In this special episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod turns our hearts back to the true meaning of the Christmas season. She reminds us that long before Mary, Joseph, or Bethlehem, God already had a plan—and His plan was Jesus. Drawing from Luke 1, Carol reflects on Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and the moment baby John leapt in the womb at the presence of Christ. That explosive joy becomes a picture for us today: when Jesus enters the room, joy follows. Carol explores the difference between happiness and joy, teaching that joy is not found in gifts, celebrations, or traditions—it is found only in the presence of Jesus. She encourages listeners to seek Him through Scripture, worship, and prayer this Christmas, making room for the joy of heaven to fill their lives. With warmth, humor, and biblical insight, Carol invites listeners to respond to Jesus with their own “John jump”—a heart overflowing with joy because the Savior has come. The episode closes with prayer, a reminder of the ministry’s mission, and an encouragement to focus on the heart of Christmas: Jesus Himself.

This conversation explores the profound courage of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she embraces her role with faith and willingness. It delves into the concept of a bond slave, highlighting Mary's choice to serve and her significant statement in scripture.

In this episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod talks with author and former TV news anchor Jillian Benfield about finding grace in life’s complexities. Jillian shares her journey through faith, motherhood, and her son Anderson’s diagnosis with Down syndrome, revealing how gratitude and grief can coexist. Drawing from her book Overwhelmed and Grateful, she reflects on the power of holding both joy and pain, and how choosing faith in the midst of hardship can uncover a deeper sense of purpose and peace.

In this episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod talks with bestselling author Lauraine Snelling and her co-writer Kiersti Giron about their partnership in creating inspiring Christian historical fiction. Together, they share the heart behind their novel Land of Dreams, a story set in frontier America that celebrates faith, courage, and new beginnings. Lauraine and Kiersti reflect on how storytelling can deepen our understanding of God’s faithfulness and remind readers that hope can flourish even in the most challenging seasons of life.

In this episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod talks with Rachael Groll about breaking free from the past and stepping boldly into God’s purpose. Rachel shares her story of becoming the first believer in her family, finding freedom through forgiveness, and building a new legacy rooted in faith. Together, they discuss the powerful roles women play in Scripture, the importance of prayer in discovering one’s calling, and the hope found in God’s redeeming love. Tune in for another inspiring conversation!

In this episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod invites listeners to experience Thanksgiving as more than a holiday. Gratitude is a posture of the heart. Through Scripture, personal stories, and practical wisdom, she explores how generosity, forgiveness, and worship can transform our celebrations and our lives. Carol challenges believers to see Thanksgiving as an opportunity to reflect God’s goodness, give freely, release offense, and cultivate a spirit of true thankfulness every day.

In this episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod welcomes Heather O’Brien for a conversation about faith, motherhood, and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. Heather shares the joys and struggles of raising three boys, the freedom she found in her baptism in the Spirit, and how God’s voice and His Word bring peace in seasons of fear and anxiety. With honesty and warmth, she encourages listeners to trust God, lean into prayer and community, and embrace the Spirit’s power to live with boldness and joy.

In this inspiring episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod talks with Rebecca George about faith, resilience, and trusting God in every season. Rebecca shares how her mother’s battle with cancer shaped her faith, the challenges of waiting for marriage and motherhood, and the importance of guarding against comparison. With honesty and joy, she encourages listeners to embrace their emotions, build resilience, and trust God’s perfect timing.

On today’s episode of the podcast Carol McLeod talks with Rosann Coulon about her journey from family struggles and addiction to founding Leaving a Well Ministries. Rosann shares insights from her devotional 40 Days to God, My Father, emphasizing prayer, trust in God’s character, and finding purpose in pain. Tune in for your dose of encouragement!

In this episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod sits down with worship leader, speaker, and author Myshel Wilkins. Myshel opens her heart about the pain of infertility and loss, sharing how worship became her anchor in the hardest moments. She talks about the influence of her childhood, the challenge of forgiving when it feels impossible, and the strength it takes to keep believing God’s promises when disappointment lingers. This conversation will invite you to see worship not just as music, but as a weapon against grief and a way to shift the atmosphere around you. You’ll hear encouragement to celebrate others’ blessings even when your own heart is aching, and to trust that God is working a bigger plan than what you can see today.

In this episode, Carol McLeod invites you to discover the transformative power of faith through the life and teachings of Paul found in Ephesians chapter 3. You’ll be encouraged to lean on prayer in trials, draw strength from the Holy Spirit, and root yourself in God’s love. Carol reminds you that His power within you is greater than you imagine, His abundance exceeds your expectations, and even in challenges, you can live with joy and glorify Him.

In this episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod speaks with Amber Albee Swenson, a Bible teacher and author, about what it means to find identity in Christ. Together, Carol and Amber explore how God works in every season of life, through parenting, past mistakes, and moments of weakness, and reminding us that His strength is always enough. This heartfelt conversation encourages women to remain faithful, embrace imperfection, and rest in the assurance that their identity is secure in Jesus.

In this episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod welcomes Dr. Juli Slattery to share her journey from a traditional Christian upbringing to becoming an influential voice on sexuality within the church. Dr. Slattery explains how culture, trauma, and silence have shaped many women’s struggles with sexuality, and why honest conversations with our children are so vital. She introduces the concept of Surrendered Sexuality, inviting God’s healing and transformation into one of the most personal areas of our lives. Together, Carol and Dr. Slattery discuss the spiritual battles surrounding sexuality, the importance of supportive communities, and the hope found in Scripture.

On today’s show Carol McLeod and D'Lytha Myers discuss D'Lytha’s journey in the arts, her mission to reclaim creativity for the kingdom of God, the release of her recent movie ‘Aria Appleton Shines’, and the challenges parents face in raising children in today’s media-saturated world. D'Lytha offers practical wisdom for setting healthy boundaries with technology, using it for good, and staying focused on long-term goals for the next generation. She also reflects on the sacrifices of motherhood and the joy of nurturing creativity in her children. Listen in for an inspiring and helpful conversation!

In this inspiring episode of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod speaks to the stress and weariness so many women face today. She shares how the secret to “doing it all” is not in busyness but in knowing what God has called you to do. With encouragement from Scripture, Carol invites listeners to find rest in the Lord, prioritize spiritual health over constant activity, and embrace each day as the miracle it is.

In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Carol McLeod sits down with Natalie Runyon to talk about the complicated dynamics of female relationships within the church. Natalie shares her personal journey from struggling to connect with other women to discovering the beauty of true sisterhood. Together, they unpack issues like gossip, comparison, and emotional immaturity, while offering biblical wisdom on cultivating healthy, Christ centered friendships. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, vulnerability, and finding our identity in Jesus rather than in how we measure up to others.

In this inspiring episode, Carol McLeod sits down with author and speaker Jenny Randle to discuss her new book, The Promised Presence, and the dynamic, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. From her life on Amelia Island to her journey through faith and calling, Jenny shares candid insights about prayer, miracles, and the importance of living in community. Together, they explore how the story of the early church in Acts is still unfolding today, and how each of us is invited to take part. This conversation will stir your heart to pursue a deeper relationship and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

In this inspiring episode, Carole Leathem shares her journey through marriage struggles, caregiving, and life’s unexpected challenges. With deep faith and vulnerability, she reflects on how God met her in the hard places and how she learned to “count it all joy” in the midst of trials (James 1:2). Carole honors the women who supported her along the way and reminds us that even in sorrow, joy is possible. Her story is a testament to the strength found in faith in Christ, resilience, and community.

Today on the Significant Women Podcast, Carol McLeod is joined by Kristen Strong for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, loneliness, and the power of connection. Kristen shares her story from childhood to empty nesting, reflecting on the challenges women face in building and maintaining meaningful relationships. Kristen offers practical encouragement for anyone feeling lonely and reminds us of the strength found in community. If you need hope and connection, this episode is for you.

Welcome back to another First Friday episode of the Significant Women Podcast with Carol McLeod! On today’s episode Carol tackles loneliness, a problem faced by so many in our increasingly isolating culture. Through life experience and biblical wisdom Carol delivers a powerful encouragement to both embrace the gifts of solitude and proactively counter the despair of loneliness.