Be Fruitful Podcast

Do Saints have a sense of humor, and why do Catholics pray to them? Isn’t that idolatry? Today's show talks about the personalities of saints, what intercession really means, and how they can play an important part in our lives. Andrea sits down with author Maria Gallagher to talk about the role of Saints and a soon-to-be 20th-century American saint, Fulton Sheen. Fun Fact: Fulton Sheen is the only saint to have won a Grammy nomination. Maria Gallagher is the author of several books published by Marian Press, including the Encounter with Mary series about the Blessed Mother; Mercy’s Power, a guide to living out the Gospel of Life, and her newest book, Fulton Sheen’s Guide to Joyful Living, a prescription for joy inspired by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. You can find her books at www.shopmercy.org. You can also check out Maria's website and her involvement in the prolife movement at Mariavgallagher.comFor more info about today's episode, you can visit andreabearauthor.com or visit andrea on Facebook and Instagram @andreabearauthor

Today's episode was inspired by a recent talk Andrea gave at a local parish and by an article she wrote in 2019 about the importance of centering women's friendships around Christ. Sharing some wisdom from St. John Paul II's 1995 Letter to Women, Andrea dives into how we use our gifts, both good and bad, can affect the people we bring into our lives. Stay tuned as Andrea recaps what qualities make a friendship holy and places to find such friendships. Don't forget to find out more on www.andreabearauthor.com St. John Paul's letter to women, Original Article: Why Catholic Girls Make Amazing Friends. Questions to ponder from today's episode​What places do you find holy friendships? ​What qualities make friendships holy? ​How can you serve as a holy friends?

Andrea Bear sits down with Coach Bob Mahr to talk how sports can help athletes build skills and confidence and many life lessons. But there's also a dark side of sports; where politics and unhealthy competition can influence the game and players. Coach Bob Mahr is a business leader, multi-faceted sports coach, community volunteer, college athlete, and father to share insights and lessons learned. He is letting God use him as His ‘Huckleberry’ to meet people where they are and take the message to them – figuratively and literally. Coach Mahr takes his mission from Luke 12:48, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” He also recognizes he is in the "Final 1/3" of his journey so his emphasis is on building up God’s Kingdom through connecting, serving, and loving our neighbors – helping others to become saints.Reflect on the Episode When do sports stop becoming fun? Why is early participation in a sport not always a good thing?www.coachmahr.com - Catholic Speaker's Organization - Godspeed and Guideposts for Your Journey -PodcastBooks: God Speed and Guide Post For Your Journey

Does dating exist in 2026? How do people find each other? Andrea sits down with Dana Nygaard, Catholic/Christian counselor and dating coach to discover how people kind still approach a timeless approach to finding love. About Our Guest: Dana Nygaard is a Catholic licensed professional counselor, dating coach, and national speaker based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She integrates clinical training with a Catholic understanding of the human person, helping clients address both emotional and spiritual wounds. In her private practice, she provides individual and couples counseling to adults across Texas. She is also the founder of Miss to Mrs., an online community where single Catholic women learn to date smarter, discern red flags faster, and prepare for a faithful, sacramental marriage. Additional accolades: Dana is the author of 365 Dates to Renew Your Christian Marriage (Catholic Edition) and the founder of the Cana Commandments Marriage Retreat. She specializes in Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. See below for links. Prayer: Be Satisfied with Me by St. Anthony of Padua- available on Just a handmaidenScripture References Psalm 46:111 Corinthians 13Questions to Ponder What do singles need spiritually to be ready for dating? Dana and Andrea share how dating looks different in 2026 compared to when Andrea dated over 30 years ago. What are some positives to dating in the modern era? What are methods that never go out of style? Dana's links and Books Book: 365 Dates to Renew Your Christian Marriage (Catholic Edition)Communities & Resources:• Miss to Mrs. for single Catholic women preparing for a faithful, sacramental marriage: https://clarityplease.com/• Christian Comfort Counseling: Speaking information, media resources, and additional publications: https://www.dananygaard.com/In Season Picks: Andrea: Books by Fr. Jeremiah Shryock Books Dana: Book: Big God Little Devil

There are a lot of changes happening in Andrea's life, including the start of the Be Fruitful Podcast. In this first episode, Andrea talks about approaching new things and why sometimes change can be scary, but also =why change can be good. Psychology Today -Reasons People Stay in the Same PlaceScripture references Mark 2:221 Corinthians 5:7-9Subscribe to Andrea's website at www.andreabearauthor.com

Starting with a few seeds, Andrea Bear shares why she started this podcast and what she hopes will blossom from this first season. You can contact Andrea at www.andreabearauthor.com and share with her any thoughts or ideas you have for the show.