SoulStream, Living from the Heart Podcast

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

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 describes her garden as a place where time slows down, worries dissolve, and she feels profoundly connected to creation.

Our conversation dives into Mary’s experience with contemplation and her belief in receiving life’s moments as gifts of grace. She opens up about the meaning of homecoming in a spiritual sense—a feeling that many experience in moments of divine connection. Mary also explores the role of spiritual practices, like silence, gardening, and the Eucharist, in grounding her life and nurturing her sense of reverence.

Tune in as we discuss embracing life’s messiness, finding beauty in simplicity, and how the contemplative life invites us to see God in the everyday moments. Mary’s wisdom reminds us to live each day in grace and gratitude.

Links:

Contact Mary

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

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.

Andy also shares the inspiration behind his book, The Worship Journey, diving into what it means to embrace love at every level—from intimate moments with God to everyday interactions.

In a world often divided, Andy reminds us of Jesus’s message of unconditional and inclusive love. We discuss how small acts of kindness, such as listening and being present, embody the love of God for everyone. Reflecting on his experiences with people who are marginalized, Andy emphasizes that love is about connecting deeply with those around us, one person at a time.

Through personal stories and reflections, Andy invites us into a “circle of love,” encouraging us to embrace God’s presence and share God’s love. Tune in to be inspired by this message of compassionate living.

Links:

Andy’s Website

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 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, The Great Belonging: How Loneliness Leads Us to Each Other, she invites readers to explore how our connections with each other and with art create a sense of home in our lives.

Beyond her professional life, Charlotte shares her love for the simple joys of nature: blooming forsythia, golden autumn ginkgos, and beach days under an umbrella. She is also a mother and a wife, living in Birmingham, Alabama, finding grace and beauty in both the quiet and vibrant rhythms of life.

During this episode, Charlotte and Nelson explore how her contemplative practices merge with her writing life, the liberating power of curiosity, and how she finds God in the creative process. The podcast starts with a brief moment of silence, inviting you to pause, breathe, and join us in this space of love and connection. Know that you belong here, that you are deeply loved, and let’s journey together into the heart.

Links:

Charlotte’s website

Nelson’s website

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.