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.
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Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
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
www.littlewayofmarriage.com
headsteward@canafest.com
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and write a review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
4 days ago
4 days ago
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 homeschooling all of her 7 children. And, Bonnie has 12 grandchildren who are also homeschooled.
She recommends two books to use as resources for raising your children.
They are: "Rest Play Grow" by Deborah McNamara and
"Hold onto Your Kids" by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D, and Gabor Mate', MD
You can find Bonnie at:
www.makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com
www.bonnielandry.ca
https:/www.instagram.com/make.joy.normal/
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
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. And, Bonnie has 12 grandchildren who are also homeschooled.
She recommends two books to use as resources for raising your children.
They are: "Rest Play Grow" by Deborah McNamara and
"Hold onto Your Kids" by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D, and Gabor Mate', MD
You can find Bonnie at:
www.makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com
www.bonnielandry.ca
https:/www.instagram.com/make.joy.normal/
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
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 services are all about. Catholic Charities Annual Appeal runs through the next 2 weeks. But, you can continue to donate throughout the year.
Contact Catholic Charities: ccwny.org #716-218-1400
If you are in need of immediate help regarding personal or family needs, call #211
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
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 all about. Catholic Charities Annual Appeal runs through the next 2 weeks. But, you can continue to donate throughout the year.
Contact Catholic Charities: ccwny.org #716-218-1400
If you are in need of immediate help regarding personal or family needs, call #211
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
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 books at Our Sunday Visitor, Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
And, you can reach Christina at:
website: pearlandthistle.com
email address: christina@pearlandthistle.com
Facebook and Instagram: pearlandthistle
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
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 Visitor, Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
And, you can reach Christina at:
website: pearlandthistle.com
email address: christina@pearlandthistle.com
Facebook and Instagram: pearlandthistle
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
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 talented, thoughtful and extremely kind. She hopes to use her children's book and families experience to serve others dealing with challenges that come with fostering and adoption.
Finally, she will share the benefits of receiving coaching services by Cathy Jo Lang LLC.
And, I feel honored that she entrusted me to support her in this most important journey!
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
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, thoughtful and extremely kind. She hopes to use her children's book and personal experience to serve others dealing with challenges that come with fostering and adoption.
Finally, she will share the benefits of receiving coaching services by Cathy Jo Lang LLC.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
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 as well as opportunities for intellectual and spiritual growth. Hoping you and your family can benefit from our experiences. And, I hope that you enjoy this episode!
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join my free Facebook group, Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms
Thank you and God bless!