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 Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Taking Your Questions

Do you have a bad habit you want to break? Spending to much time on social media? eating junk food? Gossiping? We all struggle with these things. In fact, I begin this week’s episode with a confession of my own about Instagram. UGH! So I’m sharing ideas for ways to break a bad habit. We emphasize the importance of setting triggers, understanding the reasons behind the habit, and replacing it with a healthier alternative. We also encourage seeking support, leaving reminders, and being patient with yourself as you make progress toward your goals. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

How to Break a Bad Habit

Marie Miller, a multifaceted artist and speaker, joins me on Girlfriends to discuss her second independent release, The Way of Love. She also talks about her experience as a Catholic musician in today's culture and the challenges and joys of balancing work and family life. Marie's album is inspired by St. Therese of Lisieux, and she encourages listeners to grow in their relationship with the saints.Marie also shares her songwriting process and how she incorporates the teachings of the Church into her music. At the end of the show, we get a sneak-preview listen to Marie’s new song, The Way of Love! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Blending Faith and Song

This week, we emphasize that procrastination is a common experience and should not be a source of guilt or self-judgment. Procrastination can cause anxiety, limit opportunities, and negatively affect relationships. To combat procrastination, I suggest doing the hard thing first, rewarding oneself for progress, holding oneself accountable, taking breaks, removing distractions, and taking action. I also address a listener's question about feeling overwhelmed by household chores and offer advice on establishing routines and involving children in chores.Takeaways* Procrastination is a common experience and should not be a source of guilt or self-judgment.* Procrastination can cause anxiety, limit opportunities, and negatively affect relationships.* To combat procrastination, do the hard thing first, reward yourself for progress, hold yourself accountable, take breaks, remove distractions, and take action.* Establishing routines and involving children in household chores can help alleviate feelings of overwhelm. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Stop Procrastinating Now

In this episode, Danielle Bean interviews Liz Lantigua, the founder of Good News Book Fair, a company that provides curated book fairs for schools. They discuss the importance of screening books for children, the impact of reading on a child's imagination, and ways to make reading fun during the summer. Liz shares her journey from being a news reporter to starting a book fair company and emphasizes the need for wholesome and engaging books for children. She also addresses the misconception of banned books and highlights the responsibility of parents and teachers in selecting appropriate books for children.TakeawaysScreening books for children is important to ensure they are age-appropriate and align with family values.Reading helps develop a child's imagination and an have a positive impact on their emotional well-being.Making reading fun during the summer can help prevent the 'summer slide' and keep children engaged with books.Good News Book Fair provides curated book fairs for schools, offering a wide selection of wholesome and engaging books for children.The idea of banned books is a marketing ploy, and it is the responsibility of parents and teachers to select appropriate books for children.Thank you to our sponsor!Enjoy great coffee, save a life! Seven Weeks Coffee is the coffee every prolife person should be drinking. Every sale supports women and babies in need. (and wait till you hear the adorable reason they are called Seven Weeks Coffee!) Use code GIRLFRIENDS10 to get 10% off your order today!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 Voxershow less Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Books That Bring You Joy (with Liz Lantigua)

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses four ways to get over oneself: stop thinking of oneself as a victim, take action, stop comparing oneself to others, and stop thinking about oneself so much. She emphasizes that these suggestions are meant to be encouraging and not meant to discourage or admonish anyone struggling right now. Bean also reminds listeners to focus on their relationship with God and not worry too much about what others think of them. She shares listener feedback and encourages everyone to pray for one another.TakeawaysStop thinking of yourself as a victim and take responsibility for your life.Take action and don't wait for the perfect time or circumstances.Avoid comparing yourself to others, as it leads to dissatisfaction and envy.Stop thinking about yourself so much and focus on your relationship with God.Remember that what others think of you is not as important as you think.Pray for one another and support each other in the journey of self-improvement.Thank you to our sponsor!Enjoy great coffee, save a life! Seven Weeks Coffee is the coffee every prolife person shoud be drinking. Every sale supports women and babies in need. (and wait till you hear the adorable reason they are called Seven Weeks Coffee!) Use code GIRLFRIENDS10 to get 10% off your order today!ANNOUNCEMENTS Go 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 Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

4 Ways You Probably Need to Get Over Yourself

In this episode, Danielle Bean speaks with author Theoni Bell about her new children's book, Jelly Bean, A Baby's Journey to God, which addresses the sensitive topic of baby loss. Theoni shares her personal experience of losing her child and the inspiration behind the book. The conversation also covers the process of writing a picture book, the importance of resources for families dealing with baby loss, and the impact of community support. TakeawaysTheoni Bell's personal experience of baby loss inspired her to write Jelly Bean, A Baby's Journey to God, a children's book that addresses the sensitive topic of baby loss.Community support and resources play a crucial role in helping families deal with the grief of baby loss, providing comfort and understanding during a difficult time.The process of writing a picture book, especially one that addresses a deep and emotional topic, presents unique challenges and requires a delicate balance between addressing the topic for children and adults.Thank you to our sponsors!Enjoy great coffee, save a life! Seven Weeks Coffee is the coffee every prolife person shoud be drinking. Every sale supports women and babies in need. (and wait till you hear the adorable reason they are called Seven Weeks Coffee!) Use code GIRLFRIENDS10 to get 10% off your order today!Check out custom Bible covers from OreMoose and use code BEAN15 for 15% off your Father’s Day gift purchase. Be sure to follow them on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for their email newsletter for exclusive discounts and promotions.At Songfinch.com/GF you can order a customized song to celebrate a special occasion with someone you love. It makes a unique and everlasting gift. Check out all of your options at Songfinch.com/GFANNOUNCEMENTS Go 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 Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Healing After Loss (with Theoni Bell)

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses five ways to find rest in God, including prayer and meditation, attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist, going to confession, reading scripture, and acts of service and charity. TakeawaysFinding rest in God involves prayer, meditation, attending Mass, receiving the Eucharist, going to confession, reading scripture, and acts of service and charity.Exploring the world of saints and angels can be done at one's own pace, and there is no one right way to do it.A listener's question about expanding her prayer life to include saints and Mary is addressed with encouragement to take it one step at a time and explore the world of saints and angels at her own pace.Thank you to our sponsors!Get daily news headlines from a Catholic perspective delivered right to your inbox every day with The Loop. Get The Loop today!Check out custom Bible covers from OreMoose and use code BEAN15 for 15% off your Father's Day gift purchase. Be sure to follow them on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for their email newsletter for exclusive discounts and promotions. 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. :)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 Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

How to Find Rest in God

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses the topic of when big kids leave the Church with her guest, Celeste Behe. They talk about the challenges and heartbreak that parents face when their adult children choose to leave the faith. Celeste shares her personal experience and how it led her to start the St. Monica Ministry, which offers support and hope to families and friends of fallen away Catholics. They discuss the importance of prayer, the power of community, and the need to focus on the love and beauty of our bodies as mothers. Overall, the episode offers encouragement and resources for those dealing with this difficult situation.TakeawaysWhen adult children leave the church, parents often feel guilty and alone, but it's important to remember that their story is not over yet and to continue praying for them.The St. Monica Ministry provides support and hope to families and friends of fallen away Catholics through meetings, holy hours, and the Wayfaring St. Monica program.It's important to be mindful of the influences we allow into our lives and to focus on the love and beauty of our bodies as mothers.Prayer and confession can help us overcome negative thoughts and tendencies and remind us of God's unconditional love for us.Learn more about Celeste and the St. Monica Ministry.Thank you to our sponsors!Check out custom Bible covers from OreMoose and use code BEAN15 for 15% off your Father’s Day gift purchase. Be sure to follow them on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for their email newsletter for exclusive discounts and promotions.Get daily news headlines from a catholic perspective delivered right to your inbox every day with The Loop. Get The Loop today!ANNOUNCEMENTS Go 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 Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

When Big Kids Leave the Church

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses what to do when you feel overwhelmed. She shares personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed and offers practical advice on how to handle it. Her four main suggestions are: give yourself a break, ask for help, get a fresh perspective, and pray. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support from others. She also recommends praying the Litany of Trust and the Surrender Novena to help cultivate trust in God and surrender to His will.TakeawaysFeeling overwhelmed is a common experience, especially during busy seasons of life.It's important to give yourself a break and be honest about what you can realistically handle.Asking for help and seeking support from others is essential in managing overwhelm.Getting a fresh perspective can help shift your mindset and alleviate stress.Prayer, particularly the Litany of Trust and the Surrender Novena, can provide comfort and guidance in times of overwhelm.Also mentioned in this episode: Litany of Trust and Surrender NovenaThank you to our sponsors!Check out custom Bible covers from OreMoose and use code BEAN15 for 15% off your Father's Day gift purchase. Be sure to follow them on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for their email newsletter for exclusive discounts and promotions. At Songfinch.com/GF you can order a customized song to celebrate a special occasion with someone you love. It makes a unique and everlasting gift. Check out all of your options at Songfinch.com/GFANNOUNCEMENTS Go 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 Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed

In this episode of the Girlfriends podcast, Danielle Bean interviews Sarah Bartel about intimacy in marriage. They discuss the lack of conversation around this topic and the need for a Catholic lens when discussing sex and marriage. Sarah shares her journey of becoming a Catholic moral theologian specializing in sexual ethics and marriage. She talks about the challenges women face in this area, including the pressure from a sex-saturated culture and the expectations of purity culture. Sarah emphasizes the importance of emotional connection, communication, and understanding the body's natural rhythms in enhancing marital intimacy.TakeawaysIntimacy in marriage is an important but often overlooked topic that needs to be approached with a Catholic lens.Women often suffer from a lack of information and feel shame when it comes to discussing intimacy in marriage.There is a need for practical guidance and a woman's perspective on this topic in the Catholic world.Marital intimacy requires emotional connection, communication, and understanding of the body's natural rhythms.It is important to approach intimacy in marriage with a positive and holistic view, recognizing the gift and beauty of sexuality.Learn more about Sarah Bartel and her ministry at CanaFeast.comFollow on InstagramThank you to our sponsors!Get daily news headlines from a catholic perspective delivered right to your inbox every day with The Loop. Get The Loop today!CORDA Candles creates candles with scents inspired by the saints! Girlfriends listeners can get a free "Seasonal Favorites" tealight sampler with an order of $35+ (that's 6 free mini candles!). Go to cordacandles.com/girlfriends.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. :)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 Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Enjoy Greater Intimacy in Your Marriage

BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, a brief update on Danielle! She is home from the hospital and doing much better. She is gaining strength every day and is so grateful for all of your prayers and good wishes. This episode was recorded before she got sick, so there is no mention of her illness in this week's show. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. You can et all the latest updates and details at daniellebean.substack.com.In episode 419 of the Girlfriends podcast, host Danielle Bean discusses four small, yet significant habits that can profoundly impact one's life.Danielle covers the importance of daily prayer and its benefits, emphasizing making prayer a natural part of one’s routine.She then addresses the critical role that sufficient sleep plays in overall well-being, offering practical tips for achieving better sleep hygiene.The third habit focuses on the power of letting go—of control, resentments, and the need to manage everything—encouraging listeners to trust more in God's plan.Lastly, Danielle advocates for hitting the pause button in our fast-paced lives, suggesting breaks from work and technology to enhance mindfulness and presence. Throughout the episode, Danielle interweaves personal insights and actionable advice, aiming to guide listeners towards peace, balance, and joy in family living.TakeawaysDaily prayer can reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve relationships.Prioritizing proper sleep is essential for physical and mental well-being.Letting go of things beyond your control can lead to acceptance and trust in God.Taking breaks and disconnecting from technology can help you reflect, recharge, and find balance.Thank you to our sponsors!Check out gorgeous and unique saint necklaces at AbundantlyYours.org. These make a fantastic gift for you or someone you love! Use code SAINTS15 to get 15% off your purchase today!At Songfinch.com/GF you can order a customized song to celebrate a special occasion with someone you love. It makes a unique and everlasting gift. Check out all of your options at Songfinch.com/GFSupport 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. :)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 Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

4 Small Habits That Will Change Your Life

A quick explanation on Danielle's absence this week from her daughter, Gabby. Please pray for Danielle's healing and recovery, as she still is in the hospital in NYC. Updates later this week will be available at daniellebean.substack.com. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Update From Danielle, Please Pray!

In this conversation, Sarah Mackenzie discusses the life and work of Barbara Cooney, a renowned author and illustrator of children's books. Sarah shares her fascination with Barbara's illustration style and her discovery of Barbara's life as a mother of four who placed her drawing table in the busiest room of her house. Sarah also highlights Barbara's commitment to detail and precision in her illustrations and her dedication to visiting the locations she depicted in her books.The conversation explores the power of children's books in shaping character and fostering empathy. Sarah emphasizes the importance of reading aloud to children and the impact it has on their development. She also discusses the value of short books and the joy and rest that reading can bring to our lives.TakeawaysBarbara Cooney was a prolific author and illustrator of over 150 children's books, known for her illustration style and attention to detail.Reading aloud to children has a profound impact on their development, fostering empathy, and helping them overcome challenges.Stories have the power to shape character and teach virtues, allowing children to witness characters overcoming obstacles and becoming who they need to be.Short books and children's novels can be a valuable way to nurture a reading habit, especially during busy seasons of life.Reading is not just a task to be accomplished but a gift that brings joy and rest to our lives.Learn more about Read Aloud RevivalLearn more about Waxwing BooksThank you to our sponsors!Get daily news headlines from a catholic perspective delivered right to your inbox every day with The Loop. Get The Loop today!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. :)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 Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

The Unique Joys of Reading Aloud (with Sarah Mackenzie)

In this episode, Danielle Bean talks to Maria Marianyagam, a children's book author, about teaching kids virtue. Maria shares her journey of becoming a children's book author and the importance of starting to teach virtues at a young age. They discuss Maria's board book series, which focuses on virtues like hope and courage, and how parents can engage with the series. Danielle also addresses the topic of female friendships and the importance of cultivating meaningful connections with other women.TakeawaysTeaching virtues to children from a young age is important for their development and can help them grow into effective and fruitful individuals.Maria Marianyagam's board book series, which focuses on virtues like hope and courage, provides a fun and accessible way for children to learn about and practice virtues.Parents can engage with the series by reading the books with their children, using the discussion questions and activities provided on Maria's website, and modeling virtuous behavior themselves.Female friendships are important for women and can provide support, affirmation, and a unique understanding of shared experiences.It is important to be reflective about the friendships in our lives, invest time and energy into maintaining them, and bring any struggles or concerns to prayer.Learn more about Maria at her website.Check out her baby virtue books!Thank you to our sponsors!Get daily news headlines from a catholic perspective delivered right to your inbox every day with The Loop. Get The Loop today!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. :)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 Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

How to Teach Kids Virtue (with Maria Marianayagam)

Danielle shares advice, encouragement, and connection for Catholic women in all walks of life. daniellebean.substack.com daniellebean.substack.com

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Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

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