The Feminine Genius Podcast

THANK YOU!: The Feminine Genius Podcast series finale + some news

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When the Lord calls, He calls! The Feminine Genius Podcast has been quite quiet ever since the end of season 4, and after a lot of prayer and reflection I feel that it's time to bring the podcast to a close. After spending 3+ years hearing and sharing the stories of some incredible feminine geniuses from all over the world, I take some time to reflect on this honour and responsibility by sharing my own story with all of you, something that I've never been able to do in full with this podcast until now.

I also take some time to share some news about what's next for me... and I'll let you tune in to hear more!

You can follow the Daughters of St. Paul on Instagram and Twitter @daughterstpaul. Learn more about the Daughters of St. Paul here: https://daughtersofstpaul.com/Who-We-Are

They also have a really great podcast called The Daughters Project, which you can listen to wherever you listen to your podcasts.

The Feminine Genius Podcast will still be available to listen to wherever you find your podcasts, though our web presence will be changing. Keep following @femgeniuspod on Instagram for more updates!

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay. A big thank you to them both for sharing their gifts and talents with all of us through the duration of the podcast!

A Look Back on Season 4 + What's Next...

Tue, 17 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

This season has truly been the most international season, complete with the 100th episode milestone and a lot of incredible stories of different feminine geniuses from (literally) across the globe! I take some time to reflect on the season that's happened and share a little bit of insight into what's next for the podcast.

Here are the show notes for this week's finale episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-look-back-on-season-4-whats-next

A big thank you to Theresa Ambat for her help on editing the last few episodes of the season, and to all the women who came on as guests this season (in order of appearance): Vivienne Boddy, Chenele Shaw, Krista Corbello, Lauren Costabile, Alexandria Glaudé, Sophia Lebano, Rachel Harkins Ullmann, Sr. Josephine Garrett, Nicole Caruso, April Garcia, Trisha de Souza, Claire Ellendson, Joy Katigbak, Liv Harrison, Elizabeth Varga, Whitney Maslak, Maria Raissa Espinoza, Rakhi McCormick, Jill Simons, and Micole Amalu.

If you enjoyed listening to this season of The Feminine Genius Podcast, I invite you to share your favourite episode (or episodes!) with a friend and to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. It helps others find the show, and your contribution makes a difference!

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Mental Health in the Church and the Face of Mercy — with Micole Amalu

Tue, 10 May 2022 16:35:00 +0000

“There’s something they have to offer from the struggles and the shape of their lives that the Church needs.” During her time as a campus missionary, Micole Amalu found herself journeying with students who struggled with their mental health, and helped them in their journey of healing. These experiences as well as her own journey led her to start The Face of Mercy, a nonprofit organization that aims to help provide mental health advocacy and education in the Church. In this episode, Micole and I talk about the experiences that helped her see this need, how The Face of Mercy carries out this mission, and what we as a Church can do to support others struggling with their mental health.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/mental-health-in-the-church-and-the

You can learn more about The Face of Mercy by visiting thefaceofmercy.org and by following them on Instagram @thefaceofmercy. There are additional mental health resources linked in the show notes. Your mental health matters!!

This episode was edited by Theresa Ambat, who also created our theme music, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Our First Identity is Daughter of God — with Jill Simons

Tue, 03 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

“The fullness of truth breeds joy, and living out of that and not allowing these lies about our identity to really percolate in our souls is something that then allows us to access that joy so much more easily.” Jill Simons shared some major truth in this episode, discussing how the Lord invited her to trust Him more and stop hurrying and worrying. Jill is a wife, mother and the owner and creative director of Pink Salt Riot, but above all she’s come to rest in the truth of her identity as God’s daughter. Through her work and ministry, Jill’s mission is to help other women recognize this identity in themselves. In this episode, Jill shares how she’s come to see her identity as God’s daughter, the story behind Pink Salt Riot, and how we can all stop hurrying and worrying, resting first in God’s love for us.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/our-first-identity-is-daughter-of

Be sure to check out Pink Salt Riot online at their website, pinksaltriot.com and by following them on Instagram @pinksaltriot.

If you ever find yourself in Tulsa, Oklahoma, go and drop by their storefront The Riot House!

As Jill mentioned, she is the host of the podcast The Authentic Uprising Show, which you can listen to wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This episode was edited by Theresa Ambat, who also is the genius behind our theme music. Our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Encountering Christ in Community and in the Least — with Rakhi McCormick

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

“I’d been searching in all different faiths. I think then it was very much an encounter with Christ in the least, with the explanation especially from this young man.” Rakhi McCormick’s journey to the Catholic faith was one of continual encounter. She was raised Hindu in a small town, and for much of her life she sought out belonging and identity. Through various points of encounter, she met Jesus in different people and experiences. Rakhi entered the Catholic Church as a young adult, and now walks with other people through a variety of ministries that she serves. In this episode, Rakhi shares her story of conversion, how she started using her art to serve God, and what it means to encounter Christ in the least.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/conversion-art-and-christ-found-in

Be sure to follow Rakhi on Twitter @RakhiMcCormick and on Instagram @rakstardesigns. You can learn more about Rakhi and her artwork by visiting her website, rakstardesigns.com.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Journeying to Sainthood with Joy and Vulnerability — with Maria Raissa Espinoza

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

“What is youth ministry? I get paid to love teens where they are and create community and show them literally the way, the truth and the life.” Joy is the word that come to mind when I think of Maria Raissa Espinoza. Maria is a youth minister and the host of the podcast Saintly Not Salty. After receiving a call from the Lord to evangelize to youth, Maria devoted her life to the calls to mission and holiness. A lot of her ministry revolves around bringing people closer to Christ and encountering Him and His love. In this episode, Maria shares the call that changed her life, her ministry as a youth minister, and the inspiration behind her podcast Saintly Not Salty.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/journeying-to-sainthood-with-joy

You can listen to Saintly Not Salty on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you find your podcasts! You can also follow along on Instagram @saintlynotsalty.

In an episode of Saintly Not Salty, Maria shared the story of how we met on Valentine's Day 2022, which is an incredible story! You can listen to that specific episode (and all episodes of the pod) here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6nxkw6EauuGzgdfLzS7yh7?si=cf388ce5e30a4b01

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Serving as a Stay-At-Home-Mom and a Recording Artist — with Whitney Maslak

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 08:05:00 +0000

“In following my vocation and doing my best to focus on my family’s needs, I think God has been able to speak to me and bring out this career of being a recording artist.” Whitney Maslak was encouraged from an early age to share her musical gifts with her community. While going professional with her music wasn’t seen as a practical path, Whitney never stopped singing. Through an inspired moment in prayer, she received assurance from the Lord to pursue music, and from there, while caring for her family as a stay at home mom, she went on to release an album, working on it in her home and sharing it with the world. In this episode, Whitney and I talk about her love for music and cantoring, how Gregorian chant helped her through some challenging times, and the balance of motherhood while pursuing her music dreams.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/serving-as-a-stay-at-home-mom-and

Be sure to follow Whitney on Instagram @whitneymaslakmusic. You can learn more about her music and stay up to date with Whitney’s latest releases by checking out her website, whitneymaslak.com.

Whitney's Youtube channel can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/c/whitneymaslak

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Bringing Faith and Food to the Table — with Elizabeth Varga

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

“You should love your God-given body, but you should also desire for that body to be how God desires for it to be.” Elizabeth Varga has a very special relationship to faith and food. In college, she was the one who had all the unique snacks — and now, she shares her plant-based recipes and the intersection of faith and food on her blog, “At Elizabeth’s Table”. In this episode, Elizabeth and I talk about her desire to share the good news with the people she meets, her journey on becoming a plant-based Catholic, and how food plays into our relationships with God and others.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/bringing-faith-and-food-to-the-table

Be sure to follow Elizabeth on Instagram @elizabeths_table, and you can check out her recipes and writing on these topics and more at her website, atelizabethstable.com!

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

100 Episodes of The Feminine Genius Podcast — with YOU!

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Friends, today's episode is the 100th episode of The Feminine Genius Podcast! It is surreal to be here and this would not have been possible with all of you: this community of sisters and friends who I am so fortunate to journey with as we all learn what it means to live out our unique feminine genius.

Today's episode features some short reflections submitted by some listeners and dear sisters in Christ, and I am so excited for you to hear how they live out their feminine genius in a tangible way that makes sense in their life and context.

In this episode, in order of appearance, you hear from Lorraine Abagatnan, Rosanne Bajao, Eula Chua, Louisa Florentin, Marystella Ramirez Guerra, Gabrielle Raymond, Melissa Siu-Chong, Nyasha Thandi, and Christine Tolentino. A big thank you to each of them for sharing so beautifully and vulnerably!

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/100-episodes-of-the-feminine-genius

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Giving Permission to Be Extraordinary — with Liv Harrison

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

“I want people to fall in love with people, and then they’ll want to know the creator because they’re falling in love with the art.” Liv Harrison is a powerhouse of a woman who has endured a number of crosses in her life. She is a captivating speaker and storyteller with a killer sense of humour, but above all, she is rooted in the truth of God’s love for her. Her goal is to encourage, inspire, and connect people to Jesus — and she does so with joy, laughter, and incredible courage. In this episode, Liv shares the relationship between her faith and weight loss journey, her desire to connect people together through the work she does, and why it’s so important to give ourselves permission to be extraordinary.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/giving-permission-to-be-extraordinary

Be sure to follow Liv Harrison on Instagram @thelivharrison and @lhmedia.productions, and check out her website: thelivharrison.com. You’ll find all the links to listen and watch “It’s Not That Late with Liv Harrison” and “Liv Every Day” from all those places!

Special thanks to Anna Lincoln for her help in coordinating and making this interview happen!

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Sharing the Gift of Theology of the Body — with Joy Katigbak

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

“As a human person, made male or female, your body tells you something. Your body tells you that you are created to be a gift: you are made for relationship.” Growing up in a culturally Catholic country, Joy Katigbak knows very well what it means to serve. As the Lord called her to work in ministry, she was invited to be docile and more open to Him. This openness made her instrumental in bringing Theology of the Body to her home country of the Philippines. Now, she shares this important message as a TOB speaker both locally and abroad. In this episode, Joy shares how ministry is deeply woven into her marriage and family life, how she first came to learn about Theology of the Body, and the importance of making a gift of ourselves to others.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/sharing-the-gift-of-theology-of-the

I’ve linked a number of TOB resources for you to check out if you want to learn more!

Be sure to follow Joy on Instagram @joybkatigbak.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Saint Friends from Heaven and Earth — with Claire Ellendson

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

“The diversity of saints speaks to how big God is.” Claire Ellendson has a profound love for the saints, and aspires to learn as much as she can about her friends in heaven. One of the things that she’s come to appreciate is the ordinary-ness of some of these holy men and women, and through this appreciation, she’s grown in love of service and meeting people where they’re at, learning more about God’s unconditional love for us. In this episode, Claire shares her background in serving with NET Ministries, what she’s learned from working with folks with different abilities, and what inspired her to befriend the saints.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/saint-friends-from-heaven-and-earth

Be sure to follow Dead Friend Saints on Instagram, @deadfriendsaints!

I was lucky enough to be a guest on Dead Friend Saints and we talked about one of my favourite saints, Pope St. John Paul II! You can listen to that episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and beyond. Be sure to subscribe on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode!

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6KGXTRTS2WgvqWlwiznJjx?si=3447312d9f83422a

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Surrender, Dependence, and When Dreams Die — with Trisha de Souza

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

"Our suffering sometimes gives us the capacity to understand what it means to be in heaven one day." Trisha de Souza had plans to work in politics and worked extremely hard towards that goal. But a series of health issues led to a major career shift and gave new life to an old hobby. This dramatic change led Trisha to grow in her dependence on God in the midst of life's challenges, as well as the reminder that this world is our ship, and not our home. In this episode, Trisha and I talk about the difficult health challenges she's had to endure, how she came to start her art business, and the important prayer that changed her perspective on God and His providence.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/surrender-dependence-and-when-dreams

To check out Trisha's art and get in touch with her for commissions, check out her Instagram @mademarionillustrated!

As mentioned in the episode, I first heard Trisha's story on the podcast In The Thicket! Take a listen to that episode featuring Trisha here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1s7EE6hG56IKxiLnqhaCfv?si=W5aV5p_ERCOgtKCSwXJC8A

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Unmasking the Truth, Goodness and Beauty of God — with April Garcia

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

"We need to really be naked before the Lord. We really need to bear everything before the Lord. He is ready to take every pain, every suffering, every blemish that you have, and He will turn it into grace. He will give you grace to go through that." April Garcia was raised Catholic but spent many years away from God and her faith. Her journey and searching brought her to a variety of different places, but ultimately she landed on the front lines of the New Evangelization. She now shares stories of conversion and uncovers the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith through the show Unmasked. In this episode, April shares about her journey back to the Catholic faith, why she felt called to start Unmasked, and the need for all of us to participate in the New Evangelization.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/unmasking-the-truth-goodness-and

You can watch all episodes of Unmasked on Facebook by visiting their page, facebook.com/theunmaskedlife and you can also follow Unmasked on Instagram, @theunmaskedlife.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Embracing Our God-Given Worth — with Nicole Caruso

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

"God is the author of beauty, and He gives us our feminine genius. He gives us our gifts and our mission, and it's so much bigger than just one industry." Nicole Caruso has always had a love for style, art and media. The intersection of her background working in the fashion industry along with her vocation of motherhood challenged her perceptions of beauty and what it means to be worthy, and this led her to start Worthy of Wearing, a movement that reminds women of their God-given worth that goes beyond output and productivity. In this episode, Nicole and I talk about her experiences working in fashion, how God brought together her love of her faith and fashion, and how Worthy of Wearing came to be.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/embracing-our-god-given-worth-with

You can check out more of Nicole's work, including purchasing your own copy of Worthy of Wearing, on her website, nicolemcaruso.com!

You can also follow Nicole on Instagram: @nmcaruso.

Special thanks to Sarah Lemieux from Sophia Institute Press for her help in coordinating this interview and making it happen! Learn more about Sophia Institute Press and the wonderful books they have available here: sophiainstitute.com

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Finding God in the Abundance — with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

"I thought it had to be lost and left in order for me to move forward, and it was more like it had to be given over, to be transformed and made new for what was ahead." Sr. Josephine Garrett is a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth with an incredible story and journey. She was raised Baptist, studied Political Philosophy, and worked in banking. During her time in banking, she had a desire to be a woman of God, and through this entered into the Catholic Church. With an even deeper desire to serve God, she began discerning and became a religious sister, and now works as a licensed counselor. In this episode, Sr. Josephine shares her incredible journey of becoming Catholic and a religious sister, her passion for serving children as a counselor, and the important truth that our God is a God of abundance, and not scarcity.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/finding-god-in-the-abundance-with

You can follow Sr. Josephine on Instagram @sr_josephine.

You can also learn more about the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth by checking out their website, https://nazarethcsfn.org/, and by following them on Instagram @csfn.usa.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Leading Through the Gift You Are — with Rachel Harkins Ullmann

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

"We all should strive to be a leader in our own sphere of influence, wherever it is that God has placed us, wherever it is that we can be a gift of self to others." When Rachel Harkins Ullmann was young, she received a powerful vision from the Lord. She felt a call to step out of her comfort zone, serve others, and be a leader. With many years of experience working in ministry, Rachel now serves as the Executive Director for the GIVEN Institute, an organization that empowers young women to be leaders in the Church and society. In this episode, Rachel and I talk about her unique faith journey, how she got involved with the GIVEN Institute, and the important gift that Catholic women are as servant leaders in the world.

Here are the show notes for this episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/leading-through-the-gift-you-are

You can learn more about the GIVEN Institute by checking out their website, giveninstitute.com, and you can also find them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @giveninstitute. You can also follow Rachel on Instagram @catholicexcel.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Sharing the Gospel ‘Hear’ and Now — with Sophia Lebano

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

"[Hearing loss] was something that became positive for me, knowing that whatever I was given, I would find a way through God's grace, obviously, to transform it into something good." As a girl growing up with progressive hearing loss, Sophia Lebano didn't always feel supported. Through a number of trials and moving schools, Sophia found that the one constant in her life was God and her faith, and she knew that to get through the challenges she would need to surrender everything to Him. God heard her prayer, and this sparked Sophia's life mission to spread the Gospel and advocate for those with hearing loss. In this episode, Sophia and I talk about her conviction in the Catholic faith, her work as an entrepreneur and the host of the podcast Hear and Now, and the movements of the Holy Spirit in her life.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/sharing-the-gospel-hear-and-now-with

You can listen and subscribe to Sophia's podcast Hear and Now on Apple Podcasts or wherever else you find your podcasts.

Learn more about her work by checking out sophialebano.com and by following her on Instagram @sophialebano.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Embracing Femininity Through Wrestling — with Alexandria Glaudé

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

"Wrestling is what allowed me to come into my own and embrace who I am as a woman, and appreciate my body in the way that God made it." Alexandria Glaudé didn't seek out wrestling at first. In her words, "God wanted her to wrestle." She started wrestling in high school and quickly excelled in the sport, and has her sights set on wrestling for Team USA in the Olympics. Through the sport of wrestling and her biracial identity, she's come to learn a lot about herself, her femininity, and the ways God is calling on her to set the world on fire. In this episode, Alexandria and I talk about how God brought her into the sport of wrestling, how she's seen her femininity flourish within the sport, and how her multi-faceted identity puts her in a unique position to evangelize to those in the margins.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/embracing-femininity-through-wrestling

You can follow Alexandria on her wrestling and faith journey on Instagram @glaudealex.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Saying Yes to God's Mission for Us — with Lauren Costabile

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

"There's such beauty in that trust and faithfulness in saying 'yes' amidst those unknowns." Lauren Costabile remembers a summer serving at a camp for children and youth with special needs. In her nervousness, she connected with a camper with Down Syndrome, and she says that this was like a hug from God. As she learned more and grew in her desire to serve this community, she founded the organization Hearts of Joy International, which provides heart surgery for children with Down Syndrome in countries where families can’t afford medical care. In this episode, Lauren and I talk about how she founded Hearts of Joy International, her deep desire to serve others, and how our little 'yeses' help us live out our God-given plan and mission for our lives.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/saying-yes-to-gods-mission-for-us

You can learn more about the important and life-changing work that Hearts of Joy International does by visiting heartsofjoyinternational.com. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook @heartsofjoyinternational.

Please also consider supporting their current #Hug4Hearts Challenge! Learn more: heartsofjoyinternational.com/hug4hearts

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Being an Open Heart for the World — with Krista Corbello

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

"I want to cultivate a culture of life in my daily life." Krista Corbello was raised Catholic and lived in a very culturally Catholic place, and this meant that she didn't have to think too much about calling herself 'pro-life'. But a human rights talk and meeting her biological father helped her to see herself in the pro-life movement. She started to speak out about her mother's story, and over time learned more about her own story of origin. In learning about a sibling who she lost to abortion, she started the non-profit Even This Way, a place to provide siblings and families healing and community. In this episode, Krista shares the relationship between her faith and pro-life journey, what she's learned from running Even This Way, and her desire to be an open heart in the world.

Content Warning: In this episode, Krista and I talk about abortion. Listener discretion is advised.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/being-an-open-heart-for-the-world

You can learn more about Even This Way by visiting their website, https://www.eventhisway.org/. Follow Krista on Instagram @kristacorbello.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

A Champion for Human Fraternity — with Chenele Shaw

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

"We are all trying to eradicate a sin and replace it with a virtue, so let's all be on the same page." When she was younger, Chenele Shaw saw something in her peers that piqued her curiosity. After making some poor choices in her past, she made a conscious decision to reform her life and turn to God. This initial yes helped her grow in relationship with God and give witness to true human fraternity and she does this through groups like The Human Condition Community and Before Gethsemane Initiative. In this episode, Chenele shares her story of deepening her faith, being a champion for mental health awareness and racial reconciliation, and why it's important to have those difficult conversations to foster true human fraternity.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-champion-for-human-fraternity-with

You can follow Chenele on Instagram @chenele_k.

Learn more about The Human Condition Community by following them on Instagram @thehumanconditioncommunity and by checking their website, thehumanconditioncommunity.org.

Learn more about Before Gethsemane Initiative by following them on Instagram @beforegethsemane and by checking out their website, beforegethsemane.org.

Chenele is the host of the podcast Ave Spotlight, which you can listen to wherever you listen to your podcasts! She was kind enough to host me on her show, and you can listen to that episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/64wQvLI1e5b8Zr7T0LLkUD?si=c272737508b446ba

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Giving Life Through Creating — with Vivienne Boddy

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

"We're all called to be life givers, we're all called to give life and to be creatives. And in that sense, we really do share in God's image and likeness in a special way." Vivienne Boddy's artwork is instantly recognizeable and beautiful. As she prepared to enter into a new season of her life as a mother, she started Garden of Her Womb, an Instagram account where she shares her artistic journey. For Vivienne, it is a way to share her reflections on faith, life as a mother, and her growing relationship with God. In this episode, Vivienne and I talk about how she got into art, what inspired her to go public with her artwork, and how she's seen her art as a vessel to grow closer to God.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/giving-life-through-creating-with

You can follow Vivienne Boddy on Instagram @gardenofherwomb and check out more of her work on her website, https://gardenofherwomb.com.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Looking Back on Season 3!

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Friends, it is the season finale of The Feminine Genius Podcast! This season, we welcomed 21 incredible women who shared their stories and unique ways of living out their feminine genius. I am so in awe of each of them and the ways in which they say YES to working with God in the particular way that He calls them!

In this episode, I share some of the things that I've learned through talking this season of the podcast, as well as a little insight into what's next!

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/looking-back-on-season-3

The Feminine Genius Podcast will be going on a bit of a break, and will return soon! To stay up to date with the podcast, be sure to follow us @femgeniuspod on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can also listen to this podcast everywhere you listen to your podcasts!

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Carrying Our Crosses with Joy — with Kate Crohan

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

"I'm there to convey the message, not be the message of 'I can read braille, so look at me!'" Kate Crohan is a woman of deep faith who has experienced great joy in her life, but has also had her fair share of crosses. Kate is blind, and goes through life with the help and support of many loved ones around her. She doesn't let her blindness stop her, though: Kate is active in her parish community, singing in the choir, lectoring at mass, serving the parish council and more. She is a true model of service, placing herself at the service of her family and friends, and doing so with great joy. In this episode, Kate and I talk about navigating life with blindness, the variety of ways that she serves the church, and the importance of accessibility for persons of all abilities in the Catholic Church.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/carrying-our-crosses-with-joy-with

A big thank you goes to Aisling Redican of the Xavier Society for the Blind for connecting Kate and I to make this episode possible! You can learn more about the Xavier Society by checking out their website, xaviersocietyfortheblind.org. They are also on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @XavierSociety.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Wholeness, Fertility Awareness, and Reverencing Our Bodies — with Bridget Busacker

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 08:00:00 +0000

"This is going beyond just knowing our cycles and loving our bodies, but loving who we are as persons and recognizing the person in front of us." When Bridget Busacker got engaged, she and her now-husband started looking for a natural family planning method to start them off. But the research process showed that this wasn't as simple as they thought. Wanting to take action in the fertility awareness space, she co-founded Managing Your Fertility, a one-stop shop for women to learn more about and compare different NFP methods. Her hope is to build out the space and make an impact in women's health, not only for herself, but for her daughters and future generations.

In this episode, Bridget and I talk about how she became interested in charting and fertility awareness, how she started Managing Your Fertility, and how becoming a mother empowered her to jump head first into this work full-time.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/wholeness-fertility-awareness-and

You can learn more about Managing Your Fertility by checking out their website, managingyourfertility.com, and you can follow them on Instagram and Facebook @managingyourfertility. Finally, Bridget has a podcast where she dives into everything that we talked about, and so much more! Listen to Managing Your Fertility wherever listen to your podcasts.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Rebuilding the Culture Through the Heart of Women — with Kiki Rocha

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 08:00:00 +0000

** CW: In this episode, there is mention of sexual assault and sexual abuse. Please take care when listening. **

"I am convinced that when every single woman is able to encounter the God mission inside of her, there is nothing that will stop her from turning the world to Christ." Kiki Rocha is a fierce champion for human dignity and bringing the light of God to the world. As a survivor of many traumas endured in her life, she now finds herself on a mission to rebuild culture through the heart of women, and she does this through expanding their mindset and helping them find their unique God-mission. She desires for women to live fully alive and launch their dreams.

In this episode, Kiki and I talk about her past work with The Culture Project, the strength and inspiration she draws from her mother, and the ways in which God uses her story as a vessel for light and joy in the world.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/rebuilding-the-culture-through-the

We referenced a blog post that Kiki wrote for The Culture Project in this episode, and you can read it here: https://thecultureproject.org/when-loving-your-parents-gets-difficult/

Follow Kiki Rocha on Instagram @kikiiithebrave for inspiration and resources!

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Fashion, Intentional Style and Mother Mary — with Meghan Ashley Sokolowski

Tue, 25 May 2021 08:00:00 +0000

"We're human—we need tangible things to raise our eyes to heaven." A lot of Meghan Ashley Sokolowski's work is rooted in beauty. As a stylist for Catholic women, she has the opportunity to help women develop their personal style that is unique to them while also being modest and fun. Since clothes are a necessary part of our daily life, Meghan's goal is to make styling as easy as possible, and her hope is that when we can simplify that part of our lives, we can then put our energy towards things like deepening our prayer life. In this episode, Meghan shares the role her older sister played in her personal faith journey, what drew her to styling Catholic women, and her love of Mary—the ultimate style icon.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/fashion-intentional-style-and-mother

You can learn more about the work that Meghan does as well as see some of her fabulous outfits by following her on Instagram, @meghanashleystyling and by checking out her website, meghanashleystyling.com.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay. Special thanks to Eleanor Wong for her help on this episode.

A City on a Hill for God's Glory — with Amanda Lee

Tue, 18 May 2021 08:00:00 +0000

"God was once again inviting me to revisit this passion and this seed that He planted within me." Amanda Lee's journey to the Catholic faith was a long but beautiful one. She thought that her identity was wrapped up in academics or her athletic ability as a competitive swimmer. But through a powerful homily and a message from a stranger, Amanda was invited to explore her identity in Him as a daughter of God. Armed with her faith, Amanda now uses her platform City on a Hill to not only share her artwork, but also the ways in which God loves her unconditionally. In this episode, Amanda shares her incredible journey of faith and conversion, how she got into art despite failing the subject in school, and how God calls her - and all of us - to be a light to the world.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-city-on-a-hill-for-gods-glory-with

You can find Amanda’s artwork by checking out her website, cityonahilldesigns.com and by following her on Instagram @cityonahillco.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay. Special thanks this week to Eleanor Wong.

Diversity, Representation, and the Spirit of God — with Sarah Ku

Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

"We miss out on that full picture of creation, the reflection of God through people, when we only have one voice represented." When Sarah Ku was pregnant with her second child, she found herself on the hunt for an Asian baby doll for her eldest daughter. But when she found that there were no options of dolls that looked like her daughter, this started her on a journey of seeking out representation in books and media for herself and her family. This journey led Sarah to start a blog and a podcast called A Growing Home, where she talks about how she's intentionally raising her family while also sharing her unique voice as a biracial Asian, Catholic woman.

In this episode, Sarah shares her own story of conversion to the Catholic church, the importance of diversity and representation, and the ways in which she is lives out the Spirit of God as a mother to her children.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/diversity-representation-and-the

You can follow Sarah on Instagram @agrowinghome, and learn more by checking out her website, agrowinghome.com.

Be sure to tune in to Sarah's podcast A Growing Home! You can listen to and download A Growing Home wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Creating a Place for Women to Belong — with Corynne Staresinic

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

"I really wanted to create a space that would illustrate and show a diverse range of stories from Catholic women, that would really show the beauty and the diversity of the many different ways in which we as women live out the faith." Corynne Staresinic is a convert to the Catholic faith from a strong Evangelical background. In the past, Corynne disagreed with the ways women were treated by the Catholic Church. But through dating her now husband - who was a Catholic - and diving into her own research, she started to see the beauty and wisdom of Catholicism. Through her faith journey, she came to see the beauty of Catholic femininity and the diversity of ways women live out their vocation, which led her to create The Catholic Woman. In this episode, Corynne and I talk about her journey of conversion to the Catholic Church, how The Catholic Woman came to be, and why it's so important to her to create a place for all women to belong.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/creating-a-place-for-women-to-belong

Learn more about The Catholic Woman by checking out their website, thecatholicwoman.co. They’re also on Instagram @thecatholicwoman and on Facebook @TheCatholicWoman.Co.

If you want to hear more about A Place to Belong, take a listen to season two of The Daughters Project Podcast from the Daughters of St. Paul, who published the book! Over the course of the season, hosts Sr. Tracey Matthia and Sr. Julia Marie Benedicta interview a number of the contributors to the book. You can listen to The Daughters Project wherever you listen to your podcasts!

You can also find Corynne on Instagram @corynnestaresinic.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

The Power of Now and Giving of Ourselves — with Raisa and Renai Jose

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 08:00:00 +0000

"We've seen and felt first hand how remarkable it is to be serving people. And we're asking ourselves, why not share this feeling with as many people as possible?" Raisa and Renai Jose are two young changemakers living in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. From a young age, the Jose sisters had the values of service and love of neighbour instilled within them, and they wanted to find different ways to serve the community. This inspired them to start The Giving Truck, a non-profit organization which aims to mobilize youth to create change through random acts of kindness. Together with their volunteers, they serve people all over Vancouver, and they hope to empower other young people to be the change they wish to see in their community. In this episode, Raisa and Renai share how The Giving Truck got started, the different ways they serve others, and what sparked their love of service in their own lives.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/the-power-of-now-and-giving-of-ourselves

You can learn more about The Giving Truck and support their work by checking out their website, givingtruck.ca. You can also follow them on Instagram (@thegivingtruckofficial) and on Facebook (@thegivingtruck).

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

A Champion for Truth and Community — with Samantha Stephenson

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

"Religion, and the especially the Catholic faith, has been talking about these things - who the human person is, why we're here - for thousands of years! So we should be part of the discussion." Samantha Stephenson has always been curious and drawn to the truth. As a convert to the Catholic faith, her journey consisted of a two-fold conversion: one of the intellect, and then of the heart. Being drawn to the intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church led her to pursue a variety of projects and work in different positions, including teaching theology, hosting a podcast on bioethics, and working as a writer. Now as a mother, Samantha continues to encourage other women to follow the passions God has given them as the founder of the community Spoken Women while also nurturing her own passions and encouraging those of her children.

In this episode, Samantha and I talk about her conversion to the Catholic faith, her love for the intellectual tradition in the Catholic faith, and the power of having women present at the table when important conversations take place.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-champion-for-truth-and-community

You can listen to Samantha's podcast "Brave New Us" wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Learn more about Spoken Women by following them on Instagram and Facebook, @spokenwomen. You can find them online at spokenwomen.com.

You can learn all about these projects and more from Samantha by checking out her personal website, snstephenson.com.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Shaking Up Society and Serving From the Heart — with Ogechi Akalegbere

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 08:00:20 +0000

"I think the world is so much more beautiful when everybody in different bodies can live and be their full selves." Ogechi Akalegbre is a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion in variety of arenas. Whether she's lifting at the gym, advocating for diversity or providing a space for women to share their stories, Ogechi is committed to honouring the unique nature of each person - both in the Catholic Church and beyond. She desires to be a good trouble maker who wants to shake up the world and bring more awareness to some of the most pressing social justice issues of our time.

In this episode, Ogechi and I talk about her journey into the world of power lifting, how she started her podcast "Tell Me If You Can", and why it's so important for her to advocate for diversity, especially within the Catholic Church.

Show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/shaking-up-society-and-serving-from

Be sure to listen and subscribe to Ogechi's podcast "Tell Me If You Can" wherever you listen to your podcasts! You can follow Ogechi on Instagram @gechmeifyoucan, and check out her website, gechmeifyoucan.com.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Sharing Faith Through Media — with Julia Strukely

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:00:20 +0000

"If this is not my calling, how can I still take those things that I've learned and the things I still love, and how can I use those things now?" With a background in media studies and theology, Julia Strukely has found a variety of ways to put her degree and faith into action. As she followed the promptings of God in her life, she found herself leading retreats, serving with NET Ministries, working as a youth minister, and even discerned a religious vocation. Even though she ultimately discerned out of religious life, Julia saw that her time discerning was just the beginning to a deepening of her personal mission. Now, she teaches religion, journalism and media literacy to middle schoolers and continues to evangelize with and through the media - all because she continued to say yes. In this episode, Julia and I talk about her love for media, her time discerning a religious vocation and how that formed her, and how she continues to evangelize now as a speaker and podcaster.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/sharing-faith-through-media-with

You can follow Julia on Instagram @sevenmilechats and on Twitter @MsStrukely1.

Please be sure to tune into Julia's podcast, Seven Mile Chats! You can listen to it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Julia was also so kind and invited me to talk scripture with her on Seven Mile Chats! You can listen to that episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qi8v0kU5tnlIWvx3WxkpV?si=w67zMRt3Q3-HXPTi0WIlAg

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Faith, Mental Health, and Impacting the Culture — with Regina Boyd

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:00:13 +0000

"If I can help marriages, if I can do one small thing to save one family or rebuild or connect, then that's impacting the culture in a larger way." When she was younger, Regina Boyd noticed that many of her friends would go to her for advice or counsel. This sparked an interest in helping others, which led to pursuing a career in the areas of psychology, counseling and therapy. Regina now is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and is the founder of her own private practice, Boyd Counseling Services. Through her work, Regina aims to impact the culture through strengthening relationships and bolstering love. In this episode, Regina and I talk about what drew her to the area of psychology, sharing her message in the digital space, and her desire to impact the culture around her through the work that she does.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/faith-mental-health-and-impacting

You can find Regina Boyd on Instagram @boydcounselingservices and on Facebook. You can also check out her website to learn more about her work and the services she offers at reginaboyd.com.

Be sure to also listen and subscribe to Regina's podcast, Connecting Out Loud, wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Launching Well-Formed Catholics Into the World — with Elena Nuñez Murdock

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 09:00:28 +0000

"We're all created in the image and likeness of God, who doesn't want us to survive and starve. He wants us to live abundantly." After many years of serving in ministry, Elena Nuñez Murdock pivoted from her time in ministry to become a full-time entrepreneur. It was a process that taught her many lessons about resilience and self-confidence, and best of all, she was able to build on her experiences in ministry and bring them into the workplace. With all this in mind, Elena founded Mission to Launch: an all-in-one platform that equips and mentors those who are ready to transition from ministry into the corporate world, and encourages them to live life to the full. In this episode, Elena and I talk about the experiences she gained while working in ministry, what inspired her to found Mission to Launch, and the fact that we aren't just made for scarcity—we are made to thrive and live abundantly.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/launching-well-formed-catholics-into

To learn more about Mission to Launch, be sure to check out their website: mission2launch.com. Follow Mission to Launch on Instagram to stay up to date on course offerings and more news: @mission2launch.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

We are a People of Story — with Ava Lalor

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:00:22 +0000

"I want to help other people tell their stories. I want to be a part of the process of helping them share what's on their heart." Ava Lalor has always been attracted to listening to and sharing stories. As she worked through her time in college, Ava found her voice not only in the writing that she did but in helping to edit and work with other writers. She took this passion into her job at Our Sunday Visitor, where by chance, she found herself working behind the scenes at Radiant Magazine. Now, Ava is the editor of this online publication, working with women all over the United States to share their stories and perspectives on topics such as God's love, femininity, and beyond. In this episode, Ava and I talk about her love of stories, how she became the editor of Radiant Magazine, and her conviction in the fact that everyone has a story to tell.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/we-are-a-people-of-story-with-ava

You can find Radiant magazine by checking out their website, radiantmagazine.com, and you can find them on Instagram @radiant_mag.

You can follow Ava on Instagram @avalalor.

For more information about Our Sunday Visitor, you can check them out at osv.com.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Being a Message of Hope for Others — with Monét Souza

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 09:00:28 +0000

"I'm always trying my best to treat these students as not just a student, but a soul and a body to be nourished." When the pandemic started to sweep across the world in 2020, Monét Souza found herself wanting to share the joy and hope of Christ with other people. As an educator with a passion and talent for public speaking, Monét founded A Message of Hope, an online video series geared towards encouraging high school and college students to live out their Catholic faith. Through this platform and her work as an elementary school teacher, Monét shares this message of hope with as many people as possible through education, resources, and encouragement. In this episode, Monét and I talk about her love for public speaking, her experiences in working with young minds in the classroom, and what pushed her to launch her ministry under such unusual circumstances.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/being-a-message-of-hope-for-others

Be sure to follow A Message of Hope on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube! All of this information and more can be found in their website, amhlifestyles.com.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Holiness for All Cultures — with Sr. Desiré Findlay, CSSF

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:00:02 +0000

"I wanna see all sorts of cultures achieving holiness. I don't want it to just be one culture that can be holy or that can belong, but all cultures." As a young person Sr. Desiré Anne-Marie Findlay was fascinated by the holiness of saints, and she found herself similarly fascinated by different nuns that she would meet. While on a pilgrimage through New Mexico, she met the Felician Sisters and started to discern religious life. A series of Sr. Desiré's 'yeses' would eventually bring her to where she is today. Not only does she help other women discern their vocations, but as a Black Catholic, she is a champion for representation and the conviction that all are called to holiness, regardless of who they are and what they look like. In this episode, Sr. Desiré and I talk about her vocational discernment journey, how she praises God through her gift of dance, and why representation in the Catholic Church is needed and necessary.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/holiness-for-all-cultures-with-sr

You can follow Sr. Desiré on Instagram @desirefindlay. Learn more about the Felician Sisters by checking out their website: feliciansistersna.org.

As well, in this conversation we made reference to a short film that featured Sr. Desiré and more of her story.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Serving God in Your Unique Way — with Olivia McCarthy

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 09:00:08 +0000

"We have the unique gifts and abilities for holiness in each and every one of us." Olivia McCarthy is a wife, mom, and the host of the podcast Heart Home Faith. From a young age, Olivia was exposed to comparison culture, and this changed the way that she saw herself. But through a powerful dream, Olivia encountered the truth of who Jesus is, and in turn, what her identity is in Him. Now she encourages other women through the work she does at her parish and on her podcast, inspiring them to be the best stewards of their homes and faith that they can be. In this episode, Olivia and I dive into her experience with comparison culture, the beautiful dream that changed her faith journey, and the story behind her podcast Heart Home Faith.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/serving-god-in-your-unique-way-with

Olivia is the host of the podcast Heart Home Faith, which you can listen and subscribe to wherever you listen to your podcasts! Follow her on Instagram @hearthomefaith. Olivia was kind enough to host me on Heart Home Faith, and you can take a listen to that episode where we talk about the feminine genius here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/760w7zD8MP3M3jrm2opKHH?si=jM_w9osLTmeilERU_vvGcw

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Creating for God's Greater Glory — with Dom Almario

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 09:00:07 +0000

"The creative gifts I have aren't just mine, they were created within me as an image and likeness of who God is." Dom Almario's relationship with God changed when she encountered the truth of who He is at a Steubenville conference. This set her ablaze with a desire to continually pursue this truth through all that is beautiful and good. Now, Dom uses her gifts to evangelize through her work with Greater Glory Ministry and other freelance projects that she does. In this episode, Dom and I talk about how her faith changed when she encountered God through truth, beauty and goodness, how she got into art, and the parallels that she draws between simplicity and her own faith life.

Here are the show notes for this episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/creating-for-gods-greater-glory-with

Learn more about Greater Glory Ministry by checking out their website, greatergloryministry.org. You can also follow them on Instagram @_greaterglory. You can see more of Dom's work by following her on Instagram, @_designedbydom.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Chasing the Eternal Glory That Awaits — with Meesa Estuar

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 09:00:07 +0000

"I promised myself from then on that I would never take my life for granted. I would never, ever encounter anyone or do anything without the greater glory of God being my mission." Meesa Estuar's life was changed when she received a devastating cancer diagnosis. Her perspective on life and God radically shifted, and she was challenged to shift her life's focus on God's glory rather than her own. When Meesa beat cancer, she took it upon herself to make her life, work and mission a living embodiment of ad majorem dei gloriam - for the greater glory of God. Whether it was her past work in parish ministry or her current work as the co-founder of Greater Glory Ministry in California, Meesa desires to spread the message of AMDG and what it means to glorify Him through all that we do. In this episode, Meesa shares her powerful testimony, her relationship to the phrase 'for the greater glory of God', and the story of how Greater Glory got started.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/chasing-the-eternal-glory-that-awaits

Learn more about Greater Glory Ministry by checking out their website, greatergloryministry.org. You can also follow them on Instagram @_greaterglory.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Speaking Up in the Midst of a Crisis — with Karna Lozoya

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 08:59:59 +0000

"I have to have confidence that I play an important part in this mission and have confidence in my role." When Karna Lozoya started her job as the Executive Director of Strategic Communications at Catholic University of America, she had no idea that one of her first major projects to work on would be dealing with the breaking sex abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. It became apparent to Karna and her colleagues that something had to be done to address the issue. From there, she helped to facilitate The Catholic Project and is the host of the podcast Crisis: Clergy Abuse in the Catholic Church. Through hosting this podcast, Karna learned not only historical facts about the crisis that our Catholic Church faces, but also about the pivotal role that the laity have in addressing this issue. In this episode, Karna and I talk about how she got to the Catholic University of America, what she learned from hosting Crisis, and the powerful role that the laity have in guiding the direction of the Catholic Church.

*CW: As the nature of this conversation deals with the clergy abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, there are many mentions of sex abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/speaking-up-in-the-midst-of-a-crisis

Be sure to listen to Crisis: Clergy Abuse in the Catholic Church wherever you listen to your podcasts! Learn more about Crisis and find show notes and other resources on their website, catholicproject.catholic.edu.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Connecting with God Through Music — with Theresa Ambat

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:00:07 +0000

"I'm doing music because this is the way that I feel so connected with the Lord." At one point in her life, Theresa Ambat made up her mind to go into bioengineering. But when she didn't get accepted into the program, Theresa found herself diving deeper into a part of her life that she might have only considered as a hobby: music. By the grace of God, Theresa ended up changing her major and now spends a lot of time writing music and sharing it with others. For Theresa, music is more than fame or money: it's her way of connecting with God and bringing Him to others. In this episode, Theresa and I talk about how she got her start in music, the impact of her university's Newman Centre on her faith journey, and how a message from Mary helped her learn more about her feminine genius.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/connecting-with-god-through-music

Learn more about Theresa and her work by following her on Instagram, @theresaambat, and checking out her website: theresaambat.com.

Listen to Clumsy Candid Catholics wherever you listen to your podcasts! Follow them on Instagram @clumsy_candid.

Our theme music is by Theresa Ambat, and our cover art is by Mariel Pahayahay.

Pursuing Jesus as the Lover of our Souls — with Beth Davis

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 09:00:22 +0000

"Intimacy is for every soul! I think that's the desire of God's heart for every one of His children." Beth Davis has spent her life serving others in ministry, first as a youth minister and now as the Director of Ministry Advancement for Blessed is She. Through ministry, Beth is able to share some of the most intimate parts of her life with others, and in particular, she is very open and candid about the ways in which God has helped her grow in her confidence, embrace her singlehood, and pursue Him rather than one vocation or another. Through this shift in mindset, Beth is not only more free, but she is able to share this deep, intimate love that she has with Him with others. In this episode, Beth and I talk about how to get over the mindset of the 'vocational timeline', her mission and ministry with Blessed is She, and the fact that Jesus is the ultimate lover who will always pursue us.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/pursuing-jesus-as-the-lover-of-our

You can follow Beth on Instagram @thebethdavis. You can also find her and so much more goodness at Blessed Is She! Find Blessed Is She on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @blessedisshe__.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Serving God as a Media Disciple — with Emily Mastronicola

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 09:00:33 +0000

"If we don't see the beauty in media and help infuse that with our Catholic tradition, we're missing a huge moment of evangelization for the next generation." Emily Mastonicola works for the office of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in the area of communication, and she has great expectations for the power of media and how it can be used for evangelization! With her background in ministry and love of communications, she brings the joy of the gospel to everything she does. When Emily is not working at the Archdiocese, she can also be found hosting her own podcast The Jam: A Fruitful podcast, where she has fruitful discussions about faith and Catholicism from the perspective of a millennial. In this episode, Emily and I talk about how she serves her archdiocese with her gifts, her love for fruitful discussion and fruit puns, and her desire to create great communications and media for the glory of God.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/serving-god-as-a-media-disciple-with

Be sure to listen and subscribe to The Jam: A Fruitful Podcast wherever you listen to The Feminine Genius! You can also follow The Jam at @jama.catholicpodcast on Instagram.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Making Our Hearts Homes for Others — with Avera Maria Santo

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 09:00:31 +0000

"Playing my part and really stepping into my role just has made me realize how beautiful life can be when lived all for Jesus, because He prepared this place for me." Avera Maria Santo is a Catholic speaker and writer who experiences same-sex attraction. Avera is open and candid about the cross that comes with this, but also is incredibly convicted in the beauty and truth of the Catholic Church and her teachings, specifically on homosexuality. Through her witness, she travels near and far to give her testimony of carrying this cross as well as the joy that comes with knowing that God loves her. With that comes the great responsibility of stepping into the role God has given her to speak truth into darkness and help care for the whole Body of Christ. In this episode, Avera and I talk about her personal journey with same-sex attraction, what inspires her about the wisdom of the Catholic Church, and how each of us are called to be homes to nurture people around us.

Here are the show notes for this episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/making-our-hearts-homes-for-others

You can keep in touch with Avera Maria Santo by following her on Instagram @averamariasanto and by following her on Twitter @diary476.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Living Fully as a Resurrected Woman — with Caroline Lunne

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 09:00:19 +0000

"If you make movement with expectation of resurrection, you will be met with it and miracles can happen." Caroline Lunne has always had a passion for helping other women embrace their creativity and rise up to meet God in their work. After a profound experience while on pilgrimage in Lourdes, France, she received a sign from God that would radically change her life. Now, Caroline inspires and encourages women to live in the joy of the resurrection through her Instagram account @resurrectedcollective and all that she creates. In this episode, Caroline and I talk about what inspires her creativity, how the butterfly has played a huge role in her life, and what it means to live as a resurrected woman.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/living-fully-as-a-resurrected-woman

To learn more about Caroline and Resurrected Collective, please be sure to check out her website, resurrectedcollective.com and follow her on Instagram @carolinelunne. Learn more about Caroline's project Wing Woman Co. at wingwomanco.com and follow along on Instagram @wingwomanco.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Journeying with Others on Sacred Ground — with Maribel Laguna

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 09:00:24 +0000

"When we don't address the human pillar and when we don't address increased self-knowledge, our capacity for self-gift is limited." At one point in her life, Maribel Laguna said that she never wanted to be a Catholic counselor. But as she came to learn more about the wisdom of the Catholic church and fall in love with her traditions, God showed her how He wanted to use her as an instrument of change. Now, she helps clients flourish in their lives. She particularly loves working with young people, helping them to address the mental health challenges that may stand in the way of achieving a full life the way God intended. In this episode, Maribel and I talk about how she got interested in psychology and counselling, the impact that singing sacred polyphony had on her faith life, and how St. Thomas Aquinas inspired her to look at faith and mental health in a new way.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/journeying-with-others-on-sacred

You can learn more about In His Image Counseling by checking out their website, ihicounseling.net. You can also find them on Facebook (@inhisimagecounselingcenter), on Instagram (@inhisimagecounseling), and on YouTube.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Protecting Our Purpose and Feminine Design — with Jamie Rathjen

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 08:00:16 +0000

"If I can say fiat to God, I can help other women say fiat as well, not only to God but also to their God-given body." Through a track injury, an extra year of school and a presentation in a women's health course, Jamie Rathjen's life and professional path was changed. Combine all of this with a stunning invitation to give her fiat to God a few years later, and you have a champion for the dignity of women, their fertility, and their divine design. As a FertilityCare practitioner, podcaster and speaker, all of Jamie's work is oriented towards educating and helping women recognize the beauty and meaning in the way that God created us and our cycles. In this episode, Jamie and I talk about how she became interested in and passionate about fertility awareness, the relationship she has through the word fiat, and the different ways she promotes and protects the divine design God gave us.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/protecting-our-purpose-and-feminine

Be sure to tune into The Hormone Genius wherever you listen to your podcasts, and you can find them online at hormonegenius.com.

Learn more about Jamie and her business by checking out fiatfem.com.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Motherhood, Music, and the Domestic Church — with Kathleen LeBlanc

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 08:00:24 +0000

"Whenever we journey with people to Christ, we're allowing them to unfold and to bloom, and we do that in such a beautiful way as mothers." Kathleen LeBlanc is a talented singer and worship leader. She and her husband Jesse have a band called Found Together, where they share their gifts of music with listeners and help them encounter Christ through music. Alongside her identity as a musician, Kathleen is also a mother with some wonderful insights on motherhood. Through her own experiences, Kathleen has become convicted in the fact that all women are called to be mothers in some way, regardless of what their vocation is. In this episode, Kathleen and I talk about her charism of music and leading worship, the domestic church, and the universal call for women to be mothers.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/motherhood-music-and-the-domestic

You can learn more about Found Together and stay up to date with them by checking out their website, wearefoundtogether.com. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram: @wearefoundtogether.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Pursuing a Higher Crown and Calling — with Vea Coronado

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 08:00:35 +0000

"Whether I'm explicit with saying that Jesus is Lord or not, I need to have my identity permeate that regardless." This is the mindset that Vea Coronado brings into every interaction. Whether it's meeting a client for her business Crown and Calling, telling her husband about her day, or a quick interaction with someone on Instagram, Vea is a firm advocate for restoring human dignity. In this episode, Vea and I talk about the importance of intentional accompaniment in the work she does for Crown and Calling, her love of fashion and the advocacy that fuels it, and what it means to co-create with God to help others encounter Christ through her.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/pursuing-a-higher-crown-and-calling

You can learn more about Vea and Crown and Calling by checking out her website, crownandcalling.com. Vea is also over on Instagram @thecrownedstyle.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Trusting Ourselves the Way God Trusts Us — with Jackie Sunga

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 08:00:27 +0000

"It's not about the right answer, it's 'can you work on trusting yourself to realize that God is leading you through these little tugs along the way?'" Jackie Sunga is a mindset and business coach and an online business manager. In her coaching practice, she works with women to help them trust themselves, seek greater understanding of who they are, and to work with their God-given bodies and talents. After experiencing some personal adversity herself and making her own career pivot, Jackie has come to learn to trust herself and ultimately trust in God's plan for her—and now, she shares those insights from a uniquely feminine perspective with her clients and everyone around her. In this episode, Jackie and I talk about what inspired her personal life pivot, the challenges when it comes to "discerning well", and what it means to really honour and trust ourselves the way God does.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/trusting-ourselves-the-way-god-trusts

You can learn more about Jackie and the work she does by checking out her website, jackiesunga.co, and by following her on Instagram, @jackiesungaco.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Finding Joy in Trials and Infertility — with Hannah Marks

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 01:36:35 +0000

"I never knew what it was like to have my faith tested until we started down the infertility road." In the midst of Hannah Marks' struggles with miscarriage and infertility, she asked how God could allow such suffering in her life. But God persisted and continued to shower His love over her, and this renewed her love and faith in Him. Hannah's desires for motherhood did not go unanswered. Not only is Hannah the mother of a beautiful girl through adoption, but she also was a spiritual mother to other women who found themselves in similar situations. In this episode, Hannah and I talk about her struggles with infertility, the adoption of her daughter Amelia, and why she's having the hard conversations about infertility.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/finding-joy-in-trials-and-infertility

Learn more about and follow Hannah on Instagram @littlewayofjoy, and be sure to read more of her writing and heart on her website, littlewayofjoy.home.blog.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Working in Partnership with God — with Claudine Noel

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 08:00:28 +0000

"I think when God puts an idea in your heart or has a purpose for your life, He gives you the resources to make it happen." When she looks back on her journey, Claudine Noel can see the ways in which God's hand was at work. Claudine was raised Protestant and was on course to practice obstetrics. In the midst of a difficult season, the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and a walk through a garden was the start of a journey that led to her conversion to the Catholic faith. Today, Claudine works as a physician in preventative and occupational medicine and helps women get unstuck through her coaching practice, Feminine Genius Coaching. In this episode, Claudine and I talk about her story of conversion back to the Catholic faith, what drove her to practice medicine, and how she helps women become unstuck with the help of the feminine genius.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/working-in-partnership-with-god-with

Learn more about Claudine and Feminine Genius Coaching by checking out her website, femininegeniuscoaching.com, and by following her on Instagram and Facebook, @femininegeniuscoaching.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Planting Seeds That Bear Good Fruit — with Rachel Smith

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 08:00:23 +0000

"It's so wild when you say 'yes' and you let Him in and you just let Him lead, because His plans are so much greater than our own." As Rachel Smith went through her young adult life, she thought that she had everything figured out. But she noticed was that while things were going well in her life, there was still something missing. It wasn't until she was on a packed commuter train on the way to work when she started asking the tough questions. This led her to seek truth about the Catholic faith that she grew up in. When she discovered God in a personal way, Rachel saw that God had big plans not only for her life but for the lives of those around her. In this episode, Rachel and I talk about what led her to ask the tough questions, the origins of her podcast To Grow Good, and how a conversation with her grandfather helped her to see God’s greater purpose in life.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/planting-seeds-that-bear-good-fruit

Please be sure to listen and subscribe to To Grow Good wherever you listen to your podcasts! You can learn more by checking out togrowgood.com and on Instagram, @togrowgood.

Rachel was kind enough to host me on To Grow Good! Here is the episode in which I share my own faith and conversion story.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Glorifying God with a Joyful Noise — with Amanda Vernon

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 12:00:09 +0000

"I definitely believed that I could be in front of people, say things and sing things in a way that would reach their hearts." Amanda Vernon is a singer-songwriter and author who knew from a young age that she had a gift. The experiences growing up listening to gospel spirituals and the encouragement of people around her gave her the inspiration and courage to launch into a full-time ministry of writing music, performing and speaking about God's love to crowds big and small. Along with that, Amanda also travels around sharing her vocation story with others—a story with twists and turns that ultimately helped her to embrace who she is today. In this episode, Amanda and I talk about her music and ministry, the graces she received through co-authoring a book with her best friend, and the ways she glorifies God with a joyful noise.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/glorifying-god-with-a-joyful-noise

Learn more about Amanda by checking out her website, amandavernon.com! From there, you can learn about her music, book, and new podcast!

A HUGE thank you to Kristina Fahey from Amanda's team for helping us get this interview together!

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Capturing All of Life's Moments — with Genesis Castillo

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:00:17 +0000

"I really wanted other families to know that their family is unique, they have these unique relationships and quirks, and I really want them to have a record of that." As a nurse, Genesis Castillo has worked with a diverse range of human experience. She currently works in labour and delivery, and has prior experience working with the sick and the dying as a medical surgical nurse. When she's not helping others through her nursing vocation, Genesis seeks to capture milestones and the in-between life moments as a documentary family photographer. In this episode, we talk about the work Genesis does as a nurse, how she got into documentary photography, and the call within a call that she's found in her marriage vocation.Here are the show notes for this week.

Here are the show notes: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/capturing-all-of-lifes-moments-with

Be sure to check out Genesis' photography on her website, genesisdarwin.com and by following her on Instagram, @genesisdarwin.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

The Beauty of Our Divine Design — with Sabina Kasprzak

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 08:00:26 +0000

"I think there's a certain obligation to design clothes that really serve women: that accentuate their feminine genius and their divine design." From the moment she saw models walking down the runway on the TV, Sabina Kasprzak knew that she wanted to design clothes as well. But after a change in plans and even a break from designing, Sabina never would have thought that she would be designing beautiful dresses and gowns for women. In fact, she's seen her designs come alive and is always moved by how a dress can enhance a woman's inherent beauty. In this episode, Sabina and I talk about her faith and fashion journey, the importance of modesty in our clothing choices, and how a change in plans ultimate led Sabina to launch her own brand, House of Ladey.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/the-beauty-of-our-divine-design-with

Learn more about House of Ladey by checking out their website, houseofladey.com, and by following them on Instagram, @houseofladey.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

You Are Made For Greater — with Jazmin De Guzman

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 08:00:25 +0000

"He said, 'I need you and I want you to just bring forth that ministry out into the world that really needs you the most.'" With those words from the Lord, Jazmin De Guzman was sent out with a mission. Through her work and art, she wanted to inspire others around her to aspire for greatness. Jazmin took her experience in ministry and her love for art and turned it into Made For Greater, a brand with a vision to let others know that they too are made for greatness. In this episode, we talk to Jazmin about her time serving in various church ministries, the inspiration behind Made for Greater, and how she’s encouraging other creatives to make beautiful art to advance the kingdom of God.

Here are this week's show notes: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/you-are-made-for-greater-with-jazmin

Learn more about Made For Greater by checking out madeforgreater.co and follow them on Instagram, @madeforgreater.

You can learn more about The Creation Project and follow along with future sessions on Instagram, @the.creationproject.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Sharing the Beauty of the Journey — with Sr. Mary Sabina, OP

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 08:00:12 +0000

"He's using every step in the journey, and He will take whatever happens and weave it into our story in a beautiful way." When Sr. Mary Sabina, OP, first encountered religious sisters, she turned and ran the other way! But little did she know that this would be the first of many encounters with sisters that would eventually lead her to join the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia. As part of this teaching order, Sr. Mary Sabina lives with three other Dominican sisters in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, where they teach at different Catholic schools. She also leads a women's discernment group and journeys with young women as they discern their vocation. In this episode, we talk to Sr. Mary Sabina about her discernment and vocation story, what it’s like to accompany other women in their discernment, and the beauty she’s found in spiritual motherhood.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/sharing-the-beauty-of-the-journey

Learn more about the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia by checking out their website, nashvilledominican.org.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Sharing the Good News — with Kara Dixon

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 06:36:21 +0000

"Being in news has really shown me how to not be afraid, to really take advantage of every opportunity and love people and treat people with respect." Many people may know Kara Dixon from the news reporting she does on TV. Other people may see her serving the poor or teaching religious education with other members of her church community. But no matter what she does, Kara sees the importance of bearing the love of God to others - to be His hands and feet in the world and share the good news. In this episode, we talk to Kara about how she got into her news, the importance of serving others through the Church, and what the Black Catholic community has taught her about hospitality and welcoming others.

Here are the show notes for this week: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/sharing-the-good-news-with-kara-dixon

You can follow Kara on Instagram (@karadixontv) and on Twitter (@KaraWAVY).

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

A Call Through Relationship and Community — with Sr. John Mary, FSE

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 08:00:19 +0000

"Over time, I realized that the love that I saw within my parents' relationship and the goodness and the joy, I was starting to experience through the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, who became my sisters." Sr. John Mary, FSE, is a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist missioned to the Archdiocese of Vancouver. With a background as a Marriage and Family Therapist, a lot of Sr. John Mary's work focuses on helping others and sharing God's love with all she meets. It's no wonder, then, that she is part of a vibrant community of sisters who work and serve in all facets of society. In this episode, we talk to Sr. John Mary about the impact her parents' marriage had on her upbringing, her vocation story, and how she and her fellow sisters strive to bring the sacred into the secular.

Here are the show notes for this week: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-call-through-relationship-and-community

To learn more about the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, you can check out their website: fsecommunity.org.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

You Have a Story Worth Telling — with Caroline Owens

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 08:00:10 +0000

"My story is simple, it hasn't had many crosses, but it is still something that can bring encouragement to other people." How many times has this thought echoed through your mind: "My story is too simple to be shared"? For Caroline Owens, she thought that since she didn't have a radical conversion that she wouldn't be able to relate to others. But through the grace of God and saying yes to His plans for her life, she boldly shares her faith and inspires other women to do the same. Caroline is the host of the podcast She Believed, and she loves talking to other women about the promises that God has fulfilled in their lives — even if it's drastically different from what they envisioned. In this episode, Caroline shares her own journey of faith, why she launched She Believed, and the importance of telling your story no matter how ordinary you may feel it is.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/you-have-a-story-worth-telling-with

Be sure to listen to She Believed wherever you listen to your podcasts! Learn more about She Believed by checking out Caroline's website, carolineroseowens.com, and follow her on Instagram: @carolineroseowens.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Bringing Sunday into Monday — with Jane Kennedy

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 06:00:20 +0000

"We're meant to be a missionary people. He will always equip you for the places He will call you." Jane Kennedy has always been filled with great expectations and ideas for projects. Despite all the ideas, she noticed that sometimes the spirit would fizzle out before they could even get going. But the launch of The SundayMonday was different: She wasn't rushed, she felt at peace, and she let God lead her throughout the process. Her goal with this new platform is to help other young Catholic women like herself working in the secular world. Jane wants to inspire other women to bring their whole selves to their workplaces and allow God to set them ablaze wherever they may be. In this episode, we talk about how Jane is bringing about change in the work she does, what inspired The SundayMonday, and how we can tell if the evil one is trying to lead us astray.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/bringing-sunday-into-monday-with

Learn more about The SundayMonday by checking out their website: https://thesundaymonday.co. You can follow them on Instagram @thesundaymonday_!

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Leading Others to Jesus Through Scripture — with Jenna Violi

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 10:00:41 +0000

"I feel like if we can understand scripture better before we walk in on Sunday, it's going to keep us more engaged." Once Jenna Violi joined a bible study group and she started to delve into scripture, her life was changed. Even more, the way that she viewed the mass changed and she started to really engage with what she was hearing. Now, Jenna brings this same love of the Gospel and relationship with Jesus to her high school students as a theology teacher as well as to the mass as a music minister and cantor. In this episode, I talk to Jenna about how she came to fall in love with scripture, what it's like to teach theology to girls in high school, and how she came to start her podcast, A Shower of Roses.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/leading-others-to-jesus-through-scripture

Be sure to listen to A Shower of Roses wherever you listen to your podcasts! You can learn more about the show at their website, ashowerofrosespodcast.com. You can also follow A Shower of Roses on Instagram, @ashowerofroses.

The theme music for our show is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

A Bride of Christ in the World — with Erin Kinsella

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 08:00:32 +0000

"Anybody that God has entrusted to me to care for...it's looking at reverence in the human person in such a way that when I encounter them, that they're encountering that mercy, that tenderness, that beauty of God, which is a real gift to participate in." After taking steps to follow Christ more intentionally and putting aside her dreams to become a renowned virologist, Erin Kinsella thought that her vocation was to the religious life. But as she pursued Jesus in this vocation, things weren't totally falling into place the way that she would have liked. As it turned out, Erin had been set apart by God, and this led her to explore the vocation of consecrated virginity. In this episode, we talk to Erin about her background in science, her beautiful and amazing vocation story, and what it means to image the Church in the world as a Bride of Christ.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-bride-of-christ-in-the-world-with

Erin references “Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago”, the document from the Vatican on the Ordo virginum.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Christ, Coffee, and Conversations — with Emi Namoro & Maggie Orcullo

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:23:39 +0000

"It felt so natural to combine all of the good things in life — Christ, coffee, conversations." These three things, plus the deep friendship shared by Emi Namoro and Maggie Orcullo, make up Immaculatte. After reconnecting through a class and serving in ministry together, Emi and Maggie decided to take their ministry callings one step further to create Immaculatte, which serves as a ministry for young women of all stages of life who live in the Lower Mainland (or Vancouver, for all the out of towners listening!). Every month, women gather together in a coffee shop to meet, talk, and pray together. In this episode, we talk about how Emi and Maggie came to meet each other, the story behind Immaculatte, and the importance of sisterhood in a woman's life.

Here are the show notes for this episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/christ-coffee-and-conversations-with

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Sharing Jesus with a Smile — with Emily Potusek

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 08:00:20 +0000

"There's this motivation inside of me that's saying no, I want to go to work. I want to help people. This is where I'm needed the most - why would I back down now?" This is the courage that Emily Potusek has found from her trust in the Lord. As a nurse who works with patients in the COVID-19 cohort, Emily's work looks a lot different now as she takes on new skills to help her fellow nurses and staff as they help others. But all the while, Emily is convicted in this mission that God has entrusted her with — one that helps people in their time of suffering and need. In this episode, I talk to Emily about how she got into nursing, how her faith continues to strengthen her, and what the reason is behind her radiant smile.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/sharing-jesus-with-a-smile-with-emily

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

An Instrument of God's Healing — with Dior Krolak

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 08:00:28 +0000

"I feel love for all my patients, but particularly for this population I just have such a heart for them." Dior Krolak always knew that she wanted to help people, but after deciding to surrender her own plans to the Lord and a placement as a receptionist at a physiotherapy clinic, Dior's eyes were opened to a field that would eventually become her career. As a practicing physiotherapist in Ottawa, Dior has a particular interest in treating the pelvic floor, a sometimes overlooked but very important part of the body! In this episode, we talk to Dior about her journey to her career in physiotherapy, the link that she encountered between pelvic floor physio and Theology of the Body, and what it's like to be a Catholic health care practitioner in a secular workplace.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/an-instrument-of-gods-healing-with

Be sure to follow Dior Krolak on Instagram, @dior.physio!

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

One Year of The Feminine Genius!

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 08:00:37 +0000

St. Irenaeus once said, "The glory of God is man fully alive." This past year has been such a beautiful testament to God's love, the power of saying yes, and what it means to live in the fullness of our identity. As we celebrate the one year anniversary of The Feminine Genius Podcast, I take some time to reflect on the adventure that we've been on this year, three lessons that God helped me to see, and what's next for the podcast. When we live in the fullness of God's light and plan for us, we will set the world ablaze. This is only the beginning, and I'm so thankful for what's to come! Thank you for your support and love!

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/one-year-of-the-feminine-genius

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Loving and Growing in Spiritual Motherhood — with Sr. Joyce Bermejo, FMA

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:27:51 +0000

"Grace builds on nature, so you have to know yourself first as a human being and then you can work on the spiritual stuff." This was advice that Sr. Joyce Bermejo, FMA, received as she journeyed through her faith life and heard the call to become a religious sister. Sr. Joyce spent a lot of her adolescent life in the service of others, and while she was in post-secondary she had plans to become a teacher. But the Lord took her desires and stretched them even more. On August 5, 2018, she made professions as a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, also known as a Salesian Sister. in this episode, we follow Sr. Joyce on her faith and discernment journey, what drew her to the Salesian community, and how this vocation allowed for her to grow in the virtue of spiritual motherhood.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/loving-and-growing-in-spiritual-motherhood

Want to learn more about the Salesian Sisters? You can visit the following websites:

Salesian Sisters in Canada: salesiansisterscanada.com

Salesian Sisters in the Province of St. Joseph (Eastern U.S. and Canada): salesiansisters.org

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Serving Others on the Front Lines — with Jenny Lam

Mon, 18 May 2020 07:37:41 +0000

"I've found so much passion in just getting to know people and caring for them at their most vulnerable times." Jenny Lam serves all walks of life as they come through the emergency room as a nurse. She has the opportunity to celebrate new life and comfort those as they take their final breaths. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, Jenny has witnessed firsthand the destruction the pandemic can cause, but also the good that can come when we all work together. In this episode, we talk about how she got into nursing, how she’s seen her faith grow in her work, and what it’s like to be working the front lines in the midst of a serious pandemic.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/serving-others-on-the-front-lines

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Our Stories, God's Victory — with Heather Khym

Mon, 11 May 2020 05:37:15 +0000

"What if I'm standing in the way of something God wants to do?" This was the question that Heather Khym was confronted with when asked if she would ever consider starting a podcast. Years later, she is a co-host of the very popular and successful show Abiding Together with Michelle Benzinger and Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT. Throughout her life, Heather has seen the ways that God has used her yes for something beautiful. In this episode, I talk to Heather about her personal faith journey, how Abiding Together came to be, and her conviction in the fact that God will always use our stories for His victory.

Here are the show notes for this week: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/our-stories-gods-victory-with-heather

Be sure to listen and subscribe to Abiding Together wherever you listen to your podcasts, and you can learn more about the show at their website, abidingtogetherpodcast.com. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Learn more about Life Restoration, which Heather runs with her husband Jake, at liferestoration.ca.

Choosing Grit in the Face of Suffering — with Carrie Schuessler

Mon, 04 May 2020 05:31:49 +0000

"I felt like there was a need for a space that's honest about suffering but also has hope and can show the good in the midst of that." Carrie Schuessler always had a desire to encourage and help people, but the path that the Lord set her on probably came as a surprise to her. After she experienced some major health issues during her time in university, she took a step back and tried to find God in her suffering. Together, Carrie and I talk about how she came to encounter God through her suffering, how she came to start her podcast I Choose Grit, and the ways in which she's learning to live with an illness and not letting that stop her from living her life to the full.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/choosing-grit-in-the-face-of-suffering

Be sure to listen to "I Choose Grit" wherever you listen to your podcasts, and you can read more of her writing by checking out her blog, ichoosegrit.com.

Our theme music is "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Meeting God in Our Life's Journey — with Meg Hunter-Kilmer

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 05:45:45 +0000

"One of the most important things that I've learned in years of false starts is that God is not a God of destinations, He is a God of the journey." Meg Hunter-Kilmer is a missionary who lives out her calling in a unique way. She heard God call her to pack up all her belongings, live in her car, and spread the good news. To anyone watching from the outside, this is a life that is beyond imagineable or bearable, and yet for Meg, God has provided and cared for her for years. She travels around the world, speaking to various audiences and groups about God's love, the communion of saints, and so many other things. In this episode, we talk about how she became a hobo missionary, her affinity and vast knowledge of the saints, and God has ravished her heart despite things not turning out the way she may have originally thought.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/meeting-god-in-our-lifes-journey

You can read more of Meg's writing by checking out her blog, piercedhands.com. She also has a podcast, Hobo for Christ, which you can find on Spotify and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. Be sure to also follow Meg on her adventures and read her reflections on Facebook, Instagram (@mhunterkilmer), and Twitter (@MegHunterKilmer)!

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Mary's Fiat, Our Fiat

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 05:52:40 +0000

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” These are the beautiful words from Luke 1:38, the Gospel passage which depicts the events of the Feast of the Annunciation. It can be so easy to let these words wash over us and just accept them at face value. But have you ever considered the fact that Mary, before the Angel Gabriel appeared before her, already had plans for an ordinary life with her husband to be, Joseph? But Mary, seeing that she had found favour in God, cast aside her plans and trusted that God had something greater for her. In short, she allowed for the salvation of the world to be born in her womb. On this episode, I take some time to break down this beautiful story and reflect on what it means to give our whole selves — our fiat — to God.

Here are the show notes for this episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/marys-fiat-our-fiat

All this talk about Mary's Fiat has me thinking of the theme song from 2019 World Youth Day in Panama! This version was performed by Fr. Rob Galea.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

The Creative Pursuit of Holiness — with Erin Tablizo

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 05:02:39 +0000

"If I'm confident in my identity, then I think I'd be confident in what I do for Him." For Erin Tablizo, her relationship with Christ has always revolved around seeking what her true identity is. Over the years, she's developed her gifts and talents as a photographer and a content creator, but most importantly as a daughter of the King. As she grew in her confidence and identity, she saw how her talents grew as well. This landed her with many opportunities to work with different brands and start a popular Instagram account where she shares reflections and struggles in her faith. In this episode, Erin talks about how she got into photography, how she finds the balance between her freelance and evangelization work, and the constant reminder that if Jesus is King, then we are His princesses.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/the-creative-pursuit-of-holiness

You can follow Erin on Instagram @erintablizo and @praywitherin and please do check out her work and photography on her website, erintablizo.com.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

God the Ultimate Designer — with Mariel Pahayahay

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 17:33:31 +0000

"Because of other people's confidence in sharing their work, especially Catholic creatives, that legitimized my discernment and what I wanted to do as a graphic designer." As a graphic designer and artist, Mariel Pahayahay had aspirations of designing for big brands like Nike. But as she worked on her craft, she began to crave more for her art; particularly, more meaning and depth. When Mariel saw that her art could be used as a vessel for evangelization, she dove even deeper into projects for herself, for others, and most importantly, for the glory of God's kingdom. In this episode, we talk about how Mariel first realized she had this gift, new store, and how she's leaned into her feminine genius through her art.

Here are the show notes for this week: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/god-the-ultimate-designer-with-mariel

You can follow Mariel on Instagram @marielsfieldkit.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure", by Scott Holmes.

A Discernment Crash Course — with Sr. Helena Burns, FSP (Part 2)

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 06:57:32 +0000

"Let God in and He will help you with your priorities and help you to love yourself and love others and know your vocation." In part two of my conversation with Sr. Helena Burns of the Daughters of St. Paul, we continue to talk about both the feminine and masculine genius through the lens of Pope St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body as well as something all people will face at some point in their lives: discernment! As a regional vocational directress, Sr. Helena speaks to many young people on this topic and sheds some light on what our posture should be when it comes to approaching God and our vocation.

Here are the show notes for this week: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-discernment-crash-course-with-sr

You can follow Sr. Helena Burns on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and you can also check out her blog, hellburns.com.

To learn more about the Daughters of St. Paul, you can visit their website, daughtersofstpaul.com. On this website, you can learn more about upcoming retreats in the United States and Canada.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

From Radical to Theology of the Body Feminism — with Sr. Helena Burns, FSP (Part 1)

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 05:50:33 +0000

"There's a big ultimate reality that human beings were created for and we're able to know, of all creation, we can know more. We can know God. We have a God Consciousness." In this special two part episode, I sit down with Sr. Helena Burns, FSP, a Daughter of St. Paul living and serving in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Growing up, Sr. Helena was a self-proclaimed radical feminist on track to become an ornithologist, but God had other plans for her. After experiencing God's love and presence as a teenager, she felt God calling her to become a nun. The rest, you could say, is history. In part one of our conversation, Sr. Helena shares the mission of the Daughters of St. Paul and what drew her to it, her personal faith journey, and how she went from being a radical feminist to Theology of the Body (TOB) feminist.

Please stay tuned for part two of our conversation!

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/from-radical-to-theology-of-the-body

You can follow Sr. Helena Burns on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and you can also check out her blog, hellburns.com.

To learn more about the Daughters of St. Paul, you can visit their website, daughtersofstpaul.com.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure", by Scott Holmes.

Surrendering Our Isaac — with Colleen Umali

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 06:51:14 +0000

Colleen Umali's plan was simple enough: medical school. But the Lord had other plans and started to ask her to give more of herself. While Colleen was able to give her 'yes' in different aspects of her life, the one thing she still held on tightly to was her career and future plans. Through this process and God's pursuit, Colleen saw that once she surrendered to Him, He made everything work in her life. She landed a job at STEMCELL Technologies and even found a way to integrate some of her other interests, like photography, into her current work. In our conversation, we talk about Colleen's faith journey, the unnecessary conflict between faith and science, and how she's seen her feminine genius grow throughout her own life.

Here are the show notes for this week: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/surrendering-our-isaac-with-colleen

Learn more about the work and research that Colleen does at STEMCELL by checking out their website, stemcell.com.

Check out Colleen's photography by following her on Instagram, @colleenfranchesca! You can learn more about Colleen's work and get in touch by checking out her website, colleenfranchesca.ca.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is entitled "Our Big Adventure".

Finding What's Possible with God — with Lisa Canning

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 17:55:49 +0000

"It is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work, to be able to speak hope into moms and also give practical, tangible solutions." Lisa Canning now has a very unique mission. As The Possibility Mom, she coaches women around the world on how to be a great mom all while chasing your dreams. For Lisa, these two aren't mutually exclusive - however, she learned from her own experience the healthy way to do it. As a wife and mother of 8, Lisa inspires other women to achieve their full potential, while also making time for what's really important in their life. In this conversation, I got to talk to Lisa about her personal faith journey, how The Possibility Mom came to be, and how she's seen her personal feminine genius grow and develop throughout her life.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/finding-whats-possible-with-god-with

To learn more about Lisa Canning and to order your own copy of The Feminine Genius Podcast, you can check out her website: http://lisacanning.ca/.

You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and find more great content on her YouTube channel.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is entitled "Our Big Adventure".

Leaning Into Our Personal Feminine Genius

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 02:58:51 +0000

"You're not inadequate just because your life isn't reflected in the feed that you see in front of you." As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take the time to reflect on what I have learned from talking to so many incredible women and what I have heard from you, the listener! This podcast is the fulfillment of a dream that God placed in my heart at the beginning of 2019, and I would have never imagined that God would lead me here. As the year winds down, I reflect on the idea of living magnanimously, "one body, many parts" from St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, and how this ties into achieving our personal feminine genius.

You can find the show notes for this episode here: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/leaning-into-our-personal-feminine

Our theme music is by Scott Holmes, and the track is called "Our Big Adventure".

Cultivating Good Soil for Others — with Megan Turland

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 05:06:23 +0000

"This Jesus I was reading about, He was compassionate and loving, but could He accept me?" At one point in time, Megan Turland knew that she couldn't go on living a double life. She decided at that point to step away from the faith. But through the persistence of God and a series of events that impacted Megan's life, she came face to face with the Jesus who was compassionate and loving. From that moment on, Megan made a change in her life that led her to be the wife, mother, and missionary that she is today. In our conversation, I talk to Megan about her faith journey, how being a wife and a mother inspires her, and how she cultivates good soil for others through her ministry.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/cultivating-good-soil-for-others

Be sure to check out Megan's blog, The Good Soil, and subscribe! You can find it at thegoodsoil.ca. You can also follow The Good Soil on Instagram @_thegoodsoil.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

A Vocation Dedicated to Defending Life — with Sr. Antoniana Maria, SV

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 17:54:14 +0000

"It was like this fire in my heart, I really want to do everything I can to support these women who feel like they have no other choice." Initially, Sr. Antoniana Maria thought that she would have to choose between her desire to support women and protect the unborn and her desire to give her life to Christ as a religious sister. But through a careful discernment of God's voice and embracing His love for her, Sr. Antoniana Maria saw God fuse both of these calls into one super call. Sr. Antoniana Maria is a Sister of Life, and currently serves as the Local Superior for the convent and mission in Toronto. In our conversation, we talk about the ways that God called Sr. Antoniana Maria to serve, what her mission is like as a Sister of Life, and how she sees God's love and mercy work through her own ministry and outreach.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-vocation-dedicated-to-defending

To learn more about the Sisters of Life, their mission, as well as check out upcoming retreats (for women and men) that they are hosting, visit sistersoflife.org.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

Co-creating Beauty with Our Lord — with Inca Siojo

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 06:21:46 +0000

"Whenever I create anything, I feel like I'm co-creating with God and I feel like He's with me." Through her artwork, Inca Siojo is not only able to experience God's beauty, but is also able to share it with others. Art has always been Inca's passion, and she's been privileged to be able to live it out through the work that she does, first at Focus on the Family and now at the Archdiocese of Vancouver. In this conversation, we talk about Inca’s love for drawing, the dreams she once had about working at Pixar, and how God brought it all together so that she could use her artwork for His glory.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/co-creating-beauty-with-our-lord

You can follow Inca on Instagram, @incainks.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

Living Proof of God's Perfect Love — with Camille Mendoza

Sun, 03 Nov 2019 02:04:07 +0000

"This is a sacrament, it's not business as usual." Some of the many wise words shared by Camille Mendoza during this week's episode. Camille, who recently got married to Mike, shared some of the many insights that she learned during her time as a single woman, as a woman in a Christ-centred relationship, and now as a wife. For Camille, her wedding was an opportunity for her and her husband to tell the story of God's goodness and love, and how that is present in their lives. Now, as Camille and Mike begin their life journey together as one, we talk about the importance of Christ-centred relationships and how the feminine genius helps to point everything back to God, the reason for it all.

Here are the show notes for this week: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/living-proof-of-gods-perfect-love

To follow along on Camille's and Mike's adventures, you can check out their blog: mendozacollective.com. You can also follow Camille on Instagram, @camillermendz.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

Even in the Darkness, There is Light — with Lisa Rumpel

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 06:50:01 +0000

"Because of my vulnerability in sharing my story I am privileged to hear other people's stories." Lisa Rumpel was nothing short of open and vulnerable when it came to sharing her own faith journey and life with mental health. Despite the difficulties that she has gone through, Lisa fights through it with her faith and God's grace. Her goal is to shed light and spread hope on an often invisible and isolating battle with mental illness. Lisa does that through speaking publicly as well as blogging about it on her site, aptly named The Resilient Catholic. In our conversation, we talk about mental health from a Catholic perspective, how to understand suffering, and how we know that God loves us despite all the difficulties that we face in our day to day life.

Check out this week's show notes: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/even-in-the-darkness-there-is-light

You can check out Lisa's blog, The Resilient Catholic, at resilientcatholic.home.blog.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

Pursuing God On and Offline — with Celeste Villanueva

Sat, 19 Oct 2019 05:31:25 +0000

"As much as Instagram can be used for aesthetic and beauty, it should portray something larger than yourself." Celeste Villanueva is no stranger to online personas and content creation. But as Celeste has grown in her faith, she started to question the bigger 'why' behind social media and what its potential could be. Social media, when used correctly and positively, can shed light and bring about goodness in a world that sometimes feels very negative or grim. It can also be used to lift up other people and bring joy to others, and that's what Celeste aims to do with her own content as well as that of Cursive Grace. In this episode, we talk to Celeste about intentional content on social media, the pros and cons of living in the digital age, and how we can be a light to others through our screens.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/pursuing-god-on-and-offline-with

You can find Cursive Grace at their website, cursivegrace.blogspot.com. Follow Celeste on Instagram, @ccelestediaz.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

God's Grace Always Reigns — with Jacqueline Loh

Sat, 12 Oct 2019 03:30:34 +0000

"He was saying, 'Jacqueline, slow down, I've got a plan for you. I've got something special I want to show you.'" Jacqueline Loh was poised to be a successful architect and work her way up the professional ladder. But like many before her, God had something else in mind, something that would take her out of her comfort zone and away from the prestige that she dreamed of. After many years of running, Jacqueline found herself stopping before God and listening to what He had to say. This led her to found Grace That Reigns, and through this she met her now partner in mission Bishop Ronald Gilmore. In our conversation, we hear about Jacqueline's story from architecture to ministry, how she came to trust the Lord, and how she - a woman from Ontario - wound up partnering with a bishop from Kansas.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/gods-grace-always-reigns-with-jacqueline

Learn more about Grace That Reigns by checking out their website, gracethatreigns.com. You can also find them on Facebook, @gracethatreigns.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

Living Our Best Femininity — with Angela Wong

Sat, 05 Oct 2019 16:53:41 +0000

"If we don't actually use the gifts that we have—the strengths and talents that we have as women that men might not have—it actually does a disservice to what we've been given as women." As a CCO missionary, Angela Wong has found her own unique way to grow as a missionary and meet people where they're at. Being on campus has pushed her to grow in a lot of these feminine gifts like empathy and understanding so that she can better meet people where they're at and minister to them more effectively. In this episode, we talk to Angela about owning her faith, growing in her missionary identity, and how to live our femininity to the fullest with the gifts God has given us.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode here: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/living-our-best-femininity-with-angela

To learn more about Catholic Christian Outreach, you can find them at cco.ca.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

Trusting in God's Process — with Alyssa Gutierrez

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:17:30 +0000

"I think that pursuing such a different route demands that I trust Him more." This was Alyssa Gutierrez's reaction to a snag in her initial plans as well as pursuing a field that is radically different from what many thought she was going to pursue. Alyssa is currently a student at the University of British Columbia studying a combined major of science, consisting of computer science, life sciences, and earth sciences. She is also a very talented singer, multi-instrumentalist, and performer who began singing at the age of 3! Though she had considered pursuing music professionally at one point, she decided to pursue her interests in the sciences, knowing that God had given her these gifts and talents for a reason. We talk about her journey in music, science, and how all throughout, God has pulled it all together to help her grow as a daughter of God.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/trusting-in-gods-process-with-alyssa

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

Building Up Leaders in Foreign Lands — with Mariel Conti

Sat, 21 Sep 2019 04:43:44 +0000

"God turned that desire around. He said, 'You want to go to Asia? Do it for me!'" Mariel Conti had always thought that she would one day vacation in Asia, but God had even bigger plans for her. This year, Mariel spent three months in Hong Kong serving with the St. Francis Xavier Lay Missionary Society. Her mission was to help build up a faith community for the English-speaking young adults who lived there. In a city that is big and fast paced, the culture definitely took some getting used to, but the one thing that kept her grounded was her faith in God. This episode features a conversation with Mariel about her desires to travel to Asia, how God challenged her, and how her surrender to the mission helped her discover the importance of community life in faith.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/building-up-leaders-in-foreign-lands

Learn more about Catholic Christian Outreach by checking out their website, cco.ca.

Learn more about St. Francis Xavier Lay Missionary Society by checking out their website, laymissionary.org.

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

A Christ-Centred Classroom ⁠— with Gail Imoo

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 05:00:06 +0000

"I see myself as an instrument of God...for Him to speak His words through me." In her work as a teacher, Gail Imoo witnesses Christ to her students every day. For children who are in their critical formative years, Gail makes sure that students not only have a strong education, but also a solid relationship with God that they can continue to build as they continue to live their lives beyond the classroom. Gail has worked as a teacher in the Catholic school system for over 20 years, and also has experiences serving in youth ministry. In this episode, we talk to Gail about how she became a teacher, what she loves about the Catholic school system, and how she helps her students grow in their faith through her example.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-christ-centred-classroom-with-gail

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure".

Sisterhood of Saints ⁠— St. Hildegard Von Bingen

Sat, 07 Sep 2019 05:00:05 +0000

When I studied music history, I did not enjoy learning about medieval music. I really didn't come to appreciate it until I had my reconversion back to the faith. Interestingly, I had to study some of the works by St. Hildegard von Bingen back then, and it was only while I was researching for this episode that I not only learned how to appreciate her music, but more about this extraordinary saint, mystic, and Doctor of the Church.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/sisterhood-of-saints-st-hildegard

Thanks also to Scott Holmes for our theme music, which is called "Our Big Adventure". Here is the music that was featured in this week's episode:

"Poseidon" by Dee Yan-Key

"Spiritus Sanctus Vivificans Vite" by St. Hildegard von Bingen

"The Bluff Trail" by Chad Crouch

"Canticles of Ecstasy" by. St. Hildegard von Bingen

"O Euchari, in leta via"by St. Hildegard von Bingen

Healing with Love and Care — with Sheena Devota

Sat, 17 Aug 2019 06:14:12 +0000

"What is it that we are called to do, and how are we called to respond to this kind of suffering?" This is a question that Sheena Devota, a nurse in Vancouver, asks herself. In a culture that is constantly tempted by death and playing God, medicine and health care are particularly tricky fields to navigate, especially if you have a Catholic faith background. But Sheena sees this challenge as an opportunity for her to live out her faith and be a witness of God's love to everyone she meets. In this episode, we talk to Sheena about what it's like to be a Catholic in the health care field, how to witness during difficult moments, and what continues to inspire her as she continues down this vocation.

Here are the show notes for this week: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/healing-with-love-and-care-with-sheena

Our theme music is by Scott Holmes, and the track is called "Our Big Adventure".

⁠Sent Forth From the Upper Room — with Nicole Schmidt

Sat, 10 Aug 2019 05:42:01 +0000

"You are so uniquely gifted, that even though you might think that someone else could do the same thing, actually no! God gave you this specific gift, and you are the only one who can give this gift to the world." After her reconversion back to the Catholic faith, Nicole Schmidt found herself opening up herself to God. This openness helped her to use her God-given talents in a variety of ways, and further helped her to grow in her value and worth as a daughter of God. In this episode, Nicole shares her faith journey, her mission with CCO in New York, and the Upper Room, a faith formation program for young people in her parish inspired by the events at Pentecost.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/sent-forth-from-the-upper-room-with

Our theme music is by Scott Holmes, and it's called "Our Great Adventure".

Sisterhood of Saints — St. Clare Of Assisi

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 06:05:17 +0000

My full name is Rachel Clare Wong, and I've always wondered what inspired my name. Though my parents weren't quite thinking of St. Clare of Assisi, I still always felt a deep connection to this beautiful saint. As a kid, however, I wrestled with St. Clare's identity as a nun — why would anyone willingly choose to live a life of poverty and silence? It wasn't until I got much older that I came to recognize and appreciate the beauty of such a life, and what it means to really be a bride of Christ.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/sisterhood-of-saints-st-clare-of

Our theme music is by Scott Holmes, and the track is called "Out Big Adventure". The following tracks were also used in this week's episode:

"Creative Writing" by Chad Crouch

"Blue Sky" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Eidolon" by Scott Buckley

"Childhood" by Scott Buckley

Following God’s Call to the Ends of the Earth — with Emma Wong

Sat, 27 Jul 2019 05:32:14 +0000

"Regardless of my vocation, I'll always be called to encounter people and help them encounter Jesus." Emma Wong definitely considered serving with NET Ministries at one point in her life, but it wasn't until she gave her yes that she realized the magnitude of it. She spent an entire year in Australia, serving the youth of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. Now that she's back in town, she is a youth minister at St. Patrick's Parish in Maple Ridge. In this conversation, Emma shares her experience in Australia serving with NET Ministries, her current work as a youth minister, and how she's seen her own feminine genius grow throughout these experiences.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/following-gods-call-to-the-ends-of

NET Ministries serves in a few countries all over the world. Learn more about their ministry in Canada and the United States.

Our theme music is by Scott Holmes, and it's called "Our Big Adventure".

A Heart Set on Fire for Jesus — with Samantha Zenarosa

Sat, 20 Jul 2019 06:30:48 +0000

"I've literally heard the Lord tell me in the depths of my heart, 'I died for you. You are beautiful.'" Samantha Zenarosa's journey with the Lord is one of great adventure and romance. Though she had struggled with many lies growing up, Jesus broke into her life to show her the truth: that she is a beloved daughter of God and that she has a unique missionary identity that will help bring other people like her to Him. Sam has gone from doing outreach as a student to saying yes to being a full-time campus missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach, and she will start this September at Carleton University. In this episode, we talk to Sam about how God pursued her and gave her the strength to be who she is truly meant to be: a missionary of the truth to others.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-heart-set-on-fire-for-jesus-with

Learn more about Catholic Christian Outreach by checking out their website, cco.ca.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

Never Too Far Gone for God — with Coral Hillier

Sat, 13 Jul 2019 04:30:03 +0000

"And I knew that choosing God would make me happier than I would ever imagine, and that there was nothingthat was worth turning away from that happiness." For Coral Hillier, she had no idea that God desired to know her and have a relationship with her — it wasn't something that was made known to her while she was growing up. But when a friend invited her to mass and Coral said yes, so many things changed for her. In just a short amount of time, Coral took a leap of faith into Catholicism and recently was baptized into the Church. In this episode, Coral shares what the road to Catholicism has been like, and where she sees how God is using her and her story for His glory.

* There is a mention of sexual assault in this episode, listener discretion is advised and do take care when listening!

Here are this week's show notes: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/never-too-far-gone-for-god-with-coral

Our theme music is by Scott Holmes, and the track is called "Our Big Adventure".

Sisterhood of Saints — St. Maria Goretti

Sat, 06 Jul 2019 05:29:04 +0000

In grade 7 Religion class, we were all asked to pick a confirmation saint. I randomly picked St. Maria Goretti, who at the time I liked because I thought she was really pretty. Little did I know that this wasn't a random choice, and God had a plan for me all along. This is the first installment of the Sisterhood of Saints, a monthly series that will introduce you to different holy women and their stories. Keep an eye out every month for another saint!

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/sisterhood-of-saints-st-maria-goretti

Our theme music is by Scott Holmes, and the song is called "Our Big Adventure".

The following tracks were also featured in this week's episode:

"Delamine" by Blue Dot Sessions

"Life Is" by Scott Buckley

"Hymn" by Scott Buckley

"She Moved Mountains" by Scott Buckley

"Drift" by Scott Buckley

A Duet of Music and Faith — with Andrea Mesana

Sat, 29 Jun 2019 05:00:04 +0000

"The music. The melody. The words...that's what engages people. That's what causes them to stop and listen and be still." Andrea Mesana's love for music really infuses all aspects of her life. But once she saw the deeper connection that her love for music had with her faith, music took on a whole new meaning for her. Andrea lives out her charism of music through a variety of ways, from serving at mass to inspiring young people in her homegrown music studio. In this episode, we talk to Andrea about how music and faith have shaped her into the music educator and mother she is today.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-duet-of-music-and-faith-with-andrea

Thanks to Scott Holmes for our theme music! This track is called "Our Big Adventure".

Reporting the Truth — with Agnieszka Ruck

Sat, 22 Jun 2019 06:59:03 +0000

"Through my hands, make it the story you need it to be for the people who need to read it." Whenever BC Catholic reporter Agnieszka Ruck hits writer's block, she says a quick prayer and returns the story back into God's hands. With God's steady hand writing alongside her, it's no wonder that Agnieszka's writing has always been inspiring to read! Agnieszka has been with the BC Catholic for about six years and shows no sign of slowing down. In this episode, we talk to Agnieszka about her journey with faith and journalism, and how storytelling has been her medium for glorifying God.

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/reporting-the-truth-with-agnieszka

You can read more of Agnieszka Ruck's work and read the BC Catholic online at bccatholic.ca.

Our theme music is called "Our Big Adventure" by Scott Holmes.

A Voice for the Voiceless — with Irene De Souza

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 05:28:36 +0000

"I'm here to win your heart, not debates." That's how pro-life activist Irene De Souza talks about her work within the pro-life movement. Irene has worked with the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR) and her passion for educating others on the movement as well as alternatives to abortion started from a very young age. In this episode, we talk to Irene about how she got her start in the pro-life movement and how to overcome your fear of speaking up for the truth.

*This episode contains discussion around abortion - please take care when listening and listener discretion is advised!

Here are the show notes for this week's episode: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-voice-for-the-voiceless-with-irene

You can learn more about the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform by visiting their website: endthekilling.ca.

Thanks to Scott Holmes for the theme music! This song is called "Our Big Adventure".

A Love Letter to Women

Sat, 08 Jun 2019 05:29:52 +0000

We are currently in a crisis of womenhood, in great part because we have lost our identity. For Pope St. John Paul II, the author of the 1995 Letter to Women, we must look to Jesus to find our identity and take stock of the gifts, charisms, and genius that God has blessed us with. Where is God calling you to serve and live out your charisms?

Here are the show notes for this week: https://femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com/p/a-love-letter-to-women

Our theme music is provided by scottholmesmusic.com, and the track is called "Our Big Adventure".

Introduction: Welcome to The Feminine Genius Podcast

Mon, 20 May 2019 23:01:30 +0000

Welcome to The Feminine Genius Podcast! In this introductory episode, I share a little bit about how this podcast came to be and what to expect in coming episodes!

Our theme music is called “Our Big Adventure” by scottholmesmusic.com.

Please also follow us on social media: @femgeniuspod on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Finally, please check out femininegeniuspodcast.substack.com for updates and news about the podcast.