Episodes

Today we're talking about ways to deepen your faith and grow spiritually. In this episode titled "Know and Grow in Faith," we challenge you to try one new thing this week to elevate your faith journey. Whether it's reconnecting with an old spiritual practice or stepping out of your comfort zone, we believe growth is vital for a fulfilling faith life.

Hey Moms, we know it’s difficult to find good Catholic based teen fiction for our middle grade and older teens. That’s why we’re so excited about our conversation with Leslea Wahl, an award-winning author renowned for her Catholic teen mystery novels. In this episode, you'll discover resources for finding adventurous mysteries with elements of humor, faith, and clean romance, making them perfect for young adults seeking engaging and faith-based stories. Leslea is one of seven contributors to S...

Welcome back to another episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit." Today, we dive into an enchanting tale that will whisk you away to the timeless city of Rome with our special guest, Rebecca Martin. Rebecca, a talented author and passionate lay Dominican, joins us to discuss her delightful new romance novel, "Love in the Eternal City." This "romcom" explores themes of love, faith, and personal growth against the backdrop of the Eternal City's stunning landmarks. Rebecca shares her unique journey t...

Are you looking to deepen your faith and find a consistent prayer routine that fits into your daily life? In this episode we discuss Hallow, a Christian prayer app designed for prayer, meditation, and connecting with faith. Shelly’s been using it for years and Lisa finally signed up! We’ll discuss the app’s features based on our personal experiences, likes and dislikes, and content we’ve discovered. ( Lisa plays Daily Trivia live!) From guided reflections and prayer routines to discovering new ...

Have you ever walked into a church and discovered bones on display? Today on the podcast we’re diving into the world of sacred relics, including what they are, why we have them in our churches, and how they’re classified. Understanding and venerating relics may seem unfamiliar to some, but they offer a beautiful way to connect with the saints and deepen our faith. Whether through personal mementos or sacred relics, these connections keep the spirit of our faith alive and ever-present. In this ...

Ever wondered what it feels like to walk in the footsteps of your ancestors? We’re excited to share our latest episode #59 "From Sicily to America: Understanding Family Roots and Preserving Heritage," with you, our wonderful community of listeners. Join us, your hosts, Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones, as we embark on a journey through personal history, cultural connections, and the powerful ties of heritage. From childhood recollections of Italian festivals to the emotional journeys of exploring f...

Welcome to the latest episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit." Join hosts Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones as they recount their unforgettable family adventure to Sicily and tell you if they Dodged the Drama as discussed in Episode 50: Dodging Drama on Family Vacation. In this episode, Lisa and Shelly share the joys and challenges a trip for 17 family members, all while exploring their family history and fulfilling their mother's lifelong dream. From navigating complex logistics to battling extreme he...

Are you feeling stuck or in need of direction? Maybe you need a Life Coach! What is a life coach? How does it differ from spiritual direction? How do you find a life coach? What does a life coaching session look like? In this episode, Certified Life Coach, Marge Steinhage Fenelon answers all our questions – as she shares her expertise on getting unstuck, setting goals, and finding possibilities in life. SNIPPET FROM THE SHOW: "I love the way you describe that, Marge, as helping you to get uns...

Summer is here, and we’re diving into our favorite summer reads on this week's episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit"! Join us, hosts Lisa Jones and Shelly Kelly, as we dive into our favorite reads, from thrilling mysteries to inspiring spiritual books. Whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach or enjoying a staycation, we've got the perfect book recommendations to keep you company. - Shelly's interest in history and likely reads: short history of Sicily, epic adventure about the American Wes...

We're honored to welcome Maria Gallagher, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Pro Life Federation. Listen as we discuss the challenges and triumphs of the pro-life movement post-Roe v. Wade, the importance of personal involvement, and how leveraging your talents can make a significant impact in education, advocacy, and community based approaches to counter the misinformation in the abortion debate. SNIPPET FROM THE SHOW: As many as 60% of abortions are coerced, meaning women are being pr...

Shrines, Saints, and Summer Break! For our first anniversary of the podcast - and the beginning of summer break - we're highlighting one of our earlier episodes. Summer vacation doesn’t mean you take a break from your faith! No matter where your family travels, you can still find opportunities to connect with and grow in your faith on the road. Snippet from the Show: “…what we’re doing is considered a pilgrimage. I never thought of just visiting a church as a pilgrimage before.” - Shell...

Ever feel hesitant to start something new in your spiritual journey? You're not alone! Join us as we dive deep into the transformative experience of spiritual direction with our guest, Certified Spiritual Director Deanna Bartalini. In this episode, Deanna shares her rich experience and practical advice on: The Role of a Spiritual Director Overcoming common challenges in prayer and finding stillness Understanding what to expect from spiritual direction sessions Practical advice on...

Are you in a mixed-faith marriage? How do you navigate the challenges of being married to a non-Catholic? How do you stay strong in your own faith while respecting your spouse's spiritual journey? In this deeply personal and inspiring discussion, we share our own personal stories, struggles, and successes, offering invaluable insights and encouragement. Whether you’re married to someone of a different faith or just curious about how faith impacts relationships, this episode is packed with wisd...

We need to stop feeling guilty for taking time to take care of ourselves! As middle-aged women juggling numerous roles, we're discussing our personal self-care strategies, the pervasive guilt associated with taking "me" time, and why it's crucial to overcome these feelings for our mental and spiritual well-being. From massages to meditation, and from making time for hobbies to embracing silence, join us as we share insights, laugh over misconceptions, and support each other in our quest to...

Are you gearing up for a family vacation? Whether you’re hitting the road with the kids or planning a multi-generational getaway, keeping the peace is key to making memorable moments. Tune in to our latest episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit," where your hosts Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones dive deep into the nuances of family dynamics on vacation.

We love our local neighborhood parish, our priests, and our community. But sometimes our schedule requires that we meet our Sunday obligation by attending Mass away from home - in a different parish! How great is our beautiful Catholic faith! No matter where we attend, the Mass is the same; same structure, same readings, same holy prayers. This episode is more than a reflection on traditions; it's an invitation to rediscovery. Our individual parishes are part of a magnificent mosaic, where each...

We recently said goodbye to a beloved aunt and are reminded of the cycle of life and death that touches every family. In this episode we discuss the importance of family bonds, the evolving roles we play as we step into the shoes of those who came before us, and the surprising lessons that grief teaches us about reconnecting with our loved ones. **Highlights from the Episode:** - **The 'End of An Era':** The passing of elders, who were central to our childhood, heralds a shift in family dynamic...

In this episode, we're honored to welcome a very special guest, Allison Gingras, who brings a wealth of experience and insights from her own faith journey, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of prayer and presence with God. Lisa and Shelly share bits of our own spiritual experiences, discussing how simple practices like praying the rosary have left indelible marks on our family legacies and influenced our understanding of God's profound love. We explore the beauty of tradition and the sign...

In this heartwarming episode, we're getting up close with Clara, Lisa’s Spanish exchange student turned family. From soccer fields to kitchen showdowns, and the bonds formed over shared meals and Young Life meetings, join us as we explore the joys, challenges, and unexpected lessons of welcoming a new culture into the heart of home. Stay tuned for laughter, a touch of culture shock, and a story that bridges continents right here on Episode 046. Want to learn more about hosting a Foreign Excha...

We're embracing Holy Week by sharing our experiences with Palm Sunday and the days leading up to Easter. "Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.” – Ven. Fulton Sheen Snippet from the Show: "They [the Triduum] were just things that were going on for people more devout and catholic than me. I was busy, you know, being mom, I was busy, like you said earlier, at the Easter dresses and making sure did we have the Easter baskets and what time would we go to church o...

In the second part of "Lessons From the Field", we flip the persepctive from our kids to ourselves, diving into lessons that we as parents learned from supporting our young athletes! Snippet from the Show: "Your relationship is not with the sport. Your relationship is with your child. And one day, they are not going to play that sport anymore." "What happens when that sport is not there anymore? Do they still know that you love them for who they are, not for the sport they play?" — Shelly Kelly...

As the Texas wildflowers color the sides of our highways, it's time to tend not only to our gardens but also to the growth of our inner faith. Join us as our special guest, Margaret Rose Realy, explores the parallels between tending to your garden and enriching your spiritual life. The author of "A Garden Catechism", Margaret helps us discover how to create meaningful spaces for prayer and contemplation through the language of plants. SNIPPET FROM THE SHOW: "But I had realized that I could no ...

As the hustle and bustle of sports seasons pick up pace, we're excited to tap into lessons we've learned from years of raising young athletes! In this first of two parts, we delve into the reasons behind encouraging our children to play sports —from promoting healthy lifestyles to the essential life skills learned on the field. Snippet from the Show: "Sports are a school of loyalty, courage, endurance, resoluteness, universal brotherhood—all natural virtues, but which provide the supernatural v...

We're indulging in a bit of nostalgia and reflection on the fading art of letter writing. Join us as we recount childhood memories of writing to our grandparents and explore the unique charm of handwritten correspondence. We want to hear from you, too! Have you recently found a bundle of old letters with stories and memories tucked between the lines? Will you join us in putting pen to paper? We also dive into the potent emotions tied to letters, from the joy of receiving personal mail to the gl...