Empowering Women, Transforming Lives

As we have launched into a new year, it's time create a year that's truly aligned with what lights you up. Your core values and passions can guide you toward what truly matters and keep you grounded in your unique identity. In this replay, Rebecca will talk with guests Skye Bellarmine and Gary Fretwell about how their new books flow out of their passions and purpose. Don't let this be a year of just checking off a list of resolutions. Instead, align your actions with your passions and prioritize what truly matters to you. Whether you're releasing a new book, trying a new hobby, or taking a risk in your work! As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Our guests are also online. Skye's online home is https://www.starskyepress.com. Gary is online at https://www.garyfretwell.com/. About our guests: Skye Bellarmine's nomadic family was always moving, so she learned early to adapt to multiple environments and personality types. Coupling an advanced degree in life skills with her intuitive empathy, she writes about how to rise above life's challenges while never taking anyone or anything for granted. Having survived being hit by a wrong-way driver on the Interstate, doctors told Skye she might never walk again. After twelve surgeries and six years of recovery, she learned to walk…into a new life. Skye's determination enabled her to emerge not just from the wreckage of the car accident but also from her marriage to a narcissist. Tarnished and transformed by these experiences, Skye uses her story to help others embark on journeys of self-renewal. Breaking Solace is her first book. Book Two of the Trilogy, Escaping Solace, will launch on February 4, 2025. Walk with Skye's character, Tali, as she confronts her abuser and finds her purpose. Find her online at: www.starskyepress.com Gary Fretwell is a transformational change agent, impacting nearly 1,000 institutions across the U.S. and Canada. His warmth and genuine connection make him a sought-after speaker and consultant. Gary excels in identifying changes that elevate organizational success. He also leverages his expertise in the nonprofit sector, helping various organizations navigate challenges and seize opportunities. As president of Prescott Meals on Wheels, Gary has led strategic initiatives for sustainable success, fostering collaboration and rallying support for capital campaigns to extend their reach. Gary values personal growth, enjoying reading, exercising, and spending time in nature with his golden retrievers. His compassion and curiosity inspire those around him, encouraging self-discovery and understanding. You can find him online at https://www.garyfretwell.com/.

The holiday season can be fraught with all kinds of emotions - some good, some hard. They are full of memories, hopes, expectations, hurts (present and past), gatherings, and plans. How can we navigate all of that with hopefulness? In this replay, our guest, Deborah Wiener and Janet Schmidt, will talk with Rebecca about the ups and downs of the holidays. You'll come away with honest, authentic thoughts about the magic of your holiday celebrations as you close out 2021. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Deborah's online home is at http://Fengshuibusinessconsultant.com.

This week, we're excited to share a special feature from our November 14, 2025 Author Summit, an event created to celebrate storytelling, creativity, and the power of words. In this 45-minute highlight, you'll hear directly from several of our featured authors as they open up about their creative journeys, lived experiences, and the messages behind their newest works. From leadership and resilience to healing, empowerment, and personal transformation, each author brings a unique perspective that reminds us why stories matter. You'll hear from voices like Debi Corrie, Elaine Damschen, Sherry Lynn Campbell, Gary Fretwell, Tim Van Mieghem, Esmeralda Aharon, and Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano as they share insights that both inspire and challenge us. This episode offers a meaningful blend of wisdom, encouragement, and real conversations about writing, purpose, and the courage it takes to share your story. Whether you're an aspiring author, an avid reader, or someone seeking fresh inspiration, this summit highlight is sure to spark creativity and deepen your connection to the power of storytelling. Tune in and enjoy this powerful look inside the November 14th Author Summit. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com.

What if this season, instead of moving from moment to moment on autopilot, we slowed down enough to notice the quiet transformation happening within us? The kind that invites us to breathe, reflect, and rise a little higher than before. In this special episode, Rebecca Hall Gruyter sits down with Dr. Sharon Arrindell, Inspirational Speaker, Pastor, Counselor/Coach, Maxwell Leadership Certified Trainer, and bestselling author, for an uplifting conversation about growth, healing, and the journeys that shape us. Dr. Sharon, visionary and lead author of the bestselling anthology From Cocoon to Soar, shares what inspired her to bring together 17 powerful women and why their stories needed to be heard now. She offers insight into the cocoon-to-soar journey, what it looks like in real life, how it feels from the inside, and why transformation often begins long before we notice our own wings forming. Together, Rebecca and Dr. Sharon explore how presence helps us rise, how storytelling creates community, and how we can reconnect with what's true and life-giving in a season that often pulls us away from ourselves. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter, at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. You can connect with Dr. Sharon Arrindell online: Website: drsharonarrindell.com | inspiredwholenesscounseling.com Facebook: facebook.com/Arrindell0502 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sharon-arrindell-ed-d-dbs-dbc-msc-420192168 Instagram: @drsharonarrindell About the Guest Dr. Sharon Arrindell is an inspirational speaker, pastor, counselor/coach, instructor, and bestselling author with over 18 years of teaching experience as an adjunct professor. She serves as President and CEO of Inspired Wholeness Enterprise LLC and is a Maxwell Leadership Certified coach. She is also a member of Global Women Speakers, Christian Women Speakers, and the Association of Christian Women in Business. Her latest project, From Cocoon to Soar: Compilation of Unstoppable Female Leaders, became a #1 bestseller across six categories. Through her work, writing, and mentorship, Dr. Sharon empowers women and leaders to walk in healing, purpose, and alignment, one courageous step at a time.

This week, we're excited to share a special feature from our November 14, 2025 Author Summit, an event created to celebrate storytelling, creativity, and the power of words. In this 45-minute highlight, you'll hear directly from several of our featured authors as they open up about their creative journeys, lived experiences, and the messages behind their newest works. From leadership and resilience to healing, empowerment, and personal transformation, each author brings a unique perspective that reminds us why stories matter. You'll hear from voices like Debi Corrie, Elaine Damschen, Sherry Lynn Campbell, Gary Fretwell, Tim Van Mieghem, Esmeralda Aharon, and Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano as they share insights that both inspire and challenge us. This episode offers a meaningful blend of wisdom, encouragement, and real conversations about writing, purpose, and the courage it takes to share your story. Whether you're an aspiring author, an avid reader, or someone seeking fresh inspiration, this summit highlight is sure to spark creativity and deepen your connection to the power of storytelling. Tune in and enjoy this powerful look inside the November 14th Author Summit. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com.

What if this season, instead of rushing through the holidays, we slowed down enough to rediscover the magic within us, and between us? In this special episode, Rebecca Hall Gruyter sits down with two extraordinary women, Amy McKiernan and Amy Weinland Daughters, for a heartfelt conversation on healing, connection, and mindfulness. Amy McKiernan, author of More Than a Survivor, shares how her "Eight Keys" help survivors of trauma reclaim their voice and rediscover peace. Her story is one of courage, a reminder that healing begins with presence, not perfection. Amy Weinland Daughters, award-winning author and keynote speaker, brings a different kind of magic, the power of handwritten letters. After writing 580 notes to each of her Facebook friends, she learned that slowing down and choosing intentional connection can heal loneliness and bring unexpected joy. Together, the two Amys explore how we can find presence in pain, peace in reflection, and connection in the simplest gestures, especially in a season that so often pulls us away from both. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter, at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online: Amy McKiernan: amymckiernan.com | Instagram @amy_mckiernan_author | Facebook Amy McKiernan – Author Amy Weinland Daughters: amydaughters.com | Instagram @smokinhotamys | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter About the Guests: Amy McKiernan is the author of More Than a Survivor: Eight Keys to Overcoming Sexual Assault and Finding a Path to Living a Fulfilled Life. Her book offers a powerful guide for reclaiming self-worth, rediscovering peace, and embracing a life of authenticity after trauma. Beyond her writing, Amy serves as Director of Employee Relations in Education, where she fosters collaboration, communication, and compassion in schools and workplaces. She's also a wife and mother of two, embodying resilience and grace in both her personal and professional life. Amy Weinland Daughters is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and connection advocate who believes that what makes us different is what brings us together. Her work explores the transformative power of handwritten letters, inspired by her own journey of writing 580 personal notes to every Facebook friend she had. Through her humor and humanity, Amy reminds us that slowing down to connect, especially during the holidays, can rekindle the magic of gratitude and belonging.

Do you ever wonder if it's truly possible to generate energy and vibrancy during the holiday season? Sometimes the expectations of the season can feel crushing but today's guests will assure you that you CAN live with boundaries and avoid some of the stress and overwhelm that often comes with the season. In this replay, Listen in as Rebecca talks with Eva Medilek and Beth McGill - two women who have dedicated their lives to mentoring and coaching others on their journeys toward health and magical living. They have drawn from their own expertise and perspective on living with purpose and intention - yes, even during the holiday season! As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Eva can be found at https://www.evamedilek.com. Beth's online home is at: https://thriveflourishgrow.com/.

Are you reaching your full potential? Do you need to make changes? In your personal life? In your business approach? In this replay, our guests are both seasoned authors with a wealth of experience as they help other women transcend various challenges and circumstances in life and work. Rebecca talked with Dr. Sharon Arrindell and Karen Ann Bulluck about their books and their passions for helping others bring forth their best selves. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online! Find Dr. Sharon at https://www.inspiredwholenesscounseling.com; Karen's online home is https://daringtotranscend.com.

What does it take to lead with courage in a world that feels more complex by the day? In this episode, Rebecca Hall Gruyter sits down with Farah Bala, Leadership & Executive Coach, Consultant, and Speaker, to explore what it means to lead authentically in today’s complex world. As the founder of FARSIGHT, Farah has helped leaders across industries and continents develop the skills and presence to create meaningful, sustainable change. Together, Rebecca and Farah dive into the power of inclusive leadership, the intersection of identity and influence, and why authenticity is one of the most important leadership tools we have. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Farah's online home is: https://www.gofarsight.com About the Guest Farah Bala is a Leadership & Executive Coach, Consultant, and Speaker, and the founder of FARSIGHT, a leadership and organizational development consultancy working across countries and sectors. She is a contributor to the Forbes Coaches Council, with features in Forbes and Success Magazine. Farah co-created Wonder Women, an executive leadership community for women of color, and hosts the FARSIGHT Chats podcast. She is a recipient of the World Zoroastrian Organization’s Diversity Award and an accomplished performing artist with more than two decades of stage and screen experience. Farahgofarsight.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/thefarsightagency/

In this replay, our guest is Rob Eastman. By his own admission, he ran from his problems most of his life, letting feelings of anxiety and depression take over, rather than asking why they were there. His journey eventually led him into recovery, where he used extreme sports, such as cage fighting, ultramarathons, rock climbing, and skydiving, to face his toughest demons. In this show, he talked with Rebecca about his book and how he now uses those life lessons to coach others on how to stand and fight. He has devoted his life to helping others find feel encouraged, challenged, and equipped when they face life's challenges. It's a show you won't want to miss. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Rob can be found at https://www.eastmanfitnessutah.com/.

Episode Description Life has a way of unraveling our carefully planned stories, and sometimes, that unraveling is what leads to our most profound growth. In this episode, Rebecca Hall Gruyter is joined by Becky Moller, spiritual seeker, writer, and mindfulness teacher, to explore what it means to become “undone” and why that can be the very thing that sets us free. Becky shares insights from her new book Undone, Unafraid: Evolving through Betrayal, Trauma, Femininity and Faith, and walks us through the step-by-step pathway that helped her transform rock-bottom moments into a true spiritual awakening. Together, Rebecca and Becky talk about unmasking your potential, connecting mind, body, and spirit, and creating a life where healing and wholeness are possible. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter, at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Becky's online home is: https://beckymoller.com About the Guest Becky Moller is a spiritual seeker, writer, and mindfulness teacher who lives in Spanish Fork, Utah, with her husband, five children, and three cats. With a BA in English Education and Minors in Music and Marriage, Family & Human Development from Brigham Young University, Becky now offers year-round mindfulness programs that support others on their journey of awakening. You can find Becky online at https://beckymoller.com, on YouTube.

Are you ready to develop the discipline, resilience, and daily, goal-based habits that will propel you to top-level performance in your personal life, business, or career?? In this replay, Jason Palmer - an author, speaker, horse trainer, and elite performance coach brings his expertise in the horse arena to help people harness the power that they possess within. He talked with Rebecca about vision and passion, leaving a legacy, and the demands of growth. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Jason can be found online at: https://www.jasonpalmermastery.com.

For many teens and parents, life can feel overwhelming, balancing school, family expectations, and personal struggles can leave everyone stretched thin. In this episode, Rebecca Hall Gruyter is joined by M. Kay Bush, International Best-Selling author of You Can Do Hard Things: Life Tools for Teens, and Jheri South, ADHD Specialist, Teen & Parent Coach, and founder of Headspace Hub. Together, Kay and Jheri share practical tools and real-life insights for building resilience, improving communication, and finding balance, whether you’re a teen trying to navigate challenges or a parent looking to support your family better. This powerful conversation is all about helping families move from chaos to confidence. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Kay's online home is: www.YouCanDoHardThings.today while Jheri is: https://jherisouth.com/. About our guests: M. Kay Bush has spent over forty years supporting children and teens as a school counselor, child life specialist, and support group facilitator. Her book You Can Do Hard Things: Life Tools for Teens offers eight practical strategies for young people to face challenges and take charge of their lives. She also leads the You Can Do Hard Things Project, encouraging teens to share their stories of strength to inspire others. You can find her at www.YouCanDoHardThings.today Jheri South is a Certified Teen & Parent Coach, Master ADHD Instructor, and founder of Headspace Hub. As a mom of seven neurodivergent kids, Jheri uses practical, results-focused strategies to help teens, parents, and families communicate better, build confidence, and break through habits that hold them back. You can find her at https://jherisouth.com/

Do you struggle to balance your various callings? Is balance even possible? What does it mean to embrace flexibility in your search for balance? In this replay, Rebecca talks with author and entpreneur Katie Coffman about her own journey of publishing her book and balancing the other parts of her life. Katie will share her own tips and tricks for staying getting back in balance when you get off track. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter, at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Katie's online home is: https://topdogpublishing.net.

In a world searching for connection and meaning, authentic mentorship lights the way. In this replay, Rebecca Hall Gruyter talks with Rachel about the power of leading with purpose, lifting others, and leaving a legacy that truly matters. Together, they explore how mentoring relationships build confidence, foster growth, and help us recognize the stars in our own constellation, those who guide, support, and inspire us. Whether you’re looking to find a mentor or become one, this conversation will encourage you to fully show up, share your gifts, and SHINE this season both personally and professionally. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guest is also online. Rachel’s online home is: https://teamofseven.com/ About our guest: Rachel Rubin Wilkins, entrepreneur, event consultant, speaker, and 2x international best-selling author, is driven to “change the world one authentic relationship at a time.” Her book Lead, Lift, and Leave a Legacy became a #1 international best-seller in 6 countries and 93 categories, focusing on the power of mentorship. As the founder of Team of Seven Consulting, she helps transform projects and educational programs through strategy, insight, and heart. Find her online at www.teamofseven.com.

If you or someone you care about has experienced a devastating loss, you may be wondering how anyone could survive such debilitating grief. How do you find a way forward through that kind of darkness? Living in the light again probably seems impossible. That’s what Kyle and Betty Mertens thought when they lost their one-year-old daughter, Ella, to an undiagnosed heart defect. In this replay, Rebecca will talk with this resilient couple about their personal grief journey as well as their work to help others transform heartbreak into healing. Kyle and Betty do much of this healing work through their books and their nonprofit, Ella’s Umbrella. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. The Mertens’ online home is: https://www.ellasumbrella.org/. About our guests: Kyle and Betty Mertens met while pursuing their MBAs at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. After losing their 1-year-old daughter, Ella, in 2017, they established a nonprofit called Ella’s Umbrella that works to provide inspiration, connections and resources to save kids with heart conditions. They are also passionate about uplifting grieving people and have authored two books: Unraveled, When Loss Changes Everything and Never Far Apart. Kyle and Betty live in St. Louis, Missouri, with their other two children, Ryder and Layne. When they’re not busy working their full-time jobs (Kyle in corporate strategy and Betty in business development) and running their nonprofit, they enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors. They both love fitness; Betty is a certified personal trainer, while Kyle looks for any opportunity to get out to the golf course. Out of all their hobbies, spending time with friends and family is what they cherish most. Find them online at: https://www.ellasumbrella.org/.

What does it look like to reclaim your voice and take center stage after seasons of service, sacrifice, and quiet leadership? In this powerful episode, Rebecca Hall Gruyter is joined by Esmeralda Aharon and Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano, co-founders of Latinas Rising, to explore what it means to lead with purpose, elevate others, and shine in your own story. Esmeralda shares her journey from a 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force to becoming an author, educator, and champion for belonging and equity in medicine. Gabriela shares how her immigrant story fueled her passion for inclusive entrepreneurship, podcasting, and economic justice. Together, they reflect on the importance of mentorship, authorship, and stepping boldly into spaces where your voice matters. If you’ve ever felt the pull to lead, but weren’t sure when or how to begin, this conversation will remind you that your moment to shine is now. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Gabriela and Esmeralda’s online home is: latinas-rising.com About Our Guests Esmeralda Aharon, M.A., is a retired U.S. Air Force combat veteran, keynote speaker, and international best-selling author. Over her 26-year military career, she served in Religious Affairs, supporting service members and leadership across the globe. Today, she is a doctoral student in Higher Education and Program Director at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, where she advocates for health equity and social justice. She is also the co-founder of Latinas Rising, a consulting firm that uplifts women through mentorship, leadership, and authorship. Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano is a bilingual entrepreneur, podcaster, and advocate for inclusive economic growth. An immigrant from Mexico, Gabriela is passionate about empowering women and first-time entrepreneurs through mentorship, storytelling, and community leadership. She is the host of Auténtico and SheLed Badass, and co-host of Women Rising St. Louis. Gabriela co-founded Latinas Rising to amplify voices and expand access to opportunity for underrepresented leaders. Find them both online at latinas-rising.com

Episode Description What if your greatest success was only the beginning? In this episode, Rebecca Hall Gruyter welcomes Elaine Damschen, an author, international speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur, for a heartfelt conversation about stepping into a new season with purpose and courage. Elaine co-founded a multi-million-dollar company and chose to release it to follow a deeper calling. She shares what it means to lead with heart, empower others, and live out "love in action" in everyday life. If you’re feeling the pull to do something more, this conversation will inspire you to step forward, take center stage, and shine in your own life. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.RHGTVnetwork.com or at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guest is also online. Elaine’s online home is: https://www.elainedamschen.com/ About our Guest Elaine Damschen is an author, international speaker, and mastermind host who believes in “Love in Action.” A passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs and the skilled trades, she was named “Woman of the Year” and “Top Entrepreneur of the Year” for co-founding Mainstream Electric Heating, Cooling & Plumbing—an Inc. 5000 company. After selling her multi-million-dollar business, Elaine is embracing a bold new chapter and is just getting started. She lives in Idaho with her husband of over 30 years and finds joy in time with her children, daughters-in-law, and two grandsons. Find her online at https://www.elainedamschen.com/

What if the greatest opportunities for growth and profit are already inside your business, just waiting to be uncovered? In this eye-opening episode, Rebecca Hall Gruyter sits down with Tim Van Mieghem, co-founder of The ProAction Group and author of the upcoming book Shocking Profit: Cash in on Your Company’s Hidden Value, Grow Leaders, and Spark a Transformation That Changes Everything. With over 30 years of experience in operational excellence, Tim shares how to find the hidden value in your company and turn it into meaningful growth. Whether you lead a growing company or support a seasoned team, this conversation will show you how to lead with purpose, uncover what’s been overlooked, and take your business from solid to exceptional. It's time to take the stage, lead boldly, and profit with purpose. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter, at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. You can learn more about Tim Van Mieghem at www.proactiongroup.com. About Our Guest Tim Van Mieghem is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and expert in operational excellence. He is the co-founder of The ProAction Group, a consulting firm that has helped middle market companies uncover hidden value since 1995. Tim specializes in working with family-owned businesses and private equity portfolio companies to improve profitability, streamline operations, and grow strong leaders. He is the author of Implementing Supplier Partnerships and the upcoming book Shocking Profit: Cash in on Your Company’s Hidden Value, Grow Leaders, and Spark a Transformation That Changes Everything. Find him at: https://proactiongroup.com

When was the last time you stopped to consider your own mindset and how it's affecting you? Does your mindset determine your success? What if sabotaging your own mindset is killing your dreams? What if you don't even realize it? In this replay, our guests are Lindsey Coleman and Tina Evans - and they both understand how powerful our mindset can be when it comes to growth and success. Lindsey shared his story (and his new book!!) of achieving his dreams and his mindset in overcoming significant health obstacles. Combine that with Tina's decades of expertise and her passion as a positive intelligence coach and we have a compelling, transformative show!! As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter at www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com. Our guests are also online. Tina can be found at https://www.tinaevanscoaching.com. Lindsey's online home is https://lindseycoleman.com/.