At Last She Said It

There are as many beliefs, experiences, and ideas as there are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this episode we meet Heather, a woman who brings her unique brand of enthusiasm, spiritual confidence, and professional expertise to people around the world, doing work that transforms lives as a highly specialized humanitarian aid volunteer.

How does fear function in our church teachings, culture, conversations, and relationships? If fear doesn't work to change hearts, why do we continue to try it as a motivator? Can it fuel personal growth? A favorite talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf provides the starting point for a discussion of what we might gain individually and collectively by leading with love rather than fear.

Our spiritual ideas, practices, and answers might serve us well for many years—even for a lifetime. We don't need more until we realize we don't have enough. Cynthia and Susan discuss asking new questions, changing old patterns, and finding space to connect with God in unfamiliar ways.

What exactly does it mean to be saved by grace "after all we can do?" Untangling our own merit from God's love can be confusing. Cynthia and Susan discuss ways their understanding of this principle continues to evolve and influence their spiritual lives.

Sometimes in order to get what we need, we have to make choices that may be at odds with what others deem acceptable or appropriate. Cynthia and Susan discuss the scriptural story of a woman who took a big risk, and received exactly what she was seeking in return.

From dark cracks to deep chasms, the path of faith may contain unique obstacles for women with depression, anxiety, or other forms of mental illness. Susan shares her personal story with Cynthia in a conversation aimed at increasing understanding and awareness of these challenges.

Learning to embrace Plan B is the work of living. The story of a friend's unexpected journey with her husband's faith transition frames a discussion about the gifts and challenges of ceding control, and the love lessons learned by allowing ourselves and others to change and grow.

On a list of sensitive topics for Latter-day Saints, this one sits very near the top. Susan and Cynthia take a deep breath, and have an honest, heartfelt discussion about the complicated feelings some women may have about the temple.

Cynthia and Susan are joined by Jeralee Renshaw for a discussion of "the edge of inside," and how and why many Mormon women choose to be there.

When children leave the Church, there can be a lot of heartache and second-guessing for parents. Susan and Cynthia are joined by two friends who share personal stories of the love and growth they experienced when things didn't go the way they'd planned.

Being a Latter-day Saint woman comes with a lot of cultural expectations. Cynthia and Susan discuss being yourself, even if that doesn't look anything like someone else thinks it should.

Cynthia and Susan are joined by Jeralee Renshaw to revisit the life and wisdom of a beloved former leader whose teachings seem more relevant than ever before.

Will today's young Mormon women be willing to seek a spiritual home within the same patriarchal church structure their mothers and grandmothers have inhabited? Susan and Cynthia discuss how the bridges they've built don't seem to lead to a place younger women want to go.

Will today's young Mormon women be willing to seek a spiritual home within the same patriarchal church structure their mothers and grandmothers have inhabited? Susan and Cynthia discuss how the bridges they've built don't seem to lead to a place younger women want to go.

Cynthia and Susan are joined by guest Hannah Hinckley for a conversation about the ways in which men and women may approach or experience the Church differently. Hannah's personal experiences offer a vivid illustration of the ways these differences sometimes have a very real impact on the lives of women.

The multitude tried to silence the blind man's cries for mercy as they passed by in pursuit of Jesus. Their desire to follow Jesus got in the way of their ability to see the needs of the one. Cynthia and Susan discuss lessons they're learning about the importance of stopping, really seeing people, and asking what they need.

Cynthia and Susan are joined by guest Jeralee Henderson Renshaw to discuss the idea that God isn't impatient with us, we are impatient with ourselves. "Becoming" is a lifelong process—the fact that we're never quite finished is simply part of the plan.

What do you know? Like, really know-know? The answer may change daily, or even hourly, but it's a good question to ask yourself, and a good place to start a conversation with someone else. In this episode, Cynthia and Susan talk about the question itself, and share some of their own answers to it.

Hosts Cynthia Winward and Susan Hinckley introduce themselves, talk about why they feel a podcast aimed at amplifying women's voices is needed, discuss the ways in which Mormon women's lives are particularly complicated, and introduce topics for future episodes.