The Unplanned Joyful Life - Catholic Church, Breastfeeding, Mental Health, Part time Work Remote, Postpartum Depression
Ranked top 5% globally Are you a young mom navigating the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy, often feeling alone and misunderstood? Are you tired of being judged by others and hearing the same surprised, condescending remarks? Do you long for reliable support as you juggle caring for your family, holding down a job, and striving to build a brighter future? I’m so excited you’re here! In this podcast, you’ll discover that you’re not alone. You’ll find the connections you’ve been searching for, gain valuable insights and resources, and take steps toward creating a life you and your family will love. Hi, I am Cathy Jo Lang, and I am excited to welcome you to “The Unplanned Joyful Life” podcast. I’m a Certified Professional Life Coach, Registered Nurse and former Younger Mom. After growing up in a traumatic household, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, and battling severe postpartum depression, I yearned to be a mother who could provide love and stability for my family. My greatest desire was to care for my baby and navigate the roles of mom and wife in a way that would make my family proud. It wasn’t until I embraced my Catholic Christian faith and came to terms with feelings of guilt and shame that I began to find inner peace and a renewed sense of hope. I realized this was the key to maintaining my mental health. Balancing motherhood, marriage, and pursuing a college degree—all while deepening my relationship with Christ—became my mission. Along the way, I learned countless valuable lessons, and I’m excited to share them with you here. In this podcast, I’ll provide valuable insights to help you become the best mom, wife, and version of yourself. You’ll hear “tried-and-true” tips and tricks for creating a well-managed, God-centered home. I’ll share real-life examples of how to incorporate regular self-care, Christian values, and community involvement to bring confidence, stability, and joy to your family. If you want to work to foster a healthy relationship with your spouse, establish a happy bedtime routine for your child, or pursue a college degree, I’ll be here to support you every step of the way. You’ll also hear from young moms and wives like you, as well as experts offering insights tailored to your journey. Together, we’ll share knowledge, experiences, and practical advice to help you navigate “The Unplanned Joyful Life” with happiness and purpose! So, get your kiddo in for a nap, find a quiet spot, and listen in. Let’s do this together.
Episodes
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:
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo continues her conversation with Bonnie Landry. Bonnie is an experienced and newly retired Homeschooler of 7. She is a Writer, Speaker and Podcast Host of the, "Make Joy Normal."
Inside this episode, Bonnie shares her homeschooling and parenting journey; starting as a new mom. Then, she discusses the benefits, challenges and insights learned from homeschoolin...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo talks with Bonnie Landy. Bonnie is an experienced and now retired Homeschooler of 7. She is a Writer, Speaker and Podcast Host of the, "Make Joy Normal."
Inside this episode, Bonnie shares her homeschooling and parenting journey; starting as a new mom. Then, she discusses the benefits, challenges and insights learned from homeschooling all of her 7 children....
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo continues her conversation with Deacon Steve Schumer. Deacon Steve is a Catholic Husband, Father and Grandfather. He is also the CEO of Catholic Charities of WNY. He shares why he felt called to become a Deacon. And, he explains how his vocation as Deacon led him to become the CEO of Catholic Charities of WNY. He is passionate about serving others and wants you to know what Catholic Charities s...
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo talks with Deacon Steve Schumer. Deacon Steve is a Catholic Husband, Father and Grandfather. He is also the CEO of Catholic Charities of WNY. He shares why he felt called to become a Deacon. And, he explains how his vocation as Deacon led him to become the CEO of Catholic Charities of WNY. He is passionate about serving others and wanting all to know what exactly Catholic Charities services are...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo continues her conversation with Body Literacy Expert and Author, Christina Valenzuela. Christina is a Catholic Wife and Mother of four, as well as an Educator regarding Body Literacy and Natural Family Planning. She is the author of "Cycle Charting for Single Women" and "The Language of your Body," which was published Spring of 2024.
You can get copies of her...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo talks with Body Literacy Expert and Author, Christina Valenzuela. Christina is a Catholic Wife and Mother of four, as well as an Educator regarding Body Literacy and Natural Family Planning. She is the author of "Cycle Charting for Single Women" and "The Language of your Body," which was published Spring of 2024.
You can get copies of her books at Our Sunday ...
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo will continue her conversation with Peggy Riexinger.
She is a Wife, Mom, Grandma, Talented Artist, and Soon-to-be Published Children's Book Author and Illustrator!
She will share her journey of creativity as she reflects on her early childhood and adult experiences related to art and design.
Her book, The Knight's Brilliant Light, is set to come out in August or September of this year.
Peggy is...
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo will introduce you to Peggy Riexinger.
She is a Wife, Mom, Grandma, Talented Artist, and Soon-to-be Published Children's Book Author and Illustrator!
She will share her journey of creativity as she reflects on her early childhood and adult experiences related to art and design.
Her book, The Knight's Brilliant Light, is set to come out in August or September of this year.
Peggy is talented, tho...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo talks about a "To-do" list (or jar) of summer activity ideas that she and her children would come up with together at the beginning of summer. She shares 25 simple and free activities, ranging from playing board games and building forts to visiting local museums. All these actives are of no, or low cost. This list includes physical actives, creative projects a...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo speaks with Talia Rodriguez. Talia is a Legal Professional and Community Advocate who is running for the Buffalo School Board-West District. Talia will share her personal experience growing up on the West Side of Buffalo, including how her parents' attitude and lives of service helped shape who she is today. She will also share some programs she's been involved in imp...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy speaks with Talia Rodriguez. Talia is a Legal Professional and Community Advocate who is running for the Buffalo School Board-West District. Talia will share her personal experience growing up on the West Side of Buffalo including how her parents' attitude of service helped shape who she is today. She will also share some programs she's been involved in implementing for ...
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo talks about mental, emotional and/or physical depletion. She shares her personal experiences and provides 10 ways you can deal with periods of depletion and ways to restore energy. She refers to Biblical Scripture: Psalm 23 and 2 Corinthians 12:9. She also refers to the song, "Talking to Jesus" by Elevation worship https://youtu.be/OXsxw1fRHMA?si=KXFFV5TktZZl8p1M
If this episode resonated or ble...
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo has the pleasure of interviewing Kenna Millea. Kenna has an extensive academic background, including 2 degrees from The University of Notre Dame and an additional Master's degree from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Co-founder of the Martin Center of Integration where Kenna counsels and leads others to bring healing and wholeness to those in nee...
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo continues her conversation with Marissa Jeffery. Marissa is an integral part of the Buffalo and West Seneca Communities. Marissa grew up in South Buffalo, NY. She has been teaching dance for 25 years. Her professional background in Banking. And, she loves serving individuals, couples and families through her work as a Mortgage Broker. Her newest role has been as Publisher of, a community magaz...
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo will introduce you to Marissa Jeffery. Marissa is an important part of the Buffalo and West Seneca Communities. Marissa grew up in South Buffalo, NY. She has been teaching dance for 25 years. Her professional background is in Banking. And, she loves serving individuals, couples and families through her work as a Mortgage Broker. Her newest role has been as a Publisher for a community magazine ...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo will introduce you to Erik Bohen. Erik is a Candidate for the Buffalo School Board, Park District in Buffalo, New York. He is the Current Director of Medicaid Transportation for Western New York. He is a Former Buffalo Public Schools Special Education Teacher for 13 years; Former New York State Assembly Member for the 142nd District; Irish Center Consultant an...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo will continue her conversation with Father Ryan Keating. After working as an educator, Father Ryan discovered his calling to become a priest. Now he serves as a Parochial Vicar for The Blessed Family #7 which includes Queen of Heaven, St. John Vianney, St. Gabriel, St. John the 23rd and 14 Holy Helpers. He helps lead a spiritual support group for individuals d...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo will introduce you to Father Ryan Keating. After working as an educator, Father Ryan discovered his calling to become a priest. Now he serves as a Parochial Vicar for The Blessed Family #7 which includes Queen of Heaven, St. John Vianney, St. Gabriel, St. John the 23rd and 14 Holy Helpers. He helps lead a spiritual support group for individuals dealing with me...
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo discusses her experiences and journey in regard to writing. She shares 15 ways she has benefited from writing. Cathy Jo ends with a poem/prayer written 4 years after the heartbreaking loss of her son Michael Robert Lang.
You can get Cathy Jo's children's books: "My Little Light" and "A Friend is Nice", both written by Cathleen J. Lang at Dog Ear's Bookstore in Buffalo, NY and on Amazon.
If this...
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