Speaking

Every meaningful change begins with a conversation.

Bringing conversations about identity, becoming, story, identity,

and belonging to life‍.

‍ ‍workshops, retreats, keynotes, and meaningful conversations

Photo of Gretchen Martens, author, teacher, soul doula, founder of The Glass Cradle™, Storywork Alchemy, and Threshold Journeys™

Whether facilitating a workshop, leading a retreat, speaking to conference participants, appearing on a podcast, or participating in a panel discussion, my work invites people to explore the stories shaping their lives and the possibilities waiting beyond them.

Drawing from four decades of teaching, coaching, writing, spiritual companioning, and facilitation, I create experiences that are thoughtful, engaging, practical, and deeply human. Audiences often leave with new language for understanding their experiences, greater compassion for themselves and others, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Interested in bringing a program to your organization or event? Let’s start a conversation.

My work explores a simple question:

How do we live from the deepest and most authentic part of ourselves while navigating the complexities of modern life?

Conversations That Matter

  • How caregiving, cultural expectations, and invisible narratives shape women's identities, choices, relationships, and leadership journeys.

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  • Navigating life transitions, identity shifts, reinvention, and the journey toward a more authentic life.

  • Finding meaning, resilience, and renewed purpose after child estrangement and other experiences of profound loss.

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  • Using writing, reflection, and storytelling as pathways to healing, self-understanding, and transformation.

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    The Four Part Process

  • Writing not simply to record what happened, but to understand who we became because of what happened.

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  • Creating intentional space for reflection, discernment, healing, creativity, and life transition.

  • Exploring how personal and cultural narratives influence who we become—and how we can reclaim authorship of our lives.

  • Reconnecting with ourselves, one another, and the living world through practices of attention, reciprocity, and belonging.

“One of the most articulate, well-spoken, and level-headed guests we've ever had.”

Tom Gully, Talk Radio Host, The Tom Gully Show

Favorite Gatherings

Small enough for depth. Large enough for impact.

Speaking engagements can be adapted for a wide variety of audiences and settings

  • Workshops and learning circles

  • Leadership development programs

  • Faith community programs

  • Retreats and retreat facilitation

  • Community and organizational events

  • Podcasts and media interviews

  • Conference breakout sessions

  • Panel discussions

  • Keynote presentations

One of the best speakers we ever had. She had the audience riveted; no one moved.

Pete Conklin, President, Association of Daily Money Managers

Photo of Gretchen Martens, author, teacher, soul doula, founder of The Glass Cradle™, Storywork Alchemy, and Threshold Journeys™

A Life of Becoming

  • 40+ years of teaching, speaking, and facilitation

  • Hundreds of workshops, retreats, classes, and group programs

  • Dozens of radio, podcast, and media interviews

  • Former university instructor and educational consultant

  • Author, teacher, coach, spiritual companion, and publisher

  • Creator of The Glass Cradle™, Storywork Alchemy, Threshold Journeys™, and Courage to Continue

“A very powerful message that needs to be heard.”

Senior Leader in Government

Where I’ve Shared My Work

Over four decades, I've been invited into conversations with universities, community organizations, leadership groups, retreat centers, faith communities, media outlets, and professional associations across the country.

Education

University of Michigan Logo
Georgetown Law Logo

Women’s Leadership

SWUUW Logo--Southwest Unitarian Universalist Women's Conference
eWomen Network Logo

Media

CBS News Logo
Retreat House Logo
Clear Channel Logo

Community

Presbyterian Village Logo

Let’s Create Something Meaningful Together

Every audience is different. . . .