Woman Alive | The podcast for Christian women

Have you ever been told you’re “too nice”? Do you struggle to tell people “no”? Are you desperate to make everyone around you happy, at your own expense? God calls us to be holy, righteous, kind, gentle and patient – but have we substituted the fruit of the Holy Spirit for people pleasing and seeking approval? On this episode, host Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests discuss why being too nice isn’t always a good or Christian thing to do. Danielle Finch is a wife, mum and former SEN (Special Educational Needs) teacher. She is now a freelance writer, sharing her experience of navigating life, parenting and faith, with disability. Danielle's article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/i-was-a-people-pleaser-and-i-thought-it-made-me-a-better-christian/20227.article and you can connect with Danielle at @thisdisabledfamilylife Rachel Allcock is a high school teacher-librarian. She is also a content writer, social media manager, and events assistant for Activate Your Life. The Activate organisation exists to equip, resource, train and inspire Christian women to be active in sharing God's love in natural, meaningful ways. You can find out more about Activate at https://www.activateyourlife.org.uk/ and connect with Rachel at @weetabixglue.words The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘I have met a guy online, is he the real deal?!’ The Woman Alive podcast is produced by award-winning podcast producer, Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

It’s Christmas! And while this season brings much joy to both believers and non-believers - many of us will be navigating mixed emotions at this time of year. A recent YouGov poll on Christmas revealed only 59% of Brits feel happy over the festive period. Christmas can come with a lot of ‘shoulds’ and unrealistic social expectations of happiness and connectedness. But, along with the festive cheer, comes memories of loved ones who are no longer with us, navigating complex family dynamics, loneliness, busyness and pressure to make the day special. On this episode, host Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests consider how Christians might celebrate in this season, whilst being considerate of these mixed feelings - in themselves and others. Rhiannon and her husband Pete serve together in a small church in Preston and have a blended family of six. She is also director of the charity Activate Your Life, which inspires women to share God’s love in authentic ways. Rhiannon's article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/notes-on-parenting--celebrate-with-care-this-christmas/20563.article and you can find out more about Activate Your Life at https://www.activateyourlife.org.uk/ Bekah Legg is CEO of Restored, a Christian organisation with a mission to speak up about violence against women and equip the Church to stand against domestic abuse and with survivors. Bekah and her late husband Steve have a blended family including five girls. You can find out more about Restored at https://www.restored-uk.org/ The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘How do I not fall out with my family this Christmas?’ The Woman Alive podcast is produced by award-winning podcast producer, Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

On the surface, it’s easy to label the beauty industry one big “vanity project” that lacks any real substance and only magnifies our insecurities. However, even the most committed Christian women – some of your favourite preachers and role models – will likely have makeup or skincare favourites as well as potentially indulging in beauty treatments. But from a Christian perspective, Tola-Doll Fisher asks "if God made us so wonderfully, why do Christians even need the beauty industry?" Amy Dyas is a professionally trained makeup artist with experience in Editorial, Fashion (including London Fashion Week), TV, Bridal, Music Videos and Film. Amy is passionate about clean beauty and using sustainably sourced products and her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: womanalive.co.uk/discovering-clean-beauty/19003.article and connect with Amy on Instagram @beautycleanbyamy @justbeyoutiful Mariana Mathenan is a beautician, and founder of ‘Grace on Wheels’, a beauty van which provides free treatments to women who are without homes or have been victims of domestic violence and/or human trafficking. This year, Mariana felt led by God to sell the van and open a beauty shop, and she is currently looking for a new owner for the beauty van. You can connect with Mariana on Instagram @graceonwheelsbv The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘How do I get over being jealous of my married friends?’ The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

When was the last time you heard this three-letter word at church? On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests talk about sex... and if you now feel immediately uncomfortable, then this may just be the episode for you! Whilst the world is obsessed with sex - there seems to be an unspoken embargo on the topic in the Church, which only lifts when you get married – and even then, there are limited spaces to discuss it. The Bible describes sex as a holy gift of intimacy from God, to be enjoyed in marriage. So why has the conversation been blacklisted in so many of our churches? Shakira Peronet is a freelance copywriter and content creator. Though originally from London, she now lives in Paris, after a pandemic romance resulted in marriage. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/we-expect-married-couples-to-go-from-zero-to-hero-in-the-bedroom-after-their-wedding-but-i-found-out-its-not-that-simple/13451.article and connect with Shakira on Instagram @shakirainparis Tracey Nash is a social media manager, worship leader and teacher of the Word in her local church. She is an avid traveller, wordsmith, a lover of food and Jesus! You can connect with Tracey on Instagram @wrappednculture The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘I feel insecure in my marriage’ The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

The Bible tells us that we are created in the image of God - but as male and female, how is the image of God expressed in our genders? Is it scriptural to identify femininity in the nature of God? Have we created an image of God built on patriarchy? Is the church too feminine …and how does all this impact your relationship with God? On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests discuss God, femininity and the Church. Elaine Storkey is a theologian, lecturer, broadcaster and Christian feminist. In 2020 she wrote a book titled ‘Women in a Patriarchal World’ which was based on her articles for Woman Alive magazine. She has been writing Bible Studies for Woman Alive for 25 years! Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/is-the-holy-spirit-the-female-part-of-god/19813.article Sally Hope is a writer specialising in faith, feminism and domestic abuse. She is also the creator of the Always Hopeful Programme and author of the book No Visible Scars. Both are resources for Christian women who have experienced domestic abuse. You can find out more about Sally’s work at www.alwayshopeful.org.uk Resources mentioned in this episode: Elaine’s book ‘Meeting God In Matthew’ Sally’s book ‘No Visible Scars’ Find support at Restored https://www.restored-uk.org/ The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘I did everything the right way but ended up with nothing. I feel so let down by God’ The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

Neurodivergence, motherhood and faith are a unique intersection which more Christians are navigating, as awareness grows of the genetics that can affect our learning. Many believers are involved in campaigning to remove the stigma in the Church. At the time of recording, this topic had become heavily politicised following the US President’s controversial comments about the cause of Autism. Tola-Doll Fisher explores how Christian women navigate neurodivergence with motherhood and faith. Julie Williams is a writer and marketing specialist living in Cape Town, South Africa. She is a wife and mother to five children, and received an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 40. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/i-am-a-christian-mum-of-five-and-i-just-found-out-i-have-adhd/16195.article Ann Wilson is a diagnostic clinician for autistic adults, working for the NHS. She and her husband have two adult children, and their daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and autism at the age of 6. Resources mentioned in this episode: Andrew Wilson’s book ‘The Life You Never Expected’ National Autistic Society - https://www.autism.org.uk/ The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: I want to leave my husband! The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

A recent study commissioned by the non-Christian dating platform ‘Tinder’, reported that more than 90% of single adults think ‘dating is more difficult than ever’. We are in an era of a million online dating apps, and with that comes the risk of catfishing, banksying, ghosting and many more iterations of poor dating etiquette! And, sadly, this list does not exclude Christians. Tola-Doll Fisher asks is it really as bad as it sounds? *(On this episode we welcome our very first male guest to give his perspective!) Tim Bechervaise is a photographer and freelance writer focusing on sports, culture and Christianity. Tim is also a copywriter for Open Doors UK & Ireland and currently lives with his wife just outside of London. Tim's article for Woman Alive on dating as a single man was published back in 2022 before he was married: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/im-a-single-christian-man-and-these-are-the-things-women-do-on-dating-apps-that-i-find-difficult/12754.article and connect with Tim on Instagram @tim_bechervaise Cassandra Maria is an award-winning broadcaster, comedian and content creator based in Birmingham, and the programme manager of Premier Gospel. Cassandra was also engaged (at time of recording, though she is now married) to her fiancé who she met through a dating app! You can connect with Cassandra on Instagram @cassvillle The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: Should I church hop to find a husband? The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

Throughout history what women wear has always come under scrutiny. This is the case both in wider society, and the Church! Whether it’s pressure to come to service in your “Sunday best” or other extremes of trouser bans and mandatory head coverings – many Christian women are still being told how to dress “appropriately”. On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore why this is still happening today, and what the bible says about modesty. Hope Bonarcher is a native New Yorker, living with her Scottish husband and four children just outside Glasgow. She is a model, actress and singer. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/what-the-world-views-as-liberal-sexuality-god-calls-bondage/19355.article and connect with Hope on Instagram @hopebonarcher Dara Olagbami is an author, editor in chief and founder of Grace magazine, which combines faith, fashion and lifestyle. She is also the co-founder of Its Huntd – a digital members-only platform which offers exclusive luxury fashion items! You can connect Dara on Instagram @beingdara The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: My in-laws are toxic! The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore a topic that may surprise you - Christian “mean girls”! Although the Church is largely seen as a refuge, a house of prayer and even a hospital for the broken-hearted, sadly this isn’t everyone’s experience. For some of us, church congregations have been riddled with gossip, judgement, social exclusion, cliques and popularity contests. Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so why is this stereotypical high school culture going unchecked in Christian communities? Shakira Peronet is a freelance copywriter and content creator. Originally from London, she now lives in Paris, after a Pandemic romance resulted in marriage. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/im-a-repentant-mean-girl-i-used-to-feel-annoyed-when-church-friends-said-i-left-them-out-but-now-im-mindful-of-those-on-the-outskirts/13420.article and connect with Shakira on Instagram @shakirainparis Jessica Stark is a social media influencer, broadcaster and writer, currently working at Premier Christian Radio as digital content lead. Originally from Scotland and now based in London, Jessica is also the daughter of Emma and David Stark, founders of the Global Prophetic Alliance and serves as a worship leader and prophetic minister. You can connect with Jessica on Instagram @j_e_s_s_i_c_a_h_o_p_e The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: ‘I know what I want in a husband, but should I lower my expectations?’ The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast womanalive.co.uk/podcast

On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore the spiritual discipline of fasting and the significance of self-denial. You may be wondering what event on the Christian calendar warrants this conversation if it’s not Lent, or the start of a new year. But the Bible suggests that fasting can happen at any time, and for a variety of reasons, which are explored in this discussion. Joanne O Connor is the CEO of Junction 42, a Christian charity working in prisons and communities across north-east England and central Scotland, supporting people throughout the journey of custody and rehabilitation. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/prayer-and-fasting-is-the-backbone-behind-this-ministry/14521.article and find out more about Junction 42 ministry by visiting https://www.junction42.org/ Jamie Phear is a writer, speaker and educator. After nearly a decade teaching in academia, she shifted her focus to writing full-time and currently works as the Communications and Fundraising Manager at St Mellitus College. Jamie has a deep desire to help people encounter God’s persistent presence and love through honest and authentic reflection. You can keep up with Jamie's newsletter at https://apocketsizedesert.substack.com/ The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: ‘I’m dating a non-Christian who is kind and generous and thoughtful, he just doesn’t love Jesus’ The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

What comes to mind when you think of a nightclub or rave? What about hip-hop or dance music? Probably not worship, repentance, holiness or encounters with the Holy Spirit! In recent years more Christians have found expressions for worship in predominantly secular music genres and communities. On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore what this looks like in practice. Romilly Lynn is originally from the UK, but currently living in California and running Christian record label ‘True Royals’ under the Sony music umbrella. She has worked in music for twelve years, mainly on the marketing and partnership side. She is also the COO of Rave Jesus, a bold initiative blending faith and dance music! Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: 'Why I am excited about Jesus being worshipped at raves' | Woman Alive and connect with Romilly on Instagram @romillytegan Tneek is an award-winning Christian rapper based in London. She has been active in the music industry for nearly 20 years! She is also a mother, a podcaster ('Badass Mums'), and the presenter of the Hip-Hip Sessions on the leading Gospel radio station in the UK – Premier Gospel. She is passionate about reaching young people with her music and empowering them to make better life choices. You can connect with Tneek on Instagram @tneek The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: ‘Can I kiss boys at parties?’ The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

God didn't put machines in charge, he put us in charge. Genesis 2:15 states, 'The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.' But is AI the new garden? And if so, can it help to build the Kingdom of God? Shawna Hoffman is an expert in Artificial Intelligence and has worked in various roles at technology company IBM. Shawna is also the president of Guardrail Technologies which promotes responsible use of AI. Maxine Harrison is a writer whose work has been published in the Independent, Refinery 29 and Woman Alive. Maxine writes about cultural topics from a faith perspective. Find her at remireports.com Our Great Sexpectations dilemma this episode is: 'Why are Christian women wasting money on egg freezing?' https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/great-expectations-why-are-christian-women-wasting-money-on-egg-freezing/19447.article The producers of the Woman Alive podcast are Rachel Huston and Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

Have you heard about ‘The Quiet Revival’? Which generation is mainstream media calling, the ‘Spiritual Generation’? And is this the revival we’ve been praying for? On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests discuss the increasing church attendance and passionate faith of Gen Z Christians and how the wider Church should respond. Sasha Gerry, 25, is currently a pastor at All Saints Clapham Park in London. She also happens to be the youngest person in her church congregation! Sasha has been involved in church ministry since university and has previous experience as a youth worker. Her interview with Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/me-a-24-year-old-woman-leading-a-church-it-felt-absurd/18851.article and connect with Sasha’s ministry on Instagram @athistable___ Grace Keir is a Ministry Apprentice on a gap year, exploring what ministry might look like after her Theology degree (which she is about to start). A big part of her current role is youth and children’s work. In 2023, Grace won Premier Unbelievable ‘Young Preacher of the Year’ competition at Spring Harvest, with her message ‘Why there is hope’. We have a new feature on the podcast called ‘Signs and Wonders’ where we share your testimonies to encourage each other in the journey of faith. The Signs and Wonders testimony this episode is titled: 'God answers direct prayers' The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

In a very special episode of the Woman Alive podcast we welcome two guests to discuss the concerns they have about the planet and why they both believe all Christians need to play a part in protecting it. Our youngest ever podcast guest at nine-years-old is Chiamaka. Voted an eco-warrior by her school, Chi Chi is also a Christian and artist who hates seeing waste wash up on our shores. And our oldest guest to date is retired priest and nun, 83-year-old Sue Parfitt. Sue hit the headlines for her climate activism and has been arrested over 30 times in raising awareness of global warming and the effects it has on the majority world. The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Rachel Huston. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

Do you remember who taught you about sex? If you're a parent, have you had 'The Talk' with your children yet? On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests discuss how we approach conversations with children and teenagers about sex. Kate Orson is a freelance writer who's published for national papers such as the Daily Mail, The Telegraph and the Metro. In an article for Woman Alive Kate argues Little House of the Prairie was a great blueprint on how to teach teens about sex and marriage. Emma Waring is a psychosexual therapist with two teenage children. Emma is also author of the book Seasons of Sex and Intimacy, a practical guide to sex within marriage. The Great Sexpectations dilemma this episode is: 'I think I'm asexual' https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/great-sexpectations-i-think-i-am-asexual/18727.article The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Rachel Huston. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine:

All women know there's no beating a BFF and there are lots of books and films that reiterate this narrative, but can your husband be your best friend? Tiffany Accardi has lots of female friends - in fact she's got 100,000 of them as part of the global women’s community movement she founded called Gals That Brunch. Claire Musters says her husband is her bestie and together they offer pre-marital classes to engaged couples and marriage ‘check-ups’ in local churches. From their years of experience, together they wrote the book Grace-Filled Marriage. The Great Sexpectations dilemma this episode is: 'I know what I want in a husband but should I lower my expectations?' https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/great-sexpectations-i-know-what-i-want-in-a-husband-but-should-i-lower-my-expectations/19339.article The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Rachel Huston. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine:

Misogyny is the hatred of women - strong stuff - but in today's episode, host Tola-Doll Fisher asks if women can be guilty of feeling it too? Friend of the show Hope Bonarcher is a former model, actress and singer originally from New York but who now lives in Glasgow home schooling her 4 children. She also writes regularly for Woman Alive magazine. Michelle Tant, a self-proclaimed 'Jesus feminist', is a midwifery lecturer, deacon and writer. Find her on https://substack.com/@michelletant The Great Sexpectations question this episode is: 'What is the purpose of sex toys in a relationship, and would it be sinful for my husband and I to use them?' https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/great-sexpectations-what-is-the-purpose-of-sex-toys-in-a-relationship-and-would-it-be-sinful-for-my-husband-and-i-to-use-them/18890.article The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Rachel Huston. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine:

Should the next Archbishop of Canterbury be a woman? Justin Welby resigned as leader of the Church of England earlier this year over his handling of historical abuse allegations. But would having a woman take on the role make any difference to the way abuse cases are dealt with? And could it improve things for women in the Church more generally? Kate Orson grew up in a feminist home and, after over 20 years in the new age Kate converted to Christianity in 2021. Kate has written for the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph, Woman Alive and now writes online at kateorsonwrites.substack.com Sally Hope created Always Hopeful, a recovery programme for Christian women who have experienced domestic abuse and also writes for Woman Alive. Find more about her work at https://alwayshopeful.org.uk/ The Great Sexpectations dilemma this episode is 'I feel insecure in my marriage'. GREAT SEXPECTATIONS: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/great-sexpectations-i-feel-insecure-in-my-marriage/18811.article The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Rachel Huston. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine:

In this episode of the Woman Alive podcast with Tola-Doll Fisher we're talking about faith and failure. Jesus tells us 'ask and it will be given to you' but sometimes it doesn't always feel like we're getting the answer we want. Deputy Editor of the Woman Alive Magazine Jemimah Wright is an author in her own right. She's penned three historical novels - and loves a love story! Her prayers to find a husband seemed to go unanswered for many years. Mia Fieldes is an Australian singer songwriter. She began her career in the worship team at Hillsong in Sydney and has collaborated with Jesus Culture, Bethel Music and Michael W. Smith. She prayed for a husband and was given a vision. The Great Sexpectations dilemma this week is: 'How do I set boundaries with my toxic friend?' https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/great-sexpectations-how-do-i-set-boundaries-with-a-toxic-friend/19154.article The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Rachel Huston. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine.

We've all heard of miraculous stories of divine healing but what about those who God doesn't heal? In this episode of the Woman Alive podcast Tola-Doll Fisher is joined by two women with disabilities. Danielle Finch is a Woman Alive writer who talks openly about faith and parenting. She has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which makes the collagen in her limbs to become weak and stretchy and is now a wheelchair user. Find her on Instagram @thisdisabledfamilylife.com Jade Reynolds has been paralysed since the age of 12 due to an autoimmune condition which means she also uses a wheelchair. She is a writer and with her husband John hosts the faith-based podcast Bring to Light. The Great Sexpectations dilemma this episode is: 'How can I overcome the pain of betrayal from my mum?' https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/great-sexpectations-how-can-i-overcome-the-pain-of-betrayal-from-my-mum/18960.article The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Rachel Huston. Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: