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
  • 5.0 (47)
  • Christianity
  • Weekly

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. 6h ago

    196. A Mother’s Way to the Cross with Mary & God’s Grace | Molly Roman

    Welcome to Episode 196 of the Warrior Words podcast! This week, I have a delightful conversation with a lovely lady who loves the Lord and truly has a heart for others. Molly Roman is one of the most supportive women I've seen on Instagram, so it was no surprise when she took a situation from her life, listened to the Holy Spirit, and created a Scripture study. Not to become a best-selling author, but to help other moms. Molly shares an experience with her daughter that allowed them both to grow closer to each other and to Jesus. Listen in to hear Molly's real-life experience and how it led to a Scripture study for any busy mom who wants to lay her worries at the feet of Jesus (as well as an interesting sidebar about feet in the Bible...).   Learn more about Molly: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollyromancatholic/ A Mother's Way to the Cross - https://link.amazon/B086E6B2R To Jesus Through Mary, Coloring Book - https://link.amazon/B082PqlFg   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.

    196. A Mother’s Way to the Cross with Mary & God’s Grace | Molly Roman

  2. Oct 28

    195. Red Flags of Domestic Violence: Looking Back | Heather Gaffney

    Welcome to Episode 195 of the Warrior Words podcast!   I did not plan to do a month of solo episodes. But between scheduling conflicts and it being both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it just turned out that way. And I usually feel that if things don't turn out the way I plan them, that the Holy Spirit has a better idea of how things should go. I've learned that the Holy Spirit is right a lot more than I am. In fact, it's more like 100% right. So, here we are with an episode on the difficult topic of domestic violence. And there's a contrast between this one and the breast cancer one, because I think what we see during these months is a bit different. In fact, the focus seems different. And one gets a bit more PR than the other. Listen in to hear my thoughts on this awareness month, a couple of my personal stories, and a couple of red flags we shouldn't overlook.   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. Substack: https://staroftheseaguild.substack.com/   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 on your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

    195. Red Flags of Domestic Violence: Looking Back | Heather Gaffney

  3. Oct 21

    194. Breast Cancer: The Beauty in the Suffering | Heather Gaffney

    Welcome to Episode 194 of the Warrior Words podcast! This week, I share something you don't hear a lot about. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For those who don't already know, breast cancer is one of my trauma stories. In talking about breast cancer, we often hear about research, mammograms, and early detection. We see walks for a cure and everything tied up with a pretty pink ribbon. And there's nothing wrong with any of that! But when you're newly diagnosed and focused on simply surviving cancer, there's something they don't prepare you for; something that doesn't just disappear once the bell is rung. Listen in to hear my internal struggle; the battle I didn't see coming.   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. Substack: https://staroftheseaguild.substack.com/   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.

    194. Breast Cancer: The Beauty in the Suffering | Heather Gaffney

  4. Oct 14

    193. Do What it Takes to Survive & Thrive | Heather Gaffney

    Welcome to Episode 193 of the Warrior Words podcast! In this week's episode, I share about an epiphany I had while needles were being inserted into my neck & back. The doctor said something to me that made me stop and think. My response was not surprising to me, but as I continued to think about it, it occurred to me that spending much of my life doing what it takes has led me to move from surviving to thriving.  Listen in to hear how my experiences have helped shape where I am and what I do today.   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. Substack: https://staroftheseaguild.substack.com/   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.

    193. Do What it Takes to Survive & Thrive | Heather Gaffney

  5. Oct 7

    192. Are You Called to Advocate for Someone Else? | Heather Gaffney

    Welcome to Episode 192 of the Warrior Words podcast! In this week's episode, I talk about something personal: advocating for a loved one. In this case, it was advocating for my son, with my son. Let me explain...  Recently, he had a medical scare, and one of his providers suggested a test and then said, "But you don't have to take it because the outcome will likely be the same." That is a perfect example of what not to say to someone on the autism spectrum. Listen in to hear how I had to advocate for my son against his own arguments.   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. Substack: https://staroftheseaguild.substack.com/   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.

    192. Are You Called to Advocate for Someone Else? | Heather Gaffney

  6. Sep 30

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (197)

Trailer

5
out of 5
47 Ratings

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

Information