Hear Women

InterVarsity Press
InterVarsity Press
  • 5.0 (28)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Throughout history, women have often been relegated to the sidelines, subjugated by patriarchy, or prevented from exercising their God-given gifts at all. But women foster human flourishing in an array of spaces—as authors, pastors, and scholars. As artists, gardeners, and rock climbers. As friends, parents, and conversation partners. And much, much more. This half of the church has a unique voice that the whole church needs to hear. In Hear Women, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Tara Beth Leach, and Nijay Gupta engage in conversations that highlight the many ways that women are having profound impact in the church, their communities, and the world. Join us as we listen to women for the good of the church. 

  1. Aug 10

    What the Church Needs to Know About a Woman’s Highest Calling | Dr. Sandra Glahn

    What is a woman’s highest calling in God’s eyes? And how does the church sometimes miscommunicate about what this calling truly is? In this heartfelt episode of Hear Women, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young sits down with Dr. Sandra Glahn—author, seminary professor, and scholar—to uncover what it means to be a Christian woman when your life doesn’t fit the often expected script of marriage and motherhood. Together, they open up about the unspoken struggles of infertility, the pain of failed adoptions, and the silent grief that many women carry. Glahn shares how church culture, outdated scholarship, and unseen suffering can leave women feeling adrift and unsure of their God-given purpose. Their discussion challenges the church to embrace lament, support all forms of grief, and recognize that a woman’s highest call is not limited to motherhood. If you’re curious about a woman's place and purpose in Scripture, the church, and the academy, tune in to learn from Glahn’s expert biblical insights, clarifying wisdom, and comforting pastoral heart. This episode highlights the following themes: Why a woman’s worth isn’t tied to motherhoodThe importance of lament and honest grief in the Christian lifeHow Christian culture shapes a woman’s sense of purpose—and how to rethink those messagesLinks from this episode: Learn more about Dr. Sandra GlahnPreorder Dr. Sandra Glahn’s book, A Woman’s Place Is in the StoryRead Dr. Sandra Glahn’s book, Nobody’s MotherCheck out Julie Fowler’s book, Treasures in the WaitingRead the transcript hereLearn more about Hear WomenLearn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Nijay Gupta, and Tara Beth LeachRead Redeemer by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-YoungRead Tell Her Story by Nijay GuptaRead Emboldened by Tara Beth LeachSPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. FOLLOW THE CALL | Visit truett.seminary.baylor.edu to register for the inaugural Follow the Call: A Conference for Women in Ministry, hosted by Baylor University’s Truett Seminary. SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu to learn more. Credits: ✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton ✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  2. Jul 27

    What the Church Needs to Know About Being a Christian Influencer | Jackie Horbrook

    When social media feels like a noisy crowd of hot takes, how can Christians use their influence for good? What are the unique ways that the church can bring the radical hope of Christ to a context that can be toxic, addictive, and damaging? In this episode of Hear Women, Nijay Gupta welcomes Jackie Horbrook—author, entrepreneur, and founder of Black Christian Influencers—to share her journey from growing up as a pastor’s daughter in Chicago to becoming an online “kingdom solutionist.” Through her wisdom and warmth, Horbrook describes how presence, intentionality, and vulnerability on social media can be an effective form of ministry. Horbrook challenges limiting narratives about influence, spotlights the necessity of discernment, and shares what churches and individuals often overlook when it comes to listening to God’s call—both online and offline. The conversation reveals concrete ways that Horbrook is cultivating a community for Black women that is understanding, safe, and inspiring while also helping all Christians understand better how to use their God-given influence for his kingdom-building purposes. Tune in for thoughtful reflections on calling, the pitfalls and potential of different social platforms, and how even a small act online can make a kingdom difference. This episode highlights the following themes: Why every Christian, regardless of follower count, can be a force for goodThe pitfalls of digital comparison and the value of consistent, authentic engagementHow to discern calling and build healthy boundaries onlineLinks from this episode: Learn more about Jackie Horbrook and Black Christian InfluencersRead How to Be a Christian Influencer by Jackie HorbrookLearn more about Teri IjeomaRead the transcript hereLearn more about Hear WomenLearn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Nijay Gupta, and Tara Beth LeachRead Redeemer by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-YoungRead Tell Her Story by Nijay GuptaRead Emboldened by Tara Beth LeachSPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu to learn more. Credits: ✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton ✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  3. Jul 13

    What the Church Needs to Know About Christianity Today’s New Leader | Nicole Massie Martin

    How is the new leader of Christianity Today bringing her full, authentic self to her new role? And how does her desire to lead with both confidence and humility challenge typical leadership scripts? In this episode of Hear Women, Tara Beth Leach sits down with Nicole Massie Martin—president and CEO of Christianity Today—to talk honestly about what it means to lead as a woman and as a woman of color in both corporate and ministry contexts. Through their candid conversation, Martin reflects on formative moments when mentors affirmed her calling and when discernment wasn’t a linear process—revealing why her deepest leadership value is a constant dependence on Christ. As Martin unpacks the realities of stepping into a high-profile Christian leadership role amid cultural tension, she shares why a “crucified” approach to leadership is exactly what the church needs right now. The discussion also highlights Martin’s vision for Christianity Today and her reflections on writing and releasing her book, Nailing It, amid a season of vocational discernment.  If you’re craving a fresh vision for leadership that is adaptive, authentic, and joyful, this episode will empower you to serve those around you with your whole self and from a posture of radical dependence on Jesus.  This episode highlights the following themes: How ethnicity and gender shape the leadership journey—and the gift of authenticityDeveloping a leadership ethic that is rooted in dependence, joy, and redemptive purposeWhy apprenticeship, access, and inclusion are non-negotiable for women to flourish in the church Links from this episode: Learn more about Nicole Massie MartinRead Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender by Nicole Massie MartinLearn more about Christianity TodayLearn more about Hunter GuyRead the transcript hereLearn more about Hear WomenLearn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Nijay Gupta, and Tara Beth LeachRead Redeemer by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-YoungRead Tell Her Story by Nijay GuptaRead Emboldened by Tara Beth LeachSPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu to learn more. Credits: ✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton ✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  4. Jun 29

    What the Church Needs to Know About Women Advocating for Biblical Equality | Mimi Haddad

    What does it mean to shape the church with a vision for true equality? In this episode of Hear Women, Nijay Gupta hosts a spirited conversation with Mimi Haddad, president of CBE International (Christians for Biblical Equality), about her remarkable journey as a scholar, advocate, and “general in the gender wars.” Together, they reflect on the roots of gender roles in family and culture, break down the real meanings behind the terms “complementarian” and “egalitarian,” and discuss the importance of supporting the full expression of women’s gifts in the church. From stories of immigrant upbringing and mentorship to the global drive for women’s leadership, Haddad invites listeners to consider how translation, tradition, and opportunity all shape what’s possible for women—and what the church loses when half of its members are sidelined.  If you’re searching for tools to advocate for women, wrestle with hard questions about the Bible, or foster mentorship in your context, this episode points to tried-and-true resources. In contrast to recent events in the Southern Baptist Convention that aim to restrict women’s roles in the church, this episode reminds leaders everywhere that a flourishing church is one in which everyone’s gifts are welcomed and empowered.  Discover the joys of standing for biblical equality, the progress that has been made in the church on this issue, and what legacy you can help leave for the next generation of women in leadership. This episode highlights the following themes: How family upbringing and cultural background influence perspectives on gender rolesThe crucial role of mentoring and community for women in biblical scholarship and church leadershipThe impact of language and Bible translation on women’s visibility and empowerment within the churchLinks from this episode: Learn more about Mimi Haddad and CBE International (Christians for Biblical Equality)Read Discovering Biblical Equality, Third EditionRead Priscilla PapersLearn more about Rt. Rev. Dr. Emily OnyangoDiscover more about IBR (Institute of Biblical Research)Learn more about mentorship opportunities with Every Voice Kingdom DiversityRead the transcript hereLearn more about Hear WomenLearn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Nijay Gupta, and Tara Beth LeachRead Redeemer by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-YoungRead Tell Her Story by Nijay GuptaRead Emboldened by Tara Beth LeachSPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu to learn more. Credits: ✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton ✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  5. Jun 15

    What the Church Needs to Know About the Unique Ways Women Lead | Shawna Songer Gaines

    What does it mean to lean fully into embodied church leadership as a woman? In this episode of Hear Women, host Tara Beth Leach sits down with pastor, writer, and leader Shawna Songer Gaines for an honest exchange about the realities of women’s leadership, the power of self-attentiveness, and the deep links between the body, motherhood, and ministry. Through youth pastoring, chaplaincy, co-pastoring, and serving as a lead pastor, Gaines reveals how her journey has been marked by encouragement, transitions, setbacks, and the need to listen both to others and her own embodied self. The episode moves through vivid moments of ministry stress, early labor, and the formative power of motherhood, exploring how embodied self-awareness can transform our practice and experience of leadership. While offering wisdom for young leaders learning to find their voice, Gaines shares how she came to see pastoring through the fresh lens of midwifery, uncovering a more nurturing, humble, and relational model.  Whether you’re a seasoned pastor, emerging leader, young mom, or someone hoping to create a more welcoming church, this conversation will equip you to more fully celebrate the gifts women bring to the church and reflect on what the church most needs to change about its approach to women in leadership. This episode highlights the following themes: The importance of self-awareness and embodiment in Christian leadershipHow motherhood and crisis reshape the way women leadWhy embracing newness strengthens the churchLinks from this episode: Learn more about Shawna Songer GainesRead Shawna Songer Gaines’ book, The Pastor as MidwifeDiscover more about Trevecca Community Church of the NazareneLearn more about Michaele LaVigne Learn more about Stephanie Lobdell Learn more about Gabby Rodriguez at Trinity Church of the NazareneRead the transcript hereLearn more about Hear WomenLearn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Nijay Gupta, and Tara Beth LeachRead Redeemer by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-YoungRead Tell Her Story by Nijay GuptaRead Emboldened by Tara Beth LeachSPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. Interested in ordering The Pastor as Midwife for your team or organization? Contact Rainer at rerani@ivpress.com for more information and exclusive group discounts. Or email specialmarkets@ivpress.com for bulk orders. SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu to learn more. Credits: ✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton ✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. As an Amazon Affiliate, this channel earns commissions from qualifying purchases when you use the links above. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  6. Jun 1

    What the Church Needs to Know About Women Who Take Risks of Faith in Business | Jessica Honegger

    What would our entrepreneurship look like if we were willing to step out in courage, creativity, and community? In this episode of Hear Women, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young sits down with Jessica Honegger, the founder of Noonday Collection and the author of Imperfect Courage, for an authentic conversation about risk, calling, and the powerful ripple effects of advocacy. From opening her home for a fundraising party to building the world’s largest fair trade jewelry brand, Honegger traces the steps of faith that shaped both her company and her family. Honegger opens up about the gifts and costs of leading as a woman, choosing courage over comfort, and the joy and challenges of raising children amid running a business. She also shares why cultivating an honest, encouraging, and committed community is essential to both sustaining a life of service for the long haul and to fight against comparison and envy as a businesswoman. Discover how Honegger’s business journey has been richly formative on a spiritual level, and why she believes that generous women investing in one another can transform whole communities. Listen now to discover a vision for how the church can better support and learn from women entrepreneurs. This episode highlights the following themes: Why faith and risk are inseparable for women entrepreneursThe role of vulnerability, community, and family in enduring leadershipHow the church can encourage women not just to start, but to grow and investLinks from this episode: Discover more about Jessica Honegger and Noonday CollectionRead Jessica Honegger’s book, Imperfect CourageRead Joanna Meyer’s book, Women, Work and CallingLearn more about Liz BohannonRead the transcript hereLearn more about Hear WomenLearn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Nijay Gupta, and Tara Beth LeachRead Redeemer by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-YoungRead Tell Her Story by Nijay GuptaRead Emboldened by Tara Beth LeachSPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu to learn more. Credits: ✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton ✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  7. May 18

    What the Church Needs to Know About Single Mothering and Fostering | Jamie Lam

    How can the church truly support and uplift single mothers, as well as children and families navigating the foster system? What if our often limited understanding of family holds us back from doing so?  This episode of Hear Women welcomes single mom, ministry leader, and foster/adoptive parent Jamie Lam for a disarmingly honest conversation with Tara Beth Leach about single motherhood and what it really means to cultivate family in the body of Christ. Through Lam’s story of fostering and adopting children, serving families in the fostering and adoption community, and mentoring young adults, she unveils how God’s call to love and welcome those in need empowers us to confront and break through our personal and cultural assumptions. This conversation explores Lam’s call to become a single foster and adoptive mom, as well as the challenges, joys, and surprises she has encountered as she continues to build her family. Her story of courage, hospitality, and openness to God’s leading shows us how the church can be a village that welcomes children, supports single parents, and reimagines what family can truly look like in God’s kingdom.  Whether you are a single mom, considering foster care or adoption, longing to become a parent, or know someone on this journey, this episode calls all of us to see, celebrate, and support single mothers for the good of every child, family, and the whole church. This episode highlights the following themes: The courage and calling of single mothers in the churchReal challenges and gifts of fostering and adoption as a single womanThe importance of rethinking family beyond the nuclear moldLinks from this episode: Learn more about Jamie Lam and keep up with her through her ministry updatesCheck out Households of Faith by Emily Hunter McGowin for a fresh vision of family in the kingdom of GodDiscover more about Foster the CityRead the transcript hereLearn more about Hear WomenLearn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Nijay Gupta, and Tara Beth LeachRead Redeemer by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-YoungRead Tell Her Story by Nijay GuptaRead Emboldened by Tara Beth LeachSPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu to learn more. Credits: ✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton ✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  8. May 4

    What the Church Needs to Know About Serving in Hard Places | Lina AbuJamra

    What does it really look like to follow Jesus when life brings deep pain, war and suffering persist, and the church itself causes harm? And how do we continue to serve others in need as we ourselves heal? In this episode of Hear Women, host Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young welcomes ER doctor, Bible teacher, and humanitarian Lina AbuJamra for an honest, hope-filled conversation about the power of service, leadership, and mercy amid suffering. From her childhood in war-torn Lebanon to her frontline work in emergency rooms and refugee aid, AbuJamra shares how both her family and faith have shaped her life of service and boldness—and why she refuses to shy away from hard places or difficult truths. Together, Gilmore-Young and AbuJamra dig into the deeper meaning of mercy, challenge common narratives about “successful” Christian living, and address the longstanding wounds many women carry from ministry and church life. Along the way, they offer honest wisdom and encouragement for women who feel sidelined, overlooked, or are still healing from their experiences in the church. This episode offers a vision of the church where real pain is acknowledged, tangible needs are met, and women experience healing by being seen and valued as whole persons. This episode highlights the following themes: The lifelong impact of serving othersMercy as stepping into another’s pain and spreading hopeWhat the church needs to change if women are to be seen, heard, and fully empoweredLinks from this episode: Learn more about Lina AbuJamra and Living With Power MinistriesCheck out Lina AbuJamra’s newest book, All Your LifeCheck out Thrive: The Single Life as God Intended and the rest of Lina AbuJamra’s booksCheck out Awaken Delight by Stephanie RousselleRead the transcript hereLearn more about Hear WomenLearn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Nijay Gupta, and Tara Beth LeachRead Redeemer by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-YoungRead Tell Her Story by Nijay GuptaRead Emboldened by Tara Beth LeachSPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu to learn more. Credits: ✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton ✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Throughout history, women have often been relegated to the sidelines, subjugated by patriarchy, or prevented from exercising their God-given gifts at all. But women foster human flourishing in an array of spaces—as authors, pastors, and scholars. As artists, gardeners, and rock climbers. As friends, parents, and conversation partners. And much, much more. This half of the church has a unique voice that the whole church needs to hear. In Hear Women, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Tara Beth Leach, and Nijay Gupta engage in conversations that highlight the many ways that women are having profound impact in the church, their communities, and the world. Join us as we listen to women for the good of the church. 

Information

  • Channel
    InterVarsity Press
  • Creator
    InterVarsity Press
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Hear Women

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