The Art of We

Hosted by Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer

Entrepreneurship Society Culture Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

128

Latest episode

Sep 2025

Language

About the show

As a leader who deeply cares about your contribution and impact on the world, what if you were told that achieving the next level of success with your team, business and family won't be found through signing up for yet another training, expensive mastermind, or who's-who networking event. What if the key to your potential sits across from you at your breakfast table every morning? Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer are husband and wife, business partners, and hosts of The Art of We, a podcast that explores how committed partnerships can be potent vehicles for fully delivering our gifts to the world. As seasoned leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs, they know that the key to their greatest success out in the world lies inside the health, security, and depth of their relationship. The more skilled and secure their partnership, the greater capacity each has to step into their fullest authenticity and potential. On this show, they will share lessons from their marriage and professional careers that help them thrive. They’ll share where they get stuck, how they overcome challenges, and they’ll dialogue with thought leaders to broaden the conversation. You’ll leave each episode with practices, tools, inspiration, and conversation topics for the dinner table or your team’s next offsite. If you’re a leader, founder, or overachiever, and you want to better understand how to leverage your relationships for personal and collective growth, then we invite you to subscribe to The Art of We.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 25, 202550 min

127. Cancer, Embodiment & Erotic Return with Melissa Michaels

In this powerful and deeply intimate episode of The Art of We, Krista sits down with visionary movement educator Melissa Michaels to explore the intersection of sexuality, embodiment, and healing—through the lens of Melissa’s late-stage ovarian cancer journey. What unfolds is a story of profound transformation, where trauma, loss, and surgery become portals into deeper intimacy, love, physical pleasure and devotion to life force.“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and guest Melissa Michaels00:00 — Intro00:55 — Melissa’s cancer diagnosis story and background06:15 — The ritual of preparing for surgery & calling in community09:46 — The post-surgery declaration12:19 — Intimacy, partnership, and scarred bodies15:34 — How Melissa worked with pain and chemo23:12 — Building intimacy with others & the sacredness of presence25:36 — Chemotherapy: grief, gratitude, and identity shifts28:21 — Reclaiming sexuality and orgasm after cancer33:04 — The long road back to intimacy and physical connection 36:36 — Balancing solitude and partnership with devotion to aliveness40:58 — Melissa’s guidance for returning home to your body46:19 — What this journey taught her about love, humanity, and the path forward50:22 — Where to learn more about Melissa's work & the short film Twisted GiftReach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from you!Resources Mentioned: Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements Golden BridgeGolden Girls GlobalGet in Touch: The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy TrainingRate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.

June 26, 202538 min

126. The Circle: A Real-Time Practice for Women to Lead Without Apology (with Barbs Edwards)

If you’re a woman who feels like you’re performing, over-managing others’ comfort, or doubting your leadership instincts—this episode is for you. Krista and her colleague Barbs Edwards, introduce The Circle: a transformational women’s group experience based on T-Group methodology. Together they explore how this real-time relational practice helps women track their inner experience, speak with clarity and care, and break free from old patterns like people-pleasing, over-controlling, or self-doubt. You’ll hear personal stories, practical insights, and why collaborative, emotionally intelligent leadership is more needed now than ever.(00:00) – Why women don’t have impostor syndrome—they have undervalued leadership styles(02:13) – Guest Barbs Edwards (05:21) – What is T-Group(06:59) – Speaking only what’s true(08:54) – Tracking yourself vs. managing others(10:24) – Why this work helps women stop performing(12:22) – Barbs’ personal story: finally shifting lifelong patterns(17:05) – Krista’s journey through corporate gender bias and self-doubt(21:37) – Real-time feedback: How others actually experience you(34:07) – How The Circle accelerates growth(36:17) – How to join a free Taster Circle (virtual or in-person)Reach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from you!Resources Mentioned: The Circle For WomenOur Top 10 Relationship Agreements Get in Touch: The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry InstituteRate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform. 

June 12, 202519 min

125. Our Partnership Mindset For Resilience During Hard Times

In this honest and heartfelt episode of The Art of We, Krista and Will unpack the mindset shift that’s helping them meet uncertainty and stress with strength. Instead of reacting from “life is in the way,” they explore how choosing a “this is on the way” perspective changes everything, especially in partnership. From grief to bypassing to finding meaning, they share real tools and reflections for returning to a higher set point, together.“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer(00:00) Intro and relational check-in: chaos, uncertainty, & weird coping rituals(03:35) Life update for our listeners(05:55) How to stay aligned during life intensity(06:42) From “in the way” to “on the way”(08:04) Suffering & the narratives we choose(09:15) Complaining & bypassing(11:28)  Emotional honesty & recommitting (13:37) Respecting real grief & hardship(14:45) Viktor Frankl, responsibility, & reclaiming narrative power(16:07) What matters most in partnershipReach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from you!Resources Mentioned: ●    Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements ●    Viktor Frankl BookGet in Touch: ●    The Art Of We Website●    TheArt of We Instagram ●   Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy TrainingRate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.

May 15, 202550 min

124. Date Nights, Honest Sex & Deepening Intimacy with Shana James

In this episode of The Art of We, Krista is joined by longtime friend and renowned relationship coach Shana James for a candid, heartfelt conversation about cultivating deeper intimacy in partnership. From redefining what sex actually means to designing date nights that create more presence, pleasure, and connection — we talk about insights and tools that might just shift how you think about  intimacy, sex, and what’s possible in your relationship. This episode is full of heart-opening perspectives on what it really means to be intimate with another human being.“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer(02:13) Welcome Shana James(04:13) Impact of growing up without emotional intimacy(06:42) The question that changed Shana’s client’s relationship(07:02) What is intimacy, really?(09:57) Shana’s 7-date night ritual(12:15) Creating turn-on by removing pressure(14:07) Practicing presence and attunement in intimacy(17:46) Prioritizing intention for opening more possibility(20:00) Perimenopause, stress, and shifting desire(26:53) Breaking inherited relational patterns (32:36) When your partner shuts down or isn’t growth-minded(35:36) Calling your partner into their greatness(43:33) Redefining sexReach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from you!Resources Mentioned: Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements Shana James’ Honest Sex BookShana James QuizGet in Touch: The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy TrainingRate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.

April 24, 202520 min

123. Abundant Repair: Our Agreement That Turns Conflict Into Connection

When conflict arises in a relationship, do you retreat, explode, or sweep it under the rug? We unpack one of our foundational relationship agreements: to Repair Abundantly. We explore how the ability to fully and lovingly repair after conflict is the difference between surviving and thriving—and how the right kind of repair doesn’t just restore connection, it deepens it. We share personal stories, listener questions, and the real-life impact of doing this work together, especially when triggers come up again (and again). “The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer(00:00) Why this is one of our most essential agreements(01:40) What repair means to us (and how it’s different than just “making up”)(03:30) Attachment theory and the 3 phases(05:28) How repair can leave you more connected than before the conflict(07:22) What happens when repair isn’t mutual or complete(10:38) “What if I’m always the one to initiate repair?”(13:02) Attachment dynamics in conflict(15:10) Why shared purpose in your relationship is essential(17:26) “What if the same trigger keeps coming up?”(19:44) When to seek deeper therapy or examine incomplete repairs(21:10) A call to mutual growth, grace, and staying in the conversationReach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from our listeners!Resources Mentioned: Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements Getting To Zero by Jayson GaddisGet in Touch: The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy TrainingRate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.

April 17, 202525 min

122. Always Find Possibility: Our Game-Changing Agreement for When Life Gets Hard

What if one agreement could shift how you move through perceived limitations, everyday stuckness, and painful patterns in your relationship? Krista and Will dive into their relationship agreement, “To Always Find Possibility.” Whether it's health issues, career crossroads, or relational tension, this simple yet powerful commitment has helped them stay connected, creative, and forward-moving—even when things seem hopeless. Tune in for real-life examples, practical insights, and an invitation to transform how you face challenges with your partner.“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer(00:00) The origin of the agreement(02:30) What “always find possibility” means (05:45) Why this agreement applies to every area of life(08:50) Real-life example: Krista’s health scare (12:20) Bypassing or real possibility?(14:45) When one partner can't see the way through(17:40) How this agreement affects parenting, career, and decisions(20:55) Why this isn’t just toxic positivity(23:45) What to do if your partner doesn’t think this way(27:00) How agreements like this turn into anchoring tools during crisis (30:00) Addressing polarization(32:15) The power of staying in the conversation(34:00) An invitation for listenersReach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from our listeners!Resources Mentioned: Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements Get in Touch: The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy TrainingRate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.

April 3, 202527 min

121. Addressing Passive-Aggressive Comments (Replay)

About the Episode:Addressing passive-aggressive comments like a ninja is highly satisfying. It can stop the aggressor in their shoes and wake them up to the impact they’re having. Most passive-aggressive comments are simply unskilled communications of negative feelings. By directly and neutrally addressing passive aggressiveness, we can support each other to grow as human beings. In episode 121 of the Art of We podcast, we get into the nuanced terrain of passive aggressiveness in both personal and professional relationships. Dr. Will and Krista Van Derveer discuss its subtle nature and how it can operate under a veneer of politeness, making it challenging to detect and address. They dive into the psychological underpinnings of why individuals resort to such behavior, highlighting the cultural lack of effective tools for expressing negative feelings directly.The hosts share practical strategies, share personal anecdotes, and role-play scenarios to illustrate how to respond to passive aggression in a way that fosters understanding and growth rather than perpetuating a cycle of negativity. They advocate for an approach that involves acknowledging the impact of such comments, expressing one's feelings without aggression, and seeking to understand the underlying needs of the other person.A must listen for:Individuals in leadership positions who deal with other humans :)Partners who have a hard time communicating their needs and wants skillfully People who have a family or community that has a habit of passive-aggressive behaviorAnyone who loves to grow!Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform. Resources Mentioned: Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements Psychology TodayGet in Touch: The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Mental Wellness & Psychedelic Therapy TrainingRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate it with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly.

March 27, 202527 min

120. Turning Triggers Into Healing: Our Real-Life IFS Breakthrough at Richard Schwartz’s Retreat

What if the parts of us we feel most ashamed of—our tender, young, vulnerable selves—were actually the doorway to greater sovereignty and connection in our partnerships? In this deeply personal episode, we share a very real moment from our recent IFS (Internal Family Systems) retreat with Richard Schwartz, where an old, exiled part of me got triggered in a big way. But instead of spiraling into conflict or disconnection, we used our agreements and IFS tools to move through it—together. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling unseen, insignificant, or overly sensitive in your relationship, this episode is for you.“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer(00:00) Fairness in holding space(01:14) Setting the stage: Krista’s trigger(03:41) A pattern re-emerges: Feeling invisible(07:47) A call for support(11:04) Stepping into an IFS process together(12:27) Krista’s breakthrough: Meeting a 3-year-old exiled part(15:40) From shame to shared understanding(17:34) Witnessing the root together(20:08) Why this moment changed the trigger(20:45) Turning triggers into healing: The power of a supportive partnerReach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from our listeners!Resources Mentioned: Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements Internal Family Systems with Richard SchwartzGet in Touch: The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy TrainingRate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.

March 20, 202523 min

119. IFS for Couples: Why Understanding Your “Parts” Changes Everything

Ever feel like your emotions take over during conflict? What if there was an easier way to navigate tough conversations? In this episode, we dive into Internal Family Systems (IFS)—a powerful approach to understanding the different "parts" of ourselves and how they show up in relationships. We share how this model has transformed our ability to work through triggers, deepen our connection, and show up for each other's growth in a way that fosters security and desire. “The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer(00:00) – The power of how we phrase emotions(00:38) – Exploring Internal Family Systems (IFS)(01:20) – How we use IFS in our partnership and why(03:38) – What are “parts” in IFS? (06:27) – Uncovering the hidden parts of ourselves(07:10) – The hero, the critic, and the scared child(08:14) – How trauma shapes our inner system and leads to self-sabotage(10:20) – Why IFS is a game-changer for couples(12:06) – How IFS prevents CO-dependency and strengthens the “we”(14:45) – The importance of shared language in partnerships(15:50) – Conflict repair: Naming our parts de-personalizes triggers(17:07) – How IFS turned a potential rupture into connection(19:04) – Holding each other's parts together vs. rejecting themReach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from our listeners!Resources Mentioned: Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements Internal Family Systems with Richard SchwartzNo Bad Parts BookInside Out MovieGet in Touch: The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy TrainingRate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.

March 13, 202518 min

118. How Separateness Affects Desire & Discovering What Truly Keeps the Spark Alive

Does absence REALLY make the heart grow fonder? In this episode, we explore the role of separateness in fueling desire in long-term relationships and uncover the deeper factors that truly spark passion in a thriving partnership. Plus, we share a personal story about how the movie The Substance nearly led to a major rupture between us—but ultimately revealed profound insights about what really creates and sustains desire in our relationship.“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer(00:00) Welcome!(00:35) Listener question: Does separateness fuel desire in long-term relationships?(01:40) What actually happens in our experience of being apart?(02:53) The science of why we automate our partners(03:57) How our brains conserve energy and why it affects attraction(05:40) Time apart doesn’t always create desire(06:44) The hidden gifts of separateness(07:42) The danger of relying on separateness for passion(08:25) A surprising relationship challenge(09:59) Power dynamics, objectification, and emotional triggers in media(11:22) What actually fuels our desires(14:30) Why deep emotional work can create attraction & intimacy(15:52) The key question: What actually fuels your desire in partnership?(16:30) Turning real connection into lasting attractionReach out with your thoughts, experiences, and topics you want to hear about. We love hearing from our listeners!Resources Mentioned: Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements Get in Touch: The Art Of We WebsiteThe Art of We Instagram Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy TrainingRate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform.