The Grace Cycle Show

Karen Dittman
  • 4.8 (4)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Are you a Christian mom in midlife longing for deeper connection with God—but feeling burned out from trying harder? Welcome to The Grace Cycle Show, the faith-based podcast that helps women like you grow spiritually without striving. Hosted by Karen Dittman, co-author of Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective, this podcast offers biblical encouragement, honest conversations, and practical tools to help you live by the power of God’s grace—not guilt or performance. Each week, Karen shares real-life stories, inspiring interviews, and teachings on The Grace Cycle—a transformational framework to help you thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. Whether you're seeking spiritual renewal, tired of perfectionism, or want to experience more peace and purpose in this season of life, Thriving in Grace is for you. Subscribe today and discover a fresh, grace-filled path to spiritual growth. Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

  1. Can Dyslexia Be an Advantage? What Actually Helps Kids Learn to Read with Russell Van Brocklen

    6D AGO

    Can Dyslexia Be an Advantage? What Actually Helps Kids Learn to Read with Russell Van Brocklen

    Get a copy of the chapter “Grace: God’s Power to Crush the Impossible” from Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective at karenadittman.com  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb  Connect with Russel at https://dyslexiaclasses.com/  Why is my child struggling to read—and what actually helps?  Is dyslexia a lifelong limitation, or can it become a strength?  And how do you keep hope when learning feels impossible?  In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, Karen Dittman talks with Russell Van Brocklen, who shares his personal journey with dyslexia, the setbacks he faced in higher education, and the breakthroughs he now attributes to God’s grace.  Russell explains:  What’s happening in the brain with dyslexia—including differences in reading activation and word processing Why many traditional approaches fall short And how dyslexia can become an advantage when taught the right way He also demonstrates a practical, structured method that helps students build:  Reading, spelling, and grammar through typing-based sentence work Confidence by using topics tied to a child’s interests (“specialty”) Accuracy through reading aloud and self-correction Mastery through intentional repetition and rewriting Russell shares real-world outcomes from:  A low-cost education program with measurable improvement A homeschool case where a student’s reading and writing scores increased dramatically in under a year The conversation also explores:  How to move into more advanced writing using themes, quotes, and structured reasoning (“warrants”) Why persistence, encouragement, and the right tools matter more than labels And how faith shapes resilience when learning feels discouraging This episode is for anyone asking:  “What actually works for dyslexia?” “Can my child catch up in reading and writing?” “How do I help a struggling learner without frustration or shame?” “Is there hope when school isn’t working?” Russell’s message is both practical and hopeful: with the right approach, what once felt impossible can become a pathway to strength—and grace meets us in the process.  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

    36 min
  2. How Do You Stop Feeling “Not Enough”? Finding Courage and Starting Over with Bernice McDonald

    MAR 26

    How Do You Stop Feeling “Not Enough”? Finding Courage and Starting Over with Bernice McDonald

    Get a copy of the chapter “Grace: God’s Power to Crush the Impossible” from Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective at karenadittman.com  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb  Connect with Bernice at tinybravesteps.com  What if the voice telling you you’re “not enough” has been shaping your entire life?  How do you start over after a major life change—especially in midlife?  And how do you move forward when fear feels louder than faith?  In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, Karen Dittman talks with Berniece McDonald, who shares her journey from striving and self-doubt into a life marked by courage, clarity, and God’s grace.  Berniece opens up about:  Growing up with a deep belief that she was “not enough” How that belief shaped her identity, relationships, and first marriage The turning point of leaving that marriage after 24 years and starting over in a new city During six years of singleness, Berniece began doing the deeper work of transformation:  Facing fear instead of avoiding it Asking, “Who gets to define who I am?” Training in healthy relationships and coaching practices Using tools like externalizing fear and keeping a strengths journal She now helps midlife women move from “not enough” to “brave enough” through what she calls tiny brave steps—small, consistent choices that build real courage over time.  Berniece also shares:  How she met her current husband in an unexpected, ordinary moment Practical ways to take your next step—even when you feel afraid And how grace creates space for growth without shame This episode is for anyone asking:  “Why do I always feel like I’m falling short?” “Is it too late for me to change my life?” “How do I rebuild after divorce or a major transition?” “How do I become someone who is brave, not just trying to survive?” If you’re ready to stop living under the weight of “not enough,” this conversation offers a powerful truth: courage doesn’t come from eliminating fear—it grows one small, brave step at a time, grounded in grace.  00:00 Fear of Not Enough  00:17 Welcome to Grace Cycle  00:48 Weighed and Wanting  02:41 Divorce and Aftermath  05:44 Six Years of Becoming  09:19 Not Enough to Brave Enough  11:12 Childhood Messages  13:01 God Meets Her in Fear  15:00 Dating and Fear Fred  18:22 Healthy Love and Remarriage  23:56 Tiny Brave Steps Bridge  27:47 Journaling for Strength  28:54 Books and Brave Tool  30:37 Courage Quote Takeaway  31:42 Final Wrap and Next Steps  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

    33 min
  3. What Do You Do After a Life-Altering Accident? Faith, Health, and Purpose with Rob Rene

    MAR 19

    What Do You Do After a Life-Altering Accident? Faith, Health, and Purpose with Rob Rene

    Get a copy of the chapter “Grace: God’s Power to Crush the Impossible” from Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective at karenadittman.com  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb  Connect with Rob at exodusstrong.com  What happens when your life changes in an instant?  How do you rebuild your purpose after a devastating accident?  And how can faith reshape the way you approach health, healing, and hope?  In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, Karen Dittman talks with Rob Rene, who shares his remarkable journey of surviving a devastating accident in college after being struck by a truck—and how that moment became the beginning of a deeper search for truth, health, and faith.  Rob reflects on:  The long road of recovery and how the experience reshaped his priorities A second major life disruption during the COVID-era pandemic His growing frustration with aspects of the healthcare system and desire to explore alternative approaches to wellness Through that search, Rob began reading the Bible daily, which he says transformed his faith and clarified his calling. He now focuses on encouraging others to pursue a mind–body–spirit approach to health, grounded in biblical principles and personal responsibility.  Rob also shares about his wellness initiative, Exodus Strong, and how his work blends faith practices with natural health strategies, including:  Biblical herbs traditionally associated with wellness Prayer and spiritual discipline Lifestyle tools such as light therapy and other wellness practices The conversation also highlights the role of community—especially a men’s group in Texas that encouraged Rob to speak more openly about faith and purpose.  This episode is for anyone asking:  “How do I rebuild after a life-changing accident?” “What role does faith play in physical and emotional healing?” “How can I find purpose after major disruption?” “How do I live with hope when life doesn’t go as planned?” Rob’s story points to a simple but powerful truth: if you still have breath, God still has a purpose for your life.  00:00 Miracle Survival Story  01:18 Runner Hit by Truck  02:29 Pandemic Wake Up Call  04:38 Research and Bible Revival  06:01 Health Solutions by Faith  07:49 Flexner Report Corruption  09:51 Mighty Men Brotherhood  12:48 Bible Meets Body Science  13:40 Frequencies and Healing Patches  17:33 Hydrogen and Biblical Herbs  19:20 Frequencies and Faith  20:09 Prayer and Physical Impact  21:57 Crystals Without Idolatry  23:12 Patches and Stored Information  24:40 Oils Herbs and Sound  26:02 Molecular Hydrogen Explained  27:12 Biblical Herbs and Inflammation  30:37 Gluten Free Clarification  31:15 Where to Find Exodus  33:16 Hope Filled Takeaway  34:37 Host Reflection and Next Steps  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

    36 min
  4. Surviving the Killing Fields: Sarah Im on Faith, Escape, and Hope After Genocide

    MAR 5

    Surviving the Killing Fields: Sarah Im on Faith, Escape, and Hope After Genocide

    Get a copy of the chapter “Grace: God’s Power to Crush the Impossible” from Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective at karenadittman.com  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb  Connect with Sara and find her book How I Survived the Killing Fields at https://www.saraim.com/  How do you keep going when you’re sent away to die?  Where is God in genocide, forced labor, and starvation?  And how can hope survive when almost no one does?  In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, Karen Dittman speaks with Sarah Im, who shares her harrowing true story of survival during the communist takeover of Cambodia in the mid-1970s.  Sarah recounts:  Being trapped in a forced labor camp during the Killing Fields Becoming gravely ill and being sent to a doctorless “hospital” to die How prayer preceded an unexpected transfer to kitchen work that saved her life Four more years of forced labor as camp populations dropped dramatically When remaining survivors were moved into the jungle, Sarah escaped at night with three friends—only to discover her hometown destroyed, her country already liberated, and her family scattered. Her journey continued through a dangerous escape across the Thailand border, a United Nations refugee camp, and finally to the United States with the help of her uncle and a church women’s ministry.  Sarah also shares:  How faith sustained her when survival felt impossible Why love and hope still matter after mass trauma And her call to compassion and advocacy for today’s refugees She reflects on her memoir, How I Survived the Killing Fields, and the responsibility we share to remember, to care, and to act.  This episode is for anyone asking:  “How do people survive unimaginable suffering?” “Where is God when evil seems to win?” “What does faith look like after genocide?” “How can I help refugees in meaningful ways?” If you’ve ever wondered whether hope can endure the worst humanity can inflict, Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder: grace can survive even the killing fields—and love can still carry the story forward.  00:00 Survival Question Intro  00:56 Life Before the Regime  01:57 City Takeover Evacuation  04:49 Forced Labor and Illness  06:12 Prayer and Kitchen Rescue  09:12 Four Years of Hope  10:47 Escape Into Freedom  13:59 Homecoming and Recovery  17:27 Border Crossing to America  19:26 Gods Timing Reflections  22:54 Church Help for Refugees  27:03 Book and Key Takeaway  30:41 Closing Grace Reflection  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

    32 min
  5. How Do You Forgive After Injustice? Liz Matney on Grace, Faith, and Healing in Exile

    FEB 26

    How Do You Forgive After Injustice? Liz Matney on Grace, Faith, and Healing in Exile

    Get a copy of the chapter “Grace: God’s Power to Crush the Impossible” from Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective at karenadittman.com  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb  Connect with Liz and order a copy of Home in Exile at https://lizmatney.com/  How do you forgive when injustice is real and deeply personal?  How do you stay grounded in grace when your faith puts you at risk?  And how do you pursue justice without losing compassion?  In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, Karen Dittman talks with Liz Matney, who shares her family’s harrowing experience of being illegally detained in India because of their faith-based service—and the long road toward healing, forgiveness, and grace that followed.  Liz reflects on:  What it means to forgive when harm isn’t hypothetical—but lived How God’s grace became an anchor in fear, uncertainty, and displacement The difference between forgiveness that bypasses pain and forgiveness that flows through healing And how faith can remain intact—even deepened—when it comes at great cost They also discuss:  The current erosion of democracy in India and the persecution of religious minorities, including Christians How to hold truth, justice, and compassion at the same time And why grace is not passive—but a powerful force that reshapes hearts and fuels courage Liz also shares insights from her memoir, Home in Exile, and her conviction that God’s grace does not deny suffering—but meets us inside it and transforms how we live and love.  This episode is for anyone asking:  “How do I forgive when I’m still hurting?” “Where is God when injustice happens?” “How do I respond to persecution without becoming hardened?” “Can grace coexist with righteous anger and a call for justice?” If you’re navigating betrayal, injustice, or faith under pressure, this conversation offers a steady reminder: grace doesn’t erase the wound—but it can heal the heart and shape a more courageous, compassionate way forward.  00:00 Introduction to Forgiveness and Grace  00:39 Liz Matney's Story: Faith and Challenges in India  01:40 The Impact of Hindu Nationalism  04:04 Detention and God's Presence  05:25 Memoir and Family Legacy  06:17 Current Persecution and Grace  11:15 Healthcare Crisis in Indore  14:09 Grace and Accountability  16:53 Deliverance and Return to the US  20:02 Finding Forgiveness  23:56 Conclusion and Prayer  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

    28 min
  6. Why Isn’t Willpower Working? Weight Loss, Cravings, and Renewing the Mind with Dr. Laurette Willis

    FEB 19

    Why Isn’t Willpower Working? Weight Loss, Cravings, and Renewing the Mind with Dr. Laurette Willis

    Get a copy of the chapter “Grace: God’s Power to Crush the Impossible” from Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective at karenadittman.com  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb  Gifts from Dr.Laurette: Christianmeditationkit.com http://christianweightlosskit.com/  Also connect at drlaurette.net and praisemoves.com  Why doesn’t willpower work—no matter how hard you try?  Why do cravings feel stronger than your best intentions?  And is it possible to pursue health without shame, deprivation, or obsession?  In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, Karen Dittman talks with Dr. Laurette Willis, who shares her powerful journey from New Age practices into a faith-centered life rooted in Jesus—and how that transformation reshaped her understanding of health, healing, and freedom.  Dr. Laurette explains:  Why willpower alone fails when it comes to food and habits How neuroscience and Scripture work together to renew the mind And why inner transformation matters more than external control They also discuss her program, Weight Loss Without Willpower, which helps women pursue health without feeling deprived by:  Using a bilateral brain stimulation technique paired with Scripture to calm cravings Replacing shame-driven cycles with grace-based practices Building daily rhythms that support lasting change Dr. Laurette shares simple, actionable habits that support whole-person health, including:  Prayer and renewing the mind Hydration and gentle movement Journaling, sleep, and nervous system care This episode is for anyone asking:  “Why do I keep sabotaging myself?” “Why is food such a battle?” “Can faith help me change my habits—not just my mindset?” “Is it possible to live healthy without hating my body?” If you’re tired of striving and ready for a different kind of freedom, this conversation offers a hopeful reminder: lasting change doesn’t come from more effort—it comes from transformation rooted in grace.  00:00 Introduction to Weight Loss Without Deprivation  00:46 Dr. Laurette Willis' Journey to Faith  04:48 The Turning Point: Surrendering to God  07:05 From Addiction to Redemption  08:54 Empowering Women Through Faith-Based Weight Loss  12:18 Practical Exercise: Cutting Cravings in Seconds  16:28 Transforming from the Inside Out  17:44 The Power of Renewing Your Mind  19:28 Meditation and the Word of God  23:04 Practical Steps for a Healthy Lifestyle  25:19 Encouragement and Final Thoughts  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

    31 min
  7. Who Are You When Your Old Life Is Gone? Finding Purpose in Disability with Jenna Udenberg

    FEB 12

    Who Are You When Your Old Life Is Gone? Finding Purpose in Disability with Jenna Udenberg

    Get a copy of the chapter “Grace: God’s Power to Crush the Impossible” from Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective at karenadittman.com  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb  Connect with Jenna at https://www.aboveandbeyondwithu.org/ What happens when the life you loved is no longer possible?  How do you rebuild purpose after disability changes everything?  And can grace meet you when your identity has to be rewritten?  In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, Karen Dittman talks with Jenna Udenberg, a disabled former music educator who had to leave the career she loved after her employer chose not to accommodate her needs—and who went on to discover a new calling she never expected.  Jenna shares:  The grief of losing a beloved vocation and sense of identity How disability reshaped her understanding of purpose, worth, and dependence What led her to become a nonprofit founder and accessibility educator Why accessibility, inclusion, and community support are essential—not optional They also discuss:  The mindset shift from independence to interdependence How curiosity opens doors when certainty is gone And the role of grace in building a meaningful life after loss Jenna reflects on themes from her memoir, Within My Spokes, and the mission of her nonprofit, Above and Beyond With U, which works to create spaces where people of all abilities can belong and thrive.  This episode is for anyone asking:  “Who am I if I can’t do what I used to do?” “How do I find purpose after disability or chronic illness?” “Does my life still have value when everything has changed?” “How can we better support one another in real, tangible ways?” If you’re grieving a lost future—or learning how to walk alongside someone who is—this conversation offers a hope-filled reminder: grace doesn’t erase loss, but it can open the door to a deeper, more connected life than you imagined.  00:00 Introduction to Jenna Udenberg's Story  00:34 Jenna's Journey: From Music Educator to Disability Advocate  03:12 The Birth of Above and Beyond With U  04:53 Challenges and Reflections on Accessibility  12:34 The Importance of Community and Interdependence  15:49 Personal Growth and Vulnerability  29:30 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Jenna  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

    32 min
  8. Is It Okay to Doubt God? Constance Hastings on Faith, Fear, and The Trouble with Jesus

    FEB 5

    Is It Okay to Doubt God? Constance Hastings on Faith, Fear, and The Trouble with Jesus

    Get a copy of the chapter “Grace: God’s Power to Crush the Impossible” from Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective at karenadittman.com  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb  Connect with Constance Hastings at https://constancehastings.com/  Is it okay to doubt God?  What if faith doesn’t come easily—or neatly?  And what does following Jesus look like when life is full of fear, trouble, and unanswered questions?  In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, Karen Dittman talks with Constance Hastings, author of The Trouble With Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away, about the honest intersection of faith, doubt, fear, and God’s grace.  Constance shares her personal journey from an unconventional upbringing into a life shaped by calling, compassion, and grace—and why doubt didn’t push her away from faith, but deeper into it.  Together, they explore:  Common misconceptions about faith and what belief actually requires Why doubt is not the opposite of faith, but often part of a living one How fear distorts our image of God—and how grace restores it What love and empathy really look like in the way Jesus lived And how churches can better support people who feel unsure, skeptical, or spiritually tired They also reflect on how Jesus Himself faced trouble, suffering, and misunderstanding, and what His responses teach us about courage, honesty, and trust.  This episode is for anyone asking:  “Am I a bad Christian for questioning?” “Why does faith feel harder than it’s supposed to?” “Where is God in suffering and uncertainty?” “Is there room for me if my faith doesn’t look like everyone else’s?” If you’ve ever felt like faith was more complicated than you were told—or wondered whether grace still applies when life is messy—this conversation offers a freeing reminder: grace doesn’t remove trouble, but it expands our lives with meaning, love, and unexpected adventure.  00:00 Introduction and Welcome  00:23 Constance Hastings' Faith Journey  05:43 The Trouble With Jesus: Book Insights  10:51 Understanding Love and Empathy  12:55 Faith, Doubt, and Fear  19:37 Creating a Safe Space for Doubt in Church  27:04 Final Thoughts and Takeaways  Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

    29 min
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About

Are you a Christian mom in midlife longing for deeper connection with God—but feeling burned out from trying harder? Welcome to The Grace Cycle Show, the faith-based podcast that helps women like you grow spiritually without striving. Hosted by Karen Dittman, co-author of Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective, this podcast offers biblical encouragement, honest conversations, and practical tools to help you live by the power of God’s grace—not guilt or performance. Each week, Karen shares real-life stories, inspiring interviews, and teachings on The Grace Cycle—a transformational framework to help you thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. Whether you're seeking spiritual renewal, tired of perfectionism, or want to experience more peace and purpose in this season of life, Thriving in Grace is for you. Subscribe today and discover a fresh, grace-filled path to spiritual growth. Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

Information

  • Creator
    Karen Dittman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Karen A. Dittman
  • Show Website
    The Grace Cycle Show