--- title: "Chuckles and Chuckleheads with Kelsey Gillespy #247" description: CatholicMom.com's Maria Morera Johnson and contributor Karen Estep have a fun and moving conversation with author of  In the Trenches, Kelsey Gillespy. image: https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Catholic%20Momcast%20F%20Nov%202021.jpg --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/catholic-momcast/in-the-trenches-with-kelsey-gillespy-247#) [CATHOLIC MOMCAST](https://www.catholicmom.com/catholic-momcast/tag/catholic-momcast) # Chuckles and Chuckleheads with Kelsey Gillespy #247 Aug 2, 2023 6:00:00 PM  |  by [Lisa M. Hendey](https://www.catholicmom.com/catholic-momcast/author/lisa-m-hendey) ![featured image](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Catholic%20Momcast%20F%20Nov%202021.jpg) *CatholicMom.com's Maria Morera Johnson and contributor Karen Estep have a fun and moving conversation with author of  *In the Trenches*, Kelsey Gillespy.* --- To listen to this week's podcast, simply hit "play" above, or subscribe in [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-momcast/id1362352357?mt=2), [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9jYXRob2xpY21vbWNhc3QubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M), or [Spotify.](https://open.spotify.com/show/15CoipHL7z61IDcYErV0b8) Catholicmom.com contributor Karen Estep is a wife and mom of two. She was confirmed, along with her husband, at the Easter Vigil in 2022, at 36 years young. Karen teaches Middle School English Language Development. Coming into the Catholic Church has solidified Karen's Christian faith and has helped her find her true calling from God. She hopes to help readers find their calling as well!  When Kelsey Gillespy became a mom, she was an ESPN Academic All-American and an award-winning writer. But after having her first child, she discovered that motherhood was the hardest thing she had ever done. Now—nine years and five babies later—she has found that being a mom can be beautiful and fulfilling, albeit a little (okay, very) messy and chaotic. At any given moment, Kelsey can be found homeschooling her herd of children, exercising, or laughing out loud. Her book,* [In the Trenches: Finding God Through Raising Littles](https://paulinestore.com/in-the-trenches-qs1009799-202117.html)* is published by [Pauline Books and Media.](https://pauline.org/) #### Links in Shownotes:  - [In the Trenches: Finding God Through Raising Littles by Kelsey Gillespy](https://www.amazon.com/Trenches-Finding-through-Parenting-Littles/dp/0819837520/) - Facebook: Kelsey Gillespy Instagram: @kelseygillespy - [Rosary for Moms Raising Littles by Kelsey Gillespy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgcJHSCg5e0) - [Karen Estep articles at Catholicmom.com](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/karen-estep) - Instagram: @commissioned_karen - Instagram Podcast: @stand_kneel_now_what - Facebook Podcast: Stand, Kneel, Now What? Podcast We love to hear from you with feedback, questions & ideas for future podcast topics. Email us at [editor@catholicmom.com](mailto:editor@catholicmom.com) or send us a voicemail or connect on social media. > [Maria Johnson and CatholicMom.com contributor Karen Estep welcome author Kelsey Gillespy, for an honest conversation about motherhood.  #CatholicMom](https://ctt.ac/3WfKf) ![Catholic Momcast 1](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Catholic%20Momcast%201.png?width=860&name=Catholic%20Momcast%201.png) --- Copyright 2023 Lisa M. 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