Nnamdi and Deidra Okonkwo share their journey through infertility, including learning about the surprising cause, the strain it placed on their marriage, and the unexpected path that ultimately led them to adoption. Together they discuss navigating different cultural perspectives, wrestling with unanswered prayers, learning to trust God's timing, and recognizing His hand in life's smallest details.

Their story is filled with humor, heartbreak, miracles, and profound testimony—including tender experiences that transformed their understanding of family, parenthood, and God's love. Whether you're walking through infertility, considering adoption, or simply trying to trust God when life looks different than you imagined, this episode offers hope that He is present in every detail of our lives.

If this episode resonates with you, please follow the podcast so you'll be notified when new episodes are released.

We'd also love to hear your story. Join us as we support one another through the challenges of infertility.

Message us to share your story on the podcast and join us in supporting each other:

• Facebook group: Full Faith, Empty Arms-LDS Infertility ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1J5UnWMJP9/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: Full Faith, Empty Arms ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/fullfaithemptyarms/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this compelling episode, Shannon and Pam sit down with Niki White as she shares, for the first time publicly, the story of how childhood trauma, infertility, and faith have shaped her life.

After surviving years of abuse and later facing cervical cancer as a young adult, Niki discovered that the effects of her childhood would continue to impact her dream of becoming a mother. With remarkable honesty, she opens up about grief, healing, therapy, the unwavering support of her husband, and the Savior who has walked beside her through every chapter.

Rather than focusing on what was taken from her, Niki's story is ultimately one of hope. She shares how healing doesn't erase the past—it changes its hold on us—and how our experiences may explain our pain without ever defining our worth.

Whether your own journey includes infertility, trauma, loss, or simply unanswered questions, we hope Niki's testimony reminds you that your story isn't over. There is hope, there is healing, and through Jesus Christ, there is always another chapter waiting to be written.

Content Note: This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma, sexual abuse, infertility, cancer, PTSD, and emotional healing. While the conversation avoids graphic details, some listeners may find these topics difficult. Please listen in whatever way feels healthy to you.

If today's conversation brought up difficult emotions or reminded you of your own experiences, please know you don't have to walk through healing alone.

Professional Therapy & Trauma Resources

• Find an EMDR Therapist (EMDRIA Directory)
• Find Mental Health Treatment Near You (FindTreatment.gov)

Resources from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

If you are a member of the Church and are interested in Family Services counseling, your bishop can help connect you with available resources in your area. Family Services also offers group counseling for concerns such as trauma, healing from sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, and marriage support, while also helping members find trusted community providers when longer-term care is needed.

• Family Services
• Finding the Right Mental Health Resource
• Managing Mental & Emotional Health

If You Are in Crisis

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or text 988 in the U.S. and Canada.)

If this episode resonates with you, please follow the podcast so you'll be notified when new episodes are released.

We'd also love to hear your story. Join us as we support one another through the challenges of infertility.

Message us to share your story on the podcast and join us in supporting each other:

• Facebook group: Full Faith, Empty Arms-LDS Infertility ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1J5UnWMJP9/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: Full Faith, Empty Arms ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/fullfaithemptyarms/⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this special panel discussion, Shannon and Pam are joined by two friends, Shanda Clark and Kaycee Michalow, for an honest conversation about living with unresolved infertility. Though each woman's journey is unique, all four share the experience of reaching midlife without children and reflect on what it has meant to navigate faith, grief, hope, and healing along the way.

Together they discuss the unexpected losses infertility brings—not only the loss of motherhood, but also the loss of future grandchildren, family legacies, and dreams that quietly change over time. They talk candidly about church culture, well-meaning but painful comments, adoption, fertility treatments, miscarriage, and the ways infertility has shaped their marriages and their relationships with God.

Rather than offering easy answers or neatly wrapped conclusions, this episode explores how faith can grow even when prayers remain unanswered. Through personal stories, scripture, and heartfelt testimony, the conversation points to the hope that Christ walks with us through every fiery furnace, and that even in the hardest seasons, our lives can still be filled with purpose, love, and lasting influence.

Whether you're in the middle of your infertility journey, supporting someone you love, or simply seeking greater compassion and understanding, we hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone.

Please follow the podcast to be notified of future episodes!

Message us to share your story on the podcast and join us in supporting each other:

• Facebook group: Full Faith, Empty Arms-LDS Infertility ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1J5UnWMJP9/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: Full Faith, Empty Arms ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/fullfaithemptyarms/⁠⁠⁠⁠