insights about faith and mindse...

We are closing out our May series on Mary by exploring the devotion to Mary as the Mother of Sorrows.  We reflect on Mary’s hidden strength in suffering and guide you through the Seven Sorrows while sharing personal stories of pain, prayer, and resilience. Tune in as we discuss why Mary’s intercession matters, the power of meditating on her sorrows, and how these reflections can bring comfort and...

We are diving deeper into the rich world of Marian devotions as May, the month dedicated to Mary, continues. We share personal experiences with devotions like Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, and shed light on lesser-known titles such as Our Lady of Good Counsel and Mary, Star of the Sea.  We discuss how Marian devotion provides comfort, wise guidance, and gentle support for women at every stage of life...

In this episode, we welcome Efraen, a Phoenix firefighter and proud member of Young Catholic Professionals, who shares his heartfelt story of returning to the Catholic faith.  He recounts how attending a YCP conference and discovering a deeper devotion to Our Lady transformed his spiritual life. From simply attending Sunday Mass to embracing the rosary, confession, and daily prayer, Efraen’s candi...

Let's discuss the tradition of May crowning, a beautiful Catholic ceremony honoring Our Blessed Mother as Queen.  We share our experiences with May crowning and stories of how Mary’s intercession brought peace during challenging times, especially in the midst of family trauma and motherhood struggles. Whether you’re new to May crowning or nostalgic for old traditions, you’ll find tips for celebrat...

Let's begin the month of May (the month dedicated to Mary) with a candid conversation about the Blessed Virgin Mary and her role in our spiritual lives.  In this episode, we reflect on our personal journeys to understanding Mary’s importance, the beauty of the Rosary, and how Mary exemplifies strength, gentleness, and motherly love.  Throughout this special Marian month, you are invited to explore...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Virginia Koch, PhD - leadership expert, Catholic coach, and founder of Knots Untied Coaching - to explore how parents and mentors can work in harmony with teens.  Dr. Koch shares her unique perspective from decades of working with college students and her Catholic approach to coaching. She dives into the modern challenges teens face, from social media and loneliness...

In memory of our dear friend Jen DellaCrosse, who passed away on April 9, 2025, we are sharing an interview from last summer, when she first came on our podcast. We share the story of how we met Jen and how a true sisterhood formed from our friendship.  We reflect on personal experiences, the impact of divorce and broken families, and the challenges of finding love in today's culture. We also disc...

We are joined by the wonderful Catholic Mom Coach, Davanne O’Sullivan, to help us navigate the world of school-aged children and work in harmony with them.  This is a conversation that's brimming with real-life challenges and insights, touching on everything from potty training to the pull of social media.  We explore how moms can harmonize their homes with a peaceful heart and faithful mindset, f...

Parenting a toddler can feel like a constant battle between chaos and peace, but what if you could create more harmony in your home? In this episode, we dive into the reality of raising little ones while embracing joy, setting boundaries, and keeping faith at the center of motherhood. We share personal stories, practical tips, and a few laughs as we reflect on the toddler years - those unpredictab...