What does it mean to truly listen—not just hear, but encounter another person with the heart of Christ?

In this episode of Catholic Women Now, hosts Julie Nelson and Chris McGruder explore the powerful concept of sacred listening. Drawing from spiritual direction, Scripture, and everyday life, Julie shares how listening is not just a skill—but a grace that invites healing, dignity, and deeper relationships.

You’ll learn the difference between hearing and listening, how Jesus modeled attentive and compassionate listening, and practical ways to become a more present, empathetic listener in your family, friendships, and daily encounters.

Whether you're navigating conversations with loved ones or seeking to grow in your faith, this episode offers simple yet profound wisdom to help you listen with love—and create space for God to move.

• Opening prayer and reflections on truth, beauty, and goodness
• Introduction to sacred listening and its importance
• Difference between hearing vs. listening
• Insights from Julie’s experience as a spiritual director
• Scriptural examples of how Jesus listens (e.g., Martha and Mary)
• Practical tools for better listening:
  • Affirmation and presence
  • Nonverbal communication
  • Embracing silence
  • Avoiding “fixing” or redirecting
• Discussion on empathy vs. sympathy
• Navigating difficult conversations and “victim mindset”
• Real-life examples of healing through listening
• Applying sacred listening in marriage, family, and friendships
• Closing prayer and encouragement

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulus
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

Want to support your favorite show? Click Here

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On this episode of Catholic Women Now, hosts Julie Nelson and Chris Magruder sit down with Chantel Howard to explore the beauty, dignity, and formation of young women through her initiative, the Catholic Finishing School.

Inspired by a desire to restore authentic femininity in a culture often confused about identity, Chantel shares how her program equips girls ages 14–19 with confidence, virtue, and practical life skills rooted in Catholic teaching. From etiquette and communication to deeper formation through Theology of the Body, Scripture, and the lives of the saints, this program offers a holistic approach to becoming the woman God created them to be.

The conversation also touches on the importance of beauty in daily life, the role of mothers and mentors, and how families can foster meaningful conversations about identity, worth, and purpose. Chantel also shares exciting opportunities, including a pilgrimage experience for mothers and daughters.

✨ Learn more: https://catholicfinishingschool.com

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulus
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

Want to support your favorite show? Click Here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Catholic Women Now, Chris Magruder and guest co-host Leslie Teeling welcome back Deborah Colloton for a deeper discussion on infertility, IVF, and the growing movement toward restorative reproductive medicine.

Building on last week’s conversation, Deborah explains how restorative reproductive care works by identifying and treating the root causes of infertility for both men and women. The conversation contrasts this approach with IVF, examining not only the physical and emotional toll, but also the ethical implications surrounding embryo loss, surrogacy, and the commodification of human life.

The hosts also explore how cultural acceptance of IVF has led to complex and often troubling scenarios—from legal conflicts in surrogacy arrangements to the rise of “designer embryos” and a largely unregulated fertility industry. Grounded in Catholic teaching, including insights connected to Humanae Vitae, this episode challenges listeners to think critically while offering hope through faithful, science-based solutions.

🔗 Learn more about restorative reproductive medicine:
https://restorativereproductivemedicine.org

#CatholicWomenNow #IVF #Infertility #ProLife #HumanaeVitae #RestorativeReproductiveMedicine #CatholicTeaching #FaithAndScience #WomenOfFaith #CatholicRadio

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulus
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

Want to support your favorite show? Click Here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Catholic Women Now, Chris Magruder and substitute co-host Leslie Teeling sit down with Deborah Colloton to tackle a sensitive but important topic: infertility and reproductive technologies.

Deborah shares her personal journey through infertility and how it led her to discover restorative reproductive medicine—a science-based, ethical approach that seeks to identify and treat the root causes of infertility rather than bypass them. The discussion dives into the differences between restorative reproductive care and IVF, including medical outcomes, costs, and moral considerations from a Catholic perspective.

The conversation also addresses surrogacy, the reality of embryo loss, and the dignity of human life, while offering hope to couples through emerging medical advancements. This episode provides both clarity and compassion for those navigating fertility challenges.

🔗 Learn more about restorative reproductive medicine:
https://www.replyfertility.com/

#CatholicWomenNow #Infertility #IVF #ProLife #CatholicTeaching #RestorativeReproductiveMedicine #FaithAndScience #CatholicRadio #WomenOfFaith #DesMoinesCatholic

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulus
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

Want to support your favorite show? Click Here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.