Fiat in the Mess

Annie Muller, Hailey Skinner

Fiat in the Mess is a Catholic mothers' podcast about saying "yes" to God right in the middle of daily life.  Brought to you by the mothers' ministry Mighty Is Her Call and inspired by Mary's fiat - "let it be done" - we dive into the beauty and chaos of our vocation: the literal messes, the spiritual struggles, and the hidden graces found in both. Through heartfelt and honest conversations, we uplift and dignify the sacred calling of motherhood - without pretending it's easy. Faithful, funny, and deeply real, this podcast is for moms seeking holiness in the mess, not outside of it.

  1. Is 'Health Maxxing' a New Religion? A Catholic Mom's Take

    4d ago

    Is 'Health Maxxing' a New Religion? A Catholic Mom's Take

    Annie Muller and Hailey Skinner tackle one of the loudest conversations in the cultural zeitgeist right now: health maxing, longevity obsession, and optimal health trends — and ask what a faithful Catholic response actually looks like. From sleep trackers to sourdough guilt, from perimenopause to postpartum, they explore how moms in every season of life can care for themselves without losing themselves in the process. Grounded in Scripture, St. Augustine, St. John Paul II, and hard-won personal experience, this episode is your permission slip to tune out the noise and tune in to what actually matters. What We Cover The "health maxxing" and longevity trend — where it comes from, what it gets right, and where it goes wrongSt. John Paul II's concept of the "cult of the body" and why women are especially vulnerable to itThe difference between selfishness and self-care — and why that distinction matters for momsHailey's morning routine that changed everything (and how she got there)Why Annie became a certified health coach — and the statistic about healthy parents raising healthy kidsThe Church's feasting and fasting seasons as the antidote to both gluttony and restrictionWhy "guilty pleasures" is a phrase that needs to go — and what the Psalms say insteadTimestamps 0:00 — Welcome & intro to the health maxing conversation5:22 — Hailey's experience with social media comparison & why she deleted Instagram10:00 — The cult of the body, fear of death, and the desire for control15:11 — Reframing self-care as stewardship, not selfishness17:00 — Hailey's morning routine: the one change that transformed her days20:00 — Annie's health coach background & modeling health for your children27:00 — Sleep: a hot commodity, a gift, and an offering35:10 — Is there more to life than optimal health? Health as means, not end41:00 — The Church's rhythm of feasting and fasting as a countercultural gift42:01 — Hailey's theology of bread and wine (and the Eucharist)45:00 — Self-knowledge, "guilty pleasures," and the goodness of creation50:29 — Practical self-care: what Annie and Hailey actually do Mighty Is Her Call Prayer Requests Reach out to Annie - annie@mightyishercall.com Support our podcast!

    49 min
  2. When Mothers Meet: What the Visitation Teaches Us About Motherhood and Holy Friendship

    May 27

    When Mothers Meet: What the Visitation Teaches Us About Motherhood and Holy Friendship

    Discover the profound lessons from the Feast of the Visitation, reflecting on Mary's humility, Elizabeth's reception of grace, and how we can embody these virtues in our motherhood and daily lives. In this episode: How St. John Paul II describes Mary's faith and interior attitude during the VisitationThe parallel between Mary and the Ark of the Covenant, based on Scott Hahn's insightsElizabeth's recognition of Christ's presence as a first Pentecost, emphasizing God's Holy Spirit at workThe importance of community, service, and receptivity in motherhood, inspired by Mary's and Elizabeth's examplePractical tips for embodying humility, gratitude, and trust in God's plan amidst life's challengesTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Feast of the Visitation and its significance 00:44 St. John Paul II's insights on Mary's faith and interior life 01:29 Mary's role as the Ark of the Covenant, parallels drawn by Scott Hahn 02:45 The humility and service exemplified in the Visitation 05:10 The gift of community and mutual service in motherhood 06:28 Mary's haste to serve and her response of praise and gratitude 07:52 The Holy Spirit's role in Mary's and Elizabeth's encounters 09:37 The importance of trusting God's timing and embracing life's seasons 11:26 Overcoming feelings of unworthiness through grace 13:41 Practical ways to serve in everyday motherhood 15:17 The significance of gratitude and praise in faith 18:34 Elizabeth’s recognition of Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit 21:15 Living as a “tabernacle” and embracing God’s presence in motherhood 24:45 The hope in waiting and trusting in God's perfect timing 26:33 Insights about waiting and trusting, even amid suffering 30:08 The scene as a prelude to Pentecost, highlighting God's ongoing work 31:23 Practical ways to live out the Visitation in daily motherhood 32:37 The importance of community, service, and receptivity 34:49 Trusting God's plan and timing, embracing surprises and unplanned blessings 36:04 Recognizing that God's ways are above ours, even in crisis 40:42 Embracing the miracle of life and community in our faith journey Resources & Links: Scott Hahn on Mary as the Ark of the Covenant https://angelusnews.com/voices/mary-ark-covenant/Pope St. John Paul II Visitation is Prelude to Jesus’ Mission https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/visitation-is-prelude-to-jesus-mission-8820Fulton Sheen The World’s First Love https://ignatius.com/the-worlds-first-love-2nd-edition-digital-wfl2e/Mighty Is Her Call Prayer Requests https://mightyishercall.com/prayer-request/ Reach out to Annie - annie@mightyishercall.com Support our podcast!  https://mightyishercall.com/podcast-support/

    42 min
  3. Four Tactics of the Devil to Discourage You in Your Motherhood

    May 13

    Four Tactics of the Devil to Discourage You in Your Motherhood

    Annie and Hailey explore four common tactics the enemy uses to discourage mothers, offering spiritual insights and encouragement rooted in Scripture and Tradition. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, dissatisfied, or tempted to compare, these reflections aim to bolster your faith and perseverance in motherhood. You're not alone — Christ and his saints walk with you every step. Spiritual warfare: recognizing the enemy’s tactics versus God’s truthCultivating receptivity over grasping in motherhood and lifeGratitude as a remedy to dissatisfaction and the importance of daily thankfulnessStaying rooted in Christ’s identity rather than external measures of success or appearanceThe call to surrender perfectionism and control, embracing God's grace in the messHow Our Lady of Fatima's message encourages steadfast faith amid spiritual battlesPractical tips for mothers to combat discouragement through prayer, community, and perspective shiftsResources & Links: Seven Weeks Coffee Psalm 139 Romans 8:14-17Luke 12:22-34 Mighty Is Her Call - Prayer Requests: https://mightyishercall.com/prayer-request/Reach out to Annie - annie@mightyishercall.comSupport our podcast!  https://mightyishercall.com/podcast-support/ 01:45 - Checking in with Mary’s pregnancy at seven weeks 05:52 - Connection to Our Lady of Fatima and her call for prayer, devotion, and sanctification of daily life 07:42 - Christ’s clarity versus the devil’s confusion: discernment in motherhood 09:03 - Tactic one: grasping versus receptivity 09:53 - How culture promotes grasping and encourages comparison, leading to unrest 11:49 - The trap of comparison: measuring ourselves against others’ external successes 12:19 - Cultivating gratitude instead of envy or dissatisfaction 13:41 - Controlling versus surrendering: letting go of perfection and embracing God’s plan 15:10 - Flexibility and being present amid interruptions: finding God in everyday moments 16:39 - Tactic two: Dissatisfaction versus gratitude 17:38 - How gratefulness shifts perspective and nurtures peace in the family 19:05 - The power of gratitude in appreciating daily blessings and small victories 24:11 - Tactic three: External appearances versus inner identity in Christ 26:56 - The importance of cultivating virtue and inner beauty over externals 28:52 - Scriptures emphasizing our identity as children of God 29:54 - The temptation of comparison and trusting in God's view of our efforts 34:00 - Tactic four: surrender over striving for worldly perfection 37:10 - The call to imitate God’s mercy and love 38:10 - Recognizing “thy will be done” as the path to peace and holiness 40:13 - Conclusion: You are equipped by Christ, and your work is blessed

    40 min
  4. Perfectly Imperfect: Building a Domestic Church

    Apr 29

    Perfectly Imperfect: Building a Domestic Church

    In this episode of Fiat in the Mess, Annie Muller and Hailey Skinner explore the profound role of the Christian home as a domestic church. They share insights, stories, and practical tips on how mothers can nurture prayer, sacrifice, hospitality, and joy within their families, turning everyday moments into sacred encounters with God.Key Topics:The home as the first school of Christian life and divine worshipThe significance of everyday actions as sacred workThe importance of model prayer and authentic relationship with God for childrenPractical ways to integrate prayer throughout daily routinesCreating a prayerful environment with religious art, crucifixes, and feast day celebrationsThe virtue of hospitality and welcoming others as an extension of Mary’s example at the AnnunciationThe role of humility, gratitude, and laughter in cultivating a joyful domestic churchEncouragement and inspiration for mothers to see their work as sacred, divine, and impactfulResources & Links:Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Domestic ChurchBrother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of GodConnect with Us! InstagramFacebookMighty Is Her Call - Contact UsMighty Is Her Call - Prayer RequestsReach out to AnnieSupport our podcast!Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and topic overview: the Christian home as domestic church 02:01 - The home as a school for human and Christian enrichment 03:25 - The significance of work in making the home a place to encounter God 08:18 - The parable of the mustard seed: small sacrifices building something beautiful 09:46 - The importance of levity, laughter, and hospitality in the home 12:20 - Praying for one's children and trusting God’s plan 14:56 - The home as a school of prayer, sacrifice, and love 17:16 - Practical tips: sacraments, prayers, saints, and holy living 18:38 - Modeling attitude and charity in family life 22:20 - Connecting daily tasks with prayer—laundry, gratitude, and intentionality 25:22 - Authenticity in prayer; making prayer a genuine act of love 29:43 - Prioritizing family prayer at mealtime and incorporating Scripture 34:21 - Creating sacred space with religious art, crucifixes, and holy water fonts 35:24 - Celebrating feast days and saints to enliven family culture 44:00 - Mary’s example of hospitality as model for our domestic churches 45:38 - Inviting Christ into our home and life with love and openness 48:29 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to live out the call of the domestic church

    51 min
  5. Who Sets the Tone in Your Home? (Hint: It’s you!)

    Apr 15

    Who Sets the Tone in Your Home? (Hint: It’s you!)

    Join Annie and Hailey as they further explore the profound vocation of motherhood. This week, they talk about mothers as the heart of the home, and how the feminine genius shapes our families and domestic churches. Discover how your virtues (and vices), prayer, and self-gift transform everyday life into a sacred act of service and love, inspired by Mary, along with  Sts. Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, and Elizabeth Ann Seton. Main Topics Covered:The significance of Mary as the heart of Christ’s earthly home and oursThe distinct seasons of motherhood demonstrated through Mary, Joseph, and JohnHow women’s unique gifts foster a nurturing and relational environmentPractical ways to cultivate virtues like patience, joy, and peace in the homeThe concept of the domestic church and the power of prayer in daily lifeEmbracing our identity as queen and servant through love and self-giftResources:Motherhood, An Extraordinary Vocation by Dr. RombsLetter to Women by St. John Paul IIDignity of Woman by St. John Paul IIThe Theology of HomeConnect with the Hosts: InstagramFacebookMighty Is Her Call - Contact UsMighty Is Her Call - Prayer RequestsReach out to AnnieSupport our podcast!Timestamps:02:54 - The reflections on Joseph’s and John’s homes with Mary at the center 06:06 - The safe and loving home Mary creates in every season 07:20 - Our call to bring Christ into the heart of our homes 08:53 - St. John Paul II on feminine genius and self-gift 11:33 - The physical and relational aspects of being the heart of the home 13:44 - The importance of nurturing virtue and environment in everyday life 15:41 - Embracing the beauty and significance of women’s inherent gifts 16:45 - Motherhood and the deep, spiritual vocation beyond reproductive capacity 17:41 - The example of Mother Teresa 19:07 - The sacredness of being needed 22:40 - How our virtues influence the culture of our homes 23:16 - The story of Elizabeth Ann Seton 26:17 - Transforming hardships into a place of domestic beauty and peace 28:30 - Focusing on virtues that align with our strengths 33:13 - Prayer and daily sacrifice as the heart of the domestic church  34:49 - Personal stories of exhaustion 36:40 - Mary as model for service, obedience, and reign through love 38:01 - Embracing our role as queen-mother of our families 39:05 - Resting in the love of Jesus to sustain us as the heart of our home

    41 min
  6. Behold Your Mother

    Apr 1

    Behold Your Mother

    Join Annie and Hailey as they meditate on the profound spiritual significance of the events of Holy Week, especially through the lens of motherhood. Discover how Christ's Passion parallels the struggles and joys of maternal life, offering deep hope and purpose—even and especially in labor. Reflect on the beauty and gift of femininity made clearer in the light of the Blessed Mother, and see the place of women in the plan of creation as God sees.Key Topics: Holy Week and how to enter into its mysteries amid daily chaosThe analogy of childbirth as a symbol of suffering and salvation, as expressed through ScriptureMary’s presence at the foot of the Cross and her role as model for mothers enduring sufferingThe connection between the Annunciation and the foot of the Cross, highlighting God's plan in creation and salvation historyPractical ways to observe Holy Week in family lifeThe significance of Holy Saturday as a day of silent reflection and victory over darknessHow suffering in motherhood reflects Christ’s redemptive love and teaches children to suffer with purposeResources & Links: Catechism of the Catholic Church - 964: https://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/index.htmFulton Sheen’s reflections on the Passion: http://catholicsaints.mobi/ebooks/book-articles/seven-last-words-by-venerable-fulton-sheen.htmScripture References: Luke 1:26-38, John 19:25-27, Matthew 26:26-29Connect with the Hosts: InstagramFacebookMighty Is Her Call - Contact UsMighty Is Her Call - Prayer RequestsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Holy Week and motherhood amid life's obstacles 00:42 - Mary’s journey from Annunciation to the Passion - living in two sacred spaces 03:16 - Jesus’ analogy of labor pains and suffering during the Last Supper 04:42 - The promise of joy emerging through suffering, as shared by Christ 05:07 - Motherhood as Christ-like suffering leading to new life 10:30 - Entering into Mary’s scene at the foot of the cross: prayer and reflection 14:04 - Eucharistic nature of motherhood 17:01 - Venerable Fulton Sheen and the “second Annunciation”  20:44 - Our spiritual inheritance: Mary as Mother to all believers 23:50 - Recognizing the divine esteem for femininity and motherhood in salvation history 24:28 - Holy Week traditions to help families observe and honor the sacred days 31:24 - The hope and victory in Christ’s passion and resurrection—lessons for mothers and children 33:12 - Offering your heart to Christ amid life’s mess and trusting in His love Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for our Holy Week episodes and more reflections on giving God your fiat in the mess.

    34 min
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Fiat in the Mess is a Catholic mothers' podcast about saying "yes" to God right in the middle of daily life.  Brought to you by the mothers' ministry Mighty Is Her Call and inspired by Mary's fiat - "let it be done" - we dive into the beauty and chaos of our vocation: the literal messes, the spiritual struggles, and the hidden graces found in both. Through heartfelt and honest conversations, we uplift and dignify the sacred calling of motherhood - without pretending it's easy. Faithful, funny, and deeply real, this podcast is for moms seeking holiness in the mess, not outside of it.

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