Catholics on Campus

In this episode, Virginia takes us inside her 25-day pilgrimage to Italy for the Jubilee Year of Hope, focusing on the two unforgettable weeks she and her husband spent volunteering in Rome.

She shares how they discovered the volunteer opportunity, their daily experiences guiding pilgrims in the heat of St. Peter’s Square, and the growth in perseverance, patience, and humility that followed.

Along the way, Virginia offers heartfelt stories, practical advice for future pilgrims, and a reminder to be truly present during sacred moments.

Tune in for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at faith, service, and hope in the heart of the Jubilee Year.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
• Catholics on Campus: Episode 33
• For formation in discernment - The Pope Video - July 2025

When you think of rest, do you associate it with sleep? In this episode, we will explore how you can rest in the Lord to escape the busyness of daily life. You will learn why rest is important in the Catholic tradition, the benefits of rest, and explore opportunities for rest and renewal.

In Matthew, chapter 11, Jesus says, "Come to Me, all who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest."

Many occupations, including being a student, are sedentary. Taking time away from your commitments or adding rest into daily routines can restore mental energy and allow creativity to emerge.

Some questions we reflect on are "What do you need to rest from?" and "What are you resting for?" We hope you will make time to rest in the Lord throughout the year. You will find fruits in your efforts!

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
• https://www.cyexpeditions.org/ (Bailey’s Harbor, WI)
• San Alfonso Retreat House (Long Branch, NJ)
• Casa Maria Retreat House (Irondale, AL)
• Whispering Winds Catholic Conference Center (Julian, CA)
• San Pedro Spiritual Development Center (Winter Park, FL)
• 50 Catholic Retreats You Can Take - One For Every State — Catholic Travel U.S.A.

 Today, we are going to revisit the important debut episode of the Catholics on Campus podcast, which answers a question Virginia still gets frequently: What is Catholic mindset coaching? She also wants to update you on some life and business happenings from the past two years.

“During his public ministry, Jesus was the ultimate Catholic mindset coach… (He) asked hundreds of questions to challenge our thinking.” - Virginia Koch

In this episode, Virginia tells us about Thomas Leonard, the ‘Father of Life-Coaching,’ who created life coaching to help his clients achieve goals. She explains its foundations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) and the aspects of CBT that are still hallmarks of the therapeutic approach today.

Virginia also discusses the differences between secular and Catholic mindset coaching and introduces her audience to Metanoia Catholic, where she learned a coaching method steeped in the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment

Why are more and more families drifting apart, and what can be done to heal these deep rifts? Today, we are looking into the growing and heartbreaking reality of family estrangement—a problem affecting more than 67 million Americans.

Drawing from expert insights, recent studies, and Biblical examples like Joseph and the prodigal son, Virginia unpacks the root causes - from harsh parenting and value clashes to money disputes and shifting cultural norms.

She also explores the spiritual dimension of family breakdown, recognizing the attack on families as a central battleground for faith today.

Whether you're struggling with estrangement or hope to strengthen your family bonds, you can expect to gain new perspectives on why estrangement is such a problem in our society and what you can do about it.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
• Cornell Family Estrangement & Reconciliation Project
• A Catholic Approach to Dealing With Difficult Relationships

Let's discuss the Catholic perspective on summer jobs and the dignity of work.

As college students start new roles and internships, Virginia reflects on her own summer job experiences and unpacks the Church’s rich teachings about the purpose of work, drawing inspiration from popes past and present, including the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.

You’ll hear how work is not just a way to earn money, but an opportunity to cultivate virtue, develop your talents, and serve others as part of God’s creative plan.

Virginia shares practical advice for making your workplace a more joyful environment, tips for living out your faith at work, and the spiritual importance of viewing your summer job as a true vocation.

She closes with a special prayer to St. Joseph the Worker for everyone starting a new job this season. Whether you’re heading into your first internship or reflecting on your career, this episode will inspire you to see your work through the lens of faith and purpose.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
• St. Joseph the Worker Shrine
• The Pope's Monthly Intentions for 2025 | USCCB

In this episode, Virginia tackles procrastination, especially as students head into finals.

Drawing from the 2024 National College Health Assessment, she highlights how common procrastination is among students and connects it to the ancient vice of acedia, or spiritual sloth, as discussed by Pope Francis.

Virginia explains the impact of procrastination through the lens of the four temperaments and offers practical, faith-centered strategies to overcome it. These include setting small goals, prioritizing tasks, using natural energy patterns, and practicing virtues like perseverance and diligence.

Listeners are encouraged to lean on their faith, set manageable goals, and seek divine assistance in fighting procrastination.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
• General Audience of 14 February 2024 - Cycle of Catechesis. Vices and Virtues. 8. Acedia | Francis
• Fall 2024 NCHA Report

Today, we explore the diverse facets of happiness through the lens of faith and findings from the 2025 World Happiness Report.

Discover how different temperaments experience joy and how marriage, religious practice, and even meal-sharing influence our well-being.

We’ll discuss practical ways to enhance happiness, emphasizing three key pillars:

1. virtuous living,
2. generosity, and
3. a relationship with God.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, join us in pursuing a life of joy and fulfillment rooted in faith and community.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• On LinkedIn - Virginia Albaneso Koch, Ph.D.
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
• 2025 World Happiness Report
• Combating Loneliness on Campus (Catholics on Campus, episode 12)
• Metanoia Catholic | Temperaments Assessment
• How to be Truly Happy
• Less Than Half of Americans "Very Satisfied" With Own Lives

Are you stepping into a new stage of life - graduating, starting a job, considering a vocation, or making a big life change?

In this episode, we explore the concept of massive action through a Catholic lens. We’ll discuss how saints like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton took bold, faith-driven action that still impacts us today.

Plus, we’ll break down how leaning into your God-given strengths can help you achieve meaningful, lasting change.

What You'll Learn in this episode:

• What massive action means in a Catholic context
• How the apostles responded to Jesus’ call with bold, immediate action
• Inspiring examples of saints who transformed the world through their mission
• How understanding your Working Genius can help you take effective action
• Why faith, community, and trust in God are essential for creating a lasting impact

The Saints took radical steps in response to God’s call - so can you.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Discover your Working Genius
• Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
• Pilgrimage of Paul Apostle of Hope
• The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Today, we're diving into the fascinating intersection of faith and our five senses. We explore how our senses - sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch - play essential roles in both forming our spiritual identity and engaging in daily spiritual warfare.

Hear compelling stories about the rich sensory experiences of the sacrament of baptism and learn practical ways to guard and nurture your senses as we navigate the challenges of maintaining our faith in today's world.

Plus, find out how the St. Michael the Archangel prayer and artistic expressions through music and visuals can enhance our spiritual journey. Get ready to see, hear, and feel your faith in a whole new light!

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Catholics on Campus Episode 10: 40 Precious Days
• Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
• What is the Origin of the St. Michael Prayer?
• Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal

We're exploring why more Catholics attend Ash Wednesday services compared to Sunday mass. It's a curious trend, given that Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation.

What holds people back from attending Mass regularly? And how can we shift our mindset to embrace the Eucharist more fully?

Through her own experiences and a Catholic mindset coaching approach, Virginia offers insights into overcoming barriers to attending Mass and invites us to reflect on our thoughts and emotions surrounding this spiritual practice.

Join us as we journey through the significance of Mass, explore ways to deepen our communion with Jesus, and find inspiration for a blessed Lenten season.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Catholics on Campus Episode 10: 40 Precious Days
• Take my free Catholic Faith Journey Assessment
• Do You Know Which Country Attends Mass the Most? | uCatholic
• Mass Attendance, Reverence, and Vocations: A Reality Check
• The Veil Removed-Film