Catholic — Episodes — Mamas in Spirit Catholic Podcast and Ministry for Women

A Mini-Retreat in a Podcast

Heartfelt conversations about how god has transformed LIVES

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Discern in the Light! with Carole Frey

Discern in the Light! with Carole Frey

Carole Frey experienced the light of Christ as a child.

Therefore, when Carole has gone through darker seasons in her adult life, she has known where to turn: Jesus.

When overwhelmed with anxiety, Carole sensed God drawing her to church. She spoke with her parish priest. In his pastoral care and wise counsel, he encouraged Carole to share her God-given gifts with their community.

Carole started playing piano and leading her church choir. Despite unexpected twists and turns in her journey, she has continued to serve both adults and children through her music ministry.

Moreover, Carole notices when someone feels isolated, just like she once did.

"I experience a surge of empathy to ensure they become part of the communal fold."

Listen to this Advent “mini retreat in a podcast,” deepen your awareness of Jesus drawing you to Himself, and discern how to share your God-given gifts in new and glorious ways!

Discern with Joy! with Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett

Discern with Joy! with Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett

“Lord, if my will is not yours, please change my heart.”

In this Advent “mini retreat in a podcast,” discover how to discern God's will for you joyfully!

Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett discusses discernment and how to stay "locked in" with God through prayer.

Get tips on how to lighten your load to create space for new commitments, prioritize the most important relationships in your life, and make both small and large decisions.

Deepen your prayer life and live in joy!

Learn more about Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett and her new book, "Discernment of Spirits for Beginners," at maryruthhackett.com.

Purpose Even in Pain with Charlene Kuznia

Purpose Even in Pain with Charlene Kuznia

As Charlene Kuznia reached adolescence, she started experiencing debilitating migraines. These headaches, along with severe endometriosis, continued to plague Charlene throughout her years as a wife and mother.

In her 50s, Charlene felt a new kind of pain and tried everything she could to feel better. Nothing helped.

Charlene was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer and began her fight for survival.

She felt “lower than low.”

In a moment alone—face down on her bedroom carpet—Charlene cried out to the Lord.

This week’s “mini retreat in a podcast” explores how Charlene was lifted from her suffering and unexpectedly gifted with a new sense of purpose.

Charlene, along with her beautiful daughter Jenessa, created a new nonprofit called “Down Home.” While undergoing life-saving treatments, Charlene also dedicated herself to helping families transition out of homelessness by providing furniture and décor.

Listen and deepen your understanding of God’s purpose for you!

Learn more about Down Home at www.down-home.org.

All Conversions are Possible with God with Caleb Templeton

All Conversions are Possible with God with Caleb Templeton

Caleb Templeton was not walking the straight and narrow.

Smoking when he was young was just the beginning. By adolescence, Caleb was drinking and using drugs.

While he had a job mowing lawns, Caleb realized he could make a lot more money dealing drugs. So he did.

Until “his boy” set him up to be jumped. The attack could have ended Caleb’s life.

This week’s “mini retreat in a podcast” explores how God showed up for Caleb through a truck driver, a friend, and his future mother-in-law.

Caleb’s life was completely turned around and his heart converted by the time he married “the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.”

Discover how all conversions are possible with God—including your own or that of someone you love.

My Miraculous Healing from Addiction with Andrea Boring

My Miraculous Healing from Addiction with Andrea Boring

Andrea Boring was just scrolling on Facebook.

She never expected that one post would lead her back to the Catholic Church.

Andrea sensed the Holy Spirit and heard clearly:

“It’s time to come home.”

Andrea’s life was transformed in many ways. Yet, in God’s abundance, God had another gift in store for Andrea—miraculous healing.

Andrea was battling addiction, spending her evenings drinking, smoking, and binge-watching TV.

On a night many years ago that Andrea will never forget, God healed her. She has stayed sober ever since.

In this mini retreat in a podcast, learn how Andrea experienced how “the human and the divine work together in a beautiful dance to bring about healing.”

Discover how God has this in store for you, too!

Depending on God with Fr. Jon Meyer, Chaplain of Mamas in Spirit

Depending on God with Fr. Jon Meyer, Chaplain of Mamas in Spirit

"God loves you and wants you to receive and depend on that love."

This week’s “mini retreat in a podcast" features Fr. Jon Meyer, Chaplain of Mamas in Spirit. Fr. Jon joins host Lindy Wynne to discuss the profound theme of poverty of spirit, highlighting the importance of relying on God.

Tune in as they share personal stories, discuss the challenges of modern distractions, and highlight the beauty of surrendering to God's will.

Through heartfelt stories and reflections, Fr. Jon and Lindy emphasize that genuine fulfillment stems from recognizing our identity in God and embracing the call to love and serve others.

Learn ways to deepen your dependence on God. Live and love with greater freedom and fullness!

My French Ministry with Anne Gabanelle, Owner of “French Memories Bakery”

My French Ministry with Anne Gabanelle, Owner of “French Memories Bakery”

At only 21, Anne Gabanelle and her new husband each packed a suitcase, took the little money they had, and left France.

Over the years, Anne wondered why God led her away from her family and friends to America.

Anne now has grown children and owns a French bakery in Cohasset, Massachusetts, with her husband. Looking back, Anne can clearly see how God’s will has unfolded in her and her husband’s life together.

“French Memories Bakery” is their ministry.

In this week’s “mini retreat in a podcast,” hear how Anne and her husband minister to their employees and customers. Lindy—host of Mamas in Spirit—met Anne when she was the recipient of this God-centered hospitality.

Listen and discover how you, too, can dwell in the presence of Christ and share His love in your little corner of the world.

Step Forward in Faith with Cecilia Stevenson, Producer of Triumph of the Heart

Step Forward in Faith with Cecilia Stevenson, Producer of Triumph of the Heart

Saint Maximilian Kolbe stepped forward to die in place of another Auschwitz prisoner. It is at this moment that the film Triumph of the Heart begins.

This week’s “mini retreat in a podcast” features Cecilia Stevenson, the producer of this Catholic film.

Hear how Cecilia’s "yes" to making this film has changed her.

Cecilia shares the challenges she faced during the production of the film, how she has developed a relationship with Our Blessed Mother, and how Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s life inspires her to live her faith more fully.

Listen and learn how you can also step forward in faith and live an abundant life for our Lord.

Watch Triumph of the Heart in a theater near you on September 12th, 2025. Learn more at www.triumphoftheheart.com.

Placing God in the Center with Michele Sagarino of Cross Catholic Outreach

Placing God in the Center with Michele Sagarino of Cross Catholic Outreach

Michele Sagarino, President of Cross Catholic Outreach, had a clear plan for her life. She was determined to make it happen.

Yet, when it was time for Michele to have children, she wasn’t getting pregnant.

God began opening Michele’s heart to His will for her life. Michele and her husband were blessed to start a family through the gift of adoption.

Soon after, Michele went on a mission trip with Cross Catholic Outreach.

Michele knew where God wanted her—to work in developing countries. She now works with the best people, transforming—by the grace of God—the worst circumstances.

Listen to this “mini retreat in a podcast” and be inspired to put God in the center of your life. Experience the Lord’s abundant will for you!

Learn more about Cross Catholic Outreach at www.crosscatholic.org.

A Foretaste of Heaven with Rose Folsom

A Foretaste of Heaven with Rose Folsom

“I radiate the hope of the Holy Spirit, instead of the fear of condemnation.”

Rose Folsom, a lay Dominican, was raised in a home affected by alcoholism. She later dated a young man addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Rose wrote in her journal that she felt like a “shattered mirror.” She experienced intense anxiety and looked for others’ approval to find a sense of identity.

Rose went to Al-Anon. “Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking.”

This began a journey of healing and new life for Rose.

Listen and learn how you, too, can grow in greater trust and surrender so that you—by God’s grace—radiate love as well!

Learn more about Rose and how to reclaim your peace when you’re tempted to be overwhelmed by anxiety at www.rosefolsom.com.

Helping As I was Helped with Judy Orr, CEO Catholic Charities Nashville

Helping As I was Helped with Judy Orr, CEO Catholic Charities Nashville

“That whole sense of loss reverberated again.”

Judy Orr, CEO of Catholic Charities Nashville, lost both of her parents before turning 20. She then faced a different kind of loss when Judy found out she was pregnant with the man she believed she would marry.

However, he told her he wasn’t ready.

Judy sought wise counsel from her parish priest. He recommended she see a counselor at Catholic Charities. Judy followed his advice.

Judy’s beloved son is now grown. As a single mom, she met and married her husband. They have been married for 39 years and have two more children together.

Judy also serves as the CEO of the nonprofit that helped her: Catholic Charities.

Listen to this final mini retreat in a podcast in the “Women of Wisdom” series. Discover how God calls us to help others, just as we have been helped.

May we love as God loved us first.

Learn more about Catholic Charities Nashville at cctenn.org.

God Illuminates the Conscience with Joelle Maryn of "Become the Fire"

God Illuminates the Conscience with Joelle Maryn of "Become the Fire"

“My whole life burned down to the ground.”

When she was six, Joelle Maryn narrowly escaped a house fire. That day, she lost her beloved sister.

Adding to her sorrow, Joelle also felt as though she had lost her parents to the heartbreak of losing their child.

Joelle became an actress and model, attempting to rebuild her life with worldly pursuits. What appeared to be a peak of success—her image displayed on a billboard in Times Square—highlighted her achievements.

Yet, as Joelle became more recognizable to the public, she felt increasingly lost and less recognizable to herself.

In this 'Women of Wisdom' series, hear how Joelle experienced an Illumination of Conscience that led to her conversion. Listen to Joelle share how she grew to “Become the Fire,” the title of her book.

Discover how you can shine brightly with God's love, too!

Learn more about Joelle Maryn, an award-winning actress, international TV host, and author at joellemaryn.com.

From Picture-Perfect to Authentic with Jonna Schuster of Catholic Revival Ministries

From Picture-Perfect to Authentic with Jonna Schuster of Catholic Revival Ministries

Jonna Schuster aimed for picture-perfect faith.

Until everything started to fall apart.

Jonna’s perfectionist tendencies left her drained and unhappy—she even started having health problems.

When Jonna attended a silent retreat with Passionist Nuns in Kentucky, everything changed.

While a blizzard raged outside the chapel, Jonna knelt alone inside. She felt the indescribable touch of God—like she was being held in His hand.

Over time, Jonna learned to let go of her habits of self-sufficiency and people-pleasing. She experienced the newfound freedom of being her authentic self with God and others.

Listen to Jonna in this series, “Women of Wisdom,” and be blessed with the kind of internal freedom that only comes from God.

Learn more about Jonna and her book, “Hearing God’s Voice: A Catholic Guide to Listening Prayer,” at www.catholicrevivalministries.com.

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Rejected Then Healed by Jill Simons of Many Parts Ministries

Rejected Then Healed by Jill Simons of Many Parts Ministries

Jill Simons lay on her bedroom floor, surrounded by nine rejection letters from top MFA programs.

After a childhood marked by remarkable achievements, Jill realized she could no longer rely on her accomplishments as the source of her identity.

Jill needed some healing.

Over six months, Jill regularly attended Adoration, during which Christ patiently awaited her to surrender the burden of self-imposed pressure and her desire to succeed.

After Jill embraced her identity as a beloved daughter of God, she felt called to learn more about her charisms and share them with the Church.

In this “mini retreat in a podcast,” begin to discover your charisms, too!

Jill is the founder of Many Parts Ministries. Learn more at www.manypartsministries.com.

God Prepared Us For The War with Valeriia Cherednychenko of Catholic Charities

God Prepared Us For The War with Valeriia Cherednychenko of Catholic Charities

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.

Run to God with Maddie de Aquino

Run to God with Maddie de Aquino

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.

God, Please Tell Me What to Do with Patty Magid

God, Please Tell Me What to Do with Patty Magid

At 47, 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 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.

My Easter Miracle with Chaplain Fr. Jon Meyer and Host Lindy Wynne

My Easter Miracle with Chaplain Fr. Jon Meyer and Host Lindy Wynne

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!

Saints are Working for Us with Christine Rich

Saints are Working for Us with Christine Rich

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.

Faith First with Alicia Bell of GraceWorks Ministries

Faith First with Alicia Bell of GraceWorks Ministries

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.