Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

What a thrill to get to sit down with Tsh Oxenreider from The Commonplace and talk all about growing families, changing seasons, and the joy of celebrating Advent! This was a special conversation because Tsh is also sharing it on her podcast, A Drink With a Friend.

We discuss changing traditions, how ot slow down in a culture of “busy,” and ways to insert more quiet and beauty in our days during Advent and beyond.

Takeaways

* Family traditions can evolve and hold deep meaning.

* The pressure to create the perfect Advent experience can be overwhelming.

* Social media can distort our perceptions of parenting and traditions.

* Art can be a powerful tool for contemplation during the season.

* We can choose how to engage with the liturgical calendar.

* Finding balance in holiday traditions can reduce stress and enhance joy.

* Adding beauty to daily life can be as simple as reading a book or enjoying nature.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Goretti Fine Art, authentic beauty, grounded in truth. Use code FRIENDS24 to get 15% off your online order!

Catholic Brain: Teach kids the faith with engaging, fun, and trusted curriculum!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast!

For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s special episode was recorded live at Girlfriends After Hours (daniellebean.substack.com). These live events happen once a month and are usually for paid subscribers only, but going into Advent, we decided to open up this session for everyone. So…welcome!

In this episode, we discuss 5 ways you can find peace in Advent, including:1) Screen your influences2) Read Scripture3) Go to confession.4) Say no to something.5) Be still.

We go into detail and share practical examples of ways to do each of these things. We need to be intentional if we are going to make Advent a fruitful season of “watching and waiting,” preparing our hearts for the Lord.

How about you? What are your plans for Advent this year?

The discounted subscription link for Girlfriends After Hours that I mention in this episode will expire in just a few days, so make sure you take advantage of this special offer: daniellebean.substack.com/advent

Thank you to our sponsor!

Goretti Fine Art, authentic beauty, grounded in truth. Use code FRIENDS24 to get 15% off your online order!

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Embrace a deeper connection with God and find peaceful, reflective moments during the busy Advent season:https://daniellebean.substack.com/p/announcing-look-and-listen

Do you worry about how to teach your chldren the beautiful truths about their Catholic faith? This week on the podcast I got to sit down with Mosongo Osong, CEO and founder of Catholic Brain, to discuss the innovative online platform he’s designed to enhance faith formation for children. He shares the inspiration behind Catholic Brain, the challenges faced in traditional religious education, and how we can engage children through modern technology.

We also talk ab out the importance of family involvement in faith formation and some resources available for Advent. Mosongo emphasizes the need to balance technology with faith and the vision for the future of Catholic Brain as a leading resource for Catholic education.

Takeaways

* We need encouragement and inspiration for engaging faith formation.

* Parents play a crucial role in their children's faith formation.

* Catholic Brain offers resources for Advent and other liturgical seasons.

* Balancing secular media with faith-based content is a challenge.

* Daily integration of faith practices is essential for all Catholic families.

Learn more at https://www.catholicbrain.com/

THANK YOU to this week’s sponsor:

* Find beautful and meaningful gifts for family, friends and yourself at LeanneBowen.com.

Get 15% off your purchase with coded GIRLFRIENDS15 at checkout!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Join us for Advent this year! Get daily content that will help you grow in relationship with God, feeling inspired and focused this season:

https://daniellebean.substack.com/p/announcing-look-and-listen

Do you struggle with self-doubt? This week, we are discussing this pervasive problem many women face. We explore the roots of self-doubt and identify various types of self-doubt, such as imposter syndrome and self-sabotage, and offer practical strategies to combat these feelings. We emphasize the importance of self-compassion, supportive relationships, and seeking professional help when necessary. The conversation aims to empower listeners to recognize their worth and overcome self-doubt to thrive personally and professionally.

Takeaways

* Self-doubt is a common struggle for everyone.

* Understanding the roots of self-doubt can help in overcoming it.

* Practicing self-compassion is crucial for overcoming self-doubt.

* Surrounding yourself with supportive people is essential.

* You are your own biggest critic; be kinder to yourself.

* It's okay to seek professional help for overwhelming self-doubt.

* God calls you to do great things despite your insecurities.

Thank you to our sponsor!

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com. 

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Join us! Paid subscribers get access to live events, challenges, and bonus podcasts that help you grow in your Catholic faith.

https://daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Are you a fan of Lego? My guest this week sure is! JM Kraemer is a Catholic artist with a disability, and he joins me this week to share about his annual Lego Church Project and how it showcases the power of God using our talents. He builds massive churches out of Legos with intricate details and interior designs. JM shares his projects with various parishes and uses them to teach about faith and disability. JM also discusses the importance of prayer in navigating life with a disability and highlights the need for better accessibility and transportation options in the Catholic Church.

Takeaways

* No matter what challenges or disabilities we face, God can use our talents.

* Creativity can be a powerful way to share our faith and inspire others.

* Children are naturally drawn to creative projects like the Lego Church Project and can learn about faith through them.

* Prayer is essential in navigating life with a disability and seeking guidance from God.

Thank you to our sponsor!

OUR HOLY HOME: Holiness starts at home, which is why Our Holy Home wants to help you bring subtle and beautiful faith-filled decor into your daily life. From tea towels to beautiful pre-framed art to tablescapes–there’s something for every home. Order your home in the rhythms of the church with beautiful Catholic home decor only at ourholyhome.com 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Every couple has disagreements, but the way you handle disagreements can make or break your marriage. As part of this week’s marriage challenge at Girlfriends after hours, this week I’m sharing 7 tips for ways to “Fight Fair” and resolve conflict in a loving way that will draw you closer to your husband and help you both grow in relationship together.

Some of the ideas we discuss include the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the need for both partners to listen and understand each other. We also talk about the bad habits if assuming the worst about others, exaggeration, and then we emphasize the power of prayer in resolving conflicts.

Takeaways

* Conflict is a natural part of marriage.

* Setting boundaries can help manage arguments.

* Listening is more important than arguing.

* Assuming the best about your partner fosters understanding.

* Avoid exaggeration in conflicts to maintain clarity.

* Apologizing sincerely can heal relationships.

* Prayer can be a powerful tool in resolving conflicts.

* Communication should happen outside of heated moments.

* It's important to forget about winning arguments.

* Healthy relationships require ongoing effort and self-reflection.

Thank you to our sponsor!

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Don’t forget to join our marriage challenge this week!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit daniellebean.substack.com

This is a topic we don't hear about enough from a Catholic wife’s perspective!

This special BONUS episode, recorded live on October 23, is part of our ongoing 5-Day Marriage Challenge. Dr. Sarah Bartel, a Catholic sex and marriage coach, joins us to take your anonymous questions about marital intimacy.Questions and topics we discuss:

**How to get over the awkwardness, talk about your needs, and ask for what you want

**The difference between men and women’s arousal responses

**What is “normal” for length and frequency of sex

**Some creative ideas for when kids or exhaustion get in the way

**The importance of prioritizing rest and self-care, especially during times of stress

**The challenge of male impotence from a female perspective

**What exactly is “OK” and “not OK” according to Catholic teaching

**How to handle feelings of guilt or shame

**How to be more fully present in moments of intimacy

**The importance of spiritual connection with our husbands

**Some common challenges to intimacy and how to overcome them

…and more!

This bonus content is a special benefit for paid subscribers:

Feel more confident and connected in your marriage by learning how to communicate your needs without feeling uncomfortable or guilty. Subscribe today: https://daniellebean.substack.com/

Every couple has disagreements, but the way you handle disagreements can make or break your marriage. As part of this week’s marriage challenge at Girlfriends after hours, this week I’m sharing 7 tips for ways to “Fight Fair” and resolve conflict in a loving way that will draw you closer to your husband and help you both grow in relationship together.

Some of the ideas we discuss include the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the need for both partners to listen and understand each other. We also talk about the bad habits if assuming the worst about others, exaggeration, and then we emphasize the power of prayer in resolving conflicts.

Takeaways

* Conflict is a natural part of marriage.

* Setting boundaries can help manage arguments.

* Listening is more important than arguing.

* Assuming the best about your partner fosters understanding.

* Avoid exaggeration in conflicts to maintain clarity.

* Apologizing sincerely can heal relationships.

* Prayer can be a powerful tool in resolving conflicts.

* Communication should happen outside of heated moments.

* It's important to forget about winning arguments.

* Healthy relationships require ongoing effort and self-reflection.

Thank you to our sponsor!

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Don’t forget to join our marriage challenge this week!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

What do you need to let go of? I’m going to make you think a bit with five ideas for stuff you might be holding onto—physically, emotionally, or spiritually— that’s no longer serving you. We discuss the burden of physical clutter, the emotional weight of past hurts, the need to control others, the false virtue of busyness, and the effect of ego on our identity.

I promised you this link to the Litany of Humility.Here is all the information about the upcoming Girlfriends marriage challenge. Don’t miss it!

Takeaways

* Letting go of physical clutter can lighten your emotional load.

* Forgiveness is a continuous process that requires effort.

* Holding onto hurt only prolongs your pain.

* You cannot control other people's actions or feelings.

* Busyness can distract you from what truly matters.

* Your identity should be rooted in being a child of God.

* Decluttering can create space for new opportunities.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Clare Byrne, founder of Imprint Hope, shares her journey of serving children with disabilities in Uganda. Inspired by her sister with a disability, Clare pursued a career in occupational therapy and eventually moved to Uganda to start Imprint Hope, an organization that supports families of children with disabilities through residential training courses, therapy services, counseling, and education. Clare's work aims to break the stigma surrounding disabilities and help families see the value and beauty in their children. Her future plans include building a handicap-accessible rehabilitation center and expanding their work to other parts of Uganda. Join us for an inspirational conversation!

Takeaways

* God can use personal experiences and passions to call us to serve others.

* Children with disabilities deserve to be seen and valued for who they are.

* Education and support are crucial in breaking the stigma surrounding disabilities.

* Imprint Hope aims to provide holistic care and support to families of children with disabilities in Uganda.

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe