Courageous Love

Kindness, DMs & Courage

Episode 9 of Courageous Love explores what real, courageous love looks like during Valentine’s season. Kristin and Mark kick things off with a fun rom-com conversation before playing “DM or Delete,” breaking down which messages reflect healthy communication and which create pressure or guilt. They remind listeners that courageous love brings peace, respects boundaries, and never forces itself into your inbox. The episode also highlights the power of friendship love and challenges students to intentionally encourage and include others. Maryvale President Malika DeLancey joins the conversation to reflect on joy in leadership and the vision behind the Let Love Lead kindness challenge. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: you are not behind, you are not missing out, and you are already deeply loved.

From Group Chats to Gym Meets: How Community Is Built

What does courageous love look like in everyday life—from group chats to classrooms to school spirit? In this episode, Kristin DeVan and Mark Riding kick things off with a candid (and very relatable) conversation about group chat decorum, digital tone, and how the way we communicate online shapes real relationships. Next, the hosts play a round of “Love or Nah,” exploring everyday situations that call us to choose courage, kindness, and integrity—like standing up for others, checking in privately instead of fueling drama, and apologizing even when we still feel “a little right.” The episode then welcomes a special guest, Erin Rothwell, Co-Director of Learning Support at Maryvale. Erin shares about Maryvale’s unique learning support programs (SJB, Ford, and CAE), her personal journey with learning differences and ADHD, and how embracing the way our brains work can be a source of joy, confidence, and community rather than shame. Her reflections on belonging, advocacy, and seeing differences as strengths are both powerful and affirming. Finally, Kristin and Mark celebrate a packed and joyful week at Maryvale, including Catholic Schools Week and the excitement leading up to the Maryvale–Mercy Classic. The episode highlights gratitude, belonging, school pride, and the deeper mission of Catholic education: forming whole people rooted in love.

Don’t Walk Past Someone Who Needs to Be Seen

What does it really mean to love people well—especially when conversations get messy, awkward, or emotional? In this episode of Courageous Love, Kristin DeVan and Mark Riding kick off the new year by rethinking resolutions, reflecting on growth, and diving into a powerful (and practical!) listening strategy that can transform friendships, families, classrooms, and communities. You’ll learn how to recognize whether someone needs a tissue box, a soap box, or a tool box—and why jumping straight to “fixing” can actually do more harm than good. Gaby Y. shares her leadership journey from sixth grade representative to student council president and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to lead in middle school. From planning fun events to making sure every student feels heard, Gaby reminds us that leadership is about inclusion, listening, and creating joy.Along the way, Kristin and Mark explore what courageous love looks like in everyday moments, from sitting with someone who’s alone to choosing truth over comfort.

A Holiday Guide to Presence, Patience, and Love

In this holiday-themed episode of Courageous Love, Kristin DeVan and Mark Riding reflect on unexpected gifts and what truly makes the season meaningful. They share practical mindfulness tips to help listeners stay present, reduce stress, and focus on joy during a busy time of year. The hosts also offer a simple and thoughtful holiday gift guide, emphasizing that meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive — they just need to be personal. Fun segments like 12 Seconds of Courage and the Courage-O-Meter challenge listeners to practice courageous love in everyday holiday moments. The episode features an inspiring conversation with Maryvale senior Harper Jackson, who shares her passion for service, leadership, and leaving a legacy of joy and positivity within the community. The episode closes with a reminder to choose presence, patience, and courageous love this holiday season.

The Heart of a Team: Courageous Love in Sports and Spirit

In Episode 5 of the Courageous Love Podcast, Kristin and Mark kick things off with a lighthearted reflection on childhood sports… or the lack thereof! From imaginary windmill dunks to step-stool hurdle jumping, they explore the idea of athletic “alternate universes” before diving into the joy (and chaos) of Advent calendars. Then the hosts take on this episode’s Big Why: What makes Catholicism distinct from other Christian faith traditions? Kristin breaks down sacraments, the Eucharist, the role of the Pope, and the partnership of faith and reason in an accessible, welcoming way. Later, they welcome special guest Maggie Treon, Maryvale Class of 2010 and Assistant Athletic Director. Maggie shares what makes Maryvale Athletics unique, the heart behind their athletes, stories of true courageous love on the field, and the power of trying something new—even if you’ve never played the sport before. From championship games to supporting teammates through tough losses, she paints a vibrant picture of what it means to wear “Maryvale” on a jersey.