Faith & Good Counsel Show with Staci Gulino

In this episode, I'm delighted to introduce to you Dr. Mario Sacasa, a Catholic marriage and family therapist in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. I think you'll find it very interesting to hear first about the MANY varied hats that Dr. Mario wears in his practice - some of which may surprise you! But what I'm most excited to share with you is our discussion about Dr. Mario's marriage retreat entitled "Living the Gift of Marriage". Dr. Mario is an knowledgeable, caring, engaging speaker trained in Theology of the Body and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and he's open to your invitation to offer  "Living the Gift of Marriage" at your parish.

Did you know that there is a connection between Theology of the Body and the Rosary?  And that the Rosary is, in fact, a SPIRITUAL WEAPON?   Join me today for two fascinating conversations about these connections (and the connection between my guests!) with my first guest Debbie Staresinic, author of her new book Theology of the Body Rosary Meditations: Contemplating Christ's Love for His Bride the Church. Debbie has given us a tremendous gift in this first ever work for devotion and prayer that integrates the beauty of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body with the beauty of the Rosary.  Debbie is a graduate of the Theology of the Body Institute in Philadelphia, PA and serves on the Board of Directors at Ruah Woods in Cincinnati, OH, an organization whose mission is to spread the message of Theology of the Body throughout the world. Then, we'll hear from a Faith & Good Counsel favorite guest, Fr. Donald Calloway, priest and author of his latest work Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon Fr. Calloway will speak with us the historical aspects of how the rosary is, indeed, a spiritual weapon from it's very beginnings....and how our obedience to it wields mighty power in the battle against the evil one. Before Fr. Calloway's truly miraculous conversion to Catholicism, he was a high school dropout who had been kicked out of a foreign country, institutionalized twice, and thrown in jail multiple times. After his radical conversion he earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, M.Div. and S.T.B. degrees from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, and an S.T.L. in Mariology from the International Marian Research Institute in Dayton, Ohio. Fr. Calloway has written many academic articles, and is an author of an ever growing number of books, which can be found on his website.    LINKS & RESOURCES: Ruah Woods & Ruah Woods Press Father Donald Calloway's website   For more, visit www.stacigulino.com

THIS EPISODE…is my favorite of all three in this first series of the Faith & Good Counsel Show! Today we reach the end of this 3-part series...but it's only the "End of the Beginning" - an ending that leads us to the beginning of essential conversations that speak to the heart of our every day struggles. In this episode, Josie and I advance forward from the pondering we've been doing upon the deeper questions of who we are scripturally, by beginning to make some connections between the origins of our identity with our present experiences of using, consuming, and discarding one another as human persons who war with each other in infinite ways.  And who don't seem to learn from our mistakes generation, after generation, after generation. Again - our conversation today is only the mere beginning of what can be said about this vast subject as we've only just begun establishing a foundation for future Faith & Good Counsel conversations that address our day-to-day difficulties and struggles with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors - and our own selves - through the lens of faith + health & wellness. Visit www.stacigulino.com for more!

Continuing our conversation with Josie Duke who takes us back to the beginning to better understand who we are as human persons, and the origins of our struggles. For more, visit www.stacigulino.com

We're going back to the beginning to explore the origins of our identity from a scriptural/theological perspective with my guest Josie Duke. Visit www.stacigulino.com for more.

"....a perfect example of what not to do if someone is having suicidal thoughts." That's quite a strong statement from Dr. Donna Fargason, Child Adolescent Psychiatrist who joins me today to talk about her professional concerns about - and personal exposure to - "13 Reasons Why" , a streaming TV series that targets youth and the issue of suicidality. Donna and I only scratched the surface in our dialogue on this most important topic of suicidality. Our conversation touches on some of the concerns we share about how certain societal/cultural influences (such as a seemingly harmless media program) can potentially affect in a harmful way the thoughts and actions of vulnerable young persons - and mature adults as well. This is only one example. After personally viewing the entire program series, Donna realized that she herself has been traumatized by the overtly graphic content of the program. And while the gravity and impact of the graphic content is perhaps more obvious to some, Donna is quite concerned as well about the more insidious messages that are embedded within the program content - and that parents do not seem to know that children and adolescents are viewing this program.... FOR MORE, VISIT www. stacigulino.com

The wellspring of all that is the Elizabeth Wilson that I've come to know is so evident in this powerful interview, which was originally intended to focus upon the psychiatric and psychological burden suffered by women after an abortion decision. Everyone, however, can benefit from listening to today's episode as Elizabeth shared some incredibly wonderful "faith and good counsel" that really, in essence, applies to every person who experiences a significant crisis of some sort in our lives. And, at some point over the course of life...that's ALL of us, ya'll. So many things to love about Elizabeth's interview...but one thing stood out to me, and I do think it is a take home point for pondering upon in prayer.  Elizabeth said.. "If we do not have a belief in Divine Mercy, we will be stuck in judgment."  For more, visit www.stacigulino.com

British poet Sally Read lived in a place of great anxiety as an atheist, but could not grasp why.  She was perplexed by her anxiety, and a constant, tormenting fear of falling back upon a rock to be utterly destroyed. That is, until 2010 when, after painful, confusing existential crises and deep sufferings, God revealed Himself to her.  It was then that Sally began to realize that God had always been with her -that it was she who was blinded to His existence and His merciful love.  God knew the absolute moment that she would be ready to receive Him, to bear fruit for Him.  She now clings to the Rock Who is her redemption, serving Him through her gift for poetry and writing. For more, visit www.stacigulino.com

So pleased to speak again today with Dawn Eden about her pilgrimage of healing from abuse and trauma.  Dawn was so kind to offer us a second opportunity to hear more of her personal story and wisdom in the very tender area of healing from sexual woundedness.

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com  

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

Another great episode with Rachel Johnson, Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer, speaking about what faith has to do with our feminine body image. In our first episode, Rachel shared some of her journey from a distorted body image to a healthier understanding of who she is a young woman made in the image and likeness of God. A recent, rather innocent encounter caused her to have some questions and doubt, however.  She offers some tips and inspiration today as she speaks about how the practice of her faith quickly turned those concerns into contentment, joy, and peace. It's not a one and done healing, ya'll.  It's a lifelong journey, and we're all on it! After the show today, check out her One Life Food & Fitness Facebook page where Rachel frequently posts tips for healthy eating and exercise.  I just learned a few tips today myself!! LISTEN TO THE SHOW: Continue reading Episode 11- Body Image~What's Faith Got to Do With It? With Rachel Johnson, RDN, LDN, Registered Dietitian & Certified Personal Trainer – at StaciGulino.com

What was it like to grow up in the 1960's in California?  My guest today, the beautiful Rose Sweet, lived it. Rebellion against authority.  Revolution and unrest - sexual, political, and everything in between. Long-haired Vietnam-protesting, dope-smoking, acid-dropping hippies and flower children living in communes, traveling in packs in VW buses, and experimenting wildly with sex. And, oh, the folk and psychedelic rock-n-roll music.  Songs about anti-establishment, and war and peace.    And Puff the Magic Dragon.  And surfin' with the Beach Boys.   And jammin' to the band Cream - "Sunshine of Your Love". And radical dissent in the Catholic Church and in society at large over contraception and Pope Paul VI's encyclical Humanae Vitae, which exploded into a grave unraveling of the identity of the human person that has been brewing steadily since the Enlightenment - and truly since the Fall. For Rose, as for so many, the "revolution" was so incredibly exciting and electric!  For a while, that is. The love and purpose that Rose was desperately searching for never materialized.  Nor the "freedom" that was promised with sexual license to do whatever one wanted with anyone, anytime, anywhere. This California beauty tells us today just how it was for her to be right in the thick of the 1960's revolution - how a beautiful little pious Catholic girl was subverted in her teens by propagandized radical ideologies that were fed to her through the news, books and magazines, movies and music - all very powerful means through which we are all manipulated if not firmly planted in truth.  Means that were intentional.  Means that have left behind so much carnage - so much brokenness in the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of survivors of the sexual revolution. Rose speaks to us today as a wounded-but-redeemed witness to how lies and distortions of the sexual revolution about who we are as women and men can influence our actions and beliefs about our identity, leading us to act in ways that are counter to our own good and to the common good, leading us down a path of choices that perpetuate misery.  Her mission is to lovingly pour out the healing she has received from the mercy of Christ, with the hope that her story may bring hope and healing to others. Rose has finally found true freedom through healing in Christ, in the "Sunshine of HIS Love".  And she wants to share it with you. LISTEN TO THE SHOW:  Continue reading Episode 10 – From Revolution & "Free Love" to The Sunshine of "His Love" – Rose Sweet at StaciGulino.com

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

"Like stained glass, which looks dull from one side but brilliant from another, our decision to trust Christ and His Church with our relationship has been a decision illuminated by beauty, grace and reason." Emily Stimpson We covered a lot of ground in today's episode with my guest Emily Stimpson, author, speaker and blogger, who recently penned an article that resounded with so many, "Why a Chaste Engagement Matters" on the National Catholic Register. There is something in this interview for most everyone, I think, whether directly for our own romantic relationships, as well as indirectly for people we love and care about. After the show, do check out the resources I've listed below for more from Emily who is quite a prolific writer whose work is a true pleasure to read. It's never too late for anyone of us, ya'll...no matter what.  Peace. For show notes visit www.stacigulino.com

Do you have painful memories?  Have you struggled with coping with these memories?   Listen in today to my guest Dawn Eden, author, speaker, Jewish convert to the Catholic faith, and survivor of trauma and childhood sexual abuse speaks about her newest work "Remembering God's Mercy: Redeem the Past and Free Yourself from Painful Memories".  Dawn shares intimately and sensitively today how she received healing by opening to God's Mercy through the richness of the Catholic faith and the witness of the saints, and how our wounds are healed through the glorious wounds of Christ. For show notes visit www.stacigulino.com

Erin Franco speaks today about the need for community for newly married couples - community with like-minded couples in those early years of marriage, to mentor and support one another through relationship challenges and changing seasons of the family.   Seasons that become difficult once the glow of the wedding and honeymoon passes.   Seasons that bring new challenges as children are welcomed.   Relational dynamics and challenges that arise in the hearts and minds of husband and wife in living out the desire for the self and for each other to cultivate healthy friendships both as a couple, as well as in the state of married persons who also maintain their identity as male and female with need for same-sex friendships What parents of newly married couples can do to support the marriage of their adult children And so much more.... Erin has a gift for taking the conceptual into action, offers today practical wisdom that can be shared  with young (and not so young!) engaged and married couples that you know and love.   FOR SHOW NOTES, visit www.stacigulino.com

Does it strike you that - despite all the various conversations about our environment, nature, the universe, and our role as human persons within creation - that we seem to be more out-of-sync with Creation than ever before?   Still, we long for that connection to that which is transcendent, which cannot be manufactured by our own reason and hands.  It somehow alludes us in our reductionistic viewpoint of the world. Join me today as we listen to the contemplative wisdom of Fr. John Bartunek, LC who shares with us from his first book of a coming series of four books of meditations focused upon the beauty of the seasons, simply titled Spring Meditations. For Show Notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

Raw...honest...humble radiant witness to God's healing mercy....that's what you are going to hear today from Rachel Johnson, RDN, LDN - Registered Dietician, Certified Personal Trainer, and & owner of One Life Food & Fitness. To gaze upon this beauty, one would never guess the depth of the ache Rachel felt to know her beauty and worth as a daughter of the Most High God.  She shares that with us today, rather intimately.  God bless you, darlin', for your courage and openness to offer your heart from the place of your own ongoing healing to others in need. Rachel and I are excited to share with you that we are embarking upon a new collaboration of podcasts in the area of health and wellness, focused upon food & fitness!  And, there's a lot to talk about in that arena, ya'll... Before we dive in, we thought it important to let you get to know Rachel a little bit, and have a window into the heart and mind from which she is coming as she shares with you her knowledge and experiences in assisting clients with struggles of food and fitness. (And who knew that Rachel is such a natural for radio/podcasting??  She was an awesome guest!  Look out world!!  And...spoiler alert... if you think you've heard a south Louisiana Southern drawl, just wait till you hear her...it's for REAL, ya'll ) In today's episode, you'll hear some of our ideas for future podcasts, but we'd like to know what you think about that.  Send us your ideas or questions - you just may hear them in a future episode! Continue reading Episode 9-Broken to New "One Life"- Rachel Johnson, RDN, LDN, Registered Dietitian & Certified Personal Trainer at StaciGulino.com

Spring is in the air here in the Deep South (yaaaaayy!), and after a really busy Advent, Christmas & Lent liturgical seasons, I'm finding myself coming back to life and refreshed with the present Easter Season! In this little "episode-let", I'm just "checking in" with you!  I wanted to share a little about what's been happening in my neck of the woods, as well as an "epiphany" that I've had....and a little bit about why you haven't seen a new podcast episode in recent weeks. I also ask about your Lenten season.  Yes, I really want to know!  I'll share a little with, you, too, about my own Lent experience, along with a wonderful little jewel that I immersed in as part of my annual spiritual journey towards deeper intimacy with Christ. I'll also give you a brief overview of what's coming up both on the Voice & Vessel Podcast as well as the Faith & Good Counsel Show, which is in Spring 2016 production as we speak. So, grab a cup of good coffee with me, and let's catch up! (Photo Credit:  Staci Gulino, Mount of Transfiguration, 2012) AND.....I'd like to invite you to stay connected with me by subscribing to my website right below! Continue reading Special Episode-Just Checking In, ya'll… at StaciGulino.com

What a lovely conversation today with Maria Malone & Jenny Galiani, founders of Adoption is a Loving Option.  I learned so much more about the beautiful realities of adoption, and know you will, too! For the most part, my experience with adoption has been focused upon a certain facet of adoption, through heartbreaking situations related to adoption from the perspective of abuse, and foster care, and psychiatric issues.  But that is only part of the story of the realm of adoption! I think your heart will be inspired as mine was as you listen to the personal witness (and authentic love and compassion) of these two mothers in their own family experiences, as well as how they are taking it to the streets in their work of educating adolescents and adults about adoption as a loving option to abortion. Through their own agony and poverty of spirit rooted in the inability to naturally conceive and give birth to biological children, Maria and Jenny pour out their self-donative, feminine gift of spiritual motherhood, offering love and mercy to all those they encounter by mentoring, supporting, and educating others about the realities of the adoption process and living family life as an adoptive, faithful family. How striking it was to hear the love and mercy embedded in the stories and information Maria and Jenny shared today! These two intelligent women - women who left behind their professional careers to serve their families (and us!) - moved me so deeply with their hearts that simply overflow with love for all persons and aspects that are involved in an adoption situation. I think it's pretty awe-striking what women do when we cooperate through grace with our feminine creation. Imbued with grace through openness and receptivity in the midst of their own personal suffering, these two smart mamas are not only mothering their families, they are spiritually mothering everyone whom they encounter. Listen in today as Maria and Jenny share their personal stories, dispel myths about adoption, and bear witness to the love and mercy they pour out upon countless families who seek their nurturance, experience, and care. LINKS: Adoption is a Loving Option - Maria Malone & Jenny Galiani, Co-Founders Common Myths & Misconceptions About Adoption Let Me Live - Lyrics by Maria Malone & Jenny Galiani, and music by John Angotti Let Me Live Music Video - Produced by Bill Rose of Joyful Films LISTEN TO THE SHOW: Continue reading Episode 8-Adoption is a Loving Option-with Maria Malone & Jenny Galiani at StaciGulino.com

  Have you ever thought...."God could never love me"?  "I've done so many things that make me unworthy of His love." "His love is meant for others, but not for me."  These are LIES based deeply in shame and brokenness, and rooted in distortions that develop as a consequence of sins committed against us for which we bear no responsibility, as well as sins that we commit by our own choices.  We do not trust that God loves us unfathomably, unconditionally, and more intimately than we can imagine. God Our Father wants you and I to know we are deeply loved, right here, right now. Sr. Miriam James Heidland, author of "Loved As I Am" knows intensely what it feels like to believe the lie that she could never be worthy of the Father's love. Sr. Miriam shares so intimately with us the chronicles of her life - a story still unfolding, yet so full of hope.  From the wounds she experienced from the very beginnings of her life, to childhood and adolescent sexual trauma, to alcoholism, perfectionism, promiscuity, Sr. Miriam helps us today to connect the dots of how she was able to open to Christ to receive His redemption and freedom through the intercession of her mother, and the gift of a holy priest who became her spiritual father. Sr. Miriam bears witness that her journey has been (and still is at times) long and quite painful.  However, she wants us to know that it's so worth it, and points us today to the pathway of healing.  Her story and her testimony offer tremendous hope for us all to discover our beauty, our dignity, and our authentic identity as beloved daughters of the Most High God. Here are important questions for each one of us to ask ourselves:   Do I really want healing, or will I continue to seek momentary comfort in a particular area of my life? Do I fearfully cling to my "security blanket" that only masks my deeper pain-my anger, my shame, substances, promiscuity, victimhood.... OR.....am I ready (with courage, faith, and grace) to open, to know, and receive the very birthright of my identity as a beloved daughter of the Most High God?  To be "Loved as I am"?   Listen in today to Sr. Miriam as she helps us ponder further upon these questions. QUOTES: "The one who has hope, lives differently"  Pope Benedict XVI "Every time you tell your truth, you let in a little of God's light and healing."  (Sr. Miriam's therapist) "To reach it, it is not enough to stop at the surface of human actions.  It is necessary to penetrate inside". (St. John Paul II, TOB 4:1) RESOURCES:  Sr. Miriam on Twitter:  @onegroovynun Sr. Miriam's Blog Loved As I Am - Sr. Miriam James Heidland Unbound/Heart of the Father: Neal Lozano Chronicles of Narnia - Story of Eustis Jason Evert LISTEN TO THE SHOW: Continue reading Episode 7: Loved As I Am-with "One Groovy Nun", Sr. Miriam James Heidland at StaciGulino.com

"Christ has come into the world to redirect our rocket engines to infinity and beyond!" (Christopher West) Now that's something you don't hear everyday, right?? I simply cannot get enough of Theology of the Body, and Christopher West is a master at communicating this profound teaching of our faith in terms that we can all understand, rooted in his education from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies in Marriage and Family, and integrated in his own unique and engaging way with his personal life story and experience. There is SO MUCH in this episode!  I tried to write good show notes - I really did, ya'll. But, I couldn't find a way to meaningfully summarize it all - it's too much and yes, it was really THAT AWESOME to speak with Christopher today. He has so much to share with you! Here's just a glimpse of what Christopher speaks about today: What exactly is Theology of the Body? Eros & Desire Shame & Freedom Sex & Relationships Addiction vs. Stoicism vs......Aspiring Mystic! Use vs. Love The Masks of Perfectionism vs. The Road to Perfectionism Self-hatred/loathing Masculinity & Femininity How we are loved in our brokenness Pope Francis & Theology of the Body Join Christopher and me today for more about "how to direct our desire for the Infinite, toward the Infinite"! RESOURCES: Fill These Hearts (Excellent book by Christopher, and his recommendation for the place to start to learn more) Cor Project Membership:  (Consider joining to receive ongoing mentorship from Christopher.) Theology of the Body Institute (To delve deeply, consider attending a Head & Heart TOB retreat with Christopher.) QUOTES:  "Those who are lost in their passions are less lost than those who have lost their passions" (St. Augustine) We become addicts when we take our desire for the Infinite and aim it towards something finite. (Theological definition of addiction shared by Christopher) "We don't want to be used; We want to be loved!" LISTEN TO THE SHOW: Continue reading Episode 6: Redirecting the Rockets of our Deepest Desires to Infinity & Beyond – with Christopher West at StaciGulino.com

OK...be honest.  Have you ever thought that you'd really love to dive into St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, but have been...well...just a bit overwhelmed?  It's not exactly a "light read", right?! Or maybe you've read some of the TOB audiences, but haven't found a way to connect the beautiful truths contained within about who we are as human persons to your everyday life and relationships? Enter The Cor Project! Listen in today as Jason Clark, of The Cor Project shares how we can "journey into the heart of Christ", and learn to truly LIVE the Theology of the Body in our lives by the many resources and options that are available at The Cor Project. For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

Today, former America's Top Model, Leah Darrow, speaks with us about "True Beauty", and shares how we as women follow the standard of our cultural ideas about beauty (as she once did, and still has to guard herself against), and redirects our hearts and minds to the love of God Our Father Who created us in love, for love, and Who made us a reflection of His own Beauty.  There, we find joy and peace in the beauty of our creation which transcends the physical. For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

Pope Francis has called for a revolution for the family. But what does that mean exactly?  And how do we go about participating in this revolution? How do we make decisions that lead to the good for our families? Dr. Greg Popcak speaks today about his latest book co-authored with his beautiful wife, Lisa Popcak-Discovering God Together: The Catholic Guide to Raising Faithful Kids. This latest work by the Popcaks' is aimed at helping parents gain an understanding of what it means to truly (and with practically) live out the mission of the Catholic family. Prolific authors Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak bring their unique professional education, experience, and their Catholic faith to every aspect of their work as Catholic psychotherapists, Catholic Life Coaches, as well as co-hosting an inspiring and engaging daily radio program "More2Life".  For more information, visit www.stacigulino.com

Singer & songwriter Mike Mangione is just the coolest.  Not only do I love his music - and his LYRICS (works of art!) - but he's just such an interesting, deep person to have a conversation with. And converse we did! While he was on the road between gigs (literally) Mike and I visited about his story, his awesome Americana-inspired original music, and what moves him to create such beauty. We talked about the influences to the art he creates....Bob Dylan (and others)....and St. John Paul II!  (And yes, there is a connection between those two....)  I really dig his music - it holds elements (so many) of the various genre's that I love, yet it's truly "Mike Mangione Style".  There's really no one else out there that I've heard just like him. Tune in today, and not only will you hear some fascinating conversation, but you'll also be able to hear a sampling of three of his original songs which represent only a small glimpse into his entire catalogue of music. Not only is he a full-time traveling musician (and a husband and daddy of three beautiful children), Mike also has an awesome blog "Beneath the Veil".  Equally exciting, he will be launching his new podcast "Time and the Mystery" in 2016 where he has captured some amazing interviews with musicians of all genre's while on the road. Pretty excited to watch the art and contributions of Mike Mangione impact our world..... After you listen to this episode of the Voice & Vessel Podcast, you gotta check out this Youtube of Mike, Monique LaDora Ross and Chauntee Ross singing "Lay Down".  LOVE the harmonies and instrumentation....earthy, and yet celestial at the same time. Mike Mangione & the Union....coming to a city near YOU!  Click HERE for Mike's show schedule.    **Photo Credit:  Mike Mangione** LISTEN TO THE SHOW: Continue reading Episode 5: Music & The Mystery with Mike Mangione at StaciGulino.com

Mary-Rose Verret was my guest today, and had so much to say in introducing us to a truly unique marriage prep renewal program that combines the fullness of the magisterium of the Catholic Church (including Theology of the Body and practical implementation of the Virtues in relationship) in combination with the very best of secular psychology (Attachment Theory, Forgiveness Therapy, Marital & Family Therapy, etc.)   Witness to Love was born of prayer before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in an adoration chapel in Lafayette, LA in response to the heartache experienced by Mary-Rose, Ryan, and Fr. Michael Delcambre at the news of the broken marriage of a loved young couple. Mary-Rose shares how they were led from that time of prayer to join with experts in the fields of theology and psychology to produce the Witness to Love: How to Help the Next Generation Build Marriages that Survive and Thrive program. Mary-Rose and I talked about the program itself, as well as delved into some of the issues - such as selfishness, and the distortions about the human person prominent in our modern culture - that surface rather quickly and split so many couples apart.   Visit www.stacigulino.com for more, and the show notes.

Am I "good enough"? Who AM I as a woman?  And why is this so important to know? Is my worth found just in the curves of my feminine body, or in how I look?  Is it primarily found in my work and in my career?  Or in the things that I DO for other people?  Or, is it ...could it be....something else? My guest today is Leah Darrow, and we are talking about Women Engaging the World. For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

Captivating... that word barely sums up my interview with Sue Ellen Browder, former long-time journalist with Cosmopolitan Magazine who - as an act of penance and of a contribution to cultural restoration - shares with us through eyewitness testimony the story of how she participated in the intentional manipulation of women, men, and our culture in her new book, Subverted: How I Helped the Sexual Revolution Hijack the Women's Movement. For more, visit www.stacigulino.com for the show notes and other resources.

It's the "most wonderful time of the year"....RIGHT??  For SO many reasons it truly is....most importantly, because of the Incarnation of Christ through Our Lady's "YES" to God - when the Word became flesh, dwelt among us, and brought redemption to world. But sometimes, there just might be a little bit of trepidation over the possibility of conflict around the dinner table, or in our conversation with family or friends who .... WELL .... might just rub us the wrong way.  Preparing ourselves ahead of time is a something to consider doing to help foster making more joyful memories with loved ones, and for easing some of the stress during this very busy season. But, how can we prepare?  Where do we start? Today's episode was JAM-PACKED with tips and suggestions from Erin Franco and I - and a LOT of wisdom from St. Jose Maria Escriva! - to help us all find ways to be merciful and virtuous during this wonderful, but sometimes exhausting and stressful time of the year. For show notes & more, visit www.stacigulino.com  

"I am Woman, hear me ROAR!" It was 1971.  In my memory, I see a little girl with brown hair riding (unbuckled!) in the back seat of a 1971 green Oldsmobile, singing to the top of her lungs Helen Reddy's hit song "I Am Woman". I am woman, hear me roar,  In numbers too big to ignore And I know too much to go back an' pretend 'Cause I've heard it all before,  And I've been down there on the floor No one's ever gonna keep me down again Oh yes, I am wise, But it's wisdom born of pain Yes, I've paid the price, But look how much I gained If I have to, I can do anything I am strong...I am invincible...I am woman.... (Credit: MetroLyrics) I loved that song.  I sang it all the time.  I still remember the entire song even now.  But it's a song that I put away years ago when I realized what it was really about. How could I know during my childhood, adolescence and young adulthood that we were being fed an agenda through propaganda whose purpose was to "subvert"?  That innocent consumption of the radical feminist movement via tools of the culture -music, books, magazines, and television - was part of a bigger, insidious ideology that would damage hearts and minds through manipulation and lies about our feminine identity? I'm so grateful for the courage of my guest today, former Cosmo writer Sue Ellen Browder, in coming forth as an act of penance to chronicle her participation in, and the historical development of, the radical feminist machine in her new book Subverted:  How I Helped the Sexual Revolution Hijack the Women's Movement.   It's literally gripping, ya'll. In Subverted, brilliant author Sue Ellen describes just how the originally well-intentioned women's movement became entangled with radical, agenda-driven sexual revolutionists, through the joined forces of Betty Friedan and Larry Lader. Sue Ellen shares intimately her story of how a 1960's small town girl with big dreams became a willing participant in a billion-dollar, ideology-drive agenda - a "Made Up Revolution" - that has manipulated generations of women by purposefully distorting authentic feminine identity and promoting detrimental actions.   She repentantly confesses her role as a direct participant in the creation and perpetuation specifically of the fantasy "Cosmo Girl"  - a sexually "free", childless young woman who pursued sex with whomever she wanted (including married men), while remaining childless through abortion-on-demand and contraception. Living like the "Cosmo Girl" was supposed to empower women, and bring happiness, peace, and "freedom". Except it didn't.   Even Sue Ellen herself suffered deeply in her own personal life as a result of the lies and distortions of the "Cosmo Girl" fantasy. We've been SUBVERTED.  Listen in as Sue Ellen tells us how. Continue reading Episode 3: From "Cosmo Girl Fantasy" to Christ – Sue Ellen Browder at StaciGulino.com

When you look at her lovely smile, you would simply have NO IDEA the amount of suffering this beautiful woman - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle - has endured over her life. In her brand new book - The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me to Discover the Beauty of the Cross - Donna-Marie takes us on a journey through her life, which has been rather tortuous at times. From kidnapping, to relationship abuses, to pregnancy losses, single motherhood, hunger and home disruption, Donna has endured enormous trials, and shares intimately her battles, fears, worries & doubts - and how she has learned the beauty of the cross through the aid of Mother Teresa and the Saints. Though her story is heart-wrenching at times, Donna-Marie's story is tremendously inspirational and filled with hope! Beautiful interview with a beautiful soul...my return guest, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle!

My guest on today's episode was Allison Ricciardi, LMHC, a Catholic psychotherapist in Long Island, NYC.  She is the founder of CatholicTherapists.com, and The Raphael Remedy where she offers Catholic counseling and life coaching.  She also has an amazing blog where she and several other Catholic therapists write valuable content.     Allison is quick-witted, engaging, and masterful in explaining the counterfeit spirituality of New Age ideas and practices that only serve to enslave people seeking remedy from a wound, or difficult situation....or who just are looking for a little "fun".       Tune in and learn from the best!

Waiting is really hard at times, whether it's a test of our patience in simpler matters, or whether it's during a very difficult time when trials come our way.  While difficult, perseverance offers us so many lessons that we truly need.     Tune in as Erin Franco and I talk about the important lessons that come with Waiting... about being open to receive what God is trying to share with us as we learn these sometimes hard lessons. For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

We are all drawn by Beauty...in music, in art, in the written word, in nature....however, do we know that Beauty is the name of God?  It is often said that "Beauty will save the world".  But what does that mean?  How can we look to the Way of Beauty to bring peace and joy to our hearts when we as human persons have been reduced to merely the sum of our parts in our progressive, modern age which promotes our value as merely what we can produce?  There's SO-MUCH-MORE, ya'll! Today's episode is rich with wonder about Beauty and how God speaks to us through the beauty that is all around is.  Bill is masterful is teaching us what Beauty is, helping us to reconnect our beings to that desire for Beauty that we all have and were created for, as well as how to embrace Beauty in our busy adult lives and offer this gift to our children. Truly, an episode not to be missed! For show notes, www.stacigulino.com

Listen in to hear the lovely Erin Franco speak about whats she's learned in her journey with NFP in her first few years of marriage. For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

In this very first episode of the Fall 2015 season, we are talking about the parent and adult child relationship.....and who better to have this conversation with than my youngest daughter and return guest, Olivia Gulino! Tune in as Olivia and I discuss the some of the joys and challenges of navigating the transition we must all make in our role as parents and as children who are making their way into young adulthood.   For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

Has the "reality" of marriage and parenting smacked you, and the honeymoon phase of your fresh, new marriage seem but a distant memory?   Check out this episode today with Erin Franco, where she speaks intimately and wisely about weathering this transition in her own marriage and family.  This, truly, is one of my favorite episodes with Erin! For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com.

The lovely Katie Sciba, wife, mom, and gifted blogger at The Catholic Wife returns today to talk with Erin and I about Financial and Marital Peace. Who hasn't struggled at one time or another in our marriages as a result of financial issues?  In fact, money troubles are at the root of some of the most painful and difficult times in married life. Katie shared with us a particular time of humiliation for her, and how she and her husband worked through this time in their marriage.   If you're looking for some tips on how to live out mercy in marriage, especially as it relates to the financial aspect of the marital relationship, this is the episode for you! For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com

For show notes, visit www.stacigulino.com