Heart of the Matter Radio

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How does a godly woman live in a world out of sync? Anxiety, pressure, and constant change unsettle us all. Through glimpses of history combined with a sensible approach to Scripture, Heart of the Matter Radio opens the path through the chaos. There’s a message for everyone—authors, young moms, mot…

Cynthia L. Simmons


    • May 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 539 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Heart of the Matter Radio

    Mary Bartlett: Awesome Mom Who was Targeted by Tories

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 2:33


    This week on Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast, we continue our celebration of mothers. You may not be familiar with this mother. However, she showed resilience and patriotism when under attack. We can learn from her example and love for her family. Enjoy!

    Strong Mothers Who Faced Nightmares and Got Better

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 19:36


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast for Mother's Day week. This month we are focusing on the extraordinary mothers who can inspire us. Cynthia related a story about a lady who lived during the Revolutionary War. Plus, she interviewed author Jess Ronne about her life. Both ladies lost their husband, yet they grew stronger and wiser. Listen and be encouraged.

    Jaw-Dropping Story: Epic Life of a Pioneering Mother

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 2:03


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Since we celebrate Mothers' Day in May, we will cover the stories of Extraordinary Mothers this month.  This week, we relate the story of Ann Wager. She had two children when she lost her husband in 1748. Williamsburg Bray School hired her in 1760. Her job was to teach black children the basics of Christianity as well as reading, math, and spelling. Listen as we cover her amazing story.

    The Revolutionary Witness: Mary Magdalene's Epic Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 3:06


    Welcome to the latest Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week, Cynthia delved into Mary Magdalene's story.  What did she see and how did she feel during the crucifixion? Join us for this peek into the mind of an eye witness. 

    Secrets to Thriving After Losing Your Spouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 27:33


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we featured a conversation between Cynthia and author Rachel Faulkner Brown, who suffered widowhood twice. She shared how she managed to cope while raising her two young children.  Her ministry, Never Alone Widows, comes along side other widows, offering transformation, joy and purpose. Join us for this fascinating conversation.

    The Truth about Teddy and Alice Roosevelt's Jaw-Dropping Feud

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 1:27


    Welcome to the next Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Alice Roosevelt's reputation reverberates through history as a woman of charm, rebellion, and wit. Behind her "Princess Alice" personal lay an uneasy relationship with her father, Theodore Roosevelt who became president. We examine the reason why in this video. Join us as we journey into the past.

    Stunning Conditions Nurses Found During the Korean War

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 22:29


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This is Women's History Month, and this week we are celebrating the nurses who worked in the Mash units during the Korean War. My guest was Author Rebecca Price Janney who just completed the novel East of the Sun. Join us as we discuss these fascinating women who sacrificed so much for our country.

    Bess Truman's Astonishing Talent: Defeating a Stubborn Cook

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 1:04


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. We are celebrating Women's History Month, and we are featuring a snippet about First Lady Bess Truman. Bess didn't give interviews and didn't like publicity. When she had to greet guests, she wore gloves because he hands would sweat. However, she did have wisdom with people, and that is very useful, even in small matters. 

    The Power Behind the President: Edith Wilson Revealed

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 32:20


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. March is Women's History Month. Author Peggy Sue Wells was my guest this week. She shared fascinating facts about First Lady Edith Wilson, who was certainly a woman to celebrate. Join us as we discuss her accomplishments. Peggy Sue also offered a special download for listeners on meeting your child's spiritual needs. 

    You Will Love the Untold Saga of First Lady Lucy Webb

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 1:15


    Welcome! March is Women's History Month, so we plan to share inspiring stories of women you may not know. This week we unveil a heartwarming story of Lucy Webb Hayes. Her husband, Rutherford B Hayes, became president in 1877.

    Analyze How to Achieve Lasting Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 22:24


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. The love story is a timeless narrative that has always fascinated and moved us. This month, we have covered several love stories from the past. This week, my guest and I discussed what makes an ideal love story. Author and counselor Debbie W. Wilson covered this topic. Listen and enjoy.  

    Intriguing Love Letter: The Grant's Enduring Romance

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 1:18


    Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we share an untold story about the romance of President Grant and his wife, Julie. A lovely and inspiring story.

    Unexpected Meeting Sparked a Passionate Romance

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 2:15


    Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. For Valentine's Day, Cynthia related the love story of Edith Carow and Teddy Roosevelt who had been childhood sweethearts. You'll enjoy this heart-warming story.

    Keeping Love's Flame Alive in Astonishing Adversity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 29:44


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. As we celebrate Valentine's Day, we are covering riveting love stories. Today we featured Lori Ann and Dell Wood. They love to hold hands and laugh. But their idyllic life took an unexpected route when Lori Ann collapsed and almost died. Join us as we journey with them through the unthinkable. 

    You Won't Believe this Amazing Story: Presidential Desk

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 1:11


    Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. We've seen tons of photos of our new president signing executive orders. Today we share the heartwarming story surrounding that desk. How fun!

    You Can Renew Your Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 13:34


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast where we share God's timeless wisdom. We are several weeks into the New Year now, and it's easy to fall back into negative self talk and anxiety. I have found a deep dive into Scripture useful in managing daily stress. My guest was author Janet McHenry who shared about her latest book on prayer and Bible reading. Join us to discover how to free your mind. 

    You Can Master Your Thoughts: Train Your Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 23:44


    Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast.  Cynthia's guest was author and counselor Debbie W Wilson. The two ladies chatted about ways to improve our thought patterns in 2025. Too often negative thoughts pop into our heads, and drag us down.  Debbie offered ways to evaluated your thoughts to see where they originate. She also offered a free download for anyone who would like to read more. You can find that here.

    Fascinating Facts You Will Enjoy about Power Transfer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 1:09


    Welcome! Join us today to discover a snippet of history surrounding presidential transfer of power, which is taking place right now. Have you ever wondered when the process starts? How did that work during World War 2? 

    Amazing and Quirky Ways People Celebrate New Years Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 1:15


    Welcome to the first podcast for 2025. Cynthia discussed interesting traditions people follow and what they hope to accomplish. For instance, in Spain men swallow 12 grapes immediately before the New Year starts. Join us for this intriguing chat. 

    Mouthwatering Gingerbread and Christmas Nostalgia

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 5:06


    Welcome to another Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast where we discuss Christmas traditions. My guest this week was author Tina Yeager. We chatted about the history of gingerbread and ways to make those around us feel the love of God. Listen and discover a tidbit of history. 

    Joyfully Share the Good News of Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 14:21


    Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Christmas is a beautiful season. However, the true message often gets buried. This week Cynthia's guest was Melissa Heiland. Cynthia and Melissa discussed creative ways to teach the true meaning of Christmas. A must listen.

    Unveiling Secret Stories Behind Holiday Symbols

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 20:29


    Welcome to the latest Heart of the Matter episode. Cynthia interviewed Annie Yortie, author of 25 Symbols of Christmas. Have you ever wondered why we put up wreaths and give away candy canes. Annie shared the fascinating background of many Christmas traditions.  You will not want to miss this.

    Thanksgiving Prayer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 1:22


    Welcome to the Thanksgiving Day episode. We offer a prayer of thanksgiving for all our blessings.

    Secrets to Effective Change through Life's Transitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 21:17


    Welcome to the latest Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Imagine moving from college graduation to being first lady of the United States? Frances Cleveland made that huge change gracefully. This week Author Evelyn J Taylor discussed life's transitions. Ms Taylor explored ways and strategies to shift your mindset during life's inevitable changes. 

    Heroes in Skirts: Amazing History of Women Codebreakers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 2:07


    Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this Veteran's Day episode, Cynthia highlighted the work of women codebreakers in World War 2. Join us as we remember the work and sacrifice of these remarkable ladies.

    Hopeful Hearts: Finding Strength in the Faithful

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 10:38


    Welcome to the next episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Are you looking for inspiration, hope and encouragement? Our podcast explored the lives of godly men and women from the past. Author MichelleLazurek, talked about writing  her latest children's book, Hall of Faith. Join us and discover what inspired her.

    Vote for Freedom: Bold Step Forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 3:35


    Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode Cynthia shared the story of Katherine von Bora who who was born in Germany in 1499. Her father placed her in a convent at 5 years, and she longed to have freedom. Enjoy this fascinating story.

    Unexpected Sanctuary: A Place to Heal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 27:13


    Welcome to the newest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio Podcast. My guest this week was author Lynne Rienstra who authored Sacred Refuge. We discussed how to find that rest in the Lord. Lynne shared stories of people who had suffered horribly but found peace in Jesus. Listen and you'll be inspired. 

    The Power of Prayer: True Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 19:40


    Welcome to anothere episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week my guest was Author Bonnie Fite. She related stories from the Jamestown and Plymouth colonies revealing God's protection and thier enduring faith. You won't hear these inspiring stories anywhere else. Enjoy!

    Before the Screen: Audrey Hepburn's Sensational Resistance to Nazis

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 1:22


    Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter. This week, Cynthia uncovered a story about Audrey Hepburn's childhood. She grew up in Holland during World War II and worked for the resistance. Her heroic story will inspire you.

    Revolutionary Discovery: Unveiling a Patriot

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 13:15


    Welcome to Balloon Week at Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. October 1 is both Ancestor Day and Balloon Day. In light of that, we are celebrating family members who have inspired us. My guest this week was Rebecca Price Janney. She shared about her Revolutionary War patriot who changed her life. 

    Don't Eat the Pets: A Remarkable Rescue

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 1:00


    Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week Cynthia shared a snippet from presidential history about a pet. This heartwarming story will leave a smile on your face.

    From Chaos to Constitution: The Founding Fathers at Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 1:53


    Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week, Cynthia highlights an historic moment in history. Our founding fathers met in Philadelphia to work on the Articles of Confederation. They found themselves embroiled in controversy and division. Small states and large states fought over representation. Discover how they overcame those issues to finish the U.S. Constitution.

    Discover Beauty Beyond Your Brokenness

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 16:36


    Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia interviews Dr. Michelle Bengstrom who wrote Sacred Scars. During this conversation, Dr. Bengstrom shared a person must feel their pain in order to heal. However, you can know healing and restored inner beauty. Enjoy this fascinating discussion.

    Beauty: Unsurpassed Results with Toxic Consequences

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 2:31


    Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week Cynthia digs into the history of makeup from the 15th century. At the time, people prized products from Venice, yet this particular makeup could be toxic. Join us for this lively discussion. 

    A Remarkable Woman Who Dared to Speak

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 3:01


    Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode you will discover the fascinating story of Rebecca Wright. Rebecca and her mother were the only pro-Union people in Winchester, Virginia during the Civil War. General Sheriden needed information about Confederate troops in that area. She risked her life to tell the truth. 

    Banishing Fear with Good Judgment

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 1:37


    Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia discusses the Princess of Bavaria. She suffered from a painful obsession crippling her entire life. How sad to worry about something unreasonable. Today in the information age, we must sift through vast amounts of persuasive material we hear or see on the media. Yet no one wants to be deceived. Join this discussion on how rational thought can free us from unneeded fear. 

    Revealing Hidden Secrets of Ida McKinley's Legacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 2:54


    Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Imagine being crippled with disease when your husband holds the highest office in the land. Would you delegate the job of First Lady to someone else? Discover the inspiring legacy of Ida McKinley and be energized to offer your talents and gifts to the world. 

    Overcoming Darkness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 27:50


    Welcome to the latest episode of Heart of the Mattter Radio/Podcast. In a world filled with darkness, we can easily feel ourselves overwhelmead. However, as individuals we can be the power that cuts through the gloom. Join Cynthia's interview with author John Di Girolamo. He offered suggestions and tools for keeping our families safe.

    History Lesson: Ruthless Slander Shattered Rachel Jackson's World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 2:35


    Welcome to the latest edition of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we highlight the story of Rachel Jackson from the 1828 election. Join us as we discover truths from this powerful drama.

    Terrifying Baltimore Plot Exposed! You won't believe what happens next.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 2:14


    Welcome to the newest episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In light of the recent attempt on former President Trump, Cynthia related a foiled assassination attempt on Lincoln prior to his inauguration. Join us for this fascinating story.

    Nurturing the Next Generation: A Warrior's Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 16:14


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week our guest was Tammy Largin who wrote a book about parenting. She drew a comparison between child-rearng and arrows in a warrior's quiver. The discussion centered around problems we face in our technology rich world and challenging your offspring to make good choices. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation.

    Beyond the Musket: Abigail Rice's Hidden Role in the Revolutionary War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2024 1:10


    In today's episode, Abigail Rice visited from the Revolutionary War era to share a tid bit of her story.  Colonists highly respected her family, and we are thankful for her contribution to freedom.

    Spark and Action: Ignite Your Purpose

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 9:09


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast.  Rachel Anderson came this week to discuss how to live with purpose and meaning. She told fun stories about how God taught her as she raised her three boys. Join us for this inspiring discussion.

    Home is Where the Welcome Mat is

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 14:11


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode we focus on opening your home to long-term guests. Melissa Heiland shared how she and her husband minister to weary friends or guests from around the world. She discussed privacy and boundaries as well as chatting with your guest about what to expect. Join us on this ministry journey.

    Surprising Facts on Colonial Beverages

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 3:45


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode, hostess, Cynthia L Simmons, shared a short but fascinating snippet of history you might not know.  What if you got thirsty and had no refrigerator and no grocery store? Join us in this interesting blog.

    Hosting with a Heart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 23:51


    Welcome to another episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we featured Dr. Mel Tavares, a mental health specialist as we discussed the impact of hospitality. She pointed out how much we need deep interactions with other people, especially after the isolation of the pandemic. Dr. Mel also shared tips on making your home open to others. Join us for this interesting conversation.

    Cool Communication Strategies: Engaging with Fans

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 1:57


    Welcome to the next episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Discover fascinating details about the language of fans and communicate 'cool' this summer. 

    Echoing Footsteps: A Soldier Lost

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 1:51


    Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode we remember the life of army nurse Captain Jennifer Moreno.

    The Pancake Connection: Mixing Faith and Food

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 8:00


    Welcome to the Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Today's guest dove into the profound impact of a grandmother, reflecting on the spiritual and emotional guidaance grandmas offer. Special guest, author Carole Leathem, shared a touching personal experience about a grandmother who was a pillar of stability in her chaotic childhood. Carole offered touching insights into the valuable teaching a grandmother can have. Join us for a heartwarming story.

    Celebrating Mothers: Dr. Elliott Paid Tribute to Her Mother

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2024 10:06


    Welcome to a special episode for Mother's Day. We are celebrating the influential role of mothers in our lives, reflecting the lessons and legacy they left behind. My guest this week was Dr. Sharon Elliott who is an author, speaker, teacher, and literary agent. She shared heartwarming memories from her mother, Nancy Brown Jennings Norris. Her reflections paint a vivid portrait of a dedicated mother, teacher, community leader, and loving wife who profoudly impacted her children's lives.

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