A quick explanation on Danielle's absence this week from her daughter, Gabby. Please pray for Danielle's healing and recovery, as she still is in the hospital in NYC. Updates later this week will be available at daniellebean.substack.com.  ..read more

In this conversation, Sarah Mackenzie discusses the life and work of Barbara Cooney, a renowned author and illustrator of children's books. Sarah shares her fascination with Barbara's illustration style and her discovery of Barbara's life as a mother of four who placed her drawing table in the busiest room of her house. Sarah also highlights Barbara's commitment to detail and precision in her illustrations and her dedication to visiting the locations she depicted in her books. The conversation explores the power of children's books in shaping character and fostering empathy. Sarah emphasizes ..read more

In this episode, Danielle Bean talks to Maria Marianyagam, a children's book author, about teaching kids virtue. Maria shares her journey of becoming a children's book author and the importance of starting to teach virtues at a young age. They discuss Maria's board book series, which focuses on virtues like hope and courage, and how parents can engage with the series. Danielle also addresses the topic of female friendships and the importance of cultivating meaningful connections with other women. Takeaways Teaching virtues to children from a young age is important for their development and c ..read more

Do you know that next Sunday we will observe Divine Mercy Sunday? This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to focus on Jesus’ gift of Divine Mercy. A great way to celebrate Easter for all 50 days is to plan to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy in your family and in your community. In this week’s show, Danielle shares ideas for creative ways to practice each of the works of mercy: Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Clothe the Naked, Shelter the Homeless, Visit the Sick, Visit the Imprisoned, and Bury the Dead. Support a small Catholic business, give to those in need, and h ..read more

In this episode, Danielle Bean shares five things to inspire your Holy Week. She encourages listeners to add more quiet to their lives, make Holy Week different, engage in interactive prayer experiences, consider Holy Week creative projects, take a pilgrimage, plan for a special Good Friday, and attend additional liturgies at church. At the end of this week's show, Danielle offers advice and encouragement to a listener who wants to publish a book about her near-death experience. Takeaways Add more quiet to your life during Holy Week Make Holy Week different by setting it apart from other wee ..read more

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses how to handle family drama. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations, thinking ahead and planning ahead, picking your battles, and setting boundaries. She also shares listener feedback on cultivating joy and offers advice on embracing your temperament, faking it till you make it, and praying for the grace to be more joyful. Takeaways Set realistic expectations for family drama and recognize that it is a normal part of family relationships. Think ahead and plan ahead for interactions with difficult family members, identifying tri ..read more

In this episode, Danielle Bean interviews Erika Ahern from CatholicVote and The Loop. They discuss the importance of engaging in deep conversations about politics and religion, teaching children to navigate these topics, and the mission of The Loop to "become the media." They also share insights on balancing work, home, and relationships, and offer advice on seeking forgiveness and navigating difficult relationships. Engaging in deep conversations about politics and religion is important for personal growth and understanding. Teaching children to navigate these topics helps them develop crit ..read more

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses what to do when feeling unmotivated. She provides 10 different strategies to consider, including reflecting on the root cause of the lack of motivation, setting small goals, finding inspiration, changing your environment, being kind to oneself, taking breaks in your work, seeking support, focusing on the why behind the goal, trying something new, and celebrating your progress. She also addresses listener feedback and encourages re-thinking Lent as an opportunity for to grow deeper in relationship with God. Takeaways Reflect on the root cause of your l ..read more

You know you love candles! How about some free CATHOLIC candles? Michael and Anna Camacho, the husband and wife team behind CORDA Candles, join Danielle Bean on the Girlfriends podcast. They share their journey of starting a faith-based candle business and the inspiration behind their unique scents. The couple discusses the challenges and rewards of working together as a married couple and the importance of creating pure and clean candles. They also talk about the impact of small Catholic businesses and the need to support them. The episode concludes with information on where to find CORDA Can ..read more

In this episode, Danielle Bean interviews Emily Stimson Chapman about her work as a writer and her collaboration with Scott Hahn in creating Catholic children's books. Her newest book is The Supper of the Lamb. They discuss the importance of engaging children in theology and finding balance in motherhood. Emily shares her experience of saying no to opportunities and the challenges of managing writing while raising her family. They also discuss the importance of female friendship and raising children in the faith. The episode concludes with listener feedback about feeling lonely in a new home a ..read more