A Feminist Take on Humanae Vitae and Contraception ft. Mallory Smyth

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Let’s be real: the Church has some hard teachings. It’s not afraid to call us to a very high standard in order to make us saints. One of the teachings that’s the hardest for me to swallow? The Church’s teachings on contraception. This year is the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI’s encyclical on why birth control is immoral. This is obviously a major place we differentiate from our secular feminist sisters, and today’s podcast guest, Mallory Smyth of Endow, breaks it down in a meaningful, easy-to-understand way. If you’ve ever thought about scooping up Humanae Vitae or learning more about why the Church gives the green light to NFP but warns against contraception, today’s episode is perfect for you. 

Today’s episode was brought to you by the Meaningful Market. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful print for your home or a fashionable tank with a truthful message, you can find what you’re looking for at meaningfulmarketshop.com and support a Catholic entrepreneur at the same time. For 15% off your first order, enter discount code “TCFPOD15.”

Today’s episode was also brought to you by Audible. For a free audio book, head on over to audibletrial.com/catholic. 

Topics discussed:

  • How Mallory wound up at ENDOW
  • How papal encyclicals have brought her closer to God
  • What Humanae Vitae is and why it's so underrated
  • Why the Church views birth control and Natural Family Planning as two separate things
  • What Pope Paul VI predicted about birth control and how it's all coming true
  • How we're both overly impacted by the weather...

We mentioned: 

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Avoiding Mommy Martyr Syndrome and Raising Daughters as Feminists ft. Kate Wicker

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Hands up if you’ve ever struggled with getting past the idea of “perfect”. That's what I thought! Today’s podcast guest, author Kate Wicker, has been there. We chat all about mommy martyr syndrome and the importance of valuing yourself as a woman and human beyond the idea of a “mom”. There’s no one-size-fits-all to holiness! Even if you’re not a mama, I think the idea of getting over “perfect” is one that can resonate. Kate also offers great tips for raising daughters to be feminists, which I love. 

Today’s episode was brought to you by the Meaningful Market. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful print for your home or a fashionable tank with a truthful message, you can find what you’re looking for at meaningfulmarketshop.com and support a Catholic entrepreneur at the same time. For 15% off your first order, enter discount code “TCFPOD15.” 

Today’s episode was also brought to you by Kindred Bravely. From the bump to the breast, this maternity and nursing wear company has you covered. It’s also run by working moms—love! For 15% off your first order, head to kindredbravely.com and enter the discount code “GRATEFUL”. 

Topics discussed:

  • When Kate realized she was suffering from Mommy Martyr Syndrome
  • The importance of understanding your role in the family and community
  • How Kate finds time for self-care
  • Finding balance between motherhood and pursuit of passions
  • How Kate is raising her daughters to be feminists
  • The difference between "sexy" and "beautiful"

We mentioned: 

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Catholic Entrepreneurship and Finding Balance ft. Michelle Benzinger

Have you ever thought about turning your passion into a business? Today on the podcast, we’re chatting with entrepeneur, speaker, and podcaster Michelle Benzinger. We talk about how she went from working at Nordstrom’s to getting a theology degree, why she felt called to start monetizing her beautiful designs, why her company views tithing as one of its core tenants, and what makes a Catholic business owner different from a secular one. It was so fun to chat business with another female entrepreneur and I especially loved her insight about living in the tension between striving for increased revenue and striving for the Holy Spirit. 

Today’s episode was brought to you by Kindred Bravely. From the bump to the breast, this maternity and nursing wear company has you covered. It’s also run by working moms—love! For 15% off your first order, head to KindredBravely.com and enter the discount code “GRATEFUL”. 

Topics discussed:

  • How Michelle went from working in retail to getting a Master's in Theology
  • Why she decided to launch a company in the first place
  • What made her decide to grow her team and get an employee
  • How she strikes balance between wanting to grow her business and wanting to keep her vision on God
  • Why giving back is such an important part of her mission

We Mentioned:

Find Michelle: 

This post may include Amazon affiliate links. 

Honoring the Dignity of Our Sisters With Disabilities ft. Lindsey West

Today is World Down Syndrome Day, so having a disability advocate on the podcast seemed perfect. I’m so excited to be chatting with Lindsey West of Uniquely Catholic. Lindsey and I talk about how her son’s autism diagnosis got her started on her advocacy journey, what steps parishes can take to be more welcoming to our brothers and sisters with different abilities, and why “different, not less” is such a Catholic sentiment. Intersectionality is important to the Catholic Feminist Podcast and fighting for the rights of ALL of our sisters, no matter their skin color, poverty level, or abilities, is a key tenant of our view of feminism. Next month is Autism Awareness Month and if something in this episode resonates with you, I hope you can either reach out to Lindsey or put something into action in your own parish.

Today's episode is brought to you by Audible. For a free audiobook, head to audibletrial.com/catholic. 

Topics discussed:

  • How Lindsey's son's diagnosis kickstarted her advocacy journey
  • What autism is and how it manifests
  • The issue with "silo ministries"
  • How the average Catholic woman can love her sisters with disabilities a little better
  • How Lindsey started helping parishes understand the need for more disability integration

We mentioned: 

Find Lindsey: 

Making Birth a Spiritual Experience ft. Tori Pohl

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As an expecting mama, it was such a treat to speak with doula Tori Pohl on making birth a more spiritual experience. Tori walks me through what a doula is, what it isn’t, and how her faith influenced her decision to become a “servant” during birth. I also love how she ties in a little Theology of the Body with how birth can help us grow closer to God. Whether or not you’re a biological mama, this episode is all about how this amazing feat a woman’s body can accomplish was designed by the Lord and can help bring us closer to Him. So whether you’re single, a homebirther, an adoptive mama, or someone who’s birth plan is one word long: EPIDURAL (hi 👋🏻), I think it will bring you value.

Today's episode is brought to you by Kindred Bravely. Enter code "GRATEFUL" at checkout for 15% off your first order. From the bump to the breast, this company has you covered with affordable, stylish nursing wear. 

Don't forget--today is the LAST DAY to sign up for our e-retreat, 40 Days to a Feminist Faith. For more information and to sign up, click here. You'll receive 40 days of educational content, prayer accountability, and access to our private Facebook group. From March 20-April 28, come learn more about intertwining your faith and femininity. 

Topics discussed:

  • How Tori transitioned from a dance therapist to a doula
  • Why she decided to pursue becoming a doula
  • What doulas are and what they aren't
  • Why knowing about our bodies is so important to our faith
  • Some practical tips and tricks for making birth more spiritual
  • How a recent trip to NYC brought her closer to God

We mentioned: 

  • The Business of Being Born (I feel compelled to reiterate that I don't see eye-to-eye with this documentary for many reasons, but I do know some people have found value from it. I encourage every woman to do her own research before deciding a method of birth that's best for her. Methods of birth are not moral issues.)
  • This image of Mary and Eve

Find Tori: 

Enter to win!

Made for This: The Catholic Mom's Guide to Birth by Mary Haseltine explores the topic of childbirth from a Catholic and holistic point of view. Birth affects all of us - body, mind, heart, and soul. In Made for This, the Catholic woman can learn how to understand, prepare for, and experience her unique birth in all those ways through the lens of her faith. Thanks for generously donating a copy to one lucky listener, Mary! The winner will be chosen 3/20/18. You must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

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Download Tori's Meditation

Here's a FREE meditation just for you!

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Consent and the #MeToo Movement ft. Simcha Fisher

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve noticed that sexual assault has been shoved into the national spotlight. Whether it’s #MeToo or #TimesUp, questions about sex and consent and whats what are constantly being asked. Today on the podcast, we talk to writer Simcha Fisher about how Catholics should view the idea of “consent”, how we can avoid diving in to Catholic bubbles where we think everything is “safe”, and how Catholic feminists can respond to tricky conversations about sex.

Doors are closing for our e-retreat, 40 Days to a Feminist Faith, in one week. Sign up here!

Topics discussed:

  • Why Simcha considers herself a feminist
  • Her recent writings on sexual assault allegations at a Catholic college 
  • What "consent" looks like for Catholics
  • Her thoughts on the Aziz Ansari debacle
  • How you can stay faithful even when people in the Church hurt you 

We mentioned: 

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Can Men be Feminists? ft. Levi Rash

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is whether or not I believe men can be feminists. Considering I’ve said many times that Jesus was a feminist, I’d hope the answer would be obvious! But I also thought it would be super fun to have a guy on the podcast to talk about how he views feminism. Enter: Levi Rash, a regional director with FOCUS, a dear friend, a father…and my former boss!  Levi and I talk about if men can be feminists, what healthy boundaries can be put in place for male/female friendships, and his past as an acapella singer. (PS: I guess I’ll forgive you for giving me a 2 in my Vital Unity evaluation. Three years later.)

Topics discussed:

  • How Levi became a FOCUS regional director
  • Whether or not men can be feminists
  • Healthy boundaries for male/female friendships
  • What to do if you're in an awkward male/female "stress friendship" situation

Find Levi: 

Don't forget!

Sign ups for 40 Days to a Feminist Faith are happening now. Head right here to enroll or learn more!

The Other Side of Beauty ft. Leah Darrow

Today on the podcast, I’m chatting with someone many of you are familiar with: former Top Model contestant/current amazing Catholic woman Leah Darrow. I know this ain’t the confessional but I have something to get off my chest…I used to be a HUGE Top Model fan. My friends and I had watch parties in high school and I’m pretty sure there are embarrassing fake “audition” tapes we made floating around somewhere. But Leah exposes a side of the beauty industry that our current culture is often wary to admit: the side that uses women as PRODUCTS, not people.

Leah and I talk about a range of topics, from why she left modeling to whether or not there’s a place for worldly “beauty” in the Catholic landscape. We also discuss her new book, The Other Side of Beauty. It was a real treat to speak with this podcaster, wife, mom, writer, speaker, and daughter of God, and I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation as much as I enjoyed having it!

Topics discussed:

  • Why Leah auditioned for Top Model
  • The moment that reverted her back to her Catholic faith
  • The steps she took from broken model to Catholic faithful
  • Whether or not worldly beauty has a place in a Catholic woman's life
  • Her new book, The Other Side of Beauty
  • Why she co-founded the Lux Conference

We mentioned: 

Find Leah: 

Enter to win Leah's book!

Leah is generously giving away three copies of her book, The Other Side of Beauty. Enter to win by midnight on 2/27. Winners will be informed 2/28. If you don't respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

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Radical Faith and Filmmaking ft. Erin Dooley

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Today on the podcast, we're chatting with Erin Dooley, an award-winning filmmaker. Erin's new film, Broken & Beautiful, is a Christian musical that explores how we can continue to strive for holiness within our own brokenness. 

Topics discussed:

  • Why Erin decided to move to Los Angeles
  • How she heard God telling her to create this movie
  • How she thrives in LA while living out a radical Catholic faith
  • What her movie's about and what she hopes it does for others
  • How filming Broken & Beautiful affected her own faith life 

We mentioned: 

Find Broken & Beautiful: 

Q & A With Claire Swinarski

IT'S SEASON 2! 

We are SO happy to be back. To celebrate, I'm answering a few of your questions, including...

Can feminists wear chapel veils? 

Does my husband call himself a feminist?

What other podcasts are great for Catholic women? 

How should a Catholic feminist go about picking a spiritual director? 

...and many, many more. Enjoy! 

Don't forget: if you want to be the first to hear when doors open for 40 Days to a Feminist Faith, our e-retreat, just head over here and jump on the waiting list. 

Today's episode was sponsored by Audible, the audio book streaming service. For a free audio book, head to audibletrial.com/catholic. 

 

Finding Hope Within Human Trafficking ft. Rebekah Lemke

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When I was five, the biggest issue I had was that my mom was forcing me to take ballet lessons…and if you know me, you’re probably not surprised to hear it didn’t stick. But hey, at least I wasn’t being sold into slavery.

Yup—a five year old. That’s just one of the stories today’s podcast guest, Rebekah Lemke, has about her work on human trafficking victims. Rebekah recently returned from a trip abroad where she was able to meet with victims up close, learn their stories, and help them move forward. We talk all about the different types of human trafficking, how you as an average person can help victims, and the importance of shopping ethically. 

Speaking of shopping ethically: This episode is sponsored by the first ever Ethical Trade Holiday Gift Guide produced by CRS Ethical Trade. Christmas can be stressful when we are constantly trying to find the perfect present. But when you buy from companies that you know care about the environment and the workers who make their products, you know you are doing something good.

Topics discussed:

  • Different types of human trafficking
  • Who is most likely to be trafficked
  • What the life of a slave is like
  • How people are tricked into human trafficking
  • A few different stories of victims and how they've risen above their circumstances
  • Why trafficking is such an important Catholic issue 

We mentioned: 

 

Video: 

The Power Behind Your Purchase

Ending Child Trafficking in India

A Crime Against Humanity

 

Web: 

Turn on the Light. Help Stop Human Trafficking. 

7 Things You May Not Know About Human Trafficking, And 3 Ways to Help  

How to help: Urge Congress to Combat Human Trafficking

 

Find CRS: 

The Journey of Infertility and Adoption ft. Amanda Teixeira

You know when you have your life planned out, you present it to God, and He whips up something totally different than you had imagined? That’s what happened to today’s podcast guest, Amanda Teixeira. It was great to have Amanda back on the show to talk about her journey with infertility and adopting her two amazing daughters! Amanda shares what she’s done to try and get her fertility back on track (it’s more like what HASN’T she done…), how she heard God calling her and her family to adoption, and how she and her husband utilized social media to locate the birth mothers of their two daughters. Something we talked about that I had never even thought about was the deep connection Amanda feels with her daughter’s birth mothers. This episode is perfect for anyone concerned about their own fertility or feeling a call to adoption. 

This episode is sponsored by the first ever Ethical Trade Holiday Gift Guide produced by CRS Ethical Trade. Christmas can be stressful when we are constantly trying to find the perfect present. But when you buy from companies that you know care about the environment and the workers who make their products, you know you are doing something good.

Topics discussed:

  • When Amanda first realized her fertility wasn't functioning properly
  • The different kinds of methods she tried to get her body back on track
  • Why she wasn't tempted to use IVF 
  • How she and her husband discerned adoption
  • How they utilized social media to locate the birth mothers of their two daughters
  • How adoption starts with a loss and why you should never say "just adopt" 
  • What to do if a good friend is experiencing infertility and you want to help but are unsure how
  • How a particular book is bringing her closer to God right now

We mentioned: 

Find Amanda: 

Embracing Advent ft. Emily Schaefer

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It’s almost Advent! What is the meaning of the season? Are you allowed to put up your Christmas tree pre-Christmas? What is the best version of O Come O Come Emmanuel?! All of these and more will be answered during our special advent season featuring youth minister Emily Schaefer. Emily talks about what a Pixar movie has to do with Advent, why she’s responsible for my marriage (it’s true!) and what gives Advent a different spirit than Lent. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by the first ever Ethical Trade Holiday Gift Guide produced by CRS Ethical Trade. Christmas can be stressful when we are constantly trying to find the perfect present. But when you buy from companies that you know care about the environment and the workers who make their products, you know you are doing something good. Visit ethicaltrade.crs.org to learn more. 

Topics discussed:

  • How Emily and Claire met 
  • How Emily found her way back to the Catholic faith
  • What the meaning of the Advent season is
  • What makes Advent different from Lent
  • Whether you're allowed to celebrate Christmas during Advent
  • Our favorite Christmas movies and songs

We mentioned: 

 

Healing From Postpartum Depression ft. Sarah Norton

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Today we’re chatting with Sarah Norton from Mental: The Podcast all about her journey with postpartum depression. We talked all about her journey with PPD, why she decided to start a podcast about it, and what to do if you feel like you may have PPD. Sarah’s story is so inspiring: I can’t imagine having a newborn AND having an overwhelming feeling of depression. This is a very common (and pro-life) issue that I rarely hear discussed within the context of Catholics, so it was incredibly interesting to chat with Sarah. Enjoy!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Kindara. Get pregnant faster, avoid pregnancy naturally, or better understand your body with the world's most powerful and useful fertility charting system.

This episode is also sponsored by the first ever Ethical Trade Holiday Gift Guide produced by CRS Ethical Trade. Christmas can be stressful when we are constantly trying to find the perfect present. But when you buy from companies that you know care about the environment and the workers who make their products, you know you are doing something good.

Topics discussed:

  • What Sarah feels her mission as a feminist is
  • What Sarah's journey through postpartum depression was like
  • Why she decided to start a podcast
  • What some common misconceptions about PPD are 
  • What to do if you feel like you might have PPD
  • How PPD has affected her future family planning

Find Sarah: 

Don't Be Afraid of the Word "Feminist" ft. Sam Povlock

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On today’s podcast we’re chatting with the one and only Sam Povlock of FemCatholic! We talked about why she started her popular blog, why she identifies as a feminist, and why so many Catholics don’t resonate with that particular word. She makes the awesome point that all of the “hot button” issues in the Catholic Church (abortion, male priesthood, etc.) are all woman-centric and it can either drive women to or away from the Church. We also talked about how tough it is to be a working mom and how we can’t believe in 2017 we’re still arguing about whether or not women “should” work. Enjoy!

Topics discussed:

  • Why Sam started her blog, FemCatholic
  • Why some Catholic women have an issue with the word "feminist" 
  • The "hot button" issues of the Church and why they all have to do with women
  • How Theology of the Body, sex, and birth control all tie into feminism
  • The need for Catholic feminists to stand up and take pride
  • Sam's devotion to Edith Stein

We mentioned: 

Find FemCatholic: 

Growing Closer to God Through Grief ft. Ashleigh Murtha

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Have you ever had to confront God about a seemingly insurmountable tragedy? Today’s podcast guest, graduate student Ashleigh Murtha, is speaking with us about how her faith was shaken after the death of her father. Grief is a powerful, individualized process, but Ashleigh speaks beautifully about how she grew closer to God after going through something so difficult. 

Today’s episode is sponsored by Kindara. Get pregnant faster, avoid pregnancy naturally, or better understand your body with the world's most powerful and useful fertility charting system.

Topics discussed:

  • Ashleigh's passion for disability rights
  • Ashleigh's father's struggle with cancer and passing
  • How difficult it was to not understand what God's plan was
  • How her grief led her to go on a retreat that brought her closer to the Lord
  • The importance of the Eucharist in her life
  • Ashleigh's advice for anyone going through an intense grief process

We mentioned: 

 

Are You a Liberal or Conservative Catholic? ft. Ashley McKinless

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Today on the podcast we’re chatting with Ashley McKinless, an editor at America Magazine and the host of the podcast Jesuitical. Ashley and I chat all about how she got started at America and what she thinks about the “great divide” in Catholics right now. Let’s be real—when people say “Jesuits”, a lot of Catholics have opinions that are simply untrue. It was fun clearing it all up with Ashley and learning why Jesuits are a treasured part of our Catholic faith! As an added bonus, I also threw my interview on Jesuitical onto the podcast feed for easy listening.  (PS—Happy All Saints Day! All Saints in Heaven, pray for us!)

Today's episode was sponsored by Kindara, a fertility awareness app that helps women learn more about their bodies and avoid or achieve pregnancy naturally. 

Topics discussed:

  • How Ashley grew closer to the Lord in college
  • How she wound up at America Magazine
  • What the Jesuits are and how they were founded
  • Why she started the podcast Jesuitical
  • Why she doesn't believe in the labels "liberal" or "conservative" Catholic
  • How America Magazine handles nasty Internet comments

We mentioned: 

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Race, Politics, and Being an Ally ft. Nnenda Chinda

Today on the podcast we’re speaking with Nnenda Chinda, a recent college grad living in the UK! Nnenda and I connected over Instagram and I knew I had to have her on the show. We talk all about the recent NFL anthem boycotts—her opinion might surprise you—as well as why she doesn’t think talking about “race” is getting political. I loved what she had to say about the differences between being Catholic in Nigeria vs. being Catholic in England, and she offered some great insight over how white women can be allies to our black Catholic sisters. We also talk about how we’re both so over the Catholic “teams”. Enjoy!

Topics discussed:

  • Why being Catholic was easier in Nigeria than the UK
  • How the Catholic response to race issues has frustrated Nnenda
  • Whether or not talking about race is talking about politics
  • What she thinks of the NFL protests
  • How over the Catholic "teams" we are
  • How a Bible app is bringing Nnenda closer to God

Therapy, Waiting, and Sharing Yourself Online ft. Christina Dehan Jaloway

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Sometimes when I’m sharing online, I stop and wonder how much is too much. There have been times when I’m scrolling through a newsfeed and I think “dang, girl, that does not need to be blasted on the Internet!” But at the same time, do we have a responsibility to keep it real and show that life isn’t all sunshine and roses?! I love what today’s podcast guest has to say about the “line” when it comes to sharing ourselves online. Christina Jaloway is a blogger, writer, wife, and mama, and I absolutely loved having her on the show. We also talk about therapy, mental health, and how to embrace seasons of waiting. 

Topics discussed:

  • Why Christina began her blog
  • The benefits of getting married later in life 
  • Why she decided to take the leap and start going to therapy
  • Whether or not you have to see a Catholic therapist
  • When “waiting is the cross” 
  • How Christina knows what to share online vs. what to keep to herself

 

We mentioned: 

Find Christina: 

The Importance of Art and Beauty ft. Elizabeth Lev

We’re chatting with Dr. Elizabeth Lev on the podcast today! An art historian and all-around lover of all things art, Dr. Lev has a fascinating perspective on why art and beauty are so important to the Catholic Church. She talks about why the Sistine Chapel has feminist undertones, her favorite pieces of religious art, and how art can be used to evangelize, uplift, and inspire. Enjoy! 

Topics discussed:

  • Why Dr. Lev loves art
  • Why the Vatican doesn't just sell its art and give the money to the poor
  • The difference between poverty and spiritual poverty
  • The importance of beauty for our souls
  • Her "must-sees" for Catholic art fans
  • Why the Sistine Chapel is full of girl power
  • Dr. Lev's issues with modern art

We mentioned: 

Find Dr. Lev: