Warrior Words | Stories of Hope | Finding Beauty After Battles & Thriving After Surviving Trauma

Heather Gaffney - Author, Artist, and YouTuber; Storyteller, Warrior, Survivor, Thriver & Faithful Catholic

Are you walking through a storm that feels like it will never end? Do you wonder if life’s storms have stolen the beauty from your life for good? You’re in the right place. My name is Heather, and, like you, I’ve been through a storm or two and wondered if life would ever be beautiful again. Here we share Warriors’ Words ~ stories of discovering beauty after battles and the worth in your wounds. Pick up your sword - or boxing gloves - and join the battle. Your words are powerful, my friends. Make them Warrior Words. Become more involved in this journey at @MyWarriorWords and @HeatherGaffneyAuthor on Instagram. I can also be found on X at @HGaffneyAuthor and on YouTube at @warriorwords and @BeautyAfterBattles

  1. 6d ago

    191. Don’t Waste Your Cross: How Can God Use Your Suffering? | Kristen Dean

    Welcome to Episode 191 of the Warrior Words podcast! This week I had the opportunity to sit down with a mom. A mom like many of us who struggles to know if she's raising her kids right. Will they live out what she taught them? Or will the world's weeds take root? But what happens when one or more of those children start to question, or outright reject, the faith in which they've been raised? Kristen and I talk about how this is playing out in her own life right now.  And we end up talking about control. Similar to last week, when we talked about controlling everything surrounding conceiving children, this week we discuss continuing that control through childhood and into the teenage years. This seems to be a pattern. But Kristen sought wise counsel from her priests, and she was given some very profound ~ and sometimes painful ~ wisdom. Listen in to hear how control rears its ugly head in our parenting, and how one mom is learning not to waste her cross.   Learn more about Kristen: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choppinwoodpod/ Podcast: Choppin' Wood - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choppin-wood-podcast/id1864281221   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Warrior Words News: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    191. Don’t Waste Your Cross: How Can God Use Your Suffering? | Kristen Dean
  2. Sep 23

    190. The Role of Control & PEACE in Women’s Fertility | Victoria Beckett

    Welcome to Episode 190 of the Warrior Words podcast! This week's episode is in honor of Karol & Alba Gaudete. What is the impact of control on fertility? Maybe a better question is: What is the impact of control on any situation in your life? While my guest Victoria and I discuss her experiences with pregnancy loss and fertility, there is an underlying theme of trying to control anything and everything. And the destruction control can cause. As Victoria navigated her pregnancy loss, she discovered something she was really good at doing. God provided a way for her to help others! From her pain through to helping others' pain. And she discovered PEACE. Listen in as she moves from control to PEACE in her life.   Learn more about Victoria: Website: https://catholicfertilitycoach.newzenler.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicfertilitycoach/ Gift for all listeners - Catholic Reproductive Health Resource Guide: https://catholicfertilitycoach.newzenler.com/f/catholic-reproductive-health-resource-guide In addition, Tori is offering 50% off a one-time coaching call, and anyone who enrolls in the PEACE Fertility Method course following a call can roll that into the enrollment cost (so another $75 off!) Share this with the women in your life who need it!   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Warrior Words News: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    190. The Role of Control & PEACE in Women’s Fertility | Victoria Beckett
  3. Sep 16

    189. How Do We See Light Through Evil? How Do We BE Light? | Sheila Nonato

    Welcome to Episode 189 of the Warrior Words podcast! I am honored to host this week's guest, Sheila. As she states in the opening minutes of the episode, this is the first time she has been a guest on a podcast. But she's not a stranger to stories. Last week, we commemorated the terrorist attacks that took the lives of 2,977 people on September 11th, 2001. Like many of us, that day had a profound impact on Sheila. So much so that she left her hometown in Canada for an internship in the Middle East. She arrived in time for another terrorist attack in Jordan. Sheila shares about her time in Jordan: what she saw, how she was treated, and what she learned in the six months she was there. But she also shares about the repercussions she experienced when she returned to Canada. This isn't one of those stories that's wrapped up in a pretty red bow at the end. It's a story of a journey of healing; one that's still in process & one that has taught her so much. Listen in as she bravely shares this journey with you.   Book Sheila mentioned: The Natural Brilliance of the Soul: A Soldier's Story of War and Reconciliation (aff): https://link.amazon/B0bJo9Lek   Learn more about Sheila: Website: https://veilandarmour.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@veilandarmour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@veilandarmour X: https://www.x.com/@sheilanonato   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Warrior Words News: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    189. How Do We See Light Through Evil? How Do We BE Light? | Sheila Nonato
  4. Sep 9

    188. Stolen: A Work of Obedience to God’s Call | Lauren Burns

    Welcome to Episode 188 of the Warrior Words podcast! This week, I invited my friend, fellow podcaster, and fellow author, Lauren Burns, back to the podcast. The big difference is that her book is now published! And I am excited to share it with you! Lauren was a guest on episodes 33 & 34, and she shared the details of her kidnapping, rescue, and redemption with us. This time, she is talking about that story from a different angle. You will hear things not included in those episodes, but you will also hear about the fear that can accompany God's call. Especially when that call is something you have no idea how to do. You do not have to be writing a book to relate to what Lauren experienced in this chapter of her life. She offers some practical advice on how to deal with the doubt and fear we tend to go through when God asks us to do something hard. Grab your copy of Stolen here (aff).   Learn more about Lauren: Redeemed Podcast - On Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/redeemed-podcast22 On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-podcast/id1741136389 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenBredeemed/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lburnspt/ Website: https://laurenburns.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurenburnsredeemed   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Warrior Words News: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    188. Stolen: A Work of Obedience to God’s Call | Lauren Burns
  5. Sep 2

    187. Can the Arts be a Key to Unlock the Garden of Dementia? | Kate Fassbender

    Welcome to Episode 187 of the Warrior Words podcast!   I hope you enjoyed visiting with some of our 2025 episodes over the summer! I know I did! But now it's time to introduce you to some great new guests this fall & winter, starting with Kate Fassbender. Kate is here to share about her love of the arts and of helping families who are living with a dementia diagnosis. Do they go together? Kate thinks so, and the impact she's making speaks for itself. After disconnecting our call, I had a practical question pop into my head, and Kate was gracious enough to answer via email. I know you haven't heard the episode yet, but you can refer to this after you do. Me: What is a tip or suggestion you would offer to someone who has a family member living with dementia to spark or build connection where they are? Kate: Be receptive. It can be difficult when a loved one starts to repeat themselves, talks not in full ideas or sentences, but what I call “sparks of thought.” Listen to the stories they repeat. Look in their eyes for what they are communicating with you. Notice the small upturn of the mouth indicating a smile or moment of peace. Spot when the fingers start to wiggle to a song. Then, when the moment arrives when you find it difficult to connect, share that story they told 20 times in less than an hour. Listen to that piece of music that made them move and their eyes sparkle. Connection is not always conversation. Connection is sometimes in those quiet, near-invisible moments. It can be difficult to receive someone living with dementia. The frustrations in communication, the fear of how the disease has progressed since the last time you saw them. The shifting of dreams. No longer being able to relate to your loved one as you once did. I will never deny the challenges of the place. It is, however, in being receptive that we can restore our relationships in dementia. It takes practice and patience, and in doing so, you are uplifting the dignity not only of the person before you, but of yourself, your relationship with that person, and magnifying the good that dementia cannot erase. Thank you, Kate, for giving us this Bonus Wisdom!   Learn more about Kate: Website: https://dementialettersproject.com/ Website: https://hemofchrist.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dementialetters/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hemofchrist/ Learn more about the Secret Garden project here: https://dementialettersproject.com/theatre/   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    187. Can the Arts be a Key to Unlock the Garden of Dementia? | Kate Fassbender
  6. Aug 26

    186. Does Suffering Bring You Closer to God’s Friendship? | Kylie Hein

    Welcome to Episode 186 of the Warrior Words podcast!   This week's Summer Rewind features Kylie Hein and is our last for this year. In her original episode, number 146, Kylie shared her story of how some harsh words spoken led to a deeper understanding of God's friendship. Kylie was at a crossroads where she asked herself if she was going to allow this situation to draw her closer to God or pull her away from Him. She chose to be open and allow God to work in her life. This led her to the work she does today: helping women in their relationship with God through Christian Coaching and Spiritual Direction. Depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time.   Learn more about Kylie: Website: www.kyliemhein.com Persistence in Prayer podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135786 Instagram: www.instagram.com/kyliemhein Daily Examen for Every Temperament (free for everyone!): https://kyliemhein.kartra.com/page/examen   Original Episode: Audio: https://pod.link/1725674975/episode/d2FycmlvcndvcmRzLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzM4ZWM0NTI0LTczMmQtMzdkYi05OGU1LTQ1NDY3ZmFkMGZjYg YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fyl2Hsv7wjc   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    186. Does Suffering Bring You Closer to God’s Friendship? | Kylie Hein
  7. Aug 19

    185. God’s Arrows Pointed to Love Despite Cultural Differences | Brooke Joiner

    Welcome to Episode 185 of the Warrior Words podcast!   This week's Summer Rewind features Brooke Joiner. In her original episode, number 142, Brooke shared her story of following God's prompting to go to a foreign country to serve others. What she didn't realize was what she would gain as a result of her obedience. Serving the poorest of the poor, Brooke found herself in a difficult situation until a fellow American introduced her to someone from yet another country who spoke very little English. You might imagine that this would add to her difficult situation, which it did for a little bit. But what happened next was something neither of them had in mind when they set out to serve. Depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time. And if YOU are a Catholic who owns a business - it doesn't have to be a Catholic-themed business - use the code WARRIOR at checkout on catholicowned.com for 10% off any membership.   Learn more about Brooke: Website: https://catholicowned.com/introduction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholicowned Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholicowned LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/catholicowned LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-joiner-catholicowned/   Original Episode: Audio: https://pod.link/1725674975/episode/d2FycmlvcndvcmRzLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzQ3MmJlM2RhLTM5NTMtM2Q1Ny05ZWNmLTcwYjlkZTE3OWNhNQ YouTube: https://youtu.be/BS23lG30ln4   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    185. God’s Arrows Pointed to Love Despite Cultural Differences | Brooke Joiner
  8. Aug 12

    184. Uncomfortable Truth: Addiction, Redemption & Conversion | Steven M. Bell

    Welcome to Episode 184 of the Warrior Words podcast!   This week's Summer Rewind features Steven M. Bell. In his original episode, number 140, Steven shared his story of addiction and recovery. But not just that... he shared how listening to his son began a conversion journey. And during that journey, his addiction got worse, to the point of almost losing everything. Because of the way God works, it was that conversion that helped prepare him for what he needed to do in order to experience recovery and redemption from the alcohol that had a hold on him. He had to get uncomfortable. And then his Father showed Steven that He, too, was listening. Depending on how new you are to the show, enjoy these great conversations again, or discover them for the first time.   Learn more about Steven: Website: https://www.stevenmbellmusic.com/ Website: https://www.thethinningveilproject.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.b12 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RlbgkIAW8kGRcqvXJC1Qw Uncomfortable Truth: https://amzn.to/3JWchWf The Thinning Veil: https://amzn.to/4g01rvQ   Original Episode: Audio: https://pod.link/1725674975/episode/d2FycmlvcndvcmRzLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzUxYzFmMTRkLTVmMDgtM2E1Mi1hMTJkLTVkYmNmZWZkZWZmZQ YouTube: https://youtu.be/cwfVg_60x_8   Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild   Armor Up. Fight the Good Fight. Seek Beauty. Make Your Words Warrior Words. Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com   Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/   People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air! Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24 Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/ 1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/ Warrior Words Amazon Store (aff): For items I use, recommend, or love! https://a.co/d/06usyTGd   NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical. * Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    184. Uncomfortable Truth: Addiction, Redemption & Conversion | Steven M. Bell

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About

Are you walking through a storm that feels like it will never end? Do you wonder if life’s storms have stolen the beauty from your life for good? You’re in the right place. My name is Heather, and, like you, I’ve been through a storm or two and wondered if life would ever be beautiful again. Here we share Warriors’ Words ~ stories of discovering beauty after battles and the worth in your wounds. Pick up your sword - or boxing gloves - and join the battle. Your words are powerful, my friends. Make them Warrior Words. Become more involved in this journey at @MyWarriorWords and @HeatherGaffneyAuthor on Instagram. I can also be found on X at @HGaffneyAuthor and on YouTube at @warriorwords and @BeautyAfterBattles