A Thriving Catholic Podcast

#55- If all you want for Mother’s Day is a nap (and maybe for your kids to leave you alone) this episode is for you. Get the FREE Mini-Course, Guilt-Free Self-Care for Busy Moms HERE. While you might catch a nap or a little break for Mother’s Day, you probably know that that is just a bandaid solution when you’re dealing with serious burnout from the hard work of momming. Here’s the deal: the only way for you to really consistently feel more energy and peace in your days, is for you to take good care of yourself. The problem is that we’ve been conditioned to believe that self-care means bubble baths and pedicures–which are nice–but they tend to equate self-care with self-indulgence and that’s why a lot of moms immediately think of self-care as selfish. But self-care literally just means to take care of yourself! So, In this episode, I’ll be sharing a simple--and completely doable--framework for taking excellent care of yourself–even when time is limited. You’ll learn the 6 key areas you need to focus on to get a healthier body and a happier, more focused mind. And how to effectively banish burnout and resentment and approach your days with more enthusiasm, energy, and peace. To do this, I want to present what I call the SPEEDY Method of self-care. Essentially, SPEEDY is just an acronym to help you remember the 6 key areas that you need to focus on, in the order that they should be addressed, so that you can be sure that you’re taking really good care of yourself -The 6 Key areas of SPEEDY are: In this episode, I briefly go through each of these areas now and how you can fit them into your life. Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

Embark on a soul-stirring journey with our latest guest, the renowned musician and spiritual guide John Michael Talbot. His life's symphony has woven notes from secular stardom to the peaceful refrains of monastic life, and now he's here to share the melodies of his wisdom. As the founder of a Catholic monastic community, John Michael discusses the art of harmonizing our God-given talents with the divine purpose, providing a narrative that resonates with anyone seeking to infuse their daily pursuit of excellence with deeper meaning. His transformation from a rock band member to a herald of faith is not just inspiring; it's a call to all of us to listen closely to the rhythm of our own lives. We broach the delicate subject of success, both spiritual and worldly, and how one remains grounded when their work attains success. John Michael reflects on personal revelations and the grace of growth, underscoring the importance of creating not for acclaim but for the glory of God. His ongoing mission serves as an open invitation for us to consider how our own passions and talents could be channeled into a life of service. Tune in and allow the words and wisdom of John Michael Talbot to inspire your quest for a life lived in harmony with a higher calling. Links mentioned by John Michael Talbot: - Learn more: https://johnmichaeltalbot.com/ - Little Portion Hermitage and Monastery: https://littleportion.org/ - Little Portion Bakery: https://littleportionbakery.org/ Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#053 - Ever feel like you're in a constant battle to achieve personal excellence while staying true to your Catholic faith? This week, I share a conversation where I was interviewed on Kylie Hein's podcast - Persistence in Prayer. This was recorded during Lent and we discussed how to navigate pursuing our ambitions and striving for excellence without compromising our health and spiritual life. We dive into the physical and mental tolls of stress and how to pursue wellness without succumbing to unhealthy patterns. Discover strategies for aligning your actions with a divine blueprint, particularly for those of you who are naturally driven to achieve. Plus, we'll share how women are finding empowerment through coaching, using their God-given talents to the fullest, and how that journey can bring profound hope and clarity. If you're ready to pursue the mission God has placed on your heart and align your habits of body, mind, and soul in your pursuit of excellence as a Catholic woman, I invite you to have a look at The Catholic Pursuit of Excellence program (formerly Mission-Driven Peak Performance) and join us: https://www.athrivingcatholic.com/mdpp Connect with Kylie: - Instagram: @kyliemhein - Website: www.kyliemhein.com Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

Uncover the rich meaning behind the Christian belief of the resurrection and the glorified body, as my husband, David Castillo, with his deep theological knowledge, joins me to illuminate what awaits us beyond this life. We delve into Christ's post-resurrection appearances to envision what our future selves might be like and the profound implications this has for treating our current bodies with reverence and care. If you're inspired to treat your body better, I invite you to book a free call with me to explore your goals, what's holding you back, and what you can do to reach optimal health of body, mind, and soul. Book your free call here: https://www.athrivingcatholic.com/freecall Together, we navigate through Easter's central message within our faith, challenging the cultural tendency to spotlight Christmas over the transformative hope the resurrection brings to our everyday existence. The dialogue doesn't shy away from the challenging concepts of suffering and the dignity of the body within the Catholic faith. We wrestle with the notion that our bodies are more than mere vessels, but rather, sacred components of our spiritual journey. Drawing from the wisdom of St. Paul and the Catechism, we affirm that our physical struggles can be united with Christ's own pains, offering a redemptive perspective that elevates our understanding of bodily afflictions. This conversation aims to uphold the value of our physical existence and inspire you to see your body as an instrument to glorify God, even amidst the most trying times. As we contemplate the promise of eternal life, we also examine how ascetic practices like fasting can enrich both our health and spiritual well-being. We explore the intersection of longevity science and spiritual disciplines, contrasting transhumanist aspirations with our anticipation of the resurrection. And for those seeking a holistic approach to wellness, I share how coaching could be a transformative step towards aligning body and soul. If you're inspired to treat your body better, I invite you to book a free call with me to explore your goals, what's holding you back, and what you can do to reach optimal health of body, mind, and soul. Book your free call here: https://www.athrivingcatholic.com/freecall Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

Embark on a spiritual and physical renewal with us as we honor the Easter Triduum through a meaningful 40-hour fast, a tradition mirroring Jesus' time in the tomb. Together, we unpack the historical and spiritual significance of this period, exploring how this ancient practice not only fortifies our faith but also brings a multitude of health benefits. From autophagy to mental clarity, and the release of growth hormones, fasting is not just a test of willpower but a pathway to rejuvenation for both the body and spirit. Our journey through fasting reveals a roadmap for preparing your body and soul for this profound experience. We delve into strategies that ensure a smooth fasting experience, emphasizing metabolic flexibility and the surprising ways in which our dietary choices leading up to the fast can impact its effectiveness. Listen in as we intertwine the physical changes with spiritual enrichment, offering an insightful guide for those seeking to deepen their connection with God through the discipline of fasting. As my husband and I share our personal commitment to this 40-hour fast tradition, we offer practical tips for navigating an extended fast with ease and the mindful approach to breaking it. Understanding the importance of hydration, electrolyte balance, and gut health, we provide relatable advice based on our own experiences. For anyone considering an extended fast or simply curious about its impact, our episode provides a balanced discourse on the health and spiritual implications of this time-honored practice. Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

Unlock the secrets of your body's inner ecosystem! In our latest episode, we embark on a journey into the vast world of gut health. Discover how these microscopic organisms are not just passengers, but powerful partners in our pursuit of energy, weight balance, and mental clarity, all through the lens of our Catholic faith. We've all experienced those days where our bodies just don't seem to cooperate, but what if I told you the key to a more vibrant, energetic life was already inside you? That's right, your gut microbiome holds the blueprint for your health. This episode shines a light on the dynamic interaction between our bodies and the bacteria within, revealing how a well-tended gut can lead to improved digestion, immune function, and even emotional well-being. Learn about the intimate connection between our gut's health and our ability to lead a joyous, fulfilling life in line with God's design. But how can you harness the power of your microbiome to supercharge your day-to-day life? I'll guide you through the actionable steps to combat common gut health issues like SIBO and fortify your gut lining. Plus, we'll explore how embracing these strategies can not only elevate your personal health but also empower you as a Catholic entrepreneur, integrating physical wellness with spiritual growth. By the end of our time together, you'll have the tools and inspiration to transform your gut health and, in turn, your life's work. You can find out more about how to work with me (and other high-achieving Catholics) in my group coaching program, Mission-Driven Peak Performance here: https://www.athrivingcatholic.com/MDPP Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#049 - We all deal with stress...in fact "being stressed" is a somewhat ubiquitous lament for most people these days. But what if stress could actually be reframed so that it isn't such a bad thing? What if you could learn to master your stress so that it doesn't sap your energy and cause you unnecessary drama? In this episode of the podcast, I talk with fellow Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Janna Kerr all about how we can do just that. We talk about: I hope you enjoy this conversation and that it helps you manage your stress much more effectively! You can connect with Janna at: www.atthewellcoaching.com Or @aththewellcoaching on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

Struggling to find that elusive equilibrium between tending to your family's needs and nurturing your spiritual life? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit with time freedom coach Kelsey Pasquarell for a candid conversation, where we peel back the layers on the complex interplay of service and prayer in the lives of Catholic mothers. It's a dialogue filled with insights on how to carve out moments for connection with God amidst the whirlwind of diaper changes and dinner prep, inspired by the concept of active contemplation from Brother Lawrence. We share tangible tips and soul-stirring stories that promise to resonate with anyone yearning to draw closer to the divine in the beautiful chaos of motherhood. Closing our time together, Kelsey and I examine how to construct a life framework that dances gracefully with the unpredictable rhythms of parenting. We delve into the art of establishing stable routines that honor personal limitations, whether you're navigating the unique challenges of raising special needs children or managing a chronic illness. Check out The True Presence Podcast and Membership! Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#047 - Lent is sometimes treated like the Catholic New Years..because similar to New Years, its a time when we set goals and resolutions for things we’d like to change in our lives that will hopefully, at the end of Lent lead to us having a deeper union with Christ. But similar to when we set New Year’s Resolutions, we may find it difficult to stick with our Lenten Plan. In today’s episode I’m going to dive in a little bit on the reasons why this happens, but more importantly the practical strategies that you can apply so that this can be the year that you stick with your Lenten Plan! Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#046- Are you feeling completely "stuck" and unmotivated in your life lately? Do you know that your current habits aren’t great, but you feel like you just don’t have enough willpower or discipline to fix them? Maybe you’re staying up way too late every night or constantly eating junk food or doing any other kind of self-sabotaging behavior all while beating yourself up about needing to get your act together. In this episode, I’m inviting you to put down the cudgel and stop beating yourself up because it’s quite likely that the real reason you haven’t been able to make positive changes has nothing to do with your lack of willpower or discipline. I’ll share what the real problem is--and what you can do about it. Join my FREE Missio Parata Lenten Challenge HERE. Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#045- If you are looking for more out of your life... More energy... Answers to persistent health challenges... More hope... Then this interview with Rita Johnson from Divine Mercy Nutritional Care may be extremely helpful for you! We talk about charting (aka, "the 5th vital sign"), nutrient-dense foods, and lifestyle changes that help us to live our healthiest and happiest lives. Connect with Rita here: https://naturalfertilitycare.org/nutritional-therapy/ Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#044- If you're like me, and you've been interested in productivity for a really long time, you may think that you've tried every productivity "secret" out there--but in today's episode, I want to talk about some powerhouse saints who have a few things to teach us about how to be truly productive! In this episode, I'll highlight 4 remarkably productive saints, what it looks and feels like to have "saintly productivity", and some tips that you can apply in your own life to be more peacefully productive. Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#043- Are you stuck in a cycle of depletion? My guest on the show today knows all about it! Here's a brief description in her own words: " My name is Laura Dominick and I spent over 15 years in what I now call the Cycle of Depletion. I didn’t like it at all, but I didn’t know how to break out of it. About twice a year the cycle would come to a head. I would start to notice that I was getting overwhelmed with life and not able to change it. Then I would get frustrated and start thinking, okay, even saying things like: Then I’d move into resentment. And so on and so on, until one day I would just explode in anger. I’d yell and scream about how I was done and I’d storm out of the house and leave for a few hours. A few days would pass by with me being silent and all the kids being obedient and it would blow over and the cycle would begin again. You see, nothing was really changing. I wasn’t learning any new skills to help me out. I wasn’t changing my mindset. I was just waiting for time to pass and my mind to settle down so I could go back to being the “good Christian martyr" (oops, I mean mother) that I was supposed to be. This went on for far too many years. It was not fun for me, nor was it fun for my family. I was not the happy wife and mother that I wanted to be. " Find out how Laura broke out of this cycle (and how you can too!) in this episode! Connect with Laura here: https://momsfindingjoycommunity.com/ Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#042 - How did you do on your goals this year? If you're like many people (myself included!) chances are pretty good that you didn't meet ALL of your goals this year (and that's totally fine, BTW!) However, if you want to really knock your goals out of the park in the coming year, you'll probably want to avoid these 5 widespread reasons why many people don't meet their goals. Here are the FREE resources I mentioned in this episode: Get the FREE "Habits Planner" HERE. Book a FREE "Revive & Thrive" Session" with me HERE. Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#041 - Do you ever struggle with doing the things you're supposed to be doing WHEN you're supposed to be doing them? In this episode, we tackle the vice of "acedia" (aka "the noonday devil") which is basically when we don't do things that we're supposed to be doing at any given moment. How is procrastination similar to acedia? Beth defines "procrastination" as doing anything other than what you intend to do during a given time. How do we avoid "shoulding" all over ourselves, while still growing in the virtues of fortitude and prudence that will enable us to take appropriate action? The "should" is whatever we use our intellect or reason to set our intentions for each moment or time block. How can we compare our intentions to what we're doing in each moment? Beth shares the thoughts that will keep you stuck in procrastination--and the strategies you can use to overcome them. You can connect with Beth on Facebook at Women Created and Called. You can book a free 1-hour session to create a Personalized Peace Plan with Beth here: https://calendly.com/womencreatedandcalled/consult Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#040 - Mental health is something that we talk about a lot on this show and it's a critical aspect of your overall health that really can’t be ignored. And while there are a lot of lifestyle changes that I think anyone can focus on that will make a huge positive impact on their mental health–things like getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol and sugar, getting movement, proper nutrition, a deep prayer life–sometimes we can still really benefit from getting professional help in the form of therapy. But it can be challenging to find a therapist who shares our Catholic worldview and will be respectful of our values– That’s why I’m so excited to bring you this interview with Dana Nygaard, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor who balances proven psychotherapy techniques with authentic Catholic spirituality. Connect with Dana at: https://www.christiancomfortcounseling.com/ or at https://www.dananygaard.com/ Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#039 - Are you or someone you know struggling with drinking? In this episode, we explore what the AA recovery process is like and how it can be a conduit for God's grace. Catholic author Maria Riley joins me to share her story of hope and healing as she went through the AA process--and what incredible freedom and joy she has found on the other side of her addiction. Some highlights of our conversation include: This conversation was so powerful. Even if you don't struggle with any kind of substance addiction, I think you will get so much out of Maria's story! Maria is a passionate Catholic author who loves writing to share the faith in simple, engaging ways. You’ll find her volunteering with her local parish when she’s not writing or mom-ing around with her four daughters. She’s the author of the Catholic children’s chapter book series: Adventures with the Saints. Maria lives in Kansas with her family, where they love reading and playing board games together. She earned a B.A. in English Communication Arts from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, and she has spent most of her adult life in her vocation as a wife and mother. Visit her at MariaRileyAuthor.com or on social media @mariarileyauthor Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

Join Mission-Driven Peak Performance here: https://www.athrivingcatholic.com/mdpp In this episode, I do something a little bit different...and I'm the one getting interviewed on the show! The wonderful Joann Gillis (who is an amazing podcast producer and Virtual Assistant) comes on the show to interview me about Mission-Driven Peak Performance As a member of the first cohort of MDPP, Joann brings a client's perspective and shares her experiences in the program. If you've ever wondered what it's like to work with me, then you'll want to hear what Joann has to say. This episode deep dives into all the nitty-gritty details of Mission-Driven Peak Performance--which you can still join before 31 Oct 2023 (and save 30% if you join before 27 Oct!) Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

#038 - What do you think of when you hear the word "order"? Do you think of a clean house? A well-ordered schedule or a "tidy" calendar? What if it's both? We know that God is a God of order--and in this episode, I sit down with professional organizer Darlene Illig to talk about both internal and external order. You might not think that God cares very much about how well-organized your sock drawer is...but you might be surprised about how much the "hidden" aspects of your life say about you and your spiritual journey. In this episode, we dig into some of the biggest "myths" that people believe when it comes to getting organized, including: But this episode is about so much more than "stuff"! We talk about priorities, time management, habits, behaviors, mindsets, and more! Even if you consider yourself "hopelessly disorganized", I think you'll get so much out of this episode! Find out more about Darlene and her work here: https://www.organizeyouinsideandout.com/ Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic

If you're an entrepreneur (or any kind of high achiever) chances are high that you've reached "burnout" at some point. But what do we even mean when we talk about "burnout"? And is this an inevitable price to pay if you want to achieve at the highest level in your business or in your life? In this episode, I'm joined by stress and burnout coach Anna Zschuppe as we discuss practical strategies that all entrepreneurs can take to avoid this dreaded, yet all-too-familiar pitfall. You can also get my free guide: The Thriving Catholic Entrepreneur's Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming Burnout-Proof While Accomplishing Your God-Given Mission at the Highest Level Connect with Anna here: https://www.summersoulsticecoach.com/ And get the Free Meditation Guide that she mentioned at the end of the episode right here: https://summersoulsticecoach.ck.page/meditationguide Thanks for listening! Check out my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more great content about living a thriving Catholic life: www.athrivingcatholic.com www.facebook.com/athrivingcatholic www.instagram.com/athrivingcatholic