A former nun on why she ran away from her 'Cloistered' life

NPR / WHYY· Jul 24, 2026· 45m 34s

Poverty, chastity, obedience, total devotion – and rebellion. Catherine Coldstream talks with Terry Gross about her years as a Carmelite nun and why she left the monastery. Her memoir is ‘Cloistered: My Years as a Nun.’ John Powers reviews the series ‘The Hawk,’ starring Will Ferrell. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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Welcome to the program. I'm your host.
Welcome to the program. I'm your host.
0:00
Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.
Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.
0:04
We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.
We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.
0:09
The summit focused on energy policy and migration.
The summit focused on energy policy and migration.
0:14
Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.
Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.
0:19
Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.
Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.
0:24