As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are taught that motherhood is a woman’s ultimate calling. In fact, in 1935 the First Presidency issued a statement that reads “Motherhood… is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind”. These sentiments were later reflected in the family proclamation of 1995.

I have always looked forward to one day becoming a mother, but in a world that uses personal career progression as a measure of success, as a woman, it can be challenging navigating these conflicting societal and religious expectations.

The topic of motherhood was recently explored in a three-part podcast miniseries, created and produced by my friend and journalist Josie Gleave. In this episode Josie joins me to discuss what motherhood looks like in a modern world, how women contribute value even if they’re unable or choose not to become mothers, and how we can best honour the diversity and richness of womanhood overall.