Blended Joy

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with Claire! Within the last year, Claire said "I do" to her husband, Nick and they are currently expecting their first child in June!  Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Claire's life. We talk ALL about dating, marriage & pregnancy from a Catholic perspective! Claire takes us through the intentionality of dating and marrying Nick and how pregnancy shouldn't be seen as an illness, but a blessing!  Lord, we pray for courage and strength every day of our life. Amen!

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with Adrienne! Adrienne is an awesome mama of 3 kiddos, wife, and most importantly, daughter of God.  Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Adrienne's life. We talk ALL about dating, womanhood, marriage & kids from a Catholic perspective! Ultimately realizing that motherhood begins by saying "yes" to your title as a daughter of God, from there your vocation continues to blossom!  Lord, we pray for courage and strength every day of our life. Amen!

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Andrea! Andrea is currently a sophomore in college pursuing a career in early childhood education. In the midst of her sophomore year of college, Andrea found out she was pregnant... at 31 weeks!  Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Andrea's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who has said "yes" to the gift of life despite the circumstances. Andrea is SO real and allows us into the joys and sorrows of becoming a young, yet strong and resilient mother.  Lord, we pray for courage and strength every day of our life. Amen!

Grab a smoothie and get ready for season 2 of Blended Joy! In the next few weeks everyone will be asking "What did you do this summer?" So, what did you do this summer? Hopefully you made a smoothie and prayed a bit! On this episode, I chat a bit about my journey to Northern Spain this summer, completing the pilgrimage of Saint James, otherwise known as the Camino. I highly encourage this pilgrimage to any soul out there and would love to answer any questions about the Camino! Stay tuned for this season of Blended Joy! Whoot Whoot! Facebook/Instagram: The Smiley Catholic

Grab a smoothie & learn about my 33 day journey on the Camino de Santiago in Spain! The Camino Frances is 500 miles long & follows the way of St. James. Highly recommend the journey for anyone listening

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Sophia! Sophia is currently a freshman at NIU, pursuing a Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) while enjoying all that the Newman Center has to offer. Sophia enjoys spending time with those who bring her closer to Christ, musicals/plays, and growing in knowledge of the Catholic faith! Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Sophia's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who has embraced the acting world. Sophia chats about the journey to be accepted into the BFA program, Catholicism and the arts, as well as what life as a Catholic college student is like. Sophia allows us to experience the joys of life from the view of an actress. Smoothie: blueberries, strawberries, spinach & banana

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Zach! Zach is currently a student at Northern Illinois University, studying math education. In his free time, Zach enjoys meeting up with friends, spending time with family, watching (good) movies, & laughing hysterically.   Throughout this episode, we enter into the whirlwind of Zach’s life and what it's like to be a young adult male who is learning more and more about himself each and every day. Zach chats about his experiences as a college missionary and sheds light into relationships with God and others as a 23 year-old. Smoothie: Strawberry, blueberry, banana & spinach

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Mckenna! Mckenna is currently a missionary teacher with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Trinity. Mckenna enjoys spending time in the classroom, eating chocolate-covered bananas and growing in community with those around her. Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Mckenna’s life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who has embraced the opportunity to spend a year abroad as a missionary. Mckenna chats about the journey to become a missionary, a typical day in Belize, and the many challenges and blessings that come with missionary work. Mckenna allows us to experience the joys (and sounds) of life 1,000 miles away! Suggested Smoothie: Strawberry and Kiwi!

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Shannon! Shannon is currently a senior at Loras College, getting ready to graduate in May. Despite, the whirlwind of senior year, Shannon enjoys spending time with family, in adoration & working out. Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Shannon's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who has embraced the opportunity to travel abroad during college. Shannon chats about host families, cultural changes, FOMO, and staying firm in the faith while abroad. Shannon also encourages us to not be afraid to travel and to embrace any opportunity which may come your way. Smoothie: TBD, suggested smoothie: matcha green tea, banana, & almond milk

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Justine! Justine is currently a junior at NIU and is in the midst of a busy school year. Despite the whirlwind of junior year, Justine is finding a variety of ways to spread joy to those on campus. Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Justine's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who is fully embracing the challenges and blessings of being an athlete on a college campus. Justine chats about her cheer team, time management and leading a bible study as a student leader. Justine also helps us to realize that the ¨secret ingredient¨ to life is to place Christ in the center. Smoothie: Banana, strawberries, mango & almond milk! 

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Marcelli! Marcelli is currently a freshman at NIU and is in the midst of second semester of her freshman year. Despite the whirlwind of freshman year, Marcelli is learning what it means to rest, study & to get involved on campus! Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Marcelli's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who is fully embracing the spring semester of freshman year. Marcelli chats about the expectations, realities, and memories that comes with freshman year, and ultimately how by listening to the Holy Spirit she has been able to find a solid group of friends among the journey.  Smoothie: Banana, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, & almond milk - yummy!

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good friend, Katie! Katie is currently a junior at LSU and is in the midst of a crazy school year. Among the whirlwind of classes, work, and life as a student, Katie loves building up the community of saints on her college campus. Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Katie's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who is fully embracing the Lenten season by completing FIAT90. Katie chats about the blessings, joys, and challenges that comes with FIAT90, and ultimately how by saying "no" to many things allows her to give her "fiat" to Mary and Jesus.  Smoothie: Banana, Pineapple, Mango, something else (haha) & chocolate protein powder - delish!

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good friend, Kaitlynrose! Kaitlynrose graduated from University of Dayton this past May and has been in and out of jobs since. This time of change has allowed Kaitlynrose the opportunity to sit back and to notice the ways in which God is working in this season of life. Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Kaitlynrose's life an what it's like to be a young adult woman who is fully embracing her current season of life with grace and openness. Kaitlynrose chats about her experiences with rejections, discernment and job searching post graduation! Smoothie: spinach, peanut butter, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries & a banana - yum! Links Mentioned: Catholic Jobs: https://www.catholicjobs.com/ Breaking in the Habit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PVQxYApzqE

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good friend, Mary! Mary has recently moved to Connecticut, where is she is counting down the days until she says "I do," and marries her fiancé, Noah! Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Mary's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who took a chance with online dating and found her match! Mary tells us about her online dating story and gives tips to young adult women who are considering using online dating as a platform to meet their future spouse!  Smoothie: chocolate, banana, almond milk, banana, coffee, & protein powder

  Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good friend, Kelly! Kelly just graduated from college this December and has since been busy planning her wedding and mastering a prayer life outside of college. Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Kelly's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who is in the process of learning more about what it means to say "I do," on a daily basis to both her fiancé & to God. Giving us advice on how to mix faith into her relationship status. Smoothie: orange Julius w/ mango, pineapple & strawberry- yummy Links Fr. Mike – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJVFmKeAPuM PEW Research – http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/02/13/8-facts-about-love-and-marriage/ Book – Forever (Marriage Devotional) – Jackie and Bobby Angel

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good friend, Katie! Katie is a great example of what it means to be a student missionary and is beyond receptive to whatever God has in store for her despite being single on a college campus. Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Katie's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who is single on a college campus. Just in time for Valentine's Day! Smoothie: peanut butter, chocolate & banana - omg!

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good friend, Anna! Anna is currently a beauty school drop-out, turned college missionary! This girl is on fire for her faith and strives to intentionally live a life of radical trust in the Lord despite her journey with depression and anxiety.  Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Anna's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who is living a joyful life, taking on crosses daily with the help of Jesus.  Saints Mentioned: St. Therese of Lisieux & St. Dymphna  Smoothie: frozen strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, mango, banana, papaya - delish!

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with Lynn! Over the last few months, Lynn has helped me learn what it means to truly strive towards sainthood. This girl is full of wisdom & the Holy Spirit, and is constantly inspiring myself and all those around her to be the person that God has created them to be. Saints Mentioned: St. Therese of Lisieux, Saint Maria Goretti, Blessed Chiara Luce Badano Smoothie: frozen strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, & mango - yum Apostolic Exhortation: Gaudete et Exsultate, On the Call to Holiness in Today's World, Pope Francis (2018)

Hey Gals! Welcome to Blended Joy! A podcast where we enter into the whirlwind of living a joyful life as young adult women. I hope this podcast will inspire you to grow in your Catholic faith and to help you spread the joy of Christ to all you encounter throughout college and beyond. Join me on this beautiful adventure! Feel free to share this podcast as I interview other young adult women (& sometimes men) who are striving to live a life built on Christian joy in the world. Instagram: TheSmileyCatholic Blog: https://smileycatholic.wordpress.com/ Email: thesmileycatholic@gmail.com