The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

How can we find fulfillment when we can’t conceive? Today we’re welcoming Leigh Snead, Fellow of the Catholic Association and co-host of Conversations with Consequences, back to the pod to preview her upcoming book, Infertile but Fruitful: Finding Fulfillment When You Can't Conceive (Sophia Institute Press, 2026).We’ll talk with Leigh about:– why it was important to include different infertility perspectives in her book.– the continually changing infertility conversation.– her advice for Catholic brides who are really struggling with the experience of infertility.Links:Infertile but Fruitful (Sophia Institute Press)

Have you ever felt tired of waiting in a season of infertility or loss?Today we welcome our dear friend Lisa Martinez back to the podcast for an honest talk that is perfect for Advent. She shares from the heart about:–How we should think about frustrations and obstacles on the path of infertility.–The parallels we can draw between waiting for Christ's birth and waiting for a baby.–Why we should make an offering to God of everything that we're going through.This Advent, remember that God loves you so much, and so do we!Links:Little with Great LoveSeven Sorrows Chaplet Gift SetTrustful Surrender to Divine ProvidenceAt the Altar | Elevation Rhythm

How can we live this Advent with purpose so that God can bring about conversion and transformation in our lives? How is God asking us to say “yes” to Him today?Today we’re welcoming Lindy Wynne from Mamas in Spirit to the podcast as we enter, as a Church, into the “season of waiting” of Advent. Lindy tells her story of marriage, adoption, and the ways she has been given the grace to say “yes” to God in different seasons.We’ll talk about:Holding onto God because there’s nothing else to hold onto.Encouragement for when we feel like we want “more” than “just” spiritual motherhood and fatherhood.How God is redeeming the sense of emptiness that we may feel, especially around the holidays.Links:Mamas in Spirit

Sometimes in a season of infertility/loss, we find ourselves dealing with insensitive comments or needing to establish a boundary with family members or friends. Balancing self-care and charity can be difficult, so we wanted to have this conversation with Edward before the holidays! In this episode, we'll talk about:Advice for those on the receiving end of an insensitive comment or prying question.How we can draw boundaries and defend ourselves in these situations while also defusing the conflict.How couples can take steps to charitably address these issues so that relationships can be salvaged.Remember, we are here with you this holiday season!Links:Blessed Are They Counseling

Why is it important for us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas? How can we experience the “fullness of time” of this season as we prepare for the incarnate Lord to come into the world?In this episode, Ann speaks with Fr. Paul about the Psalms as we get ready to pray the Psalter together this Advent as a community. They’ll discuss:The origin of the Psalms and their spiritual importance.How the Psalms can be both personal and communal prayers.Why praying the Psalter can be so good for us on the path of infertility and loss.Psalter Links:Fr. Paul's pick: The Psalter (Pocket Edition)Alissa's pick: A Psalter for PrayerAnn's pick: Songs of Praise: A Psalter Devotional for Orthodox Women