The Unplanned Joyful Life - Gain Confidence, Navigate Adversity, Live Purposefully, Engage your Christian Faith, Catholic Church
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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 But, as an adult, you have become totally withdrawn from the Church?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!
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo has the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Noah Lee Koningisorn, otherwise known as "Noah Lee and The Stetson's". After seeing Noah perform live and enjoying his undeniable talent and showmanship , Cathy Jo wanted others to know and experience Noah's God-given talent as well!
Noah tells us about his early childhood and life-long experience of growing up in a family where music was enjoyed, encouraged and embraced regularly. From Elvis Presley and Jim Croce, to Gordon Lightfoot and John Denver, Noah performs a wide variety of artists. But most importantly, he writes and performs his own music too. He uses life experiences and faith to guide in the creation of his music, lyrics and artwork. I highly encourage you to find and follow him on listening apps. And if you can see and hear him perform live, you will not be disappointed!
You can listen/follow Noah on Spotify/ Streaming Platform Handle: Noah Koningisorn
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xebDxXyOoKudGNgOC9wdB
Follow him on Social Media: @noah_k__music
Website: https://linktr.ee/koningisorn
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing and write a review of the show on apple podcast!
For your complimentary 1:1 Virtual Coaching Session with Cathy Jo, schedule here: https://calendly.com/cathylang716/complimentary-coaching-with-cathy-jo
You can also contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com
or call 716-512-365 or checkout her website cathyjolangllc.com
Thank you and God bless!
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo addresses the issue of opposing political views being the culprit for stress and tension at holiday gatherings. Holiday traditions might change. You may not celebrate with the regular crew this year. And, there might be less faces gathered around the table for Turkey Dinner. But there are somethings that never change. Thanksgiving will still be Thanksgiving. Christmas will still be Christmas. And, many families will find common ground by agreeing to disagree. Cathy Jo shares some scenarios that you might face, ways to deal with uncomfortable conversations and 5 things you can do to make the most of this holiday season.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing and write a review of the show on apple podcast!
For your complimentary 1:1 Virtual Coaching Session with Cathy Jo, schedule here: https://calendly.com/cathylang716/complimentary-coaching-with-cathy-jo
You can also contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com
or call 716-512-365 or checkout her website cathyjolangllc.com
Thank you and God bless!
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo will meet and talk with Suzanne Bilodeau. She is a Wife, Momma of 6, Podcast Host and Author.
An Academic and Professional Overachiever who encountered Christ in the early stages of motherhood. After being brought to her knees due to her inability to do this incredible work alone, she chose to surrender to God's will over her life. And, she's been on a mission to tell the world about Jesus and the magnificent vocation of motherhood.
Inspired by the story of Martha and Mary in the Bible, she created her podcast, Latte and Laundry.
Finally, after feeling the need for support from other more experienced mothers in her life, she began to compile stories rom others who were a few steps ahead of her in the journey. They shared personal stories about their experiences as mothers in reference to 1 Corinthians. And, the book was published in the spring of this year, 2025. It is titled, "She Loved", Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood.
Suzanne is smart, kind, reflective and honest. And, I feel hopeful for new and young mamas who listen to her show!
You can connect with Suzanne at suzanne@latteandlaundry.com
Listen to her podcast latte and laundry on most listening apps.
Purchase her book, "She Loved" at www.ascensionpress.com/sheloved
And, if this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing and write a review of the show on apple podcast!
For your complimentary 1:1 Virtual Coaching Session with Cathy Jo, schedule here: https://calendly.com/cathylang716/complimentary-coaching-with-cathy-jo
You can also contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com
or call 716-512-365 or checkout her website cathyjolangllc.com
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo meets and interviews Sister Rita Marie Kampa. Originally from Minnesota, she became a Dominican Sister of St. Cecelia which is based in Nashville, TN. She teaches Religion and History at St John Paul II High School in Avondale, AZ. , where she presently resides.
Sister's love for the Lord and joy of teaching is evident in the details she shares in today's episode. She tells us about her incredible Vocation story, what life is like as a Dominican Sister and a Catholic High School Religion and History Teacher.
Sister gives us insight into what she's learned about the teenagers she works with. She touches on technology use, motivation and the significance of a culture of belonging.
And, as a huge Marvel fan, she explains why she considers watching this super hero series to be a great opportunity to teach and to learn virtue. She finishes with some words of wisdom in regard to dealing with individuals and teens who might be questioning their Catholic faith.
For more informations about the Dominican Sisters, you can find them at nashvilledominican.org
Books recommended by Sister Marie Kampa in the episode are:
"The Anxious Generation" by Jonathon Haidt
"10-25 The Science of Motivating Young People" by David Yeager
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing and write a review of the show on apple podcast!
For your complimentary 1:1 Virtual Coaching Session with Cathy Jo, schedule here: https://calendly.com/cathylang716/complimentary-coaching-with-cathy-jo
You can also contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com
or call 716-512-365 or checkout her website Cathyjolangllc.com
Thank you and God bless!
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo updates and informs on the new format of the show. She explains the new tagline, "Embracing Faith, Navigating Adversity and Living Joyfully". And, she expresses gratitude to Clients, Listeners, Podcast Guests and all who support her on this journey. Cathy Jo Invites you to checkout her website, cathyjolangllc.com
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing and write a review of the show on apple podcast!
For your complimentary 1:1 Virtual Coaching Session with Cathy Jo, schedule here: https://calendly.com/cathylang716/complimentary-coaching-with-cathy-jo
You can also contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com
or call 716-512-365 or checkout her website Cathyjolangllc.com
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo speaks with Mallory Smyth. Mallory is a wife, mom, author, speaker and practicing Catholic. She stepped away from her Catholic Faith prior to leaving for College. A few years later, she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. And after much research, reflection and prayer, she slowly found her way back. Her story is honest, compelling and relatable. She is the author of the book, "Rekindled" as well as 3 "Walking with Purpose" Bible studies. Mallory is the host of "The Gospel and .....with Mallory Smyth" podcast. And, you can find Mallory's podcast on Apple as well as at malloryasmyth.substack.com. and on instagram at @malloryasmyth (instagram).
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing and write a review of the show on apple podcast!
if you would like a complimentary 1:1 Virtual Coaching Session with Cathy Jo, schedule here: https://calendly.com/cathylang716/complimentary-coaching-with-cathy-jo
You can also contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com
or call 716-512-365
Check out her website here.. cathyjolangllc.com
Thank you and God bless!
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo meets and talks with Janine Murray. Janine is a Wife, Auntie, Dog Mom and Practicing Catholic. She leads "Sonshine Ministry" where She partners with God to heal the wounds of those she serves. She helps her clients do this by teaching them to take the head knowledge of God, and by His grace and love, transform it to their hearts.
Janine taught Confirmation for 14 years, and through it, she saw God work in the lives of teens and in her own life. This experience has helped Janine to grow in relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Today, Janine loves sharing her journey to encourage others to know that they are seen, accepted, approved, and deeply loved by God.
After years of struggling with "People Pleasing" and hoping to fine the love of her life, Janine met her soulmate later in life. And, it is her story is truly inspiring!
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing and write a review of the show on apple podcast!
if you would like a complimentary 1:1 Virtual Coaching Session with Cathy Jo, schedule here: https://calendly.com/cathylang716/complimentary-coaching-with-cathy-jo
You can also contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com
or call 716-512-365
Check out her website here.. cathyjolangllc.com
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo meets and talks with Beth Townsend. Beth started her corporate career at an early age. And, before she knew it, she was being asked to speak to audiences in similar fields. She was asked how she knew her purpose, but didn't have a firm answer. So, she began to interview individuals who seemed to have perfected the idea of a purposeful Life. And, she's been interviewing people ever since!
She wrote Life on Purpose, No Hamsters in Heaven and There is More Than One "F" Word (which comes out October 25, 2025). And, she hosts the TV Platform, Life on Purpose where she interviews individuals who overcame challenges and created something incredible as called by God. Beth speaks of the importance of reaching out to others. And, she uses 4 words regularly, to keep relationships in perspective. They are "Better me, better we! Beth even encourages anyone who might be post abortion or have a need to share a secret that may need to come to come to the surface with her. See her contact info. below. She has been there herself and wants you to know that you are not alone.
You can contact Beth at beth@bethtownsend.com or call her at 1-225-910-7426
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing and write a review of the show on apple podcast!
And, if you would like a 1:1 Virtual Coaching Session with Cathy Jo for $57, contact her at cathylang716@gmail.com or call 716-512-3654
Thank you and God bless!
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo has the pleasure of meeting and speaking with David Sanborn.
David is a husband and father. He was raised in a successful and loving home. And his family loved and continues to love the Lord. David and his family became Missionaries when he was very young. And, he was able to experience the very real and obvious ways that this decision was made with his family and confirmed by the Holy Spirit. As a Missionary, He witnessed God's mercy, love and healing power. And he saw first hand saw God's saving grace bring transformation to the many in need that he and his family served. And, it is obvious that the imprint of those experiences has played an enormous part in the person David is today.
As an adult, David became a pastor. And he loved the people he served and the opportunity to share his faith with others. In 2017, after reading, researching and praying, David converted to Catholicism. He made this choice after learning and confirming his belief that the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ. In this interview, David shares the key points that led to his decision to convert.
This was not an easy road for David. But, he is so happy that he made that conversion. And, he continues to live his Catholic Christian faith with an "all in" attitude. He continues to share the light and love of Lord with anyone he comes into contact with.
For more information about the Catholic church, David recommends reading or listening to Scott Hahn, Brant Pierre and father Mike Schmitz.
You can contact David at LadyRosary.org or DavidMSanborn.com
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing and write a review of the show on apple podcast!
And, if you would like a 1:1 Virtual Transformation Coaching Session with Cathy Jo for $57, contact her at cathylang716@gmail.com or call 716-512-3654
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
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 show on apple podcast!
And, to connect with other young mamas and those who support them, Join my free Facebook group, "Practical Support for Younger Christian Moms"
Thank you and God bless!