How do you hold onto faith—and even find healing—when grief feels overwhelming?

In this moving episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Andrea Bear joins the hosts to share her poignant story of navigating the loss of her parents, spiritual struggles, and how seeking faith brought her unexpected peace.

If you’re facing your own grief or supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you see that healing is possible, you’re not alone, and faith can turn even the darkest moments into growth.

By listening, you'll discover:

· How genuine faith can be shaped—and deepened—through the reality of sorrow.

· The transformative power of forgiveness, including what it means to forgive yourself after loss.

· Real ways to process grief within a supportive, faith-based community.

Listen now and uncover hope-filled steps to move forward when grief and faith intersect.

Andrea Bear believes that grief without faith, is a like flashlight without batteries. Her journey of losing both her parents to different illnesses has shown her that God is the constantlight in the darkness and Mary is the batteries. She is the author of the award-winning fiction Grieving Daughters' Club and the cohost of the Mourning Glory, a Catholic grief podcast.

Find Andrea at https://www.andreabearauthor.com/ her book “Grieving Daughters’ Club” at https://amzn.to/3WrWkJZ and the Mourning Glory Podcast at http://www.mourningglorypodcast.com/

Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world tous and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.comVisit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit⁠⁠⁠

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Lord, save me!” in the midst of anxiety or overwhelming stress?

In today’s world, worry and anxiety have become all too familiar companions for many of us—sometimes leaving us feeling helpless, hopeless, or convinced we have to control every outcome.

This episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit is dedicated to those moments when life feels hard, and you yearn for peace but don’t know where to turn.

Hosts Lisa and Shelly welcome special guest Gary Zimak, a Catholic author who has devoted his ministry to bringing Christ’s hope to people caught in the grip of anxiety.

Listen in and you’ll discover:

· Why feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed are more common than ever—and what you can do to break free from the cycle.

· Concrete ways to surrender control and trust God even when answers don't come easily or your prayers feel unanswered.

· Encouragement, practical prayers, and honest stories that speak to the heart—whether you struggle daily or just occasionally wrestle with worry.

Find Gary Zimak’s books and sign up for his daily scripture reflections at https://followingthetruth.com/

Lord, Save Me: Prayers and Encouragement whenLife Feels Hard by Gary Zimak https://amzn.to/4h1DQcE

Tune in now to learn simple, proven strategies for finding calm and hope rooted in faith—plus inspiration to try a “three word prayer” that could change everything.

Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.com

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit⁠⁠⁠

Are you finding yourself suddenly surrounded by a quieter house and wondering, “Now what?” as your children move out or become more independent?

If you’re facing the big transition of entering the empty nest phase—or anticipating it soon—this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit is for you.

Hosts Shelly and Lisa candidly unpack the emotional, spiritual, and practical shifts that come with children leaving home, and how you can use this new season to rediscover purpose, deepen connections, and actually enjoy the changes ahead.

In today’s discussion, you’ll benefit by:

· Learning how to gracefully navigate the changing relationship with your adult children, letting go of day-to-day management and embracing a role as supporter andmentor.

· Gaining inspiration for filling your newfound free time with intention, creativity, and rest, so you can pursue hobbies or spiritual growth you may have neglected.

· Hearing real strategies for managing worry, building friendships, and strengthening your marriage or personal faith, directly from others walking the same path.

Press play now for heartfelt wisdom and reassuring advice to help you thrive (not just survive!) in your empty nest years.

Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.com

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

What if the next big step in your journey is simply saying “yes” to the dream God has placed on your heart—even if the timing feels uncertain?

In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Jessica Everly shares her inspiring experience of moving from self-doubt to becoming a published author, walking listeners through the challenges of trusting God’s timing, overcoming rejection, and finding the courage to follow a creative calling.

For anyone yearning to start something new—whether it’s writing, a career change, or a passion project—Jessica’s story offers relatable encouragement and practical takeaways for navigating setbacks and pursuing your goals with faith.

Listeners will discover:

· Practical ways to recognize and follow God’s nudges in your daily life and creative pursuits.

· How obstacles and “no’s” can lead you exactly where you need to be.

· Real-life insights on balancing ambition, family, and faith in everyday decisions.

Jessica Everly is a Contemporary Romance Author who hails from the Midwest. She traded her snow boots for cowgirl boots and now lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing or chasing her kids, you can find her curled up with a good book and a cup of coffee. Visit Jessica at www.jessicaeverlybooks.com and find her debut novel, Roses in Rome at https://amzn.to/438dP5K

Hit play to be inspired by Jessica’s journey and learn how you can boldly move toward your own dreams, no matter where you’re starting.

Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world tous and helps shape future episodes!

We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.com

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

What if you could gain the wisdom and courage of a saint to guide you through today’s challenges?

In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, hosts Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones interview author and teacher Amy Cattapan about her new book, "Hope Without Borders," which explores the powerful spirituality and real-life writings of Mother Cabrini. If you’re searching for practical faith, resilience, or a renewed sense of hope in uncertain times, this episode showshow the legacy of Mother Cabrini can give you concrete encouragement and fresh perspective.

Tune in to discover:

· How Mother Cabrini’s daily practices and letters can inspire lasting confidence in God’s plan for your life.

· Real strategies for overcoming anxiety, fear, and self-doubt using Ignatian spirituality.

· Ways to find meaningful connections with saints—even if you’ve never felt “spiritual enough.”

Join the conversation and let Mother Cabrini’s story give your daily routine a spiritual boost—listen now for practical faith you can use today!

Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.com

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

What happens when two sisters team up to journey through faith, family, and real-life messiness—can that kind of relationship actually strengthen your own spiritual walk?

If you long for closer connections with your siblings or wish for more genuine support as you share your faith, this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit offers heartfelt wisdom you can use right now.

Hosts Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones get real about what it’s like to grow, disagree, and reconnect as sisters while making faith central in their lives, showing listeners both the joys and challenges of spiritual sisterhood.

By listening, you’ll discover:

· How honest conversations and working together as sisters can deepen your bond—despite sibling rivalry or past arguments

· Practical ways to encourage and accompany loved ones as you each explore faith at your own pace

· Inspiring stories about overcoming struggles, being vulnerable, and letting your shared journey become a light to others

Don’t miss this uplifting, relatable episode—press play and see how strengthening your sister relationship can help you share your faith more boldly and joyfully!

This episode is a rebroadcast of “Go Tell the World” with Ellen Mongan.

Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us andhelps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.com

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit⁠⁠⁠

Are you searching for real healing and hope during life’s toughest sorrows?

In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, returning guest Maria Gallagher joins hosts Shelly Kelly and Lisa Jones to discuss her newest book, Healing Encounters with Mary.

Drawing on her rich experience as a journalist, life coach, and Catholic writer, Maria dives into the power of finding real comfort, healing, and growth by turning to Mary—especially during times of deep struggle or grief. In a world wheresuffering, loss, and uncertainty can feel overwhelming, Maria’s heartfelt stories and practical insights offer a path to peace and renewed faith that speaks directly to the challenges listeners face today.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this powerful episode:

· A guided approach to transforming your deepest sorrows into moments of healing and hope, inspired by the Sorrowful Mysteries and personal stories.

· Practical ideas to strengthen your relationship with Mary—especially if prayer feels difficult or if you haven’t explored Marian devotion before.

· Tools, prayers, and reflection prompts you can use immediately, whether you need comfort, are caring for someone in distress, or want to grow your spiritual life in community or on your own.

Ready to experience a fresh perspective on suffering and spiritual healing?

Listen now and discover how connecting with Mary can bring comfort and purpose to your personal journey.

Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.com

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠

What if hope could flourish even in the darkest place on Earth?

In this moving episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Shelly shares her behind-the-scenes experience at the premiere of "Triumph of the Heart," a newly released feature film about St. Maximilian Kolbe’s extraordinary sacrifice and brotherhood forged in the starvation bunker of Auschwitz.

Today, we all grapple with feelings of despair, division, and uncertainty in a troubled world—yet the timeless questions of suffering, faith, and the power of community remain as pressing as ever. This episode explores how the courage to choose hope can reshape not only history, but our own daily struggles.

Here’s what you’ll get from listening:

• A unique perspective on St. Maximilian Kolbe’s last days,highlighting not just his courage but the untold stories and humanity of those who suffered alongside him.

• First-hand reflections from the filmmakers and actors onhow embodying and creating this true story transformed their understanding of faith, gratitude, and resilience.

• Insightful discussion on why "Triumph of the Heart" is more than a "Catholic movie"—it’s a universally relatable exploration of love, solidarity, and the hope that uplifts us all.

Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation that will make you see both a moment in history—and your own challenges—through a new lens of hope; press play now to be inspired.

Find Tickets to see Triumph of the Heart in the movie theater at Triumphoftheheart.com

Drop us a line, leave a review, or connect with us on social media. Your engagement means the world to us and helps shape future episodes! We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.com

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠