Of Sound Mind and Spirit

Summer is here, and we’re diving into our favorite summer reads on this week's episode of "Of Sound Mind and Spirit"! 

Join us, hosts Lisa Jones and Shelly Kelly, as we dive into our favorite reads, from thrilling mysteries to inspiring spiritual books. Whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach or enjoying a staycation, we've got the perfect book recommendations to keep you company.

   - Shelly's interest in...

We're honored to welcome Maria Gallagher, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Pro Life Federation. Listen as we discuss the challenges and triumphs of the pro-life movement post-Roe v. Wade, the importance of personal involvement, and how leveraging your talents can make a significant impact in education, advocacy, and community based approaches to counter the misinformation in the abortion debate.

SNIPPET FROM THE SHOW:...

Shrines, Saints, and Summer Break! For our first anniversary of the podcast - and the beginning of summer break - we're highlighting one of our earlier episodes.

Summer vacation doesn’t mean you take a break from your faith! No matter where your family travels, you can still find opportunities to connect with and grow in your faith on the road.

Snippet from the Show: “…what we’re doing is considered a pilgrimage. I neve...

Ever feel hesitant to start something new in your spiritual journey? You're not alone! Join us as we dive deep into the transformative experience of spiritual direction with our guest, Certified Spiritual Director Deanna Bartalini.

In this episode, Deanna shares her rich experience and practical advice on:

• The Role of a Spiritual Director
• Overcoming common challenges in prayer and finding stillness
• Understanding what...

Are you in a mixed-faith marriage? How do you navigate the challenges of being married to a non-Catholic? How do you stay strong in your own faith while respecting your spouse's spiritual journey?

In this deeply personal and inspiring discussion, we share our own personal stories, struggles, and successes, offering invaluable insights and encouragement.

Whether you’re married to someone of a different faith or just curious abo...

We need to stop feeling guilty for taking time to take care of ourselves!

As middle-aged women juggling numerous roles, we're discussing our personal self-care strategies, the pervasive guilt associated with taking "me" time, and why it's crucial to overcome these feelings for our mental and spiritual well-being.

From massages to meditation, and from making time for hobbies to embracing silence, join us as we sh...

We're gearing up for a significant family trip that involves not just the immediate but extended family members as well, totaling 17 people! From young adults to the eldest in the family, managing such a diverse group brings its unique set of challenges and opportunities for growth.

In this episode titled "Dodging Drama on Family Vacation” Shelly and Lisa share their personal experiences and tips on navigating the complexi...

We love our local neighborhood parish, our priests, and our community. But sometimes our schedule requires that we meet our Sunday obligation by attending Mass away from home - in a different parish! How great is our beautiful Catholic faith! No matter where we attend, the Mass is the same; same structure, same readings, same holy prayers.

This episode is more than a reflection on traditions; it's an invitation to rediscov...

We recently said goodbye to a beloved aunt and are reminded of the cycle of life and death that touches every family. In this episode we discuss the importance of family bonds, the evolving roles we play as we step into the shoes of those who came before us, and the surprising lessons that grief teaches us about reconnecting with our loved ones.

**Highlights from the Episode:**

- **The 'End of An Era':** The passing of elde...

In this episode, we're honored to welcome a very special guest, Allison Gingras, who brings a wealth of experience and insights from her own faith journey, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of prayer and presence with God.

Lisa and Shelly share bits of our own spiritual experiences, discussing how simple practices like praying the rosary have left indelible marks on our family legacies and influenced our understanding of ...

In this heartwarming episode, we're getting up close with Clara, Lisa’s Spanish exchange student turned family.

From soccer fields to kitchen showdowns, and the bonds formed over shared meals and Young Life meetings, join us as we explore the joys, challenges, and unexpected lessons of welcoming a new culture into the heart of home.

Stay tuned for laughter, a touch of culture shock, and a story that bridges continents right h...

We're embracing Holy Week by sharing our experiences with Palm Sunday and the days leading up to Easter. "Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.” – Ven. Fulton Sheen

Snippet from the Show:

"They [the Triduum] were just things that were going on for people more devout and catholic than me. I was busy, you know, being mom, I was busy, like you said earlier, at the Easter dresses and ...

In the second part of "Lessons From the Field", we flip the persepctive from our kids to ourselves, diving into lessons that we as parents learned from supporting our young athletes!

Snippet from the Show: "Your relationship is not with the sport. Your relationship is with your child. And one day, they are not going to play that sport anymore."

"What happens when that sport is not there anymore? Do they s...

As the Texas wildflowers color the sides of our highways, it's time to tend not only to our gardens but also to the growth of our inner faith. Join us as our special guest, Margaret Rose Realy, explores the parallels between tending to your garden and enriching your spiritual life.

The author of "A Garden Catechism", Margaret helps us discover how to create meaningful spaces for prayer and contemplation through the l...

As the hustle and bustle of sports seasons pick up pace, we're excited to tap into lessons we've learned from years of raising young athletes! In this first of two parts, we delve into the reasons behind encouraging our children to play sports —from promoting healthy lifestyles to the essential life skills learned on the field.

Snippet from the Show:

"Sports are a school of loyalty, courage, endurance, resoluteness, u...

We're indulging in a bit of nostalgia and reflection on the fading art of letter writing. Join us as we recount childhood memories of writing to our grandparents and explore the unique charm of handwritten correspondence.

We want to hear from you, too! Have you recently found a bundle of old letters with stories and memories tucked between the lines? Will you join us in putting pen to paper? We also dive into the potent emotion...

What have we learned in the 15 years since we started on this incredible journey to share our faith journey with others through our writing? That your journey of faith isn't a straight line, there are peaks and valleys, twists and turns. But largely, it’s about walking with each other on your journey and supporting others on theirs. We spend a little time reflecting on the past 15 years writing (and now podcasting) together.

AC...

We get by with a little help from our friends! What to do when Lent arrives and you need some extra motivation? For this episode, we invited seven friends (and family) to offer their own perspectives on how this liturgial season helps them forge a closer relationship with Christ!

Thank you to our Special Guests!

• Cameron Kelly from Holy Spontaneity
• Marge Steinhage Fenelon from Simply Holy Coaching
• Andrea Bear from Mourning...

Lisa and Shelly invite you to reconsider social media as a medium to spread the Gospel and manifest the love of God this Lent.

In Episode 38, aptly named "Rethinking Social Media for Lent," we’re challenging the conventional notion of giving up social media for Lent.  Let's instead use these powerful platforms to share positivity, deepen our faith, and become torchbearers of God’s radiant love.

We delve into practica...