Cycles and Sanctity Podcast | Understand your Cycle and NFP, Grow in Holiness

112 | Testimony of Effraen's Spiritual Walk with Mary

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 candid testimony reveals the healing and joy that comes from rekindling faith, even after feeling distant. 
Whether you’re seeking inspiration or looking for a way back to devotion, Efraen’s journey and practical insights into Marian spirituality are sure to resonate. 
And don't miss the special coaching offer for four coaching sessions. 
NEXT STEPS:
1. Connect with Efraen2. Check out our Mother's Day Coaching Special3. Continue the conversation. Join us in our Facebook group4. Subscribe and write a review here

111 | May Crowning of Our Lady

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 celebrating it at home and inspiration to see Mary as a healing presence and spiritual mother. 
Join us as we reflect on honoring both our earthly and heavenly mothers, embracing the joys and difficulties of motherhood, and inviting holiness into everyday life. Happy Mother's Day! 
NEXT STEPS:
1. Continue the conversation. Join us in our Facebook group2. Subscribe and write a review here3. Book a Coffee Chat with Mama Jane4. Book a Coffee Chat with Mama Vicki

110 | Who Is Mary In Your Life?

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 your connection to Mary, ask questions, and engage in meaningful reflection.
Who is Mary in your life? Do you have a hangup with Mary? Or what is it that you love about Mary? What helps you resonate with her? 
NEXT STEPS:
1. Let's pray the rosary together (Episode 61)2. Continue the conversation. Join us in our Facebook group3. Subscribe and write a review here
 

109 | Working In Harmony with Teens with Dr. Virginia Koch, PhD

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 to finding purpose and faith.
Together, they discuss building self-awareness, strengthening family bonds, and supporting teens through both struggles and growth, all while keeping virtue and faith at the center. 
You’ll find encouragement and practical wisdom in this heartfelt conversation. Don’t miss Dr. Koch’s tips, resources, and a special prayer for families at the end of the episode!
NEXT STEPS:
1. Check out the Catholics on Campus Podcast2. Take Dr. Virginia Koch's free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment3. Continue the conversation. Join us in our Facebook group4. Subscribe and write a review here

Special Tribute to Jen DellaCrosse

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 discuss the virtue of chastity and the importance of natural family planning (NFP). 
Please join us in praying for Jen's soul, her husband Ryan, her seven children, and her family.  
NEXT STEPS: 
1. Jen's Cancer Journey on The Catholic Talk Show2. Continue the conversation. Join us in our Facebook group3. Subscribe and write a review here

108 | Working In Harmony With Your School-Aged Children

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, find purpose amidst the demands of motherhood, and the power of playful connections with children. 
Join us to discover how faith-based coaching can help mothers feel less alone and create a joyful, fulfilling life both inside and outside the home. 
Whether you're a stay-at-home mom or balancing work life, this episode is for you! Don't miss the uplifting discussion on embracing your unique journey towards holiness and discovering your true calling as a Catholic mom. 
NEXT STEPS:
1. Connect with Davanne on Instagram2. Email Davanne at hello@thecatholicmomcoach.com to sign up for her monthly workshops3. Continue the conversation. Join us in our Facebook group4. Subscribe and write a review here

107 | Working In Harmony With Your Toddler

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 unpredictable, exhausting, yet incredibly sweet moments that pass by too quickly.
From navigating meltdowns to setting up safe play spaces, encouraging independence, and even finding God in the small moments, this conversation is filled with wisdom and encouragement for every mama in the trenches.
We also introduce our Saint of the Week - St. Frances of Rome, whose beautiful words remind us that God is present in the everyday tasks of motherhood.
Plus, don’t miss our journaling prompts at the end to help you reflect on the joys and challenges of having toddlers.
NEXT STEPS:
1. Continue the conversation. Join us in our Facebook group2. Subscribe and write a review here3. Book a Discovery Call with Mama Jane4. Book a Discovery Call with Mama Vicki

106 | Working In Harmony With Breastfeeding

We're ending our Working in Harmony series today with Working in Harmony with Breastfeeding. This episode empowers all mothers and mothers-to-be, as we explore the profound aspects of what it truly means to nourish a little one. 
We bring our wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, sharing practical advice and inspiring messages of encouragement for those facing challenges on their breastfeeding journey. 
As we discuss everything from the natural design of our bodies to the emotional and spiritual aspects of motherhood, you'll hear invaluable insights that are sure to resonate. 
Click the links below to hear past episodes we've done on breastfeeding. St. Giles, pray for us. 
NEXT STEPS:
1. Ep 21 - Birthing and Breastfeeding With Vicki Valencia2. Ep 72 - The First Steps To Breastfeeding Success 3. Ep 73 - The Nuts and Bolts of Breastfeeding4. Ep 74 - Breakthroughs In Breastfeeding5. Continue the conversation. Join us in our Facebook group6. Subscribe and write a review here7. Book a Discovery Call with Mama Jane8. Book a Discovery Call with Mama Vicki

105 | Working In Harmony With Our Pregnancy

Let's embrace pregnancy as a sacred journey rather than a sickness. Mama Vicki shares wisdom from her experiences in labor and delivery, while Mama Jane reflects on the beauty, challenges, and grace of carrying a child.
 
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Reframing pregnancy - your body is designed for this!
Trusting your instincts and working in harmony with your baby
Nourishment, movement, and self-care during pregnancy
Overcoming fears and societal pressures around body image
The joy of feeling those first kicks and embracing each trimester
The spiritual side of pregnancy - prayer, trust, and invoking the Saints
Practical tips for preparing for birth and postpartum recovery
🩷 A Message for Expecting Mamas: Whether this is your first baby or your eighth, you are not alone. God has designed your body beautifully, and this journey is one of divine co-creation. Let’s walk together in faith and joy!
Saint Spotlight: St. Margaret of Scotland - a queen, a mother, and a witness to holiness in motherhood.
🙏 Closing Blessing: A special prayer for all expectant mothers, asking for strength, grace, and trust in God’s plan.
💬Join the Conversation:✨Have a pregnancy story or question? We’d love to hear from you!✨Share this episode with a mama-to-be who could use a little extra love and support!
NEXT STEPS:
1. Continue the conversation. Join us in our Facebook group2. Subscribe and write a review here3. Book a Discovery Call with Mama Jane4. Book a Discovery Call with Mama Vicki
 

104 | Working In Harmony With Our Cycles

In this episode, we look at the beauty and wisdom of working in harmony with our God-given cycles. Just as the liturgical year has its seasons, so do our bodies - and embracing these natural rhythms can be a powerful way to grow in holiness and self-awareness.
Join us as we explore:✨ The spiritual connection between our cycles and Lent✨ The four phases of our cycle and how they mirror God’s design✨ How to honor our bodies as sacred reflections of divine order✨ Practical ways to align our faith and daily life with our natural rhythms✨ The importance of understanding, not suppressing, the beauty of our cycles
We also share journal prompts to help you reflect on how integrating these rhythms into your spiritual practices can deepen your faith.
How can I honor my body's natural rhythms as a sacred reflection of God's divine order?
How might integrating these rhythms into my spiritual practices bring me closer to experiencing true sanctity? 
St. Brigid of Kildare reminds us that embracing nature’s rhythms can lead us closer to God.
💬 Join the conversation! How do you work in harmony with your cycle? Share your thoughts in our Facebook group.
🙏 We ask for the intercession of St. Brigid to help us embrace each phase of our cycle as a sacred opportunity for growth and connection with God’s love.
NEXT STEPS:
1. Continue the conversation. Join us in our Facebook group2. Subscribe and write a review here3. Book a Discovery Call with Mama Jane4. Book a Discovery Call with Mama Vicki