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 definitely not the truth.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between holy ambition and the fear of being “too much”… if you’ve wondered whether your desire for more is selfish or Spirit-led… this episode is for you.

We’ll unpack why the inner critic shows up, how spiritual gaslighting has shaped what many Christian women believe about leadership and desire, and what to do when fear tries to silence your voice.

You’ll walk away with truth, clarity, and a fresh sense of courage to step into the calling God has placed on your life even if you feel scared, unqualified, or unsure.

 

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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 too thin, or unsure where to focus, this episode will help you:

• Break free from overwhelm and get crystal clear on what actually matters
• Build momentum with a simple 12-week strategy
• Ditch perfectionism and the all-or-nothing mindset
• Reconnect with your God-given purpose and reignite your “why”

It’s time to stop shaming yourself and start making meaningful progress again. Hit play and let’s reset your goals—and your mindset—together.

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If you want help mapping out your 12-week goals, building a strategy, or getting clear on what actually matters—I’d love to support you.

Book a free Leadership Growth Session with me. It’s a free 45-minute coaching session to help you clarify, reset, and move forward with confidence.

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 intelligence is a powerful leadership asset for both men and women.

Tune in to explore how embracing your emotional sensitivity can make you a more attuned, compassionate, and impactful leader.

Shareable insights and practical takeaways await as Jeanette calls for a new leadership model that values emotional and mental health in both men and women.

HBR: How Anxiety Shapes Men's and Women's Leadership Differently

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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 but is rooted in something far deeper: the presence and promises of God. We’ll explore the angel’s proclamation of “good news of great joy” and unpack how this joy transforms the way we live, lead, and love—even in life’s most challenging seasons.

If you’re tired of chasing happiness and ready to experience a joy that sustains you, this episode will guide you there. Plus, I’ll share a simple yet powerful practice to help you cultivate more joy this Christmas season. Let’s slow down, reflect, and embrace the unshakable joy found in the presence of Emmanuel—God with us.

Tune in and reclaim the joy that’s always been yours!

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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 relationships. Jeanette offers heartfelt advice for women to release control, set healthy boundaries, and focus on gratitude to experience lasting peace and joy this Christmas season.

FREE GUIDE: Practical Steps to Experience Christmas Joy While Leading in Ministry

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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 that way? What if this Advent, you could reclaim a sense of calm, purpose, and connection? What if you set aside time each week to refocus your heart, renew your spirit, and rediscover the beauty of Emmanuel—God with us? That’s exactly what this episode is designed to do.

 

This episode is week one in a 4-part series of Advent reflections to help us connect to the heart of Christmas. The journey begins with hope and offers a simple practice for inviting the Light into our personal struggles to connect with Christ our Hope in the darkness.

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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, particularly those that are 'complementarian,' and its impact on women and community. Liz shares her personal journey in ministry, insights from her book, and the importance of diverse voices in the pulpit. They also explore how Christian teachings on humility and emotions differ by gender, and the necessity for reform in church leadership and gender roles.

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About Today's Guest

Liz Cooledge Jenkins is a writer, preacher, former college campus minister, and the author of Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women’s Humanity from Evangelicalism. She writes at the intersections of faith, feminism, and social justice, and her work can be found at places like Sojourners and The Christian Century—as well as her new Substack, Growing Into Kinship, and Instagram @lizcoolj and @postevangelicalprayers. Liz lives in the Seattle area with her husband and their black cat Athena, where she enjoys hiking, swimming, attempting to grow vegetables, and drinking a lot of tea.

 

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 for Belonging Community Church. Brooke shares her insights on innovative leadership, the importance of health and rest for leaders, and the mission of creating a welcoming, inclusive church environment. This episode highlights the power of resilience, creativity, and the support of other women in leadership.

 

About today's Guest

Brooke lives in Clarksburg, MD. She is the lead and planting pastor of Belonging Community Church which launches fall of 2024 in Urbana, MD. Brooke has a Master of Ministry degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. She is a wife, a mom of five children, and is forever a Detroit Lions football fan. Connect with Belonging Community Church on instagram or Facebook. Check out Belonging Community Church online. 

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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 in contemplative prayer, managing technology use, indulging in joy-producing activities, and taking care of physical health. This episode provides perspective on finding joy beyond circumstances, learning from suffering, and fostering a joyful, empowered life.

 

 

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 contrast between societal views of women at the time and their pivotal role as messengers of Jesus' resurrection. Katie and Jeanette examine the cultural implications of these narratives, emphasizing the empowerment and trust Jesus placed in women, challenging contemporary perspectives, and advocating for the full inclusion of women in all aspects of church life and leadership.

 

About our Guest

Katie Brenneman Ding is currently serving as Connections Pastor at Seneca Creek Community Church and pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. She and her husband have been married for 14 years and have the joy of parenting two girls, ages 9 and 12. Katie is a life-long learner who is passionate about empowering and equipping women to serve as leaders in the church and society. In her free time she loves baking, hiking, and playing games with her family.

 

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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 designed for women healing from domestic abuse. This program, available locally and online for free, encourages participants to navigate their experiences from a faith-based perspective, addressing profound questions concerning God's role during their suffering. Sally’s personal story of escaping an abusive marriage and her ensuing quest for healing and understanding through faith highlights the profound impact of domestic violence on one's sense of self and the importance of addressing it both from a theological perspective and within the community.

Sally’s new book, '30 Steps to Finding Yourself' is designed for all women who want to strengthen their identity in Christ.  Sally advocates for greater abuse awareness and support within the church and society, suggesting practical steps for communities to assist survivors in their journey towards recovery and self-discovery.

You can learn more about Sally at www.alwayshopeful.org.uk

Check out the Always Hopeful Program and how you can participate or bring it to your church.

 

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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 be. Discover practical tips, inspiring insights, and actionable steps to propel your personal and professional growth. Make sure to catch this transformative episode that will challenge you to tap into your extraordinary potential.

 

 

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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: hedging, over-apologizing, and qualifying. You’ll learn why we use them, how gender bias plays a role (yes, we’re talking about the Heidi/Howard study), and how to reframe your words with confidence and clarity.

Packed with practical examples and empowering insights, this conversation will help you stop shrinking and start showing up fully in your voice and leadership.

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If you’ve been sensing a deeper calling or a new season of growth, you’re not alone. Join Jeannette for a free coaching session to uncover your Leadership Growth Edge — the unique place where your courage meets your calling. This is a safe, sacred space to dream, reflect, and take your next bold step forward. Space is limited so grab your spot today.

Click here to schedule your session.

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 diverse denominations, each giving her a rich experience of the Christian faith.

In this episode, Jill delves into how Mary, a teenage girl from a patriarchal society, boldly says 'yes' to God's revelation, showing strength and courage. She discusses how Elizabeth supports and affirms Mary's unique calling and sheds new light on Anna, the first female evangelist. The conversation challenges prevailing complementarian views, underscoring that women's roles should neither be pigeonholed nor disregarded because God elevates women irrespective of societal norms and customs. The podcast ends with a message of hope and divine favor for all women navigating life's challenges. This episode is recorded during Advent, but it is a favorite to encourage and inspire any day of the year.

Checkout some of Jill’s writing for CBE International

Which Women Matter to God

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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 world. Lindsey is a professional organizer trained and certified by Marie Kondo. Through her business, Get Organized Y'all®, she works with individuals, families, and companies to create their ideal life by organizing their spaces, systems, and finances. Lindsey also serves as the Executive Director of the Episcopal Community Foundation for Middle and North Georgia.

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Today's episode is a conversation with Morgan McCarver. Morgan is a multi-award-winning ceramic artist and author of the book, God the Artist.  She is a business owner of Morgan McCarver Porcelain with studios in Asheville, NC and Spartanburg, SC. Her work has been featured in galleries and juried exhibitions across the United States including two solo exhibitions, “FemininiTEA” 2020 and “The Strength of a Wildflower” 2022.

Visit her website www.morganmccarver.com to purchase her work. 

Find Morgan's book God the Artist here

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This week Jeannette has a thought-provoking conversation with special guest, Nicky Pizana, around the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome within organizational systems and cultures, including the Church. Jeannette and Nicky delve into the ways in which these systems perpetuate feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, particularly among those who don't conform to traditional stereotypes and cultural norms. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the detrimental impact of imposter syndrome and how to slay it and rise to your full potential.

The conversation is a powerful call to action, encouraging leaders to take proactive steps to create inclusive, supportive environments where diverse voices and perspectives are not only valued but actively sought out.

 

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Have you ever been mistaken as the assistant when actually you were the leader in charge? If you're a female leader, chances are good this has happened to you a time or two.  This subtle form of gender bias is called role incredulity. It’s usually unintentional and seems harmless, but it creates obstacles for women and contributes to systemic gender inequity in organizations. Role incredulity even affects women in the Bible resulting in inaccuracies in translations. It's a real problem that we need to talk about.

In today’s episode, inspired by an article written by Amy Diehl and Leanne Dzubinski entitled Connect with Jeannette on Facebook

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Today, Jeannette talks about a mindset shift that has helped her thrive through even the most challenging seasons. Shifting from scarcity to abundance can literally transform your life! Scarcity shows up every day in big and small ways, and at its core, scarcity is always a lack of faith. With a bit of intention and practice we can train our brains for abundance and experience more of the beautiful life we were created for.

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Today we discuss a figure who has had a profound impact on millions of lives around the world - Pastor Rick Warren. A mega Church Pastor and bestselling author, Rick has been a prominent voice within the evangelical community. Renowned for his complementarian views on gender roles, he recently significantly shifted his beliefs, fully embracing egalitarian theology and ordaining several women pastors in his church. 

This week Pastor Warren courageously acknowledged his previous beliefs publicly and offered a heartfelt apology to women marginalized or excluded by his teachings. In today's episode, Jeannette unpacks Pastor Rick's apology and why it speaks to the core obstacles to women's full equality and inclusion in the Church. 

 

Read Pastor Rick's Apology Here

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Research shows that in childhood girls are open and clear about their ambitions. But something changes as women age, and we tend to downplay or abandon our dreams, desires, and goals for achievement. Ambition is often regarded as a positive trait in men, but ambitious women are assumed to be pushy, prideful, or arrogant. But what if ambition is the fuel given by God to accomplish our purpose and calling? 

 

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Don't miss this insightful leadership conversation with Kadi Cole. Kadi Cole has spent the last twenty-five years serving in local church ministry as an Executive Director at one of America's largest and fastest growing multi-site churches, a Director at Leadership Network, and a founding member of the Women's Executive Pastor Network. 

Kadi authored Sticky Note Leadership, her bestselling book, Developing Female Leaders, and her latest book, Find Your Leadership Voice in 90 Days. She speaks at leadership conferences around the world. 

Kadi is helping​ move the needle forward on diversity, and equipping faith-based leaders to fulfill their calling. Our conversation is filled with practical leadership advice. We talk about how to increase your confidence as a leader, making hard leadership decisions, and how to speak up and advocate for yourself and your team.

Connect with Kadi at ​www.kadicole.com ​or on social media at @Kadicole

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In today’s episode Jeannette talks with Retha Nicole, a sought after speaker, trainer and executive coach with a unique perspective on various issues and challenges facing the professional woman.   Once a single mom of two young boys, she understands how difficult it can be to juggle work and family responsibilities. Retha shares her Sunday Planning System and how it can add margin to every mom’s life. Through her story, she helps women move beyond their past to create a life they love. And spoiler alert. It starts with believing that you can have both! You can be a great mother and love your life at the same time. 

Retha Nicole has years of executive professional experience. She received her Coaching certification through the International Coaching Federation. She has served on numerous community boards and leadership roles. Retha is the mother of three boys and a major college football fan.

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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 faith-fueled activism of early feminists like Sojourner Truth and Catherine Booth, we trace how the call for gender equality has always been gospel work.

Whether you've proudly claimed the label or hesitated to use it, this episode invites you to explore what feminism really is (and isn’t), how it's been misunderstood by the Church, and why advocating for the full dignity, equality, and flourishing of women is not just compatible with faith—it’s central to it.

About the Host:

Jeannette Cochran is a leadership coach, ministry veteran, and passionate advocate for Christian women who are deconstructing harmful gender roles and stepping into their God-given authority. With over 30 years of ministry experience—half of that as an Executive Pastor—Jeannette knows the unique challenges of being a high-capacity woman in spaces that weren’t built with her in mind.

After years of striving, self-silencing, and tying her worth to her work, Jeannette did the deep inner work to heal false beliefs, reclaim her voice, and lead with confidence, clarity, and joy. Now she helps other women do the same. Her podcast is a space for women who are ready to break free from limiting narratives, rise with bold authenticity, and lead with holy confidence in every area of life.

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If you’ve been sensing a deeper calling or a new season of growth, you’re not alone. Join Jeannette for a free coaching session to uncover your Leadership Growth Edge — the unique place where your courage meets your calling. This is a safe, sacred space to dream, reflect, and take your next bold step forward. And it's FREE!

Click here to learn more and schedule your session.

If you're a female leader, chances are you've heard of imposter syndrome. You've probably struggled with it yourself a time or two. We're told that high-achieving women suffer the ailment most, more than our male counterparts. For decades now, thousands of articles, books, and training initiatives have been developed to help women overcome this problem. But maybe imposter syndrome isn't a deficit in women but rather a deficit in our organizations. Maybe overcoming imposter syndrome is less about fixing women and more about fixing our organizations to be more inclusive. 

 

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Carolyn Custis James is an award winning author who thinks deeply about what it means to be a female follower of Jesus in a postmodern world. Her books are provocative, honest, and ground-breaking, challenging the small and confusing messages that women often get from the church-- messages that fail to move beyond gender roles or assumes a particular economic situation or stage of life.

With deep scholarship, Carolyn presents a fresh look at women in the bible, revealing new insights and a powerful message that will leave women feeling challenged, valued, and empowered.  

Today’s guest is Pastor Ruth Everhart, author of the books, "Ruined" and “The #Metoo Reckoning: Facing the churches complicity in sexual abuse and misconduct. She shares about her experience overcoming sexual trauma at the hands of two strangers and then later sexual harassment at the hands of a supervisor in the presbyterian church. It’s a heavy topic but one that’s critically important if we want to expose sin, dismantle broken systems, and create healthy faith communities where all people are safe. 

Learn more about Ruth Everhart HERE.

Learn how to make a difference by tackling the problems of #MeToo and #ChurchToo in this self-paced online workshop. 

About the Host:

Jeannette Cochran is a pastor, entrepreneur and leadership coach with two decades of executive level leadership. She helps women fast-track their learning, optimize their gifts and lean into the full expression of the leader God created them to be.

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This week Jeannette talks with Kim Sorrelle, an inspiring leader who experienced suffering, loss, and hardship and then used it to create a more empowering life.   Kim Sorrelle is an entrepreneur, director of a humanitarian organization, author, and speaker. She devoted a year in search of the true meaning of love and she found it. Her award-winning best-selling book, Love Is, chronicles her sometimes funny, sometimes scary, always enlightening journey that led to life-changing discoveries found mainly on the streets of Haiti. Kim is now on a mission to change the world with the power of love.   Learn more about Kim at  www.kimsorrelle.com Connect with Kim on Facebook Find Kim on Linked In Get Kim's 14 Day Love Challenge  

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Today’s episode is a conversation with an empowered Christian woman leader, Dr. Nicole Davis. In our discussion, we talk about the identity conflict that many women struggle with, how gender equality contributes to strong and healthy marriages, and how we, as women, need to take responsibility to lead ourselves well.

Nicole Davis, PhD, is an ordained pastor, certified mediator, conflict coach, Christian life coach, and a United States Navy veteran. As a social science researcher, her areas of interest include gender inequality, organizational leadership, women’s empowerment, and family dynamics. With her husband, Tony, they have co-founded Empower to Engage, a mediation and coaching firm, and co-authored multiple books, including the 3-book Done Right Series: Marriage Done Right is Hard Work (But It’s Work It!); Parenting Done Right is Hard Work (But It’s Worth It!); Leadership Done Right is Hard Work (But It’s Worth It!); and, their newest children's book series, Growing Up with Bendie the Squirrel: I Can Make My Bed which teaches children important life skills.

Nicole also authored her book, Eve, Where Are You? Confronting Toxic Practices Against the Advancement of Women, based on her doctoral dissertation, Women in Ministry: How Conflicts Between God’s Purpose and Church Doctrine Impact the Efficacy of Female Church Leaders. All of Nicole's work centers around strengthening families and the individuals within them. Nicole and Tony have been married over 30 years and have two adult sons.

You can learn more about Dr. Nicole Davis at  www.empowertoengage.com Find her book "Eve Where Are You?" www.evewhereareyou.com

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As we move into 2023, you've probably set some goals for the new year. Or, maybe New Year's resolutions aren't your thing because you know they rarely work. Two weeks, six weeks, or eight weeks in, and most people have abandoned their goals altogether. Well, that doesn't have to be you!

In this episode, Jeannette explains why grounding your goals in your personal Life Vision will provide greater clarity, commitment, and motivation. A personal Life Vision helps you get clear on what really matters so you can steward your time and resources to grow your potential and live each day to the fullest.

Click here to get your FREE  "Life Vision Journal Prompts"

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Research shows gratitude has a significant impact on our mindset, our physical bodies, and ultimately our overall well-being. Throughout the pages of Scripture, we are told again and again to “be thankful.” With all the benefits of gratitude, could it be that God tells us to be thankful, not for his benefit, but for ours? Not because He needs our appreciation but because we need it! God has created us and wired our brains to work so that gratitude increases our health, joy, and well-being. But how do we have gratitude when things are not going so well? When we face problems and challenges and pain, how do we have gratitude then? That’s the topic of today’s episode. 

Today’s episode is a conversation with Brooke Whitson. Brooke is a creative visionary leader who has overcome adversity and loss. Like me, her life has been significantly impacted by breast cancer, only in a slightly different way.

We talk about leading ourselves through a life crisis, suffering, grief, mindset, and ultimately rising from the ashes. I hope our stories will give you encouragement and inspiration to overcome the pain or obstacles you may be facing in your life today.

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Do you struggle with measuring up? Do you beat yourself up when you make a mistake? Do you feel anxious and frustrated when outcomes are out of your control? If so, you’re not alone. These are common challenges for many high-achieving women, and often perfectionism is the root cause. Letting go of perfectionism isn’t about selling ourselves short. We can still have high expectations for ourselves and set big goals. But we can also love ourselves for who we are- flaws and all.

Ashley Easter grew up in a fundamentalist Christian community that, by all definitions, was a cult. She found the will and courage to escape this oppressive community after being introduced to Egalitarian theology and realizing that what she had been told about a woman's place all her life was a lie. Today Ashley is a cult survivor turned Intuition Coach who helps people escape self-doubt and harness the science and practice of intuition so they can take control of their destiny. She is the founder of Courage 365, a non-profit organization for abuse survivors (especially those abused in faith contexts). She is passionate about creating a safer more just world. You can find more information about the FREE 30 days of courage for abuse survivors at  www.courage365.org/thirty    

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 conditions to act, this conversation is for you.

You’ll learn why failure isn’t the enemy. It’s often the very path to purpose. We’ll reframe what it means to fail, expose the hidden beliefs that keep us small, and share powerful truths that can set you free to take bold steps forward. It’s time to stop letting failure define you and start letting it develop you.

This episode will challenge your perspective, spark your courage, and remind you: You were made to rise, not retreat.

 

About the Host:

Jeannette Cochran is a pastor and leadership coach with two decades of executive level leadership. She helps women fast-track their learning, optimize their gifts and lean into the full expression of the leader God created them to be.

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In this episode, we unpack the most misunderstood and misused verse in the Bible: 1 Timothy 2:11-15. This scripture is sometimes plucked from its context and weaponized to silence and minimize women. It's a perplexing passage, but an ancient heresy and a strange Greek verb can help us understand it. 

An interview with Julie Zine Coleman, author of the award-winning book, On Purpose: Understanding God's Freedom for Women Through Scripture. Julie shares how her commitment to living out the truth of Scripture has transformed her from a head-covering, obedient wife to an impactful preacher living fully into her purpose and calling.

In a culture where women were considered inferior to men, treated as property, and excluded from theological education, Jesus defied cultural norms, elevating and advocating for women. Jesus was a man way ahead of his time. He may have been the very first feminist. 

Many Christians have been led to believe that God only wants men to lead and that women are destined to play a secondary role. But the Bible tells a different story! Despite the devastating conditions of ancient patriarchy, God still chose and used women in significant ways to accomplish His purposes. In this episode, we explore the stories of 3 mold-breaking women who heard God's call and dared to step up and lead in a man's world.  

Understanding who God created us to be as women can make a difference in how we live every minute of our lives! In this episode, we will dive into the opening pages of Scripture to examine God’s glorious vision for women (and men) and how we were designed to flourish in relationships of mutuality. You might be surprised that God's vision for women may be grander and more significant than you've been told!

 

Welcome to this introductory episode of Empowered Christian Woman! Meet Jeannette, find out what this podcast is all about and how it can help you confidently step into the fullness of all you are created to be and do in the world. 

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 believing a husband had to be the "spiritual leader" (even when it didn’t quite make sense) to discovering a richer, more beautiful vision in Scripture: a marriage built on partnership, unity, and mutual submission.

We’ll unpack passages like Ephesians 5 and 1 Corinthians 7 together, clear up some common misunderstandings, and explore what the Bible really teaches about love, service, and decision-making between husbands and wives.

If you’ve ever felt the tension between the partnership you live with your spouse and the old language the church handed you… or if you long for a relationship where your voice, gifts, and leadership are fully valued — this conversation is for you.

Come be encouraged, challenged, and reminded: God's dream for your marriage is bigger, freer, and more life-giving than you may have been taught.

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You Were Made to Lead with Confidence and Purpose. Join Jeannette for a free coaching session created to help you discover your Leadership Growth Edge — the place where your God-given potential is ready to rise. This is your invitation to pause, reflect, and step into the next chapter of your leadership journey with greater clarity, courage, and joy.

Click here to learn more and schedule your free session.

 

 

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 freeing interpretation of Scripture than the limiting teachings many of us were handed.

Whether you’re curious, questioning, or already deconstructing harmful beliefs, this conversation will help you untangle man-made hierarchy from God’s original design of mutuality, shared power, and Spirit-led leadership, regardless of gender.

You’ll hear:

• Why Genesis 1–3 paints a picture of mutuality, not male headship
• How the fall, not creation, introduced hierarchy between men and women
• Three common myths about egalitarian theology and why they’re just not true
• The powerful truth that you were never meant to sit down or stay small

If you’re ready for a biblically rooted, Spirit-empowered vision of leadership that includes women fully, this episode is for you.

Don’t miss  your free gift: Made for More: 10 Practices for Empowered Leadership, a devotional to help you step into the life and leadership you were created for. Download the Devotional Here

About the Host:

Jeannette Cochran is a pastor, entrepreneur and leadership coach with two decades of executive level leadership. She helps women fast-track their learning, optimize their gifts and lean into the full expression of the leader God created them to be.

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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 woman who has felt the quiet pressure to stay small, hold back, or defer to others—even when she knows God has called her to lead.

Jeannette shares her personal journey from embracing complementarianism to challenging it through deep study of Scripture, cultural context, and the heart of the gospel. She unpacks why the idea of “equal in value, different in role” sounds kind but often functions as a spiritual caste system that limits women and distorts God’s design.

You'll walk away with:

• A clear understanding of what complementarianism teaches

• Why it matters—even if you’re not in formal ministry

• How this theology affects leadership, marriage, and identity

• A bigger, bolder vision of mutuality, equality, and shared leadership in the Kingdom of God

If you've ever wondered whether the gender roles you’ve been handed are really biblical—or if you’ve felt the tension between your calling and the messages from your faith community—this episode will offer clarity, hope, and freedom.

 

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 inclusive environments, and developing real cultural competence. Nikki shares insights on the power of proximity to people who are different from us, what we can learn from ethnic churches, and how to navigate the pushback that often comes with multicultural work.

They also dive into the unique challenges women face in leadership, the evolving role of women in faith communities, and how technology can help amplify underrepresented voices. This honest and hopeful conversation invites leaders to lean into growth, resist the urge to stay comfortable, and create spaces where everyone can live out the fullness of God’s call.

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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 explores why anxiety is a natural part of leadership, how it can become destructive if ignored, and how to transform it into a tool for growth.

 

Jeannette introduces the CALM Framework, a four-step process to help leaders navigate anxiety with intention:

1. Catch the Anxiety – Recognize and name it rather than pushing it aside.
2. Assess Your Thoughts – Identify the thought patterns fueling your stress and replace them with empowering beliefs.
3. Lean into the Discomfort – Stop resisting anxiety and allow yourself to process it physically and emotionally.
4. Move with Intention – Take your next step from a place of wisdom rather than fear.

Jeannette shares personal stories, including her experience leading through the 2008 recession and the anxiety of stepping into entrepreneurship. She also highlights practical strategies like breathwork, thought reframing, and nervous system regulation to help you stay grounded and lead with confidence.

Get your free guide, “Five-Minute Reset Rituals for Ministry Leaders”, to help you stay calm, clear, and confident in the midst of leadership pressures.

👉 Download it at jeanettecochran.com/reset

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a fellow leader who may need encouragement. And remember, leadership isn’t about eliminating anxiety—it’s about growing your capacity to hold it and still lead with clarity. You’ve got this, empowered leader!

🔗 Follow & Connect with Jeannette on  Facebook: @jcochrancoach Instagram: @jeannette.cochran

Linked In: @jeannettecochran

👉 Grab Your Free Guide Here: 5-Minute Reset Rituals to Help You Reduce Leadership Anxiety