Heart of the Matter Radio Podcast

Do you ever wonder what brings a historical fiction story to life?  In this episode, Cynthia L Simmons reveals the historical inspiration behind her newest historical mystery, Moment in Time. Get a peek into how Helen, Edward, and Helen's sharp-eyed kitten companion came to be. If you are a history buff, a mystery lover, or just curious about the research, you'll love this podcast. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy this look into the backstory.  If you'd enjoy a free companion devotional during our launch, you can get that here after you purchase the book. 

7/31/26 • 10:02

When a sudden crisis hits, shock can leave you completely frozen. In this episode, Cynthia shared her deeply personal journey navigating a lymphoma diagnosis and taking action. She draws a parallel to the upheaval Philadelphia citizens felt in 1777 when they realized the British would invade, and they took measures to protect themselves. If you are facing an unexpected life storm, this episode will assist you to reframe your perspective. Discover why a hidden season is never a waste of time but a safe place to heal. Also, stay tuned for an annoucement of Cynthia's upcoming novel, Moment in Time.

7/16/26 • 05:00

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 breaking codes. He confused a couple of the greatest minds at that time trying to help the patriots win the war. Cynthia shares how we can overcome the complex and find comfort in our Savior. Listen and enjoy.

7/9/26 • 03:55

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 Revolution: Kate Barry. We've all heard of Paul Revere, but not as many know about Kate. But her determination led to a great Victory at Cowpens. Listen and be encouraged. If you enjoy this episode, please share it with others.

6/25/26 • 06:44

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6/18/26 • 05:06

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 your reaction. Where do you turn?

6/4/26 • 03:37

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 her great-neice. Adele took those lessons in diplomacy she learned from her aunt and put them to practice in one of the darkest times in history.

5/14/26 • 03:33

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 life of one of the most resilient mothers who ever lived: St Monica. The world remembers her son, Augustine of Hippo, yet few people realize the thirty years of tears she shed before she saw the harvest of her prayers. Maybe you are navigating a storm of your own or have a prodigal you long to see return. Just like a good cup of tea, the most profound impact takes time to develop. You'll enjoy the encouragement and comfort as you listen.

5/7/26 • 03:32

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 unexpected places. Today, that comes from the deck of a World War II battleship. I delight in finding fun stories, and I love this one. Can you imagine a cat caught in a shipwreck? Cats hate water, yet this sturdy cat survived three.  If you love history (like I do) or maybe you need a reminder about holding on during a storm, you will find this story fascinating. Let's look at the story told by sailors and find that anchor we all need.

4/30/26 • 02:47

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 of slavery. What would you do? Listen to a snippet of Elizabeth Van Lew's story. After the war General Grant thanked her personally. A riveting story!

4/9/26 • 01:43

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 kept reading, I found the problem started in ancient history and continued into the Victorian era. Join me as we draw parallels between that crime and the beauty of the Easter story.

4/3/26 • 01:38

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-selling author. We discussed how both women had the moral courage to speak truth to power, then and now. Don't miss this 'bridge' conversation as we head into a powerful season of Revolutionary history this April.

3/5/26 • 22:31

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 devoted, Mary was 'high-strung' and the pressures she faced dropped her into overwhelming grief. Today we look at her with eyes of compassion and a prayerful heart. Sometimes the strongest among us carry the deepest scars on their heart. 

2/26/26 • 01:35

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 difficult woman, genius, or something in between. Dive with us into Mary Ball Washington's life to discover how she raised her son to be a leader.

2/19/26 • 01:39

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 Dietrich the grit to stand up to a dictator. This week, I sat down with a modern-day Paula, Mavian Arocha-Rowe, who also homeschools. We are bridging the gap between Paula's 1917 kitchen and our living rooms today. How do we raise kids who aren't afraid to stand alone? Listen in for a conversation on faith, homeshool, and grit.

2/13/26 • 20:03

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 travel back to Berlin to 1933 where Nazi guards hover at ever door, roughing up people. New laws took effect that redefine who you can show kindness. In the midst of the shouts and uniforms, a grandmother carried her shopping bag down the street looking for her neighbor's store. We explore the determination that gave her grandson courage to defy a tyrant. We call it love passed down. and perhaps that legacy can provide a road map to us in 2026.  Let's find the mission in the memory together.    

2/6/26 • 00:51

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 courage.  From the secrets of Amy Carmichael in the temples of India to the defiant love of the Bonhoeffer women in Nazi Germany, we will explore the pivotal moments when faith met fire. We don't just look at history, we use it as a compass for the challenges of 2026. If you'd like a free guide to radical forgiveness, contact Cynthia@clsimmons.com For instance, we covered modern day abolitionists like She is safe and looked at what forgiveness means. History is more than a memory, it's a mission. Let's find it together.  

1/29/26 • 01:31

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 in your perspective through listening to someone else's story. When you do that, you don't just set goals, you change the way you see the world. Join us as we trade stories and fill in the blanks and find that 'aha' moment that happens when we listen.

1/23/26 • 27:47

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 had every right to let bitterness consume her. However, she chose a different path. She didn't just survive, she forgave and that action set her free That led her and her husband to build an organization that battles trafficking across the globe. Her mercy became a weapon for justice.. As we move into 2026, a milestone year of American libery, we have to ask a question. Is it possible that our greatest impact on the world is hidden behind the person we are most afraid to forgive? I'm Cynthia L Simmons, and I write about the intersection of history and faith, and the moral courage that changes our world. Today, we are going behind the scenes of a true story that proves mercy isn't weakness. Let's dive in.

1/16/26 • 40:26

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 to reset your heart for 2026, inspired by one of the most fearless women in American history, Clara Barton.  As you listen, challenge yourself to find ways to show compassion this year. 

1/10/26 • 01:33

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. While the world saw a quiet mother and neighbor, Pippa was an elite WWII spy who parachuted into enemy territory with nothing but a bicycle and a set of secret codes hidden in her hair.  We're closing with a reflection and challenge to move past temporary resolutions. What is one thing you are willing to commit to this year, even when no one is watching? If this story inspired you, please leave a review, subscribe, and share this episode with women in your life who need a reminder of their own quiet strength.

1/2/26 • 01:43

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 origin of this beloved carol is more moving. Today on this podcast, we are setting the historical record straight and exploring why this simple melody became the most beloved Christmas carol around the world. Let's dive in.

12/24/25 • 01:17

Welcome! You hear the song every year from November through December in malls, radio stations, and candletlit services. However, when Issac Watts wrote this song, he wasn't thinking about Christmas. Let's dive into the fascinating facts surrounding the history of this song.

12/18/25 • 01:19

This week we share the untold story behing the writing of "Christmas Bells" written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. We now call the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." In contrast to many happy-go-lucky songs, this carol deals with the profound grief surrounding the Civil War. However, Longfellow shared his hope in the last verse. Enjoy!

12/11/25 • 02:16

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. As we move into the Christmas season, we remember the hope we obtain because of the baby born in Bethlehem. That hope extends to the whole world, including women around the world who are in bondage. This week we chatted with Michelle Ricketts who is the founder of Sheissafe.org. She highlighted the plight of women around the world who are sold into slavery as mere children. Her organization enters parts of the world where girls are sold to offer freedom. Listen to her fascinating story and be encouraged!

12/4/25 • 36:47

You think you know Thanksgiving: turkey, pie, and family. But the truth is, this holiday almost didn't happen.  In the mid 1800s America was deeply divided. The holiday we know and love was just a scattering of local feasts, until one determined woman decided the whole country needed to stop and give thanks. She wasn't a politician or a general. She was an author: Sarah Josepha Hale. For 36 years she fought a relentless battle to draw the nation together over thanksgiving. This is the incredible story of a woman who succeeded. Enjoy!

11/26/25 • 01:19

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio Podcast. This week we are taking a historical view of being thankful by sharing a story from the past. In addition, we interviewed Donna Wyland. She has written a new book, Guided Gratitude Journal, and she testifies to the benefits of praising God. Join us for this interesting discussion. 

11/20/25 • 11:12

When you think of a World War 2 pilot, you probably picture a man. Not all of them were. Today we celebrate Nancy Harkness Love. She obtained her pilot's license when she was in her teens, and offered her skills to the military. Enjoy this fascinating story.

11/6/25 • 02:08

This week, we celebrate the life of Kathrina von Bora, a runaway nun who married Martin Luther in 1526. This amazing lady impacted the lives of many people and left an incredible legacy. You will enjoy this true story.

10/30/25 • 01:51

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This month we focused on grief, so this week my guest was author Debbie W. Wilson, a former counselor. We asked the question: how can we grieve well. The discussion was fascinating and informative. We hope to help you and those you love.

10/23/25 • 18:20