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.

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Connect with Mari:

Instagram: @mari.c.wagner

West Coast Catholic: https://westcoastcatholic.co

Ever Be Podcast: https://everbepodcast.co

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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)

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Resources & Mentions:

Episode 18: Healing from Birth Trauma with Bridgette Tebaldi

Episode 20: Postpartum NFP with Rachel Persson

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

In this episode of the Catholic Woman Podcast, Marie is joined by Caitlin Rodriguez, a dedicated Childbirth Educator and Doula with a passion for supporting women on their journey through pregnancy and childbirth. Caitlin's experience spans over a decade, and she has assisted in more than 100 births, each with its own unique and precious story. Since 2012, she has been educating mothers and their partners through childbirth classes. In 2015, Caitlin settled in the DFW area with her husband and son and founded Blessed Mother Birth Services. Her mission is deeply rooted in empowering mothers with knowledge to cultivate peace during childbirth. When not immersed in birth support, she can be found passionately singing Broadway show tunes in her car. Tune in as Marie and Caitlin discuss common childbirth questions, the role of doulas, and Caitlin's journey of serving women in the Catholic community and beyond.

Caitlin Rodriguez - Website | Facebook 

Marie Hanson - ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Thank you to this episode's sponsors!

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

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.

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

Welcome back to the Catholic Woman Podcast! Join Marie in an inspiring episode as she interviews Nicole McGivney about her journey supporting her husband, Joe, through a challenging alcohol addiction. Nicole candidly shares their heartfelt love story, the profound impact of Joe’s near-death experience due to alcoholism, and their collaborative journey towards healing their marriage. Discover how faith, love, and perseverance played crucial roles in their story of redemption. Tune in to gain insights into overcoming adversity within marriage and finding hope in the face of profound challenges. Don’t miss this powerful episode of the Catholic Woman Podcast!

Nicole McGivney - Website | Nicole & Joe’s Book

Marie Hanson - ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Thank you to this episode's sponsors!

Kelley Catholic Coaching & Consulting - Website | Facebook

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

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.

Aja Maria Floral - Website | Instagram

Aja Maria Floral is a catholic-owned small business accepting bridal bouquets from all over the country for professional floral preservation. Take the stress out of watching your expensive flowers die after your wedding, taking the risk of trying to preserve your flowers yourself, and letting your flowers wither away in your basement collecting dust for the next decade with professional flower preservation. Options offered include flat pressed flowers, oval bubble domes, shadow boxes, ornaments, wreaths, and custom designs. Flowers can be easily shipped to Pittsburgh, PA and in a matter of weeks you will receive your wedding flowers back in artwork form to serve as a beautiful reminder of your wedding day for your entire marriage!

Valleys of Grace Veils - ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠

Deepen your journey of virtue and intimacy with Christ with Valleys of Grace’s handcrafted chapel veils designed specially to help aid you in this journey!

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

Welcome to the Catholic Woman Podcast! In today’s episode, Marie is joined by Corinne Koumis, a licensed professional counselor at Alpine Family Counseling. Corinne, a dedicated mother of two, specializes in family counseling, couples therapy, and individual counseling. In this insightful episode, we delve into essential topics for married Catholic women, including reconnecting with your spouse amidst challenging seasons, mastering effective communication during tough moments, and the journey of healing internal wounds that may impact both partners. Tune in as we explore practical strategies and heartfelt advice on nurturing relationships and personal growth within the Catholic faith.

Corinne Koumis - Website | Instagram

Marie Hanson - ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Thank you to this episode's sponsors!

Aja Maria Floral - Website | Instagram

Aja Maria Floral is a catholic-owned small business accepting bridal bouquets from all over the country for professional floral preservation. Take the stress out of watching your expensive flowers die after your wedding, taking the risk of trying to preserve your flowers yourself, and letting your flowers wither away in your basement collecting dust for the next decade with professional flower preservation. Options offered include flat pressed flowers, oval bubble domes, shadow boxes, ornaments, wreaths, and custom designs. Flowers can be easily shipped to Pittsburgh, PA and in a matter of weeks you will receive your wedding flowers back in artwork form to serve as a beautiful reminder of your wedding day for your entire marriage!

Kelley Catholic Coaching & Consulting - Website | Facebook

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

Valleys of Grace Veils - ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠

Deepen your journey of virtue and intimacy with Christ with Valleys of Grace’s handcrafted chapel veils designed specially to help aid you in this journey!

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.

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