Empowering Women, Transforming Lives Podcast By Rebecca Hall Gruyter cover art

Empowering Women, Transforming Lives

Empowering Women, Transforming Lives

By: Rebecca Hall Gruyter
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In this heart felt and transformational show, Rebecca will share her insight on the subject of the day and will feature two special guests per show. Each guest is an empowering leader in their respective industry or modality who provides insights and tips on how to live an empowered life. This show is perfect for women who feel a call on their heart to step out in a bigger and more powerful way in their life and would like some encouragement and inspiration to support them on their journey!brbr Rebecca will guide each show to focus on an empowering topic. The show starts with a discussion, which provides several practical ideas and tips to apply in your everyday life. Rebecca welcomes your participation and will answer questions during each show. Empowering Women, Transforming Lives is broadcast live every Thursday at 10 AM Pacific Time on the VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel. Replays Sundays at 1 PM Pacific Time on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel.Rebecca Hall Gruyter Economics
Episodes
  • A Horizon of Hope, Held by Faith, Carried by Hope

    A Horizon of Hope, Held by Faith, Carried by Hope
    Mar 19 2026
    What happens when faith becomes the light that carries you through the darkest chapters of life? In this powerful conversation, Rebecca Hall Gruyter welcomes Dondee Sponseller, author of Horizon of Hope, to share a story of survival, spiritual strength, and the courage to reclaim one's voice. After escaping abuse, Dondee chose to turn her pain into purpose. Through courageous truth-telling, she shares how faith, perseverance, and encounters with God sustained her through legal battles, personal trials, and moments of deep discouragement. Together, Rebecca and Dondee explore what it means to trust God in the hardest seasons, break cycles of silence and abuse, and step forward into a future defined by hope and dignity. This episode is a powerful reminder that even after the darkest night, a new horizon is always possible. As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter, at
    www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com About the Guest Dondee Sponseller is a faith-driven author and mother whose work bears witness to the healing and restorative power of God. Through her writing, she courageously shares her journey of surviving abuse and finding freedom through faith. Her book Horizon of Hope speaks to those who feel trapped, silenced, or broken, reminding readers that healing and wholeness are possible. With a message rooted in resilience, justice, and reclaiming one's voice, Dondee encourages individuals and families to break cycles of abuse and step boldly into a future filled with hope, dignity, and freedom. Learn more at:
    Website: https://horizonofhopepress.com/
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    52 mins
  • From Hostage to Surviving Terror and Courageously Reclaiming Self

    From Hostage to Surviving Terror and Courageously Reclaiming Self
    Mar 12 2026

    What does it mean to live through history, and then spend decades making sense of it?

    In this powerful conversation, Rebecca Hall Gruyter welcomes Mimi Nichter, author of Hostage: A Memoir of Terrorism, Trauma, and Resilience, to reflect on a moment in history that changed her life.

    In 1970, Mimi was taken hostage in what became one of the first internationally recognized acts of modern terrorism. Decades later, she revisits that experience with the insight of a cultural anthropologist and survivor. Together, they explore fear, delayed trauma, faith, identity, and why it took nearly fifty years to tell this story.

    This episode is not just about what happened; it's about how we carry what happened, and what it takes to reclaim freedom long after the crisis ends.

    As always, you can find Rebecca at
    www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com

    About the Guest

    Mimi Nichter, Ph.D., is Professor Emerita at the University of Arizona and a respected cultural and public anthropologist whose work explores core issues shaping contemporary American life. Her award-winning book Fat Talk received the prestigious Margaret Mead Award for making anthropology accessible to a broad audience.

    Her memoir, Hostage: A Memoir of Terrorism, Trauma, and Resilience, marks her most personal work. In it, she revisits her experience as a hostage during a 1970 international terrorism incident and reflects on trauma, resilience, identity, and the long journey toward healing.

    Connect with Mimi:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miminichter/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimi-nichter-30673313/
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/MimiNichter
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    51 mins
  • Love, Courage, and Facing Your Demons

    Love, Courage, and Facing Your Demons
    Mar 5 2026

    What does it take not just to survive, but to truly thrive?

    In this March episode, Rebecca Hall Gruyter is joined by Elaine Damschen and Lisa Sitze for a powerful conversation about stepping into personal agency, courageous leadership, and living love in action.

    Elaine shares insights from her bestselling book Made in Vietnam, reflecting on heritage, entrepreneurship, and what it means to build something meaningful that outlives you. From co-founding a company recognized on the Inc. 5000 list to mentoring women leaders, she embodies thriving through bold decisions and service-driven leadership.

    Lisa brings a deeply personal and practical lens to thriving through her book Facing Your Demons. She teaches that agency is our greatest superpower, the ability to choose how we respond, grow, and move forward. Through her RAD framework, she shows how recognizing emotions, acknowledging responsibility without blame, and deciding your next step creates momentum toward abundance.

    Together, this conversation explores how thriving is not accidental. It's built through intention, ownership, courage, and daily choices that align with who you are becoming.

    If you're ready to move beyond limitations and create life on purpose, this episode will help you take that next step.

    As always, you can find our host, Rebecca Hall Gruyter, at
    www.yourpurposedrivenpractice.com

    About the Guests

    Elaine Damschen

    Elaine Damschen is a #1 international bestselling author, speaker, and entrepreneur who believes in "Love in Action." She co-founded Mainstream Electric Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in 2000, growing it into an Inc. 5000 recognized company three times and earning honors as "Woman of the Year" and "Top Entrepreneur of the Year."

    Her book Made in Vietnam shares a story of perseverance, heritage, and purpose. Today, Elaine continues to champion women entrepreneurs and skilled trades professionals, preparing to launch Essence Swimwear while mentoring leaders to thrive with integrity and courage.

    Connect with Elaine:
    Website: https://ElaineDamschen.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576937244149
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elaine.damschen/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-damschen-050006119

    Lisa Sitze

    Lisa Sitze is a #1 International Best Selling Author, life coach, and advocate for personal agency. Through her book Facing Your Demons, she teaches that thriving begins when we take stewardship over our choices.

    Certified through Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, Lisa helps individuals recognize their emotional patterns, release blame, and move forward with clarity. Her RAD framework, Recognize, Acknowledge, Decide, offers practical tools for stepping into empowerment and abundance.

    Lisa believes thriving means living with respect, boundaries, grace, and multiple streams of growth, financial, emotional, and spiritual.

    Connect with Lisa:
    Facebook: Alyssia Rhys
    Instagram: lisa_sitze
    LinkedIn: Lisa Sitze
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    54 mins
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