A single encounter with God can change everything. In this week’s episode of Girlfriends, I’m joined by Bobby Frederickson, a former missionary and co-host of The Catholic Couple Podcast, whose journey to the Catholic faith began with an unexpected invitation to midnight Mass. That night set him on a path from skepticism to wholehearted discipleship.Bobby shares his powerful conversion story, the role of confession in his ongoing growth, and the ways he and his wife are building a family mission statement that keeps Christ at the center. We talk about the importance of intentional family life, how to live your faith in a culture that pushes against it, and why evangelization starts at home.What you’ll hear in this episode:* The surprising moment that sparked Bobby’s conversion* Why the Sacrament of Reconciliation remains central to his spiritual life* How to create a meaningful family mission statement* Practical tips for living your Catholic faith in daily family life* The importance of keeping evangelization simple and authenticLinks and Resources:* Listen to The Catholic Couple Podcast* Connect with Bobby Frederickson* Subscribe to the Girlfriends newsletter for weekly encouragementIf you enjoy Girlfriends, please share this episode with a friend and leave a review wherever you listen. Your support helps us reach more women with hope, encouragement, and truth. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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Forgiveness, Foster Care, and Faith
Forgiveness is never simple—but it is always transformative. In this week’s episode of Girlfriends, I’m joined by Los Angeles-based screenwriter, filmmaker, and speaker Erin Dooley. Erin’s work focuses on what she calls “the good F words”: forgiveness, family, and faith.Erin shares the personal story behind her raw, heartfelt documentary A Way to Forgiveness, filmed during her pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago after a painful divorce. She opens up about what it was like to document her own healing journey, the surprising ways God used her story to help others, and why forgiveness is a gift you give yourself as much as to someone else.We also talk about her latest short film, Adopting Faith, which shines a light on the joys and challenges of foster care. Erin draws on her own experience as a former foster mom and current advocate to address common misconceptions, practical ways to support foster families, and how churches can step up to meet the needs of vulnerable children.What you’ll hear in this episode:* How Erin’s love for storytelling began and why she’s drawn to themes of reconciliation* The unexpected encounter on her pilgrimage that shaped her understanding of forgiveness* Why she decided to share her divorce journey on film—and the response she’s received* The realities of foster care and how anyone can help, even if they’re not fostering* How faith fuels Erin’s work in the entertainment industry and her commitment to telling hopeful, truth-filled storiesLinks and Resources:* Watch A Way to Forgiveness* Watch Adopting Faith on YouTube* Connect with Erin Dooley* Subscribe to the Girlfriends newsletter for weekly encouragementIf you enjoy Girlfriends, please share this episode with a friend and leave a review wherever you listen. Your support helps us reach more women with hope and encouragement. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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Sanctify Your Scroll: the good, the bad, and the ugly of social media
This week on Girlfriends, I’m diving into a super timely conversation about social media with my friend Amy Cara — a Catholic mom, entrepreneur, and content creator. Amy has built a vibrant Instagram presence as @CaliforniaCatholicMom, and today she’s sharing the wisdom she’s gained from years of trial, error, growth, and discernment in the online world.We talk about:* Amy’s journey from fashion business owner to Catholic evangelizer online* What made her finally go “all in” on her faith-based content* Her personal list of social media rules that keep her grounded* How she handles criticism, “rage bait,” and boundaries around family privacy* Why she’s passionate about sharing what’s eternal, not just what’s trending* And how to know if it’s time to step away (or step back in)This episode isn’t a “social media is bad” takedown. It’s a real, encouraging conversation about discernment, prayer, and staying rooted in who you are, whether you’re posting daily or quietly stepping back.💬 Want to keep this conversation going in a healthier space than Instagram comments? Join me over at daniellebean.com and subscribe to my Substack. That’s where I love hearing your thoughts, sharing real updates, and building our offline/online community.🎧 Listen in and then let me know: What are your social media rules? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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God Interrupted Her Pop Star Dreams
This week, I’m joined by Cristina Bernal — former MTV pop artist turned Catholic worship leader. Cristina’s story is one you won’t forget: early success with LAX Girls, brushes with fame and the music industry’s dark side, and a profound conversion that led her to leave it all behind and say yes to what God had planned for her.In this candid and inspiring conversation, Cristina shares:* Her early music career and rise to fame as a teen pop star* The moment her 10-year-old sister called her out, and changed everything* A chilling industry demand that became a wake-up call* A late-night encounter with the moon and a powerful baptism in the Holy Spirit* How she rediscovered her Catholic faith and began using her voice for worship* Her current work as a wife, mother, and Catholic recording artist with Novum RecordsCristina is now a wife, mom of two (with one on the way!), and a passionate cantor and worship leader, creating new music to help Catholics enter more deeply into the Mass.Don’t miss this breathtaking story of surrender, identity, healing, and how God can use everything — even pop music — for his glory.🔗 Connect with Cristina: cristinabernalmusic.com💌 Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe to the Girlfriends newsletter and get weekly encouragement in faith and family life: daniellebean.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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Living Faith Without Fear: What We Can Learn from Mother Cabrini
This week on Girlfriends, I’m talking with author and teacher Amy Cattapan about her beautiful new book, Hope Without Borders: A Spiritual Retreat with St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. If you’ve never explored the writings or spirituality of Mother Cabrini before, you are in for a treat. Amy shares how this powerhouse saint, America’s first canonized citizen, lived a life of missionary zeal, deep Ignatian prayer, and relentless trust in God’s providence.We talk about how Amy first connected with Cabrini (hint: Italian roots + Chicago + Catholic school kids!), how the retreat journals of Mother Cabrini provide a window into her spiritual life, and what women today can learn from her bold perseverance and profound devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.Whether you're juggling work, family, ministry—or all three—Mother Cabrini’s example will inspire you to press forward in faith and seek rest in Jesus. Amy and I also talk about practical ways to build a daily prayer habit (even if you only have five minutes!), and why it’s so important for busy women to make space for spiritual rest.If you enjoy this conversation, I hope you’ll do two things:* Share it with a friend who could use a spiritual boost today.* Consider picking up Amy’s book—it’s short, powerful, and deeply encouraging.You can follow Amy at ajcattapan.com or find her on Instagram @ajcattapan.Thanks for listening and for being part of the Girlfriends community! Sign up for weekly newsletters and more bonus content at daniellebean.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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