Episodes

  • In this episode I interview my friend, Madelyn. I first explain how I met Madelyn on the due date for my second son. Madelyn is a Catholic doula who made me feel very empowered. She tells her story growing up as a cradle Catholic with divorced parents. Madelyn explains how she found support and healing through the Catholic Church. She also shares other interesting insight having Fr Mike Schmitz as her campus chaplain and working briefly with Dr Gianna Emmanuella.

    Resources
    Fr Mike Schmitz
    Bible in a year
    https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeXS0cAkuTPqFMtZQ379qdEmcfxO1SvXc
    Catechism in a year
    https://m.youtube.com/@TheCatechismInAYear
    Ascension presents videos
    https://www.google.com/search?q=fr+mike+schmitz+videos&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
    Homilies
    https://www.google.com/search?q=father+mike+schmitz+homilies&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

    St Gianna and Pietro Molla Home
    https://sgpmollahome.com/

    Life Giving Wounds
    https://www.lifegivingwounds.org/


    Books
    Three Secrets to Holiness in Marriage by Dan and Amber Dematte

    These Beautiful Bones by Emily Stimpson

    Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

    Untie the Strong Woman by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

    The Genesis of Gender by Abigail Favale

    Podcasts

    Pints with Aquainas

    Freely Rooted

    Made for This App and book by Mary Hasselmen

    Free Birth
    https://www.freebirthsociety.com/

  • Happy Feastday to our podcast's patron saint, St Thesese of Lisieux! For this episode I interview fellow Catholic convert, Rose. Rose explains how her conversion to Catholicism was heavily influenced by St Therese and some other great friends on earth and in heaven. Rose also shares some resources she has created to help people grow closer to God.

    Resources
    Virtue Connection
    https://virtueconnection.com/

    Virtue Circle
    https://rosefolsom.lpages.co/learn-more-virtue-circle/

    Pray Like a Saint program
    https://virtueconnection.com/grow-your-faith/

    Rose's Written Conversion Story
    Part 1
    https://spiritualdirection.com/2022/06/26/this-is-all-true-the-story-of-a-conversion-part-1?fbclid=IwY2xjawEh9TRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXTEVPVgwaiy__ITzYxVGJT_HW39cPgWkrAbliv30ezfta-S1LiF-8WCQg_aem_Pwu4nYy7nhE7aHU7G3BD3w

    Part 2
    https://spiritualdirection.com/2022/10/26/a-dominican-moment-the-story-of-a-conversion-part-2

    Crazy Catholic Convert podcast episodes that mention St Therese

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/12154984-ep-5-confessions-about-confession

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/12561461-ep-10-hope-against-hope-nevi-s-story-part-2

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/13434293-ep-17-hope-at-the-cross-kristen-s-story-part-2

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/14267268-ep-22-my-new-darcy-part-1-darcy-darcy

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/14549489-ep-25-the-eg-life-part-1-a-remarkable-life

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/14701226-ep-26-the-eg-life-part-2-grace-and-encore-conversations


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  • In this episode I interview fellow Catholic convert Erica. Like myself, Erica was raised Methodist and converted to the Catholic faith as an adult. Erica shares her conversion story as well as some incredible visions she has had through her walk with Jesus.

    Resources
    Our Lady of Guadalupe
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=ic1yK3Ze02OtUjdq&v=KEhjwCsDDsc&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0h9tKNSgQjN5REi-9LPUEuDNbSjezmtbou05ABLJpGVkIuh-2YML8DAf0_aem_ek160YIHdF4OO1gLY4xdKA

    The Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr Mike Schmitz
    https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/bibleinayear/

  • In this episode Teresa shares her journey with post partum depression. She recalls her symptoms and behaviors when it was undiagnosed and how she found and received help. Teresa explains how her struggle with post partum depression was a gift. In other words, she is living the EG Life.

  • In this episode Teresa Grodi tells her reversion story of going from a secular feminist to a devout Catholic. Following her reversion, Teresa explains the challenges she faced as she learned to live out her faith as a wife and mother. She also shares some of her favorite Catholic resources.

    Resources
    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/13851829-ep-15-urgent-ohio-issue-1-vote-no-and-don-t-forget-god-loves-you

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/13505091-ep-18-you-are-not-alone-thoughts-and-tips-for-bringing-kids-to-mass

    https://www.awakencatholic.org/elevate-ordinary

    The Journey Home with JonMarc Grodi

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/12456366-ep-9-hope-against-hope-nevi-s-story-part-1

    Medjugory of the Nineties

    Theology of the Body series of lectures by St John Paul II

    St Ignatius Discernment of Spirits

    C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy

    New Polity Podcast

  • In this episode Maggie Eckburg shares the strategies she used to grow closer to God through the acronym GRACE. She then continues telling her story of healing. I kept pulling my equipment back out as Maggie would tell more of her story and discuss more ways to pursue healing and live an EG life.


    https://maggieeckburg.com/eglife

    http://maggieeckburg.com/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/everythingisgrace_photography/ (https://www.instagram.com/everythingisgrace_photography/)

    Email to reach Maggie: [email protected]

    Sign up for Maggie’s email list to stay connected and updated with all the ways Maggie is helping people live an “EG” Life: https://everythingisgracephotography.com/life

  • In this episode, Maggie Eckburg shares how a traumatic event that happened in her early childhood shaped the next 30 years of her life. Maggie describes how she struggled and questioned her faith. Despite great times of darkness, Maggie perseveres and seeks healing. Maggie explains how she became inspired to live a remarkable life. She comes to realize this means seeing how everything that happens in life is grace.

    Website:

    https://maggieeckburg.com/eglife

    http://maggieeckburg.com/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/everythingisgrace_photography/ (https://www.instagram.com/everythingisgrace_photography/)

    Email to reach Maggie: [email protected]

    Sign up for Maggie’s email list to stay connected and updated with all the ways Maggie is helping people live an “EG” Life: https://everythingisgracephotography.com/life

  • Throwback Thursday to my very first interview. I was learning how to record interviews and decided to bring my tech savvy, engineer cousin, Amy, along. I am grateful to Amy for so many reasons. Thank you Amy!

  • In this last episode with Darcy I ask her about her 11 children and how she homeschools them. Her 8th child, Elizabeth, joins us briefly to share her perspective on being homeschooled and growing up in a large Catholic family. Darcy gives encouragement to parents and practical ways to raise great kids.

    Catholic Resources
    The Golden Children’s Bible
    Catholic Sprouts Podcast
    A Saint a Day Podcast

    Other Resources from Darcy
    Easy Peasy All in One Homeschooling—good one for older kids to do on their own when you need to teach younger kids
    Typing.Com
    Seterra Geography games

  • In this episode I continue my episode with Darcy. I first discuss the music used for introductions and conclusions and why Darcy is "My New Darcy." Then I ask Darcy questions regarding having and raising a big family.


    https://www.fivestarpainting.com/findlay-perrysburg/?cid=LSTL_FSP-US000189&utm_source=gmb&utm_campaign=local&utm_medium=organic

  • In this episode I interview my neighbor, Darcy. Darcy is a fellow Catholic homeschooling mom and mother to 11 children. This first episode shares Darcy's gradual journey of faith—attending University of Steubenville, family life and other fun stories.

    Resources

    Darcy singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_E9Whcj_gWc&feature=youtu.be

    Story of a Soul by St Therese of Lisieux

    St Therese was a Prima Ballerina
    https://spiritualdirection.com/2018/12/15/st-therese-was-a-prima-ballerina

    Theme and Variations
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8QMdrw2osTY

    Swan Lake
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ_6DNNce-Y

    The Nutcracker
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lyDgSjL-Zos

    Dr Peter Kreeft on the Existence of God
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LW7t0fsO8Gk







  • In this episode I interview Catholic convert, Casey. Before converting to Catholicism Casey was a missionary in Cambodia. She recalls the struggle she faced when the beliefs she clung to so deeply were undermined. Casey then discusses other unexpected challenges and how she found healing in Theology of the Body and empathy from St Joseph.

    Resources
    Litany of Humility
    https://ascensionpress.com/pages/litany-of-humility

    A Thomistic Litany of Humility
    https://www.dominicanajournal.org/a-thomistic-litany-of-humility/

    Amy’s Litany of Motherhood (prayed as one-liners throughout the day).

    Deliver me Jesus:
    -From the desire for more"me time"
    -from the belief that I have it harder than others
    -from the fear of being woken up in the night
    -from the desire to cook dinner with both hands
    -from the desire for just 5 minutes of silence
    -from the desire to "get my body back"
    -from the desire to be recognized for doing a good job
    -from the temptation to base my success on the behavior or happiness of my children
    -from the desire to be in control

    Jesus, give me the grace to desire it:
    -that I may be more patient during the next tantrum
    -that I may have a servant's heart as I clean up spilled milk for the 100th time
    -that I may respond lovingly when I am interrupted
    -that I may not groan as I roll out of bed at 3am
    -that my little sufferings will be united to yours for the redemption of souls in my family and all over the world
    -that my family will become holier than me as long as I become as holy as I should.

    Catholic Answers
    https://www.catholic.com/
    Counsel of Trent Podcast

    EWTN
    https://www.ewtn.com/
    The Journey Home

    Asenscion Press
    https://ascensionpress.com/
    Bible in a Year with Fr Mike Schmitz
    Catechism in a Year with Fr Mike Schmitz

    St Paul Center for Biblical Theology
    https://stpaulcenter.com/

    Word on Fire Institute
    https://institute.wordonfire.org/

  • Throwback Thursday to one of my most popular episodes, The Honest Answer: My Interview with Napro Physician and Fertility Specialist, Dr Stroud. In this episode I interview Napro physician and fellow Catholic convert, Dr Stroud. Dr Stroud is an OB/GYN who dramatically changed his medical practice in order to hold true to his Catholic faith. During the interview, Dr Stroud speaks on how traditional OB/GYN differs from Napro care. We discuss a wide range of topics from the causes of miscarriages, contraception, infertility treatments, and ectopic pregnancies. Dr. Stroud's answers provide hope to families who have felt the pain of infertility or pregnancy loss, and he empowers women to receive better care.

    Resources

    Dr. Stroud's Podcast
    All Things Women's Health

    Doctor Doctor: Episode #271

    How Does Dobbs Really Change Abortion Laws and Medicine?

    https://doctordoctor.org/episode271/

    Doctor Doctor: Episode #280
    The Truth About Treating Pregnancy Complications After Dobbs

    https://doctordoctor.org/episode280/

    Dr Stroud's Story
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiPSn5O41Kk&t=0s

  • In this episode I continue my interview with Sr Mary Bethany. I ask her about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, her favorite saints, what she is reading now as well as practical parent questions.

    Resources
    Dominican Sisters of Mary website: www.sistersofmary.org

    Openlight Media website: https://openlightmedia.com/

    Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week by Pope Benedict

    Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
    https://www.cgsusa.org/


  • In this episode I interview Sr Mary Bethany. I first explain how I felt called to send my son to Kindergarten so that he could be taught by Sr Mary Bethany. Sr Mary Bethany then shares her story of being called to the religious life. She also gives tips for engaging children in the mass.

    Resources on the Mass
    The Lamb’s Super by Dr Scott Hahn

    Fulton Sheen's Calvary and the Mass

    The Diocese of Toledo compiled a resource page here: https://toledodiocese.org/eucharist

    The Diocese of Brisbane did a video series about each part of the Mass here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8-1Dil2Zzb9GuvPXBbBAdocpTCY1k_sW

    The National Eucharistic Revival website also has lots of resources, as well as an email newsletter sign-up which is a great way to receive new material.
    https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/

  • In this episode I ask former and upcoming guests about their thoughts and tips for bringing young children to mass.

    Resources for kids at mass
    My First Interactive Mass Book

    https://ascensionpress.com/products/my-first-interactive-mass-book?variant=32403136610340&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2020-10-16&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=CjwKCAiA6byqBhAWEiwAnGCA4BcMbVey34EoPaZlWOyj41AuIDSl7BN6_bnLmFYtiobRXsg1mAczahoCZuYQAvD_BwE

    A Missal for Toddlers
    https://www.catholiccompany.com/missal-toddlers-i122292/?sku=1065159&utm_term=&utm_campaign=**LP+-+Shop+-+pMax+-+Sacraments+%26+Occasions&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=1453680900&hsa_cam=17800919973&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAiA6byqBhAWEiwAnGCA4GeFpoy_bLvusWHHvMA8kuvNXVVph-MMWcCslMbVZxJViRhst6Wa3BoC9tYQAvD_BwE

    Mass board with sliding window covers
    https://www.mercari.com/us/item/m76066163559/?gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17376805915&utm_content=t0&adgroup=136799598429&network=g&device=m&merchant_id=134611514&product_id=m76066163559&product_id=1975128872563&gbraid=0AAAAADR9UGeL_XSBGTRZtHVEd4iQXg8Bn&gclid=CjwKCAiA6byqBhAWEiwAnGCA4Av2xVxBEMQ2zBJyeT0yHF8_iNXuU_azb5ahRhDpWKa_oCTmoBYkwhoCSBsQAvD_BwE

    Books mentioned in episodes of the past year

    Dec—
    Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn

    Theology of His/Her Body by Jason Evert

    Jan—
    Time for God by Jacques Phillipe

    Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence by St Claude de la Colombiere and Fr Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure

    April—
    The 4th Cup by Dr Scott Hahn

    Jesus and the Bridegroom by Dr Brant Pitre

    33 Days to Merciful Love by Fr Michael Gaitley

    May—
    Breaking Through: Catholic Women Speak for Themselves by Helen Alvare

    Made this Way by Trent Horn and Leila Miller

    Introduction to the Devout Life by St Francis de Sales

    September—

    Our Lady’s Wardrobe by Anthony Destefano

    Dear Pope Francis by Pope Francis

    October—

    The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly
    The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

    The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by the La Leche League

    Sweet Sleep by the La Leche League

    Unplanned by Abby Johnson

    November—

    The Story of a Soul by St Therese of Lisieux

  • In this episode Kristen continues to share her story having two sons with ICF. We also discuss St Therese of Lisieux including how she has helped us in our trials and why she is a favorite saint for many. I also share one of my own stories about how St Therese helped inspire me to start this podcast. Finally, I introduce our topic and guests for next month.

    Resources
    Share Your Story Foundation
    https://sysfoundation.org/home

    Hallow App

    Story of a Soul by St Therese of Lisiuex

    33 Days to Merciful Love by Fr Michael Gaitley

  • In this episode I interview fellow Catholic mom, Kristen. Kristen shares her story as a mother of two sons with ICF. She recalls how she felt through the time leading up to their transplants, the procedures and the recovery process. Kristen also shares how her struggles influenced her relationship with God and how she views life.

    https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/support4crosbykachur/journal/view/id/64f55b20c2b6a232d3d0a98c?fbclid=IwAR26BsbEQIgloEZNwzQAseWY_NkkiFpOb0rySK76HcqHn6SPyjclV9JNrPE_aem_AYOoK0JF9Ej-PXO-idcnBJYj3mc2mTfF85lLID-WoiokXnjGtw9u_lY0Ie84qFu6Lug


    Thomas Merton

    My Lord God,
    I have no idea where I am going.
    I do not see the road ahead of me.
    I cannot know for certain where it will end.
    nor do I really know myself,
    and the fact that I think I am following your will
    does not mean that I am actually doing so.
    But I believe that the desire to please you
    does in fact please you.
    And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
    I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

    And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,

    though I may know nothing about it.
    Therefore will I trust you always though
    I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

    I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
    and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

    “The Merton Prayer” from Thoughts in Solitude

  • In this episode I interview my mom a.k.a Gogus. Gogus has been canvassing Ohio encouraging people to Vote NO on Issue 1. We briefly discuss what this amendment entails and her experiences and challenges in canvassing against it. I briefly discuss the abortion issue, consolidating resources for victims of abortion which are listed below. I also list and pull clips from past and future episodes that coincidentally—providentially? —have a pro-life theme.

    Resources for Ohio Issue 1

    https://youtu.be/XX-gHsTL3uc

    https://youtu.be/6Rp8l7Eph98?si=_g0I0PvpMqVlNtbm

    Resources for Victims of Abortion

    Rachel’s Vineyard

    https://www.rachelsvineyard.org/

    And Then There Were None

    https://abortionworker.com/our-story/

    Abortion Survivors

    https://abortionsurvivors.org/

    Other Resources

    Focus on the Family

    Why I Left the Abortion Industry Part 1

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol2DCP9cs54

    Why I Left the Abortion Industry Part 2

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DGgS-j6_v-U

    Unplanned by Abby Johnson

    Miscarriage Myth

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qqPO9dmYjik

    Ep 3 The Honest Answer: My Interview with Napro physician and fertility specialist, Dr Stroud

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/12070685-ep-3-the-honest-answer-my-interview-with-napro-physician-and-fertility-specialist-dr-stroud

    Doctor Doctor: Episode #271

    How Does Dobbs Really Change Abortion Laws and Medicine?

    https://doctordoctor.org/episode271/

    Doctor Doctor: Episode #280
    The Truth About Treating Pregnancy Complications After Dobbs

    https://doctordoctor.org/episode280/

    Hope Against Hope: Nevi’s Story Part 1

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/12456366-ep-9-hope-against-hope-nevi-s-story-part-1

    Hope Against Hope: Nevi’s Story Part 2

    https://www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com/2073517/12561461-ep-10-hope-against-hope-nevi-s-story-part-2

    Breaking Through:Catholic Women Speak for Themselves by Helen Alvare

    Pro-Life Episodes on the Crazy Catholic Convert Podcast

    www.crazycatholicconvertpodcast.com

    Ep 1 I’ve Changed My Mind

    Ep 2 The Birth Story of My Stillborn Daughter, Gianna Marie

    Ep 3 The Honest Answer: My Interview with Napro Physician and Fertility Specialist, Dr Stroud

    Ep 4 Healing Hearts: Mothers of a Child with Down Syndrome Share Their Stories

    Ep 8 Dancing With Guys: A Pre-conversion Story

    Ep 9 Hope Against Hope: Nevi’s Story Part 1

    Ep 10 Hope Against Hope: Nevi’s Story Part 2

    Ep 11 Allison’s Journey as a Catholic Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

    Ep 13 A Catholic Perspective On Morning Sickness a.k.a the Most Miserable Months of My Life

    Coming in November

    Ep 16 Hope at the Cross: Kristen’s Story Part 1

    Ep 17 Hope at the Cross: Kristen’s Story Part 2

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  • In this episode Stephanie and I discuss all things early motherhood from a Catholic perspective. We share stories, tips and resources related to natural childbirth, breastfeeding, baby-wearing and sleeping.

    Resources
    Link to Homily on Suffering
    https://www.buzzsprout.com/58799/12052517

    The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by the LaLecheLeague

    Sweet Sleep by the LaLechLeague