We’re taking a small break this summer to gear up for season six of the Strong Women podcast. During this break, we’ll be re-airing episodes we think you’ll enjoy! What is motherhood all about? Elizabeth Schlueter helps us perceive the beautiful truth about motherhood amid cultural extremes. She joins us this week to challenge common myths about motherhood and cast a Christian vision for the beauty of self-giving love and sacrifice. Whether you're married or single, raising children or not, you’...
Jul 23, 2025•41 min
We’re taking a small break this summer to gear up for season six of the Strong Women podcast. During this break, we’ll be re-airing episodes we think you’ll enjoy! Many of us struggle with body image. Our bodies matter and we are called to care for them—but how do we do that without obsessing? Today, I chat about this with Lainey Greer, who uses her background of exercise science and systematic theology to equip believers with a Christian view of the body. We talk about the big picture of stewar...
Jul 16, 2025•34 min
We’re taking a small break this summer to gear up for season six of the Strong Women podcast. During this break, we’ll be re-airing episodes we think you’ll enjoy! Our world is so confused about what it means to be male or female. Some speak as if men and women are interchangeable, and others as if we’re totally different species. But God’s creation of men and women is bigger and better than these false extremes. This week, Dr. Abigail Favale joins me to talk about biblical sexuality, the goodne...
Jul 09, 2025•45 min
We are taking a small break this July to gear up for season six of the Strong Women podcast. But during this break, we decided to re-air some episodes that we thought you would enjoy. Our guest today is Rachelle Starr, founder of Scarlet Hope. At 21, Rachelle felt God calling her to minister to women trapped working in strip clubs in her city of Louisville, KY. Today, she shares some of the stories she’s witnessed over 16 years of building relationships through good food and introducing these wo...
Jul 02, 2025•43 min
Do you have a stack of books in your house making you feel guilty? Maybe you don’t remember the last time you read a good book, or maybe you’re itching to find your next good read. Well, today’s episode with Maggie is all about reading. We chat about what we’re reading, how to develop our “reading muscles,” why reading is good for our souls, and more. Also, tune in to hear what’s planned for Strong Women this summer! Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton The Chance by Karen Kingsbury Uncle Tom's Cabin by...
Jun 25, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 47
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is really the parable of two brothers: one who’s ruled by unchecked desire, and the other who’s ruled by legalism and pride. I think a lot of us can resonate with both brothers. We feel torn between what we want to do and what we ought to do. But God designed these two things to be united within us! Using this parable as a framework, my friend Heidi White joins me again to talk about how we can not only do what’s right but also desire what’s right ... and find tru...
Jun 18, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 46
If the Church is a “hospital for the sick,” then we should expect it to be full of people who are sinful, broken (just like we are), and different from us. This week, Katie McCoy and I talk about what our relationship with the Church has looked like throughout our lives, and why the Church is worth committing to, even in the face of church hurt. We discuss the trends we’re seeing in church traditions and demographics. We end the episode answering listener questions about when to leave a church, ...
Jun 11, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 45
If everything belongs to God, how do we manage the things He’s given us in a way that honors Him and blesses others? How can we find out where He’s calling us invest our time, talents, and energy? Today’s guest, Dana Wichterman, joins me to answer these questions and encourage us to invest everything we have in the Kingdom of God. Impact Foundation Crown Stewards Not Owners: The Joy of Aligning Your Money with Your Faith by Dana Wichterman and Bill Wichterman In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us t...
Jun 04, 2025•28 min•Season 5Ep. 44
When Danielle Grandholm’s daughter was diagnosed with Down syndrome, she and her husband found themselves without adequate support. This experience led them to start Rising Kites, a nonprofit dedicated to helping parents of children with Down syndrome. What began as an unexpected journey became a source of blessing as Danielle witnessed God’s providence and grace throughout the process, demonstrating how God can transform challenges into opportunities to serve others and experience His care. Ris...
May 28, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 43
We will all face hard things. Will we be the sort of people who resist the challenges and become resentful and bitter? Or will we see suffering as an opportunity to be open to the Lord and trust him? Today, my friend Maggie and I both share how Christ is meeting us in the suffering of a broken engagement and a loved one’s Alzheimer's diagnosis. We also dive into the habits of faith that prepare us to suffer well and how God redeems our suffering to help us know Christ more intimately. The Secret...
May 21, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 42
Kori Pennypacker is the founder and CEO of Bible2School. Today she joins me to share her journey from navy wife to ministry leader, demonstrating how women can lead with biblical conviction while keeping Jesus at the center. I know you’ll be encouraged by her testimonies of children encountering Jesus and how the program is creating ripples of faith in schools across the country. Show Notes: Bible2School colsoncenter.org/SWMonthly Little Book of Forgiveness: A Pathway to Freedom by Kenward Jones...
May 14, 2025•36 min•Season 5Ep. 41
In a culture that increasingly devalues children and mothering, Rachael Carman challenges us to rediscover the profound beauty and value of motherhood, including the moments that feel tiring or even mundane. The vulnerability, sacrifice, and invisible acts of motherhood aren’t just duties to endure but sacred opportunities to meet Jesus and become more like Him. Show Notes: Apologia Curriculum The Kristin Lavransdatter Trilogy by Sigrid Undset Hey, listeners! You’ve probably heard me talk about ...
May 07, 2025•47 min•Season 5Ep. 40
As moms or teachers or mentors, how do we help the young people in our lives grow deep roots of faith before they launch into the world? Today’s guest has some practical answers. As Educators Specialist here at the Colson Center, Billy Hutchinson is all about helping Christian educators form their students in the Christian worldview. But this episode isn’t just for educators! If you play any influential role in the life of a young person, you’ll find encouragement and help in this conversation. ...
Apr 30, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 39
The words we sing matter. They ‘catechize’ us, training us to see the world in a certain way and set our affections on something. Today I’m talking with Caroline Cobb, whose Scripture-saturated songs combine Truth and melody. Tune in for a conversation about the formational power of music and being intentional about the narratives we allow to shape our lives. Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer by Caroline Cobb Advent for Exiles by Caroline Cobb Song: A Breath of a Prayer by Michael Card The Four Loves...
Apr 23, 2025•47 min•Season 5Ep. 38
Christianity isn’t based on blind faith, but on the reality that Jesus lived, died, and rose again. Today I’m joined by apologist Sean McDowell to talk about all the evidence we have for the resurrection of Jesus, and how we can wisely engage with seekers and skeptics about the hope we have in Christ. Show Notes: Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships in a Confused Culture by Sean McDowell Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God's Design for Marriage by Sean McDowell Evidence for the...
Apr 16, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 37
You don’t have to choose between studying theology and being passionate about Jesus. In fact, our study of God should lead to love for God. Today I’m joined by theologian, Bible teacher, and author Phylicia Masonheimer, who shows us the beauty of studying theology for the love of Christ. No matter your circumstances, education, or age, you have an invitation to grow in the love and knowledge of God every day. Every Woman a Theologian Podcast: Verity with Phylician Masonheimer When Life and Belie...
Apr 09, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 36
Take a peek at the Colson Fellows Program through three women who are in the middle of it! Brooke Colón, the Colson Fellows Director, gives us a glimpse at the Program and how it can transform your faith. Then, Martha and Grace, two current Colson Fellows-in-Training, share how the Program has challenged their thinking and strengthened their faith. How Now Shall We Live? by Chuck Colson Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Knowing God by J.I. Packer 2025 Colson Center National Conference Lent is a ti...
Apr 02, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 35
Step into the enchanted world of the 12th-century nun Hildegard von Bingen. This multi-talented woman was a musician, playwright, abbess, and visionary (tune in to find out what that means!). Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson returns to explore how Hildegard’s life and work can shape our spiritual imagination and invite us to know God and participate in His world more fully. The Identity Project Breakpoint The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis Heavenly Participation...
Mar 26, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Lent is a time for reflection and reorientation toward Jesus. Good music can help us with both of these things. Today I get to talk with singer-songwriter Sandra McCracken about the practice of Lent and how hymns can help us face our humanity and bring it all to Jesus. The Maker of the Mountain: A Story About What God is Like by Sandra McCracken and Tim Nicholson Summit Ministries' 12-day Student Conferences are for young adults who refuse to settle. It’s for those ready to take risks, ask big q...
Mar 19, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 33
Join me for a very musical episode with priest, musician, and songwriter Josh Bales! Josh and I explore how Lent helps us reckon with our brokenness. Tune in for a deep conversation on the beauty of liturgy and the deep hymns that can shape our worship during this season. Plus, Josh brings his guitar and breaks into song throughout the conversation! Josh Bales: The story behind the album art for “Come Away From Rush and Hurry” As of this month, the Identity Project is available for free! That’s ...
Mar 12, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 32
The season of Lent begins today, and you may be wondering, “What is Lent and why does it matter?” I’m answering your questions about Lent this week with my colleague Maggie, including: What’s the purpose of fasting and how can I practice it? How can I observe Lent non-legalistically? What’s the significance of Ash Wednesday? ... and more! Whether you’ve observed Lent before or not, I think you’ll find this discussion insightful! The Songs of Lent Knowing God by J. I. Packer Strong Women Podcast ...
Mar 05, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 31
Have you ever heard of a “sandwich season”? That's what Kimberly Hudson calls the season of caring for adult children and aging parents at the same time. Through unpredictable days and changing family dynamics, the Lord has taught Kimberly the beauty of trusting Him with her family. Her gentle wisdom reminds us to be grateful for what’s right in front of us and lean on God as family relationships evolve. Work is one of the biggest ways we reflect and worship God. Many people have forgotten the v...
Feb 26, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 30
Quina Aragon is a spoken word poet who knows what it means to wrestle honestly with God and “pour out her troubles before him.” Through her journey with chronic illness, she has embraced the practice of lament in her prayers and poems. Along the way, she has learned that God brings beauty from the ashes of our pain, suffering, and questions. Tune in to hear her story and hear her perform one of her poems! Love Has a Story: 100 Meditations on the Enduring Love of God by Quina Aragon Prophetic Lam...
Feb 19, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 29
I’m answering your questions this week in a special Q&A episode! My friend and colleague Maggie is back to host with me. We talk about things like developing a consistent prayer habit, parenting teens, caring for aging parents, church traditions, and more. The Book of Common Prayer Colson Center National Conference: https://colsoncenter.org/ Dancing with Max by Emily Colson Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Colson Fellows Program! Participants take a nine-month deep dive into Chris...
Feb 12, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 28
Jessika Sanders returns to share her journey from radical independence and people-pleasing to experiencing God’s grace at her lowest point. Her path led her from New York to Turkey, where a turbulent cross-cultural marriage brought her to rock bottom, and to an unexpected encounter with God. Her story highlights the profound difference between religious legalism and a living, grace-based relationship with God. Praying Through Ministries In His Hands: Prayers for Your Child or Baby in a Medical C...
Feb 05, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 27
Being a stay-at-home mom is not a demotion—it’s a career shift. Sherri Seligson knows what it’s like to trade a dream job for the privilege of staying home to raise her kids full-time. Her story reminds us that it’s the small habits and “little obediences” of everyday life that shape us into who we will become one day. Whether you’re a mom or not, I think this conversation will encourage you that your unseen acts of faithfulness are eternally significant. Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Mont...
Jan 29, 2025•45 min•Season 5Ep. 26
Are we quick to view children as a blessing, or an inconvenience? Today I get to talk with lawyer Erin Hawley, who was part of the legal team that helped bring an end to Roe v. Wade. She shares her perspective as a Christian, mom, and lawyer, reminding us that even in our radically pro-abortion culture, the Church can be a world-changing force for life like it was in the days of the early Church. Alliance Defending Freedom Parenting Teens with Love and Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsibl...
Jan 22, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 25
How do we walk with loved ones through suffering when we’re suffering too? Today I get to talk about this topic with Whitney Pipkin, who experienced the profound comfort of Christ in the midst of her mom’s 20-year cancer battle. In the discomfort of death and in the face of her complete inability, Whitney encountered Jesus, the man of sorrows. Whitney’s testimony is one every Christian needs to hear. A Praying Life by Paul Miller One With My Lord by Sam Allberry Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peter...
Jan 15, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 24
When Laura Powell wasn’t even looking for God, He captivated her with the truth of His Word. Now, she’s passionate about sharing that truth, including the abundant evidence for God and Christianity. Today we talk about evangelism and cultivating an informed faith that knows what you believe and why you believe it. Women in Apologetics Laura’s Website Athletes in Action Knight and Rose Show Stand to Reason The Comprehensive Guide to Science and Faith by Joseph M. Holden, Casey Luskin, and William...
Jan 08, 2025•49 min•Season 5Ep. 21
Many of us struggle with body image. Our bodies matter and we are called to care for them—but how do we do that without obsessing? What does it look like to steward our bodies? This week, I’m re-airing an interview about these questions with Lainey Greer. Lainey uses her unique background of exercise science and systematic theology to equip Christians with a biblical view of the body. We talk about the big picture of stewarding our health and what that looks like practically. Show Notes: Lainey’...
Jan 01, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 22
