Join us as we dive deep into sacred sexuality with sex coach Amanda Testa, sharing our own journey of conscious intimacy alongside practical guidance for healing sexual trauma and embracing authentic pleasure. Whether single or partnered, discover how trauma-informed tantric practices can transform relationships and create more personal and interpersonal wholeness by breaking free from cultural conditioning and performative behaviors. From male performance anxiety to embodiment practices, we openly explore the challenges and breakthroughs in creating safe, conscious sexual experiences that honor both partners' wholeness.

“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer & Dr. Will Van Derveer

(0:00) Episode overview

(2:18) From Debutante to Sex Coach: Unlearning cultural conditioning

(4:26) Breaking free from people-pleasing patterns

(7:16) Sacred Sexuality vs Tantric practices

(13:46) Emotional safety in sacred sexuality

(16:05) Addressing common misconceptions

(21:51) Working through trauma blocks before accessing pleasure

(28:05) Cultural messaging around sexuality

(34:39) Bringing wholeness & authenticity to intimacy

(40:27) Trauma-informed approaches to sexual healing

(44:44) Redefining male performance and erectile health

(47:35) Closing thoughts & resources

Reach 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
• www.amandatesta.com
• Podcast: www.amandatesta.com/podcast/
• Free Gift: www.amandatesta.com/thegoods/

Get in Touch:

• The Art Of We Website
• The Art of We Instagram
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training

Rate, 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.

In this heartfelt episode, we tackle a challenging topic facing relationships at this moment: how to keep our hearts open when political differences threaten to pull us apart. With the presidential election heightening tensions in many families in the US, we share our own journey of learning to have these difficult conversations, acknowledging the very real pain and fear that can arise when we feel fundamentally misunderstood by those closest to us.

Drawing from our experience, we offer a compassionate framework that emphasizes connection over conversion. Through practical examples and vulnerable sharing, we demonstrate how curiosity about each other's experiences can create bridges of understanding, reminding us that beneath our political identities, we're all seeking connection, understanding, and a sense of safety in an uncertain world.

“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer

(00:00) The Challenge of Political Divides in Relationships

(03:12) Understanding Our Conversation Goals

(07:49) The Power of Underground Dialogue: the possibility of connection across divides.

(12:44) The Role of Curiosity vs. Agenda

(15:07) Moving Beyond "Having the Answer"

(17:58) Leading with Vulnerability

(20:27) Using Relationship Agreements for success

Reach 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
• The Basement Talks Film (AKA The Abortion Talks Documentary)

Get in Touch:

• The Art Of We Website
• The Art of We Instagram
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training

Rate, 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.

We dive deep into the art of giving feedback in relationships. We explore how to address habits or behaviors that may cause frustration while keeping love, respect, and collaboration at the forefront. Using a real-life example, we share a step-by-step approach for delivering feedback in a way that nurtures growth, creates alignment, and fosters a deeper connection. If you're ready to elevate how you and your partner handle tough conversations, this episode is for you!

“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer

(00:00) Introduction and Common Misconceptions About Conflict

(00:18) How to Start a Conversation on Negative Impact

(01:36) The Importance of Feedback in Healthy Relationships

(03:15) Modeling a Real Feedback Conversation

(04:51) Asking for Permission and Setting Context

(06:54) Sharing the Facts and Checking for Alignment

(09:59) Exploring Different Learning and Communication Styles

(13:43) Impact of Inconsistent Follow-Through and Agreements

(19:10) Finding What "We" Need in a Partnership

(27:00) Embracing Conflict as an Opportunity for Growth

Reach 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
• E104: How To Start A Conversation About Negative Impact

Get in Touch:

• The Art Of We Website
• The Art of We Instagram
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training

Rate, 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.

If you want thriving relationships, having the harder conversations is a MUST! In this episode, Krista gives examples on how to skillfully start a conversation when either you’ve been negatively impacted, or you think you may have left a negative impact. Cleaning these impacts up are critical to the health of any relationship, and of course most importantly with the relationships that mean the most to you. This episode is part 1 of 2, where next week we will share how to skillfully give feedback, especially the kind that is hard to give and receive!

“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer

(00:00) The importance of addressing negative impacts in relationship

(03:26) Effective communication tips to keep relationships clean and clear and in tip top relational health

(04:20) Examples of how to start conversations when you think you may have left a negative impact on someone, or a misunderstanding

(10:07) The importance of asking for consent before entering a sensitive conversation to avoid defensiveness.

(10:20) Examples of how to start a conversation when you’ve been negatively impacted.

(14:55) The importance of not avoiding these conversations, and part 2 on how to give feedback is coming next week!

Reach 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 Website
• The Art of We Instagram
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training

Rate, 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, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Krista and Will dive into the delicate dance of making decisions together when you and your partner aren't on the same page. From the lighthearted story of their mug collection clash to the bigger conversations about significant decisions, they explore how they’ve navigated differences without sacrificing connection. Compromise is not the solution – but creating a win/win is. Listen in for practical insights, light humor, and actionable steps to turn moments of tension into opportunities for deeper partnership.

“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer

(00:00) Welcome!

(00:30) The importance of full alignment before making a decision in a partnership

(1:08) Navigating moments when you're not on the same page

(2:20) How even small decisions can symbolize deeper relational dynamics

(4:07) How our upbringings shape our preferences

(5:25) The shift from “me vs. you” to a “we” mindset in decision-making

(6:50) Will & Krista’s challenging decisions

(9:00) Understanding underlying fears can help you move toward alignment

(12:38) The power of setting clear agreements to support decisions

(14:12) Conflict isn’t bad, it’s an opportunity to strengthen

(23:15) Slowing down to make decisions together can lead to faster, stronger alignment in the long run

Reach 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
• Episode 68: Navigating Fights About Driving Styles

Get in Touch:

• The Art Of We Website
• The Art of We Instagram
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training

Rate, 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 or on your favorite podcast platform.

A candid discussion about alcohol's role in relationships, including an honest conversation about how casual drinking habits subtly impact our intimacy, connection, and overall relationship satisfaction. We offer practical strategies for creating conscious conversations around alcohol and making healthier choices as a couple. Whether you're curious about moderating your drinking habits or seeking a more mindful partnership, this episode provides valuable tools and fresh perspectives.

“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer

(00:00) The importance of explicit conversations in relationships

(00:30) Exploring alcohol use in relationships & its impacts

(01:59) Alcohol consumption & its impact on presence in a partnership

(03:35) Stress, work, & alcohol: Unconscious coping mechanisms in relationships

(06:16) Exploring alternatives: Non-alcoholic mocktails & couple rituals for connection

(07:43) How mindful practices and connection exercises can replace unhealthy habits

(10:00) Recent research on alcohol’s health impacts & what it means for your relationship

(14:32) Approaching sensitive conversations about alcohol with your partner

(18:15) Navigating shared bad habits & creating conscious decisions together

(21:39) The power of explicit conversations for a thriving partnership

Reach 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
• Episode 93: Game Changing Connection Exercise

Get in Touch:

• The Art Of We Website
• The Art of We Instagram
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training

Rate, 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, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Krista and Will dive into a relatable moment that many of us have experienced—how a seemingly small disagreement can ignite big emotions. They unpack their own recent "dry cleaning incident" and share the raw and vulnerable details of what it triggered for each of them and how they repaired the rupture. You’ll learn how to navigate those frustrating ruptures in your relationship and transform them into moments of growth. This episode is packed with practical tools on how to communicate better, repair conflicts, and move from "I" to "We" in your partnership.

“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer.

(00:00) The Dry Cleaning Incident: What Happened

(00:30) Embracing Relationship Ruptures as Growth Opportunities

(01:00) The Importance of Vulnerability in Conflict

(03:00) How Small Triggers Lead to Big Reactions

(04:30) The Role of Unspoken Expectations

(06:00) Moving from “I” to “We” in Relationships

(08:30) The Power of Repairing Conflicts

(10:30) Assuming Positive Intent in Your Partner

(12:00) Understanding Each Other’s Wounds & Past Trauma In Relationships

(14:30) Communicating Your Emotional State Effectively

(16:00) The Importance of Regular Relationship Check-ins

Reach 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
• Episode 99: Dr. Jill Carnahan & Aaron Carnahan Post-Divorce

Get in Touch:

• The Art Of We Website
• The Art of We Instagram
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training

Rate, 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, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Managing money as a couple doesn’t have to be a battle! In fact, it can be one of the most empowering & “mutually equitable” ways to grow together. This episode has insights on how to tackle tricky money conversations, turn financial stress into financial success, create money agreements & build a partnership where both of you feel valued & supported. Tune in, because leveling up your relationship starts with mastering your money game!

“The Art Of We” podcast with Krista Van Derveer and Dr. Will Van Derveer.

(00:00) - How financial systems can support or undermine a partnership

(02:59) - Addressing inequity & power dynamics in couples’ finances

(05:46) - How couples navigate combining finances & prenuptial agreements

(07:40) - Impact of income disparity on power dynamics in a relationship

(10:53) - Building a financial structure in relationships that supports long-term goals

(13:32) - The pitfalls of "tit-for-tat" financial systems vs joint finances

(16:16) - The importance of joint financial responsibility and co-investing in each other

(18:42) - Balancing different income levels and contributions in a partnership

(19:27) - Shifting from "me" to "we" in financial decision-making

(21:07) - Addressing gaps in financial ambition between partners & finding alignment in financial goals

Reach 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 Website
• The Art of We Instagram
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Psychedelic Therapy Training

Rate, 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 or on your favorite podcast platform.