Strength Training for the Soul

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...

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.

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...

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 read...

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...

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 invi...

Join host Patty Kujawa as she welcomes Leo Vitangcol, who shares his journey of developing a deep prayer life. Leo explains the difference between intercessory and intentional prayer while demonstrating practical approaches to praying with others. Through personal stories—including his daily ritual of leaving a chair open for Jesus at his kitchen table—Leo reveals how making yourself available to...

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, Patty Kujawa shares how a simple tennis drill became a powerful metaphor for seeing Christ in everyday life. Just as staying in the "ready position" on the court improves your game, keeping your heart ready helps you improve becoming present to see Christ in real time, everyday moments. Through a charming story of a young girl's joyful wink, Patty...

Join me for an insightful conversation with Fr. Dennis Saran, pastor at Saint Dominic Parish in Brookfield, WI, as we explore the difference between simply reading about faith and truly living it. Fr. Dennis shares his personal journey from "spiritual A.D.D." and the "compulsion to achieve" to finding deeper connection through simply being present with God. Discover how to switch from constant "tr...

What happens when you return from a once-in-a-lifetime trip—only to realize something still feels off? In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, I share my personal struggle with spiritual hunger—that restless feeling when prayer feels routine, faith feels distant, and nothing seems to satisfy. Drawing from my recent trip to Antarctica (and my new experience with intermittent fasting!), I...

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, I sit down with Sue Knutson, founder of My Father’s Wish, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering impoverished communities through vocational education and sustainable change. Sue shares how a conversation with her father in his final days led her to embrace a life of service, following God's call in a profound way. We explore her journey of faith, th...

What happens when a 50-pound luggage limit leads to spiritual insight? In this episode, host Patty Kujawa shares how preparing for a challenging trip sparked deep reflection on the unnecessary burdens we carry - physical, emotional, and spiritual. Drawing from Matthew 11:28-30, she explores how letting go of what weighs us down can create space for God's grace. Through personal stories and practic...

Join host Patty Kujawa for Part Two of her enlightening conversation with Al McCauley, host of "Fish on Fridays" and Director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Anthony on the Lake Parish. Discover the profound meaning behind the Communion of Saints and how it connects us to both the living and those who have gone before us. Al explains the fascinating history of religious relics - from their ancient...

Need a spiritual workout plan to learn about the saints? In this quick check-in episode, host Patty Kujawa shares her top resources for exploring the lives of saints, from beginner-friendly books to quick-hit podcasts and user-friendly websites. Whether you're looking to discover your patron saint or simply expand your knowledge of Catholic history, these carefully curated recommendations will hel...

What role do saints play in our spiritual lives? In this first episode of a two-part series, Director of Adult Faith Formation Al McCauley shares his extensive knowledge about saints and their significance in Catholic tradition. Through engaging stories and examples like Saint Veronica, Al explains how saints serve as spiritual guides, showing us that holiness is achievable despite our human strug...

Discover how two Gospel passages about Mary's contemplative heart reveal the transformative power of patience. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, we explore how Mary's example can inspire us in our fast-paced world. Learn simple ways to cultivate patience and reflection in your daily life, from family gatherings to nature walks. Join us as we begin 2025 with purpose, and share your own...

Join host Patty Kujawa with special returning guests Jill Fischer and Claire Ziolkowski as they reflect on spiritual lessons from 2024 and share hopes for the year ahead. From dealing with seasons of spiritual dryness to finding community in faith, this candid conversation offers practical wisdom for deepening your relationship with Christ. Learn how embracing silence, maintaining daily prayer des...

In this special Christmas Eve episode, discover the powerful story of Joseph - a man who never spoke a word in the Bible, yet whose actions changed the course of history. Through examining Joseph's response to life-altering news and impossible situations, host Patty Kujawa unpacks timeless lessons about strength, faith, and character. Learn why true impact often comes not from speaking the loudest...

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, host Patty Kujawa sits down with Father Tim Schumaker, pastor of Saint Joseph Church in Grafton, WI, to explore a challenge many of us face: staying spiritually connected during busy times. Father Tim shares insights on how to combat the "busyness" that often pulls us away from meaningful prayer and spiritual growth, especially during the hectic A...

In this vulnerable journey, Patty Kujawa offers a compassionate exploration of grief during the holiday season. Drawing from her personal experiences of loss, including the recent passing of her uncle and the heartbreaking loss of her son Jack, she provides a tender guide for navigating mourning during Advent. With raw honesty and spiritual wisdom, Patty reminds listeners that in our deepest pain,...

Philanthropy isn't always about big money; when it's about big heart, the payback can be huge--for everyone involved. Jamie O'Donohue, owner of O'Donohue's Pub, shares how ordinary people can make extraordinary differences through time, talent, and genuine service. From overcoming personal struggles to supporting local charities, Jamie shows that giving back isn't a burden—it's a joy that can tran...

We all have that ONE family member who knows exactly how to push our buttons. This episode is your survival guide for turning potential conflict into an opportunity for spiritual growth, one generous moment at a time.

Joe Meyer, director of the Catholic Ecology Center and environmental science teacher, shares how his passion for faith and nature led to creating a unique ministry. From his personal journey to the founding of the Catholic Ecology Center, Meyer discusses how spending time in nature can deepen our spiritual lives and help us hear God's voice more clearly. He offers practical wisdom for answering Go...

In this timely episode, explore how an ancient story about a widow's trust can speak to our modern uncertainties. Through the metaphor of a never-emptying flour jar, discover how faith works in both life's daily moments and its biggest challenges. Perfect for anyone seeking perspective after the election season or during times of change.

Ever wonder how people know they're on the right path? When investment banker David Sweeney started having thoughts about priesthood, he tried to ignore them. He thought the priesthood was a fine life, it just wasn't one for him. In this episode, Fr. Sweeney shares how daily prayer transformed his life and helped him discover his true calling—and how it can help you find yours. #PurposeDriven #Fai...