This week on Girlfriends, I’m talking with author and teacher Amy Cattapan about her beautiful new book, Hope Without Borders: A Spiritual Retreat with St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. If you’ve never explored the writings or spirituality of Mother Cabrini before, you are in for a treat. Amy shares how this powerhouse saint, America’s first canonized citizen, lived a life of missionary zeal, deep Ignatian prayer, and relentless trust in God’s providence.

We talk about how Amy first connected with Cabrini (hint: Italian roots + Chicago + Catholic school kids!), how the retreat journals of Mother Cabrini provide a window into her spiritual life, and what women today can learn from her bold perseverance and profound devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Whether you're juggling work, family, ministry—or all three—Mother Cabrini’s example will inspire you to press forward in faith and seek rest in Jesus. Amy and I also talk about practical ways to build a daily prayer habit (even if you only have five minutes!), and why it’s so important for busy women to make space for spiritual rest.

If you enjoy this conversation, I hope you’ll do two things:

* Share it with a friend who could use a spiritual boost today.

* Consider picking up Amy’s book—it’s short, powerful, and deeply encouraging.

You can follow Amy at ajcattapan.com or find her on Instagram @ajcattapan.

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This week on Girlfriends, I’m so overjoyed to share my conversation with author and Catholic mom Megan Madden. Megan is a wife to a theologian, mom of seven, and the author of Mary, Teach Me to Be Your Daughter and Through Storms and Still Waters with Ascension Press.

In our chat, Megan opens up about:

🌸 How to surrender your plans to God and trust him deeply—even in the storms of life.

🌸 Practical ways to nurture prayer in the middle of motherhood and family chaos.

🌸 The beauty of authentic femininity and how Mary models it perfectly for us.

🌸 Simple practices for slowing down and finding God’s presence in the little moments.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, or longing for encouragement in your vocation, this episode will inspire you to lean into God’s grace and embrace your unique call as a Catholic woman.

✨ Mentioned in this episode:

* Megan’s books: Mary, Teach Me to Be Your Daughter and Through Storms and Still Waters

* Megan’s website: amotherslace.com

* Follow Megan on Instagram: @amotherslace

* The Surrender Novena: daniellebean.com/surrender

* The book Megan recommended: The Privilege of Being a Woman by Alice von Hildebrand

💌 Let’s stay connected!If you enjoy Girlfriends, make sure to subscribe at daniellebean.com for more encouragement and special content just for Catholic women.

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This week on Girlfriends, I’m thrilled to share a heartfelt and powerful conversation with my friend Stacey Sumereau. Stacey is a Catholic wife, mom of five, podcaster, and the author of the beautiful new book Adventure Awaits: How to Interpret Your Desires and Hear God’s Voice.

In this episode, Stacey opens up about her unexpected journey from center stage to cloistered convents, her struggles with surrendering to God’s will, and the surprising freedom she found in realizing that God wants us to thrive—not just sacrifice.

We talk about:

* What it really means to “discern your desires”

* How to hear God’s voice in the noise of daily life

* Letting go of the false belief that God’s will is the opposite of what we want

* The power of spiritual maturity and mutual discernment in marriage

* And why it’s okay to live a little messily while staying faithful

You’re going to love Stacey’s warmth, honesty, and wisdom. This conversation will speak to anyone who’s ever struggled with big decisions, felt confused in prayer, or just wondered, “What if I get it wrong?”

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Reach out anytime at [email protected], or leave a comment right here!

📅 I’m currently booking speaking events for this fall! I still have some openings—especially in November. If your parish or women’s group is looking for a speaker to encourage, challenge, and uplift your community, let’s connect. Go here to request more info!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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I’m so excited to share this episode with you because it’s all about one of my favorite topics: the power of music to draw us closer to God—and the unique ways we each live out our feminine genius.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Carly York, a professional Catholic cantor, music educator, and digital entrepreneur. Carly shares her incredible journey from being raised Baptist to discovering Gregorian chant, converting to Catholicism, and dedicating her life to sacred music ministry.

We talk about:

* How music shaped Carly’s faith journey and vocation

* The surprising physical and spiritual benefits of Gregorian chant (even in traffic!)

* What to do if the music at your parish isn’t inspiring you

* Tips for introducing sacred music to your kids at home

* Why it’s never too late to follow God’s promptings—just start!

Carly is such a beautiful example of someone who has said YES to God in unexpected ways, using her gifts to build the Church and bring peace to the hearts of others. I know you’re going to love hearing her story.

💿 Grab Carly’s free chant download: thecatholiccantor.com

And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who could use a little sacred music and soulful encouragement today.

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

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, I’m talking with the wonderful Rosemary Berry—author, wife, mom, teacher, and pilgrimage planner—about one of my all-time favorite topics: the four temperaments and how they show up in the lives of the saints (and in our own lives, too!).

Rosemary’s new book, Piety and Personality: The Temperaments of the Saints, dives into how God uses our unique personalities—yes, even the parts we struggle with—to help us grow in holiness. In this fun and inspiring conversation, we talk about:

* What the four classic temperaments are (sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic)

* Why understanding your temperament is so helpful for your spiritual growth

* How different saints reflect the strengths (and weaknesses!) of each temperament

* How we can use our natural gifts—and even our flaws—for God’s glory

* What Winnie-the-Pooh characters can teach us about the temperaments 😉

Plus, I share which temperament I really am (spoiler: it surprises people!), and we talk about how knowing your temperament can help you show more charity and patience toward others, too.

Rosemary Berry also shares about her beautiful work planning pilgrimages and how we can all draw closer to Christ through the lives of the saints.

If this conversation encouraged you, would you send it to a friend or share it on social media? That’s how we keep growing this beautiful community—one girlfriend at a time.

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

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 on Girlfriends, we are joined by beloved Catholic author and homemaking mentor Leila Marie Lawler for a rich and refreshing conversation on natural remedies, the beauty of domestic life, and the enduring wisdom of St. Hildegard of Bingen. We discuss the new book St. Hildegard’s Garden: Recipes and Remedies for Healing Body and Soul, Leila’s deep love for homemaking, and why creating a holy, healing home matters more than ever.

Whether you're curious about herbs, craving a more meaningful rhythm at home, or simply feeling overwhelmed by modern life, this episode offers practical encouragement and timeless truths.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

* Why St. Hildegard’s medieval wisdom is surprisingly relevant today

* Natural remedies that every Catholic mom should know

* What weeds (yes, weeds!) taught Leila about healing

* The beauty of spiritual motherhood in the home

* How to begin making your home more peaceful and grace-filled

* Leila’s honest encouragement for women who feel like they’re failing at homemaking

* Why simple things like dinner and laundry matter for your vocation

Resources & Links:

* 📖 St. Hildegard’s Garden (Sophia Institute Press)

* 🏡 Leila’s blog: Like Mother, Like Daughter

* ✉️ Leila’s Substacks: Happy Despite Them & School for Housewives

* 📚 Summa Domestica (Sophia Institute Press)

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review wherever you listen—and share it with a friend who could use some peace and encouragement today. 💛

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

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In this powerful and inspiring episode of Girlfriends, I am joined by newly-baptized Catholic convert, writer, and journal creator Abigail Austin. Abby shares the incredible journey that brought her from atheism to the Catholic Church—including a life-changing walk along the Camino de Santiago, meeting her husband, and discovering God's presence through beauty, storytelling, and grace.

Together, we discuss:

* Abby’s unexpected path to the Catholic Church (baptized at age 41!)

* How literature, beauty, and storytelling played a role in her conversion

* What she discovered about forgiveness, peace, and truth through Catholicism

* Her project Faith in Five Minutes: A Catholic Gratitude Journal and how it’s transforming lives—including in Catholic schools

* The power of practicing daily gratitude, especially as a couple or family

* Her return to fiction writing and how her Catholic faith is now central to her creative work

* The importance of offering faithful, beautiful storytelling in today’s culture

Learn more about the journal:

🔗 faithinfiveminutes.com

Free offer for Catholic schools! Get 50 free copies to try the journal in your classroom. Contact Abby via Instagram to learn more.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

In this episode of Girlfriends, I get to chat with Catholic author, speaker, and Sacred Heart evangelist Emily Jaminet for a heartfelt conversation about her newest project: a beautifully illustrated children’s book called Saints of the Sacred Heart (Sophia Institute Press). Whether you're new to this devotion or already enthroned the Sacred Heart in your home, this episode is filled with inspiration and practical wisdom for living out your faith in your family life.

Together, we discuss:

* The meaning behind the Sacred Heart image and why June is its dedicated month

* The simple yet powerful practice of enthronement in your home

* How devotion to the Sacred Heart brings healing, peace, and protection to families

* The promises of the Sacred Heart—and which ones Emily treasures most

* How Saints of the Sacred Heart invites children into a relationship with Jesus and His saints

* The role of beauty, art, and storytelling in faith formation

* Creative ways to live and share this devotion with your parish, family, and friends

Learn more about Emily's new book and devotion resources:

🔗 welcomeshisheart.com

🔗 emilyjaminet.com

🔗 Saints of the Sacred Heart (Sophia Institute Press)

Whether you're raising little ones, navigating a busy household, or seeking a deeper connection with Christ, this episode will encourage you to open your home and heart to Jesus in a new way.

🕯️ Mentioned in the episode:

* First Friday devotion (9 consecutive months)

* Enthronement of the Sacred Heart (self-guided kits at welcomeshisheart.com)

* Pope Francis’ recent writings on the Heart of Jesus

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

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

In this throwback episode of Girlfriends, we’re revisiting a topic that resonates with so many women—hospitality. Whether you love opening your home to others or it feels like a stress-inducing performance, this conversation is for you.

We’re not talking about Pinterest-perfect dinner parties or flawless tablescapes. This is about real hospitality—connection, community, and creating space for meaningful conversations. I share practical tips, encouragement, and mindset shifts that can help you become more confident and joyful about inviting others in.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

* Why “entertaining” isn’t the goal—and what to aim for instead

* How to make hospitality a habit (even when life feels chaotic)

* Ways to host without breaking your budget or your back

* What to say when someone asks, “What can I bring?”

* The single most powerful way to make your guests feel seen and loved

Whether you’ve been hosting for years or are just starting to consider it, this is your gentle nudge to open your door and your heart.

💌 Have your own tip or story about hospitality? Reach out and share—I’d love to hear it.

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

Learn more about the Grace & Growth mentoring sessions beginning June 5

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This week, I’m bringing back a fan favorite episode—one that’s close to my heart because it features a very special guest: my husband, Dan Bean! Together, we dive into what it really means to have fun as a Catholic family.

We talk honestly (and hilariously) about what has and hasn’t worked in our 26+ years of marriage and parenting our eight children. We share personal stories, lessons learned, and the surprising importance of not taking ourselves too seriously. From letting go of perfectionism to making space for joy, this episode will leave you smiling, nodding along, and maybe rethinking your next family outing.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

* The one thing every family should always do to make space for joy

* Why trying too hard (yes, even with hot dog mummies) can ruin the moment

* Dan’s surprisingly deep take on why families shouldn’t “fake it” when it comes to connection

* Our take on Catholic family culture that’s fun, faithful, and free of guilt

This is a great one to revisit—or listen to for the first time if you missed it the first time around!

Got a favorite way your family has fun together? I’d love to hear about it! Reach out to me on social media or via email and share your stories.

🎧 Listen now and laugh along with us as we remember what really matters in Catholic family life.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Learn more about the Grace & Growth mentoring sessions beginning June 5

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