The Catholic Feminist

Latest Episodes:

113: Making Our Way Through Grief ft. Leticia Ochoa Adams Jul 10, 2019

Show notes

How do you keep living a life of faith after an impossible-to-imagine tragedy occurs? ✨ Today's guest, speaker and writer Leticia Ochoa Adams, is no stranger to grief. After her son committed suicide a couple of years ago, she decided to live the rest of her life sharing his story + walking through her journey of sorrow publicly. We talk about how to remain in relationship with Christ after horrible things happen and why "getting over" grief just isn't a thing. We also dive into what we call Catholic Celebrity Culture—why Leticia's passionate about exposing the media to different kinds of Catholic women, and why Catholic womanhood isn't one-size-fits-all. Enjoy!

Today's episode is brought to you by Franciscan University of Stuebenville. Join some former podcast guests and get an authentically Catholic education from the comfort of your own home by enrolling in one of their many graduate programs. Hit up www.franciscan.edu/tcf to learn more.

Today's episode is also brought to you by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs one of these stunning planners designed by former guest Erica Tighe. Live more liturgically this year by heading to www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

112: Escaping Burnout + Discerning Vocations ft. Sr. Marcia Hall Jul 03, 2019

Show notes

You know when you hear God's voice whisper to you, and you're like…no. Wrong girl. Thanks, but no thanks. Today's guest sure does. When Sr. Marcia Hall was trying to figure out what direction to take her life, the thought of joining the Oblate Sisters of Providence was the last thing on her mind. But she eventually gave God her own fiat and joined the Oblate Sisters, which was the first religious order created for Black women. The order was founded in 1828 by 2 women who heard a call to religious life but were rejected by other religious orders due to our American Church's shamefully racist past. Now, Sr. Marcia is on the show to walk us through dealing with compassion burnout, having holy boundaries, and discerning our vocations. I loved learning more about the Oblate sisters, how a religious sister can practice self-care, and Sr. Marcia's tips for listening to your OWN call. Enjoy!

111: Ending Rape Culture ft. Adele Smith Jun 26, 2019

Show notes

If someone called you saying that their house was robbed, what's the first thing you would say? Probably you should have locked your doors, right? Or maybe, Are you sure? Maybe you didn't understand what the robber was doing . Possibly That can't be true. I know your neighborhood. Only nice people who would never steal live there.

Proooooobs not. I'm guessing it would be something more like, I'm so sorry that happened to you.

Today's guest, Adele Smith, is a survivor of sexual violence. After her assault took place, her name was smeared (to say the least—there are literal blogs devoted to accusing her of lying) and she didn't believe her college did enough to protect her from her rapist. That's why she founded Dinah's Voice, an organization dedicated to ending rape culture on Christian college campuses. Adele is here to talk with us about what rape culture is, why we shouldn't be surprised that sexual violence takes place on Catholic campuses, and how we can embrace Christian values without letting them be twisted into victim-shaming. I was honored to speak with Adele and I hope her story inspires you.

When we approach situations with a sense of love and a desire for truth, I believe we will find it. This isn't about #BelievingAllWomen or #MeToo'ing our way into a protest. It's about using our anger as fuel for justice and seeking the truth, every single time.

Today's episode is brought to you in part by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs this stunning planner in her life. Snag yours today at www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

Today's episode is also brought to you by Audible. How do I get dressed in the morning with two little kids? Y'all, Peter Rabbit on Audible. Grab a free audio book today by heading to www.audibletrial.com/catholic.

110: Foster Care and Supporting Families ft. Brianna Johnston Hanks Jun 19, 2019

Show notes

"And we will love naturally, we will try to do something. First in our own home, next door neighbor in the country we live, in the whole world." - Mother Teresa. I love Mama T so much I named a baby after her, and this quote is one of the reasons why. It's a commonly-told anecdote that when people asked her how they could change the world like she was doing, she told them to go home and love their families. The family is truly the bedrock of our Christian faith, and although volunteering and donating and going to the margins are all essential, I truly believe that loving your family is the number one most effective way to have an impact for the Gospel.

Today's podcast guest, Brianna Johnston Hanks, is an attorney who works with families affected by foster care. When we think of foster care, we may have a picture in our head: selfless individuals who accept poor, needy kids into their homes and then go all Daddy-Warbucks on 'em. But the truth is, foster care is a complex, nuanced issues with lots of hope + lots of heartbreak. Brianna is walking us through what foster care is for, how to discern if you're ready to foster, and why foster care is an issue that needs to be discussed more among Catholics. It was truly an eye-opening conversation for me—to learn about how foster care is focused on the reunification of families and is meant to help families stay together reminded me so much of some of the core tenants of our faith. The same way we care about kids on our border, let's care about kids in our own communities who are experiencing the heartbreak of family separation and the people who have stepped up to stand in the gap with them. Enjoy our chat!

109: Building Bridges + Understanding Racism ft. Danielle Brown Jun 12, 2019

Show notes

How come we never hear priests talking about race from the pulpit?

I mean, maybe YOU do. But I'm pretty sure I literally never have. And that's not ok. It's a social issue plaguing our society, the same as other topics I hear about frequently, like abortion, poverty, and murder (the gang activity in Milwaukee, y'all. Fix it Jesus.) I have my theories. So does today's guest, Danielle Brown. Danielle is the associate director of the USCCB's Committee Against Racism. She's breaking down WHAT exactly racism is, why we have such a hard time talking about it, and the importance of "having a life that reflects the diversity that the Lord created on Earth." Danielle talks about growing up in a monochromatic Church and how her faith changed when she connected with other Black Catholics. She also shares what white Catholics can do to serve as effective allies. It was a phenomenal conversation and I know you'll enjoy listening just as much as I enjoyed having it!

BTW, the audio in this episode is a little lower than our usual production quality—my apologies. We had a few tech issues and as you'll hear me explain in the episode…A MOUSE JUMPED OUT AT ME HALFWAY THROUGH RECORDING. So during the episode when you hear my typing, I am FRANTICALLY texting my husband to come home over lunch and set up mouse traps. 😂 (I did edit out when I shrieked OH MY GOD, though. Apologies to the Lord for taking his name in vein. But some of his creatures are nasty.)

108: Remaining Catholic After Suffering From Clergy Sexual Abuse ft. Krista Keil Jun 05, 2019

Show notes

When I started the Catholic Feminist, one of my guiding principles was to get as close to those affected by issues as possible. Talking about eating disorders? Speak to someone who's had one. Talking about racism? Speak to someone who's experienced it. Talking about clergy sexual abuse? Have a victim share their story.

Today's guest, Krista Keil, is a Catholic speaker who's bravely sharing her story of adult sexual abuse with us today. Krista and I talk about her story, how she was able to remain Catholic after being abused by someone in a position of power, what she finds unhelpful when it comes to discussions of abuse, and how she responds to people who have left the faith due to the predator priest crisis.

It was an honor to hear Krista's story today. This topic is discussed with grace but it may not be appropriate for little ears. If you've experienced abuse and need help and guidance, please call the national sexual abuse hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Blessed Is She academic planner. This planner contains everything from feast days to to-do lists to places for prayer requests. It's stunning, made by Catholic makers, and perfect for the modern Catholic woman. Head to thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner to snag one today.

Today's episode is also brought to you by Audible. Audio books have made my life as a busy mom SO much easier, and I know they'll do the same for you. Snag a free audio book of your choice and a free 30-day trial by visiting audibletrial.com/catholic.

107: Healing as a Church From the Sexual Abuse Scandal ft. Maggi Van Dorn May 29, 2019

Show notes

If only Catholic priests would get married, sexual abuse wouldn't be a problem.

Everyone else abuses kids, too. It's not just Catholics.

After the Dallas Charter, there's practically NO sexual abuse by Catholic priests.

If the above statements make you 🙄🤢😬😡, today's episode is for you. Maggi Van Dorn is the host of Deliver Us, a podcast that covers the history of the Church sexual abuse scandals and how we got to where we are today. Maggi and I talk all about whether or not the Church is STILL covering up predator priests, where we go from here, and whether or not true healing is possible. This topic is discussed with grace but may not be appropriate for little ears—grab your headphones.

Want to sail down the Danube River with Fr. Leo from Plated By Grace? See Salzburg, Prague, and MORE on this amazing trip with Select International Tours. Head to thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/tour to learn more.

106: Life on the US/Mexico Border ft. Kelly Griffith May 22, 2019

Show notes

I'm married to an immigrant.

Now, he didn't claim asylum at the border to escape gang activity. His dad won something called a lottery (I always tell people he won it like in Titanic when Jack wins tickets…but that's not exactly accurate) and his family picked the US over New Zealand. They were escaping something serious, but less immediately deadly: a horrendous economy brought about by years of communism and no opportunities for upward motility in careers.

Immigration is something everyone has an opinion on. I know the Hot Topic of the Moment is abortion, but it's interesting to me how many pro life people also care passionately about immigration. As they should. The crisis on the border is truly a pro life issue in that it deals with the dignity of human life. As a fifth minor dies in US custody this week, it's important to be talking about what life on the border is like and how we can implement effective solutions to make sure our world is a place for all people to thrive.

Today's guest is Kelly Griffith, a teacher who formerly worked in a border town. Kelly is sharing her story about what life is REALLY like on the border—beyond the headlines and the pundits and the politicians. She's breaking down what may surprise you, what it was like when the family separation policy began to be implemented, and how the power of hearing each other's stories can radically transform our hearts. Enjoy.

Today's episode is brought to you by Select International Tours. Join Fr. Leo on a cruise down the Danube River this fall by heading to www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/tour and check out selectinternationaltours.com/feminist to learn more about the amazing trips they have to offer.

MINISODE: How to Talk About Abortion May 21, 2019

Show notes

We're talking about abortion. Buckle up. Tune in to hear my thoughts on why we're talking about abortion all wrong as a society + often a Church.

105: #ThoughtsAndPrayers ft. Chika Anyanwu May 15, 2019

Show notes

It's what we're told to do without ceasing. It's my first recommendation for any struggle. It's at times the only thing we know to do. But…why does cultivating a prayer life feel so freaking hard sometimes?

Because to be honest, the Rosary can feel SO dry. I want to snuggle up with my Bible and a candle and coffee but, um, my kids wake up at 6:30 and if I don't workout beforehand I feel like a lunatic all day. I love the idea of having this really steady prayer routine but I just struggle to really crank it out. When I was a FOCUS missionary, I did a daily holy hour, but these days, I'm lucky to get in 15 solid minutes of chitchat time with Jesus. That's partly why I dubbed 2019 my year of prayer: I want to positively drench my life, family, vocation, and days in prayer. But…aren't I supposed to WANT to pray? How come half the time I get ready to pray I just feel totally blah?

Today's guest, speaker and author Chika Anyanwu, chats with me about all things prayer. We talk about what our prayer lives look like, how to get over that "have to" syndrome, and why people hate the phrase #ThoughtsAndPrayers. It's truly one of my favorite conversations I've had on the show and I hope it resonates with you today.

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