Have you ever been told you’re “too nice”? Do you struggle to tell people “no”?

Danielle Finch is a wife, mum and former SEN (Special Educational Needs) teacher. She is now a freelance writer, sharing her experience of navigating life, parenting and faith, with disability. Danielle's article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/i-was-a-people-pleaser-and-i-thought-it-made-me-a-better-christian/20227.article and you can connect with Danielle at @thisdisabledfamilylife

Rachel Allcock is a high school teacher-librarian. She is also a content writer, social media manager, and events assistant for Activate Your Life. The Activate organisation exists to equip, resource, train and inspire Christian women to be active in sharing God's love in natural, meaningful ways. You can find out more about Activate at https://www.activateyourlife.org.uk/ and connect with Rachel at @weetabixglue.words

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘I have met a guy online, is he the real deal?!’

The Woman Alive podcast is produced by award-winning podcast producer, Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

It’s Christmas! And while this season brings much joy to both believers and non-believers - many of us will be navigating mixed emotions at this time of year.

Rhiannon and her husband Pete serve together in a small church in Preston and have a blended family of six. She is also director of the charity Activate Your Life, which inspires women to share God’s love in authentic ways. Rhiannon's article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/notes-on-parenting--celebrate-with-care-this-christmas/20563.article and you can find out more about Activate Your Life at https://www.activateyourlife.org.uk/

Bekah Legg is CEO of Restored, a Christian organisation with a mission to speak up about violence against women and equip the Church to stand against domestic abuse and with survivors. Bekah and her late husband Steve have a blended family including five girls. You can find out more about Restored at https://www.restored-uk.org/

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘How do I not fall out with my family this Christmas?’

The Woman Alive podcast is produced by award-winning podcast producer, Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

On the surface, it’s easy to label the beauty industry one big “vanity project” that lacks any real substance and only magnifies our insecurities.

Amy Dyas is a professionally trained makeup artist with experience in Editorial, Fashion (including London Fashion Week), TV, Bridal, Music Videos and Film. Amy is passionate about clean beauty and using sustainably sourced products and her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: womanalive.co.uk/discovering-clean-beauty/19003.article and connect with Amy on Instagram @beautycleanbyamy @justbeyoutiful

Mariana Mathenan is a beautician, and founder of ‘Grace on Wheels’, a beauty van which provides free treatments to women who are without homes or have been victims of domestic violence and/or human trafficking. This year, Mariana felt led by God to sell the van and open a beauty shop, and she is currently looking for a new owner for the beauty van. You can connect with Mariana on Instagram @graceonwheelsbv

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘How do I get over being jealous of my married friends?’

The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

When was the last time you heard this three-letter word at church? On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests talk about sex... and if you now feel immediately uncomfortable, then this may just be the episode for you!

Shakira Peronet is a freelance copywriter and content creator. Though originally from London, she now lives in Paris, after a pandemic romance resulted in marriage. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/we-expect-married-couples-to-go-from-zero-to-hero-in-the-bedroom-after-their-wedding-but-i-found-out-its-not-that-simple/13451.article and connect with Shakira on Instagram @shakirainparis

Tracey Nash is a social media manager, worship leader and teacher of the Word in her local church. She is an avid traveller, wordsmith, a lover of food and Jesus! You can connect with Tracey on Instagram @wrappednculture

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘I feel insecure in my marriage’

The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

The Bible tells us that we are created in the image of God - but as male and female, how is the image of God expressed in our genders? Is it scriptural to identify femininity in the nature of God? Have we created an image of God built on patriarchy? Is the church too feminine …and how does all this impact your relationship with God? On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests discuss God, femininity and the Church.

Elaine Storkey is a theologian, lecturer, broadcaster and Christian feminist. In 2020 she wrote a book titled ‘Women in a Patriarchal World’ which was based on her articles for Woman Alive magazine. She has been writing Bible Studies for Woman Alive for 25 years! Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/is-the-holy-spirit-the-female-part-of-god/19813.article

Sally Hope is a writer specialising in faith, feminism and domestic abuse. She is also the creator of the Always Hopeful Programme and author of the book No Visible Scars. Both are resources for Christian women who have experienced domestic abuse. You can find out more about Sally’s work at www.alwayshopeful.org.uk

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled ‘I did everything the right way but ended up with nothing. I feel so let down by God’

The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

Neurodivergence, motherhood and faith are a unique intersection which more Christians are navigating, as awareness grows of the genetics that can affect our learning. Many believers are involved in campaigning to remove the stigma in the Church. At the time of recording, this topic had become heavily politicised following the US President’s controversial comments about the cause of Autism. Tola-Doll Fisher explores how Christian women navigate neurodivergence with motherhood and faith.

Julie Williams is a writer and marketing specialist living in Cape Town, South Africa. She is a wife and mother to five children, and received an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 40. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/i-am-a-christian-mum-of-five-and-i-just-found-out-i-have-adhd/16195.article

Ann Wilson is a diagnostic clinician for autistic adults, working for the NHS. She and her husband have two adult children, and their daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and autism at the age of 6.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: I want to leave my husband!

The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

A recent study commissioned by the non-Christian dating platform ‘Tinder’, reported that more than 90% of single adults think ‘dating is more difficult than ever’.

Tim Bechervaise is a photographer and freelance writer focusing on sports, culture and Christianity. Tim is also a copywriter for Open Doors UK & Ireland and currently lives with his wife just outside of London. Tim's article for Woman Alive on dating as a single man was published back in 2022 before he was married: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/im-a-single-christian-man-and-these-are-the-things-women-do-on-dating-apps-that-i-find-difficult/12754.article and connect with Tim on Instagram @tim_bechervaise

Cassandra Maria is an award-winning broadcaster, comedian and content creator based in Birmingham, and the programme manager of Premier Gospel.

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: Should I church hop to find a husband?

The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

Throughout history what women wear has always come under scrutiny. This is the case both in wider society, and the Church! Whether it’s pressure to come to service in your “Sunday best” or other extremes of trouser bans and mandatory head coverings – many Christian women are still being told how to dress “appropriately”. On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore why this is still happening today, and what the bible says about modesty.

Hope Bonarcher is a native New Yorker, living with her Scottish husband and four children just outside Glasgow. She is a model, actress and singer. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/what-the-world-views-as-liberal-sexuality-god-calls-bondage/19355.article and connect with Hope on Instagram @hopebonarcher

Dara Olagbami is an author, editor in chief and founder of Grace magazine, which combines faith, fashion and lifestyle. She is also the co-founder of Its Huntd – a digital members-only platform which offers exclusive luxury fashion items! You can connect Dara on Instagram @beingdara

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: My in-laws are toxic!

The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore a topic that may surprise you - Christian “mean girls”! Although the Church is largely seen as a refuge, a house of prayer and even a hospital for the broken-hearted, sadly this isn’t everyone’s experience. For some of us, church congregations have been riddled with gossip, judgement, social exclusion, cliques and popularity contests. Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so why is this stereotypical high school culture going unchecked in Christian communities?

Shakira Peronet is a freelance copywriter and content creator. Originally from London, she now lives in Paris, after a Pandemic romance resulted in marriage. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/im-a-repentant-mean-girl-i-used-to-feel-annoyed-when-church-friends-said-i-left-them-out-but-now-im-mindful-of-those-on-the-outskirts/13420.article and connect with Shakira on Instagram @shakirainparis

Jessica Stark is a social media influencer, broadcaster and writer, currently working at Premier Christian Radio as digital content lead. Originally from Scotland and now based in London, Jessica is also the daughter of Emma and David Stark, founders of the Global Prophetic Alliance and serves as a worship leader and prophetic minister. You can connect with Jessica on Instagram @j_e_s_s_i_c_a_h_o_p_e

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: ‘I know what I want in a husband, but should I lower my expectations?’

The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast

On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore the spiritual discipline of fasting and the significance of self-denial. You may be wondering what event on the Christian calendar warrants this conversation if it’s not Lent, or the start of a new year. But the Bible suggests that fasting can happen at any time, and for a variety of reasons, which are explored in this discussion.

Joanne O Connor is the CEO of Junction 42, a Christian charity working in prisons and communities across north-east England and central Scotland, supporting people throughout the journey of custody and rehabilitation. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/prayer-and-fasting-is-the-backbone-behind-this-ministry/14521.article and find out more about Junction 42 ministry by visiting https://www.junction42.org/

Jamie Phear is a writer, speaker and educator. After nearly a decade teaching in academia, she shifted her focus to writing full-time and currently works as the Communications and Fundraising Manager at St Mellitus College. Jamie has a deep desire to help people encounter God’s persistent presence and love through honest and authentic reflection. You can keep up with Jamie's newsletter at https://apocketsizedesert.substack.com/

The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: ‘I’m dating a non-Christian who is kind and generous and thoughtful, he just doesn’t love Jesus’

The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.

Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast