• Finding Grace in Chemotherapy and Crisis
    Jun 25 2026

    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia shares a personal update on her journey through chemo. In the midst of her weariness, she found comfort and grit from a lady in the American Revolution: Kate Barry. We've all heard of Paul Revere, but not as many know about Kate. But her determination led to a great Victory at Cowpens. Listen and be encouraged. If you enjoy this episode, please share it with others.

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    7 mins
  • Deep Conversations: Abigail Adams' Lesson
    5 mins
  • The Sisterhood of the Unexpected Storm
    Jun 4 2026

    In this episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast, we step into the eye of the historical storm.

    Imagine losing your infant, your husband, and your financial security within a matter of months. People are watching your reaction. Where do you turn?

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    4 mins
  • Living Heirloom: Dolley Madison's Amazing Blueprint for Mentoring
    May 14 2026

    Legacy. What is it? In this episode, Cynthia L Simmons pours a cup of tea and invites you into Dolley Madison's parlor. History remembers her as the "Queen of Washington," but her greatest work may have been mentoring her great-neice. Adele took those lessons in diplomacy she learned from her aunt and put them to practice in one of the darkest times in history.

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    4 mins
  • 30 Year Steep: Mother's Day Reflection
    May 7 2026

    Have you ever felt you were in a season of "steeping" while you waited?

    In this special Mother's Day episode, Cynthia L Simmons invites you to grab a cup of hot tea and step back 1700 years into history to discover the life of one of the most resilient mothers who ever lived: St Monica. The world remembers her son, Augustine of Hippo, yet few people realize the thirty years of tears she shed before she saw the harvest of her prayers.

    Maybe you are navigating a storm of your own or have a prodigal you long to see return. Just like a good cup of tea, the most profound impact takes time to develop. You'll enjoy the encouragement and comfort as you listen.

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    4 mins
  • The Cat Who Outlasted Battleships: Unsinkable Sam
    Apr 30 2026

    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. I'm your hostess, Cynthia L Simmons, and I have been reflecting on navigating the storms of life.

    Sometimes the best lessons in resilience and trust come from the most unexpected places. Today, that comes from the deck of a World War II battleship. I delight in finding fun stories, and I love this one. Can you imagine a cat caught in a shipwreck? Cats hate water, yet this sturdy cat survived three.

    If you love history (like I do) or maybe you need a reminder about holding on during a storm, you will find this story fascinating. Let's look at the story told by sailors and find that anchor we all need.

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    3 mins
  • Two Women, Two Centuries, One Mission: Mercy Warren and Pam Farrel
    Mar 5 2026

    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podast. Join me and Author Pam Farrel as we dive into the life of Mercy Otis Warren, the woman who used her pen to spark the American Revolution. My dear friend, Pam, is also a best-selling author. We discussed how both women had the moral courage to speak truth to power, then and now. Don't miss this 'bridge' conversation as we head into a powerful season of Revolutionary history this April.

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    23 mins
  • Beyond the Books: Teaching the Moral Grit of the Bonhoeffer Family
    Feb 13 2026

    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we remember a Lioness, Paula Bonhoeffer. She loved her children well and educated them at home rather than entrust them to the Prussian government schools. She gave Dietrich the grit to stand up to a dictator.

    This week, I sat down with a modern-day Paula, Mavian Arocha-Rowe, who also homeschools. We are bridging the gap between Paula's 1917 kitchen and our living rooms today. How do we raise kids who aren't afraid to stand alone?

    Listen in for a conversation on faith, homeshool, and grit.

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    20 mins