The Unplanned Joyful Life - Faith, Prayer, Catholic Church, Resilience, Self-Confidence cover art

The Unplanned Joyful Life - Faith, Prayer, Catholic Church, Resilience, Self-Confidence

The Unplanned Joyful Life - Faith, Prayer, Catholic Church, Resilience, Self-Confidence

By: Cathy Jo Lang RN Certified Professional Life Coach Public Speaker Podcast Host Children’s Published Book Author
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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 But, as an adult, you have become totally withdrawn from the Church?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!

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Christianity Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
Episodes
  • #142 Struggling with The Rules of The Church? Maybe This Will Help. Meet Andrea Jackson From The Evangelical Catholic

    #142 Struggling with The Rules of The Church? Maybe This Will Help. Meet Andrea Jackson From The Evangelical Catholic
    Feb 19 2026

    ⭐️ As a Catholic Life Coach, Speaker and Host of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, it is important for Cathy Jo to support you on your Personal Faith Journey. In this podcast, The Unplanned Joyful Life, she provides you with important topics, in-depth conversation and valuable resources that will help you to become all that God created you to be!.

    As a seasoned Registered Nurse, Cathy Jo is experienced in meeting the needs of those she serves. She provides information on her podcast, and expertise through her coaching services, that will help you become more aware, informed and fulfilled in every area of your life.

    Cathy Jo is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. She has completed Certifications through Maxwell Leadership in the areas of Coaching, Training and Speaking. She is a Published Children's Book Author of My Little Light (illustrated by Cathy Jo's sons, Stephen and Michael) and A Friend is Nice (illustrated by Erin Reilly). You can find her books on Amazon under her author name, Cathleen J. Lang

    Cathy Jo has accomplished so much personally and professionally. But, she has also faced personal hardships that no-one should have to endure. But, rather than stay stuck or become resentful, Cathy Jo uses these trials to draw her closer to Christ. And, in return, God has provided Cathy Jo with clarity, confirmations and more opportunities to grow. Despite the challenges, Cathy Jo continues to share the Light and Love of Christ with others.

    * To look into working with Cathy Jo lang LLC, schedule your Free 30 min Clarity Call by clicking this link: https://cathyjolangllc.com/cathy-jo-lang-llc/#top

    Email Cathy Jo at: cathylang716@gmail.com,

    Checkout Cathy Jo Lang's website: https://cathyjolangllc.com

    If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please write a review of the show on apple podcast! Thank you and God bless! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

    Andrea Jackson grew up in Massachusetts in a nominally Catholic environment but discovered her faith in her early years at Harvard University. Andrea received her degree in English before embarking on a career in ministry in both the college campus ministry and parish contexts. Since 2018 Andrea has worked with the Evangelical Catholic to create training materials and books that help everyday Catholics grow in their faith and accompany others closer to Jesus. Andrea lives in Milwaukee with her husband. They are expecting their first child this spring.

    Find out more about the Evangelical Catholic at evangelicalcatholic.org.

    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • #141 This Award Goes to Cathy Jo Lang for The Most Spirited Cheerleader!

    #141 This Award Goes to Cathy Jo Lang for The Most Spirited Cheerleader!
    Feb 17 2026

    Today's episode is a reminder to stay hopeful, do not give up, and that the darkness can never overcome the light!

    Cathy Jo shares a personal experience as a young girl that felt negative at the time, but looking back, she realizes that God uses all for the good of those who love him. She references scripture verses:

    1 Corintheans 2:15, Matt 5:13-26, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, John 1:4-5 and Hebrews 12: 3. She also includes the book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and the song, Chain Breaker by Zach Williams.

    Cathy Jo wishes you the light and love of Christ now and always! God bless!

    ⭐️ As a Catholic Life Coach, Speaker and Host of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, it is important for Cathy Jo to support you on your Personal Faith Journey. In this podcast, The Unplanned Joyful Life, she provides you with important topics, in-depth conversation and valuable resources that will help you to become all that God created you to be!.

    As a seasoned Registered Nurse, Cathy Jo is experienced in meeting the needs of those she serves. She provides information on her podcast, and expertise through her coaching services, that will help you become more aware, informed and fulfilled in every area of your life.

    Cathy Jo is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. She has completed Certifications through Maxwell Leadership in the areas of Coaching, Training and Speaking. She is a Published Children's Book Author of My Little Light (illustrated by Cathy Jo's sons, Stephen and Michael) and A Friend is Nice (illustrated by Erin Reilly). You can find her books on Amazon under her author name, Cathleen J. Lang

    Cathy Jo has accomplished so much personally and professionally. But, she has also faced personal hardships that no-one should have to endure. But, rather than stay stuck or become resentful, Cathy Jo uses these trials to draw her closer to Christ. And, in return, God has provided Cathy Jo with clarity, confirmations and more opportunities to grow. Despite the challenges, Cathy Jo continues to share the Light and Love of Christ with others.

    * To look into working with Cathy Jo lang LLC, schedule your Free 30 min Clarity Call by clicking this link: https://cathyjolangllc.com/cathy-jo-lang-llc/#top

    Email Cathy Jo at: cathylang716@gmail.com,

    Checkout Cathy Jo Lang's website: https://cathyjolangllc.com

    If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please write a review of the show on apple podcast! Thank you and God bless! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • # 140 Carnival Season, Mardi Gras, and The Body-Soul Connection with Amy Boudreaux MacIver. Welcome Back!

    # 140 Carnival Season, Mardi Gras, and The Body-Soul Connection with Amy Boudreaux MacIver. Welcome Back!
    Feb 12 2026

    ⭐️ As a Catholic Life Coach, Speaker and Host of The Unplanned Joyful Life Podcast, it is important for Cathy Jo to support you on your Personal Faith Journey. In this podcast, The Unplanned Joyful Life, she provides you with important topics, in-depth conversation and valuable resources that will help you to become all that God created you to be!.

    As a seasoned Registered Nurse, Cathy Jo is experienced in meeting the needs of those she serves. She provides information on her podcast, and expertise through her coaching services, that will help you become more aware, informed and fulfilled in every area of your life.

    Cathy Jo is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. She has completed Certifications through Maxwell Leadership in the areas of Coaching, Training and Speaking. She is a Published Children's Book Author of My Little Light (illustrated by Cathy Jo's sons, Stephen and Michael) and A Friend is Nice (illustrated by Erin Reilly). You can find her books on Amazon under her author name, Cathleen J. Lang

    Cathy Jo has accomplished so much personally and professionally. But, she has also faced personal hardships that no-one should have to endure. But, rather than stay stuck or become resentful, Cathy Jo uses these trials to draw her closer to Christ. And, in return, God has provided Cathy Jo with clarity, confirmations and more opportunities to grow. Despite the challenges, Cathy Jo continues to share the Light and Love of Christ with others.

    * To look into working with Cathy Jo lang LLC, schedule your Free 30 min Clarity Call by clicking this link: https://cathyjolangllc.com/cathy-jo-lang-llc/#top

    Email Cathy Jo at: cathylang716@gmail.com,

    Checkout Cathy Jo Lang's website: https://cathyjolangllc.com

    If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please write a review of the show on apple podcast! Thank you and God bless! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

    ⭐️ Aimee Boudreaux MacIver is a Catholic author, artist, speaker, and educator. She and her husband are founders of Thy Ship, a travel and pilgrimage apostolate. Aimee has served for 25+ years in Catholic ministries ranging from education to retreats to media. When she’s not writing, speaking, or planning a pilgrimage, Aimee is probably hanging out with her husband and two children on the New Orleans parade route.

    You can connect with Aimee at: -www.thyship.com,

    -IG @thy.ship,

    -Facebook:Thy Ship Travel + Pilgrimage

    Thank you for listening!
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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