"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens."
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Change is hard. Yet, it's something that every person experiences on a daily basis. How can something so universal be so difficult for us?

In this episode of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna dive into the challenges surrounding life changes and transitions. So many clients bring their questions and struggles to them when they're facing changes, and the hosts take time to reflect on the ways they have handled changes well and poorly in their lives. They stress the value of seeking support and connection during times of change, emphasizing the need to communicate openly with loved ones. Through thought-provoking conversation and practical advice, this episode provides valuable guidance on handling life's transitions with grace and resilience.

Episode 54 Show Notes

Chapters:
00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
14:24: Highs & Hards
19:42: Coping with change in a mentally healthy way
26:00: Real life transitions that we handled well & poorly
31:43: How to approach change in a healthy way
43:53: Why change is so hard
52:16: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. What changes have you handled poorly in your life? What changes have you handled well?
3. How easily do you tolerate change?
4. What helps you to manage change in a healthy way?
5. What tips from this episode might help you manage transitions better in the future?

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

"There is a God close to us who calls us by name and says: 'Rise, cease your tears, because I have come to free you!'"
~ Pope Francis

Pornography, masturbation, sexual sin, and sexual addiction are not only problems for men.

In Episode 53, Kenna and guest Rachael Killackey confront the sensitive yet crucial topic of sexual sin and addiction among women through the lens of faith and mental health. The discussion addresses the complexities of female sexuality, the impact of "purity culture", and the essential role of women sharing and understanding each other's stories. The episode offers insights into the relational nature of women's hearts, the importance of parenting with both moral formation and humble openness, and the necessity of holistic faith-filled sexual education for children. Rachael also joyfully shares her journey of founding Magdala Ministries, the first of its kind in the Catholic Church, to support women struggling with sexual addiction.

This beautiful episode offers a step toward hope and healing for women burdened by sexual sin, and clarity for those who want to better love & support the women in their lives. Join the conversation and take the next step toward freedom and wholeness!

Rachael Killackey is the founder & executive director of Magdala Ministries and a Colorado native (depending on your definition of native). She earned her bachelors and masters degrees in Theology from Ave Maria University, and since first sharing her testimony in college, Rachael has had the privilege of hearing dozens of beautiful stories of healing from sexual addiction, and is pursuing certification in sexual addiction therapy. Rachael married her husband, Tommy, in 2021. They now live in Tampa, FL, with their daughter, where they enjoy the beach (almost) as much as they enjoy the mountains. Her book, Love in Recovery, is available through Ave Maria Press.

Episode 53 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:30: The origins of Magdala Ministries & Rachael's healing journey
20:10: Moving from addiction to openness & healing
27:49: Gender differences & purity culture
40:10: How can we help our daughters & granddaughters grow up in the age of pornography?
48:22: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. Do you think woman h

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

"In your journey as a family, you share so many beautiful moments: meals, rest, housework, leisure, prayer, trips and pilgrimages, and times of mutual support…"
~ Pope Francis, Letter to Families, February 2014

Do you feel like you need a vacation to recover from your vacation?
Have you spent time and money on trips that leave you feeling disappointed & frustrated?
Do you have nightmares of children shouting "Are we there yet?" and arguments with relatives?

Family trips and vacations are sources of such deep joy and fulfillment, but they can also bring so much stress, anxiety, and conflict. What strategies & approaches would help you get the most out of trips with family and friends? On the heels of a cross country road trip with their 7 children to spend a week with extended family, Pat & Kenna share some practical ways to make family trips more fruitful and peaceful. From communication about expectations and hopes to embracing healthy boundaries and car entertainment, we welcome you into this relevant and practical conversation. Listen in and share your own traveling tips & tricks with us!

Episode 52 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Intro & This or That?: Movie edition
16:48: Highs & Hards
24:08: The joys & stresses of family trips
28:10: Communicating hopes & fears before the trip
35:51: Expectations & Boundaries on a trip
46:20: Final practical tips for trips
55:42: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. What memories do you have of trips you took growing up? What parts of those memories are joyful or painful?
3. What do you appreciate about trips as an adult? What makes trips with family or friends stressful or difficult to manage?
4. Why do you take trips? What values of yours are attached to trips with loved ones?
5. How can communication about expectations and boundaries help create a more joyful trip?
6. What tips & strategies have made your family trips more joyful?

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

"I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father."
~ John 15:15

Friendship is one of the highest experiences of human life, but it can also be the source of some of our greatest pains and struggles. Why do we desire deep and abiding friendship? Are all friendships the same? What does the Lord desire in our friendships, and which friends are best for us?

In episode 51 of This Whole Life, Pat is again joined by guest Fr. Luke Marquard to delve into the complex and profound topic of holy friendships. They explore the various levels of friendship, the importance of deep connections, and the role of faith in nurturing meaningful relationships. Drawing from personal experiences and insightful reflections, they highlight the beauty of seeing others as gifts and the pursuit of heavenly glory within friendships. Fr. Luke shares valuable insights on the influence of virtue, intentionally seeking of like-minded individuals while allowing ourselves to be challenged and stretched by our friends. With heartfelt discussions on the challenges of loneliness, manipulation in relationships, and the importance of incorporating Christ as the center of it all, this episode offers invaluable guidance for listeners seeking to deepen their connections and appreciate the gift of true friendships.

Fr. Luke Marquard is pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in West St. Paul, Minnesota.

Episode 51 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Intro, Over/Under and Highs & Hards
16:19: Focus on Friendship
22:57: The Three Levels of Friendship
33:40: What does bad friendship look like?
40:06: The parish as a source of friendship
46:21: When it's hard to make good friends
58:19: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. Who are your best friends? What makes them so valuable to you?
3. Can you identify people in your life at all three levels of friendship? What feelings or reflections do you have about the people at those levels?
4. How might healthy recreation and solitude lead to better and deeper friendships?
5. What is the Christian vision of friendship, and how is it distinct from a more worldly version of friendship?
6. When has someone been a true friend to you, and how did it impact your life?

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

"It is not the soul alone that should be healthy; if the mind is healthy in a healthy body, all will be healthy and much better prepared to give God greater service."
~ St. Ignatius of Loyola

Why do I respond to things differently from others?
What can I do when I'm feeling overwhelmed?
How can I help my kids process & respond to the world around them?

Episode 50 brings an eminently relevant conversation between Kenna and guest Caitlin Russ, a trained occupational therapist. Together they bring out the importance of proactive strategies for managing sensory overload and daily stress, and the unique sensory responses of individuals in finding balance and well-being. Join Kenna and Caitlin as they explore the ways that God made our minds and bodies to receive sensory input, offering practical insights and strategies for navigating life's difficulties, transitions and various seasons.

Caitlin Russ is an Occupational Therapist who spent years working in a pediatric outpatient clinic and with older adults in transitional care. She is passionate about educating people about the benefits of occupational therapy especially as it relates to regulation and sensory processing, and she now utilizes her training in raising her children. Caitlin received her degrees in Psychology and Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame and went on to St. Catherine University for her Masters in Occupational Therapy. She currently resides with her husband, Sam, and their four, soon to be five, children in Inver Grove Heights, MN. They love spending time outdoors either at the baseball park or hiking.

Episode 50 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
9:06: What is occupational therapy?
20:48: Different people receive input differently
33:44: How do I respond when I'm overwhelmed?
49:25: Behavior can indicate needs
56:17: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. How do you know when you're feeling overwhelmed? What signs do your loved ones give you when they're feeling overwhelmed?
3. What kinds of sensory input are most likely to feel like "too much" for you and for those in your household?
4. How do you regulate your senses when you've taken in too much input? 
5. How could your sensory capacity be stretched to tolerate more input? What parts of your sensory profile in need of being accepted as part of God's design for you?

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

"Through Sunday rest, daily concerns and tasks can find their proper perspective: the material things about which we worry give way to spiritual values..."
~ St. John Paul II

Sunday, the Lord's day, has a very particular purpose and call. But our world has diminished Sunday to look like any other day. How can Christians reclaim this part of their inheritance with reverence and rest on Sunday?

Dr. Michael Naughton joins this episode of This Whole Life to explore the significance of reclaiming Sunday as a day of rest, celebration, and fulfillment of the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy. Dr. Naughton emphasizes the deep human need for rest and receptivity on the Lord's day, reflecting on the consequences of neglecting the Lord's day in his own family and work experiences. The conversation delves into the complexities involved in reframing and reclaiming Sundays. In a fallen world this is a messy project, but it's one that holds deep value for our wellbeing and for the health of our families. Join us as we explore the transformative power of honoring the Lord's day and unlocking the gifts that God desires to give us every Sunday.

Dr. Michael Naughton is the director of the Center for Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN where he holds the Koch Chair in Catholic Studies and is a full professor in the department of Catholic Studies. He also taught in the College of Business for over 20 years. Author, co-author and co-editor of 12 books and monographs and over 60 articles, his most recent book is What We Hold in Trust: Rediscovering the Purpose of Catholic Higher Education (2021). He serves on multiple boards including as board chair for Reell Precision Manufacturing, which has plants and offices in the US, Europe and Asia and the board of trustees at the University of Mary and Catholic Eldercare.

Episode 49 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
8:08: Why Sunday matters
21:05: What happens if we get Sunday wrong? What happens when we get it right?
33:28: Making the worthwhile sacrifices to reclaim Sunday
42:57: A well-ordered life starts on Sunday
55:48: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. How do your Sundays look right now?
3. What are the ways that you currently honor the Lord's day? How are you feeling convicted to be more faithful to the Lord's day?
4. What would being a "technosabbatarian" look like for y

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

“It is the love of God dwelling in our actions that makes us whole. It is love that keeps us sane.”
~ Fr. Marc Foley

It's the grand finale of our book club! In Episode 48, Kenna, Pat, and Fr. Nathan LaLiberte wrap up their discussion on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley. Together, they reflect on moments of conviction, the essence of love as our primary vocation, and the interwoven nature of holiness and sanity in everyday life. From personal anecdotes to spiritual insights, the trio navigates the challenges of showing true charity, letting go of expectations, and embracing the beauty of ordinary moments.

It's appropriate that, in approaching a great saint who sought to do "small things with great love," we consider this small book with such great opportunities for transformation. Join the conclusion of this transformative journey as we all uncover the profound impact of living a life grounded in charity and authenticity. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us!

It's never too late to join our book study on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD!
Order your copy here 

Episode 48 Show Notes

Did you miss Part 1 of our book study? Check out Episode 47 here.

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
10:43: Chapter 4: The Sanity of Loving Freely
23:11: Chapter 5: The Divine Perspective of Charity
31:10: Chapter 6: An Attended Life, an Authentic Life
43:03: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one specific thing that you're taking away from this book study?
2. How does the concept of being gentle with oneself and embracing "more littleness" resonate with your own experiences and reflections on life?
3. Do you see the concern with "becoming a saint" as a focus on my efforts rather than on God's grace & mercy? What do you see as the defining goal of your life?
4. How do you view love as your primary vocation in life, and how does that perspective influence your daily interactions and decisions?
5. When is it most difficult for you to see people and situations with God's perspective? How might you see with the eyes of God more consistently?
6. How might you apply the concept of right care (attentiveness in the doing) over wrong care (worry about the outcome) in your spirituality, relationships, and pursuits?

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

“Her ‘little way’ was her means of holiness, and it was also what kept her sane.”
~ Fr. Marc Foley

It's book study time! At long last, Kenna and Pat are joined by Fr. Nathan LaLiberte to delve into the thought-provoking spiritual gem, The Love That Keeps Us Sane: Living the Little Way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD. Drawing from the psychological and spiritual genius of St. Thérèse, they discuss the interplay between sanity and sanctity as a fruit of humility, the value of silence, and the complexities of human relationships. The conversation covers the perils of external validation, the significance of personal agency, and discerning what to share with others.

As the trio reflects on the opportunities and struggles of seeking sanity and sanctity in a broken world, the conversation offers illuminating insights that touch on the intersection of faith, mental well-being, and everyday life. Join them in the pursuit of authenticity in spiritual practices.

Be a part of our book study on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD: Order your copy here 

Episode 47 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:51: Intro to The Love That Keeps Us Sane
26:01: Chapter 1: The Secrets That Keep Us Sane
37:12: Chapter 2: Finding Her Way
53:41: Chapter 3: The Sanity of Silence
1:06:56: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What are your previous experiences and impressions of St. Thérèse of Lisieux? Is this book showing you a new side of her?
2. Fr. Foley says that Thérèse "had the genius of knowing how to love others without becoming entangled or enmeshed in their problems." When are you able to love like this? When you do you struggle to love without becoming enmeshed?
3. How would you distinguish between bad secrets that lead to shame and the "secrets of the King"? How do you decide whether to give someone access to your interior life?
4. Thérèse lived in complete commitment to humility, even anonymity. How are you motivated by fame & being validated by others? What would greater humility look like for you?
5. What do you think of Thérèse's personal motto, "the loser always wins"? How can such a counter cultural motto lead to greater sanity & sanctity for you?
6. How do you decide whether to speak your mind or to remain silent? What motivations, values, and consequences do you consider when making that decision?

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

"Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being just what God wants us to be."
~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux

This Whole Life returns to its roots! In episode 46, Kenna is joined by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD, author of the seminal work that led to this very podcast: The Love That Keeps Us Sane: Living the Little Way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.  Together, Kenna and Fr. Marc delve into the complexities of human nature and God's work in the midst of our messy thoughts, emotions, and relationships. As Fr. Marc explains, St. Thérèse of Lisieux is far more relevant to our 21st century experience than we might initially think.

In preparation for our upcoming book study (episodes 47 & 48) on The Love That Keeps Us Sane, Fr. Marc shares insights from his extensive psychological and spiritual experience, emphasizing the value of patience with oneself while working toward greater virtue. The discussion covers topics such as resisting the temptation to create a perfect persona, managing the balance between acceptance without complacency, and interpreting human experiences from a spiritual perspective. We live in a fallen, and often insane, world; it is the love of God lived through us every day that keeps us sane.

Fr. Marc Foley, O.C.D. entered the Discalced Carmelites in 1967 as a lay brother and was ordained a priest in 1981. He studied psychology at the Catholic University of America and continued on to receive a Master of Divinity. He later earned M.S. and CAS degrees in Pastoral Counseling at Loyola College in Baltimore. Fr. Foley has served as a parish priest, a postulant director, a director of formation, and a professor. Fr. Marc is currently the prior of the Carmelite monastery in Washington, D.C., a spiritual director, an author, and the publisher of ICS Publications.

Get ready for our book study on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD: Order your copy here 

Episode 46 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introducing Fr. Marc Foley, OCD
11:13: Human nature in conflict with itself
17:48: Radical Acceptance without Complacency
23:01: Temptations as a path to virtue, not just vice
32:13: Pay attention to what you desire and you'll find out what you're avoiding
42:50: There's no step too big, but a step can be too small
50:12: How St. Thérèse's life speaks to us today

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.”
~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux

The arrival of a child is an unspeakable gift and a grace for which to be thankful. But there can also be deeply painful moments during pregnancy and after the baby arrives. Millions of mothers know the hardship of postpartum depression, anxiety, distance from their spouse, disappointment, difficulty nursing, and the resulting shame. Is there anything we can do in the middle of such big, and sometimes surprising, challenges?

Dr. Lyndsey Day joins Kenna for a beautiful and deeply real conversation about the mental health challenges associated with pregnancy and the postpartum months. Dr. Day's faith allows her to journey with women as an OB-GYN in a way that is a ministry and a mission for the good of mothers and families. She and Kenna discuss the reasons that the postpartum period is so difficult, impactful options for offering healing & support to mothers, and the impossible expectations that women so often feel. Join us for an encouraging and consoling conversation that is hand-made for all mothers & those who love them!

Dr. Lyndsey Day received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Saint Ambrose University and her medical degree from the University of Iowa. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Loyola University Medical Center just outside of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Day has a passion for women's healthcare and thoroughly enjoys providing obstetric and gynecologic care to women throughout all phases of life. Dr. Day loves to garden and hike and be with her family. Dr. Day's husband and 6 children fill her life with much joy, many trips to Costco, a fair amount of life experience, a small menagerie that the kids are constantly trying to add to (currently includes 4 cats and a golden retriever), and so very much love.

Episode 45 Show Notes

For more information on help for postpartum depression, including support groups, visit postpartumdepression.org

Get ready for our book study on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD: order your copy here

Chapters:
00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
11:24: OB-GYN medicine as a ministry
21:10: Dealing with disappointment in parenthood
26:47: Postpartum mood disorders
36:53: The place for medication & Giving yourself grace
5

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.