Mamas in Spirit: Recent Episodes
Lindy Wynne
Mamas in Spirit is a podcast for Catholic women. Every episode is a mini-retreat made just for you! Hear stories from featured guests about God converting hearts and changing lives. Listen and be transformed by the Holy Spirit! Join host Lindy Wynne every Thursday for new episodes. Learn more at mamasinspirit.com!
Lisa Martinez was incredibly anxious and fearful as a child, but neither Lisa nor her parents understood why. When Lisa attended her freshman year of college at Franciscan University—a place Lisa and many others refer to as a "field hospital” for souls—Lisa discovered why she had been consumed by such angst and fear. Lisa experienced flashbacks of sexual abuse as a young child. She finally knew what she had been carrying. Listen as Lisa takes us on a sensitive journey of the soul, culminating in Christ’s miraculous healing through prayer, contemplation, EMDR therapy, Catholic retreats and more. If you or someone you love is the victim of abuse, know that healing is possible! Learn more about Lisa at www.littlewithgreatlove.com. Reach out to get connected to resources at mamasinspirit@gmail.com.
Abby Davis received a call. Within thirty minutes of hanging up the phone, there was a social worker on her front porch holding a baby girl.
Abby and her husband would care for this little girl for many months to follow, not knowing if they would adopt her or just care for her for a little while.
Abby’s heart was filled with love for this precious child, yet was also breaking at the possibility of being separated from her.
Abby would rock the baby and pray:
“Whether you stay or whether you go, let it be for Christ.“
This little girl, as well as two boys, are now the adopted children of Abby and her husband Cameron.
Listen to this mini-retreat in a podcast and imagine how your life can be more fully for Christ, too.
Still reverberating in Colleen Carroll Campbell’s heart are an older mom’s words of wisdom from 15 years ago: “I don’t know if there is room for perfectionism in any other part of life, but I know this: there is no room for it in motherhood.”
Colleen had done her best to achieve flawlessness during her ambitious career, including a job as the American president’s speech writer. But it wasn’t until hearing the wise mom’s words about motherhood that Colleen realized her own struggle with perfectionism.
God began changing Colleen that morning and continues to transform her to this day. While she strives to do her best for the greater glory of God, Colleen has learned to let go and trust she is in God’s hands.
And she has discovered that there is no better place to be.
Listen to this inspiring “mini-retreat in a podcast” and allow yourself to surrender into the arms of Merciful Jesus, too.
After raising four boys, Caroline Graham’s husband shared that he felt called to adopt a daughter.
Soon thereafter, Caroline received a call from a dear friend about a toddler girl needing a home.
Caroline figured that she and her husband knew how to love children and said “yes.”
Caroline realized that the call to love her precious daughter would demand more of her than she ever could have imagined. Loving her daughter would require her entire self and more—it would require daily and full dependency on Christ.
Caroline’s daughter suffers from Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD).
Hear Caroline share about how she has learned that while we come to the end of our own ability to love, God’s love is endless. Be inspired by how Caroline has opened herself to the supernatural love of God to care for her daughter and family—just as she is called.
Chaplain Father Jon Meyer was in his early twenties when his mother passed away.
In his grief, Father Jon faced the dark thought of needing to earn love, as well as the fear of being unloveable.
Father Jon was in the seminary at the time and chose to be honest about the thoughts he struggled with. He shared with his Spiritual Director and Formation Advisor, as well as some family and close friends. Over time, Father Jon was blessed with the transformation of his mind by God.
This podcast will help you explore your own thoughts and how they may be separating you from self, God and others. Learn tools of transparency and vulnerability to open yourself to the glorious “renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2).
Stacey Sumereau is on a healing journey.
Stacey was pregnant with her third child when she had a placental abruption--Baby Honora (Nora) was born early by emergency C-section.
Stacey's heart broke into pieces as she watched her baby go through what seemed like endless life-saving procedures. The final breaking point was when Stacey and her husband were told they needed to say goodbye.
Miraculously, Nora survived.
Over time, Stacey moved beyond her trauma and into prayerful silence. God created a much stronger heart in Stacey as He put the pieces of her heart back together.
Listen to this inspiring story of surrender and let God heal any broken pieces of your heart, too.
Becca Bumm’s family members were struggling and her very own heart was, too. She felt alone and close to despair.
Until a wise friend encouraged Becca to attend a women’s retreat called “Cursillo.”
God healed Becca’s heart and poured in His holy love throughout the weekend.
And then God sent Becca on a mission of love.
Hear how Becca re-entered her life after the retreat with only one thing having changed: her very self.
Be inspired by how this holy change in Becca helped transform those around her in God’s love. Learn how God wants to do this for you, too!
Jennifer Calabretta’s childhood and early marriage were perfect in so many ways. But Jennifer never could have imagined what was to come.
Jennifer lost her second baby weeks after delivery to a rare muscle disorder. Doctors told her this would never happen again.
However, during one of Jennifer’s subsequent pregnancies, she learned that her daughter wouldn’t survive the very same disease.
Jennifer carried her baby throughout the remaining months of her pregnancy—and she and her husband were blessed with ten minutes with their daughter.
Jennifer experienced God deep within her throughout it all. God’s love was like holy balm to her injured heart.
In this vulnerable and joy-filled podcast, learn that God’s grace is sufficient. You will be blessed with God’s holy balm of the heart, too!
Lisa was in a hole she never thought she'd get out of.
Lisa struggled with insecurity since her childhood. As an adopted child, Lisa felt like she was given up. Even though her adoptive parents lavished her in love, Lisa worried that if she wasn't good enough that they might give her up, too.
Lisa turned to drinking. When Lisa hit the depths of the hole she was in, God reached in and helped Lisa climb out. Lisa learned a life-changing lesson through this.
“You have to bring God into your life to heal that hole in your soul.”
Listen to this vulnerable story of how a beautiful woman grew to greater confidence and love as she was touched by the mercy of God.
Throughout her entire life Shana Blayney has gone to Sunday Mass and shared Sunday meals with her family.
So simple, yet so powerful.
From the time Shana was small she's experienced the living witness of her parents, who have religiously attended Mass and hosted family dinners on Sundays.
Shana now has a family of her own and they, along with her siblings and their families, spend Sundays at Mass and at Shana's parents' home sharing meals.
In this encouraging podcast, Shana shares how she has experienced the fruit of obedience: love. Her family has gathered throughout all seasons of life, both the joyful and sorrowful, just to be together.
Listen to Shana share and be inspired to root your own life in the Eucharist and family meals (even if this means friends who become family!).
On her birthday in 2018, Mollie Verdier wrote a letter asking God to reveal her divine purpose to her.
Soon thereafter, Mollie and her husband Nathan experienced infant loss. Mollie went into a dark place. Compounding her loss, Mollie and Nathan didn't know how to grieve together and were distant from one another.
One night, as Mollie watched Nathan pray at the foot of her bed, she asked God to soften her heart.
Mollie awoke at 3am the next morning and knew what God was calling them to—Mollie and Nathan created a cemetery for babies and to help parents in their healing journey.
Listen to this healing podcast and be inspired to discover your divine purpose, too!
“I’m not supposed to feel like this, because I’m Catholic.”
Jeannie Ewing felt inept in her motherhood when she found out she was pregnant with her fifth child--she wondered why God didn’t just take her in her sleep.
Self-loathing consumed Jeannie as her thoughts intensified.
Then Jeannie was asked to speak to a group of cloistered nuns.
After the retreat, a couple of the nuns invited Jeannie to go with them to The Shrine of the Holy Innocents.
In this wisdom-packed podcast, hear how God transformed Jeannie's heart as she stood in the shrine.
Open your heart to God's invisible grace--let Him change you, too!
"You’ve been trained to heal my body physically as a nurse, but what I’m inviting you to do is heal my body spiritually as a missionary."
Christ spoke these words into Anna Hurd ’s heart when she was discerning what God was calling her to after completing her nursing degree.
Anna’s own life had already been transformed through FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) at Western Kentucky University.
Now God was calling Anna to be a FOCUS missionary herself.
Like nurses who go out to battlefields during war to care for the wounded, Anna could see how God was calling her to care for spiritually wounded students--Anna would invite college students into personal relationship with Christ and Catholic fellowship.
Listen to this inspiring story, as well as Anna's wisdom about how to help encourage your own teenage and young adult children in their faith.
As Tammi McCarthy sat at Mass and listened to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, God revealed to her that she was the person in the story she didn’t want to be: the older brother.
God whispered into Tammi's heart:
“You have sat at my banquet table for years and you have dined on my abundance, but you have never invited anyone to dine with you.”
Tammi made a commitment that day to invite others to prayer and relationship with Christ. Yet Tammi didn't know that even when her life became difficult, she would still be called to share the love of Christ with others.
Tammi would learn to "stand in the rain and profess God's faithfulness soaking wet."
Listen to this podcast and be inspired as you hear this story of God as the Way Maker!
Do you struggle with your body?
“The Catholic Fasting Coach” Beth Bubik understands and can help you.
As a child, Beth thought that her worthiness was tied to her weight. By the time she was in fifth grade she was dieting.
It wasn’t until Beth discovered spiritual fasting—fasting that incorporates both the body and soul—that she was transformed.
Beth knows we have to fast for a deep spiritual purpose in order for it to be life-changing.
Listen and discover how to care for both your body and soul.
“Stay alert and sober”
As Amy Cara heard these words while in church, she knew God was speaking directly to her.
Soon thereafter, Amy fell asleep early one evening after drinking and heard the distant cries of her toddler.
The next morning Amy flipped through the phone book and found Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
After nineteen years of sobriety, Amy has learned:
“We don’t need to live with these particular inclinations we may have that are outside of God’s will. There is help. God is the Restorer. He’s the Healer.”
Listen as Amy shares about addictions, stigmas, masks and ultimately the miraculous healing work of God. And learn about a whole new level of restoration God may just have in store for you.
Have you ever been blessed with a sense of peace that “was not of this world?”
This is what Ester Munt-Brooks experienced while in a Croatian hospital just miles from Bosnia. It was a Sunday, there was no doctor to be found and no one in Ester's family spoke the local language.
Yet Ester had a very sick child in need of emergency surgery.
In this moment of maternal desperation, hear how Ester accepted God's will with love.
Ester will never forget the following week with her family, as they divided their time between the hospital in Croatia and our Blessed Mother in Medjugorje.
Listen to this podcast and learn how to live according to God’s will.
While Ellie Hiller was raised in a beautiful home of faith and memorized Scripture, she wondered if her faith should be so much in her head. Something was missing.
Until God converted her heart.
When Ellie’s husband became Catholic and they lost their shared non-denominational practice, Ellie struggled. She armored herself in defensiveness and even listened to Matt Fradd’s podcast “Pints with Aquinas,” just so she could gain intellectual ammunition to defend her non-denominational viewpoints.
Only God changed her. Ellie was touched by Saint Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body, the Sacraments and physicality of the Catholic faith.
Listen to this joy-filled podcast and allow God to help you move out of your head and into your heart, too.
How does a Catholic woman become Planned Parenthood's "Employee of the Year?" And then later become what she termed its "Enemy of the Year?"
This is the life-story of Mayra Rodriguez, a teen immigrant groomed to believe she was helping women, even encouraging them to receive abortions without their husbands knowing.
From becoming director of an abortion facility to witnessing the horrific reality of abortion firsthand, Mayra faced the truth. Her heart changed.
But not before a bitter lawsuit with Planned Parenthood.
Listen to this inspiring podcast and pray for the gift of every human life!
Anne Trufant was sixteen and only went to Catholic summer camp to find the “cute boy in the room.”
However, when Anne finally got the chance to dance with the cutest boy at camp, she looked up and didn’t see the boy—she saw Jesus. This moment changed her life forever.
Anne went home and couldn’t get enough of what a seminarian referred to at camp as “Jesus’ Love Letter.” She soaked Scripture in daily and, about 50 years later, continues to do so.
Anne’s personal relationship with Christ has led her to create a home for women who are pregnant and in crisis, do missionary work in Kenya, establish a Catholic summer camp in North Carolina and develop an online ministry centered in the Bible.
Anne pours out Scripture passages embedded in her heart, personal stories of God’s supernatural blessing of peace and phenomenal mama wisdom in this inspiring podcast.
Learn all about Anne’s summer camp and ministry at themissiononthemountain.com.
When Kathy Schmugge found out her baby didn’t have a heartbeat at about twelve weeks, she went out to her car and cried “The Great Cry.” In that moment Kathy mourned her baby in her womb, as well as previous babies lost.
Kathy felt held--she knew she was in the arms of God.
Kathy offers grief support through the Office of Family Life in the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina. Yet what makes her work so effective is that Kathy is a living witness to how to navigate grief close to God.
Kathy says, "A lot of people run from grief. Do it the way you need to do it. But don’t run away from it."
In this joy-filled and inspiring podcast, Kathy shares specific pieces of advice to help you grieve in the way you most need to with God. From stories of pregnancy loss to elder care to the death of her parents, Kathy will bless you with understanding, healing and hope.
Learn more about Kathy's work at charlestondiocese.org.
Heidi Hess Saxton taught her children that their guardian angels only leave them once each week--it is during the Eucharist that they gather around the throne of Heaven and make their offerings of prayer.
Like our guardian angles, our lives are meant to be beautiful offerings to God.
In this podcast, listen to Heidi as she shares stories of her conversion and from her experience of motherhood, as well as wisdom that she has learned throughout her lifetime. (Heidi's children are all adopted and now adults!)
Learn how to open your heart to the merciful touch of Christ and make your life a beautiful offering.
Heidi’s newest book “Stories of the Eucharist: A Family Treasury of Saints and Seekers" is available now!
At 36 years old, Karen Gambino was surprised she felt like an orphan when she lost her mom--it was like she was missing a significant force in her life.
As Karen grieved, she sensed the importance of remembering and choosing to share the goodness of her mom with her family.
At first, Karen and her five sisters visited their mom's graveside. Soon all the family wanted to join in their annual ritual of remembrance.
In this moving podcast, hear how many generations gathered around Karen's mother's graveside on blankets, shared stories and sang songs to remember Karen's mother. As they raised their voices they discovered they were knit together eternally as family.
Listen and create a legacy of God's love in your family, too.
As twelve-year-old April Mascola sat in her school desk she wondered what things would be like when she got home. Her mom had gone away for psychiatric care—April was doing her very best to fill her mom’s shoes and care for her three younger siblings while her mom was gone.
While April’s family wasn’t praying or attending church during this time—or any of the first twelve years of April’s life—April was graced with a supernatural peace to persevere though this difficult season.
Hear how April’s mom was not only reunited with her husband and children months later, but also her Catholic faith. And how April’s mother began to share the gift of Our Blessed Mother with April.
In this podcast, learn how Mother Mary has continued to draw April close. On a trip to Medjugorje in 2011, April discovered A Holy Prescription of The Five Stones of Medjugorje. April prays the Rosary daily, fasts two times per week, attends Confession monthly, reads Holy Scripture daily and attends Mass weekly.
Listen and be inspired to make your own promises to Mary!
This podcast contains sensitive content, including discussion of suicide.
Lisa Morris stopped going to Reconciliation as a teenager. She figured she could just go to God herself.
Lisa now recognizes her turn away from God was the beginning of many choices that resulted in immense suffering, including an abortion, eating disorder, poor relationship with alcohol and divorce.
Lisa went to church on an impulse the morning she signed her divorce papers--she had a full circle moment when Confession was available and she attended about fifteen years after she stopped going.
Lisa was touched by the unfathomable mercy of God in the confessional and began a healing journey of the soul. Lisa wants you to know this gift is awaiting you, too.
Sue Simms got down on her knees and prayed in her hospital room. She awaited the test results revealing if her second daughter would have the same fatal birth defect she lost her first daughter to.
Sue told God that she trusted His plan and would follow—she just asked to know if her baby would live or die.
As soon as Sue stood from her time of prayer, the doctor returned to tell Sue that her baby girl was healthy and would go home with Sue and her husband.
Many years later, this baby would become a mama and experience the same heart-wrenching loss with her first baby as Sue did.
Grace-filled lessons abound in this story that captures the power of surrender, the gift of steadfast faith and the blessings of holy motherhood.
Listen and be filled with the extraordinary hope that only God can provide!
Rich Peluso was in a dark place in his early twenties--he was working a job that compromised his values and chisled away at who God created him to be.
While Rich was avoiding time alone with God in prayer, he desperately desired to reconnect.
One night as Rich laid in bed, he called out to God. And even though Rich was not ready to fully amend his life, God was faithful.
Days later Rich unfolded a newspaper that held a ceramic Christmas tree in his car--Rich never could have imagined the pages would hold the gift of new life for Rich. God would transform Rich's heart and provide him with a hope-filled future.
Listen to this final podcast in the Easter Series and behold an eternal perspective!
Elizabeth Blanke never could have imagined she’d be a young widow, on her own with three small children.
Elizabeth’s husband and high school sweetheart passed away unexpectedly from a sudden heart attack.
Hear how God guided Elizabeth one step at a time to face the unimaginable.
From planning the funeral to learning taxes to becoming the sole parent of their three children, Elizabeth leaned into God’s holy presence and supernatural provision—with God, she was able to attend to all the details while God attended to Elizabeth’s heart.
Listen to this newest podcast in the Mamas in Spirit Easter Series and know that all things are truly possible with God.
Ismael Fierro and his wife Vanessa prepared for three years--and even learned French--to move from Mexico to Canada. However, when the time came to go, Ismael's company didn't offer him a job in Canada--they unexpectedly invited him to work in Nashville, Tennessee.
Ismael learned to let go of his own plan and surrender to God's will. He prayed, “Let me be the person you dreamt of when you created me.”
Soon thereafter, Ismael, Vanessa and their two small children landed in the Nashville airport to create a home in a country they didn't know with a language they didn't speak. Ismael sensed God with him in a sacred moment he will never forget.
In this Easter podcast, be inspired as Ismael shares what “Thy Will be Done” in the Our Father means to him, as well as his love for Saint Joseph and the Surrender Novena.
May we, like Ismael, always invoke the Holy Spirit in prayer and surrender our lives to God's will.
Lorraine Hess was touring for her new album about glorifying God when she found out that her home had been severely damaged in a house fire.
After returning home she felt drawn to Adoration.
While there, she heard God ask her, “Can you glorify me while you are carrying a cross?”
In this Easter podcast, hear how Lorraine was committed to glorifying God throughout the 20 months her family was displaced while fixing their home.
God sharpened Lorraine to stay in gratitude and recognize how people were watching her living witness.
Hear Lorraine sing about this experience in her song “A Heart That’s Been Purified” at the end of the podcast, and learn more about her at lorrainehess.com.
“I’m here for a change of heart.”
Don Weller spoke these words as he began the intake process for his heart transplant surgery.
When Don woke up from the surgery, the doctor handed him a stethoscope and Don listened to his replacement heart's beat for the first time. A little while later, his wife Barb, their son and two daughters were able to do the same.
But Don wasn't the only one in the hospital room receiving the miraculous gift of new life that day. As Don and Barb’s daughters listened to Don’s new heart, two tiny hearts were beating within them—they were both pregnant.
Don and Barb never could have imagined the gift of new life for Don and their new grandchildren. Listen to this Easter podcast and imagine what may seem impossible for your life, too!
There was silence in the delivery room when Jessica Cox was born—Jessica’s parents and the doctors were stunned to see she was born without arms.
As Jessica’s father held her that morning, a stranger approached and said how special he and Jessica's mom must be to bless them with Jessica-- Jessica's parents not only remembered their faith that morning, but they shared it with Jessica.
Jessica, in turn, has been blessed with supernatural perseverance and determination in her lifetime.
Be inspired in this Easter podcast as Jessica shares almost unimaginable achievements (like Guinness World Record: The Only Pilot to Fly With Their Feet), as well as the moment she gave Pope Benedict her Guinness medal.
Jessica has spent her life swimming, surfing, scuba diving, doing Taekwondo and flying planes. All things truly are possible with God.
Immaculée Ilibagiza followed her father’s instructions and ran to her neighbor’s house to hide at the start of the Rwandan genocide. She spent the next three months huddled in a tiny bathroom with seven other women, while extremist members of another tribe tried to find and kill them.
It was in this bathroom that Immaculée gave her heart to God and began to pray in a way she never had before—as she recited the words of the Rosary, peace veiled and healed her from the anger and fear that otherwise consumed her.
When Immaculée finally left the bathroom at the end of the genocide, she learned that her parents, grandparents, siblings, 950 schoolmates and so many more had been murdered.
While Immaculée cried out for her loved ones, she sensed God holding her tight and telling her that her journey on Earth was not over. While her family was in heaven, she still had a mission.
Since that moment thirty years ago, Immaculée continues to wake up every day and ask the same question that echoed in her heart so long ago: How much can you love with what God has given you?
In this Easter podcast, learn that love is everything.
On Holy Thursday Sister Gianna Junker, a Nashville Dominican, had a conversion of heart in which she learned to accept suffering and discovered what she grappled with most.
“I am my suffering. I am my biggest cross.”
While Sister Gianna, like all of us, found it easy to blame her suffering on other people and circumstances in her life, she realized that the person who most needed healing was her.
As Sister Gianna accepted her own interior struggle she learned a profound lesson: when we sit in a place where we can be in our own weakness and cry out to God, that is when he can reveal his love.
Sometimes we are forced to feel dependent, humiliated or weak--this can be incredibly uncomfortable. Yet, if we can experience these interior struggles to the point of throwing ourselves into the arms of Christ and confessing our full dependence on him, it is then we can receive the gifts of healing and joy.
We must get out of the way and let God work.
Tim Forbes scored a goal at his college lacrosse game and looked up to see who was cheering loudly--Tim will never forget spotting his friend, Santis, as well as a young, homeless man they had befriended, James.
Tim learned "radical empathy" through his encounters with James.
Tim was touched by James' humanity and saw Christ residing in him--James also ministered to Tim.
Through this experience in his young adulthood, coupled with many years of ministry and a career in Catholic school administration, God has taught Tim to practice empathy with those he serves, as well as those he disagrees or struggles with.
Tim senses God's call to hope and serve in all circumstances--he is now working at the Judge Dinkins Educational Center, which "provides juvenile vocational training in Davidson County for adolescents who might be at risk or engaged with the juvenile or criminal justice system. The Center’s programs are supported by social and emotional learning and focused on sustainable, hands-on education for long-term employment." Learn more at jdecnash.org.
Susan Skinner discovered she had the gift of discernment of spirits.
Susan’s son had slept over at his friend's home before, but this time Susan felt uneasy; she said yes to playing during the day, but no to the overnight invitation.
Susan dropped her son off and chatted with the friend’s mom, Veronica, in her living room. The next day, Veronica was murdered right where she and Susan had been standing about 12 hours earlier.
Susan's suffering consumed her as she grappled to understand how a loving God could ever let this happen.
Learn how God met Susan as she lay in tears on her bathroom floor. As God's whispered into Susan's heart, she began to heal and love in ways she never knew possible.
Listen to this Lenten podcast and deepen your relationship with Christ, The Face of Mercy.
Screenwriter Rod Barr shares how God had a plan for Mother Francesca Cabrini that was not her own.
At the turn of the 20th century, the dream of a better life inspired Italian immigrants to journey to America. Tragically, most found themselves among the poorest of the poor and even homeless--including the children.
While Mother Cabrini had committed her heart to ministry in China, Pope Leo XIII directed her to help these immigrants where they had landed in New York City.
While many build empires for themselves, Saint Frances Cabrini built one for God.
In this Lenten podcast, hear how Saint Cabrini's revolutionary heart for Christ changed Rod's own heart to create this film about The First American Saint. Learn about this nun of supernatural faith, determination and perseverance--and allow her life to change yours.
Go see the movie Cabrini in a theater near you beginning Friday, March 8th!
The dawn of each day is a precious time for Megan Nix--her youngest daughter was born at the start of a new day and her beloved mother later went home to God in the early morning hours.
Megan came to learn that not only was dawn the start of these soul-touching days, but also new seasons in her life. Seasons in which Megan would come to know the depth of grief and boundlessness of love.
Megan's daughter was was born into silence due to deafness caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). Megan's heart was met with great sorrow as she processed the impact, learned the avoidable cause she was never told about and advocated for her daughter.
Megan discovered Aquinas’ Remedies for Sorrow as she attended to her grief. Listen as Megan weaves personal stories of sorrow and healing with Aquinas’ Remedies for Sorrow.
Learn more about Megan and her book “Remedies for Sorrow: An Extraordinary Child, a Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother's Pursuit of the Truth” at megannix.com.
As a young girl, Tara Nowell began to believe the lie that she couldn’t depend on anyone but herself. Eventually, this became anyone but herself and “the bottle.”
Even when she was at her rock bottom with alcoholism, Tara did not deny God’s existence--she just wanted Him to leave her alone.
Yet through the love of Christ and her beloved parents, God pursued Tara. After years of denial and resistance, Tara entered a Catholic Healing Center Cenacolo and God began to chisel away at Tara's hardened heart.
While Tara wanted to leave Cenacolo, she took the advice of a woman who encouraged her to stay until a miracle happened. Tara did just this.
Listen to this inspiring podcast and know that your miracle can happen, too!
Our Church family is divided. Yet Christ calls us to communion in Him.
In this Lenten podcast, Chaplain Fr. Jon Meyer and host Lindy Wynne explore how the division in our Catholic Church increases our sense of unhealthy suspicion and harms our capacity to love as we are called.
In life there is a healthy, intuitive suspicion we are blessed with that helps to keep us and our children safe. At the same time, there is a suspicion that is not of God and divides us even as we are called to be unified in Christ.
This Lent let's invite Christ to help us sift through our suspicion and heal what is not of Him. May we grow in trust and become one body in Christ!
Go to mamasinspirit.com to subscribe.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas!
Mamas in Spirit Season 6 will begin on Thursday, February 15th with the Lenten Series.
Host Lindy Wynne will be doing a virtual Lenten Plan for Catholic Moms with John Bosio on Fridays at 11am CST during Lent 2024. Go to mamasinspirit.com and enter your email to get more information.
Can't wait to be with you for Season 6! May God bless you and yours, always.
Merry Christmas!
By the time Kathy Tankersley was 23 years old, she was a single mom of five children.
Kathy vividly remembers being in church and praying on her knees for a someone she could truly trust and confide in. Then she met Rex Tankersley.
The day after their weekend honeymoon, Rex sat her five children down and asked them if they wanted him to be their dad. The children responded with a resounding "Yes!"
The children are now grown and have children of their own. Rex has also passed and Kathy reflects on why she says:
Don't feel sorry for me, because I have been so loved.
Listen to this Advent podcast and allow Kathy's gift of storytelling open your heart to the wondrous gift of God's love.
"In her life, Lord, be glorified."
These are the words Courtney Siebring sang as she cuddled and prayed over the baby girl Courtney and her husband were fostering.
Courtney had experienced infertility and longed to be a mother more than anything--yet the department of social services told Courtney and her husband they would not be keeping the baby girl that they already loved so dearly.
Courtney learned the meaning of "Thy will be done" in a way she never had before.
What unfolded was completely unexpected and clearly God's plan: Courtney and her husband learned this baby would become their daughter through adoption.
Listen to this Advent podcast and be inspired to loosen control in your life, offer your very heart to the Lord and experience the peace and joy that can only come from Christ.
Courtney is the author of Little Spark of Life: A Celebration of Born and Preborn Human Life. Learn more at www.littlesparkoflifebook.com.
"You know who's going to have to do this."
The words Brenda's Hauk's husband spoke penetrated her heart--she knew she was called by God to something so much bigger than herself.
Even though Brenda was frightened, she said "yes" to a plan that was clearly not her own.
Brenda started BrightStone, a comprehensive work, social support, and residential community for adults with special needs, expanding their potential and helping them develop mentally, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Let Brenda's "yes" and the tremendous blessing that has come from it inspire your own fiat in this Advent podcast.
Learn more at brightstone.org.
When Fr. Ed Steiner was just 5 years old, there was a knock on his front door during supper. Fr. Ed excitedly ran to see who it was. What he found he never could have imagined.
It was Santa Claus!
To the day Fr. Ed still finds himself stirred with a similar sense of awe he experienced that very moment he saw Santa as a young boy. Yet Fr. Ed recognizes what he is really waiting for is the coming of Christ.
In this Advent podcast Fr. Ed reflects on our need to remember why Christ came—and how the true meaning of Christmas fills our hearts and homes during this special time of year.
Let us strive to make awe-filled memories and practice the Gospel with our loved ones this Advent Season.
Be charmed by Ted and Catherine Wynne as they share their gratitude to God and advice to listeners after 50 years of marriage.
Host Lindy Wynne has a heartfelt conversation with her parents-in-law as they reveal the trust and companionship they are blessed to have with one another.
From Catherine’s ’69 Camaro to Ted’s love of football, hear how they revel in both the little and big moments. Their lives are blessed with profound meaning as they companion one another in both the good and difficult times of life.
Let your heart be wrapped in the gift of family this Thanksgiving season.
The table is turned on Host Lindy Wynne, as Chaplain Fr. Jon Meyer asks Lindy about womanhood and what it means to be a woman.
Lindy explores the gift of womanhood and meaning of Saint Edith Stein's words, "The woman's soul is fashioned as a shelter in which other souls may unfold."
When Lindy was twenty-one and volunteering at an orphanage in Tijuana, she met and developed a maternal love for a young boy named Coco. Coco began calling Lindy "mama." It broke Lindy's heart to have to leave Coco, yet simultaneously revealed God's call for Lindy to be a spiritual mother and shelter souls through adoption.
Womanhood is a complete self-gift in which a woman surrenders her heart for the sake of Love Itself.
Lindy has witnessed such mercy, love and compassion in other women. The gift of a woman is her feminine heart and ability to shelter other souls in a way that hopefully moves others to do the same.
After Kristi Bentley experienced pregnancy loss with her first baby, she wondered how something so beautiful could be given and then taken away from her.
Kristi now sees how the hand of God was at work in her life all those years ago.
Kristi’s loss led to a deep understanding of the precious gift of life. While mourning her first child she promised to be open to all the children God might bless her and her husband Patrick with. Seven children and countless prayers later, Kristi shares personal stories about Our Lady of Fatima, many Saints and the “kiss of God.”
Be inspired by Kristi’s openness to life even when others don’t understand—Kristi’s pure heart encourages us to notice all the ways we may experience the kiss of God, too.
The moment Ryan Penney hit the water his life and heart were forever changed.
Ryan was on a performing arts scholarship at Samford University and about to begin his first professional acting job. While on a trip Ryan jumped into a lake off of a high cliff. Ryan landed wrong, broke his back and was immediately paralyzed—doctors said that Ryan would never walk again.
While Ryan wasn’t praying or engaging in the Sacraments at the time of his accident, he cried out to God in the hospital. Somewhere deep within him there was a powerful seed of God's hope—Ryan knew he would walk again.
While Ryan’s body is not the same as it was before the accident, neither are his heart or his life. Hear how Ryan has given his life to God, and learned how saving people is much more important than entertaining them.
Mary Margaret Lambert vividly remembers chatting with her dad while he painted a ceramic frog the night before she lost him.
The next day Mary Margaret was devastated to learn her father and his wife died in the Nashville flood of 2010.
Little did Mary Margaret realize that the frog her father held in his hands would come to mean so much--F.R.O.G. means "Fully Rely on God."
Mary Margaret struggled with grief and got tired of hurting. She sought the Lord through writing and help through counseling to heal her broken heart.
The ceramic frog sits on Mary Margaret’s porch to this day, reminding her of her beloved father and our eternal reliance on God.
John Bosio and his wife share a love story worthy of a movie.
In the 1960s, eleven-year-old John entered pre-seminary in Italy. Meanwhile, an American girl from a military family was praying for him in a school chapel in Thailand--she and her friend would run into the chapel during recess to pray for their future spouses every day.
After fifty years of marriage John knows he and his beautiful wife are on the last leg of their pilgrimage together on Earth.
Since his wife no longer has memories, John creates precious moments with her each day.
It is critical to John that his wife knows she comes first. After authoring numerous books on marriage and family life and leading countless retreats, John has stepped away to care for his beloved.
John shares timeless wisdom in this podcast that will touch your soul by his witness to true love.
When Emily and her husband went to a routine sonogram appointment seventeen weeks into her pregnancy, the technician struggled to find a heartbeat.
They were told they’d have to wait two hours for an ultrasound technician to take a closer look in the hope their baby was okay.
Emily knew she needed to go somewhere she felt safe—they were close to The Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville. Emily and her husband headed to the noon Mass to wait.
While Emily felt wrapped in the sacredness of the Mass, she also was overwhelmed with worry and sorrow. Deep down she knew there would be no heartbeat as she prayed the Angelus “Be it done to me according to Thy word.”
Once it was confirmed the baby had no heartbeat, Emily knew she would deliver baby John David. She and her husband wanted to hold him.
Hear how God sought Emily through sorrow as she experienced His consolation and call to help others heal from sorrow.
“This is a story God wrote.”
God planted a seed in Kim's young heart to accompany and care for the sick and dying as an adult.
Kim was raised in a family in which the members surrounded one another in all the joys and sorrows of life, including death. She didn't realize until adulthood that this was not every person's experience.
As a hospice nurse it broke Kim's heart that there were so many people poor and dying who had nowhere to go.
With the help of Saint Edward Church in Nashville, TN and others who shared in her desire to help the poor and dying, Kim created "The Heart of Mary House" to love God's children during their final days as Our Blessed Mother would want.
“Just take a step. Don’t worry about the next step. Just take one step towards healing.”
This is Melissa Maleski’s advice, mirroring her experience when her anxiety and depression reached a breaking point almost two decades ago. Melissa found herself hyperventilating with a panic attack on her shower floor.
God spoke into the quiet of Melissa’s heart—Melissa realized she didn’t have to live like that anymore.
Melissa chose to be vulnerable, share with loved ones and seek professional support.
Melissa is amazed by how she has received blessing upon blessing from God since she sought help so many years ago--Melissa wants the same for you and any of your loved ones struggling with their mental health.
When Rosemary Thérèse Robinson (affectionately known as “Rosie") was diagnosed with childhood cancer, her five older siblings returned home to support her. Little did they know that Rosie would not only carry her own cross of suffering, but would help carry theirs and their parents' crosses, as well.
Rosie never complained. She laughed and loved with her family and retreated to the quiet of her bedroom when in pain. She also wrote letters to God.
These letters were so filled with the faith and joy reminiscent of Saint Thérèse that they moved the heart of a local Dominican nun to nickname Rosie “The Little Flower of Nashville.”
Listen to Rosie’s sister Hayley share about the gift of Rosie, as well as the witness of her parents as they accompanied their beloved daughter as she prepared to go home to Jesus at just 19.
This is a witness of the bonds of a family deeply rooted in prayer, faith and the supernatural love of God. But it is most of all the story of a young girl who reflected Our Blessed Mother as she said, “Let it be done to me according to thy word.”
Joy Pinto lives for the "audience of one" every day--she lives for Christ.
At 48 Joy was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. As she faced her painful illness and mortality, her faith was tested in a way she would never change.
One day Joy was in bed for 17 hours and she asked God when the "fire" would be over. God responded, "When you can dance with me in the fire." Joy got up from bed and slowly danced with Jesus.
This intimacy with Christ and the conviction of her belief has continued to carry Joy and helped her to share her love of God with others.
Joy shares this love through her work with Her Choice Birmingham Women's Center and the At Home with Jim and Joy show on EWTN, as well as personally with her home parish, friends and family.
Holly was raised in a wonderful Catholic family. Her chastity was of prime importance to her.
When Holly went away to college and attended Mass, she noticed there weren’t many college students there. Holly fell away from the Sacraments.
Holly learned “when we fall away from the Sacraments we stop receiving the graces that help us make good choices.”
Holly met a guy she thought she could fix. He was handsome, charming…all the things.
Just a few months Into their relationship Holly was pregnant. Soon thereafter she became a single mom.
In addition to carrying her precious son, Holly was carrying unforgiveness in her heart. Hear Holly’s story of God’s forgiveness and redemption—she describes it as “beauty from ashes.”
Holly says, “We can still make a beautiful offering from the mess, we just have to be open to it."
Kayce Maddux lost her sister when she was in third grade. In their suffering, Kayce's family stopped going to church for a time. Yet God met Kayce right where she was at in the intimacy of her heart and backyard of her home.
Jesus became Kayce's very best friend.
Kayce continued to seek God throughout her adolescence and was blessed to meet her husband at a young age--she was surprised when they sat atop a lifeguard tower and talked about their passionate love of God during their first full conversation.
Kayce converted to Catholicism to get married to her husband in the Church. Kayce talks about how God works through all things, met her as a young bride and drew her closer than she had ever been before.
Kayce continues grow close to God through the Sacraments and prayers she has been blessed with in the Catholic Church.
Kayce recognizes how God draws us near every day in all things. She recognizes the sacred balance between having Catholic friendships centered in the Lord, while also being surrounded with those different from her to discover God more fully and stay ignited with the fire of His love.
For many years Natalie Hanemann's prayer life was one of routine and came from a place of obedience. But her heart longed for more. Natalie was struck when she heard about "the interior life," as well as Saint Catherine of Sienna's words about the “interior cell.”
At around the same time Natalie's family was experiencing significant brokenness--this inspired Natalie to seek God with all her heart and soul.
Natalie's heart was opened and soul touched as she found God in everything, from Adoration to hikes to runs in nature.
Natalie realized she had been trying to fix her family herself. She discovered Christ walking with her and not only offering to carry her "backpack of burdens," but holding her hand as she proceeded forward in these relationships that mattered most.
Natalie experienced profound healing and sharpening--she was healed from a judgemental spirit and learned to be more loving and merciful.
Natalie wants listeners to know that God is speaking intimately and personally to each of us. May we seek God with all of our hearts.
Natalie is an editor and ghostwriter. Learn more at nataliehanemann.com.
“Maybe God doesn’t have anybody for you or God has called you to be single."
These were the types of heartbreaking responses Julieanne Bartlett heard from loved ones when she was struggling with prolonged singleness.
Yet, Julieanne knew God was calling her to the Vocation of marriage and discovered she needed to let God work outside the box for her—nothing was going to go the “perfect way” or “the perfect Catholic way.”
Julieanne chose to put herself out there in spite of her fear of rejection, especially in regards to her weight (she had always struggled with this). She was willing to face rejection, because Julieanne wanted marriage more than she wanted to protect herself.
Julieanne's greatest hope came true and she met and married her husband at 42. Julieanne continues to experience God's profound healing and hope within her marriage.
We have to stay open to the way that God may get us to our dreams.
Dr. Cynthia Stewart grew up in Vidor, Texas. Vidor has historically been known as one of the last “sundown towns” in the United States.
Cynthia discovered very young that people are complex--people carry within them the spark of God, as well as the ability to be so perfectly against what God tells us at the same time. No one is beyond the love of God and no one is perfectly what God envisions.
Cynthia has spent a number of years as a volunteer, chaplain and employee in prison ministry. Cynthia came to understand that she has been working out what she experienced in her family history and childhood community—prison ministry has been a way for her to “give something back.”
Cynthia wants listeners to understand that "every single person in prison is a beautiful child of God."
Rainer Lowman and her husband Mitch put their hearts on the line for God--they adopted three children with special medical needs from China.
Each time Rainer and Mitch sat down to discern their adoptions they would ask themselves how God had equipped them to potentially help a child and what their lives would look like if they said “yes.”
Rainer talks about the call to adoption and the beauty of the "yes." Rainer has had to turn to and depend on God in ways she never could have imagined—she says there is no where she would rather be than in full surrender and total need of Jesus.
Rainer reminds us that God always offers us, "a fresh cup of hope."
Rainer founded “Hearts Together Nashville,” a ministry for foster and adoptive moms to gather monthly to share, support and provide resources. You can reach out to Rainer to learn more at rlowman1100@yahoo.com.
Beth had all the cards stacked up against her as a child--both parents struggled with drug addiction, she spent time in foster care and was the victim of abuse.
Beth developed her own cocaine addiction by the time she was an adult and has spent most of her adulthood in and out of jail and halfway homes.
Yet something profound unfolded the last time Beth was in jail--she was ministered to by Tennessee Prison Ministry (TPOM) and felt like the hands of Christ reached into jail to save her.
Beth is now a client of TPOM outside of jail and is working on rehabilitating her life. Holy scripture and the words of people loving into Beth are helping her to discover her dignity and value as a person. Beth is on fire with the love of God and is called to share this message of hope with others.
TPOM strives to transform life behind bars, trade recidivism for restoration and end generational incarceration. You can learn more at https://www.tpom.org/.
Two of Juliana Stachurski's boys needed service hours for school. Juliana found the perfect non-profit to take them one Saturday that would meet the exact requirement, so they could check it of their list and be done. Little did Juliana know that her life would be forever changed.
Juliana is now on the board of One Generation Away after joining the team every Saturday to distribute food since 2016. She shares stories of heartbreaking joy and the clear call to serve (and receive abundantly in return).
Juliana encourages listeners to do "praise in action" and be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Serving another is always a good thing and invites the Holy Spirit to transform and work through us.
One Generation Away helps remove food insecurity through food rescue, food distribution and disaster relief. They pick up good, unexpired food and redistrubute it to families in need. Their vision is "to wipe hunger off the face of America by teaching people to love one another through service." Learn more at: https://onegenaway.com.
Dorris Walker-Taylor is a survivor of sexual exploitation and addiction, as well as a graduate and now employee of the program that helped save her, Thistle Farms. Dorris landed at Thistle Farms after twenty-six years of addiction. She attributes the women at Thistle Farms for loving her back to life.
Dorris grew up with her parents in a lovely neighborhood where everyone knew each other. When she was twelve her world shattered—a troubled family member severely injured her mother and killed her father.
Dorris tried to numb her feelings through marijuana. Once marijuana didn’t have the same effect, she started using cocaine. Dorris was addicted to cocaine, lived on the streets of Nashville and was in and out of jail by the time she was an adult.
Dorris talks of her mom’s home as a praying home. When Dorris returned home at her mother's request to sing in a choir reunion. Dorris obliged and sang, "You're Looking at a Miracle" by Lemmie Battles.
Dorris had no idea that her mother's prayers, coupled with this request for her to sing, would change her life just as the song said: miraculously.
The tagline of Thistle Farms is “Love Heals” and they believe love is the most powerful force for change in the world. Thistle Farms was founded in 1997 by Becca Stevens and helps rescue women from human trafficking, sexual exploitation, addiction and abuse.
When Chaplain Fr. Jon Meyer was about to be ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, he was interviewed regarding his Vocation. One of the things he said has often been quoted from that interview:
“Priests need families and families need priests.”
Marriage and Holy Orders are Vocational Sacraments--both are are lifestyles rooted in Christ and expressed in different ways.
They share a call to holiness, love and total self gift.
May we create relationships with the priests in our churches and diocese that fortify and enrich one another's vocations.
Andrea Bear felt paralyzed by grief when her mom passed away five years ago. She refers to this loss as an unplaced love that never goes away.
Andrea has always been a "doer" but discovered there was nothing she could do to escape missing her beloved mother. Andrea listened as God drew her into prayer and to just "being" with Him.
Andrea has experienced profound healing from God through prayer. She refers to this purification as "life-changing" and "a turning point" in her life.
Andrea is the author of “The Grieving Daughter’s Club" and will soon be starting a new podcast called "Mourning Glory."
Tara Roof was recovering from a hysterectomy and living paycheck to paycheck when she was invited on a mission trip to China. She learned how many children with special needs filled the orphanages—she was heartbroken and drawn to go.
Tara was told she would offer her professional services as a Speech Pathologist to the children. While Tara never rendered these services, God planted a seed that would change her and her family's lives forever.
When Tara returned to America from China she prayed and asked God what He wanted from her. God answered clearly that He wanted Tara and her husband to adopt a ten-year-old boy with Down Syndrome who was affectionately named, “The Mayor.”
While Tara describes herself as someone who is Type A and likes to be in control, God has transformed her heart and helped her loosen her grip. This has enabled Tara to love more fully than she ever could have imagined.
Five-year-old Frank sat on the steps of his parents' home and couldn't wait to drink like the adults he was watching.
From 16 to 60 alcohol consumed Frank's life--it was an obsession of his mind. Frank would wake up each morning recovering from the night before, eat mid-day and spend the afternoons functioning until he could finally be drinking again.
At sixty Frank found himself hospitalized when he was visiting Memphis, TN. The doctors were concerned he may have a heart problem and required he drive back to Nashville, TN in an ambulance.
Frank's wife trailed the ambulance for three hours of his journey back to Nashville--Frank recounts how the look in her eyes moved from contempt to pity. He couldn't take the look of pity and it broke open his heart.
Frank asked for help that day and has remained sober due to his daily dependence on God for thirteen years. Frank tells listeners that while we may give up on ourselves, God never gives up on us. Frank is now happier than he ever imagined possible.
The day they broke up, Brian handed Lindy a Bible. With both moving away, it was a moment drenched in emotion and laced with countless unknowns.
It’s jacket now well-worn, its pages heavily noted and highlighted, “The Breakup Bible” proved to be a cornerstone for both Lindy’s faith-journey and Brian and Lindy’s relationship.
In this week’s podcast, Brian and Lindy share how God helped them climb out of the mess they made and firmly root their marriage in Him.
Hear about how a journey of loss, heartbreak and separation led to redemption and commitment. And how a breakup gift became a prized possession.
Every marriage has its brokenness that may seem unfixable. Yet God is hope and offers miraculous healing.
Brian Muha and his beloved friend Aaron were randomly and brutally murdered on May 31st, 1999. Two eighteen-year-olds high on cocaine broke into their college apartment, kidnapped and killed them.
In this podcast Brian’s mom Rachel Muha shares her journey of learning the meaning of forgiveness--she prays daily for Terrell and Nathan, the boys who killed Brian (they are incarcerated).
Rachel attended the court proceedings and learned more about Terrell and Nathan--the boys "were so damaged, because they weren’t loved.”
Rachel felt God's call to care for inner-city children.
Rachel founded The Brian Muha and Run the Race Foundations in Columbus, Ohio in honor of her son, Brian. Rachel spends her days with inner-city children of Columbus, Ohio providing basic needs and sharing the presence, joy and mercy of Christ.
Rachel encourages listeners to open their hearts, forgive and ask for forgiveness—this is a great weapon against darkness. She says, "when we forgive, God gives back a thousand times more."
To donate or volunteer go to brianmuhafoundation.org.
"Have confident expectation of God."
When Michelle McCallum's mom spoke these words many years ago, Michelle had no idea they would hold such profound meaning for her when two of her own children were diagnosed with chronic illness (both with rare liver diseases and one with Crohn's Disease).
In this Easter podcast, Michelle talks about her choice to trust God--Michelle recognizes she has very little control over her life or the lives of her children and surrenders everything to Him.
Michelle shares how having a heart of gratitude, being real about both the difficulty and blessings of her everyday life and trusting God's abiding presence helps her to live in the peace and joy only God can give.
Lisa Canning is a Catholic wife, mother and business woman who seems to be able to do it all.
Yet Lisa shares that doing it all herself is impossible--for this "Possibility Mom" all things are only possible with God.
In this Easter Podcast, Lisa shares how she is constantly being sharpened as she re-surrenders her life, business and plans over to God and trusts in a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
One of the greatest gifts Lisa has learned is to loosen her grip of control and open her heart to being loved in ways she never could have imagined.
Creating and maintaining healthy sisterhood in Christ is essential to our walk as women of faith.
In this Easter podcast, Emily Jaminet and Jennifer Gentile explore The Woman at the Well and the truths this parable has uncovered in their lives.
Before creating holy sisterhood, we must first go to Christ individually for Living Water. Once we understand that we are seen and loved by Christ--and know our identity as daughters of God--we can develop the kind of sisterhood God hopes for us.
Come gather at The Well with host Lindy, Jennifer and Emily and discover the glorious blessing of sisterhood in Christ.
Learn how to give your life away like Christ and live in the profound freedom and joy of the Lord.
In this Easter podcast, Chaplain Father Jon Meyer and Lindy Wynne share personal stories about their experiences of dying to self and discovering the supernatural love of God. Father Jon explores his call into priesthood, while Lindy speaks of the ways she has been sharpened as a mother (Lindy is a mother through adoption and two of her children have special needs).
We are called to self-gift in both our Vocational calls, as well as little dyings to self in our daily lives. May we be emptied of ourselves so that God can fill us with just what we need to love beyond measure.
Rachel's husband was going to leave here and take their children with him. While Rachel had been deceiving her husband and hiding the extent of her drinking for some time, her recent car accident couldn't be explained away. She was caught.
In this Easter podcast, Rachel looks back on this moment as a gift from God--this was the "rock bottom" she needed to finally get help.
As Rachel engaged in the work needed to become and maintain sobriety, she discovered a greater joy than she could have ever imagined possible.
Rachel has been an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for five years.
Jennifer Orton of Our Next first heard the voice of the Holy Spirit when she stepped on foreign soil in Kisumu, Kenya and discovered a mission for her life.
In this Easter podcast, Jennifer shares how she was drawn to Africa to do mission work with orphaned and impoverished children after experiencing a miscarriage--she returned from Kisumu, Kenya with a passion for Christ that was sewn in her heart during her time in "the bush."
Jennifer not only took on a leadership role doing mission work, but also discovered spiritual motherhood—she and her husband, Chris have spiritually adopted and provided for their son Regan who resides with his grandmother in Africa.
Jennifer is the President of Our Next Ministry. Our Next provides education for 450 primary and 150 secondary students, as well as employment for 50 staff members. Jennifer knows that education provides hope and future for the children she so dearly loves.
Learn how to look for God's joy in your life every day!
Deacon John Froning of Saint Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, TN is filled with the joy of the Lord.
In this Easter podcast, Deacon John shares stories from his time as a chaplain that helped him learn the gifts of presence and listening, as well as how to trust fully in the promise of Heaven.
Deacon John shares how our lives are filled with little triduums (Good Fridays and Easter Sundays). We must always trust in times of trial that God's redemption is coming.
Kathy McLeroy of Celebrating the Saints thinks her life could seem sad at first glance--she has lived through four serious illnesses and corresponding treatments over many decades. Kathy had Hodgkins Disease at twenty-one, breast cancer at forty-one, a massive heart attack at forty-six and now metastasized breast cancer.
While Kathy has faced these trials, she speaks to the wonderful life she has lived due to her faith in God and love of others.
Kathy trusts that when it is her time God will bring her home. Kathy is not afraid of dying; it is most difficult to leave her family.
There is no promise for any of us that we will have tomorrow. Kathy encourages listeners to treat each day as precious and live intentionally with those they love.
Erin McCole Cupp shares her journey with food addiction--she began using food as her primary coping mechanism in dealing with childhood trauma.
Erin experienced profound healing through Catholics in Recovery and JP II’s Theology of the Body. It was then that Erin began to reach for relationships rather than food.
In addition to her own food addiction, Erin explores the many things we reach for compulsively that lead to isolation. Erin encourages us to reach to God and safe relationships to satiate the deepest needs of connection that God designed us for.
Erin’s great personal healing has also had a positive impact on her relationships with her family—Erin focuses on engaging in quality time and communication with those she loves.
You can reach Erin at erinmccolecupp.com and learn all about her program, Filled with Good.
Michael and Alicia Hernon of The Messy Family Project share how to reconnect with your spouse--even when you are feeling like you have no idea how to be close again.
In this Lenten Podcast, Mike and Alicia explore the choice to be vulnerable with one another, even when they are upset with one another or feeling particularly far apart. Vulnerability is the key ingredient to transformation in marriage.
Love is a choice to be true to one another in every moment and season of a marriage--Mike and Alicia talk about turning to God in prayer and asking for exactly what is needed to heal difficult circumstances and aspects of your relationship with your spouse.
Elaine Drabik was rushed to the hospital after an unexpected seizure. Unknowingly, she had a virus resulting in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that left Elaine's family uncertain if she would survive.
Elaine and her family were blessed with a miracle. While doctors were uncertain if Elaine would ever be well enough to go home, Elaine miraculously returned home on her youngest child's first birthday. She'd healed more than her doctors had even hoped.
In this Lenten podcast, Elaine shares about the months of recovery in which she spent most of the time alone sleeping and resting due to severe headaches. Throughout these long months Elaine clung to Scripture, as well as the word she heard God speak to her in the hospital: "Okay." Somehow, Elaine knew she would be "okay."
Hear Elaine share how God transformed her heart throughout this tremendous trial.
As Carol Berry of Celebrating the Saints sat in the silence of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, she felt drawn to an image of a woman she affectionately named "My Girl."
Soon before being initiated into the Catholic Church, Carol learned "Her Girl" was Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Carol discovered a peace that could only be of God as she faced what seemed to be an insurmountable trial: two children suffering from addiction. Tragically, she lost her daughter to addiction last year and experienced God's profound mercy.
Carol created Restoring Women’s Outreach, a 12-step based residential sober living program for women who are in search of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Carol works at St. Bernard’s Abbey in Cullman, Alabama and loves being on “monk time.”
Kendra Tierney's husband, Jim was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma sixteen years before he passed away last summer. Kendra faced great ambiguity beginning the day Jim was first diagnosed--that very morning Kendra chose to "wait to worry."
God carried and consoled Kendra each day as she trusted in the Lord and radically surrendered to His plan, rather than her own.
The rich tradition, prayers and Sacraments of our Catholic faith blessed Kendra as she prepared Jim for Heaven, processed all that was unfolding and walked with her children (ages 3-19) through the passing of their father.
Kendra shares intimate moments she witnessed God at work: Jim's last conversation before dying was "a good Confession" and the final thing he saw and ate was the Eucharist.
Kendra is a Catholic homemaker, homeschooler and mother of ten children. She created Catholic All Year (CAY) to use food, prayer, and conversation based around the liturgical calendar to share the lives of the saints and the beautiful truths and traditions of our Catholic faith.
Are you struggling to accept the crosses you carry? This Lenten podcast explores how difficult it can be to face long-term suffering due to circumstances such as death, addiction, broken relationships, illness, mental illness and more.
Father Jon Meyer (Chaplain) and Lindy Wynne (Host) delve into Luke 22:42 when Jesus asks God, "if you are willing, take this cup away from me."
We all have "cups of suffering" we want taken away. Father Jon and Lindy share situations in their own lives that left them wondering how they could possibly get through.
Yet they have learned through their suffering that when we open our hearts, surrender to the will of God and trust Jesus fully that God touches and transforms us with the completeness of His love.
Lindy's youngest daughter and three small friends join Lindy to wish you a Merry Christmas! Listen and let these girls ages eight, six, four and two delight your heart.
In this Advent podcast, Fr. Jon Meyer and Lindy Wynne explore how to meet and love others where they are.
Fr. Jon and Lindy talk about self-awareness of one's own internal experience, as well as personal intimacy with God. Loving and meeting others where they are begins with us allowing God to love and meet us where we are first.
Fr. Jon and Lindy also delve into the intricacies of loving others, especially when it's difficult.
Listeners are reminded that every Christmas is a new Christmas to love--Christ invites us to experience God's love reborn in our hearts time and time again.
John Angotti reaches out and connects others to God by creating and telling stories with his music for worship and liturgy.
In this Advent podcast, John shares about his experience as an adopted son and journey of healing with both his adoptive and biological parents. John discovered that separation anxiety has been a core struggle thorughout his life, due to being removed from his birth mother and kept in the hospital for months after his birth.
John shares how we all experience separation anxiety in some way due to our separation from God while on Earth. Yet, John reminds listeners that, ultimately, “we dwell in God and God dwells in us.” We are meant to be vessels of the Holy Spirit to share the love of God throughout our lifetimes.
John sings his new song, "There's Life After Hell."
Miss Daisy Broughton was a child in Franklin, Tennessee during racial segregation. She tells stories of her experience and talks about how loving or hating a person has nothing to do with the color of their skin.
Miss Daisy shares, "People would say they loved Christ, but they disliked me because of the color of my skin. That's a contradiction, because Christ loved everyobdy."
Martin Luther King Junior's example and words speak deeply to Miss Daisy about the love of God and how we don't have to like everybody, but we do need to love everyone--each human person is a child of God.
Miss Daisy shares how the meaning of Advent is to prepare for Jesus to come into our hearts again.
Charli Vos is experiencing homelessness and receiving help in city shelters.
Charli was raised in a violent and segregated town in Texas and experienced human trafficking as a child. She was abused from the time she was very young until she left her biological family when she was about thirty years old. Charli unknowingly had PTSD and utilized drugs and alcohol for many years to mentally escape her circumstances.
Charli hit rock bottom and started rehabilitation. She has been sober since 2013.
Charli attributes her miraculous healing to God and relies on her Catholic faith to navigate each day and share the love of God with others. She is grateful to have adopted the Holy Family as her own.
Lindy's daughters join her to wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!
The Mamas in Spirit Advent Series begins on November 25th. Open your heart to God in a way you never have before!
Elizabeth Abaray shares the story of losing her beloved baby girl, Delia Grace, and the unfathomable sorrow of losing a child. She talks about how when we allow God to change us through our suffering, we become more of who God created us to be.
Elizabeth explores the importance of walking with one another and using our pain for the greater glory of God.
Elizabeth has written a children’s book "Hugs for You, Kisses for You." It is a resource for children ages seven and under to support them during times of loss and to help them to know that nothing--not even death--can separate us from those we love.
The deepest desire of Michelle Huntley’s heart was to get married and have children. Yet for many years this dream was not realized and Michelle struggled.
Michelle describes how not finding the right man to marry touched on a childhood wound of feeling unworthy and unloveable. Michelle felt drawn to be silent, pray and trust the Lord in her pain. Hear about Michelle’s journey and how God healed this wound with His love.
Michelle is now preparing for the Sacrament of marriage. Please pray for Michelle and her fiancee!
Father Jon Meyer, Chaplain of Mamas in Spirit and Brian Wynne explore the current crisis of masculinity in our culture. They share how manhood is a total gift of self with Saint Joseph as a model and Christ as the ultimate model.
Father Jon and Brian also talk about ways to combat the crisis of masculinity with specific suggestions: building men and boys up, encouraging men and boys to identify role models they can spend time with, encouraging men to attend men's retreats and small groups, praying for our men and encouraging them to pray with and for one another.
Lara Patangan was feeling lost in the suffering of this world and losing sight of God’s mercy. She reached a milestone birthday and began to reflect more deeply on her life. Lara decided to spend the next year practicing corporal and spiritual acts of mercy and writing about it.
God changed Lara and worked on her heart throughout the year. She was surprised to learn not only to share God’s merciful love, but also to receive it.
Lara says, “We are called to serve, not to solve." When we walk into another's pain there is no way we will leave without being changed.
Sarah Hart is a singer, songwriter, speaker, storyteller and producer who talks about how we are tethered by God’s love. This tethering is a gift from God and is experienced in our relationships through love, emotion, care and concern.
Sarah shares how she is always tethered to her daughters, even after they grew into adulthood. Sarah trusts God is with them and recognizes her love for them is most important.
Sarah talks about being stretched as she learned to accept she doesn’t have control over her adult children's decisions. This has taught Sarah how it is healthy for adult children to make mistakes and return to the Lord.
Sarah sings for listeners in this beautiful podcast.
Tamara Mariea and her husband, Jude lost their daughter, Chloe in a tragic car accident two years ago. Chloe was twenty-four years old.
Tamara shares how she and her family continue to carried by Christ, Mary and the activity of their faith as they face this unimaginable loss and grief.
Tamara shares what God has revealed to her as she spends time in silence tending to her broken heart and searching to find God everywhere she turns.
Jennie Guinn, Life Coach at Catholic Moms in the Middle, shares her struggle with shame and unworthiness. For many years these feelings were deeply tied into her battle to lose weight.
Jennie realized her weight loss was a spiritual matter that couldn't be fixed with things of the world alone. Jennie began to lose weight as she spent more time in solitude with the Lord and was honest about what was unfolding in her heart. Jennie found an eating program that works great for her and is now close to her weight loss goal.
Jennie discoverd the most significant part of her weight loss journey was “losing the weight of the lies she had been telling herself.”
Jennie's time of solitude and weight loss has been part of what she calls a “Season of Grace." Jennie has created an acronym for the world "Grace" that reflects her personal journey with God:
- God’s Mercy
- Rest
- Awareness
- Connection
- Epiphany
Erica Campbell shares her struggle with mental illness and alcoholism.
Erica started drinking in college to cope with her feelings of depression and anxiety and "get out of herself." Alcohol felt like medicine.
Erica learned drinking did not solve her depression or anxiety, but increased it.
Erica attended Reconciliation one morning and it changed her life. The priest became her spiritual director and has had a profound impact on Erica's life.
Erica began attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and is now nine years sober. She created her own company Be A Heart, which produces goods for a modern Christian lifestyle - ranging from planners and home goods to toys and textiles.
Angie Mayer’s baby’s kidneys weren’t working and the hospital staff told Angie and her husband there was nothing more they could do to help him. Hear of baby Jake’s miraculous survival and the plight his parents have been through to save their precious son.
Angie, Darrin and Jake’s journey has been a pilgrimage of love. Jake is now twelve years old and has had two kidney transplants, as well as multiple additional medical interventions to improve his health and save his life.
Vivian Imbruglia of Sacred Image Icons shares how she was drawn to attend Adoration during her lunch hour many years ago. Vivian sat in silence and the Holy Spirit clearly told her to change her life. Vivian left her job that day, lost friends and had to find a new home. However, Vivian says that day saved her soul.
As a Sacred Artist and Iconographer, Vivian is very careful about how she spends her time, including what she watches and listens to. She recognizes that she can’t listen to worldly things if she going to try to create pieces of artwork reflective of Heaven
Vivian is passionate about the motto of the Society of Jesus, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the Greater Glory of God). Vivian hopes to glorify God in everything she does.
Father Jon Meyer, Chaplain of Mamas in Spirit, shares the importance of living in the truth of who we are as children of God.
Father Jon encourages us to identify when the world is speaking to us, recognize that these things don't reflect who we are and reject them. God equips us with Holy Scripture to constantly remind us of who God is and who we are in relationship to Him.
Lori Stanley, Executive Director of the Loyola Institute for Spirituality talks about the practice of Ignatian Spirituality. She shares how God is always present and at work in our lives.
Lori created a way to examine her heart and help her to align her will with God's holy will. Lori utilizes the acronym PATH.
P: What principles are guiding my life right now?
A:Who am I associating with and how are they impacting my relationship with God?
T: What thoughts are going through my mind? What am I feeding myself by thinking about myself?
H: What habits am I aware of that are obstacles to listen to God? How can I be more disciplined to respond to God’s call in my life?
Lori also shares about forgiveness and tells an intimate story in which God guided her to ask for forgiveness when she was wounded by two people she loves.
Brian and Lindy Wynne have been married for twenty-two years and have faced significant stressors like chronic illness, infertility and raising children with special needs and mental illness. They also cope with the daily stressors all married couples face.
Brian and Lindy share six ways God helps them to continuously heal and return to one another in love: being a true friend, taking responsibility for one's own mistakes, having a forgiving heart, accepting imperfection, being physically intimate and praying and attending Mass together.
Amanda Bagwell of Whole Catholic was at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Wisconsin sitting at the feet of a statue of Our Lady of Grace. Amanda heard God speak into her heart, "Will you let me love you?" Amanda responded, "I don't know how." This moment changed Amanda's life.
God has shown Amanda through the meaning of her name how to be loved. Amanda's name, Amanda Diane means beloved, worthy of love and daughter of the King.
Amanda shares the meaning of her first name in three parts:
*Be-loved By Him: Recieve God's love from God and others
*Be-love to others: show and express God's love to others through relationships
*Be-lov-ed: teach others to love through example, as well as intentional teaching
Amanda and her husband, Jansen have a deliverance ministry, Whole Catholic to help you get unstuck in faith and life. Learn how to experience mercy, find freedom and move forward to live the life God designed for you!
Host Lindy Wynne shares what it means to be a Mama in Spirit.
When Lindy was twenty-one she spent a summer volunteering at an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. This was the first time Lindy heard little girls being referred to affectionately as "mamas."
Learn how God looks upon you as his beloved daughter, blesses you with spiritual maternal figures and friends, gifts you with His own Mama Mary and calls you to spiritual motherhood.
Rachel Balducci shares her personal journey with the parable of The Woman at the Well from the Gospel of John.
Jesus waits for us in the ordinariness of our lives and offers us living water of eternal life. When we choose to trust God and drink of this water, God heals, transforms and sets us free.
Rachel reminds us that prayer is not for God to love us more. Prayer is for us to experience the love that is already there waiting for us, just like how Jesus waited for the woman at the well.
Rachel is the author of No Such Thing As Ordinary. Use the code “MAMAS0722” for a 15 percent discount off of Rachel's book at https://www.avemariapress.com.
Jean Heaton knew something was wrong with her son and asked God to show her what it was. Two days later Jean and her husband caught their son using drugs.
Jean talks about how drug and alcohol addiction is a family disease. Jean, her husband and their son all sought help. They "tackled it from every front they could."
What Jean learned was this meant surrendering her son and the circumstances they faced to God.
Jean shares numerous pearls of wisdom she has learned through the years it took for son to become sober.
Jean is the author of, "Helping Families Recover from Addiction: Coping, Growing and Healing through 12-Step Practices and Ignatian Spirituality."
Kate Bryan of 1 Girl Revolution felt her voice wasn't represented when she read an article in the Washington Post about feminism. Kate wrote a response to the article entitled, "I'm a 32-year-old virgin, and I'm living the feminist dream." Unexpectedly, it went viral.
Kate had Job's Syndrome as a child, a rare syndrome that causes skin infections. She was bullied in grade school and wanted to be "invisible."
Yet, "the girl inside" Kate is spunky and vibrant. Kate learned to be who God created her to be and how to use her voice to stand up and tell her story. Kate also discovered her call to help others to use their voices too.
Kate created 1 Girl Revolution, a multimedia platform and podcast that highlights the stories of everyday women who are changing the world.
Elise Crawford Gallagher shares the impact of her parents' "gray divorce" (the divorce of older parents in long marriages). Elise experienced shame from the cultural pressure to not feel anything about the loss of her family of origin and everything she knew from the the first decades of her life.
Elise has experienced the gift of healing through counseling, spriitual direction, prayer and the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. This healing has been a blessing to Elise as she creates her own family with her husband and their two young daughters.
Elise is Founder and CEO of RINGLET, an innovative impact company that provides integrated marketing for small businesses.
Claire Dwyer encourages listeners to engage in a rich life of prayer and speaks of the deep relationship with God that we have been designed for.
Claire talks about our lifetimes being an invitation for an “ever-increasing encounter” with God. Just like those in religious life, our intimacy and forever with God starts now and is fully realized in Heaven.
Claire also shares about Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity and the spiritual wisdom Saint Elizabeth has left us.
Claire is the author of “This Present Paradise: A Spiritual Journey with Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity.”
Leah Jacobson, wife and mother of seven children never thought she'd be called to motherhood. Leah had been taught as a young woman that success was equal to a career.
Leah met her husband and remained faithful to the teachings of the Church to being open to life. After discovering the depth and beauty of her call to motherhood, Leah realized she had been pressured into a false identity by the secular world. Leah discovered her true identity as a daughter of God.
Leah speaks of Saint Catherine of Sienna's words, "Be Who God Meant You to Be and You’ll Set the World on Fire."
Leah encourages listeners to discover their identities in Christ and further the Kingdom of God.
Leah founded the Guiiding Star Project in 2001 to support women as they transition into motherhood and uphold the sanctity of life at every stage. Leah is the author of, "Wholistic Feminism: Healing the Identity Crisis Caused by the Women's Movement."
When Elizabeth and her husband Matt were asked by Sister Mary of the Sisters of Life to pray for a woman who was pregnant, they had no idea they were keeping their future daughter in prayer.
Elizabeth later learned Sister Mary had also given their daughter’s birthmother a copy of the book that Elizabeth had written with her parents, "Bella's Gift: How One Little Girl Transformed Our Family and Inspired a Nation."
Elizabeth speaks of God's "trail of divine breadcrumbs" that led Matt and her to adopt Zelie. This miracle has been greater than their own best laid plans.
Elizabeth encourages listeners to believe and be "good clay," as God is the Divine Potter.
Dr. Kimberly Aguillard had some vision until she was ten years old--one of the surgeries Kimberly had in fourth grade resulted in total blindness.
Afterwards, Kimberly found that she was more isolated being disabled in a world that isn’t made for people with disabilities. Kimberly tells stories and shares ideas to help people who are blind feel more included in the Catholic Church community.
Kimberly has received invaluable resources from Xavier Society for the Blind, which "delivers faith and inspiration in braille and audio." Learn more about these resources at xaviersocietyfortheblind.org.
Ann Koshute of Springs in the Desert shares her personal testimony of waiting to meet her husband until she was forty-two years old and then facing infertility together. Looking back at her life Ann sees how God was always at work preparing her heart for the suffering she would face.
Ann shares tender and vulnerable moments she and her husband experienced as they navigated infertility together.
Ann encourages listeners to be completely honest with God and open to what He is doing in and through painful experiences--God is always forming and preparing us.
"Springs in the Desert accompanies those struggling with infertility by offering a place of respite and solidarity where they can know God’s love for them and discover His unique call to fruitfulness."
Chaplain Father Jon Meyer and Host Lindy Wynne explore how silent prayer can be intimidating, especially when facing one's greatest anixieties, fear or shame.
Listeners are encouraged to enter the sacred silence of prayer with the One who knows and loves us best, God. This includes bringing experiences that have been kept hidden for many years.
Father Jon reminds us that silent and personal prayer is where intimacy and vulnerability grow with God. There is nothing the Lord doesn't already know or can't handle.
Amy D'Ambra of My Saint My Hero shares the story of accompanying her beloved sister, Judy as she prepared for Heaven.
Amy is the youngest of five sisters. Judy was diagnosed with a rapid-progressing form of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) almost two years ago.
This diagnosis took Amy and those dearest to her on a journey of the soul. One of the greatest lessons: to use our voices courageously to share the love of God while on Earth and keep our hearts fixated on spending forever with Him in Heaven.
Amy is one of the creators and compilers of Mother Mary, Mother Me, a devotional journal found at mysaintmyhero.com to help you grow closer to the heart of our Blessed Mother.
Cathy Trowbridge thought that she had made an unforgivable choice when she had an abortion.
After many years of carrying great heaviness in her heart, she was encouraged during multiple homilies to attend a retreat through Rachel's Vineyard.
Cathy discovered an unimaginable sense of connection, healing and hope when she attended Rachel's Vineyard Retreat. She now shares her story in the hope that other women and men experience the same merciful love of God.
Catholic Psychotherapist Dana Nygaard talks about her personal eperience learning how to better date, love and reflect Jesus to her husband, David.
Dana shares best prayer and communication practices to help you and your spouse heal and attain a God-centered marriage. Learn how to let go of ego and pride in order to grow in virtue.
Dana is the author of 365 Dates to Renew Your Christian Marriage.
Annette Bergeon, Executive Director of Endow (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) shares about her search for true happiness.
As a child Annette noted how many of her family members were holding on to disappointments and traumas of life and, therefore, their unhappiness. After personally looking for happiness in degrees and career success, Annette found herself facing an interpersonal crisis: she wasn't truly happy.
Annette gave birth to twins and left her career. While she recognizes many women are called to both work and motherhood, she discovered through prayer that God was calling her to be a stay-at-home mom. Annette discovered true happiness was not found in titles, but in the intimacy of relationships and care of other souls.
Annette eventually joined a small group with Endow--Endow made such an impact on her life that she later began working with Endow and is now the Executive Director.
When Cathy Collins was pregnant with her youngest daughter Bridget, she had a vision of Our Blessed Mother. Mother Mary revealed to Cathy that Bridget was going to be disabled-- Cathy would need to trust that Jesus would provide her with everything she needed to raise Bridget. This vision blessed Cathy with the supernatural peace and strength she needed to care for her daughter.
Being Bridget's mom has completely changed Cathy; it has taught her the true meaning of God's beauty and helped Cathy to realize we are not our exteriors--we are our souls.
When Cathy was on bed rest with Bridget, she discovered Mother Angelica on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and prayed the Rosary with her daily. Two decades later, Cathy works at EWTN. This is a blessed example of God's providence at work in Cathy's life.
In this Easter podcast, Nicole Rodriguez of the John Paul II Healing Center shares how her experience of infertility and loss of three sons during pregnancy led to her discovery of being "a kiss of the Father's love."
Nicole experienced a resurrection in her own heart and life as she discovered her call to spiritual motherhood and began to create spiritual family with her husband. Through spending quality time and deepening relationships with spiritual children, Nicole discovered the extraordinary love of God as they shared ordinary moments together.
When Jesus told Simon Peter that he was going to wash the disciples' feet in the Gospel of John, Simon Peter told Jesus that he would never let Jesus wash his feet. Yet once Simon Peter understood that he must let Jesus wash his feet in order to receive his inheritance and be with Jesus eternally, Simon agreed with all his heart.
Simon Peter felt undeserving of the humble act of love and example Jesus offered.
In this week's podcast, Brian and Lindy Wynne share moments in their marriage when they have received love from one another that they have felt undeserving of. Hear how Christ's example has helped Brian and Lindy to create a safe place of vulnerability with one another and, ultimately, discover more fully the meaning of Christ's sacrificial love.
Adina Braatz of My Saint My Hero shares a peak season of anxiety and sleep deprivation that led her to seek help and surrender her life more fully to God. Adina speaks of God’s faithfulness in placing the perfect people and resources in her path to help her.
Adina also talks about how trauma in childhood can contribute to the experience of anxiety and need for healing in adulthood.
Adina’s experience with anxiety has blessed her with greater compassion and understanding for others. By sharing her story, Adina wants others to know they are never alone in their suffering and that there are are beautiful people and resources to help.
Karianna Frey felt like she had to check off boxes and change part of her identity to be truly Catholic and loved. Yet in Adoration God revealed to Karianna that He and His love are so much bigger than the ways we box Him in.
Karianna also explores how we box others in stemming from fear. However, it is in embracing our discomfort and reaching out to people different than us that we grow to learn our interconnectedness as God's human family.
Karianna's newest book is We are Beloved: 30 Days with Thea Bowman.
Mallory Smyth of Walking with Purpose and author of “Rekindled: How Jesus Called Me Back to the Catholic Church and Set My Heart on Fire,” shares her personal testimony of questioning and later returning to the Catholic Church. Mallory discovered her heart had become ablaze with the love of Jesus, accompanied by a passionate desire to share this love with others.
Mallory and Host Lindy Wynne explore many realities that cause heartache and make it hard to be Catholic, like the sex scandal and youth groups children and teens don’t want to attend.
Explore how you can engage more fully in your own relationship with God and our Catholic Church and encourage your children to fall in love when witnessing your own heart on fire for Jesus.
In this Lenten podcast Damon and Melanie Owens of Joyful Ever After share how marriage is a sacrament of healing. Damon and Melanie continue to learn how to give and receive the love and forgiveness that God blesses them with. Marriage is a work in progress and intimate union in which we can learn to love like God.
In this Lenten podcast Chaplain Father Jon Meyer and Host Lindy Wynne explore how the root of shame is the lie that we are not valuable or worthy. Learn how God will heal your sense of shame, as well as how to reframe your thinking to live in the knowledge of being a daughter of God who loves you beyond compare.
In this Lent 2022 Catholic podcast Stephanie Weinert shares the story of her son in Heaven, Beckett. Beckett was unexpectedly diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome, a heart defect and later lung disease. Stephanie shares how God has spoken to her heart and carried her through this experience, including by whispering Psalm 46:5 into her soul, "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved."
Merry Christmas from Mamas in Spirit! Listen to sweetness, songs and joy from Lindy's daughters in this final podcast from Season 3. New episodes will be released Lent 2022. May God bless you and yours, always!
In this Advent podcast Kelly Sweeney shares how she was diagnosed with Stage Three Triple Negative Breast Cancer when her three children were all under five years old. Hear how Kelly put her complete trust in God and drew strength to survive her illness by looking into the eyes of her small children.
Meg Hunter-Kilmer is known as "Hobo for Christ." In this Advent podcast, Meg shares how she was called to live out of her car and travel around the country sharing the gift of Christ. Meg is a renowned Catholic speaker and author of multiple books, including Pray for Us: 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness.
Jessica found herself sobbing in Saint Monica's Church in New York on her 40th birthday, because she was facing infidelity and infertility. Hear how Jessica surrendered to the Lord's plan for her life and discovered miracles beyond her imagination.
Father Jon Meyer, Chaplain of Mamas in Spirt, joins host Lindy Wynne to explore the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
Heidi Hess Saxton was in a life-changing accident when she was eighteen that resulted in infertility. Heidi and her husband later fostered and adopted two children. Heidi shares how her son's guardian angel woke her in the middle of the night to pray for him during a difficult time.
Anthony Watkins and his brothers were sent to live with their father whom they did not really know after their mother was unable to care for them due to drug addiction. Anthony's father then abandoned the boys at the courthouse and Anthony and his brothers were placed at the Happy Hills Boys Ranch in Tennessee. Hear this moving story from loss, suffering and trauma to healing, hope and redemption.
Tracy Hill shares about the effect of alcoholism on her family. Tracy discovered her rock bottom was the call from her husband telling her that he was arrested due to his drinking. Learn how Tracy surrendered her life to God, let go of trying to control everything and allowed Jesus to transform her heart.
Deacon Charlie Echeverry shares about his experience as a spiritual, biological, adoptive, foster and sponsor father. He shares that our journey is not about being successful in any of the roles we play in life, it's about our faithfulness.
Nadine Sestich shares about a time of heightened spiritual warfare in her family. Nadine explores how it is essential to be aware of how darkness can sneak into the lives of parents and their children to lure them away from God. Mothers must stay vigilant about what they and their children consume and rebuke the devil whenever necessary.
Teri Carpenter shares how her dad became a single father when Teri was five months old and how he is her rock. Teri talks about meeting her mother, facing infertility, becoming a stepmother and coping with her stepson's addiction. Learn about the moment Teri's stepson was miraculously saved and Teri's vibrant faith in Jesus.
Patty Pablos shares her path to prayer, starting when she lost her little brother when she was nine and culminating in her devotion to the Eucharist and prayers over her dying mother.
Hilda Bradshaw talks about her experience raising her son with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and clinging to God in prayer, including a novena her grandmother taught her. Hilda shares how raising her son is a blessing and has taught her to completely depend on God, let go of expectations about her children's futures and trust that God will always provide her family with exactly what they need.
Father Jon Meyer, Chaplain of Mamas in Spirit, asks Brian and Lindy Wynne questions about God, their marriage and how they would encourage other married couples. Brian and Lindy have been married for 21 years are adoptive parents of three children aged 22, 19 and 6.
Maureen Nunn talks about her time in Uganda and the profound faith she has witnessed in the face of overwhelming poverty. Maureen shares how the Ugandan people seem to have nothing, yet they are filled with the joy of the Lord.
Sonja Corbitt, Bible Study Evangelista shares how God transformed her through Scripture during the most difficult, desert period of her life. Sonja talks about her most recent book Just Rest: Receiving God's Renewing Presence in the Deserts of Your Life.
Jessica Hanna was diagnosed with life-threatening breast cancer when she was fourteen weeks pregnant. Hear about Jessica's miraculous healing and the healthy birth of her beloved son.
Father Jon Meyer, Chaplain of Mamas in Spirit and Host Lindy Wynne share six practices they personally use during significant times of change.
Crystal Hernandez was placed in foster care when she was two years old and was adopted when she was a teenager in high school. Crystal shares how God revealed Himself to her throughout the "crucible of foster care" and healed her to live in the freedom of His glorious love.
Emily Jaminet shares about the importance of having Christ-centered friendships in which we help one another grow in virtue. Learn all about Emily Jaminet and Michele Faehnle's book The Friendship Project.
Suzanne Durnell shares how having a heart attack at 39 years old transformed her heart spiritually. Learn about Suzanne's miraculous healing after being prayed over on a trip to Medjugorje.
Amalia Molina Cortina and her husband were detained in a US Detention Center for 16 months while their children were at home alone. Hear how the religious volunteers gave Amalia hope and how she clung to God throughout her ordeal.
When Leilanie and Michael Marianetti were engaged, Michael was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Hear how Leilanie has been "lavished in grace" by God as she has cared for Michael for twenty-three years.
Nicole M. Caruso shares how God blessed her with the courage to leave the fashion industry and seek Him, rather than the things the world tell us matter. Nicole recently authored Worthy of Wearing: How Personal Style Expresses Our Feminine Genius.
Marianne Ayala has worked throughout her career as a nurse and nurse manager in Palliative Care and Hospice. Learn how to help yourself and your loved ones prepare for a "good death."
Jennifer Gentile spent most of her young life running away from God. However, when Jennifer's youngest son was diagnosed with serious health issues she was forced to confront suffering and who she believed God to be. Hear how Jennifer opened her heart to God through the love of strangers.
Sister Suzanne Jabro, founder of Center for Restorative Justice Works (CRJW) and Get on the Bus shares how children are the hidden victims of the criminal justice system. Sister Suzanne explores how we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ to the most vulnerable to help heal and restore them and their families.
Angel and Grace Garcia share the desperate moment God changed their lives and taught them to cling to Him in prayer. Learn how to have a God-centered marriage and healthy communication.
Jenna McAndrew shares the moment she knew Christ is real. This encounter converted Jenna's heart so completely that even during times of spiritual dryness, she will bank her life on Him. Jenna is the host of "A Shower of Roses" podcast.
Lizzy shares how God revealed her profound dignity as a daughter of God and healed her of addictions, including pornography. Lizzy has a popular Catholic blog "Just a Handmaiden."
Natalie Sanford shares how she and her husband took a leap of faith and adopted older children internationally. Learn the beautiful story of a family and community coming together to love and care for these children in need.
This Pentecost, Father Jon Meyer shares how Christians are called to be on fire with the Holy Spirit--no exceptions. Father Jon Meyer is the Chaplain of Mamas in Spirit.
Learn how Jesus' words "Telitha koum" or "Rise up, Young Girl" speak to Gina McDuffie's heart and have carried her through her most difficult moments, including when she almost lost her first baby.
Christina Yep of House of Royals shares her experience with postpartum depression. Christina sought professional help, turned to God in prayer and was blessed with miraculous healing.
Two of Haydee Marshall Navarro's siblings passed away from Fanconi Anemia, a rare genetic disorder at sixteen and twenty-one years old. Haydee shares how she learned to always "show up" in her relationship with God and allow God to heal her broken heart.
Tracy shares how putting her husband first converted her heart. Hear how Tracy, her husband and their five children learned what it means to be a "domestic church" on fire with the Holy Spirit.
The moment Jackie's husband was severely injured by their boat's spinning propeller changed their lives forever. Hear how Jackie's husband's miraculous survival led to the adoption of their son and renewed understanding of the preciousness of life.
Host Lindy Wynne's brother, Jamie Crane was just baptized at the 2021 Easter Vigil! Hear Jamie's moving testimony about saying "yes" to God and being initiated into the Catholic Church at forty-two years old.
Peachy Viviano shares the tragedy of her husband leaving after twenty-six years of marriage. Hear how Peachy places all of her hope and trust in God and lives a life full of joy and hope.
Retired nurse Dane DeLuca talks about her group of friends called the “carpool family” and their experience as one of the beloved members died of cancer.
While leading a team of nurses in ambulatory care during Covid, Phyllis Jones lost two loved ones. Be inspired by Phyllis' steadfast faith and hear the miraculous story of how Phyllis was allowed to hold her brother's hand as he left this world to be with God eternally.
Dr. Heather Banis shares how the stress we are under during this time of Covid causes anxiety and depression--this is a normal response to an extremely abnormal situation. Learn ways to practice self-care, receive the support you and those you love need and help your children and teens during this trying time. Dr. Banis is the Victims Assistance Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Melissa Romanelli shares how her experience facing leukemia as a fifth grader planted a seed in her heart to become a nurse as an adult. Hear how the nurses that helped Melissa inspired her to be the hands and feet of Christ to the patients she cares for today.
While on a college immersion trip in Jamaica, Analise Gammariello met a little boy being treated at the children’s hospital. The time she spent coloring with this boy helped Analise discover her calling to help children facing long term illness and traumatic injury as a Child Life Specialist. Hear stories of how Analise has discovered Christ through her work.
In this 2021 Lenten podcast, Father Richard Sunwoo explores Mother Mary’s radically open heart and ongoing “yes” to God throughout her life, even in the midst of sorrow and suffering. Mary’s love for God, the Father and Christ wasn’t contingent on her circumstances—the only promise she was ever given was to be the Mother of God.
Listen to the wisdom and faith of Mamas in Spirit's new chaplain, Father Jon Meyer! Be uplifted and renewed in hope as Lindy and Jon explore the time of the pandemic, personal stories and scripture to help you open your heart to the healing and transformation of the Holy Spirit.
Lindy's daughters make a guest appearance to sing and share about the blessing of Christmas. Themes explored are Christmas, joy, laughter, hope, Mary, Jesus, Joseph, the gift of life, God's light outshining the darkness, Christmas star and candy canes.
Brian and Lindy Wynne share the Christmas miracle they experienced when they adopted their baby girl after waiting ten years to fulfill this dream of their hearts. Themes explored are Advent, glimmers of hope, waiting in joyful hope, Jesus Christ, Mary, suffering, adoption, foster care and private adoption.
Hear Antoinette DeLorenzo's miraculous story of learning to walk again after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome at thirty-three-years-old. Themes explored are Advent, being paralyzed, critical illness, hearing God's voice, Blessed Mother and God's miracles.
In this Advent podcast Roy Cooray shares how he could only remember one thing the day that Jesus saved his life. As he was being rushed into life-saving surgery his daughter whispered in his ear, "Hold Jesus on your right and Blessed Mother on your Left." Hear this miraculous story, learn about Roy's visions of the Blessed Mother and hold onto a hope beyond understanding. Themes explored are the Advent Season, Blessed Mother Mary, Jesus Christ, always living in hope, being generous to the poor and prayer.
James Day talks about the passing of his beloved father and how the weeks of hospice allowed James to open his heart to his personal conversion in the Holy Spirit. Themes explored are Saint Michael the Archangel, Holy Fathers, Saint Joseph, boyhood, manhood, adoption, foster care and fatherhood.
Are you keeping it real with yourself, God and your friends? Are you choosing to serve God every day? Explore these critical questions in a fun and lively conversation with featured guest Karianna Frey. Themes explored are Daily Examen, Examination of Conscience, free will, parenting, motherhood, forgiveness, conversion, Baptism and authenticity.
Claudine Carr shares about her youngest son's birth at one-and-a-half pounds. Hear the story of a nun baptizing him with a dixie cup as he was rushed into emergency surgery and his miraculous survival. Themes explores are difficult pregnancies, premature babies, conversion, sacraments, Baptism, Confirmation, Catholicism, witnessing, the rosary and prayer.
Raquel lost her dearest companion--her mom--almost eleven years ago. The loss left a a void in Raquel's life that her "yes" to God has begun to fill. Themes explored are motherhood, mother and daughter relationships, maternal mentors, friendship, sisterhood in the Holy Spirit, guidance, loneliness, postpartum anxiety and faith.
Diana, her husband, their five children and her mother left their home and squeezed into a tiny apartment as Hurricane Laura struck Louisiana during the pandemic. Diana shares the aftermath of the hurricane and how she continues to discover God's immense beauty in others throughout this difficult time. Themes explored are God with us, people over ideas, the American spirit, beauty from ashes, spiritual direction and finding God in the messiness.
Featured guest Kathleen Richter shares her story of being raised by her grandparents for many years in the Philippines, while her parents went in search of a "better life" in America. Themes explored are the Filipino culture, displacement, reunification, immigration, transitioning into a new culture, family, faith, communication, healing, God and praying through song.
Featured guest Amy D'Ambra shares tools to learn how to pray like a saint and her personal, daily practice of prayer. Themes explored are saints, angels, Saint Michael the Archangel, sainthood, prayer, morning prayer, rosary, chaplet of divine mercy and spiritual sisterhood.
Featured guest Danielle Bean encourages moms to embrace their vocations of motherhood, know there is no such thing as a “perfect mom” and let go of the pressure to achieve more.
Tina Ferrigno shares about the loss of her beloved husband ten years ago and tells stories of how the prayers of others carried her through such a difficult time of grief. Looking back, Tina sees all of the ways God blessed her and her husband, Ciro before Ciro's passing. Tina explores how continuing to show up for prayer has transformed her heart and life.
Discover what happens "When Women Pray" with featured guest Kathleen Beckman. Kathleen shares stories and encouragement to help listeners engage more fully in their relationships with God and open their hearts to the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Featured guest Father Jon Meyer explores how to transition into the different seasons of our lives close to God by letting go of expectations and surrendering to God's holy plan. Father Jon talks about embracing our weaknesses, being sincere of heart and bringing ourselves fully to God in prayer.
Featured guest Cheryl Farrell talks about the importance of storytelling to share important and long-lasting messages. Cheryl uses storytelling to share her personal story, explore matters of race and point listeners towards God.
Featured guests Antonija and Ivan Zovak demonstrate their profound bond as mother and son in this special podcast. Ivan was unexpectedly diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after birth. Antonija shares the "love and compassion" Ivan shares with all those he meets. Antonija is the owner of Atelier Zovak, a line of faith-filled jewelry.
Featured guest and Spiritual Director Raquel Rogers shares her personal story of surrendering her life to God, as well as her continual practice of letting go of circumstances beyond her control (like Covid). Listeners are encouraged to contemplate God at work in their lives through spiritual practices, such as "The Examen" and living in gratitude.
Featured Guest Melanie Owens shares her personal story about healing childhood wounds and creating whole and healthy marriages. Melanie encourages listeners to read "Be Healed" by Dr. Bob Schuchts and experience God's transformative healing. Melanie and her husband Damon have a vibrant marriage ministry, Joyful Ever After.
Featured guest Mary Lenaburg shares the profound lessons she learned through raising her daughter, Courtney. Courtney had significant special needs and passed away at twenty-two-years-old. Mary explores surrendering to the present moment, wanting what God wants for our lives, healing our woundedness and discovering the true love of God.
Featured guest Dr. Tess Thomas explores how to make healthy choices during Covid. Learn how you can nourish your body with prayer, food, nature, and exercise.
After the sudden and traumatic loss of her father as a child, featured guest Kelly Behrens learned to suppress her feelings and to just be "okay." After years of masking her internal experience and hitting rock bottom, Kelly chose to get help with inpatient treatment at "The Meadows." Kelly learned to be completely transparent and attend to her feelings while in therapy and has experienced new life in the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever struggled with body image, an eating disorder or anything else having to do with your physical appearance? Listen to special guest Meghann Whistler share her thirty-year journey in healing her eating disorder. Meghann found support and companionship through "Celebrate Recovery." Themes explored are food restriction, culture, body image, dieting, shame, binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, purging, God, faith, health, healing, wholeness, self-esteem and love.
Featured guest Alicia Casillas shares how her ego and pride created an attitude of superiority in her marriage. Alicia was shocked to discover that her husband was beginning to pull away from her and humbled by her feelings of vulnerability and fear. Listen to how God transformed Alicia's heart and helped her restore her marriage and family by turning to God through prayer.
Join featured guest Stephanie Weinert as she shares her experience of unveiling her true self (which began as a teen as millions tuned into her live EWTN radio show!). Stephanie speaks passionately about the fear of vulnerability we all experience, as well as God's hope for us to be and share our authentic selves with the world.
Featured guest Gina Foster was told she would only have five years to live when her children were very small. This changed Gina's perspective of time and taught her that God needs us now--there is no guarantee of how much time we will have on Earth. Gina leads a soup kitchen to feed the hungry in San Pedro, CA.
Do you try to control things, earn love or guard your heart from being vulnerable? Learn how to lean in to God when you are inclined to pull away and receive God's love as a free gift with featured guest Samantha Stephenson of Spirituality of the Ordinary. Themes explored are postpartum, babies, children, marriage, husbands, bodies, body image, control, letting go, trust and vulnerability.
The Hill family just welcomed their third foster child into their home. Listen to featured guest Lindsey Hill share how she witnesses God at work in the foster children, her own school-age children and family. Learn about the Hill family's call to share God's love with children in the most vulnerable of circumstances and the many ways you can support children in foster care!
Featured guest Julie Overlease shares about her daughter Evelyn's devastating and unexpected accident when Evelyn was struck by a heavy tree limb while shielding her beloved puppy. Evelyn experienced a traumatic brain injury that resulted in emergency surgery to save her life. Hear how Julie, Evelyn and all of the Overlease family experienced the profound blessings of steadfast hope, faith-filled friendship and God's miracles. Be inspired to "Hope On!" Julie is the author of "Hope Upon Impact: A Miraculous True Story of Faith, Love and God's Goodness."
Mother Madonna describes how she went from a member of the Air Force to the cloistered life of a nun at Carmel of Mary Monastery in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Themes explored are vocation, religious life, monastic life, Carmelite nuns, cloistered life, persevering in prayer.
Featured guest Mary Thompson shares the critical moment her father was supposed to meet her family at a train station after escaping Yugoslavia on foot. When he did not show up, Mary watched her mother's faith-filled response. This example taught Mary to have a profound trust in God--a trust she has continued to practice throughout her life, including during her young daughter's serious illness and her own struggle with cancer.
Featured guest Lupe Rivera from the Center for Restorative Justice Works (CRJW) shares how she has found forgiveness and healing from losing her childhood best friend to murder through helping those "on the inside." CRJW houses a number of programs helping those affected by crime and the criminal justice system, such as Get on the Bus, Camp Suzanne and Family Express.
Featured guest Didi Egnatuk shares her experience with alcohol and the moment she faced the reality that she needed to go to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Didi explores the many gifts of her sobriety and how she maintains a sober lifestyle even when the desire to drink surfaces.
Featured guest Anna Stephens shares the difficult, yet honest moment when she faced she wasn't living an honest life and needed to get help due to her husband's drinking. Anna attended Al-Anon, a program that offers "help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics" and began a journey of healing and new life.
Hear La'Chiera Royston's moving story of being saved from a life of sexual exploitation after being caught in a sting operation. Learn about the vulnerability of the young women being lured into sexual exploitation and human trafficking and how you can make a difference in the lives of these young women, like those who work with the non-profit that helped La'Chiera: Gems Uncovered.
Mary White from Gems Uncovered shares her experience helping young women trafficked and sexually exploited. Learn how to reach out and help those affected by human trafficking and sexual exploitation in our own communities.
Say "yes" to God amidst the messiness of life. Learn how to measure your days by the way you have been present to and loved others, rather than what you have accomplished. Sometimes just getting out of bed and showing up is enough! Featuring special guest Lisa Hendey of lisahendey.com and founder of catholicmom.com.
Explore how to trust God in the most isolating, painful and uncertain times of our lives with featured guest Neena Gaynor, author of the newly released novel "Bird and the Bees" and "Words Like Honey" blog.
Explore how God is with us and reveals God's self to us in all circumstances. Learn how to open your heart and choose joy during this time of the Coronavirus with Brian and Lindy Wynne.
Explore the meaning of Holy Thursday and how God reveals God’s self to us in every moment of our lives. Featuring special guest Anne Hansen, Ignatians West.
Explore God's constant presence and love in our lives with featured guest Father Marc Reeves, S.J., Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Experience God's profound grace, mercy and transformation during this Holy Week unlike any we have ever experienced before due to social distancing and the Coronavirus pandemic.
Discover God's hidden gifts by being connected and truly present to loved ones during this isolating time of the Coronavirus. Be empowered to rise and meet these difficult circumstances with featured guest Jim Ewing, retired Clinical Pastoral Counselor and former Executive Director of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
Be blessed with God's peace and companionship during this time of the Coronavirus. Explore what you have control over and how you can respond to God in a healthy and faith-filled way. Featuring special guest Father Jon Meyer.
Sharon shares her personal story of losing her baby in the womb and how God has healed her from the loss. Sharon works with By Your Side/Merciful Companions from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Life, Justice and Peace. Themes explores are pregnancy loss, miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion.
Featured guest Christine Rich explains how every good thing about you is a gift from God. You are far more than enough--you are a profoundly beautiful creation of our God who loves you.
Featured guest Jill Gallo shares about her long wait to adopt a child through the foster care system. Themes explored are: waiting, living with the unknown, our dreams, the desires of our hearts, adoption, foster care, infertility, marriage, the process of adopting a child. Learn more at mamasinspirit.com.
Featured guest Jess Echeverry shares about the emotional, physical and sexual abuse she experienced as a child and God's profound invitation for Jess to forgive the unimaginable. Learn more at mamasinspirit.com.
Explore the value of every life and need for us to accompany the most poor and vulnerable with Father Frank Pavone, Priests for Life.
Explore how to have a thriving marriage with Claire Frazier-Yzaguirre of Thriving Families. Learn skills and tools to think and function as a healthy individual and couple.
Explore the foster care crisis and every orphan's right to have a forever family. Hear the personal story of Denisse Zaragoza from Home Forever, a non-profit advocating for children in foster care.
Special guest Yolanda Hirsch tells her moving story of growing up in poverty in Nicaragua, moving to the United States with only a dollar in her pocket and meeting her husband of over sixty years. Yolanda shares her mother's words that our "treasures are in heaven" and reminds us to never lose hope, to leave our troubles at the foot of the cross and to open the doors of our hearts and homes to others. Themes included are experiencing Advent, receiving the gift of faith, living in hope, falling in love and knowing God is with us (Emmanuel).
Simone Rizkallah, from Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women (Endow) and culturalgypsy.com, shares the story of her parents immigrating to America from Egypt due to religious persecution. While being in the United States has gifted Simone and her family with prosperity and freedom, they left behind their closely knit community of faith. Simone explores the fragmentation of American culture and need for deeply rooted communities of faith. Themes included are Advent, persecution, journey, community, culture, small groups, feminine genius and sacrificial love.
In this Advent podcast, featured guest Shelia Claverie shares the gift of Christ-centered joy and hope given to her by her mother, as well as her mother's final blessing before going home to God. Themes explored are joy, hope, waiting, ambiguity, pilgrimage, journey, birth, Mary, Joseph and Jesus.
Explore the beautiful gift of family and special time of Thanksgiving with featured guest John Flaherty of Catholic Collective and Loyola Marymount University. Includes themes of remembrance, reconciliation, familial love, loss, gratitude, family meals, the Eucharistic table and welcome.
Explore how to trust God with all of ourselves, especially when we feel vulnerable and guarded. Featuring special guest Dr. Leonard DeLorenzo of the McGrath Institute for Church Life, Notre Dame Vision and Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame.
Featured guest Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., PhD, shares with us how to discover true happiness. Father Spitzer explains why things we expect to bring us happiness often instead lead us to loneliness, and how we can create goals to live a purposeful and happy life in the Holy Spirit. Learn more at www.mamasinspirit.com.
Explore God's gift of humor, how it eases our struggles and brings us the gift of joy. Featuring special guest Kerri Pomarolli, comedian, actress, author and "super-model wannabe."
Featured guest Luz Aceves shares her experience losing her father and son and pulling away from God to guard herself from more pain. Luz' experience at the Basilica de Guadalupe transforms her heart to begin heal and discover new life in the Holy Spirit. Go to www.mamasinspirit.com for more faith-filled podcasts.
Listen to special guest Fletcher Murray share about the moment God completely changed the lens through which he perceives others, and especially the most poor and vulnerable. This completely changed Fletcher's life and holds the potential to change ours, too.
Explore how to open your heart to God's voice, say "yes" to your personal call and live like a Saint. Featuring special guest Amy D'Ambra, founder and owner of My Saint My Hero (wearable blessings handwoven with love).
Explore how to accompany and care for the terminally ill homeless. Featuring special guest Rita Ray, Founder of Totus Tuus Permanent Supportive Housing.
Explore how to open our hearts to God's love and healing, even when faced with life's most difficult experiences like the loss of a child. Featuring special guest Teresa Guzman.
Explore how to bring all your feelings and experiences to God for healing. Featuring special guest Dr. Ellen Colangelo, Pastoral Psychologist.
Explore how to grow closer in your marriage by learning healthier ways to communicate and reflect God's love. Featuring specials guests Joe and Teri Cruz from Worldwide Marriage Encounter.
Explore how to purify your heart, even in the face of particularly difficult circumstances. Featuring special guest Robbie Miles.
Explore engaging in authentic relationships with God and friends in college. Featuring special guest Lauren Enriquez.
Explore how much God loves you and how important it is to honor your value when dating. Featuring special guest Kimberly Dennis.
Explore how to listen to God and discern if God is calling you into marriage. Featuring special guest Gino Altamura.
Explore how much you matter--stop chasing empty promises and come to know you are loved. Featuring special guest Julia Tran.
Get educated about mental illness and explore how to get the help you or your loved ones may need. Featuring special guest Paul Stansbury from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
During this gathering explore listening to our hearts and staying deeply rooted in God. Featuring special guest Mallory Smyth from Endow, Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women.
Explore what it means to choose to love, especially when it is most difficult. Featuring special guest Paul Mitchell.
During this gathering we explore loneliness to discover ways to gain a greater sense of belonging with God and others. Featuring special guest Jessica Patay from We are Brave Together, A Supportive Community of Moms with Special-Needs Children.
Explore the richness of a simple life focused on Christ-centered service to others, featuring special guest Herman Villoria.
Explore what it means to know and live your values and continue to discover the profound value of every human life. Featuring special guest Astrid Bennett Gutierrez.
Explore healthy ways to respond to conflict to better reflect God's love and grow closer to others with special guest Cathy Divincenzo.
Explore receiving God's love and sharing this eternal gift with special guest Katt Janelle from FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students).
During this gathering explore how you can open yourself to God through prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to transform your heart and life. Also, consider creating a prayer space in your own home.
Explore adoption with special guest Connie--learn more about adopting children and this beautiful, God-centered way to becoming a forever family!
During this gathering of Mamas in Spirit we will explore where God is in our lives--how to discover God at work and share this profound gift with others.
During this gathering of Mamas in Spirit we will explore the most important invitation we will ever receive in our lifetimes: the invitation to be in relationship with God. We will also talk about God's daily invitation to grow in closer to the Holy Spirit.
During this gathering of Mamas in Spirit we will explore how to live in joy throughout all seasons of our lives. We will talk about stillness, authenticity, growth and presence as important dynamics to living joy-filled lives.
During this gathering we will explore how we need healing throughout all seasons of our lives in response to the trials and hurts we face. We will talk about the importance of bringing all of ourselves to God, laying down our burdens and opening ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit with special guest, Patricia Lewis.
During this gathering we explore forgiveness: the choice to forgive when we have been wounded, the guidance God offers us when we open ourselves to forgive, and the freedom and new life we experience when practicing forgiveness.
During this gathering we will explore growing in holiness. We will talk about the desire to continuously grow closer to God and the importance of opening ourselves to the gift of the Holy Spirit. We will talk about how sanctification (growing in holiness) is at the heart of our lives as spiritual pilgrims with special guest, James Day.
During this gathering we will explore how one of the most significant ways we stay close to and abide in God's Holy Spirit is by listening to and making both small and significant choices with God. Ignatian Spirituality's process of discernment will be lightly touched upon with special guest, Dilky Cornelio.
During this Mama Moment, Devi Asuncion will share how her experience of losing her father became an important part of the tapestry of her life and, while she still carries this painful loss with her, ingrained a deep sense of calling and purpose.
During this gathering we will explore how loss is deeply interwoven into all of our lives. By bringing our suffering to God, God heals and blesses us with new life so that we can live and love fully.
In this Mama Moment, Fr. Jon Meyer speaks to us about the temptation to think we are alone in our suffering. Fr. Jon invites us to open our hearts to God with us, as well as the beauty of community.
In this Mama Moment, the late Carolyn Henry Druffel tells us how to give our lives completely to God.
During this gathering our special guest, Father Jon Meyer, will help us explore how to stay in our struggles, open our hearts to the Holy Spirit and experience the transformative and healing work of God.
During this gathering our beautiful guest, Carolyn Henry Druffel, will witness how to give our lives completely to God, how to remain and abide deeply in the Holy Spirit.
During this gathering of Mamas in Spirit we will be exploring living with ambiguity. By turning to prayer, utilizing healthy coping skills and gaining God-centered perspective, we can live in great freedom and peace when faced with the unknown.
During this gathering of Mamas Spirit we will explore how to best love our children into who God calls each one of them to be. How to pray for our children, be present to them and help our children know that God has a special plan for each one of them.
During this gathering of Mamas in Spirit we will explore love. We will consider the true meaning of love and how God blesses us with what we need to return to loving and being loved time and time again.
In this gathering of Mamas in Spirit we will explore patience. We will talk about waiting patiently for the deepest desires of our hearts to be actualized, as well as practicing patience in daily life.
During this gathering we will explore the importance of encouraging others, even in the simplest ways every day. Encouraging others holds the potential to profoundly impact people's lives and help them along their paths to actualizing God's unique plan for each one of them.
During this fourth gathering of Mamas in Spirit, we will explore feelings: how to grow in awareness of our feelings, bring them to God in prayer and respond to both our feelings and the feelings of others with empathy, integrity and great love.
During this gathering on Healthy Expectations of Self we will explore how to open our minds and hearts to healthier ways of thinking and, ultimately, healing, so we can focus on God's purpose and plan for each one of us.
Featured guest Vel Mena shares her personal story of journeying with her sister as she was dying from cancer. Themes explored are relationships, presence, sisterhood, friendship cancer, death and dying.
Meet Lindy and learn about the creation, meaning and hopes of this weekly, Catholic podcast for you! Also, begin to explore what you are carrying in your heart. What is bringing you joy? What are you struggling with? Themes explored are consolation, desolation, Ignatian Spirituality, awareness, God, community and prayer.
Learn all about Mamas in Spirit! A faith-filled podcast pointing you towards God in everything you are and everything you do. Go to mamasinspirit.com for more info!