At Last She Said It

Cultural taboos and prohibitions can feel etched in stone for many Latter-day Saint women. Even in things so personal as what to wear to church, we may feel little room to deviate from what's expected. In Episode 127, Cynthia and Susan discuss choices they each make that are counter to the cultural norm. They're small things, but in a church where it can feel like there are no small things, learning to ignore raised eyebrows and give yourself permission can pay big mental and spiritual dividends.

Got thoughts about tithing? This may be the episode you've been waiting for! There's a lot of emotion tied up at the intersection of money, obedience, temple recommends, and blessings. And what about charitable giving? How is tithing the same as paying to a charity that benefits others? How is tithing different? In Episode 126, Cynthia and Susan explore a diversity of ideas and personal experiences shared by listeners around this complicated topic.

Because the scriptures have been written, translated, interpreted, and most often taught by men, it's not surprising many women don't feel empowered to venture beyond the understanding we've received at church. Women's influence and involvement in the scriptural narrative has been minimized too, leaving only a few female characters with little detail about them. Their role is often glossed over or skipped altogether in our Sunday talks and curriculum. In Episode 125, Kajsa Berlin-Kaufusi joins Cynthia and Susan for a conversation urging Latter-day Saint women to reclaim the scriptures for ourselves in every way.

How does your religion influence your activism? And how does your activism influence your personal religious practice? For Jody England Hansen, there's never been a boundary between "What kind of member of the Church are you?" and "What kind of member of the world are you?" She writes,"If you see a need, an injustice, and there is something you can do about it, Jesus calls you to do it." Episode 124 is a conversation about showing up to advocate for and support others, wherever, whenever, and however we feel called.

Listeners explore reimagining Sunday worship in the church and reflect on the need for more engaging and interactive sessions. They discuss the balance between intellectualism and emotions in church settings and advocate for more inclusive language for God. The podcast also touches on finding inspiration in nature and challenging the church with truth and meaning.

In this bonus episode, Becky shares a few more personal insights about faith journeying. Spoiler: growth is always a good thing.

You may or may not call it a faith crisis, but many Latter-day Saints experience a seismic shift at some point that calls into question the faith we thought was settled. Suddenly we no longer feel sure about things to which we used to testify wholeheartedly. Though individuals experience the details differently, sudden uncertainty about foundational beliefs can feel frightening, isolating, even hopeless. In this episode, Becky Edwards joins Cynthia and Susan for a discussion about moving and growing through the destabilization of 'faith crisis.'

Latter-day Saints talk a lot about the wicked world: how it's getting more wicked, how it's a sign of the last days, how we're supposed to be in but not of it, how we should protect our families and fortify our homes against it. But what do we mean when we talk disparagingly about it? What are we gaining collectively from embracing a distrust of, or desire to disengage from, the world? And could there be unintended consequences from consistently highlighting a fearful view?

"The power struggle that's inherent in this telestial sphere between men and women is the source of all of our pain…" In this short bonus, Kathryn joins Cynthia and Susan to explore a few more ideas about patriarchy. Could it stand in the way of women and men realizing our full potential?

"While there are things I love about the organization, and most especially the people and community, I also see the messiness, the warts, and I see some very real pain and damage in it all. And so here I am today, living at the edge of inside." In this special bonus, Jeralee reflects on her faith journey and the lessons she's learning along the way, sharing an adaptation of her presentation from the ALSSI Fall Gathering, October 2022.