Healing as a Church From the Sexual Abuse Scandals ft. Maggi Van Dorn

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“If only Catholic priests would get married, sexual abuse wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Everyone else abuses kids, too. It’s not just Catholics.”

“After the Dallas Charter, there’s practically NO sexual abuse by Catholic priests.”

“Stop focusing on the BAD priests and start focusing on the GOOD ones.”

If the above statements make you 🙄🤢😬😡, today’s episode is for you. Maggi Van Dorn is the host of Deliver Us, a podcast that covers the history of the Church sexual abuse scandals and how we got to where we are today. Maggi and I talk all about whether or not the Church is STILL covering up predator priests, where we go from here, and whether or not true healing is possible. This topic is discussed with grace but may not be appropriate for little ears—grab your headphones. As so many of you know, the sexual abuse crisis is something that has really shaken my faith and it was a true pleasure to speak with someone who is so knowledgeable, calm, and passionate about the topic.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Select International Tours. Join Fr. Leo on a cruise down the Danube River this fall by heading to www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/tour and check out selectinternationaltours.com/feminist to learn more about the amazing trips they have to offer.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the Blessed Is She academic planner. This planner contains everything from feast days to to-do lists to places for prayer requests. It’s stunning, made by Catholic makers, and perfect for the modern Catholic woman. Head to thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner to snag one today.

Topics discussed:

  • Why Maggi launched a podcast about the recent sexual abuse scandals

  • How she keeps her faith when dealing with such heavy, difficult topics

  • Is the Catholic Church still protecting predator priests?

  • How NOT to listen to victims of sexual abuse

  • When we as a Church will have done “enough”

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

Find Deliver Us: 

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Life on the US/Mexico Border ft. Kelly Griffith

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I’m married to an immigrant.

Now, he didn’t claim asylum at the border to escape gang activity. His dad won something called a lottery (I always tell people he won it like in Titanic when Jack wins tickets…but that’s not exactly accurate) and his family picked the US over New Zealand. They were escaping something serious, but less immediately deadly: a horrendous economy brought about by years of communism and no opportunities for upward motility in careers.

Immigration is something everyone has an opinion on. I know the Hot Topic of the Moment is abortion, but it’s interesting to me how many pro life people also care passionately about immigration. As they should. The crisis on the border is truly a pro life issue in that it deals with the dignity of human life. As a fifth minor dies in US custody this week, it’s important to be talking about what life on the border is like and how we can implement effective solutions to make sure our world is a place for all people to thrive.

Today’s guest is Kelly Griffith, a teacher who formerly worked in a border town. Kelly is sharing her story about what life is REALLY like on the border—beyond the headlines and the pundits and the politicians. She’s breaking down what may surprise you, what it was like when the family separation policy began to be implemented, and how the power of hearing each other’s stories can radically transform our hearts. Enjoy.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Select International Tours. Join Fr. Leo on a cruise down the Danube River this fall by heading to www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/tour and check out selectinternationaltours.com/feminist to learn more about the amazing trips they have to offer.

Topics discussed:

  • How Kelly went from dreaming about the CIA to being a social studies teacher

  • What it was like to witness the child separation policy in action

  • What misconceptions she thinks people have about life on the border

  • Why she decided to launch an oral history project about the border

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

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#ThoughtsAndPrayers ft. Chika Anyanwu

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It’s what we’re told to do without ceasing. It’s my first recommendation for any struggle. It’s at times the only thing we know to do. But…why does cultivating a prayer life feel so freaking hard sometimes?

Because to be honest, the Rosary can feel SO dry. I want to snuggle up with my Bible and a candle and coffee but, um, my kids wake up at 6:30 and if I don’t workout beforehand I feel like a lunatic all day. I love the idea of having this really steady prayer routine but I just struggle to really crank it out. When I was a FOCUS missionary, I did a daily holy hour, but these days, I’m lucky to get in 15 solid minutes of chitchat time with Jesus. That’s partly why I dubbed 2019 my year of prayer: I want to positively drench my life, family, vocation, and days in prayer. But…aren’t I supposed to WANT to pray? How come half the time I get ready to pray I just feel totally blah?

Today’s guest, speaker and author Chika Anyanwu, chats with me about all things prayer. We talk about what our prayer lives look like, how to get over that “have to” syndrome, and why people hate the phrase #ThoughtsAndPrayers. It’s truly one of my favorite conversations I’ve had on the show and I hope it resonates with you today.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Select International Tours. Join Fr. Leo on a cruise down the Danube River this fall by heading to www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/tour and check out selectinternationaltours.com/feminist to learn more about the amazing trips they have to offer.

Topics discussed:

  • Why writing her book was an act of prayer for Chika

  • What to do if you simply don’t like a certain form of prayer

  • Her history in ministry

  • The problem with #ThoughtsAndPrayers and why our culture undervalues prayer

  • The importance of praising God in the midst of struggle

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

Find Chika: 

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Miracles, Saints, and Fulton Sheen ft. Bonnie Engstrom

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Who gets a miracle?

It seems like a weird question. But miracles happen—and one happened to today’s guest. When hearing the story of her son’s birth, trauma, and miraculous recovery, though, one question that stopped me in my tracks and weighed on my heart was why Bonnie? Not that she’s not awesome—because she is—but because so many praying parents lose children every day. Bonnie + I unpack this a bit after she tells her story, explains how saints utilize miracles to become canonized, and why Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s cause is paused. We also dive into her live as a Catholic blogger and why blogging has transformed from what it used to be. Bonnie’s story is heartfelt and vulnerable, and I hope listening to it opens a dialogue between you and your Creator.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Select International Tours. Ever wanted to sail the Danube River with Father Leo Patalinghug and have the cultural and spiritual experience of a life time? This November, Select International wants to take you on an all-inclusive pilgrimage with Daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and more. Check out www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/tour to book your spot today, and www.selectinternationaltours.com/feminist to learn more about the amazing trips Select International has to offer and get $100 off any tour package. Give your spiritual life a jolt by traveling abroad without having to stress about planning your perfect pilgrimage. Select International has you covered.

Topics discussed:

  • The story of Bonnie’s son’s traumatic birth and the miracle he received

  • Why she loves Fulton Sheen

  • Why Fulton Sheen’s canonization is currently paused

  • Whether or not everyday occurrences are “miracles”

  • How someone who received a miracle feels about who gets miracles

  • Bonnie’s thoughts on the future of Catholic blogging

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

Find Bonnie: 


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Overcoming Spiritual Perfectionism ft. Colleen Carroll Campbell

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You know that sinking feeling you get when you realize you haven’t been to Confession in 6 months, or when your friend casually mentions she hit up daily Mass with her three kids, or when you struggle to fit five minutes of prayer into your day? That I-suck-I’m-lukewarm-God-thinks-I’m-lazy feeling? That’s spiritual perfectionism, and it’s not of the Spirit. Today’s guest, Colleen Carroll Campbell, is something of an expert on this topic. A mom, former presidential speechwriter, and Catholic speaker, Colleen’s new book The Heart of Perfection reminds us why we should trade in our view of “perfect” for God’s. We chat about which saints inspired her, the importance of cultivating joy in our lives, and how to check ourselves and make sure we aren’t being Pharisees. Colleen is truly one of my favorite authors so it was an honor to have her on the show! Enjoy.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Select International Tours. Ever wanted to sail the Danube River with Father Leo Patalinghug and have the cultural and spiritual experience of a life time? This November, Select International wants to take you on an all-inclusive pilgrimage with Daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and more. Check out www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/tour to book your spot today, and www.selectinternationaltours.com/feminist to learn more about the amazing trips Select International has to offer and get $100 off any tour package. Give your spiritual life a jolt by traveling abroad without having to stress about planning your perfect pilgrimage. Select International has you covered.

Topics discussed:

  • How Colleen wound up as a speechwriter for George W. Bush

  • Her struggles with perfectionism

  • How a liturgically incorrect moment made an impact on her faith

  • The importance of keeping joy imbedded in our faith lives

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

Find Colleen: 


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Emotional and Spiritual Postpartum Care ft. Rebecca Christian

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We often talk about postpartum care in terms of nursing or sleep deprivation…but what about the spiritual and emotional side of things? Today’s chat is with Rebecca Christian of Fiat Doula Services. Rebecca is walking us through why she decided to transition from screenwriting to doula services, why she focuses her practice on postpartum care, and what moms who are struggling in the postpartum stage of life can do to begin to feel like themselves again. We also talk about how silence has been bringing her closer to God (I feel like so many of our guests say this!) and Rebecca generously provided our listeners with a list of Catholic birth affirmations! Make sure to get your hands on those and send them to a friend who will be giving birth soon. Enjoy!

Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible. Snag a free audio book and a free 30-day trial by heading to audibletrial.com/catholic.

Snag some Catholic birth affirmations!

Rebecca wrote these Catholic birth affirmations to help you succeed in childbirth.

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    Topics discussed:

    • How Rebecca fell more in love with her faith

    • Why she began doula work

    • Her heart for postpartum care

    • Why women struggle with their identity and spirituality after giving birth

    • Her advice for women who are struggling in the postpartum trenches

    • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

    We mentioned: 

    Find Fiat Doula Services: 


    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Cultivating Community + Going Through Burnout ft. Megan Stram

    When you’re doing intensely emotional work, burnout is common. My dear friend Megan is on the show today to discuss her experience working in social services with young people on the autism spectrum and what a period of unemployment after burnout taught her God and His faithfulness. We also talk about how Megan has been able to find Catholic community as a single young adult. You’ll love her thoughts on disability advocacy, her passion for honoring the gifts of our brothers and sisters with disabilities, and how she made changes in her life to avoid yet again reaching that state of emotional, spiritual, and physical burnout. It’s a great chat and I hope you enjoy it!

    Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible. To snag a free audio book, head to audibletrial.com/catholic.

    Topics discussed:

    • How Megan transitioned from ministry to secular work

    • Tips for implementing yourself into a Catholic community as a young single person

    • Why Megan has a passion for disability work

    • The book that changed her view of disability work

    • The effect unemployment had in her spiritual life

    • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

    We mentioned: 

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    What I've Learned in 100 Episodes ft. Claire Swinarski

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    EPISODE 100! In today’s show, I’m sharing five things I’ve learned over the past 100 episodes and what you can expect from the Catholic Feminist moving forward. It’s been such a joy to be with you these past 2 years (don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere right now!) and I am so grateful for you. YOU. I’m praying for the listeners of the show extra hard.

    We mention a lot of different episodes in this week’s show. The easiest ways to find those episodes are simply to google “Catholic Feminist” and the name I mention!

    I also discuss a few ways you can help the show grow. Those are: prayer, sharing the show intentionally with a friend who might enjoy it, buying our book, or checking out our online shop.

    Blooming Where You're Planted ft. Noel Hrnchir + Sara Racicot

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    “Fragility makes us strong. You can’t be sensitive to other people’s needs or aware of what’s going on without you unless you have a certain amount of fragility. You have to be able to be moved by the people around you.” That’s just ONE of the many mic drops on today’s episode. Sara Racicot and Noel Hrnchir are the co-hosts of Way of the Wildflowers, a podcast for women. When you hear women compared to flowers, it’s easy to roll your eyes—we’re not fragile! We’re tough and strong and fierce and formidable! But when Sara and Noel explain their passion for blooming where you’re planted and feeling impacted by others, you’ll feel a whole new passion for living like a wildflower. We also chat about why the Church needs women in all walks of life, the essentialness of vulnerability, Noel’s tips for flourishing in your faith at a public university, and what’s been bringing the pair closer to God. Enjoy!

    Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible. To snag a free audio book, head to audibletrial.com/catholic.

    Topics discussed:

    • How Noel and Sara met and why they felt the world needed their podcast

    • How strength + fragility can be combined in women

    • Why it’s hard to live out a faith life in college

    • #FiatFeminism

    • The beauty of flourishing where you’re planted

    • Which saints they feel best represent feminism

    • What’s been bringing Noel and Sara closer to God

    We mentioned: 

    Find Way of the Wildflowers: 

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    Defending the Faith Without Raising Your Voice ft. Kathryn Jean Lopez

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    As Catholic feminists, we’re fired up about our faith. We want to spread the message of the Gospel so that as many women as possible can live fearless, spirit-filled lives walking in the light of Christ. But modern society often disagrees with what that looks like, and no matter who you are, you probably spend a significant amount of time surrounded by people who disagree with you. Maybe it’s your college classmates who think being religious is synonymous with being an idiot, or maybe it’s your uber conservative coworkers who have Build The Wall bumper stickers. Maybe it’s your pro-choice neighbor who volunteers at Planned Parenthood, your priest who regularly gives homilies on the importance of women not working outside the home, or your mom who just doesn’t get why you’re so into that Jesus thing.

    Kathryn Jean Lopez, a writer for National Review, has plenty of experience speaking with people who disagree with her. She’s here to share her wisdom on how to defend our faith without letting unrighteous anger consume is. We also chat about how she manages to write about heavy-hitting topics and keep the faith, why she thinks political boxes are so frustrating, and how adoration has been bringing her closer to God. Enjoy!

    Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible. To snag a free audio book, head to audibletrial.com/catholic.

    Today’s episode is also brought to you by Sock Religious. For 10% off a pair of cozy Catholic socks, enter FEM10 at checkout at sockreligious.com.

    Topics discussed:

    • How Kathryn got to where she is today

    • How she manages to keep her hope when covering abortion law

    • Her tips for communicating with people who think differently

    • Why she thinks political boxes need to go

    • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

    We mentioned: 

    Find Kathryn: 

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    Female Theologians and Making Space for Women ft. Amy O'Connell

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    Let’s get real: in a world full of Buzzfeed quizzes about which type of potato you are, it can feel like most of the content we’re consuming is just…Fruity Pebbles. A sugary cereal that looks fun, tastes marvelously mediocre, and makes us regret it the second the last bite is in our mouths. That’s why Amy O’Connell decided to launch Ever Eden, a literary journal by and for Catholics. Amy and I are chatting about why she decided to get her Master’s in Theology, why she created something that could be enjoyed by men and women alike, and the importance of consuming great art in the land of clickbait culture. Enjoy!

    Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible. For a free audio book and a free 30-day trial, head to audibletrial.com/catholic. (I recommend one of my favorites in the episode!)

    Today’s episode is also brought to you by Sock Religious. For 10% off your comfy, cozy, Catholic socks, enter FEM10 at checkout here.

    Enter to win a copy of Ever Eden!

    Enter here to win a copy of the literary journal Amy founded. Giveaway will end 3/25 and winner notified on 3/26. USA and Canada only.

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      Topics discussed:

      • Why Amy grew up being ashamed to be a girl

      • What lead her to the decision to study theology

      • Where she got the idea of Ever Eden

      • Why she purposely made Ever Eden to appeal to both men and women

      • If there’s room for a literary journal in “clickbait culture”

      • How Rosary and wine night are bringing her closer to God

      We mentioned: 

      Find Ever Eden: 

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      Postpartum Rights in the Workplace ft. Emily Kearney

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      Being a working mom can have plenty of “bumps” in the road (…see what I did there?) but your postpartum rights shouldn’t be one of them. I absolutely loved chatting with attorney Emily Kearney on today’s show! Emily has experience in postpartum rights in the workplace and speaking with her about our rights if we’re returning to a secular workplace post-childbirth was fascinating. We also talked about her work in the area of broader disability rights, why she feels we’re so indifferent about ableist discrimination, and why these are pro-life issues. This episode is a total powerhouse of legal, empowering goodness—enjoy!

      This episode was brought to you by Audible. For a free audio book and free 30-day trial, head to audibletrial.com/catholic.

      This episode was also brought to you by Sock Religious. For 10% off a pair of Catholic socks, enter FEM10 at checkout.

      Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Rights Handout

      Emilly has SO generously provided us a quick handout on our pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum rights in the workplace. Snag it here!

        I would never spam you--pinky promise. Unsubscribe at any time. By submitting your e-mail address, you're consenting to receiving correspondance from the Catholic Feminist Podcast.

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        Topics discussed:

        • Where Emily’s passion for disability rights came from

        • What our rights are when returning to the workplace after giving birth

        • The “visibility” problem in disability rights

        • How to help our sisters in a secular, man-oriented workplace

        • What’s been bringing Emily closer to God

        We mentioned: 

        Find Emily: 

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        Listening to the Old Testament and Raising Feminist Daughters ft. Danielle Bean

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        Today is Ash Wednesday. As we dive into the 40 days before Christ’s death and resurrection, you may have incorporated Bible reading into your Lenten journey. But lets be honest…how many of us try and tiptoe around the Old Testament? That half of the Bible can seem crazy, confusing, and straight up overwhelming. But today’s podcast guest, author Danielle Bean, believes there are strong connections to be drawn between the women of the Old Testament and the #MeToo movement. I loved chatting with Danielle about which women in Bible have influenced her the most, how her family incorporates Bible time, and how she lets the women of Scripture influence the way she raises her daughters as feminists. If you’re super hungry and need something to keep your mind off your rumbling stomach, enjoy!

        This episode was brought to you by Audible. For a free audio book and free 30-day trial, head to audibletrial.com/catholic.

        This episode was also brought to you by Sock Religious. For 10% off a pair of Catholic socks, enter FEM10 at checkout.

        Topics discussed:

        • When Danielle began to identify as a feminist

        • How Bathsheba relates to the #MeToo movement

        • Danielle’s passion for the Book of Judith

        • How her family incorporates Bible time

        • Her favorite resources for engaging with the Old Testament

        • Her practical tips for bringing her kids more into a feminist mindset

        • What’s been bringing her closer to God

        We mentioned: 

        Find Danielle: 

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        Embracing a Spirit of Solidarity ft. Shannon Evans

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        As I’ve said on the show many times before, Dorothy Day is a huge inspiration of mine + was one of the catalysts that caused me to start this podcast. That’s one of the reasons I was so excited to have Shannon Evans on the show to talk about her experience working in Catholic Worker houses, a movement that was founded by Dorothy Day. But Shannon and I also dive deep into adoption, embracing our weaknesses, and what it means to truly operate as part of the larger body of Christ. Also, I loved her insight on her shifting view of “doing ministry”, specifically in the context of my own life. I share with her what I feel like God’s been saying to me lately and how it’s leaving me struggling to understand which direction He wants me to walk in. Overall, it was such a joy to chat with Shannon and I hope you enjoy our chat!

        This episode was brought to you by Audible. For a free audio book and free 30-day trial, head to audibletrial.com/catholic.

        This episode was also brought to you by Jane Heir. For a paperback, audio, or e-book version of this modern retelling of the classic romance, head to veronicacristero.com.

        Topics discussed:

        • What social justice means to Shannon

        • Why she and her husband decided to live in a Catholic Worker house

        • How to live a spirit of solidarity and connectedness

        • Her new book on embracing our weaknesses

        • What she wishes she had known when she decided to adopt

        • What’s been bringing her closer to God

        We mentioned: 

        Find Shannon: 

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        Creativity and the Camino ft. Ashlee Cowles

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        Do you know what it’s like to put your heart + soul into a work of creativity…and be rejected? I sure do—and so does Ashlee Cowles, today’s guest and the author of YA novel BENEATH WANDERING STARS. Ashlee + I are chatting all about writing, her creative process, and why she thinks its important to market her book not as a “Catholic book” even though it has themes of truth and beauty. We also talk about which book is bringing her closer to God and how her pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago influenced her writing. I loved hearing about Ashlee’s journey and I hope you do too!

        Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible. For a free audio book and a free 30-day trial, head to audibletrial.com/catholic.

        Today’s episode is also brought to you by Jane Heir by Veronica Cristero. To snag the paperback, e-book, or audio book of this modern retelling of the classic tale, head to veronicacristero.com.

        Topics discussed:

        • Why Ashlee decided to walk the Camino and the impact it had on her

        • What her journey towards publishing a book was like

        • How she’s handled professional rejection

        • How writing and creativity help her strengthen her relationship with Jesus

        • Why it’s important for her to engage with secular media

        • What’s been bringing Ashlee closer to God

        We mentioned: 

        Find Ashlee: 

        Bonus content:

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        Being Biblical Businesswomen ft. Emma Moran + Elise Gallagher

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        Today on the show we’re chatting with Elise + Emma, the founders of the Catholic Women in Business Foundation. If you’ve ever dreamed of launching your own business, Elise + Emma’s group helps provide you the tools to be successful. We talk about everything from garbage business advice we’ve received to why Catholic women desperately crave community. I LOVE Elise’s story of how she got confirmation from the Lord that he wanted her to start this endeavor, and I know you will too!

        Today’s episiode is brought to you by Jane Heir by Veronica Cristero. Grab this modern retelling of the classic romance in paperback, e-book, or audio format at veronicacristero.com.

        Today’s episode is also brought to you by Audible. Snag a free audio book of your choice by heading to audibletrial.com/catholic.

        Topics discussed:

        • Why Elise + Emma decided to start the Catholic Women in Business Foundation

        • What modern business trends drive them crazy

        • Business books that have made a difference in their lives

        • Their advice for women looking to become entrepreneurs

        • How to use your secular business to evangelize

        • What’s been bringing them closer to God

        We mentioned: 

        Find the Foundation: 

        Living Out Our Belovedness ft. Sarah Kroger

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        IT’S SEASON 3! 🎙 We’re BACK with another round of women to inspire you, inform you, + help you lead a more intentional life. Our season 3 premiere guest is no exception. I saw Sarah Kroger leading worship at SEEK and knew I had to have her on the show. Sarah is a singer and songwriter (Audrey Assad produced her new album…heard of her? 😂) with a heart for Jesus. We talk about how her music has been inspired by Henri Nouwen, how her history with mental health has been integrated into her music, and how she balances focusing on the craft of music with having a prayer experience while performing. Also, her answer for what’s bringing her closer to God lately might surprise you! Whether you’re a well-known musician or, uh, deeply musically challenged (…hi 🙋🏼‍♀️), I hope this episode serves you!

        Today’s episiode is brought to you by Jane Heir by Veronica Cristero. Grab this modern retelling of the classic romance in paperback, e-book, or audio format at veronicacristero.com.

        Today’s episode is also brought to you by Audible. Snag a free audio book of your choice by heading to audibletrial.com/catholic.

        Topics discussed:

        • How Sarah wound up in a career as a singer/songwriter

        • Her latest album and women in music production

        • Living out our belovedness, no matter our season of life

        • Whether or not she gets nervous in front of massive crowds

        • How she balances performing/praying

        • Her favorite worship artists

        • How silence is bringing her closer to God

        We mentioned: 

        Find Sarah: 

        SEEK 2019

        I had the honor of attending SEEK 2019 and hosted a live show in the middle of the exhibits! I chatted with a FOCUS missionary, a couple of attendees, and speakers Anna Carter and Sr. Miriam. Apologies for the low-quality audio...live show, so didn't have a ton of control! 

        We talk about how students are living out their Catholic feminism, whether or not Anna thinks she “struggles” with same sex desires, and why Sr. Miriam believes anger can be fuel to restore justice, among many other topics. Enjoy!

        Embracing Hope as a a Pediatric Oncologist ft. Dr. Melissa Mark

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        Weep with those who weep. St. Paul reminds us in Scripture to participate in the sorrow of others, and today’s guest, Dr. Melissa Mark, is a pediatric oncologist with no shortage of grief. But when I went into today’s interview, I expected to be chatting about how she stays strong and bringing Jesus into dark places. Instead, she blew my mind with her wisdom on why witnessing death is an honor and how Jesus is already present in every place imaginable. We also chat about being a working mom, how she evangelizes in her workplace in an ethical, loving way, and how she makes it work being married to another doctor. WARNING: WE DISCUSS THE MAN IN THE RED SUIT WHO MAY OR MAY NOT COME TO YOUR HOUSE ON DECEMBER 25. Be warned—this episode may spoil some things for those with little ears! Thanks for tuning in to our SEASON TWO FINALE—see you in February!

        Today's episode is brought to you by the Meaningful Market. For 20% off gifts for friends, family, or yourself, enter TCFpod20 at checkout at meaningfulmarketshop.com.

        Today's episode is also brought to you by the Catholic Relief Services Ethical Trade Holiday Gift Guide. You can be sure the gifts you give are well received and well made by shopping here.

        Topics discussed:

        • Why Melissa decided to become a doctor

        • What it’s like to interact with so much grief every day

        • The Catholic definition of hope and how to incorporate it into the medical field

        • How she brings Jesus into her workplace

        • How she fosters a faith life in her family

        • Her thoughts on Santa

        • How journaling has been bringing her closer to God lately

        We mentioned: 



        Literacy Advocacy and Inspiring Young Girls ft. Shanel Adams

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        Studies show that reading isn’t just a fun hobby—it makes you more empathetic, increases your intelligence, and opens doors that were previously closed. That’s why today’s guest is such an inspiration to me! Shanel Adams is the founder of Progressionista, a Detroit-based non-profit aimed at increasing literacy among young girls, introducing them to literature, and helping them learn about different career opportunities available to them. All of our guests have amazing stories to share, and Shanel is no different, but her story in particular is timely for me—I recently achieved a life-long dream and signed a 2-book deal with HarperCollins for two children’s books that will be coming out in 2020 and 2021. Shanel and I geek out about our favorite books, why she loves Detroit, and how journaling is bringing her closer to God. Also, I frequently get emails asking for more conversion stores—Shanel became a Catholic THIS YEAR, and the story of her journey to Catholicism is beautiful. Enjoy!

        PS: Today's episode is brought to you by the Meaningful Market. For 20% off gifts for friends, family, or yourself, enter TCFpod20 at checkout at meaningfulmarketshop.com.

        PPS: Today's episode is also brought to you by the Catholic Relief Services Ethical Trade Holiday Gift Guide. You can be sure the gifts you give are well received and well made by shopping here.

        Topics discussed:

        • Why Shanel created Progressionista

        • Her journey to becoming a Catholic

        • What women have made an impact in her life

        • Why she decided to return to Detroit

        • How journaling is bringing her closer to God

        We mentioned: 

        Find Progressionista: