PODCAST · religion
Empowered To Lead
by Jeannette Cochran
Empowered to Lead is the go-to podcast for Christian women who are ready to rise into courageous, Spirit-led leadership in the Church and the world. Hosted by Jeannette Cochran, pastor, leadership coach, and champion for women in ministry, this show speaks to women who are leading (or longing to lead) in churches, nonprofits, and faith-based spaces where women leaders have historically been excluded or sidelined. With over 20 years of experience in executive church leadership and a heart for equipping women, Jeannette brings biblical insight, practical wisdom, and unflinching honesty to every conversation.
Episodes
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74. How Women Leaders Can Move Past Self-Doubt and Step Into Their Calling
You can know you’re called and still hear a voice inside you asking: Who am I to do this? Am I really ready? What if I put myself out there and I’m not received? That was one of the things that struck me most after spending several days with 26 incredible women at the Women Speakers Collective...
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73. More Than Words: Embodied Communication with Kristi Bramlett
What if becoming a more powerful communicator isn’t just about finding better words? Your posture, movement, breath, gestures—even the amount of space you allow yourself to take up—are communicating something too. And sometimes, without realizing it, your body may be sending a very different...
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72. The Double Standard Women See But Men Don't
Have you ever felt like leadership sometimes seems to require something different from women than it does from men? A recent Harvard Business Review article looking back over 60 years of research reveals something striking: men and women are increasingly experiencing the same leadership cultures...
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71. Struggling to Find Volunteers? What Makes People Want to Serve and Stay
Struggling to find enough volunteers or watching the same faithful few carry more and more of the load? It may be tempting to assume people just don’t want to serve like they used to. But the research tells a more interesting story: people are still willing to contribute, but how they want to…
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70. How to Lead When the Outcome is Out of Your Hands
As leaders we are often the ones holding everything together, carrying pressure, uncertainty, and the quiet fear that if we don’t fix it, everything could fall apart. In this episode, Jeannette talks honestly about the exhausting weight of trying to control outcomes, why so many faithful leaders...
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69. When God Gives You a Dream, You Still Need a System with Hermela Felten
What if the dream God gave you does not need more striving, it needs better support? In this episode, Jeannette talks with Hermela Felten, Founder and CEO of Feltech Digital Solutions, about what becomes possible when women stop carrying everything in their heads and start building systems that...
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68. Silencing Women, Wounding the Church: Spiritual Authority Reclaimed
In this episode, Jeannette responds to the recent Southern Baptist Convention vote to further restrict women from pastoral roles and preaching in gathered congregations — and asks a deeper question: Where does spiritual authority actually come from? Is authority something granted by a title,...
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67. Did God Really Put Men in Charge?
What if the Bible never actually said what you were taught about women? Many Christian women have been told that Genesis establishes male authority, that Adam was created first, Eve was made to support him, and God’s design is for women to live under male leadership. But what if those ideas were...
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66. Can You Trust Your Heart? Biblical Discernment for Christian Women Leaders
Can you really trust your heart or is it “deceitful above all things” like you may have been taught? In this episode, Jeannette explores what the Bible actually says about the heart, discernment, and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding your decisions. If you’re a Christian woman leader who has...
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65. Stop Guessing: The Feedback Skill That Makes You a Better Leader Fast
If you’ve ever wondered what your team is really thinking or felt hesitant to ask because you don’t want to hear criticism, this episode is for you. Jeannette talks about why feedback matters, what’s at stake when leaders aren’t getting honest input, and why critical feedback can trigger shame or...
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64. Surrendered Leadership in a Broken World, with Special Guest Hannah Munn
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and this episode is both eye-opening and hope-giving. In this conversation, Jeannette sits down with Hannah Munn of Love Justice International, a ministry doing something both bold and brilliantly strategic: preventing human trafficking before it...
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63. The One Thing That Derails Most Goals (And What To Do About It)
A new year brings fresh energy, new goals… and that beautiful feeling that this time it’s going to stick. But here’s the truth most people don’t realize until it’s too late: motivation is a great start… and a terrible plan. Because there’s a predictable moment coming when the newness wears off,...
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62. How Will This Be? Saying Yes to God When You Don’t Know the How.
What happens when God stirs a calling that feels bigger than your capacity, your resources, or your clarity? In this episode, pastor and leadership coach, Jeannette Cochran, returns to the Christmas story, not the sanitized, porcelain-figurine version of Mary, but the real young woman we meet in...
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61. The One Shift That Changes Every Hard Conversation
Have you ever felt that knot-in-your-stomach moment when staying silent isn’t working, but speaking up feels risky? In this episode, Jeannette gets practical about the conversations that shape our leadership: the ones with opposing opinions, strong emotions, and high stakes. Whether it’s a...
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60. When Women Step Back: Why the Church Is Losing Its Daughters and How We Can Welcome Them Back
For the first time in decades, men are attending church more than women, and Gen Z women are disengaging the fastest. In this candid, hope-centered episode, Jeannette explores why so many women are stepping back, not from Jesus, but from church cultures that silence their voices, limit their…
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59. Grit, Trust and Holy Ambition: A Conversation With Kellie Kim
Picture this: a ten-year-old girl stepping into a new country, a new language, and a future she can’t yet see. Fast-forward— to corporate boardrooms, profitability, and complex change. And through it all? A steady, quiet confidence in God. “Fear not, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10) That’s…
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58. Pink Ribbons, Real Talk: Faith, Leadership & Life After Breast Cancer
In this Breast Cancer Awareness Month conversation, Jeannette and fellow survivor and leader Courtney Malengo open up about the day everything changed, the “conveyor belt” of cancer treatment, and the resilient, ongoing mindset work of survivorship. From sudden biopsies and surreal parking-garage...
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57. The Factor That Matters More Than Talent or Motivation
We’ve all been told that talent and motivation are the keys to success. But here’s the truth: talent can only take you so far, and motivation comes and goes. The real difference-maker? Commitment. In this episode, Jeannette unpacks The Factor That Matters More Than Talent or Motivation—why...
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56. Full Freedom Is Your Birthright, Don't Settle For Less
What do Doug Wilson’s extreme patriarchal views have to do with the “softer” versions of patriarchy many Christians quietly accept? In this episode, Jeannette digs deep into why both are rooted in the same flawed theology—and why women shouldn’t settle for half-hearted liberation. From CNN’s…
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55. No More Playing Small: 3 Lies That Keep Brilliant Women Stuck
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m not ready yet”? Like you need one more degree, another course, or someone else’s approval before you can fully step into your calling? If so, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I get real about the hidden ways brilliant women of faith…
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54. Sacred Stillness: How Silence Strengthens Your Leadership
In this episode, Jeannette gets personal about one of the most overlooked but essential leadership practices: silence and solitude. Drawing from her own journey of burnout in the early years of ministry, while also raising kids and carrying the weight of leadership, she shares how contemplative...
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53. Confronting Sexism In The Church with Dr. Heather Matthews
What does sexism in the church actually look like today—and what can we do about it? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Dr. Heather Matthews, a pastor, church planter, educator, and author of Confronting Sexism in the Church: How We Got Here and What We Can Do About…
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52. Courageous Leadership: 3 Types of Boldness Ever Leader Needs
We often think of courage as standing on a stage or speaking truth to power but there’s so much more to courageous leadership. In this episode, Jeannette unpacks the three types of courage every Christian woman leader needs; public, relational, and private, and why the least celebrated kind might...
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51. Your Story Matters: A Conversation With Danielle Zapchenk
What if the story you’ve lived—the ordinary, the messy, and everything in between—was the very thing God wants to use to impact others? In this inspiring episode, Jeannette sits down with Danielle Zapchenk, host of The Parable Podcast, to explore how storytelling connects us, grows our empathy…
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50. Why We Rebranded: The Rise of Spirit-Empowered Women Leaders
Welcome to a bold new chapter. In this kickoff episode of Empowered to Lead (formerly The Empowered Christian Woman), Jeannette shares the powerful story behind the podcast rebrand—and the deeper vision it reflects. This episode isn’t just about a name change. It’s about a movement of...
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49. What Do You Want?: Trusting That What You Want Matters to God
So many women, especially women of faith, have been taught to downplay or distrust their desires. We’ve been praised for sacrifice and conditioned to believe that wanting something for ourselves is selfish, prideful, or even unspiritual. But what if your desires aren’t distractions… what if…
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48. Choosing Opposite with Pastor and Author Tammy Milchien
What if Jesus' way isn’t just different—but completely opposite from how we’ve learned to lead, respond, and engage with our polarized world? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Jeannette Cochran sits down with Tammy Melchien, a seasoned teaching pastor and upcoming author of Choosing...
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47. Where Did My Time Go? How to Steward Your Schedule with Wisdom
Are you constantly busy but still feeling behind? Overwhelmed by the weight of your responsibilities and wondering if it’s even possible to find balance? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode, we’re flipping the script on time management. Jeannette shares a vulnerable story from her own...
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46. Who Do You Think You Are? Dismantling the Inner Critic and Claiming Your Calling
Have you ever felt a nudge to speak up, step out, or pursue something bigger only to be stopped cold by a voice in your head whispering, “Who do you think you are?” In this powerful episode, we’re calling that voice out for what it is: your inner critic. It’s not God. It’s not wisdom. And it’s...
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45. 5 Reasons You Aren't Accomplishing Your Goals And What To Do About It.
Started the year with big dreams… but now your goals are gathering dust? You’re not alone and you’re not broken. In this episode, we’re unpacking the 5 reasons most people stall out on their goals (and spoiler: it’s not because you lack discipline or motivation). Whether you feel stuck, stretched...
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44. Stop Shrinking: How Speech Minimizers Undermine Your Voice (And What to Say Instead)
Are you constantly saying things like “I’m just checking in…” or “Sorry, but…” without even thinking about it? These subtle phrases—called speech minimizers—can quietly sabotage your authority and impact. In this episode, we explore the three most common habits that undermine women’s voices:...
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43. Jesus Feminist: Why Faith and Feminism Belong Together
Can you be a Christian and a feminist? For some, the answer is a bold yes. For others, it feels like a contradiction. In this episode, we unpack the history, theology, and misconceptions that surround the word feminism—especially in Christian spaces. From Jesus' radical treatment of women to the...
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42. 4 Myths About Failure that Keep You Stuck
What if everything you’ve believed about failure is wrong? In this episode, Jeannette is busting open four common myths about failure that quietly sabotage our growth, confidence, and calling. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by the fear of messing up, held back your ideas, or waited for perfect...
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41. Marriage without Power Plays: A better way to love and lead together
Have you ever wondered if the way you’ve been taught about Christian marriage really lines up with God's heart? In today's episode, you’re invited into a conversation about something that still causes so much confusion — mutuality in marriage. You’ll hear a journey that might feel familiar — from...
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40. Created Equal: A Biblical Case for Mutual Leadership
If you’ve ever felt like the version of womanhood taught in your church doesn’t quite reflect the freedom and purpose you sense God put inside you… you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving deep into egalitarian theology: what it is, what it’s not, and why it offers a more faithful and...
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39. Is This Really God's Design? Rethinking Gender Roles in the Church
In this episode, Jeannette Cochran takes a bold and thoughtful look at complementarian theology—the belief that men are divinely appointed to lead while women are called to follow. Whether this term is brand new to you or something you've wrestled with for years, this conversation is for every...
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38. Women, Leadership & Cultural Competence: A Conversation with Nikki Lerner
In this episode, Jeannette Cochran sits down with culture coach and speaker Nikki Lerner for a rich conversation about multicultural leadership and why it matters more than ever. They talk about what it takes to lead well in diverse spaces—like understanding cultural differences, building…
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37. Navigating Leadership Anxiety: The CALM Framework
In this episode, Jeannette dives into a critical but often overlooked aspect of leadership—managing anxiety. Leadership and anxiety go hand in hand, and the real question isn’t whether you’ll experience anxiety, but how you’ll handle it. Drawing from personal experience and expert insights, she...
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36. The Myth of ‘Too Emotional’: How Women’s EQ Makes Us Strong Leaders
In this episode, Jeanette Cochran delves into the topic of emotions in leadership, particularly addressing the stereotype that women are 'too emotional' to lead effectively. Jeanette challenges these long-standing biases, using biblical examples and recent research to highlight that emotional...
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35. Advent Reflections: Joy That Lasts Beyond Circumstances
So many of us look for joy in fleeting places—success, perfection, or comparison—only to find ourselves feeling empty or disappointed. In this Advent reflection, we’re diving deep into the difference between happiness and true, lasting joy. You’ll discover how joy isn’t dependent on circumstances...
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34. Advent Reflections: Finding Peace in a Hectic Holiday Season
Join Jeanette Cochran, pastor and leadership coach, in this special Advent series episode. Explore the profound concept of 'peace' from a biblical perspective, specifically the Hebrew word 'Shalom', and discover practical ways to embrace Christ's peace amidst the holiday chaos and difficult...
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33. Advent Reflections: Hope in the Darkness
Christmas is meant to be a season of joy, wonder, and hope. But too often, it becomes a whirlwind of shopping lists, endless to-dos, and feeling stretched too thin. During the busyness, it’s easy to lose sight of the deep, soul-stirring meaning of this season. But what if it didn’t have to be…
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32. Reclaiming Women's Humanity From Evangelicalism with Liz Cooledge Jenkins
In this episode of the Empowered Christian Woman Podcast, host Jeanette Cochran interviews author Liz Coolidge Jenkins about her new book, 'Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicalism.' They discuss the subtle and overt ways patriarchy operates in churches…
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31. Blazing a New Trail with Brooke Palmer
Jeanette Cochran interviews Pastor Brooke Palmer, a pioneering woman leading a new church plant in Urbana, Maryland. Jeanette and Brooke discuss Brooke's unique journey from professional musician to lead pastor, the challenges and discrimination faced by women in church leadership, and the vision...
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30. Joy is a Choice: How to Cultivate it Everyday
In this heartfelt episode, Jeannette reflects on her journey as a five-year breast cancer survivor and shares transformative insights on cultivating joy despite life's hardships. She delves into six practical steps to choose joy intentionally—setting an intention, practicing gratitude, engaging…
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29. Radical Equality:Women in the Ministry of Jesus with Katie Ding
Listen in on this important conversation with host, Jeannette Cochran, and special guest, Katie Ding, discussing the pivotal role of women in the ministry of Jesus. The conversation delves into the significant presence and contributions of women at the resurrection of Jesus, highlighting the...
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28. Faith, Healing, and Empowerment with Sally Hope
Author and Recovery Coach, Sally Hope, shares her journey from surviving domestic abuse to empowering others to heal and reclaim their identities. Sally discusses her specialization in aiding Christian domestic abuse survivors through the 'Always Hopeful' program, an 11-week recovery initiative...
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27. The Most Important Question to Answer in the New Year
In this episode, host Jeanette Cochran dives deep into the most important question we can ask ourselves as we move into 2024: How am I going to grow my potential? Join us as we explore the concept of potential, surrendering to God's spirit, and the power of becoming the person He created us to…
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26. Proclaiming the Savior: Women of Advent with Jill Lin
Jeannette explores women's unique roles in Advent in this episode with special guest Jill Lin. Jill is a stay-at-home mom with an education and background in history, theology, and languages. An immigrant from England now living in the United States, Jill has been part of churches from several...
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25. From Clutter to Clarity: Purposeful Organizing with Lindsey Hardegree
Navigating the complexities of life and work with efficiency takes time and effort. So much is coming at us, and "stuff" quickly piles up. Professional organizer Lindsey Hadegree shares the most crucial question you must ask to cut through the clutter and create order in your inner and outer…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Empowered to Lead is the go-to podcast for Christian women who are ready to rise into courageous, Spirit-led leadership in the Church and the world. Hosted by Jeannette Cochran, pastor, leadership coach, and champion for women in ministry, this show speaks to women who are leading (or longing to lead) in churches, nonprofits, and faith-based spaces where women leaders have historically been excluded or sidelined. With over 20 years of experience in executive church leadership and a heart for equipping women, Jeannette brings biblical insight, practical wisdom, and unflinching honesty to every conversation.
HOSTED BY
Jeannette Cochran
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Empowered To Lead have?
Empowered To Lead currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Empowered To Lead about?
Empowered to Lead is the go-to podcast for Christian women who are ready to rise into courageous, Spirit-led leadership in the Church and the world. Hosted by Jeannette Cochran, pastor, leadership coach, and champion for women in ministry, this show speaks to women who are leading (or longing to...
How often does Empowered To Lead release new episodes?
Empowered To Lead has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Empowered To Lead?
You can listen to Empowered To Lead on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Empowered To Lead?
Empowered To Lead is created and hosted by Jeannette Cochran.
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