• Why the Church Needs Women’s Voices in 2026 | Mid-Season Reflections

    Since Hear Women’s launch in March, we’ve heard from an array of guests who are inspiring entire communities to thrive, even amid our ever-changing and unpredictable cultural moment.

    In this special mid-season episode, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Tara Beth Leach, and Nijay Gupta gather for an honest check-in, reflecting on life, ministry, and the remarkable guests who’ve been on the show so far. They look back on standout moments, sharing how guests’ stories are sparking change, courage, and holy imagination in the church.

    From discussing the Southern Baptist Convention’s recent vote on women pastors to politically motivated attempts to box women in, the hosts also process how current events continue to reveal why truly hearing women is essential. Rather than adding to online debates, they focus on what the church can learn by listening to and highlighting women’s giftings, grit, and unique leadership.

    Tune in to join in celebrating women’s stories and what you can expect from the rest of this season of Hear Women.

    This episode highlights the following themes:

    • Why real, vulnerable conversations with women matter for the health and future of the church
    • The impact of elevating women’s stories
    • How to cultivate empathy, biblical literacy, and curiosity as we reflect on women’s gifts and leadership

    Links from this episode:

    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.



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    S1E14 - 41m - Sep 7, 2026
  • What the Church Needs to Know About Forgotten Women in Church History | Jennifer Powell McNutt

    What do Mary Magdalene, Julian of Norwich, and other women in church history teach us about what it means to faithfully follow Jesus today?

    In this episode of Hear Women, Nijay Gupta welcomes the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt, Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Wheaton College, Litfin Divinity School. As program director of the M.A. degrees in Theology and History of Christianity, and a Wheaton faculty member since 2008, Dr. McNutt has dedicated her career to uncovering overlooked voices in church history.

    Their conversation traces Dr. McNutt’s early call to ministry, how her parents’ trailblazing roles and realism shaped her, and what it’s like to forge a path as a woman in academia. They talk honestly about what holds the church back from honoring the full scope of women’s contributions, past and present, and yet how their witness is an essential piece of church history. Dr. McNutt also shares fascinating stories of women such as Macrina the Younger and Teresa of Ávila, explaining how their faith, intellect, and leadership ultimately reveal Christ to us.

    Listen in for wisdom that breaks stereotypes, inspires faithfulness, and calls us to remember the women the church too often forgets.

    This episode highlights the following themes:

    • Why many key women have been written out of the church’s story
    • What it’s like to pursue ministry and an academic career as a woman
    • How church history is richer, more complex, and more hopeful if we listen to women’s voices

    Links from this episode:

    SPECIAL 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.

    As an Amazon Affiliate, this channel earns commissions from qualifying purchases when you use the links above.



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    S13E1 - 50m - Aug 24, 2026
  • What the Church Needs to Know About a Woman’s Highest Calling | 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 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 motherhood
    • The importance of lament and honest grief in the Christian life
    • How Christian culture shapes a woman’s sense of purpose—and how to rethink those messages

    Links from this episode:

    SPECIAL 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.



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    39m - Aug 10, 2026
  • 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 good
    • The pitfalls of digital comparison and the value of consistent, authentic engagement
    • How to discern calling and build healthy boundaries online

    Links from this episode:

    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
    S1E11 - 39m - Jul 27, 2026
  • 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 authenticity
    • Developing a leadership ethic that is rooted in dependence, joy, and redemptive purpose
    • Why apprenticeship, access, and inclusion are non-negotiable for women to flourish in the church 

    Links from this episode:

    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
    S1E10 - 46m - Jul 13, 2026
  • 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 roles
    • The crucial role of mentoring and community for women in biblical scholarship and church leadership
    • The impact of language and Bible translation on women’s visibility and empowerment within the church

    Links from this episode:

    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
    S1E9 - 33m - Jun 29, 2026
  • 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 leadership
    • How motherhood and crisis reshape the way women lead
    • Why embracing newness strengthens the church

    Links from this episode:

    SPECIAL 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
    S1E8 - 35m - Jun 15, 2026
  • 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 entrepreneurs
    • The role of vulnerability, community, and family in enduring leadership
    • How the church can encourage women not just to start, but to grow and invest

    Links from this episode:

    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
    S1E7 - 33m - Jun 1, 2026
  • 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 church
    • Real challenges and gifts of fostering and adoption as a single woman
    • The importance of rethinking family beyond the nuclear mold

    Links from this episode:

    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
    S1E6 - 28m - May 18, 2026
  • 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 others
    • Mercy as stepping into another’s pain and spreading hope
    • What the church needs to change if women are to be seen, heard, and fully empowered

    Links from this episode:

    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
    S1E5 - 38m - May 4, 2026
  • What the Church Needs to Know About (Peri) Menopause | Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young & Tara Beth Leach

    Why is the church still reluctant to discuss a topic that half its community will experience?

    In this episode of Hear Women, hosts Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young and Tara Beth Leach take the microphone together for an honest, personal conversation about perimenopause and menopause: the symptoms, the grief, and the questions women are quietly carrying. From night sweats and sleepless nights to the deeper question of what it even means to be a woman on the other side of fertility, Dorina and Tara Beth share what they've experienced and what they're still learning.

    Together, they also bring Scripture into the conversation, from Mary's posture of curiosity to Anna's devoted witness in the temple, and they ask what it would look like for women to embrace what this unique season truly holds. They also name the ways the church's emphasis on the nuclear family can send unintended messages to women who are single, childless, or post-menopausal—and what some helpful correctives might look like.

    More than anything, this episode is an invitation to ask not "what's wrong with me?" but "what's happening in me?" and to find community, laughter, and grace in a season that too often goes unnamed.

    Whether you're in the thick of perimenopause/menopause/postmenopause or supporting someone who is, or if you are just ready to have a conversation the church rarely starts—this episode is for you.

    This episode highlights the following themes:

    • The real, physical, and emotional weight of menopause—and why women are finally talking about it
    • What Scripture says about women, aging, and worth beyond reproduction
    • How the church can create space for women in midlife to be seen, supported, and still lead

    Links from this episode:

    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
    36m - Apr 20, 2026
  • What the Church Needs to Know About the Burdens of Women in Leadership | Tammy Dunahoo

    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 leadership
    • The transformative power of mentorship and encouragement for women discerning vocation
    • The tension between capability, calling, and the struggle to claim the title “leader”

    Links from this episode:


    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
    34m - Apr 6, 2026
  • What the Church Needs to Know About Confronting Sexism | Heather Matthews

    Sexism in the church isn’t limited to headline-grabbing moments—it’s often quiet, persistent, and too easily overlooked. 

    In this episode of Hear Women, hosts Tara Beth Leach and Nijay Gupta are joined by Heather Matthews to take an honest look at the overt and covert ways women are held back in ministry. Matthews is a pastor, church planter, author, and educator who has worked in various ministry contexts in the US and internationally for twenty-five years. From subtle exclusions and lost opportunities to direct limits and unpaid work, her journey reveals both the personal pain and the collective loss experienced when women are undervalued or discriminated against.

    Yet the biblical story offers a different perspective. Drawing from her own story and her book, Confronting Sexism in the Church, Matthews challenges us: What does the overarching story of Scripture teach us about women?

    As Matthews describes her journey of understanding Scripture and shares her personal story, she offers how anti-sexism might become a reality instead of just a slogan. Listen in for practical insight, encouragement, and a compelling invitation to become the kind of ally that women in the church desperately need.

    This episode highlights the following themes:

    • The pervasive forms of sexism in the church
    • How theological reflection on Scripture can empower women to embrace their God-given gifts
    • Practical approaches for confronting sexism in faith communities

    Links from this episode:

    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
    S1E2 - 38m - Mar 23, 2026
  • Why the Church Needs to Hear Women

    The church is at its best when both women and men have a place at the table. 

    In this premiere episode of the Hear Women podcast, hosts Tara Beth Leach, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, and Nijay Gupta open up a heartfelt conversation on why the church needs to hear from women—not just in theory, but in practice. 

    Through personal story and prayerful vision, the hosts challenge the church’s often limited imagination about what women can do and urge listeners to recognize the vital and diverse contributions women bring. They remind us that amplifying women’s voices isn’t solely a matter of representation, but a necessity for the church’s flourishing, mission, and future—especially amid today’s cultural moment.

    Whether you’re a young woman searching for your place, an established leader, or someone who longs to see the church live into God’s full design, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and practical encouragement.

    Links from this episode:

    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
    S1E1 - 30m - Mar 9, 2026
  • Introducing: Hear Women

    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 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, a new podcast from InterVarsity Press, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Tara Beth Leach, and Nijay Gupta engage in conversations that highlight the many ways that women are having a profound impact in the church, their communities, and the world. Join us as we listen to women, for the good of the church. 

    Links from this episode:

    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
    S1 - 1m - Mar 2, 2026
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