Allison speaks with a very special guest to talk about three of her favorite subjects — Adoption, the Catholic Church, and Deaf Culture! 

 "No Such Thing as Ordinary: Unlocking your Extraordinary Life through Everyday Encounters with Jesus," is the topic of this episode. Allison and Rachel dive into:

• Latest season of "The Gist" on www.catholictv.org/the-gist.html
• Why the woman at the well, St. Photina, is the vehicle for this book.
• What brought Rachel to the brink of a good snot cry during Moana
• How accomplishing all the world has to give will still leave you thirsty
• Some of the difficult things God calls us to — trust, surrender, healing
• The Problem with Comparison
• Featured NOW as the CatholicMom.com Summer Book Club! 

 In this episode:

• What makes someone a good friend?
• What makes Allison think she's a sucky friend?
• How friendships remind us of Christ
• Why Healing First, Seeking Friends Second
• Chloe Langr's new book, "Sisterhood: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Friendship" is available now from Our Sunday Visitor
• Learn more about Chloe at LettersToWomenPodcast.com 

 Allison talks with Christy about the amazing, powerful, and inspiring story behind her new book: Awakening at Lourdes: How an Unanswered Prayer Healed Our Family and Restored Our Faith (Ave Maria Press). 

 A podcast typically centered around Catholic books. In this episode, Allison reaches out to listeners to ask what spiritual guidance they are seeking. How can this podcast better serve you!

 In this Episode, Allison spends time chatting with, Lorelei Savaryn, Children's Author, about her new YA fiction book "The Edge of In Between" available NOW:  https://loreleisavaryn.com  

 In this episode, Allison is joined by Mary Amore to discuss Every Day with St. Joseph, a 365 Daily Devotional from Our Sunday Visitor.  A year of reflection broken into twelve chapters covering twelve of St. Joseph's virtues. Each day includes scripture, reflection from one of 45 Mayslake Ministries contributors, a question to ponder and take with you throughout the day, and a short prayer. Since Mayslake Ministries specializes in spiritual direction each reflection is like a mini spiritual direction session!  Learn more on www.mayslakeministries.org

 This Ain't the Lyceum blogger and author of Better than OK: Finding Joy as a Special Needs Parent, Kelly Mantoan joins Allison for this week's Podcast. Allison and Kelly share their experiences as mothers of children with special needs—most especially the graces, blessings, and lessons our children teach us! As we considered the "never will or can't" of their disabilities, with childlike innocence and hearts, they focused on the joys and the things they were able to do. Parents facing any type of parenting challenge will find hope, inspiration, and practical tips. Kelly also shared her experience with the OSV Institute Challenge and her new online apostolate AcceptingtheGift.org for Catholic parents of children with special needs.

 Allison and Alyssa share WINE: Women in the New Evangelization's sweet new book for children (which is also a story adults will enjoy as well), The Mother of Jesus is Wonderfully Real by Fr. Paul Murray, OP.  Exquisitely and breathtakingly illustrated by Bernadette Gockowski, this based on a true story picture book opens hearts to how very real Mother Mary truly is! A little girl's heartbreak consoled by a poetic priest has become a book that will be treasured for years to come. Endorsed by Bishop Robert Barron. Learn more at www.CatholicVineyard.com.