Finding Catholic Community and Thriving as a Military Wife ft. Suzanna Hinzman

Can you imagine living on the other side of the world from your family and customs? Or not even being able to talk to your husband on your wedding anniversary? Similar to last week's guest, Suzanna Hinzman is currently living abroad--but not as a missionary. She moved to Europe from Texas due to her spouse's military career. It was so fascinating to chat with Suzanna about what it was like to uproot her entire life, move across the world, and attempt to cultivate a Catholic community. I also loved her insight on sacrificing for your husband and how to maintain a feminist mindset while navigating what it means to live so sacrificially. She had such a unique input and it was a joy to chat with her. I hope you enjoy our chat!

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

Topics discussed:

  • How she wound up in Germany from Texas
  • What it's like to live on the opposite side of the world from her family 
  • How living abroad has brought her closer to God
  • What it's like to cultivate a Catholic community within the military community 
  • The hardest and most rewarding parts of being a military spouse

We mentioned: 

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. 

Living out the Great Commission ft. Tina Augustine

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We all have fears when it comes to evangelization. Imagine going to a country where you don’t even speak the language! That’s the experience of today’s podcast guest, Tina Augustine. Tina helped spearhead the first-ever international FOCUS team and hearing her thoughts on evangelization, spiritual poverty, and the great commission was fascinating. I love her insight on why missionaries are sometimes sent to westernized countries (when I said I was becoming a missionary, I had wayyyy too many people ask where I was going in Africa 🙄) and why it’s so important for Catholics to share their faith. Enjoy!

Today’s episode was brought to you by Rose Harrington, a home to botanical rosary art inspired by the tradition of Mary Gardens as well as paper and ceramic hand lettered goods, all made in the USA. Head to roseharrington.com and pick up some gorgeous art for your home while supporting a Catholic entrepreneur.

Topics discussed:

  • Why Tina became a FOCUS missionary
  • How she wound up in Austria
  • The difficulties of evangelizing in a place where you don't speak the language
  • Why westernized countries also need evangelization
  • The prevalence of spiritual poverty 
  • How anyone, anywhere can and should be a missionary

We mentioned: 

Find Tina: 

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

Religious Freedom and Making an Impact ft. Helen Alvaré

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When I launched the podcast, I had a dream of interviewing some of my own personal heroes. I’m so lucky that the Catholic Feminist has afforded me the chance to interview women like Abby Johnson, Audrey Assad, and Sr. Virginia Joy—all interview subjects that were on my “dream guest” list. Today’s podcast guest was dream number 1: Professor Helen Alvare. 

When I saw Professor Alvare speak at the SEEK conference in 2013, she completely rocked my world. Professor Alvare is a lawyer, mom, frequent guest on news shows, and advocate for women. As the founder of WomenSpeakForThemselves.com, she’s done everything from writing amicus briefs on the Hobby Lobby religious freedom case to raising a Catholic family. Today on the show, Professor Alvare breaks down what the real war on women is, the definition of religious freedom, and why culture is more important than law. It was an honor to have her on the show and I hope you enjoy our chat! 

Today’s episode was brought to you by Rose Harrington, a home to botanical rosary art inspired by the tradition of Mary Gardens as well as paper and ceramic hand lettered goods, all made in the USA. Head to roseharrington.com and pick up some gorgeous art for your home while supporting a Catholic entrepreneur. 

Topics discussed:

  • Why Professor Alvaré decided to attend law school
  • What the "war on women" really is
  • The definition of religious freedom and how it's under attack in the US
  • The difference between the Hobby Lobby case and the Little Sisters of the Poor case
  • How to fight for impact in your community if you're more mild-mannered
  • Why culture is more important than law
  • Her her faith keeps her grounded under criticism
  • Practical tips for working mamas

We mentioned: 

Find Women Speak For Themselves: 

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Juggling Diapers and Disciple Making ft. Amber O'Hearn

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Happy almost Mother’s Day! Today on the podcast, we’re chatting with mama and podcast host Amber O’Hearn all about how we as moms can serve God and live out the Great Commission. Amber and I have a wide-ranging discussion about toddler parenting, the struggles of motherhood, and how we can live out our feminism through raising littles. Amber’s podcast, Diapers and Disciples, is a joy to listen to so it was a lot of fun to have her on the other end of the microphone! We also offer a few resources for anyone looking to launch their own podcast.  Enjoy!

Today’s episode was brought to you by Rose Harrington, a home to botanical rosary art inspired by the tradition of Mary Gardens as well as paper and ceramic hand lettered goods, all made in the USA. Head to roseharrington.com and pick up some gorgeous art for your home while supporting a Catholic entrepreneur.

 

Topics discussed:

  • How Amber's experiences with Jesuit Volunteer Corps and NET Ministries brought her deeper into her faith
  • What podcasts have influenced her
  • Why she decided to launch her own podcast, Diapers and Disciples
  • Tools we use to help run our podcasts and why everyone who wants to should launch one
  • How moms are able to live out the Great Commission and struggles Amber has faced
  • The ways Amber thinks her feminism and motherhood are symbiotic 

We mentioned: 

Find Diapers and Disciples: 

Enter to win!

Good Enough is Good Enough by Colleen Duggan is about learning tough lessons through years of struggling with unrealistic expectations. She shares both funny parenting moments and difficult times of self-scrutiny. Happy Mother's Day! A winner will be notified on May 16.

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Launching and Leading Verily Magazine ft. Kara Eschbach

 

Today on the show we’re chatting with Kara Eschbach, the co-founder of Verily Magazine. When Kara saw a niche within women’s magazines that wasn’t being filled—that of dignified, authentically beautiful conversation between women—she took the leap and launched a magazine along with a friend. Verily transformed into a gorgeous online lifestyle magazine that views each woman as a dignified daughter of God. It was so interesting to hear Kara give her thoughts on leadership as a woman, what you should do if you want to launch a business, and how her Meyers-Briggs type has impacted her role in the world. Although Kara is no longer with Verily, there’s so much value in hearing how she created something so amazing (and popular!) and it was an honor to learn from her. Enjoy!

Today’s episode was brought to you by Rose Harrington, a home to botanical rosary art inspired by the tradition of Mary Gardens as well as paper and ceramic hand lettered goods, all made in the USA. Head to roseharrington.com and pick up some gorgeous art for your home while supporting a Catholic entrepreneur.

Topics discussed:

  • Why Kara decided to launch Verily Magazine 
  • The mission behind Verily and why she felt it was different from other women's magazines
  • How her role as both a Catholic and feminist impact her decision making
  • Her her Meyers-Briggs type affects her leadership style
  • The idea of a "minimum viable product" and what to do if you want to launch a new project

We mentioned: 

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. 

Title IX and Victim Advocacy ft. Jenne O'Neill

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After our #MeToo episode aired, a representative from the Christendom Advocacy and Support Coalition reached out to do a follow-up episode. Jenne O’Neill breaks down what Title IX is, wha the CASC is doing to try and bring it to life at Christendom, and why it’s important to never think you’re “safe from evil” in a Catholic bubble. Jenne was incredibly vulnerable and honest and it was a joy to have her on the show. This episode is perfect for anyone who’s wondering how they can move the needle and advocate for sexual assault victims. Enjoy! 

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 and support a Catholic entrepreneur at the same time. For 15% off your first order, enter discount code “TCFPOD15” at meaningfulmarketshop.com. 

Today’s episode was also brought to you by Audible. For a free audio book, including the one I mention in this podcast on campus rape, head to audibletrial.com/catholic.

Topics discussed:

  • Why Jenne got involved with the Christendom Advocacy and Support Coalition
  • What Title IX is and why the CASC believes Christendom should implement it
  • What the culture on Christendom is like when it comes to the "Catholic bubble" 
  • What type of responses the CASC has received
  • How you can get involved with CASC and victim advocacy 

We mentioned: 

Find CASC: 

Enter to win the CASC giveaway!

Enter to win a CASC journal + some phoenix stickers, perfect for journaling. A winner will be chosen on 4/30...you only have a few days!

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This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. 

The Creighton Model and Advocating for Your Healthcare ft. Hayley Stabo

Advocating for yourself within our modern-day healthcare system isn’t always easy. For many women, PMS symptoms + cramps are treated with a prescription for birth control…but that’s often just a band-aid to a deeper problem. Today, my very own NFP instructor, Hayley Stabo, is walking us through how the Creighton model helped her get closer to REAL answers about her health. She also talks about what Creighton is, who it’s not right for, and why she decided to become an instructor. It’s so refreshing to cut the sunshine-and-roses song we usually sing about NFP and dig into the actual science behind methods and why they honor our dignity as women. Enjoy! ✨

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 and support a Catholic entrepreneur at the same time. For 15% off your first order, enter discount code “TCFPOD15” at meaningfulmarketshop.com. 

Today’s episode was also brought to you by Kindred Bravely. From the bump to the breast and beyond, this adorable maternity and nursing wear company has you covered. Head to kindredbravely.com and enter “GRATEFUL” at checkout for 15% off your first order. 

Topics discussed:

  • How Hayley used Creighton to help her diagnose her reproductive health issues
  • Why she decided to become a Creighton instructor
  • What Creighton is and the basics of how to use it
  • How you become certified as an NFP instructor
  • The perks of instructing others on their fertility
  • Some need-to-know facts about practicing Creighton
  • How Hayley's kids are bringing her closer to God

We mentioned: 

Contact Hayley: 

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: 

Find Endow: 

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: 

Find Kate: 

This post may contain affiliate links. 

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: 

Find Simcha: 

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: