WHITEHOUSE, Ohio — When thinking of Catholic nuns, many may have the traditional image of a little old woman in a habit at either a church or school.
But the nuns of the Sisters of Notre Dame are shaking up that image with their podcast. You can see these religious figures in everyday wear, talking about various subjects from financial literacy to conversations during polarizing times.
It's called "Sister C.H.A.T." and for the last two years, these casual monthly talks have been posted to the Sisters of Notre Dame's YouTube page.
Sisters of Notre Dame Director of Mission Advancement Kerri Rose-Rochelle is the mastermind behind the lens and said she couldn't be prouder to show the world nuns in a different light. This is also while giving everyone a chance to learn from them.
"Sisters usually have such a great perspective and they can guide us on how to look at things from such a spiritual perspective, from a positive perspective," Rose-Rochelle said.
Sister Mary Delores Gatliff remembers being on one of the first tapings of "Sister C.H.A.T." and how happy she was — and still is — to be a part of it.
"It's a way to bring some of these wonderful people that we've met in these other areas together to talk about: how can we connect women?" Gatliff said.
In the most recent recording of "Sister C.H.A.T." the topic is "Positive Conversations During Polarizing Times" the guest speakers are WTOL 11's TaTiana Cash and Crystal Taylor.
Taylor is the owner of Crystal Clear Communications and said these talks are great to be a part of, because the Sisters of Notre Dame do great at sharing messages for all.
"At my base I'm an educator," Taylor said. "I like to work with adult populations and when you're an adult educator, you agree to teach when people agree to learn."
The nuns can understand why some find it surprising for nuns to have a podcast. But, everyone has to grow and interact with one another and Gatliff said that nuns are no exception.
"We can experience the world as they do and bring God, and experience God in their lives," Gatliff said. "So, it's mutual."
"Sister C.H.A.T." podcasts can be found at this link.