The Strong Women Podcast

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, demonstrat...

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...

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:  ...

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 Curriculu...

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 influ...

The words we s ing 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 Car...

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 McDowe...

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 Go...

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   Mer...

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   Break...

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 Stud...

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...

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...

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...

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 he...

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     Applicat...

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 relation...

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 tha...

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....

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 he...

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...

M any 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 tal...

Merry Christmas! Today, I'm re-airing a favorite episode featuring my friend Haley Stewart. Christmastide is a season of festivity—carols, parties, decorations, and food. But do we understand the real meaning of festivity and its divine origins? In this conversation, Haley offers us a Christian understanding of festivity that begins and ends with who God is and what He's done. Show Notes: Mouse Nu...

It's time for Ebenezer Scrooge to "face the facts" about his spiritual state and meet the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come . M y colleague M ered ith joins me to explore th is sobering yet necessary part of Scrooge's journey and the transformative power of mercy triumphing over judgment. Even if you're familiar with A Christmas Carol , you'll find some fresh truths about Scrooge's redemption ( and o...

Abundance, festivity, community, and feasting are hallmarks of the Christmas season! They're also central themes in Ebenezer Scrooge's journey with the Ghost of Christmas Present. Heidi White joins us this week for a rich discussion on the second spirit in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol . Listen and learn how fasting, feasting, service, and celebration shape the Christmas season and our Christ...