Shows
The Thoughtful Talents ShowStrengths Applied: Equity w/ Dr. Susan MadsenIn this episode of Strengths Applied, we welcome fellow Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and Leadership Scholar, Dr. Susan Madsen, to discuss the topic of Equity. We begin with unpacking the difference between equity and equality at work—and why that difference really matters. We share powerful stories and insights about the barriers to equity in the workplace. The conversation touches on everything from our personal experiences, the roles our talents play, privilege, male allyship, to your role as a leader. Whether you're a new leader struggling with creating equity or just curious about designing more inclusive spaces, this episode off...
2025-06-0353 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastUnderstanding Finance in UtahThis episode discusses a topic within a new Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) report titled, “Women, Finance, and Education: Utahns Awareness, Understanding, and Attitudes.” This report has three main areas of focus, and today we’ll be discussing the area of finance.Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by two of the co-leaders for A Bolder Way Forward’s Finance Spoke. Susan Speirs is the CEO of the Utah Association of CPAs, and Melanie Jewkes is a USU Extension Professor who teaches financial wellness courses. Support the show
2025-05-0737 min
At Last She Said ItEpisode 207: What About Religiosity, Violence and Abuse? | A Conversation with Dr. Susan MadsenWhen it comes to talking about abuse and violence against women, "You have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable," explains Susan Madsen. In Episode 207, Dr. Madsen joins Susan and Cynthia for a conversation about the link between religiosity and abuse, and the power disparity that fosters it. Even where the Church is strongest, the statistics are troubling, to say the least. How might our church and its members move from lip service to leading "the army to protect home, family, and children?"
2025-01-141h 08
The Deep DiveEpisode 201: Wrestling with Gender & Leadership w/ Susan MadsenPhilip welcomes researcher and author Susan Madsen to the show. In their conversation, they explore her new book focused on gender and leadership and dissect the consistent myths and impediments to women led leadership.
The Drop – The segment of the show where Philip and his guest share tasty morsels of intellectual goodness and creative musings.
Philip’s Drop:
Becoming bell hooks (PBS)
Susan’s Drop:
Handbook of Research on Gender & Leadership 2nd edition Special Guest: Susan Madsen.
2024-10-1750 min
Breaking Down PatriarchyWomen & Girls in Utah - with Dr. Susan MadsenAmy is joined by Dr. Susan Madsen to discuss the current gender inequality experienced by girls and women in Utah, what we can do to create change, and why we need A Bolder Way Forward.Dr. Susan R. Madsen is the Karen Haight Huntsman endowed professor of leadership in the John M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. She's also the founding director of the Utah Women in Leadership Project and is leading a statewide social change movement titled A Bolder Way Forward. Professor Madsen and her team have written extensive resources on women's leadership...
2024-07-0950 min
Unleashing Sister Saints90. Season Final ThoughtsToday I share my 90th episode before taking a break for the summer, and perhaps longer. In this episode, I share a few final thoughts, including inspiring quotes from leaders on the potential of women’s impact on the Church and the world, and some personal disappointment in the roadblocks women face in making our full influence felt
generally, in the Church. Do you have any thoughts, questions, concerns, or suggestions? I love to hear from
you: email me at unleashingsistersaints@gmail.com
“God sent you here to prepare for a future greater than anything you ca...
2024-05-1512 minUnleashing Sister Saints89. Hidden Pearl: Inviting the Spirit through Equal Partnership at Home with Tim Willden*This week I will be sharing the second half of a two-part conversation with my brother, Tim Willden. These two episodes were originally published in 2023 and have become a listener favorite. Enjoy!*
Have you ever thought about how cultivating a more equal partnership in the home can better invite the Holy Ghost to teach, inspire, and uplift a family? Join me for part two of my conversation with Tim Willden, my younger brother, as we discuss ways men and women can work together to create a more equal partnership in the home, resulting in a more Spirit-filled, l...
2024-05-0818 minUnleashing Sister Saints88. Hidden Pearl: Navigating a Culture with Men on the Stand with Tim Willden*This week and next, I will be sharing again a two-part conversation with my brother, Tim Willden. These episodes were originally published in 2023 and have become a listener favorite. Enjoy!*
As members of the church, we live in a culture that literally and metaphorically puts men on the stand. On this week's episode, I invite my younger brother, Tim Willden, to share his experiences as a bishop and stake president learning and striving to allow women in his stake to be more equal partners in the work of salvation. Tim shares ways his wife Danai was a...
2024-05-0123 minUnleashing Sister Saints87. Embracing and Understanding Your Sexuality with Dr. Chelom LeavittDo you tend to feel comfortable and powerful with your sexuality as a Latter-day Saint woman, or somewhat ashamed and embarrassed? Join me today for a fantastic discussion with Dr. Chelom Leavitt, a BYU professor, author, mother of eight, and expert in healthy, meaningful sexuality. Dr. Leavitt shares how women can achieve more meaningful sex and why meaningful sex is critical in a healthy marriage relationship, and how women can achieve greater mindfulness during sex. We also discuss how to teach children of any age about sex, and small things we can do to help prevent sexual abuse. As...
2024-04-2426 minUnleashing Sister Saints86. Helping Children and Families Thrive with Rebecca DutsonRebecca Dutson, President and CEO of The Children’s Center Utah, is passionate about helping children and families thrive, not just survive. As a faithful member of the Church, Rebecca believes children are our most precious resource, and wants everyone to understand that children have mental health, and that even infants, toddlers and preschoolers have mental health needs. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about the interrelated nature of mother and caregiver mental health and children’s mental health, and how we can best help children and families thrive.
Challenge: Learn more abo...
2024-04-1725 minUnleashing Sister Saints85. Being a Light-Giver with Robin RitchToday I am joined by the incomparable Robin Ritch, and extraordinary leader with a wealth of experience in tech and innovation. From the get-go, you will be inspired by Robin’s passion and excitement for life and the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this episode, she shares insights gained from interviewing several dozen Latter-day Saint women who came of age in the ‘60s and ‘70s. She shares their wrestles and how the friction these women experienced shaped their lives and testimonies. Robin also invites women to reflect on how they can bring greater light to the world around them throug...
2024-04-1030 minUnleashing Sister Saints84. Peacemaking through Advocacy with Candace QueathemCandace Queathem is a mom of three young children who has made time and space in her life to serve the vulnerable in her community. Candace, who lives in London, England, formally serves as the community outreach specialist for the Hyde Park Stake, but her volunteer efforts began with a simple observation of need during the Afghan refugee crisis and a desire to help. Today, I talk with Candace about the value of education, the critical importance of relationship and trust building in volunteer work, and how centering her life in Christlike service has given her a firm foundation...
2024-04-0334 minUnleashing Sister Saints83. Many Paths to Faithful Discipleship with Laurel Christensen DayLaurel Christensen Day believes there are many options, not just one or two, to live out our discipleship and life’s purpose. On this week’s episode, Laurel shares her unexpected journey from part-time marketing and events coordinator at Deseret Book to her current role as company president, how she’s learned from and not been paralyzed by mistakes, and the responsibility she feels to create space for everyone who wants to belong in the Church.
Challenge: Consider the vision you have for your roles, whether that is at home, at work, or at church. How can these...
2024-03-2734 minUnleashing Sister Saints82. Building Zion Through Male Allyship with Jared HardingWe have been invited by senior Church leaders (and continuously in scripture by our Savior, Jesus Christ) to build Zion by creating communities of unity and belonging. On the podcast today, guest Jared Harding joins me to discuss how male allyship is critical to building Zion. Jared, who holds a master’s degree in leadership and organizational behavior, shares how his interest in allyship began as he more fully understood the doctrine of Heavenly Mother and women's divine potential. We then discuss how men can move from avoiding or even accomodating gender issues to creatively advancing women’s standing in th...
2024-03-2030 minUnleashing Sister Saints81. The Power of "The Tap" for WomenToday’s episode begins with the story of my friend, Heather. Heather had never planned to go to grad school, but that all changed with a “tap.” This week I talk about the power of the "tap on the shoulder,” a nudge or a bit of encouragement, especially for women. This tap can encourage positive transformational moments like going back to school, pursuing a graduate degree, asking for a promotion, or running for political office. This is a brief, but impactful episode on our capacity to influence other’s lives for good simply by recognizing other’s strengths and encouraging...
2024-03-1308 minUnleashing Sister Saints80. Latter-day Saint Women in Public Service with Sui Lang PanokeI believe Latter-day Saint women are perfect candidates for public service, and this week’s guest agrees. Join me for a conversation with my vibrant and passionate friend Sui Lang Panoke, a visionary leader, social entrepreneur, and international trainer and facilitator who currently serves as Senior Vice President of Culture for Zions Bank. Sui Lang shares her background in training women and minorities for public service, and why women often bring the very type of leadership that is needed in government today.
Challenge: When women feel loved and supported, they feel empowered to lead and can create pos...
2024-03-0630 minUnleashing Sister Saints79. Navigating Ideals as Latter-day Saint Women with Elizabeth Ostler, PhDHave you ever heard of cultural master narratives? Today, Elizabeth Ostler, Ph.D., explains the role of cultural master narratives in telling us who and how we’re supposed to be in order to belong to a group. Liz, a theater-maker, researcher, artist, activist, and current Relief Society president in Brooklyn, recently completed doctoral research on Latter-day Saint women cultural master narratives. On the episode, Liz explains how gaining awareness around our culture’s ideals, distinguishing these ideals from doctrine, and seeking our own personal revelation can help us be true to ourselves and to who our Heavenly Parents need...
2024-02-2828 minUnleashing Sister Saints78. Finding Joy in Creativity with Courtney Vander Veur MatzJoin me today for a conversation with Courtney Vander Veur Matz, an award-winning artist, wife, and mother of three. Courtney’s art was included in the Church’s International Art Competition in both 2019 and 2002, and her artwork visualizing Heavenly Mother and our Heavenly Parents has been included in several art shows and in the book, The Girls’ Guide to Heavenly Mother. In the episode, Courtney shares the process and inspiration for creating a 7ft by 4ft portrait of Heavenly Mother in 2019, and we discuss the joy that can be found as we allow for creativity in our everyday lives.
Ch...
2024-02-2125 minUnleashing Sister Saints77. Creating a Community of Love and Safety with Dr. Lisa Hansen and Dr. Lisa DiamondThis week I bring back Dr. Lisa Hansen and welcome Dr. Lisa Diamond to the show to talk about creating a community of love and safety for everyone, including our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. Humans are social creatures, and we need to matter to someone in order to survive and thrive. Feeling deeply connected and protected by others, especially our own family and community, with a sense of unconditional safety, protection, and affirmation, is critical to every aspect of our health and relationships. Dr. Hansen and Dr. Diamond share years of research and expertise on social safety, and how...
2024-02-1437 minUnleashing Sister Saints76. Women and the Priesthood: True Power, Influence, Strength and Leadership with Wendy UlrichDo you remember that in 2019, President Russell M. Nelson specifically invited women in the Church to study all the truths they could find about priesthood power? If you’ve taken that invitation to heart, what have you learned? On today’s episode, Wendy Ulrich, a psychologist and author of “Live Up to Our Privileges: Women, Power, and Priesthood”, joins me to share what she has learned in her study of women and priesthood power. Wendy, a former mission leader and Relief Society general council member, shares beautiful insights on how understanding priesthood power can elevate every area of our life, fr...
2024-02-0736 min
PowerLane Podcast52. Dr. Susan Madsen Part 2: Leading with Head, Heart, & HandsWe’re back for Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Susan Madsen. Picking up where we left off in Part 1, we continue exploring her journey to becoming a strong researcher, cultivating specific strengths and skills, and growing into her “Tap.” We touch on allyship, sponsorship, and giving specific feedback, and the importance of recognizing that when others trust and depend on you, they see you as a leader. Learn more about Dr. Madsen and her newest initiative, A Bolder Way Forward, in the links below. Episode Quote“Everybody needs the strengths of women. I truly believe it...
2024-02-0230 minUnleashing Sister Saints75. Choosing Growth over PerfectionismOn today's episode I discuss fixed mindset vs. growth mindset, and how it relates to women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Do you have a tendency to believe your qualities are carved in stone, with an urgency to prove yourself over and over? Do you limit your achievement and feel the need to constantly try to prove you are better than others? Do you have a perception that effort is only for people with deficiencies? If so, you may be stuck in a fixed mindset vs. a growth mindset. We can all experience this type o...
2024-01-3116 minPowerLane Podcast51. Dr. Susan Madsen - Part 1: Leading with Head, Heart, & HandsThe journey of my friend, colleague, and mentor, Dr. Susan Madsen, in becoming an international scholar and movement-maker is full of wisdom and inspirational insights (and a mini-celebration of the benefits of double-knit!). We learn how her childhood experiences and beliefs for the future helped shape her leadership style, and are inspired by her humble openness about both her strengths and her blind spots. She is seriously passionate about her work to move mountains for Utah’s women and girls -- and her honest reflection and willingness to tackle big issues might just light a fire in you...
2024-01-2634 minUnleashing Sister Saints74. Loving More and Judging Less with Kelleen Potter and Dr. Lisa HansenToday I am joined by Kelleen Potter and Dr. Lisa Hansen to talk about loving our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and their families more and judging them less. Kelleen Potter shares her own experience as the mother of a gay son and transgender daughter, something she says she couldn’t have believed or understood if she hadn’t experienced herself. Lisa Hansen adds clinical insights as a PhD marriage and family therapist and director of Flourish Therapy, a behavioral health clinic in Provo aimed at supporting LGBTQ individuals and their families. I had so many great ah-hah moments during our...
2024-01-1736 minUnleashing Sister Saints73. The Road Less TraveledWhat is the road less traveled today, as a Latter-day Saint woman? Right now, I believe it is to remain as a committed, covenant-keeping sister in this Church. And, preparing to lead, particularly for Latter-day Saint women, can be a road less traveled. Join me today as I invite sisters to take the road less traveled, and as I share four methods of assistance available to us as we work to become the women our Heavenly Parents intend for us to be.
“Today...we need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith an...
2024-01-1014 minUnleashing Sister Saints72. Learning to Trust Yourself with Dr. Julie HanksHave you ever considered your own innate desires for good could be personal revelation? Join me this week for an insightful conversation with Dr. Julie Hanks as we discuss aspirational shame and personal revelation as it relates to women and our desires for family, careers, and/or education. Dr. Hanks discusses how we can learn to trust ourselves and not discount our good desires and aspirations, as they can be potential personal revelation or inspiration from loving Heavenly Parents. We also discuss why it is so common for women to judge one another for their decisions, and how we...
2024-01-0328 minUnleashing Sister Saints71. Hidden Pearl: Finding PeaceThis can be a busy and hectic time of year, but I hope you can pause for a moment and feel the peace of our Savior Jesus Christ as you listen to this week’s brief podcast episode. I first recorded and shared this episode back in April 2023, but the message feels relevant to this Christmas season. I discuss President Henry B. Eyring’s April 2023 conference message, “Finding Personal Peace,” and share thoughts on developing greater trust, hope, and faith in Jesus Christ, allowing peace to settle into our souls regardless of our situation or challenges.
“Peace I leave with...
2023-12-2010 minUnleashing Sister Saints70. Remember Who You Are with Elaine DaltonI am delighted to welcome Elaine Dalton, former Young Women general president, to the show this week. She shares her characteristic and timeless love, enthusiasm, and encouragement for all women, particularly young mothers and single mothers. Sharing her firm belief of each woman’s divine nature and destiny, Elaine encourages women to learn for themselves of their divine worth to our Heavenly Parents. She warns us not to compare ourselves to others and to instead work to be the best version of ourselves. Finally, Elaine talks about her work with the Stella Oaks Foundation, a fantastic organization that provides sc...
2023-12-1329 minUnleashing Sister Saints69. Developing the Habit of Seeking Personal RevelationIn this week’s episode, I share some recent thoughts about seeking personal revelation. Personal revelation has been a rock for me through the years. I have learned about it, yearned for it, asked for it, depended on it, followed it, and found peace because of it. The insights and confirmations I have received from God have been foundational in my decisions—whether minor or substantial—and in my life in general. I hope these thoughts will provide understanding of how you might strengthen your own revelation-receiving efforts and capabilities.
“If we were born to lead in these lat...
2023-12-0620 minUnleashing Sister Saints67. Hidden Pearl: Making Greater ImpactJoin me this week as I share three profound quotes from prophets of the Lord about women's potential impact to bring light, hope, and peace to the world. When I use the phrase “unleashing sister saints,” this is what I mean! How can we as women be the force the Lord needs to lift millions who suffer and need the hope of the Savior on our planet? This "Hidden Pearl" was one of my earliest episodes (#4) and has become a listener favorite.
“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come...
2023-11-2211 minUnleashing Sister Saints66. "Ask Yourself: What Is Your Righteous Indignation?" with Nubia PeñaEpisode Description: Nubia Peña has spent the past 20 years working as a community organizer and policy advocate for underrepresented populations. She attributes her passion for serving the needy to the example of her mother, a woman filled with faith and compassion, and Nubia’s own deep faith and trust in God. While not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nubia’s faith and inexhaustible energy to "be proximate" to victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, the impoverished, and the incarcerated will uplift and inspire you. She is an example to me of the p...
2023-11-1530 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastA Bolder Way Forward Conversations: FinanceA Bolder Way Forward is a statewide movement that is bringing together businesses, organizations, and individuals who are either already doing related work around women and girls or are ready to get engaged and lean into the work. If we are serious about ensuring that Utah women, girls, and their families better thrive, we need to create positive change much faster. A Bolder Way Forward leaders are working together to accomplish bold goals in 18 critical areas that require societal change, and one of these is Finance. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by the leaders...
2023-11-0918 minUnleashing Sister Saints65. The Cherished Doctrine of Heavenly Mother with McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding: Part IIThis week I continue my conversation with McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding as they discuss their important thought piece, “Why Heavenly Mother is Essential for Women Understanding their Eternal Destiny.” If you haven't already, tune in to part I of the discussion in last week's episode (episode 64).
Challenge: If we cherish the doctrine of a Heavenly Mother, how can we better act on this doctrine? Consider how you can apply the principles and doctrine outlined in the gospel topic essay, "Mother in Heaven."
Resources:
Matrix: “Why Heavenly Mother is Essential for Women Understan...
2023-11-0837 minUnleashing Sister Saints64. The Cherished Doctrine of Heavenly Mother with McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding: Part IChurch leaders and an authoritative gospel topic essay have affirmed that as Latter-day Saints, we believe in the beautiful and cherished doctrine of a Heavenly Mother. However, do we really live and apply this doctrine? Today, I’m grateful to welcome McArthur Krishna and her co-author Bethany Brady Spalding to the show to expound upon established doctrine of Heavenly Mother and discuss their important thought piece, “Why Heavenly Mother is Essential for Women Understanding their Eternal Destiny.” I appreciate McArthur and Bethany’s vision, passion, and excitement to help Church members understand and apply our true doctrine of a Heavenly...
2023-11-0334 min
Eccles Business BuzzS5E6: Establishing a Workplace Culture Takes All Of Us feat. Dr. Susan Madsen & Nubia PeñaThis season, we are exploring the experience of women in the workplace, especially here in Utah. In a recent study published by Wallet Hub, Utah ranked as the worst state for women’s equality. The study put Utah last for women in education and health and 49th in both political empowerment and workplace environment for women. The study also found that the income gap between men and women was worse in Utah than in any other state and that Utah is seriously lacking when it comes to women in executive leadership positions. Here to hel...
2023-11-0233 minUnleashing Sister Saints63. Recognizing Blessings In Times of ChaosThough it isn’t always natural or intuitive, when we choose to be grateful in times of chaos or hardship we can usually identify blessings and tender mercies from the Lord. Today I share about an especially crazy day recently when I was reminded of the many blessings and miracles we experience from day to day, including the blessing of strong and righteous men in our lives.
Challenge: Are you having a busy day? A crazy week or month? Pause for just a minute and think of or record the ways the Lord has blessed you despite the...
2023-10-2511 minUnleashing Sister Saints62. Choosing God with McArthur KrishnaI think our listeners are going to love this week’s conversation with storyteller and artist McArthur Krishna. McArthur is full of energy, passion, patience, grace, and hope, and I learned so much as we talked about her efforts to co-publish a series of books with Bethany Brady Spalding on both women in the scriptures and our Heavenly Mother. From discussing the value of studying the stories of women in scripture to sharing her hopeful perspective on gender inequities in the Church or in society, McArthur encourages women to keep making choices that bring them closer to God. She als...
2023-10-1829 minUnleashing Sister Saints61. Perspectives on Mental and Emotional Health with Reyna and Elena Aburto*Help me reach my goal of TEN new reviews this week on Apple Podcasts! If you have been enjoying Unleashing Sister Saints, please take one minute to leave a rating and a review. Thank you!*
This week I am delighted to share my conversation with Reyna Aburto and her daughter, Elena Aburto, on the topic of mental and emotional wellbeing. You will recognize Reyna as the former second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, where she served with President Jean B. Bingham and Sharon Eubank from 2017-2022. In the October 2019 general conference, Sister Aburto spoke powerfully...
2023-10-1128 minUnleashing Sister Saints60. Decreasing Loneliness and Increasing Connection with Dr. Christy KaneOn this week’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Christy Kane, PsyD, CMHC, to discuss the topic of loneliness among Latter-day Saint women and young women.
When we envision loneliness, we may think of a single sister or an elderly woman living alone, but loneliness affects women in a variety of backgrounds and family situations, and can be severe in our modern world so deeply affected by comparison and social media. Tune in to learn more about the causes of loneliness, the relationship between social media and loneliness, and how to decrease loneliness and increase authentic connection in...
2023-10-0425 minUnleashing Sister Saints59. Women Quoted at the Pulpit & General Conference Insights (Hidden Pearl)This weekend is general conference, the worldwide gathering of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am excited to feel God’s love and peace during the conference and to listen for messages from the Spirit especially for me. With conference in mind, this week I'm replaying an episode first released before the April 2023 general conference that highlights Eliza Wells’ recent scholarly article, “Quoted at the Pulpit: Male Rhetoric and Female Authority in Fifty Years of General Conference.”
Unfortunately, Wells’ research outlines that women have been quoted less, acknowledged less, and are seen as less autho...
2023-09-2710 minUnleashing Sister Saints58. Seeing, Hearing, and Including our Single Sisters with Dr. Christy KaneDid you know there are more single adult members of the Church than married? According to an April 2021 general conference address by President Russell M. Ballard, more than half the adults in the Church are single, divorced, or not yet married. Join me for this week's episode with special guest Dr. Christy Kane, a psychologist and previously divorced sister, to discuss how we can be more aware and inclusive of our single sisters in the Church.
Challenge: Try not to assume the single women in your ward and neighborhood are “taken care of” -- reach out! Whether you ar...
2023-09-2024 minUnleashing Sister Saints57. “Why Not Me?” with Emily Bell McCormickWhen exploring a business idea she thought had potential, Emily Bell McCormick found herself asking, “If no one else is doing this, why not me?” Knowing failure was possible but that learning and growth were guaranteed, Emily jumped on the idea and founded the successful clothing company, Shabby Apple. On this week’s episode, Emily discusses lessons learned from starting her business, growing her family through birth and adoption, and later founding The Policy Project, a nonprofit public policy group. Emily shares openly about her journey navigating motherhood and her own needs and interests, as well as discussing how she wa...
2023-09-1331 minUnleashing Sister Saints56. Get to Know Dr. Susan R. MadsenThis week I’m stepping outside my comfort zone and sharing more about my background and life experience for new listeners and those less familiar with my story.
Join us as my friend, Karlie Guymon, takes the interviewer seat to ask me about growing up the only girl with SIX brothers, serving as a young missionary in Tampa, Florida, and pursuing masters and doctorate degrees as a young mother. I reflect on the one thing I would change looking back: I wish I had given myself more grace!
I also encourage listeners not to be af...
2023-09-071h 01Unleashing Sister Saints55. Asking “Where Would Christ Be?” with Kristin AndrusSeveral years ago, Kristin Andrus and her husband sold a portion of their extremely successful business, Traeger Grills. But instead of feeling relieved or celebratory, she immediately felt a heavy weight of responsibility and a strong spiritual prompting to choose the path less traveled, give back, and get out of her “bubble.”
In this week’s episode, Kristin joins me to talk about the ways she and her family, including their six children, are thinking outside the box to serve and volunteer in their community, as well as change public policy through her work with The Policy Projec...
2023-08-3033 min
Full Confidence AheadThe Power of Collaboration: Empowering Women and Girls | Dr. Susan MadsenDr. Susan Madsen, a renowned community leader in Utah, discusses her initiatives to empower women and girls in the latest episode of the Full Confidence Ahead podcast. As the founding director of the Utah Women Leadership Project, Dr. Madsen has launched the Boulder Way Forward Initiative, which aims to address various challenges faced by women in Utah through collaboration and systemic change. The conversation focuses on Dr. Madsen's personal journey and the importance of education and purpose in empowering women. They also discuss the significance of male allyship and the need for change in creating a more inclusive and...
2023-08-2930 minUnleashing Sister Saints54. Hidden Pearl: Distractors and Strategies for Discovering Gifts, Talents, and StrengthsThis week we’re replaying a listener favorite, Episode 28: “Distractors and Strategies for Discovering Gifts, Talents, and Strengths.” In this episode I talk about three things that distract us from understanding, embracing, and utilizing our gifts, talents, and strengths in the Church and in the world. I briefly talk about three distractors, and then I mention five approaches I recommend to help women discover their unique gifts, talents and strengths. In our busy lives, pausing and taking the time to consider what may be limiting us from reaching our full potential as well as considering our own strengths and gifts...
2023-08-2310 minUnleashing Sister Saints53. How Motherhood Prepares Women To LeadDoes motherhood take women away from learning, growth, and professional development, or is motherhood an effective school for becoming a better human, influencer, and leader?
Join me as I share stories as well as an extensive list of what I learned talking to leading women around the world about the skills and capacities they have learned as mothers. It is clear to me that motherhood prepares women to lead.
Parenting is anything but easy, and research tells us challenging experiences are some of the most effective leadership development experiences. From learning balance and prioritization to...
2023-08-1611 minUnleashing Sister Saints52. The Connection Between Religion and the Gender Pay GapI'm sure you've heard of the gender pay gap, but did you know there is a connection between lower pay for women and religiosity? The gender wage gap is a complicated issue, but research shows religion affects the individual choices, organizational practices, and societal norms that impact the gap in pay between men and women. Today I share from a study that compared the pay gap in religious and non-religious states and countries, talk about my own personal experience with wage discrimination, and extend a challenge to learn more about the wage gap in order to lessen discrimination within...
2023-08-0912 minUnleashing Sister Saints51. The Gift to Choose What and How We BelieveIn this episode I briefly honor Sister Patricia T. Holland, who passed away on July 20, 2023, and share one of my favorite quotes from her about her honest hatred for sewing. (Isn’t that great?!) Then, I share some thoughts about the truly incredible gift we have to choose what we believe. After a recent trip to Eastern Europe, I have reflected often on the freedom we have today to choose our religion and our beliefs, and how billions of people before us never had that choice. We must not take this gift for granted! I challenge listeners to consider wh...
2023-08-0209 minUnleashing Sister Saints50. Feeling Seen, Known, and Loved by our SaviorJoin me for a few reflections on feeling seen and loved by Jesus Christ after studying and teaching about His resurrection to my local congregation. I share the differing biblical accounts of women witnessing His resurrection, and relate it to the way we as women today are sometimes still invisible or not acknowledged by our fellow men and women. I affirm my testimony that we are each loved and known by name by our Savior, no matter our situation, marital or family status, or job title, and I share a few personal experiences that taught me this vital principle.
2023-07-2612 minUnleashing Sister Saints49. Inviting the Spirit through Equal Partnership at Home with Tim WilldenHave you ever thought about how cultivating a more equal partnership in the home can better invite the Holy Ghost to teach, inspire, and uplift a family? Join me for part two of my conversation with Tim Willden, my younger brother, as we discuss ways men and women can work together to create a more equal partnership in the home, resulting in a more Spirit-filled, loving, and safe home and family life.
Tim shares the critical importance of husbands and wives talking together openly and frequently about the roles and responsibilities within the home, including those Church c...
2023-07-1918 minUnleashing Sister Saints48. Navigating a Culture with Men on the Stand with Tim WilldenAs members of the church, we live in a culture that literally and metaphorically puts men on the stand. On this week's episode, I invite my younger brother, Tim Willden, to share his experiences as a bishop and stake president learning and striving to allow women in his stake to be more equal partners in the work of salvation. Tim shares ways his wife Danai was a more active partner throughout his service as stake president, including in ministering to departing and returning missionaries, as well as ways he encouraged the stake Relief Society, Young Women and Primary leaders...
2023-07-1223 minUnleashing Sister Saints47. Clinging to the Heavenly Vision of Equality with Dr. Valerie HudsonJoin me for a conversation with special guest Dr. Valerie Hudson to learn about her work on international security and gender and why she chooses to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Valerie shares how she was initially drawn to the sensible and practical nature of the gospel as a young teenage convert, and why she believes that sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ is “the most feminist act one can commit.” Valerie believes the hallmark of the true church of Jesus Christ is the doctrine of equal partnership between men and women, and she offers insi...
2023-07-0518 minUnleashing Sister Saints46. Learning to Give Effective FeedbackDoes giving clear and direct feedback at home, church, or work make you feel uncomfortable or nervous? Girls and women are often socialized to be less direct in giving feedback, and I have found that women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can sometimes be ineffective in giving feedback in an effort to be more warm, kind, or compassionate. However, feedback is critical in helping others begin, stop, or continue certain behaviors, and learning to give effective feedback is an important skill. On this week’s episode, I share common mistakes made when giving feedback and ex...
2023-06-2811 minUnleashing Sister Saints45. Why Every Woman Needs— and Deserves— Higher EducationGetting a better job or making more money are good reasons for women to pursue higher education, but are they the only reasons? Join me this week as I discuss the vast benefits and uses of higher education, from living a longer and healthier life to improving your self-understanding and critical thinking. I share inspiring stories of women who are “showing up” to complete or advance their education, and offer a challenge to consider where you are in your lifelong educational journey.
Quotes: “[P]repare to do work of real worth for your fellowmen... The critical differe...
2023-06-2412 minUnleashing Sister Saints44. Girls and Young Women Today are Struggling. Here’s How To Help.Young women today are struggling, and the research is discouraging. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report discussed some disturbing findings that teen girls are experiencing record high levels of violence, sadness, and suicide risk. On this week's episode I discuss the serious mental health and safety challenges today’s young women face, and how as parents, sisters, aunts, friends, and Church leaders we each have the opportunity to profoundly influence the lives of girls and young women. I share three important tips for lifting the young women in your life, and issue a challenge to ed...
2023-06-1611 min
Top of Mind with Julie RoseStick With It Stories: Diversity Advocate Susan Madsen Gains New EmpathyOur “Stick With It” conversation series on the Top of Mind podcast continues with diversity advocate Susan Madsen’s story about being invited to attend an event and realizing she was the only white person in a room of several hundred people. Sticking with the discomfort she felt at the event gave her a window into how people of color must feel often in Madsen’s majority white community. That new measure of empathy served as an important motivation for Madsen in her research and advocacy with the Utah Women and Leadership Project.
Podcast Guest:
Susan Madsen, founding director of the Utah...
2023-05-0820 min
Utah Women & Leadership Podcast100 Companies Championing Women: Clearfield CityThe Utah Women & Leadership Project and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity have created an inspiring initiative to identify and highlight 100 Utah companies that champion women. By supporting employees through education, family-friendly benefits, policies, or programs that advance women, these companies have created an environment where women can thrive. This episode highlights Clearfield City. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by Summer Palmer who is the Assistant City Manager, and Ricki Miller who is the HR Manager.Support the show
2023-01-0324 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastHomelessness Among Utah WomenIn 2020, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness reported that an estimated 3,131 Utah residents experienced homelessness on any given day. And, according to data shared by the Office of Homeless Services under the Utah Department of Workforce Services, 24,037 people accessed homelessness services in Utah sometime during 2021. Clearly, homelessness is a grave concern for many Utah women and families.Recently, the Utah Women & Leadership Project published a research snapshot about homelessness among Utah women. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by Dr. Emily Darowski, Associate Director of the UWLP; Joseph Jensen...
2022-12-1430 min
Utah Women & Leadership Podcast100 Companies Championing Women: LendioThe Utah Women & Leadership Project and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity have created an inspiring initiative to identify and highlight 100 Utah companies that champion women. By supporting employees through education, family-friendly benefits, policies, or programs that advance women, these companies have created an environment where women can thrive. This episode highlights Lendio. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by Brock Blake, who is the CEO of Lendio, and Faith Barela, the Senior Director of Human Resources.Support the show
2022-12-0524 min
Utah Women & Leadership Podcast100 Companies Championing Women: Digital Respons-AbilityThe Utah Women & Leadership Project and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity have created an inspiring initiative to identify and highlight 100 Utah companies that champion women. By supporting employees through education, family-friendly benefits, policies, or programs that advance women, these companies have created an environment where women can thrive. This episode continues our series and highlights Digital Respons-Ability. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, who is the Founder and CEO of Digital Respons-Ability, and Karina Gathu, Operations Director. Support the show
2022-11-1622 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastThe Status & Experiences of Utah American Indian WomenThe Utah Women & Leadership Project recently published a research snapshot on the status of Utah American Indian Women. Additionally, the UWLP published a summary of the two community conversations the UWLP held for American Indian women in Utah to listen to and document their experiences. This episode will discuss the findings of the research snapshot and the community conversations summary. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by Marin Christensen, who was a co-author on the snapshot and also co-host of the two community conversations with American Indian women, and Lillian Tsosie-Jensen, who...
2022-11-0130 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastThe Status & Experiences of Utah Black WomenThe Utah Women & Leadership Project recently published a research snapshot on the status of Black women in Utah. Additionally, the UWLP published a summary of the two community conversations the UWLP held for Black women in Utah to listen to and document their experiences. This episode will discuss the findings of the research snapshot and the community conversations summary. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by Marin Christensen, who was a co-author on the snapshot and also co-host of the two community conversations with Black women, and LeiLoni Allan, who worked with...
2022-10-1932 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastThe Status & Experiences of Utah Pacific Islander WomenThe Utah Women & Leadership Project recently published a research snapshot on the status of Pacific Islander women in Utah. Additionally, the UWLP published a summary of the two community conversations the UWLP held for Pacific Islander women in Utah to listen to and document their experiences. This episode will discuss the findings of the research snapshot and the community conversations summary. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by Marin Christensen, who was a co-author on the snapshot and also co-host of the two community conversations with Pacific Islander women, and MonaJean Tausinga...
2022-10-0328 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastSuicide Among Utah Girls and WomenSuicide is a serious, evolving, and complex public health issue that negatively impacts individuals, families, and communities across Utah, the nation, and the world. Suicide can have lasting and harmful effects on everyone touched in some way, and this is the topic of a research report just released from the Utah Women & Leadership Project. This episode explores some of the highlights of the report. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by the authors of the report. First, the lead author on the report, Dr. Kristy Hodson, who is a faculty member at...
2022-09-2230 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastSexual Assault Among Utah Women: A 2022 UpdateSexual assault is a significant social, criminal justice, and healthcare issue in Utah. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) database, rape is the only violent crime in Utah with higher rates (55.5 per 100,000 people) than the national average (42.6 per 100,000 people). Recently, the Utah Women & Leadership Project published a research snapshot on sexual assault among Utah women. This episode explores some of the highlights of the report. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by the two authors of the report. First, the lead author on the...
2022-09-0636 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastThe Status & Experiences of Utah Hispanic or Latina WomenRecently, the Utah Women & Leadership Project published a research snapshot on the status of Hispanic and Latina women in Utah. Additionally, the UWLP published a summary of the two community conversations the UWLP held for Hispanic and Latina women in Utah to listen to and document their experiences. This episode will discuss the findings of the research snapshot and the community conversations summary. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by Dr. Jessi Hill, from Utah Valley University, who was the lead author on the research snapshot on the status of Utah Hispanic...
2022-08-1629 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastThe Status & Experiences of Utah Asian WomenRecently, the Utah Women & Leadership Project published a research snapshot on the status of Asian women in Utah. Additionally, the UWLP published a summary of the two community conversations the UWLP held for Asian women in Utah to listen to and document their experiences. This episode will discuss the findings of the research snapshot and the community conversations summary. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by Dr. Jessi Hill, from Utah Valley University, who was the lead author from the research snapshot; Lillian Tsosie-Jensen, a consultant, who worked with the UWLP to...
2022-08-0132 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastUtah Women and STEM: A 2022 UpdateAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are expanding faster and pay better than other careers. STEM opportunities abound in Utah, one of the top 10 states for tech job growth, net tech employment concentration, and net tech employment job gains in 2020. Yet, despite the abundance of STEM opportunities, Salt Lake City was ranked 43rd among other metro areas for “STEM-Friendliness,” a metric that, in part, considers the gender disparity in STEM field occupations and degrees. Nationally and locally, fewer women obtain STEM-related college degrees and work in STEM-related occu...
2022-07-1526 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastCHG Healthcare: Policies and Practices that Attract, Retain, and Advance WomenRecently, Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, talked to a variety of company leaders from different industries about their “family-friendly” practices and policies, particularly as they related to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women. This episode is the last in a series of episodes focusing on this very thing. In this series, we highlight one company per episode, and continue here with CHG Healthcare. Dr. Madsen is joined by President and CEO Scott Beck and Kerry Norman, Senior Vice President of People & Operations.Support the show
2022-06-2825 min
Utah Women & Leadership Podcast1-800 Contacts: Policies and Practices that Attract, Retain, and Advance WomenRecently, Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, talked to a variety of company leaders from different industries about their “family-friendly” practices and policies, particularly as they related to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women. This episode is the seventh in a series of episodes focusing on this very thing. In this new series, we highlight one company per episode, and continue here with 1-800 Contacts. Dr. Madsen is joined by John Graham, Chief Executive Officer, and Dave Walker, Chief People Officer.Support the show
2022-06-2129 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastRecursion: Policies and Practices that Attract, Retain, and Advance WomenRecently, Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, talked to a variety of company leaders from different industries about their “family-friendly” practices and policies, particularly as they related to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women. This episode is the sixth in a series of episodes focusing on this very thing. In this new series, we highlight one company per episode, and continue here with Recursion. Dr. Madsen is joined by Co-Founder and CEO, Chris Gibson, and Heather Kirkby, Chief People Officer.Support the show
2022-06-1428 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastUltradent: Policies and Practices that Attract, Retain, and Advance WomenRecently, Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, talked to a variety of company leaders from different industries about their “family-friendly” practices and policies, particularly as they related to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women. This episode is the fifth in a series of episodes focusing on this very thing. In this new series, we highlight one company per episode, and continue here with Ultradent. Dr. Madsen is joined by Dirk Jeffs, President and CEO of Ultradent Products, and David Alsop, who is the Vice President of Human Resources.Support the show
2022-06-0730 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastIntermountain Healthcare: Policies and Practices that Attract, Retain, and Advance WomenRecently, Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, talked to a variety of company leaders from different industries about their “family-friendly” practices and policies, particularly as they related to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women. This episode is the fourth in a series of episodes focusing on this very thing. In this new series, we highlight one company per episode, and continue here with Intermountain Healthcare. Dr. Madsen is joined by Marc Harrison, Intermountain Healthcare’s President & Chief Executive Officer, and Heather Brace, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer of Intermountain Healthcare.Support the show
2022-05-2429 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastGoldman Sachs: Policies and Practices that Attract, Retain, and Advance WomenFor years, many companies have implemented practices, policies, programs, and initiatives that are designed—among other reasons—for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in their companies or firms. And most, if not all, of these family-friendly practices are helpful for men too. This episode is the third in a series of episodes focusing on this very thing. In this new series, we highlight one company per episode, and continue here with Goldman Sachs. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by Stacey Miller and Brian Greeff, who are the Co-Managing Directors and...
2022-05-1729 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastOverstock.com: Policies and Practices that Attract, Retain, and Advance WomenIn 2020, the Utah Women & Leadership Project published a study that investigated 100 companies who have been on various lists of Utah’s “Best Places to Work.” Since then, the UWLP has been highlighting these types of efforts in various ways. This episode is the second in a series of episodes focusing on practices, policies, programs, and initiatives that are linked to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in their organizations. More broadly, many of these are referred to as “flexible and family-friendly” policies. In this new set of episodes, we highlight one company per episode, and continue the series with Overstock.com. Overs...
2022-05-1032 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastZions Bank: Policies and Practices that Attract, Retain, and Advance WomenIn 2020, the Utah Women & Leadership Project published a study that investigated 100 companies who have been on various lists of Utah’s “Best Places to Work.” Since then, the UWLP has been highlighting these types of efforts in various ways. This episode is the first in a series of episodes focusing on practices, policies, programs, and initiatives that are linked to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in their organizations. More broadly, many of these are referred to as “flexible and family-friendly” policies. In this new set of episodes, we highlight one company per episode, and start the series with Zions Bank. With...
2022-05-0229 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastHuman Trafficking Among Utah Girls and WomenHuman trafficking is a global problem that involves the exploitation of people for profit through the means of force, fraud, or coercion. It takes a variety of forms, including forced labor, debt bondage, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. Despite public perceptions that human trafficking is only an international problem, it occurs in the United States and even within urban and rural areas of Utah. Recently, the Utah Women & Leadership Project published a research snapshot on this very topic. The snapshot examined human trafficking definitions and contributing factors, the direct and indirect costs and consequences of human trafficking, the stats...
2022-04-2026 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastSexist Comments & Responses Part IIIThis is the third episode that discusses sexist comments and responses with Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, and Robbyn Scribner, lead researcher on this report series. This episode focuses on the last two reports in the sexist comments and responses brief series, focusing on stereotypes and undervaluing women. As in the other episodes in this series, it does not focus on what they have heard through the years personally, but is a discussion of an in-depth research study on sexist comments heard by Utah women. During May–June of 2020, an online survey instrument wa...
2022-04-0431 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastThe Economic Circumstances of Sexual Minority Women in Utah“Sexual minority women” is defined in this podcast as those who do not identify as heterosexual (e.g., lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual). They may face all the obstacles associated with identifying as a woman, in addition to possible discrimination or other disadvantages linked to their sexual orientation. Recently, the Utah Women & Leadership Project published a research snapshot on this very topic, and it shared data specifically on the economic disadvantages that sexual minority women face in the areas of education, employment status, and household income. This episode explores some of the highlights of the report with Dr. Susan Madsen, Foun...
2022-04-0431 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastPoverty Among Utah Women: A 2022 UpdateIn 2016, 46.9% of Utah female-headed households with related children under age 5 were living in poverty. Since then, the overall poverty rate in Utah has decreased 2.4%. However, over a third (36.4%) of that same demographic still live in poverty. Additionally, although Utahns experience lower rates of poverty than the national average (8.9% in Utah vs. 12.3% nationwide), more women continue to live in poverty than men (9.6% vs. 8.2%, respectively). Many factors influence poverty among Utah women; for example, the gender wage gap is one of the highest in the nation, and women are more likely to work minimum-wage and part-time jobs with no benefits. In...
2022-03-1529 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastUtah Gender Wage Gap: A 2021 UpdateThe gender wage gap is the difference between what women and men earn for performing full-time, year-round paid work. In Utah, women earn approximately 30% less than men, ranking close to last in most state comparisons. In October of 2021, the UWLP published a research snapshot on the gender wage gap in Utah, updating the original report that was released four years ago. This episode explores some of the highlights of the report with Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project; Rebecca Winkel, Senior Economic Advisor for American Petroleum Institute; and Dr. Emily Swensen Darowski, Assistant Librarian...
2022-02-2833 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastUtah Girls, Young Women, and Physical ActivityThe benefits of physical activity are well documented and improve all aspects of health and overall wellbeing. Globally, on average, 37.1% of women are insufficiently physically active while only 23.4% of men are; this trend is also found in Utah, where 19.4% of women are insufficiently physically active while only 17.6% of men are. While women often live longer than men, they are frequently in worse health. This episode discusses some of the highlights from an August 2021 research snapshot on this topic with Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, and Kim Buesser and Rachel Myrer, co-authors on the...
2022-02-2832 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastSexist Comments & Responses Part IIThis is the second episode that discusses sexist comments and responses with Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project; Robbyn Scribner, lead researcher on this report series; and Heather Sundahl, one of the coders of this report series. As in the first episode, it does not focus on what they have heard through the years personally, but is a discussion of an in-depth research study on sexist comments heard by Utah women. During May–June of 2020, an online survey instrument was administered to a sample of Utah women representing diverse settings, backgrounds, and situations (e.g...
2022-01-2828 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastSexist Comments & Responses Part IThis is the first of two episodes that discuss sexist comments and responses with Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project; Robbyn Scribner, lead researcher on this report series; and Heather Sundahl, one of the coders of this report series. It does not focus on what they have heard through the years personally, but instead is a discussion of an in-depth research study on sexist comments heard by Utah women. During May–June of 2020, an online survey instrument was administered to a sample of Utah women representing diverse settings, backgrounds, and situations (e.g., age, ma...
2022-01-2828 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastWomen’s Equality in Utah: Why Utah Is Ranked as the Worst State, and What Can Be DoneFor the fourth year in a row, WalletHub has named Utah the worst state in the nation for women’s equality in their report “2021’s Best & Worst States for Women’s Equality,” released in August. To determine where women receive the most equal treatment, WalletHub’s analysis compared the 50 states across 17 key indicators of women’s equality. The indicators range from the gap between the number of female and male executives, to the disparity in unemployment rates for women and men, to gender differences in education and health. WalletHub is not alone in ranking Utah at the bottom of lists that ana...
2022-01-0435 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastSubstance Use Disorders Among Utah WomenSubstance use disorders, including those stemming from the opioid epidemic, have reached crisis levels throughout the United States, and Utah is no exception. In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, a number that has doubled in the past decade. From 2013–2015, 776 Utah women died from a drug overdose. Women are more likely to be prescribed opioids and to develop an addiction more easily when compared to men. As substance use disorders have serious negative effects on individuals, families, and communities, understanding and working to reduce this epidemic is imperative to improving the lives of women throughout the sta...
2021-11-2922 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastUnderstanding Gender Series Episode 1: It’s in Our GenesThe Utah Women & Leadership Project has a three-episode podcast series called “Understanding Gender.” In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, shares some of the research the UWLP has found that focuses on how understanding gender differences can actually help us raise girls—and boys, for that matter—to be more confident and competent. This first segment discusses the distinction between sex and gender, how the female brain varies from the male brain, and how a study with monkeys illuminates the differences between boys and girls when it comes to toys and touch.Sup...
2021-11-0121 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastUnderstanding Gender Series Episode 2: Sight, Sound, Smell, and CommunicationIn this second episode of the “Understanding Gender” podcast series, Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, explores research findings related to the biological and socialized differences between females and males in terms of sight, sound, smell, and communication.Support the show
2021-11-0124 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastUnderstanding Gender Series Episode 3: Risk, Confidence, and EmpathyIn this third episode of the “Understanding Gender” podcast series, Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, discusses research around the separate and distinct characteristics manifest in boys and girls and men and women in terms of risk, confidence, and empathy. Support the show
2021-11-0120 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastWomen and Finances: What Utahns Need to KnowThroughout much of history, women have been seen as an extension of their male relatives when it comes to finances. American women were not allowed to own property in their names until the mid-1800s, overt pay discrimination was legal until 1963, and women could not access credit on their own until 1974. It is only in the last half century or so that women in the US have been able to participate fully in the financial matters that affect their everyday lives. Utah women’s lives in the 21st century look dramatically different from their lives in years pas...
2021-10-0424 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastRising Athenas, Male Allies, and the Power of Gender PartnershipGender equality isn’t just about women; it’s about all of us. But while genuine equity is good for women and men, men are often absent from these conversations. This episode focuses on men’s engagement in gender equality, bringing you the highlights from an April 2021 Women’s Leadership Forum exploring this issue. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, is joined by David Smith, Associate Professor of Sociology in the College of Leadership and Ethics at the U.S. Naval War College, and W. Brad Johnson, Professor of Psychology in the Department of Leadersh...
2021-10-0439 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastWhen Women Don’t Speak: What It Takes for Women To be HeardFor women, having a seat at the table does not mean having a voice. When women speak, they are interrupted more, listened to less, and perceived as less authoritative than men. This episode features highlights from a March 2020 Women’s Leadership Forum with Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, and two professors at Brigham Young University: Dr. Jessica Preece, Associate Professor of Political Science, and Dr. Christopher F. Karpowitz, Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy. Drs. Jessica Preece and Christopher Karpowitz present on their groundbreaking research that shows what it...
2021-08-3137 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastMammography Among Utah WomenBreast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers among U.S. women and the primary cause of cancer death among women in Utah. Yet, research has found that deaths from breast cancer can be substantially reduced if the tumor is discovered early, and mammography screening is the most effective method for early detection. However, despite the advantages of mammography screening for reducing mortality, not all women receive screening according to recommended guidelines, and screening rates remain low. This is also true in Utah; in fact, a recent study showed Utah to be among the five lowest states...
2021-08-3119 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastStopping Violence Against Utah Girls & WomenDid you know that one in four girls is sexually abused before age 18? That’s an estimated 42 million women in the United States. Violence against women remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma, and shame surrounding it. The majority of survivors keep the abuse a secret for many years, and most don’t talk about the abuse until adulthood. As survivors carry the weight of their abuse, they often struggle with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, panic attacks, addiction, learning difficulties, chronic pain, and unhealthy relationships. This episode features highlights from a February 2021 Women...
2021-07-3038 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastThe Gender Wage Gap: Digging Deep into Understanding The ComplexityThe gender wage gap is a persistent concern in the United States. Women make about 82% of what men make for comparable work and the numbers in Utah are more extreme, where a woman earns approximately 71 cents for each dollar a man earns. In fact, Utah is consistently near the bottom of national rankings in terms of gender pay equity. This episode features highlights from an August 2020 online Women’s Leadership Forum with Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project; Katie Hudman, Attorney with Employers Council; Senator Luz Escamilla, Utah Legislature and Vice President for...
2021-06-2937 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastFeeling Like a Fraud: Navigating Perfectionism & Impostor Syndrome as WomenImpostor syndrome is a phenomenon that causes many women to doubt their accomplishments or talents and have a persistent fear of being exposed as unqualified, even when there is ample evidence of their competence. Perfectionism is one of the primary factors underlying this common experience, and it can negatively impact a woman’s confidence. This episode features highlights from a November 2020 online Women’s Leadership Forum with Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project; Aimee Winder Newton, former 2020 candidate for Utah governor and current Salt Lake County Councilwoman; Ally Isom, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for...
2021-06-0136 min
Utah Women & Leadership PodcastExploring the Intersectionality of Race & GenderThe Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements have placed a spotlight on enduring racial and gender inequalities in the United States. Both movements were launched by Black women who continue to call attention to the intersections between race and gender in shaping opportunity and justice in America. This episode features highlights from a September 2020 online Women’s Leadership Forum. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, moderated the panel and was joined by Sui Lang L. Panoke, founder of Rethink International; Michelle Love-Day, an educator with nearly two decades of experience, and founder of the on...
2021-06-0135 min
Sidewalk TalkConscious Co-Working | Susan MadsenCould the workplace serve as a springboard for creating lasting societal change?
Today’s guest, Dr. Susan Madsen, wrote the Handbook of Research on Gender and Leadership. She’s dedicated her career to helping women develop and make lasting impacts on their organizations and the world. Hear directly from her why confronting issues of racial and gender bias can start in the workplace and spread like wildfire throughout our greater ecosystems.
Listen in as Dr. Madsen shares her experience working with both men and women in leadership. She dives into the story behind her work and...
2020-05-1842 min
The Redefining High Performance Podcast with Ty BennettWomen in Leadership with Dr. Susan MadsenA few months ago I spoke at an event with Dr. Susan Madsen, one of the leading researchers & advocates for women in leadership. She was super impressive & so I asked if we could sit down & record a podcast. Susan shares some of the latest research & some great action steps for women & men to take. Find out more about Susan at http://madsengloballeadership.com/ or follow her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-r-madsen-301a3914/?trk=hp-identity-name
2019-12-1043 min