Courageous Love

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.

From Group Project Chaos to Shakespearean Courage

 In this episode of Courageous Love, Mrs. DeVan and Mr. Riding dive into the many ways joy shows up in our lives — from concerts and fall colors to everyday victories on campus. They share practical, hilarious, and actually useful tips for navigating group projects without losing your mind (or your grade). 
Then we shift into service — the heart of Maryvale’s Hallmark 4. Kristin highlights Weekend Backpacks, an incredible local organization offering “Students Helping Students” packing nights that make a real impact right here in Baltimore. 
Finally, our featured guest joins us: Bailey P., Maryvale’s Macbeth herself. Bailey shares what it’s like stepping into Shakespeare, learning a massive role, navigating stage pressure, and collaborating with a cast and crew who work tirelessly behind the scenes. She opens up about courage, doubt, growth, and the unseen grind that makes a great show come alive.

Confidence, Courage, and a Few Broken Bones

Courageous Love brings together faith, fun, and community in every episode. Hosted by Mrs. Kristin DeVan and Mr. Mark Riding of Maryvale, this show explores what it means to live and love courageously — on campus and beyond.
In this episode, they talk nostalgia (Boy Meets World fans, this one’s for you!), the hidden meanings behind our favorite sweatshirts, and the deep beauty behind everyday faith practices like the Sign of the Cross. Plus, a lively interview with Maryvale’s athletic trainer Ms. Kimberly Battaglia, who shares stories from the sidelines, lessons in confidence, and why no two days in her job are ever the same.

Pep Rallies, Spirit Animals, and Courageous Kindness

 In this joyful and encouraging episode of Courageous Love, Kristin and Mark kick things off with a lighthearted chat about morning drinks (spoiler: neither of them are coffee drinkers!) before recapping the first Maryvale pep rally of the year — complete with red vs. gray team cheers and student “spirit animals.”
Then, they welcome their first-ever guest: Angela Balto, Maryvale’s Student Council President. Angela shares what people might not know about her, a wild story about coming face-to-face with a bear in Alaska, her dream Spirit Week idea, and her surprisingly deep favorite quote from Cinderella
Angela’s reflection on courage and kindness perfectly captures the heart of this podcast — that courage doesn’t always have to be loud, and love often shows up in quiet, powerful ways.

The Beginning of Courageous Love

Welcome to the very first episode of Courageous Love, the official Maryvale School podcast hosted by Mrs. DeVan and Mr. Riding. 
You'll hear why they started the podcast, what "Courageous Love" means in their school culture, and how it’s rooted in the mission to build deeper community connection.