Unleashing Sister Saints

Dr. Susan R. Madsen, Global Expert in Women's Leadership
  • 5.0 (40)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

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 the Lord’s work.

  1. Jun 4

    157. Building Faith Communities Where Women Can Find Safety, Support, & Belonging

    As I wrap up for the summer, I talk about a research study I'm conducting (with the help of a qualitative research team) titled "Building Faith Communities Where Women in Crisis Find Safety, Support, and Belonging. I thought you would be interested in this. The purpose of this in-depth qualitative study is to examine how faith communities influence the experiences of women who are navigating crisis, including sexual assault, domestic violence, and divorce. Specifically, the study seeks to identify the congregational characteristics, cultural norms, leadership practices, and theological messages that function as protective factors—and, conversely, risk factors—for women’s safety, support, belonging, and well‑being. By documenting both supportive and harmful congregational dynamics, this research aims to generate insights that can help faith communities strengthen their capacity to respond to women in crisis in trauma‑informed, inclusive, and healing‑centered ways. I'm spending lots of time this summer on this and will be taking a rest from this podcast until fall. I hope you all have a wonderful summer and find time to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ. I'm going to do that as well. Peace.

    21 min

  2. May 28

    156. What We Stand to Lose When Women’s Progress is Treated as Optional

    I’m going to take a break for the summer, but felt like I didn’t have an episode that closes the loop on the year, so I’ll do that in this episode, but now I’m thinking I’ll do one more as I’ve been mentioning the Church related research I’ll be doing this summer (and have about 8 qualitative researchers helping with interviews) that I know you’ll be interested in. But for this episode I want to talk about where things are at with some of the challenges I’m facing with trying to ensure the more women, girls, and families in our state of Utah are thriving, and there are applications beyond as well. I talk about an editorial I wrote and then pulled applications out of a book I read and how they apply to this work.

    20 min

  3. May 14

    155. Stewardship vs Ownership

    In this episode, I explore a principle that has the power to soften your heart, reshape your relationships, and dramatically shift how you experience both the miraclesand the messes of mortality. It’s the principle of stewardship versus ownership, beautifully taught by Ganel‑Lyn Condie in her recent book: The Stewardship Principle: Reframing Your Life. In this episode, I share my insights on the concepts that connected most deeply with me.

    12 min

  4. May 7

    154. The Hidden Ways Language Undermines Women

    Decades of research shows that language doesn’t simply describe reality—it actively shapes it. The words we choose influence perception, identity, and behavior, particularly around gender. Everyday phrases, often spoken without awareness, can reinforce stereotypes or subtly erode girls’ and women’s confidence. Several years ago, I published an article titled “Why Calling Women ‘Girls’ Is a Bigger Deal Than You May Think,” which explored one facet of this issue. In this episode I examine six additional communication habits that can unintentionally weaken women’s impact. I wrote the content of this for a Forbes article a few months ago, but I also think it relates beyond the workplace to home, community, and church. I read sections and then share my thoughts in this episode of Unleashing Sister Saints!

    14 min

  5. Apr 30

    153. Mother in Heaven: A Study Guide

    In this episode of Unleashing Sister Saints, we’re diving into one of the most soul‑shifting themes in Latter‑day Saint theology: our relationship with our Heavenly Mother. I recently read the 2025 book titled Mother in Heaven: AGospel Topics Essay Study Guide by Carnicelli, Caudle, and Krishna (and many other authors who did individual sections), and I was struck—again and again—by how deeply this doctrine shapes identity, partnership, and discipleship. Today I want to share some of the most powerful passages from the book, along with reflections on why they matter for us as women, as leaders, and as covenant disciples. BOOK: Mother in Heaven: A Gospel Topics Essay Study Guide

    13 min

  6. Apr 23

    152. Using Friction to Grow

    I recently finished a powerful new book titled Using Friction to Grow: Stories of Strength & Resilience—LDS Women 1968–1976, written by my friend Robin Ritch. A year or so ago, Robin told me she felt inspired to interview a group of women whose lives didn’t fit the traditional mold of “Mormon womanhood” in the 1970s and 80s. I love that she followed that prompting. The way she wove together their stories—sometimes in fragments, sometimes in themes—creates a tapestry of insight that is both honest and deeply hopeful. As I read, several passages stayed with me. These womenexperienced real friction—within society, within the Church, and within themselves. Yet they chose to stay, to wrestle, and to grow. I want to share a few excerpts that especially resonated with me and offer some reflections along the way. I highly recommend this book! Using Friction to Grow: Stories of Strength and Resilience, LDS Women 1968-1976: Ritch, Robin: 9781961471320: Amazon.com: Books

    17 min

  7. Apr 16

    151. Jesus’ Path to Conflict Transformation: Part 2

    I recently finished reading the book “70x7: Jesus’s Path to Conflict Transformation” by Chad Ford. I shared some of my favorite passages, along with some insights, in the last episode, and will continue in this episode as well. As I continued reading, Ford raised a question that feels especially relevant in our polarized world: “How do we invite restoration among those who don’t want to embrace, who are polarized or divided, who are traumatized or filled with hatred—whether out of fear, pride, grief, or woundedness? Destroying a relationship or a life can take only seconds. Restoration, however, can take weeks, months, or even years.” Many other great quotes and insights as well. Listen in.

    11 min

  8. Apr 9

    150. Jesus’ Path to Conflict Transformation – Part 1

    During the last several months, I've read the book "70x7: Jesus’s Path to Conflict Transformation" by Chad Ford. He is an expert on peacebuilding and conflict transformation and is a member of the Church as well. In this episode, I share some of the passages that connected deeply with me. These topics are important not just to consider, but to implement in our lives. I would recommend the read. I'll share more in the next episode as well.

    14 min
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About

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 the Lord’s work.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Susan R. Madsen, Global Expert in Women's Leadership
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Susan R. Madsen, Global Expert in Women's Leadership
  • Show Website
    Unleashing Sister Saints

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