Powerful Voices of Catholic Women (with Suzanne Bilodeau)
In this heartfelt episode, we welcome author, podcaster, and mom Suzanne Bilodeau to talk about her beautiful new book from Ascension, She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood. Suzanne shares the inspiration behind the project—a deep desire to learn from seasoned Catholic moms—and how this collection of letters from 15 Catholic women offers wisdom, vulnerability, and hope for mothers in every season of life. We discuss the power of female friendship, overcoming comparison, staying grounded in your vocation, and what it really means to be both a contemplative and an evangelist in daily life. This is a life-giving conversation you won’t want to miss, especially as we approach Mother’s Day.🕊️ Order the book: She Loved by Suzanne Bilodeau🎙️ Learn more about Suzanne’s podcast: Latte & Laundry📩 Subscribe to the Girlfriends newsletter and live events at daniellebean.comANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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Finding Adventure in Life's second Half (with Maria Johnson)
This week’s guest is Maria Morera Johnson, author, podcaster and a powerhouse of wisdom and joy. Her newest book is A Beautiful Second Act, an inspiring and fun collection of personal stories and stories from the saints who found adventure in the second half of life. What a joy it was to chat with her! I know you are going to love this conversation.Are you a Catholic creator? Let’s connect! My newest project is Grace & Growth, an online community of creator who encourage and support one another in the work God calls us to do.ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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Making Peace With Being Small in a World Obsessed With Big
Have you ever felt like what you do isn’t enough? Like your work, your prayers, your quiet service just… doesn’t count in a world that celebrates the loud, the visible, the impressive?In this live session, we explore the deep spiritual truth that small is not insignificant. We talk about what it means to live a life hidden in Christ, to serve faithfully without fanfare, and to find peace in knowing that God delights in the little things we do with great love.Join the Grace & Growth Community.Sign up for the free webinar: From Stuck to StartedThis conversation is especially for anyone who feels unseen, overlooked, or weary of chasing worldly expectations. Plus, you’ll walk away with three simple action steps to help you start living this message right now.ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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How to Talk About Sex With Your Spouse (with Renzo and Monica Ortega)
In this episode of Girlfriends, Renzo and Monica Ortega, authors of the new book, Lovemaking: How to Talk About Sex with Your Spouse, join us for an enlightening discussion.They share their personal struggles and insights on sex within Catholic marriages, emphasizing the importance of communication, respect, and intimacy. They offer practical advice and encouragement for couples navigating this often-taboo topic.Takeaways:* It can be uncomfortable to get started, but it’s important to talk about sex with your spouse* As Catholics, we have a unique perspective on the gifts of sex and marriage* Marriage preparation for young couples for marriage should include discussions about sex* Our culture does not encourage aiuthentic intimacy, but it is a vital part of healthy relationshipsANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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The Power of Media Fasting (with Sr. Nancy Usselmann)
Have you ever undertaken a media fast? What would that look like?Sister Nancy Usselmann joins Girlfriends to discuss her book Media Fasting: Six Weeks to Recharge in Christ. discusses the challenges of navigating a media-saturated world, emphasizing the importance of spiritual grounding in media use. The conversation covers practical steps for implementing a media fast, the role of prayer and community, and the need for self-awareness in recognizing unhealthy media habits. Sister Nancy encourages listeners to invite Christ into their media experiences and to reflect on their motivations for media consumption.Takeaways* Media fasting combines spiritual growth with practical steps.* Assessing media habits is crucial for effective fasting.* Fasting from media should include prayer and reflection.* Community support enhances the media fasting experience.* Distraction from media can hinder creativity and focus.* Recognizing signs of media overuse is essential for self-awareness.* Inviting God into media experiences enriches our faith.ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe