In this episode, Rachel Balducci and I discuss the importance of female friendships and the changes that occur in marriage over time. We emphasize the need for intentional nurturing of married relationships outside of the demands of raising children and talk about the importance of personal growth and spirituality in maintaining a strong marriage. We discuss the need to make time for personal prayer and share how contemplative prayer can change everything. Rachel is just the best! I know you...

This week’s podcast is a little different because this was recorded in a live Zoom session where I answered your questions. In this Q&A, we discussed so many things! From raising teenagers to handling feelings of envy, from making time for daily prayer to pursuing work as a writer. I mentioned our upcoming 21-Day Change Your Heart Challenge, and you will want to make sure you have an upgraded subscription to access all of that content beginning August 5! ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the...

Do you have a bad habit you want to break? Spending to much time on social media? eating junk food? Gossiping? We all struggle with these things. In fact, I begin this week’s episode with a confession of my own about Instagram. UGH! So I’m sharing ideas for ways to break a bad habit. We emphasize the importance of setting triggers, understanding the reasons behind the habit, and replacing it with a healthier alternative. We also encourage seeking support, leaving reminders, and being patient...

Marie Miller, a multifaceted artist and speaker, joins me on Girlfriends to discuss her second independent release, The Way of Love. She also talks about her experience as a Catholic musician in today's culture and the challenges and joys of balancing work and family life. Marie's album is inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux, and she encourages listeners to grow in their relationship with the saints. Marie also shares her songwriting process and how she incorporates the teachings of the Church...

This week, we emphasize that procrastination is a common experience and should not be a source of guilt or self-judgment. Procrastination can cause anxiety, limit opportunities, and negatively affect relationships. To combat procrastination, I suggest doing the hard thing first, rewarding oneself for progress, holding oneself accountable, taking breaks, removing distractions, and taking action. I also address a listener's question about feeling overwhelmed by household chores and offer advice...

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses the topic of procrastination and provides tips on how to combat it. She emphasizes that procrastination is a common experience and should not be a source of guilt or self-judgment. Procrastination can cause anxiety, limit opportunities, and negatively affect relationships. To combat procrastination, Danielle suggests doing the hard thing first, rewarding oneself for progress, holding oneself accountable, taking breaks, removing distractions, and taking...

Marie Miller, a multifaceted artist and speaker, joins Danielle on Girlfriends Today to discuss her second independent release, The Way of Love. Marie shares her unique sound, blending folk-pop music with traditional bluegrass and Irish influences. She also talks about her experience as a Catholic musician in today's culture and the challenges and joys of balancing work and family life. Marie's album is inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux, and she encourages listeners to grow in their...

In this episode, Danielle Bean interviews Liz Lantigua, the founder of Good News Book Fair, a company that provides curated book fairs for schools. They discuss the importance of screening books for children, the impact of reading on a child's imagination, and ways to make reading fun during the summer. Liz shares her journey from being a news reporter to starting a book fair company and emphasizes the need for wholesome and engaging books for children. She also addresses the misconception of...

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses four ways to get over oneself: stop thinking of oneself as a victim, take action, stop comparing oneself to others, and stop thinking about oneself so much. She emphasizes that these suggestions are meant to be encouraging and not meant to discourage or admonish anyone struggling right now. Bean also reminds listeners to focus on their relationship with God and not worry too much about what others think of them. She shares listener feedback and...

In this episode, Danielle Bean speaks with author Theoni Bell about her new children's book, Jelly Bean, A Baby's Journey to God, which addresses the sensitive topic of baby loss. Theoni shares her personal experience of losing her child and the inspiration behind the book. The conversation also covers the process of writing a picture book, the importance of resources for families dealing with baby loss, and the impact of community support.  Takeaways Theoni Bell's personal experience of...

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses five ways to find rest in God, including prayer and meditation, attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist, going to confession, reading scripture, and acts of service and charity.  Takeaways Finding rest in God involves prayer, meditation, attending Mass, receiving the Eucharist, going to confession, reading scripture, and acts of service and charity.Exploring the world of saints and angels can be done at one's own pace, and there is no one right way...

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses the topic of when big kids leave the Church with her guest, Celeste Behe. They talk about the challenges and heartbreak that parents face when their adult children choose to leave the faith. Celeste shares her personal experience and how it led her to start the St. Monica Ministry, which offers support and hope to families and friends of fallen away Catholics. They discuss the importance of prayer, the power of community, and the need to focus on the...

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses what to do when you feel overwhelmed. She shares personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed and offers practical advice on how to handle it. Her four main suggestions are: give yourself a break, ask for help, get a fresh perspective, and pray. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support from others. She also recommends praying the Litany of Trust and the Surrender Novena to help cultivate trust in God and...

In this episode of the Girlfriends podcast, Danielle Bean interviews Sarah Bartel about intimacy in marriage. They discuss the lack of conversation around this topic and the need for a Catholic lens when discussing sex and marriage. Sarah shares her journey of becoming a Catholic moral theologian specializing in sexual ethics and marriage. She talks about the challenges women face in this area, including the pressure from a sex-saturated culture and the expectations of purity culture. Sarah...

BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, a brief update on Danielle! She is home from the hospital and doing much better. She is gaining strength every day and is so grateful for all of your prayers and good wishes. This episode was recorded before she got sick, so there is no mention of her illness in this week's show. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. You can et all the latest updates and details at daniellebean.substack.com. In episode 419 of the Girlfriends podcast, host Danielle Bean...

A quick explanation on Danielle's absence this week from her daughter, Gabby. Please pray for Danielle's healing and recovery, as she still is in the hospital in NYC. Updates later this week will be available at daniellebean.substack.com. 

In this conversation, Sarah Mackenzie discusses the life and work of Barbara Cooney, a renowned author and illustrator of children's books. Sarah shares her fascination with Barbara's illustration style and her discovery of Barbara's life as a mother of four who placed her drawing table in the busiest room of her house. Sarah also highlights Barbara's commitment to detail and precision in her illustrations and her dedication to visiting the locations she depicted in her books. The...

In this episode, Danielle Bean talks to Maria Marianyagam, a children's book author, about teaching kids virtue. Maria shares her journey of becoming a children's book author and the importance of starting to teach virtues at a young age. They discuss Maria's board book series, which focuses on virtues like hope and courage, and how parents can engage with the series. Danielle also addresses the topic of female friendships and the importance of cultivating meaningful connections with other...

Do you know that next Sunday we will observe Divine Mercy Sunday? This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to focus on Jesus’ gift of Divine Mercy. A great way to celebrate Easter for all 50 days is to plan to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy in your family and in your community. In this week’s show, Danielle shares ideas for creative ways to practice each of the works of mercy: Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Clothe the Naked, Shelter the Homeless, Visit the Sick, Visit...

In this episode, Danielle Bean shares five things to inspire your Holy Week. She encourages listeners to add more quiet to their lives, make Holy Week different, engage in interactive prayer experiences, consider Holy Week creative projects, take a pilgrimage, plan for a special Good Friday, and attend additional liturgies at church. At the end of this week's show, Danielle offers advice and encouragement to a listener who wants to publish a book about her near-death...

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses how to handle family drama. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations, thinking ahead and planning ahead, picking your battles, and setting boundaries. She also shares listener feedback on cultivating joy and offers advice on embracing your temperament, faking it till you make it, and praying for the grace to be more joyful. Takeaways Set realistic expectations for family drama and recognize that it is a normal part of family...

In this episode, Danielle Bean interviews Erika Ahern from CatholicVote and The Loop. They discuss the importance of engaging in deep conversations about politics and religion, teaching children to navigate these topics, and the mission of The Loop to "become the media." They also share insights on balancing work, home, and relationships, and offer advice on seeking forgiveness and navigating difficult relationships. Engaging in deep conversations about politics and religion is important for...

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses what to do when feeling unmotivated. She provides 10 different strategies to consider, including reflecting on the root cause of the lack of motivation, setting small goals, finding inspiration, changing your environment, being kind to oneself, taking breaks in your work, seeking support, focusing on the why behind the goal, trying something new, and celebrating your progress. She also addresses listener feedback and encourages re-thinking Lent as an...

You know you love candles! How about some free CATHOLIC candles? Michael and Anna Camacho, the husband and wife team behind CORDA Candles, join Danielle Bean on the Girlfriends podcast. They share their journey of starting a faith-based candle business and the inspiration behind their unique scents. The couple discusses the challenges and rewards of working together as a married couple and the importance of creating pure and clean candles. They also talk about the impact of small Catholic...