Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

A single encounter with God can change everything. In this week’s episode of Girlfriends , I’m joined by Bobby Frederickson , a former missionary and co-host of The Catholic Couple Podcast , whose journey to the Catholic faith began with an unexpected invitation to midnight Mass. That night set him on a path from skepticism to wholehearted discipleship. Bobby shares his powerful conversion story,...

Forgiveness is never simple—but it is always transformative. In this week’s episode of Girlfriends , I’m joined by Los Angeles-based screenwriter, filmmaker, and speaker Erin Dooley . Erin’s work focuses on what she calls “the good F words”: forgiveness, family, and faith. Erin shares the personal story behind her raw, heartfelt documentary A Way to Forgiveness , filmed during her pilgrimage along...

This week on Girlfriends , I’m diving into a super timely conversation about social media with my friend Amy Cara — a Catholic mom, entrepreneur, and content creator. Amy has built a vibrant Instagram presence as @CaliforniaCatholicMom , and today she’s sharing the wisdom she’s gained from years of trial, error, growth, and discernment in the online world. We talk about: * Amy’s journey from fashi...

This week, I’m joined by Cristina Bernal — former MTV pop artist turned Catholic worship leader. Cristina’s story is one you won’t forget: early success with LAX Girls, brushes with fame and the music industry’s dark side, and a profound conversion that led her to leave it all behind and say yes to what God had planned for her. In this candid and inspiring conversation, Cristina shares: * Her earl...

This week on Girlfriends , I’m talking with author and teacher Amy Cattapan about her beautiful new book, Hope Without Borders: A Spiritual Retreat with St. Frances Xavier Cabrini . If you’ve never explored the writings or spirituality of Mother Cabrini before, you are in for a treat. Amy shares how this powerhouse saint, America’s first canonized citizen, lived a life of missionary zeal, deep Ign...

This week on Girlfriends , I’m so overjoyed to share my conversation with author and Catholic mom Megan Madden. Megan is a wife to a theologian, mom of seven, and the author of Mary, Teach Me to Be Your Daughter and Through Storms and Still Waters with Ascension Press. In our chat, Megan opens up about: 🌸 How to surrender your plans to God and trust him deeply—even in the storms of life. 🌸 Pract...

This week on Girlfriends , I’m thrilled to share a heartfelt and powerful conversation with my friend Stacey Sumereau. Stacey is a Catholic wife, mom of five, podcaster, and the author of the beautiful new book Adventure Awaits: How to Interpret Your Desires and Hear God’s Voice . In this episode, Stacey opens up about her unexpected journey from center stage to cloistered convents, her struggles...

I’m so excited to share this episode with you because it’s all about one of my favorite topics: the power of music to draw us closer to God—and the unique ways we each live out our feminine genius. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Carly York, a professional Catholic cantor, music educator, and digital entrepreneur. Carly shares her incredible journey from being raised Baptist to discovering Greg...

This week, I’m talking with the wonderful Rosemary Berry —author, wife, mom, teacher, and pilgrimage planner—about one of my all-time favorite topics: the four temperaments and how they show up in the lives of the saints (and in our own lives, too!). Rosemary’s new book, Piety and Personality: The Temperaments of the Saints , dives into how God uses our unique personalities—yes, even the parts we...

This week on Girlfriends , we are joined by beloved Catholic author and homemaking mentor Leila Marie Lawler for a rich and refreshing conversation on natural remedies, the beauty of domestic life, and the enduring wisdom of St. Hildegard of Bingen. We discuss the new book St. Hildegard’s Garden: Recipes and Remedies for Healing Body and Soul , Leila’s deep love for homemaking, and why creating a...

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Girlfriends , I am joined by newly-baptized Catholic convert, writer, and journal creator Abigail Austin . Abby shares the incredible journey that brought her from atheism to the Catholic Church—including a life-changing walk along the Camino de Santiago, meeting her husband, and discovering God's presence through beauty, storytelling, and grace. Together,...

In this episode of Girlfriends , I get to chat with Catholic author, speaker, and Sacred Heart evangelist Emily Jaminet for a heartfelt conversation about her newest project: a beautifully illustrated children’s book called Saints of the Sacred Heart (Sophia Institute Press). Whether you're new to this devotion or already enthroned the Sacred Heart in your home, this episode is filled with inspira...

In this throwback episode of Girlfriends , we’re revisiting a topic that resonates with so many women— hospitality . Whether you love opening your home to others or it feels like a stress-inducing performance, this conversation is for you. We’re not talking about Pinterest-perfect dinner parties or flawless tablescapes. This is about real hospitality —connection, community, and creating space for...

This week, I’m bringing back a fan favorite episode—one that’s close to my heart because it features a very special guest: my husband, Dan Bean! Together, we dive into what it really means to have fun as a Catholic family. We talk honestly (and hilariously) about what has and hasn’t worked in our 26+ years of marriage and parenting our eight children. We share personal stories, lessons learned, an...

This week we sit down with Catholic author, speaker, and veteran Megan Hjelmstad for a powerful conversation about suffering, hope, and the redemptive power of “offering it up.” Together, we unpack this often misunderstood Catholic phrase and explore what it really means to unite our suffering with Christ—both in the everyday struggles and the life-changing trials. Learn more about the book: https...

Are you trying to do it all by yourself — the working, writing, launching, growing, and the spiritual journey? In today’s episode, I’m sharing why that “go-it-alone” mentality is holding you back and what changes when you invite others into your growth. Whether you’re pursuing a creative dream, leading in ministry, or simply trying to follow where God is calling you next, this episode is a gentle...

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome author, podcaster, and mom Suzanne Bilodeau to talk about her beautiful new book from Ascension, She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood . Suzanne shares the inspiration behind the project—a deep desire to learn from seasoned Catholic moms—and how this collection of letters from 15 Catholic women offers wisdom, vulnerability, and hope for mothers in eve...

This week’s guest is Maria Morera Johnson, author, podcaster and a powerhouse of wisdom and joy. Her newest book is A Beautiful Second Act , an inspiring and fun collection of personal stories and stories from the saints who found adventure in the second half of life. What a joy it was to chat with her! I know you are going to love this conversation. Are you a Catholic creator? Let’s connect! My n...

Have you ever felt like what you do isn’t enough? Like your work, your prayers, your quiet service just… doesn’t count in a world that celebrates the loud, the visible, the impressive? In this live session, we explore the deep spiritual truth that small is not insignificant. We talk about what it means to live a life hidden in Christ, to serve faithfully without fanfare, and to find peace in knowi...

In this episode of Girlfriends, Renzo and Monica Ortega, authors of the new book, Lovemaking: How to Talk About Sex with Your Spouse , join us for an enlightening discussion. They share their personal struggles and insights on sex within Catholic marriages, emphasizing the importance of communication, respect, and intimacy. They offer practical advice and encouragement for couples navigating this...

Have you ever undertaken a media fast? What would that look like? Sister Nancy Usselmann joins Girlfriends to discuss her book Media Fasting: Six Weeks to Recharge in Christ. discusses the challenges of navigating a media-saturated world, emphasizing the importance of spiritual grounding in media use. The conversation covers practical steps for implementing a media fast, the role of prayer and com...

Have you ever been to Italy? Have you ever dreamed of going? Teresa Tomeo, Catholic radio host and author of Italy's Shrines and Wonders: Discovering Sacred Spaces, Fascinating Places, and Destinations Off the Beaten Path , joins Girlfriends to share her journey in Catholic media, her deep love for Italy, and the significance of pilgrimage in the Catholic faith. She discusses her personal transfor...

This week on the podcats, author Christine Flynn shares her personal journey from New Age spirituality to embracing the Catholic faith. She discusses the challenges of navigating beliefs, the importance of parenting in a spiritually aware environment, and the influences that shaped her faith. Christine also addresses the complexities of modern spirituality, including the debate around yoga and its...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit daniellebean.substack.com This is a BONUS episode of the podcast and let me tell you... If you’ve been putting off upgrading your subscription, NOW is the time to do it because our Renew & Restore Lenten sessions have been FANTASTIC. Last night we connected with Gary Jansen , author of The Healing Power of Praying the Rosary . This is a...

In this conversation, Curtis Mitch, co-editor of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible , discusses the purpose and features of the study Bible, his personal journey with Scripture, practical tips for incorporating Scripture into daily life, the role of Scripture in prayer, and how to teach children to love scripture. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding scripture within the cont...