Barren not Broken: Recent Episodes
Barrennotbroken
Bridging the gap of infertility between family, friends, and femininity.
Never give up on your dreams but never let the unfulfilled ones keep your heart barren. This podcast helps people discover that we all have barren places in our lives. Your story is not over; be encouraged there is more waiting to be written!
Jesse and Cindy Mizell have been married for 15 years. They have four children with them and three babies in heaven. Their story includes two early miscarriages, a full-term stillbirth at 39 weeks, and the kind of grief that either destroys a marriage or forges it into something unbreakable. Theirs became the latter.
In this episode of the Barren Not Broken podcast, Jesse and Cindy sit down with Jason and BonnieRuth Rolf and hold nothing back. Jesse talks about being so angry after their second miscarriage that he hid his Bible and changed his radio presets to avoid God entirely. Cindy shares what it was like to learn there was no heartbeat at 39 weeks and then deliver their daughter Candice at home. Together, they walk through how community, worship, and one desperate promise in a parking lot kept their marriage alive.
If you have lost a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth, or if you love someone who has, this episode will remind you that you are not alone, your grief is valid, and your marriage can thrive and not just survive this.
James and Teri Craft, Founders of Marriage Health, will tell you that the biggest mistake of their early marriage wasn't the loss. It was stepping over the loss instead of through it together. It started with a doctor casually and un-empathetically delivering devastating news causing a grief that neither of them knew how to hold. They tried to outrun it; through ministry, through busyness, through looking like everything was okay on the outside. What they couldn't see was that they were becoming strangers to each other in the process.
In this episode, they talk about what the slow fade actually feels like from the inside, what finally brought everything to a breaking point, and how two people with nothing left decided to start choosing each other one day at a time and not give up. James and Teri are not speaking from a textbook. They are speaking from the fire they walked through and came out of together. The Crafts are the Founders of Marriage Health, an organization that exists to offer growth, recovery, and healing opportunities to individuals and couples around the globe. They both coach, counsel, write, and speak about the hope found in walking with Christ and others through honest transformational journeys. They help marriages through conflict, communication, and crisis. Through God-centered and trauma-informed help, there is a path forward.
You can check out their ministry and resources available at https://www.marriagehealth.org/home
Nate and Kala Sipple were told they would never have children. Eleven years of infertility, stage four Endometriosis, IVF, embryo loss, and a faith crisis later, they're sitting down with Jason and BonnieRuth Rolf on the Barren Not Broken podcast to share what no one prepared them for...
This conversation covers the real questions couples face: Is IVF a betrayal of faith? How do you grieve what's missing while celebrating what you have? And how do you heal a marriage that carried the weight of something it was never warned about? Nate and Kala navigated a total of 11 years of infertility. 7 years before their first son and 4 years before their twins were born. They get the ups and downs, the disappointments, the fears and the waiting.
Nate is one of the Associate Pastors at New Tribe Church in Mount Juliet, TN. Kala is home educating their 3 miracle boys; Grayson 10, Sterling and Hendrix are both 6. They have been serving the local church for over 15 years together, and have been married for almost 19 years.
Infertility and pregnancy loss do not just affect individuals, they shape marriages too. During the week of April 19th we acknowledge Infertility Awareness Week. This episode is in preparation for that week. We are creating intentional space to acknowledge the couples walking through this often unseen journey, and to remind you that you are not alone.
In this honest and hope filled conversation our hosts Jason and BonnieRuth Rolf interview Brent and Heather who share their 15 year journey through primary and secondary infertility, multiple miscarriages connected to endometriosis, and the faith that helped them hold onto each other when answers did not come.
Now parents of three children through both science and the grace of God, they speak with compassion and clarity to couples navigating treatments, grief, fear, and discouraged dreams. One of the most meaningful parts of this episode centers on learning how to give your spouse space to process differently, and why recognizing that men experience loss deeply too can strengthen connection instead of creating distance.
Heather also shares about her newly released book Barren: A Shared Journey of Infertility, Loss, and Faith, a resource created to help women walk through loss, waiting, and faith with hope. Get your copy here; https://a.co/d/02S2hukR
In this episode, you will hear:
How infertility and pregnancy loss affect both spouses
Why making room for each other’s emotions protects your marriage
Encouragement for couples facing treatments, unanswered questions, and waiting
Hope for those navigating this unimaginable journey
Insight from Heather’s new book supporting women in seasons of grief and uncertainty
If you are walking through infertility or pregnancy loss as a couple, this episode will remind you that you are not alone, and your marriage can still grow stronger in the middle of the journey. Remember no matter the barren places in our lives we do not have to live broken.
When infertility, pregnancy loss, or failed treatments become part of your story, the pain is not only physical, it is emotional, relational, and spiritual.
In this episode, Jason and Bonnie Ruth sit down with Talia Lavor, a Physician Assistant and fertility specialist, to talk about the often-overlooked factors behind infertility, especially endometriosis, and why so many couples feel dismissed by the system meant to help them. This conversation is packed with insight, compassion, and practical encouragement for couples who want to advocate for answers, trust their gut, and stay connected in the middle of a difficult journey.
Talia Lavor is a Physician Assistant with 19 years of experience in women’s health, including more than a decade focused on fertility and endometriosis. After facing years of infertility herself and being told she had less than a 1 percent chance of conceiving naturally, she became passionate about uncovering the root causes of fertility challenges. She now specializes in complex infertility and pregnancy loss cases and is the founder of The Fertility Underground and creator of Beacon™ Precision Diagnostics.
If you or someone you know is navigating Endometriosis we want to hold space for that as it is Endometriosis awareness month. This episode will bring awareness, better understanding and hold space for what those walking through this disease are going through!
Infertility does not just break hearts, it strains marriages. Hope and Kadero Watson share 11 years of trying, loss, IVF, and the quiet fears that can grow in the dark. Then they reveal the question that changed everything, “Do you feel like I would leave you if we could never have kids together?” That moment opened the door to honesty, unity, and a new way to fight the battle, together, not against each other. If infertility has made your marriage feel fragile, this episode gives you words, a plan for check-ins, and hope for staying connected.
Hope and Kadero Watson are relationship champions and content creators. Currently residing in Tulsa, OK, Hope and Kadero hail from Richmond, VA, where their paths first crossed in middle school. However, it wasn’t until high school theater class that they truly connected, setting the stage for the deep friendship and love story. Their journey inspires couples and individuals worldwide to build healthy, joyful relationships rooted in faith. Through authentic storytelling, heartfelt conversations, and engaging content, they encourage others to embrace love, resilience, and connection.
In this conversation, Jason and BonnieRuth Rolf sit down with Kimberly Galindo, LPC-S, CST—a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, EMDR Certified Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, Consultant in Training, and Leadership & Relationship Coach. Together, they explore how navigating infertility, loss, and childlessness often feels like a private and isolating journey.
The Rolf’s share from their own experience how inviting trusted counselors into their story not only helped them stay married but also allowed their relationship to flourish in the midst of grief and unmet expectations. Kimberly brings insight into what it looks like to find the right counselor, debunks common myths around therapy, and reminds us that counseling is not just about “fixing problems,” but about investing in a marriage that is resilient and thriving for the long game.
This episode speaks hope into places that may feel barren, offering practical tools, encouragement, and the reminder that we don’t have to walk this road alone.
Remember no matter the barren places in our lives we do not have to live broken.
In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Pastors Myles & Dee MacCloskey join the Rolf’s to talk about the complicated intersection of grief, faith, marriage, and healing.
They open up about their journey through unexpected loss, secondary infertility, and miscarriage—and how it tested their marriage, their hearts, and their hope.
But this episode isn’t just about pain. It’s about making space for questions, grace, and God’s faithfulness—even when the road feels long and when we feel lost, God's love always finds us.
It’s about choosing to grow individually so you can heal together.
It’s about placing your dreams and disappointments in God’s hands and letting Him breathe hope again. Whether you’re walking through loss or love someone who is, this episode will remind you: God can handle your questions. His grace meets you in the wrestle. He holds space with you to find hope.
About the guests:
Pastors Myles & Dee MacCloskey lead Jesus is Here, a church in Frisco, TX. As parents, pastors, and those who’ve walked through miscarriage and secondary infertility, they bring deep empathy and lasting hope to those on similar journeys.
In this heartfelt and honest episode, Jason and BonnieRuth share their personal story—24 years of marriage, 19 of those spent navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and ultimately, childlessness. They open up about the unexpected lessons, the deep pain, and the surprising growth they experienced along the way.
This episode offers both practical and spiritual tools for couples walking through similar struggles. With vulnerability and hope, they speak to the reality that no couple imagines this path when they say “I do,” but it’s a journey that doesn’t have to define or defeat you.
Whether you’re in the thick of it or supporting someone who is, this episode is filled with encouragement, empathy, and real-life insight to help you discover what you didn’t know you needed.
🎙 NEW EPISODE: Keith & Taryn – Love, Loss & the Layers Between 💔➡️💞
Keith and Taryn met in college and have been married since 2015. Their journey includes the joys of raising two beautiful children—and the deep heartbreak of three miscarriages and a season of secondary infertility.
In this powerful episode of Barren Not Broken, they invite us into their story with rare vulnerability. Together, they open up about:
🔸 The emotional toll of secondhand infertility
🔸 Walking through miscarriage—three times
🔸 How grief looks different for each spouse
🔸 Keith’s honest take on being a grieving husband and father
🔸 Taryn’s insight into the emotional and physical complexity of loss
🔸 What healing together can look like—and why hope is still possible
Whether you’re in the thick of it or walking alongside someone who is, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and never alone.
In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Caitlyn Baten shares her journey through infertility and how it intersects with her deep passion for foster care and adoption. With a heart rooted in justice and mercy, Caitlyn opens up about what it means to live in the tension—longing for children of her own while being deeply invested in the lives of vulnerable children around the world. She gently challenges the idea that adoption is a “solution” for infertility and speaks with clarity and compassion about how the Church can better support both. Her story is one of grace, grit, and unwavering hope.
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, our Host Jason and Bonnie Ruth sit down with Mark and Rachel, lead pastors of The Bridge Church in Chino, CA, both are communicators of real hope and healing. Rachel, also is the author of Miscarried Hope and the founder of Hope Again Collective a jewelry line that gives back to moms who have experienced pregnancy loss. In this episode she shares alongside her husband Mark as they open up about the raw, unfiltered journey of walking through miscarriage — not just as individuals, but as a couple, and as leaders of a church community.
Together, they share how grief shook their foundation, yet how their faith became an anchor through the storm. They talk candidly about the personal pain of loss, the strain it can put on a relationship, and how they fought to stay connected — to God and to each other — even when the road felt dark and uncertain.
This episode is for couples who have walked through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss and are longing to feel less alone. It’s a conversation full of grace, wisdom, and vulnerability — one that offers practical ways to close the communication gaps that grief can open, and helps chart a course toward healing, intimacy, and renewed faith.
You’ll walk away feeling seen, supported, and encouraged to remember that no matter the barren places in our lives we do not have to live broken.
A Doctor’s Perspective how couples can approach decision making, mindset, next steps while navigating faith.
This was a powerful conversation that we hope encourages and inspires you.
Dr. Collins is Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist at Center for Reproductive Endocrinology
Center for Reproductive Endocrinology Yale University School of Medicine.
The Rolfs have grown to respect him, his faith and practice greatly.
Thank you to Twelve 12 ministries for allowing us to share this interview from their October 2024 event. We are grateful for our friendship with this ministry and Dr. Collins
Remember no matter the barren places in our lives we do not have to live broken.
In this episode we get the opportunity to talk with Chris and Megan Rea of No Small Life & Make Love Work, as they share their journey of navigating infertility and childlessness not by choice, within their marriage and faith community. We will hear how they were able to experience loss while developing a deeper faith but also some of the boundaries they had to create within their community in order to walk through this time in a more healthy way. They remind us that they may be childless but they are not purposeless. Be sure to visit them at nosmalllife.me and makelovework.me for more about their story and for resources if you are walking through this journey as well!
In this first episode of the newest Barren Not Broken Podcast season you will hear from our founders Jason and BonnieRuth Rolf. They will guide us through a conversation centered around "Stepping Forward Together in Hope". They reflect on the challenges of the past year and embrace the possibilities of a new one. They dive deep into the journey of healing and resilience, while giving practical tools with the purpose to encourage couples facing infertility, loss, or childlessness not by choice. This episode will leave you inspired and remind us that, no matter the barren places in our lives, we do not have to live broken.
BonnieRuth had an incredible chat with Sheri from Awaken Worth Podcast. The conversation centered around how we as women often judge ourselves and others with how busy we are. Comparing the plates we juggle whether we have kids or not, whether we are married or single.... When really why do we feel the need to be busy.... Are we self aware, are we hiding, are we avoiding, are we scared, are we insecure...? What is our busy centered around and how do we live balanced healthy lives as women while championing each other instead of tearing each other down. You will love Sheri!! BR always walks away from conversations with Sheri feeling inspired towards growth, challenged to engage and encouraged for how far she has come. Sheri helps women who are childless not by choice, to awaken their worth in a world that makes them feel inadequate. Her passion is inspiring these women to live full and joyful lives of meaning instead of lack. After 3 miscarriages and 6 years of infertility, Sheri's coaching background and spiritual training led her to discover a process for navigating the grief, the triggers, the feelings of exclusion and the lack of purpose and meaning. She packaged up this process into a formula that she teaches in 1:1 coaching and in her group experience. Women leave her programs feeling empowered with practices they'll come back to for a lifetime.
Peyton from Slaying the Stigma and Co founder of Gathering Hope and BonnieRuth from Barren Not Broken and Co founder of Legacy Place are bringing us a powerful podcast collaboration. Both ladies show us not only sharing their story but vulnerably inviting us into their personal grief journeys and how they have navigated that with their spouse, family and friends. They ask each other a series of questions both bringing their own perspective, experience and honesty to the table. There are several just WOW moments for both ladies as they gleam from each other, not holding back and giving practical tools. Grief does not have to define us and there is a way through it.
Peyton from Slaying the Stigma and Co founder of Gathering Hope and BonnieRuth from Barren Not Broken and Co founder of Legacy Place are bringing us a powerful podcast collaboration. Both ladies show us not only sharing their story but vulnerably inviting us into their personal grief journeys and how they have navigated that with their spouse, family and friends. They ask each other a series of questions both bringing their own perspective, experience and honesty to the table. There are several just WOW moments for both ladies as they gleam from each other, not holding back and giving practical tools. Grief does not have to define us and there is a way through it.
Vivian Smith & BonnieRuth RolfThis chat gets REAL! We do not hold back. It was such an honor to have Vivian share with us with such vulnerability how she has navigated, faith, family, marriage and medical trauma while facing Secondary Infertility. She comes at it from a very honest place yet leaves us with such a perspective of hope and promise in who God is.
This chat gets REAL! We do not hold back. It was such an honor to have Vivian share with us with such vulnerability how she has navigated, faith, family, marriage and medical trauma while facing Secondary Infertility. She comes at it from a very honest place yet leaves us with such a perspective of hope and promise in who God is.
Join Bonnie Ruth and her friend Robyn Corcoran.Both women have lived years and years with the horrible disease, Endometriosis. Robyn shares her story with us. She reveals the devastation this disease has caused her with such vulnerability. While also providing a perspective that will help others walking through this. She has not let Endometriosis beat her in spite of its many efforts. We hope that as we share it will bring encouragement to your story. No matter the barren places in our lives, let's not live broken.
Join Bonnie Ruth and her friend Robyn Corcoran.Both women have lived years and years with the horrible disease, Endometriosis. Robyn shares her story with us. She reveals the devastation this disease has caused her with such vulnerability. While also providing a perspective that will help others walking through this. She has not let Endometriosis beat her in spite of its many efforts. We hope that as we share it will bring encouragement to your story. No matter the barren places in our lives, let's not live broken.
Jason and BonnieRuth Rolf (aka Jase & BR) have been married for almost 22 years come April 6th. They have faced the trauma of miscarriage three times, years of BR dealing with PCOS, Fibroids and Endometriosis. This has caused them years of infertility, loss, surgeries, treatments and heartache. In 2020 they made the unwanted and tough decision for BR to have a hysterectomy. This led them down a path of broken dreams, deep grief, and unsure what the future would hold. Together, through their faith and the love of friends & Family they found a way to heal, discover and reimagine life...just the two of them. In this episode Jase and BR will share how they have defined legacy, Discovered new dreams as a childless couple. What was their process, how they communicated with each other and the many layers of the journey. What they discovered was a dream they never knew they had. They announce the new exciting dream they are pursuing... Legacy Place. This episode the Rolf's want to open up the behind the scenes of navigating this new life childless and happy!
This is a conversation between three women who have had very different journeys in navigating their infertility stories. Each of us have faced heartache, the questions, the pain and the insecurity that can hit hard when we are in the battle of defining what building our family looks like. All three of us are in very different places based on the path this journey has led us down but each of us have learned a few things along the way. Together we discuss how we have navigated sex and intamcy in our marriages as we have walked our own journeys. We get vulnerable, honest and laugh a lot in this episode. Crystal is one of my dearest life long friends. She is a powerhouse momma, wife, business owner and friend. She is incredibly talented and generous. She has walked a long road of infertility and the many layers that come with that. In every season of her story she has made time to encourage others.Crystal is a straight shooter who speaks truth in love always. Crystal introduced me to Kristen several years back and she is just one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. She also has had her own journey with TTC. Kristen is also a wonderful momma, wife. creator and business owner. This beautiful lady brings kindness and joy with her everywhere she goes. She is authentic and genuine and has a heart to cheer others on in their journey. I am pumped about this episode......it is raw and honest and I hope it is helpful to every person who listens. No matter the barren places in our lives let's not live broken.
This is a conversation between three women who have had very different journeys in navigating their infertility stories. Each of us have faced heartache, the questions, the pain and the insecurity that can hit hard when we are in the battle of defining what building our family looks like. All three of us are in very different places based on the path this journey has led us down but each of us have learned a few things along the way. Together we discuss how we have navigated sex and intamcy in our marriages as we have walked our own journeys. We get vulnerable, honest and laugh a lot in this episode. Crystal is one of my dearest life long friends. She is a powerhouse momma, wife, business owner and friend. She is incredibly talented and generous. She has walked a long road of infertility and the many layers that come with that. In every season of her story she has made time to encourage others.Crystal is a straight shooter who speaks truth in love always. Crystal introduced me to Kristen several years back and she is just one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. She also has had her own journey with TTC. Kristen is also a wonderful momma, wife. creator and business owner. This beautiful lady brings kindness and joy with her everywhere she goes. She is authentic and genuine and has a heart to cheer others on in their journey. I am pumped about this episode......it is raw and honest and I hope it is helpful to every person who listens. No matter the barren places in our lives let's not live broken.
Brandi Lytle, founder & owner of Not So Mommy… and creator of the olive green Childless Not By Choice Awareness Ribbon, is a wife, dog mom, aunt, host mom, infertile woman living an imperfectly perfect life in South Carolina, USA with her husband, Dane, and fur baby, Maddie. She has redefined what momhood means to her and strives to focus on the bright sides, #RedefiningChildless. Her hope is to inspire others to accept, embrace, redefine—discovering a Plan B that brings them joy!
Brandi and I met on social media through a mutual friend. We have been able to collaborate together on some awesome projects. Brandi and her hubby, Jase and I have some similar things we’ve walked through. Our childless not by choice journeys have forced us to face the unknowns we never wanted and discover who we are without kids. It’s always so helpful when you don’t have to feel like you are the only one. In this conversation we chat about navigating difficult conversations with our hubbies and families. We tackle how to manage and throw off others' expectations. Both of us share how we have taken the path of healing from loss. Brandi really opens up and shares vulnerability with us. She will inspire you to be willing to take the journey as it comes and give yourself space to heal.
No matter the barren places in our lives, let’s not live broken.
@barrennotbroken www.barrennotbroken.com
Brandi Lytle, founder & owner of Not So Mommy… and creator of the olive green Childless Not By Choice Awareness Ribbon, is a wife, dog mom, aunt, host mom, infertile woman living an imperfectly perfect life in South Carolina, USA with her husband, Dane, and fur baby, Maddie. She has redefined what momhood means to her and strives to focus on the bright sides,
RedefiningChildless. Her hope is to inspire others to accept, embrace, redefine—discovering a
Plan B that brings them joy!
Brandi and I met on social media through a mutual friend.We have been able to collaborate together on some awesome projects. Brandi and her hubby, Jase and I have some similar things we’ve walked through. Our childless not by choice journeys have forced us to face the unknowns we never wanted and discover who we are without kids. It’s always so helpful when you don’t have to feel like you are the only one. In this conversation we chat about navigating difficult conversations with our hubbies and families. We tackle how to manage and throw off others' expectations. Both of us share how we have taken the path of healing from loss. Brandi really opens up and shares vulnerability with us. She will inspire you to be willing to take the journey as it comes and give yourself space to heal.
No matter the barren places in our lives, let’s not live broken.
@barrennotbroken www.barrennotbroken.com
Gayle is not only one of my dearest friends, but she is one talented woman! Gayle and I have both experienced medical trauma. We both quickly discovered it is no small thing to navigate! We share what friendship looks like or should look like when someone we love is going through loss or medical trauma. Together we get real, share practical tips and encourage new mindsets. Too often friendships are lost unnecessarily in a season when one friend is in need and the other doesn’t know what to do. Both Gayle and I hope you will lean in! Be willing to learn how to show up, communicate love in friendship no matter what. Be willing to share what you need and be open to receive love and care when it’s offered.
No matter the barren places in our lives, let’s not live broken. @barrennotbroken www.barrennotbroken.com
Dustin shares with us how he navigated his heart and relationships in the midst of the deep loss of his daughter Leila who was born, stillborn. He chose to be present with his wife Amy as they walked through devastation and heartache. Dustin shares how he held onto his sobriety while figuring out his way through grief. Dustin and I talk about the difficulties of the hard conversations with ourselves and our spouses. We dive into the coping skills needed to sustain a healthy marriage in the midst of grief. My heart for this episode is that the men in this community would hear from someone who gets it. That they would know that they do not have to have it all figured out. This conversation with Dustin was filled with authentic truth and practical tools we hope will encourage you where you are in your story. No matter the barren places in our lives, let's not live broken.
@BarrenNotBroken www.barrennotbroken.com
Dustin shares with us how he navigated his heart and relationships in the midst of the deep loss of his daughter Leila who was born, stillborn. He chose to be present with his wife Amy as they walked through devastation and heartache. Dustin shares how he held onto his sobriety while figuring out his way through grief. Dustin and I talk about the difficulties of the hard conversations with ourselves and our spouses. We dive into the coping skills needed to sustain a healthy marriage in the midst of grief. My heart for this episode is that the men in this community would hear from someone who gets it. That they would know that they do not have to have it all figured out. This conversation with Dustin was filled with authentic truth and practical tools we hope will encourage you where you are in your story. No matter the barren places in our lives, let's not live broken. www.barrennotbroken.com @barrennotbroken
I had the privilege of interviewing my friend Jobi. We met via instagram over a year ago and hit it off. We have collaborated on several projects and every time I just come to admire Jobi even more. We have so many shared experiences that lead us to some very meaningful conversations, as women who are childless not by choice. We both have faced tragedy and heartache yet chosen to not let those things define us but rather to live as overcomers and advocates for others. Jobi shares what she believes women in this community need to hear to live fulfilled lives. Together we talk about the topics of stereotypes, advocating for yourself and others while living above the pain. Jobi Tyson is the founder of Tutum Global, a multidisciplinary platform for involuntarily childless women. She is a sociocultural researcher, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Practitioner, and a content creator. Jobi is also the founder and editor-in-chief of an international magazine for childless women, Tutum Journal. Her life’s mission is to change the way female childlessness is presented, analyzed and discussed.
In this episode, Jason and BonnieRuth look back over the last two years of all that has come from stepping out and starting Barren Not Broken! There have been some incredible stories shared that have taught us as a BNB community to better learn how to grieve well. We have discovered we are not alone and grew stronger in learning no matter the barren places in our lives, we do not have to live broken! Not only do the Rolf's take time to honor what has come from the Barren Not Broken Podcast, they also share some exciting things on the horizon to becoming more than just a podcast.
www.barrennotbroken.com
My friend Nicole from Twelve 12 Ministries not only shares her own story of infertility and the difficult decision to not move forward with trying to grow their family of 3 to 4. She shares her experience of feeling like "the only one". We talk about how to show up when it feels like you are the only one, how to be aware of others when in a group setting so everyone feels welcome. Nicole and I also tackle the topic of navigating tough choices when it seems like the unpopular choice. This incredible woman is a business owner, creative and a woman on a mission to inspire purpose and hope in the lives of woman. She has the most genuine heart. We hope this conversation encourages you and reminds you, you are not alone.
@barrennotbroken www.barrennotbroken.com
Deana is an emotional architect who loves taking others places they didn't know to go. She is an author and conference speaker who loves to come alongside others to create a safe place for them to heal. She is one of my dearest friends. Deana and I have a conversation on how important it is to not let the barren places leave us broken. When we walk in brokenness we miss the relationships and legacy that is purposed for us. This episode is a bit different than the rest. However it is an important one to me. We navigate how important it is to learn from and be impacted by each other’s stories. Deana shares her story of abortion, motherhood, marriage and heartache with us. Through her story you will see she has done the hard work to grieve and heal. Together we communicate how each of our stories has impacted each other. I hope through this episode you discover that every relationship that comes into your path can add value to the legacy of your own story. @barrennotbroken
Deana is an emotional architect who loves taking others places they didn't know to go. She is an author and conference speaker who loves to come alongside others to create a safe place for them to heal. She is one of my dearest friends. Deana and I have a conversation on how important it is to not let the barren places leave us broken. When we walk in brokenness we miss the relationships and legacy that is purposed for us. This episode is a bit different than the rest. However it is an important one to me. We navigate how important it is to learn from and be impacted by each other’s stories. Deana shares her story of abortion, motherhood, marriage and heartache with us. Through her story you will see she has done the hard work to grieve and heal. Together we communicate how each of our stories has impacted each other. I hope through this episode you discover that every relationship that comes into your path can add value to the legacy of your own story. @barrennotbroken
(Part 1 of our conversation is on The Roaring Mama Podcast)
I collaborated with Mary from the Roaring Mama Podcast. Together we share how we have learned to be bridge builders and forging friendships in the midst of grief and lost dreams. Having this conversation with Mary reminded me of how important it is to have honest and authentic conversations with those you love and who love you. Part 1 is over on the Roaring Mama podcast and Part 2 is found here at Barren Not Broken podcast. Regardless if you are a mom, childless or TTC I hope you walk away from this two part episode encouraged to be a bridge builder in your own story!
@BarrenNotBroken
Cherece is a successful business woman, a beautiful soul and a sweet friend. She shares her childless journey and finding the love of her life. I had the best time chatting with Cherece. We cover everything from finding love, loving ourselves, navigating success, life and relationships as childless women. No matter your phase in the journey of TTC or Childlessness I promise you can gain some life nuggets from this fierce woman! We laughed, cried and just had so much fun learning from each other and we hope you enjoy the conversation with us. @barrennotbroken
Join us as we celebrate ONE YEAR of Barren Not Broken with an interview featuring host Bonnie Ruth Rolf and Jason Rolf.
@barrennotbroken
Dustin and Amy are dear friends who have walked through unimaginable loss and grief. After years of trying to conceive, they were so excited to find out they were pregnant. Their dreams were unexpectedly crushed when they discovered that their daughter, Leila, was going to be still born and would have to be delivered via c-section Christmas week. As you listen to this episode, you will be gripped with both sadness and a sense of hope. In the midst of heart wrenching loss, they have discovered how to strengthen their marriage, dream again and hold firm to their faith. Leila is honored daily and her parents live out her miraculous legacy with such grace and love. I hope that as you hear their story, you will be marked with a sense of promise in the midst of devastation. I pray you discover the strength to stand firm in who you are even in the darkest of days. Dustin and Amy are unfiltered and raw as they give us some relational and practical wisdom on how to walk with someone who has experienced deep and unexplainable loss. These two amazing parents have done an incredible job of allowing Leila’s legacy to be present, while still looking forward to all that God has for them. They are two of the bravest people I know, so lean in, take in and allow their story to impart purpose to your own.
Dustin and Amy are dear friends who have walked through unimaginable loss and grief. After years of trying to conceive, they were so excited to find out they were pregnant. Their dreams were unexpectedly crushed when they discovered that their daughter, Leila, was going to be still born and would have to be delivered via c-section Christmas week. As you listen to this episode, you will be gripped with both sadness and a sense of hope. In the midst of heart wrenching loss, they have discovered how to strengthen their marriage, dream again and hold firm to their faith. Leila is honored daily and her parents live out her miraculous legacy with such grace and love. I hope that as you hear their story, you will be marked with a sense of promise in the midst of devastation. I pray you discover the strength to stand firm in who you are even in the darkest of days. Dustin and Amy are unfiltered and raw as they give us some relational and practical wisdom on how to walk with someone who has experienced deep and unexplainable loss. These two amazing parents have done an incredible job of allowing Leila’s legacy to be present, while still looking forward to all that God has for them. They are two of the bravest people I know, so lean in, take in and allow their story to impart purpose to your own.
Dustin and Amy are dear friends who have walked through unimaginable loss and grief. After years of trying to conceive, they were so excited to find out they were pregnant. Their dreams were unexpectedly crushed when they discovered that their daughter, Leila, was going to be still born and would have to be delivered via c-section Christmas week.
As you listen to this episode, you will be gripped with both sadness and a sense of hope. In the midst of heart wrenching loss, they have discovered how to strengthen their marriage, dream again and hold firm to their faith. Leila is honored daily and her parents live out her miraculous legacy with such grace and love. I hope that as you hear their story, you will be marked with a sense of promise in the midst of devastation. I pray you discover the strength to stand firm in who you are even in the darkest of days.
Dustin and Amy are unfiltered and raw as they give us some relational and practical wisdom on how to walk with someone who has experienced deep and unexplainable loss. These two incredible parents have done an incredible job of allowing Leila’s legacy to be present, while still looking forward to all that God has for them. They are two of the bravest people I know, so lean in, take in and allow their story to impart purpose to your own.
Join me and three of my dearest friends, as we discuss the importance of learning to advocate for ourselves in the midst of joy and grief colliding. Edna is a wife, nurse, mom of a baby in heaven and soon to come baby Eden. She is saucy in the best kind of way, full of wisdom and diligently aims to live out truth. Gayle is a wife, mom, life coach and cancer survivor. She is brave and bold wrapped in the kindest heart I know. I have learned so much from her. Sara is a single mom who has overcome heartache and learned to use her voice when it matters most. She lives boldly in her faith and brilliantly expresses her creativity. We’ve all had to speak up and stand up for ourselves, determining that the pages of our story will be defined by purpose and not our pain. We get real and vulnerable as we share our personal experiences of being faced with the question, “How do I advocate for myself in this moment?”. Come along with us as we seek to answer that question. No matter the barren places in our lives, let’s not live broken!
Andrea and Dustin have walked through years of infertility, exploring every option available. Despite trying IUI, IVF, acupuncture and everything in between, they were left with empty hands and discouraged hearts. After years of being met with traumatic loss, their story is one of unexpected beauty and unforeseen miracles. They have determined to know hope in spite of disappointment and now live with hands full and hearts abounding in love. No matter the barren places in our lives, we do not have to live broken.
Join me as I talk to these two Bff's who have walked through sharing two different moments; one of incredible Joy and the other a very deep sadness. One friend is welcoming new life into the world while at the same time her friend is grieving the loss of a life hoped for.
Join in on my conversation with my sister-n-law, Neci. She shares her story of having Turner Syndrome and how it has affected her ability to have kids. Neci and her husband, Steven, are the best balance of each other with a love that shines bright. While her legacy looks differently then she expected, she has purposed to serve and care for children over the last 13 years as a pediatric special needs nurse. Neci, who is sweet, spunky and smart, lives a fulfilled and beautiful life marked by love. During World Childless Week, you won’t want to miss this episode. Neci and I did this interview 4 weeks after my hysterectomy. It was a conversation between two women whose bodies have forced them to choose life differently. Neci is bold in her honesty about choosing to not have children and gives practical tips on how to face the tough days. She inspires us to live life filled with joy despite what we can’t control. This woman is not just family, but someone I deeply admire. My life is better because of her and I know yours will be too!
I had the privilege of interviewing my parents Bobby and Rose Bogard. We share how it has been to journey as family through mine and Jason’s years of infertility. Join us as we talk about how we have navigated each others hearts in the highs and the lows. These two are the most selfless warriors that have fought along side us. They share incredible nuggets of truth how to grieve with and have faith with loved ones, fighting the battle of infertility.
Be ready to shed some tears, have some laughs, and we hope you walk away encouraged.
I’m giving you a glimpse into my life as I recover from a hysterectomy at the age of 40 and rediscover myself after 19 years of chronic health issues that caused infertility. It can feel as if everyone’s life is moving forward while mine is paused in time, as I grieve and heal. Join me as I take you on the journey of how to get through the after life of making a huge decision and how I have had to navigate relationships and my own thoughts. I hope you’ll discover something helpful for your own story as I open the pages of mine
Join my friend LaShai and I as she shares her story of surviving three miscarriages and still thriving in marriage.
She reveals practical tips throughout her story on how to become self aware, grieve healthy as a family unit and how to win in marriage. LaShai has one of the most tender loving hearts and out of that I believe we can all learn from the pages of her story. Her declaration of hope will inspire us all to thrive and not just survive in the midst of pain.
As a Barren Not Broken community I want to encourage us that no matter the barren places we may have in our lives let’s not live broken.
Jacob and Neeli Brisky
This couple is a breath of fresh air. They are wise, fun, authentic and inspiring. Jacob and Neeli share their faith in God, each other, the need for community and the importance of holding tightly to hope. They have walked bravely on the path of emotional awareness. I am so humbled that they would open up and share the tender and dark places they have walked through. Jason and I had a blast talking with this beautiful couple! We held nothing back and took on the hard topics that often don’t get addressed. We hope this episode ignites determination to never give up, never lose site of the important things and people in the process, and to let love be the guide no matter the destination. No matter the barren places in our lives, let’s not live broken.
Jacob and Neeli Brisky
This couple is a breath of fresh air. They are wise, fun, authentic and inspiring. Jacob and Neeli share their faith in God, each other, the need for community and the importance of holding tightly to hope. They have walked bravely on the path of emotional awareness. I am so humbled that they would open up and share the tender and dark places they have walked through. Jason and I had a blast talking with this beautiful couple! We held nothing back and took on the hard topics that often don’t get addressed. We hope this episode ignites determination to never give up, never lose site of the important things and people in the process, and to let love be the guide no matter the destination. No matter the barren places in our lives, let’s not live broken.
Crystal is one of my oldest and dearest friends. We go all the way back to high school days! I have watched Crystal navigate the trials and triumphs that the infertility journey brings with such determination and grace. In this episode, we get into some raw conversations about identity, expectations, intimacy, and dreams vs. reality. You will hear Crystal share her story of IUI, IVF, miscarriage and more, and the affects it had on her marriage, physical body, and emotions. She tells us how she has fought to be who she is today while embracing the ups and downs in the pages of her story. She bravely steps out with vulnerability, as she shares some of her inner thoughts and self-talk that I know we all often face. Crystal and her husband, Jason, have a sweet little girl Logan (Lo), who is a reminder of the goodness that can come from hardship and pain! Crystal reminds us all in this episode that nothing we go through is wasted. We have the opportunity to rise up no matter what pages fill our story. We hope that as you join in on our conversation, you will be reminded that no matter the barren places in our lives, we don’t have to live broken.
This might be the most vulnerable episode on Barren Not Broken yet. My friend Lauren interviews me and we tackle the tough topic of Mothers day! For many of us it brings incredible joy and for some of us it is a day filled with utter darkness. Not only do we discuss how we can go into this day with grace and a warrior mindset. I open up and share some difficult decisions Jason and I have been faced with. These decisions are reshaping mothers day for me. Please join me for this honest and emotional conversation.
Join me, along with my BFFs, as we navigate friendship in the midst of infertility. Meet my friends, Lauren and Melanie! Lauren is married with three boys and owns her own business. Melanie and her husband are currently in Sweden for a 6 month work assignment with Erikson and are not quite ready for children. They are two strong, loving, and brave women. We have a blast together! We are each in very different seasons of life. As many of you know, Jason and I have walked an 18 year infertility journey. We have had to learn to embrace each other despite the differences, navigate hard conversations, be willing to understand, and always support each other. Together we address the real issues that can arise in friendship when someone is journeying through infertility. We tackle tough issues like, baby showers, not knowing what to say, and cheering each other on even when it's hard. We navigate through the inner fears, presumptions and the difficulty of being willing to have hard conversations. Laugh with us, cry with us and let’s learn together how to maintain meaningful friendships in the midst of infertility. No matter the barren places in your life, let’s not live broken!
Join me, along with my BFFs, as we navigate friendship in the midst of infertility. Meet my friends, Lauren and Melanie! Lauren is married with three boys and owns her own business. Melanie and her husband are currently in Sweden for a 6 month work assignment with Ericsson and are not quite ready for children. They are two strong, loving, and brave women. We have a blast together! We are each in very different seasons of life. As many of you know, Jason and I have walked an 18 year infertility journey. We have had to learn to embrace each other despite the differences, navigate hard conversations, be willing to understand, and always support each other. Together we address the real issues that can arise in friendship when someone is journeying through infertility. We tackle tough issues like, baby showers, not knowing what to say, and cheering each other on even when it's hard. We navigate through the inner fears, presumptions and the difficulty of being willing to have hard conversations. Laugh with us, cry with us and let’s learn together how to maintain meaningful friendships in the midst of infertility. No matter the barren places in your life, let’s not live broken!
Jason and I step into a place we honestly have never gone before within our own story. We share the inner workings of our hearts and our raw thoughts. This is our story. We know it won’t be like everyone else's, and while it might have similarities, it is our story. We hope we have shared it in a way that will help someone else as they walk their own story. Do you ever wonder, “Am I the only one to think or feel this way?” “Will we ever get through this?” Are you tired of feeling isolated in your own heartache? Jason and I hope that as we talk about real life, disappointments, loss, fears, intimacy, and hope that you will find your own place of settled peace and not be ashamed of where you are in your own journey!
Jason and I step into a place we honestly have never gone before within our own story. We share the inner workings of our hearts and our raw thoughts. This is our story. We know it won’t be like everyone else's, and while it might have similarities, it is our story. We hope we have shared it in a way that will help someone else as they walk their own story. Do you ever wonder, “Am I the only one to think or feel this way?” “Will we ever get through this?” Are you tired of feeling isolated in your own heartache? Jason and I hope that as we talk about real life, disappointments, loss, fears, intimacy, and hope that you will find your own place of settled peace and not be ashamed of where you are in your own journey!
This first episode is all about the why! Why a podcast, why now, why the name, why these guests, why my story matters, and why your story matters.