Although I love this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt - “No one can make me feel inferior without my consent" - I must say that teen girls are struggling right now and need help.

In 2023 a large study, The Girls’ Index⁠, reported compelling data on girls in the U.S. It was the largest national survey of its kind, with 17,502 girls participating. Researchers collected data for the first time in 2017 and then again in 2023. They explored things that would help anyone who influences girls (e.g., parents, family members, teachers, coaches, religious youth leaders) better understand girls’ thoughts, experiences, perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. The researchers partnered with schools nationwide to survey girls in 5th through 12th grades. The results linking confidence and social media are convincing., and I share those and other thoughts in this episode. Listen in!

Resources:

The Girls' Index: https://www.rulingourexperiences.com/research

A Future Only God Can See for You (chapters on confidence and social media): https://www.amazon.com/stores/Susan-R.-Madsen/author/B001JSJNK0?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

For this last episode of 2024, I wanted to talk about how expectations for ourselves and others sometimes need to shift and that's okay. I share some personal examples, while also discussing how our definitions of "success" may also change. I'll get back to sharing some research next year but wanted to end the year with some personal reflections and experiences.

When we consider how we want to use our time in better ways in 2025, I've been thinking of the time we sometimes spend being offended, and why we take offense. I walk through a recent experience of where I temporarily took offense and analyzed why I did, and how I worked quickly to get it out of my system. I also wrestle through how we can overcome feelings of offense as well. Listen in!

For my 100th episode of this podcast, I decided to focus on a recent trip to Asia I took and the blessing that I was reminded of while at the same time, I discuss some of my thoughts around the profound responsibilities I believe we have when we experience so many blessings.

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.