What does it really mean to forgive someone who has hurt you? 

In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Erin Dooley shares how a 500-mile Camino pilgrimage helped her navigate heartbreak, healing, and the difficult journey toward forgiveness.

Together, we explore what forgiveness is—and what it isn’t—how prayer can help us release resentment, and why healing takes time. Whether you're struggling to forgive someone else or yourself, Erin offers a faith-filled reminder that God walks with us, one step at a time.

In This Episode:

• What the Camino taught Erin about forgiveness
• Why forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting, excusing, or removing boundaries
• How prayer can soften our hearts and support healing
• Finding God’s grace in the slow, imperfect process of letting go

Reflect & Pray:
Who might God be inviting you to forgive? Bring that person to prayer this week, asking for the grace to take one small step toward healing.

Scripture to Ponder:
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” — Matthew 6:12

Connect with Erin:
Learn more about Erin and her book, A Way to Forgiveness, at erinrdooley.com.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who may need a little hope on her own journey toward forgiveness.

What if your creativity could become a conversation with God?

In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Shelly and Lisa welcome Catholic artist Carla Quigley for a beautiful conversation about faith, creativity, prayer, and finding God in ordinary moments.

Carla, the artist behind the Of Sound Mind and Spirit logo, shares how she discovered that creating art could become a form of prayer. From paintings filled with hidden symbols of faith to doodling during Eucharistic Adoration, Carla invites us to look at creativity in a new way—not as something reserved for “artists,” but as a gift that can draw us closer to God.

The conversation also explores what happens when our plans go wrong. Carla shares the story behind one of her favorite paintings—a monstrance that began as a mistake—and how God used what she thought was a failure to create something beautiful. It becomes a powerful reminder that God can redeem our mistakes and bring beauty from the messes of our lives.

In This Episode

• How creativity can become a form of prayer
• Why making something beautiful can be an offering to God
• The connection between Catholic art and the domestic church
• How Carla uses Scripture, journaling, and doodling during Adoration
• What a “failed” painting taught Carla about God’s faithfulness
• The wisdom of the saints, including St. Thérèse of Lisieux
• How to persevere through seasons of consolation and desolation
• Finding God in ordinary, creative moments

Your Invitation

You don't have to consider yourself an artist to try this.

Set aside a little time this week to create something with God. Paint, draw, write a letter, journal, bake bread, garden, or simply make something beautiful.

Don't do it for social media. Don't worry about whether it's good enough.

Simply begin with the prayer:

“Lord, may this small act of beauty bring You glory.”

Then pay attention to what happens when creativity becomes a way of noticing God's presence.

Scripture for Reflection

“And we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.” — Romans 8:28

Find Carla Quigley

Carla Quigley is a Catholic artist whose work combines creativity, faith, Scripture, and storytelling. Find her on social media as Carla Quigley Art and explore her artwork through her Etsy shop.

Carla Quigley Art on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carlaquigleyart/ 

Carla Quigley Art on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CarlaQuigleyArt/ 

Carla Quigley Art on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarlaQuigleyArt 

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have you ever experienced creativity as prayer? We'd love to hear about it.

You don't have to post your creation publicly. Share your experience with us—or with someone you love—and consider how God might be inviting you to bring a little more beauty into the world.

Email us at [email protected] 

If this episode encouraged you, share it with another woman who could use a reminder that God can work through her creativity, too.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, Shelly and Lisa take a thoughtful look at one of the most revolutionary ideas in American history: the belief that our rights are not granted by government but are endowed by our Creator.

In this special Independence Day episode, they explore how the Declaration of Independence reflects a timeless truth found in Scripture and affirmed by the Catholic Church—that every human person possesses inherent dignity because we are created in the image and likeness of God.

Together, they discuss why freedom and responsibility go hand in hand, what authentic Christian patriotism looks like, and how Catholics can faithfully participate in civic life while keeping Christ at the center.

Along the way, they share stories from their own family traditions, reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served our country, and offer practical ways to celebrate America's 250th birthday with gratitude, hope, and prayer.

Whether you're gathering with family, attending a hometown parade, or simply reflecting on the blessings of liberty, we hope this conversation inspires you to celebrate with grateful hearts and renewed commitment to the common good.

In This Episode

• Why America's founding was revolutionary
• What it means that our rights are "endowed by our Creator"
• Human dignity as the foundation of authentic human rights
• The connection between the Declaration of Independence and Catholic teaching
• Why freedom requires virtue and responsibility
• What healthy Christian patriotism is—and what it is not
• The importance of civility and respectful dialogue
• The responsibilities of faithful citizenship
• Practical ways to celebrate America's 250th birthday
• Why "God Bless America" is more than a patriotic phrase—it's a prayer

Practical Ways to Celebrate Independence Day

• Read the Declaration of Independence.
• Pray for our nation and its leaders.
• Attend a community celebration or parade.
• Thank a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, or public servant.
• Teach children about our nation's founding principles.
• Sing patriotic songs with family and friends.
• Reflect on the freedoms we often take for granted.
• Spend time in gratitude for those who sacrificed to preserve our liberties.

Questions for Reflection

• How do I use the freedoms God has given me?
• In what ways am I contributing to the common good?
• Do I pray regularly for those entrusted with public leadership?
• How can I engage with those who disagree with me with greater charity and respect?
• How can I help pass on both my faith and an appreciation for responsible citizenship to the next generation?

Memorable Quotes from This Episode

"Government doesn't create our rights. Our Creator does."

"Rights are God's gift. Responsibility is our response."

"Patriotism isn't blind loyalty. It's grateful stewardship."

"Freedom is not simply what we're free from—it's what we're free for."

"Our nation is strongest when we remember that every human person possesses a dignity no government can erase."

This Week's Invitation

As you celebrate Independence Day, take a few moments to thank God for the blessings of liberty, pray for our nation, and consider one practical way you can serve your community this week.

May we never take our freedoms for granted, and may we always use them to seek truth, practice virtue, and work for the common good.

Happy Independence Day—and may God continue to bless America!

We'd love to hear from you and get to know you!  

Email us at [email protected]

Join our email list at http://eepurl.com/gNj5Qz to be notified weekly of new episodes and content.

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠ https://soundmindandspirit.com/ 

Drop us a line, leave a comment, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes!

As visitors from around the world arrive in the United States for the World Cup, many have been sharing their excitement and wonder about experiencing everyday American life. From small-town charm and friendly conversations to local traditions and natural beauty, their observations remind us that what feels ordinary to us can be extraordinary to someone else.

In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Shelly and Lisa reflect on what these visitors can teach us about gratitude, hospitality, and seeing God's blessings with fresh eyes. Together, they explore how familiarity can sometimes blind us to the gifts that surround us and how cultivating a spirit of wonder can deepen our appreciation for the people, places, and communities God has entrusted to us.

In This Episode

• Why foreign visitors are captivated by everyday life in America
• How familiarity can diminish our sense of gratitude
• The spiritual value of seeing ordinary blessings with fresh eyes
• The Christian call to hospitality and welcoming strangers
• Practical ways to rediscover wonder in your own community

Reflection Questions

• What is something in your daily life that you've begun to take for granted?
• How might a first-time visitor view your community, parish, or neighborhood?
• Where have you recently noticed God's blessings in unexpected places?
• How can you practice gratitude for the ordinary gifts that surround you each day?

This Week's Challenge

Take time this week to look at your community through the eyes of a visitor. Visit a local landmark, walk through your neighborhood, attend a community event, or simply pay closer attention to the people and places you encounter every day.Ask God to help you see familiar blessings with renewed wonder and gratitude.

Scripture for Reflection

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
— Psalm 107:1

Connect With Us

If this episode encouraged you, we'd love for you to share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps us continue fostering conversations that nurture both sound minds and spirits rooted in faith.

We'd love to hear from you and get to know you! 

Email us at [email protected]

Join our email list at http://eepurl.com/gNj5Qz to be notified weekly of new episodes and content.

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Drop us a line, leave a comment, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes!

Thank you for listening, and may God bless you with eyes to see His gifts all around you.

This Father's Day, we're welcoming a very special guest to the podcast for the very first time—our dad, Arthur.

For more than fifty years, Dad has been a husband, father, grandfather, storyteller, problem-solver, and source of wisdom for our family. In this heartfelt and often humorous conversation, we sit down to talk about fatherhood, family life, faith, gratitude, and the lessons he's learned throughout a lifetime of loving and leading a family.

Along the way, you'll hear some of his famous "Dadisms"—the practical wisdom, thoughtful questions, and memorable one-liners that have shaped our lives and continue to influence how we see God, relationships, and the world around us.

Whether this episode reminds you of your own father, your husband as a father, a grandfather, or another important father figure in your life, we hope it encourages you to reflect on the lasting impact a loving father can have across generations.

This conversation made us laugh, brought us to tears, and reminded us how grateful we are for the gift of family.

Happy Father's Day.

In This Episode

✔️ What surprised Arthur most about becoming a father

✔️ The family "Dadisms" that have guided generations

✔️ Why asking questions is often more powerful than giving advice

✔️ Lessons learned from more than fifty years of marriage and family life

✔️ The importance of experiencing God's creation and seeing beauty everywhere

✔️ Why Dad believes we should never discipline children in anger

✔️ What makes a truly successful life

✔️ The joys of being a grandfather

✔️ Thoughts on conflict, forgiveness, and the wisdom of the “Our Father” prayer

✔️ The legacy he hopes to leave for his children and grandchildren

✔️ Why gratitude is a daily choice

Memorable Moments from the Conversation

• Arthur shares the advice he gives family members when they come to him with problems.
• A discussion about how family ranch life helped shape the grandchildren's appreciation for God's creation.
• Stories from raising daughters, including church discipline and family adventures.
• Why Dad believes people are happiest when they embrace both life's joys and challenges.
• His moving reflection on what he hopes his grandchildren remember twenty years from now.
• The sibling stories that prove childhood was anything but boring.
  

One of Our Favorite Quotes

"Every day when you wake up, you get to choose how you want to live, how you want to feel, how you want to love—and God forbid—how you want to hate."

And this beautiful reminder:

"Praise God, it was a wonderful life."

Reflection Questions

As you listen, consider:

• What lessons did your father teach you that still influence your life today?
• How do you hope your children or grandchildren will remember you?
• What "Dadisms" have become part of your family culture?
• In what ways are you choosing gratitude, even during life's storms?
• How can you better recognize God's presence in both the joyful and challenging seasons of life?

Resources Mentioned

• The Our Father
• The Book of Job
• Family traditions and the importance of creating shared experiences across generations

Connect With Us

If this episode reminded you of a special father, grandfather, husband, or father figure in your life, we'd love to hear from you.

Share this episode with someone who has impacted your life through faithful fatherhood, and let us know: What's your favorite "Dadism" from your family?

We'd love to hear from you and get to know you!  

Email us at [email protected]

Join our email list at http://eepurl.com/gNj5Qz to be notified weekly of new episodes and content.

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Drop us a line, leave a comment, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes!

What is the Sacred Heart Devotion? And why does the Sacred Heart of Jesus Still Matter Today?

What if opening your heart—and your home—to the Sacred Heart of Jesus could transform your daily struggles into moments of peace, hope, and renewal?

In this episode from "Of Sound Mind and Spirit," the focus is on the Sacred Heart devotion—a centuries-old Catholic practice that is more relevant than ever for anyone yearning for faith-filled comfort and a deeper sense of purpose in a hectic, disconnected world. 

As the U.S. Bishops prepare to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart, this episode helps listeners discover how a personal encounter with Christ’s love can anchor your family, heal wounds, and spark spiritual renewal—right where you live, regardless of your circumstances.

You’ll learn:

• How embracing devotion to the Sacred Heart can create real, lasting peace within yourself and your home, even amid today’s anxieties and challenges.
• Practical steps to begin (or renew) this powerful tradition—including the meaning and impact of enthronement and the First Friday devotions.
• Inspiring stories and encouragement from guest Emily Jaminet, sharing why even the smallest act of inviting Christ’s heart into your life can bring unexpected graces and transformation for you and your loved ones.

Press play now to discover how welcoming the Sacred Heart can be your turning point for spiritual hope and healing this month.

Learn more about

·      Emily Jaminet at her website https://www.emilyjaminet.com/ 

·      Sacred Heart Enthronement at https://welcomehisheart.com/

·      Consecration of the USA to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at https://www.usccb.org/consecration-united-states-sacred-heart-jesus

·      Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End – Movie in USA playing June 2026 at https://sacredheartfilm.us/ 

·      Find Emily Jaminet’s books on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4usBQ2d

Emily Jaminet is the co-author of the bestselling and award-winning book Divine Mercy for Moms, The Friendship Project Our Friend Faustina and Pray Fully: Simple Steps for Becoming a Woman of Prayer, and her most recent books Secrets of the Sacred Heart: 12 Ways to Claim Jesus' Promises in Your Life and Holy Habits from The Sacred Heart. 

Emily is a Catholic author, speaker, podcaster, and radio personality. She is the Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network found at www.WelcomeHisHeart.com. She serves on the Board of the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference and co-host of Inspired By Faith Podcast produced by St. Gabriel radio and co-founder of www.inspirethefaith.com. 

She is the mother of seven and lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. 

Follower her on Instagram at @_EmilyJaminet and her author page on Facebook: EmilyJaminet. 

We'd love to hear from you and get to know you!  Email us at [email protected]

Join our email list at http://eepurl.com/gNj5Qz to be notified weekly of new episodes and content.

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠ https://soundmindandspirit.com/ 

Drop us a line, leave a comment, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes!

#SacredHeart #CatholicPodcast #OfSoundMindAndSpirit #Faith #CatholicWomen

Is the pressure to create a "perfect" summer leaving you more stressed than satisfied?

With summer here, many of us feel responsible for packing in special moments and unforgettable memories—often at the cost of our own peace and rest. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed by expectations and comparison, this episode is for you.

Discover how a meaningful summer is less about doing it all and more about being present with loved ones and God.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to break free from the myth of the perfect summer and release unnecessary pressure.
• Practical questions and tips to help you focus on what truly matters to your family.
• Easy spiritual practices to nurture a sense of peace and connection all season long.

Listen now to discover the freedom and joy in having a simple, grace-filled summer that truly matters to you!

We'd love to hear from you and get to know you!  Email us at [email protected]

Join our email list at http://eepurl.com/gNj5Qz to be notified weekly of new episodes and content.

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Drop us a line, leave a comment, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes!

As your child dons a cap and gown, are you wondering how to let go without losing your connection—or your sense of purpose?

Graduation season is an emotional crossroads for many mothers, filled with pride, uncertainty, and the challenge of redefining your role when your child steps into adulthood. 

This episode addresses the very real struggle of releasing control, staying supportive, and finding meaning as both you and your graduate move forward.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Encouragement and practical advice for shifting from daily management to mentorship in your relationship with your adult child.
• Insights on trusting God with your child’s future and easing the fear of drifting apart.
• Ways to bless, support, and affirm your graduate while building a fulfilling new chapter for yourself.

Tap play for heartfelt stories, actionable wisdom, and a fresh sense of hope as you both navigate this exciting transition.

We'd love to hear from you and get to know you!  Email us at [email protected]

Join our email list at http://eepurl.com/gNj5Qz to be notified weekly of new episodes and content.

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

Drop us a line, leave a comment, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes!

Have you ever wondered what the most important truth isat the heart of your faith journey?

We're excited to mark the third anniversary of the Of Sound Mind and Spirit podcast! In honor of this milestone, we're re-releasing our very first episode, "God Loves You," which truly captures the heart of our mission: sharing hope, faith, encouragement, and the reminder that God is present in very part of our journey.

Whether you've been with us from the start or are just discovering us now, we're grateful you're part of our community. This episode is a reflection on the simple but life-changing truth that each of us is deeply loved by God—a foundation that's sustained us through every season.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• The Life-Changing Power of Knowing "God Loves You": how this simple message becomes the foundation of a lifelong faith—even when catechesis is lacking.

• The Importance of Faith Community: Learn why walking together, finding support, and nurturing connection truly matters in growing deeper with God.

• How Your Unique Journey is Enough: Discovering faith looks different for everyone, and there’s no one “right” way to grow closer to God. Embrace your own path and continue exploring.

We'd love to hear from you and get to know you!  Email us at

[email protected]

Join our email list at http://eepurl.com/gNj5Qz to be notified weekly of new episodes and content.

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠ https://soundmindandspirit.com/

Drop us a line, leave a comment, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes!

#Faith #Community #Podcast #CatholicLife

Have you ever sat in the pews and wondered, "Am I the only one here who doesn’t know all the prayers, rituals, or why everyone else seems so confident in their faith?"

If you’re a Catholic woman who quietly questions whether you’re “Catholic enough,” you’re not alone. This episode dives into that unspoken insecurity and the comparison culture intensified by social media, parish life, and shifting expectations. 

Whether you desire a deeper relationship with God, feel left behind by Catholic traditions, or want to break out of the cycle of self-doubt, this conversation addresses a struggle at the heart of many Catholics’ spiritual journeys—and offers a path toward acceptance and growth right where you are.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

•                              Why feelings of spiritual inadequacy are so common, especially for women in midlife, and how to see them as an invitation rather than a setback

•                              Practical, judgment-free ways to grow closer to God without needing to know it all, memorize every prayer, or have a “perfect” Catholic resume

•                              The freedom found in moving from comparison and perfectionism to connection and a personal, authentic relationship with God

Press play now to reclaim peace and joy in your faith and discover why being “Catholic enough” is not about what you know—but who you’re becoming.

We'd love to hear from you and get to know you!  Email us at [email protected]

Join our email list at http://eepurl.com/gNj5Qz to be notified weekly of new episodes and content.

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠ https://soundmindandspirit.com/ 

Drop us a line, leave a comment, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes!