Crazy Catholic Convert

In this episode I interview Jim and Dave from St Paul Street Evangelization(SPSE). Dave briefly explains SPSE and then recalls his conversion story. Next, Jim discusses his gradual journey as a lifelong Catholic. Jim and Dave both share stories of their work in SPSE. They give advice and encouragement to Catholics who feel called to start or join a team. Resources https://streetevangelization.com/ General Questions —-Tell us about your faith journey. —-Any people, life experiences, books that really influenced you on your faith journey? —-Tell us about yourself (family, education, careers, hobbies etc. If these two/three questions overlap/merge with your story that’s totally fine. However you would like to tell your story) —-Tell us about your prayer life. What does your day look like as far as prayer? Favorite prayers? (If we don’t already discuss above) Are there any books that really influenced your journey? What are you reading now? Who is your confirmation Saint?/Favorite saints? Why? Favorite book of the Bible?/Bible verse? Favorite podcasts? Apps? Other resources? If there is one thing you could tell non-Catholics about the Catholic faith, what would it be? God loves you and created you. You're precious, unique and unrepeatable. He wants to be in a relationship with you forever and he's got a plan for your life. The bad news is that due to sin we were separated from God and our human nature was weakened. That means our intellect was darkened. Our wills became weak and sin became attractive. The consequence of sin became eternal death in hell. But the good news is that God's, Jesus became man. Atoned for our sins by dying on the cross, and rose from the dead for our salvation. We receive the Holy Spirit and this gift of salvation when we put our faith in Jesus, repent of our sins, get baptized and become his disciples. Finally Jesus established the Catholic church to teach with his authority, to empower us with his grace, and to bring us back to life if we commit a deadly sin.

In this episode I interview my friend, Kristin, a.k.a. Lady Melissa. Kristin is a lifelong Catholic whose faith really started to grow after discovering Theology of the Body. Kristin shares how the Dragon Slayers retreat came about and has evolved. She also discusses Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and how this method has influenced her relationship with God. Finally, I explain how Kristin’s story reminds me of my own and the new direction I plan on taking soon. Resources https://www.extraordinarymission.com/dragonslayers-virtualretreat Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/episodes/11680887-ep-1-i-ve-changed-my-mind The Good Shepherd and the Child podcast God loves you and created you. You're precious, unique and unrepeatable. He wants to be in a relationship with you forever and he's got a plan for your life. The bad news is that due to sin we were separated from God and our human nature was weakened. That means our intellect was darkened. Our wills became weak and sin became attractive. The consequence of sin became eternal death in hell. But the good news is that God's, Jesus became man. Atoned for our sins by dying on the cross, and rose from the dead for our salvation. We receive the Holy Spirit and this gift of salvation when we put our faith in Jesus, repent of our sins, get baptized and become his disciples. Finally Jesus established the Catholic church to teach with his authority, to empower us with his grace, and to bring us back to life if we commit a deadly sin.

In this episode I interview Courage member, Molly. Molly begins her story by explaining the factors that may have contributed to the cross she bares struggling with same sex attraction. She then explains how she found Courage, repented and was inspired to live the life God intends for her to live. Molly also shares a cool redemptive story and provides great support and advice to others who may be struggling with this cross. Resources https://couragerc.org/ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uE3KMKmhbVA https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/episodes/11680887-ep-1-i-ve-changed-my-mind The seven last words : Fulton J. Sheen : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vXw73Hlw2c0&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD

In this episode I interview fellow Catholic, homeschooling mom, Kelsey. Kelsey shares how her faith grew significantly in college while living at the Newman Center. I ask Kelsey about her prayer life and how she makes the faith come alive for her kids. We then transition into homeschool questions and run out of time. Therefore, the last two questions and answers are posted below. 1.) One of the most common things I hear homeschooling moms say is the hardest part is keeping the littles busy while you’re trying to homeschool the older kids. I’m finding that to be the most challenging thing for me too. How do you deal with this popular dilemma? What do you do with the other kids when you’re trying to teach? 1.) Answers —The older kids take turns occupying the younger ones. They also teach the younger ones lessons if they can. —Get a mommy’s helper —Toys only for homeschool time, keep different bins and pull out a new one each week —Play doh, sensory bins, fidget toys, activity books, puzzles, dot activities, educational games/activities —Teach with baby on hip or sitting down while nursing —Strap baby/toddler in high chair with different food/toys given periodically —Try to start when other kids are still sleeping —Play with younger kids “fill their tank” before starting. So have given them some time to just focus on them. You can even set an alarm and do 20 minutes of reading or playing something together. 2.) One thing that has surprised me about homeschooling is how quickly we finish our lessons. We’re done by 12 most days. What do your kids do the rest of the time they are with you? 2.) Answers Chores/zones, extracurricular activities, co-ops, work for older kids, jobs around house or neighborhood, crafts—activity books, knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. field trips, appointments, volunteer, park activities, library, music lessons, drawing lessons online, cooking, baking, outdoor play, reading, puzzles, audiobooks for younger kids, games, lifting weights/exercise videos, learning about other subjects *Many moms told me as their kids grew older the lessons ran longer often going into the afternoon. Resources Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Jacques Phillipe Heart of Perfection by Colleen Carroll Campbell https://colleen-campbell.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Heart-of-Perfection-StudyGuide2020.pdf Life Giving Love and Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson Link for living the liturgical year for kids https://www.looktohimandberadiant.com/p/celebrating-church-year.html?m=1 https://couragerc.org/

In this episode Rachel and I discuss a range of topics. Rachel begins telling her story of how she struggled to find a good OB/Gyn provider before discovering Napro. I then ask her some homemaking questions ranging from how she makes homemade bread to how she homeschools. We end with Rachel giving advice and encouragement to young women. Resources Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Folks This Ain’t Normal by Joel Saladin Adam and Eve After the Pill by Mary Eberstadt

In this episode I interview Catholic revert, Terry. First, Terry explains how he struggled with anxiety and depression following the death of his father and how rediscovering his spiritual life played a large role in his recovery. Terry wrote a book about his experience (see link below) with the hope that others can find help and wisdom from what he learned. As usual we discuss favorite saints, Bible passages, and other spiritual resources. Resources Terry’s book https://anotherlevelbook.com/ The Chosen (TV show) The Robe (movie) Hallow app

In this episode I interview my friend, Rachel. Rachel is a cradle Catholic whose faith really started to grow after a high school religion class. Rachel discusses the joys and challenges she faced traveling with Catholic speaker, John Wood. Rachel recalls her journey towards motherhood and explains what she does as a Catholic, stay-at-home mom. Like myself, Rachel struggled to find a solid OB provider before discovering Napro. She discusses her fertility journey more in next month’s episode. John's podcast Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jADEf50K9dk part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFZ2JdXOP3g&t=9s A Mother's Rule of Life - https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Rule-Life-Bring-Order/dp/1928832415

In this episode I interview Julie, the Executive Director of Waterleaf Women's Center. I first ask Julie about the services Waterleaf provides. Julie then shares a little about her background and how she became involved at Waterleaf. Finally, I ask Julie to share other good stories from her time at Waterleaf and ways we can help them. Resources https://waterleafwc.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVPwlwuXoFY

In this episode I interview my grandfather-in-law, known to many of us as Grandpa Joe. Grandpa Joe recalls how his faith grew gradually over time. He explains a particular revelation when he realized it was the Eucharist that was drawing him to the Catholic faith. Grandpa Joe discusses his favorite saints and gives marriage insight after being married 70 years to his recently deceased wife, Carmel.

In this episode I interview my friend, Elisa. I ask Elisa about the Worldwide Marriage Encounter and how it has influenced her own marriage. I also discuss resources I have found helpful for understanding and growing in holiness through marriage. Resources Worldwide Marriage Encounter website https://wwme.org/ The Messy Family podcast Elisa’s podcast The Deconstructed Woman https://open.spotify.com/show/7febIBeK0IF8ERFLuvfbpM The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Gottman and Silver Why Gender Matters by Dr Leonard Sax—Interesting findings, premature conclusions Your School of Love by Agnes Penny The First Society by Dr Scott Hahn Three Secrets to Holiness in Marriage by Dan and Amber Dematte

In this episode I interview my friend, Madelyn. I first explain how I met Madelyn on the due date for my second son. Madelyn is a Catholic doula who made me feel very empowered. She tells her story growing up as a cradle Catholic with divorced parents. Madelyn explains how she found support and healing through the Catholic Church. She also shares other interesting insight having Fr Mike Schmitz as her campus chaplain and working briefly with Dr Gianna Emmanuella. Resources Fr Mike Schmitz Bible in a year https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeXS0cAkuTPqFMtZQ379qdEmcfxO1SvXc Catechism in a year https://m.youtube.com/@TheCatechismInAYear Ascension presents videos https://www.google.com/search?q=fr+mike+schmitz+videos&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari Homilies https://www.google.com/search?q=father+mike+schmitz+homilies&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari St Gianna and Pietro Molla Home https://sgpmollahome.com/ Life Giving Wounds https://www.lifegivingwounds.org/ Books Three Secrets to Holiness in Marriage by Dan and Amber Dematte These Beautiful Bones by Emily Stimpson Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes Untie the Strong Woman by Clarissa Pinkola Estes The Genesis of Gender by Abigail Favale Podcasts Pints with Aquainas Freely Rooted Made for This App and book by Mary Hasselmen Free Birth https://www.freebirthsociety.com/

Happy Feastday to our podcast's patron saint, St Thesese of Lisieux! For this episode I interview fellow Catholic convert, Rose. Rose explains how her conversion to Catholicism was heavily influenced by St Therese and some other great friends on earth and in heaven. Rose also shares some resources she has created to help people grow closer to God. Resources Virtue Connection https://virtueconnection.com/ Virtue Circle https://rosefolsom.lpages.co/learn-more-virtue-circle/ Pray Like a Saint program https://virtueconnection.com/grow-your-faith/ Rose's Written Conversion Story Part 1 https://spiritualdirection.com/2022/06/26/this-is-all-true-the-story-of-a-conversion-part-1?fbclid=IwY2xjawEh9TRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXTEVPVgwaiy__ITzYxVGJT_HW39cPgWkrAbliv30ezfta-S1LiF-8WCQg_aem_Pwu4nYy7nhE7aHU7G3BD3w Part 2 https://spiritualdirection.com/2022/10/26/a-dominican-moment-the-story-of-a-conversion-part-2 Crazy Catholic Convert podcast episodes that mention St Therese https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/12154984-ep-5-confessions-about-confession https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/12561461-ep-10-hope-against-hope-nevi-s-story-part-2 https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/13434293-ep-17-hope-at-the-cross-kristen-s-story-part-2 https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/14267268-ep-22-my-new-darcy-part-1-darcy-darcy https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/14549489-ep-25-the-eg-life-part-1-a-remarkable-life https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/14701226-ep-26-the-eg-life-part-2-grace-and-encore-conversations

In this episode I interview fellow Catholic convert Erica. Like myself, Erica was raised Methodist and converted to the Catholic faith as an adult. Erica shares her conversion story as well as some incredible visions she has had through her walk with Jesus. Resources Our Lady of Guadalupe https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=ic1yK3Ze02OtUjdq&v=KEhjwCsDDsc&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0h9tKNSgQjN5REi-9LPUEuDNbSjezmtbou05ABLJpGVkIuh-2YML8DAf0_aem_ek160YIHdF4OO1gLY4xdKA The Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr Mike Schmitz https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/bibleinayear/

In this episode Teresa Grodi tells her reversion story of going from a secular feminist to a devout Catholic. Following her reversion, Teresa explains the challenges she faced as she learned to live out her faith as a wife and mother. She also shares some of her favorite Catholic resources. Resources https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/13851829-ep-15-urgent-ohio-issue-1-vote-no-and-don-t-forget-god-loves-you https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/13505091-ep-18-you-are-not-alone-thoughts-and-tips-for-bringing-kids-to-mass https://www.awakencatholic.org/elevate-ordinary The Journey Home with JonMarc Grodi https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/12456366-ep-9-hope-against-hope-nevi-s-story-part-1 Medjugory of the Nineties Theology of the Body series of lectures by St John Paul II St Ignatius Discernment of Spirits C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy New Polity Podcast

In this episode Teresa shares her journey with post partum depression. She recalls her symptoms and behaviors when it was undiagnosed and how she found and received help. Teresa explains how her struggle with post partum depression was a gift. In other words, she is living the EG Life.

In this episode Maggie Eckburg shares the strategies she used to grow closer to God through the acronym GRACE. She then continues telling her story of healing. I kept pulling my equipment back out as Maggie would tell more of her story and discuss more ways to pursue healing and live an EG life. https://maggieeckburg.com/eglife http://maggieeckburg.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/everythingisgrace_photography/ (https://www.instagram.com/everythingisgrace_photography/) Email to reach Maggie: maggie@everythingisgracephotography.com Sign up for Maggie’s email list to stay connected and updated with all the ways Maggie is helping people live an “EG” Life: https://everythingisgracephotography.com/life

In this episode, Maggie Eckburg shares how a traumatic event that happened in her early childhood shaped the next 30 years of her life. Maggie describes how she struggled and questioned her faith. Despite great times of darkness, Maggie perseveres and seeks healing. Maggie explains how she became inspired to live a remarkable life. She comes to realize this means seeing how everything that happens in life is grace. Website: https://maggieeckburg.com/eglife http://maggieeckburg.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/everythingisgrace_photography/ (https://www.instagram.com/everythingisgrace_photography/) Email to reach Maggie: maggie@everythingisgracephotography.com Sign up for Maggie’s email list to stay connected and updated with all the ways Maggie is helping people live an “EG” Life: https://everythingisgracephotography.com/life

Throwback Thursday to my very first interview. I was learning how to record interviews and decided to bring my tech savvy, engineer cousin, Amy, along. I am grateful to Amy for so many reasons. Thank you Amy!

In this last episode with Darcy I ask her about her 11 children and how she homeschools them. Her 8th child, Elizabeth, joins us briefly to share her perspective on being homeschooled and growing up in a large Catholic family. Darcy gives encouragement to parents and practical ways to raise great kids. Catholic Resources The Golden Children’s Bible Catholic Sprouts Podcast A Saint a Day Podcast Other Resources from Darcy Easy Peasy All in One Homeschooling—good one for older kids to do on their own when you need to teach younger kids Typing.Com Seterra Geography games