SoulStream, Living from the Heart Podcast

During this podcast conversation, we have the privilege of visiting with Helen Barry—a SoulStream partner , spiritual director, and Irish truth-teller with a love for poetry, the ocean, and humanity in all its glorious complexity. Helen shares her pilgrimage from Ireland to Canada, from the rigid confines of institutional thinking to the wide-open spaces of contemplative living and loving communit...

This week on SoulStream: Living from the Heart , we’re joined by writer, coach, and spiritual leader Kerry Connelly for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation. During our conversation we cover the themes of contemplation, justice, and healing. We discuss Pause , her first book—a devotional for busy souls longing to stay grounded in the sacred amid the chaos. We explore how silence can become...

Katherine Murray didn’t set out to be an advocate for peace. She simply kept showing up to the silence, leaning into contemplative practice, and listening for the still, small voice. One day, that listening led her onto a train bound for Ottawa—and later, to the United Nations. In this timely conversation, Rod and Katherine explore discernment, courage, and the radical idea that peace begins withi...

Rod Janz sits down with beloved writer and spiritual teacher Joyce Rupp to explore faith, self-compassion, and aging with grace. Joyce, author of Praying Our Goodbyes , Open the Door , and her award-winning Fly While You Still Have Wings , shares how her early faith, hospice work, and life experiences have shaped her understanding of love and acceptance. They discuss the deeper meaning of Lent as...

In this episode of the SoulStream Living from the Heart podcast, host Rod Janz welcomes his good friend, Shauna Gill, to explore the meaning and personal journey of Lent. Shauna, a retired critical care nurse educator, spiritual director, and author, shares her evolving understanding of Lent—from childhood traditions of "giving something up" to a deeper, more contemplative practice of spiritual re...

In this episode, Doug Schroeder shares his personal and spiritual transformation, from his theological training and pastoral leadership to becoming a spiritual director. Doug reflects on pivotal moments such as officiating his daughter's same-sex wedding and the spiritual awakening he experienced through SoulStream’s Art of Spiritual Direction. He discusses contemplative prayer, the role of nature...

In this episode of the SoulStream: Living from the Heart podcast, we sit down with John Kiemele, a well-being educator, spiritual director, and listening coach with a deep passion for holistic living—body, mind, and spirit. John shares his personal journey of transformation, from his early influences to his pivotal experiences with SoulStream's spiritual direction training. Together, we explore th...

In this episode of SoulStream’s Living from the Heart Podcast , we dive into the profound wisdom and creative world of Steve Garnaas-Holmes —a poet, songwriter, and retired pastor who has spent decades exploring the intersections of faith, silence, and beauty. Best known for his daily reflections at Unfolding Light , Steve shares how he’s been crafting daily poems and meditations for over 22 years...

Welcome to the SoulStream Living from the Heart podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by two dear friends, Esther Hizsa and Brent Unrau, for a heartfelt conversation about belonging —what it truly means to belong versus merely fitting in. Esther, a spiritual director and author from Vernon, BC, shares wisdom from her journey of embracing authenticity and vulnerability. Brent, a therapist and spir...

Welcome to SoulStream: Living from the Heart Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Cat Anderson, an end-of-life doula, spiritual director, and new SoulStream board member. Cat offers compassionate end-of-life care, helping people process grief, explore life's big questions, and reconnect with love and meaning. We dive deep into her journey—how she became an end-of-life doula and spiritual dir...

Welcome to Soul Stream: Living from the Heart podcast! In this episode, we welcome Mary Wolfe , a contemplative and storyteller whose journey has been shaped by her father, early mystical experiences, and years spent with the Quaker community. Mary shares powerful memories of growing up as a preacher’s kid, her early encounters with God’s presence, and her deep connection to the land. She describe...

In this episode of the SoulStream Living from the Heart Podcast , join us for a heartwarming conversation with Andy Park, a longtime friend and gifted worship leader. We explore Andy’s journey of discovering God’s boundless love. He’s released an EP called Circle of Love , which beautifully weaves together themes of divine connection, inclusion, and the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A...

Welcome to the *Living from the Heart* podcast. This episode’s host is Nelson Boschman. Nelson is a writer, spiritual director, musician, and a proud partner with SoulStream. Nelson’s guest is Charlotte Donlon , a compassionate and deeply insightful writer and spiritual guide. Charlotte’s work centers around the beautiful intersections of art, belonging, and spirituality. Through her first book, T...

In this episode of the *SoulStream Living from the Heart* podcast, Rod Janz sits down with his dear friend Sue Vander Woude, a co-founder and partner of SoulStream. Sue has a rich history in spiritual direction. She received her MDiv from Tyndale Seminary and she has also deepened her practice through continuing education at Loyola House and Together in Ministry. Sue shares with us how her spiritu...

In this episode of the SoulStream Living from the Heart podcast, we visit with Carolyn Watts, an author and spiritual director, about her journey from a driven life as an obstetrician in Afghanistan to a gentler path of gentleness and rest. Carolyn shares her experiences of burnout, illness, and how these challenges led her to discover the power of rest—both physical and spiritual. Reflecting on h...

In this episode of the SoulStream Living from the Heart podcast , host Nelson Boschman welcomes Bradley Jersak , an author and teacher, for a heartfelt conversation on contemplation, writing, and finding God’s presence in everyday life. Bradley shares the deep wisdom he has gained from years of living a contemplative life, focusing on the love of God as revealed through Christ. Learning to Trust t...

Introduction to Jenai Auman   In this episode of the SoulStream: Living from the Heart podcast, host Nelson Boschman sits down with Filipina-American writer, artist, and storyteller Jenai Auman. Jenai shares her journey of healing, hope, and trauma recovery through her writing, particularly focused on spiritual abuse and religious trauma. Her debut book, Othered: Finding Belonging with the God Who...

Episode Summary Introduction to Drew Jackson Welcome to the Living from the Heart podcast. Today, we are honoured to have Drew Jackson, a poet, speaker, and public theologian, known for his profound works such as God Speaks Through Wombs and Touch the Earth . Drew’s poetry has been featured in various esteemed publications, reflecting his deep commitment to contemplative spirituality. A Contemplat...

Episode Summary Meet Mark Imbach In this episode of the Soul Stream Living from the Heart podcast, Rod Janz sits down with Mark Imbach, a long-time associate of Soul Stream and former chairman of the board. Mark’s extensive background in broadcasting, combined with his deep spiritual journey, provides a rich foundation for this heartfelt conversation. Early Spirituality and the Concept of Punishme...

Episode Summary In this episode of the Living from the Heart podcast, Rod Janz revisits a conversation he had with author and coach Justin McRoberts. Originally part of his "Hints of Gladness" series, this discussion delves into the heart of contemplation and spiritual growth. Awareness of mortality Justin shares insights from his journey as an author, speaker, parent, and creative. He reflects on...

Episode Summary In this episode of our contemplative podcast, we are joined by Donna Dinsmore, who brings profound insights into the journey of contemplation. Recorded in a serene setting on Galiano Island back in October 2022, Donna shares her experiences and reflections on living a deeply contemplative life, even amidst personal challenges. Donna speaks candidly about her recent struggles, inclu...

Episode Summary Rod Janz welcomes LaVerna Elliott to the SoulStream Living from the Heart Podcast. LaVerna is a retired nurse from Calgary and she shares her deep passion for connecting with people, describing herself as an extrovert who enjoys one-on-one interactions. She is now dedicated to caring for her granddaughter five hours each day and spending intentional time with her mother and mother-...

Episode Summary In this episode of the SoulStream "Living from the Heart" podcast, Deb Arndt engages in a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Melody Owen, a certified music therapist and passionate advocate for disability justice. Melody, who identifies as a disabled cisgender woman, shares her journey of integrating spirituality and music therapy, emphasizing the deep connections between s...

Episode Summary In this episode of the SoulStream "Living from the Heart" podcast, Deb Arndt reconnects with Naomi, a home care nurse from Victoria, BC. Naomi shares her journey of integrating spiritual formation into her work and life. As an end-of-life care nurse, she emphasizes the importance of contemplative practices, slowing down, and creating space for self-awareness and spiritual growth. N...

Episode Summary In this episode of the SoulStream "Living from the Heart" podcast, Deb Arndt engages in a heartfelt conversation with Eliezer Moreno, a grief counsellor from South Surrey, British Columbia. Eliezer lives with his partner and two young children and has a deep passion for helping others navigate their grief. Eliezer shares his journey of transitioning from traditional counselling to...