In this second season of the podcast, we will be getting purposely uncomfortable. We will dig into topics and stories which challenge our ways of thinking, encourage us to sit with discomfort without running, allow us to verbalize the relentless questions, and hopefully create a community of fellow humans who are willing to do the necessary work of acknowledging brokenness and growing in empathy. We are family and friends. We are figuring out this wild life together; learning from those who see the world through different eyes.


  • Bad Vibes: The Great Sex Rescue - with Sheila Wray Gregoire

    In this episode, Ariana and Alicia take the time to chat with Sheila Wray Gregoire. Sheila is a wonderful person and is actively working to bring healing and understanding to couples on the topic of marriage and sex. Sheila has been working to bring clarity on this topic for over 17 years and cares deeply about building strong relationships.

    Sheila has written over 9 books, created several courses, and hosts the Bare Marriage podcast alongside her daughter and husband. She has many great resources available - which you can find on her website. Sheila has also created a course with her daughters called The Whole Story where they dive into how to talk about puberty with our kids.

    If you have any questions or comments on this episode, or need further clarification on anything you’ve heard, please don’t hesitate to reach out in person or contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com. You can also find us on Instagram, and reviews on iTunes are always welcome! Thanks for listening!

  • Bad Vibes: A New Voice - introducing Alicia deVries

    In this episode, Ariana welcomes Alicia deVries as a co-host to the show! They chat about Alicia's story and her journey to becoming who she is now. They discuss how their views have changed over the years, and dive into what shaped them growing up. There are passion buttons pressed and we get to hear what makes Alicia get riled up. Alicia will be a regular voice on the show and you will get to be a part of the thoughts and discussions her and Ariana have regularly.

    Ariana and Alicia both grew up in and around Kitchener-Waterloo, went to the same church for much of their growing up lives, were both homeschooled, are both Enneagram type 9s, married brothers, and love spending time with people having meaningful conversations.

    Alicia is a mom to three beautiful children and a gentle soul. She is learning to speak up against harmful belief systems and is bravely joining the Active Listening team!

    If you have any questions or comments on this episode, or need further clarification on anything you’ve heard, please don’t hesitate to reach out in person or contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com. You can also find us on Instagram, and reviews on iTunes are always welcome! Thanks for listening!

  • Bad Vibes: Challenging the Systems - with Selam Debs

    In this episode, Ariana chats with Selam Debs about how racism is affecting our brothers and sisters of colour, how we as white folks are a part of perpetuating problematic systems, how she is using her voice to speak truth to power, and how we can all raise anti-racist children.

    Selam was born in Amman, Jordan, and grew up around Toronto, Ontario. She is a single mom, active in the community fighting for Black liberation and justice, owns the Juici Yoga studio teaching wellness, and is a singer, poet, and writer. Selam has created several workshops where she speaks about anti-racism and provides insight to those searching.

    You can find Selam on Twitter and Instagram.
    If you are interested to learn more, you can find her courses and workshops here.

    If you have any questions or comments on this episode, or need further clarification on anything you’ve heard, please don’t hesitate to reach out in person or contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com. You can also find us on Instagram, and reviews on iTunes are always welcome! Thanks for listening!

  • Bad Vibes: Losing the Silence - with Matthew Mikkelsen

    In this episode, Ariana talks with Matthew Mikkelsen about the ways in which modernization is affecting our world and us as individuals; causing a noise pollution crisis. There are few places on Earth which are untouched by manmade sounds for extended periods of time.

    Matt is a sound recordist, audio engineer, and documentary filmmaker. He is the co-founder of Spruce Tone Films, serves as the Executive Director of Wilderness Quiet Parks, and is on the board for One Square Inch, which works to protect Olympic National Park from noise pollution. He loves the outdoors and hopes to inspire others to care for the earth; preserving natural soundscapes.

    If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please don't hesitate to contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com OR you can find us on Instagram and Twitter.

  • Bad Vibes: Video Games Aren't Bad - with Dr. Rachel Kowert

    In this episode, Ariana chats with Dr. Rachel Kowert, a psychologist studying the science of gaming. Rachel works to debunk many of the myths surrounding video games. We deep dive into all of the stereotypes, misconceptions, and questions that today’s online world presents. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to video gaming.

    Rachel is the Research Director for Take This (a non-profit providing mental health awareness), and the Founder of Your Own Castle. She is the mastermind and face behind the Psychgeist youtube channel, and actively works to bring more awareness about the world of online gaming; especially for parents.

    If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please don't hesitate to contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com OR you can find us on Instagram and Twitter.

  • Bad Vibes: The Enemy We Can't See - with Cynthia Carr

    *We recorded this conversation several months ago, and we've come a long way with the progression of a vaccine. However, our numbers are still climbing and the need for vigilance is even greater! Take care and follow the guidelines set in place for the protection of everyone so we can get on top of this.*

    In this episode, Ariana chats with Cynthia Carr, an Epidemiologist from Winnipeg, on the Coronavirus pandemic. She shares great insight into how to fight the virus as well as why this year has been so hard. Please listen carefully!

    We know Christmas is just around the corner, and it's not going to a normal or easy year of celebrations. However, it's up to all of us as individuals and communities to stop the spread, create new memories and traditions, and care for others as this crazy year comes to a close.

    If you'd like further information on COVID-19, start off by visiting your public health website. You can visit Cynthia’s Facebook page or her website to find out more. The links listed below also provide great information.

    Additionally, if you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please don't hesitate to contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com OR you can find us on Instagram and Twitter.

  • Bad Vibes: The Deep Story - with Arlie Hochschild

    In this episode, Ariana discusses something we are all being greatly affected by right now - whether we live in the United States or not - politics.

    Arlie Hochschild is our guest today and she offers great insights into the role human emotion plays in our politics. She is a sociologist and seeks to understand people beyond the decisions they make or the words they say.

    She wrote a deeply impacting book called Strangers in Their Own Land which helped to bring understanding to the stories of anger and mourning of those on the American right. If you would like to read more by Arlie, there's a great article here and an interview here. She also wrote another book called The Managed Heart.

    If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please don't hesitate to contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com OR you can find us on Instagram and Twitter.

  • Introduction to Bad Vibes: Purposely Uncomfortable

    In the intro episode of the season, Ariana shares the heart and vision for season 2. She doesn't shy away from talking about where we were hoping to take it and where it's ended up. This has been a year for the history books and all of our lives have been affected in dramatic and subtle ways; challenging our very way of life. The world seems to be flooded with crisis upon crisis and it can be overwhelmingly uncomfortable to stop and think about even one of those things.

    Hopefully this season's guests and stories will help provide clarity in some areas and cause us all to encounter discomfort within ourselves; allowing us to create a community of empathy.

  • Church & Deconstruction: Something Must Be Wrong - with Phil Drysdale

    In this final episode of the Church &____ series, Ariana discusses what it's like to deconstruct with Phil Drysdale. Phil shares what his experience was like with deconstructing his faith and how that affected him. He also dives into many of the myths and stereotypes associated with a those who are questioning and deconstructing. We know this is a buzz word for many, but it is also very real. It affects the way we live in community, our mental and emotional well-being, as well as our spiritual life.

    Our own deconstruction journey inspired us to start the Active Listening podcast. We hope this has been a safe place for you to sit with the stories and questions of others and help guide you along the road of life.

    We are so grateful to all of our listeners who have joined us at the table. The adventure isn't over! We look forward to the next season with you called Bad Vibes: Purposely Uncomfortable. Join us for more conversation deep dives into topics that may just push you to start deconstructing for yourself.

  • Church & Racism: Discovering a Love For Justice - with Kathy Hogarth

    In this conversation, Kathy Hogarth shares with Ariana what it truly means to be a lover of justice and an ally for the BIPOC community. She offers insight into loving people as complete humans - not as objects or stepping stools - within our communities and especially our churches.

    Kathy is a professor, chairwoman, advocate for immigrants and marginalized people groups, as well as a wife and mom. She desires to help others understand the place that racism has in our society and cares deeply about justice; living it out in every day life.

    To see more from Kathy, you can visit her Twitter or read her articles.

    If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please don't hesitate to contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com OR you can find us on Instagram and Twitter.

  • Church & The Bible: How Does it Make Sense - with Pete Enns

    In this episode, Ariana chats with Bible scholar and theologian Pete Enns. They dive into what it means to be honest about questions regarding faith and the Bible; especially when they don't make sense based on our faith communities. Pete is a fantastic teacher and desires to help others understand the nuances found in scripture.

    You can hear more from him via his podcast The Bible for Normal People, check out his blog, or read his books.

    If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please don't hesitate to contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com OR you can find us on Instagram and Twitter.

  • Church & Crisis: Important Notice! A Virus, Fear and Hope - with Scott deVries

    In today’s episode, Ariana decided to record an impromptu interview with her husband Scott DeVries. We take a bit of a detour and dive into our current world crisis - the COVID19 virus. We know this is something on many people’s minds, if not all of us.

    So if you’re looking for a bit of hope, are feeling overwhelmed with all the panic and fear, are unsure of what you should do, want accurate information, and don’t know how faith factors into all of this, please listen in as we talk about Church & Crisis.

    Peace and love to you all during this time.

    For more information on this crisis, here are several links to point you in the right direction.
    - Flatten the Curve
    - CNN Podcast
    - How to Flatten the Curve
    - Do's and Don'ts of Social Distancing
    - Coronavirus: Why You Must Act Now
    - Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day

    Also, here are some music albums that we have been listening to during this time.
    - The Brilliance: World Keeps Spinning
    - Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors: Dragons

    To email us with any questions or comments you may have, contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com OR you can find us on Instagram and Twitter.



  • Church & Science: Stars, Love, and E.T.s - with Brother Guy Consolmagno

    In today's episode, Ariana is joined by Brother Guy Consolmagno. He is a Jesuit and the Director of the Vatican Observatory. He is an astronomer and is actively practicing how to find God in all things. Brother Guy helps to bring new perspectives on loving God and science. So enjoy this conversation on Church & Science.

    For those who would like to read the poem mentioned in the episode, you can find it here.

    To email us with any questions or comments you may have, contact us at activelistening.life@gmail.com

    OR

    You can also find us on Instagram.

  • Church & The Other: Who is Wise - with Birgit Schreyer Duarte

    In this episode, Ariana has the pleasure of chatting with Birgit Schreyer Duarte; a director, translator and dramaturg. She is from Germany and currently resides in Toronto. Birgit shares her thoughts and the journey behind how the production Nathan the Wise came to be and how people from varying religions can share the same space and learn to do life together regardless of differences. Listen in as she shares her experience of being "the other" and how that personally affected her.

    To learn more about Birgit and upcoming productions, you can visit her website. To read the parable that is mentioned in the show, click here.

    For more information or if you have any questions or comments about anything you've heard, please email us at activelistening.life@gmail.com

  • Church & Family: Grace for Them All - with Bill deVries

    In this episode, Bill deVries shares his heart for Church & Family. He is a strong advocate for grace and sharing the Gospel with everyone he meets. He’s not afraid of disagreement and loves his family dearly. Let's hear what he has to say.

  • Church & Women: Breaking the Mold - with Sarah Bessey

    In this episode, Ariana gets to chat with one of her faith journey heroines, Sarah Bessey. She has a huge heart for women and people on the margins. Sarah doesn't mince words, but still finds a way to speak with a spirit of gentleness and poise. Let's hear what she has to say about women becoming bold and breaking molds in the Church.

    To read more from Sarah, visit her website. You can sign up for her Field Notes newsletter, see her upcoming speaking engagements, or follow her on social media.

  • Church & Climate: Things Are Heating Up - with Katharine Hayhoe

    In the next episode of our series, we get to hear from one of the world's leading climate scientists, Katharine Hayhoe. She's done her homework and knows her stuff. Katharine has a huge heart for people and cares deeply about communicating her message in a way people will hear and understand. Let's dive into how Church and Climate cross paths.

    For more information, visit Katharine's website, watch the Global Weirding series, or read her articles here and here.

  • Church & Politics: I Think You're Wrong, But... - with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers

    In this episode, Ariana has the pleasure of interviewing Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers of the Pantsuit Politics podcast. We go deep into Church & Politics and get to hear their thoughts on how they work together.

    To hear more from Sarah and Beth, you can join them on tour, read their book, or listen to their podcast.

  • Church & Community: Finding Your Place - with Janette Drost

    In the next episode of our season, Ariana sits down with Janette Drost to hear her thoughts on Church & Community. Janette shares with us what it was like growing up in the church, moving away, returning home, starting a family and finding her place in community. She has some great insights on how to do life with those around us.

  • Church & Homosexuality: Honesty - with Sarah Brown

    In this episode, Ariana chats with her long time friend Sarah Brown on what it was like for her in coming out, her thoughts on what the Bible says regarding homosexuality, and how she is choosing to walk that out now.

  • Church & Burnout: If the Church Disappears, Will Anyone Notice - with Ken Smid

    Our exploration of church continues with a fiery interview with Ken Smid, a former pastor and current director of True North Aid. Ken walks us through some of his journey with church, burnout, and recovering passion – not for the organization, but for people.

  • Church & Prosperity: I'm Sure God Gave Us This Baby - with Ariana deVries

    In this episode, we will be starting off the season with our own story (mainly Ariana's side of it). After writing a blog post that ended up reaching more people than expected, we figured it was time to share the rest of the story. This is about where we're at now and the struggle between Church & Infertility. (There's also a little bit of Church & Prosperity thrown in there, too.)
  • Introduction to Church & _______

    Welcome to the Active Listening Podcast! This is the debut episode of the season. We will be touching on the why behind the podcast, what you may expect to hear, and a bit about ourselves.