Maria Johnson and Kristina Talbot discuss the changing role of motherhood when parenting children in different age groups. They invite the lister into an intimate conversation about what changes and what stays the same as children grow older, how prayer and the domestic church move within these season, and looking ahead to developing trust in the Lord as the children enter young adulthood and graduation. Kristina offers a heartfelt piece of advice for her younger self,

Kristina Talbot is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and native Floridian who loves that her engineer husband enjoys Karaoke, and her four children enjoy carpool line with the music up. Kristina is the owner and founder of ARISE Mental Health Consulting Services and has a ridiculous amount of knowledge about football. You can follow Kristina on Facebook and Instagram @arisemhc.

Links for this Episode:

• Read all articles by Kristina Talbot

Maria and Allison have an intimate conversation about friendship, including disappointments and encouragement for seeking true friendship.

Links for this Episode:

• The Importance of True and Holy Friendships
• On Christian Friendship

Maria Morera Johnson interviews Meigs Turgeon, Special Assistant to the President at Holy Cross Family Ministries, about the important priest and brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Meigs Turgeon, Special Assistant to the President, Fr. Fred Jenga, C.S.C., at Holy Cross Family Ministries. Meigs joined HCFM from Austin, Texas where he most recently served as Assistant Director of the Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward's University and Adjunct Professor of Christian Theology. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Duke University; is an expert in Holy Cross Charism and Spirituality, a prolific writer and speaker on different faith-based topics.

Holy Cross Family Ministries

Maria Morera Johnson and Inés Mersch have a conversation about the post-holidays yearning for peace.

Inés Huber Mersch is a faithful Catholic wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Mobile, Alabama. Her strong attraction to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led to her being invited to participate in the steering committee that brought Perpetual Adoration to the Archdiocese of Mobile and continues as one of the schedulers. She has also been a guest writer at Catholic Mom.

• • Broken By Me by Inés Huber Mersch
  • Read all articles by Maria Morera Johnson

Maria, Allison, and Fr. Charlie chat about Pope Leo's favirote movies and their take on It's a Wonderful Life and The Sound of Music. Sta tuned for Part two next month!

Links for this Episode:

• Pope Leo's Top Four Movie Pics

Maria Morera Johnson and Allison Gingras get together for a fun conversation about Christmas.

Maria and Allison chat about Christmas and their family traditions.

Links for this Episode:

• Patrick the Donkey's Story
• Shepherd Roy's Story
• Angel Malak's Story

Maria and seminarian John Paul Pierce have a lovely conversation about his discernment journey. Let us pray for all seminarians in formation.

Links for this Episode:

• USCCB Resources for Vocations

Maria Morera Johnson and Heidi Hess Saxton interview Greg Willits, author of God Doesn't Hate Me After All: Discovering Louis de Montfort's Love of Eternal Wisdom (Sophia Institute Press).

Greg Willits is a Catholic author, media creator, and evangelist. Founder of RosaryArmy.com, along with his wife, Jennifer Greg has written numerous books, including the newly published God Doesn't Hate Me After All, a powerful memoir of faith, healing, and rediscovering God's relentless love. A pioneer in Catholic new media, Greg has produced podcasts, videos, and resources that have helped countless people grow in their spiritual lives. With honesty and humor, he shares the ups and downs of discipleship, inviting others to encounter Christ with authenticity and hope.

• God Doesn't Hate Me After All: Discovering Louis de Montfort's Love of Eternal Wisdom
• Rosary Army Website

Maria and Allison discuss the high hopes they have for Advent, and the reality that it is a time to slow down and wait.

Links for this Episode:

• Catholic Mom Advent Playlist on Spotify

Maria Morera Johnson interviews Gracie Jagla, author of If the Pope Had a Puppy (OSV Kids).

Gracie Jagla is a wife, mother, and award-winning children's book author, with a heart for writing faith-filled stories that draw children (and their families) closer to the love of Jesus. She also writes and hosts the podcast Cuddle Up: Catholic Storytime — a cozy, bi-weekly show where Catholic children's authors (often including Gracie herself) read their stories aloud for families.

Links for this Episode:

• Gracie Jagla's books and more
• If the Pope Had a Puppy