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Candid, spontaneous and fun interviews with couples of diverse backgrounds who have been greatly affected and repaired by the courses at Marriage Dynamics. Join your host, Sue Duffield for this bi-monthly podcast.
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Making sense of God’s design for our lives and our day-to-day experience in a sinful world can be exhausting and lonely. Join me, Louise, Sedgwick, an author, minister, and survivor of childhood trauma each Tuesday as I share insights about my own healing journey as well as many other stories that will inspire you. Here you will discover the hope you’ve been craving. If you’re ready to experience true freedom from the past and finally connect with others and God, I’ve saved a seat for you.
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Philip and Jan Nichols have been leading Dynamic Marriage classes since 1997. Their passion for mentoring and teaching couples to be healthy and thriving is the very core of their lives as Master Facilitators. Both Philip and Jan hail from Texas, finding their way to Lubbock Christian College in the years 1972-1977. Philip served church families in…
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In this episode, we explore the powerful story of David Tso, a Navajo man who fled the reservation to escape the shame and pain of institutional racism. Carrying a deep sense of unworthiness, David’s life took a turn when a pastor offered him friendship and respect. This connection helped David recognize his true value and embrace God’s grace, ulti…
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When someone makes us feel unacceptable—whether directly or indirectly—it’s hard to feel safe or be ourselves around them. Often, we avoid those people. But what if you couldn’t? What if that person was your teacher or dorm parent, and you were just a child living under their authority? You might begin to shrink inside yourself, feeling ashamed and…
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Being prejudged is a deeply frustrating and painful experience. It leaves us feeling misunderstood, disrespected, and unseen—especially when someone assumes things about us before ever knowing who we truly are. Many of us have faced this at some point, and for some, it's a far too frequent occurrence. In this week's solo episode, I explore the many…
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Being let go from a job is never easy—it’s often accompanied by feelings of shame, fear, and uncertainty. But what happens when you're asked to leave without any explanation? The confusion can lead to self-doubt and lingering questions. This week, I’m joined again by Larry, who faced this very challenge when he was forced into retirement. The publi…
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This week on the podcast, we're diving into the complex world of work and the emotions that come with it. While I’ve been fortunate to enjoy most of my jobs, I know that's not always the case for everyone. Jobs can lift us up—or drain us of energy and joy. And sometimes, the workplace can be a source of unexpected shame. I’m joined by Larry, a succ…
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In this week’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that often flies under the radar but can deeply affect how we experience our jobs—shame in the workplace. We all spend a significant part of our lives working, and ideally, work should give us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But what happens when shame creeps in, turning what could be an enjoyab…
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Why Tackling the Challenges in Marriage is Always Worth It with Tom and Marcia Kuyper (Part 2)
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In this episode, we explore the often unexpected amount of effort that meaningful relationships require and why they are worth every bit of it. Relationships, especially in marriage, are God’s gifts to us, and He calls us to make them a priority. While we can't control the choices of our spouses, we can commit to pursuing them with genuine intentio…
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In this episode, we unpack the subtle yet profound ways the Holy Spirit uses our closest relationships—especially in marriage—to shape and refine us. Growth often emerges from the tensions and trials we’d prefer to avoid, yet it’s within these moments that transformation truly takes root. Joining me are Tom and Marcia Kuyper, Family and Marriage Pa…
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Marriage can be both beautiful and challenging, especially when old wounds and harmful patterns resurface. Fear and shame often creep in, blocking the joy and connection that marriage is meant to bring. This week, we’re diving into how these struggles impact relationships—and how grace can break the cycle. In this solo episode, I explore how shame …
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In this episode, we dive into the struggles we face when life seems overwhelming and hope feels distant. How do we navigate the storms when trusting God feels impossible? Join me as I sit down againwith Jim Rosania, a successful athlete and physical trainer, who takes us deeper into his story and his journey with Parkinson’s Disease. Despite the ch…
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MDI is launching a TWO-DAY (Friday and Saturday) marriage workshop created for engaged and newly married couples called "A New Foundation." The intent is to offer a proactive approach to help couples establish a healthy marriage and develop skills for better relationships in contrast to "A New Beginning" which is designed for couples in crisis. Dem…
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Do you ever feel unsure of your ability to discern God's path or purpose for you? Haven't we all? And yet the shame we carry in this experience can be hard to escape. This week, I'm joined by Jim Rosania (JR), an elite physical trainer whose illustrious career faced a significant challenge when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Despite thi…
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In this episode, Kelly Hall is back to help us explore the transformative power of faith through life's trials. Reflecting on a journey of cultivated faith and the steadfast faithfulness of God, we discuss the importance of daily surrender and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Kelly shares more of her story of raising three profoundly deaf d…
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In this heartwarming episode, we reflect on the powerful truth from Jeremiah 32:17, "Nothing is too hard for God." This verse has been a source of strength and encouragement, teaching us that no situation is impossible for God. His presence transforms our challenges, offering us perseverance and comfort. This week, we are joined by Kelly Hall, an i…
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Covey and Katie Wise have been married twenty-four years. They have five children and use their experiences from marriage and parenting to encourage couples and young families to draw closer to God and to each other. Covey has served as an evangelist for Monroeville Christian Church for the past eleven years. Their entire family is actively involve…
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Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of shame and hardship, wondering where God is in your struggles? In this week's episode, I open up about my own journey through seasons of intense pain and shame. I share how I often blamed myself and others for the trials I faced, believing I was unworthy of happiness. Shame skewed my interpretation of my expe…
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Not everyone is a pioneer, but we owe much to those who bravely went first. This is true for trailblazing the west, rocketing to the moon, and believing that God’s grace can free us from shame. This week, I’m thrilled to welcome back Delphine Fanfon from Cameroon. Delphine shares how her dislike of pretense led her to believe in God’s grace, freein…
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When poverty is the reality for everyone in a country, both believers and nonbelievers alike grapple with a deep sense of shame. Suffering becomes the norm, and only God can provide hope for freedom from this pervasive despair. In this week’s podcast episode, I am honored to welcome Delphine Fanfon, a dedicated minister living in Cameroon. In this …
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Shame distorts our perspective, often making us feel devalued by others' words and actions. Sometimes, the harm is real and there’s no misunderstanding—we’ve been disrespected. Whether perceived or real, shame impacts us deeply and needs healing. This week, I'm joined again by Sue Tell, a veteran leader in the Navigators’ Ministry. Sue shares her j…
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In this episode, I have a powerful conversation with Sue Tell, veteran leader with the Navigators, as we dive into the internal struggles we face within churches and Christian organizations. In this episode, Sue opens up about her battle with shame and comparison, and how these feelings impacted her ministry. Alongside her husband, Bill, Sue reache…
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When I launched my podcast in August 2022, I had no idea how profoundly God would use it to touch lives. I’ve been amazed by the generous souls who shared their time, hearts, and wisdom with us. This week marks our 100th episode! To celebrate, I’ve created a solo episode reflecting on lessons learned, highlighting proud moments, and sharing what’s …
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When it comes to mixing two families together, much wisdom comes from this episode's couple in how they were able to slowly work at making sure their children developed a relationship with their newly grafted-in family member. A blended marriage (or a "CrockPot marriage" as Ken so quickly reminds us) takes time. Tanna and Ken's compelling story sho…
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Have you ever felt the sting of betrayal within your Christian community? Has a trusted leader let you down? You're not alone. The pain from such a deep wound can lead us to guard our hearts and avoid those who have hurt us. I know this because I’ve been there. The closeness of the relationship and the trust I placed in it made the betrayal all the…
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God's design for the church has always been to create a rich community where all believers can mature as they learn to connect with and serve God and each other. However, we know that Satan is relentless in his attempts to destroy the work of the church. One of the Enemy's most effective strategies is spreading misguided theology that emphasizes pe…
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Cheryl is back to share more of her healing journey through a divorce, which like many others involved several layers of grief. Cheryl is so gifted in the sharing of details of this process, which reveal God’s tender care and attention to her wounds. She will share how critical it was to find a safe space to share her pain. She will also talk about…
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When we are walking it out, it is so difficult to trust that God would choose to bring good from the darkest moments of our pain. In this episode, I’ve invited my friend Cheryl to share her story of surviving divorce and all its rippling effects, including carrying the shame of her husband’s addiction leading to his arrest. While Cheryl would be th…
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Many times when we face relational challenges, it gives us a chance to consider: how might I have contributed to this experience? In this second episode, Mark returns to share how he took time reflect on this question and own the ways his words and actions had led to part of the breakdown in trust in his marriage. He shares how he was able to griev…
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As the Ministry Marketing Director, Celeste LaReau brings years of nonprofit experience to Marriage Dynamics Institute. She has many talents and strengths. But her ability to relate to people makes her exceptional within her role at MDI. One of her primary responsibilities is to share information and convey the value of our marriage resources to co…
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Divorce is a path no one ever plans to have to travel. Regardless of what circumstances lead a couple to divorce, the journey can come with plenty of grief and shame. In this episode, I’ve invited my friend Mark to share his experience of entering marriage and becoming a parent soon after. When nurturing the marriage took a backseat to the ongoing …
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In this second interview with Nicole Hunter, she helps us understand why the need for belonging drives so much of the decision-making that happens in the adolescent years. Instead of connecting students, social media has only magnified the feeling of being left out. More than that, it plays a significant role in increasing their vulnerability to an…
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As kids enter their teen years, we often recognize some dramatic shifts in preferences, priorities, communication, and decision-making skills to name a few. Without understanding the larger context of how the brain develops during these years, we risk reacting instead of responding as we relate to them. In this episode, I’ve invited Nicole Hunter t…
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The built-up shame of so many years of being teased and misunderstood by adults and peers in Cary’s life had taken quite a toll on his heart. Cary shares what greats lengths he was willing to go to try to escape the pain, which only left him feeling more hopeless. Cary will share how some very painful circumstances led him to encounter Jesus, his f…
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We are now much more familiar with how learning differences manifest as children develop. Yet there is a considerable amount of damage done when adults fail to get curious about why students struggle to succeed or engage in traditional methods of learning. Cary, my friend and guest today endured many years of being misunderstood as a child with und…
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So much of our childhood is spent in a school or educational setting. When we think back to these days, you may recall some of your best teachers and favorite ways to spend time with friends on the playground. Yet it is also a setting that is performance-focused, which naturally makes us vulnerable and produces feelings of shame. In this episode, I…
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In this second conversation with Brian Dario, he will share with us how he pursued reconciliation with his step-dad as an adult. The transforming power of both offering and receiving forgiveness in this relationship brought about so much redemption. He will also share how meeting his biological father produced far more questions than answers for Br…
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So many of the negative messages we receive in childhood are implied rather than spoken aloud. But when they are sent again and again, especially from people who were designated to guide and nurture us, we can easily feel overwhelmed by shame. In this episode, I am joined by my friend and pastor, Brian Dario. Brian will share how an absent biologic…
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Jason and Becky Kridner didn't know if they were going to make it past thirteen years of marriage until they found Dynamic Marriage. After being a part of a Dynamic Marriage training weekend, they knew immediately that the wanted to heal first, then help other marriages to heal and thrive too. The Kridners have been leading Dynamic Marriage worksho…
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In our first conversation with Jenny Scheid, we learned how shame can show up in how we think and feel about our bodies. As we dive deeper into this very pervasive challenge, Jenny will help us learn how to capture the lies that are fueling our shame and begin to practice honoring our bodies instead. We will touch on what might hinder our healing j…
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As broken people, sin impacts all parts of who we are created to be, and our physical bodies and how we see them is no exception. I’ve invited therapist, Jenny Scheid on the podcast to help us understand the ways grief can prevent us from believing how valuable our bodies are, regardless of how they "fall short" according to the world’s elusive sta…
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When you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror or in a group photo someone shared online, are you ever mentally snagged by critical thoughts? It’s yet another element of our lives where shame can call the shots. In this episode, I want to share with you some examples of how body shame can distort how we see ourselves, how we see others, and esp…
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Pastor Mike and Connie Hammer know the power of healthy families and the outcome that it produces in their church and community. They pastor a thriving church in Dillsburg, PA (Celebration Church) and have committed to teaching and counseling couples of all ages in not only their married journey, but also their walk with Christ. Marriage Dynamics I…
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Taking the time to understand that your patterns of relating are dysfunctional is the step that sets our healing journey in motion. It can be both freeing and overwhelming to realize there are different and more productive ways of relating to those in our family now or in our family of origin. But as Kaye and I talk about in this episode, there's a…
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Family systems are complex for so many reasons. We were designed with a need to belong in relationships where we can connect and express our needs and in turn, care for others, too. When this happens regularly, we have the chance to thrive in these relationships. This can lead to a lot of joy and fulfillment! But when any family member finds themse…
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Regardless of how you were raised, one thing is for certain; there are no perfect families. Even those with "minimal baggage" still manage to leave relational wounds. Because we are all fallen, we are sinners, and as a result, we are all impacted by shame. In this episode, I’ll share some common examples of what it looks like for family members to …
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Last week Christopher Keck shared why it’s helpful to get curious about our past to draw connections between our childhood and how we show up in our parenting today. If you’ve taken time to do that, it's easy to get overwhelmed and you may even be tempted to get stuck in shame. That’s why I wanted Christopher to come back and share how we can begin…
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How Exploring Our Past Allows Us to Be Present in Parenting Today with Christopher Keck, LPC, DBH
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Parenting can be an incredible privilege and joy to experience. It can also be one of the most emotionally demanding responsibilities you’ll ever take on. And if you are a parent, you know it’s usually a mix of both on any given day. In this episode, I’ve invited Christopher Keck, LPC, DBH, and President and CEO of Open Hearts Family Wellness to he…
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While not every one of us in this community is a parent, we have certainly all been impacted by the presence - or absence of our parents. When parents allow shame to drive their patterns of relating, they becomes self-focused and out of touch with the needs of their children. While it can feel uncomfortable to examine the negative traits of our own…
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This is just a quick holiday greeting to let you know I'm taking a break to refresh and be with family, as I hope you are too! You'll hear about some ways to work with me and what to expect as we continue our journey here on this podcast in 2024. I am so grateful and honored you've joined me! Many blessings to you and your family!…
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A vulnverable and honest conversation, as well as a glimpse into Marriage Dynamics' solid mission is what this episode is about. MDI's CEO, Deb Timson, gives great hope and insight from 2023 with abundance of expectation going forward into 2024. For end-of-year giving or even becoming a partner into 2024, know that you are helping hundreds of coupl…
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