Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Every couple has disagreements, but the way you handle disagreements can make or break your marriage. As part of this week’s marriage challenge at Girlfriends after hours, this week I’m sharing 7 tips for ways to “Fight Fair” and resolve conflict in a loving way that will draw you closer to your husband and help you both grow in relationship together.

Some of the ideas we discuss include the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the need for both partners to listen and understand each other. We also talk about the bad habits if assuming the worst about others, exaggeration, and then we emphasize the power of prayer in resolving conflicts.

Takeaways

* Conflict is a natural part of marriage.

* Setting boundaries can help manage arguments.

* Listening is more important than arguing.

* Assuming the best about your partner fosters understanding.

* Avoid exaggeration in conflicts to maintain clarity.

* Apologizing sincerely can heal relationships.

* Prayer can be a powerful tool in resolving conflicts.

* Communication should happen outside of heated moments.

* It's important to forget about winning arguments.

* Healthy relationships require ongoing effort and self-reflection.

Thank you to our sponsor!

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Don’t forget to join our marriage challenge this week!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a topic we don't hear about enough from a Catholic wife’s perspective!

This special BONUS episode, recorded live on October 23, is part of our ongoing 5-Day Marriage Challenge. Dr. Sarah Bartel, a Catholic sex and marriage coach, joins us to take your anonymous questions about marital intimacy.Questions and topics we discuss:

**How to get over the awkwardness, talk about your needs, and ask for what you want

**The difference between men and women’s arousal responses

**What is “normal” for length and frequency of sex

**Some creative ideas for when kids or exhaustion get in the way

**The importance of prioritizing rest and self-care, especially during times of stress

**The challenge of male impotence from a female perspective

**What exactly is “OK” and “not OK” according to Catholic teaching

**How to handle feelings of guilt or shame

**How to be more fully present in moments of intimacy

**The importance of spiritual connection with our husbands

**Some common challenges to intimacy and how to overcome them

…and more!

This bonus content is a special benefit for paid subscribers:

Feel more confident and connected in your marriage by learning how to communicate your needs without feeling uncomfortable or guilty. Subscribe today: https://daniellebean.substack.com/

Every couple has disagreements, but the way you handle disagreements can make or break your marriage. As part of this week’s marriage challenge at Girlfriends after hours, this week I’m sharing 7 tips for ways to “Fight Fair” and resolve conflict in a loving way that will draw you closer to your husband and help you both grow in relationship together.

Some of the ideas we discuss include the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the need for both partners to listen and understand each other. We also talk about the bad habits if assuming the worst about others, exaggeration, and then we emphasize the power of prayer in resolving conflicts.

Takeaways

* Conflict is a natural part of marriage.

* Setting boundaries can help manage arguments.

* Listening is more important than arguing.

* Assuming the best about your partner fosters understanding.

* Avoid exaggeration in conflicts to maintain clarity.

* Apologizing sincerely can heal relationships.

* Prayer can be a powerful tool in resolving conflicts.

* Communication should happen outside of heated moments.

* It's important to forget about winning arguments.

* Healthy relationships require ongoing effort and self-reflection.

Thank you to our sponsor!

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Don’t forget to join our marriage challenge this week!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

What do you need to let go of? I’m going to make you think a bit with five ideas for stuff you might be holding onto—physically, emotionally, or spiritually— that’s no longer serving you. We discuss the burden of physical clutter, the emotional weight of past hurts, the need to control others, the false virtue of busyness, and the effect of ego on our identity.

I promised you this link to the Litany of Humility.Here is all the information about the upcoming Girlfriends marriage challenge. Don’t miss it!

Takeaways

* Letting go of physical clutter can lighten your emotional load.

* Forgiveness is a continuous process that requires effort.

* Holding onto hurt only prolongs your pain.

* You cannot control other people's actions or feelings.

* Busyness can distract you from what truly matters.

* Your identity should be rooted in being a child of God.

* Decluttering can create space for new opportunities.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Clare Byrne, founder of Imprint Hope, shares her journey of serving children with disabilities in Uganda. Inspired by her sister with a disability, Clare pursued a career in occupational therapy and eventually moved to Uganda to start Imprint Hope, an organization that supports families of children with disabilities through residential training courses, therapy services, counseling, and education. Clare's work aims to break the stigma surrounding disabilities and help families see the value and beauty in their children. Her future plans include building a handicap-accessible rehabilitation center and expanding their work to other parts of Uganda. Join us for an inspirational conversation!

Takeaways

* God can use personal experiences and passions to call us to serve others.

* Children with disabilities deserve to be seen and valued for who they are.

* Education and support are crucial in breaking the stigma surrounding disabilities.

* Imprint Hope aims to provide holistic care and support to families of children with disabilities in Uganda.

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Are you a parent of a new teenager? Are you afraid? Don’t be! This week, I’m sharing ideas for ways to survive and THRIVE through the teen years.

Takeaways

* Don't take your teenager's behavior personally; it is a natural stage of development.

* Pray for your teens and be a source of support and encouragement.

* Respect their space and set boundaries that are appropriate for their age and maturity.

* Ask questions and listen to your teens to show that you care about their lives.

* Don't feel overwhelmed by the concept of liturgical living; focus on what brings joy and meaning to your family.

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Thank you to this week’s sponsor:

* Rooted for Good is self-care made simple! Their all-natural products feel good, smell good, and DO good, as 10% of all profits go to support those in need.

Welcome to Girlfriends Live! To access this and all bonus content, upgrade your subscription right here: https://daniellebean.substack.com/

This is a once-a-month live call where I take your questions and we can interact about what’s really on your mind and heart. This week we had a great conversation where we shared:Family Conflict: How to handle tricky conversations with relatives who may not share your faith

Faith Questions: How good it is to encourage others to ask questions about the faith and how important it is to go to trusted resources when seeking answers.

Making Friends: When you are in a new community, how can you find your people?

Botox: Is it a sin? How to balance unrealistic beauty standards with a self of self respect.

Working Out: How to put regular exercise on your daily schedule and make sure it actually happens.

Exodus 90: What is this program for men and what will it mean for you if your husband decides to do it?

We got through a lot, and I’m so grateful to those who participated. Thank you for being with us. We will meet again next month. Looking forward to it!

What a joy it was to sit down with Victoria McEachern, producer of the upcoming film 'Heart of a Servant: Father Flanagan Story.'

Victoria shares insights into Father Flanagan's commitment to child welfare, his courage in standing against racism, and the personal connections people have with his story. We also discuss the film's production, challenges faced during filming, and the importance of grassroots support for the film's release. Heart of a Servant inspires viewers to put their faith into action and recognize the ongoing impact of Father Flanagan's work.

Takeaways

Father Flanagan's life is a testament to everyday holiness.

The film aims to inspire viewers to become saints.

Father Flanagan's courage in the face of adversity is inspiring.

The film is set to release on October 8th!

Support for the film is vital for its success. Get your tickets now!

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Are you a parent of a new teenager? Are you afraid? Don’t be! This week, I’m sharing ideas for ways to survive and THRIVE through the teen years.

Takeaways

* Don't take your teenager's behavior personally; it is a natural stage of development.

* Pray for your teens and be a source of support and encouragement.

* Respect their space and set boundaries that are appropriate for their age and maturity.

* Ask questions and listen to your teens to show that you care about their lives.

* Don't feel overwhelmed by the concept of liturgical living; focus on what brings joy and meaning to your family.

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Thank you to this week’s sponsor:

* Rooted for Good is self-care made simple! Their all-natural products feel good, smell good, and DO good, as 10% of all profits go to support those in need.

WHY are you not subscribed yet? Get over here! https://daniellebean.substack.com/

Cassie Everts, author of Nursery of Heaven: Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss in the Lives of the Saints and Today’s Parents, discusses her personal experience with miscarriage and stillbirth and resources available for parents going through these losses. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the grief and pain associated with pregnancy loss and highlights the need for support and healing.

Cassie also explores the role of the saints in providing comfort and hope to those who have experienced infant loss and offers practical suggestions for healing, such as naming the baby, having a prayer service or burial, and creating remembrances. Cassie encourages others to be present for those who have suffered a loss and to acknowledge the dignity and worth of their child.

Takeaways

* Pregnancy loss is a painful experience that often lacks support and resources, even in the Church.

* The saints can provide comfort and hope to those who have experienced infant loss.

* Acknowledging the grief and pain of parents who have suffered a loss is important.

* Being present and supporting those who have experienced a loss can make a significant difference.

Thank you to this week’s sponsor:

* Catholic Women in Business provides business owners, professionals, and leaders with the educational and spiritual resources they need to excel in their vocation to business.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

WHY have you not yet subscribed to Girlfriends? Don't miss out! Let's go! https://daniellebean.substack.com/

Are you going through a time of hard change? Whether your son is still small and starting kindergarten or your daughter is leaving home to go to college, motherhood is a series of opportunities to give thanks and let go. I’m sharing some coping strategies to get us through!

Takeaways

* Allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with your children leaving home, but avoid getting stuck in negativity.

* Be gentle with yourself and create margins in your daily life to process emotions and adjust to the change.

* Give yourself grace and acknowledge the need for rest and relaxation during this time.

* Embrace new opportunities and start something new that brings joy and purpose to your life.

* Practice gratitude and give thanks for the blessings and experiences of motherhood.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a BONUS episode of Girlfriends for paid subscribers only. Please join us! https://daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Girlfriends Live! This is a once-a-month live call where I take your questions and we can interact about what’s really on your mind and heart. We had a great conversation last night where we shared:

Change Your Heart Challenge: thoughts, ideas, and questions that came from our 21-day challenge in the community

Embracing Change with Grace: How to get through a time of hard change and be gentle with yourself in the process

Trusting God: How we can grow in trust and surrender to God’s will

Lectio Divina: How exactly does it work, and what if it’s hard for you?

Meal Prep and Fall Plans: Ideas for settling into a new routine with a fresh start as well as some of the ways organized meal planning can bless you and your family

Prayer as a Discipline: It’s not always going to feel good, and that’s OK

Homeschooling: How to determine if homeschooling is right for you, and how to make major decisions in parenting

Finding Friends: Ways to find supportive community (or create it yourself!)

Phew! We got through a lot, and I’m so grateful to those who participated. Thank you for being with us. We will meet again September 25! Don't miss out-- make sure you are a paid subscriber at https://daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Matt and Erin Ingold are the founders of Metanoia Catholic, which offers Catholic coaching and Catholic coach training. They started the company because they saw a need for Catholic coaches who could provide guidance aligned with the teachings of the Church. They incorporate the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas and the theology of the body into their coaching approach. Join us for an inspiring conversation!

Learn more about Metanoia Catholic: https://www.metanoiacatholic.com/

Thank you to this week’s sponsor:

* Catholic Women in Business provides business owners, professionals, and leaders with the educational and spiritual resources they need to excel in their vocation to business.

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact: Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Welcome to the Change Your Heart Challenge! This podcast is part of Week 3 for our 21-day challenge where are praying together and opening ourselves up to the good changes God wants to make in us. This week, our theme is the Surrender to Jesus, and I'm sharing refelctions on passages from the Surrender Novena. To get all of the content, you will need to be a full subscriber. Get signed up now: https://daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Here’s what is included in the daily content for the Change Your Heart challenge:

Theme: a focus point for our meditation

Lectio Divina: audio file of a 5-minute guided meditation, praying with Scripture, focused on the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Question: for journaling on your own or discussing right here in the comments

Action: a simple prompt to put our daily theme into action in your everyday life

BONUS Live Video: At the end of the 21 days, we’ll have a live Zoom call discussion on Wednesday, August 28 !

Are you a full subscriber yet? Get all the information and get yourself signed up now:

Thank you to this week’s sponsor:

Catholic Women in Business provides Catholic women professionals with the resources they need to excel in their vocation to business. https://catholicwomeninbusiness.com/

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Welcome to the Change Your Heart Challenge! This podcast is part of Week 2 for our 21-day challenge where are praying together and opening ourselves up to the good changes God wants to make in us. This week our theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus and I'm sharing the 12 promises of the Sacred Heart as well as some ideas for do-able ways to practice this devotion. To get all of the content, you will need to be a full subscriber. Get signed up now: https://daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Here’s what is included in the daily content for the Change Your Heart challenge:

Theme: a focus point for our meditation

Lectio Divina: audio file of a 5-minute guided meditation, praying with Scripture, focused on the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Question: for journaling on your own or discussing right here in the comments

Action: a simple prompt to put our daily theme into action in your everyday life

BONUS Live Video: At the end of the 21 days, we’ll have a live Zoom call discussion on Wednesday, August 28 !

Are you a full subscriber yet? Get all the information and get yourself signed up now:

Thank you to this week’s sponsor:

SoulCore is a unique workout experience for catholic women with the goal of growing in virtue and cultivating interior peace: https://soulcore.com/

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Welcome to the Change Your Heart Challenge! This podcast is one part of the content for our 21-day challenge where are praying together and opening ourselves up to the good changes God wants to make in us. This week our theme is the Sacred Heart of Jesus and I'm sharing the 12 promises of the Sacred Heart as well as some ideas for do-able ways to practice this devotion. To get all of the content, you will need to be a paid subscriber. Get signed up now: https://daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Here’s what is included in the daily content for the Change Your Heart challenge:

Theme: a focus point for our meditation

Lectio Divina: audio file of a 5-minute guided meditation, praying with Scripture, focused on the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Question: for journaling on your own or discussing right here in the comments

Action: a simple prompt to put our daily theme into action in your everyday life

BONUS Live Video: At the end of the 21 days, we’ll have a live Zoom call discussion on Wednesday, August 28 !

Are you a full subscriber yet? Get all the information and get yourself signed up now:

Thank you to this week’s sponsor:

SoulCore is a unique workout experience for catholic women with the goal of growing in virtue and cultivating interior peace: https://soulcore.com/

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

We all should embrace our bodies as gifts from God and focus on gratitude and self-acceptance! But that is complicated sometimes.

Do you struggle sometimes to love and be grateful for your body, just the way it is? This week we acknowledge the complicated relationship women often have with their bodies and the challenges we face in a world saturated with unrealistic beauty standards.

At the end of this week’s show I answer a listener’s question about starting a women’s group at her church.

Thank you to our sponsor!

* Rooted for Good skin care creates all-natural health and beauty products that feel and and do good in the world. Use coupon code DANIELLEBEAN to get10% off your order at RootedForGood.com

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This is a BONUS episode of Girlfriends! One of the elements in our upcoming 21-Day Change Your Heart Challenge will be daily guided Lectio Divina—a five-minute audio guide to reading and praying with Scripture.

To give you an idea of what this content will be like, I’m sharing a free introduction to lectio divina and a sample of the daily prayers. If you like this and want to access all of the challenge content, be sure to upgrade your subscription now before our start date on August 5!

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

Takeaways

* Female friendships are important for support, encouragement, and affirmation in the unique paths of womanhood.

* Marriage goes through changes over time, and it is important to be intentional in nurturing the relationship outside of the demands of raising children.

* Personal growth and spirituality are essential for a strong marriage.

* Making time for marriage and personal growth requires intentional time management and prioritization. Be at peace with the season of life you are in and avoid comparing yourself to others.

* Make time for personal prayer and find a prayer style that resonates with you.

* Schedule time for prayer and ask God to help you desire prayer.

* Connect with your spouse and find special moments to spend time together.

* Support and be on the same team as your spouse.

* Work on your own issues and avoid always blaming your spouse for problems in the relationship.

Thank you to our sponsor!

* Support a small Catholic business, give to those in need, and help support this podcast when you shop at Rooted for Good. Use code DANIELLEBEAN and get 10% off your order. :)

Don’t miss our 21-Day Change Your Heart Challenge starting August 5!

ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact: Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

This week’s podcast is a little different because this was recorded in a live Zoom session where I answered your questions. In this Q&A, we discussed so many things! From raising teenagers to handling feelings of envy, from making time for daily prayer to pursuing work as a writer.

I mentioned our upcoming 21-Day Change Your Heart Challenge, and you will want to make sure you have an upgraded subscription to access all of that content beginning August 5!

ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, make sure you subscribe now!

Email DanielleFind Danielle on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer