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 But, as an adult, you have become totally withdrawn from the Church?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 May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo talks about mental, emotional and/or physical depletion. She shares her personal experiences and provides 10 ways you can deal with periods of depletion and ways to restore energy. She refers to Biblical Scripture: Psalm 23 and 2 Corinthians 12:9. She also refers to the song, "Talking to Jesus" by Elevation worship https://youtu.be/OXsxw1fRHMA?si=KXFFV5TktZZl8p1M
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 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
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!
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
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!