SoulStream, Living from the Heart Podcast

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 spiritual journey was shaped by her childhood experiences in a Catholic neighborhood, where the beauty of mystery and ritual drew her heart toward God. These early influences planted seeds of wonder that later blossomed into a deep contemplative life.

Sue speaks about her journey into spiritual direction, which was profoundly influenced by authors like Henri Nouwen and Cynthia Bourgeault. She reflects on how spiritual direction helped her move beyond external forms of knowing, into a deeper listening to her inner life, where God continues to meet her in transformative ways. She also shares insights from her personal contemplative practice, including how nature, especially a specific "lingering tree," has been a sacred companion on her path.

As a special offering, Sue leads a contemplative exercise at the end of the episode, guiding listeners through a reflection on two beautiful poems: Wild Geese by Mary Oliver and Silent God by Edwina Gately.

Books and authors who have influenced Sue:Books by Henri Nouwen  

Books by Cynthia Bourgeault

Books by Thomas Keating

Links:

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.

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 her book, Risking Rest: Embracing God's Love Through Life's Uncertainties, Carolyn talks about how she learned to honour her limitations and experience God's love in a more profound way.

Through intimate stories of her time in Afghanistan, Carolyn describes the intense pressures she faced, and how God met her in moments of stillness and rest. She also touches on the struggle many of us have with the Protestant work ethic, which often pushes us to the brink of burnout. Carolyn emphasizes that true rest requires grace, gentleness, and surrender to God’s love.

This conversation offers listeners a beautiful exploration of what it means to risk rest and to let go of the drive to constantly do and achieve. Carolyn's vulnerability and wisdom provide a much-needed reminder that rest is not only a physical practice but also a spiritual invitation to trust and abide in God's care.

Links:

Carolyn’s website - Click Here

Download a free chapter of Carolyn’s book Risking Rest - Click Here

SoulStream

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 the Stillness

Bradley reflects on his role as the principal of St. Stephen's University and how administrative work often leaves him feeling "thin." Yet, through contemplative practices, he is learning to trust that stillness and silence can restore and sustain him. He invites listeners to join him in moments of silence as a reminder that we are all loved.

Writing as a Practice of Contemplation

Bradley shares his writing process, rooted in contemplation. By beginning each day with a prayer to “show me the heart of the matter” and ending with “don’t weary yourself,” he has cultivated a sense of trust and ease, even while completing demanding projects like his PhD.

God’s Love and the Power of Encounter

Bradley opens up about his journey from traditional atonement theology to a deeper understanding of God’s love. Bradley realized that God's judgments are restorative, not punitive, when he listened to God's voice. This revelation continues to shape his teaching and writing today.

Exploring the Sacred in other Traditions

Bradley also highlights the importance of recognizing God’s light in other faith traditions, affirming that the divine can be found in the most surprising places, often where we least expect it.

Links:

Brad’s website - Click Here

Nelson’s website - Click Here

SoulStream

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 Pursues the Hurt, Harmed, and Marginalized, speaks directly to those feeling alienated in traditional Christian spaces. 

Navigating Difficult Seasons  

Jenai reflects on coming out of a tumultuous summer, describing her emotional recovery as a process of “righting the plane.” She speaks with authenticity, acknowledging that while she’s not thriving yet, she’s getting there. Her words provide a comforting reminder that healing is gradual and that it’s okay to be in the process.

Becoming a Contemplative Activist  

When asked if she identifies as a contemplative writer, Jenai speaks about her journey towards becoming more mindful and present. She sees herself as a contemplative activist—someone who is both prayerful and active, seeking to live in alignment with God's presence and the call to action.

Writing as a Spiritual Practice  

For Jenai, writing is deeply spiritual. It is a space where she processes, prays, and heals. Whether journaling or engaging in public writing, she believes in the power of words to connect deeply with God and others. Jenai encourages others to embrace writing as a tool for unburdening and self-discovery.

Final Reflections  

Jenai invites us to embrace our uniqueness, just as early contemplatives embraced being "weird." She encourages us to let our peculiarities be a gift to the world, reminding us that our differences are part of what makes us a blessing to others.

Links:

Jenai’s website - Click Here

Nelson’s website - Click Here

SoulStream

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 Contemplative Journey

Drew shares how his spiritual upbringing, particularly influenced by his mother, shaped his contemplative approach to life. He discusses how he discovered a sense of belonging within the contemplative tradition and how this recognition has deeply influenced his writing.

Writing as Spiritual Practice

Drew reveals that his writing is, first and foremost, a spiritual practice. He began to write poetry as a way to process the tumultuous events during the pandemic, especially around issues of racial injustice. For Drew, writing became a way to explore questions, to sit with the tension, and to converse with both his inner self and the world around him.

Inspiration and Influences

Drew draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, from hip-hop artists like Nas to poets like Lucille Clifton and Langston Hughes. These influences are reflected in his poetic style, which seeks to capture the depth and complexity of human experience.

Encountering the Divine Through Poetry

Drew shares a poignant experience of encountering the divine through his writing, particularly in processing grief after the loss of his mother. Writing has allowed him to access deep emotions and to bring them to the surface in a way that is both healing and transformative.

Living from the Heart

When asked about the phrase “living from the heart,” Drew reflects on the importance of living from a place of union with the divine, where one’s deepest self is fully known and loved. For Drew, this means living authentically, free from the need to project a false self, and grounded in the knowledge of being beloved.

A Closing Poem

To conclude, Drew reads his poem “I Think It Was Brunch,” a reflection on the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus, highlighting the transformative power of presence.

Links:

Drew’s website - Click Here

Nelson’s website - Click Here

SoulStream

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course

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 Punishment

Mark reflects on his early experiences with spirituality, growing up in a strict religious environment where the concept of God was deeply intertwined with punishment. He shares how this perception shaped his understanding of God and how it led to a crisis of faith, especially after the tragic loss of his young son.

A Transformational Encounter with God Amidst A Deep Tragedy

Mark recounts a pivotal moment in his life when his anger and grief led him to an unexpected encounter with God’s grace. In a moment of deep despair, Mark found himself confronting God with all his pent-up anger, only to be met with an affirmation that forever changed his understanding of the divine. This experience marked the beginning of a new relationship with a loving, relational God, rather than the punishing deity he had known.

Embracing Contemplation and Spiritual Direction

Mark discusses his journey into contemplative practices and spiritual direction, particularly his transformative experience with Soul Stream’s courses. He emphasizes the importance of being open to God’s invitations and the profound impact of finding God in the ordinary moments of life.

The Power of Nature and Everyday Moments

Mark shares how he finds God in the small details of life, whether through his morning walks, the sight of a heron, or the scent of sage. These moments of connection with nature have deepened his contemplative practice and brought him closer to a heart-centered relationship with God.

Riding as Contemplation: The Motorbike as a Sacred Space

For Mark, riding his motorbike has become a contemplative practice. He describes how the open road has been a place of deep spiritual encounters, where he has argued with God, celebrated life, and found moments of profound insight.

Living from the Heart

The conversation wraps up with a reflection on the importance of living from the heart and being open to the gentle surprises God places in our path every day. Mark’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of grace and the beauty of a life lived in deep connection with the divine.

Links:

Mark’s website - Click Here

Living from the Heart

SoulStream

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course

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 his early fascination with life’s temporal nature, influenced by poets like William Blake and Edgar Allan Poe. This awareness of mortality and how it sparked a deeper connection to life and spirituality.

God’s love

A significant part of the conversation revolves around prayer and contemplation. Justin's journey into contemplation began through disappointment but evolved into a profound experience of God’s deep love, beyond just seeking energy to fulfill tasks, or as a personal development program. He emphasizes that prayer is an ongoing conversation between God and our souls, a practice that invites us into deeper awareness and belovedness.

Being present

Justin also discusses the importance of being present in the ordinary moments of life, whether it’s watching his children grow or simply being in silence. He encourages listeners to ask themselves, “Am I enjoying this?” and to recognize the divine joy in simply being human.

This episode is an invitation to explore the depth of contemplation and to embrace the surprises that God brings into our lives. Enjoy!

Links:

Justin’s Website - https://www.justinmcroberts.com

Living from the Heart

SoulStream

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course

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, including the loss of three significant people in her life within ten months. Despite this, she finds solace and strength in contemplation, emphasizing the importance of being kind to oneself and recognizing the need for rest.

Donna’s journey into contemplation began in her youth, rooted in the Psalms. She describes how these ancient prayers spoke to her heart and laid the foundation for her contemplative practices. This early engagement with the Psalms allowed her to develop a deep connection with the presence of God, which has continued to evolve throughout her life.

She introduces us to the concept of the "five Gs" of Christian spirituality: rooted in God, who gives us the gift of grace. Donna’s stories illustrate that focusing on the good is often challenging but profoundly transformative.

Donna's gentle and insightful approach to contemplation offers a pathway for those seeking to connect more deeply with their spiritual lives. Her experiences remind us that amidst our struggles, we can find grace and goodness by being present and attentive to what God is doing within and around us.

Join us as we explore these themes and more in this enriching conversation with Donna Dinsmore.

Links

Living from the Heart

SoulStream

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course

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-in-law. LaVerna also plays a significant role in a Lectio group and supports a refugee family, emphasizing the importance of community and connection.

LaVerna reflects on her journey with the Living from the Heart course, which she completed last June. She attended the Bowen Island intensive, finding the experience deeply transformative. Despite initially planning to take the course in Alberta, circumstances led her to Bowen Island, where she found a vibrant community and a space for spiritual growth.

LaVerna discusses the profound impact the course has had on her spiritual and personal development, highlighting the themes of God's love, compassion, and the journey towards deeper spiritual transformation. She candidly shares her experiences with grief, loss, and the healing process following the death of her husband five years ago. Her husband's exploration of contemplative practices sparked her own spiritual quest, leading her to SoulStream and the Living from the Heart course.

Throughout the conversation, LaVerna emphasizes the importance of spiritual direction and the transformative power of God’s love. She reflects on the lessons learned, the value of being present in the moment, and the significance of community in her spiritual journey.

Tune in to hear LaVerna's inspiring story and gain insights into the transformative journey of living from the heart.

Content Warning: In this episode, our guest LaVerna shares her personal experiences, including a discussion about being sexually abused. This conversation may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself and feel free to pause or skip this episode if needed. If you or someone you know is in need of support, we encourage you to reach out to a counsellor, or mental health professional.

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 spirituality, music, and the arts.

Melody works primarily with neurodivergent children, helping them navigate their emotions and spiritual experiences through music. She explores how contemplative practices and living from the heart have guided her in embracing her authentic self, setting boundaries, and fostering self-compassion. Melody also discusses the challenges and joys of her personal journey, including her diagnosis and understanding of her own neurodivergence.

Join us as Melody reflects on the importance of curiosity, openness, and the integration of spirituality in everyday life. This episode is a testament to the power of living authentically and embracing our unique paths with compassion and grace.

🎧 Listen now to Melody’s journey of transformation and healing.

Links

Living from the Heart

SoulStream

The Art of Spiritual Direction Training Course