Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Lord, save me!” in the midst of anxiety or overwhelming stress?In today’s world, worry and anxiety have become all too familiar companions for many of us—sometimes leaving us feeling helpless, hopeless, or convinced we have to control every outcome. This episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit is dedicated to those moments when life feels hard, and you yearn for peace but don’t know where to turn. Hosts Lisa and Shelly welcome special guest Gary Zimak, a Catholic author who has devoted his ministry to bringing Christ’s hope to people caught in the grip of anxiety.Listen in and you’ll discover:· Why feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed are more common than ever—and what you can do to break free from the cycle.· Concrete ways to surrender control and trust God even when answers don't come easily or your prayers feel unanswered.· Encouragement, practical prayers, and honest stories that speak to the heart—whether you struggle daily or just occasionally wrestle with worry.Find Gary Zimak’s books and sign up for his daily scripture reflections at https://followingthetruth.com/ Lord, Save Me: Prayers and Encouragement whenLife Feels Hard by Gary Zimak https://amzn.to/4h1DQcETune in now to learn simple, proven strategies for finding calm and hope rooted in faith—plus inspiration to try a “three word prayer” that could change everything.Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
Are you finding yourself suddenly surrounded by a quieter house and wondering, “Now what?” as your children move out or become more independent? If you’re facing the big transition of entering the empty nest phase—or anticipating it soon—this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit is for you. Hosts Shelly and Lisa candidly unpack the emotional, spiritual, and practical shifts that come with children leaving home, and how you can use this new season to rediscover purpose, deepen connections, and actually enjoy the changes ahead.In today’s discussion, you’ll benefit by:· Learning how to gracefully navigate the changing relationship with your adult children, letting go of day-to-day management and embracing a role as supporter andmentor.· Gaining inspiration for filling your newfound free time with intention, creativity, and rest, so you can pursue hobbies or spiritual growth you may have neglected.· Hearing real strategies for managing worry, building friendships, and strengthening your marriage or personal faith, directly from others walking the same path.Press play now for heartfelt wisdom and reassuring advice to help you thrive (not just survive!) in your empty nest years. Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
What if the next big step in your journey is simply saying “yes” to the dream God has placed on your heart—even if the timing feels uncertain?In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Jessica Everly shares her inspiring experience of moving from self-doubt to becoming a published author, walking listeners through the challenges of trusting God’s timing, overcoming rejection, and finding the courage to follow a creative calling. For anyone yearning to start something new—whether it’s writing, a career change, or a passion project—Jessica’s story offers relatable encouragement and practical takeaways for navigating setbacks and pursuing your goals with faith.Listeners will discover:· Practical ways to recognize and follow God’s nudges in your daily life and creative pursuits.· How obstacles and “no’s” can lead you exactly where you need to be.· Real-life insights on balancing ambition, family, and faith in everyday decisions.Jessica Everly is a Contemporary Romance Author who hails from the Midwest. She traded her snow boots for cowgirl boots and now lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing or chasing her kids, you can find her curled up with a good book and a cup of coffee. Visit Jessica at www.jessicaeverlybooks.com and find her debut novel, Roses in Rome at https://amzn.to/438dP5KHit play to be inspired by Jessica’s journey and learn how you can boldly move toward your own dreams, no matter where you’re starting.Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world tous and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
What if you could gain the wisdom and courage of a saint to guide you through today’s challenges?In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, hosts Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones interview author and teacher Amy Cattapan about her new book, "Hope Without Borders," which explores the powerful spirituality and real-life writings of Mother Cabrini. If you’re searching for practical faith, resilience, or a renewed sense of hope in uncertain times, this episode showshow the legacy of Mother Cabrini can give you concrete encouragement and fresh perspective.Tune in to discover:· How Mother Cabrini’s daily practices and letters can inspire lasting confidence in God’s plan for your life.· Real strategies for overcoming anxiety, fear, and self-doubt using Ignatian spirituality.· Ways to find meaningful connections with saints—even if you’ve never felt “spiritual enough.”Join the conversation and let Mother Cabrini’s story give your daily routine a spiritual boost—listen now for practical faith you can use today!Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
What happens when two sisters team up to journey through faith, family, and real-life messiness—can that kind of relationship actually strengthen your own spiritual walk?If you long for closer connections with your siblings or wish for more genuine support as you share your faith, this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit offers heartfelt wisdom you can use right now. Hosts Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones get real about what it’s like to grow, disagree, and reconnect as sisters while making faith central in their lives, showing listeners both the joys and challenges of spiritual sisterhood.By listening, you’ll discover:· How honest conversations and working together as sisters can deepen your bond—despite sibling rivalry or past arguments· Practical ways to encourage and accompany loved ones as you each explore faith at your own pace· Inspiring stories about overcoming struggles, being vulnerable, and letting your shared journey become a light to othersDon’t miss this uplifting, relatable episode—press play and see how strengthening your sister relationship can help you share your faith more boldly and joyfully!This episode is a rebroadcast of “Go Tell the World” with Ellen Mongan. Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us andhelps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
Are you searching for real healing and hope during life’s toughest sorrows?In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, returning guest Maria Gallagher joins hosts Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones to discuss her newest book, Healing Encounters with Mary. Drawing on her rich experience as a journalist, life coach, and Catholic writer, Maria dives into the power of finding real comfort, healing, and growth by turning to Mary—especially during times of deep struggle or grief. In a world wheresuffering, loss, and uncertainty can feel overwhelming, Maria’s heartfelt stories and practical insights offer a path to peace and renewed faith that speaks directly to the challenges listeners face today.Here’s what you’ll take away from this powerful episode:· A guided approach to transforming your deepest sorrows into moments of healing and hope, inspired by the Sorrowful Mysteries and personal stories.· Practical ideas to strengthen your relationship with Mary—especially if prayer feels difficult or if you haven’t explored Marian devotion before.· Tools, prayers, and reflection prompts you can use immediately, whether you need comfort, are caring for someone in distress, or want to grow your spiritual life in community or on your own.Ready to experience a fresh perspective on suffering and spiritual healing?Listen now and discover how connecting with Mary can bring comfort and purpose to your personal journey.Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
What if hope could flourish even in the darkest place on Earth?In this moving episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Shelly shares her behind-the-scenes experience at the premiere of "Triumph of the Heart," a newly released feature film about St. Maximilian Kolbe’s extraordinary sacrifice and brotherhood forged in the starvation bunker of Auschwitz. Today, we all grapple with feelings of despair, division, and uncertainty in a troubled world—yet the timeless questions of suffering, faith, and the power of community remain as pressing as ever. This episode explores how the courage to choose hope can reshape not only history, but our own daily struggles.Here’s what you’ll get from listening:• A unique perspective on St. Maximilian Kolbe’s last days,highlighting not just his courage but the untold stories and humanity of those who suffered alongside him.• First-hand reflections from the filmmakers and actors onhow embodying and creating this true story transformed their understanding of faith, gratitude, and resilience.• Insightful discussion on why "Triumph of the Heart" is more than a "Catholic movie"—it’s a universally relatable exploration of love, solidarity, and the hope that uplifts us all.Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation that will make you see both a moment in history—and your own challenges—through a new lens of hope; press play now to be inspired.Find Tickets to see Triumph of the Heart in the movie theater at Triumphoftheheart.com Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
Have you ever felt like you know a lot about your faith—but wonder if that knowledge is actually changing your life?In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, we invite you to walk with us as we unpack the difference between knowing about God and truly experiencing a living faith. In a world where we’re surrounded by information, it’s easy to believe that just learning more will deepen our relationship with God.But what if the missing piece is not another book or podcast, but actually letting our faith transform our hearts, our actions, and our everyday lives?Whether we’re feeling stuck in our spiritual growth or eager for a faith that shapes our decisions and brings us joy, this episode meets us right where we are.Here’s what we’ll discover together as we listen:· How we can move from simply acquiring knowledge to truly living out our faith—in ways that bring purpose and meaning to our everyday actions.· The role of mentorship, accompaniment, and community in deepening our relationship with God (and why we don’t have to journey alone).· Practical insights and encouragement for allowing faith to influence our decisions, relationships, and even how we handle life’s curveballs—especially when we don’t feel “good enough” or equipped.Ready to find out how knowing about our faith can turn into atransformed life? Hit play and join us as we grow beyond knowledge into joyful discipleship together! Pope Francis says, “Our faith is authentic when it embraces our whole life.” What are some areas of your life where you’re striving to let your faith shine more fully?Thank you for listening to this episode. We invite you to subscribe to our email list HERE to be notified weekly of new episodes and content. We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind andSpirit
Have you ever stopped to consider how a new Pope could profoundly shape not just the direction of the Catholic Church, but also your own spiritual journey and family’s relationship with faith?This episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit offers a timely, in-depth reflection on the election of Pope Leo XIV, whose unprecedented background—American-born, missionary in Peru, and Vatican leader—raises important questions for Catholics seeking stability, unity, and renewed purpose in an era marked by deep divisions and uncertainty. We examine what it means to have a pontiff whose life experience bridges continents and cultures, and why that matters for those of us searching for authentic faith, hope, and community.Listening to this episode, you’ll discover:· An honest discussion about the potential impact of Pope Leo XIV’s leadership on unity within the Church and what it could mean for Catholics in the U.S. and worldwide facing polarization and doubt.· Thoughtful exploration of Pope Leo’s family roots, missionary spirit, and his focus on peace and truth—showing how these qualities can inspire all of us to strengthen our own connection to faith, family, and service.· Real guidance and hope for Catholics navigating today’s challenges—whether you’re longing for a deeper connection with the Church or looking for practical encouragement to nurture faith and unity at home.We invite you to listen and reflect on how this new chapter in papal history could open powerful possibilities for your faith and for the future of the Church. Thank you for listening to this episode. We invite you to subscribe to our email list HERE to be notified weekly of new episodes and content. We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind andSpirit
What happens when faith meets fandom—and can a podcast community help you find hope in today’s pop culture?In a world saturated with entertainment options that often leave us wondering where our values fit in, this episode from Of Sound Mind and Spirit dives deep into the heart of StarQuest Media (SQPN). Hosts Lisa and Shelly sit down with Domenic Bettinelli, the CEO of SQPN, to explore how a unique network of Catholic podcasters is tackling the challenge of bringing positivity, meaning, and connection to both faith-filled and searching audiences—right in the middle of modern media’s landscape.Listen and discover:· Why blending faith and pop culture isn’t just possible—it’s a much-needed lifeline for those seeking hope and genuine community in media today.· The inside story of how SQPN’s diverse podcasts—from fandom deep-dives to explorations of Vatican II and sacred art—offer something uplifting for everyone, especially if you’re hungry for entertainment that respects your values.· Real-life listener impacts: Hear how SQPN’s shows have not only fostered connection and joy but have even inspired journeys back to faith for those who felt lost or alone.Press play now for a fresh perspective on how you can find inspiration, camaraderie, and lasting hope right where faith and fandom meet!Learn more about StarQuest and their shows at SQPN.com https://sqpn.com/Thank you for listening to this episode. We invite you to subscribe to our email list HERE to be notified weekly of new episodes and content. We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
Ever feel weird about inviting people over because your house isn’t spotless or your meal isn’t fancy—and wonder how you could make hospitality feel more spiritual instead of stressful? You’re not alone! This episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit dives into what real, faith-based hospitality looks like when you actually welcome people the way Jesus would (even if there are unfolded laundry piles and last-minute peanut butter sandwiches).Lisa and Shelly are joined by Mary Beth Eberhard—a mom of eight and master of authentic gatherings—who shares personal stories and honest confessions about letting go of entertaining pressure, embracing the “holy mess” of family life, and finding Christ in every guest at your door. If you’re longing for deeper community, more spiritual meaning in your home, or just some encouragement to invite others in as you are, this is the perfect listen.Here’s what you’ll get out of this episode:· Tips for shifting your mindset from stressful entertaining to true, Christ-centered hospitality, where every person—no matter the mess or the menu—is welcomed like Jesus.· How to make hospitality a spiritual practice, inviting God into both the chaos and the conversation, so your home becomes a sacred space for real connection.· Honest, funny, and heartwarming stories that show hospitality isn’t about perfection, but about opening your heart and being present to what God is doing through simple acts of welcome.Listen and discover how your imperfect, everyday life can become the foundation for truly spiritual hospitality—no fancy table settings required!Lisa and Shelly discuss how hospitality doesn’t come as naturally to everyone. What barriers or anxieties do you have about hospitality, and what advice from the episode resonated most with you?Thank you for listening to this episode. We invite you to subscribe to our email list HERE to be notified weekly of new episodes and content. We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
Welcome back to another episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit.This week, we’re setting aside our regular plans to address the news that’s been on everyone’s hearts—the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Like so many Catholics around the world, we woke up to this news with shock and sadness and felt called to pause and reflect on what his life and papacy have meant to us.In this special episode, we revisit the day Pope Francis was elected and share our own stories and memories from that historic moment. We talk about how his messages of mercy and joy shaped not only the universal Church but our own journeys of faith—challenging us to serve others, live with hope, and really embrace what it means to “go out and get messy” for Christ.We also discuss the unique ways Pope Francis engaged the world—how he modeled humility, simplicity, and accessibility; how he sometimes challenged us to think deeper and seek understanding beyond the headlines; and how he constantly reminded us of our mission to extend Christ’s mercy to everyone, especially the marginalized.As we mourn and honor Pope Francis during this Easter season, we invite you—as our community—to join us in prayer for him, for the cardinals gathering in Rome, and for whoever God calls to be the next shepherd of the Church. Most of all, we hope this episode brings comfort, hope, and a moment to reflect on how we can continue to carry Pope Francis’s legacy forward in our own lives.Thank you for joining us for this special tribute. We’d love to hear your memories and reflections too—what did Pope Francis mean to you, and what message will you carry in your heart during this year of hope?Thank you for listening to this episode. We invite you to subscribe to our email list HERE to be notified weekly of new episodes and content. We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
What Does Holy Week Mean for Our Daily Lives?In today's fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, even during Holy Week. How can we find moments of peace and reflection amid our busy schedules? This episode dives deep into embracing Holy Week as a layperson navigating the demands of modern life.Whether you're juggling work, family, or personal commitments, discover how to cultivate a sense of spirituality and connection during this sacred time.Listeners will uncover three incredible insights:1. The significance of the Triduum and how even small, intentional moments can deepen your faith journey.2. Practical ways to incorporate prayer and reflection into your hectic schedule without feeling overwhelmed.3. Heartfelt stories and experiences from Lisa and Shelley that illustrate the beauty and transformative power of Holy Week.Press play now to transform your understanding of Holy Week and find serenity and purpose during this sacred season. In light of the "watchful anticipation" Shelly and Lisa discuss,how do you personally reflect on or prepare for the joy of Easter Sunday?HALLOW: Pray joyfully during the Easter season with three months access to Hallow (three months free for new subscribers)SONGS MENTIONED: There Will Be Joy In the Morning (Tauren Wells / Elevation Worship)Sunday Is Coming(Phil Wickham)Thank you for listening to this episode. We invite you to subscribe to our email list HERE to be notified weekly of new episodes and content. We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit [This Episode is a Replay from Holy Week 2024]
How does watching a TV series about the life of Jesus help deepen your understanding of the Gospels and possibly transform your spiritual journey? In this episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit," Lisa and Shellyexplore the phenomenon of The Chosen and delve into howthis unique portrayal of Jesus and his disciples can resonate with viewers on a personal faith level.This episode speaks to those looking for a deeper connection with their faith through storytelling. As a visual retelling of the Gospels, The Chosen offers context and emotional depth to biblical events, making it an engaging tool for both personal reflection and group discussions.Listeners will discover:1. How The Chosen brings the Gospels to life, offering afresh perspective through storytelling that enhances understanding and emotional connection.2. The potential of the series as a resource for family bonding and community gatherings, sparking conversations and exploration of scripture.3. Insights from the press junket and premiere for season five, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the series and its impact on viewers globally.Curious about how The Chosen can enrich your Lenten experience or transform your view of scripture? Hit play now and join Lisa and Shelly on this insightful exploration of faith through film.We'd love to hear from you!Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit #OfSoundMindAndSpirit #TheChosen #FaithJourney #CatholicPodcast #StorytellingInFaith
Ever Wonder How Retreats Can Strengthen Community Bonds?In this episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit," Lisa and Shellyshare their experiences from a recent retreat with fellow writers of CatholicMom.com. They explore how retreats can be a profound way to deepen faith, create lasting community bonds, and provide clarity and inspiration in one's mission. Whether you're seeking spiritual rejuvenation or struggling to balance life's demands with faith, this conversation provides relatable insights and valuable takeaways.You will discover:1. The transformative power of retreats in strengthening spiritual community and personal faith.2. Real-life stories illustrating the challenges and blessings of being a digital missionary in today’s world.3. Practical advice on finding inspiration and support through community, even when facing struggles or uncertainty.Tune into the episode to rediscover the joy and motivation to walk in faith with others, united in mission and spirit.Retreat Experiences: Both hosts talk about their retreatexperiences with CatholicMom.com. What was your most memorable retreat experience, and how did it impact your faith?Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit
Are you seeking a deeper spiritual connection with your friends while growing in your faith journey? This episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit" dives into the concept of creating personal retreats with your friends, blending fun and spirituality for a meaningful experience. In today’s fast-paced world, carving out intentional time with close friends to explore and deepen your spiritual lives together can seem like a challenging goal. Imagine the joy and fulfillment of not only nurturing lifelong friendships but also encouraging each other in your faith walk.In this episode, you will discover:1. The art of forming deep, trusting relationships focused on spiritual growth before embarking on a shared retreat.2. Practical steps to blend recreation and reflection, creating a balanced experience that strengthens bonds and faith.3. Insight into how personal retreats can rejuvenate your soul and provide transformative insights, helping you to live a more Christ-centered life.Tune in now to learn how Ellen and her friends turned their retreats into lifelong spiritual journeys, inspiring you to create your own faith-filled adventures.Finding Sisterhood in Faith: Ellen emphasizes the importance of building trust with friends. How do you cultivate trust and spiritual connection within your own circle of friends?Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit #SpiritualFriendship #FaithJourney #CatholicPodcast #OfSoundMindAndSpirit#EllenMongan #FriendshipInChrist
Curious about how to make this Lent truly transformative for your spiritual journey?In this episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit," hosts Lisa Jonesand Shelly Kelly dive into the complexities and joys of observing Lent, a significant time in the Christian liturgical calendar aimed at deepening one's faith and relationship with God. Whether you're overwhelmed by the clutter of daily life or striving to reconnect with your spiritual core, this conversation provides guidance on embracing Lent as a personal retreat for spiritual renewal and connection.You will discover:1. Insights on embracing Lent as a spiritual retreat to rid your life of distractions that pull you away from God.2. Real-life experiences shared by Lisa and Shelly, providing relatable examples and actionable ways to live out Lent meaningfully amidst chaos.3. Tips to identify what stands between you and your spiritual growth, offering inspiration to act towards a more focused, faith-driven life.Join us for an engaging discussion on how Lent can leave a lasting impact on your spiritual journey by tuning in now for a practical and heartfelt guide to a more meaningful Lent.Letting Go for Lent: Inspired by the quote mentioned about tearing out what's between us and God, what are some things you're considering letting go of this Lent?Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit #Lent2025 #FaithJourney #CatholicPodcast #SpiritualGrowth#OfSoundMindAndSpirit #LentenJourney
Are you ready for your beautiful second act?Join sisters Shelly and Lisa on Of Sound Mind and Spirit as they welcome back their first encore guest, Maria Johnson, for an invigorating conversation about navigating life's transitions. As we often find ourselves facing the second (or even third) acts of our lives, this episode is a beacon for anyone feeling the push or pull of change. Whether you're stepping into a new career, facing an empty nest, or simply embracing new opportunities, Maria's insights will resonate with your journey.You'll explore the inspiring concept of a "second act" and learn how to:1. Recognize and embrace the opportunities for growth and change, no matter your stage in life.2. Find guidance and mentorship from extraordinary women of faith who have charted similar paths before you.3. Cultivate a sense of companionship and community by acknowledging that you're not alone in facing life's transitions.Don't miss this opportunity to reframe your perspective on life's transformations and fuel your own path of discovery—press play and dive into Ep 075, Exploring Second Acts with Maria Johnson: Faith, Badass Women, & New Beginnings.Maria Morera Johnson writes books, tells stories, and drinks way too much coffee. She’s passionate about faith, bold women, and finding joy in the second act of life. You can find her sharing laughs, wisdom, and the occasional hot take on social media, but she is currently all about her new book, A Beautiful Second Act.Exploring Second Acts: Maria Johnson described a "secondact" as new opportunities and expressions of vocation, oftenpost-retirement. How do you envision your own second act? Have you already experienced a significant transition that you consider a new act in your life?Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!Visit our website at Of Sound Mind and Spirit #ABeautifulSecondAct #CatholicPodcast #Faith #MariaJohnson #SecondAct #FaithJourney
Have you ever wondered how unexpected blessings can transform your life and lead you to your true purpose? In this episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit," we delve into the inspiring journey of Maria Riley, a Catholic wife, mom, and author, as she shares her story of trusting God's timing and discovering joy through faith. Whether you're seeking to strengthen your faith or navigate a challenging season, Maria's experiences offer valuable insights into finding joy and purpose, even in uncertainty.You will discover:1. How Maria's book series, "Adventures with the Saints," aims to fill a gap in Catholic children's literature with stories of faith and life lessons.2. The significance of recognizing and responding to the Holy Spirit's promptings in your life, leading to unexpected paths and growth.3. Ways to cultivate joy and resilience through faith, even during life's most difficult times, with practical examples from Maria's life journey.Tune in to uncover how aligning with God's plans can bring joy and fulfillment to your everyday life.Discussion on Joy: Maria Riley talks about finding joy amidst life's challenges. What are some ways you've found joy in difficult times, or how do you aim to recognize joy in your everyday life?Maria Riley is a passionate Catholic author and speakerwho loves volunteering or playing board games when she’s not writing or mom-ing around with her four daughters. Her Catholic children’s chapter book series, Adventures with the Saints, has won awards and is endorsed by her bishop. Visit her at MariaRileyAuthor.com or on social media @mariarileyauthor. She and her family live in Kansas.**Find the full video of this episode on our YouTube channel and don’t forget to subscribe!** 🎥Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes!We'd love to hear from you!Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at Of Sound Mind and Spirit #CatholicAuthors #FaithJourney #OfSoundMindandSpirit #MariaRiley #AdventuresWithTheSaints #JoyfulLiving #TrustInGod
In today's episode we dive deep into the world of women's ministry with our wonderful guest, Kelly Wahlquist. Kelly, the founder of Women In the New Evangelization (WINE), brings a vibrant mix of humor, faith, and community spirit to our discussion. Kelly passionately talks about her ministry, WINE, which blends joy and spirituality, encouraging women to deepen their faith through invitation, fellowship, and engaging events. Join us as we talk about upcoming events like the "Wine and Shrine" tour to Italy in October 2025 and discover how WINE's various conferences and book clubs are creating strong sisterhood bonds. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that combines deep spiritual insights with a joyful approach to faith. So, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's journey together in faith and fellowship with Kelly Wahlquist!