Catholic Moms in the Middle

Can I be honest? Midlife has not looked the way I imagined it would. I thought these years would be about traveling with my husband, enjoying our grown kids, and spoiling grandbabies together. Instead, this season has been marked by grief, heartbreak, and rediscovering who I am after walking through an unwanted divorce. But through the pain, I’ve found something beautiful...a sacred invitation to reconnect with myself, with others, and most importantly, with God. In this episode, I’m sharing part of my own messy middle — the nights of tears, the questions of “Who am I now?”, and how I’ve learned to rest in my true identity as God’s beloved daughter. We’ll talk about what it means to take an “identity inventory,” to remember that before we were ever wives, moms, or anything else, we were made in the image of God. And how that truth, even when everything else falls apart, never changes. If you’re standing in a season that feels different than you expected, maybe your friendships are shifting, your kids are grown, or your marriage looks nothing like you hoped then this conversation is for you. Together, we’ll explore how to make authentic connections again: with yourself, with the people God has placed around you, and with Him. Midlife may feel messy, but it’s also full of grace, renewal, and purpose. Let’s walk through it together and rediscover the beauty of being God’s masterpiece, right in the middle of the mess.

If you’ve ever ended your day feeling like you didn’t do enough, or wondered why everyone else seems to have it all together while you’re just trying to keep up, you’re in the right place. Midlife can be messy and full of changes, comparisons, and that constant feeling that we’re falling short. But what if there’s another way to see yourself and your life? In this episode, I’m diving into a concept from the book The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. It’s all about learning to measure your progress by how far you’ve come, not by how far you still have to go. And when you look at it through a faith lens, it’s powerful and it shifts your focus from striving and comparison to gratitude, peace, and seeing the hand of God in your everyday life. So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and join me for a real and grace-filled conversation. Together we’ll talk about how to step out of the gap, live in the gain, and see yourself the way God sees you...loved, growing, and right where you’re meant to be. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, retreat leader, and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. With over 26 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and Director of Religious Education, she is passionate about walking with midlife women through life’s transitions—especially those that come from unexpected changes in relationships, identity, or purpose. A devoted mother of three grown sons and proud grandmother of two, Jennie creates sacred spaces where women can encounter the love of the Father, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, so they can magnify Christ in their everyday lives. Jennie is the host of the Catholic Moms in the Middle podcast and a featured voice on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, where she shares encouragement and faith-filled wisdom with women navigating the twists and turns of midlife.

Have you ever noticed how some of the most sacred words of our faith love, hope, and joy have been hijacked by our culture? They show up on coffee mugs, t-shirts, and Instagram captions, but somewhere along the way, their true, life-changing meaning got watered down. In this episode, we dive deeper into these three words, peeling back layers of cultural noise to rediscover their biblical and Catholic roots. Through Scripture, Church teaching, and the wisdom of the saints, I show you how these virtues aren’t fluffy slogans, but anchors that can sustain Catholic women especially in midlife through seasons of change, loss, and new beginnings. ✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why love is more than just an emotion or consumer slogan it's a choice, a sacrifice, and the very nature of God Himself. The four kinds of love in Scripture (eros, philia, storge, agape) and how they shape your relationships. How to recognize when “hope” has been reduced to wishful thinking and reclaim it as an anchor in Christ. Why joy is not the same as happiness, and how the saints teach us to rejoice even in suffering. Practical ways to bring these virtues into your daily life as a Catholic woman navigating midlife transitions. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, retreat leader, and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. With over 26 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and Director of Religious Education, she is passionate about walking with midlife women through life’s transitions—especially those that come from unexpected changes in relationships, identity, or purpose. A devoted mother of three grown sons and proud grandmother of two, Jennie creates sacred spaces where women can encounter the love of the Father, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, so they can magnify Christ in their everyday lives. Jennie is the host of the Catholic Moms in the Middle podcast and a featured voice on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, where she shares encouragement and faith-filled wisdom with women navigating the twists and turns of midlife.

This week on Catholic Moms in the Middle, I’m diving into a topic that every single one of us faces, change. Have you ever felt like the rug was pulled out from under you? Maybe your kids are grown and suddenly the house that was once noisy and chaotic is now painfully quiet. Or maybe your marriage looks completely different than you ever imagined. Midlife seems to come with one change after another...sometimes chosen, sometimes not and it can feel scary, overwhelming, or even unfair. But here’s the good news: God meets us in the middle of change. He doesn’t leave us to figure it out on our own. In fact, He uses change...even the painful kind to shape us, strengthen us, and lead us closer to Him. In this episode, I share: ✨ My own story of becoming an empty nester and how God used that season to open new doors. ✨ The difference between clinging to control and surrendering to God’s will (and the surprising peace that comes when we finally let go). ✨ How Scripture reminds us that every closed door is really an invitation to a new beginning with God on the other side. ✨ Reflection questions you can ask yourself as you walk through your own season of transition. Friend, if you’re staring at a closed door right now, whether in motherhood, marriage, career, or another part of your life this episode is for you. You don’t have to just survive change. With God, you can thrive in it. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, retreat leader, and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. With over 26 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and Director of Religious Education, she is passionate about walking with midlife women through life’s transitions—especially those that come from unexpected changes in relationships, identity, or purpose. A devoted mother of three grown sons and proud grandmother of two, Jennie creates sacred spaces where women can encounter the love of the Father, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, so they can magnify Christ in their everyday lives. Jennie is the host of the Catholic Moms in the Middle podcast and a featured voice on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, where she shares encouragement and faith-filled wisdom with women navigating the twists and turns of midlife.

My dear friend Debbie Smith is joining me on the podcast! Debbie and I met about 10 years ago here in Nashville, and from the start, I’ve admired her boldness when it comes to sharing her faith. Seriously, she can strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. We lovingly call her our “bar stool evangelist” because she can sit down at a bar, order a craft beer, and before you know it, she’s talking with the bartender about the Eucharist. Now, I know what you’re thinking… I could never do that. But here’s the thing Debbie hasn’t always been this way. In fact, she once thought she didn’t know enough about her Catholic faith to share it with anyone. But through Bible studies, books like Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn, and her own personal encounters, she’s discovered how to authentically connect with people about Jesus and the beauty of the Church. In this episode, Debbie and I talk about: How she went from shy and unsure about her faith to joyfully sharing it with strangers. Why evangelization isn’t about preaching or pressuring but about authentic connections. Some amazing God-moments where the Holy Spirit gave her the exact words to say. What to do when you feel too scared or unqualified to share your faith. My favorite part? Debbie reminds us that evangelization doesn’t always look like words...it can be as simple as a smile, an act of kindness, or telling someone why your faith is important to you. 👉 If you’ve ever wondered how to bring Christ into everyday conversations without feeling awkward or pushy, you don’t want to miss this one. Debbie’s stories will encourage you, inspire you, and maybe even nudge you to take a step of faith in your own little corner of the world. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, retreat leader, and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. With over 26 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and Director of Religious Education, she is passionate about walking with midlife women through life’s transitions—especially those that come from unexpected changes in relationships, identity, or purpose. A devoted mother of three grown sons and proud grandmother of two, Jennie creates sacred spaces where women can encounter the love of the Father, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, so they can magnify Christ in their everyday lives. Jennie is the host of the Catholic Moms in the Middle podcast and a featured voice on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, where she shares encouragement and faith-filled wisdom with women navigating the twists and turns of midlife.

I finally convinced my dear friend, Lisa Rippy, to join me and share her incredible story. Trust me—you don’t want to miss this one! Lisa has such a beautiful testimony of what happens when you hear God’s call and simply say yes. In 2014, during what seemed like an ordinary school presentation, Lisa felt the Lord tug on her heart to go to Sierra Leone and she didn’t hesitate. That one yes led to a life-changing journey for her, her family, her students, and our entire community. In this conversation, Lisa opens up about: What it felt like to hear God’s call so clearly in the middle of everyday life. Her first trip to Sierra Leone and the powerful ways God’s presence showed up. How the children she thought she was going to teach ended up teaching her. The ripple effect of her yes, especially how it shaped her daughter’s future calling. Why serving doesn’t have to be “big” to matter and how even the small things bring joy and transformation. Lisa’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late, never too small, and never the wrong season for God to use us. You’ll be inspired, encouraged, and maybe even challenged to say yes to the little nudges God is placing on your heart. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, retreat leader, and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. With over 26 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and Director of Religious Education, she is passionate about walking with midlife women through life’s transitions—especially those that come from unexpected changes in relationships, identity, or purpose. A devoted mother of three grown sons and proud grandmother of two, Jennie creates sacred spaces where women can encounter the love of the Father, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, so they can magnify Christ in their everyday lives. Jennie is the host of the Catholic Moms in the Middle podcast and a featured voice on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, where she shares encouragement and faith-filled wisdom with women navigating the twists and turns of midlife.

In today’s episode of Catholic Moms in the Middle, I’m wrapping up my little series on the lessons God has been teaching me while working in my yard. What I thought would be one episode turned into three because—just like in our gardens—God never stops showing us new ways to grow. This time, I’m sharing three final reflections that connect the work of tending soil, pulling weeds, and pruning plants to the deeper work of tending our hearts, minds, and souls. We’ll talk about: 🌱 How the “weeds” of negative thoughts keep popping up (and how to take them captive in Christ). ✂️ Why pruning can feel harsh, but actually leads to new, healthier growth. 🌸 How blooming comes in different seasons—and how God often surprises us with new life just when we think we’re done. It’s real, it’s honest, and it’s a reminder that whether you’re in a season of blooming, pruning, or quiet rest, God is always at work in you. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, retreat leader, and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. With over 26 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and Director of Religious Education, she is passionate about walking with midlife women through life’s transitions—especially those that come from unexpected changes in relationships, identity, or purpose. A devoted mother of three grown sons and proud grandmother of two, Jennie creates sacred spaces where women can encounter the love of the Father, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, so they can magnify Christ in their everyday lives. Jennie is the host of the Catholic Moms in the Middle podcast and a featured voice on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, where she shares encouragement and faith-filled wisdom with women navigating the twists and turns of midlife.

This week, I’m back in the garden—literally and spiritually. What started as a fun project to tidy up my yard and grow a few vegetables turned into a rich space for God to teach me deep truths about my heart, my faith, and the way I live. As I worked with my hands in the dirt, pulling weeds and planting seeds, I began to notice how God was using every little task—especially the frustrating ones—to speak to my soul. In this episode, I share the story of my tomato plants that looked beautiful above ground, but below the surface, they were struggling. The soil was rocky, and the roots couldn’t go deep. It reminded me so vividly of Jesus' parable in Matthew 13—the seed sown on rocky ground that springs up quickly but withers just as fast because it has no root. I began to ask: Where in my own life do I appear to be thriving, but deep down I’m dry, overextended, or disconnected from God? And more importantly, how many of us are trying to produce fruit without first tending to the soil of our hearts? Throughout the episode, I talk about the ways we all try to "fake the fruit": smiling at church while feeling spiritually empty, saying yes out of guilt or performance, trying to be the perfect Catholic mom or wife while burying our own pain. I’ve done it. I’ve coached women through it. And I know how exhausting it can be. We explore the four anchors that help us cultivate good, deep spiritual soil: 🕊️ Silence ✝️ Sacraments 💔 Suffering 🤲 Surrender These aren’t glamorous. They don’t always feel productive. But this is where God does His most beautiful work. When we allow Him into our hidden, rocky places—into the pain, the dryness, the places we’d rather keep covered—He begins to till the soil. He prepares us to grow fruit that isn’t just impressive, but lasting and life-giving. I also talk about how to recognize rotten fruit in our lives: the habits, actions, or even ministry roles that look holy but aren’t bearing real joy, peace, or love. And I remind you (and myself!) that God doesn’t just want us to be busy. He wants us to be rooted. So if you’re feeling worn out, spiritually dry, or unsure whether the fruit of your life is real or just for show—this episode is for you. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, retreat leader, and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. With over 26 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and Director of Religious Education, she is passionate about walking with midlife women through life’s transitions—especially those that come from unexpected changes in relationships, identity, or purpose. A devoted mother of three grown sons and proud grandmother of two, Jennie creates sacred spaces where women can encounter the love of the Father, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, so they can magnify Christ in their everyday lives. Jennie is the host of the Catholic Moms in the Middle podcast and a featured voice on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, where she shares encouragement and faith-filled wisdom with women navigating the twists and turns of midlife.

Over the past six months, I’ve spent a lot of time working in my yard—not because it’s beautiful or easy to care for, but because it’s where God unexpectedly met me. Between the weeds, the rocky soil, and a hose that never cooperates, I began to experience God as a gardener. What started as a to-do list to improve my yard became a sacred space for healing and connection with the Lord. I realized that working in the dirt became deeply spiritual. It taught me how God speaks through the most ordinary things—soil, sun, weeds, and even a leaky hose. One of the first powerful lessons I learned was about the garden hose. If there's a kink, the water won’t flow—just like our spiritual lives. We can be doing all the right things—going to Mass, praying, reading Scripture—but if we’re holding onto fear, shame, sin, resentment, or busyness, the grace of God can't flow through us fully. Leaks in the hose reminded me of trying to give to others while running on empty, leading to burnout, irritability, and emotional exhaustion. God used that leaky hose to show me that healing comes first—before we pour out to others, we must allow His grace to fill and restore us. Another lesson: not all weeds are ugly. Some look like good plants, even beautiful, but they choke out real growth. Spiritually, that means not everything that appears “good” is of God. I’ve had to discern what’s life-giving versus what’s distracting. Sometimes, good things—like serving in ministry or taking on new responsibilities—aren’t meant for this season. As midlife women navigating change, it’s vital to pause and ask: is this drawing me closer to Christ or pulling me away? By slowing down, praying, journaling, and inviting the Holy Spirit in, I’ve started to recognize the weeds I need to release in order to grow a more fruitful and grace-filled life. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, retreat leader, and founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. With over 26 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and Director of Religious Education, she is passionate about walking with midlife women through life’s transitions—especially those that come from unexpected changes in relationships, identity, or purpose. A devoted mother of three grown sons and proud grandmother of two, Jennie creates sacred spaces where women can encounter the love of the Father, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, so they can magnify Christ in their everyday lives. Jennie is the host of the Catholic Moms in the Middle podcast and a featured voice on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, where she shares encouragement and faith-filled wisdom with women navigating the twists and turns of midlife.

In this week's episode of Catholic Moms in the Middle, Jennie Guinn invites you to see your current struggles through a new lens—the lens of fire. But not a fire that destroys—a fire that purifies, transforms, and reignites your God-given purpose. Whether you’re walking through grief, facing the ache of an empty nest, struggling in your marriage, or simply feeling lost in midlife, Jennie reminds you that you are not being burnt out—you’re being lit up. With wisdom drawn from scripture, the Blessed Mother, and the lives of the saints, this episode is an invitation to see your pain not as a punishment, but as a sacred path toward holiness. Jennie shares insights from a recent morning of reflection where she explored how fire shows up in our lives—not just in the dramatic crises, but in the quiet ache of change, in unanswered prayers, and in the slow burn of transition. Drawing on her own experience and the stories of women she walks with in ministry, she gently guides you to reflect on how God might be using your fire to strip away what is false and fill you with what is holy. You'll also hear how the Blessed Mother walked through the fire with silent surrender and unwavering faith—and how she walks beside you, too. Through encouraging stories, journaling prompts, and spiritual practices, this episode will help you recognize the fire in your life, surrender it to God, and allow it to become the spark that ignites your light—and someone else’s. You were born to sparkle, not just survive. Let Jennie remind you that holiness is often forged in the heat, and that your small flame, lit by God, can shine brightly in a weary world. If you're longing for purpose, hope, and healing in the fire you're facing, this episode will speak directly to your heart. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, podcaster, and radio show host who walks with women facing life’s unexpected turns. She helps them encounter the Father’s love, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and find healing from pain and disappointment so they can magnify Christ with their lives. Through faith-filled coaching and heartfelt conversations, Jennie empowers women to rediscover hope and to live life with purpose and joy.

In this episode of Catholic Moms in the Middle, I sit down with my dear friend of 15 years, Mona Overstreet. Mona is a convert to the Catholic faith, and her story is one of incredible resilience, deep faith, and a heart fully surrendered to God. After caring for her adoptive mother for eight years and walking through tremendous personal loss and illness, Mona now lives in an assisted living facility where she sees her life as a mission field. She calls this season her “fourth quarter,” and she’s committed to using every moment to glorify God and bring others closer to Him. Mona shares how her suffering has shaped her—not as a burden, but as a path to holiness. From quieting the noise by removing distractions like TV to spending time in daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, Mona is intentional about hearing God’s voice and acting on it. She reminds us that even in weakness, pain, or isolation, God can use us powerfully. Whether she’s praying for strangers in the grocery store or sharing her faith with staff at her facility, Mona is a shining example of what it means to live your faith out loud. Her story is a beautiful witness to the strength that comes from Christ alone. If you’re walking through suffering, loss, or uncertainty, I pray that Mona’s words encourage you to keep talking to God, to stay rooted in the sacraments, and to trust that He is working—even when you can’t see it. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, podcaster, and radio show host who walks with women facing life’s unexpected turns. She helps them encounter the Father’s love, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and find healing from pain and disappointment so they can magnify Christ with their lives. Through faith-filled coaching and heartfelt conversations, Jennie empowers women to rediscover hope and to live life with purpose and joy.

I had the honor of talking with Fr. Wade Menezes from the Fathers of Mercy, and let me tell you—it was rich, deep, and so full of truth. Fr. Wade shared his journey from dairy farming to the priesthood (a path I totally relate to!), and we dove into what people today are truly hungry for: a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Trinity. We talked about how life gets messy—hurt, sin, unforgiveness—and how God wants to take those roadblocks and turn them into stepping stones toward Him. One of the biggest takeaways was the power of living a sacramental life, especially through frequent Confession and Eucharist—the two sacraments we can receive over and over again. Fr. Wade reminded us that sanctifying grace actually helps us participate in God’s divine life and gives us strength to face the fire (whether it’s a raging one or just a little campfire). We also talked about living “eternity-minded”—not in a heavy or morbid way, but in a joyful, daily pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful. And yes, even rest and leisure matter! Fr. Wade encouraged us (especially busy women!) to seek daily balance in prayer, work, and recreation—because holiness is found in that rhythm. I hope this episode encourages your heart as much as it did mine! Register for the Nashville Magnificat Breakfast with Father Wade on July 26, 2025 Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, podcaster, and radio show host who walks with women facing life’s unexpected turns. She helps them encounter the Father’s love, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and find healing from pain and disappointment so they can magnify Christ with their lives. Through faith-filled coaching and heartfelt conversations, Jennie empowers women to rediscover hope and to live life with purpose and joy.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered when your sparkle faded? When did the light of joy, confidence, and divine purpose get buried under the weight of motherhood, marriage struggles, or midlife transitions? In this episode, I invite you to rediscover the truth you may have forgotten: you were born to sparkle. Inspired by a simple moment with my granddaughter and a sparkly Walmart hat, I unpack what it really means to shine—not with worldly glamor, but with the radiant light of Christ that lives within you. You’ll hear stories of three powerful saints—St. Monica, St. Rita of Cascia, and St. Hildegard—who each found their divine sparkle in prayer, suffering, and late-blooming purpose. And you’ll be reminded that your most meaningful chapter might still be ahead, even if it doesn't look the way you imagined. ✨ Feeling lost in the middle of your story? ✨ Wrestling with grief, broken relationships, or purpose in midlife? ✨ Longing to reclaim your God-given radiance? This episode is a holy permission slip to start sparkling again—right where you are. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, podcaster, and radio show host who walks with women facing life’s unexpected turns. She helps them encounter the Father’s love, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and find healing from pain and disappointment so they can magnify Christ with their lives. Through faith-filled coaching and heartfelt conversations, Jennie empowers women to rediscover hope and to live life with purpose and joy.

As we close out the beautiful month of May, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, join me this week, as I reflect on Mary's Fiat—her courageous and wholehearted “yes” to God—and how it continues to inspire Catholic women today. Through personal stories, scripture, Marian devotion, and insights I unpack the obstacles we face when trying to say yes to God—fear, control, suffering, and doubt—and how, like Mary, we can find the grace to trust even when the path is painful or uncertain. Whether you're navigating a difficult season, questioning your next steps, or longing to grow deeper in faith, this episode offers gentle encouragement and powerful reminders that: Saying yes is not a one-time moment—it’s a daily mindset. Surrendering to God isn’t giving up—it’s claiming your victory. Even in suffering, God walks with you—and will equip you for the path ahead. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, podcaster, and radio show host who walks with women facing life’s unexpected turns. She helps them encounter the Father’s love, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and find healing from pain and disappointment so they can magnify Christ with their lives. Through faith-filled coaching and heartfelt conversations, Jennie empowers women to rediscover hope and to live life with purpose and joy.

In this episode, I’m inviting you into something that feels almost impossible in today’s fast-paced, noisy world: silence. Real, soul-nourishing, God-soaked silence. Recently, I attended a silent retreat with the Dominican Sisters at the Bethany Retreat House in Dickson, TN—a retreat I wasn’t even supposed to attend. But God made a way, and He used that quiet weekend to open up a space in my heart I didn’t even realize was closed. I’ve always thought I was pretty comfortable with silence—no TV during the day, no radio in the car—but the retreat showed me something deeper. It wasn’t just the silence that changed me; it was disconnecting from my phone, the world, and all the distractions that keep me busy and numb. In the quiet, I began to hear God again… and also myself. What surprised me most was what came up when the noise stopped—feelings I had pushed down, especially resentment I didn’t even realize I was holding. Even though I thought I was doing the work of forgiveness after the deep betrayal in my marriage, God gently revealed that I was still clinging to resentment. And He met me there—not with shame, but with healing. In the silence, I stopped doing and started being. I sat with God in the ashes of pain, and He began lifting the weight off my heart. It was uncomfortable, but it was also holy. If you’ve been longing for clarity, healing, or simply a break from the constant noise, I invite you to pause with me today. Let’s talk about how silence can become a sanctuary—where we meet God, where we meet ourselves, and where real healing begins. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, podcaster, and radio show host who walks with women facing life’s unexpected turns. She helps them encounter the Father’s love, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and find healing from pain and disappointment so they can magnify Christ with their lives. Through faith-filled coaching and heartfelt conversations, Jennie empowers women to rediscover hope and to live life with purpose and joy.

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation that left you shaken—your heart racing, your voice tense, and your peace completely gone? Maybe it was a disagreement about politics, morality, Church teaching, or even a family decision that matters deeply to you. In those moments, it’s so easy to react instead of respond... and before you know it, the tension turns into division. In this episode of Catholic Moms in the Middle, I’m opening up about something we all face: how to stay kind, calm, and Christlike when you deeply disagree with someone. Whether it's a heated conversation in your family, a debate at work, or a clash in your parish, this episode will give you tools to handle it with grace and strength. We’ll talk about: Why disagreements feel so personal and triggering What’s really happening in your brain and body when you’re in conflict. Four practical, faith-filled steps to help you pause, ground yourself, and speak with love while making sure your voice is heard—without losing your peace or your witness. And how saints like St. Catherine of Siena and St. Monica can guide us in today’s polarized world! If you're a Catholic woman who wants to speak truth, stand firm in your values, and still radiate Christ in every conversation—you’re in the right place. You don’t have to sacrifice your voice to stay peaceful, and you don’t have to sacrifice your peace to be heard. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, podcaster, and radio show host who walks with women facing life’s unexpected turns. She helps them encounter the Father’s love, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and find healing from pain and disappointment so they can magnify Christ with their lives. Through faith-filled coaching and heartfelt conversations, Jennie empowers women to rediscover hope and to live life with purpose and joy.

Have you ever wondered what really happens inside the Sistine Chapel when the Church selects a new Pope? With the whole world watching and Catholics everywhere praying, now is the perfect time to explore the mystery, meaning, and beauty behind the papal conclave. In this special episode, I’m joined by Father Justin Raines, pastor of St. Matthew in Franklin, TN—who was actually in Rome when Pope Francis was elected! Together, we pull back the veil on: What really happens behind closed doors (including what “conclave” actually means), The deep spiritual preparation of the Cardinals, The powerful symbolism of white smoke, the Sistine Chapel, and the “Room of Tears,” How the Holy Spirit guides the Church—and how you can pray during this sacred moment. Whether you're a mom in car line, folding laundry, or carving out some quiet time, this episode will help you feel more connected to the heart of the Church and the global Catholic family. ✨ Grab your rosary and a cup of coffee—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

I’m thrilled to have author Kate Battistelli joining me to talk about her brand-new book: The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom Is Not Your Only Name. If you’re in a season where the kids are grown and gone, and you’re wondering what’s next... If you feel like you’ve lost a part of your identity now that motherhood looks different… Or if you’re sensing God is calling you to more, but you're not sure where to start... This episode is for YOU. Kate shares so honestly about the grief, loneliness, and confusion she felt when her only daughter left home—and how God used that season to awaken a brand new purpose in her life. We talk about: Why the empty nest can feel so hard—and why you don’t have to stay stuck in it The lies women believe in midlife (like "I'm too late" or "I'm not enough") How volunteering, dreaming again, and saying “yes” to God can open new doors Why it's okay not to have it all figured out—and how obedience always matters more than perfection Kate’s story is full of hope, laughter, and real-life encouragement. Whether you’re already in the empty nest or you see it coming, I promise this conversation will remind you that God isn’t finished with you yet. There’s so much more ahead. 💬 One of my favorite things Kate said: “This isn’t the end of your story—it’s just the start of your second act.” 📚 You can order her book here: 👉 The After Party of the Empty Nest on Amazon 🌐 Visit Kate’s website: www.katebattistelli.com 🎧 And check out her podcast: Mom to Mom Podcast Jennie Guinn is a Catholic life coach, podcaster, and radio show host who walks with women facing life’s unexpected turns. She helps them encounter the Father’s love, be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and find healing from pain and disappointment so they can magnify Christ with their lives. Through faith-filled coaching and heartfelt conversations, Jennie empowers women to rediscover hope and to live life with purpose and joy.

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of the world, trying to hold everything together? I know that feeling all too well. In this episode, I’m sharing from my own experience as a Catholic mom in midlife who struggles daily with the need to control everything—especially when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. Whether you're facing an empty nest, a struggling marriage, unanswered prayers, or unexpected change, I want you to know—you are not alone. Together, we’ll explore what it really means to surrender our fears and let God step into the places we’ve tried to manage on our own. I also open up about how our parenting styles and control tendencies can reveal deeper wounds that need healing. I talk through common patterns—like helicopter or snowplow parenting—not to judge, but to help us understand the roots of our desire to protect and control. These patterns often trace back to our own unhealed stories. Through this conversation, I want to encourage you to look inward with compassion and to invite God into those tender places so He can bring healing and restoration. This episode is a personal invitation to breathe, release, and trust. I share how God has been challenging me to release my own expectations—even when His answers to my prayers have looked so different from what I hoped for. If you’re wrestling with fear, regret, or trying to control the outcome of things in your life, this is your reminder that God sees the whole picture. Surrender isn’t giving up—it’s choosing to trust the One who loves you most. Join me as we walk this Lenten journey of healing together. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, and Weekly Radio Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA. She is the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle, a ministry for women navigating the pain of betrayal, heartbreak, and the disappointments of midlife. After 26 years in Catholic education, Jennie followed God’s call to serve women who feel lost, unseen, or overwhelmed by life’s unexpected turns. Rooted in Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church, she helps women encounter the healing love of the Father, break free from shame and fear, and be restored by the power of the Holy Spirit—so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their daily lives.

In this week’s show, I’m sharing something a little different for Lent—an examination of the heart. We’re used to hearing about an examination of conscience, but this goes even deeper. Lent is more than just fasting, prayer, and almsgiving; it’s also an invitation to slow down and take a hard look at what’s really in our hearts. Sometimes, without even realizing it, we carry around old wounds—some fresh, some buried beneath years of busyness, distractions, and taking care of everyone else. But God wants to bring those wounds into the light and heal them. I’ll walk you through five steps to help you recognize what’s weighing on your heart and bring it to God for healing. I’ve worked with so many women who feel stuck in guilt, regret, betrayal or unworthiness—maybe that sounds familiar to you, too. The truth is, we don’t have to carry this heaviness alone. Healing starts when we get honest with ourselves and with God. It’s not always easy, but I promise, there is so much freedom, peace, and joy on the other side. We’re also going to talk about forgiveness—yeah, that tough one! It’s not about pretending the hurt didn’t happen, but about letting go so it doesn’t have power over us anymore. I’ll also share how the sacraments—especially confession and the Eucharist—have been such a huge part of my own healing journey. If you’ve been feeling weary, distant from God, or just weighed down, this episode is for you. So grab your journal, find a quiet place, and let’s walk through this Lenten reflection together. God is waiting to meet you right where you are, and I can’t wait to share this with you. Jennie Guinn is a Catholic speaker, Life Coach, Podcaster, Weekly Radio Show Host on Nashville Catholic Radio and Radio Maria USA, and the founder of Catholic Moms in the Middle. After 26 years of working in Catholic education, Jennie felt God calling her "to step out of the boat" to serve in a new way. In her new ministry, she equips and encourages middle-life women to encounter the love of the Father and to be transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit so they can MAGNIFY Christ in their corner of the world.