Episode 99: Teaching the Language of Gift: Forming Catholic Boys to Understand the Menstrual Cycle

In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily sit down with Christina Valenzuela, owner and creative director of Pearl and Thistle, for a thoughtful and much-needed conversation on forming young men in the truth and beauty of the human body. Together, they explore Christina’s newest resource, Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: A Guide for Catholic Boys, a unique and engaging PDF e-book designed to help boys better understand the dignity, purpose, and design of the female body. Christina shares the inspiration behind the project, walks through the content of the guide, and explains why it’s so important to include boys in conversations about fertility and human anthropology. Amy and Emily reflect on how this resource equips parents—especially mothers and fathers—to speak with their sons about the “language of gift” that the human body communicates. They discuss how fostering this understanding early can shape a deeper respect for women, a greater appreciation for God’s design, and a more authentic vision of love and community. This episode is a must-listen for parents who want to raise sons with clarity, reverence, and confidence when it comes to the beauty of the human person and the sacred rhythms of life. Resources: 1. Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: A Guide for Catholic Boys https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/understanding-the-menstrual-cycle-for-boys/zjhqb 2. Pearl & Thistle Webpage: https://pearlandthistle.com/ 3. Encyclical: The truth and meaning of human sexuality: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_08121995_human-sexuality_en.html 4. The NFP Podcast encyclical episodes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jVTxueZZsOr9xfvsBI74p?si=kIijpUCyQESsogotSfDD-A