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.
Listen on:
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
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 need. She does this through integrating counseling and The Catholic Faith. She and her husband, Pat, cohost "This Whole Life" Podcast. Kenna and Pat have been married for 15 years and have 7 children. You can listen to Kenna and Pat on "This Whole Life" Podcast.
Their website is: thiswholelifepodcast.com@thiswholelifepodcast.
Kenna referred to this episode during her interview regarding honesty in regard to our struggles:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep68-a-future-with-hope-w-bishop-james-conley/id1634474023?i=1000697345581
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!
7 days ago
7 days ago
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 magazine called West Seneca Living where she brings information, opportunities and resources to the citizens of West Seneca community
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 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
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 called West Seneca Living, where she brings information, opportunities and resources to the citizens of West Seneca, NY.
You can contact Marissa at:
MJeffery@BestVersionMedia.com
BestVersionMedia.com/magazines/WestSenecaLiving
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 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
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 and Current Board member; And, Former Coach at Mount Mercy Academy and Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School. Erik will share his personal journey of growing up in South Buffalo, starting a memorial run for a close family friend, Jack Donahue when Erik was just 15-16 years old. This would be the beginning of Erik's passion, involvement and leadership within the South Buffalo Community and beyond. if you would like to contact Erik, you can email him at etbohen@gmail.com. And, if you would like to sign his petition to run for school board, email him your address. And, he will send someone or come to get your signature himself. Signatures must be in by 5/20/2025. And, the election for school board will be in November with the general election. You do not need to be of a particular party to sign or vote. But, you do need to be a registered voter.
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 Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
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 dealing with mental health issues that meets twice a month at Queen of Heaven Church. And, he is also experienced in prison ministry.
If you would like to contact Father Ryan, you can email him at frryan@qofhchurch.org.
Father also mentioned the book, "St. Dymphna's Playbook" A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being by Tommy Tighe.
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 Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
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 mental health issues that meets twice a month at Queen of Heaven Church. And, he is also experienced in prison ministry.
If you would like to contact Father Ryan, you can email him at frryan@qofhchurch.org.
Father also mentioned the book, "St. Dymphna's Playbook" A Catholic Guide to Finding Mental and Emotional Well-Being by Tommy Tighe.
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 Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
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 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 Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo reflects on the unconditional love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit on this Thursday of Holy Week. She reflects on a time that she experienced unconditional love from another that drew her attention to the love of God. Cathy Jo shares 15 ways to acknowledge, receive and embrace the love of the Father in our lives. Finally, she shares a meditation that reflects on The Father's unconditional love for us all.
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 Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
In today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, you will continue to hear from Alison Pipitone. Although she is well known for her musical abilities, you will get to know another very important side of Alison. She is a college educator and she is changing lives. She will share information about the work she is doing to help Adult students obtain their GED. She is a talented and beloved instructor at the ECC/Catholic Charities' Pathway Program in Western New York. If you are looking to earn your degree, and would like to learn more about the Pathways' Program, you can find information online at www.ecc.edu or call 716-851-1322 or via Catholic Charities at ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400. And, to reach Alison regarding her singing, songwriting and band leading endeavors, you can find her at alisonpipitone.com or on instagram @apipitoneband
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 Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
In today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, you will meet Alison Pipitone. Although she is well known for her musical abilities, you will get to know another very important side of Alison. She is a college educator and she is changing lives. She will share information about the work she is doing to help Adult students obtain their GED. She is a talented and beloved instructor at the ECC/Catholic Charities' Pathway Program in Western New York as well as other colleges. If you are looking to earn your degree, and would like to learn more about the Pathways' Program, you can find information online at www.ecc.edu or call 716-851-1322 or via Catholic Charities at ccwny.org or call 716-218-1400. And, to reach Alison regarding her singing, songwriting and band leading endeavors, you can find her at alisonpipitone.com or on instagram @apipitoneband
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!