This Motivation Monday, we talk about Worst Case Scenarios.

Don't.

Don't spend more time thinking about the worst case scenario than you do about the Plan A! What if it all works out? What if you operated out of that belief?

Learn more about Power Made Perfect.

This week's episode is a must. Leah's guest is Sean Clifford, CEO of Canopy, father of four, and man of many degrees. Sean founded Canopy in 2019 to help build a world of healthy tech users, starting by protecting children from pornography.

Leah and Sean talk about the impact of COVID on internet usage and the paradoxical need for devices and their dangers. They also talk about brain development in children and saving them as long as possible from harmful images, and how to rewrite the parenting playbook in a way that helps form kids to face the future with confidence and competence.

Thankfully, Sean tells us how exactly Canopy works to filter toxic content on devices (this is where Leah gets her mind blown).

Step 1: Visit canopy.us/LEAH to sign up! Use code LEAH for 15% off!
Step 2: Create a profile for yourself and/or your family.
Step 3: Install Canopy on the smartphones and devices you want.
Step 4: Customize your settings - filtering, alerts, etc.
Step 5: Use your devices as normal! Canopy will work quietly in the background!

Challenge from Sean:
1 - Set guardrails for yourself.  Set the example you want your kids to follow about phone usage.
2- Know how much you matter to your kids and take advantage of those opportunities. Create opportunities for deep and meaningful conversation with your kids.

Visit canopy.us/LEAH to sign up! Use code LEAH for 15% off!

#ParentsMagazine named #CanopyApp one of the best #parentalcontrolapps 

Listen. This is not just a cliche.

The Lord is always changing who we are. We can embrace not just who we are now, but who we're being called to become! The Lord is a Lord of transformation, and he is ready to springboard us off of those baselines into breakthroughs!



HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

It's a heavy one, but I feel that it's important to share this, even though it's hard.

I'm sharing my story of losing my seventh baby. 

Motivation has to go hand in hand with suffering. We need the support, prayers, and encouragement of one another when we're carrying our crosses, and that's one of the graces I found in the helplessness of my miscarriage.

Even (or maybe especially!) in the midst of suffering, we have the opportunity to receive love, grace, and the good intentions of those around us.

Pray for me, friends. I'm praying for you.

Can't help it. We have to talk about Dreams, where they come from, and what we are called do with them!

Everything amazing that happens in the world comes out of a dream. Keep dreaming and giving your dreams to God!


HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Setbacks and failures are, for sure, disappointing and tough to cope with. Leah shares a personal story of a setback and how she learned to respond to it and move through the place of disappointment.

Important questions you can ask:
1. What can I learn from this experience?
2. What is the most important thing to do right now?


HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

You may not be able to control your circumstances, but you can definitely control how you  respond to them.

Reacting is responding without thinking. Hopefully in responding, we take a holy pause before acting, and consider how we're going to respond. Christ calls us to live with order and thoughtfulness, not a state of chaos.

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Boundaries. Ooh boy.

You don't have to explain your boundaries to anyone. Go ahead and set those however you need to live a full life for Christ.


HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

"You'll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine." - John Maxwell

We couldn't NOT come talk to you about this one!

This Motivation Monday is  here to ask  one question: What is one small thing, that if you did it every day, it would change your life?



HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Hosts Abby Johnson and Regan Long talk all things pertaining to motherhood, with authenticity, insight and a healthy dose of humor. They present topics from a Christian perspective ranging from the everyday challenges of raising kids of all ages to high-profile issues and current events facing families.

In this episode, they interviewed Leah about her story, her experience of mercy, her perspective on fatherhood and parenting, what led her and her family to take on an 80-acre farm, and protecting the influences on yourself and your kids, and so much else!



HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

This is the third of a 3-part Advent series spent pondering the Holy Family.

Fr. Michael O'Loughlin talks with Leah about the Christ Child, and the mystery of Christ choosing to enter the world through Mary's womb. This is a beautiful, intimate time between mother and child, and Fr. Michael guides us to dwell on what it can teach us.



HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

This is the second of a 3-part Advent series spent pondering the Holy Family.

Fr. Don Calloway talks with Leah about the role of St. Joseph in the Holy Family -  a crucial role that provides an exceptional blueprint for men, husbands, and fathers today.


HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

This is the first of a 3 part Advent series spent pondering the Holy Family.

Sister Miriam brings her tremendous love of Our Lady to this conversation about the role Our Lady played in the Holy Family and shows just how much we need her as a Mother. We hope this reflection on Mary blesses you in this season of Advent!

Resources mentioned:
- Cause of Our Joy, by Mother Mary Francis

If you want to know about more upcoming events like this, sign up to get updates from LeahDarrow.com.




HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

This week we're bringing you an episode from our friends at The Catholic Coaching Podcast. Matt and Erin Ingold, founders of Metanoia Catholic Coaching, invited Leah to join them to discuss Coaching and the Catholic Life.

Metanoia Catholic is offering DSB listeners a free journal download and access to a 7-day mini-course! Visit their website for this special offer!



HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Welcome to my chat with film director Cameron O'Hearn! We discuss the project I worked with him on, which he calls "the case for the Traditional Latin Mass."

Watch Cameron's film, Mass of the Ages and learn more about it at https://theliturgy.org/. Visit Cameron's site  Horselord Films, and see more of his work, particularly his moving documentary about his father.
 
Cameron shares with us how his love for the Latin Mass developed, and the shocking history of the Latin Mass in the past decades, and why the Latin Mass may be so closely tied to belief in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

We go way back in Cameron's own story, and talk about how he came to be a filmmaker, what inspires and surprises him about making films, what film has in common with evangelization, what Beauty means for us in the world today, and keeping the most important things front and center in our lives.


Challenges for listeners from Cameron:

• Do something today to make someone's day special! "Be all theirs for 5 minutes."

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Welcome to the third of a 3-part series on the unique and yet also universal wounds that we experience as women.

Today, we're talking about Babies. There are a lot of serious conversations to have around motherhood, fertility, and the things we assume are in competition with having babies.

We discuss what babies and dreams do to each other - how they change and expand. We also go about debunking some of the lies and the false fears that surround these conversations by examining the human body and the power of understanding our fertility.
 
Follow Alex on Instagram and at her blog https://www.joymamablog.com/.

If you missed our previous two episodes with Alex, go listen to our first episode on the universal Wound of Women and our second episode on the Wound of Dreams!

Resources we mention:

1. ManagingYourFertility.com 
2. The Anti-Mary Exposed by Dr. Carrie Gress
3. Naprotechnology.com 
4. https://popepaulvi.com
5. Mira Analyzer - use code Leahdarrow  for 10% off on Mira Plus Starter Kit and bundle Mira Plus Kit + Confirm
6. https://www.ncbcenter.org 

Book lists for more resources: 

• https://www.joymamablog.com/new-blog/2019/5/11/pro-life-resources 
• https://www.joymamablog.com/new-blog/2020/1/23/fertility-books 

Challenges for listeners from Alex:

• Learn about your natural cycle and fertility (read one of the books on Alex's list!)
• Learn about the pro-life healthcare options of Naprotechnology.
• Make a list of pro-life saints/women/mothers to aspire to that embrace life.

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Welcome to the second of a 3-part series on the unique and yet also universal wounds that we experience as women.

Today, we're talking about Dreams. We define what dreams are, and we look at scripture to help us understand how our dreams are God-given, and they don't have to be selfish!

We dive into the idea of dreaming with the Lord: this includes discernment in our dreams, learning how the devil attacks us particularly in our dreams, and what obstacles get in the way of our dreaming. We also consider at some of the lies we hear from the world about our dreams, and even lies we might hear within the Church about our dreams!

Read the scriptures with us: Psalm 37:4, Proverbs 16:3, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 19:21, Isaiah 55:8, Ecclesiastes 3:1, John 10:10, Matthew 25:14.

 
Follow Alex on Instagram and at her blog https://www.joymamablog.com/.

Tune in to our next episode on the unique wounds that women experience around Babies, and our previous episode on the universal Wound of Women.

Challenges for listeners from Alex: 

• Sit in silence with the Lord
• Get to know yourself and your temperaments

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Welcome to the first of a 3-part series on the unique and yet also universal wounds that we experience as women. 

We talk about where these wounds come from, going all the way back to the very first woman, Eve. We talk about our ability, as women, to be mothers, and the nuances of what that means theologically and also practically. We look at how and why our fertility and mentalities around fertility are the primary place that women experience attack. This ultimately means that our relationships suffer from these wounds: with God the Father, with members of the opposite sex, and also with fellow women. And although these wounds are universal, we see that these wounds show up differently for every woman.

The only remedy is to give our wounds back to the Lord, at the foot of the cross and to ask the Lord for healing!


Follow Alex on Instagram and at her blog https://www.joymamablog.com/.

Challenge for the week: Where in your life do you see that you're not fully receptive? Why? Write this one out on paper!

Tune in to our next two episodes on the unique wounds that women experience around Dreams and Babies.


Thanks to Walking with Purpose for sponsoring this episode! Check out their programs, Fearless and Free, Be Still, and Praying From the Heart. Praying From the Heart is 20% off for the month of September, but you can get 15% off of Fearless and Free and Be Still through September 30th, 2021 with the code LUX15 at https://walkingwithpurpose.com/.


HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Welcome back to the podcast, Blake Brouillette! If you missed our previous conversation, check that out here!

We talk about the services Christ in the City provides in the city of Denver. The purpose is twofold:  to form missionaries, and to serve the poor in the chronically homeless.  The hope is that this mission will expand beyond Denver into other communities in need!

I share how "Blessing Bags", an idea Blake shared with me previously, has changed our family's life. We talk about what it means to see others not as strangers, but as someone who needs love. We also talk about the absolutely indispensable need for community as the basis of mission life (you can't serve strangers if you don't love the people you live with!) We also each share our experiences of thinking we could change the world, and being humbled by what we could learn from the poor. Blake shares some wisdom about finding your own Calcutta, and figuring out how to serve exactly where you are.

If doing something about homelessness is on your heart, please donate to Christ in the City and help them serve and expand!

Join Christ in the City on October 2nd for a Virtual Annual Celebration (check the website for details).

Challenge from Blake: Look to your left. Look to your right. See who are the poor in your community, and find your own Calcutta!




HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Today's guest is the amazing and inspiring Nicole Caruso!

Nicole began a movement by encouraging women, including herself, to see ourselves as #worthyofwearing something beautiful, despite the things  we sometimes tell ourselves. You ARE #worthyofwearing!

We talk about the culture of feeling unworthy, unknown, unloved. We dive into the question of identity, and how can moms work with their daughters to instill confidence and worth. Nicole also shares advice for women ready to begin embracing the idea that they are worthy!

Nicole also shares some of the positive stories that have come from the movement of #worthyofwearing.

Order a copy (and one for a friend!) of Nicole's book, Worthy of Wearing: How Personal Style Expresses Our Feminine Genius at worthyofwearing.com!

Follow Nicole on Instagram @nmcaruso and @worthyofwearing for encouragement in beauty, fashion, healthy living, and self-worth!

Lord, help me see myself the way you see me.

Challenge from Nicole: Write down one lie you believe, and ask God to show you three truths to trump that lie.



Thanks to this week's sponsor, House of Joppa! Use code LEAH15 for 15% off some amazing Catholic home decor!

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

In this episode, Leah is joined by Br. Stefan Ansinger OP and Br. Alexandre Frezzato, OP:  Dominican brothers from the Netherlands and Switzerland, who have begun the OP Chant Project, to provide and promote Gregorian chant according to the Dominican tradition.

They tell the story of coming to learn and love what Leah's kids refer to as "God's music!"  (Gregorian chant), both before their vocation and in their Dominican community. They also share how and why they began a youtube channel devoted to sharing chant in the Dominican tradition, and what that is. Did you even know there was more than one kind of Gregorian chant?? The Brothers also discuss the uplifting daily effects of bringing Gregorian Chant into your life.

Advice on getting started: Don't worry about understanding the meaning. Just enjoy the melodies.


To listen to some of what the Fathers talk about, check out their youtube channel and their website.

Challenge for listeners from the Fathers: Learn the Chant MediaVita (text below)
 
The Antiphon “Media Vita” was formerly sung before the “Nunc Dimittis” at compline from the third Sunday of Lent until Passion Sunday. Nowadays it is sung as the Responsory on Saturdays, Sundays, feasts and Solemnities in Lent during Vespers or compline.

Media vita in morte sumus
Quem quaerimus adjutorem nisi te, Domine?
Qui pro peccatis nostris juste irasceris
Sancte Deus, Sancte fortis,
Sancte et misericors Salvator,
Amaræ morti ne tradas nos.

Versus: Ne projicias nos in tempore senectutis cum defecerit virtus nostra ne derelinquas nos Domine.

Translation: In the midst of life we are in death; of whom may we seek help but you, O Lord, who for our offences are justly displeased? Yet, O God most holy, O holy and mighty, O holy and merciful Saviour, give us not over unto bitter death.

Verse: Cast us not away in the time of our old age; forsake us not, O Lord, when our strength fails us.
Yet, O God...




HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

In this episode, Leah is joined by Fr. Donald Calloway, author of Consecration to St. Joseph.

After seeing each other across conferences and on posters for years, Leah and Fr. Donald finally get to meet "for real" and their conversation is worth the wait!

They discuss his history, what led him to devotion to St. Joseph, how St. Joseph helps to heal father wounds for both men and women, how St. Joseph bridges the gap for us between the fathers we know and the All-Good Father we can find hard to relate to,  how Fr. Donald turns to St. Joseph throughout the day, how much Jesus loves to grant requests to St. Joseph,  and more!

Order a copy (and one to share!) of Fr. Donald's book Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father here.

Challenge from Fr. Donald Calloway: Get the book to learn more about St. Joseph! But also, just pray an honest prayer for openness to St. Joseph's influence and protection in your life.


HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

In this episode, Leah talks with gifted storyteller Mary Lenaburg about her new forthcoming book, Be Bold in the Broken. In this her second book, Mary —the author of Be Brave in the Scared—explores her journey to self-acceptance as she struggled to make sense of who she is and what she had to offer.   

Learn more about Mary at her website, www.marylenaburg.com

Follow her on Instagram @marylenaburg or on Facebook at MaryLenaburgWriter

Order a copy (and maybe one to share!) of Mary's books:

• Be Bold in the Broken
• Be Brave in the Scared

Challenge from Mary: Are you prepared to meet God today?

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

What is this whole season for?

Connecting our heart and life closer to Jesus Crucified.

I know, I know, we all feel like we've been in Lent for a year already. So how reframe our thoughts on Lent to actually renew us spiritually?

I want to share with you some reflections from Fr. John Hardon, S.J. that I found to be profound, simple, and deeply effective in my own life for focusing on the Way of the Cross throughout Lent!

Challenge from Leah: Read Fr. John Hardon's Practical Recommendations for a Fruitful Lent here and choose something small and practical.

"Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death, have mercy on us."

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

This week, Leah chats with Lisa Canning - a mom truly living Babies and Dreams, and helping other moms to do the same! Lisa is an author, speaker, coach and mom of eight, and she helps overwhelmed moms be GREAT moms, while pursuing their dreams at the same time. Lisa believes a mom can have it all, but she needs to know the best way how…

Lisa is hosting a free conference Feb 5-7, 2021! Grab a free ticket here and let Leah Darrow and other moms help you pursue your dreams.

Learn more about Lisa's work at http://lisacanning.ca/ and her conference here

Challenge from Lisa:


HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Leah is joined by Gia Chacon, the founder of the nonprofit advocacy group For the Martyrs. For the Martyrs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to raise awareness about Christian Persecution, advocate for Religious Freedom, and provide aid to suffering Christians across the globe.

Gia also organizes the March for the Martyrs, standing in solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world. Follow her on social media https://www.instagram.com/marchforthemartyrs/ to find out about the 2021 East Coast March for the Martyrs.

Learn more about Gia's work at ForTheMartyrs.com.

Challenge from Gia: Take a stand. Don't be afraid to share the testimony of Christ with the culture, knowing that Christ is on your side and you come from a place of victory.

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Leah joined JonMarc and Teresa Grodi on their podcast, Elevate Ordinary, to discuss the greatest tv show of all time: The Office! We couldn't have been more excited for this conversation to happen.

We talk about how our shared love of obscure Office references creates community, how the Office can teach us about loving the people in our lives and the variety of the communion of saints, and what it means to go through the painful process of thinking you're Jim or Pam, and coming to realize... you're more than likely... Michael.

If you haven't thought about the powerful role comedy can play... buckle up. We have things to say.

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

In this episode, Leah interviews iconographer Elizabeth Zelasko. They talk about the importance of religious art (no matter what style you're drawn to) and how exactly to pray with icons.

Check out Elizabeth Zelasko's art at ElizabethZelasko.com

Challenge from Elizabeth:
1 - Take an inventory of the images you're feeding yourself with. Be mindful of what you're looking at.
2- If you don't have a prayer corner in your home, create one!

Tell us what you want to hear about on Do Something Beautiful! Make a suggestion here, or become a Patreon patron to get your suggestion to the top of the list!

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

The course with Elizabeth Zelasko on iconography is Coming Soon to Lux!

In this episode, Leah interviews iconographer Elizabeth Zelasko. Elizabeth shares her journey with art, conversion, and learning to walk away from the plans that she had for the (better!) plans God had for her.

She also finally explains to us all WHY it's called "writing" an icon, not "painting" one!


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HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Time for a little refocus!

Whose opinion matters in your life? Who are you letting have too much power?

Tell us what you want to hear about on Do Something Beautiful! Make a suggestion here, or become a Patreon patron (Want to be a Pam Beesly? Or maybe a Dwight Schrute...) to get your suggestion to the top of the list!

Come join us on the Lux app! The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Summer is definitely, officially over, and we all need something to make us laugh, so I've brought you one of my personal favorites.

Is anyone else REALLY missing in-person community? I'm remembering this one REALLY fondly right about now! I also just feel like maybe Fr. Nathan needs a reminder of how much I love him and want to be friends?

This podcast episode is from the LIVE broadcast from SEEK 2019 conference in Indianapolis. I interview the wild and crazy Priest, Fr. Nathan Goebel, host from Catholic Stuff You Should Know podcast.

WHAT WE DISCUSSED:
This convo is all over the place ... we talk about mullets, birthdays, friendship (I try to make him my BFF) and how we can use humor to connect or replace connections with people. We go deep and then we go back to poking fun at each other.

WHAT I LOVED ABOUT IT:
Fr. Nathan is a brilliant man. His humor can disarm you and make you feel at ease...but he has a heart of gold, and is always concerned about how he can help the other know and experience the Father's love.

We're continuing our Spotlight Series with this recurring guest!

This episode with Dr. Greg Bottaro is one of our most popular episodes - if you haven't listened to it yet, you're in for a GOOD one! And even if you have heard it, it's probably a good time to revisit some of the amazing advice from Dr. Greg...

Have you ever found yourself compulsively ruminating about the past? Or full of anxiety about the future? Sure you have. But the good news is, God desires freedom for you and there are real practical steps you can take towards that freedom!

Leah talks with Dr. Greg Bottaro, PsyD, Executive Director and Founder of the Catholic Psych Institute, about what the Catholic faith has to offer us, particularly where it intersects with good mental, emotional, and psychological health. Fundamentally, we find out that it's all about connecting to a God who loves us as a good and caring Father.

Challenge from Dr. Greg: Take 5 minutes to completely unplug and do something that you FEEL is a waste of your time. (A second step is to observe what kinds of thoughts and feelings arise.)

You can learn more about Dr. Greg's work and the Catholic Psych Institute at CatholicPsych.com, and his 8-week Introduction to Catholic Mindfulness course at Catholicmindfulness.com

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow)

We're doing a little rewind! For the next few episodes, we're bringing you some of our most popular episodes ever. If you haven't heard them yet, get excited. Let's start off with our number one most-listened-to podcast ever!


Amanda Vernon shares how God can wreck your romance and plans, but it all still turns out, not just "good", but even better than you could imagine.

Amanda and Matt had BIG crushes on each other, and dare I say were "in love" and sincerely loved the Lord. ENTER IN: God's wrecking ball. Disaster strikes, and Amanda and Matt have to figure out what God is asking of them and their vocations (yes, that crazy V word).

Follow Amanda here and connect with her here.

Grab her book for yourself or someone you love, or someone whose romance God has wrecked (or you hope he will!) HERE. 😬👊🏻🤷🏻‍♀️👍🏻

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor or Jim Halpert?
Don't know WTH I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron and Join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

It's part 2 of our talk with Fr. Gregory Maria Pine, OP!

We pick back up with a conversation about finding beauty in our ordinary lives, and explore the demands of beauty and how knowing things helps us appreciate their beauty more.

Challenge from Fr. Gregory: Take a "Snow Day" - a day where you don't worry about efficiency or maximizing your time.

Find out what Fr. Gregory and the Dominicans are up to at the Thomistic Institute!

Tell us what you want to hear about on Do Something Beautiful! Make a suggestion here, or become a Patreon patron to get your suggestion to the top of the list!

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

If you haven't bought a 90-day VIP Pass to the Lux Summit yet, what are you waiting for? There are over 30 talks from incredible women who want nothing more than to lead you closer to Jesus Christ. Come check it out.

This conversation with Fr. Gregory Maria Pine, OP, was SO GOOD that we just had to make into a 2-parter.

I figured that, since this whole podcast is about Do[ing] Something Beautiful, we should have a conversation about what Beauty is! Hopefully this enables you to find, create, and develop more beauty in your own life.

Check out what Fr. Gregory and the Thomistic Institute are doing! (Especially those Quarantine Lectures...)

Tell us what you want to hear about on Do Something Beautiful! Make a suggestion here, or become a Patreon patron to get your suggestion to the top of the list!

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

If you haven't bought a 90-day VIP Pass to the Lux Summit yet, what are you waiting for? There are over 30 talks from incredible women who want nothing more than to lead you closer to Jesus Christ. Come check it out.

Let's talk about your Wants.

We need to acknowledge our Wants, and then find the barriers that are stopping us from Doing.


Tell us what you want to hear about on Do Something Beautiful! Make a suggestion here, or become a Patreon patron to get your suggestion to the top of the list!

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Join us for daily prayer, devotionals, community, and so much more in the Lux app.

Leah was invited as a 2-part guest on the Transforming Discipleship podcast, which released April 27th through Christianity Today's smallgroups.com.

In this episode, Oliver Hersey is joined by Leah Darrow, author of “The Other Side of Beauty” and Kelsey Collister, who produces his podcast. Leah walks through her conversion story which includes three key moments: moving to St. Louis as a fifteen year old, encountering Jesus during a fashion modeling photoshoot, and asking her family for help, when she was at a low point. All of these events lead her to a life of discipling women, so they can know who they really are, in light of God's mercy.

She bought into the world’s definition of success, and self-fulfillment. Because of this, she put all of her stock into her outward appearance. Eventually, she was a contestant on America’s Next Top Model. Soon after, she found herself in state of spiritual despair. Listen to this podcast to find out how she left the modeling industry, to start her own women’s ministry.

Tell us what you want to hear about on Do Something Beautiful! Make a suggestion here, or become a Patreon patron to get your suggestion to the top of the list!

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

If you haven't bought a 90-day VIP Pass to the Lux Summit yet, what are you waiting for? There are over 30 talks from incredible women who want nothing more than to lead you closer to Jesus Christ. Come check it out.

Leah was invited as a guest on the Transforming Discipleship podcast, which released April 27th through Christianity Today's smallgroups.com.

In this episode, Oliver Hersey is joined by Leah Darrow, author of “The Other Side of Beauty” and Kelsey Collister, who produces that podcast. Leah walks us through John 4, where Jesus encounters the Woman at the Well.

Leah pointed out vs. 4 “And he had to pass through Samaria.”

She said “What I love about this, is that this is the mission of God the Father. You are the mission of God the Father. Sometimes we can feel so forgotten in this world.”

She drew attention to the fact that, in order for ministry leaders to disciple others, they have to have hard conversations with them. What can we learn from Jesus about how he questions the Woman at the Well? Leah said “Jesus poses questions to us, just like he does for the Samaritan woman, in which he is the answer.”

Tell us what you want to hear about on Do Something Beautiful! Make a suggestion here, or become a Patreon patron to get your suggestion to the top of the list!

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app? The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

If you haven't bought a VIP Pass to the Lux Summit yet, what are you waiting for? There are over 30 talks from incredible women who want nothing more than to lead you closer to Jesus Christ. Come check it out.If you haven't bought a VIP Pass to the Lux Summit yet, what are you waiting for? There are over 30 talks from incredible women who want nothing more than to lead you closer to Jesus Christ. Come check it out.

Unhitch your wagon from other people's expectations.

Especially strangers.



Tell us what you want to hear about on Do Something Beautiful! Make a suggestion here, or become a Patreon patron to get your suggestion to the top of the list!

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?
No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Come join us on the Lux app! The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

This special motivational Monday is a reflection from Leah on her favorite saint - St. Photina, the Samaritan Woman at the Well.

Leah gets excited to share some thoughts on what this story reveals to us about Jesus and the relationship he desires with each one of us. (She gets a little fired up, surprise surprise!) The takeaway? Jesus Christ is the answer to every question, longing, and fear in every human heart.


She ends with a special invitation to come to meet Jesus in the Lux Summit happening LIVE online, June 19-21st! With LIVE keynotes from some of the most powerful lady evangelists in the Church, time for prayer, breakout sessions, and more, this is the biggest live online women's event you'll find. Get a Conference Pass so you can get your digital workbook, enter giveaways, and get some of that sweet Lux swag that you're definitely going to want.


HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!


Come join us on the Lux app! The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Chris Padgett is back on the podcast - this time, with his daughter Sarah. They tell the story of Sarah's teenage pregnancy, the immense importance of the love of parents for their children, how welcoming little Audrey affected their whole family, and the sweetest surprise happy ending to the podcast we could have asked for. (Congratulations Sarah, Dean, and Audrey)!

Linda's motto: Maintain the path back.

Learn more about Chris and Linda's ministry, Happy Place Homestead and watch Sarah's Story (and more!) on their channel!

Listen to our previous episode with Chris and Linda Padgett!

Challenge from Sarah: Identify someone in your life you don't agree with, and love them a little harder. Pray for them a little harder.

Tell us what you want to hear about on Do Something Beautiful! Make a suggestion here, or become a Patreon patron to get your suggestion to the top of the list!

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, or Jim Halpert? Could you possibly be Dwight?

No idea what I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron, and join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Have you checked out the Lux app! The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Leah invites John O'Leary back on the podcast to talk about his new book!

Leah and John talk about the freedom children have in approaching life, the idea that "all work is sacred", and what it means to put your name on your work.

In his new book, IN AWE: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy, O’Leary shares his insights and inspiring message to help readers to live a fuller, happier, more engaged life by recapturing the sense of childlike wonder and curiosity we so often lose as adults—that sense that anything is possible, there are no set rules or expectations, and that we can be anyone we want to be.

As we adjust to living life under quarantine and socially distanced, John (and Leah also!) invites readers to take the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge, inviting you to slow down, examine your life, and find hope.

Listen to our previous episode with John O'Leary!

Challenge from John: Your life is a miracle, so act like it! And remember that you and you alone make the decision about how you'll approach your life.

Tell us what you want to hear about on Do Something Beautiful! Make a suggestion here, or become a Patreon patron to get your suggestion to the top of the list!

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us on the Lux app! The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Dr. Greg Bottaro, Executive Director of the CatholicPsych Institute, is back to talk to Leah about some timeless truths that the COVID-19 pandemic is unearthing for a lot of us.

Dr. Greg and Leah start by asking "How will you be different after this time?", which is a great question for us all to be asking. Dr. Greg points out that nothing is more revealing about what's inside us than a shake-up in our worlds, and this is a moment where the whole world is being shaken up.

This is a time to be challenged and learn about ourselves, and finding ways to grow in virtue.

This is a time to look at how we approach the concept of death - in fear and anxiety, or to remember that we have a God who has defeated death!

Challenge from Dr. Greg: Take 10 minutes to do absolutely nothing. Not prayer, not listening to music, not talking to anyone, (it's ok if you go for a walk)... but do nothing.

To learn more about the CatholicPsych Institute or to find a therapist, visit CatholicPsych.com.

Don't forget to order a copy of Dr. Greg's book, The Mindful Catholic for yourself, and one for someone else! It's that good.

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us on the Lux app! The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

It's not just a guy's problem!

This week, Leah invites speaker and author Kelsey Skoch to share her insights on missionary discipleship and evangelization, but also to address some really hard topics. Kelsey's book Uncompromising Purity, co-authored with Everett Fritz, engages with the often taboo topic of personal purity. There are a lot of women who are affected by pornography, masturbation, and who want to overcome their challenges. Kelsey provides encouragement and practical strategies to overcome addictions and temptations that keep women from living in freedom: everything from getting rid of some devices or getting an accountability filter to having a community of women to talk to.

Order a copy of Kelsey's book, and one to share!

Catechism references: CCC 2331, 2352, 2354

Kelsey's recommendations:
Qustodio as a resource for filtering your digital content. They are doing a 10% off worldwide promotion during the month of April due to the quarantine and more people needing this resource. The code for 10% off is STAYATHOME!

Integrity Restored

Kelsey's Challenge: Continue praying every single day, even if it's just 5 minutes! Give the Lord an opportunity to remind you of his love for you.

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us on the Lux app! The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Ricky: Husband, father, Green Beret Special Forces medic, firefighter. He knows a lot about a lot, so I got him to talk with me (to you!) about not only the current state of affairs with COVID-19 in the world, but also on a personal and spiritual level. How can you be preparing yourself as a whole person? What does it mean for our faith? How can we see God's hand in this circumstance? How can we grow in relationship with him?

Disclaimer: Not experts on coronavirus! Definitely not experts! #ImNoExpert

Ricky's advice:
1) Pray. Think. Pray. Get up early in the morning and spend time with God, letting him speak to you.
2) Get to confession (as soon as you can, and if it's available in your diocese).
3) Now you're in a position to begin to discern what God's calling you to do.

Don't just fill the void - take your uncomfortable emptiness to Christ, and let him work in your heart.

There is hope!

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us on the Lux app! The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, senior editor at Ave Maria Press, shares the unbelievable story of the discovery of an unknown manuscript from St. John Paul II, and the equally unbelievable experience of getting to work with it and getting to hear his voice again. She also shares the impact St. John Paul II had on her own life and journey to the Catholic faith, and hits us with a great challenge.

Jaymie's Challenge: Read Acts 17 and ask God to show you the altar to the unknown god in your world.

This newly discovered work by St. John Paul II (then Archbishop Karol Wojtyła of Kraków), Teachings for an Unbelieving World: Newly Discovered Reflections on Paul's Sermon at the Areopagus, is available through Leah's Amazon Store or through Ave Maria Press.

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us on the Lux app! The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Leah is joined by Olympic skiier and World Champion Rebecca Dussault! Rebecca talks about having grit and resilience through life's adversity. Rebecca shares about seeing God's hand in her athletic life and success, choosing to serve as a witness in the world of sport, sport as the school of discipline, and fully integrating your faith into every aspect of your life.

Learn more about what Rebecca is doing at fitcatholicmom.com or on Instagram @fitcatholicmom.



You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us on the Lux app! The Church and the world need you to be a light and to become who you were meant to be, and we believe in your ability to do it! Come join the community, be joined in prayer with a priest chaplain, get Catholic content and formation, and become the leader the world needs.

Miracles happen every day... Ricky's back on the podcast! And there's never a dull moment.

Leah and Ricky answer some listener questions, providing lots of great free insights about preparing for marriage (even if you're not dating).

If you didn't hear Leah and Ricky's original episode where they share the story of how they met (and go on some good tangents), go listen now!


You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us inside Lux U! Finally find a great community, join other women and a great chaplain in daily prayer, learn great Catholic content, and become the leader you were made to be. Choose your plan and come hang out with us! Sign up here! 

He's back again! Dr. Greg Bottaro comes back on the podcast to talk about dating. Leah and Dr. Greg continue to break down what it means to live an integrated life, and to apply the principles of integration into dating. They discuss authenticity, dating as training in the bigger gift of self found in marriage, living with "the ache", and then gets SUPER practical at the end about "online dating".

Dr. Greg prompts us practically in learning how to grow into a person who can be a real gift to another, and how to approach another person as unique and unrepeatable. He also discusses how to find what would truly make a good partner and prioritize the qualities that matter. Ask yourself questions like, "Is this person trying to become more virtuous?"


Learn more from Dr. Greg Bottaro on Instagram at @catholicpsych or through his websites The Catholic Psych Institute and Integrated.Life.

Dr. Greg's course, How To Be Married, is at Academy.catholicpsych.com.


You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us inside Lux U! Finally find a great community, join other women and a great chaplain in daily prayer, learn great Catholic content, and become the leader you were made to be. Choose your plan and come hang out with us! Sign up here! 

Kate Lloyd is a perfect example of what it means to do something beautiful in her own way. Kate tells Leah the story of adopting her daughter through foster care and the law practice she founded to help women rescued from human trafficking. Kate also educates about some of the industries connected to human trafficking, ways to avoid products tainted by slave labor, and how to help her and Bakhita Law.

Learn more and please support Bakhita Law and help survivors of human trafficking.

Catholic Relief Services Ethical Trade


You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us inside Lux U! Finally find a great community, join other women and a great chaplain in daily prayer, learn great Catholic content, and become the leader you were made to be. Choose your plan and come hang out with us! Sign up here! 

Leah talks with Patricia Sandoval, an international speaker who is renowned in the United States and Latin America for sharing the message of a pro-life perspective, chastity, and post-abortion healing. Patrica opens up about her own history of abortion and the fallout in her own life. She tells the story of how the darkest parts of her past have found healing and how she became the woman she is today. Leah and Patricia encourage women to see past the false idea that abortion is necessary if a woman wants to accomplish her goals or follow her dreams.

Share your #babiesanddreams stories with @leah.darrow on Instagram!

Look into your local pro-life organizations and crisis pregnancy centers to see how you can support their missions!

Grab a copy (or two!) of Patricia's book Transfigured: Patricia Sandoval's Escape from Drugs, Homelessness, and the Back Doors of Planned Parenthood - for yourself and to share.

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us inside Lux U! Finally find a great community, join other women and a great chaplain in daily prayer, learn great Catholic content, and become the leader you were made to be. Choose your plan and come hang out with us! Sign up here! 

It's a special Monday Motivation!

Monday Motivations are a series within the podcast, where Leah shares a small but mighty insights that have kept her motivated and that she wants to pass along to you!

This Monday Motivation encourages you to look past just "being happy". Maybe what we want, even more than happiness, is purpose.


Looking for a bigger purpose with your life? Come find it inside Lux U! Get great Catholic content for women, pray together, finally find community, and become the leader you were made to be. Choose the level of involvement that fits your life right now - get the Chips and Salsa Plan, or go for the Whole Enchilada!

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Leah gets Fr. Michael O'Loughlin to explain what asceticism even is anyway, and why it's not just for seasons like Lent and Advent, but something we can (and should!) get in the habit of practicing all year. It's not just about detachment, but about coming to recognize how much we need God. Father Michael gives some great advice about learning how to start with small actions and grow into greater and greater freedom.



The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of Our Times by Dom Jean-Charles Nault, OSB

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us inside Lux U! Get great Catholic content for women, finally find community, get help with prayer, and become the leader you were made to be. Choose your plan and come hang out with us! Sign up here! 

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow)

It's a special Monday Motivation!

Monday Motivations are a series within the podcast, where Leah shares a small but mighty insights that have kept her motivated and that she wants to pass along to you!

This Monday Motivation advises you not to compromise on your dream, and not to be afraid to go after your dreams (even if they're so big and bold that they make other people uncomfortable)!


Speaking of big dreams... Come join us inside Lux U! Get great Catholic content for women, pray together, finally find community, and become the leader you were made to be. Choose the level of involvement that fits your life right now - get the Chips and Salsa Plan, or go for the Whole Enchilada!

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Dr. Greg and Barbra Bottaro continue the conversation with Leah on Integrated Living when it comes to raising kids. They talk with Leah about being deep in the trenches of parenthood, finding ways to calm the anxiety of the daily chaos, how kids can connect with saints now, and the book they co-wrote for both kids and parents, Sitting Like a Saint. They also give a little preview into their thoughts on dating...

Pick up a copy (and one to share) of Sitting Like a Saint. You can also get a sample free exercise to try!

Come to Italy with Leah and Fr. Michael O'Loughlin on pilgrimage! Who doesn't want that??

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Come join us inside Lux U! Get great Catholic content for women, finally find community, get help with prayer, and become the leader you were made to be. Choose your plan and come hang out with us! Sign up here! 

It's a special Monday Motivation!

Monday Motivations are a series within the podcast, where Leah shares a small but mighty insights that have kept her motivated and that she wants to pass along to you!

This first Monday Motivation speaks to how your mess can actually lead to your mission... as long as you're not afraid to let God in to transform and renew it.

Come join us inside Lux U! Get great Catholic content for women, finally find community, and become the leader you were made to be. Choose the level of involvement that fits your life right now - get the Chips and Salsa Plan, or go for the Whole Enchilada! Sign up here!

Come to Italy with Leah and Fr. Michael O'Loughlin on pilgrimage! Who doesn't want that??

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Leah dives in with Jeannie Gaffigan about her new book, When Life Gives You Pears and the experience that prompted her to write it. They talk cancer (specifically, pears shaped brain tumors), hope, confronting your own weaknesses, finding peace, the Rosary, Ignatian prayer, and share much that is thought-provoking and insightful. It turns out that spending a lot of time in an MRI machine gives you a great chance to enter into prayer!

Pick up a copy (and one to share) of When Life Gives You Pears.

Come join us inside Lux U! Get great Catholic content for women, finally find community, and become the leader you were made to be. Choose your plan and come hang out with us! Sign up here! 

Come to Italy with Leah and Fr. Michael O'Loughlin on pilgrimage! Who doesn't want that??

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Hey y'all! Leah was a guest on the 1GirlRevolution podcast with Kate Bryan, and we wanted to make sure you all got to hear that great conversation. Kate and Leah talk about her story beyond the moment of reality tv, the perspective she's gained, and how important it is to empower women.

Learn more about the 1 Girl Revolution! 

Come join us inside Lux U! Get great Catholic content for women, find community, and become the leader you were made to be. Sign up here!

Come to Italy with Leah and Fr. Michael O'Loughlin on pilgrimage! Who doesn't want that??

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Many voices in the Church are calling for a myriad of "options" as the answer to the darkness in our time. Amidst them all, Dr. Carrie Gress cuts to the chase with the idea of "The Marian Option" and why imitation of Mary is a timely but also timeless option. Leah and Carrie talk about Mary, "the patriarchy", feminism, and the idea of a spirit of Anti-Mary operating in the world. They then start talking about the beauty of "home" and the way that creating a home is actually a bolder move than one might think.

You can learn more about Dr. Gress and her many amazing books at http://CarrieGress.com.

Check out her Catholic home products at https://theologyofhome.com (including those delicious candles).

Learn more about Mary and The Anti-Mary Exposed with Dr. Carrie Gress inside Lux U! Sign up here!

Sign up to join Leah and Fr. Michael O'Loughlin on pilgrimage to Italy!

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

We hear so much about the great male figures of the Old Testament - Abraham, Jacob, Moses... but we don't often think about how much the women of the Old Testament had an impact! What irreplaceable parts did they play? What lessons do they learn? What lessons can they have to teach us about faith? How did they pave the way to Mary? Join us for a sneak peek into what Sarah shows us about the stories of Leah and Rachel and of Rahab.

Leah and Sarah Christmyer talk about how relatable these women of scripture are, finding our own story in their stories, learning how to praise God, how to bless each other, and being sources of strength and encouragement for one another.

You can learn more about Sarah Christmyer at ComeIntotheWord.com and find her book at Ave Maria Press or on Amazon!

Don't miss out on Fall registration for Lux U!

Sign up to join Leah and Fr. Michael O'Loughlin on pilgrimage to Italy!

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

Have you ever found yourself compulsively ruminating about the past? Or full of anxiety about the future? Sure you have. But the good news is, God desires freedom for you and there are real practical steps you can take towards that freedom!

Leah talks with Dr. Greg Bottaro, PsyD, Executive Director and Founder of the Catholic Psych Institute, about what the Catholic faith has to offer us, particularly where it intersects with good mental, emotional, and psychological health. Fundamentally, we find out that it's all about connecting to a God who loves us as a good and caring Father.

You can learn more about Dr. Greg's work and the Catholic Psych Institute at CatholicPsych.com, and his 8-week Introduction to Catholic Mindfulness course at Catholicmindfulness.com

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow. Help us create great content that you want to hear!

If getting out of $25,000 in debt in 7.5 months sounds like an impossible dream to you, we have good news! That's exactly what Amanda and Jonathan Teixeira did, and from that WalletWin.com was born. They share their embarrassing stories, but also tips and advice for saving money, getting out of debt, managing finances, and why transforming your relationship with money is even more important than you think.

Register for the upcoming workshop from the Wallet Win Academy and learn how to "never worry about money again" (for free!)

Don't miss out on Fall registration for Lux U!

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow

Sign up to join Leah and Fr. Michael O'Loughlin on pilgrimage to Italy!

In this deeply relatable episode with Sam Kelley, founder and president of FIERCE Athlete, we talk about sports culture, femininity, identity, and all the ways that sport can reveal the feminine genius (even for non-athletes!) and be a way to understand yourself and your faith more.

Invite Sam to speak, and see more about what she is up to at FierceAthlete.org

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow

The ever-hilarious Chris and Linda Padgett bring their unique blend of sincerity and comedy to the topic of marriage when they talk to Leah Darrow. They share their desire that marriage be a place for a couple to thrive, and their advice (or non-advice?) on how to become the person you want to be.

They also say really nice things about each other, so that's pretty great!

See more of what the Padgetts are up to at Catholicfam.org and Linda360.com, and the Happy Place Homestead.

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor or Jim Halpert?
Don't know WTH I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron and Join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Sign up for the next session of Lux U! 

Caralyn shares her journey through an eating disorder and into freedom. She opens up about the ways she protected herself from getting help, but then what enabled her to acknowledge her need for help and to begin the hard journey to healing and happiness. Caralyn and Leah also discuss how to help people in our lives who suffer from eating disorders.

Join the giveaway at @leah.darrow and tag a friend in this episode's post!

Check out Caralyn's blog and her journal Bloom at Beauty Beyond Bones.

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor or Jim Halpert?
Don't know WTH I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron and Join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Sign up for the next session of Lux U! 

We spend an hour letting the message sink in that "we are enough", and wondering what it would look like if we all lived from that knowledge.

Danielle Bean, with her book You Are Enough, shows us that the stories of women in the bible have a message for women today: You are made unique and special, and God has a plan for you to do great things. She reminds us of St. John Paul II's powerful encouragement - "Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity!"

You can keep up with Danielle Bean at daniellebean.com and at CatholicMom.com

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor or Jim Halpert?
Don't know WTH I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron and Join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Missed out on Lux U? No worries. Get yourself on the waitlist to find out when registration re-opens! 

Christopher West gives us a glimpse into the work he calls "an education in what it means to be human". In discussing St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, Christopher and Leah talk about desire, hope, redemption, and get REALLY excited together about the story of the Woman at the Well.

You can stay posted on Christopher's new release of The Good News about Sex and Marriage and on the Theology of the Body Institute at TheologyOfTheBody.com


HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor or Jim Halpert?
Don't know WTH I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron and Join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Missed out on Lux U? No worries. Get yourself on the waitlist to find out when registration re-opens! 

Eric Genuis, a world-renowned composer, discusses the connections between beauty, music, hope, and our common humanity.

Eric and Leah have a conversation about Eric Genuis' background and career in music, and his ministry to bringing concerts to prisons. He shares about the profound effect that he has seen the experience of beauty have in the lives of those who "have forgotten what hope felt like". He also shares his philosophy of being generous with his gifts - believing we should share what we have with the world in the limited time we are given, to make a difference for another.

Check out more about Eric Genuis' concerts and ministry at https://www.ericgenuis.com/

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor or Jim Halpert?
Don't know WTH I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron and Join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Missed out on Lux U? No worries. Get yourself on the waitlist to find out when registration re-opens! 

Amanda Vernon shares how God can wreck your romance and plans, but it all still turns out, not just "good", but even better than you could imagine.

Amanda and Matt had BIG crushes on each other, and dare I say were "in love" and sincerely loved the Lord. ENTER IN: God's wrecking ball. Disaster strikes, and Amanda and Matt have to figure out what God is asking of them and their vocations (yes, that crazy V word).

Follow Amanda here and connect with her here.

Grab her book for yourself or someone you love, or someone you hope God wrecks their romance HERE. 😬👊🏻🤷🏻‍♀️👍🏻

HEY YOU! Yep. You. Are you Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor or Jim Halpert?
Don't know WTH I'm talking about? Then you need to check this out –> Join my team, Become a Patron and Join me in bringing and highlighting God's beauty in the world!

Missed out on Lux U? No worries. Get yourself on the waitlist to find out when registration re-opens! 

Want to join the DSB podcast team? Help us make this podcast better by becoming a Patron!

LUX UNIVERSITY registration is open from Feb. 28-March 6! Find out more about this exclusive membership site for Catholic women who want to grow in Faith and Sisterhood.

This podcast episode is from the LIVE broadcast from SEEK 2019 conference in Indianapolis. I interview the wild and crazy Priest, Fr. Nathan Goebel, host from Catholic Stuff You Should Know podcast.

WHAT WE DISCUSSED:
This convo is all over the place ... we talk about mullets, birthdays, friendship (I try to make him my BFF) and how we can use humor to connect or replace connections with people. We go deep and then we go back to poking fun at each other.

WHAT I LOVED ABOUT IT:
Fr. Nathan is a brilliant man. His humor can disarm you and make you feel at ease...but he has a heart of gold, and is always concerned about how he can help the other know and experience the Father's love.

LUX UNIVERSITY registration is open from Feb. 28-March 6! Find out more about this exclusive membership site for Catholic women who want to grow in Faith and Sisterhood.

Want to join the DSB podcast team? Help us make this podcast better by becoming a Patron!

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow

Fabiola Garza is one AMAZING artist, who landed her childhood dream job. Fabi is a Character Artist for...*drumroll please*... DISNEY!

In this episode, we hash out the highs and lows of Disney princesses, and what they REALLY teach us. If you love Disney, this is one fairytale episode you won't want to miss! 

Keep up with Fabi on Instagram here, and on her website: here!
And be sure to check out Fabiola's book: "The Story of Saint John Paul II"!  Seriously...I enjoy this book just as much as my kids!

Have post-Christmas blues, or did you totally drop the ball on gift-giving? Don't worry, Ethical Trade has you covered with the most perfect gift guides! Get the most unique and ethical gifts HERE!

Anna Carter is one fabulous and brave soul!

Her ministry work has helped those struggling with same-sex desires and helps the universal Church in how we can approach this pressing subject with love, compassion, and truth.

In our conversation, we discuss Anna's experience with same-sex attraction, healthy friendships, accountability, and so much more!

Anna is the founder of Eden Invitation, an evangelistic outreach for Christians with same-sex attraction. Check it out HERE! 

Have post-Christmas blues, or did you totally drop the ball on gift-giving? Don't worry, Ethical Trade has you covered with the most perfect gift guides! Get the most unique and ethical gifts HERE! 

The first human to Mars will be a WOMAN ... if Alyssa Carson has anything to say about it.

Alyssa is not your average 17 year old, by a long shot. She's in training to be the first human on Mars. Yes. I said MARS. The freakin planet Mars. This young lady has a love affair with the red planet and has since pursued her dreams undauntedly.

She shares with us how it all started (hint: maybe cartoons aren't all that bad), and what her life is like now and where she hopes she'll land (figuratively and geographically).

Alyssa is an amazing reminder that no dream is out of reach or even out of this world. Yeah, I know it's corny to say, but dang, it is true!

You can stay in touch with Alyssa's journey here.

Leave a comment, review or happy note about this episode or podcast HERE! 

Nancy is the founder of "Do Small Things With Love" Catholic blog and community for Catholic women. And, while she may be "doing small things" they are having a BIG impact!

Especially concerning ADVENT. She's got THE LIST for all Advent activities for kids, families, and adults to help people of all ages and stages of life prepare for, reflect on, and embrace the true meaning of Christmas.

AANNNDD...

You seriously, most definitely, do NOT want to miss THIS because (drum roll, please) it holds the golden key to the Do-Gooder's Guide to Christmas Shopping! 

Catholic Relief Services - Ethical Trade has come out with, honest to goodness, the most perfect holiday gift guide EVER. 

Every single one of the vendors has been vetted by CRS, so you can rest easy that all of your Christmas and Holiday purchases are not just NOT harming others, but are actually HELPING and EMPOWERING others. (can I get an AMEN!?) 

Shop the CSR Ethical Trade Holiday Gift Guide and then share that fantastic beauty with others! 

Peace and Joy!
-Leah 

Lila Rose is an American pro-life activist and the founder of Live Action. She conducts undercover activities in abortion facilities in the United States, including affiliates of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

During our conversation, we talk about St. Joan of Ark (Lila’s Confirmation Saint), the Pro-life versus Pro-death climate, the banning of Pro-life speech and promotion on social media platforms, and future plans for the Pro-life movement.

You can follow Lila on Twitter (@lilagracerose and @liveaction) and on her website www.liveaction.org.

Also, Want to make sure EVERYONE on your Christmas list has a unique gift that also HELPS someone else out? Check out the Ethical Trade Gift Guide here -- https://ethicaltrade.crs.org/guide/holiday-gift-guide/

Now, this one starts out a little different ... I usually introduce my guests (like a normal host) but when Sr. Helena and I began speaking, we just jumped right into a normal and absolutely awesome (thanks to her) convo about life, family, nonsensical crap, and some good ol' holy stuff. 

Sr. Helena covers a multitude of topics here, but *really* goes deep into why and how the "theology of the body" saved her vocation ... second to Jesus, of course. 

Enjoy my friends. And know of our prayers for you! 
++++++++
Sr. Helena Burns is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul, an international congregation founded to communicate God’s Word through the media. She gives Media Literacy and Theology of the Body workshops to youth and adults all over the U.S. and Canada, and believes that media can be a primary tool for sharing God’s love and salvation.

You can follow Sr. Helena on Twitter (@SrHelenaBurns) and read her blog (hellburns.blogspot.com). I highly encourage you to purchase her book at www.tinyurl.com/dailybook

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow)

Maria is the beautiful mind behind RunningMyselfTogether, a blog on faith, running, and mental health. After years of struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression, she now helps others who are facing the same trials find their passion for running and know their worth in Christ. She’s an RRCA certified run coach who, while never being a runner growing up, has come to see the immense value running can have in a holistic approach to living a good, healthy life.

She challenges us to find the joy in our work, whatever it may be, because this is the race the Lord has set before us (Romans 12:11-12).

Follow Maria on her blog,
www.runningmyselftogether.com, and her Instagram: @RunningMyselfTogether

Here is the link to the "Tool Kit" that Maria mentions in our conversation.

Carolyn is a mom, a blogger, and an Etsy artist who spends a large portion of her time raising her family of five boys. She loves her role as a mother, and though it comes with its challenges, knows of the gift that each of her children are to this world.

In our conversation, Carolyn takes us through the journey of raising a son with autism. Though the diagnosis was hard, she has come to see the sunny side of autism through her son, Emmett. She challenges us to follow other moms with special needs children on Instagram including Shannon, Kristin, Mary, and Sylvia.

You can follow Carolyn on Instagram @carolyn_svellerella and on her blog.

Additionally, you can view Carolyn’s Etsy art products by visiting here or following her on Instagram @brass_and_mint_co

Josie Robinson, a writer and counselor, offers support and encouragement to people who struggle to find meaning in today's intense, chaotic world.

Josie shares with us how she helps people create a joyful and inspiring life through the simple, yet powerful, practice of gratitude. In our conversation, she challenges us with a 30 day gratitude practice, explaining to us the 6 steps of how to “Give T.H.A.N.K.S.”

“Give T.H.A.N.K.S Practice”:

T: think

H: have an open mind

A: allow yourself to feel gratitude

N: note your gratitude

K: keep in a special place

S: share your gratitude
 

Be sure to treat yourself and gift to a friend Josie’s book and gratitude journal! 

You can connect with Josie Robinson at her website https://josierobinson.com

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow

We continue Season 6 of This is Us with a fun Q&A session answering your questions.

In Episode 2, Ricky and I take turns asking each other YOUR questions from my Insta post. We mostly agreed on them, but ya know, marriage. 😉

Once you've had a chance to listen, head on over to the blog and join us in the comments.

Enjoy!

P.S. We have only two more episodes in Season 6, and so, if you have any other topics or questions you want us to address, leave a comment here ---> https://leahdarrow.com/podcast/2447/

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow

A miracle has happened! Ricky, Leah's husband, has agreed to finally be on the podcast. This episode answers Leah's MOST asked question on social media and in person: HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR HUSBAND? And so, without further ado, here's your answer! 

You know that favorite Saint quote you share with everyone? Maybe you've even purchased a tote bag or coffee mug with it on it ... Well, it's possible they never even said it.  Trent Horn's new book, What the Saints Never Said, clears the air when it comes to what the Saints actually said and shows us how these pious misquotes can teach us even some subtle heresies.   Trent is a a staff apologist for Catholic Answers, he specializes in teaching Catholics to graciously and persuasively engage those who disagree with them. Trent models that approach each week on the radio program Catholic Answers Live, where he dialogues with atheists, pro-choice advocates, and other non-Catholic callers. Trent is also an adjunct professor of apologetics at Holy Apostles College and the author of seven books, including Answering Atheism, The Case for Catholicism, and Why We’re Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love.

Helen Alvare is a one of those people in the world that oozes wisdom and sound theological insight. Because of this, I fielded various questions from YOU (my amazing listeners) for Helen in this interview. We discuss vocation, Alfie Evans, law school, Helen's role models, motherhood, prayer life -- just to name a few. Enjoy these 10 rapid fire questions with Helen Alvare! Go on over to www.leahdarrow.com for Helen's favorite books. www.womenspeakforthemselves.com 

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow

Julia Marie Hogan is a licensed therapist and author of the new book on self care, It's Okay To Start With You. Julia shares what it's like to be a therapist, her new book and what self care is and isn't, and how to fight the inner critic as a part of self care. You can connect with Julia Hogan on Instagram (@juliahoganlcpc) or on her website https://www.juliamariehogan.com/ 

Katie Prejean McGrady challenges us to do the one thing that all Christians SHOULD do. Follow Jesus. When our world attempts to complicate this matter, or worse, try to water it down, Katie cuts through the nonsense and gives us the basics of true discipleship in her new book, Follow: Your Lifelong Adventure with Jesus. Her approach is rooted in Scripture and Tradition –yet explains everything with simplicity and with practical how-to's. Follow: Your Lifelong Adventure with Jesus, should be on every family, school and church bookshelf. Better yet, it should be all bent up, highlighted and include a few pizza stains. Make sure you buy two: one for you, and one to give away. Because that's the point, right? To follow Christ Jesus and then to lead others to follow Him as well. Snag your copies here: https://amzn.to/2FPc7Zx Meet Katie: Katie has her degree in Theology from the University of Dallas, loves to watch NBA Basketball, has no dance skills whatsoever, considers herself an ice cream connoisseur, and loves to read. She considers herself neither “liberal” nor “conservative,” but much prefers to be classified as “seeking Truth, straight down the middle.” Katie Prejean is an international speaker, educator, & author. Since 2007, Katie has been traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada sharing a unique blend of humor & storytelling, coupled with teaching theological truth, to engage audiences of all ages. Katie has spoken at events large & small, including Steubenville Youth Conferences, the National Conference for Catholic Youth Ministry, the National Catholic Youth Conference, Los Angeles Religious Education Congress & Youth Day, in dioceses & parishes from coast to coast, and has appeared on EWTN, Catholic TV, Radio Maria, & shows on The Catholic Channel on Sirius XM. Katie has written extensively, publishing two books – Room 24: Adventures of a New Evangelist and Follow: Your Lifelong Adventure with Jesus – with Ave Maria Press. She has published with Life Teen International, written for the USCCB “For Your Marriage” website, writes weekly for Epicpew.com, and maintains a blog here at katieprejean.com and curlyweds.com. Katie is married to Tommy McGrady & lives in Louisiana with their daughter, Rose, & dog, Barney. 

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow

Matt Fradd does a lot of things. He is an international speaker, author, Catholic apologist, Aquinas aficionado, philosophy nerd, as well as one of the VERY few people on this planet speaking openly about the damaging effects of pornography. (Can we get an "Amen!" ?) . Most people with a platform (of any kind) don't want to bring up this topic - and yes, this includes our clergy and religious leaders. This. Is. A. Problem.  . Enter in Matt Fradd to help us all out. Matt's latest book, The Porn Myth, is a secular book on why pornography is not neutral, and in fact, is absolutely destroying the fabric of humanity. Outside of the excellent content throughout the entire book, the resource section in the book is well worth the purchase! . The Porn Myth is a non-religious response to the commonly held belief that pornography is a harmless or even beneficial pastime. Author Matt Fradd draws on the experience of porn performers and users, and the expertise of neurologists, sociologists, and psychologists to demonstrate that pornography is destructive to individuals, relationships, and society. He provides insightful arguments, supported by the latest scientific research, to discredit the fanciful claims used to defend and promote pornography. . You can get Matt's new book, The Porn Myth, on Audible for FREE by clicking on this affiliate link (www.audibletriall.com/leahdarrow) Also - GET THIS –> 100% of the proceeds (from Matt's royalties) from The Porn Myth go to the group, Children of the Immaculate Heart which houses and cares for young people who have been victims of sex slavery.  In this episode, here are a few things we discuss:  -How pornography effects us all.  -Why Porn is NOT good for relationships -Brain deterioration due to pornography -Pornography use in women -50 Shades of Grey . For you, the listeners of the Do Something Beautiful podcast, Audible is offering a FREE audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service. CLICK on THIS LINK (www.audibletrial.com/leahdarrow) for your free trial and free book!  . Resources for Parents:  Protect Young Minds (www.protectyoungminds.org) Convenant Eyes (www.covenanteyes.com) 

The self proclaimed "man-made feminist", Destiny Herndon de la Rosa is a force to be reckoned with.... and not just because she sports fabulously purple hair that gives the illusion she possesses unicorn magic. This lady is fierce and outspoken with it comes to speaking out about being consistently PRO LIFE on ALL matters. All lives matter - she'll tell you, regardless of age, race, creed, or social ranking. She states on her website: "It's a belief that all human beings should be free from violence for the duration of their lifetime. That means we're anti-war, anti-death penalty, anti-torture; and we extend this philosophy to our earliest moments of existence by also being anti-abortion." Destiny is the President and Founder of New Wave Feminist (https://www.newwavefeminists.com/) and recently has participated in the Secular ProLife Documentary, "Pro Life Feminist". You can rent or buy it here: https://lifefem.com/?v=7516fd43adaa 

"No one grows up wanting to work in the abortion industry." –Abby Johnson.  Abby Johnson has always had a fierce determination to help women in need. It was this desire that both led Abby to a career with Planned Parenthood, our nation’s largest abortion provider, and caused her to flee the organization and become an outspoken advocate for the pro-life movement. During her eight years with Planned Parenthood, Abby quickly rose in the organization’s ranks and became a clinic director. She was increasingly disturbed by what she witnessed. Abortion was a product Planned Parenthood was selling, not an unfortunate necessity that they fought to decrease. Still, Abby loved the women that entered her clinic and her fellow workers. Despite a growing unrest within her, she stayed on and strove to serve women in crisis. All of that changed on September 26, 2009 when Abby was asked to assist with an ultrasound-guided abortion. She watched in horror as a 13 week baby fought, and ultimately lost, its life at the hand of the abortionist. At that moment, the full realization of what abortion was and what she had dedicated her life to washed over Abby and a dramatic transformation took place. Desperate and confused, Abby sought help from a local pro-life group. She swore that she would begin to advocate for life in the womb and expose abortion for what it truly is. Planned Parenthood did not take Abby’s exodus sitting down. They are fully aware that the workers who leave are their greatest threat. Instantly, they took action to silence Abby with a gag order and took her to court. The lawsuit was quickly seen as the sham it was and thrown out of court. The media was, and continues to be, intensely interested in Abby’s story as well as her continued efforts to advocate for the unborn and help clinic workers escape the abortion industry. She is a frequently requested guest on Fox News and a variety of other shows and the author of the nationally best-selling book, Unplanned, which chronicles both her experiences within Planned Parenthood and her dramatic exit. Today, Abby travels across the globe sharing her story, educating the public on pro-life issues, advocating for the unborn, and reaching out to abortion clinic staff who still work in the industry. She is the founder of And Then There Were None, a ministry designed to assist abortion clinic workers out of the industry. To date, this ministry has helped over 300 workers leave the abortion industry. Abby lives in Texas with her husband and seven precious children.  

He was the first "Tele-Evangelist", Emmy award winner, a master of catechesis and the new evangelization, had an intense love for the Our Lady and is on his way to sainthood,. AND ... he also happens to be my Holy Crush. Enter the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen. While I'd love to claim to be his biggest fan, I'd have my work cut out for me with Ms. Alexis Walkenstein. Alexis, like Sheen, works in media, they BOTH have earned an Emmy, and she has literally written the book on Fulton J. Sheen. For those of us who are familiar with Sheen, we couldn't be happier to have at our fingertips the book, Ex Libris: Fulton J. Sheen, by Alexis Walkenstein. (Grab your copy here: https://store.pauline.org/english/books/fulton-j-sheen#gsc.tab=0) This gem of a book takes some of Sheen's greatest pearls of wisdom, and places them in together for our spiritual benefit. Ex Libris: FJS  is a fantastic addition to your evening reading or morning prayer. The short, quick excerpts from Sheen will surely give you enough to mediate on, pray with and contemplate throughout the day. Alexis Walkenstein is an Emmy award-winning journalist turned public relations pro working to evangelize the culture with positive media. With over 20 years combined media experience in major markets such a Washington D.C., New York, and Atlanta, Alexis' career began in Boston at WHDH-TV (NBC), where she managed story assignments and editorial content managing the stations coverage of historic events such as the 9/11 Terror Attack, the death of John Kennedy Jr., the crash of TWA #800, the sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church and the death and funeral of now Saint John Paul II. Alexis went on to serve the Diocese of Palm Beach as director of communications and chief spokesperson, a position she held for five years under Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito. Alexis led communications endeavors for the Maximus Group in Atlanta ,GA and Schneider Associates in Boston, MA where she placed stories with the Associated Press, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Bloomberg, New York Daily News as well as national broadcast such as TODAY, Good Morning America, Nightline, FOX News, CNN, CNBC, MSBNC and more. Alexis currently resides in Los Angeles, CA and runs her own media and marketing firm AWE! specializing in campaigns for film, television, publishing and personalities. Alexis is from Framingham, MA where she was raised in the faith at St. Bridget's Catholic Church. He contemporary heroes are Saint John Paul II and Ven. Fulton J. Sheen. Alexis earned a BA in Communication from Regis College in Weston, MA and attended a prestigious Washington Semester in Journalism at American University. You can stay connected to Alexis via: Twitter @Walkesntein Instagram @lexiwalkenstein https://lexicaliblog.com/ Book Giveaway! FIVE (5) lucky winners will receive signed copies of Ex Libris: FJS *and* The Other Side of Beauty. Winners will be chosen via Instagram only on May 8, 2018. Contest ends at 12pm midnight CST on May 8, 2018. To Enter the contest, head on over to Leah's Instagram page for the rules and entry. 

You can support the Do Something Beautiful Podcast NOW on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow

How did God make me to love? Why do women struggle with God's love and acceptance for them? What's my vocation? Sr. Bethany Madonna answers these questions and more in our recent chat about the woman's role in the world and how the power of Christ can heal, renew, and transform us. 

Christ in the City missionaries don't just drop off food or blankets, but create friendships with the homeless in Denver, Colorado. These missionaries go out and spend time with the homeless, eat meals with them, and get to know them as persons with inherent dignity. Christ in the City is a Catholic non-profit dedicated to forming missionaries, volunteers and communities in knowing, loving and serving the poor. In this episode, we talk with Blake, a Christ in the City missionary who "walks with the homeless" and helps us do the same in our own life with the people Christ brings into our life. We discuss: -Why is there so much homelessness in America? -Why are some homeless resistant to help? -How does a Christ in the City missionary "walk with the homeless"? -Is it okay to give money to the homeless we meet? -What can we do for the homeless in our own city? Make sure you check out how YOU can become a missionary or help a missionary out at www.christinthecity.co

She's the President of the March for Life. She's a wife. A mother. And one amazingly strong woman facing the culture of death head on. Meet Jeanne Mancini. In this episode, I chat with Jeanne about the March for Life, the history of it, its future and the crazy connection to the Women's March and the March for our Lives. We mention a ton of websites and resources during our chat, so here they are for you to get involved, get more information and do your part in the fighting against the culture of death! Text MARCH to 73075 to receive live updates on all pro-life matters at the State and Federal levels. 

Half of America is single. People are frustrated in love, but does anyone really know how to connect in today’s virtual world? THE DATING PROJECT follows five single people, ages 18-40, as they search for authentic and meaningful relationships. There is no script. There are no actors. These are real people trying to find love and happiness in an age of swiping left or right. #TheDatingProject - In Theaters April 17 - Get Your Tickets Today! >>> https://www.thedatingprojectmovie.com/

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In light of Valentines Day, I decided to do a podcast on the funny and unforgettable moments of dating. I am joined by Christina Jaloway, Sarah Swafford, Lisa Cotter, Jackie Francois Angel and our lone male contributor, Chris Stefanick. We share with you our dating stories, the ones that left us running for the hills and those that left us with some pretty big life lessons - we hope you enjoy them and laugh with (or at) us. My guests, as usual, are amazing and have given us, throughout this podcast episode, so many good resources, so here you go. You're welcome. ;) BOOKS: Forever: A Catholic Devotional For Your Marriage by Jackie & Bobby Angel (https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Catholic-Devotional-Your-Marriage/dp/0819827436/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518465190&sr=8-1&keywords=forever+a+catholic+devotional+for+your+marriage) Emotional Virtue by Sarah Swafford (http://emotionalvirtue.bigcartel.com/product/emotional-virtue-signed-hardback) Dating Detox: 40 Days of Perfecting Love In An Imperfect World by Lisa & Kevin Cotter (https://www.amazon.com/Dating-Detox-Perfecting-Imperfect-World/dp/099720379X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1518465249&sr=1-1&keywords=dating+detox) The Other Side of Beauty:Embracing God's Vision of Love and True Worth by yours truly (Leah Darrow) (https://www.amazon.com/Other-Side-Beauty-Embracing-Vision/dp/0718090667/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0718090667&pd_rd_r=9GQKD61CWMP2A56RW25W&pd_rd_w=HI1bH&pd_rd_wg=g3za9&psc=1&refRID=9GQKD61CWMP2A56RW25W) BLOGS: The Natural Progression  by Sarah Swafford What Not To Say To Your Single Friends by Christina Jalloway Stop Guarding Your Heart And Start Paying Attention To Reality by Christina Jalloway Websites: Jackie Angel: www.jackieandbobby.com Sarah Swafford: www.emotionalvirtue.com Lisa Cotter: www.madetomagnify.com Christina Jaloway: www.theevangelista.com Chris Stefanick: www.reallifecatholic.com

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Avera Maria Santo is a 21-year-old Alabama native and part time college student. When she's not in school, she's working on her blog titled Inside My Holy of Holies, where she writes about her life as a practicing Catholic living a chaste life with same-sex attractions. ​In this conversation, we talk about her struggle of same-sex attraction and its connection to her Catholic faith, along with her blog post (that went viral) addressing Fr. James Martin. Feel free to check it out after listening here: http://bit.ly/2DzKAL0 You can connect with Avera Maria Santo here: http://bit.ly/2BY3Mli *Dutifully so, it should be noted that this topic needs MUCH MORE unpacking than just one interview. Please know that Leah Darrow and the DSB Podcast in no way are attempting to simplify this topic to one, one hour, convo. That is plain ridiculous. This is just a start, an attempt to talk about topics that are challenging in the face of faith and culture. We welcome your charitable thoughts and comments. ​

As an Army cadet, Wesley met a good Christian young man who shared his faith and stole her heart. She married Larry Bauguess during her senior year. Upon graduation, they entered the Army and served together as Lieutenants and Captains. The Army life was perfect for this patriotic duo. They had a wonderful marriage for nearly fourteen years and were blessed with two beautiful daughters along the way. Tragedy struck in May 2007, when Larry was killed in action while serving overseas with the 82nd Airborne Division. Wesley and her tiny daughters were at home at Fort Bragg when the notification team delivered the heartbreaking news. How would they ever go on without him? Eventually, Wesley discovered that she already had all the tools she needed. The lessons she learned at church, in the Army and on the golf course had already shaped her character. They had already taught her patience and resilience. Those lessons would serve her well and give her the strength to carry on. This is her story. In 2009, the National Military Family Association recognized her as a Very Important Patriot, an honor only given to five volunteers each year from around the world. You can get your copy of God, Country, Golf: Reflections of an Army Widow, HERE: https://www.amazon.com/God-Country-Golf-Reflections-Widow/dp/1512771392/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513177381&sr=8-1&keywords=god+country+golf ***A portion of the proceeds will be donated to military charities that support the families of our fallen and wounded service members.*** You can learn more about Folds of Honor, here: https://www.foldsofhonor.org/bauguessfamily/ 

Harvard Grad and Rhodes Scholar, Aurora Griffin, wrote a book on how to stay Catholic at Harvard. But don't be fooled, this isn't just about Harvard. It is about the increasingly secular and atheistic culture that is invading college campuses everywhere. Aurora Catherine Griffin attended Harvard University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in classics in 2014. There she served as president of the Catholic Student Association. She was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University, where she received a graduate degree in theology. She now lives in Washington, D.C. and works at the Catholic University of America. IF you are in college, getting ready for college or know a college student, grab a copy of her book HERE: https://www.amazon.com/How-Stayed-Catholic-Harvard-Faithful/dp/1621641287

Remember those younger years of trying to make friends, feeling left out, hurt by what some girl in 4th grade said .... Those golden years of self confidence, faith taking root, and understanding the world around us are challenging. ENTER: Amy Brooks. Amy Brooks loves to pray, eat chocolate and drink wine. Definitely my kind of gal. She is also a mother and author of the newest journal, Be Yourself, for tween girls - a totally underserved community. Amy shares with us her inspiration of what happened to her as a young girl that has kept inspiring her all these years later and materialized in her journal today. Amy is a doll. She is kind, sweet, and has a heart for our young girls. I haven't found anything as beautiful and purposeful as this journal for the tween-girl age. I already bought two for my nieces, and they LOVE them! You can purchase your Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls, here: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Yourself-Journal-Catholic-Girls/dp/194400839X You can connect with Amy here: http://prayerwinechocolate.com/ 

With an increase of catfishing, phantom dating, dating that lasts for years and years, or dating without a purpose, Sarah offers real advice that will help you get off the emoti-coaster (emotional roller coaster) of dating and enter into a healthy relationship. Sarah Swafford, author of Emotional Virtue and relationship guru, defines for us emotional chastity and why it's so crazy important for us to know and implement it in our lives. 

Today we talk to Starfish Project founder, Jenny McGee. Jenny and her team's entire goal is to help exploited women experience freedom, establish independence, and develop careers. The Starfish Project literally rescues women from being sexually trafficked and provides shelter, counseling, education, trade schools, and career opportunities. 100% of all Starfish Project sales go back into helping this mission, the current rescued women and the future ones. Jenny shares with us stories of walking into brothels in Asia and walking out with young women who are desperate for someone to see their dignity. Starfish Project is an ethical trade, non-profit organization with a social enterprise that cares for women coming out of human trafficking and exploitation. Starfish Project has employed over 125 women and has served thousands through our Community Outreach Services.

I am beyond excited to share with you the FIRST listen to chapter one of my new book, The Other Side of Beauty. 1. You can pre-order The Other Side of Beauty at Amazon, www.LeahDarrow.com, or www.TheOtherSideOfBeauty.com 2. Enter your receipt number at The Other Side of Beauty to claim your FREE exclusive gifts for pre-ordering! I would love to hear your feedback from this episode at podcast@leahdarrow.com. 

A short reflection on fighting against the fear that can freeze us into doing nothing instead of something. Good enough is sometimes perfect. 

Erin Mackey, Catholic Relief Services program officer, shares why ethical trade is directly connected to Faith, conscious consumerism, human dignity and the dignity of work. Erin oversees CRS Ethical Trade’s priority partnerships, social media channels and the development of educational resources focused on Catholic social teaching and ethical purchasing. You can connect with CRS Ethical Trade division at ethicaltrade.crs.org The amazing Ethical Fashion Gift Guide can be found here: http://ethicaltrade.crs.org/guide/ More ways to connect with CRS: Shopping Guide http://ethicaltrade.crs.org/guide/ Partner with Us Form: http://ethicaltrade.crs.org/partnerships/partner-with-us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRSEthicalTrade/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CRSEthicalTrade NCYC (bottom of page): http://www.ncyc.info/exhibitvalues/

John O'Leary, National Best Selling Author and Motivational Speaker, shares his life story of living through a horrific house fire that burned 100% of his body. John wasn't suppose to live. But he did. And now lives to inspire others with practical life lessons we all need. You can connect with John at www.johnolearyinspires.com and grab his national best selling book, On Fire, here: http://johnolearyinspires.com/shop/on-fire-book/

Obianuju Ekeocha is taking on Melinda Gates and her quest to sterilize African women through contraception. Obianuju (Uju) tackles the terms and topics of ideological colonization, world population day/control, and birth control as "basic human right". You can support Obianuju and her documentary here: https://www.gofundme.com/documentary-on-lifeissues-in-africa 

Christina Jaloway, more commonly known as, "The Evangelista", speaks with authority on how destructive playing the catch-up game can be and how to free ourselves from it. Christina is honest, vulnerable, and doesn't pull any punches when it comes to what she would tell her former self about dating and surrendering to her vocation. You can connect with Christina at www.theevangelista.com or at Spoken Bride www.spokenbride.com 

We all want a "forever-kind-of-love". A love that will last and lead us to the origin of love: God. Jackie and Bobby share with us their new marriage devotional, Forever, that helps single and married alike prepare or engage more deeply in the calling to be a total gift to another. Jackie and Bobby share a variety of stories from their single-to-dating-to-married life that make this episode hilarious, honest and thought-provoking. You can grab your own copy of, Forever: A Catholic Devotional for Your Marriage, by clicking here: https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Catholic-Devotional-Your-Marriage/dp/0819827436/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504032932&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=forever+jackie+and+bobby To bring Jackie and/or Bobby Angel to speak at your event or to keep up with their great blogging, visit them here: www.jackieandbobby.com 

Brandon Vogt, best selling author and content director for Bishop Robert Barron, shares how he is bringing clarity to tough current social and moral issues today through ClaritasU. In this interview, Brandon shares why he developed ClaritasU and why we all should be seeking clarity on these issues. To enroll in ClaritasU (enrollement is open only TWICE a year! So get on it!) go to: www.claritasU.com To check out Brandon's book, Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church, go to: https://helpthemreturn.com/game-plan And to check out the amazingly talented graphic designer, Cassie Pease, that we mention in our chat, go to: https://cassiepeasedesigns.com/ 

You all know the speaker and author, Mark Hart. We've been wow'd by his talks, inspired by his books, blah, blah, blah. But now, we get to hear Mark "unplugged style". And yes, that phrase dates me. (P.S. I don't care) Mark shares his biggest pet peeves, blunders on stage, and even helps us pray better. For more information on Mark or to bring him to your church, school, backyard, or carnival, go here: http://lifeteen.com/about/mark-hart-speaking-inquiries/

Nun and Nunner, share how people react when they find out the truth behind this Sister Act of singing nuns. You can find out more by visiting www.nunandnunner.com. I highly recommend this fun duo for any event; my personal preference would be for a bachelorette party! 

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow)

Lisa Cotter, podcast host of How-To Catholic, interviews yours truly for a conversation on fashion. The convo was so much fun, I am reposting for your listening pleasure. Lisa and I go way beyond what colors are in and the newest trends, and dive deep into the faith of fashion. 

Kristen Brokaw teaches Theology and performs Spoken Word Poetry (aka: really cool rap). She shares her conversion to Catholicism, her struggle with anxiety and depression and how faith and poetry have brought joy and peace into her life and others. Blog post on suicide mentioned in podcast can be found here: https://leahdarrow.com/love-relationships-sexuality/learning-to-live-a-story-of-suicide-and-hope/ Also, in the middle of this podcast my husband Ricky sends me an "urgent" text message: the recipe for Mustard Chicken. As promised, here is the full recipe if you're into easy, delicious chicken. I usually serve with sweet potatoes and fresh green beans. Mustard Chicken Ingredients: 1/4 cup melted butter 2 Tbs. yellow mustard Black pepper to taste ______________________________ 12 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 1 tsp. Sage salt (1/2 tsp. sea salt + 1/2 tsp. dried sage) Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, mustard, black pepper, and Sage salt. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet or oven safe dish, and brush the mixture evenly over each one. Bake for 45 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165 degrees F when inserted into the center of one of the chicken thighs. *Recipe taken from cookbook, Practical Paleo, by Diane Sanfilippo, BS, NC. 

Rachel Holmes is a FOCUS missionary at Eastern Michigan University. How she shares her faith is transforming the students on campus and it is spreading like wildfire. To support Rachel or find out more about Focus, go here: www.focus.org 

Rosario Rodriguez shares her powerful story of miraculously surviving two violent crimes and her journey of discovering healing and peace in forgiving her assailants; finding worth in her brokenness; and joy in suffering. Connect with Rosario Rodriguez: https://rosariorodriguez.org/

Her Mom calls her, Autumn, but the Pro Life movement calls her a modern day Joan of Arc. Autumn is 16 years old, passionately prolife, and not afraid to challenge the culture of death. Students for Life organization called her, "Planned Parenthood's worst nightmare". And they were right! Find out more here at Students for Life: http://studentsforlife.org/

We continue our conversation with Fr. Mike Schmitz and he reveals what type of comic superhero AND what character on The Office he'd be. And don't worry, he doesn't choose the Hulk or Toby. 

His dream was to be a Green Beret or Batman. Instead, he's a Priest. And the world is all the better for it. 

Pilgrimages aren't just excuses to travel, but should deepen our faith so that we walk away more committed to Christ. Fr. Michael and I share what the Church has to say about pilgrimages and they're role in how we share our faith with others. 

Sean Forrest performed for A-list celebrities, in Times Square, and thought he had everything. Until he realized he didn't. Sean shares how God took him from being the "music man" to a missionary and co-founder of Haiti180.com Find out more by going to www.Haiti180.com https://www.gofundme.com/leahsmaternityward

We continue our convo w/Sean Forrest about his orphanage start up AND THEN I go and do something crazy ... or beautiful. You decide. https://www.gofundme.com/leahsmaternityward

Emily Wilson is all about bringing sunshine and Jesus into people's hearts so that they know their dignity and worth in Christ. And it doesn't hurt that she's from So-Cal, married to a Dutch prince (her prince, duh), and has a heart for women's ministry. Find out more by going to emwilsonmusic.com AND don't forget to pick up a copy of her book, I Choose The Sky. 

Lauren Sallarulo is on a journey to lose 100 lbs. and has become an inspiration of faith in her friends and others. Bravely documenting her journey on Instagram (@lsallarulo), Lauren shows that we all are "Strong, Brave and Enough". 

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow)

Lisa Cotter brings her wisdom and tell-it-like-it-is advice on how to approach a "Dating Detox" ... and she even wrote a book on it. You can get the first 3 chapters for FREE by going to www.madetomagnify.com but for now just sit back and listen to Lisa share why everyone should detoxify their dating life (referring here to the single people, of course). Lisa Cotter is a nationally sought-after speaker on the topics of relationships, femininity and living life with excellence. Lisa and her husband, Kevin, are the co-authors of “Dating Detox: 40 Days of Perfecting Love in an Imperfect World”. Lisa is the founder of Made to Magnify, a ministry with a mission to help people become saints — because it’s worth it.

One little prayer back in 2011 led Obianuju Ekeocha to become the voice for Africa pro-life issues. Obianuju Ekeocha (aka Uju) is the founder and president of Culture of Life Africa. She advises members of African Parliament, UN Delegates, and the Vatican on the varied pro-life issues pertaining to Africa. You can connect with Uju at www.cultureoflifeafrica.com and on Twitter (@obianuju). 

Deadlines, duties, chores, to-do lists. This is a quick, to-the-point podcast on WHY persevering in the daily to-do's will help us later. Season 1, Episode 9

Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/leahdarrow)

Being friends with a nun is always fun, especially when it's Sr. Miriam James. We talk about the beauty of surrendering. Sr. Miriam shares how to encounter a daily surrender to Christ and to be loved as we are. Season 1, Episode 8

How empty are you? Father O'Loughlin and I talk about the beauty of being empty so that God can enter. Season 1, Episode 7

Jackie Francois Angel is my cohost and we are talking motherhood, prayer life, and what you do when your child pees in Church. Season 1, Episode 6

Margaritas and Balloon hats. That's the beginning of how Sarah Kroger and I became friends. In this episode, we talk about how to actually be a good friend and it's many challenges. Sarah and I talk about jealousy, competition, and all the stupid crap that makes virtuous friendship a challenge. But we also talk about the joy of having and being a "good friend". Season 1, Episode 5

I interview Maggie Kim, who lost all of hair during her last pregnancy. She's honest and brave in sharing how losing her hair helped her embrace true beauty. Season 1, Episode 4

Does the thought of finding something to wear create stress for you? Check out #TheClosetChallenge! Sarah Kroger is my cohost and the co-creator of the official "Closet Challenge". Sarah is a talented, authentic singer/songwriter and worship leader. Season 1, Episode 3

Fr. Michael O'Loughlin is the cohost and the topic is Mother Teresa, her life, legacy and the canonization in Rome, Italy. Please excuse the sound of wine glasses and Italian chatter, as we recorded this episode while in Rome at a cafe. Season 1, Episode 2

Welcome to chaotic inspiration! This intro episode gives you a quick idea of what you'll hear and why in the world I've started a podcast called 'Do Something Beautiful'. Season 1, Episode 1