Mamas in Spirit

During her first three years, Mary Jo Thayer was primarily cared for by her teenage sister.

They were so close that Mary Jo says, "She took me into herself."

Although it wasn't her sister's fault, Mary Jo felt abandoned when her sister moved across the country. Mary Jo carried this wound with her into adulthood.

Well into her marriage and raising her own children, Mary Jo realized she needed to heal the little girl inside her.

Listen to this week's "mini retreat in a podcast" and learn how God guided Mary Jo through a healing pilgrimage of the heart, culminating in a Eucharistic experience.

Discover how you, too, can open your heart for God to heal the girl in you.

Learn more about Mary Jo Thayer, an award-winning author, at maryjothayer.com.

"God works through ordinary people to remind us of what miracles look like in action."

John O'Leary was on the verge of death when he was nine years old. Like many kids, he copied something he saw some older boys do. But the result was catastrophic.

John caused an explosion in his parents' garage, which left burns over 100 percent of his body. Doctors didn't expect him to survive.

Yet John did.

In this week's "mini-retreat in a podcast," hear directly from John O'Leary as he shares stories of what happened, how God saved his body and—ultimately—his soul.

Discover how ordinary people in John's path ignited his will to live and set his heart on fire for God.

Learn how your heart can be set ablaze by the love of God, too.

Watch "Soul on Fire"—the story of John O'Leary—and bring friends! Learn more at soulonfiremovie.com.

As a teenager, Michelle Ovalle agreed to help her aunt take photos at a Quinceañera, not thinking much of it.

The Quinceañera changed Michelle's life.

While Michelle was captivated by the beauty of the Mass, she had no idea she was standing in the very church where her parents had been married and where she had been baptized. Michelle didn't even know she was Catholic.

All of this and much more was revealed to Michelle once she got home and began to engage in the faith she was blessed with as a baby.

Listen to this "mini retreat in a podcast" to hear Michelle's inspiring conversion story and learn how her Catholic faith has supported her through difficult seasons in marriage and parenthood, including infidelity.

God has blessed Michelle with forgiveness, healing, and joy beyond her imagination. Discover how you can open your heart so that God can work miracles in you!

"I felt like one of those pieces."

When Mellissa Vincent's Pietá statue fell off her bed and shattered, Melissa felt shattered, too.

After the unexpected loss of her father the day after Christmas and taking on the primary care of her mother, Melissa was mentally exhausted.

Until she had a vision from God.

Melissa saw herself at the bottom of a swimming pool. Christ's arm reached in and lifted her out. Christ told her he would save her, but he needed two things from her: a relationship with Him and one with Our Blessed Mother.

Melissa was obedient.

In this "mini retreat in a podcast," learn how God transformed Melissa's heart and life.

Listen as Melissa shares wisdom, including how to run to God instead of others for validation. Discover how you are beloved—not from others—but through a deep, abiding, and personal relationship with God.

Learn more about Melissa and her husband, Deacon Bill's nonprofit ministry at www.beholdcatholicministries.org.

"We often gain spiritual maturity through the hard times, the rough seasons of our lives." Shantel Dudley is a mother to 18 children: four biological kids, three stepchildren, and 11 children with special medical needs from foster care. Shantel is no stranger to tough times. She has "rocked six children into heaven." At her lowest point, Shantel lay in bed, afraid of what might happen next. She started watching videos of inspiring Christian women who faced the hardest losses, remained honest and faithful, and continued to be used by God. Shantel is one of these inspiring women herself! Listen to this mini retreat podcast and let your heart be set on fire with love of Christ. Explore God's call in your life, understand how He's always present and loving—even when you feel like you're not measuring up—and learn how to root your identity and life in Him. Be blessed with greater clarity about "who you are and whose you are."

At only 21, Anne Gabanelle and her new husband each packed a suitcase, took the little money they had, and left France.

Over the years, Anne wondered why God had led her away from her family and friends to America.

Anne now has grown children and owns a French bakery with her husband in Cohasset, Massachusetts. Looking back, Anne can clearly see how God's will has unfolded in her and her husband's life together.

"French Memories Bakery" is their ministry.

In this week's "mini retreat in a podcast," hear how Anne and her husband minister to their employees and customers. Lindy—host of Mamas in Spirit—met Anne when she was the recipient of this God-centered hospitality.

Listen and discover how you can also dwell in the presence of Christ and share His love in your little corner of the world.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe stepped forward to die in place of another Auschwitz prisoner. It is at this moment that the film Triumph of the Heart begins.

This week's "mini retreat in a podcast" features Cecilia Stevenson, the producer of this Catholic film.

Hear how Cecilia's "yes" to making this film has changed her.

Cecilia shares the challenges she faced during the production of the film, how she has developed a relationship with Our Blessed Mother, and how Saint Maximilian Kolbe's life inspires her to live her faith more fully.

Listen and learn how you can also step forward in faith and live an abundant life for our Lord.

Watch Triumph of the Heart in a theater near you on September 12th, 2025. Learn more at www.triumphoftheheart.com.

Michele Sagarino, President of Cross Catholic Outreach, had a clear plan for her life. She was determined to make it happen.

Yet, when it was time for Michele to have children, she wasn't getting pregnant.

God began opening Michele's heart to His will for her life. Michele and her husband were blessed to start a family through the gift of adoption.

Soon after, Michele went on a mission trip with Cross Catholic Outreach.

Michele knew where God wanted her—to work in developing countries. She now works with the best people, transforming—by the grace of God—the worst circumstances.

Listen to this "mini retreat in a podcast" and be inspired to put God in the center of your life. Experience the Lord's abundant will for you!

Learn more about Cross Catholic Outreach at www.crosscatholic.org.

"I radiate the hope of the Holy Spirit, instead of the fear of condemnation."

Rose Folsom, a Lay Dominican, received God's transformative healing.

After growing up in a home affected by alcoholism, Rose dated a young man who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.

In her journal, Rose compared herself to a "shattered mirror." She experienced intense anxiety and looked for others' approval to build her sense of identity.

When Rose started attending Al-Anon, she began to experience the healing and transformation she longed for. "Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking."

Rose was gifted with the blessings of conversion and new life.

Listen and develop greater trust and surrender to God. Discover, through God's grace, how to radiate love!

Learn how to regain your peace when you're tempted to feel overwhelmed with anxiety at www.rosefolsom.com.

Host Lindy Wynne and her husband, Brian, said "yes" to the Sacrament of Marriage 25 years ago. They have said a million tiny yes's to each other ever since.

By God's grace, Brian and Lindy have been blessed with the gifts of loyalty and steadfast love.

In this "mini retreat in a podcast," listen to Brian and Lindy share what they have learned through both the joyful and challenging seasons of their marriage. Discover how God has helped them open their hearts to each other again and again.

Hear personal stories and insights to support your marriage or other relationships in your life.

Learn more at mamasinspirit.com