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: 

• Sleep 
• Personal Hygiene 
• Eating 
• Exercise 
• Discover 
• You 

In this episode, I briefly go through each of these areas now and how you can fit them into your life.  

Thanks for listening! 

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! 

#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! 

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! 

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! 

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! 

#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: 

• How having the kids home for Summer can be an extra-stressful time for a lot of moms 
• What the "boring" definition of stress is--and a new definition that's more helpful 
• How 75-90% of medical visits are actually related to chronic stress 
• How understanding how our brains work can help us get a grip on our stress response 
• A trick you can use to master moments of stress 
• What an "amygdala hijack" is--and how you can escape it 

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! 

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! 

#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! 

#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!