A Little Wray Of Sunshine: Inspirational stories from everyday people

Send us a textIn this short episode, several people share what they are grateful for! This is a wonderful reminder of the many things in life that we can be grateful for. Listen all the way to the end to hear the most amazing song about finding ways to be happy and grateful... (It's amazing, I promise.)

Send us a textIn this episode, Dan Newman shares his experiences of growing up with a speech impediment, finding religion after many years of searching, and making it his life mission to bring happiness into peoples' lives. Danny is an extraordinary man, and if you have the opportunity to visit with him, he will make you laugh, and he will brighten your day! 

Send us a textIn this episode, I had the privilege of visiting with Addie Stucki, a teenager in our local high school, and a special family friend of ours. Her message was loud and clear... "Do a lot of service, do a lot for other people...You can do one small thing and it leads to bigger things." She is so inspiring and wise for her age, and after listening to her I personally felt a push to make service a priority in my life. "Service is the most selfish thing you could do for yourself because when you do some small thing or big thing for someone else, in return you get a a mountain of blessings...When I do service projects, I feel so much more happiness...in the end, I just want to be surrounded by as many people who love me, and I love them as possible."

Send us a textIn this episode, Lori Mecham speaks out about being a positive force for change as mentors of our youth. She gives great advice about how to do this... "Every day just do one good thing... we need to be better at being the good and putting the positive out there."  Lori has been a school teacher for many years, and has great insight and experience in helping youth to be successful. She says that "these kids are strong, I don't fear the future, I know they'll be amazing leaders, these kids are strong, they're brave, they're very determined." She understands that "you're not going to touch every single kid you teach, but you hope they know at least you cared...when we try to do the positive, it's contagious." In the words of Brad Wilcox, "don't let the world change you, when you were born to change the world." 

Send us a textIn this episode, ZoeAnn Keck interviews a recent guest, my younger brother, Darin Wray. In the last podcast episode I did with him, he shared many thoughts regarding his addictions. That episode sparked an interest in one of my listeners, ZoeAnn Keck. As a result, she asked to be able to have him back on this podcast, and that she would like to be the one to interview him, and ask him a few questions. Many issues are addressed, including boundaries, family relationships, and living life without the chains of addiction. "I can honestly look in the mirror today and like what I see and like what I'm doing... It's been a career of learning from my past."

Send us a textIn this episode, ZoAnn Keck shares a heartwarming story about her mothers passing nearly twenty years ago. You will get a sense of how important family is, and the positive influence you can have on each other. "You can look at life however you want to... you can be positive and look at the positive things in life; you can look at them and be happy about the things that are good in your life." ZoAnn's take on life is simple... "I try to look at the good in people." Enjoy!

Send us a textIn this episode, Darin Wray describes what it was like for him as he battled his addictions for nearly four decades. Because of his addictions, many of his experiences and decisions created damage to important family relationships. During those years, he felt lost and alone. It took the passing of his mother before he realized he had to change his life. Being in a dark place for so long was hard for him, but those dark times have since faded and he is now seeing light for the first time in a very long time. We're proud of you little brother.

Send us a textIn this episode, Chyna Hopkins and Amy Jolly team up to share their thoughts about what it means to be successful. This is something they know a little bit about! Both of them have coaching jobs, as well as the responsibility of raising their families, and do a great job at both. Amy asks herself "have I done any work on myself to personally grow, if I can say I have, then to me that is success." Chyna's thoughts are to "just show up with tears in your eyes, just show up,  tie your shoes, get to work... we'll trust that it's your best that day." Enjoy!

Send us a textIn this episode, Garrett Foster discusses strategies for being successful in starting and sustaining a successful business, and finding and living up to our potential. Garrett has years of experience in consulting, and in addition to owning his own business, he also partners with several others in various other businesses. If you are considering doing something to increase your income, or just wanting to try something new that you may have a strong passion for, this is a must listen! Below are a few of Garret's thoughts on being successful:"The one thing that will determine your success is grit.""Success is a lot of different things, it's not just money.""You help people get what they want, and you'll have what you want.""If we're really going to be the best that we can be, we have to get to this place where it's really about understanding ourselves.""Learn try, learn try, learn try, learn try."

Send us a textChyna Hopkins has a passion for learning and understanding issues surrounding mental health, and helping people succeed. She has a vast knowledge of connecting with people in a meaningful way, whether it be through coaching sports, or in a professional mental health setting. In this episode Chyna and I have a candid discussion about a variety of topics, including transition anxiety in children, building confidence in athletes, and the need for coaches to value the "human," not just the "athlete." Enjoy!

Send us a textIn this episode, Rick Croft draws upon his professional knowledge and insight as a professional counselor, to openly discuss the topic of suicide awareness and prevention. His message is very clear, which is to become educated on the seriousness of the problem, knowing the signs leading to suicide, where to go for help, and being willing to have the hard conversations with our children about it. As a long time mental health professional, Rick's important message needs to be heard by everyone.

Send us a textDevon Marrott is a Psychology Professor at Brigham Young University - Idaho. In this episode, he addresses many different topics, including human connections, friendships, human suffering, and viewing the world through a variety of lenses such as religion, science, biology, etc. Devon shares his own personal perspectives and insights, which are insightful and inspiring. Below are a few quotes from this episode. "it's hard to stay mad, angry or upset, when you are faced with the gift of a beautiful friendship"... "Be a friend to people, be a beacon of light, strive to leave this world better than you found it, be the gift of friendship in people's lives"..."Human connection is the most important thing to me in my life"..."If you feel like you were kind of dealt a sad hand of family dynamics, that need not be your destiny, you can establish other families with meaningful friendships"..."Human suffering needs to be addressed, I think it needs to be talked about"..."Things that you plan may not work out as you plan them to, but that doesn't mean you still can't find satisfaction and joy in life, you can be optimistic, hopeful, assertive, and you can be proactive instead of reactive. You don't have to be the smartest, most attractive or best looking person to find success and accomplishment in this life."   Enjoy! 

Send us a textIn this episode, 17 year old Chloe Prescott shares about her experiences she had while spending one month in China. Chloe not only talks about that, she also provides some sage life advice, such as... "everyone has different life experiences, and you need to respect that and be kind and give them the benefit of the doubt." Chloe has such a positive outlook on life, and about being yourself... "Let people have a voice without judging them." Enjoy!

Send us a textChyna Hopkins is a young woman who has been blessed with many talents and abilities. She is a very gifted athlete who excelled in track and field through high school and at the collegiate level, and is an amazing women's pole vault coach. In this episode, she shares how sports has impacted her and shaped her into who she is today. Chyna also shares a beautiful message of showing love to others, and being there for them when they need you, which is something she has become passionate about as she works as a professional social worker in the mental health field. According to Chyna, "Whatever you're doing, do it with love... Everybody's got their own heavy, so for those that are struggling, let other's help lift, and for those who are on the lookout for that, start lifting."

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Bailee Sivley talks about how being successful in life, also requires involving our Heavenly Father in all that we do. Bailee shares her sweet testimony of God, and knows He hears and answers our prayers.. "When we pray for the gift of discernment He blesses us with that." She also diligently seeks guidance from Him about what her purpose in life is. She offers great advice about looking for things in life that can make us happy, and knows that God loves us all.. "No matter what you do or what you say, He's always going to be there."

Send us a Text Message.At a very young age, a chorus/drama teacher recognized the remarkable talent that Rick Hale had for singing. As a result of this teacher noticing his talent, Rick's life would forever be changed. Rick not only has an amazing gift of singing, but he also writes songs, and plays the guitar. His talents have made him an internet sensation, with his music being played all around the globe. I was fortunate enough to visit with him for this episode, and heard first hand the talent this man has. He has been at this for many years, eventually quitting his job to live out his life long dream of performing. You can find his music on Spotify, and on YouTube among other platforms.  Rick also had a song that put him at number 4 in the world! Some of his top songs include: "Fly Me To The Moon" (mashup), "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes," "Smile," and "The way I am/Just the Way You Are." Once you listen to his voice, you'll see why so many are subscribing to his channel, and following this gifted and amazing man! Enjoy.

Send us a Text Message.In this PART TWO of Rowan Gneiting's episode from last week, he continues to share his wisdom of what it takes to be successful in life. I've included a few gems from this episode that are quite profound for a 19 year old... "It's not about what other people make you do, if you do something that's self-motivated, you're going to see way more success""Anybody can go anywhere that they want""Hard work beats talent, when talent isn't hard working""It's important to never be satisfied""As you're consistent, and you're chipping away at something, eventually you're going to make a great sculpture""You have to pick and choose what mindset you want to have""If you're 1% better everyday, as a year passes, your 365% better than you used to be""Be proud of your victories, at the end of the day, look back and if you're proud of yourself, that's a good day; if you're not proud of yourself, then make a change tomorrow""If you treat failure like a failure, it's what it's going to be, if you treat failure like a lesson, that's what it's going to be"

Send us a Text Message.In part one of this episode, 19 year old Rowen Gneiting shares his story about his journey to becoming a champion wrestler. This sport didn't come easy for him in the beginning, having to overcome numerous insurmountable hurdles along the way before he found success. This is a story of determination, hard work and commitment like you've never heard before. In Rowen's words, "I lost twenty in a row and all I knew was losing...if you only know how it feels to lose, you're just gonna feel like a loser... I didn't believe in myself... you can't borrow a testimony from somebody else, you have to be the one to believe." (STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO!)

Send us a Text Message.Once again we are privileged to hear, feel, and simultaneously absorb the positive vibes that so readily flows from this philosophical giant of a man, Layne Gneiting. He has the ability to help us view life in a way that helps us visualize our own true potential. He is a life coach for those of us seeking to break free from the chains that are holding us from tapping into the greatness that lies within each of us. You won't regret tuning into this special episode! 

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, two of my students from BYU-Idaho (Michael Fauber and Regan Evan's) conduct the interview with me as their guest. They did a fantastic job of getting me to open up about a lot of things I've never talked about before, and some that I have. When discussing trials, this thought was expressed... "If He (God) can give me a trial, He can help me through the trial... I don't look at that as a bad thing." I hope I can offer something in the way of being positive, having hope, and being your best self. Live life while you have it to live. Enjoy!

In this episode, Caydon Christensen shares his insights about how to move on in life after you've had so many trials and tribulations. Caydon is no stranger to finding a way to stay positive through such experiences. "I could kind of go down two paths, it was either I could go down the path where I could self-pity, self-wallow, and I end up in not such a good place... or, I could choose the path where I could try to improve myself and figure out why I'm feeling the things I am and do something about it."

In this episode, Regan Evans talks about some of her life changing experiences that have shaped her into who she is today. Despite the challenges she faced as a teenager, she was able to find a new and better path to follow through the help of her best friend, and others. In her words, "that well lit path will sometimes feel dark and dim and just wait for that next day because it'll come back shining so bright."  For someone so young, Regan offers some sage advice for all of us... "On those hard days, it can be really hard, but on the good days it can be really good."

In this episode, Mike Pickett and I visit with his son Conner who has Downs Syndrome.  As you listen, you will feel the love they have for one another and the very special bond they have developed over the years. Mike wouldn't have it any other way... "If you had to pick a handicap for you, or for your child, which one would you pick... you'd pick the one you got because you know what that's like." I admire Mike for the father he is to Conner, through the good times and the hard times, they have each other and that's what's important... "Try to let those bitter moments roll right off your back and get through them and keep right on trucking."

12 year old Kody Wray shares his thoughts about being kind, knowing your self-worth, and helping others in any way you can. He may be young, but his wisdom goes well beyond his years. His advice is meant for people of all ages! "Know you're self-worth, and that you are as good as you want to be."

Many times God places people in our paths at just the right time, and our lives are changed forever. In this short episode I share two personal stories that have helped inspire me to be a better person, and to help others in need.

In this episode, Mike Pickett shares about trials in his life... He is someone that can speak from experience, as he has gone through much loss, pain, sorrow, and grief. "Never, never, never, never, never give up... ever, you can't, there's always someone that needs you, whether it be your loved ones or even that someone that's standing in the background looking to see what you're doing, somebody always needs you."  You will feel uplifted by his words of wisdom as he speaks from his heart about what it feels like to go through life's unpredictable circumstances.  "I've got a lot to complain about, and I could sit down and complain all day long if that's what you want to hear, but the blessings I receive, are way more than any complaint I have."

You'll be so  glad you listened to this episode! Jourdyn Pitcher isn't just a cancer survivor, she is an absolute inspiration!  She has seen her fair share of trials in her life, beginning at age 14, and she chose to place her faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through it all.  "The Lord knows what He's doing and we just have to be patient and let Him work out His miracles for us." Jourdyn's words will leave you with a special feeling that the Lord knows each of us personally, that He loves us, and that He is in the very details of our lives.

In this eye opening episode, you will hear from a social worker at the "Upper Valley Child Development Center," Bethany DeChamps. She educates us about talking about the hard subjects with our children, and ways to help prevent child abuse of all kinds. Bethany's knowledge and passion for the work she does in helping prevent child abuse, and working with those who have been abused, is to say the least, uplifting and inspiring. Thank you for the lives you are changing in our children, Bethany, and in us as parents as we work toward better communication with our children and have the hard discussions with them!

In this episode, Kris Boyle shares stories about his teaching career at BYU Provo in the area of communications, sports journalism, and fictional story telling. His passion for what he does is truly inspiring and you can feel of his love for the students he has taught over the years!

In this episode, Nancy Bills shares some of her experiences growing up in a home with eleven other siblings, recounting the abuse that took place in their home. Her message is ultimately one of forgiveness, and about loving those who have made mistakes...Being able to move on, and do our best to be like the Savior, rising above the unfortunate situations in our lives and making better choices for ourselves.

In this episode, Michael Fauber recounts the horrific experience he went through while serving a mission in Alabama. Michael was shot seven times by a gunman while participating in an activity at their local church building.  His faith, courage, tender mercies, and help from unseen Angels are all a part of this miraculous story.  "When it comes down to it, it's  nothing short of a miracle that I can't ever repay my gratitude for." 

In this episode, Terri Clark shares her story of being a cancer caregiver for twelve years, first with her son Cody, and six months later with her husband Adrian.  After their deaths, Terri continues to grow and learn new ways to adjust to her new reality, and she offers wonderful guidance and advice about grief, loss, and hope. " It's okay to be sad, it's okay to be disappointed, it's okay to be even a little bit mad... but it's not okay to live sad and live disappointed and live angry... you can't live in it, it will consume you."  Another parcel of wisdom from Terri is to "try and find one thing that you can see that God has helped you with and it will start making the biggest difference in your life." If you are experiencing difficult trials in your life, this final gem of wisdom may be just what you needed to hear... "Know that you were made to do hard things, and one day your gonna be on the other side of this and you'll be able to look back and know God has seen you through it." Enjoy!

In this episode, Kyler Hamilton shares his thoughts and convictions on the importance of aligning our will with our Heavenly Father's will. He explains beautifully the concept of "and, if not..." For example, if we ask God for something specifically such as healing a loved one, and it doesn't appear that it will happen, we can tell Heavenly Father "but, if that is not your will, can you bless the loved one's who will be left behind..." Kyler has such a positive, special spirit about him. Listening to this episode will bring hope and conviction to the certainty that Gods loves each of us, and knows our wants and desires. "Be still, and know that He is God."

In this episode, my brother Rod and I visit about letting God be a part of our lives... not just when we need something from Him, but always. There are times when we just need to give ourselves to Him and allow His presence into our lives... we can' always do it alone, He is always there for us. We both share stories that illustrate how God is always there and willing to help us when we need it. I hope you enjoy : )

In this episode, Tim Everett shares his story of having an abusive father, and grandfather, and living with other family members as a result. Tim learned at a young age that he has control over how he views life and the struggles that come his way. "You get the ability to wake up every single day and be the person you want to be, so who are you going to wake up as." His positive outlook on life will inspire you, and give you hope and courage as you go through your own life trials. "How you choose to face your obstacles is 100% up to you and that is what builds your character over the long term."

In this episode, Stephanie Ortiz recalls her early years growing up in a small Idaho town, surrounded by poverty and despair. Stephanie shares her experiences of sexual abuse, and growing up with an abusive mother with a serious addiction to drugs. Stephanie's story is one of not giving up, and finding the courage to bounce back against all odds. "There is always so much more, if you just say enough is enough."  Her story provides hope and optimism to anyone going through trials in their lives. "You have to save yourself if you want to have a better life." Great job Steph, you are truly an inspiration!

In this episode, John and Valerie Aebischer share their heart warming  and touching story of losing two children within a very short time span, due to complications during pregnancy. Through all of their heartache and pain, John and Valerie have learned to rely on each other and in God throughout their struggles and  hard times. You will feel of their strength and conviction of holding fast to their religious beliefs as they share their story.

This is part two of Gary's horrific story of abuse growing up in South Carolina. In this episode Gary shares how his life began to take a positive turn, and those that were placed in his life to encourage and mentor him. "If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then realize that you are its author."  

This is a two-part episode, part two will air next week on March 15th. The following is an excerpt from Gary's book, "Overcoming a childhood of abuse and dysfunctional living: How I did it."  Gary Keith  was born in a small town in rural South Carolina to alcoholic parents who abused and neglected him. For the first twenty years of his life, he was trapped in a world of anxiety, fear, and self-loathing. Tormented daily at home and bullied at school, he was the ideal candidate to pass along the same abuse to his children. . . or worse. Instead of perpetuating the sadistic behavior, he decided it was enough. It would stop here, with him. Gary's story, heartbreaking and gut-wrenching though it may be, is, above all, uplifting and inspiring. 

In this episode, Dillon Stucki shares his experiences in life that has brought him closer to his Savior. He talks about his love of working with the youth and mentoring them during their young lives, and how his many near death experiences have helped prepare, and shape his entire life into one of serving and loving others. Dillon is an amazing individual with the ability to connect with people, and you will feel of his loving spirit in this episode!

In this episode, Bobbie Stucki shares the importance of raising children in todays world, and the significance of teaching them to work hard in this life... "I'm trying to raise my kids so they can be good humans when they leave." Part of their success as parents is how Bobbie and her husband Dillon put their trust in Heavenly Father to help them through the process of raising their children... "Just knowing that Heavenly Father is there cheering me on, is really what gets me through some of the harder days."

In this episode, John and Hallee Cordtz share their insights as new parents. They talk about the spiritual side of bringing a child into this world, and the importance of teaching true principles of God and Jesus Christ to our children as they grow up in our homes. Their message is powerful, and yet simple at the same time... Allow God into our relationships, and into our families... God is in all the details of our lives, so trust in His plan for you.  "God has a plan for all of us and we just have to look for it."

In this episode Mahayla Mower shares her story of being bullied as a child and how she has learned to tune out those unwanted voices and focus on loving herself for who she is. There are still moments, however, where she experiences dark moments of depression and thoughts of self-harm, but she never gives up, she never stops trying to improve. While listening to her story, you will see that this girl is a fighter and isn't willing to quit on life. Her positive words of advice will inspire and uplift you, especially if you are one who can personally relate to her story. "Life is amazing, it's worth living and it's worth living it with happiness in your heart and in your life and helping those around you, everything is better when we're serving others."

In this episode, Dana Vega discusses years of mental, physical, and sexual abuse that she endured over a span of many years. Her story is one of breaking the cycle of abuse and re-inventing herself to who she is today, and who she wants to become. Her story gives us a sense of hope that we can overcome our past and use it as a way of helping others in similar situations. In Dana's words, "It's not about you, it's about them."

In this episode, Victoria Vassar talks about being adopted at birth, the death of her adoptive mother, and many other inspiring and uplifting words. This young lady's take on life, and her wisdom at such a young age, will warm your soul. For example, she reminds each of us of the "importance of looking for the good things in life", and to "Look for God's hand in your life, and the blessings that He gives you." 

In this short episode, I share a story that reminds us that the Savior is always there for us! He can help us through the hard times in our life if we let Him!

In this episode, Steve Simmons talks candidly about his personal experience of attempting to take his own life. Steve is very detailed and descriptive about this event, so if you listen, and feel you are being triggered by something that is said, please contact a family member, a friend, or a professional to talk to.  As Steve discusses, this is a topic that needs to be addressed and we can all be better at being open with others when we have thoughts of suicide, and being better at being supportive and showing empathy for others who are experiencing this. Here is the number to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

In this episode, Nicki Derr reminds us of the importance of making human connections with those around us. She brings with her a bright and optimistic perspective on life, and has a strong conviction of serving and helping others... "I work for God, I don't work for people.. I'm doing this because these are God's children."  Nicki may be young, but she exhibits the wisdom and vision of someone much older than her, and she is always working hard to understand and fulfill her purpose in life... "We're here on earth to make connections." Enjoy!

In this last episode of 2023, I had the privilege of visiting over the phone with Frank Flanders. Frank is currently serving a prison sentence for robbing a gas station using a broken pellet gun, nearly two decades ago. He has been serving his prison sentence in Missouri for the past 18 years, with the possibility of serving another 10 years pending the outcome of a court hearing to be held in February 2024. A small portion of the audio is a little difficult to hear, but his message is definitely worth listening to. As Frank puts it, "this has been a fiery trial of my faith," and in the beginning, while incarcerated, he attempted to end his life by hanging himself in his cell. However, through it all, he has recognized the many positive changes he has made in himself, and the spiritual growth he has undergone in the past 18 years of being locked up.

Oral Elser is a talented cowboy poet, and has had many years to practice his trade. In this special Christmas episode, he treats us with several poems; each poem will leave you with a wonderful feeling in your heart. He recites the poetry of others, as well as his own, and as you listen, you can't help but feel the wonderful Christmas spirit that comes this time of year. Thank you Oral for reminding me of the true meaning of Christmas.

In this short episode, I made a surprise call to my 97 year old mother-in-law to see if she would talk about her Christmas memories growing up, along with some of her other life experiences. She gives good advice about knowing what is important in life, and taking care of each other, along with the wisdom that can only come from living a good, long life.