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 But, as an adult, you have become totally withdrawn from the Church?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 Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, as Cathy Jo gets closer to celebrating her 100 episode, she shares 12 benefits she has received from starting her business and hosting her podcast. As a Certified Life Coach, Cathy's goal is to direct and support clients as they create and obtain personal and professional goals. Cathy speaks from the heart and doesn't just talk the talk. She also walks the walk when it comes to dreaming big, stepping out on faith and working to fulfill her goals and dreams. And, you can do the same! Thank you for listening and supporting The Unplanned Joyful Life.
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!
For a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Session, Contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com ,
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!
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, we will continue our conversation with Tajenai Alvarado, better known as Taj. She is the oldest of 3 children and born to teen parents. She is intelligent, passionate and grateful for the life and family God has provided her with. Taj shares details about her personal faith journey. She tells us about the Bible study she and a friend lead together. And, she talks about coaching with Cathy Jo Lang LLC and the benefits she has received from Coaching with Cathy Jo. Most importantly, Taj honors her parents and has gratitude for them that is hard to put into words! Thank you for being on the show. You are such a bright light!
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!
For a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call for just $57, Contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com ,
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!
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, you will meet Tajenai Alvarado, better known as Taj. She is the oldest of 3 children and born to teen parents. She is intelligent, passionate and extremely gifted. Taj is grateful for the life and family God has provided her with. And, she shares details about her personal faith journey. She tells us about the Bible study she and a friend lead together. And, she talks about coaching with Cathy Jo Lang LLC and the benefits she has received. Most importantly, Taj honors her parents and has gratitude for them that is hard to put into words! Taj, thank you for being on the show. You are such a bright light! And, I look forward to seeing what your future brings!
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!
For a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call for just $57, Contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com ,
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!
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo talks with Stacy Marinaro. Stacy is a Wife, Mom, Educator as well as Organizer of a local Catholic Youth Group for Junior High Students.
She is kind, humble, intelligent and faith Filled! And, one of the hardest working individuals I know.
I am honored to know her. Stacy shares her personal journey, hearing God's voice, and how God is always working in our lives, even when we are oblivious to it!
Stacy also worked with Cathy Jo as a Coaching Client. lastly, she shares how she benefitted most from Coaching with Cathy Jo Lang LLC.
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!
For a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at the low price of $57, Contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com , call 716-512-3654 or DM me on messenger
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!
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo talks with Stacy Marinaro. Stacy is a Wife, Mom, Educator and Child of God. She is also Organizer of a local Catholic Youth Group for Junior High Students in Buffalo, NY.
She is kind, humble, intelligent and faith filled! And, as a Catholic Educator who specifically teaches Religion to elementary age students, she is helping to create a foundation of the faith, hope and love for the next generation. And, she does it so beautifully! I am honored to know her.
Stacy shares her personal journey, hearing God's voice, and how God is always working in our lives, even when we are oblivious to it!
Stacy also worked with Cathy Jo as a Coaching Client. And, she shares how she benefitted most from Coaching with Cathy Jo Lang LLC.
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!
For a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call for just $57, Contact Cathy Jo at cathylang716@gmail.com ,
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!
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo shares 11 Ways to build Trust in your home and for Your Family. Putting God First and Respecting Each Other, are just a couple examples of the ways you can nurture positive and cohesive family relationships with those you love. None of us are perfect. But, there are definitely things you can do to encourage trust and encourage bonding with your loved ones.
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!
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo shares her prayer for you. Using references to James 4:8, John 16:33, and Matthew 6:25:34, Cathy Jo prays that you ignite your Catholic Christian Faith, Navigate and overcome adversity and that you experience God's incredible abundance in your everyday life. Cathy makes mention of Father Mike Schmitz' Bible in a Year Podcast and will include the link below.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bible-in-a-year-with-fr-mike-schmitz/id1539568321?i=1000640217358
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!
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo continues her conversation with Moral Theologian and Catholic sex and marriage coach, Sarah Bartel, PhD.
Sarah shares: How she came to specialize in marriage intimacy, common challenges that women face, and programs and that are available to improve intimacy in Catholic or Christian marriages.
You can find both Free and paid 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!
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
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!
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
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!