The Maiden Myth

THIS IS OUR SEASON FINALE EPISODE! Wow. Thank you so much to all the listeners and supporters of The Maiden Myth Podcast! We will be back. Please follow our socials to remain updated on the launch of Season 2 and to share in this community of women. For episode 14, my stylist - Shetorra Nichols, joins us in the discussion of gray hair and how it is just a piece of the aging process that many of us are beginning to accept (03:10). Sophia asks, "What is wrong with being old?" (04:45) and if there's possibly a dark side to the adage "Black don't crack" (18:45). If you're looking for more ways to support The Maiden Myth, you can make a CashApp donation at https://cash.app/$TheMaidenMyth Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Co-Host: Jennifer Edison Guests: Shetorra Nichols Producer: Philosophia Productions PA: Imani Luluknu Sound Engineer: Miguel Castellanos Special Thanks to Selena Moshell

Hair. So much of our identity lives in it. Our hair shapes the way we see ourselves and affects the way society sees us - whether we like it or not. In the first half of this episode (03:05), we speak to two women - one who has fully embraced her gray hair and another who is slowly but surely learning to accept her new friends. In the second half (20:30), we focus on how we can learn to embrace the changes of life that - as long as we are breathing - will inevitably come. Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Donate here! Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Guests: Lashawnda Becoats (IG @runtowardyourlife) and Shetorra Nichols Producer: Philosophia Productions Managing Producer: Life Creative Group Sound Engineer: Sonca Nguyen Sound Design: Johnie Steele

In this episode, we welcome my dear friend,  Erynn to The Maiden Myth podcast to talk about her LAT (living apart together) life journey.   She shares what she enjoyed about the LAT life (19:30) and a few things she didn't (24:15). Sophia and Jennifer discuss if they could be in a LAT marriage (36:10). If you're looking for more ways to support The Maiden Myth, you can make a CashApp donation at https://cash.app/$TheMaidenMyth Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Co-Host: Jennifer Edison Guests: Erynn Hendrickson Producer: Philosophia Productions PA: Imani Luluknu Sound Engineer: Miguel Castellanos Special Thanks to Selena Moshell

Have you ever been accused of being too independent for marriage? Besides wondering how people expect a single woman to behave and live her life, I’ve often wondered, "When did independence become a bad thing and what makes an independent woman unfit for marriage? In this episode we are examining the lives of 2 women, (02:57) Sana Akhand and (20:09) Mrs. Vivian Cook, both happily married and more independent than any married women I know. They are a part of a growing demographic of LAT couples - couples that “live apart together”. Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Donate here! Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Guests: Sana Akhand  (sanaakhand.com) and Mrs. Vivian Cook Producer: Philosophia Productions Managing Producer: Life Creative Group Sound Engineer: Sonca Nguyen Sound Design: Johnie Steele

A woman’s purpose is often tied to her womb. It can be a struggle for women without children to feel as if their lives matter or even have purpose if they don’t have children. In this episode, joined with Dr. Kelly Thomas (00:45), we get real and share joys of being child-free (10:25), regrets of being child-free (14:45), and redefine the meaning of legacy as child-free women (20:05). We also explore the pros and cons of being an older mom. A special treat - Our guest is also the creator of the musical game, Lyrikel Genius. (https://lyrikelgenius.com) We close out the episode with a few rounds of this game. (35:30) Um... please forgive my competitive nature. 😜 If you're looking for more ways to support The Maiden Myth, you can make a CashApp donation at https://cash.app/$TheMaidenMyth Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Co-Host: Jennifer Edison Guests: Dr. Kelly Thomas  Producer: Philosophia Productions PA: Imani Luluknu Sound Engineer: Miguel Castellanos Special Thanks to Selena Moshell

Cryos, the world’s largest sperm and egg bank reported more than half of their customers are single mothers by choice, SMC’s. Although single mothers still carry a stigma in society, this hasn’t deterred some women from pursuing motherhood in this radical way. In this episode we hear the stories of two women - Hera (3:02) and Aisha (17:21) - who happily chose the SMC life. Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Donate here! Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Guest: Hera M. (Host of Seeking Different podcast) and Aisha J. (Host of Start To Finish Motherhood with Aisha podcast) - Both former hosts of Mocha SMC podcast Producer: Philosophia Productions Managing Producer: Life Creative Group Sound Engineer: Sonca Nguyen Sound Design: Johnie Steele

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Do you feel like you are missing out on intimacy that you would normally receive in a romantic relationship? Have you been single for so long you feel it may be difficult or scary to practice vulnerability with a partner? In this episode, I am joined by a therapist and life coach to explore how you can strengthen your intimacy muscles - whether you are married or not. Abdi Zelaya starts us off by sharing the simple definition of "intimacy" and the many ways it can be explored (5:35). I ask if the length of a person's singleness affects their ability to be vulnerable (12:00). Ladies and gentlemen, Ashley Blanco (17:16). Ashley shares what she learned from Sobonfu Somé's, The Spirit of Intimacy (18:40) and how we block our experience of intimacy. I share a personal story of experiencing true intimacy with a friend (21:20) and then explore the concept of self-intimacy with Ashley (32:00). Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Donate here! Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Guests: Abdi Zelaya, MA, LPC and Ashley Blanco, Kid's Life Coach and Family Partner Producer: Philosophia Productions Managing Producer: Life Creative Group Sound Engineer: Sonca Nguyen Sound Design: Johnie Steele Special Thanks to Sarah Benibo, Ronald and Dorretta Stephens, Jenna Mountain, PhD (ABD), LPC, CST and Aspen Haus Associates

In the first half of this episode we are discussing ways God has met us in our loneliness and how these intimate moments have transformed the way we see ourselves and our situations. Sophia talks about Immanuel Prayer (7:00) and Jennifer learned the power of stillness (21:00).   In the second half Lynneise J. joins the conversation (30:45). We discuss church community (34:05) and the phrase that was once quite popular, “Jesus is my husband” (45:00). Before we close out, Lynneise sets the record straight! (1:02:15) If you're looking for more ways to support The Maiden Myth, you can make a CashApp donation at https://cash.app/$TheMaidenMyth Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Donate here! Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Co-Host: Jennifer Edison Guests: Lynneise J. ( IG - @lynneise ) Producer: Philosophia Productions PA: Imani Luluknu Special Thanks to Selena Moshell

This episode is for the single woman who feels her prayers for a husband have been in vain, to the woman who is struggling with bouts of loneliness, and to the woman who feels - or has been told - she is being punished by God. When your loneliness and/or singleness begins to negatively impact your spiritual life it can alter the way you see God, yourself, and others around you. We are talking about how to get back to a place of true intimacy with your Creator, even in your anger and as you grieve. Sarah Benibo, my sister and worship pastor of Embassy City Church in Dallas, TX,  joins me on a call. We begin the conversation to discuss the concept of lament and why it isn't explored more in Christian communities (5:45). Sarah shares a powerful definition of lament by theologian N.T. Wright (11:10) that gives us a healthy way to express anger and pain to God. Sarah answers why it is difficult for us to be honest with God about how we feel and how we come out of hiding and enjoy eternal life right now (16:40).  You may be surprised to learn how we practice intimacy with God (26:15) and how loneliness is a morally neutral emotion - and even gift. Sarah gives us a series of questions to take inventory of where we are (33:12). Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Donate here! Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Guest: Sarah Benibo IG - @sarah_benibo Producer: Philosophia Productions Managing Producer: Life Creative Group Sound Engineer: Sonca Nguyen Sound Design: Johnie Steele

Desperate or Picky: The two most common categories single women get thrown into by society. If she refuses to settle, she's picky. If she compromises, she's desperate. Today we are discussing if there is validity to this and where we believe we sit on the spectrum.    We have a special guest, Tryphena Wade, actress and writer (00:00). We begin by recapping Episode 3 (03:48) and explore our new standards now that we're older (09:00). Sophia shares the craziest thing she had on her "desired man" list (16:10) and how some things may not be standards but simply preferences  (32:05).  But if you don't know the difference does that make you too picky? (37:45) Maybe us singles (women and men) who desire a mate are just looking the wrong way? (41:58) We end with the infamous question, "Who should pick up the tab?" (51:10)      Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Donate here! Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens  Co-Host: Jennifer Edison  Guests: Aliha Strange (when she's back on IG @aliha.strange)  Producer: Philosophia Productions  PA: Imani Luluknu  Sound Engineer: Miguel Castellanos  Special Thanks to Selena Moshell

Do you suffer from marital FOMO? Do you fear that if you don't get married by a certain age it will never happen? Or maybe, like me, you have wondered, what would even be the point of marriage after a certain age? Today we are examining the Goldilocks Theory for Marriage and how - against logic and data - a country is successfully making women over the age of 27 feel like expired goods for marriage. Our first interview is with a woman who married at 21 (04:10), the next with a woman who married for the first time at 62 (6:56), and finally a woman who married at 33 (19:09).  I introduce Abdi Zelaya, sex therapist, to briefly help me sort out the purpose of marriage (32:25). Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Donate here! Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Guests: Joyce S., Jennifer W., and Abdi Zelaya, MA, LPC Producer: Philosophia Productions Managing Producer: Life Creative Group Sound Engineer: Sonca Nguyen Sound Design: Johnie Steele Special Thanks to Aspen Haus Associates

When people speak of single women - it is often assumed the women are unhappy with their status and would prefer to be coupled. That is not always the case, in fact, Psychology of Women Quarterly published a study conducted by Wayne State University assistant professor Jessica D. Moorman that showed many women - to be specific, Black women - are actually choosing to be single. And why? Agency. When singlehood is approached in this way, Moorman refers to it as strategic - Strategic Singlehood. We briefly recap on the previous episode (03:09) before asking the infamous question of ourselves, "Why are you single?" (07:23). This ushered in the topic of Strategic Singlehood (11:56) and us challenging another myth, "Something must be wrong with you if you are single" (19:33). But wait! Is there a double standard? (24:22). Nevertheless, I ask the final question (30:58), "What is the best thing about being single?". Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Donate here! Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Co-Host: Jennifer Edison Guests: Aliha Strange Producer: Philosophia Productions PA: Imani Luluknu Sound Engineer: Miguel Castellanos Special Thanks to Selena Moshell

Welcome to the 1st episode of The Maiden Myth! I am so happy you are here.  Have you ever wondered how some women manage to live full and joyful lives in spite of unmet desires? I surely have. Maybe you know women who truly want to be in a relationship but it seems to never get in the way of them fully living and enjoying life. I became curious on how to get to that place - a place where my desires for a spouse didn't jeopardize the joy that was being offered to me every day.  As you listen to this episode, I want you to keep these questions in mind: How do you continue to hope in the face of disappointment? Do you give yourself grace to grieve intangible things like hopes and dreams deferred? Do you believe you can grieve and be hopeful at the same time? We are exploring all of these questions - in a playful but honest way before examining  3 topics: hope, honesty, and grief, and how they relate to our unmet needs.    My good friend Theresa shares with us a hope deferred (03:06) before I reminisce on how my anxieties of never attaining marital blissed were birthed (06:14). Theresa shares what holds her together (12:48) before I share what broke me down (17:33). We introduce Kandace Cade (23:44), a licensed therapist to the conversation and explore 3 topics: hope, honesty, and grief and how they relate to unmet needs.    Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Donate here! Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Guests: Theresa Bradley and Kandace Cade, MS, LMFT- Associate  Producer: Philosophia Productions Managing Producer: Life Creative Group Sound Engineer: Sonca Nguyen Sound Design: Johnie Steele Special Thanks to Jenna Mountain, PhD (ABD), LPC, CST and Aspen Haus Associates

Join The Maiden Myth community! Watch us on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook The Maiden Myth is a podcast challenging myths about single women of a certain age. Here is where we remind the world of the immeasurable value of single, child-free women (whether by choice or happenstance). Our mission is to spotlight and honor single women who are navigating this world against the grain in divinely feminine ways. Sometimes all it takes is for us to see that it can be done, to believe it is possible and that we can get it done too. This podcast wasn’t created to point out your flaws and help you find romantic love, no, it was created for the woman who is growing for herself - not in preparation for a man; for the woman who enjoys seeing other women living boldly, and for the woman who longs to see more representation of single women happy and at peace with where they are in life. This podcast is also for the woman who feels life is moving too fast and leaving her hopes and dreams behind, the woman who feels cheated of not having the family she dreamt of, and the woman simply determined to avoid a mid-life crisis. My hope is that whichever category you identify with, each episode will leave you feeling uplifted. Just a heads up! The format of this podcast is not typical - how appropriate! You will notice in this season that all of the odd numbered episodes (1,3,5…) are curated shows that end in an affirmation to counter the myth we’ve been told. However, on the even episodes (2,4,6…) I am joined in-studio with my co-host, Jennifer Edison, and a special guest as we recap on the previous episode as well as go deeper into other myths we’ve heard. Finally, we are building a community here and that means we need you! Let us know if there are myths you need us to challenge or if you know of an incredible single women you think we need to have on this show. We want to hear from you so join our community and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. Creator, Writer, and Host: Sophia Stephens Producer: Philosophia Productions Managing Producer: Life Creative Group Sound Engineers: Sonca Nguyen, Miguel Castellanos Sound Design: Johnie Steele Special Thanks to Michelle Adewumni, Sarah Benibo, Jennifer Edison, Ronald and Dorretta Stephens, Jenna Mountain, PhD (ABD), LPC, CST and Aspen Haus Associates