Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Merry Christmas!

Danielle Bean wishes all the Girlfriends listeners a Merry Christmas! Tune back in on January 8th for the first full length Girlfriends episode of 2019. For video content and articles that unpack the beauty of the Christmas season, visit www.media.ascensionpress.com.

7 Ways to Find Peace at Christmas

Is it even possible to find peace at Christmas when everything and everyone seems maxed out with preparations and celebrations? Well, Christmas is the celebration of Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace, so I think it definitely should be part of your Christmas plans to find some peace in the holiday season. To see the shownotes and my tips for finding peace this Christmas, check out the show on ascensionpress.com/girlfriends

How to Stay Healthy Through the Holidays

Staying healthy through the holidays is hard, but not impossible! It’s the crazy holiday season, so all of our health and fitness goals should go out the window, right? Um, no. I am not here to snatch the Christmas cookies from your hands, but I am here to say we can do some basic things to care for our health, even during the crazy Christmas season. Your body will thank you for it! Check out the full shownotes at ascensionpress.com/girlfriends

Have Your Best Advent Ever

This week I’m sharing ideas for ways to have your best Advent ever and not drive your family crazy in the process. Know that it won’t be perfect. Add something spiritual to your daily routine. Add something fun to your daily routine. Plan a gift for Jesus. Let go of control. For more detailed shownotes and announcements, go to media.ascensionpress.com/category/girlfriends and don't forget to check out my book at bit.ly/2PnZevb.

Episode 150: 5 Ways to Not Go Insane from Christmas Stress

Holiday preparations, with all the “extra” that they require of us as wives, mothers, and homemakers, threaten to send us over the edge from Christmas stress. We want to make everything merry and bright, but sometimes the pressure of outside expectations and (let’s be honest) our own inner expectations can turn us into the Grinch. Check out my tips for how to fend off holiday stress over at media.ascensionpress.com/category/girlfriends and don't forget to check out my book at bit.ly/2PnZevb

5 Ways to Not Go Insane from Christmas Stress

Holiday preparations, with all the “extra” that they require of us as wives, mothers, and homemakers, threaten to send us over the edge from Christmas stress. We want to make everything merry and bright, but sometimes the pressure of outside expectations and (let’s be honest) our own inner expectations can turn us into the Grinch. Check out my tips for how to fend off holiday stress over at media.ascensionpress.com/category/girlfriends and don't forget to check out my book at bit.ly/2PnZevb

Episode 149: Setting Boundaries with Family over the Holidays

The holidays, with all their gatherings and expectations are rife with conflict. It’s time to talk about setting boundaries with family. Are you dreading the holidays because of the conflicts you know you will face with extended family members, or because of the unpleasant challenges you know you will hear from your own family or your husband’s family? Check out my tips for how to set boundaries over at media.ascensionpress.com/category/girlfriends/ and don't forget to check out my book at b...

Setting Boundaries with Family over the Holidays

The holidays, with all their gatherings and expectations are rife with conflict. It’s time to talk about setting boundaries with family. Are you dreading the holidays because of the conflicts you know you will face with extended family members, or because of the unpleasant challenges you know you will hear from your own family or your husband’s family? Check out my tips for how to set boundaries over at media.ascensionpress.com/category/girlfriends/ and don't forget to check out my book at b...

Cleaning Closets and Finding Your Style with Meghan Ashley

How clean is your closet? How confident are you in your fashion choices and personal style? It’s OK to admit that these things are challenging. Catholic stylist Meghan Ashley is here to help! This week, I share the details of my own Closet Cleanse Challenge and Meghan Ashley walks us through some of the small details of fashion dilemmas and why we are tempted to hold onto that dress that no longer fits. Give yourself the gift of a streamlined closet and take on the challenge today! My newest...

4 Ways to Raise Compassionate Kids

This week we are talking about how to raise compassionate kids who care about the thoughts and feelings of others. Isn’t that ultimately our goal? To raise good human beings? These ways I’m sharing are not a guarantee for a good outcome; they are just ways I have observed to help you raise kids who love and care for others. The ways I share are: 1) Give them structure. 2) Regulate their relationships with others. 3) Be aware of the example you set. 4) Extend compassion outside of your family....

Episode 146: Should We Celebrate Halloween?

This week we are talking about Halloween and all the ways we can (as well as how we should) observe Halloween and All Saints Day. I share some of my own struggles with this issue as well as some practical ideas for ways to celebrate this season. For detailed show notes, including a discount code for my new book go to media.ascensionpress.com/category/girlfriends (https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/girlfriends/)

Should We Celebrate Halloween?

This week we are talking about Halloween and all the ways we can (as well as how we should) observe Halloween and All Saints Day. I share some of my own struggles with this issue as well as some practical ideas for ways to celebrate this season. For detailed show notes, including a discount code for my new book go to media.ascensionpress.com/category/girlfriends (https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/girlfriends/)

Episode 145: You Need More Sleep!

This week we are talking to and about the sleep-deprived—which probably means you. Whether you are lacking sleep because of insomnia, illness, small children, worries, work, or all of the above, this week’s show offers ideas for ways to get the rest your body needs to be physically, mentally, and emotionally your best every day. A few of the tips I share: Be disciplined about bedtime. Give yourself a “caffeine curfew.” Exercise regularly. Consider supplements. Have a bedtime routine. Limit te...

You Need More Sleep!

This week we are talking to and about the sleep-deprived—which probably means you. Whether you are lacking sleep because of insomnia, illness, small children, worries, work, or all of the above, this week’s show offers ideas for ways to get the rest your body needs to be physically, mentally, and emotionally your best every day. A few of the tips I share: Be disciplined about bedtime. Give yourself a “caffeine curfew.” Exercise regularly. Consider supplements. Have a bedtime routine. Limit te...

Build Community and Stay Connected With Allison Gingras (Part 2)

This week I am sharing a recent conversation with Allison Gingras, a friend and colleague who is a blogger, podcaster, author, speaker, and retreat leader. For contact information, resources, and offers on my new book, go to media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/girlfriends (https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/girlfriends/)

Episode 144: Build Community and Stay Connected With Allison Gingras (Part 2)

This week I am sharing a recent conversation with Allison Gingras, a friend and colleague who is a blogger, podcaster, author, speaker, and retreat leader. For contact information, resources, and offers on my new book, go to media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/girlfriends (https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/girlfriends/)

Episode 143: Making Bible Study Do-Able (with Sonja Corbitt)

First of all, my newest book, You Are Enough, is available for pre-order (https://shop.ascensionpress.com/products/you-are-enough-what-women-of-the-bible-teach-you-about-your-mission-and-worth)! Use the code, GIRLFRIENDS to get 10% off! I share the introduction to the book, as well as some special, limited-time offers for free stuff and discounts, so check it all out at the start of this week’s show! This week I am sharing a conversation with Sonja Corbitt, an amazing lady who calls herself t...

Making Bible Study Do-Able (with Sonja Corbitt)

First of all, my newest book, You Are Enough, is available for pre-order (https://shop.ascensionpress.com/products/you-are-enough-what-women-of-the-bible-teach-you-about-your-mission-and-worth)! Use the code, GIRLFRIENDS to get 10% off! I share the introduction to the book, as well as some special, limited-time offers for free stuff and discounts, so check it all out at the start of this week’s show! This week I am sharing a conversation with Sonja Corbitt, an amazing lady who calls herself t...

What Are You Keeping from God?

Are you all in for Jesus? Or is there something you are keeping from God? It has been my experience that we like to think we’re doing God’s will, but when it comes down to it, we struggle to turn over our lives to God and accept his will over our own. I share some of my recent struggles with this, along with some thoughts about various areas of life where you might be tempted to hold something back from God and keep control for yourself. Your time Are your own plans so precious that you resen...

This is Why Your Marriage Isn't Perfect Yet

Do you want a better marriage? I know I do! Today I encourage you to think about some ways in which you might be falling into bad habits or negative spirals in your relationship with your spouse, along with four ideas for improvement. Making bad assumptions. Do you assume the worst about your spouse’s intentions, especially inside of conflict? Many of us do this out of insecurity or defensiveness, but it’s not fair and hurts your relationship. Having unspoken expectations. Do you have proble...

6 Ways to Support Your Husband as a Spiritual Leader

I offer six different ways every wife can support her husbands to be the spiritual leaders in the home and community: Think about what you want. Consider what you want from your husband and then ask yourself, “Is it fair and reasonable to ask this of him?” Recognize what he is already doing. There are many different ways of being a “spiritual leader.” Recognize and appreciate the things he is already doing right. *Don’t boss him. *This is ugly. Don’t boss or try to bully him into being the pe...

Episode 140: 6 Ways to Support Your Husband as a Spiritual Leader

I offer six different ways every wife can support her husbands to be the spiritual leaders in the home and community: Think about what you want. Consider what you want from your husband and then ask yourself, “Is it fair and reasonable to ask this of him?” Recognize what he is already doing. There are many different ways of being a “spiritual leader.” Recognize and appreciate the things he is already doing right. *Don’t boss him. *This is ugly. Don’t boss or try to bully him into being the pe...

How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids

Listener Tarcy reaches out this week with a question about how to stop yelling at her kids. She recognizes that it’s a bad habit, but struggles to stop. Do you yell at your kids sometimes? Or maybe your husband? Or co-workers? Let’s talk about why this happens and some ideas for ways to stop. Follow through. We need to teach our kids that we mean what we say the first time we say it, and this requires upfront discipline on our part. So hard! And yet so worthwhile in the long term! Listen to ...

Here’s How You Can Save the Church

The Church is in trouble, and we feel powerless in the face of this evil, but we are not powerless. I have been spending some time thinking and praying about what we can DO, actually DO to help save our Church and I am sharing them here today: Pray for, encourage, and support our good priests. (8:00) Renew your family prayer life, especially with the Rosary and devotions to Mary, and talk to your family about the needs of the Church. Prayer is not a passive approach, it is healing and empower...

Fix Your Body Image with Mary Lenaburg

Support Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Episode 137: Fix Your Body Image with Mary Lenaburg

6 Things You Should Do Every Day

Support Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Build Community and Stay Connected With Allison Gingras

Support Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

What is a Personal Relationship with Jesus?

Support Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Why You Should Go to Confession

Support Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

6 Ways to Banish a Bad Mood

Support Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

All About the Sacred Heart of Jesus (with Emily Jaminet)

Support Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Grow in Everyday Holiness

How can we grow closer to God every day? I think sometimes we take the ideas of holiness and sainthood and put them up high on an unattainable shelf in our minds. But God calls you to be holy! While he does call you to grow in big ways sometimes, he usually calls you to grow in small ways, in opportunities he sends your way every day. Here are some ways that I have been working on everyday holiness and I want to encourage you to think about them too: Look for ways to serve. Pray your morning ...

Episode 130: Grow in Everyday Holiness

How can we grow closer to God every day? I think sometimes we take the ideas of holiness and sainthood and put them up high on an unattainable shelf in our minds. But God calls you to be holy! While he does call you to grow in big ways sometimes, he usually calls you to grow in small ways, in opportunities he sends your way every day. Here are some ways that I have been working on everyday holiness and I want to encourage you to think about them too: Look for ways to serve. Pray your morning ...

Episode 129: Here are the Answers to Your Prayer Excuses

Do you make prayer excuses? Don’t lie. We all come up with creative ways to avoid doing what we know we should do—pray! In this week’s show, I share some ways to respond to ourselves when we are tempted to make up excuses for why we aren’t praying more. The excuses we cover: 1) I don’t have time. 2) I will do it later. 3) I get distracted. 4) My family is almost never all home at once. 5) I don’t know what to say. 6) I’m too tired. Do any of these sound familiar? Let’s resolve together to acc...

Here are the Answers to Your Prayer Excuses

Do you make prayer excuses? Don’t lie. We all come up with creative ways to avoid doing what we know we should do—pray! In this week’s show, I share some ways to respond to ourselves when we are tempted to make up excuses for why we aren’t praying more. The excuses we cover: 1) I don’t have time. 2) I will do it later. 3) I get distracted. 4) My family is almost never all home at once. 5) I don’t know what to say. 6) I’m too tired. Do any of these sound familiar? Let’s resolve together to acc...

Episode 128: 5 Ideas for Your Summer Bucket List

Summer is a time set apart, and so I see … opportunity! To set a goal! To try something new! This week, I’m sharing some ideas I think you should consider adding to your list of goals this summer. 1) Learn something 2) Add to your spiritual life 3) Go outside every day 4) Take a trip 5) Try something new What is going on your bucket list this summer? I would love to hear from you about what goals you are setting for yourself and your family during this season. Here is my daughter Juliette’s...

5 Ideas for Your Summer Bucket List

Summer is a time set apart, and so I see … opportunity! To set a goal! To try something new! This week, I’m sharing some ideas I think you should consider adding to your list of goals this summer. 1) Learn something 2) Add to your spiritual life 3) Go outside every day 4) Take a trip 5) Try something new What is going on your bucket list this summer? I would love to hear from you about what goals you are setting for yourself and your family during this season. Here is my daughter Juliette’s...

Episode 127: Real Mom Connections

What a fun conversation we had with Heather Anderson Renshaw, wife, mom, writer, speaker, and upcoming author of Death By Minivan! With humor and grace, Heather shares about embracing her vocation as a mom, “growing up” in her marriage, and how she juggles family life with her work as a writer.

Real Mom Connections

What a fun conversation we had with Heather Anderson Renshaw, wife, mom, writer, speaker, and upcoming author of Death By Minivan! With humor and grace, Heather shares about embracing her vocation as a mom, “growing up” in her marriage, and how she juggles family life with her work as a writer.

Episode 126: What Not to Do on Social Media

Do you misuse social media? I think we all should pause regularly to assess our habits and discern better use of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, or whatever other social media website or app we’re using. I think there are some things we should never do: 1) Don’t “hate follow” people. Are you following certain people for bad reasons? Be honest! Cut it out! 2) Don’t compare. We all are tempted to do it sometimes, but comparing yourself to others will only distract you from yo...

What Not to Do on Social Media

Do you misuse social media? I think we all should pause regularly to assess our habits and discern better use of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, or whatever other social media website or app we’re using. I think there are some things we should never do: 1) Don’t “hate follow” people. Are you following certain people for bad reasons? Be honest! Cut it out! 2) Don’t compare. We all are tempted to do it sometimes, but comparing yourself to others will only distract you from yo...

Episode 125: Fight Fair in Your Marriage

Our topic this week is conflict in marriage. How can we handle the inevitable disagreements that come in our married relationships with maturity and grace? I share some ideas for what I consider “fighting fair” but I want to hear yours too! I answer listener Bridget’s recent question on this topic with the following ideas: 1) No name calling 2) Check in with them about what they are saying 3) No using the “D” word (divorce) 4) No threats, physical or otherwise 5) Stick to the topic at hand 6...

Fight Fair in Your Marriage

Our topic this week is conflict in marriage. How can we handle the inevitable disagreements that come in our married relationships with maturity and grace? I share some ideas for what I consider “fighting fair” but I want to hear yours too! I answer listener Bridget’s recent question on this topic with the following ideas: 1) No name calling 2) Check in with them about what they are saying 3) No using the “D” word (divorce) 4) No threats, physical or otherwise 5) Stick to the topic at hand 6...

Episode 124: Live a Simple Life (with Rachel Balducci)

This week we are talking about the importance of simplicity—in all areas of your life, from spirituality to homemaking and hospitality. How can you live a simpler life and finally find peace in all that you do? Rachel has a new book coming out on this very topic in the fall, and you will be inspired by all that she has to share.

Live a Simple Life (with Rachel Balducci)

This week we are talking about the importance of simplicity—in all areas of your life, from spirituality to homemaking and hospitality. How can you live a simpler life and finally find peace in all that you do? Rachel has a new book coming out on this very topic in the fall, and you will be inspired by all that she has to share.

Episode 123: How to Find Out Your Gifts

There has been a lot of conversation recently about finding out your gifts, and I have been hearing from women who are seeking to know what their gifts are. They particularly want to know how God wants them to use their gifts in their lives. How do we do that? First of all, I think it’s important that we have these conversations in light of the idea of “vocation,” which is a counter-cultural concept. Some ways I recommend finding out what your gifts are include: 1) What are you good at? This ...

How to Find Out Your Gifts

There has been a lot of conversation recently about finding out your gifts, and I have been hearing from women who are seeking to know what their gifts are. They particularly want to know how God wants them to use their gifts in their lives. How do we do that? First of all, I think it’s important that we have these conversations in light of the idea of “vocation,” which is a counter-cultural concept. Some ways I recommend finding out what your gifts are include: 1) What are you good at? This ...

Episode 122: When Friendships Change

Listener Jennifer emails a question this week: How do you handle changing friendships? How do you navigate the need for a friendship to end, if a relationship becomes a negative influence in your life and motherhood? We discuss the importance of evaluating your friendships and of seeking new friends if you are currently feeling alone. I encourage every woman to screen her influences, as the people we spend time with truly do affect how we feel about our life, marriage, and motherhood. I also ...

When Friendships Change

Listener Jennifer emails a question this week: How do you handle changing friendships? How do you navigate the need for a friendship to end, if a relationship becomes a negative influence in your life and motherhood? We discuss the importance of evaluating your friendships and of seeking new friends if you are currently feeling alone. I encourage every woman to screen her influences, as the people we spend time with truly do affect how we feel about our life, marriage, and motherhood. I also ...