This one is for all the moms and moms waiting to be ❤️

It’s dangerous when Christian’s get so caught up in apologetics, and we forget about evangelism. Yes we are called to defend the faith and hold others accountable- but there’s a way do it that’s more effective than “gotcha” moments and winning arguments. And that’s with LOVE. 

I just finished Mathew Kelly’s book “Holy Moments,” and I LOVED it. I love finding great Christian authors and reading their books in addition to the Bible - this book and another one he wrote has helped me and I know they can help others too!! So I have a few free copies, let me know if you’re interested and I will send them out. I really loved how Kelly focused on mastering the moment of decision - and creating small holy moments that shape your life into something beautiful and amazing!! Because as a Christian Habits Coach, this is so on brand with what The Refinery Movement does, just with a focus on strength training and nutrition, but this can be used for any aspect in your life. I share some of the beginning of his book in this podcast! Check it out❤️

I break down in this mini episode the basics of what you need to know regarding the different cardio zones, and heart rates!

Here’s the story of how Jesus in the Eucharist has changed my life❤️

Today’s episode is all about giving you girls some helpful and practical faith-based tips and tricks as you navigate nutrition during holidays and events around amazing food! Spoiler alert…it’s not about restriction!! This episode will especially be helpful to those who tend to binge occasionally. Enjoy!

I recorded this episode on Palm Sunday 2026 and it was inspired by father Mike Schmitz’ homily. As I entered Holy Week this year - I’ve been reflecting on the kindness Jesus had, and how  the root of this virtue is sacrificial love. This one is a shorter minipod - but I just needed to share this because it really moved me. Praying it helps others become more like Jesus!

What if the life you’re living right now is simply the result of the habits you’ve been practicing?

In this episode, we zoom out and talk about life itself—why we’re here, how quickly it passes, and what it actually means to live with intention in light of eternity. Because the truth is… we are not just filling time. We are stewarding it.

Your habits aren’t small.

They are shaping who you are becoming.

And while there are many habits that can improve your life, there is one that will transform everything—your thoughts, your peace, your purpose, and your direction:

Prayer.

We break down why prayer is the anchor habit that aligns your life with God, renews your mind, and shifts your perspective from temporary to eternal.

You’ll also learn the two things required to retrain your brain—so you can stop living in negativity, stop wasting your time, and start walking in clarity, purpose, and joy.

Because this life?

It’s a blink of an eye.

And eternity is real.

We talk about developing a healthy reverence for God—not out of fear that paralyzes, but a fear that awakens you to truth: death, heaven, hell, and the weight of how you choose to live today.

And to close, we anchor everything in two powerful virtues that will draw you closer to God and carry you through any season:

Discipline and perseverance.

This episode will challenge you, ground you, and call you higher.

You don’t need a perfect life.

You need Godly habits.

I got a lot of this content actually from an awesome book I’m reading, 33 Days Til Eucharistic Glory, and the Bible in A year Podcast by father Mike! Hope y’all enjoy and hope this helps get you closer to God!

Most women have been taught to approach fitness the same way they approach life in a hustle culture—go faster, burn more, never slow down. But that’s not the design God gave us.

In this episode, AJ breaks down the surprising power of rest intervals—not just in your workouts, but in the way you approach your entire life.

Starting with the creation story, we explore how God built a rhythm of work and rest into the very fabric of the world. Adam and Eve’s first full day wasn’t spent grinding—it was spent resting with God. From the very beginning, humanity was designed to work from rest, not for rest.

AJ then connects that bigger picture to the modern fitness culture many women are trapped in:

constant cardio, chasing exhaustion, and believing that sweating more means achieving more.

But when it comes to building strength, muscle, and long-term health, rest is not laziness—it’s strategy.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why rest intervals are essential for building lean muscle

• The physiological reason strength training requires recovery between sets

• Why “cardio bunny” culture keeps women stuck in burnout cycles

• How discipline in the gym mirrors spiritual discipline in life

• How God’s design for rhythms of work and rest leads to greater strength—physically and spiritually

If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing down in your workouts—or in your life—this episode will challenge the way you think about effort, discipline, and rest.

Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do… is pause, recover, and prepare for the next rep.

If you need knowledge about how the different energy systems work and how long to actually rest, check out my other episode about rest intervals!!

So many women never start the thing God placed on their heart because they’re waiting for it to be perfect.

But faith rarely looks polished at the beginning.

In this episode, AJ shares the powerful truth that every meaningful calling starts messy. From flipping off picnic tables in the park to competing on one of the best acrobatics teams in the nation… and now building a faith-driven coaching business and app — the journey has been full of trial, error, refinement, and growth.

You’ll hear how God uses imperfect beginnings to shape discipline, resilience, and purpose.

AJ also dives into:

• Why failure is actually part of God’s refining process

• What Ruth, and Esther teach us about courageous faith

• Why we are called to live by faith, not by sight

• The role of discipline, habits, and renewing your mind

• How God establishes your steps when you move in obedience

If you’ve been hesitating to start something because you feel unprepared, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start moving in faith.

God doesn’t need perfection to begin working in your life.

He just needs your yes.

Scripture referenced in this episode:

2 Corinthians 5:7

Proverbs 16:9

2 Corinthians 10:5

2 Timothy 1:7

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs the reminder that faith often starts messy.

And if you’re ready to build stronger habits in your faith, fitness, and mindset, come join us inside The Refinery Movement App where women are learning to live strong, disciplined, and refined lives together.