Advertise on podcast: United Women in Faith: Faith Talks

Though mental health affects us all, there is still a stigma around discussing the issues and getting help. The intersecting impacts of race, gender, faith, and mental health can make it even more complicated to heal and care for yourself. So how can we care for ourselves and the people we love? In this episode of Faith Talks, Jennifer R. Farmer hosts Dr. Rochelle Johnson to discuss mental health and pastoral and spiritual care. By way of background, Dr. Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker, ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, author and womanist theologian whose work centers on Black women of faith living with clinical depression. We hope you’ll listen, learn and heal with us. // Rochelle Johnson, LCSW, PhD, is a licensed clinical social worker, ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, and womanist theologian whose work centers on Black women of faith living with clinical depression. Her research and teaching develop practical approaches to pastoral and spiritual care that address the intersecting impacts of race, gender, faith, and mental health. Dr. Johnson maintains a private clinical practice in Chicago and is passionate about teaching, parish ministry, and mental health advocacy. Her experience spans community mental health centers, churches, hospitals, and public schools across the Chicago area. She previously served as a Louisville Institute Postdoctoral Fellow and Visiting Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Psychotherapy at Chicago Theological Seminary. She holds a BS and an MSW from Loyola University Chicago, an MDiv from McCormick Theological Seminary, a PhD in Pastoral Theology, Personality, and Culture from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and an advanced certificate from the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy. Her book, "Systemic Oppression and Depression in Black Women: A Path Forward Through Pastoral and Spiritual Care," will be released on May 5, 2026.

There are some topics and issues that society tends to push into the shadows or tuck away in a closet. It is important to support women who have felt confused, ashamed or confounded by lies we’ve been told and issues of safe intimacy, singleness and self-worth — so how can we break through stigma and social rules to shine a light on these issues?  In this episode of Faith Talks, Jennifer R. Farmer hosts Ashanti Bentil-Dhue to discuss invisible contracts and lies we’ve been told. Bentil-Dhue is the founder of Unpunishable Woman and the creator of the Invisible Contracts Framework — original research examining the unwritten rules that shape how women live, work and relate. This episode will contain sensitive topics, and we would like to highlight a content warning for mentions of abuse and sexual trauma. We hope you’ll tune in with an open heart and mind for this important conversation about these intimate parts of our lives.

The topic of finances looms over many of us. Especially as we experience life changes and uncertain times, our personal finances may change in ways we don’t expect. It can be intimidating for many women to reach out for help, especially if we are new to these conversations. So what really is financial literacy, and how can it transform what we know? In this episode of Faith Talks, Jennifer R. Farmer will host Andrea Owen-Boyd to discuss her work and personal finance for women. Owen-Boyd is social justice coordinator for the United Women in Faith at Grace United Methodist Church, a financial advisor with National Financial Network, and the creator of the Women, Wisdom & Wealth movement. We hope you’ll tune in to listen and learn about how we can find freedom, understanding and security throughout the most important aspects of our lives.

We are surrounded by a culture that stigmatizes aging and ignores the older members of our communities. But aging is a process just like any other that deserves love, support, and respect. No one can avoid aging. So, how can we be supported and live the life we deserve at every age? In this episode of Faith Talks, Jennifer R. Farmer sits down with Karen Walrond to discuss how we can prioritize love and care as we age. Walrond is an award-winning author, leadership consultant, and attorney committed to creating a kindness revolution. We hope you’ll listen, learn, and reflect on our paths. // An award-winning author, leadership consultant, and attorney, Karen Walrond is on a mission to create a kindness revolution. Her book, The Lightmaker’s Manifesto, beckons readers toward lives of integrity, advocacy, and joy. Radiant Rebellion, a silver winner of the 2024 Nautilus Book Awards, investigates how we can resist ageism, create powerful futures, and live a light-filled life along the way. Her most recent book, In Defense of Dabbling, encourages self-compassion and self-transcendence through the power of intentional amateurism. And her debut book, The Beauty of Different, is a chronicle of imagery, essays, and observations on authenticity, courage, and the concept that what makes us different makes us beautiful. Karen’s work has been featured on Brené Brown's Unlocking Us podcast, CNN.com, USA Today, and others. She and her family split their time between Houston, Texas, USA, and Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom.

When we are faced with anger, stress, frustration, and division, it can be difficult to care for ourselves. Life can be overwhelming and hard. With current events and political news pervasive in our lives, we are left trying to keep afloat. So how do we take care of ourselves as we live in and respond to difficult times? In this episode of Faith Talks, Jennifer R. Farmer will host Rev. Dr. Kymberley Clemons-Jones to discuss how we can sustain ourselves in difficult times. Dr. KC, as she is affectionately known, is a Biblical scholar, a coach, and a leading voice at the intersection of spirituality, Scripture and social justice. We hope you’ll listen, learn and reflect on the lessons she shares.  • In the midst of everything happening in the world right now, how are you caring for your soul and protecting your peace?  • When current events feel heavy or overwhelming, what practices help you stay grounded and rooted in faith?  • Where is God inviting you to pause, reflect, and reconnect, even as the world feels uncertain?

Each year, United Women in Faith develops justice-focused biblical curricula for adults, youth, and children. If you’ve ever experienced Mission u, you know how transformative it can be. If you’ve never participated, it’s not too late to enroll. With this year’s theme, Experiencing Emmanuel, Mission u curricula explore what it means to have God with us. In this episode of Faith Talks, Jennifer R. Farmer hosts Amy Beth Jones, author of the 2026 children’s Mission u curriculum, Experiencing Emmanuel and Rev. Linda Furtado, author of the 2026 adult Mission u curriculum, A Deep Knowing: Experiencing Emmanuel Through Every Part of Our Lives.

In the past year, immigration raids have escalated, racist and xenophobic rhetoric towards immigrants has proliferated, and immigration officers have used violent—and even lethal—force in the streets. Now, Haitian communities and many others with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) face uncertainty and fear as immigration policies leave them in limbo.   In this episode of Faith Talks, host Jennifer R. Farmer discusses immigration and threats to Black immigrant communities with Patrice Lawrence, the Executive Director of the UndocuBlack Network (UBN) and a dedicated advocate for currently and formerly undocumented Black immigrants. • What role do you believe faith communities play in advocating for immigrants? • And how should communities respond to policies or actions they view as unjust?  • What stood out to you most in this episode, and why do you think it resonated? // Patrice Lawrence (she/her) is the Executive Director of the UndocuBlack Network (UBN) and a dedicated advocate for currently and formerly undocumented Black immigrants. She brings lived experience and policy expertise to drive legislative wins, including co-leading LRIF—the only legalization measure passed in the last two decades. In 2024, UBN launched the Possibilities Campaign to help individuals adjust their immigration status through existing underutilized legal avenues with a penchant for autonomy. Migrating to the United States in 2007, she earned her BA from Hollins University, and her leadership has earned national recognition, delivered keynotes at institutions including Brown University, UCLA, and Rutgers, and contributed op-eds to prominent media outlets with lasting impact.

Women’s History Month is a time to mark the progress that women have made while mapping plans to ensure continued progress. And this year was quite special. United Women in Faith is celebrating its 157th birthday, and this Faith Talks segment honors the many women who came before us in those who continue to lead the way. We hope you’ll listen, learn and reflect on the women who inspire you today and every day. In this episode of Faith Talks, Jennifer R. Farmer hosts Sally Vonner, United Women in Faith’s own general secretary and CEO, and Megan Hale, Executive for the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner, to discuss Women’s History Month and their experiences as women in leadership. // Sally Vonner oversees the implementation of the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic plan to positively impact the lives of women, children, and youth around the world. She collaborates with United Women in Faith’s senior executives from the Offices of the General Secretary, Connectional, Finance and Asset Management, Operations, and Transformation on day-to-day operations. Vonner has served in many areas of The United Methodist Church — leading women’s retreats, as a jurisdictional conference delegate or alternate for three quadrennia, and in immigration assistance and reform, community development, and dismantling racism initiatives at jurisdiction and conference levels. Vonner is a graduate of Perkins School of Theology with an M.Div. and Women’s Studies certification. She graduated from East Texas State University with a B.S. degree in Biology. She serves on the board of the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, TN. Deaconess Megan Hale (she/her) serves as an Executive for the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner, administered by United Women in Faith. In this role, she works with those discerning the deaconess/home missioner relationship, oversees the application and candidacy process, and connects with more than 278 active and 118 retired deaconess/home missioners across the United States and 20 Africa Region deaconess/home missioners who are currently administered by United Women in Faith. The Office of Deaconess was first established in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1888, and every predecessor denomination to what is today the United Methodist Church had a deaconess movement. The Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner was officially recognized as a lay order of the UMC at the 2016 General Conference, affirming the covenant community that had been active for decades and supporting its continued growth. Fulfilling one of the deaconess/home missioner mandates of building global community, Megan connects with deaconesses from the Philippines, creating online educational events to share experiences and inspiration across the diaconate. As a deaconess, she is also a member of DIAKONIA of the Americas and Caribbean (DOTAC) and DIAKONIA World Federation, where she recently participated in the first-ever DIAKONIA assembly in Africa. At this assembly, Megan helped coordinate the consecration service for 15 Africa Region Deaconess/Home Missioners and the official launch of the Africa Region Deaconess/Home Missioner Movement. Megan currently serves on the DOTAC Communications Committee and served on the DIAKONIA Social Justice Committee from 2021-2025. Megan was consecrated as a deaconess in 2014 at the United Methodist Women’s Assembly in Louisville, KY. She earned a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry – Social Justice Advocacy from Drew Theological Seminary in 2023. Prior to her current role, she served as a public-school educator and as Reconciling Ministries Coordinator for the legacy Central Texas Conference. Megan also serves on the national board of the Methodist Federation for Social Action as Program Council co-convener, on the Racial Audit Implementation Team, and on the steering committee for the New York chapter of MFSA.

In 2026, the United States federal government and 27 states still have the death penalty. Executions are a cruel and unusual form of punishment, and exorbitant racial disparities in the practice are undeniable. It leaves us wondering how to champion social justice and fight for people who have been overlooked.  In this episode of Faith Talks, host Jennifer R. Farmer discusses death penalty advocacy with Cece Jones-Davis, an award-winning faith leader, impact strategist, musician, and public theologian who works at the powerful intersection of faith, art, and social justice.

On this episode of Faith Talks we will talk with Melissa Bowe and Alba Jaramillo, of the Immigration Law & Justice Network, and Sarah Kolsto from Della Lamb Community Services. Care and concern for immigrants has always been a priority for our community. However, with the recent enforcement actions, we are concerned about how undocumented loved ones are faring. We will discuss the current climate for immigration and impact on our communities. // Faith Talks is produced by United Women in Faith and hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer. This episode was originally published on March 13, 2025

Regardless of who we are and where we come from, we all have something in common as women in faith. We are truly united in our belief, and sharing our connection under Christ can strengthen our bonds and help us invite others into our community. On Sunday, October 5, we will honor this connection and opportunity in faith during World Communion Sunday. World Communion Sunday offers a space specifically to focus on our bonds as women in faith and build our connections with others in this community. For background, Rev. Dr. Kiboko is the lead pastor of Forest Chapel UMC in the West Ohio Conference and the president of the African Clergywomen Association. She is also an author and holds a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). We know you will leave the conversation feeling connected and ready to open your arms.

To say that our children are our future is more than a cliché. It is the truth. Children are our most valuable resource, deserving of love, care, and support. That’s why we are excited that United Women in Faith – and The United Methodist Church – will soon participate in a Children’s Sabbath. Launched by the Children’s Defense Fund, these observances are an opportunity to center children, focus on how we can serve children, and renew our commitment to them.   On this episode of Faith Talks will welcome the Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, Rev. Dr. Yvette R. Blair-Lavallais, and Rev. Vahisha Hasan as guests on the live recording of the Faith Talks podcast. Our very own Sally Vonner, general secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith, will also join, which is exciting.    Rev. Dr. Wilson is the president & CEO of the Children's Defense Fund; Rev. Dr. Arroyo is the general secretary and CEO of The General Commission on Religion and Race; Rev. Dr. Blair-Lavallais is the co-founder and curator of Every Body Needs Food, and a 2024-25 Feeding America Equity Research Fellow; and Rev. Hasan is the founder and executive director of Movement in Faith.   With such powerful voices, we know you will leave the conversation feeling inspired and reflective.

Each September, the National Association of Mental Illness recognizes Suicide Prevention Month, and Faith Talks wants to talk about it. Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.    We are talking about this on Faith Talks not only because we know that many hide topics such as this, but because we could all use more information around suicide prevention. We are delighted to interview Pastor Mya Miller, founder of Chosen Ministries. Her goal is to save souls, build disciples, and passionately teach others about God’s love and grace.  Our intention is for this to be a hope and information-filled segment that will help listeners and people of faith access critical tools, resources, and support. We also hope this conversation contributes to the de-stigmatization of suicide and mental health challenges broadly.

Faith communities have always been institutions for refuge and restoration. In addition to a source of spiritual guidance, they may serve to help us heal from the long-standing harms we face. As our understanding of sexual, racial, and generational trauma expands, we must consider the role of the Church as a sanctuary where healing and wholeness can take root. With our churches, our communities, and our loved ones – or even ourselves – affected, there is much to learn about how trauma impacts us, and how we can start to heal from it. On this episode of Faith Talks we will welcome Julia Matallana Freedman as a guest on the live recording of the Faith Talks podcast.  Matallana Freedman is the author of the forthcoming book, “Sanctuary of Healing Transforming Churches into Trauma-Informed Spaces.” With so much to learn from her expertise in faith, healing, and trauma, you will leave this conversation ready to listen, understand, and get involved.