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 this episode of Unleashing Sister Saints, I share some of the quotes I love and make some comments about them.

For example, he said, “Isn’t it wonderful that there are times when we can feel so fully and personally noticed and loved? Nephi can call Him “his” Jesus, and so can we.” I’ve thought about that since I heard this, that we can call him “my Jesus”. Does “my Jesus” feel differently? Thinking about it that way I can picture him in the Garden of Gethsemane Atoning for my sins. I can picture him on the cross for me. I can picture him being resurrected and walking right up to me. I see him truly "seeing "me. I want to feel more deptly that he is "my Jesus."

Link to talk: God’s Favourite

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 so we can be guided by the Spirit. I then talk about bringing in change work specific to domestic violence and what needs to be done. Women's voices matter everywhere, and we need to use them.

RESOURCES:

Episode on religion and violence against women: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/k5nBLWC38Nb

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 Not the Same.” Throughout time, we as a society have assumed that if we make decisions based on how things work for men that they will also represent women. Research has found that this is just not correct! In this episode I share some examples of how these assumptions have been and continue to hurt women. I relate this to elements within the Church as well.

RESOURCES:

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

Can snow plowing be sexist? Yes it can

We need to address the problem of bathroom equity

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 children's choir and thinking of my own children and their paths away from the Church. I also comment on other elements of music and my sadness with not having more women speakers - again. Overall, some positive messages at October 2024 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 revelation, and absorb knowledge is different from one another. I don't get as much into "gender" components in this episode, but I focus on three elements: revelation, reflection, and remembering. I'm hoping it is a great General Conference more generally, and for me specifically.

RESOURCES:

Previous episode on General Conference: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/susan-r-madsen/episodes/59--Women-Quoted-at-the-Pulpit--General-Conference-Insights-Hidden-Pearl-e29qoe9/a-aadeh78

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 positions we could take related to the patriarchy, and I mentioned where I think I am at and share some of my thoughts about that. I also comment about how asking questions in the Church is important to moving forward. I bring in a few other topics as well! Listen in!

RESOURCES:

The Salt Lake Tribune Article: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/09/15/lds-feminist-author-seeks-way-blur/

Sheri Dew’s Book: Worth the Wrestle: https://www.amazon.com/Worth-Wrestle-Sheri-Dew-ebook https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P5155690.html

Utah Women & Leadership Project: www.utwomen.org

A Bolder Way Forward: www.abolderwayforward.org

Most people have a complicated relationship with their body, with many of us wishing we looked different. Fad diets, intermittent fasting, excessive exercise, weight loss injections, and liposuction abound as we search for perfection. The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) recently published a research and policy brief summarizing the findings from a complex study of body image in the Church, which is the topic of this episode.
In this episode, I am joined by two guests, both professors in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University: Dr. Sarah Coyne, Associate Director of the Department and a Professor of Human Development, and Dr. Lauren Barnes, an Associate Clinical Professor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This is such an interesting conversation and research!

UWLP Research & Policy Brief: https://www.usu.edu/uwlp/files/briefs/58-bodies-at-church-latter-day-saint-doctrine-teaching-culture-body-image.pdf

Utah Women & Leadership Project: www.utwomen.org

A Bolder Way Forward: www.abolderwayforward.org

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 tender mercies I had last week that helped me remember why I continue to believe. I share a few profound experiences, along with how I rely on feeling the Spirit to help me feel like I'm moving in the right direction. This episode is a little bit of this and a little bit of that!

Utah Women & Leadership Project: www.utwomen.org

A Bolder Way Forward: www.abolderwayforward.org