Strength Training for the Soul

EP 38: Fasting, It's Not Just About Food

Fasting isn’t about punishment—it’s about love. In this episode, Peter Andrastek, from Evangelical Catholic breaks open the deeper meaning of fasting and how small, intentional sacrifices can transform your daily life and unite you more closely with Christ. Whether you’re giving up cream in your coffee, your scrolling habit or intentionally being the first to do the dishes, this conversation will help you fast with purpose, not pride.

EP 37: Walking with Jesus: My Wisconsin Way Prep

Join me as I share my preparation for my first-ever pilgrimage on the Wisconsin Way! From treadmills to trails, I'm getting ready to walk from the National Shrine of Our Lady, in Champion Wisconsin to Holy Hill Basilica over 10 days. Between physical setbacks, logistical curveballs, and moments of doubt, I'm learning to surrender my worries and let God carry the weight. This pilgrimage is more than a test run for my future Camino de Santiago dream - it's becoming a spiritual journey all its own. Whether you're carrying stress, doubt, or an overpacked schedule, this episode reminds us that we never walk alone. He is always with us.

EP 36: Discerning Life's Crossroads w/ Tracy Josetti

Are you trying to figure out what's next in your life? Well, so is my good friend Tracy Josetti. She's one of those women who seems to do it all so well, but today she opens up about the real work behind navigating uncertainty.
Together, we delve into Father Mike Schmitz’s “Four Helpful Rules for Discernment” and talk about the messiness, grace, and growth that come with standing at life’s crossroads. Whether you're facing a big decision or just trying to take the next right step, this conversation will remind you: you're not alone on the journey.

EP 35: In Gratitude. A Story About Emails, the Holy Spirit, and You

This week I’m talking about something highly spiritual: my email sign-off. After years of using the classic “Best” or “Best Regards,” I started wondering if I should close my emails with something a little more faithful. The problem? Everything I came up with sounded like I was trying too hard to be holy. Enter one of Fr. Dennis’ favorite reminders: when your mind starts to wander, bring yourself back to gratitude. And just like that, In Gratitude became my new go-to. That little shift made me stop and reflect on how grateful I am — for this podcast, for my guests, and especially for you. If you’ve ever wondered how email habits, faith, and the Holy Spirit can collide, this episode’s for you. Oh, and if you like the show? Share it with a friend. In Gratitude, of course.

EP 34: Keep the Faith Post Lent, with Jill & Claire

It’s my longest episode ever… and totally worth every blessed minute. Jill and Claire are back (yes, they're officially regulars now—and honestly, who wouldn’t want to hang with these two?!). 💁‍♀️🙋‍♀️💁‍♀️
We're talking post-Lent game plans, spiritual plateaus, fasting beyond chocolate (gasp!), and why silence might just be your soul’s new best friend.
If you're trying to figure out how to "Keep the Faith" after 40 days of Lent, Jill and Claire offer ideas, support and a lot of laughs, so come join us! 

EP: 33 Holy Name--Bad Habit

Ever caught yourself saying Our Lord's name without thinking twice? In this eye-opening episode, I talk about how our (yes, mine as well) casual speech habits might be more damaging to our faith than we realize. Learn why taking the Lord's name in vain matters, how to break this common habit, and the surprising spiritual benefits of cleaning up your everyday language.

EP: 32 Training Your Soul to Hear God

Have you ever wondered what it really sounds like to hear God’s voice—and trust it enough to follow?
Join me in this second episode with Sarah Daszczuk, as she shares her deeply personal story of discerning a call to becoming a Consecrated Virgin, and what it looked like to say yes—even when the path wasn’t clear. Her story isn’t just inspiring—it’s something we all can learn from, whether you’re facing a big decision or simply trying to grow in your relationship with God.

EP 31: Oops, I Messed Up My Lent (And Why That's Totally Okay)

Feeling like your Lenten commitments might be slipping? Host Patty Kujawa has you covered in this quick check-in episode. She gets real about her own Lenten journey (spoiler: it's not going perfectly!) and shares why that final stretch feels just like those last brutal miles of a marathon. Patty reminds us that God isn't some scorekeeper watching our every slip-up – He's more like that parent ready to dust us off when we fall. Whether you're crushing your Lenten goals or stumbling along the way, this episode is your permission slip to ditch the guilt and keep moving forward. Perfect for anyone needing a spiritual pep talk as Easter approaches!

EP 30: The Good We're Searching For

Are you living a good life but still feeling like something's missing? Join me as I chat with Sarah Daszczuk about why being a "good person" isn’t as satisfying as it might seem, and discover the deeper purpose God has for your life. We're breaking down misconceptions about faith, exploring what true happiness looks like, and uncovering why a relationship with God is worth pursuing. If you’ve ever wondered, Is God really worth it?—this conversation is for you.

EP 29: Saying Yes--The Epic Adventure of Lent

What happens when God disrupts your carefully planned Lent journey? In this episode, I share how a last-minute trip to Universal's Epic Universe theme park with our daughter Kate revealed powerful spiritual truths about answering God's unexpected calls. Learn how embracing spontaneity during Lent can lead to profound moments of connection and joy. Discover practical ways to say "yes" to God's invitations, even when they're inconvenient or uncomfortable. This Lenten reflection will inspire you to keep your spiritual bags packed for whatever adventure God has in store.