The Joy of Transformation - Faith, Prayer, Catholic Church, Resilience, Self-Confidence

Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo will continue her conversation with Peggy Riexinger.   She is a Wife, Mom, Grandma, Talented Artist, and Soon-to-be Published Children's Book Author and Illustrator!   She will share her journey of creativity as she reflects on her early childhood and adult  experiences related to art and design. Her book, The Knight's Brilliant Light, is set to come out in August...

Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo will introduce you to Peggy Riexinger.   She is a Wife, Mom, Grandma, Talented Artist, and Soon-to-be Published Children's Book Author and Illustrator!   She will share her journey of creativity as she reflects on her early childhood and adult  experiences related to art and design. Her book, The Knight's Brilliant Light, is set to come out in August or September o...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo talks about a "To-do" list (or jar) of summer activity ideas that she and her children would come up with together at the beginning of summer.  She shares 25 simple and free activities, ranging from playing board games and building forts to visiting local museums.  All these actives are of no, or low cost.  This list includes ph...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo speaks with Talia Rodriguez.  Talia is a Legal Professional and Community Advocate who is running for the Buffalo School Board-West District.  Talia will share her personal experience growing up on the West Side of Buffalo, including how her parents' attitude and lives of service helped shape who she is today.  She will also share some...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy speaks with Talia Rodriguez.  Talia is a Legal Professional and Community Advocate who is running for the Buffalo School Board-West District.  Talia will share her personal experience growing up on the West Side of Buffalo including how her parents' attitude of service helped shape who she is today.  She will also share some programs she's...

Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo talks about mental, emotional and/or physical depletion.  She shares her personal experiences and provides 10 ways you can deal with periods of depletion and ways to restore energy.   She refers to Biblical Scripture: Psalm 23 and 2 Corinthians 12:9.  She also refers to the song, "Talking to Jesus" by Elevation worship https://youtu.be/OXsxw1fRHMA?si=KXFFV5TktZZl8p...

Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo has the pleasure of interviewing Kenna Millea.  Kenna has an extensive academic background, including 2 degrees from The University of Notre Dame and an additional Master's degree from St. Mary's University of Minnesota.  She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Co-founder of the Martin Center of Integration where Kenna counsels and leads others to bring he...

Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo continues her conversation with Marissa Jeffery.  Marissa is an integral part of the Buffalo and West Seneca Communities.  Marissa grew up in South Buffalo, NY.  She has been teaching dance for 25 years.  Her professional background in Banking.  And, she loves serving individuals, couples and families through her work as a Mortgage Broker.  Her newest role has been...

Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo will introduce you to Marissa Jeffery.  Marissa is an important part of the Buffalo and West Seneca Communities.  Marissa grew up in South Buffalo, NY.  She has been teaching dance for 25 years.  Her professional background is in Banking.  And, she loves serving individuals, couples and families through her work as a Mortgage Broker.  Her newest role has been as a...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo will introduce you to Erik Bohen.  Erik is a Candidate for the Buffalo School Board, Park District in Buffalo, New York.  He is the Current Director of Medicaid Transportation for Western New York.  He is a Former Buffalo Public Schools Special Education Teacher for 13 years; Former New York State Assembly Member for the 142nd D...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo will continue her conversation with Father Ryan Keating.  After working as an educator, Father Ryan discovered his calling to become a priest.  Now he serves as a Parochial Vicar for The Blessed Family #7 which includes Queen of Heaven, St. John Vianney, St. Gabriel, St. John the 23rd and 14 Holy Helpers.  He helps lead a spirit...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo will introduce you to Father Ryan Keating.  After working as an educator, Father Ryan discovered his calling to become a priest.  Now he serves as a Parochial Vicar for The Blessed Family #7 which includes Queen of Heaven, St. John Vianney, St. Gabriel, St. John the 23rd and 14 Holy Helpers.  He helps lead a spiritual support gr...

Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo discusses her experiences and journey in regard to writing.  She shares 15 ways she has benefited from writing.  Cathy Jo ends with a poem/prayer written 4 years after the heartbreaking loss of her son Michael Robert Lang.   You can get Cathy Jo's children's books: "My Little Light" and "A Friend is Nice", both written by Cathleen J. Lang at Dog Ear's Bookstore in...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo reflects on the unconditional love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit on this Thursday of Holy Week.  She reflects on a time that she experienced unconditional love from another that drew her attention to the love of God.  Cathy Jo shares 15 ways to acknowledge, receive and embrace the love of the Father in our lives.  Finally,...

In today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, you will continue to hear from Alison Pipitone.  Although she is well known for her musical abilities, you will get to know another very important side of Alison.  She is a college educator and she is changing lives.  She will share information about the work she is doing to help Adult students obtain their GED.  She is a talented and beloved instru...

In today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, you will meet Alison Pipitone.  Although she is well known for her musical abilities, you will get to know another very important side of Alison.  She is a college educator and she is changing lives.  She will share information about the work she is doing to help Adult students obtain their GED.  She is a talented and beloved instructor at the ECC/C...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Father Sam Giangreco continues to share his personal story of growing up in the Catholic Faith and being called to God's Mercy.  In his personal journey of faith, he experienced joy, sorrow and a profound feeling of God's call on his life.  Sometimes the call was clear and sometimes it was more subtle.  But with patience and persistence, Father...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Father Sam Giangreco continues to share his personal story of growing up in the Catholic Faith and being called to God's Mercy.  In his personal journey of faith, he experienced joy, sorrow and profound feeling of God's call on his life.  Sometimes the call was clear and sometimes it was more subtle.  But with patience and persistence, Father Sa...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Father Sam Giangreco shares his personal story of growing up in the Catholic Faith and being called to God's Mercy.  In his personal journey of faith, he experienced joy, sorrow and profound feeling of God's call on his life.  Sometimes the call was clear and sometimes it was more subtle.  But, with patience and persistence, Father Sam answered...

In today's episode, Cathy Jo shares her experience and benefits of choosing to "be where you are".  You can call it living in the moment or being mindful of the task at hand.  But, either way, when dealing with a variety of responsibilities, you and your family will benefit significantly from this habit.  You will learn 7 ways you'll succeed from this practice.  Please refer to scripture passages:...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo updates and informs you on how the podcast is growing, what she hopes to do in the future and 7 things you can do to support The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast.  It has been and continues to be an incredible experience.  Cathy Jo will work to improve this podcast in every way possible.  And, she prays that it brings encouragement, suppor...

Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo addresses feelings of loneliness and lack of direction.  She shares 12 things you can do to feel more connected and directed in your life.  If you are feeling significantly affected by emotional distress, and are in need of professional and immediate help, please contact The Crisis help line at #888-828-6539 or if you are in NY State, c...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo Lang continues her interview with Father Bill Quinlivan, a Parish Priest and Pastor from Buffalo, NY.  Father Bill continues to share his journey of growing up in a Catholic Irish family, hearing and accepting his call to priesthood and sharing what he wants young mothers to know about the Catholic Church.  He will share his son...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo Lang continues her interview with Father Bill Quinlivan, a Parish Priest and Pastor from Buffalo, NY.  Father Bill continues to share his journey of growing up in a Catholic Irish family, hearing and accepting his call to priesthood and sharing what he wants young mothers to know about the Catholic Church.  He will share his son...

Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo interviews Father Bill Quinlivan, a Parish Priest and Pastor from Buffalo, NY.  Father Bill shares his journey of growing up in a Catholic Irish family, hearing and accepting his call to priesthood, as well as what he wants young mothers to know about the Catholic Church.  He will share his songs, books and other projects.  You...