How's Your Prayer Life? Podcast

Allison Gingras welcomes guest Scott Weeman to discuss how prayer can become a daily practice of surrender, gratitude, and trust. Scott shares how his recovery journey has shaped his prayer life and offers honest insight into bringing God our struggles, distractions, and need for guidance.

In this episode:

• Why prayer is about changing our hearts rather than changing God’s mind.
• How surrender, gratitude, and praise can bring peace during difficult seasons.
• The connection between prayer, recovery, and accepting God’s will.
• How posture, honesty, and vulnerability can deepen our prayer lives.
• Simple ways families can pray together through gratitude, the Rosary, Mass, and open conversations.

Scott Weeman is the founder and executive director of Catholic in Recovery, a community of individuals and families seeking freedom from various addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. He is the author of The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments, The Catholic in Recovery Workbook, and The Recovery Rosary. In addition to his work with Catholic in Recovery, Scott serves as a marriage and family therapist at a Catholic health clinic in Nashville, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife and three children.

In this episode of How’s Your Prayer Life?, host Allison Gingras sits down with guest Sonia Martinez-Trujillo for an honest conversation about prayer, family life, and the small routines that keep faith grounded in everyday life. Sonia shares how homeschooling, motherhood, and her Mexican Catholic upbringing have shaped her prayer life, and how simple practices like grace before meals, nightly family prayer, and spiritual reading help her stay connected to God.

In this episode:

• Sonia describes her prayer life as a “delicate work in progress” shaped by routine, consistency, and the challenges of daily life.
• An Ideal Morning: waking early, spending an hour in prayer, reading scripture, journaling, exercising, and preparing breakfast for her children.
• The importance of family prayer, including praying before meals and praying together at night.
• Sonia explains how homeschooling helps her build prayer into the day and support her children’s faith formation.
• They discuss grace before meals as a simple yet meaningful way to keep prayer present in everyday life, even at fast-food restaurants!
• Sonia reflects on how her family uses the Divine Praises as a prayer when the day feels off schedule, including a heartfelt story about hearing them at World Youth Day and how that experience inspired her family’s devotion.
• Sonia recalls childhood memories of prayer in Mexico, including prayer groups, Bible reading, and May rosaries prayed in neighbors’ homes.
• She explains the traditions her family continues to observe now, including Day of the Dead altars, posadas, and the celebration of the Three Wise Men.
• Sonia closes by saying prayer matters because God reveals Himself through it, gives wisdom, and brings true peace through Christ.

Sonia Martinez-Trujillo is a cradle Catholic with a prayer life that is a delicate work in progress. Her husband Chris is a Catholic convert, and this summer they celebrate their 15th anniversary. She is a homeschooling mom, a business owner, and is learning to keep God at the center of her life.

Jessica Benfield joins host Allison Gingras for an honest conversation about what happens when prayer has to adapt to real life. From new puppies and disrupted routines to journaling, the rosary, and a growing devotion to Mary, this episode is about building a prayer life that holds up inside ordinary days. They discuss why prayer can feel inconsistent without being broken, how small pivots can restore a routine, and why family prayer matters even when it is imperfect.

In this episode

• Jessica shares how two new puppies upended her morning routine and changed when and how she prays.
• She explains how praying the Rosary outdoors became a joyful new habit.
• How does prayer naturally ebb and flow with family life and daily demands?
• Jessica discusses her growing devotion to Mary and how a 54-day rosary novena changed her view of the Rosary.
• She reflects on prayer as a source of peace, calm, and recentering in everyday life.

Allison Gingras welcomes guest Allison Auth for a beautiful conversation about prayer, identity, and learning to hear God’s voice in everyday life. Auth shares how prayer has shaped her understanding of her name, her vocation as a wife and mother, and her desire to live truthfully before God and others.

• How Scripture and the Eucharist form the foundation of her daily prayer
• The role of weekly holy hours and adoration in her spiritual life
• Finding peace in prayer amid homeschooling, motherhood, and anxiety
• Learning to invite Jesus, Mary, and the Holy Spirit into ordinary moments
• How quiet prayer and interior silence help her hear God more clearly
• Passing faith to children through example, sincerity, and daily prayer
• Why prayer is ultimately about relationship with the God who created us

Allison Auth lives in Denver with her husband and five children. She is the author of Baby and Beyond: Overcoming Those Post-Childbirth Woes and the upcoming book, Ineffable: Learning To Love the God Beyond Words, both from Sophia Institute Press. She writes on motherhood, prayer, and spirituality for Catholicmom.com and Denver Catholic, as well as at her Substack: allisonauth.substack.com.

Allison Gingras is joined by guest Kylie Hein for an honest conversation about prayer, discernment, and learning to recognize God’s voice in everyday life. Together, they reflect on the beauty and challenge of prayer, the role of silence and spiritual reading, and how prayer can shape us even when it doesn’t come with strong feelings or immediate clarity.

In this episode, Allison and Kylie discuss:

• How prayer can feel beautiful, difficult, frustrating, and deeply human
• Ways to recognize God’s presence through peace, subtle promptings, and discernment
• The difference between urgent impulses and gentle guidance from the Lord
• Building a sustainable prayer life through early-morning prayer and intentional time with God
• What mental prayer is and how scripture, saints, and simple conversation can deepen it

Kylie Hein is a Catholic wife, mother, mindset coach, spiritual director, and host of the Persistence in Prayer podcast. A small-town Nebraskan and recovering striver with a serious book addiction, Kylie is passionate about walking with women who struggle with overthinking, pressure, and tying their worth to praise, perfection, and productivity. Her mission is to help women rest in their identity as beloved daughters of God and live with greater peace and freedom.

In this episode, Allison Gingras sits down with Krystal Quagliera to discuss the real-life realities of prayer amidst busy schedules, the importance of routine versus genuine connection, and how to embrace everyday moments for prayer. Whether you're a seasoned prayer warrior or just starting out, these insights will inspire you to find the sacred in your daily life.

In this Episode:

• The distinction between routine prayer and meaningful connection with God
• Practical advice for fitting prayer into a busy, distracted life
• The power of leaving the house for prayer and creating a dedicated space
• Embracing the messiness of everyday life as part of authentic devotion
• How devotion to Mary can be woven into the daily experience of motherhood and life — including the importance of stillness and quiet
• The importance of friendship with God as the highest relationship

Krystal Quagliara is a Millennial Catholic wife and mom, trying to be like Mary, but mostly just losing shoes. She’s the host of the “Messy But Marian” Podcast, where she has real, raw, and honest conversations with other Catholic moms about their spiritual lives and the everyday pursuit of virtue in motherhood. Krystal’s full-time work is in ministry at her home parish, where she was born and raised as a cradle-Catholic. The podcast and the Messy But Marian movement are her own personal ministry and creative outlet. Before becoming a mom in 2023, Krystal spent time as a professional touring performer. She traded sequins for Cheerios and loves her vocation as a mother, but still hits the stage with her husband, Marc, from time to time in their acoustic duo “Almond Grove.”

Discover how Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann, of Salt+Light (SL Hour) navigates the complexities of prayer amidst a busy life and learn practical tips to enrich your own prayer journey. This episode explores diverse prayer methods, the importance of community in prayer, and how to surrender to God's will more fully.

In this episode:

• Value of the Liturgy of the Hours
• Personal struggles with repetitive prayers like the Rosary and alternative approaches to add the Rosary to your repertoire
• Practical advice for busy people: short, scheduled, and spontaneous prayer routines
• How to incorporate prayer into daily decisions
• The importance of surrendering to God's will completely, inspired by Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane
• Creative prayer practices like Visio Divina, prayer walks, and intercession rosaries
• Jesus' example: praying "not my will but yours" in the Garden of Gethsemane

Originally from Panama, Deacon Pedro is the Director of Programming and Production for Salt + Light Media in Canada. As a producer, he has produced, directed, and hosted dozens of TV programs and documentaries. He is the producer and host of the Salt + Light Hour Catholic Podcast, which airs weekly on the Catholic Channel. He was the Artistic Director of World Youth Day 2002 and the Artistic Director for the Knights of Columbus-hosted Mercy Centre during World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland. Deacon Pedro also worked with the World Youth Day 2019 Organizing Committee in Panama, helping set up their Youth Festival and Artistic Department, and in 2022, he worked as Senior Lead, Programs for the Papal Visit to Canada, responsible for nine events with the Holy Father during his penitential pilgrimage. Deacon Pedro was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Toronto in 2012.

In this episode, host Allison Gingras sits down with guest Danielle Schmitz to talk about the messy, beautiful reality of prayer and how to invite God into every moment of daily life. Danielle shares practical spiritual rhythms, honest struggles, and the grace that comes from showing up in prayer even when life feels chaotic.

In this Episode

• Embracing the beauty of a messy prayer life and letting go of perfection
• Daily devotions that help anchor prayer, including the Eucharist, Rosary, and chaplets
• Inviting Jesus into ordinary moments, distractions, and struggles throughout the day
• Trusting God’s presence even in frustration, doubt, and spiritual dryness
• The role of Our Lady in deepening trust, fidelity, and a more faithful prayer life

Danielle Schmitz is a Catholic missionary seeking to bring revival to the Church in America. Originally from Santa Clara, CA, Danielle attended the Catholic University of America in DC for undergrad, studying Theology and Philosophy. She has served in various Catholic apostolates in the US and Europe, giving talks and leading praise & worship for all ages around the world. In 2024, Danielle served as a Perpetual Pilgrim on the Marian Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, and to this day, she considers it the most important ministry she has ever been a part of. Danielle now lives and serves the Church in Easton, Massachusetts, as a missionary in the Echo Program run by the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. In her free time, Danielle can be found writing, creating art, playing music, and being outdoors.

How Prayer Shapes Daily Life: An Honest Conversation with Nicole Benjamin

In this episode, Nicole Benjamin shares her authentic, messy, but consistent prayer life amid the chaos of motherhood and daily responsibilities. Discover practical ways to weave prayer into everyday moments and find inspiration in embracing an honest, imperfect dialogue with God.

• The reality of a busy mom’s prayer life—"messy but consistent"
• Practical routines: morning gratitude, journaling, and prayer on the go
• Embracing the mass as a powerful form of prayer
• Integrating prayer into daily activities like makeup, dishes, and commuting
• The significance of the rosary and spiritual consecrations
• Teaching children about prayer through simple, meaningful practices
• Recognizing spiritual moments and divine communication in everyday life

Nicole Benjamin. A lifelong Catholic. I've navigated through some painful experiences, carried through by faith and prayer. Currently, God has me wearing many hats. My most important role is a mother to my 2 amazing blessings, my daughter Grace, who is 10 years old, and my son Noah, who's 4.5 years old.

• Bernadette shares how she prays for specific intentions and the "Impossible Novena"—praying for seemingly impossible requests.
• How gratitude journaling fosters deeper appreciation and hope
• Her journey from childhood Catholic schooling to a vibrant relationship with Jesus
• The importance of spiritual reading, Bible study, and accountability groups
• Practical advice for sharing faith naturally and confidently

How to cultivate a personal prayer life with the Rosary.

Maria Gallagher shares her journey with prayer and the role the Rosary played.

In This Episode:

• Evolving prayer life and strengthening over time
• Tips for praying amidst busy schedules
• Significance of the Rosary in meditation and intercession
• Building trust in God through prayer
• Marriage analogy for understanding trust in prayer
• Importance of surrender and avoiding perfectionism
• Reflections on Mary's role as a model and intercessor
• Overcoming obstacles to daily rosary prayer

Maria Gallagher serves as Legislative Director for the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, the state affiliate of National Right to Life. Prior to her work with the Federation, Maria worked as a legislative associate with Ohio Right to Life. Before joining the pro-life cause, Maria worked as a reporter and news producer. Maria earned her Bachelor’s degree in journalism at Ohio State University and her Master’s degree in journalism at Northwestern University. Maria is a published author and a regular contributor to National Right to Life News Today.

Discover practical tips and heartfelt reflections on prayer from Stephen Driscoll, as he shares his journey from erratic prayer habits to a deeply rooted relationship with God through the Rosary, journaling, Eucharistic Adoration, and more. Whether you're new to prayer or looking to enrich your spiritual routine, this episode offers encouragement and real-world advice.

In this episode:

• The importance of consistent prayer—especially when it feels like nothing is happening
• Rosary — in daily prayer life and misconceptions about it
• Creative ways to incorporate prayer into everyday activities, like exercise or doing daily chores
• The power of prayer habits, like habit bundling
• Adoration and building a relationship with Jesus

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Stephen Driscoll is a graduate of Stonehill College and works for Holy Cross Family Ministries as the Family Rosary Mission Assistant. He studied History and Theology at Stonehill and still enjoys learning as much as possible about both subjects. Stephen is an ardent Bruins fan and a lover of all things New England.