Women Behind the Words

Episode 74 - The Unforced Rhythms of Grace: Trading Striving for Soul Rest with Debbie Dufek

Date: May 9, 2025

Podcast Show Notes: Debbie Dufek

 

Episode Highlights:
In this peaceful and uplifting episode of The Women Behind the Words, host Debbie Dufek takes a reflective journey into the comforting invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message). This passage calls us to release the weight of exhaustion, burnout, and pressure and instead discover the “unforced rhythms of grace.”

Debbie invites listeners to step away from the constant striving for perfection and lean into the gentle, sustaining grace that Jesus offers. She shares personal insights, practical steps, and spiritual reflections to help you find rest and refreshment, even in the busiest seasons of life. With heartfelt encouragement, Debbie explores the power of slowing down, being present, and living in a place of deep spiritual peace.

Key Takeaways:

• The beauty of walking in step with Jesus, not rushing ahead or lagging behind

• How to release the burdens we were never meant to carry

• Practical rhythms for soul rest, including morning stillness, midday prayer, and evening gratitude

• How to find the gentle, steady pace of grace in a world that pushes us to perform

Reflection Questions:

• What burdens am I carrying that Jesus never asked me to bear?

• Where in my life do I feel “forced” instead of flowing with grace?

• What would it look like to walk hand-in-hand in step with Jesus today?

• When was the last time I felt truly rested in my soul?

Prayer & Journaling Prompts:

• Jesus, today I feel weary because...

• Show me where I’ve been striving instead of trusting.

• What “unforced rhythm” are You inviting me into this week?

• Thank You for carrying the weight I was never meant to hold. Help me release...

Take a deep breath, let the noise fade, and embrace the unforced rhythms of grace. Remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to stay close to Jesus. There’s rest for your soul right here.

 

About the Host:
Debbie Dufek is an author, conference and retreat speaker, inspirational storyteller, and the creator and host of The Women Behind the Words podcast. She has a deep passion for encouraging others to live deliberately for what matters to Jesus. Currently, she’s writing a new book on her concept of a Weekly Business Meeting with God, with plans for a March 2026 release.

Debbie’s first book, Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder, was released in 2022 by Bold Vision Books. This heartfelt collection of stories reflects Debbie’s belief that God often speaks to us in the ordinary, seemingly unremarkable moments of our lives. She encourages readers to slow down, listen closely, and recognize God’s divine interruptions as sacred opportunities to live with purpose, compassion, and faith. With each story, Debbie reminds us that God’s whispers often come when we least expect them—but always when we need them most.

If you long to see God’s fingerprints in the everyday moments of your life, this book is a beautiful reminder to keep your heart open and your spirit attentive.

 

Connect with Debbie:
Instagram: @deb.dufek
Facebook: Debbie Cone Dufek
Website: www.debbiedufek.com
Email: deb@debbiedufek.com

Episode 73 - Teaching Is a Mission Field: How God Uses Educators Every Day with Gretchen Huesmann

Date: April 25, 2025

Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Gretchen Huesmann

 

Episode Highlights: In this inspiring episode of The Women Behind the Words, host Debbie Dufek sits down with Gretchen Huesmann—teacher, speaker, and award-winning author—for a conversation filled with honesty, insight, and hope for today's educators. As the author of It’s a Good Day to Be a Teacher: 52 Devotions to Equip and Encourage Educators, Gretchen brings her heart and firsthand experience to the table, offering support to those navigating the complexities of the classroom post-pandemic.

Gretchen shares how God called her back into the classroom after a season of stepping away, revealing the unique challenges students, teachers, and administrators now face. From children struggling to hold books to overwhelmed parents and burned-out educators, she unpacks the urgent need for spiritual and emotional reinforcement in schools today.

This episode explores how Gretchen’s devotional came to be—not just as another book on a shelf, but as a God-ordained resource rooted in Scripture, prayer, and practical application. With 365 daily reflections divided into four school terms—fall, winter, spring, and summer—her devotions offer tangible tools to strengthen teachers from the inside out.

Debbie and Gretchen also discuss how Christian educators can bring the presence of God into even secular classrooms, the power of prayer over class lists, and the mindset shift needed to see each school day as an opportunity to make an eternal difference.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschool parent, or simply someone who knows and loves a teacher, this episode will stir your heart, offer encouragement, and equip you to face the educational front lines with purpose and peace.

 

About the Guest: Gretchen Huesmann is a seasoned teacher, speaker, blogger, and multi-genre award-winning author with a heart for helping others connect to Jesus—whether they're three or ninety-three. She’s taught in seven different states, served alongside her pastor husband in five congregations, and currently resides in Pensacola, Florida. Gretchen is the author of numerous articles and devotions, an active member and leader in Word Weavers International, and a certified speaker for women’s and educational events. Her first book, It’s a Good Day to Be a Teacher, was released in March 2025, and her debut picture book Our Daily Bread is set to release in 2027.

 

Book Spotlight: It’s a Good Day to Be a Teacher: 52 Devotions to Equip and Encourage Educators Today’s educators face unprecedented challenges in and out of the classroom. This book offers more than encouragement—it delivers biblical tools to empower teachers in their calling. Each weekly devotion provides:

• Spiritual insights and inspiration

• Courage to continue the calling

• Practical steps for application

• Additional prompts for deeper study

Teachers will discover the strength and joy to teach from a place of peace and purpose while seeing lives transformed—starting with their own.

 

Connect with Gretchen: Website: www.gretchenhuesmann.com
Email: info@gretchenhuesmann.com
Instagram: @gretchenhuesmann
Facebook: Gretchen Huesmann, Author/Speaker

 

Closing Thought: The classroom is a mission field, and every day is a new opportunity to sow seeds that will outlast the lesson plan. What might change if we started every school day with this truth in mind?

 

Featured Scripture (TPT): "The Lord alone is our radiant hope and we trust in him with all our hearts. His wraparound presence will strengthen us." — Psalm 33:20 (TPT)

Episode 72 - Too Blessed to Be Stressed with Debora Coty

Date: April 19, 2025
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Debora Coty

 

Episode Highlights:
In this joy-filled and uplifting episode of The Women Behind the Words, Deb welcomes the incredibly inspiring Debora M. Coty—speaker, columnist, certified writing coach, and award-winning author of more than 40 books, including the beloved Too Blessed to be Stressed series.

Debora shares the heart behind her life’s mission: “to be blessed and to be a blessing.” With humor and heartfelt honesty, she opens up about how walking in obedience to God has unlocked a life overflowing with unexpected joys, reminding us that blessing others often brings the richest blessings in return.

You’ll hear Debora reflect on how the renewing of our minds transforms our relationships, our outlook, and the way we navigate everyday life. She explores the beauty of living with awe and wonder and shares how Scripture—particularly 1 Peter 3:9—teaches us the divine principle of “blessing for blessing.” As Debora says, there’s a holy “BOGO” in effect when we live to lift others.

This episode will make you smile, laugh, reflect, and walk away encouraged to live with greater joy and intention.

 

About the Guest:
Debora M. Coty is a seasoned event speaker, faith-filled humorist, columnist, certified writing coach, and the bestselling author of the Too Blessed to be Stressed series, which has sold over 1.3 million copies in multiple languages. Her books offer women relatable encouragement and biblical wisdom for life’s highs, lows, and everything in between.

A self-proclaimed tennis addict (just so she can eat more chocolate), Debora lives in central Florida with her husband of 45 years, their two grown children, and five energetic grandbuddies. Through her writing and speaking ministry, Debora delights in helping women trade their stress for God’s rest.

 

Book Spotlight:
Bless Your Heart: Daily Devotions to Warm Your Heart & Feed Your Soul
To be released Fall 2025

Ever feel like you're living under a storm cloud? If chocolate isn’t doing the trick, it might be time for some soul care, sister.

In Bless Your Heart, Debora Coty offers 365 days of Scripture, reflection, and prayer to help lift your spirit and refocus your heart. With her signature humor and warmth, Debora encourages women to love difficult people, lean into God’s truth, and laugh even when life feels heavy.

This devotional is perfect for early mornings, lunch breaks, or bedtime wind-downs—helping you see God’s hand in both the ordinary and the unexpected.

✨ Why You’ll Love It:
• Bite-sized devotions for busy women
• Encouragement rooted in Scripture and grace
• The perfect gift for a bestie—or yourself

 

Connect with Debora:
Email: debora@deboracoty.com
Website: www.DeboraCoty.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DeboraCotyAuthor
Instagram: @deboracoty
Twitter: @DeboraCoty

 

Final Word
When we bless others with intention, we open the floodgates for joy to return. What could change in your life if you stepped into today to be a blessing?

Episode 71 - Mom is Not Your Only Name with Kate Batistelli

Date: April 11, 2025
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Kate Battistelli

 

Episode Highlights:
In this powerful episode of The Women Behind the Words, we’re joined by the inspiring Kate Battistelli, who brings a heartfelt and hope-filled message to women navigating the tender transition of the empty nest. Whether you're currently walking through this season or preparing for it, Kate's words are sure to bring comfort, clarity, and vision for what's ahead.

With wisdom grounded in faith and experience, Kate shares the raw realities of the “after party” of parenting—how it can feel both beautiful and deeply challenging. She speaks to mothers whose children are walking away from the Lord and reminds us that our prayers still hold eternal weight. She encourages listeners to dream again, pursue purpose beyond parenting, and reclaim the identity that may have been placed on hold during the child-raising years.

From prioritizing your marriage in this new chapter to finding mentorship and becoming a mentor to embracing God’s unexpected callings, Kate offers practical encouragement and deeply spiritual insight. Her gentle reminders echo throughout this episode: God is not done with you, your story still matters, and your name is not only “Mom.”

Before closing in a beautiful prayer, Kate encourages each listener to lean into God’s faithfulness and not to settle for the sidelines. There is still work to do—and great joy to be found.

 

About the Guest:
Kate Battistelli is the author of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name, The God Dare, and Growing Great Kids. A national voice of encouragement to women in all stages of life, Kate is a sought-after speaker, mentor, and one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast alongside her co-hosts September McCarthy and Jamie Erickson.

Once a Broadway actress, Kate starred as Anna in The King and I opposite Yul Brynner, performing over 1,000 shows on tour. She and her husband laid down their careers in the theater to follow God's call to homeschool their daughter, Grammy-winning artist Francesca Battistelli, and build a life of ministry and home business. Today, Kate resides in Franklin, Tennessee, where she enjoys life alongside her family—including seven beloved grandchildren.

A frequent contributor to publications such as Guideposts, The Joyful Life, The Better Mom, and Mici Magazine, she has also written for the Incourage Bible for Women and The Spirit-Led Woman’s Bible. Kate was recently honored by She Leads Tennessee for her leadership and influence in ministry.

Through her books, blog, and social platforms, Kate continues to inspire women to step out of their comfort zones and into God's bigger plans.

 

Book Spotlight:
The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name
The empty nest isn’t the end—it’s the start of something new. In this beautifully written and deeply encouraging book, Kate invites readers to explore the sacred, sometimes bittersweet space that follows the parenting years. With reflection prompts and practical wisdom, she guides women to rediscover who they are, what they’re called to do, and how to thrive in a season filled with possibility.

If you've ever asked, “Who am I now that my children are gone?”—this book is for you.
If you feel torn between grief and freedom—you’re not alone.
If you’re ready to embrace your second act—God is already writing it.

You are cordially invited to the After Party… because Mom is not your only name.

 

Connect with Kate Battistelli:
Instagram: @katebattistelli
Facebook: Kate Battistelli
X (Twitter): @katebattistelli
LinkedIn: Kate Battistelli
Website: www.katebattistelli.com

 

Closing Thought:
The chapter of motherhood may change, but your purpose never ends. Let this season be a divine invitation—not to retreat—but to rise. The second act might just be the most meaningful one yet.

Episode 70 - Looking Up With Janet McHenry

Date: April 4, 2025
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Janet McHenry

 

Episode Highlights:
We’re welcoming back a dear friend of the podcast, Janet McHenry, for a conversation filled with insight, wisdom, and warmth. Many know Janet as a woman of deep prayer and a dedicated prayer-walker, but in this episode, she returns to share another transformative practice in her life—reading through the entire Bible each year.

Janet opens up about how she began this life-giving habit during a busy season of raising four children as a working mom. She shares how the daily discipline of reading God’s Word brought spiritual depth, practical peace, and a renewed relationship with the Lord.

For anyone who has struggled to stay consistent in reading Scripture—especially young moms carrying guilt—Janet offers a grace-filled perspective and encourages listeners to start simply, without pressure. She also introduces the beautiful practice of praying Scripture—taking God's Word and speaking it back to Him as personal, powerful prayer.

Describing the Bible as God’s love story, Janet reflects on how the Word has shaped her understanding of His character and direction for her life. She shares her favorite book of the Bible, the life verse that keeps her “Looking Up,” and how God continues to meet her through the pages of Scripture.

Her return to the show is filled with encouragement, practical tips, and a closing prayer that will stir your heart to open your Bible and encounter the One who wrote it just for you.

 

About the Guest:
Janet McHenry is a national speaker, author, coach, and founder of the Sierra Valley Writers Retreat. She serves as the prayer coordinator at The Bridge Church in Reno, sits on the advisory council for First Place for Health, and is part of the state leadership team for the National Day of Prayer. Janet is also a Certified Life Coach through the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

She speaks at retreats and conferences across the country, offering biblical encouragement to help others deepen their prayer life and connection to Scripture. Janet lives in Sierra Valley, California, where she hosts retreats and conversations that feed the soul and warm the heart.

 

Book Spotlight:
Looking Up: 365 Devotions for Bible Reading Joy
This inspiring devotional walks readers through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation with 365 daily readings. Each devotion includes a focus verse, a Scripture-based prayer, and an optional plan for reading through the Bible in a year. With over two decades of experience reading the entire Bible annually, Janet offers wisdom and joy to help others grow closer to God—one day, one verse, and one prayer at a time.

 

Connect with Janet:
Email: janetmchenry@live.com
Website: www.janetmchenry.com

 

Closing Thought:
If God’s Word truly is your compass, when was the last time you let it guide your next step? Let Janet’s story encourage you to open the pages again—with joy, curiosity, and the expectation that He will meet you there.

Episode 69 - Finding Food Freedom: Kristy McCammon’s Journey to Life Unbinged

Date: March 28, 2025
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Kristy McCammon

 

Episode Highlights:
In this deeply honest and empowering episode of The Women Behind the Words, Kristy McCammon shares her journey of breaking free from emotional eating and food addiction through surrender, faith, and practical boundaries. Though she had a strong relationship with the Lord, Kristy battled shame and secret struggles with binge eating, often hiding her pain behind a smile. It wasn’t until she cried out to God for help that He gave her one life-changing word: boundaries.

After trying every diet with no lasting results, Kristy realized she needed something more sustainable—something rooted in truth. Through surrendering her food choices to the Lord and following a plan of three measured meals a day, Kristy lost over 100 pounds and has maintained that weight loss for more than six years. But more importantly, she found true freedom—freedom from shame, secrecy, and the constant mental battle with food.

Kristy explains how the world often tells us to satisfy every craving, but the Word of God teaches us to renew our minds and align our lives with His truth. For her, this meant creating beautiful guardrails—firm but life-giving boundaries with food, especially sugar and processed carbs. Though it required grieving the loss of certain habits and comforts, she gained something far more valuable: a deeper dependence on Jesus and a life she no longer wanted to numb.

Today, Kristy is a voice of hope to hundreds of thousands of women through her ministry, Life Unbinged. With over 700,000 social media followers and a thriving online community, she shares practical steps, daily encouragement, and biblical truth to help others break free from food struggles and emotional eating.

She leaves listeners with three powerful takeaways:

1. Let go of sugar and processed flour.

2. Journal what you eat.

3. Study what God says about your identity.

Food freedom, Kristy says, isn’t about restriction—it’s about liberation. It’s about choosing what nourishes you physically, emotionally, and spiritually while letting go of what leads you back into bondage.

 

About the Guest:
Kristy McCammon is a Christian wife, mother of five, speaker, coach, and founder of Life Unbinged. After losing 100 pounds in 2017 by surrendering her food addiction to the Lord and creating healthy, sustainable habits, Kristy has dedicated her life to helping others experience the same transformation. With a passionate and relatable voice, she shares tools and strategies to help women ditch dieting and walk in true freedom. Kristy lives in Texas with her husband and children and enjoys hiking, nature, and slow mornings with her Bible and coffee.

 

Book Spotlight: Life Unbinged
Life Unbinged is both a personal testimony and a practical guide for anyone longing to be free from food addiction. In this inspiring book, Kristy shares her story of quitting sugar, surrendering shame, and discovering joy through faith and intentionality. With honest reflections and actionable advice, Life Unbinged is a must-read for those ready to stop the binge-diet cycle and start living in victory—one meal, one prayer, and one day at a time.

 

Connect with Kristy McCammon:
Website: www.lifeunbinged.com
Email: lifeunbinged@gmail.com / support@lifeunbinged.com
Social Media:
Instagram: @lifeunbinged
Facebook: Life Unbinged
Quick Links: lifeunbinged.com/links

Episode 68 - My Journey of Surrender with Kristy Sheridan

Date: March 21, 2025

Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Kristy Sheridan

 

Episode Highlights:
In this powerful episode of The Women Behind the Words, Deb Dufek welcomes Kristy Sheridan to share her incredible journey of survival, surrender, and spiritual awakening. Kristy’s life is marked by two near-death experiences—a deadly plane crash on American Airlines Flight 1420 and a 60-foot fall while hiking—both resulting in broken necks. It was through these harrowing moments that God broke through her self-reliance and invited her into a deeper, surrendered walk with Him.

Kristy opens up about moving from perfectionism and performance-based living to discovering her identity in Christ. After the second accident, she cried out to the Lord for help surrendering fully—and He met her in that prayer. Through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit, Kristy’s heart was transformed, launching her into a new chapter of purpose and ministry.

Deb and Kristy also connect over their shared love for adoption and advocacy, particularly for those impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Kristy shares a deeply personal story of her adopted brother’s struggles with addiction, repeated incarceration, and eventual redemption. Years of estrangement gave way to forgiveness, compassion, and healing—both for him and Kristy. Through Deb’s introduction, Kristy connected with Sandra Flach, a national FASD advocate, opening the door for future collaboration.

Kristy shares how her ministry, Sowing Jesus, began organically through leaving handwritten notes and Scripture in public spaces. It later evolved into her blog Three Minute Miracles, where she shares brief yet impactful stories about how God shows up in everyday life. Her testimony is a beautiful reminder of how God uses the most broken parts of our stories for His glory.

A central theme of this episode is the power of forgiveness and how it unlocks freedom, both for ourselves and those we love. Kristy encourages others to “transform painful places and persistent plateaus into purpose-filled spaces,” reminding listeners that our deepest wounds can become a platform for God’s grace.

 

About Kristy Sheridan:
Kristy Sheridan is an author, speaker, blogger, and the founder of the ministry Sowing Jesus. After earning her BA in English from San Diego State University, she spent 16 years in sales and management before God redirected her path through two life-altering accidents. Today, Kristy serves with the Family Assistance Education and Research Foundation, providing care to disaster survivors. She and her husband of 35 years live near Dallas, Texas, and have two grown children. Kristy is passionate about sharing the joy of Christ and encouraging others through her writing, speaking, and online ministry.

 

Book Spotlight: Third Save — Rescued from Death, Living in Joy
After surviving a plane crash and later falling off a cliff, Kristy Sheridan was confronted with her need for surrender. Her debut book, Third Save, chronicles her physical recovery and spiritual transformation. It’s a story of how God took a career-driven, self-sufficient woman and turned her life upside down to show her what real joy, identity, and purpose in Christ look like. Her testimony invites readers to consider how God may be using their trials to call them closer to Him.

 

Connect with Kristy Sheridan:
Website: www.kristysheridan.com
Email: kristy@kristysheridan.com
Facebook: facebook.com/kristysheridan
Instagram: @kristy_sheridan

 

Kristy’s story is a moving reminder that surrendering to Christ leads to deeper joy, purpose, and peace. Her journey shows how God can redeem even the most painful chapters of our lives and use them to write a story of restoration and hope.

Episode 67 - Grandparenting with Wisdom and Grace with Melissa Heiland

Date: March 14, 2025

Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Melissa Heiland

 

Episode Highlights:

In this heartfelt episode of The Women Behind the Words, Debbie Dufek welcomes Melissa Heiland to discuss the profound role of grandparents and how they can impact their grandchildren’s lives with love, prayer, and wisdom. Melissa shares valuable insights on navigating the joys and challenges of grandparenting while maintaining integrity, respect, and a deep sense of faith.

Melissa emphasizes the importance of honoring parental authority and encouraging grandparents to never undermine their grandchildren's parents or contradict established rules—especially when it comes to sensitive areas like technology use. Respecting these boundaries not only builds trust but also sets a godly example of integrity and honor.

The conversation also explores the delicate balance of sharing faith with grandchildren. Melissa encourages grandparents to naturally weave conversations about Jesus into everyday moments unless explicitly asked not to. The goal is to offer encouragement and hope without pressure, allowing faith to be a gentle and uplifting presence.

Being present—both emotionally and physically—is another key aspect of grandparenting. Melissa encourages clearing schedules when grandchildren visit, being intentional in conversations, and speaking life and purpose into their hearts. She reminds grandparents that their presence is a gift, and their words can shape a legacy of faith and love.

Through these intentional practices, grandparents can create a safe, welcoming place for both their grandchildren and their parents. It’s about building a legacy rooted in faith, integrity, and unconditional love—making an eternal impact for generations to come.

 

About Melissa Heiland:
Melissa Heiland is a wife, mother of six, and grandmother of thirteen. With degrees from Wake Forest University and the University of Central Missouri, her specialties include education and curriculum instruction. Melissa served as a missionary with the International Mission Board and has led mission teams since 2000. She is the Founder and President of Beautiful Feet International, a mission organization that establishes pregnancy centers around the world. Beautiful Feet has over 151 pregnancy ministries in 36 countries.

Melissa is also an author, speaker, and missionary. Her written works include a training manual and curriculum for pregnancy centers, devotionals for new and pregnant mothers, and resources for mission teams. Melissa is the recipient of the 2014 EvanTell Matthew 4:19 award and the 2022 Heartbeat International Servant Leader award. Her passion is equipping others to share the Gospel and advocate for life.

 

Book Spotlights:

A Mother’s Journey: A Devotional for Pregnancy
This 40-week devotional offers comfort and spiritual guidance to expectant mothers. Each chapter includes scripture, a journal prompt, and details about the baby’s development. It encourages women to connect with their children, themselves, and God—offering hope and reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.

A Mother’s Comfort: A Devotional for Baby’s First Year
This 52-week devotional is designed to encourage new mothers as they bond with their babies. Each devotion includes scripture, reflections, and journaling prompts, helping mothers draw closer to God while navigating the joys and challenges of the first year. It serves as a comforting reminder that just as they comfort their child, God is present to comfort and guide them.

 

Connect with Melissa Heiland:
Website: Beautiful Feet International
Email: bfidiroperations@gmail.com
Facebook: Beautiful Feet International
Instagram: @beautifulfeetintl

 

Melissa’s life and ministry are a testament to the beauty of living intentionally for Christ, building legacies of love and faith that extend across generations and around the world.