Armored With Grace
Season 1
Knight Wives: Amelia Stramski
Knight Wives: Beth Jeffcoat
by Jessica Lauren McLeod
In this episode of Armored with Grace, Jess sits down with Amelia Stramski—wife, mother, grandmother, and spouse of Oklahoma State Deputy Philip Stramski—to kick off the Knights Wives series. For Amelia, the Knights of Columbus have always been part of life. But what she’s come to see over time is that the Knights are about so much more than meetings or traditions—they are about forming men in faith, building brotherhood, and living out the call to be the hands and feet of Christ. Together, they discuss: What the Knights of Columbus really are (beyond the stereotypes) How brotherhood shapes men into stronger husbands and leaders The importance of reverence, especially rooted in the Eucharist Why every family has a role to play—even in small, simple ways How wives can support without feeling overwhelmed or left behind Amelia shares powerful insight into what it means to “share your husband with the Church,” and why that sacrifice often bears fruit not just for the parish—but for the marriage and family as well. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to do everything—just something. And that when men are spiritually formed, entire families are strengthened. If you’ve ever wondered what the Knights really do, or how your family fits into something bigger than yourselves… this episode is for you. Armored with Grace is a podcast for Catholic wives striving to love like Christ and live in the world, but not of it.
In this first conversation of the Knights’ Wives series, Jessica sits down with Beth, the wife of a Knights of Columbus state officer, to talk about marriage, faith, and the quiet role wives play in supporting the spiritual leadership of their husbands. Beth shares the story of meeting her husband Jim as teenagers through a Catholic youth ministry, marrying young, and building a life together that has now spanned more than four decades. Their journey has not been without challenges. At one point Jim went through a long period of questioning his faith, reading different versions of the Bible and wrestling with Catholic teachings, including devotion to Mary. Through patience, prayer, and time, Beth watched as his faith gradually deepened. When Jim eventually joined the Knights of Columbus, Beth began to see a profound transformation. Through fraternity with other Catholic men, prayer — especially the rosary — and serving alongside fellow Knights across Oklahoma, Jim’s devotion to the Church grew stronger than ever. Beth reflects on how the brotherhood of the Knights helped her husband grow in leadership, confidence, and faith, eventually leading him to serve in state leadership. She also speaks candidly about the sacrifices that come with supporting a husband deeply involved in ministry, and how wives form their own community of friendship and prayer within the Knights family. Together, Jessica and Beth discuss: The role of patience and prayer when a spouse struggles in faith How the Knights of Columbus helps form Catholic men spiritually The unique community that develops among Knights’ wives Why supporting your husband’s mission often requires sacrifice The enduring importance of the Eucharist in Catholic life This conversation beautifully illustrates how God works quietly through marriage, community, and perseverance — forming both husbands and wives along the way.
Knights Wives: Ladine Kunnanz In this episode of Armored with Grace, Jess sits down with Ladine Kunnanz—wife of a past Oklahoma State Deputy, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—to talk about what it really looks like to walk alongside your husband in a life of faith and service. Ladine shares her journey of reconnecting with the Knights of Columbus later in life, during a season marked by serious health challenges and uncertainty. What began as a simple invitation became a source of deep friendship, strength, and community—for both her and her husband. Together, they discuss: How God’s timing can lead you exactly where you need to be The role of community in seasons of suffering What it means to support your husband’s calling without losing yourself Why you don’t have to “do everything” to belong and be involved This conversation is a powerful reminder that you are not meant to do life alone—and that sometimes, the support you need is already waiting for you. If you’ve ever wondered whether getting involved is worth it, or how to balance faith, family, and time… this episode is for you. Armored with Grace is a podcast for Catholic wives striving to love like Christ and live in the world, but not of it.