The Unplanned Joyful Life - Gain Confidence, Navigate Adversity, Live Purposefully, Engage your Christian Faith, Catholic Church
Ranked top 5% globally Are you a successful and well-rounded individual, but are lacking spiritual fulfillment in your life? Do you consider yourself to be Christian, and grew up Catholic, but your family never really practiced? And, maybe they did. But, as an adult, you have become totally withdrawn from the Church? Have you experienced trials and tribulations and have sought out answers except for the Faith? But, you would like to learn more to see if the Catholic faith is a path you'd like to consider? If this is you? You are in the right place. I want to encourage you to take time to explore your Catholic Christian Faith. I want to remind you that you are a loved, valued and an integral part of the Catholic Church Family founded by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And, there is nothing he wants more than to welcome you home. Hi, I am Cathy Jo Lang, daughter of The One True King. And, I am excited to welcome you to “The Unplanned Joyful Life” podcast. I am a practicing Catholic who recommitted to my Catholic Christian faith after experiencing a mental health crisis over 30 years ago. I suffered a severe postpartum depression that required a 3 week hospitalization and caused me to be away from my newborn baby at a time that he needed me the most. When recovering from the depression, I searched for any and all help to deal with the guilt, shame and condemnation this experience brought. And, in order to decrease my chances of going through another mental health crisis, I decided to search, understand and embrace my Catholic Christian Faith. And, it was there, that I experienced complete healing, wholeness and transformation, never to suffer a depression again. Through our Catholic faith, Jesus became the firm foundation on which my husband, Steve and I were able to build a beautiful family, full of love, life and purpose for our children and grandchildren. And, although I would like to say to that we never experienced a trial or tribulation since. In 2019, we suffered the tragic lost our beautiful son Michael Robert at the age of 26. Michael suffered from a rare and chronic health condition without a sufficient medical diagnosis. This illness caused him chronic pain, fatigue, and isolation amongst many other symptoms, too many to mention. And, although his passing was devastating, we were able to receive God's healing, grace and provision through the mourning and grief we suffered as a family. I never thought I could get through the loss of a child. And, I don't wish that hardship on anyone. But, because of our Catholic Christian Faith, Steve, myself and our other two children, Stephen and Elizabeth were able to lean on, trust in and practice the one true faith, Catholicism. And, although it took the love, provision and healing power of God, as well as the support of our family and friends, we were able to experience peace, hope and love in the midst of tragedy. We know that Michael is with Jesus. And, we look forward to the day that we will meet and embrace him again in our Heavenly Home. Besides being wife, mom and grandmother, I am a Certified Professional Life Coach, Public Speaker and Podcast Host of The Unplanned Joyful Life. I grew up in a loving but alcoholic and dysfunctional family. After going to group counseling with my family at the direction of our parents, I felt hope and excitement for the idea that change is possible. I saw my parents make significant transformation over time in order to bring health and wellness back to our family. And, I've been on a mission to live my best life ever since. In this podcast, I’ll provide valuable insights to help you delve into the Catholic Faith, bring better understanding to the Church, it's practices and the benefits you will receive when practicing it on a regular basis. All this will help you become the best version of yourself. I will share “tried-and-true” tips and tricks for creating a God-centered home for you and your family. You will hear real-life examples of how to incorporate Catholic Christian values, Regular Self-Care, and Community Involvement in order to bring confidence, stability, and joy back into your life. So, If you want to understand and embrace your Catholic faith, foster healthy relationships, and pursue goals and dreams that ignite your spirit, I’ll be here to support you every step of the way. You will hear from other Catholic Christians as they share their personal journey of faith, as well as professionals who will share their area of expertise with you. Together, we’ll grow in knowledge, faith and grace to help you navigate “The Unplanned Joyful Life” with happiness and purpose! So, take a deep breath, find a comfy spot, and listen in. We're going to do this together!
Episodes
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo shares a heartfelt Testimonial from Dawn Lopez Zoldos, a Retired Buffalo Homicide Detective and Holland Town Justice.
Cathy Jo describes some minor changes that will take place regarding her Coaching Services and Offers.
Finally, she shares the Top 10 Episodes from The Unplanned Joyful Life thus far! Links to the Top 10 episodes that include interviews are l...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo has the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Patrick Neve. Patrick is a the cohost of The Bropostles podcast and writer behind CatholicPat on Substack. He holds a Masters degree in Systematic Theology from Franciscan University and is a husband and father. At the age of 28, it has been Patrick's mission to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to his generation of men. A...
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo takes time to recognize Holy Mary, Mother of God! Cathy Jo shares 11 experiences/ points in her life where God used Mary to help her grow closer in faith to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you don't know much about Mary, or you don't feel the need to place importance on her role in God's plan, Jesus' life, or our salvation, I recommend that you take time to listen to this perspective and pers...
Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo has the honor to meet and speak with Aimee Boudreaux MacIver. Aimee is a Writer, Speaker and Presenter. She operates a pilgrimage and travel apostolate, Thy Ship, and writes a weekly newsletter, A Heroic Moment. Aimee's Children's Books, "What Kind of Girls does God Make?" and "What Kind of Boys does God Make?" come out in April of 2026!
Aimee is thoughtful, reflectiv...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo talks with author and speaker, Mary Lenaburg. Mary is the author of Brave for the Scared and Bold for the Broken. And, she is working on a third book that will be released in August of 2026.
Mary shares her story of struggles, hardships and finding her faith early on in her marriage. She also talks about her experiences of dealing with a child born with a se...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo meets and speaks with Pat Millea. Pat is a Catholic speaker, musician, leader, and business owner. He is cohost of "This Whole Life" Podcast with his wife, Kenna. They've been married for 16 years have seven children together!
Pat talks about where his faith journey began and why he is so passionate about helping others suffering due to mental illness. He and...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo meets and talks with Father Michael Sliney. Father Michael was born and raised in a Catholic, faith-filled and loving home. His personal relationship with Jesus started at a very young age. And, it continues to lead Father in all areas of his life and ministry.
Father shares details of blessings and hardships he's experienced in his life and priesthood. And...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo talks with Dan Venezia. Dan is a Professional Athlete, Speaker and Author of "Surviving Covid"- How Faith, Focus, Fitness, and Hydroxychloroquine Saved Me.
Dan was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY by a single parent and Catholic Mom. In 1993 he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins. And, the following year, he had his first near death experience where he had 3 future vi...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo addresses the topic of Worry. If you worry too much, anxiety overwhelms you, or fear controls your actions, this episode is for you! Anxiety is a feeling. And, we all experience it at certain degrees. But, if you are in a constant state of worry or fear, there are things that can help. And, it's important that you get the help you need in order to live a meaningful,...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo introduces Listeners to the Cheryl Guggemos. Cheryl is the Executive Director of Sensational Fun, and she shares her passion for working with children with special needs. Cheryl talks about where this passion comes from, and how and why she and Jennifer Vasquez started this organization where all children are loved, accepted and welcomed. Sensational Fun is a safe pla...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo has the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Noah Lee Koningisorn, otherwise known as "Noah Lee and The Stetson's". After seeing Noah perform live and enjoying his undeniable talent and showmanship , Cathy Jo wanted others to know and experience Noah's God-given talent as well!
Noah tells us about his early childhood and life-long experience of growing up in ...
Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo addresses the issue of opposing political views being the culprit for stress and tension at holiday gatherings. Holiday traditions might change. You may not celebrate with the regular crew this year. And, there might be less faces gathered around the table for Turkey Dinner. But there are somethings that never change. Thanksgiving will still be Thanksgiving. Christ...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo will meet and talk with Suzanne Bilodeau. She is a Wife, Momma of 6, Podcast Host and Author.
An Academic and Professional Overachiever who encountered Christ in the early stages of motherhood. After being brought to her knees due to her inability to do this incredible work alone, she chose to surrender to God's will over her life. And, she's been on a missio...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo meets and interviews Sister Rita Marie Kampa. Originally from Minnesota, she became a Dominican Sister of St. Cecelia which is based in Nashville, TN. She teaches Religion and History at St John Paul II High School in Avondale, AZ. , where she presently resides.
Sister's love for the Lord and joy of teaching is evident in the details she shares in today's episo...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo updates and informs on the new format of the show. She explains the new tagline, "Embracing Faith, Navigating Adversity and Living Joyfully". And, she expresses gratitude to Clients, Listeners, Podcast Guests and all who support her on this journey. Cathy Jo Invites you to checkout her website, cathyjolangllc.com
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo speaks with Mallory Smyth. Mallory is a wife, mom, author, speaker and practicing Catholic. She stepped away from her Catholic Faith prior to leaving for College. A few years later, she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. And after much research, reflection and prayer, she slowly found her way back. Her story is honest, compelling and relatable. ...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo meets and talks with Janine Murray. Janine is a Wife, Auntie, Dog Mom and Practicing Catholic. She leads "Sonshine Ministry" where She partners with God to heal the wounds of those she serves. She helps her clients do this by teaching them to take the head knowledge of God, and by His grace and love, transform it to their hearts.
Janine taught Confirmation ...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo meets and talks with Beth Townsend. Beth started her corporate career at an early age. And, before she knew it, she was being asked to speak to audiences in similar fields. She was asked how she knew her purpose, but didn't have a firm answer. So, she began to interview individuals who seemed to have perfected the idea of a purposeful Life. And, she's been i...
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, Cathy Jo has the pleasure of meeting and speaking with David Sanborn.
David is a husband and father. He was raised in a successful and loving home. And his family loved and continues to love the Lord. David and his family became Missionaries when he was very young. And, he was able to experience the very real and obvious ways that this decision was made with his fam...
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo addresses the challenge of rejection that Christians face in response to attempts to share our Catholic faith. She shares 10 things we can do to overcome and to heal from it. We are never alone.
For a 1:1 Coaching Session with Cathy Jo, Contact her at cathylang716@gmail.com ,
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please stop what you are doing right now and write a review of the s...
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