Beyond the Habit

In this episode, Sisters Erin McDonald and Colleen Gibson interview Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. They talk about how his call has evolved over the years, the role of the dicastery and that we are each called to help each other develop, and the importance of listening to each other. Listen to the full episode today!Resources:Learn more about the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.Learn about the Roman Curia and the different dicastery.

In this episode, Sisters Erin McDonald and Colleen Gibson interview award winning writer, speaker, and digital creator Laura Kelly Fanucci. They talk about how to live and pray within the tensions of life, the importance of authenticity in writing about faith, and Laura's most recent book, "Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection." Listen to the full episode today! Resources: Learn more about Laura and find her new book here.Read Laura's Substack, The Holy Labor, here.

In this episode, Sisters Erin McDonald and Colleen Gibson interview Angelo Martinez, Manager of Faith Based Relations at the The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. They talk about equipping faith leaders with nonviolence training, the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King, the importance of spiritual discipline. Listen today!Resources:Learn more about The King Center.Learn more about the Better Together Faith Based Initiative.

In this episode, Sisters Erin McDonald and Colleen Gibson interview Michael Okinczyc-Cruz, Executive Director and cofounder of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL). They talk about the importance of relationships in community organizing, that both action and contemplation are important for social justice work, and how CSPL brought a faithful response to those being detained by ICE in Chicago. Listen to the episode today!Resources:Learn more about CSPL.Read about the Congregation of St. Joseph's involvement in the Peoples Mass.

In this episode, Sisters Erin McDonald and Colleen Gibson interview Nancy Uelmen and Christina Wang, who are both members of the international performing arts group, Gen Verde. They talk about how they both came to be in Gen Verde, how they share music in service to the Gospel, and the importance of making space for each other's gifts. Listen today!Resources:Learn more about Gen Verde.Check out the music of Gen Verde.

In our first episode of Season Eight, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Jesuit priest and author, Father James Martin, SJ. They discuss his path to becoming a Jesuit, how God can work through everyone's lives, and his new book, Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest. Listen today!Resources:Find Father James Martin's New Book, Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest, here. Listen to The Spiritual Life podcast with Father James Martin here.

In our final episode of the season, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview writer and contemplative in action, Cameron Bellm. They discuss moving through the darkness, how returning to stories can help us find new things in the text, and Cameron's latest book, a devotional entitled Entering the Night of Peace: Reflections for Advent and Christmas. Listen today!Resources:Learn more about Cameron.Find Cameron's books.

In this episode, Sisters Erin McDonald and Colleen Gibson interview Dr. Phyllis Zagano, one of the world's foremost experts in women in the diaconate. They talk about the importance of prayer in all parts of life, if women can image Christ, and what's possible and probable in terms of ordaining women deacons. Listen today! Resources:Learn more about Phyllis here.Find Phyllis's books here.

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen share "A Portrait of a Sister of St. Joseph" and talk about what it means to them. They discuss the "tiny virtues" they carry as Sisters of St. Joseph in the chaos of the world today, and discuss the question of the future of religious life. Listen today!Resources:Read "Portrait of a Daughter of St. Joseph."Listen to our episode on undaunted joy with Shemaiah Gonzalez.See the icon of Mother St. John Fontbonne by Kelly Latimore.Listen to our episode with Kelly Latimore on paining as prayer. 

In this episode, Sisters Erin McDonald and Colleen Gibson interview Yunuen Trujillo, an immigration attorney, author, and LGBTQ ministry advocate. They talk about creating inclusive spaces, the importance of putting faith in action, and taking breaks as "spiritual healthcare." Listen today!  Resources: Find Yunuen's book here.Follow her Instagram, LGBT Catholics, for resources here.

In this episode, Sisters Erin McDonald and Colleen Gibson interview Sister Libby Osgood, CND, an associate professor, aerospace engineer, and the editor and contributor of Green Saints for a Green Generation. They talk about what green saints can tell us about the world, being inspired to hope, and consider how we can green our own spirituality. Listen to the full episode today!Learn more about Green Saints for a Green Generation.

In this episode, Sisters Erin McDonald and Colleen Gibson interview Brother Ken Homan, SJ. They discuss his work as a community organizer, the importance of the call to righteous anger, and talk about why history matters. Listen today! Resources:Learn more about Brother Ken.Check out our first Lightning round with Brother Ken in our highlight real from IFTJ 2024.

In this episode, Sisters Erin McDonald and Colleen Gibson interview writer Shemaiah Gonzalez. They discuss the transcendence of joy, the importance of being present with others, and Shemaiah's new book, Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight. Listen today!Resources:Find Undaunted Joy here.See the Tired Moms at the Met video Shemaiah mentions. 

In our first episode of Season Seven, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Vatican correspondent, author, and podcast host, Colleen Dulle. They discuss their hopes for Pope Leo’s papacy, balancing faith and journalism, and Colleen’s new book, Struck Down, Not Destroyed. Listen today! Resources:Check out Colleen’s book.Read some of Colleen’s work for America Magazine.Learn more about Colleen.Watch Sisters Erin and Colleen on CNN.

In our final episode of the season, Sisters Erin and Colleen share their recommendations for the summer! From books and podcasts to music and things to watch, the sisters talk about what they're looking forward to this summer, and what you might enjoy too!Find the full list of the sisters recommendations, including links, at our website here: https://beyondthehabitpod.com/blog/

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Simone Campbell, a Sister of Social Service and former Executive Director of Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. They talk about the communal nature of hope, the need for collective action in addressing societal issues, and why she introduces herself, in part, as a troublemaker. Listen today! 

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview José-Arnulfo Cabrera, the Deputy Director of National Policy & Campaign at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. They talk about José's advocacy work, how his faith has influenced his life, and his own immigration story. Listen today!Resources:Learn more about José's  work at CHIRLA.Find more information on the other immigration work mentioned in this episode, and ways you can take action at:NETWORK LobbyIgnatian Solidarity NetworkFIRM (Fair Immigration Reform Movement)

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen once again speak with Eric Clayton, author of the new book Finding Peace Here and Now and co-author of the new children's book Our Mother Too: Mary Embraces the World with Shannon K. Evans. They talk about the importance of peacemaking in an unpeaceful world, why kids books are more fun when they're interesting, and sinking into who God wants us to be. Listen today! Resources:Find all of Eric’s Books Here.Find the children's book Our Mother Too Here.Listen to our first episode with Eric, Finding God in all Stories, Here.

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Serena Martin, the Executive Director of New Hour, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and children impacted by incarceration. They talk about sharing stories as a form of advocacy, the importance of lifting up community support, and ways to provide hope to women who have experienced incarceration. Resources:Learn more about New HourRead about the CARE Act for incarcerated mothers.

 In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview John Dougherty, writer of the weekly column The Catholic Movie Club for America magazine. They talk about the ways sisters have been portrayed in films and television over the years, how films can impact our spiritual lives, and the power of stories. Listen today! Resources:Find the Catholic Movie Club column here.Learn more about John and his writing here.

In our Lenten episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Elizabeth Donnelly, better know as Betty Anne Donnelly,  Co-founder of Catholic Women Preach and the project's current Preaching Coordinator. They talk about her work on debt relief, the importance of inclusive preaching, and her commitment to raising up women in the church. Listen today! Resources:Listen to Catholic Women Preach.Lent Resources from the Congregation of St. JosephLearn more about BuildtheFaith.org, the recipient of the Lenten Gift from Sister Colleen's parish.

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Cory Johnson, a Jesuit Volunteer in Anchorage, Alaska, where he serves as an environmental justice advocate and lives in an intentional community with three other young men. They talk about building spaces of mutual relationships, the importance of trying to not "keep score" in community, and the journey to being a Jesuit Volunteer. Listen today! Learn more about the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest. 

In our first episode of Season Six, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview theologian, author, and podcaster, Dan Horan. They discuss Dan's journey from religious life to life as a lay Catholic theologian, the vulnerability of discernment, the role of community, and the importance of being your authentic self.Resources:Learn more about Dan here.Read Dan's Column in NCR on leaving religious life here.

In our final episode of the season, Sisters Erin and Colleen have a conversation with Sister Sarah Simmons about Advent. They talk about their own traditions, the ways they pray during Advent, and the importance of slowing down and being present during this time of year. Listen today! Looking for more Advent?Check out last years Advent episode with Sister Betsy Conway.Find our Advent Playlist on Spotify.

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Krista Bailey Murphy and Sister Michelle Lesher, who recently took part in a pilgrimage on a heritage journey to Le Puy, France, the founding location of the Sisters of St. Joseph. They talk about what it means to be a pilgrim, the communities we carry with us, and the gifts we have to give to the world. Listen today! Resources:Learn about Charism in Motion.Read about the Heritage of the Sisters of St. Joseph

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Brother Matt Wooters, a Jesuit Brother currently working as the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at John Carroll University. They talk about the importance of curiosity in building relationships, using humor to create community, and what it means to be a Brother. Sisters Erin and Colleen also talk about attending the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice. Listen today! Resources:Find Brother Matt on Instagram.Take the Beyond the Habit Survey!Go to the Beyond the Habit Instagram to check out our highlights from the Ignatian Family Teach-in For Justice.

Hey there, Beyond the Habit listeners! We want to know what you think of our podcast! We just launched our first listener survey and we want to hear from you! Is there someone you want to hear us talk to? Or is there a topic you think we should explore? Maybe you can tell us your favorite episode or pose that burning question you've been holding on to since Season 3! Whatever you share, this is a chance to help us plan our upcoming seasons and to get to know you- our listeners- a little better. Follow this link right now to take part.Thanks so much for sharing your feedback. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Samantha Povlock, founder of FemCatholic, an organization that seeks to educate, encourage, and empower Catholic women. They talk about the advocacy and education FemCatholic has been a part of around paid maternity leave within Catholic Institutions, the female centered sex education courses they offer, and the importance of creating community based spaces for women to have important conversations. Listen today! Resources:Learn more about FemCatholic.Find FemCatholic on Instagram.

Happy Founders Day! Every October 15th, we celebrate the day all Sisters of St. Joseph were founded in Le Puy, France. This years Founders Day also begins the celebration of the sisters 375th anniversary. In today's episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen have a conversation with Sister Deirdre Griffin, a Sister of St. Joseph of Springfield, about the first six Sisters of St. Joseph, what "founders" they look up to in their lives, and how we each continue to act as founders today. Resources:Learn more about the Sisters of St. Joseph in the United States through the Sisters of Saint Joseph U.S. Federation website.

 In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Eilis McCulloh, a Sister of the Humility of Mary. Sister Eilis serves as the Grassroots Education and Organizing Specialist for NETWORK, and also is the co-host of the podcast, Just Politics. The sisters talk about "bottom drawer issues", the importance of civil discourse, and being a part of Nuns on the Bus! Resources:Learn more about NETWORK.Find a Nuns on the Bus stop near you!Listen to Just Politics or hear Sisters Erin and Colleen on an episode of Just Politics here.Check out the book Called to Action: NETWORK's 50 Years of Political Ministry

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Christopher Kerr,  Executive Director of the Ignatian Solidarity Network, a lay led national social justice education and advocacy organization grounded in Catholic social teaching. They talk about the Voting is an Act of Love campaign, the importance of civic engagement, and how we are called to stretch our imaginations in terms of God's love. Listen today! Resources:Learn more about the Ignatian Solidarity Network. Take the Voting is an Act of Love Pledge.Learn about the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice.

In our first episode of Season Five, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Father Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest, bestselling author, and the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the largest and most successful gang intervention, rehab, and reentry program in the world. They talk about the "combo burger" of joy and fearlessness that drew Father Greg to becoming a Jesuit, the importance of creating a community of cherished belonging, and why he'd rather be faithful than successful. Sisters Colleen and Erin also talk about the journey the last four seasons of the podcast has taken them on. Listen today! Resources:Learn more about Homeboy IndustriesFind Father Greg's Books.

 In our final episode of Season Four, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Max Kuzma, a transgender man who writes about the intersection of queerness and faith. They talk about finding the beauty in messiness, the importance of seeking out voices from marginalized groups, and the gift of diversity. Listen today! Resources:Read Max's published works here.Find LGBTQ+ Resources for Catholics at OutreachLearn about Catholic LGBTQ+ outreach, advocacy and more from New Ways Ministry

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Father Dave Kelly, Founder and Executive Director of Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago. They talk about restorative justice, the importance of sitting in uncomfortable spaces, and what reconciliation really means. Listen today! Resources:Learn more about the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. Find out more about Restorative Justice from Catholic Mobilizing Network.

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Father David Neuhaus, a Jesuit priest who is a scholar and professor of Theology in the Holy Land. Father David talks with the sisters about what life is like right now for him living in Jerusalem, the importance of building bridges instead of walls,  and why we all must be connected to the suffering of the world.  Listen today! 

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Kayla August, a dynamic preacher and doctoral student of theology and education at Boston College. They talk about the importance of women preachers,  how our stories can ignite something in others, and how making the world better starts with each of us. Listen today!Resources:Learn more about Kayla.See Kayla  preach.Here more from women preachers at Catholic Women Preach.

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen are joined by Sister Sarah Simmons for a conversation about books! The sisters talk about some of their favorite genres, the importance of the media we consume, and how stories let us connect with other peoples experiences.  Listen Today!

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Dr. Tia Noelle Pratt, a sociologist of religion who is currently working on a book entitled Faithful and Devoted: Racism and Identity in the African American Catholic Experience. They talk about Tia's research on how systemic racism impacts African American Catholic identity,  her work as the curator of the black Catholic syllabus, and about the importance of showing up to do the work. Listen today! Resources:Learn more about Dr. Tia Noelle Pratt.Find the Black Catholics Syllabus here. 

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Eric Clayton, author of the books Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith and My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars. They talk about what cannonball moments can look like, the importance of each of our own stories,  and finding God in media, from Star Wars to Ted Lasso. Listen today! Resources:Find Eric's Books Here.Learn More About Eric Here.

 In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Elizabeth Johnson, a Sister of St. Joseph of Brentwood, and a renowned professor and writer. The sisters talk about feminist theology, the importance of personal integrity, and channeling righteous anger in positive ways. They also talk about Beth's new book, Come Have Breakfast. Listen today! Resources:Find Come Have Breakfast, Beth's new book, here.Learn more about Sister Elizabeth Johnson.

In our Lenten episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Joyce Rupp, a sister of the Servants of Mary, and a renowned author. The sisters talk about different types of prayer, self-compassion, and little nuggets of inspiration that can carry you through the day. Listen today! Resources:Learn more about JoyceJoyce's most recent book, Jesus,  Guide of My Life: Reflection s for the Lenten Journey

In our first episode of Season 4, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview artist and iconographer Kelly Latimore. They talk about how art can allow us to see our neighbors in new ways, the impact community can have on creativity, and how art can be a window to understanding God, but also to understanding ourselves. Listen today!Resources:Find Kelly’s Art Here.

In our final episode of Season Three, Sisters Erin and Colleen have a conversation with Sister Betsy Conway, a Sister of St. Joseph of Boston, about Advent. The sisters discuss their Advent practices, ways to stay grounded during an often hectic time of year, and their favorite Advent songs. Listen today!Resources:A Spotify playlist of Advent songs, picked by the team of Beyond the HabitAdvent offerings from the Congregation of St. Joseph. Information about Advent from the USCCB

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Dr. Craig Ford, Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at St. Norbert College. They talk about queer theology, the importance of asking questions, unexpected vocations, and their shared love of the movie Sister Act. Listen today!Resources:Read more about Dr. Craig FordWhen Craig's book, “Works of Art: Sexuality, Gender, Race and a New Theology of Embodiment,” is published, we will link it here!

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview composer and musician Sister Sally Koch, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. They talk about how music can connect us to our spirituality, the importance of women lifting each other up, and the creative process. Sister Sally also shares some of her songs. Listen today!  Resources: Listen to Sisters Sally's music here.Find more about Sister Kathy Sherman, Sally's mentor, and her music here.

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Krista Chang and Nina DuBose, who both took part in the St. Joseph Worker Program in Los Angeles from 2021 to 2022. They share what it's like to take part in a year of service, what they learned from living in intentional community, and why you're not you when you're spiritually hungry. Listen today! Resources:The St. Joseph's Workers Program in Los Angeles

In this episode, Sister Erin and Colleen interview Sister Griselda Martínez-Morales, a Sister of St. Joseph of Lyon, who is a sought after speaker and facilitator throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States. They talk about interculturality, the importance of words, and vulnerability. Listen today!

In this episode, Sister Erin and Colleen have a conversation about the Sisters of St. Joseph Maxims, the "spiritual fortune cookies" that have offered wisdom to St. Joseph sisters since the 17th century. They share some of their favorites Maxims, some Maxims that challenge them, and how the Maxims can get you through a long car trip. Listen today! Resources:The Maxims from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia Maxim Resources from the US Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Paul Campion, an Organizer for the Sunrise Movement, a youth movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. They talk about advocating for a more just world, the importance of finding your community, and what we can all do in light of the climate crisis. Listen today!Resources:Learn more about the Sunrise MovementFind ways that you can take action. 

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Lisa Amman, the Deputy Director of Engagement for Discerning Deacons. They talk about the questions being asked around the diaconate during the Synod, the importance of St. Phoebe, and how Lisa's young daughters brought her to her engagement around women's roles in the Catholic Church. Listen today!Resources:Learn more about Discerning DeaconsRead Sister Colleen's Article about St. PhoebeLearn how you can celebrate St. Phoebe DayFind Sister Chris Schenk's book, Crispina and her Sisters