In this episode of In Her Image, hosts Jess Burdette and Jessica Woodbury announce a summer break for the podcast, reflecting on their journey and the impact of their conversations. Jessica shares her decision to transition away from the podcast to focus on new opportunities in social work, particularly in supporting vulnerable women in Utah. The episode concludes with expressions of gratitude and an invitation for listeners to engage with the community through Patreon during the break.
patreon.com/InHerImagePodcast
inherimagepodcast@gmail.com
In this enlightening conversation, Meg Rittmanic hosts Douglas and Fiona Phillips, a couple celebrating 50 years of marriage. They discuss the profound partnership in their relationship, the spiritual depth of Fiona's art. The couple shares personal challenges, including a health crisis in their family, and how they navigated these together. Fiona's passion for mental health awareness is highlighted through her art, and they explore the symbolism in her painting 'Firstborn,' depicting Heavenly Mother and Father. Doug shares a poetic reflection on divine design, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the roles of both Heavenly Parents in our lives. In this conversation, Meg, Doug, and Fiona explore the themes of love, compassion, and the divine feminine, particularly focusing on the role of Heavenly Mother in their lives and relationships. They discuss the foundational principles that have allowed their marriage to flourish over 50 years, acknowledging the diverse experiences of others in relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of agency, personal growth, and the evolution of understanding within the Church regarding Heavenly Mother, while also recognizing the need for voices to speak out about these experiences.
Fiona Phillips is a retired art professor, proud mom of five, and grandma to 13 wonderful grandkids. She is blessed to be married to Douglas, the love of her life! Originally from England, she moved to California with her family when she was just a pre-teen.
Her art studio focuses on themes of water, women, nostalgia, and spirituality. One of her standout projects focused on raising awareness of the stigma surrounding mental illness was shown at DSU, Art Access Gallery and the OMA. She created 50 large portraits of adults, teens, and children, many of whom were personally affected by mental health challenges. Fiona’s paintings explore themes of faith, our relationship to our Heavenly Parents, and our equality as children of God.
Her work has been featured in three International Art Exhibitions by The Church. her paintings and poetry have been published in The Ensign, Liahona, and Exponent II magazines. Most recently Fiona has shown with the Oceanside Museum of Art, the Restore Conference, the Compass Gallery and galleries in California.
She’s earned numerous “Best of Show” awards and has had solo exhibits in Utah, California, Nevada, and Arizona. She has also earned two master’s degrees—an MA in Humanities/Art and an MFA in Visual Art.
Dr. Douglas Phillips is a multifaceted individual whose journey blends faith, music, medicine, and a deep connection to his roots. Born and raised in Southern California,
Douglas joined the Church of Jesus Christ when he was 18 then embarked on a mission to Spain, an experience that deeply influenced his personal and professional life. Shortly after his return he was married to Fiona, his high school sweetheart.
Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Phillips was immersed in the music scene, playing piano and writing songs for a pop music group. This creative outlet honed his discipline and collaborative skills, which would later serve him well in his medical career.
He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , followed by radiology specialty training at the University of California, San Francisco.
Now retired, Dr. Phillips enjoys life in Southern California, where he continues to explore his passions and contribute to his community. His unique blend of experiences offers a rich perspective on the intersections of faith, creativity, and medicine.
Douglas and Fiona have served 2 senior missions together, a member/leader service mission in a Spanish Ward in West Valley UT and as the Area Mission Medical Advisor and Assistant serving the 9 mission units in Southern California.
https://fionabphillips.com/
https://fionabphillips.com/faith/
https://www.patreon.com/c/InHerImagePodcast
In this episode of the In Her Image podcast, host Jessica Woodbury and guest Stefanie Reinsch explore the themes of Mother God, personal identity, and the struggles of being a single woman in a family-oriented faith. Stefanie shares her journey of connecting with the divine, her experiences with mental health, and the importance of women's voices in spiritual discussions. The conversation delves into the significance of acknowledging Heavenly Mother, the role of aunties, and the empowerment that comes from understanding one's purpose beyond traditional expectations. Through personal stories and insights, they highlight the need for change within cultural narratives and the celebration of womanhood.
Have you ever felt a longing for a deeper connection to the Divine Feminine? In this illuminating episode, we explore the profound power and peace that comes from intentionally honoring Heavenly Mother through sacred ritual. The host of this episode, Meg Rittmanic, invites you to go on a Journey with her as we delve into practical ways to weave Heavenly Mother's loving presence into your life, transforming your understanding of your own divine potential and your relationship with the Divine. Discover how embracing ritual can open pathways to greater spiritual nourishment, healing, and a more complete understanding of our Heavenly Parents' love for us.
In this episode, Valerie Hamaker discusses the complexities of navigating faith and relationships, particularly in mixed belief marriages. The conversation explores how couples can build understanding and connection amidst differing beliefs, the role of fear in these dynamics, and practical tools for compassionate dialogue. Valerie emphasizes the importance of recognizing underlying feelings, fostering open communication, and creating a values-based family environment. The episode concludes with hopeful examples of couples who have successfully navigated their faith journeys together, highlighting the potential for growth and deeper intimacy and connection through the wrestles.
Valerie's courses that were mentioned in the episode:
Becoming Values-Based Parents: https://valerie-hamaker-s-school1.teachable.com/p/mixed-faith-parenting-in-the-lds-faith
Mastering Mixed-Faith Family Life https://valerie-hamaker-s-school1.teachable.com/p/mastering-the-complex-multi-directional-dynamics-of-mixed-faith-family-life
The Growth-Oriented Marriage https://valerie-hamaker-s-school1.teachable.com/p/growth-oriented-marriage
Valerie's podcast, Latter Day Struggles, can be found at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/latter-day-struggles/id1612326898
Instagram: @latterdaystrugglespodcast
We hope you'll join us and the In Her Image community at patreon.com/InHerImagePodcast
The Dedication to the Mother in Heaven Study Guide reads:
This book is the culmination of a journey spanning four years, three strangers who are now dear friends, and countless hours with Google Docs and chocolate to create three books honoring and celebrating our Mother in Heaven.
We are changed.
We each arrived at the doctrine of Heavenly Mother’s existence at different times and from different angles, but we have been led to the same conclusion:
We know She lives. We know She loves all of Her children. We know She is a full partner to our Father in Heaven and works with Him and our brother Jesus Christ to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of all humankind.
This book is dedicated to all seekers of the Divine Feminine, of our Mother.
~ Ashli, Trina, and McArthur
In this podcast episode, Meg interviews Ashli, Trina, and McArthur on the impetus for and process of creating this Study Guide. They discuss the concern that has been brought up of whether including Heavenly Mother in our worship detracts from Jesus Christ, how celebrating the doctrine of Heavenly Mother can change our interactions and change the world, and the joy that can come by implementing the cherished knowledge that we have a Mother Goddess.
In this engaging conversation, Meg Rittmanic and Amy Sedgwick explore the themes of Easter, Holy Week, and the significance of feminine symbolism in Christianity from a more feminine lens. They discuss the beauty of spring as a time of renewal and rebirth, as well as the sacredness of liminal spaces and death. The conversation delves into the role of Mary Magdalene, the symbolism of the cross, and the Divine Feminine. Amy shares a beautiful campfire-style story of Holy Week from the perspective of Mary Magdalene. Meg and Amy reflect on personal experiences with Lent and Easter and reflect on the importance of creating meaningful celebrations that connect with spiritual traditions going forward.
Amy Sedgwick is a multi-generational Latter-day Saint woman, fertility awareness mentor, massage therapist, yoga teacher, and the creator of the Embracing Sacred Cycles podcast. Amy has spent over two decades navigating her own fertility journey, which led her not only to deep healing but also to a spiritual awakening she calls her “faith expansion.” Through her work, Amy helps women reconnect with their bodies, their cycles, and the Divine, weaving together wisdom from her Mormon roots and sacred feminine traditions around the world. https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/embracing-sacred-cycles-a-latter-day-fertility-podcast/id1773097600
Amons' Adventure: a Family Story for Easter
https://a.co/d/fdpnfYf
Christ Centered Easter by Emily Bell Freeman
https://a.co/d/5E41VBb
https://www.etsy.com/market/emily_belle_freeman_easter
This Holy Week, Amy Sedgwick has created a special episode that weaves together what she’s learned from studying Holy Week through the lens of high church traditions—like Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox practices—and combines it with her own sacred re-story-ation of Holy Week told from the perspective of Miriam of Magdala, or Mary Magdalene.
This episode is a deeply reflective offering—rich in feminine symbolism, ancient scripture, apocryphal texts, and expansive Latter-day Saint theology. Amy invites us to see Holy Week not just through the lens of Christ’s suffering, but through the eyes of the women who were there—and to reclaim the often-overlooked role of Mary Magdalene in the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. It’s a poetic and reverent journey that brings us closer to the Divine Mother, the Tree of Life, and the sacred union of Heavenly Parents.
Meg Rittmanic and Gwendolyn Wyne discuss the the Matrimonial order being the highest order of God and how we can join our Heavenly Parents in the divine order of partnership.
Gwendolyn Stevens Wyne is a former librarian who now writes about women's opportunities and responsibilities in theology and culture. Links to her writings about women’s opportunities and responsibilities in theology and culture, as well as butterfly conservation efforts, are found at
https://gwendolynwyne.com/
She also makes youtube content that address polygamy
https://www.youtube.com/@gwendolynwyne
Melonie Cannon, our guest from the previous episode (162. Mother's Melodies of Embodiment with Melonie Cannon) shares a special meditation. Enjoy!
In this episode, Jessica Woodbury engages in a profound conversation with Melonie Cannon about the Divine Feminine and the importance of connecting with Her. They explore Melonie's personal journey, the tools she uses to connect with the divine, and the significance of creativity and community in spiritual practices. The discussion highlights the role of meditation and drumming in spirituality, the importance of trusting divine guidance, and the need for women to embrace their power and creativity in daily life. Melanie shares her experiences with Heavenly Mother, bees, and singing, and emphasizes the importance of honoring the divine feminine within us all.
Melonie is on Instagram as @_melonie.cannon_
And facebook: http://www.facebook.com/moonstonedrums
Tools to embody the Divine Feminine: https://sarahbowdenart.com/embracing-goddess-energy/
More on Melissae Bee Priestesses: https://lovethehoneybees.blogspot.com/2009/10/bee-priestess-in-ancient-and-modern.htmlhttps://feminismandreligion.com/2024/01/05/meeting-the-melissae-the-ancient-greek-bee-priestesses-of-demeter-by-elizabeth-ashley-book-review-by-carolyn-lee-boyd/https://threehundredandsixtysix.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/the-melissae-in-greek-myth-and-legend/
When the Drummers Were Women by Layne Redmond:
https://www.echopointbooks.com/religion-spirituality/when-the-drummers-were-women
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-the-drummers-were-women-layne-redmond/1111604777
The Lost Gospel by Simcha Jacobovici:
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-lost-gospel-decoding-the-ancient-text-that-reveals-jesus-marriage-to-mary-the-magdalene/
In this episode of the In Her Image podcast, host Jessica Woodbury and guest Maxine Hanks explore the historical and theological roles of women in the LDS faith, emphasizing their spiritual authority and contributions to the church's origins. They discuss the significance of the Relief Society, Emma Smith and the concept of the Elect Lady, and the restoration of female authority within the church. Maxine's research and insights beg the question, has the Relief Society fully been restored? Is the largest women's organization in the world fulfilling its intended purpose? Are there pieces from our very inception as a society that hold clues, or shall we say, keys, to our potential and partnership with the male priesthood order of the church that could cause seismic shifts? This groundbreaking conversation highlights the importance of deep listening, safe spaces, and the ongoing journey towards equality and recognition of women's power and equality in spirituality and leadership.
In this episode of the In Her Image podcast, host Jess Burdette speaks with Ann Pimentel and MacArthur Krishna about their new book, Changemakers: Women Who Boldly Built Zion. They explore the importance of women's voices in the church, the challenges and triumphs of being a changemaker, and the significance of collaboration and diversity in effecting change. The conversation emphasizes the need for personal revelation, grace, and the power of community in the journey of making a difference.
Get the new book here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/changemakers-women-who-boldly-built-zion/
Or here: https://www.benchmarkbooks.com/pages/books/39667/mcarthur-krishna-anne-pimentel/changemakers-women-who-boldly-built-zion
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inherimagepodcast
Follow Anne Pimentel:
https://www.instagram.com/meetinghousemosaic
https://www.instagram.com/the.vision.beautiful
Follow McArthur Krishna: https://www.instagram.com/mcarthurkrishna_creates
https://www.instagram.com/heavenlymothermatters
Join us on Patreon for more content and community! https://www.patreon.com/c/InHerImagePodcast
In this episode of the In Her Image podcast, host Jessica Woodbury welcomes back Rebecca Young to discuss her journey of connecting with Heavenly Mother. They explore themes of grief, community, and the transformative power of the divine feminine. Rebecca shares her personal experiences, including pivotal moments that deepened her understanding of Heavenly Mother, the impact of loss on her spiritual journey, and the importance of creating supportive spaces for women. The conversation highlights the significance of prayer, nature, and intuition in fostering a deeper connection with the divine, as well as the challenges of navigating patriarchal structures within religious institutions. Ultimately, Rebecca emphasizes the joy and growth that can arise from embracing both sorrow and beauty in life.
Keywords:
Heavenly Mother, Divine Feminine, Spiritual Journey, Community, Grief, Connection, Prayer, Nature, Women Empowerment, Personal Growth
In this episode of the In Her Image podcast, Jess Burdette, Jessica Woodbury, and Meg Rittmanic come together to discuss their personal journeys, the importance of community, and the launch of their Patreon. They share their experiences with the podcast, the significance of celebrating the divine feminine, and the various ways listeners can engage with the show. The conversation emphasizes the value of connection, support, and the collective journey of understanding Heavenly Mother.Keywords
In Her Image, Heavenly Mother, podcast, community, Patreon, divine feminine, motherhood, women empowerment, spirituality, personal journeys
In this episode of the In Her Image podcast, host Jessica Woodbury and guest Valerie Hamaker explore the complexities of a faith journey, particularly in relation to the awakening to the Divine Feminine. They discuss the emotional landscape that accompanies this journey, including feelings of isolation, confusion, and empowerment. Valerie shares her insights on the impact of patriarchy on spiritual understanding and the importance of community support in navigating these transitions. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-discovery, differentiation, and the healing power of embracing the feminine divine.
In this episode of the In Her Image podcast, Dr. Christina Cleveland discusses her journey towards understanding the Divine Feminine through the lens of the Black Madonna. She explores the intersections of race, gender, and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the sacredness in all individuals, particularly in marginalized communities. The conversation delves into the challenges of confronting white supremacy and patriarchy within religious spaces, the transformative power of embracing a Black female deity, and the vital role of allyship in fostering justice and healing. Dr. Cleveland's insights encourage listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and actions, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of the divine.
Dr. Cleveland's Bio
Christena Cleveland, Ph.D. is a social psychologist, public theologian, author, and activist. A weaver of Black liberation and the Divine Feminine, Dr. Cleveland embraces the archetype of the Black Madonna as she guides people of all races and genders into freedom, wholeness, and embodied justice. Her latest book is God Is a Black Woman which details her 400-mile walking pilgrimage across central France in search of ancient Black Madonna statues, and examines the relationship among race, gender, and cultural perceptions of the Divine. In addition to nurturing a virtual, global Black Madonna community, Christena is currently working on her fourth full-length book in which she is exploring the miraculous, liberating, and zany ways that the Black Madonna has protected, empowered, and nourished people around the globe and throughout history. An award-winning researcher and former professor at Duke University’s Divinity School, Christena lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can discover more about the Black Madonna and Christena at www.christenacleveland.com
Keywords
Black Madonna, Divine Feminine, racial justice, spirituality, allyship, sacredness, intersectionality, healing, patriarchy, community
Summary
In this episode of the In Her Image podcast, host Jessica Woodbury speaks with Emilie Call, co-host of the That's Church podcast. They discuss Emilie's journey in interfaith dialogue, the importance of the divine feminine, and her personal spiritual experiences. Emilie shares insights on empowerment, community, and the significance of acknowledging one's strengths. The conversation also highlights an upcoming event focused on women's empowerment and the divine feminine, featuring various speakers and opportunities for connection.
Links
That’s Church! Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-church/id1711856369
That’s Church! Experience Divine Feminine & Women Empowerment Event. Tinyurl.com/empower2025
Code for $10 off: 10EMPOWER
Instagram:
@thatschurchpodcast
Email:
Thatschurchpod@gmail.com
Keywords
Divine Feminine, Women Empowerment, Interfaith Dialogue, Spirituality, Personal Growth, Community, Podcast, Emily Call, That's Church, Heavenly Mother
Join Meg Rittmanic as she explores female milestones and a new unique way to celebrate and acknowledge them through a Mala Necklace. Each bead of the divine feminine path mala represents an important milestone or passage in the life as a woman and daughter of God. This mala represents a Christ Centered feminine path that your life may follow. It includes archetypal examples that you may pattern your life after. This mala necklace may act as a type of initiation into the mysteries of God and can help one understand the ordinances, anointings and covenantal endowments one may receive in this life. The idea of initiation into the mysteries of God is an ancient concept that has always been taught through myth and represented through passages. I have tried to include these concepts that are both ancient and modern. When certain stories or characters are mentioned I recommend studying those things in addition to this guide. Each bead is a natural stone from mother earth; and has been chosen to represent and aid in these life events or help you to develop the archetypal characteristics described. These stones have a special metaphorical capacity to assist you on your path and they are a gift from Mother earth. Just like in the bible the priest used stones in ceremonial garments and to represent milestones of the people; these beads represent the past, present, and future. You may use this mala as a map of where you have been and where you are going, but not every milestone or attribute may be obtained in the order presented here.
Join our new Patreon here! patreon.com/InHerImagePodcast
For... the insider scoop on events, meet-ups, and retreats, bonus audio and video content and behind-the-scenes insights, Q&A sessions and quarterly book club, and access to exclusive Marco Polo or Facebook group chat with the podcast hosts and other avid listeners.
In this episode of In Her Image, we continue our inspiring conversation with historian and theologian Maxine Hanks.
She shares her research on the influence of women on Joseph Smith's early spiritual journey and Heavenly Mother's role in the First Vision and in the early church.
Together, we explore themes of self-discovery, personal revelation, and how women can find strength in their spiritual paths. Maxine discusses the interplay between LDS feminism, gender and sexuality, and how/who should define the Divine Feminine in the restored church. She opens up about pivotal moments in her life that drove her work and shaped her perspective, and how she has learned to trust in the Divine.
In this episode of In Her Image, we are honored to host Maxine Hanks, a renowned historian and theologian whose work focuses on women, gender, and the sacred feminine in Mormon and Christian traditions. Maxine shares her fascinating journey, including her excommunication as one of the September Six in 1993, her 15 years of ministry and interfaith chaplaincy, and her return to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2012.
We discuss the impact of her groundbreaking book, Women and Authority: Re-emerging Mormon Feminism, first published in 1992. Maxine reflects on her mission to recover the feminist history and theology of the Latter-day Saint tradition, creating a vital resource for those seeking to explore women’s roles in the Restoration. She also announces the upcoming reprint of the book in 2025, providing greater access to this transformative work.
Maxine’s insight into the importance of formal, informal, and personal authority offers a roadmap for integrating women’s history and theology more fully into the church today.
Maxine shares her perspective on collective vs. personal revelation, and what to do when personal revelation differs from general revelation. She emphasizes maintaining personal convictions while building bridges in love and compassion.
