The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

During National Infertility Awareness Week, we invited Family Nurse Practitioner, Rachael Marshall, to join the conversation and share what a holistic approach to the practice of medicine looks like, especially when working with couples experiencing infertility or loss. Feel free to forward this epiosde on to any providers you know, and if you are a provider desiring to increase your awareness, we are here to walk with you, too!Links:Connect Medical ClinicPursuing Treatment Options w/ Caroline Gindhart and Clare KaneEntering into Treatment with Surrender w/ Caroline GindhartEarly Pregnancy Loss Association

What does good support from the Diocesan level look like for those suffering from infertility or loss? From her own experience, Deanna Johnston, Director of Family Life for the Diocese of Tyler, shares tips for what dioceses can do to accompany those struggling. It's not necessarily providing a solution to their problems, but acknowledging them and loving them through it.Links:How to create an Infertility webpage on your Diocesan or parish websiteLiturgical Digital Toolkit

This week, Jillian welcomes back Founding Mama, Ann, to talk all about what it means to be a Simon. If you know someone in your life who is experiencing infertility or loss, it can be challenging to figure out the best ways to show up for them. To that end, Ann and Jillian give practical step-by-step suggestions for accompaniment in todays's episode. And if you are walking with someone on the path of infertility, please know we are here for you, too!!Links:Infertility Awareness PageOur Website jam-packed full of resources!

National Infertility Awareness Week is in just a few weeks, but here at Springs, we like to increase awareness all month long! This week, Jillian and Fr. Paul kick off this awareness series by discussing simple ways new and seasoned pastors can implement support for those carrying the cross of infertility in their parishes. And because each parish is a family unit, Fr. Paul gives some great suggestions on how each pastor can nurture marriages and affirm that each marriage has a mission! Did you know your marriage has a mission? Listen to find out what that is, and send this episode to your pastor!Links:Fr. Paul's Email: fr.paul@springsinthedesert.org

We welcome back, Nurse Practitioner, Caroline Gindhart, and Psychotherapist, Clare Kane, to continue the discussion around treatment focusing on the discernment of when it may be time to take a break.  What are some signs to look for when a pause might prudent?  Is this giving up? They will answer all of these questions and more on this episode so listen in!Links:Pursuing Treatment Options w/ Caroline Gindhart and Clare Kane Podcast Episode

This week on the podcast, Nurse Practitioner, Caroline Gindhart, and Psychotherapist, Clare Kane, team up to deliver a message related to discerning and seeking treatment during infertility.  They share great advice on how to stay in the driver's seat during the process while consulting and cooperating with a provider.Links:Caroline' s Practice

On the podcast this week, we are honored to welcome Christendom College Theology professor, Mary Ellen Stanford, who gives us a wonderful understanding of the differences between spouses and how it's all a part of God's great design in bringing fruit to marriages and thereby to the world.Links:The Obedience Paradox: Finding True Freedom in Marriage

Your podcast host starts off Lent on the right foot: with prayer! In a season focused on returning our gaze to Christ's Paschal Mystery, we are so honored to walk with you this Lent, wherever you are on the path of infertility! Find your favorite place to pray, turn off all distractions, and pause to pray with us. Links:Lent Carried BundleSubmit a Prayer RequestFifth Station Sticker

We have a real treat today as we have not one, but TWO priests on the podcast!  Cassandra welcomes Fr. Chris Kight from the Diocese of Owensboro, KY along with Fr. Paul, to discuss friendship with God. What does friendship with God look like in our lives, especially when we are carrying a heavy cross?Links:How to Contact Fr. Paul: Fr.Paul@springsinthedesert.org

Back by popular demand, licensed psychotherapist, Clare Kane, rejoins Jillian on the podcast to continue their conversation regarding friendship.  They go into the history of friendship, what it looked like in the past and what it looks like now.  They discuss ways to cultivate solid friendships cooperating with God and relying on Him to meet that basic need when maybe we don't have the energy for making new friends in a season of infertility or loss.Links: Clare's Practice Hold On To Your Kids

This week, Jillian turns the microphone over to our Communications Manager, Cassandra. In this episode, you get a front row seat to a talk Cassandra gave all about acknowledging the grief of infertility. Through her personal story, Cassandra shares the many ways grief may manifest in our hearts and what the stages of grief might look like on the path of infertility. Her witty personality and honest reflection remind us that it is okay to grieve and mourn and that Jesus knows exactly what you are going through and is with you in this very moment.

A lot of what we hold as proper for friendships is learned from the culture. But is what it's saying regarding friendship accurate? Licensed psychotherapist, Clare Kane, returns to the podcast to shed light on some of these lies so that we can enjoy friendships the way God intended them to bless us. Links: Clare's practice

This week, Jillian takes you and your spouse through a guided Dream Date with God. Grab your journal, find your favorite place to dream, and open your heart to receive all that the Lord desires for you in this season! From your relationship with God and your spouse to knowing your community and yourself, the Lord has big dreams for you!

Today, your podcast host, Jillian, leads you through a guided prayer experience. Grab your journal, your spouse, or even a friend, and find 10 minutes to pause in the midst of your busy day to pray along with us. It's an honor to pray with you! Links: Submit a Prayer Request

The beginning of a New Year is a popular time to look at the year ahead and ask ourselves what are goals or dreams we'd like to achieve or realize. We suggest including your spouse in this practice by going on a  'Dream Date!'  Set some time aside for the two of you to connect where you can enter into one another's plans and hopes for the new year. Links: Stephanie Weinert's Website Weinert Dream Date PDF

Now that the busyness of the holidays is over, schedules have cleared and distractions have lessened, we are reminded again of the cross of infertility we carry.  Licensed counselor, Edward Luersman, joins team member Jillian to get back to the basics.  Let's challenge some of those inaccurate thoughts that maybe have returned.  Let's remember that our family started the day we were married and we don't have to wait to start living until our family 'looks' the way we thought it would. Links: Edward's Practice Navigating Infertility in the Workplace w/ Edward Luersman How Should We Process Grief? w/ Edward Luersman

As is tradition at Springs, we like to start the New Year off with a podcast on the Saint and Word of the Year. There is a fun online tool that can inspire and enrich our prayer lives while offering another opportunity to grow in friendship with a certain Saint.  Let us know what word and Saint you received, we'd love to hear! Links: Saint's Name Generator Word of the Year Generator --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

Merry Christmas, Springs Community! We are blessed to have Fr. Paul join us for another episode, this time focusing on Christmas and how in our infertility journeys, we can ponder all of these things in our hearts like Mary did.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

Advent is a time of preparation, but what does that really mean and why are we preparing for Christ who has already come? Father Paul takes us through a beautiful Advent reflection and helps unpack questions like these as well as advising us on how to tailor our Advent plans when we are feeling burdened by the cross of infertility.  Even if it seems Advent took you by surprise this year, it's never too late to enter into the season! Links: Making the Most of this "Little Lent" with Father Paul Podcast Episode --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

Advent may look differently this year than you imagined when struggling with the cross of infertility or loss., but Advent living doesn't isn't just for children; it's for you too! Team members Katie and Jillian share some of their favorite Advent traditions that you could begin in your home or with your spouse.  We'd also love to hear yours! Please share your ideas with the Springs community so we can benefit from your great ideas! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

Amy Brooks from, 'Prayer, Wine, Chocolate' shares her infertility story with Jillian this week.  Amy has a real gift of networking and connecting with the Catholic community.  Amy explains how her life of prayer, friendship, and work all weave together, which may even inspire you to speak candidly with others during a season of infertility.  You never know what connections God will use! Links: Amy's Website Catholic Influencer's Christmas Catalog --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

Our Lord tells us in the Gospel of Matthew 18:3 that, in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we need to become like children.  This advice also holds true for those of us grieving infertility or loss.  Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Bryan Hanan, joins the Durnan's on the podcast this week to unpack what it means to heal by connecting with our inner child. Links: Brya's Website Brya's Book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

As we approach holiday gatherings, we wanted to air the second episode in a two-part series dedicated to boundary setting.  We welcome back our dear friend and licensed psychotherapist, Clare Kane, to answer the questions we ran out of time for on the first episode. For instance, how do we figure what our boundaries are? And what do we do when others don't respect the boundaries we set?  Links: Part 1 Clare's Practice --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

Knowing healthy relationship boundaries and setting them can be an invaluable strategy when carrying the cross of infertility or loss. Licensed psychotherapist, Clare Kane, sits down with Jillian and helps us unpack this. What are boundaries? Can Christians set boundaries? What do I do if it's uncomfortable to set them? All of these questions and more will be brought to the table. Links: Clare's Practice --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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! Links: Eileen's Website --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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. Links: His Girl Sunday Website His Girl Sunday Instagram Steffani's New Book What is Liturgical Living Podcast with Steffani --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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! Links: Start or Find a Small Group Join our Newsletter! God as Carpenter w/ Dr. Megan Reister Secondary Infertility Stories w/ Dr. Megan Reister ”My Small Group Experience” by Dr. Megan Reister Spiritual Motherhood is for All Women Podcast Episode Our Small Group Page Diving Deeper Into Small Groups Podcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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! Links: Holding Space for Joy by Mary Bruno Stepping Into Suffering with Mary Bruno What is Spiritual Motherhood? with Mary Bruno Twelve Stripes Deep Mary Bruno's Instagram Mary Bruno's Website --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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.  Links: Clare's Practice --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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. Links: Keeping the Spark Alive Going Deeper with the Five Love Languages The Intimacy Episode The Connection Between Trauma and Hope Moving Forward From Medical Trauma Strengthening Our Marriages through Gratitude and Forgiveness --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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! Links: Blog Post by Ann Mount Tabor Counseling Examination of Conscience Podcast Miniseries on Examining Our Conscience Strengthening Marriage through Mutual Forgiveness Webinar Fr. Elias' Parish --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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! Links: How to Start a Small Group with Meg and Bernadette Spiritual Motherhood is for All Women Podcast Episode Our Small Group Page --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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! Links: Springs in the Desert Springs of Love Founding Day Donation Page --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

Jillian and Cassandra sit down with Suzy Younger, Notre Dame Marriage Prep Coordinator and Certified FertilityCare Practitioner, to discuss what it is like to undergo a hysterectomy. We discuss what it is like to receive a diagnosis that would lead to a hysterectomy, what it might be like to prepare for and recover from the procedure, and how this procedure can affect a woman and her spouse both spiritually and physically. Even if your story is not the same as Suzy's, this episode highlights that God is present, even on the hardest days on the path of infertility. Links: Fertility Care Practice Heart Prints from Studio Senn Jesus, I Trust in You Embracing Edith Stein by Ann Costa Trusting God in the Present by Fr. Jacques Philippe --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

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! Links: Start or Find a Small Group Join our Newsletter! God as Carpenter w/ Dr. Megan Reister Secondary Infertility Stories w/ Dr. Megan Reister "My Small Group Experience" by Dr. Megan Reister --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

We are thrilled this week to have well known writer, radio host and speaker, Leigh Snead, on the podcast again. Leigh is very real as she shares the difficult emotions she has had to work through while carrying the cross of infertility while at the same time valiantly picking up her cross knowing her place is needed and valued in the greater Body of Christ. Links: The Catholic Association --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

To go deeper in our theme this month of "We Are Part of The Church," we invited Mikki Sciba on to the podcast to discuss how the diocese can serve those suffering from infertility and loss, even while personally carrying that burden. Mikki works as a catechetical specialist for the diocese of Tyler, Texas. She shares some of the wisdom she has learned while taking part in diocesan ministry as it relates to couples on the path of infertility. Links: Life Beyond the Chariot Podcast --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

We turn to two wives of Byzantine Catholic priests, Alyssa West and Jocelyn Abyad, to help kick off our theme this month titled, 'Being Part of the Church.' These lovely ladies share their perspective on this theme as it relates to their own struggles with infertility/loss in their local Byzantine parishes. Links: Jocelyn's Facebook Jocelyn's Instagram We Carry You Still Byzikid Magazine --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

This week's special guest is Christina Valenzuela, a certified NFP instructor, owner of Pearl & Thistle, LLC, and author of a new book entitled, The Language of Your Body: Embracing God's Design for Your Cycle. NFP charting is an important activity and can benefit our lives and our marriages immensely, however, sometimes during a season of infertility, we can become hyper focused on the chart and it becomes a major distraction depleting the health of our marriage or preventing us from being fruitful in other ways. One of those examples of fruitfulness we dive into is the idea of radical hospitality. Let's not miss what else God might be calling us to during a season focused on our chart. Links: Christina's Website Christina's Instagram Christina's Book --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

During National NFP Awareness Week, we thought it a great idea to welcome back a close friend of this ministry, Chris O'Neill, the Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Chris helps articulate why those carrying the cross of infertility may have mixed feelings about NFP, charting, etc., then helps us refocus on how to build deep, strong relationships with our spouse. Links What's the Issue with IVF? podcast episode --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

In this Desert Reflection, we join in conversation with married couple, Matthew and Katie Summers, to discuss why it's so important to go on dates with your spouse after you tie the knot followed by practical advice on how to plan these dates and invest that time to deepen your relationship with your spouse and strengthen your marriage.  Just like dating was so important when you were just starting out, it's equally important once you are married. This is our encouragement to grab your spouse and plan a morning, afternoon, or evening together. Then just enjoy each other's company! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

On this week's episode with one of our dear friends of the ministry and licensed counselor, Clare Kane, we chat about medical trauma and how it can manifest itself in our lives. With personal experiences, Clare shares how this trauma can occur and how to deal with it when it does. Links: The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

What does it look like to enter into treatment with surrender? We welcome back nurse practitioner, Caroline Gindhart, to share with us her thoughts on this topic as well as other insights she has from years of working with couples struggling with infertility. Links Navigating Infertility Treatment with Your Healthcare Provider Caroline's Practice --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

We welcome back Chris O'Neill, Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, to help deepen our understanding and awareness of the Church's teaching on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). With the increasing use of IVF, we dive into where the Church gives guidance on this topic, reflect on the good, holy, and healthy desire for children, and begin to discuss some of the concerns with this Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).  Links: Donum Vitae Dignitas Personae Catholic Teaching on IVF Podcast with Dr. Marie Meaney --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

Whether it's month after month of negative pregnancy tests, getting off a call with a doctor's office about results, or even receiving the good news that a friend is expecting, we've all found ourselves in some pretty intense and often challenging moments. Licensed counselor, Clare Kane, chats with Jillian and Cassandra about how we can live through these moments, digesting the news, yet not letting that news consume us. Links: Mental Health Awareness and Infertility Blog Post --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

During the month of June, we are focusing on that daily decision of surrendering and entrusting our lives to God. But how do we practically do that? Jillian and Katie provide some insight on how to develop a strong prayer life, because it's during that time with God, we really get to know Him and listen to all that he wants to tell us. Links: Katie Zalany is 38 years old, married and lives in Cleveland Ohio. She is a Third Order Secular Franciscan (OFS), certified spiritual director, benefits/wellness leader, certified health and life coach, and an active volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul ministry and The Fruitful Hollow ministry for infertility. She is the creator of the ministry Women in Waiting | Made for Fruitfulness and is the published author of Called to Corporate. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

As we close out May, the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jillian and Katie reflect on Mary's example of fruitfulness as it stems from her relationship to God. Just like Mary, we are beloved sons and daughters of the God the Father and Mary, Our Mother of Sorrows, is our blueprint for living a faithful, fruitful life. Links: Our Lady of Sorrows Blog Post --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

As we recently finished our successful 'Cherished' retreat in Phoenix, we wanted to explore the idea of a retreat on the podcast this week. Jillian and Cassi help us understand what a retreat is, what it does for us, and how to make one whether it be at a retreat center or simply in the comfort of our own home. We would also love to bring a retreat to your town so please share this episode with your Diocesan leaders so we can help build a community for you locally. You are not alone! Links: How the Church Can Support Catholics Experiencing Infertility Small Groups --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

Since last week we heard about how husbands can support their wives in a season of infertility or loss, we thought it fitting this week to hear about what women can do to support their husbands on this journey. Jillian welcomes back psychotherapist and theologian, Clare Kane, on the podcast to chat about some of the best ways wives can walk alongside their husbands as they carry the cross of infertility together. Links: Clare's Practice --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support

With Mother's Day around the corner, we wanted to bring the husband's out there some great advice on how best to walk alongside their wives who may be struggling on this day. Ian Duran joins our host, Jillian, to share what he has found to be helpful for his wife on a day that can be filled with emotions. Let us know of any other ways you've been supported on Mother's Day and feel free to share the below resources with your Pastor! Links: Mother's Day Resource for Pastors "Mother's Day is Hard, and Father Should Know" Infertility Awareness Resources --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/springsinthedesert/support