In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine Garrett welcomes her close friend Betsy Jenkins, a dedicated mother of two boys diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Betsy shares her heartfelt journey, from the early diagnosis of her sons to the struggles and triumphs of managing their conditions. She discusses how her background in child development prepared her to advocate for her children and how her faith in God has played a crucial role in her family's life. Betsy also reflects o...

In this episode of Hope Stories, Sister Josephine Garrett talks with Emily Dery, a multi-passionate mother of four, about the challenges of postpartum depression and anxiety. Emily shares her personal experiences with three of her pregnancies, the varied symptoms she faced, and how it impacted her family life. She reflects on her path to diagnosis, the support systems that helped her, and the role of her faith and family in her recovery. The conversation dives deep into the importance of ment...

In this episode of Hope Stories with Sister Josephine Garrett, Amanda Smith, a Catholic therapist and executive director at NAMI, shares her insights on borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the transformative potential of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They discuss the profound emotional pain and fear of abandonment experienced by individuals with BPD, the societal and self-stigmatization of the disorder, and the importance of early intervention and treatment. Amanda emphasizes the ...

In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine Garrett welcomes her lifelong friend Maribel Laguna, a licensed professional counselor supervisor and founder of Cor Sacrum Counseling and Consulting. They discuss the unique experiences of first-generation Mexican American women and the mental health challenges they face navigating multiple cultural worlds. Maribel shares her personal journey towards integration and healing through therapy and EMDR, as well as her appreciation for...

In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine Garrett explores the deeply personal and often overlooked experience of infertility with Anne Koshute, co-founder of the Catholic infertility ministry, Springs in the Desert. Anne shares her journey of dealing with infertility, its mental health implications, and the complex emotions of grief, shame, and identity it brings. The conversation highlights the importance of pastoral care in the church, the support needed from clergy, an...

In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine discusses the vital topic of attachment with Rebecca Schall, LPC, a licensed professional counselor from East Texas. Rebecca delves into the intricacies of attachment wounds—emotional injuries from unmet relational needs—and their impact on mental health and faith. She shares her personal journey of overcoming attachment wounds through God's relentless love and professional counseling. The discussion highlights the integration of c...

In this episode, Chris Miller shares his personal journey battling depression and his extensive work in mental health education and advocacy. As a Silicon Valley resident, school teacher, and youth minister, Chris discusses the impact of depression on his life, the importance of hope, and the various coping mechanisms he's employed, including medication and therapy. Chris also discusses his involvement in legislative and pastoral efforts to improve mental health awareness and support. His sto...

This episode discusses mature topics surrounding mental health and includes a mention of suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis, please call, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text or chat with the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.In this episode of 'Hope Stories,' the focus is on the complex and deeply spiritual reality of adoption. Guest Jess Echeverry shares her profound personal experiences with adoption, homelessness, and trauma. Through her testimony, Jess r...

Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, shares a deeply personal account of his struggle with anxiety and depression, largely triggered by the clergy abuse scandal. Bishop Conley recounts how his overwhelming responsibilities and traumatic events led to a profound psychological crisis, resulting in a diagnosis of PTSD and major depressive disorder. Seeking healing, he took a leave of absence, during which he received medical, psychological, and spiritual support. Throughout his journey, key...

Sister Josephine welcomes guest Hope Acquilano, a childhood sexual abuse survivor. Hope shares deeply moving testimony of trauma and healing, revealing her struggles with PTSD, flashbacks, and shame. She discusses the crucial role of trauma-informed therapy and EMDR in her recovery and God's presence in her journey. The episode emphasizes the importance of bringing trauma into the light for healing and to encourage survivors to seek help. This episode is placed into the care of St. Josep...

This episode discusses mature topics surrounding mental health and includes a mention of suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis, please call, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text or chat with the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Sister Josephine welcomes her first guest of Season 2, Christian Bentley, to discuss his experience living with bipolar disorder. Christian shares his journey through the highs and lows of the illness, his struggles with suicidal though...

Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN, welcomes listeners to season 2 of Hope Stories, which will explore both the challenges and hope found in a wide-ranging discussion on a variety of mental health topics and conditions. Sister Josephine shares her journey, the challenges faced, and the insights gained while intertwining her spiritual and professional experiences as a mental health counselor. The conclusion is that every part of one's self, including mental health struggles, can be offered as a gi...

Bishop Shelton Fabre, Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Louisville and former chair of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism (2018 to 2023), sits down with Sr. Josephine for the last episode of Hope Stories season one.  Resources Archdiocese of LouisvilleAd Hoc Committee Against Racism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at...

Sr. Josephine Garrett is joined by her parents, Aunt Dee and Uncle Billy, for a moving discussion about loving well, praying through struggle, seeing blessings, and recognizing the awesome gift of God's mercies. NOTES What We Have Seen and Heard: A Pastoral Letter on Evangelization from the Black Bishops of the United StatesSr. Thea Bowman’s June 1989 Address to U.S. Catholic BishopsDemystifying Catholic Terms, with Sr. JosephineThis episode is sponsored by the U.S. bishops' 9 Days for Life...

Sister Josephine is joined by her friend and fellow Catholic speaker Chika Anyanwu to talk about life as a missionary, staying authentic while preaching the Gospel, and how her Nigerian roots and immigrant perspective shapes her faith and role within the Church.  Resources:  Chika's websiteMy Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer by Chika AnyanwuThis episode is sponsored by GIA Publications The Fire This Time:  A Black Catholic Sourcebook Promo Code:  HOPE10 CLICK HERE Journey to a new depth...

Sister Josephine shares an intimate, moving conversation with Jennifer Monette about the struggles and hope found through single parenting as a faithful Catholic. This episode is sponsored by GIA Publications The Fire This Time:  A Black Catholic Sourcebook Promo Code:  HOPE10 CLICK HERE Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com. Discover more ways to live,...

Sr. Josephine sits down with the parents of Deanna Johnston (previous episode), Deacon Chip and Anne Marie Jones, about their faith journeys to and within the Catholic Church, from the perspective of individuals and as a married couple raising children in the faith. And they share the beautiful witness and steadfast faith of Anne Marie during a period of illness. Follow Deacon Chip on his blog Tall, Bald, and Called. Deacon Chip currently serves at The Catholic Church of the Nativity in...

Busy mom of four and Director of Marriage and Family Life in the Diocese of Tyler, Deanna Johnston, reminds us all how God invites us all to give everything to Him, even our messes. Sr. Josephine and Deanna share an honest, enlightening conversation about what it feels like to navigate not "feeling Black enough" and belonging to the Body of Christ. Deanna's ministry connections: St. Philip Institute of Catechesis and Evangelization, Diocese of Tyler, TX Witness to Love Follow Deanna on X...

In this episode Sr. Josephine sits down with fellow Catholic podcaster and speaker Gloria Purvis to learn about the deep hope that has guided and inspired Gloria's life. This conversation is a treat -- an intimate, tender conversation between dear friends. Follow Gloria on instagram @iamgloriapurvis. This episode is sponsored by Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Visit shms.edu/online to learn more.  Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine...

This episode is sponsored by:  Ave Maria Press with Regina Boyd's new book Leaving Loneliness Behind.  Tired of feeling lonely? Regina Boyd’s NEW book Leaving Loneliness Behind will help you build meaningful relationships and will cover the five keys to emotional intimacy: connection, vulnerability, conflict and communication, healing, and self-gift.   Get your copy now at avemariapress.com and  don't miss the companion workbook and a FREE video series! Visit:...

Fr. Robert P. Boxie, III, a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, is the chaplain at Howard University and the priest-in-residence at Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Sister sits down for a conversation with Father Boxie about, among other things, how to  help develop and support personal ownership the Catholic faith in young people. Along the way, he shares how his parents did this for him. This episode is sponsored by The Catholic Theology Show with Dr. Michael Dauphinais,...

Alva Alford is a mother who has found love, peace, and courage through abiding in Jesus Christ. Join Sr. Josephine as she walks with Alva, a dear friend and school parent, through her personal story about her growing relationship with the Catholic faith. Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available now for pre-order at osvcatholicbookstore.com. Podcast listeners can use promo code HOPE25 at...

Join Sr. Josephine Garrett for a walk down memory lane with her college friend and fellow Catholic convert, Dr. Larry Mitnaul. Sr. Josephine and Dr. Mitnaul landed at University of Dallas, a Catholic institution, as Protestant undergrads -- one of them not even realizing UD was Catholic at the time! Today, Dr. Mitnaul is a double board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and father of five. When he's not at the clinic or consulting for organizations he's meeting parents, teens...

Join Sr. Josephine Garrett for a conversation with one of the youngest permanent deacons in the world, Deacon Michael Parker, and his wife JaVaunda, a convert to the Catholic faith.  NOTES Sr. Josephine's show resourcesPray the Rosary with OSV Prays podcastUSCCB Church Documents on the Permanent DiaconateOur Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Amant, LAHoly Family School, Port Allen, LAJourney to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in...