Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Latest Episodes:

5 Things to Give Up in the New Year [Throwback] Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are taking a break and using this opportunity to revisit this popular episode where Danielle shares 5 innovative ideas for things to give up in the new year.
1. Undisciplined phone use
Are you constantly checking your phone throughout your day? Do you spend too much time mindlessly scrolling through social media? Consider setting limits to when, where, and how you use your phone, and your mental health will be better for it.
2. Stuff you don’t need
What things are taking up space in your home and work spaces? Too much clothing, extra appliances, or piles of books? Declutter your spaces and give some of your extra “stuff” to others who can use it.
3. Ignoring your health
Many of us put others first and neglect our own healthcare. Do you need to make an appointment for a check up, a screening, or a trip to the dentist? For your family’s benefit, you need to take better care of yourself in these most basic ways. Make the call today!
4. Negative relationships
Who in your life brings you down, saps you of energy, or tempts you to sin? There are some relationships (like family) that we can’t cut out, but if you have friendships or acquaintances that are a continual source of negativity for you, consider limiting them or cutting them out altogether.
5. Saying you don’t have time
We all use this excuse from time to time, but if you find yourself saying this about important things in your life, it’s time for a change. If you can’t find time to pray, to work on your marriage, to exercise or do other things you think are important, then you need to make some changes. Stop saying you don’t have time and find better ways to use the time you have.
How about you? What will you be giving up in 2024?
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Christmas-Proof Your Marriage Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

“Your marriage is the foundation on which your entire family life is built. Anytime you've got extra pressure in your outside lives, it can really add to the pressure that you experience in your relationship.”
In the weeks that lead up to Christmas, financial stress, social pressure, and endless to-do lists can add up to a tense situation in your marriage. We need to take steps to protect and nurture our marriages during the busy season of Advent.
Danielle shares some ideas:
Pause.
Take a breath before responding to your spouse in a challenging situation.
Spend time together.
It’s always important for couples to make time for each other, but even more so during stressful times. Enjoy the holidays together!
Talk.
A little communication ahead of time goes a long way toward avoiding misunderstandings and conflict.
Give in.
Compromise whenever you can, and convince yourself to let little things go.
See the big picture.
Ask yourself: Will any of these stresses and annoyances matter a hundred years from now? Next month? Next week? Even the day after tomorrow? Turn the whole mess over to Baby Jesus and pray for the gift of perspective.
At the end of this week’s show, Danielle replies to Alyssa who wrote in to say how much she enjoyed our recent episode about finding more time in your day.
* For episode shownotes visit https://daniellebean.com/.
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6 Ways to Nurture Your Kids’ Faith in Advent Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

“Give your kids the gift of Scripture that's going to be imprinted on their hearts forever. Put it into their hearts and minds. Make that what's filling their little hearts during this season of Advent.”
Here we are, in the thick of Advent! Are you stressed yet? Let’s stay focused on the things that are truly important and help our kids to do the same. Danielle is sharing 6 ideas for ways to nurture your kids’ faith lives this Advent season:
Scripture Verses
You might add some relevant Scripture to an Advent calendar or spend some time reading the Book of Luke.
Nativity Scenes
There are lots of kid-friendly options to choose from! Here are a couple of them to get you started, from Fisher Price and Bible toys.
Jesse Tree
This doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can check out places like Etsy for beautiful ornaments or search online for printable versions.
Advent Wreath
This could not be simpler– even just small candles in holders with ribbons can help mark the season. Pray together when you light them!
Community Service
Think of someone you know who could use a visit, some service, or a surprise gift. Enlist your kids’ help in getting it done!
Advent Storytime
Make bedtime rituals extra special in the weeks before Christmas by reading some Advent-themed children’s books. Tomie DePaoloa is a favorite!
At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares a message from listener Karen who offers feedback on our recent episode about hospitality.
* For episode shownotes and links visit https://daniellebean.com/podcast.
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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Celebrating 400 Episodes With Your Questions Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Snippet From the Show “I do this podcast for you, so it makes sense that I would answer your questions to celebrate the 400th episode. I’m so grateful you’re here. ” Crazy, but true! This is the 400th episode of the Girlfriends podcast and to mark the occasion, Danielle asked for your questions and she answers many of them in today’s show. From work/life balance to raising Catholic kids, Danielle offers ideas and insight on the topics that are on your mind. Thank you for being part of the community of Girlfriends listeners. Here’s to the next 400 episodes! For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.
Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Find Joy in Advent Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Snippet From the Show “The holiday season can be a hard time for many people. If you are grieving or struggling, it can be hard to feel pressured to be joyful.” Ready or not, Advent is here! Are you looking forward to this crazy-busy season, or approaching the holidays with some sadness this year? The good news is that joy is not something that depends on your outer circumstances or even your feelings. Authentic joy is something we can choose every day, and especially something we can choose during Advent, as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. This week, Danielle shares 5 ways to find joy, even you are going through something hard, this Advent season: 1) Connect with God. 2) Be present. 3) Reach out. 4) Control your thoughts. 5) Soak up some grace. For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.
Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

What is Love? (with Anne Marie Bollman) Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

Snippet From the Show “I think that the question of love is something really pressing today and the hearts and minds of everyone, especially of young people.” – Anne Marie Bollman Today’s special guest is Anne Marie Bollman, a senior at the University of Notre Dame studying the Program of Liberal Studies and Theology with a minor in history. On campus, she is a student worker for the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture and is deeply involved in Right to Life, coordinating its annual adopt-a-mom fundraiser. Previously, she has worked for Paradisus Dei on the What is Love? project (https://www.whatislove.org/) and is thrilled to see the impact it will have on young people's lives. After studying abroad in France and volunteering at Lourdes, she is now putting her love of the French language and culture to use in a thesis exploring Mary's Immaculate Conception as a response to Enlightenment thought. Anne Marie is also proud to call Texas home. In today’s conversation, Anne Marie shares what it’s like being a student on a Catholic campus today as well as some insights into how young people approach the subject of love, dating, and relationships. For more information about the new film What Is Love?, visit whatislove.org. (https://www.whatislove.org/) Watch the trailer here. (https://youtu.be/smYWfuWfbtM) At the end of today’s show, Danielle answers Ann-Margaret who has a question about guardian angels. More information about angels: Angelic Battle Pack at Good Catholic (https://www.goodcatholic.com/product/the-angelic-battle-pack/) Angels and the Supernatural series (https://www.goodcatholic.com/series/angels-the-supernatural/) For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.
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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

7 Ways to Save Money This Month Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Snippet From the Show “When it comes to our spending habits, sometimes the most important thing we need is information.” Whether it’s because of inflation or your growing family, as we look ahead to Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of us are facing tighter budgets this year. Danielle is sharing some reminders of simple ways that we cut back a bit and save some money this month: No-Spend Challenge Challenge yourself to not spend money (beyond essentials) for a set period of time. You might try a week, 10 days or a month. An inspiring book on this topic is The Year of Less by Cait Flanders. Wait If you think you want to buy something non-essential, just wait 30 days before purchasing it. You might be surprised to find you no longer want it. Use an app Whether you use an app that automatically moves some of your money into savings, one that finds bargains for you, or one that shows you what subscriptions you can cancel, technology is a great tool for saving money. De-clutter and sell Go through your closets and garage, find items you no longer need or use, and sell them on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Bonus is that you get free clean space in your home! Meatless Mondays If you usually eat meat, pick a day of the week to plan one more meatless meal and save on groceries. Plan meals Do a little work ahead of time to plan budget-friendly meals and reduce the number of times you go to the grocery store or order take out. Check out the library Many libraries offer more than just books! Stop by and see what free offerings you might be missing. At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares a voice message from listener Lisa who listened to our recent episode 5 Ways to Make Every Day More Catholic and has an idea of her own to share. Other links from today’s show: Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio Relevant Radio Contact: Email Danielle Bean Rate and Review Girlfriends in iTunes Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.
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Teaching Girls to Love Themselves (with Grace Emily Stark) Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

Snippet From the Show “We have resources to help moms identify how they feel about themselves and to get in their right mind and hearts over it, and then we give them all the materials in a step by step way.” –Grace Emily Stark There is so much in our culture today that makes young women feel uncomfortable in their own bodies. Moms want resources to help their girls navigate the emotional and physical changes of their teen years and encourage a positive outlook on their own womanhood. Today’s special guest, grace Emily Stark, editor of Natural Womanhood (https://naturalwomanhood.org/), shares about resources they are creating to help moms do exactly that. Other links mentioned in today’s episode: Mothers of (Pre) Teens online course (https://naturalwomanhood.org/mothers-of-pre-teens-online-course/) Fertility Awareness for Health Professionals (https://naturalwomanhood.org/topic/fertility-awareness-for-health-professionals/) also: The Care and Keeping of You (https://www.amazon.com/Care-Keeping-You-Younger-American/dp/1609580834/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11IL4RK5P7HAO&keywords=body+book+american+girl&qid=1696001968&sprefix=body+book+american+girl%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1) by American Girl At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares an email from listener Tricia who wanted to say thank you for our recent episode about how to deal with negative people. (https://www.goodcatholic.com/podcast/7-ways-to-deal-with-negative-people-389/) For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.
Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com
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Getting Better at Hospitality Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

“Having people over is about so much more than just entertaining. It’s about truly connecting with one another and building real community.”
The holiday season is right around the corner, and maybe you are giving some thought to holiday hospitality. Do you dread having people over? Or do you avoid it altogether because it just takes so much effort? Danielle shares some tips to help you overcome some of those obstacles and truly get better at hospitality.
Have a plan. Think ahead about the things you might talk about with your guests or interesting topics of conversation.
Just do it. A lot. If you are anxious about hosting, the simplest way to get over yourself is to just start doing it. The more you do it, the easier it will become.
Start small. You don’t have to host a giant event or fancy dinner party. Just invite some friends for coffee or games.
Let others help. Share the load! You can make things simpler by allowing guests to bring some of the food or otherwise help you prepare.
Stay within your budget. It can be tempting to spend a lot of money trying to pull off the “perfect” event, but remember this is about connecting with others, not showing off. Plan a simple budget and stick with it.
Don’t apologize. Don’t make the awkward mistake of pointing out all the things that are wrong with your home or your food to your guests. Be gracious and humble and authentically yourself.
Be present. Make sure to truly listen and connect with your guests. That’s what it all about!
At the end of today’s show, Danielle answers a question from Jessie who is looking for help in breaking her habit of drinking too much coffee.
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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Navigating Infertility (with Jamie Rathjen and Teresa Kenney) Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

Snippet From the Show “Like everything in healthcare, with infertility, you become a detective, taking a really good history from both the woman and the man. We need to remember always that it takes two people to create life. So we want to make sure we address right away male fertility and not leave that for down the road.” Jamie Rathjen Today’s special guests are Jamie Rathjen and Teresa Kenney, hosts of The Hormone Genius podcast (https://www.hormonegenius.com/). Jamie is founder of the Fiat Institute (https://www.fiatinstitute.com/), a hormone coach certification program, and Teresa is Women’s health Nurse Practitioner and author of The Happy Girl’s Guide to Being Whole. (https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Girls-Guide-Being-Whole/dp/1735223727) Together, they discuss the topic of male and female infertility and some practical ways to create a safe environment for your hormonal health and fertility. At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares a voicemail from Vanessa who shares about the Duo Lingo app. More links from today’s show: Free offer from Teresa and Jamie at The Hormone Genius podcast. (https://www.hormonegenius.com/freebie) Cleanish by Gin Stephens (https://www.amazon.com/Clean-ish-Natural-Ability-Self-Clean/dp/125082415X) Water Consciousness study (https://thewellnessenterprise.com/emoto/) The Hormone Genius podcast episode on male infertility (https://soundcloud.com/thehormonegenius/s3-ep-31-male-infertility) For episode shownotes visit www.goodcatholic.com.
Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

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