Catholic Women Now

Julie Nelson and Chris Magruder

In an easy going conversational style, hosts Julie Nelson and Chris Magruder speak to what is on the hearts and minds of women as if sharing coffee with friends in a coffee shop. We cover all things in light of the Catholic faith: femininity, faith, family, marriage, dirty diapers, teenagers, empty nesting. Grab your cuppa coffee and join us!

  1. APR 30

    Sacred Listening: Hearing with the Heart of Christ - 04/30/2026

    What does it mean to truly listen—not just hear, but encounter another person with the heart of Christ? In this episode of Catholic Women Now, hosts Julie Nelson and Chris McGruder explore the powerful concept of sacred listening. Drawing from spiritual direction, Scripture, and everyday life, Julie shares how listening is not just a skill—but a grace that invites healing, dignity, and deeper relationships. You’ll learn the difference between hearing and listening, how Jesus modeled attentive and compassionate listening, and practical ways to become a more present, empathetic listener in your family, friendships, and daily encounters. Whether you're navigating conversations with loved ones or seeking to grow in your faith, this episode offers simple yet profound wisdom to help you listen with love—and create space for God to move. Opening prayer and reflections on truth, beauty, and goodness Introduction to sacred listening and its importance Difference between hearing vs. listening Insights from Julie’s experience as a spiritual director Scriptural examples of how Jesus listens (e.g., Martha and Mary) Practical tools for better listening: Affirmation and presence Nonverbal communication Embracing silence Avoiding “fixing” or redirecting Discussion on empathy vs. sympathy Navigating difficult conversations and “victim mindset” Real-life examples of healing through listening Applying sacred listening in marriage, family, and friendships Closing prayer and encouragement Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulusSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min
  2. APR 23

    Reclaiming Beauty & Identity with Chantel Howard - 04/23/2026

    On this episode of Catholic Women Now, hosts Julie Nelson and Chris Magruder sit down with Chantel Howard to explore the beauty, dignity, and formation of young women through her initiative, the Catholic Finishing School. Inspired by a desire to restore authentic femininity in a culture often confused about identity, Chantel shares how her program equips girls ages 14–19 with confidence, virtue, and practical life skills rooted in Catholic teaching. From etiquette and communication to deeper formation through Theology of the Body, Scripture, and the lives of the saints, this program offers a holistic approach to becoming the woman God created them to be. The conversation also touches on the importance of beauty in daily life, the role of mothers and mentors, and how families can foster meaningful conversations about identity, worth, and purpose. Chantel also shares exciting opportunities, including a pilgrimage experience for mothers and daughters. ✨ Learn more: https://catholicfinishingschool.com Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulusSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min
  3. APR 16

    The Hidden Costs of IVF & The Promise of Restorative Reproductive Medicine with Deborah Colloton - 04/16/2026

    On this episode of Catholic Women Now, Chris Magruder and guest co-host Leslie Teeling welcome back Deborah Colloton for a deeper discussion on infertility, IVF, and the growing movement toward restorative reproductive medicine. Building on last week’s conversation, Deborah explains how restorative reproductive care works by identifying and treating the root causes of infertility for both men and women. The conversation contrasts this approach with IVF, examining not only the physical and emotional toll, but also the ethical implications surrounding embryo loss, surrogacy, and the commodification of human life. The hosts also explore how cultural acceptance of IVF has led to complex and often troubling scenarios—from legal conflicts in surrogacy arrangements to the rise of “designer embryos” and a largely unregulated fertility industry. Grounded in Catholic teaching, including insights connected to Humanae Vitae, this episode challenges listeners to think critically while offering hope through faithful, science-based solutions. 🔗 Learn more about restorative reproductive medicine: https://restorativereproductivemedicine.org #CatholicWomenNow #IVF #Infertility #ProLife #HumanaeVitae #RestorativeReproductiveMedicine #CatholicTeaching #FaithAndScience #WomenOfFaith #CatholicRadio Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulusSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min
  4. APR 9

    Restorative Reproductive Medicine vs IVF with Deborah Colloton - 04/09/2026

    On this episode of Catholic Women Now, Chris Magruder and substitute co-host Leslie Teeling sit down with Deborah Colloton to tackle a sensitive but important topic: infertility and reproductive technologies. Deborah shares her personal journey through infertility and how it led her to discover restorative reproductive medicine—a science-based, ethical approach that seeks to identify and treat the root causes of infertility rather than bypass them. The discussion dives into the differences between restorative reproductive care and IVF, including medical outcomes, costs, and moral considerations from a Catholic perspective. The conversation also addresses surrogacy, the reality of embryo loss, and the dignity of human life, while offering hope to couples through emerging medical advancements. This episode provides both clarity and compassion for those navigating fertility challenges. 🔗 Learn more about restorative reproductive medicine:https://www.replyfertility.com/ #CatholicWomenNow #Infertility #IVF #ProLife #CatholicTeaching #RestorativeReproductiveMedicine #FaithAndScience #CatholicRadio #WomenOfFaith #DesMoinesCatholic Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulusSunday Dive with Katie PatrizioThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

In an easy going conversational style, hosts Julie Nelson and Chris Magruder speak to what is on the hearts and minds of women as if sharing coffee with friends in a coffee shop. We cover all things in light of the Catholic faith: femininity, faith, family, marriage, dirty diapers, teenagers, empty nesting. Grab your cuppa coffee and join us!

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