Justice and Mercy for Immigrants ft. Andrea Mendoza

When Jesus told us to welcome the stranger, He meant it. That’s a principle that today’s guest, Andrea Mendoza, is truly living out. She volunteers with immigrants within our country and helps provide them with basic necessities that enable them to live out their dignity. Andrea is also sharing her own parents’ story of living in our country undocumented for years.

Andrea will truly inspire you, but what I love most about her is the way she has turned her passion and empathy into real, concrete action. She’s out there on the frontlines, not in a glamorous spokesperson-CSPAN-Good Morning America type way, but really getting her hands dirty and doing the work. As many people enter the US for a wide variety of reasons, we often focus on the (very important!) policies that affect them instead of focusing on the literal human person who has basic needs. Enjoy our conversation!

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

Today’s episode is also brought to you by the Blessed Is She liturgical planner. Head to thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner today to snag your copy.

Topics discussed:

  • Andrea’s parents’ story

  • Why she’s so passionate about immigration

  • How she cares for immigrants in her community

  • The real issue on the border and why it’s blowing up right now

  • How she thinks Catholic Feminists can band together to help immigrants

  • Getting involved 1-on-1 vs. politically vs. both

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

Find AIDNW: 

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The Current State of Abortion Law ft. Morgan Korth

Photo: Quinn Marie Photography

“I work full-time in the pro-life movement, and even I’ve been getting whiplash.” That’s what today’s guest, Morgan Korth from WeDignify, told me. I couldn’t agree more. Every day, a new state is in the news for its newly passed abortion law. Today, Morgan is helping us break down the current state of abortion law in the US. We also talk about whether or not overturning Roe is really ENOUGH. I love Morgan’s wisdom on engaging civically vs. disconnecting to contemplate + her passion for TRULY ending abortion, not just creating pro-life laws.

My heart aches for the women facing a pregnancy that feels insurmountable during this season of life. I want nothing more than to make our world a place where mothers—mothers who raise their kids themselves, or mothers who birth them before working together with adoptive parents to give that child the best possible circumstances—can flourish.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Franciscan University of Steubenville. Join some former podcast guests and get an authentically Catholic education from the comfort of your own home by enrolling in one of their many graduate programs. Hit up www.franciscan.edu/tcf to learn more.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs one of these stunning planners designed by former guest Erica Tighe. Live more liturgically this year by heading to www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

Topics discussed:

  • The current state of abortion law in the US

  • Why abortion law is so front and center right now

  • How we can REALLY end abortions, not just focus on pro-life law

  • How to vote when you hate every politician ever…

  • What’s been bringing Morgan closer to God

We mentioned: 

Find WeDignify: 

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The Truth About Birth Control + the Marquette Method of NFP ft. Sarah Tramonte

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Let’s talk about hormonal birth control. The fact that most Catholic women are on it, and the fact that few of us know what it even does.

Today’s podcast guest, Sarah Tramonte, is a registered nurse + an NFP instructor. Sarah walks us through what the heck birth control even does, why it’s SO frequently prescribed, if there’s ever an occasion where it might be the right choice for a non sexually-active person (her answer may surprise you!) and whether or not it’s really an abortifacient. 🤯 Sarah and I also talk WHY so many Catholic women have turned to hormonal birth control. There’s a severe lack of education in both our schools and pre-cana classes to teach women how fertility works and what a period should even look like. This lack of emphasis on such an important part of women’s health is, IMHO, a glaring spot of sexism within our healthcare industry. Sarah + I talk about why she loves Marquette and who that method is right for, as well as what to do if you just consistently feel like NFP DOESN’T WORK for you. 😥

Above all, I hope this episode encourages you to take time to learn about your fertility. Whether you’re single, have seven kids, or somewhere in between, understanding your cycle and this aspect of your womanhood is vital (literally, Sarah says your fertility should be considered a vital sign like your blood pressure or temperature). Enjoy!

Today’s episode is brought to you by Franciscan University of Steubenville. Join some former podcast guests and get an authentically Catholic education from the comfort of your own home by enrolling in one of their many graduate programs. Hit up www.franciscan.edu/tcf to learn more.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs one of these stunning planners designed by former guest Erica Tighe. Live more liturgically this year by heading to www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.


Topics discussed:

  • Why Sarah decided to go into a nursing career and NFP instruction

  • What the Marquette Method is and how it works

  • What hormonal birth control does

  • Whether hormonal birth control is ever “necessary”

  • The use of birth control as an abortifacient

  • What to do if NFP “doesn’t work for you”

  • What’s been bringing Sarah closer to God

We mentioned: 

Find You Me & NFP: 

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Making Our Way Through Grief ft. Leticia Ochoa Adams

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How do you keep living a life of faith after an impossible-to-imagine tragedy occurs? ✨ Today’s guest, speaker and writer Leticia Ochoa Adams, is no stranger to grief. After her son committed suicide a couple of years ago, she decided to live the rest of her life sharing his story + walking through her journey of sorrow publicly. We talk about how to remain in relationship with Christ after horrible things happen and why “getting over” grief just isn’t a thing. We also dive into what we call Catholic Celebrity Culture—why Leticia’s passionate about exposing the media to different kinds of Catholic women, and why Catholic womanhood isn’t one-size-fits-all. Enjoy!

Today’s episode is brought to you by Franciscan University of Stuebenville. Join some former podcast guests and get an authentically Catholic education from the comfort of your own home by enrolling in one of their many graduate programs. Hit up www.franciscan.edu/tcf to learn more.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs one of these stunning planners designed by former guest Erica Tighe. Live more liturgically this year by heading to www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

Topics discussed:

  • Leticia’s conversion to Catholicism

  • The story of Leticia’s son’s mental illness and suicide

  • How she was able to reconnect with God and stay close with Him through immense grief

  • Adapting to a “new normal”

  • Catholic PR culture and the importance of diverse Catholic writers and stories

  • What’s been bringing Leticia closer to God

We mentioned: 

Find Leticia: 

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Escaping Burnout + Discerning Vocations ft. Sr. Marcia Hall

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You know when you hear God’s voice whisper to you, and you’re like…no. Wrong girl. Thanks, but no thanks. Today’s guest sure does. When Sr. Marcia Hall was trying to figure out what direction to take her life, the thought of joining the Oblate Sisters of Providence was the last thing on her mind. But she eventually gave God her own fiat and joined the Oblate Sisters, which was the first religious order created for Black women. The order was founded in 1828 by 2 women who heard a call to religious life but were rejected by other religious orders due to our American Church’s shamefully racist past. Now, Sr. Marcia is on the show to walk us through dealing with compassion burnout, having holy boundaries, and discerning our vocations. I loved learning more about the Oblate sisters, how a religious sister can practice self-care, and Sr. Marcia’s tips for listening to your OWN call. Enjoy!

Today’s episode is brought to you by Franciscan University of Stuebenville. Join some former podcast guests and get an authentically Catholic education from the comfort of your own home by enrolling in one of their many graduate programs. Hit up www.franciscan.edu/tcf to learn more.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs one of these stunning planners designed by former guest Erica Tighe. Live more liturgically this year by heading to www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

Topics discussed:

  • How Sr. Marcia discerned a religious calling

  • The purpose/mission of the Oblate Sisters

  • The history of the Oblate Sisters

  • How she as a religious sister practices self-care and avoids burnout

  • Her tips for vocational discernment

  • What’s been bringing Sr. Marcia closer to God

Find the Oblate Sisters of Providence: 

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Ending Rape Culture ft. Adele Smith

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If someone called you saying that their house was robbed, what’s the first thing you would say? Probably you should have locked your doors, right? Or maybe, Are you sure? Maybe you didn’t understand what the robber was doing . Possibly That can’t be true. I know your neighborhood. Only nice people who would never steal live there.

Proooooobs not. I’m guessing it would be something more like, I’m so sorry that happened to you.

Today’s guest, Adele Smith, is a survivor of sexual violence. After her assault took place, her name was smeared (to say the least—there are literal blogs devoted to accusing her of lying) and she didn’t believe her college did enough to protect her from her rapist. That’s why she founded Dinah’s Voice, an organization dedicated to ending rape culture on Christian college campuses. Adele is here to talk with us about what rape culture is, why we shouldn’t be surprised that sexual violence takes place on Catholic campuses, and how we can embrace Christian values without letting them be twisted into victim-shaming. I was honored to speak with Adele and I hope her story inspires you.

When we approach situations with a sense of love and a desire for truth, I believe we will find it. This isn’t about #BelievingAllWomen or #MeToo’ing our way into a protest. It’s about using our anger as fuel for justice and seeking the truth, every single time.

Today’s episode is brought to you in part by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs this stunning planner in her life. Snag yours today at www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by Audible. How do I get dressed in the morning with two little kids? Y’all, Peter Rabbit on Audible. Grab a free audio book today by heading to www.audibletrial.com/catholic.

Topics discussed:

  • Why Adele founded Dinah’s Voice

  • What “rape culture” entails

  • How we can hold onto Christian values like modesty and prudence without shaming victims

  • How Adele struggles with the idea of “virgin martyrs”

  • What she wishes all Christian victims of sexual violence knew

  • What’s been bringing Adele closer to God

We mentioned: 

Find Dinah’s Voice: 

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Foster Care and Supporting Families ft. Brianna Johnston Hanks

“And we will love naturally, we will try to do something. First in our own home, next door neighbor in the country we live, in the whole world.” - Mother Teresa. I love Mama T so much I named a baby after her, and this quote is one of the reasons why. It’s a commonly-told anecdote that when people asked her how they could change the world like she was doing, she told them to go home and love their families. The family is truly the bedrock of our Christian faith, and although volunteering and donating and going to the margins are all essential, I truly believe that loving your family is the number one most effective way to have an impact for the Gospel.

Today’s podcast guest, Brianna Johnston Hanks, is an attorney who works with families affected by foster care. When we think of foster care, we may have a picture in our head: selfless individuals who accept poor, needy kids into their homes and then go all Daddy-Warbucks on ‘em. But the truth is, foster care is a complex, nuanced issues with lots of hope + lots of heartbreak. Brianna is walking us through what foster care is for, how to discern if you’re ready to foster, and why foster care is an issue that needs to be discussed more among Catholics. It was truly an eye-opening conversation for me—to learn about how foster care is focused on the reunification of families and is meant to help families stay together reminded me so much of some of the core tenants of our faith. The same way we care about kids on our border, let’s care about kids in our own communities who are experiencing the heartbreak of family separation and the people who have stepped up to stand in the gap with them. Enjoy our chat!

Today’s episode is brought to you in part by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs this stunning planner in her life. Snag yours today at www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by Audible. How do I get dressed in the morning with two little kids? Y’all, Peter Rabbit on Audible. Grab a free audio book today by heading to www.audibletrial.com/catholic.

Topics discussed:

  • How Brianna got into foster care work

  • What exactly foster care is

  • How she deals with emotional burnout

  • Tips for discerning if you’re called to foster care

  • The book that’s been bringing Brianna closer to God

Additional Resources: 

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Building Bridges and Understanding Racism ft. Danielle Brown

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How come we never hear priests talking about race from the pulpit?

I mean, maybe YOU do. But I’m pretty sure I literally never have. And that’s not ok. It’s a social issue plaguing our society, the same as other topics I hear about frequently, like abortion, poverty, and murder (the gang activity in Milwaukee, y’all. Fix it Jesus.) I have my theories. So does today’s guest, Danielle Brown. Danielle is the associate director of the USCCB’s Committee Against Racism. She’s breaking down WHAT exactly racism is, why we have such a hard time talking about it, and the importance of “having a life that reflects the diversity that the Lord created on Earth.” Danielle talks about growing up in a monochromatic Church and how her faith changed when she connected with other Black Catholics. She also shares what white Catholics can do to serve as effective allies. It was a phenomenal conversation and I know you’ll enjoy listening just as much as I enjoyed having it!

BTW, the audio in this episode is a little lower than our usual production quality—my apologies. We had a few tech issues and as you’ll hear me explain in the episode…A MOUSE JUMPED OUT AT ME HALFWAY THROUGH RECORDING. So during the episode when you hear my typing, I am FRANTICALLY texting my husband to come home over lunch and set up mouse traps. 😂 (I did edit out when I shrieked OH MY GOD, though. Apologies to the Lord for taking his name in vein. But some of his creatures are nasty.)

Today’s episode is brought to you in part by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs this stunning planner in her life. Snag yours today at www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by Audible. How do I get dressed in the morning with two little kids? Y’all, Peter Rabbit on Audible. Grab a free audio book today by heading to www.audibletrial.com/catholic.

Topics discussed:

  • Danielle’s history in a monochromatic Church

  • What exactly racism is

  • Why Catholics are afraid of talking about racism

  • How we can support communities of color, specifically when they’re faced with economic injustice

  • The importance of embracing diverse friendships

We mentioned: 

Find the USCCB: 

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Remaining Catholic After Suffering From Clergy Sexual Abuse ft. Krista Keil

When I started the Catholic Feminist, one of my guiding principles was to get as close to those affected by issues as possible. Talking about eating disorders? Speak to someone who’s had one. Talking about racism? Speak to someone who’s experienced it. Talking about clergy sexual abuse? Have a victim share their story.

Today’s guest, Krista Keil, is a Catholic speaker who’s bravely sharing her story of adult sexual abuse with us today. Krista and I talk about her story, how she was able to remain Catholic after being abused by someone in a position of power, what she finds unhelpful when it comes to discussions of abuse, and how she responds to people who have left the faith due to the predator priest crisis.

It was an honor to hear Krista’s story today. This topic is discussed with grace but it may not be appropriate for little ears. If you’ve experienced abuse and need help and guidance, please call the national sexual abuse hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

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

Today’s episode is also brought to you by Audible. Audio books have made my life as a busy mom SO much easier, and I know they’ll do the same for you. Snag a free audio book of your choice and a free 30-day trial by visiting audibletrial.com/catholic.

Topics discussed:

  • Krista’s story of sexual abuse

  • What she did immediately after

  • Why Krista decided to remain in the Church

  • What she finds unhelpful and unproductive when it comes to discussing abuse

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

Additional resources provided by Krista: 

  • KristaKeil.com

  • Maria Goretti Network (12-step program for abuse survivors)

  • Healing Voices Magazine (an online publication by Catholic survivors of clergy abuse, for the benefit of survivors of abuse and trauma as well as their families, friends, and others who minister to them. With a mission to reconcile faith “with the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual harm” inflicted by clergy)

  • My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints (A book on healing from a Catholic perspective. Eden shows how the lives of the saints have given her hope and aided her journey of spiritual healing after childhood sexual abuse.)

This post may contain affiliate links.




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topics discussed:

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

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

  • Is the Catholic Church still protecting predator priests?

  • How NOT to listen to victims of sexual abuse

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

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

Find Deliver Us: 

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Life on the US/Mexico Border ft. Kelly Griffith

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I’m married to an immigrant.

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

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

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

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

Topics discussed:

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

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

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

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

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

This post may contain affiliate links.


#ThoughtsAndPrayers ft. Chika Anyanwu

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

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

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

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

Topics discussed:

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

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

  • Her history in ministry

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

  • The importance of praising God in the midst of struggle

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

Find Chika: 

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Miracles, Saints, and Fulton Sheen ft. Bonnie Engstrom

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Who gets a miracle?

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

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

Topics discussed:

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

  • Why she loves Fulton Sheen

  • Why Fulton Sheen’s canonization is currently paused

  • Whether or not everyday occurrences are “miracles”

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

  • Bonnie’s thoughts on the future of Catholic blogging

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

Find Bonnie: 


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Overcoming Spiritual Perfectionism ft. Colleen Carroll Campbell

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

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

Topics discussed:

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

  • Her struggles with perfectionism

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

  • The importance of keeping joy imbedded in our faith lives

  • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

We mentioned: 

Find Colleen: 


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Emotional and Spiritual Postpartum Care ft. Rebecca Christian

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

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

Snag some Catholic birth affirmations!

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

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    Topics discussed:

    • How Rebecca fell more in love with her faith

    • Why she began doula work

    • Her heart for postpartum care

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

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

    • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

    We mentioned: 

    Find Fiat Doula Services: 


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    Cultivating Community + Going Through Burnout ft. Megan Stram

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

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

    Topics discussed:

    • How Megan transitioned from ministry to secular work

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

    • Why Megan has a passion for disability work

    • The book that changed her view of disability work

    • The effect unemployment had in her spiritual life

    • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

    We mentioned: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Topics discussed:

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

    • How strength + fragility can be combined in women

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

    • #FiatFeminism

    • The beauty of flourishing where you’re planted

    • Which saints they feel best represent feminism

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

    We mentioned: 

    Find Way of the Wildflowers: 

    This post may contain affiliate links.

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

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

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

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

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

    Topics discussed:

    • How Kathryn got to where she is today

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

    • Her tips for communicating with people who think differently

    • Why she thinks political boxes need to go

    • What’s been bringing her closer to God lately

    We mentioned: 

    Find Kathryn: 

    This post may contain affiliate links.

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

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

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

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

    Enter to win a copy of Ever Eden!

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

      I would never send you spam--pinky promise. Unsubscribe at any time. By entering your e-mail, you are consenting to receive correspondance from the Catholic Feminist.

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      Topics discussed:

      • Why Amy grew up being ashamed to be a girl

      • What lead her to the decision to study theology

      • Where she got the idea of Ever Eden

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

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

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

      We mentioned: 

      Find Ever Eden: 

      This post may contain affiliate links.