Utah Women & Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Susan R. Madsen

EducationExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

192

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The mission of the Utah Women & Leadership Project is to strengthen the impact of Utah girls, women, and families. We serve Utah and its residents by 1) producing relevant, trustworthy, and applicable research; 2) creating and gathering valuable research-based resources; and 3) convening trainings and events that inform, inspire, and ignite growth and change for all Utahns. We are moving mountains for Utah women! Hosted by Utah State University.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 27, 2026Episode 19437 min

Suicide Among Utah Girls & Women

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen discusses findings from the research snapshot Suicide Among Utah Girls and Women: A 2026 Update . The snapshot highlights the complex factors that contribute to suicide risk, including mental health conditions, substance use, economic stress, relationship challenges, and access to lethal means. For girls and women, risk can be further influenced by depression, anxiety, body image concerns, trauma, reproductive and hormonal changes, minority stress among LGBTQ+ populations, and limited access to supportive relationships or care. Drawing on current data and informed by the work of the Utah Suicide Prevention Committee and Coalition and other key partners, the report outlines policy priorities aimed at strengthening suicide prevention efforts across the state. These include expanding access to mental health services and enhancing crisis response systems such as 988 and SafeUT. Dr. Madsen is joined by three co-authors of the snapshot, Lydia Theobald, Cindy Jenkins, and Sadie Wilde. Together they discuss the findings and explore the factors affecting suicide risk among Utah girls and women, and consider approaches that can help strengthen prevention and support efforts. Guests Lydia Theobald Graduate Student, Utah Valley University Cindy Jenkins Associate Professor, Utah State University Sadie Wilde Assistant Professor, Utah State University Download the full research snapshot HERE . Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in supporting the mental health and well-being of Utah girls and women. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show. Support the show

October 20, 2026Episode 19328 min

Utah Women and Educational Attainment

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen discusses findings from the research brief Educational Attainment of Utah Women: A 2026 Update . The report highlights both meaningful progress and ongoing challenges in women’s educational attainment across Utah. Findings show gains in high school and college degree completion, while also revealing persistent gaps in college noncompletion and graduate-level education. Utah women now earn bachelor’s degrees at rates similar to women nationwide, yet Utah continues to have one of the highest percentages of adults who begin college but do not complete a degree. The report also shows that although younger generations are narrowing educational gaps, men continue to earn graduate and professional degrees at higher rates than women. The discussion explores key trends in educational attainment, examines where Utah stands today compared to national benchmarks, and considers opportunities to strengthen educational pathways for women across the state. Dr. Madsen is joined by Dr. Yvette Young, co-author of the report and Research Manager at the Utah Women & Leadership Project, to discuss the findings and what they mean for Utah women, families, and communities. Guests Dr. Yvette Young Research Manager, Utah Women & Leadership Project Download the full research brief HERE . Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in strengthening educational outcomes for Utah women and girls. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show. Support the show

October 13, 2026Episode 19226 min

How Higher Education Strengthens Individual, Family, and Community Well-Being

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen discusses findings from the August research brief How Higher Education Strengthens Individual, Family, and Community Well‑Being . Drawing on data from the UWLP’s 2025 Fall Survey — completed by more than 5,200 Utahns — the report shows that higher education delivers far‑reaching benefits that extend well beyond jobs and wages. Educational attainment strengthens Utah’s social, civic, and community fabric, shaping how residents understand and navigate key areas of community life. The research examines how education influences views across ten areas of community well‑being, including domestic violence, child sexual abuse, financial security, health, civic engagement, poverty, and K–12 education. The findings reveal a clear pattern: as education levels rise, awareness of community challenges increases, along with confidence navigating major institutions and systems. Dr. Madsen is joined once again by Dr. Eric Dahlin, co‑author of the report and professor of Sociology at Brigham Young University, to explore the data and discuss what these insights mean for Utah communities. Guests Dr. Eric Dahlin Professor of Sociology, Brigham Young University Download the full research brief HERE . Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in strengthening Utah communities. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show. Support the show

September 22, 2026Episode 19129 min

The Power of Education: How Higher Education Shapes Utah Workplaces

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen discusses findings from the research brief The Power of Education: How Higher Education Shapes Utah Workplaces . Drawing on data from the UWLP’s third annual statewide survey — completed by more than 5,200 Utahns — the report reveals a clear and consistent pattern: education fundamentally shapes how people see the workplace. Across all eight workplace‑related areas of A Bolder Way Forward , higher levels of education were associated with greater awareness of workplace challenges, stronger recognition of inequities, and clearer expectations for fairness, transparency, and supportive organizational practices. The brief also shows that education shifts women’s perceptions far more than men’s, widening gender gaps in views about discrimination, harassment, and workplace inequality. In this conversation, Dr. Madsen and her guest unpack what these patterns mean for Utah employers, policymakers, and communities. Dr. Madsen is joined by Dr. Eric Dahlin, co‑author of the report and professor of Sociology at Brigham Young University, to explore the findings and discuss their implications for Utah’s workforce. Guests Dr. Eric Dahlin Professor of Sociology, Brigham Young University Download the full research brief HERE . Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in strengthening Utah’s workplaces. Support the show

September 15, 2026Episode 19029 min

The Status of Women Leaders in Public Education (K–12): A 2026 Update

Podcast Description In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen explores findings from the September 2026 research brief, The Status of Women Leaders in Public Education (K–12): A 2026 Update . The report shows meaningful progress: women now hold just over half of leadership roles statewide, with notable gains on district boards, in superintendent positions, and among principals and assistant principals — particularly in elementary and charter schools. Yet the brief also highlights persistent gaps, including the low share of women serving as district superintendents and a recent decline in women leading public high schools. Together, these findings offer a clear picture of where representation is improving, where it is stalling, and why gender‑diverse leadership remains essential as Utah’s schools navigate growing challenges. Dr. Madsen is joined by Jamie Faux and Corinne Clarkson, co‑authors of the report, to walk through the data, discuss emerging trends, and reflect on what the future of K–12 leadership in Utah may hold. Guests Jamie Faux Research Assistant, Utah Women & Leadership Project Corinne Clarkson Research Associate, Utah Women & Leadership Project Download the full research brief HERE . Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, educators, community partners, or anyone interested in strengthening leadership across Utah’s schools. Support the show

September 8, 2026Episode 18938 min

The Roots of Sexual Violence in Utah: A Framework for Understanding Harm

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen breaks down a powerful new white paper published in June 2026: The Roots of Sexual Violence in Utah: A Framework for Understanding Harm . The report makes one thing unmistakably clear: sexual violence is not random or isolated. It emerges from cultural norms, social systems, and power structures that shape how communities understand gender, authority, and accountability. Utah’s high rates of rape and child sexual abuse stand in stark contrast to its reputation for strong families and close‑knit communities, and this paper explains why. The white paper introduces the Utah Sexual Violence Pyramid, a research‑grounded framework illustrating how harmful attitudes, normalized behaviors, and systemic silence create conditions where violence can escalate. The message is direct: preventing harm requires honest conversation, cultural awareness, and collective action. This episode walks through the findings and explores how Utahns can use this shared language and roadmap to build communities where violence cannot take root. Dr. Madsen is joined by Brie Sparks and Deborah Lin, two members of the Utah Women & Leadership Project team, to discuss the research, its implications, and the work ahead. Guests Brie Sparks Associate Director, Utah Women & Leadership Project Brie leads statewide strategy, research translation, and partnership development for UWLP. Her work focuses on strengthening systems that support women, girls, and families across Utah. Deborah Lin Local Outreach & Resource Manager, Utah Women & Leadership Project Deborah oversees community engagement, resource development, and local partnerships. She works closely with organizations and residents to expand awareness and prevention efforts related to issues affecting Utah women and girls. Download the full white paper HERE . Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone committed to preventing harm and strengthening Utah communities. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

August 25, 2026Episode 18829 min

New American Women (Immigrants and Refugees) in Utah

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen explores key findings from the newly released 2026 research snapshot New American Women (Immigrants and Refugees) in Utah ( Authors: Dr. Susan Madsen, Dr. Robyn Blackburn, and Vanessa Tuttle). Immigrants and refugees now make up a growing share of Utah’s population: more than 300,000 residents, including tens of thousands of women and girls who contribute cultural diversity, economic strength, and global experience to communities across the state. Yet the snapshot also highlights the significant challenges many face, including language barriers, limited access to services, discrimination, and increased risks of poverty and gender‑based violence. Despite these obstacles, New American women contribute billions to Utah’s economy and play a vital role in shaping the state’s future. This episode offers a clear, human‑centered look at who these women are and what Utahns can do to better support them. Dr. Madsen is joined by one of the co‑authors of the snapshot, Dr. Robyn Blackburn, to discuss the experiences, strengths, and needs of New American women in Utah today. Guests Dr. Robyn Blackburn Research Fellow, Utah Women & Leadership Project Co‑author — New American Women (Immigrants and Refugees) in Utah Download the full 2025 research snapshot HERE . Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website . Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in supporting immigrant and refugee women in Utah. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

August 11, 2026Episode 18725 min

Seven Top Opportunities for Utah Girls and Women

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen explores a 2026 research brief from the Utah Women & Leadership Project: Seven Top Opportunities for Utah Girls and Women: A 2026 Update . Building on insights from more than 5,200 Utahns, including over 3,500 written responses, this conversation highlights where Utahns see the greatest potential for women and girls today. Because the same questions were asked in 2023 and 2024 studies, this updated report using data from 2025 reveals what’s emerging, what’s expanding, and how opportunities across the state continue to evolve. Dr. Madsen is joined by Dr. April Townsend to discuss the trends, possibilities, and momentum shaping the lives of Utah women and girls. Guests Dr. April Townsend Research Fellow, Utah Women & Leadership Project Co‑author — Seven Top Opportunities for Utah Girls and Women: A 2026 Update Download the full 2026 research brief HERE . Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in women’s well‑being in Utah. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

July 28, 2026Episode 18624 min

Eleven Major Challenges Utah Girls and Women Face

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen opens the new season of the Utah Women & Leadership Podcast with one of the year’s most significant research briefs: Eleven Major Challenges Utah Girls and Women Face: A 2026 Update . Drawing on insights from more than 5,200 Utahns, nearly 3,500 of whom wrote in their own words, this conversation explores how challenges, perceptions, and experiences have shifted since the 2023 statewide survey. Together, the data reveal what’s improving, what’s changing, and what still requires urgent attention for Utah women and girls. Dr. Madsen is joined by Dr. April Townsend , Research Fellow with the Utah Women & Leadership Project and coauthor of the report, to walk through the findings and discuss the trends shaping the lives of Utah women and girls today. Guests Dr. April Townsend Research Fellow, Utah Women & Leadership Project Coauthor — Eleven Major Challenges Utah Girls and Women Face: A 2026 Update Download the full 2026 research brief HERE . Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website. Share this episode with colleagues, community partners, or anyone interested in women’s well‑being in Utah. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show. Support the show

June 30, 2026Episode 18538 min

Women in Skilled Trades

In this episode, Dr. Susan Madsen examines key findings from the newly released snapshot " Utah Women and Skilled Trades ." This research brief explores national and statewide demand for skilled‑trades jobs, trends in women’s participation, and how employment and wages compare across occupations in Utah and the U.S. The conversation also highlights education and training pathways—particularly for young women—and outlines strategies to strengthen women’s representation in Utah’s skilled‑trades and construction workforce. Dr. Madsen is joined by two leaders in this space— Concetta Defa and Dr. April Townsend —to unpack the data, discuss current challenges, and explore opportunities to support women pursuing careers in the trades. Guests Concetta Defa Project Consultant, Center for Energy Workforce Development President, Utah Women in Trades Dr. April Townsend Research Fellow, Utah Women & Leadership Project Co‑Author, Utah Women and Skilled Trades Download the full snapshot HERE . Visit the Utah Women & Leadership Project website . Share this episode with colleagues, educators, employers, or anyone interested in strengthening women’s participation in Utah’s skilled‑trades workforce. Follow the podcast and leave a review to help others discover the show! Support the show

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing