Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

This week we are thrilled to be launching the Dan & Danielle Bean podcast, exclusively available through subscription at daniellebean.com. After more than 7 years of podcasting on her own with Girlfriends, Danielle is overjoyed to be working on this project with her husband Dan and can’t wait to share it with you! Dan and Danielle have been married almost 30 years (this July!) and they have eight awesome kids. In this new show, they share stories, thoughts, fun, and wisdom that we have gathered through faith and family living. Whether you’re a seasoned parent, a newlywed couple, or someone seeking inspiration in your faith journey, this podcast is your go-to source for genuine insights, relatable stories, wisdom, love, and laughter. Our first episode, How to Have Fun Together as a Family, is shared here this week as a special episode of Girlfriends, but all future shows will be available exclusively to upgraded subscribers. Make sure you don’t miss a thing! Subscribe right now at daniellebean.com 🌿 Takeaways ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here! Contact: Email Danielle Bean Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer * For complete episode shownotes and more information, visit https://daniellebean.com/

Danielle Bean chats with Dr. Bob Schuchts, the bestselling author of Be Healed and the founder of the John Paul II Healing Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Danielle and Dr. Schuchts discuss every person's need for healing, some ways that we sometimes seek healing in all the wrong places, and Jesus as the source of all healing. They also explore the importance of belief in God's healing power and the challenge of overcoming self-sufficiency. Bob explains the tree and the apple analogy for understanding woundedness and offers practical advice for forgiveness and healing. They also discuss the dangers of navigating new age healing practices and highlight the mission of the St. John Paul II Healing Center. Takeaways: At the end of today's show, Danielle reads an email from listener, Katie, a non-Catholic who shares what she appreciates about the Girlfriends podcast. Dr. Bob Schuchts' newest book is Real Suffering: Finding Hope & Healing in the Trials of Life. Learn more about the John Paul II Healing Center. ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here! Contact: Email Danielle Bean Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer * For complete episode shownotes and more information, visit https://daniellebean.com/

Did you make any resolutions this year? In case you need a little inspiration and encouragement, Danielle shares her idea for the ONLY resolution you need to make. If you do nothing else this year, consider working on this--letting God love you. Three things to keep in mind as you do that: 1. Take the time. It takes time to get to know God and let him enter more deeply into your life. Time and again, Jesus "went away to pray" and we need to do likewise. 2. Screen your thoughts. What are some of your habits of thinking or talking to yourself and how might these get in the way of your relationship with God? Screen your thoughts and influences! 3. Let go of fear. Many of us are afraid of being still in the presence of God. it requires a level of openness and vulnerability that might make you uncomfortable. Consider how this might apply to you and how you can let go of that fear that is holding you back. At the end of today's show, Danielle answers a question from "Anna" who is going through a stressful time in her marriage and seeking support. ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here! Contact: Email Danielle Bean Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer * For complete episode shownotes visit https://daniellebean.com/

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are taking a break and using this opportunity to revisit this popular episode where Danielle shares 5 innovative ideas for things to give up in the new year. 1. Undisciplined phone use Are you constantly checking your phone throughout your day? Do you spend too much time mindlessly scrolling through social media? Consider setting limits to when, where, and how you use your phone, and your mental health will be better for it. 2. Stuff you don’t need What things are taking up space in your home and work spaces? Too much clothing, extra appliances, or piles of books? Declutter your spaces and give some of your extra “stuff” to others who can use it. 3. Ignoring your health Many of us put others first and neglect our own healthcare. Do you need to make an appointment for a check up, a screening, or a trip to the dentist? For your family’s benefit, you need to take better care of yourself in these most basic ways. Make the call today! 4. Negative relationships Who in your life brings you down, saps you of energy, or tempts you to sin? There are some relationships (like family) that we can’t cut out, but if you have friendships or acquaintances that are a continual source of negativity for you, consider limiting them or cutting them out altogether. 5. Saying you don’t have time We all use this excuse from time to time, but if you find yourself saying this about important things in your life, it’s time for a change. If you can’t find time to pray, to work on your marriage, to exercise or do other things you think are important, then you need to make some changes. Stop saying you don’t have time and find better ways to use the time you have. How about you? What will you be giving up in 2024?

“Your marriage is the foundation on which your entire family life is built. Anytime you've got extra pressure in your outside lives, it can really add to the pressure that you experience in your relationship.” In the weeks that lead up to Christmas, financial stress, social pressure, and endless to-do lists can add up to a tense situation in your marriage. We need to take steps to protect and nurture our marriages during the busy season of Advent. Danielle shares some ideas: Pause. Take a breath before responding to your spouse in a challenging situation. Spend time together. It’s always important for couples to make time for each other, but even more so during stressful times. Enjoy the holidays together! Talk. A little communication ahead of time goes a long way toward avoiding misunderstandings and conflict. Give in. Compromise whenever you can, and convince yourself to let little things go. See the big picture. Ask yourself: Will any of these stresses and annoyances matter a hundred years from now? Next month? Next week? Even the day after tomorrow? Turn the whole mess over to Baby Jesus and pray for the gift of perspective. At the end of this week’s show, Danielle replies to Alyssa who wrote in to say how much she enjoyed our recent episode about finding more time in your day. * For episode shownotes visit https://daniellebean.com/.

“Give your kids the gift of Scripture that's going to be imprinted on their hearts forever. Put it into their hearts and minds. Make that what's filling their little hearts during this season of Advent.” Here we are, in the thick of Advent! Are you stressed yet? Let’s stay focused on the things that are truly important and help our kids to do the same. Danielle is sharing 6 ideas for ways to nurture your kids’ faith lives this Advent season: Scripture Verses You might add some relevant Scripture to an Advent calendar or spend some time reading the Book of Luke. Nativity Scenes There are lots of kid-friendly options to choose from! Here are a couple of them to get you started, from Fisher Price and Bible toys. Jesse Tree This doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can check out places like Etsy for beautiful ornaments or search online for printable versions. Advent Wreath This could not be simpler– even just small candles in holders with ribbons can help mark the season. Pray together when you light them! Community Service Think of someone you know who could use a visit, some service, or a surprise gift. Enlist your kids’ help in getting it done! Advent Storytime Make bedtime rituals extra special in the weeks before Christmas by reading some Advent-themed children’s books. Tomie DePaoloa is a favorite! At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares a message from listener Karen who offers feedback on our recent episode about hospitality. * For episode shownotes and links visit https://daniellebean.com/podcast.

Snippet From the Show “I do this podcast for you, so it makes sense that I would answer your questions to celebrate the 400th episode. I’m so grateful you’re here. ” Crazy, but true! This is the 400th episode of the Girlfriends podcast and to mark the occasion, Danielle asked for your questions and she answers many of them in today’s show. From work/life balance to raising Catholic kids, Danielle offers ideas and insight on the topics that are on your mind. Thank you for being part of the community of Girlfriends listeners. Here’s to the next 400 episodes! For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

Snippet From the Show “The holiday season can be a hard time for many people. If you are grieving or struggling, it can be hard to feel pressured to be joyful.” Ready or not, Advent is here! Are you looking forward to this crazy-busy season, or approaching the holidays with some sadness this year? The good news is that joy is not something that depends on your outer circumstances or even your feelings. Authentic joy is something we can choose every day, and especially something we can choose during Advent, as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. This week, Danielle shares 5 ways to find joy, even you are going through something hard, this Advent season: 1) Connect with God. 2) Be present. 3) Reach out. 4) Control your thoughts. 5) Soak up some grace. For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

Snippet From the Show “I think that the question of love is something really pressing today and the hearts and minds of everyone, especially of young people.” – Anne Marie Bollman Today’s special guest is Anne Marie Bollman, a senior at the University of Notre Dame studying the Program of Liberal Studies and Theology with a minor in history. On campus, she is a student worker for the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture and is deeply involved in Right to Life, coordinating its annual adopt-a-mom fundraiser. Previously, she has worked for Paradisus Dei on the What is Love? project (https://www.whatislove.org/) and is thrilled to see the impact it will have on young people's lives. After studying abroad in France and volunteering at Lourdes, she is now putting her love of the French language and culture to use in a thesis exploring Mary's Immaculate Conception as a response to Enlightenment thought. Anne Marie is also proud to call Texas home. In today’s conversation, Anne Marie shares what it’s like being a student on a Catholic campus today as well as some insights into how young people approach the subject of love, dating, and relationships. For more information about the new film What Is Love?, visit whatislove.org. (https://www.whatislove.org/) Watch the trailer here. (https://youtu.be/smYWfuWfbtM) At the end of today’s show, Danielle answers Ann-Margaret who has a question about guardian angels. More information about angels: Angelic Battle Pack at Good Catholic (https://www.goodcatholic.com/product/the-angelic-battle-pack/) Angels and the Supernatural series (https://www.goodcatholic.com/series/angels-the-supernatural/) For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

Snippet From the Show “When it comes to our spending habits, sometimes the most important thing we need is information.” Whether it’s because of inflation or your growing family, as we look ahead to Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of us are facing tighter budgets this year. Danielle is sharing some reminders of simple ways that we cut back a bit and save some money this month: No-Spend Challenge Challenge yourself to not spend money (beyond essentials) for a set period of time. You might try a week, 10 days or a month. An inspiring book on this topic is The Year of Less by Cait Flanders. Wait If you think you want to buy something non-essential, just wait 30 days before purchasing it. You might be surprised to find you no longer want it. Use an app Whether you use an app that automatically moves some of your money into savings, one that finds bargains for you, or one that shows you what subscriptions you can cancel, technology is a great tool for saving money. De-clutter and sell Go through your closets and garage, find items you no longer need or use, and sell them on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Bonus is that you get free clean space in your home! Meatless Mondays If you usually eat meat, pick a day of the week to plan one more meatless meal and save on groceries. Plan meals Do a little work ahead of time to plan budget-friendly meals and reduce the number of times you go to the grocery store or order take out. Check out the library Many libraries offer more than just books! Stop by and see what free offerings you might be missing. At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares a voice message from listener Lisa who listened to our recent episode 5 Ways to Make Every Day More Catholic and has an idea of her own to share. Other links from today’s show: Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio Relevant Radio Contact: Email Danielle Bean Rate and Review Girlfriends in iTunes Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

Snippet From the Show “We have resources to help moms identify how they feel about themselves and to get in their right mind and hearts over it, and then we give them all the materials in a step by step way.” –Grace Emily Stark There is so much in our culture today that makes young women feel uncomfortable in their own bodies. Moms want resources to help their girls navigate the emotional and physical changes of their teen years and encourage a positive outlook on their own womanhood. Today’s special guest, grace Emily Stark, editor of Natural Womanhood (https://naturalwomanhood.org/), shares about resources they are creating to help moms do exactly that. Other links mentioned in today’s episode: Mothers of (Pre) Teens online course (https://naturalwomanhood.org/mothers-of-pre-teens-online-course/) Fertility Awareness for Health Professionals (https://naturalwomanhood.org/topic/fertility-awareness-for-health-professionals/) also: The Care and Keeping of You (https://www.amazon.com/Care-Keeping-You-Younger-American/dp/1609580834/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11IL4RK5P7HAO&keywords=body+book+american+girl&qid=1696001968&sprefix=body+book+american+girl%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1) by American Girl At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares an email from listener Tricia who wanted to say thank you for our recent episode about how to deal with negative people. (https://www.goodcatholic.com/podcast/7-ways-to-deal-with-negative-people-389/) For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

“Having people over is about so much more than just entertaining. It’s about truly connecting with one another and building real community.” The holiday season is right around the corner, and maybe you are giving some thought to holiday hospitality. Do you dread having people over? Or do you avoid it altogether because it just takes so much effort? Danielle shares some tips to help you overcome some of those obstacles and truly get better at hospitality. Have a plan. Think ahead about the things you might talk about with your guests or interesting topics of conversation. Just do it. A lot. If you are anxious about hosting, the simplest way to get over yourself is to just start doing it. The more you do it, the easier it will become. Start small. You don’t have to host a giant event or fancy dinner party. Just invite some friends for coffee or games. Let others help. Share the load! You can make things simpler by allowing guests to bring some of the food or otherwise help you prepare. Stay within your budget. It can be tempting to spend a lot of money trying to pull off the “perfect” event, but remember this is about connecting with others, not showing off. Plan a simple budget and stick with it. Don’t apologize. Don’t make the awkward mistake of pointing out all the things that are wrong with your home or your food to your guests. Be gracious and humble and authentically yourself. Be present. Make sure to truly listen and connect with your guests. That’s what it all about! At the end of today’s show, Danielle answers a question from Jessie who is looking for help in breaking her habit of drinking too much coffee.

Snippet From the Show “Like everything in healthcare, with infertility, you become a detective, taking a really good history from both the woman and the man. We need to remember always that it takes two people to create life. So we want to make sure we address right away male fertility and not leave that for down the road.” Jamie Rathjen Today’s special guests are Jamie Rathjen and Teresa Kenney, hosts of The Hormone Genius podcast (https://www.hormonegenius.com/). Jamie is founder of the Fiat Institute (https://www.fiatinstitute.com/), a hormone coach certification program, and Teresa is Women’s health Nurse Practitioner and author of The Happy Girl’s Guide to Being Whole. (https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Girls-Guide-Being-Whole/dp/1735223727) Together, they discuss the topic of male and female infertility and some practical ways to create a safe environment for your hormonal health and fertility. At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares a voicemail from Vanessa who shares about the Duo Lingo app. More links from today’s show: Free offer from Teresa and Jamie at The Hormone Genius podcast. (https://www.hormonegenius.com/freebie) Cleanish by Gin Stephens (https://www.amazon.com/Clean-ish-Natural-Ability-Self-Clean/dp/125082415X) Water Consciousness study (https://thewellnessenterprise.com/emoto/) The Hormone Genius podcast episode on male infertility (https://soundcloud.com/thehormonegenius/s3-ep-31-male-infertility) For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

Snippet From the Show “Be sure you are not discerning your self-worth in the things you accomplish each day. You have worth as a child of God, not matter how productive you are.” Would you like an extra 3 or 4 hours in each day? We all feel overwhelmed and crunched for time sometimes. This week, Danielle shares some ideas for ways to make the most of the 24 hours we do have each day. Some of these include: Clarify your priorities. Block your time and batch similar tasks. Create a daily schedule. Eliminate time wasters. Learn to say “No” and “Not now.” Delegate tasks. Set time limits and take breaks. Take care of yourself. Set realistic goals. Another podcast where we discussed a similar topic was 5 ways to Be More Productive. (https://girlfriends.fireside.fm/351) Other links mentioned in this week’s show: Pomodoro Technique (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique) The Hawk and the Dove by Penelope Wilcock (https://a.co/d/ac8Wkzw) A Mother’s Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot (https://a.co/d/4ocOIr8) At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares an email from listener Sarah who was inspired by a recent podcast and offers a book recommendation. For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

Snippet From the Show “You have all these varying degrees of women becoming saints in such different circumstances … If you look at another woman and say she's not listening to God because her life doesn't look the same as yours. Well, then you're not really understanding, one, the saints and two, the Gospel.” – Marie Mazzanti Our guest this week is Marie Mazzanti, a wife, mother, and media creator at Catholic Caritas on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/catholiccaritas/). Marie joins Danielle to discuss the variety of ways that we are called to holiness and the truth that we are not all called in the same way. They share about marriage, gender roles, Theology of the Body. Marie shares from her experience of living a mixed faith marriage and candidly discusses the challenges and joys of her own vocation. Marie Mazzanti’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@CatholicCaritas) For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

Snippet From the Show “Praying without ceasing really means always seeing things and experiencing things in reference to our relationship with God – understanding that God the Father created you and He desires this ongoing relationship with you.” The inspiration for today’s topic comes to us from Scripture. In 1 Thessalonians, we read: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” That’s what we mean by making every day more Catholic, but how do we do that? Danielle shares five ideas: 1. Go beyond Sunday. Find a way to extend your experience of your faith beyond Sunday Mass. You might add more prayer to your days, receive the sacraments more often, or learn a new devotion. 2. Fill your day with Catholic imagery. There are all kinds of things you can use to decorate your home with Catholic items (Check out The Catholic Company) (https://www.catholiccompany.com/home-goods-c5381/) or you might want to consider enthroning the Sacred Heart of Jesus in your home. (https://girlfriends.fireside.fm/131) 3. Practice fasting and abstinence. Fasting isn’t just for Lent! Find a way to go deeper in your prayer life by incorporating sacrifice on a regular basis. We took on the topic of fasting in a previous episode (https://podcasts.apple.com/mn/podcast/spiritual-benefits-of-fasting/id1073361940?i=1000434541925), and we had a great conversation with Beth Bubik (https://girlfriends.fireside.fm/356) on this topic as well. 4. Read a Catholic book. Whether you revisit a classic Catholic book or read something from a modern author, make going deeper in your Catholic faith part of your reading practice. 5. Do a Catholic thing. Make a pilgrimage, visit a shrine, sign up for a Bible Study or sign up for a virtual Catholic event (https://www.goodcatholic.com/product-category/events/). One more link from today’s episode: Masstimes.org (https://masstimes.org/) At the end of today’s show, Danielle answers an email from a listener Kendra who is having a tough time with her two small children during Mass. A previous episode devoted to this topic was How to Survive Mass With Little Kids (https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/how-to-survive-mass-with-little-kids/id1073361940?i=1000598537943). For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

Snippet From the Show “St. Elizabeth Seton is a really faithful friend. If you're praying to her, things will happen and she will show up. She's a really powerful intercessor.” – Becca Corbell Our special guest this week is Becca Corbell. Becca has worked at the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg Maryland for the last 10 years where she is Associate Director of Programs. Becca has worked in many aspects of the Shrine’s programming, most notably in the Basilica and Liturgical life at the Shrine for seven years, directed the Shrine’s popular faith-drama “Back from the Dead” for six years, and helped to found the Shrine’s Prayer Line Ministry. Some links from today’s conversation: National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (https://setonshrine.org/) Seton Shrine Book Clubs (https://setonshrine.org/bookclub/) Seton Shrine museum (https://setonshrine.org/museum/) At the end of today’s show, Danielle answers an email from a listener Emily who struggles with how to talk with her husband about his physical health. For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

“You don’t owe everyone your time and energy. It can be very reasonable, and even responsible, to set boundaries with certain people.” Do you deal with negative people in your life? It can be so draining to handle negativity, but we all run into people like this from time to time. This week, Danielle shares 7 ideas for ways to handle negative people: Be confident. If you have prayerfully and carefully decided something, don't let someone else’s negativity derail you. Listen. Sometimes, a negative person just needs to vent. Perhaps they just want a sympathetic ear. Guard your time. You don’t owe everyone your time and energy. You can set some limits on how much time you spend with a negative person. Don’t be reactive. Do your best to stay calm and not emotional with a negative person. Resist the temptation to jump in and argue. Set boundaries. You can limit the amount of time and energy you give people, but also which topics you will talk with them about. You might even need to cut ties with some people. Ask questions. Ask things like “Can you explain that?” or “Why do you feel that way?” to help the person examine how they are really feeling in an honest way. Examine yourself. Are you a negative person? What are your habits of communication? Bring this to prayer and ask God to help you grow. At the end of the show, Danielle answers a question from Julie who wants to go back to confession but is finding it hard to do.

Snippet From the Show “Particularly among young people, we see correlation between the amount of time spent online and an increase in anxiety and in stress.” Dr. Mario Sacasa So many of us struggle with stress and anxiety in our lives. Navigating work, relationships, finances, and health issues can really take a toll on our mental health. Dr. Mario Sacasa joins us to discuss what really happens when we feel stressed and share some practical ways we can manage it. He also shares about things we should know as parents to best support our kids’ mental health. To go deeper on this topic with Dr. Mario Sacasa, check out his Good Catholic Series. Overcoming Stress and Anxiety. At the end of the show, Danielle answers a question from Jen who is doing her best to establish a daily prayer routine but meeting some obstacles along the way. For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.

Snippet From the Show “Look for the good. Even when you are going through something very hard, there is always good. God works all things together for our good.” Feel your feelings. It’s important to be honest about how you are feeling and really process all that you are experiencing. Give yourself grace. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself the time and space you need to adjust to new things. Focus on the good. Look for the good things that are happening in your life or the blessings you are experiencing as a result of change. Give thanks. Pause, reflect, give thanks for what you have been given, and then let go –meaning give everything over to God. Pray. If you are struggling to adjust to something new, ask God “What now?” or “What next?” Ask Him to reveal His plan for your life right now. At the end of the show, Danielle answers a question from Meghan who feels out of place in her parish community and wonders if she should leave. For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.