This week we sit down with Catholic author, speaker, and veteran Megan Hjelmstad for a powerful conversation about suffering, hope, and the redemptive power of “offering it up.” Together, we unpack this often misunderstood Catholic phrase and explore what it really means to unite our suffering with Christ—both in the everyday struggles and the life-changing trials.

Learn more about the book: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/offer-it-up-discovering-the-power-and-purpose-of-redemptive-suffering

Whether you’re carrying a heavy cross or just facing daily frustrations, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, understood, and spiritually equipped.

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 5Contact: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

Are you trying to do it all by yourself — the working, writing, launching, growing, and the spiritual journey? In today’s episode, I’m sharing why that “go-it-alone” mentality is holding you back and what changes when you invite others into your growth.

Whether you’re pursuing a creative dream, leading in ministry, or simply trying to follow where God is calling you next, this episode is a gentle but firm reminder: You were never meant to do this alone.

We’ll talk about:

* The hidden cost of trying to figure it all out solo

* Why mentorship is not just helpful — it’s essential

* A behind-the-scenes look at my Grace & Growth Group Mentoring Sessions and how they can support you

🌱 Ready to grow with us? Let’s get started!

Subscribe to Grace & Growth

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

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

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome author, podcaster, and mom Suzanne Bilodeau to talk about her beautiful new book from Ascension, She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood. Suzanne shares the inspiration behind the project—a deep desire to learn from seasoned Catholic moms—and how this collection of letters from 15 Catholic women offers wisdom, vulnerability, and hope for mothers in every season of life.

We discuss the power of female friendship, overcoming comparison, staying grounded in your vocation, and what it really means to be both a contemplative and an evangelist in daily life. This is a life-giving conversation you won’t want to miss, especially as we approach Mother’s Day.

🕊️ Order the book: She Loved by Suzanne Bilodeau🎙️ Learn more about Suzanne’s podcast: Latte & Laundry📩 Subscribe to the Girlfriends newsletter and live events at daniellebean.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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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 guest is

Maria Morera Johnson, author, podcaster and a powerhouse of wisdom and joy. Her newest book is A Beautiful Second Act, an inspiring and fun collection of personal stories and stories from the saints who found adventure in the second half of life. What a joy it was to chat with her! I know you are going to love this conversation.

Are you a Catholic creator? Let’s connect! My newest project is Grace & Growth, an online community of creator who encourage and support one another in the work God calls us to do.

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

Have you ever felt like what you do isn’t enough? Like your work, your prayers, your quiet service just… doesn’t count in a world that celebrates the loud, the visible, the impressive?

In this live session, we explore the deep spiritual truth that small is not insignificant. We talk about what it means to live a life hidden in Christ, to serve faithfully without fanfare, and to find peace in knowing that God delights in the little things we do with great love.

Join the Grace & Growth Community.

Sign up for the free webinar: From Stuck to Started

This conversation is especially for anyone who feels unseen, overlooked, or weary of chasing worldly expectations. Plus, you’ll walk away with three simple action steps to help you start living this message right now.

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

In this episode of Girlfriends, Renzo and Monica Ortega, authors of the new book, Lovemaking: How to Talk About Sex with Your Spouse, join us for an enlightening discussion.

They share their personal struggles and insights on sex within Catholic marriages, emphasizing the importance of communication, respect, and intimacy. They offer practical advice and encouragement for couples navigating this often-taboo topic.

Takeaways:

* It can be uncomfortable to get started, but it’s important to talk about sex with your spouse

* As Catholics, we have a unique perspective on the gifts of sex and marriage

* Marriage preparation for young couples for marriage should include discussions about sex

* Our culture does not encourage aiuthentic intimacy, but it is a vital part of healthy relationships

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

Have you ever undertaken a media fast? What would that look like?Sister Nancy Usselmann joins Girlfriends to discuss her book Media Fasting: Six Weeks to Recharge in Christ. discusses the challenges of navigating a media-saturated world, emphasizing the importance of spiritual grounding in media use. The conversation covers practical steps for implementing a media fast, the role of prayer and community, and the need for self-awareness in recognizing unhealthy media habits. Sister Nancy encourages listeners to invite Christ into their media experiences and to reflect on their motivations for media consumption.

Takeaways

* Media fasting combines spiritual growth with practical steps.

* Assessing media habits is crucial for effective fasting.

* Fasting from media should include prayer and reflection.

* Community support enhances the media fasting experience.

* Distraction from media can hinder creativity and focus.

* Recognizing signs of media overuse is essential for self-awareness.

* Inviting God into media experiences enriches our faith.

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

Have you ever been to Italy? Have you ever dreamed of going?

Teresa Tomeo, Catholic radio host and author of Italy's Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred Spaces, Fascinating Places, and Destinations Off the Beaten Path, joins Girlfriends to share her journey in Catholic media, her deep love for Italy, and the significance of pilgrimage in the Catholic faith. She discusses her personal transformation and how her experiences in Italy have shaped her understanding of faith and culture.

Teresa highlights lesser-known pilgrimage sites, the importance of documenting experiences, and practical travel tips for those planning to visit Italy. The conversation also touches on her favorite saints and their influence on her life and work.

Takeaways

* Italy's beauty and rich Catholic heritage are uniquely inspiring.

* Pilgrimages are essential for spiritual growth and connection to faith.

* Documenting experiences during a pilgrimage enhances the journey.

* Traveling to Italy requires time to fully appreciate its offerings.

* St. Francis and St. Claire are two Italian saints you should know.

* The joy of travel often comes from unexpected experiences.

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

This week on the podcats, author Christine Flynn shares her personal journey from New Age spirituality to embracing the Catholic faith. She discusses the challenges of navigating beliefs, the importance of parenting in a spiritually aware environment, and the influences that shaped her faith. Christine also addresses the complexities of modern spirituality, including the debate around yoga and its implications for Catholics. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of open conversations about faith and spirituality, both with children and within the community.

Takeaways:

* New Age spirituality is a collection of beliefs that lacks a unified doctrine.

* Many people chase feelings rather than seeking truth in spirituality.

* Starting conversations about faith early with children is crucial.

* Influences from family and friends can significantly impact our faith journey.

* Understanding the concept of dying for sins can be challenging for many.

* Yoga presents a complex issue for Catholics, requiring discernment.

* Parents should be aware of the spiritual influences on their children.

* Engaging with primary sources of faith can lead to deeper understanding.

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

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

This is a BONUS episode of the podcast and let me tell you... If you’ve been putting off upgrading your subscription, NOW is the time to do it because our Renew & Restore Lenten sessions have been FANTASTIC. Last night we connected with Gary Jansen, author of The Healing Power of Praying the Rosary.

This is a little preview of our conversation, but to hear the whole thing, upgrade here: https://daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

e had a powerful conversation about discovering how this ancient prayer can become a practical tool for peace when life gets chaotic.

Some Things We Cover:

* How the Rosary works as spiritual (and physical!) medicine

* Mary's straightforward role in bringing us to Jesus

* Concrete ways to pray when your mind won't stop racing

* How breathing exercises can be part of prayer

* What the “Jesus Prayer” is and how to practice it

We also took on viewers’ questions about prayer struggles and spiritual roadblocks.

Next week, we’ll talk with author Colleen Reiss Vermeulen about overcoming FOMO in prayer, and we would love for you to join us live. Learn more here: https://daniellebean.substack.com/p/finding-peace-in-prayer-let-go-of