The Aligned Podcast with Audrey Diaz

Holiness isn’t just for saints in stained glass—it’s for your ordinary, everyday life. In this episode, I sat down with my parish priest, Pastor Jim Stachacz (Our Lady of Lourdes, Malverne), to break down what the Church actually teaches about virtue—starting with the cardinal virtues (how we live well) and the theological virtues (how we live with God).But we didn’t stop there.We also talked honestly about what he hears most in confession… the patterns, the struggles, the things that quietly pull us away from God more than we realize.This conversation gives you clarity:– What virtue really looks like in daily life– Where we tend to fall the most– And how to begin living with more intentional sanctity, starting nowIf you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or unsure how to grow spiritually—this episode is for you.To learn more about the Daily Thread, click here

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jessica Gutierrez Arias, a young woman currently battling cancer, whose diagnosis became the turning point of her faith journey. Jessica shares how, in the middle of fear, suffering, and the unknown, she encountered Jesus in a deeply personal way. What could have led to despair instead became an invitation—to surrender, to trust, and to believe in God’s presence even when healing doesn’t look the way we expect.To connect with Jessica, click here.To join The Daily Thread, click here.

Today’s episode is a little different—and honestly, really hopeful.There’s been a lot in the news lately about a loud return to faith among Gen Z. But instead of just talking about the trend, I wanted to sit down with someone living it. I interviewed my cousin, Livar, who went from having no real faith life… to now being in love with Jesus in the Eucharist.We talk about what her life looked like before, what sparked the shift, and what drew her specifically to the Catholic Church in a world that often pulls in the opposite direction.If you’ve ever felt distant from God, unsure how to come back, or curious about why so many young people are turning toward the Church right now… this conversation is for you.Connect with Livar hereJoin us for the May launch of The Daily Thread!

In this episode, we dive into the life of Saint Thérèse, a Carmelite nun who never left her convent, never performed miracles in the way we usually imagine… and yet became a Doctor of the Church.So what made her so powerful?Her “Little Way.”A path of holiness built not on grand gestures, but on small acts done with great love. Hidden sacrifices. Quiet obedience. Radical trust . Don’t forget doors open for The Daily Thread on April 21st! Sign up here!

In this episode, we look at the life of Zélie Martin—a wife, mother, and businesswoman who carried more than most of us ever will. She built a successful business, raised nine children, buried four of them, and faced serious illness… all while remaining deeply faithful to God.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or like your life is just too full to focus on your faith, this episode will meet you right there—and show you that holiness is possible in the middle of it.Zélie Martin didn’t wait for things to get easier. She said yes to God in the life she had.Make sure you're following Jessica and I on The Daily ThreadDoors open on April 21st!

For a while now, Jessica and I have felt like God was quietly building something—and in this episode, we’re finally sharing it with you.This is the story behind The Daily Thread: how it started, what led us here, and why we felt such a strong pull to create something for women who are trying to live their faith in the middle of real, full, sometimes overwhelming lives.I know what it’s like to feel stretched thin—to want a deeper relationship with God, but not always know how to stay consistent or where it fits into everything else. And that’s exactly why this was created.The Daily Thread isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about reordering your life around Christ—so your faith becomes the foundation, not just another thing you’re trying to fit in.In this episode, we’re sharing the heart behind it, what we hope it becomes for you, and who it’s really for.If you’ve been craving a life that feels more rooted, more intentional, and more aligned with God, this is for you.This is what we’ve been quietly weaving together—and I’m so grateful to finally share it with you.Follow The Daily Thread to stay tuned to more news!

If your prayer feels distracted, dry, or inconsistent—you are not doing it wrong.In this episode, we turn to one of my favorites, heavy weight, Saint Teresa of Ávila to understand what’s really happening in your spiritual life. Through her famous “four waters” and stages of prayer, she reveals how God gradually draws the soul deeper—often in ways that feel confusing or even discouraging.You’ll walk away with clarity, peace, and a renewed confidence in how God is working in you—even when you don’t feel it.Teresa's Writings:The Autobiography of St. Teresa of AvilaThe Way of PerfectionInterior Castle

This week, we continue exploring Christ-centered friendships with a special generational twist! Raquel, the daughter of my dear friend Ivette, joins us to share her personal journey of being called by God. We dive into how she’s growing in faith, and how meaningful connections across generations strengthen our walk with Christ.To connect with Raquel, click here.

My girl Ivette Guzman is back on the pod today because our conversations are always so fruitful. I am blessed to have a friendship with someone who not only prays for me, but she and I can go into the deepest conversations from one verse of scripture. Today we wanted to give you some insight on what it looks like to have an equally yoked friendship.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Kim Zember, an incredible woman of God, evangelist, and mentor for those struggling with same-sex attraction. Kim is the founder of Boldly Beloved and host of the podcast Here I Am Stories where she speaks with those coming out of the LGBT Community.To connect with Kim and learn more about her:Visit Kim's websitePick up Kim's book: "Restless Heart: My Struggle with Life & Sexuality"

Lent is upon us once again and instead of giving up chocolate, let's ask The Holy Spirit to enlighten our hearts and bring us to perfect contrition for this season.

I'm taking some time off to be with family! See you guys in the New Year! Please pray for me because I will be praying for you!

In this episode, I had the immense pleasure of speaking with Kevin Patrick Connolly, Coordinator of the OCIA program for Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Malverne, NY. Kevin is an incredible man of faith. His knowledge, passion and infusion of The Holy Spirit is palpable.Here are the books Kevin recommends in this episode:Rescued by Father John RiccardoUnleashed by Sonja Corbitt

Jesica Hernandez, a youth ministry leader from Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in West Hempstead, used to be scared of being around people, especially after Covid. After joining a Rosary Group, God transformed her life and gave her the gift of ministry. This is a great episode for those who want to learn how to better live the faith with their children.To connect with Jesica, you can email her at [email protected]

There is a brokeness that happened within us from the first sin which leads to us constantly distrusting of God and His goodness. If we want to learn how to trust deeply in the Lord and walk away from sin that binds us, we need to practice prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Brittany, who goes by Litany Brittany on social media, is a Catholic convert with a powerful story of redemption. Though baptized Catholic, she drifted from the faith and turned to astrology and tarot for answers. But a profound encounter with Jesus changed everything. Now she shares her journey of leaving the New Age and returning home to the Church.  To connect with Brittany, click here.Books Brittany mentioned:Jesus And The Jewish Roots of MaryJesus And The Jewish Roots of The Eucharist.Why We're Catholic

As human beings we are all affected by pain and suffering. In His encyclical, Salvifici Doloris, Saint Pope John Paul II writes about the mystery of Christian human suffering and the power of Christ' redemptive work through it.Make sure you listen to the entire episode to hear about the challenge I have for you to grow in holiness.

One of the places I've noticed the Lord working is in the virtue of modesty in my life. In this episode I talk a little about my thoughts and observations on it.

Karlie Kincaid is a Catholic convert, mom of two, and creator of Kindred in Kairos. She shares about faith, motherhood, and unapologetically living out pro-life values — all with a heart for helping others understand the beauty and logic of Catholic teaching. In this episode we talk about her journey to the Catholic Church and her heart for the pro-life cause.To connect with Karlie, click here.In this episode we mentioned several resources. Click on each to learn more.The pro-life organization Karlie works with is Baby Steps.If you're on Long Island, reach out to Life Center of Long IslandIf you're someone seeking healing from abortion, please look into Rachel's Vineyard.

This episode is a small window into something I shared with my spiritual director about where I am finding holiness. I used to think that being a saint consisted of being very involved in church and doing great works for God, but I am finding my holiness in being a mother.

Grief is an unthinkable journey, and in Jessica Diaz's case, the Lord used it to bring her to Himself. Listen in as Jessica shares how God not only brought her into His Church, but gave her a business and a faith family.To follow Jessica and Mimi + Manuel, click here.To listen to Jessica's podcast, "A Catholic Journey," click here.

In this episode, I finish this series on The Parable of The Prodigal Son, as we talk about the elder son and the ways we can hold resentment.

In this episode, I discuss the role of the Father towards the son and how we are healed by being in The Father's house.

Over the next 3 weeks, we will go over the story of The Prodigal Son from Luke 15.I encourage you to listen along with your bible and journal.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:1As we learn more about our faith, the communion and intercession of the saints can be a little confusing. In this episode, I break down what The Church teaches about the saints and how they can be our big brothers and sisters in the faith.

The Chosen can be a pretty controversial topic amongst Christians. People can either love it or dislike it completely. My good friend, Anita and I, weigh in. Anita is a Chicago-based devoted Catholic mom, sister and daughter.What do you think about The Chosen?

In this episode, I break down why you need to structure your prayer life to help your spiritual growth and prevent the lows that happen during desolation.I mentioned Consolation and Desolation during this episode. Here is a recap on what it means.Do you have a plan of life already or need help? I would love to hear from you! Email me: [email protected]

Welcome to season 2 of this podcast! My hope is that we continue to let the Lord sanctify us and be more aware of the ways the enemy will try to get us off course in our spiritual walk.

One of my joys is watching how my friend and former business partner, Sabrina Castillo's faith has grown. In this episode, I sit with Sabrina and her Pastor, Reverend Andrew J. DeSilva to talk about how we are called to become more involved in our Parish community.To learn more about Father AJ and their parish, St. Peter The Apostle, click here.To connect with Sabrina Castillo, click here.

I recorded this episode right after a beautiful experience with our Lord. Our Lord is alive and at work in your life right now, no matter how distant, sad, or alone you may feel.Check out the CarmelCast Podcast here.

Although I thought I was serving the Lord, in my years in the personal development space, I realize that I was serving myself, my ambition, and my self-realize. Work is good, but rightly ordered. In this episode, I share about how God is the real source of any success and prosperity.If you would like to learn more about the Catholic Church, I would be happy to walk with you on the journey. Email me at [email protected] with any questions!

This episode is based on ramblings from my personal lectio divina and prayer time. The world tells us that being a good person is what makes a good Christian, but that is not true. Time and time again, Jesus tells us that those who keep His commandments are those who love Him. In this episode, I talk about how sin is disobedience and a distorted image of God and our relationship to Him.

Desolation, moments in which we feel hopeless, are bound to happen in the life of faith. In this episode I talk about the causes of desolation, why we shouldn't cling to the "Jesus high," and how to help overcome it.Click here if you want to learn more about The Spiritual Exercises and The Rules for Discernment of Spirits.

Hope is one of the 3 Theological Virtues with which we are infused during our baptism (1st Corinthians 14:13), and it's one of the virtues the enemy will try to attack during our walk with The Lord.Bible verses mentioned:John 2:10Jeremiah 29: 14Luke 5: 4Psalm 27:13-14Click here to pray the Litany of Trust

We are STILL in the Easter Season and as Christians need to keep on proclaiming the resurrection of our Lord, because it is the fact that He conquered death that gives our lives meaning. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus invites us to "handle me," and the sacraments give us the ability to do so. This is not something passive but something we need to live out boldly every day.

Happy Mother's Day! This episode is very special to me because, as you see from the title, the guest is my mother! And as Divine Providence would have it, during the month of Mary, she talks about how Jesus transformed her marriage and her life, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.Click here to listen to my personal testimonyClick here to purchase my dad's book, El Toque Divino.My mom mentioned 2 songs that touched her heart during her journey:Un Nuevo AmorHoy He Vuelto

On this week's episode of the podcast, we are joined by JT Parker, husband, father, and Founder of Five Loaves Ministry. As someone whose life revolves around teaching about The Theology of the Body, JT shares with us what God's vision was from the beginning and the ways in which sin hurts us and robs of us of God's goodness.If you would like to connect with JT, email him here.

As we get older, there are places in our hearts where we have given up hope and dare not to ask anymore out of fear of disappointment. In this episode, I talk about how Jesus' resurrection is something that is real to us today and right now!

In this episode, I reflect upon my Lenten journey and how the Lord showed up for me as I observed The Great Fast. I pray we all are called into deeper conversion of hearts and every day choose to live truly for Him.

In this episode, I talk about one of the sneaky ways sin can enter our lives through the power of the tongue.

Through sin, not only does the enemy lead us into death, but he is also able to cripple our minds and keep us oppressed even after we repent. We will look into the falls of David and Peter and see how God brings out forgiveness and penance.

**Please note, I'm recovering from the flu, so please excuse the sniffles and the slip up of words**Saint Augustine said that the New Testament is hidden in the old, and the Old Testament is revealed in the new. This shows that God is a master poet and ties together all of salvation history to demonstrate His glory.Understanding typology helps Christians to see the unity of God's plan across both the Old and New Testaments and to appreciate the significance of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and promises. 

This week, I am reposting one of the episodes I put the most heart into because The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our faith. It is not a symbol. It is the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ana Munley is a daughter of God, wife, and mom of two, who took to social media to share her faith when TikTok banned one of her videos on the bible. Determined to share the beauty of Christianity, Ana has gone viral teaching others how to fully live out their faith.Connect with Ana on TikTokConnect with Ana on Instagram*I misspoke during the podcast when meaning to speak of Saint Ignatius of Antioch and his letter to the Smyrnaeans. I confused him for Saint Jerome, who translated the bible to Latin, better known as The Latin Vulgate*Stay connected with me via my newsletter.

Lent is a time for purification, penance, and conversion, a striping away of anything that keeps us from growing closer to Christ. How can you go beyond giving up sweets and enter into a more profound experience with Jesus?St. Thomas Aquinas - Domine, Non Nisi TeSt. Jose Luis Sanchez Del Rio and For The Greater Glory movieSpiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy

We all want to be part of a community, but sometimes The Lord calls us to create one. In this episode I talk to Katelyn Tishuk, a stay at home mom who has a call from God to bring mothers to Christ and foster community amongst them. You will hear how Katelyn grew in her relationship with God and how she has discerned this call over her life.Click here to connect with Katelyn via Instagramor email her at [email protected] to my newsletter.

I love to hear stories of how Christ draws us to Him, and Stephany's story is beautiful. Her willingness to be open to His call is a perfect example of how Jesus meets us where we are and leads us from there.Click here to connect with Stephany.Subscribe to my newsletter.

I'm so excited to welcome one of the founding members of the Hallow app team, Bryan Enriquez, to the podcast. Having grown up a cradle Catholic, the Lord used Bryan's college experience at Notre Dame to bring him deeper into relationship. It was at Notre Dame that Bryan met his roommate, Alex Jones, and with him embarked on creating the #1 prayer and meditation app in the world!Start praying with Hallow today!Sign up for my newsletter.

On today's episode, Jordan Burke joins me to talk about every day spiritual warfare. Jordan is a former police officer who traded in his badge and gun for a bible and a rosary. Combining his love of The Truth, history, and tradition with practical application, Jordan turned his life motto, "Do The Harder Thing," into a program of acquiring virtue and overcoming habitual sin for all who seek to become who God has called them to be. Check out The Devil Is In The Details Podcast with Jordan and Dan Burke to learn more about The Discernment of Spirits. Visit The Do The Harder Thing website. Learn more about Spiritual Direction with Jordan and Dan Burke.

As I'm growing my spiritual life, I've been praying about ways to strengthen my defenses against the enemy. Christ has the victory, but we have to remain on alert against his "flaming arrows," especially because of the damage that happens to our ability to see God as a loving father. Click here to receive my newsletter.