Mamas in Spirit

In her 30s, Allison Gingras was invited to her first Bible study by a friend. Initially, she attended primarily for the snacks.  But then, Allison fell in love with the Word of God.  As Holy Scripture touched her heart, Allison began to live her faith.  Allison has embraced God's call to follow Christ, even when it has been difficult. Her journey has included writing and speaking about her Catholic faith. Additionally, she and her husband, Deacon Kevin, adopted a toddler girl from China.   In the series “Women of Wisdom,” Allison inspires listeners to trust that God has a purpose for their lives. God's call is eternal; as long as we are alive, we continue to be called.  Learn more about Allison Gingras at https://reconciledtoyou.com.

God had a virtuous plan for Sr. John Dominic Rasmussen, OP.  Sr. John Dominic grew up in a non-religious household. Her life transformed when she began attending a Christian school and reading the Bible as a child.  Eventually, Sr. John Dominic converted to Catholicism and joined the Nashville Dominicans. Fifteen years later, she and three other Sisters established the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Join us for the inaugural episode of the Mamas in Spirit “Women of Wisdom” series! Be inspired by Sr. John Dominic as she explores themes such as conversion, prayer, patience, trust in the slow work of God, and ultimately, how to lead a virtuous life.  St. Gregory of Nyssa said, “The goal of living a virtuous life is to become more like God.” May we—by the grace of God—do just this! "Disciple of Christ, Education in Virtue"provides easy-to-use resources and materials developed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist, and based on St. Thomas Aquinas' teaching on the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit. These resources provide a framework that helps all ages understand how to live a more virtuous life. Learn more at https://openlightmedia.com. 

On a February morning about three years ago, Valeriia Cherednychenko and her family woke up to explosions outside their home in Ukraine. When Valeriia looked out, she saw missiles exploding.  Valeriia and her husband immediately hid with their four daughters in an interior room of their home. Once there was a break in the missile attacks, they fled the country. Listen to this Easter podcast to hear Valeriia's moving story about how strangers helped meet her family's basic needs and get them to safety during the most threatening time of their lives. Learn to reflect on your life and recognize how God was at work even when you didn't realize it, too. Once in Nashville, Tennessee, Valeriia and her family received assistance from Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, through their “New Americans” program. Following Christ's example, Catholic Charities recognizes the dignity of all people and serves our neighbors. Learn more at: https://cctenn.org.

While praying, Maddie de Aquino heard God speak to her heart as a young girl: "You are mine, and I am yours." Maddie thought she was being called to religious life. However, everything shifted when Maddie was 15 and her beloved mother passed away from a stroke. Consumed by anger, Maddie distanced herself from God. She could not have imagined how God would pursue her and transform her heart. Now, Maddie is a consecrated virgin. She has made a vow of perpetual virginity and offers her spiritual motherhood in service to the Church. In this Easter podcast, learn how to run to God, even amidst great sorrow. Maddie is a digital missionary and works under Monsignor Lucio Ruiz, Secretary of the Dicastery for Communications of the Holy See.        

At 37, Patty Magid discovered two things: she was pregnant and she had a lump in her breast.  Overcome with concern for her husband, her children and the baby she carried, Patty prayed to God to tell her what to do. As she drove by her church in Jersey, God revealed the answer.  Patty faithfully obeyed and for 9 months did not know if her baby would be survive—or if cancer would take her from her older daughters and husband. Learn the miracle Patty discovered when she delivered her youngest daughter on December 22, 1999.  And discover how to make Easter decisions--choices that are made in tiny moments but have an eternal impact. 

Host Lindy Wynne experienced the grace of Easter when she was baptized at 21 years old. Join Lindy and Chaplain Fr. Jon Meyer in this Easter "mini-retreat in a podcast," as they explore God's transformational love--a love that is pure gift. Remaining in God's love can be challenging for us, especially in difficult seasons. Increasing our awareness of God's abundant blessings helps us accept and abide in this eternal love.  God always wants to penetrate our hearts and bless us with new life. Listen and learn how!         

Christine Rich has learned the Saints are working for her in a very real way.  A number of years ago, Christine didn't understand why she felt drawn to choose Saint Valentine as her Saint of the Year. Months later, God caught her attention when she realized that the morning she signed papers to leave the large, Catholic company she co-founded was Valentine's Day. After signing the papers, Christine went to pray at a local convent where Venerable Patrick Peyton had spent his final years. Christine even sat and prayed in his chair. Years later, Christine's daughter and son-in-law would name their first child Peyton. Peyton was born on Valentine's Day.  Listen to this Easter podcast and learn how the Saints are working for you, too! Christine Rich is a contributor to Clouds of Witnesses: 25 Stories of Saintly Inspiration and Intercession. 

Alicia Bell's word for this year: Surrender. When Alicia was promoted to her dream job of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at GraceWorks Ministries, she was shocked to have a cancer scare at the same time. Uncomfortable ambiguity was amplified when Alicia was faced with unexpected challenges in her family. While Alicia was blessed to have Jesus in her heart since she was young, this time required even greater trust. Alicia began to let go of her expectations, plans and very self in order to live the will of God and allow the Holy Spirit to do miraculous work. Alicia experienced how God's grace reaches to the innermost details of her heart and life. In this Easter podcast, learn how God's grace really does work. GraceWorks' mission is to share God's grace, through food, shelter and support. It does this by neighbor serving neighbor. Learn more at: https://www.graceworkstn.org.

When Jared Geesey was a boy, he remembers his Sunday School teacher telling him that faith wouldn't just happen because he was the son of a pastor. Jared needed to have a personal relationship with Christ.  Jared discovered the meaning of her words when he became a missionary and was forever changed. He now shares about the light of Christ as the Chief Distribution Officer and Executive Producer of King of Kings at Angel Studios.  Most important to Jared, is that his sons know "the greatest story ever told." Jared and his wife have prayed their sons would know the profound love of God and "live loved" since they were small.  In this Easter podcast, embrace the life of Christ in a new way and discover how you, too, can share the greatest story ever told.  See the film The King of Kings in a movie theatre near you now! In The King of Kings "a father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice. The King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child."

Content Warning! This podcast is not suitable for children and contains sensitive content. Please read the entire description. The last time Angela saw her brother, Albert, he kissed her belly. Angela was nine months pregnant and had just asked Albert to be the Godfather of her baby. That was the last time Angela saw Albert alive.  Weeks later Angela traveled from California to her homeland of Hawaii (she had been crowned Miss America, Hawaii years earlier). As Angela stood at the security gate holding her new baby, she prepared to board a plane to attend her late brother's funeral.    Angela's brother died much too young when he took his own life. Angela now understood the sacred value of life “from womb to tomb” in a profound way. She was caught between the glorious joy of new life and the indescribable agony of sudden and tragic death. In this final Lenten Podcast, learn how Christ meets us when we are on our knees and have no idea how to stand. Be blessed with new life by the grace of God, even when you think it may be impossible. 

Kevin Wells had a failed brain surgery. Then his wife, Krista secretly started binge drinking red wine to cover her hidden shame.  This began years of a long, dark night in Kevin and Krista's home and marriage. At first Kevin's spiritual practices left him frustrated-until Kevin learned to grip onto Christ in a way he had never before and completely surrender his wife, marriage and family to God. Hear this profound story of redemption and how one man--by the grace of God--goes to the ends of the earth for his wife and children. Be blessed with a sacred blueprint of how to let God save when everything seems lost.  Kevin Wells is the author of “The Hermit: The Priest Who Saved a Soul, a Marriage, and a Family.”

Honesty leads us to deeper healing—and ultimately to a greater ability to love and be loved. In this Lenten Podcast with Brya Hanan, LMFT, discover how Lent is the perfect time to experience the healing touch of God. Brya experienced trauma as a child that left her feeling that there was something wrong with her--she just wasn't enough. When Brya's mom and stepfather started exploring Catholicism, God's grace simultaneously began pouring in. A single moment in Adoration changed Brya's life. Jesus invited Brya into a personal relationship. Hear how Brya continued to experience the healing touch of the Divine Physician through therapy and her Catholic faith. Like Brya, sit in Christ's presence and know you are His beloved daughter. Brya is the author of Befriending your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness.

What do you do when you are suffering and want nothing more than to avoid it? The holy mystery of “Jesus is the Garden” is the sacred blueprint to follow when what we are facing seems too much to bear. Learn how to go to God, even in the times you want to run away. This Lent, allow the Divine Physician to hold and propel you forward to new life. 

"Quitting the Christian Life. It's Too Hard...." This is the title of a YouTube video Roxie Beckles, "That Black Catholic Chick" filmed a year ago. Roxie awakened in the very early morning hours and was having a "dark night of the soul." Roxie's depth of vulnerability about her personal struggle with the demands of an authentic Christian life was untouched before Roxie pushed "publish." The video has over 30K views.  There is no mistaking that Roxie knows suffering. In this Lenten podcast, Roxie revisits where she was at a year ago when she filmed this video. She then takes a deep dive into what she has learned from God ever since. We can't be lukewarm in our Catholic faith--we must make a complete surrender and be "all in." This includes sharing barrenly about our struggles with our faith and wrestling close to Christ. Roxie encourages listeners with this: If you aren't wrestling in some way with your faith, you need to go deeper this Lent. You can find Roxie on YouTube @thatblackcatholicchick or @TheologyOfFitness, as well as at https://www.roxiebeckles.com.  

“You're going to stay in this marriage.” This was the message Nicole Berlucchi heard from God. Before this, Nicole was convinced she was doing most of the work at home and in her marriage. Her friends told her she was a “saint” for putting up with her husband. To top it off, Nicole's husband was unwilling to go to therapy. Nicole was sure God was on her side. Nicole left her husband for four days to discern if she was going to leave him. While Nicole entered this time of discernment relatively certain she was headed for divorce, God made it clear that Nicole needed to change and give her marriage a chance. Nicole engaged in a very difficult season of healing that resulted in the transformation of her heart and marriage. Listen to this mini-retreat in a podcast in Mamas in Spirit's Lenten Series: HEAL. Allow God to help you remove barriers to love and be loved. Nicole Berlucchi is the author of “Magnify Love: Unlocking the Heart of Jesus in Your Marriage and Your Life.”    

“Healing happens organically as love is being expressed,” says Dr. Bob Schuchts of the John Paul II Healing Center    In this mini-retreat in a podcast, Dr. Bob shares how important it is to listen and be attentive to what spiritual practices the Holy Spirit is drawing you to this Lent--so the Divine Physician can bless you with healing.   As we look at our patterns of sin and chronic wounds we have carried with us for a long time, we must remember God sees us in our wholeness. And remember that we cannot fix our own brokenness; however, we can name it and bring it to Jesus for healing.    Dr. Bob shares stories, including when he had a panic attack and realized his own need for healing. As Dr. Bob engaged in the healing process, he learned that beneath his anxiety was abandonment from his parents' divorce. The pain in his heart began to heal through the love of God and he forgave his parents. Healing is a life-long journey that we all need to engage in.     Pope Benedict XVI said, “Whoever truly wishes to heal man must see him in his wholeness and must know that his ultimate healing can only be God's love.”    May we bring all of ourselves to God this Lent, to discover the healing touch of The One who loves us completely.    Learn more about Dr. Bob Schuchts, the John Paul II Healing Center and more opportunities for healing at https://jpiihealingcenter.org.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas! Mamas in Spirit will return on March 6th, 2025 for Season 7. Subscribe now!  May God bless you and yours, always. 

Has a friend hurt you or left you out?    Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett was just about to leave for a party hosted by a dear friend when she received a text—Mary Ruth's friend asked her to come a little later, because she was running behind. Mary Ruth pulled up social media to pass time and was surprised to see a live photo posted by her friend. The image showed the host and many of Mary Ruth's friends gathered around her friend's table eating dinner. It turned out that the party was already in full swing.  In reality, Mary Ruth realized she was on the B List and was the only one of all her friends to be invited to the “after party.”  Mary Ruth was crushed. Yet, while incredibly difficult, Mary Ruth chose to dig deep into this experience to better understand herself, her friendships and God's hopes for her.   In this Advent Podcast Mary Ruth shares the wisdom she learned about sisterhood in Christ and the healing grace of God. Learn how God blessed Mary Ruth with a new heart to love and friendships deeply rooted in Christ. Discover how you can receive the beautiful gift of sisterhood in Christ, too!

What is beauty? This is the question O'Maria Akpati answers in this week's Advent Podcast. As a former celebrity makeup artist, O'Maria discovered that beauty had nothing to do with the exterior. She found that when celebrities used makeup to become more beautiful, their self-esteem decreased.  O'Maria left her job and discerned becoming a Discalced Carmelite for two years. During this time, God revealed to O'Maria her personal mission: to help women become “Godfident” in their God-given beauty. Listen to O'Maria's personal story of conversion--and discover how God is calling you to embrace your God-given beauty, too!

Do people see me? Do people hear me? Do they love me? These are the questions that ten-year-old Mildred Chen, feeling lost in the middle of five daughters, asked herself. When the sixth child was born into her family, Mildred was asked to clean his dirty diapers--a chore she felt terrible about. One day while she was completing this task, she heard a dark voice telling her to jump into the nearby water well. And Mildred did. As she fell into the well, Mildred found herself in a deep sleep and sensed herself being cradled. Instead of drowning, she awoke standing in a small amount of water, a miracle because it was typhoon season with heavy rains. Mildred survived to tell this miraculous story, as well as her discovery of the spiritual world and her spiritual charism. Mildred's professions are also healing ministries: she is both a pediatrician and spiritual director. Listen to this Advent mini-retreat in a podcast and ponder your spiritual charism, too! 

Megan Lynch couldn't believe it when she felt a lump in her breast. With four young children and no risk factors, Megan was sure it wasn't cancer. Yet it was. Then the doctor told Megan the cancer may have spread into her bones. If it did, she would have a year to live. Megan waited three weeks for test results to see if she would survive the year. During that time, Megan prayed: Lord, if this is the last year of my life please keep me open to you. Please keep the door of my heart open so your love shines through me. In this Thanksgiving podcast, hear how Megan surrendered to God's will and practiced gratitude while facing the unknown. Listen and learn how to live in gratitude and God's will, too!

Fr. Jon, Chaplain of Mamas in Spirit, invites you to bring the longings of your heart to prayer this Advent season. Fr. Jon and Host Lindy Wynne discuss times of their lives they cried out to the Lord—and God miraculously turned their cries into calls.   Learn how all of Lindy's children came to her through the gift of adoption during this time of year. Hear about Fr. Jon's call into priesthood and continued surrender to God in his Vocation.   Open your heart to the miraculous work of the Lord.   May the cry of your heart—by the grace of God—be transformed into a call, too!

Lisa Martinez was incredibly anxious and fearful as a child, but neither Lisa nor her parents understood why. When Lisa attended her freshman year of college at Franciscan University—a place Lisa and many others refer to as a "field hospital” for souls—Lisa discovered why she had been consumed by such angst and fear. Lisa experienced flashbacks of sexual abuse as a young child. She finally knew what she had been carrying. Listen as Lisa takes us on a sensitive journey of the soul, culminating in Christ's miraculous healing through prayer, contemplation, EMDR therapy, Catholic retreats and more. If you or someone you love is the victim of abuse, know that healing is possible! Learn more about Lisa at www.littlewithgreatlove.com. Reach out to get connected to resources at mamasinspirit@gmail.com.

Abby Davis received a call. Within thirty minutes of hanging up the phone, there was a social worker on her front porch holding a baby girl.   Abby and her husband would care for this little girl for many months to follow, not knowing if they would adopt her or just care for her for a little while.  Abby's heart was filled with love for this precious child, yet was also breaking at the possibility of being separated from her.  Abby would rock the baby and pray: “Whether you stay or whether you go, let it be for Christ.“ This little girl, as well as two boys, are now the adopted children of Abby and her husband Cameron.  Listen to this mini-retreat in a podcast and imagine how your life can be more fully for Christ, too. 

Still reverberating in Colleen Carrol Campbell's heart are an older mom's words of wisdom from 15 years ago: “I don't know if there is room for perfectionism in any other part of life, but I know this: there is no room for it in motherhood.” Colleen had done her best to achieve flawlessness during her ambitious career, including a job as the American president's speech writer.  But it wasn't until hearing the wise mom's words about motherhood that Colleen realized her own struggle with perfectionism. God began changing Colleen that morning and continues to transform her to this day. While she strives to do her best for the greater glory of God, Colleen has learned to let go and trust she is in God's hands. And she has discovered that there is no better place to be.  Listen to this inspiring “mini-retreat in a podcast” and allow yourself to surrender into the arms of Merciful Jesus, too. 

After raising four boys, Caroline Graham's husband shared that he felt called to adopt a daughter. Soon thereafter, Caroline received a call from a dear friend about a toddler girl needing a home. Caroline figured that she and her husband knew how to love children and said “yes.” Caroline realized that the call to love her precious daughter would demand more of her than she ever could have imagined. Loving her daughter would require her entire self and more—it would require daily and full dependency on Christ. Caroline's daughter suffers from Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Hear Caroline share about how she has learned that while we come to the end of our own ability to love, God's love is endless. Be inspired by how Caroline has opened herself to the supernatural love of God to care for her daughter and family—just as she is called.

Chaplain Father Jon Meyer was in his early twenties when his mother passed away. In his grief, Father Jon faced the dark thought of needing to earn love, as well as the fear of being unloveable.  Father Jon was in the seminary at the time and chose to be honest about the thoughts he struggled with. He shared with his Spiritual Director and Formation Advisor, as well as some family and close friends. Over time, Father Jon was blessed with the transformation of his mind by God.  This podcast will help you explore your own thoughts and how they may be separating you from self, God and others. Learn tools of transparency and vulnerability to open yourself to the glorious “renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2).   

Stacey Sumereau is on a healing journey. Stacey was pregnant with her third child when she had a placental abruption--Baby Honora (Nora) was born early by emergency C-section.  Stacey's heart broke into pieces as she watched her baby go through what seemed like endless life-saving procedures. The final breaking point was when Stacey and her husband were told they needed to say goodbye.  Miraculously, Nora survived.   Over time, Stacey moved beyond her trauma and into prayerful silence. God created a much stronger heart in Stacey as He put the pieces of her heart back together.  Listen to this inspiring story of surrender and let God heal any broken pieces of your heart, too.             

Becca Bumm's family members were struggling and her very own heart was, too. She felt alone and close to despair. Until a wise friend encouraged Becca to attend a women's retreat called “Cursillo.” God healed Becca's heart and poured in His holy love throughout the weekend. And then God sent Becca on a mission of love. Hear how Becca re-entered her life after the retreat with only one thing having changed: her very self. Be inspired by how this holy change in Becca helped transform those around her in God's love. Learn how God wants to do this for you, too!

Jennifer Calabretta's childhood and early marriage were perfect in so many ways. But Jennifer never could have imagined what was to come. Jennifer lost her second baby weeks after delivery to a rare muscle disorder. Doctors told her this would never happen again. However, during one of Jennifer's subsequent pregnancies, she learned that her daughter wouldn't survive the very same disease. Jennifer carried her baby throughout the remaining months of her pregnancy—and she and her husband were blessed with ten minutes with their daughter. Jennifer experienced God deep within her throughout it all. God's love was like holy balm to her injured heart. In this vulnerable and joy-filled podcast, learn that God's grace is sufficient. You will be blessed with God's holy balm of the heart, too!

Lisa was in a hole she never thought she'd get out of. Lisa struggled with insecurity since her childhood. As an adopted child, Lisa felt like she was given up. Even though her adoptive parents lavished her in love, Lisa worried that if she wasn't good enough that they might give her up, too.  Lisa turned to drinking. When Lisa hit the depths of the hole she was in, God reached in and helped Lisa climb out. Lisa learned a life-changing lesson through this. “You have to bring God into your life to heal that hole in your soul.” Listen to this vulnerable story of how a beautiful woman grew to greater confidence and love as she was touched by the mercy of God. 

Throughout her entire life Shana Blayney has gone to Sunday Mass and shared Sunday meals with her family.  So simple, yet so powerful. From the time Shana was small she's experienced the living witness of her parents, who have religiously attended Mass and hosted family dinners on Sundays.  Shana now has a family of her own and they, along with her siblings and their families, spend Sundays at Mass and at Shana's parents' home sharing meals.  In this encouraging podcast, Shana shares how she has experienced the fruit of obedience: love. Her family has gathered throughout all seasons of life, both the joyful and sorrowful, just to be together.  Listen to Shana share and be inspired to root your own life in the Eucharist and family meals (even if this means friends who become family!). 

On her birthday in 2018, Mollie Verdier wrote a letter asking God to reveal her divine purpose to her. Soon thereafter, Mollie and her husband Nathan experienced infant loss. Mollie went into a dark place. Compounding her loss, Mollie and Nathan didn't know how to grieve together and were distant from one another. One night, as Mollie watched Nathan pray at the foot of her bed, she asked God to soften her heart. Mollie awoke at 3am the next morning and knew what God was calling them to—Mollie and Nathan created Morgan's Place. "Morgan's Place was established to assist families through the grieving process when experiencing the loss of a baby. We aid this process by memory-making, birth planning, funeral and burial services, and post-partum support groups for parents." Listen to this healing podcast and be inspired to discover your divine purpose, too!

“I'm not supposed to feel like this, because I'm Catholic.” Jeannie Ewing felt inept in her motherhood when she found out she was pregnant with her fifth child--she wondered why God didn't just take her in her sleep.  Self-loathing consumed Jeannie as her thoughts intensified.  Then Jeannie was asked to speak to a group of cloistered nuns. After the retreat, a couple of the nuns invited Jeannie to go with them to The Shrine of the Holy Innocents. In this wisdom-packed podcast, hear how God transformed Jeannie's heart as she stood in the shrine. Open your heart to God's invisible grace--let Him change you, too!     

"You've been trained to heal my body physically as a nurse, but what I'm inviting you to do is heal my body spiritually as a missionary." Christ spoke these words into Anna Hurd's heart when she was discerning what God was calling her to after completing her nursing degree. Anna's own life had already been transformed through FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) at Western Kentucky University. Now God was calling Anna to be a FOCUS missionary herself.  Like nurses who go out to battlefields during war to care for the wounded, Anna could see how God was calling her to care for spiritually wounded students--Anna would invite college students into personal relationship with Christ and Catholic fellowship.  Listen to this inspiring story, as well as Anna's wisdom about how to help encourage your own teenage and young adult children in their faith.  

As Tammi McCarthy sat at Mass and listened to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, God revealed to her that she was the person in the story she didn't want to be: the older brother. God whispered into Tammi's heart: “You have sat at my banquet table for years and you have dined on my abundance, but you have never invited anyone to dine with you.” Tammi made a commitment that day to invite others to prayer and relationship with Christ. Yet Tammi didn't know that even when her life became difficult, she would still be called to share the love of Christ with others.  Tammi would learn to "stand in the rain and profess God's faithfulness soaking wet." Listen to this podcast and be inspired as you hear this story of God as the Way Maker!    

Do you struggle with your body? “The Catholic Fasting Coach” Beth Bubik understands and can help you. As a child, Beth thought that her worthiness was tied to her weight. By the time she was in fifth grade she was dieting. It wasn't until Beth discovered spiritual fasting—fasting that incorporates both the body and soul—that she was transformed. Beth knows we have to fast for a deep spiritual purpose in order for it to be life-changing. Listen and discover how to care for both your body and soul.

“Stay alert and sober” As Amy Cara heard these words while in church, she knew God was speaking directly to her.  Soon thereafter, Amy fell asleep early one evening after drinking and heard the distant cries of her toddler, but Amy did not help her child. This broke Amy's heart.  The next morning Amy flipped through the phone book and found Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).  After nineteen years of sobriety, Amy has learned: “We don't need to live with these particular inclinations we may have that are outside of God's will. There is help. God is the Restorer. He's the Healer.” Listen as Amy shares about addictions, stigmas, masks and ultimately the miraculous healing work of God. And learn about a whole new level of restoration God may just have in store for you.

Have you ever been blessed with a sense of peace that “was not of this world?” This is what Ester Munt-Brooks experienced while in a Croatian hospital just miles from Bosnia. It was a Sunday, there was no doctor to be found and no one in Ester's family spoke the local language. Yet Ester had a very sick child in need of emergency surgery. In this moment of maternal desperation, hear how Ester accepted God's will with love. Ester will never forget the following week with her family, as they divided their time between the hospital in Croatia and our Blessed Mother in Medjugorje. Listen to this podcast and learn how to live according to God's will. 

While Ellie Hiller was raised in a beautiful home of faith and memorized Scripture, she wondered if her faith should be so much in her head. Something was missing. Until God converted her heart. When Ellie's husband became Catholic and they lost their shared non-denominational practice, Ellie struggled. She armored herself in defensiveness and even listened to Matt Fradd's podcast “Pints with Aquinas,” just so she could gain intellectual ammunition to defend her non-denominational viewpoints.  Only God changed her. Ellie was touched by Saint Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body, the Sacraments and physicality of the Catholic faith. Listen to this joy-filled podcast and allow God to help you move out of your head and into your heart, too.

How does a Catholic woman become Planned Parenthood's "Employee of the Year?" And then later become what she termed its "Enemy of the Year?" This is the life-story of Mayra Rodriguez, a teen immigrant groomed to believe she was helping women, even encouraging them to receive abortions without their husbands knowing. From becoming director of an abortion facility to witnessing the horrific reality of abortion firsthand, Mayra faced the truth. Her heart changed. But not before a bitter lawsuit with Planned Parenthood. Listen to this inspiring podcast and pray for the gift of every human life!

Anne Trufant was sixteen and only went to Catholic summer camp to find the “cute boy in the room.” However, when Anne finally got the chance to dance with the cutest boy at camp, she looked up and didn't see the boy—she saw Jesus. This moment changed her life forever. Anne went home and couldn't get enough of what a seminarian referred to at camp as “Jesus' Love Letter.” She soaked Scripture in daily and, about 50 years later, continues to do so.  Anne's personal relationship with Christ has led her to create a home for women who are pregnant and in crisis, do missionary work in Kenya, establish a Catholic summer camp in North Carolina and develop an online ministry centered in the Bible. Anne pours out Scripture passages embedded in her heart, personal stories of God's supernatural blessing of peace and phenomenal mama wisdom in this inspiring podcast. Learn all about Anne's summer camp and ministry at themissiononthemountain.com.

When Kathy Schmugge found out her baby didn't have a heartbeat at about twelve weeks, she went out to her car and cried “The Great Cry.” In that moment Kathy mourned her baby in her womb, as well as previous babies lost.  Kathy felt held--she knew she was in the arms of God. Kathy offers grief support through the Office of Family Life in the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina. Yet what makes her work so effective is that Kathy is a living witness to how to navigate grief close to God.  Kathy says, "A lot of people run from grief. Do it the way you need to do it. But don't run away from it." In this joy-filled and inspiring podcast, Kathy shares specific pieces of advice to help you grieve in the way you most need to with God. From stories of pregnancy loss to elder care to the death of her parents, Kathy will bless you with understanding, healing and hope. Learn more about Kathy's work at charlestondiocese.org.                    

Heidi Hess Saxton taught her children that their guardian angels only leave them once each week--it is during the Eucharist that they gather around the throne of Heaven and make their offerings of prayer. Like our guardian angles, our lives are meant to be beautiful offerings to God. In this podcast, listen to Heidi as she shares stories of her conversion and from her experience of motherhood, as well as wisdom that she has learned throughout her lifetime. (Heidi's children are all adopted and now adults!)  Learn how to open your heart to the merciful touch of Christ and make your life a beautiful offering.  Heidi's newest book “Stories of the Eucharist: A Family Treasury of Saints and Seekers" is available now!     

At 36 years old, Karen Gambino was surprised she felt like an orphan when she lost her mom--it was like she was missing a significant force in her life.  As Karen grieved, she sensed the importance of remembering and choosing to share the goodness of her mom with her family.  At first, Karen and her five sisters visited their mom's graveside. Soon all the family wanted to join in their annual ritual of remembrance.  In this moving podcast, hear how many generations gathered around Karen's mother's graveside on blankets, shared stories and sang songs to remember Karen's mother. As they raised their voices they discovered they were knit together eternally as family. Listen and create a legacy of God's love in your family, too. 

As twelve-year-old April Mascola sat in her school desk she wondered what things would be like when she got home. Her mom had gone away for psychiatric care—April was doing her very best to fill her mom's shoes and care for her three younger siblings while her mom was gone. While April's family wasn't praying or attending church during this time—or any of the first twelve years of April's life—April was graced with a supernatural peace to persevere though this difficult season.  Hear how April's mom was not only reunited with her husband and children months later, but also her Catholic faith. And how April's mother began to share the gift of Our Blessed Mother with April.  In this podcast, learn how Mother Mary has continued to draw April close. On a trip to Medjugorje in 2011, April discovered A Holy Prescription of The Five Stones of Medjugorje. April prays the Rosary daily, fasts two times per week, attends Confession monthly, reads Holy Scripture daily and attends Mass weekly.  Listen and be inspired to make your own promises to Mary!

This podcast contains sensitive content, including discussion of suicide.   Lisa Morris stopped going to Reconciliation as a teenager. She figured she could just go to God herself. Lisa now recognizes her turn away from God was the beginning of many choices that resulted in immense suffering, including an abortion, eating disorder, poor relationship with alcohol and divorce. Lisa went to church on an impulse the morning she signed her divorce papers--she had a full circle moment when Confession was available and she attended about fifteen years after she stopped going.   Lisa was touched by the unfathomable mercy of God in the confessional and began a healing journey of the soul. Lisa wants you to know this gift is awaiting you, too.  

Sue Simms got down on her knees and prayed in her hospital room. She awaited the test results revealing if her second daughter would have the same fatal birth defect she lost her first daughter to. Sue told God that she trusted His plan and would follow—she just asked to know if her baby would live or die.  As soon as Sue stood from her time of prayer, the doctor returned to tell Sue that her baby girl was healthy and would go home with Sue and her husband. Many years later, this baby would become a mama and experience the same heart-wrenching loss with her first baby as Sue did.  Grace-filled lessons abound in this story that captures the power of surrender, the gift of steadfast faith and the blessings of holy motherhood. Listen and be filled with the extraordinary hope that only God can provide!

Rich Peluso was in a dark place in his early twenties--he was working a job that compromised his values and chisled away at who God created him to be. While Rich was avoiding time alone with God in prayer, he desperately desired to reconnect. One night as Rich laid in bed, he called out to God. And even though Rich was not ready to fully amend his life, God was faithful. Days later Rich unfolded a newspaper that held a ceramic Christmas tree in his car--Rich never could have imagined the pages would hold the gift of new life for Rich. God would transform Rich's heart and provide him with a hope-filled future. Listen to this final podcast in the Easter Series and behold an eternal perspective!

Elizabeth Blanke never could have imagined she'd be a young widow, on her own with three small children. Elizabeth's husband and high school sweetheart passed away unexpectedly from a sudden heart attack.  Hear how God guided Elizabeth one step at a time to face the unimaginable.  From planning the funeral to learning taxes to becoming the sole parent of their three children, Elizabeth leaned into God's holy presence and supernatural provision—with God, she was able to attend to all the details while God attended to Elizabeth's heart. Listen to this newest podcast in the Mamas in Spirit Easter Series and know that all things are truly possible with God. 

Ismael Fierro and his wife Vanessa prepared for three years--and even learned French--to move from Mexico to Canada. However, when the time came to go, Ismael's company didn't offer him a job in Canada--they unexpectedly invited him to work in Nashville, Tennessee. Ismael learned to let go of his own plan and surrender to God's will. He prayed, “Let me be the person you dreamt of when you created me.” Soon thereafter, Ismael, Vanessa and their two small children landed in the Nashville airport to create a home in a country they didn't know with a language they didn't speak. Ismael sensed God with him in a sacred moment he will never forget.  In this Easter podcast, be inspired as Ismael shares what “Thy Will be Done” in the Our Father means to him, as well as his love for Saint Joseph and the Surrender Novena.  May we, like Ismael, always invoke the Holy Spirit in prayer and surrender our lives to God's will.