The Catholic Woman Podcast

Marie Hanson
  • 4.3 (171)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Catholic Woman Podcast is where Catholic women find the tools and truth they need to thrive in the modern world. Each episode blends practical advice with the timeless teachings of the Catholic faith so you can live out your vocation confidently and faithfully. If you’re ready to grow stronger in truth and bolder in faith, you’ve found your place.

  1. 4D AGO

    How to Know If He's Marriage Material (4 Trust Tests Every Catholic Woman Needs)

    If you're a single Catholic woman wondering why no one is asking you out, or you're dating someone and you're not sure if he's actually marriage material, this episode is going to be a game-changer. Catholic therapist, relationship coach, and author Dana Nygaard is not here to sugarcoat it. She's here to help you stop wasting your time and start dating with clarity, confidence, and faith. In this episode, we discuss: Why so many Catholic men aren't directly asking women on dates and what you can do to become more approachable without compromising your femininity The difference between "hanging out" and being genuinely pursued, and how to call it out with confidence (and a little flirting) Why leading with "boss babe" energy is actually a turnoff and what to lead with instead Whether you should date a non-Catholic and the real risks Dana sees play out in marriages with faith differences, especially around NFP and baptizing children The powerful advice from St. Ambrose to St. Monica that every woman married to a non-Catholic needs to hear Dana's four pillars of trust — ability, integrity, benevolence, and consistency — and how to evaluate a man's character while you're dating What emotional chastity actually looks like in practice and why sharing too much too fast puts you in danger Why so many men in their 20s and 30s are stuck in immaturity and what parents can do right now to stop enabling it How to bring up the pornography conversation in dating without shame and the warning signs that someone is not marriage-ready Daily rituals of connection that keep marriages strong even in the busiest seasons of life Connect with Dana Nygaard: Website: https://clarityplease.com Instagram: @dananygaard_lpc Miss to Mrs's Program: https://dananygaard.com The Catholic Woman Podcast: Be present for your actual life…get 3 texts a week that change everything: https://catholicwoman.co/presence Never miss a show! Get text or email updates - https://catholicwoman.co/newsletter Check out The Catholic Woman on Substack - https://substack.com/@thecatholicwoman  Join The Catholic Woman Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GeKDTt7WA/ Watch full episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheCatholicWomanPodcast  Visit: https://catholicwoman.co  Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecatholicwomanpodcast  Thank you to our show sponsors! Chews Life — Catholic rosaries for every age and season | https://chewslife.com | Code: TCW15 for 15% off Crux Invicta — Bold rosary bracelets for men | https://cruxinvicta.com | Code: TCW15 for 15% off Party Like a Saint — Christ-centered sacrament celebration supplies | https://partylikeasaint.com Happy Nest Home Goods — Catholic gifts, sacrifice beads & more | https://happynesthomegoods.com | Code: CATHOLICWOMAN for 10% off If this episode blessed you, please rate, review, and subscribe…it's one of the simplest ways to help more Catholic women find encouragement and truth!

    59 min

  2. MAR 16

    The Food Industry Was Designed to Hook You: The Truth About Food Addiction and Reclaiming Your Freedom

    Food addiction isn’t simply a matter of willpower, and many women don’t realize how much the modern food system is working against them. In this episode, Marie Hanson sits down with Stephanie Mattrey to unpack the neuroscience of food addiction, the difference between eating disorders and addictive eating patterns, and how ultra-processed foods are engineered to keep us coming back for more. They discuss how hidden sugars and refined ingredients affect the brain, why so many women feel trapped in cycles with food, and how faith, community, and practical habits can help break the cycle. Stephanie also shares compassionate insight for mothers trying to feed their families in a complicated food culture, and why healing your relationship with food begins with understanding, not shame. In this episode, we discuss: - The difference between food addiction and eating disorders - Why ultra-processed foods can affect the brain like addictive substances - How the food industry borrowed tactics from tobacco companies - Why sugar and refined flours appear in so many packaged foods - What to look for on ingredient labels (and what to avoid) - A realistic approach to feeding kids healthy food without fear or perfectionism - Thoughts on seed oils, food dyes, and processed ingredients - The HALT method: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired - Why emotional hunger often shows up as physical hunger - How prayer can interrupt cravings and help rewire habits - Why food addiction is not a moral failure - The difference between food addiction and the sin of gluttony - How community and faith support healing from disordered eating Connect with Stephanie - Website: https://www.shinerising.com/membership Podcast: The Pulse Project Podcast - https://pulseproject25.podbean.com/ Resources & Links - Join the $5 text program to live a more present life: https://catholicwoman.co/present Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheCatholicWomanPodcast Join Marie’s text community for episode updates and behind-the-scenes messages. Text “SHOW” to (561) 973-7646, or better yet, just click here to join: https://catholicwoman.co/newsletter  Show Sponsors: North Idaho Tallow - Use code MARIE10 for 10% off at https://www.idahotallow.com/ Party Like a Saint - Visit https://www.partylikeasaint.com/ to start planning your Sacrament celebration today. Happy Nest Home Goods - Use code CATHOLICWOMAN for 10% off your order at https://www.happynesthomegoods.com/ If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, sister, or mom who might need to hear this conversation. And if you’ve been enjoying the Catholic Woman Podcast, leaving a rating or review is one of the best ways to help more women discover the show. SEO Keywords: food addiction, Catholic podcast, eating disorders, ultra processed foods, emotional eating, food addiction recovery, women’s health, Catholic women, neuroscience of food addiction, gluttony, faith and healing, healthy habits, Stephanie Mattrey Shine Rising

    45 min

  3. MAR 2

    Made Good: A Catholic Woman’s Guide to Healing Hormones, Food Freedom, and Fitness That Actually Works (with Florencia Moynihan)

    If you’ve ever wondered how to care for your body without falling into diet culture… If you’ve struggled with hormones, postpartum weight changes, disordered eating, or burnout… If you know God made you good but don’t always feel that way… This episode is for you. Marie sits down with Florencia Moynihan (The Catholic Nutritionist) to talk about women’s hormone health, strength training, postpartum fitness, coffee dependence, food freedom, and why most health advice fails women. They dive into what it actually looks like to integrate faith, nutrition, and fitness in a way that honors the female body, including fertility, motherhood, busy schedules, and long-term health. You’ll learn why consistency beats intensity, why strength training matters more than endless cardio, and how to build habits rooted in identity, not shame. Plus, yes…you’ll hear the story of Flo’s missing signed book from SEEK. In this episode, we discuss: The truth about women’s hormone health and why your fitness plan should reflect that you’re female How Catholic women can pursue aesthetic goals without falling into vanity Why strength training is essential for fat loss, muscle tone, and long-term health Postpartum weight loss, fertility seasons, and realistic expectations for moms How to stop the “start over Monday” cycle Why most women quit health routines too early (and how to finally stick with one) The role of identity in sustainable habit change What to do if you feel like you don’t have time to work out Flo’s FUEL Method for filtering health trends and conflicting advice Coffee and energy: when it’s fine… and when it’s masking burnout Healing your relationship with food after disordered eating Connect with Flo Instagram: @thecatholicnutritionist Podcast: Made Good Book: Made Good Coaching Program: Made Good (Christ-centered women’s health transformation)   Resources & Links Subscribe to The Catholic Woman Podcast on YouTube  Join the Catholic Woman Substack for deeper conversations beyond the podcast Visit https://catholicwoman.co Sponsors BRDY Candles - Use code CWP10 for 10% off Chews Life + Crux Invicta - Use code TCW15 for 15% off BOMA USA (Billings Method) - Use code Catholic20 for the full Fertility 101 course and code Catholic5 for the one-time class Sacred Heart Mental Wellness (Catherine DiNuzzo) - Use code CWP15 for 15% off If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, especially a woman navigating hormones, postpartum, body image, or burnout. And don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube and leave a comment review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more Catholic women find conversations like this. SEO Keywords: Catholic women’s health, hormone health for women, Catholic nutritionist, strength training for women, postpartum weight loss, food freedom, disordered eating recovery, faith and fitness, Catholic body image, fertility and hormones, coffee and cortisol, healthy habits for busy moms, identity-based habits, women’s hormone balance, Christian wellness podcast

    51 min

  4. FEB 16

    Trauma, Anxiety & the “Both/And” Life: How Catholic Women Heal Without Chasing Perfection (with Catherine DiNuzzo)

    Holiness isn’t a highlight reel, and healing isn’t “just pray harder.” Licensed professional counselor and Catholic author/speaker Catherine DiNuzzo joins Marie to bring clarity to what trauma actually is (and isn’t), why so many women minimize their wounds, and how to move through pain without getting stuck in it.  They talk about the pressure to “push through,” the lie of “I’m not enough,” how to stop bullying yourself internally, and why the saints’ lives were messier than the kids’ books make them look. Plus: what to do when the “trauma” is connected to your own past sins or mistakes, and how confession really does wipe the slate clean. In this episode, we discuss: Why trauma isn’t about “how bad it was,” but about how it impacted you The trap of comparison: “It’s not as bad as hers, so I shouldn’t feel this” How 2020–2022 exposed the limits of “just push through” culture Holiness vs. perfection: why we strive now, and become “fully holy” in Heaven The “both/and” life: you can be grateful and still be wounded The quiet burden so many women carry: “I’m not enough” A practical reframe: stop talking to yourself in a way you’d never talk to a friend How wounds can become pathways to grace: surrender as a white flag, not a victory speech Saints and suffering: what we miss when we only hear the “problem → Jesus → happy ending” version When the trauma is tied to your own choices: forgiving yourself for what you didn’t know then Mary Magdalene as a witness of mercy: your past doesn’t disqualify you from the cross How to stop living with your “mouth barely above water” and learn to swim through life’s waves Connect with Guest Catherine DiNuzzo — Catholic speaker, author, and licensed professional counselor The Catholic Guide Through Anxiety + companion workbook Discount code: CWP15 for 15% off Catherine’s resources on her website Resources & Links Join the Facebook community: The Catholic Woman Facebook group Watch on video: The Catholic Woman on YouTube More episodes + resources: https://catholicwoman.co For deeper discussions, subscribe on Substack Bring Marie to speak at your event Show Sponsors BRDY Candles Non-toxic, Scripture-tied candles designed to help you notice God in the everyday Code: CWP10 for 10% off BOMA USA (Billings Method) — Fertility 101 Course Live intro class + private chart reviews with a certified instructor Code: Catholic20 for the full course Code: Catholic5 for the one-time class Chews Life Rosaries + Crux Invicta Silicone rosaries for kids, wearable rosary bracelets, and more Code: TCW15 for 15% off on either site If this episode hits close to home, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with a friend, sister, or mom who’s been quietly carrying too much. And if you haven’t yet, please rate, review, and subscribe….it’s one of the simplest ways to help more Catholic women find the encouragement and tools they need. SEO Keywords Catholic trauma healing, Catholic anxiety help, Catholic counselor, Catherine DiNuzzo, Sacred Heart Mental Wellness, holiness vs perfection, both and mentality, trauma definition, women’s mental health Catholic, confession forgiveness, Mary Magdalene mercy, Saints and suffering, Maslow hierarchy of needs Catholic, self-worth lies, inner critic, emotional healing faith, Catholic therapy resources

    43 min

  5. FEB 2

    She Found God Through Wool (Here’s What It Reveals About Your Purpose)

    She found God through wool… and it wasn’t just a “cool story.” It changed how she sees purpose, work, and what God can do with your life when you finally offer Him what you have. In this episode, Marie sits down with Holly Guertin, a contemporary fiber artist, Catholic convert, and mom of four, to talk about the unexpected way working with wool and the symbolism of the Good Shepherd led her into the Catholic Church. If you’ve ever felt like your gifts don’t matter… or your work feels ordinary… this episode is for you. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why Scripture uses sheep & shepherd imagery so often (and why it matters) How wool became the doorway that led Holly to Catholicism What it means to offer God “the work of your hands” Why handmade beauty + imperfection reflect something deeply spiritual How Holly balances motherhood, teaching, and creative work Why your “small” gifts might actually be the thing God uses most Connect with Holly: Website + all links: https://hollyguertin.com Email: info@hollyguertin.com The Catholic Woman: Website: https://catholicwoman.co Substack: https://substack.com/@thecatholicwoman YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheCatholicWomanPodcast FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DPVJzbp9b/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecatholicwomanpodcast/ Email: thecatholicwomanpodcast@gmail.com A HUGE thank you to our sponsors... Mangio Arts - Handcrafted Catholic artwork designed to nourish the soul. Use code WOMANPODCAST15 for 15% off the entire shop. https://www.etsy.com/shop/MangioArtsStore BRDY Candles: Non-toxic candles tied to Sacred Scripture. Use code CWP10 for 10% off your whole order. https://brdycandles.com/ Sacred Heart Mental Wellness - Empowering your mental wellness with easy to implement tools, strategies, and techniques. Use code CWP15 for 15% off the whole shop. http://sacredheartmentalwellness.com/ A BONUS OFFER FROM SACRED HEART MENTAL WELLNESS - Are you a parish, diocesan, conference or campus event organizer looking for a dynamic Catholic speaker? Here’s a bonus just for you. Mention this podcast when booking Catherine DiNuzzo for an event and receive $250 off the speaking fee - a thank-you for your leadership and for saying “yes” to the call to ministry. Let’s bring faith, clarity, and inspiration to your next event. If this episode encouraged you, share it with one Catholic woman who needs the reminder that God uses your work. SEO Keywords: Catholic convert story, fiber artist, Catholic creativity, faith and work, Good Shepherd Catholic, sheep symbolism Bible, wool symbolism Christianity, Catholic art, textile art, motherhood and work, Catholic women podcast, God uses your gifts, purpose Catholic woman

    42 min

  6. JAN 19

    How to Pray When You’re Overwhelmed: Becoming “Little Enough” With Mary (with Shannon Wendt of Chews Life)

    If you’ve ever looked at your prayer life and thought, “I’m failing at this,” this episode is for you. Shannon Wendt (founder of Chews Life and author of “The Way of the Rosary”) returns to share a raw, hope-filled testimony about suffering, motherhood, and how Mary doesn’t get in the way of Jesus, she leads us back to Him.  We talk about the “Christmas card Mary” misconception, what to do when Lent feels overwhelming, and the simple shift that changes everything: you’ll never be “enough”… but you can be little enough. In this episode, we discuss... Shannon’s powerful story of loss, grief, and the slow return to prayerWhat “signal graces” are and how Our Lady uses them to get our attentionThe real Mary: not just polished and perfect, but road-weary and faithful at the foot of the CrossWhy Mary doesn’t replace Jesus… she brings you closer to HimThe difference between Mary’s “How?” and Zechariah’s “Can this even happen?”What to do when Lent (or Advent) makes you feel overwhelmed and behindShannon’s breakthrough moment: “You will never be enough, but I am.”The question that reframed everything: “Could you be little enough?”How to pray the Rosary in real life when you’re interrupted nonstop (one Hail Mary at a time)Connect with Shannon Chews LifeMen’s brandBook: The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary Through Scripture, Literature, and Life (available on Choose Life, Ascension Press, Amazon — and coming to Audible)Resources & Links Subscribe to the show on YouTube Join our Facebook groupSubscribe to our Substack for articles that extend the conversation beyond the podcast and ad-free episodes A HUGE thank you to the sponsors who made this show possible…⁠⁠ Mangio Arts⁠⁠ ⁠– handcrafted Catholic artwork designed to nourish the soul. Use code WOMANPODCAST15 for 15% off the entire shop.⁠Sacred Heart Mental Wellness⁠ – empowering your mental wellness with easy to implement tools, strategies, and techniques. Use code CWP15 for 15% off the whole shop. ⁠Catholic Dress Co⁠ – Modest, feminine fashion for Catholic women.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take 30 seconds to rate and review the Catholic Woman Podcast? And share it with a friend who’s feeling overwhelmed or discouraged in her prayer life. Your shares help more Catholic women find this show and feel less alone. SEO Keywords Rosary for busy moms, how to pray when overwhelmed, Catholic prayer life, Lent prayer plan, Marian devotion, Shannon Wendt Choose Life, The Way of the Rosary book, how to pray the rosary daily, Catholic anxiety prayer, Mary leads us to Jesus, suffering and faith Catholic

    48 min

  7. JAN 5

    Radical Mindset Shifts to Declutter Your Life in 2026 (Catholic Reset)

    We’re kicking off the 2026 season of The Catholic Woman Podcast with something many of us are craving right now: a true reset. Not a “buy new bins and label everything” kind of reset, but a radical mindset shift that helps you declutter your home and your life so you can finally experience peace, clarity, and freedom to say yes to God in this new year. In this first episode of 2026, I sit down with Catholic declutter coach and podcast host Gina Morton to talk about what decluttering really is (and what it’s not). This conversation goes far beyond stuff. It’s about removing the earthly clutter, physical, mental, and financial, that keeps us overwhelmed, distracted, and spiritually stuck. If you’ve ever felt like your home is “too loud,” your mind feels cluttered, or you just want to start this year lighter… this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Discuss: - Why decluttering starts with mindset, not organization - The radical mental shifts that make decluttering finally stick - How clutter blocks peace, prayer, and our ability to hear God - The difference between extreme minimalism and a Catholic vision of beauty + order - A simple, realistic decluttering process: Trash → Tidy → Declutter - Where to start when you’re overwhelmed and don’t know what to tackle first - Letting go of sentimental items with faith and trust in God’s provision - How decluttering supports hospitality, community, and family life - Why starting the new year lighter can change everything Connect with Gina Morton: Instagram Facebook Group Resources & Links: Substack: Catch ad-free episodes plus reflections and articles from Marie Our Website - https://catholicwoman.co A HUGE thank you to the sponsors who made this show possible…⁠⁠ Mangio Arts⁠ ⁠– handcrafted Catholic artwork designed to nourish the soul. Use code WOMANPODCAST15 for 15% off the entire shop. Sacred Heart Mental Wellness – empowering your mental wellness with easy to implement tools, strategies, and techniques. Use code CWP15 for 15% off the whole shop. Catholic Dress Co – Modest, feminine fashion for Catholic women. If this episode encouraged you, please consider: - Subscribing to the show and leaving a 5 star review - Writing a review on Apple Podcasts - Sharing this episode with a friend who’s starting 2026 feeling overwhelmed Your support helps this show reach more Catholic women who are longing for peace, clarity, and purpose.Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026. May this be the year you clear space, not just in your home, but in your heart, to say yes to God more freely than ever before.

    39 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    I Asked Catholic Families How They Celebrate Christmas

    In this special Christmas episode of The Catholic Woman Podcast, Marie shares the most beautiful Catholic Christmas traditions submitted by listeners; traditions that keep Christ at the center while still embracing joy, wonder, and family life. From St. Nicholas Day shoes and shepherd’s dinners to birthday cakes for Jesus and meaningful Advent practices, this episode is full of simple, faith-filled ideas you can bring into your own home. Marie also reflects on her own childhood Christmas memories as the oldest of twelve and how her family blended faith, tradition, and a little Christmas magic in a way that shaped her heart for life. Whether you’re raising young children or simply longing for a more intentional Christmas season, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and celebrate the birth of Christ with deeper purpose. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why Catholic Christmas traditions matter more than ever Marie’s favorite childhood Christmas memories and family rituals How Catholic families keep Christ at the center of Christmas St. Nicholas Day shoes, Advent traditions, and Epiphany gifts Shepherd’s dinners and immersing yourself in the Nativity story Simple ways to create meaningful traditions without pressure Listener-submitted traditions that are heartfelt, creative, and faith-filled Encouragement to start small and let traditions grow with your family Resources & Links NEW! Listen ad free on Substack!⁠ Join The Catholic Woman Facebook Group⁠ ⁠Watch the show on YouTube⁠ for full video episodes + clips Visit our website! https://catholicwoman.co A HUGE thank you to the sponsors who made this show possible… ⁠Mangio Arts⁠ – handcrafted Catholic artwork designed to nourish the soul. Use code WOMANPODCAST15 for 15% off the entire shop.⁠BOMA USA (Billings Ovulation Method)⁠ – helping women understand their fertility with confidence through a simple, science-based, natural method. Use code Catholic5 for their one time $50 class, or Catholic20 for a discount on their full course! If this episode encouraged you, please take a minute to… Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⁠rating and review on Apple⁠Share this episode with a friend who wants to keep Christ at the center of ChristmasPray for another Catholic woman who may need encouragement this seasonYour reviews, prayers, and shares help this show reach more women who are trying to follow Jesus! Thank you so much! SEO Keywords: Catholic Christmas traditions, Catholic family Christmas traditions, Advent traditions Catholic, St. Nicholas Day Catholic, shepherd’s dinner Catholic, keeping Christ in Christmas, Catholic motherhood podcast, Catholic women podcast, Christmas traditions for Catholic families, Advent family traditions

    31 min
See All (44)

4.3
out of 5
171 Ratings

About

The Catholic Woman Podcast is where Catholic women find the tools and truth they need to thrive in the modern world. Each episode blends practical advice with the timeless teachings of the Catholic faith so you can live out your vocation confidently and faithfully. If you’re ready to grow stronger in truth and bolder in faith, you’ve found your place.

Information

You Might Also Like