#019- Today, we’re diving into dopamine—the chemical that drives motivation and the pursuit of goals. A lot of people think dopamine is just about pleasure, but it’s really the force behind why we act, why we chase after things, and how we stay motivated. Whether you’re trying to build better habits, overcome burnout, or understand why some things seem more exciting than others, dopamine is at the core.” By understanding how dopamine works, we can learn how to use it to our advantage—he...

#018 - In this episode, I outline the "formula" that Catholic entrepreneurs can follow to achieve peak performance. This is the exact formula that I share in The Thriving Catholic Entrepreneur's Roadmap, as well as the methodology I apply in my group coaching program, The Catholic Path to Excellence. Get your Thriving Catholic Entrepreneur's Roadmap here: https://www.athrivingcatholic.com/roadmap This secret formula combines high-impact strategies, science-backed habits, and Cathol...

#017 - This is the third episode in a special series for Catholic Entrepreneurs. In this episode, I outline the exact step-by-step roadmap for how you can truly thrive in body, mind, and soul while building your capacity for excellence. You can get a nice, printable copy of the Thriving Catholic Entrepreneur's Roadmap here: https://www.athrivingcatholic.com/roadmap This episode promises to equip you with the tools to balance business success with personal health and spiritual growth, addr...

#016 - This is the second episode in a special series for Catholic Entrepreneurs. In this episode, I read "The Manifesto" for thriving Catholic entrepreneurs -- and why it matters so much. You can get a nice, printable copy of this manifesto as part of The Thriving Catholic Entrepreneur's Roadmap Get your Thriving Catholic Entrepreneur's Roadmap here: https://www.athrivingcatholic.com/roadmap Here is a snippet from The Thriving Catholic Entrepreneur's Manifesto: I am a thriving Catholic ...

#015 - This is the first in a series of episodes for Catholic Entrepreneurs! Why did you start your business? If you’re like most Catholic entrepreneurs that I know, you started your business because you wanted to use your gifts and talents to serve God and others. You wanted to do something meaningful that would impact the world, your family, and yourself in a profound way. It was about more than money – it was about mission. But chances are also good that, like m...

#014 - Can cutting back on sugar really prevent obesity and diabetes, and how does protein contribute to our overall well-being? Join me as I unravel the overwhelming tapestry of diet advice. Inspired by the Pareto principle and the book "The One Thing," learn how laser-focusing on 3 things can revolutionize your health, mood, and body composition. I debunk common myths about protein intake and shed light on its crucial role in our bodies. Tune in to simplify your approac...

#013 - Today, we explore the power of micro-actions with insights from Stephen Guise's "Elastic Habits." By breaking down your tasks into the smallest, most manageable steps, we reveal how even the most daunting projects become achievable. I share personal stories, and how tiny actions can catalyze significant progress and help you overcome procrastination that often holds us back. Don't miss out on the current summer sale of The Catholic Path to Excellence program until July 31st. Just ...

#012 - Ever felt like your busy weeks end with little to show for them? Discover how a simple, yet transformative, weekly ritual can revolutionize your productivity and focus. Join me as I share a powerful framework for a weekly review that takes just an hour every Friday. This episode reveals how this practice can help you stay aligned with your goals, celebrate your wins—no matter how small—and identify areas for improvement, ensuring continuous personal growth and fulfillment. Tune...

#011 - What does it truly mean to strive for excellence and be detached from outcomes? Lisa Canning, known as the "Possibility Mom," joins us to unpack these questions from a Catholic viewpoint. Lisa shares how it's possible to balance ambition with spiritual integrity. This conversation is rich with insights on pursuing excellence while staying grounded. We discuss how relying on Jesus has helped us navigate turbulent waters and how such trials can deepen our relationship with the Lord. ...

#010 - Feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated or like you just "don't wanna" do anything? Let me share a time when I felt the same way and how I overcame it. We’ll explore the concept of buffering behaviors and how recognizing and managing these behaviors can be a game-changer in reducing our stress levels. Ever felt guilty for not wanting to do what’s expected of you, especially in the context of your faith? We’ll tackle that head-on by reflecting on Jesus' struggle in the Garden of Get...

#009 - Discover how to play all out for the Lord with special guest, Sterling Jaquith. In our conversation, she shares her unique experiences balancing motherhood with her entrepreneurial ambitions, and how converting to Catholicism transformed her life and business approach. Sterling offers invaluable insights on how women can honor their God-given talents while being present for their families. We delve into the importance of hearing God's voice in business and our professional endeavo...

#008 - Ever wondered how you can navigate life’s challenges with unwavering confidence? This episode is your guide to understanding and embracing God's will in your daily life. We'll unpack the power of living with conviction and how aligning with God's plan can diminish fear and uncertainty. Drawing inspiration from the lives of Jesus and Mary, we see that even when faced with hardships, fulfilling God's will fortifies you with the strength to persevere. I share practical wisdom from sa...

#007 - We're all striving to be more productive, to get more done in less time. But what if I told you that most productivity strategies are setting you up for failure? In this episode we’ll talk about why most productivity strategies fail—and what to do instead. From setting up tickler files in David Allen’s GTD system to trying what feels like a million different task management software and planners, I’ve done my fair share of experimenting with productivity strategies. ...

#006 - Have you ever seen a wildly successful entrepreneur who also has a thriving family life and wondered, "How do they do that!?" Well, in today's episode, you're going to find out! I asked 13 entrepreneurs who make 6-figures or more in their businesses how they prioritize their families. Here's a list of every entrepreneur who was featured in this episode and where you can find out more about their work: Anna Lalonde from catholicbusinessowner.com and drawntoth...

#005 - Want to know the #1 productivity secret of Billionaires that you can do in less than 1 hour per week, for FREE? It can boost your energy, strength, focus, productivity, AND resilience! This week, we explore the various ways through which exercise enhances all areas of your life, highlighting the benefits of High-Intensity Resistance Training (HIRT). I mention a tool that I have found helpful, the Seconds app, to elevate your workout experience, and I provide practical tips for...

#004 - What does it mean to be excellent as a Christian? How do successful people live with excellence? What are the benefits of virtue and how can we grow in it? These are the questions that we’ll be exploring on this episode of The Catholic Pursuit of Excellence Podcast with my special guest, Catholic Prayer Coach Rose Folsom. We explore: The Christian meaning of the word "excellence" and the surprising use of that word in scripture.How we can know exactly what human exce...

#003 - How do you balance your work, family, health, and personal obligations without feeling like you’re coming up short in everything? How can you strike the right balance between all of the things that you’re responsible for every day and not feel constantly guilty or like you’re letting something else important slip? You might be wondering if this is even possible. In this episode of the podcast, I want to assure you that not only is it possible to keep all the aspects o...

#002 - We’re tackling the all-too-common issue of time scarcity. If you’re a motivated and driven person, then chances are good that your to-do list is often more than a little ambitious. If you’ve ever thrown up your hands in frustration and said, “There’s so much to do and so little time!” Then you, my friend, are not alone. This is by far one of the most common challenges that I help my coaching clients with. And while it’s true that none of us can create more time (that’...

#001 - Welcome to The Catholic Pursuit of Excellence Podcast, where we explore practical strategies for living a life of purpose, accomplishment, and sanctity. This inaugural episode sets the stage for what you can expect from the show, inviting you on a journey of personal growth and faith. Sharing my own experiences as a life and health coach, a military graduate, a convert to Catholicism, and a dedicated wife and mother, I explore the concept of excellence from a Catholic perspective a...

Are the demands of your busy Catholic life leaving you in search of balance and peace? Say goodbye to the overwhelming sensation of trying to juggle it all! I'm Jessica Castillo, your Catholic life and health coach, here to share the latest strategies to help you manage family, health, and professional aspirations without sacrificing your spiritual growth. We’re not just chasing success - we’re on a quest for holiness that shines brighter than the stars. Join me as we explore actionab...