
Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast
582 episodes — Page 2 of 12

Analyze How to Achieve Lasting Love
Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. The love story is a timeless narrative that has always fascinated and moved us. This month, we have covered several love stories from the past. This week, my guest and I discussed what makes an ideal love story. Author and counselor Debbie W. Wilson covered this topic. Listen and enjoy.

Intriguing Love Letter: The Grant's Enduring Romance
Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we share an untold story about the romance of President Grant and his wife, Julie. A lovely and inspiring story.

Unexpected Meeting Sparked a Passionate Romance
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. For Valentine's Day, Cynthia related the love story of Edith Carow and Teddy Roosevelt who had been childhood sweethearts. You'll enjoy this heart-warming story.

Keeping Love's Flame Alive in Astonishing Adversity
Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. As we celebrate Valentine's Day, we are covering riveting love stories. Today we featured Lori Ann and Dell Wood. They love to hold hands and laugh. But their idyllic life took an unexpected route when Lori Ann collapsed and almost died. Join us as we journey with them through the unthinkable.

You Won't Believe this Amazing Story: Presidential Desk
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. We've seen tons of photos of our new president signing executive orders. Today we share the heartwarming story surrounding that desk. How fun!

You Can Renew Your Mind
Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast where we share God's timeless wisdom. We are several weeks into the New Year now, and it's easy to fall back into negative self talk and anxiety. I have found a deep dive into Scripture useful in managing daily stress. My guest was author Janet McHenry who shared about her latest book on prayer and Bible reading. Join us to discover how to free your mind.

You Can Master Your Thoughts: Train Your Mind
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Cynthia's guest was author and counselor Debbie W Wilson. The two ladies chatted about ways to improve our thought patterns in 2025. Too often negative thoughts pop into our heads, and drag us down. Debbie offered ways to evaluated your thoughts to see where they originate. She also offered a free download for anyone who would like to read more. You can find that here.

Fascinating Facts You Will Enjoy about Power Transfer
Welcome! Join us today to discover a snippet of history surrounding presidential transfer of power, which is taking place right now. Have you ever wondered when the process starts? How did that work during World War 2?

Amazing and Quirky Ways People Celebrate New Years Day
Welcome to the first podcast for 2025. Cynthia discussed interesting traditions people follow and what they hope to accomplish. For instance, in Spain men swallow 12 grapes immediately before the New Year starts. Join us for this intriguing chat.

Mouthwatering Gingerbread and Christmas Nostalgia
Welcome to another Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast where we discuss Christmas traditions. My guest this week was author Tina Yeager. We chatted about the history of gingerbread and ways to make those around us feel the love of God. Listen and discover a tidbit of history.

Joyfully Share the Good News of Christmas
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Christmas is a beautiful season. However, the true message often gets buried. This week Cynthia's guest was Melissa Heiland. Cynthia and Melissa discussed creative ways to teach the true meaning of Christmas. A must listen.

Unveiling Secret Stories Behind Holiday Symbols
Welcome to the latest Heart of the Matter episode. Cynthia interviewed Annie Yorty, author of 25 Symbols of Christmas. Have you ever wondered why we put up wreaths and give away candy canes. Annie shared the fascinating background of many Christmas traditions. You will not want to miss this.

Thanksgiving Prayer
Welcome to the Thanksgiving Day episode. We offer a prayer of thanksgiving for all our blessings.

Secrets to Effective Change through Life's Transitions
Welcome to the latest Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Imagine moving from college graduation to being first lady of the United States? Frances Cleveland made that huge change gracefully. This week Author Evelyn J Taylor discussed life's transitions. Ms Taylor explored ways and strategies to shift your mindset during life's inevitable changes.

Heroes in Skirts: Amazing History of Women Codebreakers
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this Veteran's Day episode, Cynthia highlighted the work of women codebreakers in World War 2. Join us as we remember the work and sacrifice of these remarkable ladies.

Hopeful Hearts: Finding Strength in the Faithful
Welcome to the next episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Are you looking for inspiration, hope and encouragement? Our podcast explored the lives of godly men and women from the past. Author MichelleLazurek, talked about writing her latest children's book, Hall of Faith. Join us and discover what inspired her.

Vote for Freedom: Bold Step Forward
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode Cynthia shared the story of Katherine von Bora who who was born in Germany in 1499. Her father placed her in a convent at 5 years, and she longed to have freedom. Enjoy this fascinating story.

Unexpected Sanctuary: A Place to Heal
Welcome to the newest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio Podcast. My guest this week was author Lynne Rienstra who authored Sacred Refuge. We discussed how to find that rest in the Lord. Lynne shared stories of people who had suffered horribly but found peace in Jesus. Listen and you'll be inspired.

The Power of Prayer: True Stories
Welcome to anothere episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week my guest was Author Bonnie Fite. She related stories from the Jamestown and Plymouth colonies revealing God's protection and thier enduring faith. You won't hear these inspiring stories anywhere else. Enjoy!

Before the Screen: Audrey Hepburn's Sensational Resistance to Nazis
Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter. This week, Cynthia uncovered a story about Audrey Hepburn's childhood. She grew up in Holland during World War II and worked for the resistance. Her heroic story will inspire you.

Revolutionary Discovery: Unveiling a Patriot
Welcome to Balloon Week at Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. October 1 is both Ancestor Day and Balloon Day. In light of that, we are celebrating family members who have inspired us. My guest this week was Rebecca Price Janney. She shared about her Revolutionary War patriot who changed her life.

Don't Eat the Pets: A Remarkable Rescue
Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week Cynthia shared a snippet from presidential history about a pet. This heartwarming story will leave a smile on your face.

From Chaos to Constitution: The Founding Fathers at Work
Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week, Cynthia highlights an historic moment in history. Our founding fathers met in Philadelphia to work on the Articles of Confederation. They found themselves embroiled in controversy and division. Small states and large states fought over representation. Discover how they overcame those issues to finish the U.S. Constitution.

Discover Beauty Beyond Your Brokenness
Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia interviews Dr. Michelle Bengstrom who wrote Sacred Scars. During this conversation, Dr. Bengstrom shared a person must feel their pain in order to heal. However, you can know healing and restored inner beauty. Enjoy this fascinating discussion.

Beauty: Unsurpassed Results with Toxic Consequences
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week Cynthia digs into the history of makeup from the 15th century. At the time, people prized products from Venice, yet this particular makeup could be toxic. Join us for this lively discussion.

A Remarkable Woman Who Dared to Speak
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode you will discover the fascinating story of Rebecca Wright. Rebecca and her mother were the only pro-Union people in Winchester, Virginia during the Civil War. General Sheriden needed information about Confederate troops in that area. She risked her life to tell the truth.

Banishing Fear with Good Judgment
Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia discusses the Princess of Bavaria. She suffered from a painful obsession crippling her entire life. How sad to worry about something unreasonable. Today in the information age, we must sift through vast amounts of persuasive material we hear or see on the media. Yet no one wants to be deceived. Join this discussion on how rational thought can free us from unneeded fear.

Revealing Hidden Secrets of Ida McKinley's Legacy
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Imagine being crippled with disease when your husband holds the highest office in the land. Would you delegate the job of First Lady to someone else? Discover the inspiring legacy of Ida McKinley and be energized to offer your talents and gifts to the world.

Overcoming Darkness
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Mattter Radio/Podcast. In a world filled with darkness, we can easily feel ourselves overwhelmead. However, as individuals we can be the power that cuts through the gloom. Join Cynthia's interview with author John Di Girolamo. He offered suggestions and tools for keeping our families safe.

History Lesson: Ruthless Slander Shattered Rachel Jackson's World
Welcome to the latest edition of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we highlight the story of Rachel Jackson from the 1828 election. Join us as we discover truths from this powerful drama.

Terrifying Baltimore Plot Exposed! You won't believe what happens next.
Welcome to the newest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In light of the recent attempt on former President Trump, Cynthia related a foiled assassination attempt on Lincoln prior to his inauguration. Join us for this fascinating story.

Nurturing the Next Generation: A Warrior's Guide
Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week our guest was Tammy Largin who wrote a book about parenting. She drew a comparison between child-rearng and arrows in a warrior's quiver. The discussion centered around problems we face in our technology rich world and challenging your offspring to make good choices. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation.

Beyond the Musket: Abigail Rice's Hidden Role in the Revolutionary War
In today's episode, Abigail Rice visited from the Revolutionary War era to share a tid bit of her story. Colonists highly respected her family, and we are thankful for her contribution to freedom.

Spark and Action: Ignite Your Purpose
Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Rachel Anderson came this week to discuss how to live with purpose and meaning. She told fun stories about how God taught her as she raised her three boys. Join us for this inspiring discussion.

Home is Where the Welcome Mat is
Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode we focus on opening your home to long-term guests. Melissa Heiland shared how she and her husband minister to weary friends or guests from around the world. She discussed privacy and boundaries as well as chatting with your guest about what to expect. Join us on this ministry journey.

Surprising Facts on Colonial Beverages
Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode, hostess, Cynthia L Simmons, shared a short but fascinating snippet of history you might not know. What if you got thirsty and had no refrigerator and no grocery store? Join us in this interesting blog.

Hosting with a Heart
Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we featured Dr. Mel Tavares, a mental health specialist as we discussed the impact of hospitality. She pointed out how much we need deep interactions with other people, especially after the isolation of the pandemic. Dr. Mel also shared tips on making your home open to others. Join us for this interesting conversation.

Cool Communication Strategies: Engaging with Fans
Welcome to the next episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Discover fascinating details about the language of fans and communicate 'cool' this summer.

Echoing Footsteps: A Soldier Lost
Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode we remember the life of army nurse Captain Jennifer Moreno.

The Pancake Connection: Mixing Faith and Food
Welcome to the Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Today's guest dove into the profound impact of a grandmother, reflecting on the spiritual and emotional guidaance grandmas offer. Special guest, author Carole Leathem, shared a touching personal experience about a grandmother who was a pillar of stability in her chaotic childhood. Carole offered touching insights into the valuable teaching a grandmother can have. Join us for a heartwarming story.

Celebrating Mothers: Dr. Elliott Paid Tribute to Her Mother
Welcome to a special episode for Mother's Day. We are celebrating the influential role of mothers in our lives, reflecting the lessons and legacy they left behind. My guest this week was Dr. Sharon Elliott who is an author, speaker, teacher, and literary agent. She shared heartwarming memories from her mother, Nancy Brown Jennings Norris. Her reflections paint a vivid portrait of a dedicated mother, teacher, community leader, and loving wife who profoudly impacted her children's lives.

Choosing Hope: Rebuilding Life After an Abortion
EWelcome to another Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode, we chatted about the complex emotions surrounding abortion like fear of God's retribution. Camille Cates was my guest. She related the dramatic story of her unplanned preganancies and her choice to abort. Camille opened up about her deep seated pain and guilt. She explained the difference in Biblical grief verses worldly sorrow. Join our conversation and discover peace through God's mercy.

Bloom in Your Winter Season
Heart of the Matter Radio returns after a short vacation. In this episode Cynthia chats with Author Deborah Malone. Deborah just completed a book called, Bloom in Your Winter Season which covers women of the Bible who excelled once their kids were grown. Deborah quoted Babbie Mason who said "God doesn't stamp an expiration date on you." Join us as we discuss creative ways to continue serving God.

Uncovering Women's History: The Story of Katie Luther
In this special episode for Women's History Month, we offer a snippet on the life of a remarkable woman from the Reformation: Katrina von Bora who married Martin Luther, the Reformer. Cynthia has written more about Katie's life in the book, Women Who Overcame.

When Children Stray: A Mother's Journey Then and Now
In this riveting podcast, Cynthia explores the problem of the wayward child. As Cynthia opened the interview, she related the story of Susannah Wesley and her prodigal child. Afterward, she asked her guest, Deborah Crawford to share the struggles she faced when her daughter made poor choices. The ladies discussed the gut-wrenching pain of letting go and trusting God. Join Cynthia and Deborah as they shared how they found hope in the middle of pain.

President's Day: John Quincy Adams and the Courage of Convictions
In this President's Day podcast, Cynthia and Rebecca Price Janney, author and historian, discuss intriguing stories. Discover how John Quincy Adams made an impact by refusing to accept a gag order on slavery. From enduring marriages and diplomacy, this episode makes history live and sheds light on our lives today.

Beyond Romance: Sacrificial Love of Susannah and Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio Podcast. We all enjoy a love story, and this week Cynthia shared a tidbitt from the courtship of Charles Haddon Spurgeon and his wife Susannah. Susie was very shy, but Spurgeon had set London ablaze when he came to New Park Street Chapel. The church had to hire a new auditorium to handle the crowds he attracted. However, he tended to forget everything when he started speaking. Once he even forgot Susie. Listen for a snippet of their story. You can find more on the book by Cynthia called Women Who Overcame.

Red Lipstick and God's Love
In this podcast episode, hostess Cynthia L Simmons discussed the connection of red lipstick, World War 2, and patriotism. She explored how American women expressed their femininity and kept their spirits up during a pivotal time in history. Drawing parallels to the idea of love, Cynthia also discussed the idea of agape love as we launch into the month of February. Join us as we dive into history and consider how to improve the present.

Adventures in Odyssey's Katie Leigh and Peggy Sue Wells
Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast where we celebrate women from the past and learn new and powerful ways to cope with our nutty, upside-down world. This week we had a special guest, Katie Leigh who plays Connie Kendall on Adventures in Odyssey. She was joined by a mutual friend, author Peggy Sue Wells. Katie shared how she got the job at Focus on the Family and her heart for sharing truth with others. Peggy Sue explained how she became friends with Katie. Both ladies expressed their desire to minister and make the world a better place. Join us as we hear their inspiring stories and invaluable lessons.

Brave Hearted Woman: Empowering Women to Find their Purpose
Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode Cynthia and her guest Dawn Damon discuss what a brave-hearted woman looks like. Dawn shared her insights on discovering your vision and living as God intended you to live. Join Cynthia and Dawn as they discuss practical tips to make 2024 more successful.