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 But, as an adult, you have become totally withdrawn from the Church?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 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!
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo speaks with Talia Rodriguez. Talia is a Legal Professional and Community Advocate who is running for the Buffalo School Board-West District. Talia will share her personal experience growing up on the West Side of Buffalo, including how her parents' attitude and lives of service helped shape who she is today. She will also share some programs she's been involved in implementing for Buffalo students and families. Finally, Talia shares words of wisdom for younger mamas who might be listening.
You can find Talia on Social media and online:
Instagram: talia4bps
Podcast: Latinaherstory-https://www.swellcast.com/latinaherstory
Facebook: Talia Rodriguez for Buffalo School Board
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 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy speaks with Talia Rodriguez. Talia is a Legal Professional and Community Advocate who is running for the Buffalo School Board-West District. Talia will share her personal experience growing up on the West Side of Buffalo including how her parents' attitude of service helped shape who she is today. She will also share some programs she's been involved in implementing for Buffalo students and families. Finally, Talia shares words of wisdom for younger mamas who might be listening.
You can find Talia on Social media and online:
Instagram: talia4bps
Podcast: Latinaherstory-https://www.swellcast.com/latinaherstory
Facebook: Talia Rodriguez for Buffalo School Board
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!