What roadblocks—and outright opposition—do women face when they pursue their call to leadership? In this episode of Hear Women, host Tara Beth Leach sits down with seasoned leader Tammy Dunahoo to talk about the wisdom she’s gleaned from her four decades of ministry, the unique burden of being “the first,” and the identity struggles women face in male-shaped systems. By sharing both the joys and pains of her leadership journey, Dunahoo explores the tension between capability and calling, the wounds and weariness that come with tempered resistance, and the healing found in befriending both grief and gratitude. Through it all, Dunahoo’s deep-rooted confidence, resilience, and wisdom shine as she describes what it means to stand firm in her identity as called by God, to invest in the next generation of women leaders through mentorship, and to prioritize family amid significant leadership responsibilities. With precision and a pastoral approach, Leach and Dunahoo name cultural and theological roadblocks that are still present for women in the church and call us all to come to the table together with honesty, rich scholarship, and true mutuality. Listen in for hard-won wisdom, practical encouragement, and a vision for the church where women serve, lead, and heal—and where we can all flourish together. This episode highlights the following themes: The subtle and overt roadblocks women encounter while exploring their calling to leadershipThe transformative power of mentorship and encouragement for women discerning vocationThe tension between capability, calling, and the struggle to claim the title “leader”Links from this episode: Learn more about Tammy DunahooRead Penny Preaches by Amy Dixon and Rob DixonLearn more about Rev. Ashley MatthewsRead 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 Leach SPECIAL 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
