Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast

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.

Welcome 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to our second podcast for 2024. Cynthia and her guest, author Nicki White, discuss stories of people who rose above circumstances and lived out what they believed. Nicki also offered encouraging ideas about how we can reach out to needy people this year and make a difference in our world. Join us as we brainstorm tackling 2024.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. 2024 has arrived. Typically, people consider their plans and resolutions for the new year. This week, Cynthia mentioned the craziness around us. She asked author Peggy Sue Wells to give thoughts about stewardship in this situation. Peggy Sue pointed out the importance of self-care and of controlling your thoughts rather than leaping into crisis mode. She highlighted the need for prayer and loving people as well as listening to the opinions of others. This month Peggy Sue will be giving away her Mark Wayne Adventure Series ebooks. If you would like to be part of the drawing, email Cynthia@clsimmons.com.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this week's New Year podcast, Cynthia related a story about the man who accidentally ignited Thee Great London Fire, which took place in 1666. Imagine how ashamed he must have felt. Based on that event, she invited listeners to consider their own legacy. What will people remember about your life?

Welcome to the Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week Cynthia offered a holiday message about creating lasting memories with those we love. She emphasized the need for transcendency in our lives. and for giving messages that clearly communicate our hope. As a Christmas gift, Cynthia offered listeners her childhood memories of Christmas as well as a cake recipe her mother used to make for the season.

Welcome to the Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we go back in history to learn about Teddy Roosevelt's parents. His mother, Mittie Bulloch, lived in Roswell, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. Our guest this week, Gwendolyn I. Koehler researched their lives and transcribed their letters. In this episode, she shared their romantic journey and their gorgeous winter wedding at Bulloch Hall. To learn more about Bulloch Hall, you can check visiting hours here. Ms. Koehler's book, Mittie and Thee: an 1853 Roosevelt Romance, can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. As a Christmas gift, you may click here to receive Cynthia's childhood memories and a favorite childhood reicpe.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode, author and counselor Tina Yeager chatted about ways to whip holiday burn out. Tina offered useful ideas on managing social obligations and genius ways to give meaningful gifts without spending a fortune. She also offers a course you can check out here. Use the codes FRIDAY23 or ACT NOW to get a discount. In addition, Cynthia is offering a gift to all her listeners. She complied Christmas memories from her childhood and a favorite cake her mother used to make. You can access that here.

Welcome to the Thanksgiving episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Cynthia steps back ino history and hightlights Sarah Josepha Hale. Sarah, who lived during the Civil War, believed a national day of thanksgiving would unite and fractured nation. Due to her persistance, President Lincoln finally made the Thanksgiving a national holiday. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and listen to this delightful story while you count your blessings. This year, Cynthia is offering her childhood memories as a gift to her listeners. Click here to receive the gift

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Podcast/Radio. As the holiday season approaches, Cynthia and her guest, author Janet K Johnson, delve into the topic of making memories with your family. Afterall, you will look back on the happy times with loved ones rather than fret over what you didn't purchase. They discuss how to make the holiday special by spending time with family and by remembering those who are missing from your circle. Janet also offered tips for those who might be grieving as well as making decisions with family members about what they find meaningful. Tune into this heartfelt conversation and get inspired to prioritize relationships this holiday season. As a gift to her listeners, Cynthia is offering memories of her childhood Christmas as well as a recipe for a cake her mother used to make. For that gift, click here.

In this episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast, Cynthia chats with author and parenting expert, Jill Rigby Garner. They tackle the reason we see so much modern day disrespect, and Jill believes we have placed too much emphasis on self-esteem. Instead Jill believes we should avoid fostering a sense of entitlement and teach children to give to others. The episode also features heartwarming stories that hightlight the beauty of gratefulness. Check out Jill's ministry here.

Welcome back to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In today's podcast, we discussed a tough topic: how to approach the topic death with your children. Our guest was Author Janet K Johnson who wrote the children's book Fly High: Understanding Grief with God's Help. Our hostess, Cynthia, shared her experiences and fears surrounding death in childhood. In contrast, Janet offered guidance on using nature as an example. She suggested allowing a kid to say goodbye in his or her own way as well as being sensitive to the child's age. Join us for this important and useful conversation.