Letters to Women - Exploring the Feminine Genius

This is the last episode of the Letters to Women podcast — what an honor to journey with you over the past eight years! Listen to discover why I’m hanging up the podcast mic and what’s next for you as you explore the feminine genius in your ordinary, daily life. Resources for you: Listen to A Drink with a Friend, hosted by Tsh Oxenreider Listen to Visitation Sessions, hosted by Emily and Chris Chapman as well as Kate and Casey Stapleton Listen to Charting Towards Intimacy hosted by Ellen Hollaway Browse close to 200 episodes in the Letters to Women archive Send me an email! [email protected] Subscribe to Naptime Notes, my monthly newsletter over on Substack

My guest today in this final episode of the Letters to Daughters season is Brya Hanan. She’s a wife, mother, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Life Coach, and fellow pilgrim on the healing journey. Brya brings her Catholic tradition, professional and personal insights, and understanding of trauma to offer accompaniment and tools for interior integration and wholeness. She weaves together Church teaching, Psychology, and Inner Child work and hopes to provide encouragement through children and non-fiction books, her personal blog, and webinars to help people live a fulfilling and authentic life. In this conversation, we’re talking about Brya’s own healing journey, who our inner child is, how to embrace them, and how this approach to healing is integrated and Catholic. If you're longing for healing, deeper self-awareness in your identity as daughter, or a closer relationship with God as Father, sister, this episode is for you. Topics we cover: Brya’s story as a Catholic woman The story behind Brya’s new book, Befriending your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness Brya’s advice for listeners who have no idea what it means to befriend their inner child and no longer try to erase or abandon themselves How learning about attachment styles impacts the way that we claim the reality of being made in the image of God Brya’s ADULT acronym and how it can help us rise above wounds and fractures in our lives How we can be better tuned into the sensations of our body and how that attunement can bring healing What attunement is and why it’s so important when it comes to befriending our inner child How Brya lives out the feminine genius in her ordinary, daily life as a daughter of God Resources for you: ⁠Pick up a copy of Brya’s new book, Befriending your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness⁠ ⁠Follow Brya on Instagram⁠ ⁠Check out Brya’s website ⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Naptime Notes and get early, ad free access to all the Letters to Women episodes for just $5 a month⁠

My guest today is Meg Hunter-Kilmer. Meg has been on the podcast so many times -- sometimes sitting at my table, sometimes from someone else’s home, this time from her OWN home! I first met Meg ten years ago at a Kansas Catholic College Student Convention and her love for Christ and his Church is such a joy to witness. When I started putting together the shows for this Letters to Daughters season, I knew I wanted Meg back on the show to talk about what living her daughterhood looked like.  In this conversation, we’re talking about the saints, Meg’s recent trip to South Korea, what it’s like to write about the hard parts of saints stories so even the littlest can meet these Heavenly friends, and what it’s like for Meg to OWN a home after years of life as a hobo for Christ. If you're ready to embrace your identity as a beloved daughter of God and be inspired by the lives of the saints, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we cover: Meg’s new adventures as a homeowner in South Bend Why we should throw out perfectionism when it comes to hosting and how to embrace scruffy hospitality Meg’s recent pilgrimage to South Korea How Meg started writing about the lives of the saints, how she’s grown in friendship with them over the years, and how that heavenly friendship impacts how she views herself as a daughter of God The universality of the Catholic Church What it was like for Meg to adapt her saint book for older children into a six part series for little kids How Meg lives out the feminine genius in her ordinary, daily life as a daughter of God Resources for you: Pick up a copy of Meg’s new Saints Around the World for Little Ones Collection Follow Meg on Instagram Modern Saints by Ann Ball Subscribe to Naptime Notes and get early, ad free access to all the Letters to Women episodes for just $5 a month<

My guest today is Dr. Natalie King. She’s a palliative care physician. Many of us are in a season where we are caregivers - maybe to a grandparent, a parent, another family member. But others of us are in a season where we can see that role of caregiver on the horizon Maybe you're noticing your parents health starting to decline, or you're seeing them make medical decisions and invite you into that process. But regardless of the season you find yourself today, for all of us, we either are caregivers, will be, or will receive care at some point in our life. This conversation on suffering, having hard conversations about hard decisions with those we love, and living out the feminine genius as a Catholic woman praying for a good death  is for each and every one of us. So, if you want to think through caregiving issues and align those big decisions for yourself and loved ones with the Catholic faith in a way that safeguards the sacred dignity of human life, sister, this letter is for you. Dr. King’s story as a Catholic woman The origin story of Dr. King’s new book, Intensive Caring: A Practical Handbook for Catholics about Serious Illness and End-of-Life Care What suffering looks like as Catholics and why a Catholic understanding of suffering stands at odds against a secular culture What palliative care is and how it differs from hospice care Dr. King’s advice for successful conversations about death and dying with parents who are navigating serious illness and end-of-life care decisions How Catholics can advocate for themselves and their loved ones to ensure that they’re getting care that is respectful of their dignity What a good death is and how we can prepare for it How Dr. King lives out the feminine genius in her daily life as a daughter of God Pick up a copy of Dr. King’s new book, Intensive Caring: A Practical Handbook for Catholics about Serious Illness and End-of-Life Care Connect with Dr. King online Read an article talking about the benefits of palliative care support Example guide to help conversations with loved ones about health care from The Conversation Project Fi

Welcome to the Letters to Daughters season! . I love the line from Saint Pope John Paul II’s original Letter to Women: “Thank you, women who are daughters and women who are sisters! Into the heart of the family, and then of all society, you bring the richness of your sensitivity, your intuitiveness, your generosity and fidelity.” This season, we’re exploring what living out the feminine genius in this vocation of daughter -- daughters to our Heavenly father as well as daughter within our human families.  My guest today is Heather Kym. For years, I’ve loved learning about the importance of story, identity, and healing from Heather. Whether that’s reading books she’s written or listening to her in conversation with friends over on the Abiding Together podcast, I’m so excited for this conversation to not only start of this new season of Letters to Daughters, but also to start off this liturgical season of Advent.  So, if you’re ready for encounter the Lord in a new way as we prepare for Christmas, sister, this letter is for you.  Topics we cover: Heather’s story as a Catholic woman and her story of living the paschal mystery of dying and rising A brand new Advent journal and meditation collection Heather wrote called Encountering Emmanuel How to recognize areas of self-reliance in our lives and what it looks like practically to open ourselves up to God’s life and power How Heather’s journey of healing has impacted the way she views God as Father and herself as His beloved daughter Heather’s advice for listeners who struggle in their relationship with Mary and have a desire to grow in relationship with her this Advent Why it’s crucial that we don’t miss sitting at the feet of Jesus this Advent and how to practically be with the Lord in this season How Heather lives out the feminine genius in her ordinary, daily life as a daughter of God Resources for you: Heather’s new Advent journal, Encountering Emmanuel The pause app that John Eldridge created to help you create a habit of coming into God’s presence throughout the day The Abiding Together podcast Visit Heather on Insta

In this is the fourth and final episode in the Letters to Wives season, my guest is Melissa Grace Tablada. She’s a Catholic psychotherapist and fertility care practitioner. Throughout this Letters to Wives series, many of my guests have mentioned how marriage therapy radically changed their marriage for the better. Melissa and I are talking about what you should be looking for in a marriage therapist, the lies that keep you from therapy, and how to love your spouse in challenging seasons. But we’re also talking about connecting with your spouse while raising a family, how to make date nights intentional, and how to have good, quality conversations with your husband.  Whether you’re looking for a quality marriage therapist to help your marriage thrive or you want some tips for having a quality conversation on your next date night, sister, this letter is for you.  Topics we cover: Melissa’s story as a Catholic woman Why you shouldn’t wait for a crisis to consider marriage therapy How to go about choosing a good therapist for you and your marriage Some of the reasons that women and couples stay away from marriage therapy Bringing up your desire for marriage therapy with your spouse What to do if your spouse is hesitant to go to therapy with you Melissa’s advice for what to do if you’re feeling disconnected from your spouse while raising a family How to connect with your spouse on date night and Melissa’s surprising advice about how to get into deeper connection Why Melissa and her husband go on a marriage retreat every year and Melissa’s advice for going on a retreat with your spouse How Melissa lives out the feminine genius in her daily life as a wife Resources for you: Follow Melissa on Instagram Check out Melissa’s website Melissa’s (free!) 25 questions for better connections in your marriage 14 Day Marriage Connection Challenge (use the code LETTERS for 15% off!) Subscribe to Naptime Notes and get early, ad free access to all the Letters to Women episodes for just $5 a month </

In this third episode of the Letters to Wives season, my guest is Kathryn Whitaker. She’s been married to her husband, Scott, for almost thirty years. We’re talking about the advice she wishes she would go back and give herself, how hard seasons have impacted her marriage, and what she’s looking forward to in her marriage as her kids all grow up and leave the house.  She’s also giving her advice on how to disagree with your spouse in a way that still honors them and your marriage, as well as when and how to reach out to a good marriage therapist for help healing your marriage.  So, if you’re looking for advice and encouragement when it comes to building a marriage that not only lasts, but is truly joyful, life-giving, and authentic, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we cover: Kathryn’s story as a Catholic woman The advice Kathryn would give to herself at the beginning of her relationship How a 44 day NICU stay imploded Kathryn’s marriage and how she and Scott have found healing How to make time to connect with your spouse so you don’t wake up twenty years from now realizing you don’t know your spouse Knowing when you need the help of a marriage therapist and what to do if your spouse isn’t interested in therapy together Three ways to work through disagreements in a way that honors your spouse and your marriage together What Kathryn is looking forward to in this next season of her marriage as her kids head off to college How Kathryn lives out the feminine genius in her ordinary, daily life as a wife Resources for you: Check out Kathryn’s book, Live Big, Love Bigger Visit Kathryn’s website Listen to Kathryn’s radio show and NICU support podcast Follow Kathryn on Instagram Subscribe to Naptime Notes and get early, ad free access to all the Letters to Women episodes for just $5 a month Discussion questions: </st

In this second episode of the Letters to Wives season, Rebekah Olson and I are talking about what it looks like to run a business with your spouse—and her business, Ginger and Peach, happens to be a model-free lingerie company that she started out of her one room bedroom apartment. Now she and her husband run a team of seamstresses all sewing from their homes in the US - and they partner with an ethical manufacturer in Nepal to bring fresh starts and fulfilled lives to women living in the margins. We’re talking about her company, her advice if you’re listening in and think that there’s no way you could ever be confident in lingerie, and she’s dismantling some of the lies that we believe about our bodies as wives.  So if you’ve a wife looking to ditch the comparison and embrace your true worth as wonderfully made and loved, this letter is for you. Topics we cover: Rebekah’s story as a woman and a wife The origin story of Ginger & Peach Lingerie How Rebekah honors the dignity and beauty of each woman by running a model-free lingerie company Why you don’t actually need lingerie to heal your body image or to have a great marriage - and what DOES bring healing in your heart Body image as one of the very first issues women face after the fall and how Jesus brings relationship and redemption How Rebekah’s husband, Andrew, spoke the truth over her desire to start a business and inspired her to become a lingerie designer The lies that we believe as women when it comes to our bodies and shame Resources for you: Explore Ginger & Peach collections on their website and use the code LETTERSTOWOMEN for 10% off any purchase Follow Ginger & Peach on Instagram Habits for a Sacred Home by Jennifer Pepito Subscribe to Naptime Notes and get early, ad free access to all the Letters to Women episodes for just $5 a month Discussion questions: Rebekah chose to have Ginger & Peach be a model free lingerie company to combat comparison. Do you struggle with comparing your body to other women around you (in real life and online)? What would it look like to live confidently as the woman God created you to be? You don’t need lingerie to heal your marriage, you

Ellen Holloway is my guest in this first episode of this Letters to Wives season! She is a Catholic Sexuality and Intimacy Coach and she's helping us learn how to have a great sex life without needing to go to confession. The Catholic Church is actually incredibly PRO sex and intimacy … but where can you go to learn about the topics you just don’t want to Google?  We’re talking about what to do when sex isn’t pleasurable for you as a wife and what to do if sex is painful. We’re also covering feeling totally touched out by the end of the day and just wanting to skip sex and go straight to sleep. Plus, we’re talking about how to find answers if you rarely (or never!) orgasm and what it’s like for Ellen to be a Catholic in the world of sexology.  If you’ve a Catholic wife looking to improve your sex life, but not interested in the kinds of advice you find online, sister, this letter is for you! Topics we cover: Ellen’s story as a Catholic woman The origin story of Ellen’s podcast, Charting Towards Intimacy, and how she became a Catholic sexuality and intimacy coach Why it’s important to reflect on who taught you about sex and how to bring Jesus into that space Why sex should never hurt or be painful and how to find healing for both your body and your soul Ellen’s lube recommendations (and why you should leave the coconut oil in the kitchen) What to do if you rarely (or never!) orgasm Practical tips to start talking with your spouse more about your sex life The 10 minute unwind and how it can make a difference if you’re feeling too touched out for sex What it’s like for Ellen to be in the field of sexology as a Catholic How Ellen lives out the feminine genius in her everyday life as a Catholic wife Resources for you: Listen to the Charting Toward Intimacy podcast Follow Ellen on Instagram Check out Vines in Full Bloom Holy Sex by Dr. Gregory Popcack The Orgasm Course for Catholic Women Catholic Sex Positions Guide ⁠Subscribe to Naptime Notes and get early, ad free access to all the Letters to Women episodes for just $5 a month⁠ Discussion questions:

Letters to Women is back with a brand new season: Letters to Wives. This season is inspired by the following line from Saint Pope John Paul II’s ‘Letter to Women’: Thank you, women who are wives! You irrevocably join your future to that of your husbands, in a relationship of mutual giving, at the service of love and life. This upcoming season is going to feature conversations on topics like sex and intimacy (and we’re getting into the nitty gritty on this), communication in marriage, what marriage looks like in different seasons, how to strengthen your marriage in hard seasons, when marriage therapy could be helpful for your marriage and how to find a therapist you trust, how to go on a marriage retreat, and I’m sitting down with the owner of a model-free lingerie company to talk about intimacy. And more!! I’m so excited to welcome brand new of the show on this journey to discover what the feminine genius is and how the Lord is asking us to live it out in our day to day reality as wives.  Resources for you: Subscribe to Naptime Notes and get early, ad free access to all the Letters to Women episodes for just $5 a month

In this final episode of the Letters to Mothers season, we’re talking about one of the most difficult challenges you may face as a mother: having the first “talk” with your kids. You know the one—discussing their changing bodies and sex for the first time. Where do you start? When do you start? How do you have those conversations in a way that makes sure they have the information they need without leaving them feeling overwhelmed or ashamed? Today I’m speaking with Dr. Julia Sadusky, a clinical psychologist. She’s answering the questions that I have and giving all of us a boost of confidence that we need as we have foundational conversations with our young kids long before they hit puberty. If you want to be ready to talk with your kids about human sexuality with confidence and clarity, this episode is for you.  Topics we cover: Julia’s story as a Catholic woman The origin story of Julia’s new book, Start Talking to Your Kids about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics published by Ave Maria Press Why we can’t wait until puberty to start talking about sexaulity with our kids The barriers that hold us back from conversations about sexuality Why it’s important to use accurate medical terms when teaching kids about their genitals (and how it can help prevent abuse and neglect!) Explaining where babies come from to our little kids What to do if you’re worried you missed your chance to share about human sexuality with your kids How Julia lives out the feminine genius in her ordinary daily life (hint: it involves legos!) Resources for you: Pick up a copy of Julia’s new book, Start Talking to Your Kids about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics Visit Julia’s website Follow Julia on Instagram Subscribe to Naptime Notes and get early, ad free access to all the Letters to Women episodes for just $5 a month Discussion questions: Who taught you about human sexaulity as a kid? What were those conversations like for you and how did they shape the way you think about sex and intimacy today? Have you had a hard time starting conversations about sex with your kids? What barriers might be holding you back from anticipating and initiating conversations about human sexuality with your kids? Was there anything in this conversation with Julia that struck you as a parent? Is there anything you’ll change

In this seventh episode of the Letters to Mothers season, we’re talking about liturgical living and creating traditions with our families. Is it possible to enter into the rhythms of the church without getting totally overwhelmed? How do you decide which feasts to celebrate, how to create traditions in your domestic church? Maybe you’ve taken some quick glances through blogs and Pinterest only to be left feeling discouraged or comparing your liturgical living to everyone else out there who seem to have it totally together. But it is possible to discover the joy of the liturgical season and be drawn closer to God in the middle of our daily lives as women and mothers. If you’re looking for imaginative, effortless, and simple ways to live all of the Church Seasons, this episode with Erica Tighe Campbell is for you. Topics we cover: Erica’s story as a Catholic woman The origin story of Erica’s new book, Living the Seasons Where to start if you’re feeling overwhelmed when it comes to living the traditions of the church in your home What liturgical living has looked like for Erica in different seasons of life How to build a domestic church that helps your children enter into the rhythms of the year How Erica lives out the feminine genius in her ordinary, daily life as a mother Resources for you: Pick up your own copy of Living the Seasons Explore the Be a Heart store Follow Be a Heart and Erica on Instagram Subscribe to Naptime Notes and get early, ad free access to all the Letters to Women episodes for just $5 a month Discussion questions: What did living liturgically look like for you growing up? Do you have any favorite family traditions that you continue as an adult? Does living liturgically intimidate you? If so, what is one small way you can be more aware of the rhythms of the church calendar this year? What is your favorite season of the church calendar? How do you enter into it in your own home?

In this sixth episode of the Letters to Mothers season, we’re talking about infertility. What if you long for physical motherhood and spiritual motherhood feels like a consolation prize, like a second-rate motherhood? What if you’re experiencing infertility, whether it’s a season of infertility with hope of a positive pregnancy test some day or permanent infertility and you wonder if you have any space in conversations about the feminine genius and motherhood? Infertility is a burden that most women and couples don’t expect to carry. It can impact your marriage, your relationship with friends and family, and your relationship with God. On top of that, infertility often feels like a lonely and long path. But you aren’t alone. We’re talking about dismantling the lies around infertility, the importance of community in this journey, and how to support your spouse as you carry the cross of infertility together.  Wherever you are on the path of infertility, if you’re looking for a place of respite, solidarity, and encouragement, this episode of the Letters to Women podcast with Ann Koshute is for you. Topics we cover: Ann’s story as a Catholic woman The story of Springs in the Desert The importance of language around the experience of infertility How infertility impacts marriage and Ann’s advice for processing emotions and grief in the shared experience of infertility The importance of community in the experience of infertility and the resources that Springs in the Desert offers How to live in the present moment during the experience of infertility Simple ways of generosity and how you can be fruitful in your marriage What spiritual motherhood means in your life Ann’s advice for couples receiving a diagnosis of male infertility and how wives can support their husbands through that diagnosis How Ann lives out the feminine genius in her daily life Resources for you: Springs in the Desert Springs in the Desert podcast Listen to A Letter to the Mother Wondering about Foster Care and Adoption, featuring Kimberly Henkel, co-founder of Springs in the Desert Today’s episode is sponsored by Rooted for Good - use the code LETTERS20 to save 20% at checkout Become a paid subscriber to Naptime Notes and get early, ad f

In this fifth episode of the Letters to Mothers season, we’re talking about mothering our babies who we’ve lost in miscarriage, still birth, and infant loss. Losing a child is heartbreaking and devastating. For mothers who lose a child before or shortly after birth, this grief comes with distinct, sudden, and difficult questions about God, the Church, and who they are now as parents to the child they have lost. If you’re looking for a companion and guide through those har medical, theological, and practical questions, whether you’re a mother who has lost her baby or you’re a friend, family member, or medical professional who supports parents through that loss, this episode of the Letters to Women podcast with Dr. Abigail Jorgensen is for you. Topics we cover: Abby’s story as as Catholic woman The origin story of Abby’s new book, A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss: Compassionate Answers to Difficult Questions A brief overview of miscarriage, still birth, and infant loss, and what the postpartum experiences can look like for mothers in each experience Abby’s favorite question to ask her clients as a bereavement doula What the Catholic Church teaches us about our hope for Heaven for children we’ve lost through miscarriage, still birth, or infant loss How to grieve together and separately as loss parents How to wrestle with the reality that God is all powerful, all good, and yet our babies still die Whether or not you can flush during a miscarriage How Abby lives out the feminine genius in her ordinary life as a mother Resources for you: Pick up a copy of Abby’s new book, A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss If you want to learn more about Abby’s work as a sociologist, explore her website here If you want to learn more about Abby’s work as a Catholic bereavement doula, explore this website To discuss grief ministry training with Abby, reach out to her through Haven Bereavement Doulas Today’s episode is sponsored by Monks Bread - use the code LETTERS10 to save 10% at checkout Become a paid subscriber to Naptime Notes and get early, ad free access to all the Letters to Women episodes for just $5 a month Discussion questions: Have you lost a ch

In this fourth episode of the Letters to Mothers series, Johanna Seagren joins me to discuss emotional regulation, our interior life, and burnout in our motherhood. Parenting is hard work, and sometimes it’s louder, messier, more complicated, and packed with tantrums (yours included) than you expected. So many times, we end up exhausted and feeling like this can’t be the vision that God had for your family. We’re diving into a conversation about what it means to be an emotionally-healthy family without losing your mind. If you’re ready to understand your own emotional triggers, learn how to connect with your kids instead of reacting to their big feelings, and grow closer to each other and God, this episode is for you. Topics we cover: Johanna’s story as a Catholic woman Why Johanna created the Interior Kingdom as an emotional regulation program for her family and what Catholic families will find inside the program What the Catholic Church teaches about emotions and what it looks like to grow in our awareness of our emotions as adults The things that set Interior Kingdom apart from the calm kits and calm down spaces you’ve seen on Instagram How to become curious about the triggers (unmet needs!) in your parenting The reason that Interior Kingdom is for every family, regardless of your kids’ ages, abilities, and temperaments How Johanna lives out the feminine genius in her daily life as a Catholic mother Resources for you: Explore the Interior Kingdom program (and use the code LTW25 for $25 off the program now through April 10, 2024!) Today’s episode sponsor is Rooted for Good! Use the code Letters20 for 20% off your order at checkout Check out my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Questions for discussion: What have been some moments of disregulation in your motherhood? And on the flip side, what have been some moments of peace, regulation, and rest in your parenting journey? When you were a child, what did your parents teach you about emotions? Do you feel confident in your understanding of emotions or is there room for growth? What are some of your triggers (unmet needs) in your motherhood and how can you begin to meet those needs and invite the Lord into those unmet needs? Have you ever felt guilty for anger in your motherhood? How did Johanna’s explanation of anger impact your understanding of emotions you may have labeled as “bad” before? How can learnin

In this third episode of the Letters to Mothers series, Kimberly Henkel of Springs of Love joins me to discuss foster care and adoption. We’re talking about how Kimberly and her husband Greg discerned the call to foster care. We’re also busting myths around adoption that might be holding you back from discerning that call as a family, and both of us are sharing our experiences as adoptive mothers.  Whether you’re exploring the possibility of adoption or foster care, you’re already an adoptive or foster mother, or you’re wondering how to better support adoptive and foster families in your community, this letter is for you. Topics we cover: Kimberly’s story as a Catholic woman How Kimberly and Greg discerned the Lord’s call to foster care and adoption The origin story of Springs of Love, Kimberly and Greg’s ministry that encourages, educates, and equips Catholics to discern and live out the call to foster and adopt The differences between foster care and adoption Spiritual maternity and the adoption triad Kimberly’s advice to couples hesitant to discern foster care or adoption because of the cost Why open adoptions can be healthy for everyone involved in the adoption triad Resources for you: Find Springs of Love online Watch the Springs of Love video series Ten Myths about Adoption from the Springs of Love website Check out my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Discussion questions: Have you felt called by the Lord to discern growing your family through adoption or fostering children? What has that discernment looked like for you both as an individual and in your marriage? What myth surrounding adoption that Kimberly mentioned in the show is something you’ve believed to be true before? Romans 8:15 says that “You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we call ‘Abba, Father!’” How does reflecting on this theological reality of adoption in all of our lives as children of God through baptism impact the way you think about adoption and foster care? What are ways that you can accompany birth mothers and families in the adoption triad? Does your parish community support adoptive and foster families well? What are things you can do to encourage a culture of life for families who are called to foster or adopt?

In this second episode of the Letters to Mothers series, Grace Stark from Natural Womanhood joins me to discuss fertility awareness and motherhood. This is a conversation about authentic womens’ healthcare, how to grow in an appreciation of your fertility as a gift, and discerning the size of family that the Lord wants to build with and for you—and what to do if you’re not on the same page as your spouse in that discernment. We also talk about what it means to be mothers to daughters, and how the conversations we have from a very young age shape the way our daughters see their bodies.  If you’re ready to get to know and appreciate your cycle and fertility this letter is for you. Topics we cover: Grace’s story as a Catholic woman The origin story of Natural Womanhood and their mission to help women work with their body, not against it What authentic women’s healthcare looks like and how we can grow as women in accepting our fertility as a gift What the Catholic Church teaches about using Natural Family Planning and family size Grace’s advice for couples in seasons of discerning adding another child to their family What to do when you’re not on the same page as your spouse about having more children How Natural Womanhood is helping mothers of pre-teen girls learn about ther bodies, cycles, and fertility How Shelby lives out the feminine genius as a mother Resources for you: Discover Natural Womanhood online Natural Womanhood podcast Charting Towards Intimacy podcast hosted by Ellen Holloway Check out the sponsor for today’s episode, Interior Kingdom! Use the code LTW15 for 15% off the full Interior Kingdom program. Check out my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Discussion questions: Have you ever felt angry or ashamed of your cycle as a woman? What were some messages that you received about your body as a girl, especially around your fertility and cycles? Do you feel pressure to have a certain number of kids as a Catholic woman? Or for your family to look a certain way? What are some ways you can grow in confidence about how the Lord is calling you specifically to mother? Are you and your spouse of one heart and mind when it comes to havin

In this first episode of the Letters to Mothers season we’re talking about a topic that so many of us are familiar with—body image. It’s a topic we’ve talked about on the show, but I wanted to revisit it with a specific focus on that experience as mothers. Joining me on the show today is Shelby Hirschman. She’s a nutrition therapist who specializes in intuitive eating, body acceptance, and recovery from chronic dieting and disordered eating. We’re talking about postpartum discomfort, the societal pressure to “bounce back” and why that isn’t helpful for us as women, and some actual practical behaviors and tools to put into place that I think can be a huge help.  If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt frustrated, uncomfortable, disappointed, or unattractive, this letter is for you. Topics we cover: Why so many of us feel at war with our bodies as mothers Defining the postpartum season The pressure women feel to “get their body back” or “bounce back” after giving birth What body checking is and why (and how!) to reduce that habit in your life Compassionate closets What is happening on a biological level to our bodies during the postpartum season How to prioritize consistent and adequate nutrition Habits to form in our lives as women during seasons of change to remind ourselves that our body is good How Shelby lives out the feminine genius as a mother Resources for you: Tune into Shelby and I’s first conversation on the Letters to Women podcast, A Letter to the Woman Struggling to Believe Her Body Is Unconditionally Good Visit Shelby’s website to learn about her work as a nutrition therapist Subscribe to Shelby’s substack, Good Body Notes Shop Good Body Nutrition on Etsy Learn more about Catholics Online, the sponsor for today’s episode Check out my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Discussion questions: Have you ever felt at war with your body? What are some moments you’ve noticed postpartum discomfort in your own story as a woman? In what ways has motherhood impacted the way that you view your body? Do you feel a tension between being in awe of what your body is capable of and discomfort or frustration with your postpart

Letters to Women returns February 13th with a season dedicated to motherhood. Plus, Chloe shares her favorite part of Saint Pope John Paul II’s original Letter to Women and reveals a few other surprises.  Stay in touch and learn about upcoming episodes by signing up for the email list at naptimenotes.substack.com

A quick update about why there hasn't been a new episode of Letters to Women in your podcast feed lately ... and an announcement about the future of the podcast.

Should we care about what we wear? The short answer is “yes”—but don’t pull out your headphones just yet. There’s more to the conversation than that. What about style? What do you think of when you hear that word? Maybe the pages of fashion magazines or reruns of Project Runway flash through your mind. Or maybe you wonder if style should even be something you think about—how many of us have felt guilty after splurging on a gorgeous dress, wondering how a piece of fabric can capture our imagination and desire. We scold ourselves and say “I should bought something practical.” Or maybe you’ve even wondered if you’re vain if you care about how you look. But what if that pull towards certain items of clothing is actually a sign of being made in the image and likeness of God? What if instead of finding a new “cool,” “fancy,” or “stylish” wardrobe, or becoming a “new” version of ourselves, we focused on how we can grow in an understanding of how we were made?  In this episode, I’m sitting down with Lillian Fallon. She's a Catholic writer with a passion for helping women express their unrepeatability through style. Lillian and I are talking about living life as an affirmed woman and daughter of God, how wisdom from St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body relates to clothing, and how to dress in a way that expresses who we are.  If you’ve ever wondered if your love of style is incongruent with your Catholic faith, sister, this letter is for you.  Topics we talked about in this episode: Lillian’s story as a Catholic woman The origin story behind Lillian’s new book, Theology of Style: Expressing the Unique and Unrepeatable You How an epiphany moment in a Theology of the Body class gave Lillian the freedom to pursue her passion for style What Theology of Style is and how it can transform the way we see ourselves and God What an understanding of modesty informed by Theology of the Body looks like—and why it is so much more than the length of a skirt Living life as an affirmed person who is confident in her identity, gifts, and passions How Lillian lives out the feminine genius in her daily life Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Pick up your copy of Theology of Style: Expressing the Unique and Unrepeatable You Saint Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Artists Check out Lillian’s website and

It’s time we get honest with ourselves as women today—we’re being lied to. Today’s cultural beauty standards are messed up. We all know it, and we all think we can resist the pull to look a certain way. But most of us—and our sisters, daughters, and nieces, too—are still striving for a broken kind of beauty while feeling like we’re not good enough. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Melissa Johnson, a marriage and family therapist. The lie of today’s beauty standards eventually led her to battling an eating disorder. Through that experience, she saw that chasing broken beauty breaks us as women in so many ways. And she also realized that true, soul-deep beauty is not impossible—it abounds in us and all around us.  Melissa and I are talking about how to uncover the hidden damage cultural lies about beauty have on your mind and soul, how to reconnect with God, in whose image you are made, and how to walk away from shame and striving. If you find yourself wishing that you were thinner or smaller, have a list of things you wish you could change about your appearance, or compare your body to other women’s bodies, and you’re longing for a more self-compassionate relationship with your body, sister, this letter is for you.  Topics we talked about in this episode: Melissa’s story as a Christian woman The origin story of Melissa’s new book, Soul Deep Beauty: Fighting for Our True Worth in a World Demanding Flawless and what you’ll find when you open the cover The unhelpful (but normalized) beliefs we are buying as women when it comes to beauty What happens when we embrace our bodies as miracles and what it looks like to practice gratitude for our aging bodies What living in loving community with other women looks like How Melissa defines true beauty The ways that Melissa lives out the feminine genius in her own daily life Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Pick up a copy of Soul Deep Beauty: Fighting for Our True Worth in a World Demanding Flawless Visit Melissa’s website, Impossible Beauty and listen to the Impossible Beauty podcast Follow Melissa on Instagram Check out the sponsor for today’s episode, CORDA, and use the code LETTERS to get 10% off your purchase at checkout Pick up a copy of the Letters to Women book (and use the code LETTERS at checkout to rece

We’re living in a world of filters and photoshop. Thanks to the constant pull from the smartphone in your pocket, you might be experiencing internet overwhelm and social media fatigue. Is there any relatable women’s media out there that gives an accurate representation of what it means to be a women, reminds you of your belovedness, and encourages you to be authentic? The world needs more of who women ARE. Not a long list of expectations of what we should be doing and what our bodies look like while we’re doing it.  That, and more, is what we’re diving into today in this episode of the Letters to Women podcast. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mary Rose Somarriba,. Mary Rose is the editor of Verily Magazine. True to their name, Verily sifts through the noise of the world to elevate what is honest, real, and beautiful for the modern woman—facilitating her connection with the things that matter the most to her through our production of original media, curation of quality content across the web, and in-person events. Mary Rose and I are talking about the mission of Verily, what it’s like for them to totally reject photoshop, and why they’re returning to a print magazine in our digital world. If you’re exhausted from a constant barrage of media that tells you what the “ideal” body type, image, or status is and you're ready to be empowered to be more of who YOU ARE, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Mary Rose’s story as a Catholic woman The origin story of Verily Magazine and what sets it apart from other fashion and lifestyle magazines What has changed and what has stayed the same since the first issue of Verily was published in 2012 Why being a non-profit fits the mission of Verily The false expectations that we’re sorting through as women today and how Verily encourages women to live authentically How editing Verily has impacted Mary Rose as a mother The ways the Mary Rose lives out the feminine genius in her daily life Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Learn more about Verily Magazine Subscribe to Verily’s print magazine Rethinking Sex by Christine Emba Mary Rose’s article at National Review on how the internet has ruined women’s magazines Defend Young Minds and how they can help you chat with

Have you ever wished you prayed more with your spouse, but you don’t know where to start? Maybe you’re confident in praying FOR your spouse, but WITH them? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Dr. Sarah Bartel and we’re talking about Cana Feast, the marriage ministry she founded with husband, Nathan, and she’s giving some really practical, nitty-gritty ways that they’ve found make a difference in couple’s marriages - from how to get over the awkwardness of praying together to making time for each other in seasons of change and prioritizing your marriage when schedules are tight or babies are little. Or teenagers are up at all hours of the day. Regardless of the season of marriage you find yourself in, there’s something here for you.  Topics we talked about in this episode: The origin story of Cana Feast, an online enrichment community for couples Navigating seasons of change in your marriage with grace Practical, daily practices for couples to strengthen their marriages How Cana Feast makes retreats-in-place possible for couples with busy schedules Sarah’s top advice for women who aren’t married yet but feel God’s call to the vocation of marriage Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Cana Feast Follow Cana Feast on social media and connect with Dr. Sarah Bartel on her personal Instagram account Dr. Bartel mentioned Living in Love, which is now known as EverMore in Love. This is a retreat that Joseph and I lead in our own diocese! We cannot recommend it enough. Learn more about upcoming retreats here! Enter to win a Custom Home Altar with The Catholic Man Show’s giveaway that ends September 14! Subscribe to my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Subscribe and Review Letters to Women in iTunes Are you subscribed to Letters to Women? If not, you should subscribe today! You don’t want to miss any of the upcoming episodes. Click here to subscribe in iTunes.

Have you ever had the experience that life is flying by you at lightning speed and you’re just an observer? The year is already over halfway done, you’re not sure really what you’ve even done for the past six months. You’re just along for the ride. But what if there was a daily practice that helped you grow in your ability to focus, to be grateful, and to be present? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Tsh Oxenreider. I love Tsh—her writing is absolutely fantastic, her podcast is one of the few that I listen to on long drives or as I work through mountains of laundry. And she’s just written a brand new book called First Light and Eventide, which is a daily gratitude journal. When you open up the cover, she guides you through a short, twice-daily thought exercise to help you better focus on gratitude, grace, and greater truth.  If you’re looking for a thoughtful way to bookend your day and you wish someone would just take you by the hand and help you navigate some of life’s uncertainty, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Tsh’s story as a Catholic convert The story behind her new book, First Light and Eventide: A Daily Gratitude Journal Tsh’s advice for building the habit of morning and evening bookends How Tsh has encountered truth, goodness, and beauty on pilgrimage (and how you can join her on upcoming trips!) How stepping away from Instagram has impacted Tsh’s ability to notice, focus, and be grateful Why Tsh curates playlists to pair with all of her books How Tsh lives out the feminine genius in her daily life Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Pick up a copy of First Light and Eventide: A Daily Gratitude Journal Connect with Tsh through her newsletter Find out more about Tsh’s upcoming pilgrimages Join us in bringing the newest Langr home with our adoption fundraiser Check out the sponsor for today’s episode, Sacred Heart Tea, and use the code LETTERS to get 10% off your purchase at checkout Pick up a copy of the Letters to Women book (and use the code LETTERS at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase!) Check out my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Subscribe and Review Let

When Sarah Swafford first started talking to college students about friendship, it was 2007. They were trying to figure out cellphones, dorm life, emotions, and virtue. Sixteen years later, Sarah is still talking about friendship—and it hasn’t gotten any easier with the rise of social media, smart phones, and a world pandemic. Sarah fist came on the podcast way back in 2018 to talk about emotions and virtue. She’s back for another conversation about virtue, a brand new book called Gift and Grit that she just wrote with her husband, Swaff, and a deep dive into the topic of friendship, especially as you navigate changing seasons of life. Whether you’re blessed with an incredible community of friends around you and you want to grow deeper in relationship with them, or you’re starting out in a new season of life and you’re hungry for authentic friendship, sister, this letter is for you.  Topics we talked about in this episode: Sarah’s story as a Catholic woman The story behind Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships and what it was like for Sarah to write a book with her husband What Środowisko is, what it looked like in the life of Saint Pope John Paul II, and what it means for us as Catholic women today Why finding meaning in life isn’t enough and why we need grit, too How to navigate friendship in changing seasons and how to be truly vulnerable with women you trust Sarah’s three ingredients for healthy and holy friendship How Sarah lives out the feminine genius in her daily life Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Pick up a copy of Gift and Grit Connect with Sarah on Instagram and Facebook Visit The Swafford’s website and get a signed copy of Gift and Grit Lisa Cotter’s new book on femininity, Reveal the Gift—and my conversation with her about it on the Letters to Women podcast! Sarah and I’s conversation on emotional virtue from back in 2018 on the Letters to Wo

I’m sitting down with Grace Babineau. She’s a wife and mom of two, and she recently wrote an article on Verily Magazine called “Thrift is the Really Romantic Thing” about why saving money might be the best thing for your marriage. And today we’re talking about thrift and romance, but also the virtue of simplicity, prioritizing creativity in seasons where it’s easy to write it off as a luxury or selfish desire, and how to actually cultivate time in your day for creativity. So whether you are wondering how in the world creativity can fit into your daily life if you barely have time for a shower, or you’re interested in learning about how simplicity and thrift can actually be romantic, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Grace’s story as a Catholic woman Grace’s recent article for Verily Magazine on what G.K. Chesterton had to say about thrift and romance Finding things to talk about with your spouse when you don’t share interests in common What it looks like for Grace prioritize and cultivate creativity as a woman and mother How witnessing her daughter play reminds Grace of the importance of play in her own life—and what play practically looks like in our lives as women, wives, and moms How to embrace thrift and creativity when it comes to home making How Grace lives ou the feminine genius in her daily life Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Read Grace’s article on Verily Magazine My episode of the Letters to Women podcast with Leila Lawler on her series Summa Domestica Visit Grace’s blog, A Graceful Journal Check out the sponsor for today’s episode, Sacred Heart Tea, and use the code LETTERS to get 10% off your purchase at checkout Pick up a copy of the Letters to Women book (and use the code LETTERS at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase!) Check out my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Subscribe and Review Letters to Women in iTunes Are you subscribed to Letters to Women? If not, you should subscribe today! You don’t want to miss any of the upcoming episodes. Click here to subscribe in iTunes.

We all know someone struggling with substance use disorder. We might not know it, but since nearly one in five Americans older than twelve reported illicit drug use in 2018, someone in our life is struggling. And those numbers were before a pandemic threw our culture into further isolation. With those kinds of numbers, if you live in the United States, it’s nearly impossible for you to not know someone battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol. It could be your aunt, cousin, neighbor, your high school classmate, or your best friend’s sibling, son or daughter. Or, it might be you. One way or another, substance use disorders impact our society as a whole, and each and everyone of us as individuals. So first, why do so many of us still think that this crisis is someone else’s problem? And how can we shift that mentality and become members of the Church who bring Christ’s love and mercy to the souls most in need of it? Souls in our communities, our parishes, and our families? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Keaton Douglas. She’s the co-author of a brand new book on responding to the crisis of addiction and we’re talking about what sets today’s suffering of addiction apart, what we can learn from St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body when it comes to accompanying someone struggling with an addiction, and practical ways that we can grow in our understanding of addiction as Catholic women today. Accompanying those we love who are struggling with addiction is messy, challenging, and unfortunately too often, it’s devastating. But as Catholic women today, we need to do it. And for the sake of those we love, we need to start today. So whether you’re tuning in to learn more about the epidemic of substance use disorders and come to understand it better or you’re wondering how to start making some real change in your family and community, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Keaton’s story as a Catholic woman The inspiration behind The Road to Hope: Responding to the Crisis of Addiction Why it’s tempting to think that addition is “someone else’s problem” and why we have a responsibility as Catholics to move beyond that mentality What makes opiod addiction different from other suffering The important element that’s missing from most resources available for people suffering from addiction—and what the Catholic Church can provide How to tap into St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as Catholics accompanying those who are addicted How to communicate the dignity of those who die of substance abuse and how to acknowledge (and eliminate!) social stigmas around addiction Keaton’s advice for how to grow in our understanding of addiction and accompany those we love through this part

Have you ever wanted to sit down with a woman who is a few season of life ahead of you, settle in on her couch with a big cup of coffee, and pick her brain about all of the joys and challenges of the season of life you’re in now -- and the seasons you’re looking forward to? To hear her advice and learn from the wisdom she’s gained over the years? That’s exactly what today’s episode from the archive is all about. These past weeks have been really full here at the Langr house -- spring weddings, endless little house projects we can tackle now that the weather is getting warmer, and the last steps of our adoption home study before we move into a season where we’re just waiting to be matched. So today, I’m pulling one of my favorite episodes from the archives to share with you — this is a listener favorite too, so there’s a chance you’ve already listened. But it’s so packed full of practical advice that you might discover something you missed the first go-around. Kimberly and I are talking about her brand new Bible study, “Graced and Gifted,”  which is all about how we can tackle the seemingly endless demands of caring for our families and our homes all from the perspective of the woman described in Proverbs 31. She also shares her tried and true tips for things like time management, her secrets for meal planning, and how she creates a peaceful and beautiful home for her family and friends.  If you are looking for not only useful tips but some inspiring help from a woman who has been there done that when it comes to taking care of the domestic church - no matter what season of life you’re in - sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Kimberly’s story of conversion What we can learn from the woman described in Proverbs 31 about marriage and homemaking Why (and how!) to prioritize prayer in your life as a Catholic woman Remembering that marriage (not motherhood!) is a sacrament and making space to encounter your spouse How to create a rule of life and why that matters for our lives as Catholic women Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Graced and Gifted, Kimberly’s Bible Study Chosen and Cherished, Kimberly’s Bible Study on marriage A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul by Holly Pierlot Listen to Kimberly’s podcast, “Beloved

There are so many tasks on our to-do lists as women, wives, and moms that are repetitive—and hidden. You plan meals every week and wander the aisle of your grocery store, only to be back again the week after to do the exact same thing all over again. You fold a massive pile of laundry and as you’re putting clean clothes in dressers, you find the laundry baskets are full again and ready for the next load. You make a meal, only to be faced with a pile of dirty dishes and a full dishwasher ready for unloading…again. It can be easy to get discouraged in the monotony of taking care of your home, your family, and yourself. So how do we find meaning in these daily tasks that we’re going to do all over again tomorrow? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Thérèse Desilets. Thérèse is the founder of Lovely Lady Linens, a Marian inspired home textile company. Her and I are talking about how the Blessed Mother can encourage us in our daily chores, the importance of beauty in our domestic churches, and how Thérèse integrates her work and vocation. If you’re exhausted from the constant to-do list of taking care of your home and are needing some encouragement and inspiration, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Thérèse’s story as a Catholic woman The origin story of Lovely Lady Linens and the beautiful work of handblocking How designing Marian-inspired linen collections has impacted Thérèse’s relationship with the Blessed Mother Why domestic work is meaningful, even though so much of it goes unseen How Thérèse’s business and work as an attorney is at the service of her family (not the other way around) The story behind Mariamante Academy, where Thérèse donates a portion of her business proceeds How Thérèse lives out the feminine genius in her current season as a mother of three kids under five Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Browse the collections at Lovely Lady Linens Follow Lovely Lady Linens on Instagram Check out the sponsor for today’s episode, Sacred Heart Tea, and use the code LETTERS to get 10% off your purchase at checkout Pick up a copy of the Letters to Women book (and use the code LETTERS at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase!) Check out my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Subscribe and Review Letters to Women in iTunes Are you subscribed to Letters to Women?

Every single one of us has a feminine genius -- a particular way that the Lord is inviting us to bring forth new life into the world. But embracing that feminine genius in your daily life can be incredibly challenging if you’re facing something challenging in your life….but you’re pretending everything is fine, that you’re okay, and that you don’t need any help. Maybe it’s hard to admit to a friend that you’re really struggling in your marriage or in your motherhood. You might be experiencing tension at work, or going through a big transition like moving or changing careers. Or maybe you are noticing tendencies in yourself that you’re ready to change -- people pleasing, perfectionism, pessimism. Maybe you’re ready to take the next steps towards healing. Maybe you’re ready to open the door to your heart just a crack to the Lord, to a trusted friend, to a mentor, and share what’s really going on. But what does it look like practically to experience healing from wounds, overcome self-doubt, reignite your faith life, and discover who you are on the journey to wholeness and holiness?  In this episode, I’m sitting down with Crystalina Evert. I remember sitting in the audience at a National Catholic Youth Conference over a decade ago and hearing Crystalina speak for the first time—and then that evening, in the elevator of our hotel, bumping into her and Jason and just being such a Catholic fangirl. What sticks with me from that memory is being struck with the (probably obvious) fact that the Everts, this couple who have very much shaped my ideas around chastity and virtue and relationships, are human beings. And something that is such a gift about hosting this podcast is that I get to sit down one-on-one with women and hear their stories—women who might be sharing their story for the first time, or who have shared their story with millions of people. Crystalina and I are talking about her journey of healing, this incredible resource that she’s put together in a new book for women who are ready to take the first steps in their own healing, and how a heavenly friendship with St. Therese helps remind Crystalina of her mission. If you’re ready to experience healing in your life, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Crystalina’s story as a Catholic woman and how Christ brought healing through both adoration and counseling How Crystalina created a resource to help women show up to their own healing process with the help of other women and their ministries Why all of us need to ask ourselves what is keeping us back from becoming the women God created us to be What happens in our culture and in our lives when we share our story—hard parts and all, with those we trust How a heavenly friendship with St. Therese of Lisieux inspired Crystalina on her journey of hea

It’s an incredible gift to share the beauty of the Catholic faith with the kids in our lives. Whether you’re sharing about Christ in the Eucharist with your toddler, diving into Scripture together, or preparing children for their first reconciliation or first communion, there’s a lot that goes into evangelizing the littlest people in our lives. How can we explain the faith, the realities of sin, and the incredible gift of the Eucharist in ways that resonate with little kids? How do we live our lives so that the children we love know that the sacraments matter and the sacraments change us?  In this episode, I’m sitting down with Jackie Angel. I first saw Jackie speak at a youth conference over a decade ago, and it’s so much fun to sit down with her one-on-one today. Jackie and her husband Bobby are both presenters in the Parent’s Guide for Renewed and Received, a new resource for First Communion and First Reconciliation preparation from Ascension. Jackie and I are talking about her experience preparing two of her children to receive first communion and first reconciliation, what it looks like to create a culture in our homes where conversations about the Eucharist and forgiveness are ongoing, and how teaching children about the beauty of the Catholic faith has impacted her own interior life. If you’re helping children discover Christ mercy and experience his real presence in the Eucharist, sister, this letter is for you.  Topics we talked about in this episode: Jackie’s story as a Catholic woman What sets Ascension’s band new programs, Received: Your Journey to First Communion and Renewed: Your Journey to First Reconciliation apart Jackie’s experience preparing two of her children for First Communion and Reconciliation How to take big concepts like transubstantiation, sin, and forgiveness and explain them in a way that kids understand What it looks like to create a culture in our homes where the sacraments are part of ongoing conversation and our daily lives with our families Jackie’s evangelization advice for mothers of toddlers How Jackie lives out the feminine genius in her daily life through tender motherhood Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Check out Received and Renewed from Ascension Connect with Jackie on social media and through her website and podcast! The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast <a href="

For 2,000 years, Catholics have been at the heart of the culinary arts. Maybe this shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering the sacred feast of the Eucharist and how it gives life to our faith. But, like so many other things in our lives today, our relationship with food has become compromised, cheapened, and robbed of its wholesomeness and purpose. And it’s so easy to lose the sacramental nature of eating and the sense of community that comes from a good meal. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Alexandra Greeley. She’s a convert to Catholicism, a trained chef, and the author of a brand new book, Catholics in the Kitchen. Alexandra and I are talking about sacramental eating, the beauty and diversity of the Catholic Church, and how much we’re looking forward to farmer’s markets this spring. Whether you’re looking for new recipes to add to your meal rotation or you want to discover the connection between food, faith, and farms, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: The lightning bolt moment that brought Alexandra home to the Catholic Church The inspiration behind Alexandra’s new book, Catholics in the Kitchen and what you’ll find when you open up the cover What putting together this book taught Alexandra about the universality of the Catholic Church How to rediscover the beauty of sacramental eating The ways that food creates opportunity for evangelization Practical ways we can support farmers and be reminded of the origin of food Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Get your copy of Catholics in the Kitchen through TAN books (and use the code LETTERS at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase!)Check out the sponsor for today’s episode, Sacred Heart Tea, and use the code LETTERS to get 10% off your purchase at checkout Pick up a copy of the Letters to Women book (and use the code LETTERS at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase!) Check out my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Subscribe and Review Letters to Women in iTunes Are you subscribed to Letters to Women? If not, you should subscribe today! You don’t want to miss any of the upcoming episodes. Click here to subscribe in iTunes.

In my home growing up, we said a family Rosary every morning at 9am—my mom, dad, and seven siblings gathered in the living room and prayed together. We took turns leading decades and corralling toddlers. But when I moved out, I got out of the habit of the daily Rosary. And I have a growing desire to get back into it now that my little crew of kids is able to say a few words of the Hail Mary themselves. But building that habit back is challenging, which is why I was so excited for the chance to record this perfectly timed podcast and get some encouragement—and I hope it’s encouraging for you, too! In this episode, I’m sitting down with Shannon Wendt. Shannon is the founder and CEO of Chews Life—you might know them for their baby silicone rosaries or, my favorite, their rosary bracelets with a moveable charm that helps you keep track of what number of Hail Mary’s you’re on if you’re praying the Rosary throughout the day. We’re talking about how the Rosary has impacted Shannon’s life as a woman, a wife, and a mom, the origin story of Chews Life, and Shannon’s advice for getting in the habit of praying a daily rosary—as well as the “why” behind this devotion in our Catholic faith. Regardless of whether you pray the Rosary every day, you’ve never prayed the Rosary, or you find yourself somewhere in between, sister, this letter is for you Topics we talked about in this episode: Shannon’s story as a Catholic woman The origin story of Chews Life and how it’s grown since launching in 2008 How praying the Rosary has impacted Shannon’s life as a Catholic woman, wife, and mother The biggest roadblocks Catholics face when it comes to praying the Rosary regularly The fifteen promises of the Rosary and what they mean for our daily life Shannon’s advice for praying the Rosary with your kids—everyone from toddlers to teenagers! How Shannon lives out the feminine genius in her daily life Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Check out the Chews Life website The Chews Life 28 Day Rosary Challenge Use the code LTW10 at Lovely Lady Linens and receive 10% off your purchase between 3/6/23 and 3/13/23! Pick up a copy of the Letters to Women book (and use the code LETTERS at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase!) Check out my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Subscribe and Review Letters to Women in iTunes Are you subscribed to Letters to Women? If not, you should subscribe today! You don’t want to miss any of the upcoming episo

Valentine’s day is around the corner, and that means that you might be encountering a lot of Instagram-worthy pictures and posts about marriages over the next few days. And the vocation of marriage is incredible. God draws spouses closer to the ultimate Heavenly marriage through the powerful sacrament of marriage. That doesn’t mean that marriage is always easy, and it isn’t always like what I imagined when I was a newlywed. The reality of marriage involves communication (and miscommunication!), healing, and intimacy. It’s messy AND good. So what I want to do today as we get close to a day set aside for celebrating the beauty of love is sort through what struggles we can expect in healthy marriages and introduce you to a women who has practical advice on how to grow deeper in relationship to our spouse and the Lord through the incredible vocation of marriage In this episode, I’m sitting down with Beth Sri. Beth’s been married to her husband, Edward, for more than twenty years and together they’ve written a book called ‘The Good, The Messy, and the Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life” Beth and I are talking about how to resist the temptation to build up walls in your marriage, why it’s important to build individual prayer time for the good of your marriage, and the real life differences between men and women and what that means for marriage. So regardless of whether you’re single, preparing for marriage, or you’ve had a wedding ring on your finger for years, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: The inspiration behind Beth’s new book and her experience writing a book with her husband, Edward Different walls that we build up in our marriage and how we can tear down the barriers to unity How marriage has made Beth more aware of areas that God wants to heal What to keep in mind if you’re realizing something from your past is impacting your marriage today The differences between men and women and how to honor those differences How to build the habit of daily individual prayer to strengthen our marriage What Beth has learned over the years that has helped her and Edward have a consistent daily prayer life How Beth lives out the feminine genius in her daily life as a Catholic woman Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Beth and Edward Sri’s new book, “The Good, the Messy, and the Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life”  Follow Beth on Instagram and on her website Pick up a

We’ve all experienced moments of pain and suffering. And while all of us carry different crosses, suffering is something that is part of every one of our stories. But how do you pray when you struggle to find words to express your pain and trauma? How do you validate the emotions you experience in the valleys of life and embrace them as a gift instead of stuffing them down some place deep inside you? And in those hard seasons that seem to stretch on forever, how can you refresh your faith and find peace that lasts? In this episode of Letters to Women, I’m sitting down with K.J. Ramsey. She intimately understands the reality of fear and the reward of courage. A survivor of spiritual abuse and religious trauma who suffers from chronic illness, KJ is a licensed counselor who recognizes the chasm that opens between our hearts and hope when life hurts. Through her struggle with emotional and physical pain, K.J. discovered a route to connection and joy:courage— the practice of trusting we will be held and loved no matter what. We’re talking about praying the Psalms word by word, how courage has impacted KJ’s journey of trauma and chronic pain, and the importances of witnesses in our lives as women. If you’re walking through a valley or a challenging season and want to cultivate courage and compassion and reignite joy, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: The inspiration behind KJ’s new book, The Book of Common Courage: Prayers and Poems to Find Strength in Small Moments and what it was like to write a book on courage while experiencing chronic illness What courage looks like as a practice How encountering poetry both from the Psalms and other authors helps us enter into prayer—especially in seasons when it’s difficult to find words Why the presence of witnesses and the experience of with-ness crucial in seasons of suffering How KJ has witnessed the co-existing of courage and suffering KJ’s encouragement to you if trusting others with your story is challenging How KJ lives out the feminine genius in her ordinary, daily life as a woman encouraging others in the practice of finding courage to heal Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Get a copy of The Book of Common Courage Read KJ’s book that came out in 2022, The Lord is My Courage Explore KJ’s website and connect with her on social media The Alchemy of Grief by Annamarie

Hey friends, Merry Christmas season! I love that this episode drops in your podcast feed the day after Christmas, and I hope it finds you well rested and joyful. Our little Langr crew has been sick this past week, so we’re enjoying quiet family time and praying for everyone soon. But this episode also finds you just a few days before the first day of 2023. There are many resolutions that I’ve made throughout the years, but one that I keep making ….and failing…is reading the Bible from cover to cover. Some years, I’ve tried to read from Genesis to Revelations, falling off the wagon sometime around Leviticus. Then, I tried reading through with Fr. Mike Schmitz and his podcast and I made it PAST Leviticus, and then just stopped listening. I WANT to read through the Bible, and you might too - but how?! And where do we find the motivation to get past the boring parts (I’m looking at you, descriptions of the ark of the covenant), the run-on sentences from St. Paul, and the parts that just leave you confused? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Meg Hunter-Kilmer. She’s an itinerant missionary and the author of a brand new Bible Journal. Oh, and she’s just wrapping up her 21st read through the entire Bible, so she has some great advice if that’s your goal this upcoming year, to! We’re talking about what Meg’s very first read through scripture looked like (she was thirteen! It took her five years!) and the unique way she recommends reading the Bible so you don’t get bogged down in 1st and 2nd chronicles and Meg shares one of my new favorite saint quotes on scripture that I hadn’t heard until our conversation today. If you want to spend time in God’s word every day and grow in your knowledge and love of Scripture, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Meg’s life as a hobo missionary and how she surrenders and trusts God to provide How Meg wrote her new book, A Year in the Word Catholic Bible Journal on Instagram How Scripture has impacted Meg from her first read through at age 13 to today Meg’s recommended reading plan to help you make it from Genesis to Revelations What to do with Scripture passages that confuse (and bore!) you The Bible verses Meg keeps close to her heart How Meg lives out the feminine genius Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Grab a copy of A Year In the Word Catholic Bible Journal Explore Meg’s website Listen to Meg and Chloe’s previous conversations about  surrender and <a href="https://letterstowomenpodcast.com/letters-to-women-podcast/meg-h

Have you ever witnessed the Lord do something incredible in your life? And when you see him at work, what is your response? Do you share it with everyone who will listen, or do you keep it to yourself? So often, we make evangelization too complicated. It’s not about knowing just the right thing to say, or having all the answers. The most potent evangelization is the personal testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Allison Gingras, the author of the brand new book Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints,and the Abundant Grace of God. And while this conversation is full of information about the sacramentals we have in our lives as Catholic women, it’s also a heart story about motherhood, evangelization, and adoption. I’m so excited to share this conversation with Allison today for so many reasons. First, I’ve known her for years, and it’s so fun to introduce you as the listener to my dear friends. Second, Allison is a woman who has walked and prayed with our family for months. One evening after a conversation with her on her podcast, A Seeking Heart, I asked Allison for prayers. I knew she and her husband adopted their daughter who has special needs from China, and Joseph and I were in the very beginning stages of exploring special needs adoption. That night, Allison encouraged me to pray boldly and specifically for God’s will with this adoption. We’re about halfway through the home study process and have the specific hope and prayer to adopt a child with Down syndrome, and Allison's prayers and witness to bold faith have played such a part in that discernment. Today, I’m talking with Allison about how the sacramentals helped her and her profoundly deaf daughter connect with God, the spiritual motherhood of Mary, and the beauty and depth of those tangible signs of faith in our lives today. If you’re curious about the incredible amount of sacramentals we have as Catholics and what they mean for our daily lives and relationships with others, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: The inspiration behind Allison’s new book, Encountering Signs of Faith How Allison and her husband brought their daughter, Faith, home through adoption Why each and every one of us is an adopted child of the Father Exactly what a sacramental is and how Allison uses them to teach her daughter who is profoundly deaf the Catholic faith Allison’s personal saint posse who accompanied her along the journey of adoption The promises associated with the Miraculous Medal and the spiritual motherhood of Mary How Allison lives out the feminine genius through spiritual sensitivity Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Pi

The Lord wants to draw you ever closer to himself. He wants to transform you, and in doing so, transform every single relationship in your life—he’s leaving no stone unturned. But growing in deeper relationship involves the hard and holy work of examining both sides of the struggles and the joys, the good memories and the awful memories in those relationships. You don’t have to walk that journey alone. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Nell O’Leary, the managing editor for Blessed is She.  She’s also one of six women behind a brand new book, Loving God, Loving Others: 52 Devotions to Create Connections that Last We’re talking about all kinds of relationships and why it’s important to prioritize prayer and reflection in our lives as women today. Nell is also sharing her encouragement for you if you’re cautious to explore the parts of your story you just wish weren’t there. If you want to prayerfully examine your relationship with God, with yourself, your family of origin, your loved ones, your friends, your work, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: The inspiration behind the new Blessed Is She Devotional, Loving God, Loving Others Nell’s encouragement if you’re cautious to explore the parts of your story you just wish weren’t there How to examine our story in a holistic way that takes both the joy and sorrow into account Nell’s section of the devotional on her family of origin and how it has shaped her identity How writing alongside women like Beth Davis, Megan Hjelmstad, Bonnie Engstrom, Sarah Erickson, and Emily Stimpson Chapman deepend Nell’s appreciation for their feminine genius Why to prioritize daily prayer in your life as a Catholic woman The incredible resources that Blessed is She offers for both in-person and online community How Nell lives out the feminine genius Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Pick up a copy of Loving God, Loving Others: 52 Devotions to Create Connections that Last Visit Blessed is She online Subscribe and Review Letters to Women in iTunes Are you subscribed to Letters to Women? If not, you should subscribe today! You don’t want to miss any of the upcoming episodes. Click here to subscribe in iTunes.

In his Letter to Artists, St. Pope John Paul II said that “Human beings, in a certain sense, are unknown to themselves.” Jesus reveals who God is, but he also fully reveals us to ourselves. Yet we often find ourselves asking “Who am I” and “What is real”? John Paul II goes on to say that “humanity in every age, and even today, looks to work of art to shed light upon its path and its destiny.” But what does it look like to create and encounter art that answers those deep questions of identity and longing? In today’s episode of the Letters to Women podcast, I’m sitting down with Kate Marin. Classically trained in Florence, Italy, Kate is an artist who works to create sculptures—large and small—that tell our human stories, that reveal the Divine, and that always uphold the dignity of each human person. We’re talking about how the moment Kate fell in love with the creating and how she’s grown as an artist, the way that Theology of the Body influences her sculpting, and how becoming a mother has impacted the way she creates. John Paul II says that “Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece.” Whether you’re tuning into this episode to connect with Kate as a fellow artist or you’re a woman who desires to encounter the beauty of God and learn more about the masterpiece of your own life, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: How Kate as grown as an artist throughout the course of her life and training The moment in Kate’s story where she fell in love with art and the creative process Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and how it’s influenced Kate’s work as an artist How Kate went about finding models for her sculpture of the Holy Family The way that prayer and the artistic process intertwine when Kate creates How creating art helps Kate answer the big questions that so many of us wrestle with today How becoming a mother has changed the way that Kate creates and what Kate is looking forward to teaching her children about art How Kate lives out the feminine genius as a woman creating works that help call people deeper into the truth of their own mystery Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Connect with Kate online and explore the art she creates  Read St. Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Artists  Subscribe to my monthly newsletter, Naptime Notes Sub

What does it mean to think deeply as Catholic women today? When you hear that question, do you worry that it means spending endless hours reading and writing academic papers? Do you wonder if pursuing the intellectual life isn’t for you because you don’t consider yourself a thinker? Or have you thought that maybe the intellectual life is for another season of life, one where you’re not as busy, not covered in spit up, or at least get full nights of sleep? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Rachel Bulman. She’s the editor behind the newly released book, With All Her Mind: A Call to the Intellectual Life We’re talking about the feminine genius and how that impacts both our affectivity and our intellect, what to do if the idea of growing in your intellectual life seems daunting, and how we can learn from the Blessed Mother as the Seat of Wisdom. If you are a woman who wants to follow the first and greatest commandment: to love the Lord with all your soul, all your heart, and with all your mind, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: How a witness of hospitality and authenticity sparked Rachel’s interest in Catholicism The inspiration behind With All Her Mind: A Call to the Intellectual Life Rachel’s encouragement if you think the intellectual life isn’t for you Getting to know Our Lady as the Seat of Wisdom and first philosopher Fostering the intellectual life in our daily lives as women How Rachel witnessed the feminine genius during the editing process of With All Her Mind Cultivating a sense of wonder in a world ripe with distractions How Rachel lives out the feminine genius in her roles as daughter, wife, and mother Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Pick up your copy of With All Her Mind Connect with Rachel on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Watch episodes of Meet the Bulmans Read St. Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Women and <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_14091998_fides-et-ratio.ht

Today’s episode contains a conversation on sexual addiction and healing. If you listen around little ears, you might want to grab a pair of headphones. No one intends to get addicted to pornograpy, masturbation, or other disordered sexual desires. And it doesn’t help that we live in a world that has ingrained into our minds the idea that pornography is a ‘guys issue’. Yes, many men do struggle with an addiction to pornography.But the reality of the situation, the reality that you yourself might be living, is that women also struggle with addictions to sexual addiction, pornography, and masturbation. But there is healing. You don’t have to hide and pretend that everything in your life is going perfectly. It’s time that we stop thinking about pornography as a problem only men deal with. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Rachael Killackey. She’s the Founder and Executive Director of Magdala, a space where women can find hope, healing, and freedom alongside each other from sexual addiction. We’re talking about just what pornography is, how is Magdala shifting that narrative so women can find healing from sexual wounds, and the importance of healing from sexual wounds in community, even though things like pornography and masturbation are considered private struggles. If you’re a woman who has struggled with pornography, masturbation, lustful thoughts, sexual daydreaming, or any other disordered desire, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: How Rachael started Magdala to answer a need for ministry to women impacted by sexual addiction Why having an all-encompassing definition of pornography matters when it comes to breaking free from addiction The different ways that pornography impacts womens’ creativity and imagination and how is Magdala shifting that narrative so women can find healing from sexual wounds Why pornography and mastrubation are symtoms of deeper wounds How pornography can drive women to obsession or suppression when it comes to body image The ways that physical motherhood has impacted Rachael’s mission and the conversations we need to be having with our daughters about pornography How Rachael lives out the feminine genius in her daily life through the grace  of acceptance Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Connect with Magdala through their website and take a listen to their podcast Discover more about Magdala’s small support groups and apply to become a group leader <a href="https://thelittlecatholicbox.lp

There is something so challenging and good in St. Paul’s words to the Romans when he tells them (and us) to both rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Grieving is hard. And accompanying others who are grieving is hard and holy work. So how can we grieve as Catholic women, especially when grieving the loss of someone so dear and close to us, like our children? In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Breaux. She’s the president of Red Bird Ministries, which is a pro-life organization to help ordinary families who are carrying the extraordinary cross of child loss. We’re talking about Kelly’s story of loss, what it looks like to heal from wounds and then minister from those same wounds, and how grief can actually be something that strengthens your relationship with your spouse instead of destroying it. I loved how Kelly weaves in Scripture to her witness and her wisdom, and I’m so honored to share her story with you today. If you’re grieving the loss of a child, or if you’re walking alongside someone who is wishing they were just holding their baby and you want to grow in your ability to love them and their family, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Kelly’s story of reversion to the Catholic Church The origin story of Red Bird Ministries, and how the Breaux family ministers to others from their wounds healed by Christ The pain of miscarriage and dismantling the lie that losing a child to miscarriage “doesn’t count” as child loss The danger of using the words “I was only” when you are grieving" How The way that men and women grieve differently and how Christ can use grief, suffering, and vulnerability can build your marriage up How to accompany those you love well and continue to show up for them long after the day of loss How Kelly lives out the feminine genius and how the Visitation inspires her to love others well Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Connect with Red Bird Ministries online Download the new Red Bird Ministries app Listen to Red Bird Ministries’ reflections for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (October 15th) on the Hallow App Check out The Little Catholic Box and access the exclusive bonuses for LTW listeners Subscribe and Review Letters to Women in iTunes Are you subscribed to Letters to Women? If not, you should subscribe today! You don’t want to miss any of the upcoming episodes. Click here to subscribe in iTunes.

About a year ago, when I’d find myself with nothing left to give, I started asking Jesus for His Sacred Heart. I asked him to give me his heart to love those around me, because my little heart was so exhausted. But in the back of my head, I wondered if Jesus was disappointed in me for not being able to love well, for having to return to him over and over to ask for help, to ask for his Sacred Heart. Wouldn’t it be more ideal if I could get my stuff together and love others well without having to ask for his help? But after growing in devotion to the Sacred Heart this summer, that fear is gone. I’ve stopped treating the Sacred Heart like a safety net to catch me when I’ve tried and white-knuckled my way through the day and just need help for the last few hours. Instead, I start my day with a morning offering and ask Jesus for His Sacred Heart from the beginning, before I even start into the day. And I know now that he isn’t disappointed with that, but that when I share that I’m weak, it’s then that his power is made perfect in that weakness.” In today’s episode, Emily Jaminet and I are talking about why now is the perfect time to revisit a classic Catholic devotion—the Sacred Heart. You may remember a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus hanging in your grandparents or parents' home, but what does devotion to the Sacred Heart really mean for our daily lives as Catholic women? Not only are we talking about some amazing promises Christ made to accompany devotion to The Sacred Heart, Emily and I even dive into our favorite depictions of the Sacred Heart and why art is important in your home. So if you’re feeling like you have nothing left to give, that the demands of your day are taking more resources than you have, sister, this Letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Emily’s grandfather and how he provided images of the Sacred Heart for Mother Teresa Why now is the perfect time to discover a devotion to the Sacred Heart What it means to enthrone the Sacred Heart in your home and in your life Receiving grace from the Sacred Heart and the sacrament of confession How to prepare our hearts to meet Christ in the final moments of life How the feminine genius impacts the way that Emily loves Jesus and his Sacred Heart Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: “Secrets of the Sacred Heart” by Emily Jaminet - use the code JAMINET for a discount at checkout! Welcome His Heart <a href="https://

Has every conversation in this miniseries on friendship has left you whispering “But that won’t work for me"? Today, I’m sitting down with Lea-Anne Virnig.  Lea-Anne is a writer and speaker passionate about inspiring women to live in the freedom of their identity in Christ. She helps women cultivate their magnanimity and grow in holiness through wholeness. A revert to the Catholic faith, she has homeschooled for over eighteen years, holds a certification in Youth Ministry, and has a certification as a spiritual director through Divine Mercy University. She is a military wife to Jon, her husband of over twenty years. Together, they’re raising six beautiful children brought to them through birth and adoption. When you open the new Sisterhood book, you’ll find Lea-Anne’s reflection on friendship in complicated seasons, which kicks off the last chapter in Sisterhood that talks about what to do when friendship seems impossible. Topics we talked about in this episode: How the Lord used a season of loneliness to draw Lea-Anne closer to his heart What it looks like to maintain friendships throughout different seasons of life Making friends if you’re in a new town How to introduce yourself to someone new and get past the awkward small talk stage Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Visit Lea-Anne online through her website or via Instagram  “The Eight Doors of the Kingdom” by Father Jacques Philippe “Be Healed” by Dr. Bob Schuchts  Email me at [email protected] or send me an Instagram message with your questions on vulnerability in friendship! Order my newest book, Sisterhood: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Friendship  Check out The Little Catholic Box and access the exclusive bonuses for LTW listeners

I’d just like to start this episode off with a moment of total honesty in which I reveal to you that one of my biggest fears is fish. I can’t stand them. I don’t swim in the ocean, I don’t swim in the lake, I don’t go to aquariums with my kids. Even talking about fish is making my skin crawl. But today’s episode is all about the beauty, mystery, and depth that we can encounter when we revisit the familiar—with a special focus on the sea. So you know it’s going to be good if I put aside my fish fears for thirty minutes to explore this. In this episode, I sit down with Noelle Merring. She’s the editor of TheologyofHome.com and the co-author of the Theology of Home book series—the third installment of that series just launched this summer and it’s all about the sea. We’re talking about the feminine beauty and mystery of the sea, what the sea can reveal to us about our femininity and motherhood, and the beauty that we can discover when encountering the familiar things in our lives with new attention and depth. If you want to bring the beauty, mystery, and depth of the sea into your home—and even into your soul, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: How the most basic element of water inspired the newest Theology of Home book The beauty of friendship (rekindled and new!) in the creation of Theology of Home What the intertwining of the feminine and water reveals to us about what it means to be women—and how view of the feminine compares to the present view that we have of womanhood as a society How we can grow in an appreciation of the mystery of our femininity without falling into the cultural battle of the sexes The history of the Marian title “Stella Maris” and what it means for our own maternity today What can happen in our interior lives as women when we take a fresh look at the familiar How Noelle lives out the feminine genius in her writing on home, ideologies, and with her family Resources to check out after listening to this episode: Theology of Home III: At the Sea Theology of Home Daily Collection e-mail A Letter to the Woman Reclaiming the Title of Homemaker (ft. Dr. Carrie Gress) A Letter to the Woman Looking for Home (my first conversation with Noelle on the podcast in 2020) Visit Noelle’s website Email me at [email protected] or send me an Ins

This summer, I’m focusing in on the topic of friendship with other women, and in this third episode of the series, I’m sitting down with Elizabeth Vargas. Elizabeth is the recipe developer and photographer behind the blog “Elizabeth’s Table”. She was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, studied Economic Consulting and Business Analytics at India University, and currently lives in Ohio. In her free time, when she’s not cooking for her blog, Elizabeth enjoys drinking coffee, eating bananas, working out, listening to podcasts, and attending Mass. You’ll recognize Elizabeth’s voice from a past episode of this podcast, “A Letter to the Woman Struggling With Body Image,” which I’ll link in today’s show notes so you can get to know Elizabeth’s story as a Catholic woman and hear her reflections on the feminine genius. When you open the new Sisterhood book, you’ll find Elizabeth’s reflection on friendships that grow online, which kicks off the chapter on navigating the digital world when it comes to our friendships with other women. If you have a desire not only to take your digital friendships to the next level, sister, this letter is for you! Topics we talked about in this episode: How a podcast that never came to be was the start of a friendship between Elizabeth and her friend, Lauren How to take the next steps in friendship with the women you know online Elizabeth’s advice for being authentic when you share things online The unhealthy pressure to post your opinions about current events online and what to do before you make that post Whether or not friendships that start online are especially prone to comparison and competition Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Listen to “A Letter to the Woman Struggling with Body Image” to learn more about Elizabeth and how she lives out the feminine genius in her daily life Follow Elizabeth on Instagram and Tik Tok and check out her website to learn more about her writing and editing work. Email me at [email protected] or send me an Instagram message with your questions on friendship! Order my newest book, Sisterhood: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Friendship  <a href="https://thelitt

This summer, I’m focusing in on the topic of friendship with other women, and in this second episode of the series, I’m sitting down with Lindsay Schlegel. Lindsay is a daughter of God who seeks to encourage, inspire, and lift others up to be all they were created to be. She is also the author of Don’t Forget to Say Thank You: And Other Parenting Lessons That Brought Me Closer to God and the host of the podcast Quote Me With Lindsay Schlegel. She writes for Verily, CatholicMom.com, Radiant, and edits for various publications. Lindsay lives with her family in New Jersey, where she enjoys knitting, running, and reading to her kids. You’ll recognize Lindsay’s voice from a past episode of this podcast, “A Letter to the Women Who Keeps Telling Her Kids to Say Thank You”—from all the way back in 2018! When you open the new Sisterhood book, you’ll find Lindsay’s reflection on friendships that remind you of Christ, which kicks off the second chapter in Sisterhood which talks Christ as the original giver of friendship If you have a desire not only to recognize Christ in your friendships but also to bring him into your friendships with the women in your life, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: How Lindsay encountered Christ through a friend who accompanied her through a season of loss The beauty of friendship with women going through different seasons of life than you’re living What friendship with Christ looks like and why it’s the foundation of all good friendships How to help our kids make Christ-centered friends, even when they’re young Lindsay’s advice for sharing the joy of Christ with friends who aren’t Christian What to do when you’re newly married and navigating “your friends” and “our friends” as a couple Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Listen to ““A Letter to the Women Who Keeps Telling Her Kids to Say Thank You” to learn more about Lindsay and how she lives out the feminine genius in her daily life Follow Lindsay on Instagram and check out her website to learn more about her writing and editing work. Email me at [email protected] or send me an Instagram message with your questions on friendship! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sisterhood-Giving-Receiving-Gift-Friendship/dp/1681927225/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_r=a84d7301-5245-4692-9640-a092126b240b&pd

This summer, I’m focusing in on the topic of friendship with other women, and in this first episode of the series, I’m sitting down with Kiki Rocha. Kiki is a Catholic woman on a mission to rebuild culture. She is an overcomer, and it is through her story of resilience that she has found her calling to coach women in wholeness by cultivating their self-worth, mindset, and dreams! Speaking is another one of her many loves. Having been brought up in a single parent home, being an abortion survivor and a sexual abuse survivor, she has much to share on how the modern-day woman is created for more. Bring her some babies and guacamole and you’ll make her happy! You’ll recognize Kiki’s voice from a past episode of this podcast, “A Letter to the Woman Healing from Sexual Abuse,” which I’ll link in today’s show notes so you can get to know Kiki’s story as a Catholic woman and hear her reflections on the feminine genius. When you open the new Sisterhood book, you’ll find Kiki’s reflection on healing in friendship, which kicks off the first chapter in Sisterhood which talks about examining and healing your own heart for friendship. If you’re wondering how to navigate a friendship breakup or you’re still stinging from a friendship that fell apart, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: How past friendship wounds can impact current friendships Authenticity and vulnerability in friendship with other women Saints to get to know who have been through friendship breakups themselves Communicating boundaries and expectations in friendships with other women What to do when friends ask for advice in conversation but don’t take your words to heart How to decide when to set a boundary in a friendship and when to let a friendship go Why we should avoid the gut reaction to label someone as toxic Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Listen to “A Letter to the Woman Healing from Sexual Abuse” to learn more about Kiki and how she lives out the feminine genius in her daily life Follow Kiki on Instagram and check out her posts on friendship with other women! Email me at [email protected] or send me an Instagram message with your questions on friendship! Order my newest book, Sisterhood: Giving and Receiving the

Have you ever secretly (or not so secretly) wondered if you’re doing this whole womanhood thing right? Are you tired of the secular rhetoric that tries to tell you how you should act and who you should be? And are you wondering what the church really teaches about Catholic femininity - but also a little worried about diving deeper into what the church says because you’re afraid you won’t measure up? In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Cotter. You may know her from talks that she’s given at Steubenville, NCYC, or SEEK conferences. She’s also the author of a brand new book, “Reveal the Gift: Living the Feminine Genius.” Obviously, we’re going to be talking about the feminine genius in today’s conversation, which is one of our mutual favorite topics. We’re talking about what the feminine genius is, where the idea that there are “four main aspects” of the feminine genius came from and why it falls short when it comes to the beautifully diverse ways the feminine genius can be lived out, and how we can strive for human virtues in a particularly feminine way. If there was a video of this podcast episode, you’d mainly just see me nodding along and mouthing YES for thirty minutes while I listened to Lisa’s thoughts on Catholic femininity, and I’m so excited to share this conversation with you. If you’re ready to explore what it means to be an authentic woman and discover how to be an authentic women, sister, this letter is for you. Topics we talked about in this episode: Lisa’s story as a Catholic woman and how she does not do it all as a wife and mom What inspired Lisa’s new book, “Reveal the Gift: Living the Feminine Genius” Our mutual frustration at Saint Pope John Paul II’s lack of definition of the feminine genius, and a definition from Sister Prudence Allen that helps us understand what the feminine genius is Why “the four aspects of the feminine genius” falls short of what the feminine genius truly is How we live out human virtues particularly as women with a feminine genius Women’s capacity for fidelity Where we can draw inner strength from as women (especially in challenging seasons!) How Lisa lives out the feminine genius by being receptive to grace Resources you should check out after listening to this episode: Reveal the Gift: Living the Feminine Genius by Lisa Cotter The Eternal Woman by Gertrud Von Le Fort How to Be a Spiritual Mother (Whether You Have Kids or Not)—an article I wrote back in 2018 for Aleteia that discusses the beauty of spiritual motherhood  Follow Lisa on Instagram and her website, Made to Magnify  Naptime Notes, a new monthly newsletter from Chloe Order my newest book, Sisterhood: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Friendship  Check out The Little Catholic Box and access the exclusive bonuses for LTW listeners