Best Wise Old Woman Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 9: "Hecate at the Crossroads" 22:47

10h ago22:47

22:47

In this episode the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock explores the relationship of the crone within the maiden, mother, and crone trilogy. She tells the Greek myth of "Demeter and Persephone" and shares a lesser known variation in which Hecate plays a pivotal role. Story: "Demeter & Persephone" (a traditional Greek myth) as told by Kathy Shimpock. Cover i…

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67 | The Fruit of Our Actions 38:28

1d ago38:28

38:28

Have you thought about the nature of heaven, the importance of waiting for God's timing, and the significance of understanding your purpose and value? From societal pressures to the transformative power of grace, we provide insights on navigating life with a strong spiritual compass. Join the conversation as we highlight the importance of patience,…

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66 | Motivations To Take Action 28:54

8d ago28:54

28:54

Let's explore the fascinating world of temperaments, motivations, and decision-making. In this episode, we explore the unique traits of the four temperaments and how understanding these temperaments can guide our choices and actions. From adoration experiences to motivating factors, we unravel the interconnectedness of personality traits and spirit…

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65 | Taking Action and Correcting Our Actions From Our Choices 39:18

16d ago39:18

39:18

Today, we dive into the profound impact of choices, from the challenges of new motherhood to finding one's true mission in life. We explore the power of our thoughts, emotions, and the importance of making conscious decisions. Mama Vicki shares her personal journey of self-discovery, while Mama Jane introduces spiritual practices to help navigate l…

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64 | How To Make Good Choices 31:09

23d ago31:09

31:09

Do you or your loved ones struggle with making good choices? In this episode, we share personal experiences of making life-altering decisions and navigating the challenges that followed. From military commitments to moving across the country, we discuss the impact on our families and the importance of seeking support and understanding our own tempe…

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63 | The Gift of Your Interior Life 36:33

1M ago36:33

36:33

This week, we explore the gift of your interior life and its profound connections to knowing oneself and understanding God. From unraveling emotional cycles to exploring the power of free will and decision-making, we offer insights into building a strong interior life rooted in values and self-awareness. Join us as we discuss the importance of jour…

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Chatting 'Bout "Tatterhood" (S4, #10) 45:39

1M ago45:39

45:39

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, meets again with Master Hypnotherapist, Linda Bennett. Together they discuss the Norwegian folktale, "Tatterhood," and explore its many meanings and interpretations by looking at its symbols, metaphors, and archetypes. It's a fascinating model for dream interpretation too. Part 2 of their conversati…

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Try writing your next homily in a coffee shop 37:56

1M ago37:56

37:56

A homily is a public speech, so it only makes sense to write it in public, says Scott VanDerveer, who mostly writes his homilies sitting at a long shared table in a coffee shop. “I love looking up at whoever’s in line at the cash register at that moment and thinking, ‘Would this guy, or would this woman care about what I’m saying at all; would this…

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62 | Do You Know YOU Are A Gift? 35:04

1M ago35:04

35:04

Do You Know YOU Are A Gift? In this episode, we join our hosts on a journey of self-discovery and recognizing the unique gifts each individual possesses. They delve into the impact of small acts of kindness, share personal experiences on self-worth and acceptance, and discuss the importance of creating a safe space for personal growth. The episode …

1
Never start a homily with these 4 words 37:32

1M ago37:32

37:32

A surefire way to lose your congregation’s attention is to start a homily with “In today’s Gospel reading,” says Thomas Groome. “The purpose of good preaching,” he says, “is to bring our lives to God and God to our lives.” A preacher’s job, then, is to facilitate a meaningful conversation between the two. This week on “Preach,” Tom, a professor of …

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61 | Praying the Rosary 35:11

1M ago35:11

35:11

To celebrate this month dedicated to Our Lady, Mama Jane prays the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. She leads us in a beautiful rosary meditation she wrote a few years ago. If you have never prayed the rosary before, Mama Jane explains how to pray it as we go along. We invite you to pray with us today. For a copy of these rosary meditations, DM Ma…

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Preachers: Tell a story that will stay with your listeners long after the homily is over. 34:55

2M ago34:55

34:55

Though Jesus preached in parables that still captivate us, not every story told in a homily has a similarly lasting impact. The Rev. Christopher Clohessy shares how preachers can craft stories that linger long after Mass is over. This week on “Preach,” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., is joined by another South African priest. Chris is a priest of the …

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Strong Woman Rising with Kristin Marie Muñoz 1:02:43

2M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Kristin Marie Muñoz joins Pascha in the Teahouse to discuss the powerful transformation from fear and loss into one's power and medicine. Kristin is the owner and artist of Moon Girl Glass in Marshall, NC. She is an alchemist who works with the elementals to transform fear into beauty with crystal and fire. She creates ornaments and hummingbird fee…

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60 | Taking Authority of Your Spiritual Life Before Marriage 41:00

2M ago41:00

41:00

Have you ever considered taking authority of your own spiritual life before marriage? Join us as we delve into the importance and impact of spiritual practices such as confession, rosary, adoration, and attending Mass. Mama Vicki shares her journey and struggles, while Mama Jane offers her insights and advice on nurturing a relationship with God. D…

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Ron Hansen on bringing fiction-writing techniques to homily writing 23:42

2M ago23:42

23:42

Ron Hansen has written award-winning novels that have been turned into Hollywood hits. As an ordained deacon, he crafts equally compelling homilies. This week on “Preach,” Deacon Ron Hansen, a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Washington and a prolific author, preaches for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B. His homily reflects…

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59 | How And When To Date 28:17

2M ago28:17

28:17

In this episode of the Cycles & Sanctity podcast, Mama Jane and Mama Vicki discuss dating from a Catholic perspective. They touch on their own experiences, sharing valuable insights and advice for young women navigating the world of dating. The conversation covers the importance of self-discovery, the role of faith in relationships, the value of se…

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What young adults most need to hear in a homily 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

While most parishes struggle to attract young members, Saint Clement Parish in Chicago stands out with a mostly young adult congregation. This week on “Preach,” the Rev. Peter Wojcik, the pastor of Saint Clement Parish in Chicago, Ill., preaches for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B. In his homily, he reflects on the depth of Jesus’ committed love…

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58 | What Manuals Do You Have? 31:24

2M ago31:24

31:24

In this episode, "What Manuals Do You Have," we explore the concept of "manuals" in relationships and the transformative power of open communication. We delve into the impact of differing beliefs and expectations within marriage, emphasizing the need to understand and adapt to each other's perspectives. From the spiritual practice of adoration to t…

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A preacher should offer the congregation a challenge—not cheap grace 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

Gemma Simmonds, C.J., a theologian and sister at the Cambridge Theological Federation in Cambridge, England, preaches for the Fifth Sunday in Easter, Year B: In her homily, she reflects on her experience of poverty in Brazil, giving significance to Christ’s words: “Make your home in me as I make mine in you.” Then, in the conversation with host Ric…

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57 | Preparing for Birth 32:57

2M ago32:57

32:57

In this episode, Preparing for Birth, we dive into the world of childbirth preparation, discussing the importance of childbirth classes and education for expecting parents. We tackle topics such as the diverse experiences of labor, the role of community support, and the need for confidence-building and anxiety-reducing techniques. Through personal …

1
The Magic of Childhood with Deborah DeLisle 1:10:09

2M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Pascha invites her dear friend Deborah DeLisle to the Communi-TEA room to talk about Magical children. Debbie is full of inspiration about preserving the magic of childhood and how it's never too late to have a magical childhood. Debora is the founder of Madison County Community Learning Centers Executive Director at Woodson Branch Nature School, s…

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Bishop Stowe preaches on the climate crisis for Good Shepherd Sunday 27:08

2M ago27:08

27:08

“I think there's a major concern for living more in harmony with creation, which is a result of conversion,” says Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., “But I think Pope Francis is also, as our good shepherd, calling us to greater urgency to act because time is slipping away and we haven't done much.” Bishop John Stowe is a Conventual Franciscan, the third…

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56 | Happy Anniversary to Cycles and Sanctity! 28:45

3M ago28:45

28:45

Happy Anniversary to the Cycles and Sanctity Podcast!! In this special anniversary episode, we celebrate ONE year of the Cycles and Sanctity podcast. Mama Jane reflects on her journey of starting the podcast, and how the podcast has grown and evolved since she began a year ago. They discuss the importance of supporting women through perimenopause a…

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"Tatterhood" - A Norwegian Folktale (S4, #9) 42:50

3M ago42:50

42:50

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore a little known Norwegian folktale, "Tatterhood." It's a story in which an unexpected, young girl goes on a hero's journey. She has quite a surprising role to play in a very unusual story. Story: Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, Lurvehette [Tatterhood], Norske Folkeeventyr (Chri…

1
To be a good preacher, pray more and read widely 24:51

3M ago24:51

24:51

Good preaching requires mastery of rhetoric, in particular the tools of repetition and organization. “Otherwise, they’re not gonna remember,” says John Baldovin, S.J. “This is a no-brainer, but beginning, middle and end, and not trying to make too many points” are key to a compelling homily. He also adds with hyperbolic emphasis, “If you want to be…

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55 | The Beauty of the Resurrection 30:03

3M ago30:03

30:03

Happy Easter! In this episode, The Beauty of the Resurrection, we discuss how the resurrection has changed our lives and the joy it brings. We explore the significance of Jesus' Resurrection, reflecting on the hope, joy, and eternal life we have been given. The conversation touches on the concept of renewal, the impact of Christ's Resurrection on o…

1
Striking a chord: The debate on singing in the homily 34:15

3M ago34:15

34:15

“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!” This is how Kim Harris starts her homily for the Second Sunday of Easter—in joyous song. “When Thomas first the tidings heard / How they had seen the risen Lord / He doubted the disciples’ word. Alleluia!...” Such daring from the ambo has long struck a controversial chord with preachers and liturgists alike, promptin…

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54 | The Beauty of Christ's Passion and Death 28:03

3M ago28:03

28:03

As we enter the sacred Triduum, we look at the beauty of Christ's Passion and Death. These three holy days preceding Easter have profound significance. We unpack the rich traditions and spiritual depth behind the sacred observances of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. In this episode, we share our personal experiences, dispel misconcep…

1
When preparing to preach, treat your homily like music 35:54

3M ago35:54

35:54

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, God often makes Godself known through sound: be it a voice from a burning bush, a resounding clap of thunder or the blast of a trumpet. “God is revealed through sound,” affirms Ed Foley, O.F.M. Cap. “I think of a homily as sound theology,” he adds, “it’s acoustic engagement.” When preparing to preach, Ed, the Duns …

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53 | Mama Jane and The Deliberate Day 47:49

3M ago47:49

47:49

In this episode, Mama Jane shares her interview on The Deliberate Day Podcast. She shares the significance of women's cycles and the impact on our spiritual and physical well-being, including the spiritual practices and activities for each phase. Mama Jane, Brittany and Tiffany discuss the empowerment and freedom in understanding our bodies' needs …

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Ukraine military chaplain: Preaching hope to a world at war on Good Friday 32:12

3M ago32:12

32:12

When reflecting on the life, death and resurrection of the Lord while living in a state of military invasion and active war, Andriy Zelinskyy, S.J., says that “everything becomes more authentic.” For this Jesuit priest, who serves as the chief military chaplain of the Ukrainian-Greek Catholic Church, the task of preaching to those suffering in Ukra…

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52 | How Is Your Lent Going? 32:43

4M ago32:43

32:43

In this week's episode, hosts Mama Jane and Mama Vicki discuss their experiences and challenges of Lent, shedding light on the sanctity of the season and how to navigate its nuances in today's world. From unexpected changes in fasting habits to finding purpose in sacrifices, Mama Jane and Mama Vicki share their personal journeys and offer insights …

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A Preacher’s Guide to Holy Week: These are long liturgies. Be brief! 42:53

4M ago42:53

42:53

The liturgies of Holy Week need to be seen as a unity. With two weeks remaining before the start of this summit of the Christian year, the “Preach” team sought the expertise of two esteemed liturgical scholars and practitioners to give preachers a whistle-stop tour of the readings and liturgies for this sacred week. In conversation with “Preach” ho…

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51 | Redeeming The Body With Marty Langlois 34:13

4M ago34:13

34:13

The Catholic Fitness Coach, Marty Langlois joins Mama Jane and Mama Vicki on this episode of the Cycles and Sanctity podcast. Marty shares her inspiring journey of redeeming her body after experiencing a stroke postpartum, related to blood pressure issues during pregnancy. She required six months of physical therapy and occupational therapy to boun…

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Father Rob Galea’s preaching strategies for reaching disengaged youth 33:23

4M ago33:23

33:23

“Explain the resurrection to me in two minutes without using any church language.” This is the challenge that Father Rob Galea sets for his staff to ensure they can easily relate to the young people they serve. “That takes practice, and that takes hanging out with the kids and understanding the way they speak, the way they reason.” Rob, originally …

1
Unveiling the Wise Woman with Susan McGowan 40:30

4M ago40:30

40:30

Women have carried ancient wisdom, magic and medicine since time began. The memories of these ancient ways were veiled and forgotten to societal and religious doctrine, unimaginable suffering and oppression. The seeds that once were hidden and dormant are beginning to bloom again. Pascha and Susan discuss awakening and remembering the forgotten mag…

1
Being the Magic with Christina DuPont 53:29

4M ago53:29

53:29

Pascha is back in the teahouse with the Creatrix of the Cauldron, Magicupboard's very own Christina DuPont. Christina gives the low down skinny on current astrological shifts and ruminates with Pascha on some ways that Being The Magic can transform your personal and spiritual path. Christina is a multi-generational witch, mystical scholar and tarot…

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50 | How To Have a Healthy Body Image 33:02

4M ago33:02

33:02

Welcome to the 50th episode of the Cycles & Sanctity podcast!! In this episode, we unpack the complex and often overwhelming topic of healthy body image. We navigate the pervasive messages from media and society and share personal stories of struggle and triumph on the journey toward self-acceptance. Join us as we provide practical tips and meaning…

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How a deacon’s past as a taxi driver fuels his preaching 43:43

4M ago43:43

43:43

The best formation Deacon Steve Kramer has ever received were the four summers he spent as a taxi and limo driver. “It really prepared me for pastoral counseling,” he says of his year’s shuttling people back and forth. “They sit, they open their heart, and pretty much they figure out that they’ll never see you again. So they open up in a different …

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49 | Preparing For Puberty With Our Young Girls 34:08

4M ago34:08

34:08

Do you desire to prepare your young girls for puberty? Are you looking for guidance and support, for yourself and your girls, as they enter the pre-puberty stage? Well, you have come to the right place. In this episode, we share our wisdom on preparing young girls for the transformative phase of puberty. From journaling to body image, and from phys…

1
Farethewell and Merry Part to Lisa Wagoner 36:08

4M ago36:08

36:08

In this final episode of Season 2, Pascha bids Lisa a fine farethewell to Lisa as she moves on to new and exciting endeavors. Here the hostesses talk about fasting for physical and spiritual health, upcoming projects and where to find Lisa in the future.

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Meet a woman who teaches priests to preach 35:14

4M ago35:14

35:14

“Effective preaching is like good butter sinking into warm toast,” says Karla Bellinger. “You’ve gotta give the Holy Spirit a little bit of time to do some work.” As the founding executive director of the Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas and president of the Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics, Karla is filled with bi…

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48 | SPICE For Your Life 32:38

5M ago32:38

32:38

In this episode, we're going to be talking about relationships and self-love, and we're going to use the acronym SPICE to evaluate these. We share our experiences and invite your feedback on how you use areas from the acronym SPICE in your own relationships. Whether you're seeking inspiration for self-improvement or ways to deepen your relationship…

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Try something new this Lent: Map out your homilies like an org chart 42:55

5M ago42:55

42:55

Russell Pollitt, S.J., approaches his homilies in a manner unlike any other preacher the “Preach” team has yet seen. While some rely on verbatim manuscripts, detailed linear plans, or simply loose notes, when this South African Jesuit priest sits down to write his homily after praying on the Scriptures, the first thing he does is produce an org cha…

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47 | Suffering in the Wintertime of Womanhood 28:19

5M ago28:19

28:19

Has the snow, the ice, and the gray gotten to you? Do you feel like you're going through an undue amount of suffering? This week, we're talking about redemptive suffering and how to offer our suffering up. We discuss suffering in womanhood, particularly during the winter season of life, and explore the challenges that come with postmenopausal chang…

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The Vatican’s chief liturgist on why preachers need to take their homilies more seriously 46:09

5M ago46:09

46:09

Cardinal Roche opens the Lenten season on “Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast” with a heartfelt message taken from the Scripture readings for Ash Wednesday: “Come back to me with all your heart.” When asked by host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., why he chose the theme of “Welcome Home” and not to preach “in a heavier way,” to emphasize the penitential …

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Archetypes in Story & Life (S4, #8) 43:06

5M ago43:06

43:06

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will discuss archetypes with renowned hypnotherapist Linda Bennett. Together, we’ll identify common archetypes and discover how they can be identified in both life and stories. Cover Image: Photo by Linda Bennett. To learn more about Linda Bennett, check out her website for services offered (https:/…

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46 | New Found Freedom in the Wintertime of Womanhood 27:33

5M ago27:33

27:33

Are you ready to embrace freedom and pursue new beginnings in the wintertime of womanhood? In this episode, Mama Jane and Mama Vicki explore the different stages of motherhood, reflecting on the evolving sense of freedom as children grow up and become more independent. Mama Jane shares her personal experiences of embracing new opportunities and dre…

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45 | Releasing and Supporting Our Adult Children 34:01

5M ago34:01

34:01

Have you struggled with releasing and supporting your adult children? You are not alone. In this episode, Mama Jane and Mama Vicki navigate the nuanced dynamics of motherhood, faith, and empathy, exploring the challenges of comparing oneself to others, guiding young adults, and finding grace in the journey of parenting. Together, they share their e…

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An update from the Preach team 38:35

5M ago38:35

38:35

You may have seen that we haven’t had any episodes for the last two weeks. We are taking a break after the bumper set of episodes we put together for you during the Advent and Christmas seasons. We are reviewing the results of our survey—which you can still respond to here— and planning our offering for Lent. In the meantime, in this great week whe…

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