Remarkable Secret to Unlock Life's Hazardous Dilemmas

July 09, 2026 2:37pm 3 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week Cynthia speaks from her heart about her cancer journey and links her story with the American Revolution. One very clever man, James Lovell, loved writing and breaki...

Finding Grace in Chemotherapy and Crisis

June 25, 2026 3:28pm 6 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. In this episode, Cynthia shares a personal update on her journey through chemo. In the midst of her weariness, she found comfort and grit from a lady in the American Revoluti...

Deep Conversations: Abigail Adams' Lesson

June 18, 2026 1:08pm 5 min

The Sisterhood of the Unexpected Storm

June 04, 2026 1:00pm 3 min

In this episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast, we step into the eye of the historical storm. Imagine losing your infant, your husband, and your financial security within a matter of months. People are watching you...

Living Heirloom: Dolley Madison's Amazing Blueprint for Mentoring

May 14, 2026 2:38pm 3 min

Legacy. What is it? In this episode, Cynthia L Simmons pours a cup of tea and invites you into Dolley Madison's parlor. History remembers her as the "Queen of Washington," but her greatest work may have been mentoring he...

30 Year Steep: Mother's Day Reflection

May 07, 2026 2:31pm 3 min

Have you ever felt you were in a season of "steeping" while you waited? In this special Mother's Day episode, Cynthia L Simmons invites you to grab a cup of hot tea and step back 1700 years into history to discover the l...

The Cat Who Outlasted Battleships: Unsinkable Sam

April 30, 2026 3:28pm 2 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. I'm your hostess, Cynthia L Simmons, and I have been reflecting on navigating the storms of life. Sometimes the best lessons in resilience and trust come from the most unexpe...

The Remarkable Southern Belle Who Refused to Break

April 09, 2026 6:45pm 1 min

Imagine living in the Confederacy during the Civil War. Your friends and acquaintances don't share your value for human life. Even worse, these people expect you to accept the social norms and refuse to see the injustice...

The Truth About Why Graves Were Guarded

April 03, 2026 4:45pm 1 min

While researching the Revolutionary War era, I came across a theme of grave robbers, called 'resurrectionists.' People accused Dr. Edward Shippen of stealing bodies to dissect for the medical school in PA. However, as I ...

Two Women, Two Centuries, One Mission: Mercy Warren and Pam Farrel

March 05, 2026 1:48pm 22 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podast. Join me and Author Pam Farrel as we dive into the life of Mercy Otis Warren, the woman who used her pen to spark the American Revolution. My dear friend, Pam, is also a best-s...

The Secret Behind Mary Lincoln's Remarkable Instability

February 26, 2026 6:52am 1 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Does inner steel have a breaking point? For today, I stepped back in time to cover one of the most misunderstood women in history: Mary Lincoln. Brilliant and fiercely devote...

The Amazing Story of George Washington's Incredible Mother

February 19, 2026 4:44pm 1 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Last week we covered Paula Bonhoeffer, and this week we talk about another Lioness. What makes a man strong enough to resist a crown? Was George Washington's mother a difficu...

Beyond the Books: Teaching the Moral Grit of the Bonhoeffer Family

February 12, 2026 6:28pm 20 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we remember a Lioness, Paula Bonhoeffer. She loved her children well and educated them at home rather than entrust them to the Prussian government schools. She gave...

The Astonishing Granny Who Overcame the Nazis

February 06, 2026 7:14am 1 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast where we rethink history to reclaim hope for today. We have all heard of heros who lead armies and take over countries. What about a hero who wouldn't stop walking? Today we t...

The Incredible Woman Who Stained Her Skin with Coffee

January 29, 2026 3:17pm 1 min

What does it mean to be truly free? As we mark out 250th anniversary as a nation, writer and historian, Cynthia L Simmons dives into the "sensational" true stories of men and women who redefined libery through moral cour...

Resolved to Listen: New Leaf, New Lens

January 22, 2026 6:44pm 27 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Sometimes our New Year's resolutions don't last because we try to live in isolation. Author Peggy Sue Wells suggested real growth happens through connection. Explore the gaps...

Sensational Forgiveness that Freed the World

January 16, 2026 9:59am 40 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Today we're looking at a sensational story. It's Michelle Rickett's story. She's the woman behind She is Safe. Before she fought  modern day slavery, she survived abuse and h...

Stunning Challenge to Reset Your Compassion in 2026

January 10, 2026 11:05am 1 min

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Many people assume compassion is a soft virture. What a mistake! In a cynical world, compassion isn't just a feeling, it battles despair. Today we give a stunning challenge t...

Why a Quiet Mother Kept a Colossal Secret for 70 years

January 01, 2026 6:34pm 1 min

What happens to a secret when you keep it for seven decades? In our first episodes of 2026, we're stepping back into the shadows of occupied France to meet one of the most unassuming, and dangerous heroes: Pippa Latour. ...

Exploding the Myth: Simplified Story of Silent Night

December 24, 2025 2:16pm 1 min

Welcome to the Christmas episode of Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Do you think you know the story behind "Silent Night"? You may not. Forget the hungry mice and the broken organ bellows. Those are myths.  The true o...