A Place Within: Recent Episodes
A Place Within
Two twenty-something friends attempt to get to the core of what’s on their hearts and minds, trusting that Gospel of Jesus Christ will be profoundly relevant to every thought, action, longing, and question. They hope their honest digging, while sometimes silly and blunt, will bring about deeper understanding of the place within your human heart.
Two years after their initial thoughts on this topic, Ashlyn and Christina return to reflect on Judas and what believers can learn from his flawed relationship with Jesus, and Jesus' relationship with his betrayer.
Christina interviews Diana Lopez, content creator for Newman Connection and co-host of the 24 Club Podcast about engaging with social media virtuously and the fruit of pilgrimage. Check out Newman Connection and Creatio's pilgrimage to Assisi June 20-29, 2022 here!
Follow Newman Connection @newmanconnection and 24 Club @the24clubpodcast on Instagram.
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Christina is re-listening to Harry Potter on her commute and Ashlyn has an HP tattoo, so the time has come at last to discuss the enduring truths of the Harry Potter universe (or as Christina likes to call it, "90s wizard Britain").
Christina finally caught up on the cultural phenomenon that is Encanto, so the girls chat about how Encanto's imagery applies to the Church and the world today.
Ashlyn and Christina talk about the meaning of fellowship and friendship. What does fellowship really mean, and should we be friends with everybody?
Christina and Ashlyn continue the discussion on seasonal mood boards and start a new conversation on looks of lust and love.
Our Christina is married! Christina and Ashlyn reflect on the weeks leading up to and following Christina's marriage. Matrimony is cool.
Ashlyn and her brother's friend turned close-good-friend, Aurelia, discuss winter-time mood-boards, Advent, and the theological virtue of hope.
Ashlyn and Christina consider how to process rejections in a serious, non-dismissive way, without talking crap. Enjoy a related tangent on the possibility that one ought to mature past reliance on a "type" that we're attracted to...🤔
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We reflect on our tendency to view "getting into heaven" like "getting into Harvard." Thank you to the good people at Harvard for the analogy.
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Ashlyn and Christina reflect on their understanding of decision-making and discernment, and the relationships between them.
Ashlyn and Christina dig into self-care, acedia, and the times when your mental state just needs a snack.
(For reference: "funny and cute")
Follow us at @aplacewithinpodcast and email us at apwpodcast@gmail.com!
Christina and Ashlyn are back! In this episode, they share what they've been up to the past few months and revisit what this podcast is all about.
Note: the Greek word, "ὅτι" means "because, that, or since." Christina was mistaken.
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Christina's recent re-watch of the 1997 classic film, Anastasia sparks a discussion on changing cultural attitudes and the ramifications of various political systems, with a cautionary tale about a fake monk with a punk rock aesthetic.
Ashlyn and long-time friend, Isabel Yu, discuss the joys and pressures of having interesting hobbies. Other topics covered: "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" ships, Lunar New Year, the liturgy, Lent.
Check out Isabel's most recent article for Catholic Women in Business: 3 Ways Scrum Can Help Transform Your Business — Catholic Women in Business
The final installment of Sarah's A Place Within trilogy is a discussion of actual lay single people living together in - you guessed it - community...with minimal dumpster fires.
Christina's housemate, Sarah, is back with some profound advice and beautiful insights on vulnerability and authenticity in relationships.
Christina interviews her housemate Sarah who spent two years with the Missionaries of Charity. She left the MC's in 2019 and patiently awaited the call to another order only to be surprised with the desire to discern marriage upon arrival at the Augustine Institute. In this interview, Sarah shares her journey of discipleship and discernment, offering some profound spiritual insights that apply in any state of life.
Christina and Ashlyn get into the tendency to assess each other's "holiness" and its ramifications for our hearts and relationships.
Christina's got big news, and it's all thanks to the grace of God and Ashlyn's talents of collusion.
Christina and Ashlyn reflect on their conceptions of faith and belief and consider how they weigh in against what it actually means to have faith according to the Church. Grab your Catechism and buckle in!
The origin story of Ashlyn and Christina's K-Pop star fandom drives them into the heart of curiosities and affections. Featuring a life update from Christina as well as all of her ugliest laughs!
*There were slight technical difficulties in this recording, so we apologize for minor sound problems!
Ashlyn chats with long time friend, DC resident, and first amendment defender, Liz Langan.
With the help of JPII, Ashlyn considers the anxiety that comes from not being able to prevent difficulty in our lives or in the lives of those we love.
Friend of the show Emilia Tanu Chornay joins Christina for a fascinating interview about the Catholic Worker as an alternative to Marxism, while exploring academia and authentic encounter in the secular world.
What to expect from this episode: talk on 1) Presidential debates and partisan politics, 2) family expectations, and 3) BTS.
Ashlyn and Christina reflect on their experiences with social media after watching The Social Dilemma.
Christina reflects on her first few weeks returning to school as a theology student and the girls dive into the human tendencies of students.
Ashlyn and Christina wrap up a basement picnic with a contentious conversation about Tay-tay's latest artistic endeavor. One is a fan, the other has yet to see the light, but both will eventually talk about sharing the Light Himself, because, as St. Paul says, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!"
Christina and Ashlyn discuss the navigation of stereotypes and authenticity in Catholic communities.
Bong Joon-ho's Parasite was a Shakespearean-esque mind-bender with serious (probably unintentional) spiritual implications. Ashlyn and Christina unpack.
😥 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/gallup-diocese-drops-zoom-video-conferencing-app-over-abortion-support-91228
After a brief summer hiatus, Ashlyn and Christina are back!
For experienced and knowledgable perspectives on racism, please check out these links.
Plaid Skirts and Basic Black
Fr. Josh Johnson and Fr. Mike Schmitz Discussion
Fr. Josh Johnson Healing the Racial Divide
CNA Newsroom: I Can't Breathe
CNA Editor's Desk: Conversation about Racism with Gloria Purvis
The Catholic Feminist: Building Bridges and Understanding Racism with Danielle Brown
The Catholic Feminist: Race and the Catholic Church with Gloria Purvis
Fr. Josh Johnson Invitation to Pray
Superstition (n.) 1. a 1972 BANGER by Stevie Wonder (which was famously covered in 2002 by Raven Symone) 2. A kind of belief that clouds our ability to see God as He actually is
Evangelization requires risk... when is it worth it? You guessed it, Ashlyn and Christina will share ALL of their thoughts on the matter.
Join Ashlyn and Christina for the first episode of the Easter season. Let's share some graces, y'all
It's Holy Week! In this episode, Christina and Ashlyn get into the heart of redemptive suffering by way of Celine Dion and more!
On Christina and Ashlyn's hearts and minds this week is fear-- fear of taking action, fear after taking action, and what we miss out on when we let fear stop us from following the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
While all the world must be social at a distance, Ashlyn is reading Anne of Green Gables and Christina is receiving formation on Spiritual Friendship. As a result, the gals take time to reflect on Anne's 'kindred spirits' and discuss the delight of intimate friendship.
Ashlyn and Christina catch up after the eventful week leading up to closures across the country in response to the Coronavirus. They share stories, perspective, reflections, tips, and encouragement. If you're looking for an honest, but positive discussion of recent events, you're in the right place. God is the same now and forever, and Jesus is King over all, including COVID-19. AMEN.
Ashlyn and Christina dive into music at mass and Ashlyn shares the wealth of knowledge she received from Adam Bartlett (of Illuminare Publications,) effectively blowing Christina's mind. If, when it comes to music in the Liturgy, you think there's a right way, a wrong way, no right or wrong way, or you just don't care, you're gonna want to take a listen.
Christina and Ashlyn dig into the power of fasting and their desire to take it more seriously as a spiritual practice.
The conversation on dating and dating apps continues with some help from some of our favorite listeners! Part two is still vulnerable, but slightly more coherent...
After debriefing a difficult and dramatic week, Ashlyn and Christina dive into a different source of difficulty and drama— dating apps! Look here for more solidarity than answers, and join the convo @apwpodcast
St. Paul tells us to “run as to win” (1 Cor 9:24) In this episode, two non-runners attempt to get to the heart of pacing. One plays the tortoise, one plays the hare. Bet you can’t guess which is which!
Knowing how to best use terms begins with defining them. Join Ashlyn and Christina as the debrief life and take a good look at false dichotomies and personal biases.
Ashlyn's historic first visit to Los Angeles, in which the girls visit iconic LA vlog spots and reflect on the heart of fandom.
What happens when you go home after an amazing conference or retreat? How do you maintain the resolutions you made during a powerful moment with God when the consolations fade? Or on the other side, how do you navigate the tendency to believe that other people seemed to have had "more powerful" experiences than you?
Ever made a list of attributes you want to see in your spouse? Ever seen imperfect people commit to each other? How do we receive people as gifts when we both desire them to be a certain way and must accept them as they are?
Also, if you're curious about the history of Tyson's Corner, VA (and you know you are), the first 3 minutes of this episode are for you.
⚠️ PARENTAL ADVISORY WARNING If your kids believe in Santa— this episode isn’t for them. * If your kids listen to our podcast... uhh cool? Thanks for listening, kids!
Is telling children the tall tale of Father Christmas a right of passage or a bold-faced lie? Join this week as the girls process their own experiences of Santa Claus and try to get to the heart of this widespread holiday tradition.
Raise your hand if Spotify gave you your top songs for 2019. Now raise your hand if they reflected your interior landscape throughout the year.
Enjoy this playlist including Ashlyn and Christina's top songs, other songs referenced on the podcast this year, and a ready-made Disney themed ballet class. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/493XLy4AAGFU6c1j6AA2cq?si=2QxRQRJQTiakVXv4Qd-eYQ
Ever returned from a shopping trip feeling both accomplished and regretful, both temporarily satisfied and empty, both guilty and justified?
Christina and Ashlyn get into the state of their hearts after the biggest celebration of the year in America, Black Friday.
A unique treat for your holiday festivities. Included: Intentional pauses for reflection and references to the trusty Father Mike (see below).
Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Giving Thanks is Necessary." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjgsV2UUjG8
After discussing Christmas plays and the friend zone at length, Ashlyn and Christina try to figure out why small talk is so exhausting and discuss how to engage in it in a way that is still authentic and meaningful. Shallow/deep end pool analogies abound.
Humility...Be not afraid...Click for an in-depth reflection of the Litany of Humility, the most uncomfortable prayer of the modern era.
A response to the new album, "Jesus is King," a simple truth that makes us want to jump around and dance, just like this album does. If you've been hearing muttering(or screaming) about Kanye's newest work and you're having THOUGHTS, you might try listening to Christina and Ashlyn sort out theirs.
read: we've got it on repeat
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, Jesus is Lord.
Ashlyn and Christina work through the challenges of openness to a religious or marital vocation while God seems to be asking you to wait. If you've ever been tempted to despair about your call to marriage or religious life, give it a listen.
Whether you've seen The Good Place or not, we all ought to mull over the ultimate goal of our existence, how we reach it, and the lies we believe about it. (Read: There's more to it than you think there is)
Ever heard that you don't always need words to preach the Gospel? In this episode, Ashlyn and Christina dive into their experiences with that and lean in to some of their deepest struggles and fears with proclaiming the person of Jesus Christ. If you have ever felt like there are people in your life you can never invite to accept the Gospel, this one is for you.
Sometimes we resist obedience to avoid feeling duped by the Lord...Valid experience worth discussing. Plus musical selections!
This week, the girls talk about the Prodigal Son, their latest literary inspiration, Flannery O'Connor, and the shocking revelation that everything is grace.
Ashlyn and Christina chat about opening up their lives and homes to new friends, which can be a little challenging, but deeply necessary as young adults. #americaneedsbonding https://www.californiacitynews.org/video/watch-surfer-bros-make-plea-house-parties-city-la
Break ups suck. So Ashlyn and Christina work through their thoughts and experiences, discussing what leads us to end a relationship, even when it seems to make no sense.
Also we couldn't find the JPII poem, "The Place Within" online...But here's a link to a bunch of his other poems! https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/pope/poems/
Geeking out about pro-life feminism (as usual) and navigating how to discuss topical issues with friends who disagree with us.
Also, Ashlyn promises to call Christina out if she confesses to sin on the podcast.
Ashlyn and Christina respond to the uproar surrounding Prince George's hobbies, digging into gender norms, public apologies, social media influencers, and intercessory prayer.
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Ashlyn and Christina catch up after the summer break, then address how pessimistic books, TV, and media influence them both through the falsehoods and the truths they communicate.
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Happy Feast of the Assumption!
In the best kind of finale fashion, APW’s innigural season ends with heartwarming flash backs, a musical number, an epic battle and ample foreshadowing. Or is that the finale of a Stranger Things Season 3?
Either way, enjoy!
“Repent and believe in the gospel.” We always talk about the “believe in the gospel” part. Today we dive deep into the “repent” part asking: how do we view or sins and ourselves?
Christina and Ashlyn debrief their favorite parts of Pope Francis’ recent Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit. Ashlyn gets shoulders-deep in liturgical musings... but connects it back eventually. All in all a journey to the heart of what it means to be “forever young” in the light of the gospel.
Christus Vivit: http://m.vatican.va/content/francescomobile/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20190325_christus-vivit.html
Now that the podcast is nearing 30 weeks old, Ashlyn and Christina reflect on their age and notice how their maturity and childishness collide. edit ”Under My Thumb” is by THE ROLLING STONES.
We talked about MUJI https://www.muji.com/us/
Lanky Guys - Mind the Gap http://www.lankyguys.org/audio/Ascension-Sunday-2019.m4a
Catholic Stuff You Should Know - Eight Evil Thoughts http://catholicstuffpodcast.com/podcast/2016/12/01/eight-evil-thoughts.html?fbclid=IwAR1X1GSWlIu4K1rAfODA8rOoYA8keYIvMy_9lfBjRjfrPuPzWlKfemW0_Fo
Lord of the Rings Knockoff Audiobook - 7:11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDP0C7zJSd8
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This week, we decided to share an episode recorded in November but never released. We cover a variety of topics from favorite music, to dream haircuts, to epic Scripture passages. Enjoy a blast from the past!
The girls discuss how our ability to internalize profound truths changes throughout human development. Turns out cognitive and moral development are probably a part of God's plan for salvation!
We talked about: What Catholics can learn from 'Tidying Up with Marie Kondo' https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/what-catholics-can-learn-from-tidying-up-with-marie-kondo-89845
His Story the Musical https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TeAnxa609o&list=RD8TeAnxa609o&start_radio=1&t=0&t=3&t=1
James Fowler's Theory of Faith Development https://rcdow.org.uk/att/files/faith/aff/fowlers+stages+of+faith+development.pdf
After some catching up in which Ashlyn reflects on her starstruck chat with a Mighty Morphin' Power Ranger, Ashlyn and Christina discuss the recent controversy surrounding abortion in America. They then TRANSITION into their regularly scheduled programming and unpack their own experiences of Mighty Morphing.
Katrina Haas, the first ever APW guest (!), joins Ashland and Cortina (*) for a discussion of personal experiences with the confusing challenges and surprising freedoms associated with healthy boundaries in relationships. Featuring some sprinkled in college stories and educator talk if you're into that.
*Ashland and Cortina - the names Skype's subtitles affectionately give Ashlyn and Christina. They got Katrina right every time. (Pardon occasional conversation timing hiccups! Connection was poor for our first three-way-Skype!)
Wedding feasts, having breakfast, and breaking fasts. All in Easter day's work! . Info about the Back Bay Mobile Soup Kitchen: https://m.facebook.com/pages/Back-Bay-Mobile-Soup-Kitchen/307748239688825
Listen to the DJ from Eli and Christina’s wedding: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1myWMo2pRodhMcuicBc7Qm?si=uvdoa--ZQ2WMMkD0orEfCg
Christina went on a road trip and experienced MOVEMENTS. Get ready to hear about major longings, solo hikes, capitalistic progressive metropolises, talking to rocks, ontological meltdowns (of course), and God's spousal love manifested in all of creation.
(Since we forgot to introduce ourselves at the top, please make use of some identifiers: Ashlyn is the one who acknowledges Divine Mercy Sunday, while Christina celebrates "Sunday Number Two of Easter")
Alleluia is our jam - but are we Easter people? What even is an Easter person? This week's episode explores what it looks like to live in the light of the Risen Lord. (Plus a fable of car hygiene, Jesus Christ Superstar exegesis, and Easter forks).
"We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song!" - St. John Paul II
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Ashlyn and Christina do some good, old-fashioned, Bible studying & ponder the misery of Jesus’ infamous betrayers as to avoid becoming them.
Fascinating theories about what makes us laugh. Surprise, surprise, God can be found in comedic theory too.
Insights from Clive Staples, Michael Scott, and Michael Jr.
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Is ”getting involved” in your faith community the same as growing relationship with Christ? Ashlyn attempts to stage a rescue mission from the ”Cult of Involvement” and Christina passionately exhorts EVERYONE to get a prayer life. Together, they strive to put first things first when it comes to living a Christ-centered life. Look out for some FIRE quotes from the Soul of the Apostolate.
Pardon some unintentional ASMR. Natural consequence of late-night recording.
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What do people mean when they talk about divine intimacy? We get to the CORE of it by defining true intimacy through experience, Scripture, and yes, poetry.
Delightful, but unrelated themes of physical fitness abound. (Beware of a false ending! Bonus CONTENT if you stick around til the bitter end)
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We’ve noticed that often times what women make is "for women" until proven otherwise, but what men make is for everyone until proven otherwise. That rubbed us the wrong way. Here at APW, we think that voices are to be instruments for Truth, complemtarity is good, and God created us for fullness of life. Then again, what do we know!?
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Your temperament, Meyers-Briggs personality type, and Enneagram number reflect the Gospel. Bet.
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It’s Lent. Time to get purified. With the help of St. Catherine of Siena, Christina and Ashlyn discuss their Lenten observances and try to avoid Pelagianism.
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Christina and Ashlyn discuss their (hopefully) Christ-centered thoughts on who should make the first move in the dating game. Spoiler alert - there are no hard and fast rules. However, virtue and complimentarity can steer us in the right direction.
Ever jumped on a trend while heralding yourself as the unique hipster snowflake you are? We have! The good news is that we think these tendencies are a window into the heart of our Trinitarian God.
If you have strong opinions for or against any trends or obscurities, this episode is for you.
We want to hear from you! apwpodcast@gmail.com Insta: @apwpodcast Twitter: @apwpod
No one's a stranger to disappointment. Including Jesus. If circumstances have ever had you feeling let down, this one's for you.
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An ordered crush reflects the love of God. Tell us we're wrong.
Eucharistic adoration location website! https://www.eucharisticadorationlocations.com/
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The Catholic feminist gears are turning after Christina watched "On the Basis of Sex" (yes, the one about RBG) and listened to 2.5 hours of Matt Fradd with the super-intelligent philosopher, Abigail Favale.
Matt Fradd Interview with Abigail Favale https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pints-with-aquinas/id1097862282?mt=2&i=1000427965498 https://pintswithaquinas.libsyn.com/bonus-feminism-postmodernism-gender-theory-craziness-matt-fradd-show-ep-4
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Ashlyn and Christina try to figure out why some were upset with a razor ad that they quite like. The dignities of both masculinity and femininity (and how a certain razor brand is trying to uphold them) are discussed - expect appearances from JPII and Edith Stein. Ashlyn gets wise, Christina gets real.
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It's not what it looks like. Christina and Ashlyn compare their chaotic lives to a city of 8 million people and look to Our Lady to make sense of how to proceed.
Ashlyn tells the story of her journey in relationship with God. She acknowledges the bigness of the universe, her profound desire for love and its fulfillment in the cross, being led to confidence in the Eucharist, and so much more. Enjoy!
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An epic tale of how the Creator of the Universe has and continues to pursue one co-host's heart and transform her life. Features Christina's existential drama, ontological meltdowns, and life-changing Holy Week services, leading to the continued acceptance of her ultimate desires.
Ashlyn is at SEEK 2019 yeet so Christina shares her testimony and pretends she is at SEEK 2019. Stay tuned for Ashlyn's story next week!
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Link to Christina's Letter with The Catholic Woman (submissions are open til Jan 12!) https://thecatholicwoman.co/letterstowomen/letting-jesus-into-my-existential-crises
Today, we bask in the glory of the Incarnation and meander through indie Christmas music, being home for the holidays, cheesy Christmas movies, unexpected beauty in "ugly" art, and George Bailey wrecking us every December. We hope you enjoy our Christmas film club.
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Waiting, liturgical seasons, and prayer commitments. Just some of God's many ways to make us uncomfortable enough to receive tidings of comfort and joy when they come...If you know what we mean...
Please pardon a slightly lower sound quality in this episode than what we prefer! We used a borrowed mic in order to record during Christmas break.
Ashlyn and Christina are two twenty-something Catholic women sharing their friendship as they dig to the heart of what's going on in their heads, their hearts, and the world. In their very first episode, they talk about the inspirations that brought them here, a providential poem by St. John Paul II, and what they hope this podcast will be.
Thanks Jon Done Music for the intro (https://jondone.bandcamp.com/album/night-prayer) and Jesus for the Gospel.
Us: Let's get to the heart of our thoughts, feelings, and desires, trusting that we'll find the Gospel and our need for it!
You: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT
This Episode: clarifies
We'd like to thank Jon Done Music for rippin' it on the guitar and Jesus for being himself
It's about dating, folks. We consider what the advice to guard our hearts has done to us long term.