In this special Christmas episode of The Catholic Woman Podcast, Marie shares the most beautiful Catholic Christmas traditions submitted by listeners; traditions that keep Christ at the center while still embracing joy, wonder, and family life.

From St. Nicholas Day shoes and shepherd’s dinners to birthday cakes for Jesus and meaningful Advent practices, this episode is full of simple, faith-filled ideas you can bring into your own home.

Marie also reflects on her own childhood Christmas memories as the oldest of twelve and how her family blended faith, tradition, and a little Christmas magic in a way that shaped her heart for life.

Whether you’re raising young children or simply longing for a more intentional Christmas season, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and celebrate the birth of Christ with deeper purpose.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why Catholic Christmas traditions matter more than ever

• Marie’s favorite childhood Christmas memories and family rituals

• How Catholic families keep Christ at the center of Christmas

• St. Nicholas Day shoes, Advent traditions, and Epiphany gifts

• Shepherd’s dinners and immersing yourself in the Nativity story

• Simple ways to create meaningful traditions without pressure

• Listener-submitted traditions that are heartfelt, creative, and faith-filled

• Encouragement to start small and let traditions grow with your family

Resources & Links

NEW! Listen ad free on Substack!⁠

Join The Catholic Woman Facebook Group⁠

⁠Watch the show on YouTube⁠ for full video episodes + clips

Visit our website! https://catholicwoman.co

A HUGE thank you to the sponsors who made this show possible…

• ⁠Mangio Arts⁠ – handcrafted Catholic artwork designed to nourish the soul. Use code WOMANPODCAST15 for 15% off the entire shop.
• ⁠BOMA USA (Billings Ovulation Method)⁠ – helping women understand their fertility with confidence through a simple, science-based, natural method. Use code Catholic5 for their one time $50 class, or Catholic20 for a discount on their full course!

If this episode encouraged you, please take a minute to…

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⁠rating and review on Apple
• ⁠Share this episode with a friend who wants to keep Christ at the center of Christmas
• Pray for another Catholic woman who may need encouragement this season

Your reviews, prayers, and shares help this show reach more women who are trying to follow Jesus! Thank you so much!

SEO Keywords:

Catholic Christmas traditions, Catholic family Christmas traditions, Advent traditions Catholic, St. Nicholas Day Catholic, shepherd’s dinner Catholic, keeping Christ in Christmas, Catholic motherhood podcast, Catholic women podcast, Christmas traditions for Catholic families, Advent family traditions

In this episode, Marie sits down with Amanda Teixeira, co-founder of WalletWin, to talk honestly about money, debt, and what financial discipleship looks like as a Catholic. Amanda shares the very real story of a huge money fight on her honeymoon, how she and her husband Jonathan paid off $25,000 of debt on a $35,000 income, and why they now help Catholics steward their money without anxiety or shame. They dive into credit cards, student loans, the wild housing market, and how to trust God’s providence when the numbers just don’t seem to work. If you’re heading into the holidays or a new year feeling financial stress, this conversation will give you both practical steps and real hope.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How a surprise credit card bill on their honeymoon became the turning point in Amanda and Jonathan’s financial story

• Why they started WalletWin and what “financial discipleship” actually means for Catholics

• The WalletWin Method: four financial phases and 12 money milestones to help you know your exact next step

• Why so many Catholics feel stuck in debt and how the “stack and attack” method can help you pay it off faster

• A nuanced Catholic take on credit cards, rewards, and why “free points” usually aren’t free

• The realities of today’s housing market, why home ownership feels out of reach for so many young families, and creative alternatives (RVs, house-hacking, sharing spaces, relocating, etc.)

• A frank conversation about student loans, Catholic colleges, and why Amanda encourages leaving no stone unturned before borrowing

• How to handle financial stress as a Catholic: surrender, prudence, and refusing to let money block your “yes” to God

• Saints you can turn to for help with money: St. Zélie Martin, St. Katharine Drexel, St. Anthony, St. Matthew, and Our Lady Undoer of Knots

• Two powerful stories of God’s providence in Amanda’s life including an adoption miracle and the wild “three goldfish crackers” story

Connect with Amanda

• Website: WalletWin

• Instagram: @walletwin

• Podcast: The Catholic Money Show

Resources & Links

From Amanda & WalletWin

• Free training & resources: The Catholic Guide to Budgeting

The Catholic Woman Podcast

• Join The Catholic Woman Facebook Group

• Watch the show on YouTube – full video episodes + clips

• Visit: catholicwoman.co

A HUGE thank you to the sponsors who made this show possible…

• White Lily Weddings – the one-stop Catholic wedding shop

• Mangio Arts – use code WOMANPODCAST15 for 15% off the entire shop

• Holly Guertin – fiber artist and textile designer @hollyguertinart on Instagram.

If this episode encouraged you, please take a minute to...

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review on Apple

• Share this episode with a friend who’s stressed about money

• Pray for another Catholic woman who might need this reminder that God truly provides

Your reviews and shares help this show reach more women who are trying to follow Jesus in a very real, very expensive world. 

SEO Keywords:

Catholic money, Catholic budgeting, Catholic personal finance, WalletWin, WalletWin method, Catholic debt payoff, Catholic housing market, Catholic student loans, Catholic financial peace, Catholic saints for finances, Amanda Teixeira, Marie Hanson, The Catholic Woman Podcast, Catholic family budgeting, Catholic Dave Ramsey alternative, Catholic financial discipleship, trusting God’s providence with money

What did Jesus really mean when He said Mary had “chosen the better part”? And what does that mean for Catholic women who are constantly doing—hosting, serving, mothering, working—often with a side of anxiety and overwhelm?

In this episode of The Catholic Woman Podcast, host Marie Hanson talks with Sarah McKenzie, a Catholic wife, mom of eight, and registered therapeutic counsellor, about the Gospel story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) and how it speaks to our identity, our anxiety, and our relationship with Jesus.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why the Martha & Mary passage can feel painful for “doer” personalities

• The difference between doing mode and being mode with God

• How anxiety and perfectionism keep us from receiving the Lord’s presence

• A beautiful image of Our Lady praying while working in the home

• Identity lies we pick up as children and how they burden our hearts

• What faith-integrated parts work is and how it helps us heal with Jesus

• How to speak identity into our kids in healthier, more truthful ways

• The deep human need to be delighted in, by God and by others

Connect with Sarah McKenzie

• Website: Mountain View Therapy

• Email: [email protected]

Resources & Links

• Join The Catholic Woman private Facebook community

• Watch full episodes on YouTube

Thank you to our show sponsors!

• Catholic Dress Co. – modest Catholic clothing

• White Lily Weddings - the one stop Catholic wedding shop

• Holly Guertin - fiber artist and textile designer @hollyguertinart on Instagram.

• Valleys of Grace - Catholic veil company

If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to:

• Leave a 5-star rating on Spotify or Apple

• Write a short review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with another Catholic woman who feels like she’s always “the Martha”

Your support helps us reach more Catholic women with encouragement, truth, and real conversations about life with Christ. 

Searchable Keywords:

The Catholic Woman Podcast, Catholic women, Catholic podcast, Catholic motherhood, Martha and Mary, Luke 10 38-42, Martha and Mary Bible study, Catholic anxiety, doing vs being, Catholic identity in Christ, Catholic mental health, Catholic therapist, Catholic counselling, faith integrated parts work, Catholic femininity, Catholic homemaking, Catholic mom life, Catholic womanhood, Catholic spiritual life, Catholic healing, beloved daughter of God

Ever felt that longing for real community but didn’t know where to start? In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Mari Wagner, founder of West Coast Catholic and host of the Ever Be Podcast, to talk about the lost art of hospitality.

Mari shares how her monthly themed dinner parties have helped her and her husband build genuine friendships, deepen their faith, and create a true sense of belonging, all without needing a big house or a big budget.

We talk about:

• How to start hosting, even in a small space

• The difference between hosting and entertaining

• Affordable ways to create cozy, faith-filled gatherings

• How to have deeper, intentional conversations that build connection

• Why opening your doors can change your spiritual life

Whether you’re craving Catholic community, want to host your first dinner, or just need encouragement to invite people in, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.

Watch on YouTube

Follow us on Instagram

Join the Facebook Group

Connect with Mari:

Instagram: @mari.c.wagner

West Coast Catholic: https://westcoastcatholic.co

Ever Be Podcast: https://everbepodcast.co

Thank you to our show sponsors!

White Lily Weddings - The one stop Catholic wedding shop!

The Catholic Dress Co - A Catholic boutique that specializes in beautiful Catholic dresses and clothing for Mass and everyday life.

Don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review if this episode encouraged you and share it with a friend who needs a nudge to open their door. You can leave one here!

SEO Keywords: Catholic hospitality, Christian hosting tips, Catholic community building, How to host Catholic dinner parties, Faith-based friendship, Catholic homemaking inspiration, West Coast Catholic podcast guest, Mari Wagner interview, Hospitality on a budget, Catholic lifestyle podcast, How to start hosting as a Catholic woman, Building Catholic community through dinner parties, Faith-filled gatherings for young couples, Hosting tips for small apartments, Intentional conversation ideas for Catholic gatherings

Sometimes God’s “no” feels like a door slamming in your face until you realize it was actually His protection. In today’s episode I share my second birth story, including an undiagnosed placenta accreta, a hemorrhage, a trip to the OR for a D&C, and the surprising way being in the hospital (instead of a birth center) likely saved my life. I also talk about how this impacts our family’s future and exactly how we’re handling postpartum NFP with the Marquette Method (plus PDG confirmation).

What’s inside:

- The long start–stop labor and my water breaking at midnight

- Pain tools that helped (birth comb, counter pressure, tub)

- Baby’s delivery… and when everything changed in the 3rd stage

- OR, D&C, and what undiagnosed placenta accreta actually means

- Endometriosis + septate uterus and why that matters

- Hospital vs. naturopathic tension and why I land in the messy middle

- Our postpartum NFP plan: Marquette + PDG confirmation (and why strict = merciful)

The big takeaway: when God’s “no” protects your life (or your soul)

Shop the NEW Unapologetically Catholic™ merch line...wear your faith boldly!

Join the private Facebook community for deeper conversations and input on the show.

We're now on YouTube!

Subscribe here to help us reach new people.

Resources & Mentions:

Episode 18: Healing from Birth Trauma with Bridgette Tebaldi

Episode 20: Postpartum NFP with Rachel Persson

Unapologetically Catholic merch (crewnecks, hoodies, tees, cap, mug, stickers)

Catholic Woman Facebook Group

NOTE: This episode shares my personal experience; it’s not medical advice. Please consult your OB/GYN or qualified medical professional for your situation.

What happens when your in-laws become a source of tension instead of support?

In this week’s episode of The Catholic Woman Podcast, host Marie Hanson sits down with Miriam Susan, a Catholic convert and mother of six, to talk about one of the hardest and most overlooked struggles in Catholic marriage, toxic in-laws and unhealthy family dynamics.

They dive deep into what the proper order of a Catholic family really looks like: God first, then your spouse, your children, and finally extended family. Together, they unpack how that order helps restore peace, clarity, and unity when outside influences threaten your marriage.

You’ll hear Miriam’s personal experience navigating in-law relationships as a Catholic wife and mother, including what she learned about setting healthy boundaries, overcoming guilt, and relying on prayer and grace to protect her marriage.

Topics in this episode include:

• The true order of a Catholic family (God → Spouse → Children → Others)

• How toxic in-laws can undermine your marriage and faith life

• What “honor your parents” really means in Catholic teaching

• Practical ways to set boundaries in a faith-filled, respectful way

• How to pray through conflict and strengthen your marriage spiritually

• Understanding manipulation, guilt, and the cycle of control

• Why protecting your marriage is not selfish, it’s holy

If you’ve ever felt torn between honoring your parents and staying loyal to your spouse, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a Christ-centered roadmap to peace.

Tune in for practical Catholic marriage advice, deep spiritual insight, and real conversations about family order, prayer, and faith in marriage.

For more from Miriam visit https://desiringpeace.com/podcast

Grab Miriam’s free journal to help set healthy boundaries, protect your family, and reclaim your God-given peace - without compromising your Catholic values.

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP 

Follow along on Instagram @thecatholicwomanpodcast

Subscribe to the show on YouTube

If you enjoy the show, it would mean the WORLD if you could leave us a rating and review! You can do so here!

Subscribe for weekly Catholic conversations that inspire, challenge, and strengthen your faith.

Keywords: Catholic marriage, toxic in-laws, Catholic family order, Catholic wife advice, Catholic faith and family, setting boundaries, Catholic prayer and marriage, Catholic motherhood, Catholic podcast for women, Christian marriage podcast, family dynamics and faith, honoring parents in marriage, Catholic relationship advice, Catholic spiritual growth, faith-based marriage

Raising kids in the Catholic faith can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of The Catholic Woman Podcast, I’m joined by Maeve Jemison to talk about practical, joyful, and easy ways Catholic women can foster faith and connection in the home. From sitting in the front pew at Mass, reading the Sunday readings in the car, and celebrating saint feast days, to weaving apologetics into everyday conversations with teens, Maeve shares simple Catholic family traditions that help children love their faith.

We also dive into Catholic homeschooling, what it really looks like, why it doesn’t take eight hours a day, and how Catholic moms can balance homeschooling with work and family life. Maeve explains how to nurture children’s God-given passions, create a strong Catholic family culture, and build a foundation of truth in a world full of confusion. Whether you’re a Catholic mom of toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, this conversation will encourage you, inspire you, and remind you that you don’t need perfection—you just need to start.

Guest: Maeve Jemison — Catholic wife, mother, homeschooler, author of Home Is Where the Truth Is, and co-host of Homeschooling for Catholic Parents.

• Website - https://maevejemison.com/

• Socials - Homeschooling For Catholic Parents Facebook Group

• Podcast - Homeschooling For Catholic Parents Podcast

  Purchase Home Is Where the Truth Is

Episode Highlights

• Maeve’s story of leaving and returning to the Catholic Church through the Eucharist.

• How Catholic women can make Mass engaging for kids (front pew tip).

• Easy ways to celebrate saints and feast days in your home.

• Why Catholic family life thrives on small, daily habits.

• Helping teens wrestle with tough faith questions + apologetics.

• The truth about Catholic homeschooling (time, rhythm, and balance).

• Encouragement for Catholic moms who feel like they’re “failing” in the faith at home.

Resources Mentioned

• Glory Stories (HolyHeroes.com) — Catholic saint audio dramas for kids.

• Catholic Answers (Catholic.com) — go-to apologetics resource.

• Connecting with History Catholic curriculum.

Connect with The Catholic Woman Podcast

• Watch on YouTube → @TheCatholicWomanPodcast

• Join the Catholic Woman Podcast Facebook Group for community + giveaways.

• Follow on Instagram → @thecatholicwomanpodcast

Sponsor — White Lily Weddings

Since 2019, I’ve been helping Catholic women plan weddings that are beautiful, meaningful, and financially wise. Through The Catholic Wedding Blueprint membership, brides get full planning courses, a custom Catholic Wedding GPT, weekly office hours, and a vendor directory with pre-negotiated discounts worth thousands. My Catholic coordination team still serves couples, too.

🎁 Grab your free Ultimate Catholic Wedding Planning Checklist at whitelilyweddings.com/start.

Keywords: Catholic Woman Podcast, Catholic woman, Catholic homeschooling, Catholic family life, Catholic parenting, raising Catholic kids, Catholic teens, Catholic family traditions, Catholic homeschool moms, Catholic faith at home, Catholic wedding planning, White Lily Weddings, The Catholic Wedding Blueprint.

In this episode of the Catholic Women podcast, Marie Hanson addresses recent tragic events, including the Minnesota Catholic school shooting and the assassination of Charlie Kirk. She discusses the varied reactions to these events, emphasizing the importance of truth, accountability, and prayer from a Catholic perspective. Marie also reflects on the role of social media in shaping public discourse and the need for accountable sharing of information.

Join our Facebook Group

Subscribe on Youtube

Follow along on Instagram

If you're enjoying the show, we would LOVE if you would leave us a rating and review! And while you're at it, share the show with someone else you know who would love it. Thank you!

Podcast Tags:

Catholic Woman, Catholic Women podcast, Catholic Woman Marie Hanson, Catholic podcast for women, Catholic faith podcast, Charlie Kirk, Charlie Kirk assassination, Charlie Kirk Catholic reaction, Iryna Zarutska, Iryna Zarutska Catholic Woman, Catholic school shooting, Minnesota Catholic school shooting, Catholic school tragedy, Catholic community response, Catholic prayer after tragedy, Catholic school safety, Catholic perspective on tragedy, Catholic prayer in hard times, Catholic response to violence, Catholic truth and accountability, Catholic views on social media, Catholic teaching on suffering, Catholic perspective on social media, Catholic view on online discourse, Catholic truth and media responsibility, Catholic faith in the modern world, Christian podcast for women, Catholic news reaction, Catholic commentary on current events, Catholic voices on tragedy, Catholic accountability and truth

In our latest episode, Marie sits down with artist and lover of beauty, Tara Wright. Marie and Tara talk about having the importance of having a creative outlet - be it writing, fine art, music, or knitting - as a Catholic woman. Tara talks about the intimate connection between the Catholic faith and creativity, how to find *your* creative outlet, even if you don’t think you have one! You don’t want to miss this inspiring finale of the 2024 season of the Catholic Woman Podcast! 

Tara Wright - Website | Instagram | Youtube

Marie Hanson - ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Thank you to this episode's sponsors!

White Lily Weddings - ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Make planning your wedding easy and fun with White LIly Weddings, a nationwide Catholic wedding planning and coordination service. Claim your FREE second day-of coordinator at ⁠⁠whitelilyweddings.com⁠⁠ by mentioning this podcast on their inquiry form.

Support this podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/marie-hanson/support⁠⁠

In this episode of the Catholic Woman Podcast, Marie is joined by Shannon Wendt,   a wife, mother, and owner of ChewsLife. Marie and Shannon talk about the importance of the rosary and practical ways to include it in the busy lives of Catholic women. Shannon shares her journey from a lackluster spiritual life to now having several businesses dedicated to the Rosary, including The Way of the Rosary, Queen and Pearl, and Crux Invicta. Shannon credits her deep relationship with Our Lord and his mother to the rosary, and shares the inside scoop on how easy it is for you develop the same relationship!

Shannon Wendt - Website | Instagram 

Marie Hanson - ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Thank you to this episode's sponsors!

Catholic Dress Co. - Website | Instagram

Catholic Dress Co. is a Catholic boutique that provides beautiful, modest dresses for Mass and everyday wear. Our dresses compliment the female body, providing coverage and comfort for women at all stages of life.

Stella Maris Gift Shop - Website | Instagram

Discover the healing treasures of Stella Maris Gift Shop, where Catholic values meet the power of herbs. From soothing BreathEasy Salve to heart-supporting Hawthorn Berry Tincture, find holistic remedies rooted in faith. Visit today and nurture your body and soul. Your wellness journey begins here.

White Lily Weddings - ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Make planning your wedding easy and fun with White LIly Weddings, a nationwide Catholic wedding planning and coordination service. Claim your FREE second day-of coordinator at ⁠⁠whitelilyweddings.com⁠⁠ by mentioning this podcast on their inquiry form.

Kelley Catholic Coaching & Consulting - Website | Facebook | Instagram

Is there anything about your life that you’d like to change? Maybe you hate your job or feel stuck and frustrated with your current path in life. Kelley Catholic Coaching & Consulting can help! As a Certified Professional Coach with a Master’s degree in Theology, Kelley creates specialized Catholic coaching programs designed to best facilitate tangible growth in her clients. Get started for 50% off at www.kelleycatholic.com/change

Support this podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/marie-hanson/support⁠⁠