Shows / Unleashing Sister Saints
Unleashing Sister Saints
Unleashing Sister Saints was created to strengthen the testimonies of sisters in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while helping them wrestle through the cultural and gender dynamics that can limit or challenge women's influence and impact. Join host Dr. Susan R. Madsen, a global expert in women and leadership, mom of four, and a devoted member of the Church as she shares research, personal experiences, and weekly challenges to help women feel freed to bring their whole selves to…
Episodes
- Unleashing Sister Saints
105. Fascinating Research on Girls and School
For the last two episodes, I’ve been sharing the results of a large study on girls, and today I’m going to share the third set of findings (and I’ll finish up…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
104. Research on Teen Girls' Stress and Wellbeing
In the last episode, I talked about the results of a major study on girls in the United States, and I shared some results on girls’ confidence and social…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
103. Teen Girls' Confidence & Social Media (Research)
Although I love this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt - “No one can make me feel inferior without my consent" - I must say that teen girls are struggling right now…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
102. Shifting Expectations
For this last episode of 2024, I wanted to talk about how expectations for ourselves and others sometimes need to shift and that's okay. I share some personal…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
101. Taking Offense is the Easy Part
When we consider how we want to use our time in better ways in 2025, I've been thinking of the time we sometimes spend being offended, and why we take offense…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
100. Blessings & Responsibilities
For my 100th episode of this podcast, I decided to focus on a recent trip to Asia I took and the blessing that I was reminded of while at the same time, I…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
99. God's Favourite
One of my favorite talks in the past general conference was Saturday morning and given by Elder Karl D. Hirst of the Seventy and titled “God’s Favorite”. In…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
98. Keeping Our Hearts Soft While Using our Voices for Change
This episode brings up the conversation about the new changes in garments to start a discussion of using our voice for change but also keeping our hearts soft…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
97. Not a Shock, But Men and Women Are Not the Same
In this episode, I share some of my thoughts that align with an editorial I recently published in the Deseret News called “Not a Shock, But Men and Women Are…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
96. Reflections on General Conference
In this episode, I share some of my initial thoughts on General Conference, and particularly about the music. I share a few thoughts about seeing the…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
95. Preparing for General Conference
In this episode, I'm thinking about General Conference and how to prepare, but I also address the fact that everyone is different and how we listen to, receive…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
94. Reflections on the Patriarchy
In this episode I discuss the recent talk by Neylane McBaine at the Restore Conference in Utah with over 4,000 people. She outlined various questions and…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
93. Bodies at Church: Latter-day Saint Doctrine, Teaching, and Culture at Related to Body Image
Most people have a complicated relationship with their body, with many of us wishing we looked different. Fad diets, intermittent fasting, excessive exercise…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
92. Choosing to Believe
In this episode, I openly talk about some of the things I'm doing and the load I feel on my shoulders for the work I do. At the same time, I talk about some…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
91. Religion and Violence - Is There a Connection?
A month ago, I wrote and published an editorial in two Utah newspapers title, “The link between domestic violence and religiosity.” Can I just say, many people…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
90. Season Final Thoughts
Today I share my 90th episode before taking a break for the summer, and perhaps longer. In this episode, I share a few final thoughts, including inspiring…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
89. Hidden Pearl: Inviting the Spirit through Equal Partnership at Home with Tim Willden
*This week I will be sharing the second half of a two-part conversation with my brother, Tim Willden. These two episodes were originally published in 2023 and…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
88. Hidden Pearl: Navigating a Culture with Men on the Stand with Tim Willden
*This week and next, I will be sharing again a two-part conversation with my brother, Tim Willden. These episodes were originally published in 2023 and have…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
87. Embracing and Understanding Your Sexuality with Dr. Chelom Leavitt
Do you tend to feel comfortable and powerful with your sexuality as a Latter-day Saint woman, or somewhat ashamed and embarrassed? Join me today for a…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
86. Helping Children and Families Thrive with Rebecca Dutson
Rebecca Dutson, President and CEO of The Children’s Center Utah, is passionate about helping children and families thrive, not just survive. As a faithful…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
85. Being a Light-Giver with Robin Ritch
Today I am joined by the incomparable Robin Ritch, and extraordinary leader with a wealth of experience in tech and innovation. From the get-go, you will be…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
84. Peacemaking through Advocacy with Candace Queathem
Candace Queathem is a mom of three young children who has made time and space in her life to serve the vulnerable in her community. Candace, who lives in…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
83. Many Paths to Faithful Discipleship with Laurel Christensen Day
Laurel Christensen Day believes there are many options, not just one or two, to live out our discipleship and life’s purpose. On this week’s episode, Laurel…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
82. Building Zion Through Male Allyship with Jared Harding
We have been invited by senior Church leaders (and continuously in scripture by our Savior, Jesus Christ) to build Zion by creating communities of unity and…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
81. The Power of "The Tap" for Women
Today’s episode begins with the story of my friend, Heather. Heather had never planned to go to grad school, but that all changed with a “tap.” This week I…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
80. Latter-day Saint Women in Public Service with Sui Lang Panoke
I believe Latter-day Saint women are perfect candidates for public service, and this week’s guest agrees. Join me for a conversation with my vibrant and…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
79. Navigating Ideals as Latter-day Saint Women with Elizabeth Ostler, PhD
Have you ever heard of cultural master narratives? Today, Elizabeth Ostler, Ph.D., explains the role of cultural master narratives in telling us who and how…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
78. Finding Joy in Creativity with Courtney Vander Veur Matz
Join me today for a conversation with Courtney Vander Veur Matz, an award-winning artist, wife, and mother of three. Courtney’s art was included in the…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
77. Creating a Community of Love and Safety with Dr. Lisa Hansen and Dr. Lisa Diamond
This week I bring back Dr. Lisa Hansen and welcome Dr. Lisa Diamond to the show to talk about creating a community of love and safety for everyone, including…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
76. Women and the Priesthood: True Power, Influence, Strength and Leadership with Wendy Ulrich
Do you remember that in 2019, President Russell M. Nelson specifically invited women in the Church to study all the truths they could find about priesthood…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
75. Choosing Growth over Perfectionism
On today's episode I discuss fixed mindset vs. growth mindset, and how it relates to women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Do you have a…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
74. Loving More and Judging Less with Kelleen Potter and Dr. Lisa Hansen
Today I am joined by Kelleen Potter and Dr. Lisa Hansen to talk about loving our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and their families more and judging them less…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
73. The Road Less Traveled
What is the road less traveled today, as a Latter-day Saint woman? Right now, I believe it is to remain as a committed, covenant-keeping sister in this Church…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
72. Learning to Trust Yourself with Dr. Julie Hanks
Have you ever considered your own innate desires for good could be personal revelation? Join me this week for an insightful conversation with Dr. Julie Hanks…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
71. Hidden Pearl: Finding Peace
This can be a busy and hectic time of year, but I hope you can pause for a moment and feel the peace of our Savior Jesus Christ as you listen to this week’s…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
70. Remember Who You Are with Elaine Dalton
I am delighted to welcome Elaine Dalton, former Young Women general president, to the show this week. She shares her characteristic and timeless love…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
69. Developing the Habit of Seeking Personal Revelation
In this week’s episode, I share some recent thoughts about seeking personal revelation. Personal revelation has been a rock for me through the years. I have…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
68. Mothering in Domestic Violence with Leah Moses
In the United States, 37% of women will experience contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking in her lifetime. Abuse and domestic violence are…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
67. Hidden Pearl: Making Greater Impact
Join me this week as I share three profound quotes from prophets of the Lord about women's potential impact to bring light, hope, and peace to the world. When…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
66. "Ask Yourself: What Is Your Righteous Indignation?" with Nubia Peña
Episode Description: Nubia Peña has spent the past 20 years working as a community organizer and policy advocate for underrepresented populations. She…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
65. The Cherished Doctrine of Heavenly Mother with McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding: Part II
This week I continue my conversation with McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding as they discuss their important thought piece, “Why Heavenly Mother is…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
64. The Cherished Doctrine of Heavenly Mother with McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding: Part I
Church leaders and an authoritative gospel topic essay have affirmed that as Latter-day Saints, we believe in the beautiful and cherished doctrine of a…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
63. Recognizing Blessings In Times of Chaos
Though it isn’t always natural or intuitive, when we choose to be grateful in times of chaos or hardship we can usually identify blessings and tender mercies…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
62. Choosing God with McArthur Krishna
I think our listeners are going to love this week’s conversation with storyteller and artist McArthur Krishna. McArthur is full of energy, passion, patience…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
61. Perspectives on Mental and Emotional Health with Reyna and Elena Aburto
*Help me reach my goal of TEN new reviews this week on Apple Podcasts! If you have been enjoying Unleashing Sister Saints, please take one minute to leave a…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
60. Decreasing Loneliness and Increasing Connection with Dr. Christy Kane
On this week’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Christy Kane, PsyD, CMHC, to discuss the topic of loneliness among Latter-day Saint women and young women. When we…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
59. Women Quoted at the Pulpit & General Conference Insights (Hidden Pearl)
This weekend is general conference, the worldwide gathering of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am excited to feel God’s love and peace…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
58. Seeing, Hearing, and Including our Single Sisters with Dr. Christy Kane
Did you know there are more single adult members of the Church than married? According to an April 2021 general conference address by President Russell M…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
57. “Why Not Me?” with Emily Bell McCormick
When exploring a business idea she thought had potential, Emily Bell McCormick found herself asking, “If no one else is doing this, why not me?” Knowing…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
56. Get to Know Dr. Susan R. Madsen
This week I’m stepping outside my comfort zone and sharing more about my background and life experience for new listeners and those less familiar with my…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
55. Asking “Where Would Christ Be?” with Kristin Andrus
Several years ago, Kristin Andrus and her husband sold a portion of their extremely successful business, Traeger Grills. But instead of feeling relieved or…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
54. Hidden Pearl: Distractors and Strategies for Discovering Gifts, Talents, and Strengths
This week we’re replaying a listener favorite, Episode 28: “Distractors and Strategies for Discovering Gifts, Talents, and Strengths.” In this episode I talk…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
53. How Motherhood Prepares Women To Lead
Does motherhood take women away from learning, growth, and professional development, or is motherhood an effective school for becoming a better human…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
52. The Connection Between Religion and the Gender Pay Gap
I'm sure you've heard of the gender pay gap, but did you know there is a connection between lower pay for women and religiosity? The gender wage gap is a…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
51. The Gift to Choose What and How We Believe
In this episode I briefly honor Sister Patricia T. Holland, who passed away on July 20, 2023, and share one of my favorite quotes from her about her honest…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
50. Feeling Seen, Known, and Loved by our Savior
Join me for a few reflections on feeling seen and loved by Jesus Christ after studying and teaching about His resurrection to my local congregation. I share…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
49. Inviting the Spirit through Equal Partnership at Home with Tim Willden
Have you ever thought about how cultivating a more equal partnership in the home can better invite the Holy Ghost to teach, inspire, and uplift a family? Join…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
48. Navigating a Culture with Men on the Stand with Tim Willden
As members of the church, we live in a culture that literally and metaphorically puts men on the stand. On this week's episode, I invite my younger brother…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
47. Clinging to the Heavenly Vision of Equality with Dr. Valerie Hudson
Join me for a conversation with special guest Dr. Valerie Hudson to learn about her work on international security and gender and why she chooses to believe in…
- Unleashing Sister Saints
46. Learning to Give Effective Feedback
Does giving clear and direct feedback at home, church, or work make you feel uncomfortable or nervous? Girls and women are often socialized to be less direct…