Catholics on Campus

What happens when pain becomes your constant companion—and no doctor can explain why? In this episode, Virginia interviews Heidi Kennedy , a Catholic mindset coach whose 13-year battle with chronic back pain, anxiety, and depression led her to a breakthrough that changed her life. After years of failed treatments, Heidi discovered the mind-body connection and the healing power of faith, mindset, a...

Can what you wear shape how you feel, think, and even witness your faith? Catholic life coach, mother of seven, and former model Heather Siekierski joins the show to share how modesty and style can beautifully coexist. Discover how to dress with dignity, confidence, and grace—reflecting your identity as a beloved child of God in a culture that often forgets what true beauty means. Heather also dis...

In this episode of Catholics on Campus, we will meet Jacob Lombardo. He's a senior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in political science. Earlier this fall, Jacob attended a workshop that I facilitated where he learned the results of his Working Genius assessment . In this episode, we discuss how Jacob's results have given him new insights into his contributions to a team and his rol...

When tragedy shakes our campuses, how do we respond with both truth and love ? In the wake of the shocking campus assassination of Charlie Kirk, our hearts are heavy. But this moment also calls us to reflect: How can we, as Catholics, be instruments of peace, truth, and dialogue in a world where division often dominates? This episode offers: Four virtues to cultivate when listening across differen...

Artificial Intelligence is shaping our world faster than most of us can keep up with—but what does that mean for our faith, our choices, and the way we live as Catholics? Today, I revisit the topic of AI, sharing what’s changed in the past year, what the Church is saying, and how you can stay grounded in virtue in the age of rapid technological change. I explore the moral and spiritual challenges...

As the fall semester begins, I invite you to pause and ponder some big questions about the new season ahead. In this episode, I am sharing personal stories of discernment and the journey of aligning our lives more fully with God’s purpose by examining what might be holding us back. Whether you’re navigating busy schedules, developing your talents, or managing your finances, I unpack the Catholic c...

Get ready to pack your spiritual bags for a “Roadtrip with the Saints.” Virginia takes us on a remarkable 25-day journey across Italy, celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary while exploring the sacred sites and stories of some of the Church’s most influential saints. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of St. Padre Pio, St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, St. Catherine of Siena, and even the soon-...

In this episode, Virginia takes us inside her 25-day pilgrimage to Italy for the Jubilee Year of Hope, focusing on the two unforgettable weeks she and her husband spent volunteering in Rome. She shares how they discovered the volunteer opportunity, their daily experiences guiding pilgrims in the heat of St. Peter’s Square, and the growth in perseverance, patience, and humility that followed. Along...

When you think of rest, do you associate it with sleep? In this episode, we will explore how you can rest in the Lord to escape the busyness of daily life. You will learn why rest is important in the Catholic tradition, the benefits of rest, and explore opportunities for rest and renewal. In Matthew, chapter 11, Jesus says, "Come to Me, all who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest....

 Today, we are going to revisit the important debut episode of the Catholics on Campus podcast, which answers a question Virginia still gets frequently: What is Catholic mindset coaching? She also wants to update you on some life and business happenings from the past two years. “During his public ministry, Jesus was the ultimate Catholic mindset coach… (He) asked hundreds of questions to challenge...

Why are more and more families drifting apart, and what can be done to heal these deep rifts? Today, we are looking into the growing and heartbreaking reality of family estrangement—a problem affecting more than 67 million Americans. Drawing from expert insights, recent studies, and Biblical examples like Joseph and the prodigal son, Virginia unpacks the root causes - from harsh parenting and valu...

Let's discuss the Catholic perspective on summer jobs and the dignity of work. As college students start new roles and internships, Virginia reflects on her own summer job experiences and unpacks the Church’s rich teachings about the purpose of work, drawing inspiration from popes past and present, including the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. You’ll hear how work is not just a way to earn money, but...

In this episode, Virginia tackles procrastination, especially as students head into finals. Drawing from the 2024 National College Health Assessment, she highlights how common procrastination is among students and connects it to the ancient vice of acedia, or spiritual sloth, as discussed by Pope Francis. Virginia explains the impact of procrastination through the lens of the four temperaments and...

Today, we explore the diverse facets of happiness through the lens of faith and findings from the 2025 World Happiness Report. Discover how different temperaments experience joy and how marriage, religious practice, and even meal-sharing influence our well-being. We’ll discuss practical ways to enhance happiness, emphasizing three key pillars: virtuous living, generosity, and a relationship with G...

Are you stepping into a new stage of life - graduating, starting a job, considering a vocation, or making a big life change? In this episode, we explore the concept of massive action through a Catholic lens. We’ll discuss how saints like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton took bold, faith-driven action that still impacts us today. Plus,...

Today, we're diving into the fascinating intersection of faith and our five senses . We explore how our senses - sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch - play essential roles in both forming our spiritual identity and engaging in daily spiritual warfare . Hear compelling stories about the rich sensory experiences of the sacrament of baptism and learn practical ways to guard and nurture your sense...

We're exploring why more Catholics attend Ash Wednesday services compared to Sunday mass. It's a curious trend, given that Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation. What holds people back from attending Mass regularly? And how can we shift our mindset to embrace the Eucharist more fully? Through her own experiences and a Catholic mindset coaching approach, Virginia offers insights into overco...

In this episode, we are tackling the topic of limiting thoughts - those pervasive, negative thoughts that hinder our progress and relationships. Virginia illustrates how thoughts can affect our emotions and faith journey. We'll dive into four types of limiting thoughts: catastrophizing, magnifying, minimizing, and polarizing, and how they connect to virtues like hope and faith. With practical stra...

Let's unpack the search for purpose from a Catholic perspective. St. Catherine of Siena shows us the significance of understanding God's unique purpose for us. Through the lens of the story of the bricklayers at St. Paul's Cathedral and the wisdom of saints like Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola, and Teresa of Avila, we see how true vocation extends beyond mere work. Incorporating insights fro...

Have you thought about the impact that awe and wonder can have on our lives? Inspired by an exercise to document awe experiences, I'm unpacking how recognizing God's presence and goodness through awe can enrich our mindset and spiritual journey. With insights from researchers such as Dr. Ethan Kross and Dr. Dacher Keltner, I illustrate awe's benefits, including enhanced memory, creativity, and wel...

Welcome to a new year with Catholics on Campus! Let's look at the symbolic act of crossing thresholds, inspired by my experience at the First Saturday Mass of 2025 at Orlando's St. James Cathedral. In this episode, I explore the beauty of the holy doors and draw parallels to personal milestones we encounter. Through self-coaching questions, I guide you in contemplating your own thresholds this yea...

Merry Christmas! In today's episode, we're diving into the exciting announcement of the Catholic Church's upcoming jubilee year. This holy Jubilee Year, themed "Pilgrims of Hope," kicks off as Pope Francis opens the holy door at Saint Peter's Basilica, marking a year devoted to faith, reflection, and community. We'll explore the meaning of hope as a theological virtue, share inspiring stories of p...

Join us as we dive into the transformative power of redemptive suffering, exploring its roots in Catholic tradition and its ability to bring us closer to Christ. Discover insights from Saints like Padre Pio, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. John of the Cross, and learn practical steps to unite your struggles with Jesus’ passion. From scripture to sacramental grace, this episode offers guidance for...

As Thanksgiving draws near, we're focusing on the profound role of gratitude in our lives. In this episode, we'll explore lessons from the Bible, highlighting Jesus as a model for thankfulness, and learn how gratitude can boost our mental and physical health. Discover practical tips for cultivating gratitude, regardless of temperament. Tune in to discover the spiritual and emotional benefits of a...

Let's examine how we can intentionally and joyfully enter the sacred season of Advent, which begins on December 1 and ends on December 24 this year. With finals week overlapping Advent's start, it's easy to lose sight of this time of reflection and preparation. We'll explore insights from the saints, key scripture themes, and seven practical tips to maintain peace during this season. Contact Virgi...