Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast

Imagine living in the Confederacy during the Civil War. Your friends and acquaintances don't share your value for human life. Even worse, these people expect you to accept the social norms and refuse to see the injustice of slavery. What would you do? Listen to a snippet of Elizabeth Van Lew's story. After the war General Grant thanked her personally. A riveting story!

While researching the Revolutionary War era, I came across a theme of grave robbers, called 'resurrectionists.' People accused Dr. Edward Shippen of stealing bodies to dissect for the medical school in PA. However, as I kept reading, I found the problem started in ancient history and continued into the Victorian era. Join me as we draw parallels between that crime and the beauty of the Easter story.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podast. Join me and Author Pam Farrel as we dive into the life of Mercy Otis Warren, the woman who used her pen to spark the American Revolution. My dear friend, Pam, is also a best-selling author. We discussed how both women had the moral courage to speak truth to power, then and now. Don't miss this 'bridge' conversation as we head into a powerful season of Revolutionary history this April.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Does inner steel have a breaking point? For today, I stepped back in time to cover one of the most misunderstood women in history: Mary Lincoln. Brilliant and fiercely devoted, Mary was 'high-strung' and the pressures she faced dropped her into overwhelming grief. Today we look at her with eyes of compassion and a prayerful heart. Sometimes the strongest among us carry the deepest scars on their heart.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Last week we covered Paula Bonhoeffer, and this week we talk about another Lioness. What makes a man strong enough to resist a crown? Was George Washington's mother a difficult woman, genius, or something in between. Dive with us into Mary Ball Washington's life to discover how she raised her son to be a leader.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we remember a Lioness, Paula Bonhoeffer. She loved her children well and educated them at home rather than entrust them to the Prussian government schools. She gave Dietrich the grit to stand up to a dictator. This week, I sat down with a modern-day Paula, Mavian Arocha-Rowe, who also homeschools. We are bridging the gap between Paula's 1917 kitchen and our living rooms today. How do we raise kids who aren't afraid to stand alone? Listen in for a conversation on faith, homeshool, and grit.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast where we rethink history to reclaim hope for today. We have all heard of heros who lead armies and take over countries. What about a hero who wouldn't stop walking? Today we travel back to Berlin to 1933 where Nazi guards hover at ever door, roughing up people. New laws took effect that redefine who you can show kindness. In the midst of the shouts and uniforms, a grandmother carried her shopping bag down the street looking for her neighbor's store. We explore the determination that gave her grandson courage to defy a tyrant. We call it love passed down. and perhaps that legacy can provide a road map to us in 2026. Let's find the mission in the memory together.

What does it mean to be truly free? As we mark out 250th anniversary as a nation, writer and historian, Cynthia L Simmons dives into the "sensational" true stories of men and women who redefined libery through moral courage. From the secrets of Amy Carmichael in the temples of India to the defiant love of the Bonhoeffer women in Nazi Germany, we will explore the pivotal moments when faith met fire. We don't just look at history, we use it as a compass for the challenges of 2026. If you'd like a free guide to radical forgiveness, contact [email protected] For instance, we covered modern day abolitionists like She is safe and looked at what forgiveness means. History is more than a memory, it's a mission. Let's find it together.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Sometimes our New Year's resolutions don't last because we try to live in isolation. Author Peggy Sue Wells suggested real growth happens through connection. Explore the gaps in your perspective through listening to someone else's story. When you do that, you don't just set goals, you change the way you see the world. Join us as we trade stories and fill in the blanks and find that 'aha' moment that happens when we listen.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Today we're looking at a sensational story. It's Michelle Rickett's story. She's the woman behind She is Safe. Before she fought modern day slavery, she survived abuse and had every right to let bitterness consume her. However, she chose a different path. She didn't just survive, she forgave and that action set her free That led her and her husband to build an organization that battles trafficking across the globe. Her mercy became a weapon for justice.. As we move into 2026, a milestone year of American libery, we have to ask a question. Is it possible that our greatest impact on the world is hidden behind the person we are most afraid to forgive? I'm Cynthia L Simmons, and I write about the intersection of history and faith, and the moral courage that changes our world. Today, we are going behind the scenes of a true story that proves mercy isn't weakness. Let's dive in.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Many people assume compassion is a soft virture. What a mistake! In a cynical world, compassion isn't just a feeling, it battles despair. Today we give a stunning challenge to reset your heart for 2026, inspired by one of the most fearless women in American history, Clara Barton. As you listen, challenge yourself to find ways to show compassion this year.

What happens to a secret when you keep it for seven decades? In our first episodes of 2026, we're stepping back into the shadows of occupied France to meet one of the most unassuming, and dangerous heroes: Pippa Latour. While the world saw a quiet mother and neighbor, Pippa was an elite WWII spy who parachuted into enemy territory with nothing but a bicycle and a set of secret codes hidden in her hair. We're closing with a reflection and challenge to move past temporary resolutions. What is one thing you are willing to commit to this year, even when no one is watching? If this story inspired you, please leave a review, subscribe, and share this episode with women in your life who need a reminder of their own quiet strength.

Welcome to the Christmas episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Do you think you know the story behind "Silent Night"? You may not. Forget the hungry mice and the broken organ bellows. Those are myths. The true origin of this beloved carol is more moving. Today on this podcast, we are setting the historical record straight and exploring why this simple melody became the most beloved Christmas carol around the world. Let's dive in.

Welcome! You hear the song every year from November through December in malls, radio stations, and candletlit services. However, when Issac Watts wrote this song, he wasn't thinking about Christmas. Let's dive into the fascinating facts surrounding the history of this song.

This week we share the untold story behing the writing of "Christmas Bells" written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. We now call the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." In contrast to many happy-go-lucky songs, this carol deals with the profound grief surrounding the Civil War. However, Longfellow shared his hope in the last verse. Enjoy!

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. As we move into the Christmas season, we remember the hope we obtain because of the baby born in Bethlehem. That hope extends to the whole world, including women around the world who are in bondage. This week we chatted with Michelle Ricketts who is the founder of Sheissafe.org. She highlighted the plight of women around the world who are sold into slavery as mere children. Her organization enters parts of the world where girls are sold to offer freedom. Listen to her fascinating story and be encouraged!

You think you know Thanksgiving: turkey, pie, and family. But the truth is, this holiday almost didn't happen. In the mid 1800s America was deeply divided. The holiday we know and love was just a scattering of local feasts, until one determined woman decided the whole country needed to stop and give thanks. She wasn't a politician or a general. She was an author: Sarah Josepha Hale. For 36 years she fought a relentless battle to draw the nation together over thanksgiving. This is the incredible story of a woman who succeeded. Enjoy!

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio Podcast. This week we are taking a historical view of being thankful by sharing a story from the past. In addition, we interviewed Donna Wyland. She has written a new book, Guided Gratitude Journal, and she testifies to the benefits of praising God. Join us for this interesting discussion.