The Catholic Woman Podcast

• Martha & Mary, Anxiety, and Being Loved by God with Sarah McKenzie

  What did Jesus really mean when He said Mary had “chosen the better part”? And what does that mean for Catholic women who are constantly doing—hosting, serving, mothering, working—often with a side of anxiety and overwhelm?In this episode of The Catholic Woman Podcast, host Marie Hanson talks with Sarah McKenzie, a Catholic wife, mom of eight, and registered therapeutic counsellor, about the Gospel story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) and how it speaks to our identity, our anxiety, and our relationship with Jesus.In this episode, we discuss:Why the Martha & Mary passage can feel painful for “doer” personalitiesThe difference between doing mode and being mode with GodHow anxiety and perfectionism keep us from receiving the Lord’s presenceA beautiful image of Our Lady praying while working in the homeIdentity lies we pick up as children and how they burden our heartsWhat faith-integrated parts work is and how it helps us heal with JesusHow to speak identity into our kids in healthier, more truthful waysThe deep human need to be delighted in, by God and by othersConnect with Sarah McKenzieWebsite: Mountain View Therapy Email: [email protected] & LinksJoin The Catholic Woman private Facebook communityWatch full episodes on YouTubeThank you to our show sponsors!Catholic Dress Co. – modest Catholic clothingWhite Lily Weddings - the one stop Catholic wedding shop Holly Guertin - fiber artist and textile designer @hollyguertinart on Instagram.Valleys of Grace - Catholic veil companyIf this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to:Leave a 5-star rating on Spotify or AppleWrite a short review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode with another Catholic woman who feels like she’s always “the Martha”Your support helps us reach more Catholic women with encouragement, truth, and real conversations about life with Christ. Searchable Keywords:The Catholic Woman Podcast, Catholic women, Catholic podcast, Catholic motherhood, Martha and Mary, Luke 10 38-42, Martha and Mary Bible study, Catholic anxiety, doing vs being, Catholic identity in Christ, Catholic mental health, Catholic therapist, Catholic counselling, faith integrated parts work, Catholic femininity, Catholic homemaking, Catholic mom life, Catholic womanhood, Catholic spiritual life, Catholic healing, beloved daughter of God

  --------  

  46:52

  --------

  46:52
• From Dinner Parties to Deeper Friendships: Catholic Hospitality Tips with Mari Wagner

  Ever felt that longing for real community but didn’t know where to start? In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Mari Wagner, founder of West Coast Catholic and host of the Ever Be Podcast, to talk about the lost art of hospitality.Mari shares how her monthly themed dinner parties have helped her and her husband build genuine friendships, deepen their faith, and create a true sense of belonging, all without needing a big house or a big budget.We talk about:How to start hosting, even in a small spaceThe difference between hosting and entertainingAffordable ways to create cozy, faith-filled gatheringsHow to have deeper, intentional conversations that build connectionWhy opening your doors can change your spiritual lifeWhether you’re craving Catholic community, want to host your first dinner, or just need encouragement to invite people in, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.Watch on YouTubeFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupConnect with Mari:Instagram: @mari.c.wagnerWest Coast Catholic: https://westcoastcatholic.coEver Be Podcast: https://everbepodcast.co Thank you to our show sponsors!White Lily Weddings - The one stop Catholic wedding shop! The Catholic Dress Co - A Catholic boutique that specializes in beautiful Catholic dresses and clothing for Mass and everyday life. Don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review if this episode encouraged you and share it with a friend who needs a nudge to open their door. You can leave one here!SEO Keywords: Catholic hospitality, Christian hosting tips, Catholic community building, How to host Catholic dinner parties, Faith-based friendship, Catholic homemaking inspiration, West Coast Catholic podcast guest, Mari Wagner interview, Hospitality on a budget, Catholic lifestyle podcast, How to start hosting as a Catholic woman, Building Catholic community through dinner parties, Faith-filled gatherings for young couples, Hosting tips for small apartments, Intentional conversation ideas for Catholic gatherings

  --------  

  33:11

  --------

  33:11
• When God’s “No” Saved My Life: Placenta Accreta Birth Story

  Sometimes God’s “no” feels like a door slamming in your face until you realize it was actually His protection. In today’s episode I share my second birth story, including an undiagnosed placenta accreta, a hemorrhage, a trip to the OR for a D&C, and the surprising way being in the hospital (instead of a birth center) likely saved my life. I also talk about how this impacts our family’s future and exactly how we’re handling postpartum NFP with the Marquette Method (plus PDG confirmation).What’s inside:- The long start–stop labor and my water breaking at midnight- Pain tools that helped (birth comb, counter pressure, tub)- Baby’s delivery… and when everything changed in the 3rd stage- OR, D&C, and what undiagnosed placenta accreta actually means- Endometriosis + septate uterus and why that matters- Hospital vs. naturopathic tension and why I land in the messy middle- Our postpartum NFP plan: Marquette + PDG confirmation (and why strict = merciful)The big takeaway: when God’s “no” protects your life (or your soul)Shop the NEW Unapologetically Catholic™ merch line...wear your faith boldly! Join the private Facebook community for deeper conversations and input on the show.We're now on YouTube! Subscribe here to help us reach new people.Resources & Mentions:Episode 18: Healing from Birth Trauma with Bridgette TebaldiEpisode 20: Postpartum NFP with Rachel PerssonUnapologetically Catholic merch (crewnecks, hoodies, tees, cap, mug, stickers) Catholic Woman Facebook Group NOTE: This episode shares my personal experience; it’s not medical advice. Please consult your OB/GYN or qualified medical professional for your situation.

  --------  

  29:32

  --------

  29:32
• When In-Laws Hurt Your Marriage: A Catholic Conversation on Boundaries, Prayer & Peace

  What happens when your in-laws become a source of tension instead of support?In this week’s episode of The Catholic Woman Podcast, host Marie Hanson sits down with Miriam Susan, a Catholic convert and mother of six, to talk about one of the hardest and most overlooked struggles in Catholic marriage, toxic in-laws and unhealthy family dynamics.They dive deep into what the proper order of a Catholic family really looks like: God first, then your spouse, your children, and finally extended family. Together, they unpack how that order helps restore peace, clarity, and unity when outside influences threaten your marriage.You’ll hear Miriam’s personal experience navigating in-law relationships as a Catholic wife and mother, including what she learned about setting healthy boundaries, overcoming guilt, and relying on prayer and grace to protect her marriage.Topics in this episode include:The true order of a Catholic family (God → Spouse → Children → Others)How toxic in-laws can undermine your marriage and faith lifeWhat “honor your parents” really means in Catholic teachingPractical ways to set boundaries in a faith-filled, respectful wayHow to pray through conflict and strengthen your marriage spirituallyUnderstanding manipulation, guilt, and the cycle of controlWhy protecting your marriage is not selfish, it’s holyIf you’ve ever felt torn between honoring your parents and staying loyal to your spouse, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a Christ-centered roadmap to peace.Tune in for practical Catholic marriage advice, deep spiritual insight, and real conversations about family order, prayer, and faith in marriage.For more from Miriam visit https://desiringpeace.com/podcastGrab Miriam’s free journal to help set healthy boundaries, protect your family, and reclaim your God-given peace - without compromising your Catholic values.JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP Follow along on Instagram @thecatholicwomanpodcastSubscribe to the show on YouTubeIf you enjoy the show, it would mean the WORLD if you could leave us a rating and review! You can do so here!Subscribe for weekly Catholic conversations that inspire, challenge, and strengthen your faith.Keywords: Catholic marriage, toxic in-laws, Catholic family order, Catholic wife advice, Catholic faith and family, setting boundaries, Catholic prayer and marriage, Catholic motherhood, Catholic podcast for women, Christian marriage podcast, family dynamics and faith, honoring parents in marriage, Catholic relationship advice, Catholic spiritual growth, faith-based marriage

  --------  

  37:18

  --------

  37:18
• Fun + Easy Ways to Foster Faith in Your Catholic Home with Maeve Jemison

  Raising kids in the Catholic faith can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of The Catholic Woman Podcast, I’m joined by Maeve Jemison to talk about practical, joyful, and easy ways Catholic women can foster faith and connection in the home. From sitting in the front pew at Mass, reading the Sunday readings in the car, and celebrating saint feast days, to weaving apologetics into everyday conversations with teens, Maeve shares simple Catholic family traditions that help children love their faith.We also dive into Catholic homeschooling, what it really looks like, why it doesn’t take eight hours a day, and how Catholic moms can balance homeschooling with work and family life. Maeve explains how to nurture children’s God-given passions, create a strong Catholic family culture, and build a foundation of truth in a world full of confusion. Whether you’re a Catholic mom of toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, this conversation will encourage you, inspire you, and remind you that you don’t need perfection—you just need to start.Guest: Maeve Jemison — Catholic wife, mother, homeschooler, author of Home Is Where the Truth Is, and co-host of Homeschooling for Catholic Parents.Website - https://maevejemison.com/Socials - Homeschooling For Catholic Parents Facebook GroupPodcast - Homeschooling For Catholic Parents PodcastPurchase Home Is Where the Truth IsEpisode HighlightsMaeve’s story of leaving and returning to the Catholic Church through the Eucharist.How Catholic women can make Mass engaging for kids (front pew tip).Easy ways to celebrate saints and feast days in your home.Why Catholic family life thrives on small, daily habits.Helping teens wrestle with tough faith questions + apologetics.The truth about Catholic homeschooling (time, rhythm, and balance).Encouragement for Catholic moms who feel like they’re “failing” in the faith at home.Resources MentionedGlory Stories (HolyHeroes.com) — Catholic saint audio dramas for kids.Catholic Answers (Catholic.com) — go-to apologetics resource.Connecting with History Catholic curriculum.Connect with The Catholic Woman PodcastWatch on YouTube → @TheCatholicWomanPodcastJoin the Catholic Woman Podcast Facebook Group for community + giveaways.Follow on Instagram → @thecatholicwomanpodcastSponsor — White Lily WeddingsSince 2019, I’ve been helping Catholic women plan weddings that are beautiful, meaningful, and financially wise. Through The Catholic Wedding Blueprint membership, brides get full planning courses, a custom Catholic Wedding GPT, weekly office hours, and a vendor directory with pre-negotiated discounts worth thousands. My Catholic coordination team still serves couples, too.🎁 Grab your free Ultimate Catholic Wedding Planning Checklist at whitelilyweddings.com/start.Keywords: Catholic Woman Podcast, Catholic woman, Catholic homeschooling, Catholic family life, Catholic parenting, raising Catholic kids, Catholic teens, Catholic family traditions, Catholic homeschool moms, Catholic faith at home, Catholic wedding planning, White Lily Weddings, The Catholic Wedding Blueprint.

  --------  

  51:12

  --------

  51:12

More Religion & Spirituality podcasts

Trending Religion & Spirituality podcasts

About The Catholic Woman Podcast

The Catholic Woman Podcast: Podcasts in Family