The Unplanned Joyful Life - Gain Confidence, Navigate Adversity, Live Purposefully, Engage your Christian Faith, Catholic Church

The Unplanned Joyful Life - Gain Confidence, Navigate Adversity, Live Purposefully, Engage your Christian Faith, Catholic Church

Ranked top 5% globally Are you a successful and well-rounded individual, but are lacking spiritual fulfillment in your life? Do you consider yourself to be Christian, and grew up Catholic, but your family never really practiced? And, maybe they did. But, as an adult, you have become totally withdrawn from the Church? Have you experienced trials and tribulations and have sought out answers except for the Faith? But, you would like to learn more to see if the Catholic faith is a path you'd like to consider? If this is you? You are in the right place. I want to encourage you to take time to explore your Catholic Christian Faith. I want to remind you that you are a loved, valued and an integral part of the Catholic Church Family founded by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And, there is nothing he wants more than to welcome you home. Hi, I am Cathy Jo Lang, daughter of The One True King. And, I am excited to welcome you to “The Unplanned Joyful Life” podcast. I am a practicing Catholic who recommitted to my Catholic Christian faith after experiencing a mental health crisis over 30 years ago. I suffered a severe postpartum depression that required a 3 week hospitalization and caused me to be away from my newborn baby at a time that he needed me the most. When recovering from the depression, I searched for any and all help to deal with the guilt, shame and condemnation this experience brought. And, in order to decrease my chances of going through another mental health crisis, I decided to search, understand and embrace my Catholic Christian Faith. And, it was there, that I experienced complete healing, wholeness and transformation, never to suffer a depression again. Through our Catholic faith, Jesus became the firm foundation on which my husband, Steve and I were able to build a beautiful family, full of love, life and purpose for our children and grandchildren. And, although I would like to say to that we never experienced a trial or tribulation since. In 2019, we suffered the tragic lost our beautiful son Michael Robert at the age of 26. Michael suffered from a rare and chronic health condition without a sufficient medical diagnosis. This illness caused him chronic pain, fatigue, and isolation amongst many other symptoms, too many to mention. And, although his passing was devastating, we were able to receive God's healing, grace and provision through the mourning and grief we suffered as a family. I never thought I could get through the loss of a child. And, I don't wish that hardship on anyone. But, because of our Catholic Christian Faith, Steve, myself and our other two children, Stephen and Elizabeth were able to lean on, trust in and practice the one true faith, Catholicism. And, although it took the love, provision and healing power of God, as well as the support of our family and friends, we were able to experience peace, hope and love in the midst of tragedy. We know that Michael is with Jesus. And, we look forward to the day that we will meet and embrace him again in our Heavenly Home. Besides being wife, mom and grandmother, I am a Certified Professional Life Coach, Public Speaker and Podcast Host of The Unplanned Joyful Life. I grew up in a loving but alcoholic and dysfunctional family. After going to group counseling with my family at the direction of our parents, I felt hope and excitement for the idea that change is possible. I saw my parents make significant transformation over time in order to bring health and wellness back to our family. And, I've been on a mission to live my best life ever since. In this podcast, I’ll provide valuable insights to help you delve into the Catholic Faith, bring better understanding to the Church, it's practices and the benefits you will receive when practicing it on a regular basis. All this will help you become the best version of yourself. I will share “tried-and-true” tips and tricks for creating a God-centered home for you and your family. You will hear real-life examples of how to incorporate Catholic Christian values, Regular Self-Care, and Community Involvement in order to bring confidence, stability, and joy back into your life. So, If you want to understand and embrace your Catholic faith, foster healthy relationships, and pursue goals and dreams that ignite your spirit, I’ll be here to support you every step of the way. You will hear from other Catholic Christians as they share their personal journey of faith, as well as professionals who will share their area of expertise with you. Together, we’ll grow in knowledge, faith and grace to help you navigate “The Unplanned Joyful Life” with happiness and purpose! So, take a deep breath, find a comfy spot, and listen in. We're going to do this together!

Episodes

September 2, 2025 22 mins

Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo addresses the challenge of rejection that Christians face in response to  attempts to share our Catholic faith.  She shares 10 things we can do to overcome and to heal from it.  We are never alone.

For a 1:1 Coaching Session with Cathy Jo, Contact her at cathylang716@gmail.com , 

If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing right now and write a review of the s...

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Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo talks about the early days of looking into, acknowledging and embracing her Catholic Christian Faith.  She shares 8 things that helped her rediscover her Catholic Faith.  And, after taking time to truly understand The Catholic Church and what it offers, She began to prioritize a personal relationship with Christ through way of the Catholic Church.  

If this episode reson...

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Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo reflects back on her first year as Host of the show.  She shares the positive and negative experiences, what will change in the future and how to get in on the 1 Year Anniversary Give Away for a $100 Gift Certificate for  Dog Ears Bookstore and center for Enlightenment in Buffalo, NY.

To enter The Drawing for a $100 gift Card for Dog Ear's Bookstore and Center of...

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Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo will continue and conclude her conversation with Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett.  Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett is an Author, Speaker, Podcast Host and Educator.  She is also a Mom, Wife and DAUGHTER!  She combines her love of learning and science with her passion for The Catholic Faith.  And, she wants to help you be the best mom and wife you can be!  She is host of The Parenting Smarts Podcast and Author of Daught...

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Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo will continue her conversation with Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett.  Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett is an Author, Speaker, Podcast Host and Educator.  She is also a Mom, Wife and DAUGHTER!  She combines her love of learning and science with her passion for The Catholic Faith.  And, she wants to help you be the best mom and wife you can be!  She is host of The Parenting Smarts Podcast and Author of Daughter by Design:...

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Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo will talk with Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett.  Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett is an Author, Speaker, Podcast Host and Educator.  She is also a Mom, Wife and DAUGHTER!  She combines her love of learning and science with her passion for The Catholic Faith.  And, she wants to help you be the best mom and wife you can be!  She is host of The Parenting Smarts Podcast and Author of the book, Daughter by Design: Discoverin...

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Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo concludes her conversation with Christie Walkie.  Christie is a Catholic Sobriety Coach, helping women create and/or improve their relationship with alcohol.  In this final part of Christie's interview, She shares the sobriety coaching services she offers to women.  You don't have to hit rock bottom for alcohol to be causing issues in your life.  But, you might want to improve your relationship with...

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Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo continues her conversation with Christie Walker.  Christie is a Catholic Sobriety Coach, helping women create and/or improve their relationship with alcohol.  Christie continues her conversation and how her faith led her through some challenging times while creating the life she had hoped for.  She lives her life alcohol free as a wife, mother. Coach and Practicing Catholic.

If this episode resonate...

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Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo continues her conversation with Christie Walkie.  Christie is a Catholic Sobriety Coach, helping women create and/or improve their relationship with alcohol.  In this part 2 of her interview, Christie talks about the beginning stages of her own recovery, what challenges she faced and how her future began to take shape.

If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doi...

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Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo talks with Christie Walkie.  Christie is a Catholic Sobriety Coach, helping women create or improve their relationship with alcohol.  In part 1 of her interview, Christie talks about the beginning stages of her experience with alcoholism, including initial experience with alcohol, signs and symptoms that drinking had become a problem for her, and how she came to reach out for help.  You can find Chr...

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Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life podcast, Cathy Jo shares 13 challenges she has faced overcame regarding her business, Cathy Jo Lang LLC, and creating and hosting her podcast, The Unplanned Joyful Life.  If you are facing challenges in your life, know that you are not alone.  Whether  they are challenges you chose to face, they are challenges you feel that God is calling you to address or you are experiencing a t...

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Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, as Cathy Jo gets closer to celebrating her 100 episode, she shares 12 benefits she has received from starting her business and hosting her podcast.  As a Certified Life Coach, Cathy's goal is to direct and support clients as they create and obtain personal and professional goals.  Cathy speaks from the heart and doesn't just talk the talk.  She also walks the walk when it...

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Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, we will continue our conversation with Tajenai Alvarado, better known as Taj.  She is the oldest of 3 children and born to teen parents.  She is intelligent, passionate and grateful for the life and family God has provided her with.  Taj shares details about her personal faith journey.  She tells us about the Bible study she and a friend lead together.  And, she talks abo...

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Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, you will meet Tajenai Alvarado, better known as Taj.  She is the oldest of 3 children and born to teen parents.  She is intelligent, passionate and extremely gifted.  Taj is grateful for the life and family God has provided her with.  And, she shares details about her personal faith journey.  She tells us about the Bible study she and a friend lead together.  And, she tal...

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Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo talks with Stacy Marinaro.  Stacy is a Wife, Mom, Educator as well as Organizer of a local Catholic Youth Group for Junior High Students.  

She is kind, humble, intelligent and faith Filled!  And, one of the hardest working individuals I know.

I am honored to know her.  Stacy shares her personal journey, hearing God's voice, and how God is always working in our l...

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Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo talks with Stacy Marinaro.  Stacy is a Wife, Mom, Educator and Child of God.  She is also Organizer of a local Catholic Youth Group for Junior High Students in Buffalo, NY.  

She is kind, humble, intelligent and faith filled!  And, as  a Catholic Educator who specifically teaches Religion to elementary age students, she is helping to create a foundation of the fa...

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Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo shares 11 Ways to build Trust in your home and for Your Family.  Putting God First and Respecting Each Other, are just a couple examples of the ways you can nurture positive and cohesive family relationships  with those you love.  None of us are perfect.  But, there are definitely things you can do to encourage trust and encourage bonding with your loved ones.

If this episode resonated or blessed yo...

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Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo shares her prayer for you.  Using references to James 4:8, John 16:33, and Matthew 6:25:34, Cathy Jo prays that you ignite your Catholic Christian Faith, Navigate and overcome adversity and that you experience God's incredible abundance in your everyday life.  Cathy makes mention of Father Mike Schmitz' Bible in a Year Podcast and will include the link below.

https://pod...

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Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo continues her conversation with Moral Theologian and Catholic sex and marriage coach, Sarah Bartel, PhD.   

Sarah shares: How she came to specialize in marriage intimacy, common challenges that women face, and programs and that are available to improve intimacy in Catholic or Christian marriages.  

You can find both Free and paid workshops and/or Downloads at: 

w...

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Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo talks with Moral Theologian and Catholic sex and marriage coach, Sarah Bartel, PhD.  

Sarah shares how she came to specialize in marriage intimacy, some common challenges that women face, and programs that are available to improve intimacy in Catholic or Christian marriages.  

You can find both Free and To-Purchase workshops and/or Downloads at: 

www.canafest.com...

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