Empowered Christian Woman

43. Jesus Feminist: Why Faith and Feminism Belong Together

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.

42. 4 Myths About Failure that Keep You Stuck

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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41. Marriage without Power Plays: A better way to love and lead together

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.
 
 

40. Created Equal: A Biblical Case for Mutual Leadership

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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39. Is This Really God's Design? Rethinking Gender Roles in the Church

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.
 

38. Women, Leadership & Cultural Competence: A Conversation with Nikki Lerner

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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37. Navigating Leadership Anxiety: The CALM Framework

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:
Catch the Anxiety – Recognize and name it rather than pushing it aside.
Assess Your Thoughts – Identify the thought patterns fueling your stress and replace them with empowering beliefs.
Lean into the Discomfort – Stop resisting anxiety and allow yourself to process it physically and emotionally.
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: @jcochrancoachInstagram: @jeannette.cochran
Linked In: @jeannettecochran
👉 Grab Your Free Guide Here: 5-Minute Reset Rituals to Help You Reduce Leadership Anxiety

36. The Myth of ‘Too Emotional’: How Women’s EQ Makes Us Strong Leaders

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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35. Advent Reflections: Joy That Lasts Beyond Circumstances

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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34. Advent Reflections: Finding Peace in a Hectic Holiday Season

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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