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 community.

Born a little person, Helen speaks honestly about wrestling with anger toward God, walking through grief, and discovering what she beautifully calls “the gift of going deeper.” She reflects on decades spent living and working alongside people with disabilities in the L’Arche community and on her current calling to offer spiritual direction to those who have lived on the streets.

Thanks for listening, and please join the conversation! Add your comments below.

SoulStream Links

SoulStream

Upcoming Events, Courses and Retreats

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course

Living from the Heart

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 a spiritual practice of resistance and how reimagining the language we use for God opens up more space for love.

During the majority of the podcast, Kerry reflects on her anti-racism work, including her books Good White Racist and Wait—Is This Racist?, and the discomfort—and necessity—of naming systems we’ve been shaped by but often struggle to see and talk about. She speaks with honesty and care about grief, privilege, white identity, and the courageous inner work that leads to authentic action.

Links

Kerry’s Website

Photo: Kerry’s Instagram

SoulStream

SoulStream

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course

Living from the Heart

Upcoming Events, Courses and Retreats

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 within. Together, they sit with the sacred, everyday question: “What’s mine to do?”

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 a time for reclaiming goodness, not self-denial, and the value of compassion in daily life. Joyce reflects on how contemplative pauses in nature help her stay grounded and offers insights from her latest book, Vessels of Love.

Joyce also mentions her upcoming book, The Years of Ripening, which explores the emotional and spiritual gifts of elderhood. This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about living fully, letting go, and finding peace in life’s transitions.

Links

Joyce’s website

SoulStream

SoulStream

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course

Living from the Heart (Early bird pricing ends March 14, 2025). Click here)

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 renewal.

Together, they discuss Shauna’s book Reflections on Lent: A Reticent Wanderer’s Journey, the power of liturgical practices, and how rediscovering Lent has become a meaningful part of her spiritual life. They reflect on the themes of longing, belonging, and trusting in God while letting go of fear and control. Whether you're new to Lent or seeking a fresh perspective, this episode offers thoughtful insights into embracing spiritual rhythms with openness and grace.

LINKS

@shaunabluejay

Books by Shauna

Reflections on Lent: A Reticent Wanderer’s Journey

Henrick the Rooster Learns to be Kind

SoulStream

SoulStream

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course

Living from the Heart

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 spiritual formation, and how vulnerability and community have shaped his journey. Doug’s insights on faith, healing one’s image of God, and finding sacredness in everyday life offer profound takeaways for seekers of any background. Listen to discover how contemplation can create space for freedom, joy, and authentic living.

Links

Doug’s SoulStream Profile

SoulStream

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course

Living from the Heart

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 the power of listening, the gift of contemplation, and the richness of integrating all aspects of life into a flourishing, whole existence.

John also reflects on the role of community, the wisdom of nature, and the importance of slowing down to truly live in the present. Whether you’re curious about contemplative practices, seeking inspiration for spiritual growth, or looking to deepen your ability to listen to others and yourself, this episode offers insights to enrich your journey.

Join us for a moment of shared silence, heartfelt conversation, and a gentle invitation to ask: What if?

John’s Bio

John Kiemele, PhD, is a Wellbeing Educator, Spiritual Guide, and Listening Coach who has spent the past 30-plus years with individuals and groups across North America and internationally, assisting them to discover and deepen life-giving connections, contemplative living, and wellbeing practices. Recognizing how intentional pausing and deep listening unlocks life, John strives to engage the whole person – body, mind, soul – in the lifelong process of living well.

Along with his wife Marissa, John is co-creator and facilitator of “AIM to Live Well" where he creates listening spaces and facilitates retreats and various wellbeing workshops and courses (www.aimtolivewell.com). John consults with various retreat centers and other non-profit groups, helps train spiritual directors/deep listeners, and teaches as an adjunct graduate professor. John is Founder and Director Emeritus of Selah Center, a dispersed community of contemplative companions in the greater Seattle area. He also served as Executive Director of SoulStream in Abbotsford, BC, Canada, and Program Director at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center outside of Boston, MA. John is a retired clergy having served congregations across the US and Canada.

John earned a PhD in educational studies and spirituality, and completed certificates in Spiritual Direction, the Enneagram, Mindful Self-Compassion, Wellness Coaching, and Mindfulness. John’s interests include baking, writing poetry, walking labyrinths, travelling, visiting cathedrals and monasteries, connecting with nature, watercolor painting, playing Native American-style flute and drum, attending live theater, and rummaging through antique shops.

John’s website: https://aimtolivewell.com/

Links

SoulStream

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course

SoulStream’s Living from the Heart Course (Photo Above)

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, all rooted in his simple yet transformative philosophy: “Trust God, be kind.”

Steve reflects on his time performing with the Montana Logging and Ballet Company, blending satire and music to build community, and how that experience shaped his ability to connect through storytelling.

We explore his poetic process, rooted in listening and attentiveness to the moment. Steve reveals how silence, stillness, and paying attention are central to his creative life, transforming prayer and poetry into spaces of connection with the divine.

We discuss poetry as the “language of mystery” and the ways scripture can be read as a symbolic invitation to imagination, relationship, and justice. We discuss the hunger for silence in a world addicted to distraction and how simple practices like morning walks can awaken a deep sense of wonder and gratitude.

Don’t miss Steve’s daily reflections at UnfoldingLight.net.

* * * * *

SoulStream is offering a new course in 2025 entitled Opening to God’s Love: A Course in Contemplative Prayer. The opportunity to apply ends soon. To find out more, click here.

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 spiritual director living in intentional community on Kingfisher Farm, offers reflections from his own life and practice. Together, we explore how belonging ties into our shared humanity, spiritual practices, and even moments of discomfort and growth.

This episode also delves into self-compassion and God’s unconditional love as we navigate feelings of disconnection and find our way back to our true selves. You’ll hear personal stories, practical insights, and thoughtful reflections that invite you to live more fully into the truth that you are deeply connected and already belong.

Don’t miss details about Esther and Brent’s upcoming retreat, Belonging: Coming Home to the Gift of Being Yourself, happening February 2025 on Bowen Island.

Links:

Brent’s website

Esther’s website

Poem read by Esther during this conversation: You Are Worthy to Leave This Sadness

SoulStream

SoulStream is offering a new course in 2025 entitled: Opening to God’s Love:A Course in Contemplative Prayer. To find out more, click here.

Upcoming SoulStream Courses and Events

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 director, and how practices like silence, solitude, and connecting with nature have shaped her contemplative approach to life. Cat shares heartfelt stories about her work, offering insight into the sacred process of accompanying individuals through their final moments.

Our conversation touches on everything from the transformative power of being fully present to how facing mortality enriches life. Cat explains how her contemplative practices sustain her and why she sees death as an opportunity for deeper connection, reflection, and even healing. Her perspective invites us to embrace life more fully and view death with openness rather than fear.

Whether you're curious about end-of-life care, spiritual direction, or simply living from the heart, this episode is full of wisdom and inspiration. Join us for this deeply moving conversation that celebrates the beauty of connection and the sacredness of every moment.

Links:

Cat’s end of life doula webpage

SoulStream

SoulStream is offering a new course in 2025 entitled: Opening to God’s Love:A Course in Contemplative Prayer. To find out more, click here.

Upcoming SoulStream Courses and Events