Alumna Anna (Forst) McMahon ’17 recently launched her new podcast, The Woman Aesthetic, focusing on “reclaiming the true essence of womanhood with elegance and purpose.” The podcast, which currently runs on YouTube, features interviews with religious, Christendom faculty, and more, offering an “alternative to the lies of modern feminism by standing firm in the timeless grace and true meaning of femininity.”
McMahon, who majored in Theology while at Christendom, first developed a deep interest in the dynamic between men and women and the distinct gifts God has given to each during one of her courses with theology professor Mary Stanford.
“Since that class, I have continued exploring the topic,” says McMahon. “Although I didn’t begin podcasting until several years after graduating, my interest in the topic of the essence of womanhood began at Christendom.”
She further believes that her liberal arts education formed the foundation for her spiritual and philosophical understanding of the human person. The education at Christendom, she reflects, “taught me how to think, rather than just what to think, and that is a skill needed in life, beyond just a specific profession.”
McMahon never imagined herself doing any sort of public speaking, let alone starting a podcast. However, after witnessing the culture struggle to define what it means to be a woman, she wanted to delve into the true essence of womanhood and reveal its relevance and purpose in today’s world.
“Women are created with unique gifts, destined for profound purpose, and integral to the fabric of society,” says McMahon.
After much prayer and discernment, it became clear to McMahon that God was calling her to start a podcast, and The Woman Aesthetic was created.
The podcast features several notable guests, including Christendom’s own Professor Mary Stanford and Mrs. Sofia (Fedoryka) Cuddeback ’95. McMahon has also interviewed Ann (Hess) Burns ‘16, author of the Feminine Project, as well as Fr. Michael Rennier and Monsignor Morris from the Diocese of St. Louis. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from how women shape society to overcoming struggles such as envy and growing in virtue through the imitation of Our Lady.
McMahon hopes to continue exploring the incredible gifts God has given to women and using her podcasting platform to reach women who are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and who desire to fully embrace their womanhood. She looks forward to delving into topics such as women’s health, psychology, and motherhood, as well as connecting with and learning from more inspiring voices along the way.
McMahon’s podcast launch comes in addition to other podcast initiatives from Christendom alumni, including the 100 Movies Every Catholic Should See podcast from alumni Samuel Morales ’20, Joe Wilson ’18, and Cameron DeLaFleur ’17. These initiatives are bringing the truth, goodness, and beauty of Catholic thought to a culture that desperately needs it, helping to “restore all things in Christ” in the process.
Learn more about McMahon’s podcast here.
Contributed by Helen Davis ’25.