Come Towards Delight

Adam is a dear friend of mine and hero. His story is such an incredible story and example of the desire we all have within us to be free and find our own way. You will feel inspired by this good man and love hearing how finding his now wife changed his heart and life.      Adam grew up in a classic good old American town, where people are educated, make good choices (at least in the light), and crime is still fairly low in comparison. His story is a powerful example and witness that when we give people the opportunity to fail, make mistakes, and bad choices, eventually it is in those challenges and struggles that we find our ultimate strength and the very talents that God gave us and path that God intended for us to be on.      Adam is a living example that no failure is final, no mistake takes us down a path too far for the saving grace and perfect mercy of our redeemer Jesus Christ. Listen to this beautiful story of how one man found his path, and his passion, after taking many paths that led him down dark roads.      Adam, you are one of my hero's. Thank you for the faith and strength you live with. It is so incredible to see the way you live and help youth to understand that failure and mistakes are part of a Perfect plan designed by our Father in Heaven, to help us become exactly who He created us to be. You are filled with compassion for others, it took you a while to get there, but the amount of it that you spread around today is incredibly inspiring, impactful, and Delightful!     Love you brother!

Terry Tucker is an incredible Human. His story will lift you up, fill you with a desire to filter out negativity and focus on the positive. I've only spoken to Terry live one time and I left our conversation feeling better about myself, and like I had known him and looked up to him for years.      Terry shares his life journey with us and has some pretty awesome career achievements, and athletic achievements with us. He played college ball, and is a giant of a man both literally and figuratively. You will feel his joy, and love for life through his enthusiasm and optimism, and I promise you that like me you will determine in your mind to live your life on purpose.      Years of fighting a deadly cancer disease could have made it really easy for Terry to be resentful, wondering why he fell victim to this awful disease, but just the opposite has happened and Terry is making a huge impact for good in his circles and quote frankly on the world. His goal... Be on purpose. As he wakes each morning he has truly embraced the duty he feels to be on purpose and leave this world a better place for his children and grand children.      He shares some key items with us that have helped him to become the best Terry Tucker he can possibly be. He is a man that walks his talk as well, he has been on many podcasts and left his powerful message, and it's not easy for him due to the cancer he is battling. I hope that you too will listen to the wise counsel from Terry, and apply the principles he speaks of to your life if you haven't already.      Terry, you are an incredible man and I am so grateful that I had the privilege to meet you and learn from you. Thank you for sharing your light, love, and purpose with us. God bless you and your family always my friend.   

Kristy Johnson grew up with a father who was addicted to pain killers. She, her mother, and her siblings were constantly worried about him. She moved off to college at Ricks up in Idaho and after getting married and after struggling with infertility and a miscarriage, she and her husband were able to have their first child. At that time she started to realize that the home she grew up in was far from “normal”, and there was a lot of pain that came as a result of feeling like she was unable to live up to her purpose of being on this earth, she had been taught, to be a mother. Her father attempted suicide, and while in the hospital Kristy talks about the people who rushed to help her family to love and support them and the impact that had on her. They help an intervention for her father and for the next two years he stayed sober and Kristy shares how special those years were for her to see him interact with love for her kids. After two years her father relapsed, and Kristy had a feeling that this is what could take her dads life. A few short months later Kristy's father ended his life to Suicide. Kristy shares experiences she had while attending LDS 12 steps with her sisters in an effort to help there dad before he died and the special people they were able to connect with at those meetings. As a result of all these experiences that Kristy went through, she and her husband went through a divorce, and it was at this point that she realized she had a lot of soul searching to do, she hadn't truly found herself yet. She decided to leave the church she grew up in because of some of the shameful and hurtful feelings that she felt due to some of the things that were taught. At this point she began a journey of self discovery calling her self a spiritual hippie! Kristy shares some beautiful truths about the mine and our ability to attract and manifest what we hope for. She has done a lot of work to process the feelings and emotions that she has experienced and talks about some of the research and studying she has been doing to understand motion and frequency. Surrender is also something she discusses, and the power that we latch onto when we allow the beauty around us to reflect back to us. I truly enjoyed the conversation Kristy and I had and I learned a lot about the importance of finding the value within ourselves from her story. Kristy you are a beautiful human and I am so grateful to connect with you. You are amazing! If you would like to connect with Kristy, you can find her on Instagram. @mexiprincess89

Mark Miner is a dear friend and a hero of mine. You will not want to miss the story of Mark's life and the miraculous way the Savior showed up for Mark seconds before pulling the trigger that would have ended his life. The reality of the message Mark shares is proven by the walk he walks today, as he has done all he can to show the Savior Jesus Christ of his gratitude, by serving for multiple years in the LDS 12 steps program helping others lost in their addiction and trying to find their way back to health and peace, know that it is possible if you look to the Lord and trust in Him to show you the way.      You will hear him tell the story in his own words and what I think is most fascinating about Marks story, is the witness that it is of the powerful and unconditional love of Jesus, and His willingness to welcome us home, like the Prodigal Son, as many times as we fall far from grace... We are never too far gone for the Savior, we are never in a place that he doesn't understand perfectly, and as soon as we make the choice to let Him in, even if we are still questioning His love, He will never fail us and will show us the way back home that He has prepared for us.      One other key to the story is what happens when Christ shows up for Mark when he was about to end his life... The Lord does not "let us off the hook" of the prices we have to pay legally sometimes; however, He takes the Spiritual death that would be caused by our choices and turns them into opportunities to use the talents that we were given by God and use them to help others find their way back to our Savior Jesus Christ, who will take us by the hand and lead us home.      Mark's life was highlighted on a video produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the 12 step program. If you would like to see it, it's worth it, and the link is below.      Mark, I love you brother. Thank you for helping me on my journey and for the unconditional love that you share with others who have lost their way during the journey hear on earth.      Link to Mark's Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5xtixOQRCU&t=95s  

Rebeca Price is an amazing person! She is a Mother 4 beautiful little girls, a Wife, a Professional Photographer, and an incredible human. I hope that you feel inspired like I did listening to her story to live with more trust and Faith. Also, the way Rebeca talks about taking full accountability for what she can control is enlightening and a very important piece to the outcome of the faith crisis her Husband has had which began only a few short years after their wedding in the LDS Temple.          Rebeca is originally from Brazil and didn't move to the United States until she was 21 years old, with the desire to learn English and also learn about the American culture. Not long after arriving in Utah she developed a love for County Dancing, and met her husband, Brandon, as they cut up a dusty wood floor while doing the boot scootin boogie. Months later Rebeca and Brandon were married in the LDS Temple. She and her husband Brandon had a foundation of faith and love for God from the onset which was very important to them.         When one of their daughters was turning 8 years old and about to be baptized, Rebeca talks about the efforts she and her husband made to make sure their daughter understood the commitment that she was about to make, and was doing it for herself. One night sitting around discussing baptism as a family she asked her husband to share his feelings about God, and Brandon's response was that he didn't know that he believed anymore. Rebeca was shocked of course, but because of their history together she felt that it would just be a short question of faith and he would be able to work through it fairly quickly, however, that was not the case and Rebeca shares the journey that She and Brandon have been on to keep their love for each other and family as priority.      Rebeca shares some very important lessons that she and Brandon learned regarding how to continue to put family and love first, take ownership of what you can control, make conversations safe for each other, and that transitions of faith do not make someone bad or less faithful than someone who's faith remains consistent.          Today they are happily married, they love each other, and the communication between the two of them has never been better. Brandon is a successful Chef, a loyal husband and incredible father. He cares so much about his wife's faith and his family that he goes to church each Sunday with them and also takes his daughters when Rebeca is out of town. That is the definition of an incredible husband and father! Way to go Brandon, thank you for setting such an amazing example for the rest of us men.          It was Brandon's idea to do the Mormon Message Video, which is so impressive because it witnesses his love for his wife and family and the courage he has to be vulnerable also shows he feels good and confident in the good man that he is, as he should feel. I encourage you to watch the video, link below.      “How to cope when a loved one changes beliefs”    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w8i3BMYAXg  

You will absolutely love Weston Wride, AKA the "voice of the BYU Cougars" and MC extraordinaire! His energy and passion for life and humanity will inspire you!   You know those people you meet in life that just have a way of bringing positive energy into whatever environment that they walk into? We all know one or two of them and they have away of lifting and inspiring others around them. Weston is one of those guys! You will love listening to Weston share some of the experiences he has been through that have taught him that life should be more than just "Hard Work", and "Grinding it out" everyday. We need to connect and we need to plan time to play! Make live Joyous!        When Weston was a young man growing up in a family of 10, his parents taught him how to work hard. They didn't have much, but they knew how to work and had plenty of love. Weston, recognized however that live needed to be more than just work, and as he grew and developed he learned that life was much more complete and joyous if he made sure to "make plans to play". Plan fun, joy, and happiness!!       He talks about his battle with Anxiety in his 30's which caused a bit of a health scare, and that as he stepped back and took audit of his life he recognized that he needed to rely on his support system, he needed to connect with people around him. He expounds on the power of overcoming our fears to connect, and lift others. In a way, connecting and lifting others... lifts ourselves to greater joy and passion for life as a consequence.        Weston, you are an incredible human, one of my favorites! You lift, inspire, and create joy wherever you go. Thank you for bringing light into so many of our lives and sharing your delight for life with me and the audience. I love you my friend.        If you would like to follow Weston Wride and his "Believe Mobile" you can find him on Instagram under user name: @westonwride   https://www.instagram.com/p/5GszZ7A4zg/      

Drew Young is a Husband, Father, Top Selling Author, Porn/Life/Mental Wellness Coach, and Bodyguard of Humanity (literally)!       Drew shares his story about the struggles he has faced because of separation anxiety. The first time that he recognized it was at scout camp when he was only a young boy. When separation anxiety presented itself in Drew it caused fear and the emotional fruits that fear bears, which of course did not leave Drew with a lot of friends. When his family moved from Connecticut to Utah, he began attending a new elementary school he was bullied, teased, and picked on, actually being physically beat up on multiple occasions. Drew talks about the affect it had on him when he realized that he couldn't trust everyone and that kids were often times mean to their peers, very different than what he expected based on the way he was raised.   The bullying mixed with the separation anxiety that Drew was feeling, was a huge blast to Drew's self esteem, and of course it was very low.     In this Dark time, Drew found a way to breakaway from the pain and anxiety by turning to Pornography as a young 12 to 13 year old boy. As he was passing through this dark period Drew discusses how he turned to adult's who were in charge of some of the activities he was being bullied at, and the response they received was “Boys will be boys” or “I'm sure they didn't mean it that way”, and the leaders were unwilling to take him seriously. This had a profound affect on Drew and he know longer wanted to attend School, Church, or Scouts because of the constant bullying. As a result of these experiences Drew and his parents decided to do homeschooling from 7th to 10th grade.    During his sophomore year after deciding to go back to public school, Drew had an incredible experience that shows the power of our spirits and his will to overcome this challenge. He looked himself in the mirror and promised to never allow bullying to happen to himself or anyone else again.     This is where Drew's story begins…   Even though this time of Drew's life was so dark and difficult, often pushing him to the breaking point, Drew talks about the connection he has developed with God as a result. Looking back on his youth, Drew is not able to see that God allowed him to experience all that he went through so that Drew could be prepared to be a friend, voice, and supporter of any and all ostracized groups and people who are treated as if they don't belong by others. “It was as if God was coaching me”.       Drew has written multiple books sharing the lessons he has learned and his love for all of humanity unconditionally. Titles and links to books below.      1. The meaning of your mission: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Mission-Lessons-Principles/dp/B08QL1H8H6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+meaning+of+your+mission&qid=1623710403&s=books&sr=1-1     2. Stand guard at the door of your mind: Releases on August 10th (Preorder available) https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stand+guard+at+the+door+of+your+mind&crid=2TTBD9EMYVCUX&sprefix=stand+guard+at+%2Caudible%2C185&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_15_ts-doa-p     Instragram: @mrdrewbyoung Facebook:   Drew Young   Please reach out to Drew, he would love to hear from you.        “People start to heal when they feel heard” -Drew Young

Kurt Nielsen is a cousin of mine from California that I have never met until he reached out to me after I appeared on an episode of Richard Ostler's podcast, “Listen, Learn, Love”, building bridges for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints.   Kurt calls in from Yorba Linda California to bravely share his story as a gay Latter-day Saint. Kurt has been following deep impressions his whole life to live with the courage needed to come out to his wife and 3 kids and now feels called to be a voice for those silent sufferers who are to afraid to live with the authenticity they have always felt inside.   Kurt shares his journey as a gay man growing up in Northern Utah, serving a mission, getting married and having a family. Unlike our younger LGBTQ members who have some support networks, Kurt really had very little (until the last few years) causing him to develop a deep relationship with Heavenly Father and the subsequent personal revelation he received.   At first you can only imagine the pain and questions his wife and kids had, in fact his Wife needed counseling; however, in love they have stood by his side in love and embraced him for who he truly is, and Kurt and his wife remain married.   When he was young he knew that he was different, but like mainstream society believed back in the 80's he believed he had to change himself. He went to counseling and took his feelings to God, but he didn't change. Kurt was married in the LDS temple and after trying for years to change himself, to no avail, he began to feel God encouraging him to accept who he was created as, so at 44 years old Kurt told his family. Before coming out at 44, he had never spoken of his true nature to his wife, children, or even people close to him.   We had a great conversation about “the body of Christ”, and I loved what he had to say about Gods diverse family. God does not create us all to be identical, but He gives each one of us unique gifts, talents, and abilities that are very personal to us. After struggling through these feeling for years Kurt was able to overcome his fears and live as the man that God intended him to be, because of his love for God and trust in Him. Kurt shares experiences where others, who believe in God, truly showed up for him in Christlike love and how that had an impact on his life causing him to feel heard, seen, and worthy of love. As this happened and he embraced his true authenticity he has felt more peace in his life and had many experiences to be a voice for others that are facing abuse, bullying, and ostracism from family, friends, and the societies they live in.      The percentage of people who identify as LGBTQ. at BYU, the church owned school is 4%, which is hundreds of kids. Kurt talks about the necessity to make it safe for these kids and to love and accept them for the beautiful children of God they are.   Kurt did a podcast episode on Richard Ostlers podcast prior to talking with me, if you are interested in listening I would highly recommend it. Here is the link:   https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-147-kurt-nielsen-age-59-rm-active-lds-gay-married/id1347971725?i=1000443255688    

Nate Moore, is someone that lifts others in every environment, setting, and place that he chooses to be in. Sometimes in life we have the unique opportunity to meet someone that is a natural born leader, to me this is Nate, he is someone I look to as an example of servant leadership.   When I first met Nate, he was serving as a Market Sales Leader for the Western Mountain Pacific area in the United States for Marriott International. This is a high ranking position and very quickly I was able to recognize that the reason that Nate was as successful as he is as a leader is due to the way he serves. With God, his family, fellowmen, and country in mind, Nate lives a life focused on service and what he can do to lift another.  Currently Nate serves as the Director of Sales and Marketing up in Seattle at the W hotel. Both he and his wife have served in the military for years and got their start in the Army reserves. They met in High School while living on a military base as their fathers both served in the military.   He and his wife have 4 kids, and when they had 2 and decided to add one more to make it 3, God had other plans and they were blessed with twins. In 2008, Nate was deployed to Mosel Iraq, as a Military Intelligence Lieutenant,  and served there for over a year. At the same time while fulfilling his military service he has led a successful career with Marriott for over 25 years. Both Nate and his wife come from a family with along line of history serving the Country. Nate speaks about the feeling he grew up with knowing at some point that he needed to serve our country. He was able to find a company in Marriott who supports and celebrates employees that serve which enabled Nate to excel in his professional career and Military service.  “Every time I put the uniform on, I am humbled to serve, I have a mindset to serve”.   Nate has 300 soldiers in the battalion he is over and he reminds them often that they have the awesome opportunity to be citizen/soldiers and “you are a soldier with the uniform on and off, we have to be ready to serve always”. That mindset allows you to be ready to serve at any moment.  Nate takes a few minutes to speak something we all work hard to find in our lives, purpose. Often times after working long and hard to find it we feel satisfied, but there is more we need to do once we find it, we then have the opportunity to determine the tactics needed to fulfill our purpose. Those tactics can be weaknesses and strengths of ours which give us the opportunity to grow and develop our character based on the purpose we believe in. Nate says, “Find your purpose, and then define the tactical pieces of your purpose. This will help us utilize our strengths and develop our weaknesses. The tactical approach on the small pieces will help us achieve our bigger goals.”   The two practices Nate has learned and held onto that help him be an effective leader are “Respond” and “Follow Up”. Responding is telling those you lead you hear them and see them, and then you have to follow up to show them they can trust you to lead. Once trust is established, you then have the ability to lead without asking others to follow you. Earning trust put's you in a leadership position automatically. “Putting Response and Follow up as a daily priority, will make you a great leader” If you want to build trust do these two things.    The hard days and tough lessons have taught Nate that a new day will come tomorrow. Prepare for tomorrow, pack your lunch, iron your clothes, and trust that tomorrow will bring with it new life, new energy, and new opportunity. Show up and be ready for the next day.    Nate, you are an amazing man. I am grateful to know you, and have learned so much from you over the years. The way you lead through love and service is a powerful witness of the love and gratitude you have for God and the incredible country we live in. Keep shinning brother! Love watching you do it!

Halee is an incredibly strong woman who faced more as a young girl than most do in a full length lifetime. This is a really neat episode as her mother, Cori Valdez, was on Episode 35, and her wife Chelsea Watters was on Episode 25, so if you would like to here the version on both sides of the story it is absolutely worth it listening to both of them share. Both Halee and Cori share their experiences with their very own Pain, Shame, and Challenges that their separation brought into their lives.  She is an incredibly strong woman and has had to be even as a little girl to survive what she has been through. As you listen in to her share her experiences you will see clearly that she had no choice but to "roll with the punches" for the majority of her youth. Moving from apartment to apartment, never really having a place of her own to call home, and the divorce of her parents at an early age, didn't provide Halee with much opportunity for security and structure in her life. This is when Tragedy struck... Halee's mother Cori was beaten nearly to death in a church parking lot by her Step Father, who left her to die. By the Grace of God a Father and Son out for a walk later that night saw Cori laying on the ground and called 911. You can imagine the Trauma this would bring not only to Cori, but also to Halee. Because of this event and the pain Cori endured she became addicted to drugs to help her cope, and her life became unmanageable to the point that she felt she had to sign away her rights to Halee and her little sister. Halee describes the last time that she ever saw her mother as a young girl and how she watched her walkaway for what could have easily been forever. Halee was so young she didn't know how to process feelings of abandonment and as young children do, she held onto hope that one day she would be with her mom again, but the pain was there and it was real as she often wondered why she wasn't good enough for her mother to return into her life. Hearing Cori's Episode and being able to feel and understand the pain that she was going through, and feeling unaccepted even by her own family, makes this story incredibly compelling. It is nothing short of a miracle that Halee and Cori were able to reunite years later. After hearing both sides to the story, I believe that both of them manifested hope that they would be reunited one day even though they didn't know how it was possible. Never doubt the faith and hope of a little child. Years later as Halee's grandmother was in the hospital nearing death and as she went to the hospital to say her goodbye's, her mother Cori, out of respect, communicated to Halee through a family member that she would leave out of respect, and Halee's empathetic response to that truly shows that she had wisdom beyond her years as a result of enduring so many heavy and difficult things. She let her family know that her mom should stay and that she would come anyway. A short time later Haylee found herself standing face to face with her mother, and the feeling that overwhelmed her and her mother was love and a sense of longing to be together again. Haylee said Forgiveness came immediately, and she didn't even have to think about it. Cori and Halee are now best of friends, they truly love each other and have each others backs always. They have been able to hear each others stories, process the pain they both dealt with, and come together in love to be a family again. I am so grateful to know Halee. She is an incredible person and has such a kind, good, and compassionate heart, that said, this is another of the countless examples I have seen in my life, how a persons trials, challenges, and pain create a tender heart and an empathetic soul capable of showing up for others when they are hurting. Halee, you are incredible, I am inspired by your strength, your faith to keep going. We live in a world that tells us "Nice people finish last", but your story is a witness that this idea is completely false... You are as kind a person as I have met, and because you held onto hope and love rather than bitterness and anger, things shifted in your world causing miracles to happen around you, bringing healing into you and your mothers life, love into your own, and the sense of belonging that we all hope for during our lives on earth. Way to go! Thank you for sharing your story with us and for inspiring me and so many. I am better because of the opportunity to learn from you.

Nathan Hale is so fun to listen too. His passion and enthusiasm for life, his wife, his kids, God, The Savior Jesus Christ, and just overall believing that life is awesome are absolutely contagious! I could hardly keep up with his pace and excitement in sharing how God showed up for him when he desperately prayed and cried out for help. As a young boy, Nate's Parents divorced which was very hard on him, he stopped engaging in school resulting in poor grades, and became involved with friends that chose to find their freedom, independence, and a release from the pressure of life through partying, drinking and drugs. After years of partying, run in's with the law, and as a full blown Alcoholic and Drug addict, Nate had become so reliant on drugs each day that he began stealing checks from his Fathers Dental practice and cashing them in large amounts. When Nate's father discovered what was happening Nate thought his father would turn him in to the police and that his life would be over, and as he was frantically getting his belongings together to make a dash for Mexico, his Father showed up at his house unexpectedly. Nate shares the incredible way that his Father showed up for him at this time. Nate thought for sure his Dad was coming in absolute anger, but instead, like the Father of the Prodigal Son with tear filled eyes, his Dad asked Nate to stop, rest, slow down, and come home. Unconditional parenting is incredible and you can sense the love and respect Nate has for his Father as he shares this part of the story. Even after this touching and love filled experience of forgiveness Nate had just experienced, Nate's addiction didn't just disappear. It takes a lot of effort to become an Alcoholic/Drug Addict, and it takes a lot of work to get out of it. It wasn't until he called a friend in an attempt to go to a club that the unexpected happened and Nate became willing to slow down and look for light in his life. His friend, also a drug addict, turned Nate's offer down until after his meeting with two Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Reluctantly, Nate went to his buddies house with the sole purpose of getting to the club after his friend was done. When Nate arrived the Missionaries began teaching and Nate explains that it was almost as if he and one of the missionaries were in a different place, and he felt like he had known this missionary for a lot longer than his years on earth. Although this is the religion Nate's parents belonged too and he was surrounded by throughout his life, he didn't want anything to do with God or religion at the time because it interfered with his lifestyle; However, that all changed when Nate's heart was truly opened up because of the spirit that he felt as the missionaries taught about Jesus Christ.  Things started to change for Nate. His heart started to soften towards God, and the idea that there was something very special about the message the Missionaries shared. He began trying to engage, and at first it was difficult and awkward, but he continued to try. During this time he had a miracle happen as he prayed to God, trying to find out if God is real. Like a flood of light ideas and thoughts began pouring into Nate's mind and Nate knew that these thoughts and personal revelations were coming to him directly from God. His life has done a 180 degree turn since. He is an incredibly inspiring and good man and is now giving back in efforts to help those who find themselves in dark places trying to find Light. Nate, thank you for taking time to come share your message with me and the audience. You are an incredible man that has overcome some huge trials in your life. Continue to use your story of redemption to point others to Jesus Christ. God bless you and your family my brother. A compelling article was written about Nate's Story in 2018. If you would like to read it here is the web address: https://www.storiesofgodsgrace.com/site/2018/4/2/nates-story-cpr-for-the-soul   This is an excerpt from Nate's Story, and you will hear him share it in this Episode. But this was incredible. It was powerful. The Spirit was speaking to me. The young missionary told me, “You are going to change. You're going to influence thousands of people. You're going to do great things — I can see it.” He prophesied my life. The room seemed to glow. I wondered if I was tripping on LSD or something because it was so potent. I wondered, “What kind of drug is this? This light and this hope…” It's like I had been in a dark cave, and somebody ripped the top of the cave, and all this light came pouring down on me. It was a beautiful feeling that went clear through me. I knew what he was saying was true. The Spirit was burning through the room so strongly. The missionary said, “Can you feel that? That's the Spirit!” Caught up in the overwhelming transformation taking place, he stood up and shouted, “I have never felt it this strong! Wahooooo!” Something in me changed at that moment. I was still addicted to drugs, but my heart started beating again. The missionary told me, “I want you to go to church, even if you're sedated.” I told him, “I can't do that. It's rude to go to church while I'm high.” He disagreed strongly. So I made a commitment that I would keep going to church with my dad on Sundays. There were times when I'd walk into church, even though I had just popped a bunch of pills. I was like, “I'm here. I'm barely here, but I'm here. I'm sorry I'm wasted. I'm sorry I'm high, but I'm here, and I'm going to continue on this pattern. I am going to turn my life around.”   To listen to this Episode, you can find 'Come Towards Delight' the Podcast on any podcast platform or click the link below. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-towards-delight/id1514528066   BkFpSeUOS2TBPqikluJB

Rosie Card, Author, Blogger, Podcaster, Business owner, Dog lover, Started the company Q.NOOR in 2015, after sitting in the Temple and recognized that the women's temple dresses were uncomfortable to wear and looked very outdated. Research has proven that when women feel comfortable in what they are wearing, they actually learn more because their minds are able to focus and engage more efficiently.  Feeling lead to take on the challenge to make women feel better in temple clothes, she approached a temple worker, Sister Samuelson, who empowered Rosie by listening to her and encouraging her to do it. Rosie mentions that the moment she shared with Sis Samuelson in the temple could have “squashed” her belief in taking on this project, but instead she encouraged, supported, and empowered Rosie to do it. Great lesson for us all when we think about our relationships with others. Are we lifting and inspiring people with our words or are we “squashing” belief. Rosie then talks about her journey creating her new clothing line Q.Noor and how it has not only grown in to a temple dress company but a women's clothing line.  Because of Rosie's strong belief and faith in Jesus Christ she has determined in her life to recognize what Jesus Christ would do and who he would serve if He were here on the earth Himself. She has used her “platform” to speak up and stand up for women, marginalized groups and others who feel in a way cast out by society. I encourage you to follow Rosie on Instagram @rosiecard , the is full of light and her love for all of humanity is contagious.  Rosie also shares her feelings about culture and how we can make sure to include all people, including single adults. No value is lost because a woman is not a mother, no value is lost if a man is the stay at home parent. Love, is willingness to learn, listen, and grow, and if we do that we recognize that all people are of infinite value and worth, and we can learn from them. Badges, titles, popularity, do not matter… hasn't history clearly proven that when someone puts all of their time and energy into reaching certain “statuses” in society, they sacrifice the most important things to get there i.e. family, marriage, service opportunities?  I love the way Rosie talks about Heavenly Mother. We often talk about Heavenly Father but we cower to let the word Heavenly Mother out of our mouths and use ideas like “she is too sacred to talk about” to keep us from talking about her as a foundational truth. Jesus, was born to a mother, He spoke to His mother while on the cross and asked His disciples to “Behold thy Mother” telling them to see her, and then after His death and victory over the grave the first person He appears to is Mary, a woman. I really enjoyed our conversation about some of the traditions we hold onto for no reason other than that they keep us comfortable and they fit into mainstream society. So many of these things need to change so that more people feel seen and heard. LOVE!  We men can do a better job following this council from Rosie, “Hype the women around you, make room for them, and listen to them.”, I couldn't agree more, and truly appreciated the opportunity to learn from Rosie and talk about so many important topics soul to soul.  Rosie, you are an incredible woman, with so much love for Humanity. Thank you for sharing your story and so many important ideas with us, inviting us to love unconditionally, and to seek out those that feel like they belong on the outside and bring them in. Keep up the great work, you are making a huge impact!   Q.NOOR website: www.https://qnoor.com   Follow Rosie on Instagram @rosiecard, @q.noor    

Becky Davidson, is an incredible woman! Her work is groundbreaking and she is doing things that will change the way we think about education, and how to practice and teach emotional management and work through being uncomfortable. Becky Davidson, Teacher, Coach, Friend, and incredibly wise and creative human, comes from a wonderful family of storytellers. From an early age she began to learn why people she loved would turn to drinking and smoking often in their lives. When we don't want to face certain uncomfortable emotions that come, we tend to use substances enabling us to forget or escape. Becky lost a younger brother to alcoholism, and a mother to lung cancer due to smoking, Her father is also an alcoholic and it has been hard for Becky to see those she loves suffer as they have turned to these options.  On her way home from teaching a college class at Utah Valley University, Becky recognized that she didn't “bring it” to the class today, and as a result she let her students down. Becky started to get curious about why she was feeling the way she did, it was uncomfortable. As she dove into what her feelings meant, she recognized that she wasn't giving her self grace which is something she has always tried to give to others. She learned that the inner voice, we often give space to, is very loud in our lives and got curious to learn more about it. That said, She began to give her self permission to be a “Learner” when the uncomfortable feelings showed themselves, so she could learn from them in an effort to understand them.  Becky talks about some of the trait's we pass onto/receive from family members. She saw that members of her family would become very disappointed and down on themselves and she began to recognize that she was doing the same thing. As a determined learner, she committed to “sit” with her uncomfortable inner critic, she began meditating (sitting) and as a literary researcher she found some amazing people who were guides of meditation and she began feasting on their practices. This is where she truly began “sitting”. Early on she discovered that the uncomfortable feelings we feel such as pain, anxiety, fear, move through us. Emotions do not come to sit inside of us and stay forever, they truly move through us. She said “When we become comfortable in our own minds, if we are willing to sit, we learn that we are optimized and we have the power and ability to allow these feelings to move through us and learn from them”.  Becky teaches that “often times we contract around the feelings we don't want to feel, and when we do this we in a way choose to keep that feeling we don't want within us. Uncomfortable feelings will move through us if we allow them, and when they do we open ourselves to enlightenment on the other side of those feelings, which enables us to discover other feelings that exist within us that we are also holding on to." "As soon as you sit and get quite, whatever needs your attention comes to the surface. The more you sit the better you get at identifying the feelings and what is causing them." In her research she learned that naming the emotions or “demons” is a good idea, and while you sit and the "demons" surface, we can talk to them by name. Doing this allows us to have a friendship with those emotions so we can learn from them and understand why those feelings come.  “We can't always choose the thoughts that pop into our head, but we can consciously choose the memories that we want to embrace and carry with us.  After learning to “sit” herself Becky was equipped to respond to her son and daughter at times they were in need. Her children were dealing with some anxiety and fear, and Becky worked individually with them, teaching them to “sit” and feel their own emotions. To help active kids learn to “sit” she followed an impression she received to tell a story while they practiced meditating. The stories she shares involve “journeyer avatars” who have an adventure ahead of them, filled with obstacles, puzzles, strategic workarounds, world building, etc… Her children, the practicing meditators, took part in claiming a bit of transformative wisdom, and Becky saw the deep impact as her daughter melted into her arms and released many pent up emotions. This is where Becky, with the encouragement of family and friends, developed Lotimus.  Becky describes Lotimus as an opportunity where, “Body goes still, mind goes on a Journey”. She describes Lotimus, saying "Yes, your body will be still but I'm going to launch your mind into a world with a narrative provided, inviting the listener to allow their imagination to soar. This is a Journeying practice in first person that you are the hero of." Lotimus gives the listener an opportunity to discover who they are, and to unlock their imagination and creativity. It maybe uncomfortable at first, but on the other side of our willingness to sit in uncomfortable feelings, we will experience Knowledge, and self discovery which empower you to uncover who you are and what you are capable of. "This is an opportunity to discover peace, ease of “being”, even bliss, if you are willing to pay the price and “sit”." If you are interested in how to Meditate or in “Sitting” as Becky, and now Michael, call it. Becky highly recommends the book written by Jack Cornfield called “A Path With Heart”. Website Address: www.lotimus.com is where you can find the Journey's created by Becky and her incredible team. If you choose to enroll, you will receive two FREE batches of complete journey's, which include three exercises, and beautiful music. Becky has also generously offered my listeners a discounted price when you enroll to the full Lotimus experience. To take advantage of this discount, enter "DELIGHT" into the Coupon Code space. I have listened to some of the stories, and love the what I have experienced. This concept is ground breaking and so needed in our day. School classrooms give us the tools needed to get a career and work, but they miss the mark when it comes to emotional health and education, which has a huge impact on Mental, Spiritual, Social, and Physical Health. My family now "Sits" in these stories when we are putting the kids to bed, and it has been a huge hit! Best part... The kids actually LISTEN!! LOL!  Becky would love if you would check out Lotimus and reach out to her with feed back. Please check out Lotimus, and let Becky know your thoughts by sending her an email to, becky@lotimus.com . She is extremely grateful in advance for any of you that will do so.  Becky, my friend, you are incredible. I learned so much from you and cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to meet you, talk to you, and partake of your genuine goodness and wisdom. You have a passion for education and creativity, coupled with a sincere love of Humanity, so it makes complete sense that God has inspired you with such a impactful mission. Your work will educate, heal, and lift many. You are brilliant! I can't wait to talk to you again soon!

My friend Author, Coach, Christ Lover, Podcaster and Golf Fanatic, Tommy Thompson shares his life, faith, and family with us. He is devoted husband to Weezie his wife, who he has been married to for 40 years, and loving father.  Tommy is very optimistic and inspiring to listen to. He doesn't shout with a voice of thunder to wake anyone up, rather his calm and humble tones and love for God is palpable. I honestly could have carried on a conversation with Tommy for a day, no problem. He gives us a message that in spite of the difficulties, in spite of circumstances, no matter what circumstances we are up against, we have the ability to choose how we respond. He says, "People often feel like they have to control their own circumstances and drive them to avoid any difficulty or darkness, but it's in the effort to control that we often lose ourselves".  In the early days of his profession, Tommy and his brother partnered together to start and run multiple companies. He studied Seminary at Davidson University, Go Steph Curry! Where he found his passion in teaching and especially teaching people how to grow and create better lives, and marriages. Life seemed to be calmly passing by without too many tough trials, when the call came from Weezie. On March 4th 2010, His healthy young 20 year old daughter Perrin, a Junior in college, was experiencing back pain and after a visit to the doctor she was diagnosed with cancer. She had Kidney Cancer that had matasticized into her spine causing intense pain. She was very active, bright, and joyful and it just seemed that this kind of thing would never happen to someone like her.  Tommy explains his life turned upside down, and questions to God of why is this happening when i've lived right and the way you've asked began to come, almost as if why would you allow this to happen to us. Tommy daughter battled the cancer for 6.5 years with determination and Grit, and although those 6.5 years were without question some of the hardest and darkest days of their lives, Tommy expresses that they were years full of incredible joy, and happiness as well. They were year's of “Pain beyond description, and Joy beyond description at the same time”. Perin was a bright light during those years and she experienced as much or more joy in that short timeframe than many of us do during an entire lifetime.  Inspired to write a book Space to Breathe again, Tommy talks about the inspiration that he felt from God in writing it. He says that it is most often faithful believers who struggle the most because we stretch ourselves so thin sometime in our efforts to serve God and others. At times, the faithful are the ones that need to slow down the most and take the time needed to stop, reflect, and listen. Tommy shares a lot of wisdom on busyness and making sure that we slow down to give ourselves and God space. He says, “my job is to have faith, once I do that I then trust that God will take care of the rest”. Living that way brings peace, joy, and comfort in our lives.  At the foundation he lives by Grace. No matter how hard he pushed and tries he falls, and he often falls hard. He expresses gratitude for Gods limitless grace for him and literally survived the pain of losing Perrin because of that Grace.  Tommy talks about all of the people who followed Perrin through her Cancer journey, and still to this day years later, people reach out and share stories with him about how she inspired them. Perrin lived with Joy, even during times of extreme pain, and she always gave God glory, never blaming God for what she was expieriencing. She never denied or lost trust in Him, and neither did Perrin's dad, Tommy.  More determined than ever to help people view life much like his daughter, with joy, hope, and happiness. Tommy has set out on a ministry to heal broken hearts, and help people find the joy in letting go of the speed and craziness of the world so that they can slow down and feel God through his peace and stillness.  I encourage you to listen to Tommy's podcast, he is a remarkable man that I feel very blessed to have met. Tommy you are awesome my friend. Sure love you brother, let's connect again soon.    Podcast: Space to Breathe Again, can be found on any podcast platform i.e. Apple, Spotify, or his website tommytompson.org/podcast    Personal website: tommythompson.org/links/   Instagram Handle: author_tommythompson   His book, "Space to Breathe Again" can be found on Amazon   Please feel free to reach out to Tommy. He would love to hear from you. 

Tony Pizza, is one amazing human being that has truly come to find himself, love who he is, and live his authentic life. Arriving in this place of peace and happiness wasn't easy for him, there were many roadblocks and danger zones he chose to pass through, until the day came that he realized the patterns in his life that he had created that were keeping him from truly living as his authentic self. The expectations of others and even expectations he thought people had for him kept him from discovering who he was and what he wanted for many years, until he learned to forgive and let go. I hope that you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Tony, has become an incredibly wise man, and done a fantastic job of unlocking himself and giving himself space to live authentically.  Tony had some early trials and trauma that set him off on a course that caused him to fall into the trap of attempting to please his parents who were living two different livestyles. His parents divorced while he was still a young boy, and he began to feel  like life was being thrown at him from many different perspectives which of course included different expectation and rules. Although this time caused a lot of friction in his life, Tony now he looks back on with gratitude and appreciation, because that helped him begin to recognize the diversity in humanity. Hearing him talk about Humanity and our connection with the universe is a fun spiritual journey.  After High School, Tony wasn't sure exactly what he wanted to do, but he wanted a challenge and to do something "good", so he joined the Marines. During this time he began he began dating the mother of his children, they were married in the LDS temple, and this is where he started to feel the void in his life because he was in a way reacting to the way others wanted him to live rather than choosing to live a life he wanted to live. Although he felt good that others were pleased with him because of his lifestyle and decissions, it felt fake and he started to see that the people in his life   liked him because he was living up to an conditions they held him to and the expectation of who he was supposed to be in regards to the culture he grew up in. This is the time he began to feel like the religion he grew up in, wasn't providing him with the answers he was looking for and it was in a way almost keeping him from becoming the authentic man he felt deep inside himself.  There was enough friction and darkness in his life that he began looking for his value through the validation through the opposite sex. After stepping out of bounds in his marriage Tony found himself in the darkest moments of his life. He felt deep shame to the point of thoughts of suicidal ideation, but something pivotal happened as well and over time Tony also began to feel liberated, as if he was freeing himself from the expectations of parents and others he believed controlled his life up to that point. After coming clean to his wife and telling her the truth she proceeded to get a divorce. Unfortunately, he repeated the marriage and divorce process two more times and attempted to fill the void with habits that became nothing more than an attempt to drown out the "noise" inside screaming at him to live the life of authenticity. At this time, he took a 10 day trip to Peru in an effort to lose himself in a beautiful part of the world, to connect with the universe through silence, mediation, and to do a lot of walking and hiking. Oddly enough in his attempt to lose himself, that is where he came to find himself again. Tony was able to forgive people in his past that he withheld forgiveness from for years. He forgave his mother and father for their imperfections but came to the conclusion that they never meant any of their weaknesses to be passed onto him and they never meant to hurt him in the first place. He learned that he didn't need a verbal apology from any or every person he felt hurt by in his past, in fact many of them didn't even know that they had done anything with a lasting negative effect on Tony. What he needed was to forgive himself for holding onto the negative experiences he had carried with him because of others choices. In his own words Tony says, “I learned that forgiveness isn't about redeeming someone else from justice; forgiveness is about freeing yourself.”   During a pivotal moment for Tony, as he thought about what he himself truly wanted to accomplish during his life, he came up with 5 things. His personal Motto if you will.  1. He wanted to Hike Mountains and exercise  2. Financial Freedom 3. Read many books 4. Write  5. See the world and experience new cultures He began to read and found life changing principles that spoke to him while reaching "The Alchemist"  Tony mentions that the courage he needed to be brave enough to change his life's course during times he was feeling friction in his soul being what he explains "the very test of life" and you he shares that anyone who is willing to do this, will find that when you take action the Universe has your back. It truly does! This was a very uplifting and spiritual conversation with one of my childhood friends. Tony is an incredible person that has used all of his experiences combined to practice compassion, kindness, and love for all of humanity. Listening to him talk about the beauty and authenticity of the human life and soul is incredibly compelling and enlightening. You won't want to miss this beautiful story and conversation.  Tony, I love you brother. Thank you for sharing your life, wisdom, and beautiful soul with us. Your view of humanity and the goodness within each of us is inspiring, and truly refreshing to hear. I especially love that you and I can bring our different beliefs and "labels" of very similar truths together and engage each other in a safe place to discuss, learn, and see the other. We are far more similar than we are different, and the bridge that allowed us to find each other in that safe space was unconditional love and compassion for one another.  If any of you would like to connect with Tony, you can find him on Instagram under the name @namaste.alchemy or @peaceuvpizza. You will feel uplifted as you see and connect to life and humanity through his lens.     

My friends Charlie and Stephanie Brown, share their experiences surrounding the death of their young son Dylan, during a flash flood in Arizona. This episode will tug at your heart as listen, because you can literally feel the true love Charlie and Stephanie have for their son and how much they miss him. I have known the Brown's for a few years now, they are some of the most loving, kind, and generous people I know. They are the kind of people that quietly lift others up and instill in others value and worth. Before I learned about the tragic loss of their son, I could tell that there were some experiences they had been through that had stretched their souls to the point of breaking, not because they are broken people, but because they have broken hearts which has provided them the ability to show up for others who are hurting or struggling without hesitation. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life. Russell M. Nelson Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/russell-m-nelson-quotes Charlie shares a quote from Russel M. Nelson, current President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Prophet, which reads, "If there was not sorrow in the loss there was not love.". This quote defines death of loved ones, and for any parents who have lost a young child, I hope that you will listen to Charlie and Stephanie share their experiences losing Dylan. If you have ever been to Arizona during Monsoon season, you are well aware that when Monsoon's come they come out of nowhere, they come fast and hard, and they can be very dangerous and deadly. On the day that Dylan died, they monsoon had passed recently so the boys, naturally, wanted to go play in the mud and catch frogs. In a brief moment of distraction Dylan slipped through a fence and into an irrigation canal that was moving at a very rapid pace caused by water coming down from a nearby mountain. Charlie and Stephanie describe their feelings during the chaotic moments searching desperately to find Dylan. When they were able to locate Dylan the firefighters did all they could to save his life, but it was too late.  As they talk about this experience, your heart will be touched. Their pain even years later is very real and their hope and faith in their belief that they will see Dylan again one day is powerful. Another piece of the story you will hear about is years later when Child Protective Services calls them to let them know that they were opening a case against them. This brought all of the pain and emotions right back to the front and the Browns couldn't believe what was happening, as everyone at the scene that day, including the firefighters witnessed of the accident. You can imagine what that must of felt like for the Browns who were already struggling to keep their own heads above water every day due to the pain of the grief and loss of their son. They share an eye opening reminder to us during this interview. Stephanie talk about the day she read all of the comments people posted on the news story of their sons drowning. Through tears she describes the pain, shame, and worthlessness she felt as she read comments from people who criticized their parenting, love for their children, etc... and the awful and harsh words many used. I hope that by listening to their story, we can all personally think about everyone we are connected to in our personal lives and even those we don't know personally that maybe in the news, or another connection, that we have judged and criticized without knowing all of the complete details, and commit to ourselves to change and do better than that form of low life thinking and criticizing. There is no place in our world for anyone to be treated that way by complete strangers who have no idea who you are. We must put a stop to that not only personally but we must be the counter voice when we see it to protect others who are in the types of potions that the Browns were in. Charlie and Stephanie's, devotion and faith in the Atoning sacrifice, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is beautiful and palpable. In reverence, with broken hearts and contrite spirits, they push on with purpose to care for their other children, lift up others who are going through their own tragic experiences, and to show God of their love and gratitude for His plan of Salvation which will allow them to one day again be with their son. Thank you both for putting your heart vulnerably on your sleeve and sharing your experiences with me and anyone who listens. I love you both dearly and I know who you are. You have lifted me up and inspired me many times and my prayer is that you will feel the love and support of others around you and you will never forget that you are worthy and beloved by our Father in Heaven, and one day the plan He has designed for you will have your son Dylan in your arms again for an eternity of love and incredible opportunities for experiences.    

Weston is truly one of the most joyful humans that I have ever met. He and I connected after he heard my podcast episode on Todd Sylvester's podcast “Beliefcast”. Immediately, I felt supported, encouraged, and uplifted by him, which lead to me of course asking about his story. Weston's story is incredible! His story and witness of God will remind you that you are God's child, He is aware of you and loves you, and there is nothing that we cannot overcome in this life when we invite Him into our lives and let Him lead us.  Weston's mother died when he was 8, his father was an alcoholic growing up. He was teased and bullied by grade school peers when his mother died which affected his self esteem daily. To overcome loneliness and shame Weston turned to Alcohol, Marijuana, Meth, etc… and began turning to them daily. 
Soon after graduating High school, Weston and his girl friend had a baby together and  Unexpectedly a police officer, who was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the same church that Weston was raised in, called Weston out of the blue and said he wanted to give something to Weston, scared that he was going to be arrested Weston accepted and he was given a book about his mother. Reading this book was the first time Weston felt Gods love for him. He tried hard to overcome the drinking and drug addictions but he didn't have the tools or the help to overcome it. After a few short experiences in and out of jail, he lost the right to take care of his children and he began facing the shame.  Weston talks about his co-dependency with women, due to losing his mother at such an young age and coping with that by always finding women to spend time with, which most often times to using drugs together. He explains that he truly longed to be loved by a woman, and tried to reconcile with his X, which didn't happen, and he became so depressed that suicide began an option for him. Life was very dark for Weston to the point that he decided he wanted to not only use drugs but deal drugs so that people would need him. Feeling needed caused Weston's ego to explode and he felt on top of the world, but that only lasted for so long… He was in an out of jail multiple times and during his last arrest, he was so broken that he finally gave the idea of needing to change his life, space. Homeless, alone, and desperately in need of help, Weston reached out to a brother. Weston's brother had been feeling feelings that Weston was in trouble in the days leading up to Weston's call, so he came running to Weston's help. Rules were made, boundaries were set, his brother made him go to a recovery center which was exactly what Weston was finally ready for because he was broken and humbled. Enter God…  Weston began to read the Book of Mormon and focus on surrendering to God. He felt the light come into his life. Although he believed in God even through it all, he didn't choose to put himself in a position to be found by God, but this time in humility and meekness he was ready to give himself to God.  Weston bears a sincere and humble testimony and witness of Jesus Christ and of Jesus Christ's Atoning Sacrifice for each and every one of us. He went from a man that had absolutely nothing going for him, surrounded in darkness and loneliness, to a life full of light and energy, ready to lift and serve others and committed to being an incredible father for his children. His faith is nothing short of miraculous and he now looks back at the past and with thankfulness shares his gratitude for the the soul stretching trials that he has passed through, and the addictions that in the past ruled his life, because it is as a result of the struggles, mistakes, and darkness, that he has found the light, redemption, and unconditional love of his Savior Jesus Christ.  Make sure to stay tuned until the end as Weston shares a heart felt message to his children.  Weston, you are such an incredible man. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story and witness with us. You are a hero and will help so many as you continue to share your story, Share your witness of Jesus Christ. You are a light brother, let it shine!!

Everyone has “Skeleton's in their Closet”, but Tara didn't know about the Skeleton living in her families closet until years after her parents were already battling it. Tara's shares her personal experiences dealing with the trauma and pain caused by her fathers battle with addiction.  Tara's Dad was introduced to pornography as a young boy, to no fault of his own. Years of trauma and unprocessed feelings lingered in him and led to very real and strong cravings throughout his life. Spending money on prostitutes, going to strip clubs, and viewing pornography regularly were habits that gripped his life to the point sometimes that Tara's mother didn't know if she was going to be able to feed the family because of his spending habits. When Tara's mother first learned of her husband's addiction she did what she felt was best for her marriage and her family. She fought for it and almost willed her husband to change.  Soon after Tara's mission when she was newly wed, Tara's Father was arrested for soliciting a prostitute, excommunicated from the Church he belonged too, and in jeopardy of potentially even losing his job. At this crucial point He made a courageous decision, he chose to face each member of his family, and with complete humility and vulnerability he told them all the full truth. Honesty finally came into play and as a result Shame could be processed and worked through.  Although this was not the first offense for her Father, her Mother's response was very different and set the stage for recovery. The day after learning what he had done, she walked outside raised her hands up to God and “gave” her husband to Him. She told God that she was done trying to push him to change and put all of her trust and faith in God to take watch over and care for her Husband and Family. She needed to see that her husband was willing to change for good without any pressure from her other than knowing if he didn't she would walk away. Her willingness to take the huge leap of faith and finally let go and allowed her husband the opportunity to see that his wife was serious about leaving. The consequences and pain of his decisions began to settle in and Tara's Father found himself in a very sacred space, filled with Godly sorrow. Godly sorrow is recognizing that not only have you betrayed, hurt, and damaged the people who love you most that you claim to love, it goes even deeper… It is the realization one comes to when they realize their choices bearing the fruits of impurity in our mind, body and soul, encompassed in sincere gratitude and sorrow to the very creator of it. When we find ourselves in this space we truly recognize and grab hold of His ever present Love, Mercy and Grace. God loves us in our imperfections and our value to Him is beyond our understanding, that is why His plan included the sacrifice of His beloved and perfect Son Jesus Christ. Jesus came to heal broken things, and if we never accept our brokenness, especially in the middle of our critical mistakes we do not give Him the chance to redeem our souls like He promised He would do. Tara's Father Surrendered… He literally laid down his pride and selfish ways. Enough was enough, he knew that it was his thinking and his choosing that had created his current circumstances and he wasn't smart enough to fix it, but Jesus Christ is, and He did. Being sorry when we are “busted” or “discovered” is easy, and change most often times will not last for long it we don't reach a place of Godly Sorrow. he was determined to turn to Jesus Christ, come forward to his wife, and religious leader, and once he did, he felt immediate relief and courage. Today he looks back on the experience and says, “In that moment I decided to give it to God, I felt Him immediately.” The Atonement of Jesus Christ is  All in all the Gift that was given to Tara, her Father, her Mother and family members was given in a very "ugly package". In her own words Tara explains, “This is the ugliest Gift that has been given to her in her whole life, but “it” has blessed me in so many ways it's hard to describe. She goes on to exclaim "God gives us weakness and pain to help us distinguish the light from the dark, and without hard experience and suffering we can do nothing to help those that suffer." Now years later, Tara's parents have started a foundation, called SA Lifeline, which provides education and resources to help addicts face their addictions and give them the tools to help them work their way their addiction.  Tara's Mom also wrote a book about her own "recovery" called, “What can I do about, Me” to share her story of betrayal, and how she was able to heal from the trauma of being betrayed by someone she loved. If you would like to to read her book, you can find it at their foundations website @ www.salifeline.org or an of the following Deseret Book, Amazon, or Kindle.  Tara said of her parents miraculous recovery, “In their brokenness they have been able to shine light to those who suffer and who are in the dark.” What a powerful witness of the reality of Jesus Christ, His divine mission, and the very purpose He came to this earth. He came, so that we experience and the beauty of an imperfect life, full of struggle, failure, pain, grief, and sorrow so that we can truly learn and know the Peace, Joy, Hope, Love, and Happiness that exist perfectly in the character of God.  Tara, you are such an incredible person and a light for so many of us that need the hope filled message you have to share. Thank you for sharing you and your families story and fight through the overwhelming battle of addiction. Your parents are amazing, and are examples that our own struggles, mistakes, failures, and weaknesses do not need to continually beat us down, keeping us ashamed of ourselves, rather they are the very gifts given to us that can lead to the doors of opportunity for our greatest experiences, joys, victories, and discovery of personal value. Do not be afraid, only believe! To connect with Tara, you can find her on Instagram @churchofjesuschrist_sr_podcast or through the foundation her parents opened at www.salifeline.org  

At the young age of 12, Matt Coulam found out he needed a Kidney Transplant. His father, Mike, was a match and gave one of his kidney's to his son. When you get a Kidney transplant you take medication for the rest of your life that tell your body not to attack the foreign Kidney, but those medications also weaken your immune system and a regular cold can cause you to get sick and stay sick for longer periods of time. Although Matt was not able to participate in many of the sports he wanted to participate in Matt had good health for the majority of his childhood. It wasn't until Matt was in his early 20's that he started to feel sick more often, sometimes requiring him to stay in the Hospital, and for longer periods of time. After a few short years of this, the Doctors informed Matt that the Kidney was failing and he would need another transplant. As a husband, and father of young kids Matt shares he and his wife's battle to save his life and the amazing lesson's they learned along the way.    Due to a Melanoma Skin Cancer diagnosis, Matt was unable to get a second Kidney transplant because so many people need Kidneys and a past Cancer "patient" offers no guarantee that the Kidney will be put to good use, even though the Cancer was successfully removed. A diagnosis of Cancer makes you wait 5 years of being Cancer free before you qualify for a transplant. Matt's had to go back on Dialysis and his health became so fragile that he and his wife had no choice other than to fight their health insurance to get around the Cancer "rule" to get approval for coverage. They met with Insurance and Matt's wife Kylee stepped up to the plate and hearing from her motivated the insurance company to help out.   Shortly after getting approval, heartbreakingly, Matt's sister called to let him know that she was not a match. After this devastating news, Matt was desperate to find a match so he could stay on earth to take care of his wife and kids, so he sent a text out to everyone he knew humbly inviting anyone who was willing to get tested and donate their Kidney. Shortly thereafter he received a phone call from a Hospital staff member who said "Matt, you have a lot of people who love you", and to Matt's surprise there were about 20 people who had submitted their information to donate their Kidney to Matt. It was incredible to feel Matt's deep and sincere gratitude and love as he talks about this part of his story. Those people will never be forgotten.    Matt talks about the effect on Self Esteem during such a difficult period, being unable to take care of his wife and kids the way he wanted too. He brings awareness to the difficulties that people on Dialysis go through and how important it is to the health of those people when others see them, recognize them and step up to help them in any way possible.   A young man, Nate Greenway, in Matt's church, whom he taught on Sunday's, stepped up and told his father he wanted to give his Kidney to Matt. Adam, the young man's father, was so touched by his son's desire to give his kidney that he himself decided that he would do it for his son and for Matt. You need to listen to Matt at the end of the podcast, as he shares he feelings about Nate and Adam Greenway who stepped up and saved his life. Incredibly powerful!! Adam Greenway, you are a hero, and so is your son Nate!   In a place of Hopelessness is where Matt found himself, truly wanting to give up... but rather then feel bad for himself and remain in anger... Matt reached out in hope and desperation for help. The answer came because Matt acted. When we act and try, that is all God needs to step in to help. Matt's story and witness of this is powerful. He learned in his moments of hopelessness that there is always positive and amazing things we can find that will lift us up. Focus on the good, focus on the positive, it is a choice and it makes all of the difference.   Matt you are a dear friend and one of my hero's. Thank you for sharing your miraculous and inspiring journey. Because of your experiences and the happiness you live with, you help many, including myself, to strive to recognize all the beauty surrounding us and in this world. Thank you my friend!  

A proud Alum of Michigan State University, Anthony Ianni, is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the country. At the age of 4 Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Doctors and specialists told Anthony's parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never graduate from college, would never have a shot at being an athlete and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life. His family was devastated but pledged they would help Anthony be successful no matter what. Anthony graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in sociology in 2012 and was a winner of various awards during his time as a basketball player. He was a two-time Big Ten Champion, a Big Ten Tournament Champion, and a member of the 2010 Final Four team. He won the 2011 Tim Bograkos Walk On award and the 2012 Unsung Player award. During his senior season at Michigan State University, like any other student, Anthony was at a crossroads, unsure of what he wanted to do with his life after college. It was then that Michigan's former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley gave him an opportunity that made him realize his story had the power to inspire others. Before his final basketball season had ended, Mr. Calley asked Anthony if he was interested in giving the keynote address at an autism gala in Detroit hosted by the Autism Alliance of Michigan. He delivered a ten-minute speech and received a great reaction and ovation from the crowd. Driving home, he looked at his wife Kelly and said, “I think I found my life's calling. Other than Temple Grandin, what voice does the autism community have to look to for hope and inspiration?” He knew then that he wanted to be the person whose voice the autism community and others could look to and be inspired by. Two months after that speech, the Autism Alliance of Michigan hired Anthony to do motivational speaking engagements for the organization. At that time, he was also appointed to the Governor's Autism Council—a seat he holds to this day. In the fall of 2012, Anthony heard a CNN report about how individuals with autism are the number-one targets for bullies in schools across the country. His own experience with bullies and this startling statistic led him to expand his presentations to include both a motivational and an anti-bullying message. Soon after, Anthony launched his own anti-bullying initiative called The Relentless Tour, sharing his life stories of being bullied because of his autism and height and all the ways he was different to show kids who have been the target of bullies that they're not alone, and to encourage them to go out and not only be the change, but to make that change in life as well. As a speaker, Anthony has won a number of awards for his work. In 2013, he was a finalist for the Detroit Pistons Game Changer award and won the 2014 Epling Agent of Change Award. He was one of Autism Speaks' “10 Individuals who Inspired in 2014,” and named to the CBS News national list of “Inspiring People on the Autism Spectrum.” He also received the 2015 BOOM Athlete of the Year Award and the 2016 Autism Support of West Shore “You Make a Difference” Award. In his five-year speaking career, Anthony has built relationships with political and civic leaders throughout the state and school administrators from around the country, as well national autism advocates, sports figures, and a long list of media professionals. These relationships have helped Anthony build a large and loyal following and have taken his career and his life story to heights he never could have anticipated. Anthony, you are a great man! Thank you for shinning your light bright so that the rest of us can see that when we are willing to do hard things doors open and Miracles Happen.  Check out Anythony's new book, 'Centered' where he shares his experiences with Basketball, Autism, and Bullying. https://www.amazon.com/Centered-Autism-Basketball-Athletes-Dreams/dp/1684351537  

Sam Hewson and I crossed paths in Gilbert Arizona, and we became close friends quickly. He and his wife April are incredible people who always do their best to serve others, lift people up, and love unconditionally.    Sam shares his conversion story to Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He talks about the unforgettable, undeniable, and peaceful witness from the Holy Ghost as he said his first sincere prayer to God when asking God if He was there and if the Church is true. It is a witness he will never be able to deny.    Sam talks about swimming for Arizona State University, on scholarship, qualifying for the olympic team, and of his disappointment when President Carter announced the USA would be boycotting the games he would swim in. Confused and not knowing his next steps in life he sought Gods help which lead him to his Patriarchal Blessing, that mentioned he would serve a mission. He shares the miracles that happen that enabled him to go. Although his parents were not happy with his decision to forgo his senior year and last year of his scholarship, Sam ultimately decided he wanted to go and was called to serve in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.    After his mission and a Divorce, Sam felt shame, remorse, and pain making it easier for him to disengage with God. After years away from the church, but knowing of it's truth and the reality of Jesus Christ, Sam went back to church, and he shares a powerful experience walking into a sacrament meeting late. This experience is one that all Bishops and members of the church should hear. The Bishop, who was making announcements from the pulpit when Sam walked in, recognized Sam, stopped speaking and immediately walked to Sam to hug him. That example caused the entire congregation to follow his example and for the next 15 minutes Sam was wrapped in the arms of his fellow ward family and shown pure love and gratitude to have him there.    Sam is now remarried to an incredible woman, April, and although they have had some trials of their own, they are happy and have felt God in the detail of their lives. He talks about Family History work and the power and reality of our ancestors helping us and guiding us in our lives. The peace that comes from attending the temple, and affect it has on the unity and love in our families. Sam also shares a humble, and tender testimony of Jesus Christ at the end of the podcast. There is no doubt Sam knows Jesus!   Sam you are one of my favorite guys in this world and very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your witness of Jesus Christ, and your incredible journey with us. I pray that the Lord continues to bless you in all that you do.   

You don't want to miss this inspirational story. One of the most heroic sports stories of all time!   Jason McElwain, is a living legend, not only because he was the Game High Scorer with over 20 points, playing only 4 mins, for a team he never made; but even more amazing than that miraculous accomplishment... J-Mac was diagnosed with Autism at a young age and his parents were told that he wouldn't be able to get dressed, read, or play sports like "normal" boys his age do.   Jason drops so many golden nuggets during our conversation from being a team player and great teammate, to Determination and shaking off the "nay-Sayers" and peers that tell you, you can't accomplish something. His Coach Jim Johnson gave Jason a chance, and although Jason didn't know his chance was coming, he was prepared which allowed the Miracle to happen. Watch the video in the link below to see it.   The most inspiring thing to me about Jason as I've thought about his story and "the miracle" throughout the years, is simple, yet it is what stops 95% of us from accomplishing our dreams. He was told no, but he kept believing and showing up. Often times in our lives we dream big dreams but when we fail, make a mistake, or start facing turbulent waters... we quit and give up. For 4 years Jason didn't even make the team, but he loved the game, loved the team, and loved his Coach so he showed up. He worked and worked extra hours, and as a result the Miracle happened.   Because he was prepared for His Finest Hour, and with a little help from God, he Shined! As a result he has spoken to Billy Donovan's Florida Gators during their title run, Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts the year they won the super bowl. He won an ESPY award, going against one of his Hero's, Kobe Bryant, and he shares many other experiences meeting some of the sports world elite, all which occurred because of one simple thing... J-Mac never gave up, J-Mac never quit.   J-Mac is a hero of mine and I have been inspired for years thinking about all he has done. Truly he has challenged the world to see children of God diagnosed with Autism under a new light and as fully capable of anything. Different does not mean Inferior, it truly means different, and in many cases it can actually mean Superior, providing "normal" people with an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow.   J-Mac, thank you for showing us all how to be Champions. You truly are one, and a hero to so many, including myself. God bless you my friend. Let's get you out to Utah this summer so we can give you a chance to share your message and inspire us! See you soon.   If you would like to follow J-Mac on Instagram or Facebook you can find him under the following account names. IG: jmac2500 FB: www.facebook.com/jason.mcelwain.31     ESPN highlight of Jason McElwain's Miraculous Game 2006: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__JQcJ-wr0M&t=31s   #Hotasapistol  

Growing up in Holladay, Utah I remember hearing about Mark Hoffman and the Salamander Letters. I grew up less than 2 miles from the Sheets home where Kathy Sheets lived at the time of her death, caused by a pipe bomb made and placed at her home by Mark Hacking. I didn't know all of the details but I do remember my parents, and Neighbors talking about the Sheets family with so much love and sorrow for what had happened to Kathy.    Fast Forward more than 20 years later when I was attending a single adult church in Holladay, I met this woman who brought joy into any room she entered, always had a smile on her face, and just seemed to love life in a beautiful way. She was the wife of one of our church leaders, Joe Robertson, who was serving in the Bishopric. Joe, is just as kind as Katie, a bit more reserved and observant but when he engages with you, you can't help but feel his warmth and concern for anyone he speaks to. They are such an amazing couple, so loving and kind.    I don't remember the day or exactly what happened for me to connect the dots that Katie is the daughter of Kathy Sheets, who was killed by Mark Hoffman; however, I do remember thinking to myself often after learning of the connection "How can somebody who has had their Mother Murdered by someone she didn't even know, and who was a terrible person, be so happy and kind". I now know the answer to that question...   Katie is a beautiful soul full of compassion, grace, kindness and tender love. She talks about her talented and loving mother and the experiences surrounding her death. She talks about her father and how he responded and lived after the murder of his wife, calling him the forever optimist even though, as anyone can imagine, he went through some hard hard days in the years ahead. She also talks about the wonderful lawyers, police, and many others who helped investigate and prosecute Mark Hoffman, she talks of them with compassion for how hard they worked for her family to find their mothers killer. She shares experienes in her story, like an exchange Mark Hoffman's father and her Father Gary had in an elevator leaving the courtroom, that would be extremely difficult for anyone to share because of the trauma and darkness surrounding it, but yet, her voice is one of gratitude, it's warm and inviting, and she even refrains from talking bad about the man who murdered her mother.    If you watched the new #Netflix documentary 'Murder Among the Mormons", you will appreciate hearing Katie tell of some of the experiences in depth and as a first hand witness.    Katie, thank you for your faith in God that is truly inspiring and powerful. Your testimony of a testimony stands as a witness to so many of us, that although bad things happen here on earth we are here for a purpose, God knows us and loves us all perfectly, and there is a plan He has created for us that we can discover during our lives on earth. I'm grateful for your influence in my life. You see the world filled with Delight, and your ability to do that after all you have been through confirms that I can too.    God bless you and Joe!     

Don't miss this uplifting and inspiring story! Al and Rachel van der Beek take us the journey of their lives that will have you laughing...seriously who wears sunglasses to a club? Crying, feeling like so much of their Faith journey is relatable, and Uplifted, their love for God and witness of God's love and awareness of us is beautiful and so full of gratitude.    Have you ever met a famous person and thought to yourself "It must have been so easy for them, why not me". If you are like me, then you have. Al and Rachel's story begins like so many of our stories... Normal. Both Al and Rachel grew up with two parents in the home surrounded by siblings, simply doing their best to do good things and serve their neighbors. Al served a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Korea as a young man, and absolutely loved serving! Upon his return home he was married followed by a divorce 2 years later, while at the same time Rachel who was also married was going through a divorce of her own. That said, everything didn't come easy for the van der Beek's nor was it handed to them undeservedly.    Al and Rachel met at a club in Salt Lake City and you don't want to miss the opportunity to hear them share the story. Let's just say Al had sun glasses on in a club, Rachel had wind blowing through her hair, and as soon as their eyes met from across the dance floor, they felt instantly like they had to know each other. They were both so impressed by each others sick moves on the dance floor that no words were needed, besides you can't hear much in a club because they are so loud. They exchanged numbers, started talking over email, began dating, and a few months later they were married.    They had love, started a family, worked hard to provide for their family, but something was missing. Al talks about his passion for music throughout his entire life and that he felt that he was supposed to create music, but just didn't know how so he tried to "force it", which always backfired. Rachel, worked hard and had a successful career as they started to have children and grow their family. Things weren't bad for the van der Beek's but they couldn't shake the feelings in their heart that there was more for them as a family, they just had no idea what that meant.    When their 6 year old son started asking began asking questions about God and what happens to us when we die, Rachel and Al knew they need to teach their kids about God's plan of salvation for us and go back to the LDS Church. It didn't last long and they had an experience with someone that in a way made returning again even harder so they chose to disconnect from the LDS church again. They believed, but just didn't feel they would be loved and excepted because they weren't living the standards of the religion.    Years later, on a Sunday morning Al woke up and out of nowhere heard "Go to Church" in his heart, and it wouldn't stop... So he and Rachel grabbed the kids, went to church, and from that moment on have been "All in". This is were the miracles begin. Al and Rachel had many blessings before but once they decided to connect with and chose God in their lives mountains began to move for them, and the Lord literally put them where He needed them to be, surrounded by the people He wanted them to meet, at precisely the right time He needed them to meet them.    When Al met Steven Sharp Nelson, he was the Elder's Quorum President in his ward fulfilling his calling to serve by helping the Nelson's, who he'd never met, move into the neighborhood. Personality wise they couldn't have been more different but discovering they both loved music and playing music they started to get together a couple of times a week to play. Slowly over a few weeks playing together and connecting with John Schmidt to help John finish a song he was working on, doors started opening and they could feel God's hand in their lives guiding them. It's very touching to listen to Al talk about an experience he had with Steven while recording "Away in a Manager" one day in the studio. At that moment both Al and Steven knew that God had a mission for them to play beautiful music for the world, the kind of music that breaks down barriers and labels, softens a heart, and opens ones soul open to the point of almost touching heaven.    Al and Rachel share their witness of Jesus Christ, and His divine mission at the end of the podcast. It is special, very personal, and born of the spirit. The testimonies and messages shared by these two throughout this podcast are sincere, full of humility, and given in gratitude from two people who have felt the redeeming power and love of their Savior.   If there is anyone you know that has "disconnected" themselves from God for any reason or simply feels that they have no value to give to the world, please share this beautiful witness with them. Al and Rachel are normal people who live normal lives full of challenges and difficulties just like the rest of us, but they have discovered "the secret", and they give all credit to God our Father who loves us and is perfectly aware of us. All of us were created and given talents by God to do amazing things, let's plug in ask Him to show us the way, and He will.    Thank you Al and Rachel for sharing your life story, up to this point, with us. You are incredible people and I hope to connect with you often throughout our journeys here on earth.    If you would like to know more about Al and Rachel, follow The Piano Guys music or connect with them, you can find them by going to https://thepianoguys.com/pages/contact   Al talks about a tough experience that he had recently gone through, and as a result of praying while in the midst of this trial, the words of one of their newest song were given to him. Have a listen, the song is uplifting and so good. It's called "Better Days" and if you would like to hear it click on this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te-nyCZoLRM  

Sometimes we have to enter the darkness so that we can comprehend the light and recognize our worth and value. This is the case for Cori Valdez, and her path through the darkness was not easy, leaving her on the brink of death after a traumatic experience with an X-husband, and without any support from family and friends.   The beauty in Cori's story is that she recognizes the power of her choices throughout her life. Darkness can come because of our choices like much of Cori's did, but there are times in each of our lives when the darkness surrounding us is not welcomed or chosen by us and as the result of the choices of others in our lives or our circumstances. As her addiction began, she explains that she didn't want to live another day without being high, almost as if she found herself without realizing that the drug would cause her so mush loneliness and hopelessness in the days ahead. She talks about losing everything even having to turn over the rights of her two young girls.   After years living in a hopeless world with no hope and multiple trips in and out of jail. During her last arrest she heard a voice within whisper to her that she has worth and can change. She felt happiness for the first time in a long time believing that there was hope for her in the middle of an arrest. She determined to change and began to take the necessary steps to heal, forgive, change her thinking, and choose to live a good live with love for others and herself. Loving herself was something she never thought possible again but as began taking steps to recovery daily, she has come to realize her infinite worth.   She has been able to reconcile with her daughter Halee and now they are closer than they have ever been. Cori says watching Halee forgive her and seeing her treat her with love and respect taught Cori how forgiveness is possible and it is powerful!   Cori, thank you for sharing your life with us and declaring your witness that you and each one of us are infinitely valuable and worth more than we understand. No one is too far gone, no one... If you don't believe that listen to Cori share her story and teach you that everyone can indeed change. God bless you and your beautiful family Cori! Let that beautiful light within you shine bright and show others in their darkness the way to the light. You are amazing!   If you know someone struggling with addiction and would like to talk to Cori, or if you want to congratulate her on overcoming so much, please feel free to connect with her on Instagram under username @iroc_cori .

At the young age of 25 and with the whole world in front of Alyssa and her husband, they were stopped on a dime when Alyssa learned that she had SNUC Cancer, which is one of the most rare forms of Cancer there is, and on top of that Alyssa was 17 weeks pregnant.  Amazingly Alyssa talks about the peace she felt through the process of chemo, radiation, and brain surgery. She shares the difficult choices that she and her husband faced together such as abortion, which got her to the point where she quite literally was having to face the decision of choosing between her life and that of her baby's life.  After months and months of Chemo, Radiation, and a brain surgery,   Alyssa and her husband let the doctors know that they wanted to do a fourth round of chemo treatment, all during pregnancy, because if they could keep their son in the womb for even 2 to 3 more weeks his chances of survival were much much better. They proceeded with the fourth round and shortly after their beautiful baby boy was born. He came very early but he is healthy, happy, and the joy of their lives.  Although Alyssa's treatment was successful and she was declared cancer free, she was not out of the woods yet, as she was diagnosed with meningitis, during COVID, and had to travel by herself to a hospital in Houston to undergo treatment alone. She came very close to losing her life, and even says that she was ready to quit, but thanks to her inspired mother, who recognized the urgency of her daughters situation demanding from the hospital that they allow her to travel down to be with her daughter, Alyssa overcame the odds again and pulled through.  In her darkest moment Alyssa talks about the impact her family and friends who showed up for her and her husband had. She knows that they came in answer to her prayers inspired by God to help her fight this awful disease. She talks about the peace that she felt each time she prayed and knew that God's will would be done for she and her family no matter the outcome. Talk about faith to face scary things!  Alyssa you are incredible! Thank you for sharing your light and love with us. God bless you, your husband and baby boy in all you do. You are amazing!   If you would like to reach out to Alyssa or learn more about her and her beautiful family, you can find her on Instagram @lysswarr or by emailing her at warralyssa@gmail.com .  To companies like #Google who take care of employees and employees families when diagnosed with a disease like cancer, God bless you, and thank you for your example of what it should look like to take care of each other.   

Kris LeSueur is a hero of mine. He is one of the top 3 diciplined humans that I know because he has experienced pain that comes from quitting, which drove him to become his best self possible and someone who never stops pushing himself to become the best he possibly can in all important areas of his life. Kris, is someone who showed me by example how to act on life rather than waiting for life to act on me. His impact on me will never fade and I know his message will leave you with many inspiring take aways as well.  Let me introduce Kris using his own words on his website http://www.transcenddaily.com "I have always been intellectually curious. I've always had the thought that I should just focus on one thing but over the last 10 years, I have been working on improving in so many areas of my life. It didn't start with wanting to improve in multiple areas. It started with one area at a time. The first big accomplishment for me that started all of this was committing to Ironman Arizona… A 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run. My biggest endurance accomplishment was participating in the SEALFIT Kokoro Camp. (Let me assure you… There was no camping involved!) It's a 50-hour crucible experience. I truly feel it changed my life forever. It taught me about knowing my “Why” and how to work as a team. Now, I want to share what I've learned over the years and help others in the areas I have been working on improving. I believe that we don't just need to focus on being great at one thing. I believe that everything we do is connected and that if we become great in one area it will help us to become great in other areas of our lives. We can consistently work on being great in many areas of our life. Some of the areas that I strive to work on are in parenting, family, spirituality, fitness, health, education and business." If you would like to learn more about Kris and Tiersa's (wife) CrossFit Gym, visit their website at www.crossfitpreferred.com or in person at the gym located on 3244 E. Guadalupe Rd. Suite #101, Gilbert, AZ 85234 Kris also writes a very inspiring blog, shares workout and nutritional tips, and his favorite books that inspire on his personal website www.transcenddaily.com If you would like to connect with Kris or his wife Tiersa, you can follow them on Instagram @krislesueur and @tiersa23 or send them an email at info@transcenddaily.com Thank you for sharing your story with us Kris. You are a great man and living a life that inspires and helps so many of us to take action to become the best we can be.   

Against all odds, Swen never quit believing in his dream of playing in the NBA. I hope you enjoy Swen's inspiring message about believing, putting in the work, and focusing on dreams we want to achieve. He even shares some dark times as he discusses the death of his daughter and living in being physically and verbally abused by his Step Dad. This is a powerful message, I hope you enjoy! Born in the Netherlands, Swen Nater immigrated to the United States at age nine through a series of events that ended on the Hollywood stage where Swen and his sister, Renee, were reunited with their parents and little brother, Ibo, on national television. Swen had never seen a basketball until he came to the US. As a junior in high school and the second-tallest student in the school at 6'4”, Swen tried out for the basketball team and was cut. He didn't try out as a senior. Grown to 6'9 and attending Cypress College, California, Swen again attempted to make the team and this time he was successful. However, he didn't play much his freshman year. But, after a lot of hard off-season work, Swen became a Community College All America, player of the conference, leading rebounder in the state setting a record of 39 (still a California record) in one game, and numerous other honors, the greatest of which was a scholarship offer to UCLA where John Wooden was head coach and they had already won six national championships. While with the Bruins, Swen played behind the great Bill Walton and saw limited playing time, two minutes per game. However, impressive performances at the Olympic trials and the Pizza Hut All Star Game resulted in Swen becoming the only player ever to have not started a college game and yet be drafted in the first round of the NBA. Swen chose the ABA, became Rookie of the Year, a two-time all star, and led the league in field goal percentage and rebounding. After three seasons, the ABA merged into the NBA and he jumped to the Milwaukee Bucks where he set an all-time record (still standing) for defensive rebounds in half a game at 18. He also pulled down 33 rebounds that game, still a Milwaukee Bucks record, and scored 30 points. That put him into the NBA's “30-30 Club,” in which there are only six members. Swen was traded to the Buffalo Braves for the first pick in the draft. After a year, the Braves moved to San Diego and became the Clippers where Swen led the NBA in rebounds and set the team record for double-doubles (double-digit point and rebounds in the same game) in a season. Swen is the only player that led both the ABA and NBA in rebounding. When traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Swen backed up Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the team played in the NBA finals against the Celtics. After his basketball career, Swen Nater became head basketball coach at San Diego Christian College where he led his team to the NCCAA national championship. Next, he took a management position at the corporate office of Costco Wholesale in Washington Swen Nater knows how to personally connect with an audience. Through humor, wit, poetry, and personal stories, Swen motivates, encourages, and empowers others to fully realize their potential. If you want the very best for your team, Swen is the ticket. ​Swen is married to Wendy Ghiora, has two daughters, and proud “Papa” to two grandsons. Oh, yes, another grandchild is on the way.  Swen, thank you for joining me and sharing your message with us. You are an amazing man and I wish you and your family all the best possible! If you are interested in hiring Swen to speak to your company, association, etc... Please visit his website to learn more. Also he has authored several books that you can locate on his site as well. https://www.swennater.me/home.html  

Although Juan Zazueta is still a young man, with so many experiences ahead, he has a gift of engaging with perfect strangers while surrounding them with love, warmth, and concern. Juan shares about his childhood in Mexico, moving to Arizona, and how his love for people and cultures has grown so much due to his experiences as a young Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and also when he had the opportunity to work for "Connect". Connect is a company that manages and hosts large trade show events and their purpose is to connect planners with Hoteliers and Convention Centers all over the world. At one of these events is where I met Juan for the first time, and I knew right away when meeting him that he was a very sincere and Genuine man that truly had compassion for others and as a result he most often leaves others feeling better about themselves after engaging with someone.      Juan talks about his love of Humanity and how important and beautiful Diversity is for our human family. He learned a lot taking a job with Connect and moving his little family across the country to live in Georgia, one of the most diverse cultures in America. He shares of his love for Georgia and the people he was surrounded by there.    As happens to many of us, Juan began his career without really knowing what he wanted to do, and after his time working for connect and putting much thought into he and his families future, he committed to going back to school, Arizona State University, to get his degree and become a lawyer. During this time He and His wife Haley decided that they were ready to start a family. A short time later Haley was pregnant, they were planning to welcome in a beautiful little girl into their family and couldn't have been more excited. After weeks of a healthy pregnancy and without any warning they learned during an ultra sound that the sweet little girl was covered in Cysts and that there was a very high chance she wouldn't survive birth, let alone have a "normal life".  The Doctors presented them with the option to Abort the pregnancy, and without hesitation Haley and Juan said no, and did everything in their control to show God and their little girl that they wanted her no matter what. The next ultra sound visit came and their hearts were shattered when they saw the look in the doctors eyes and new that their beautiful little girl was no longer alive.      Doing their best to pick up the pieces, and move forward, Juan talks about the struggle he and his wife were experiencing, and a lot of pain. They held onto each other and to their faith in God that there was much more for them and their future family. A few short months latter Hayley was pregnant again with their now son, Diego. Diego, was born a very healthy baby at 10 pounds and they couldn't be more happy and grateful to have him in their lives.      Juan, is also wrestling with some doubts in the faith and religion that he grew up with. It has come to the point that he feels that the right thing to do for him is to walk away, which is so difficult because that religion teaches you about who you are, your relationship with God, and the purpose of life, it becomes the foundation and lens through which you rely on and view our lives with. Although he is on a path to walk away from something he knows has given him so much good and value, he realizes that this choice must not come lightly, and he will continue to focus on and seek truth even as his disengages.      I belong to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the very religion Juan may leave, and I know one thing to be certain... Juan loses no value to God our Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Juan's heart is good, and he truly loves and cares about others. I personally look up to Juan and support him in his decision, no matter the path it takes him on, because I know that he is my brother and God's son.   I look forward to sitting Juan and Haley down at my table, where there will always be room, to talk about all they have learned and experienced in their journey, and I have no doubt it will be a beautiful conversation.     Juan, thank you brother. You are a great man. It was a treat to talk to you learn from you, and also connect with you on a very important matter... That Michael Jordan is indeed the G.O.A.T!!   God bless you and Hayley brother. Let's get you guys up here to Utah soon. Would love to spend sometime with you guys, and watching a true dunk master in action. 

Curtis Lamb has been through more serious health diseases in his young life than anyone I have ever met, yet he remains a man full of joy, hope, purpose, and faith.   Upon meeting Curtis a few short years ago, I new right away that he had a quite a story. It's not everyday you meet people who love life so much that you can see it in their countenance and in their eyes. I saw exactly that the first time I met Curtis at a networking event, and felt of his passionate and kind spirit immediately. We connected on social media after meeting, and as I paid attention to his posts, which always had uplifting and inspiring content, I dug a little deeper to see if I could get a glimpse of who he really is and what his past was like. It didn't take long, Facebook "stalking", to find pictures of Curtis riding in Cancer charity events which of course peaked my interest. Shortly after that I saw pictures of him in a hospital, laying on a hospital bed with tubes attached to his body. It was obvious that Curtis had experience some traumatic health issues in his life, but the thing that stood out to me the most was not the tubes or the bandages, it was the smile he seemed to always have in his pictures. As I read about his experiences I realized that he had been through multiple challenges and traumatic health diagnoses, and when I started this podcast I knew that I needed him to come share his story.   Living with Lymphoma for over 20 years of his life is a crazy story in and of itself, but that is just the beginning for Curtis. He shares with us experiences surrounding being diagnosed with Liver Disease, and the overwhelming odds of surviving it. Instead of accepting the Doctors approach to "managing" this disease in hopes to beat it, Curtis held onto hope which lead to faith and action. He took it to God and with faith moved forward with an alternate form of healing after many hours of prayer and research. He talks about the miracle that occurred for him during this process and how the Doctors responded with much surprise each time he would come for follow up check ups. He shares that his two boys and the idea of getting married again and having an eternal family kept him going and focused on hope for a full recovery.   Shortly after his health came back he met his now wife and talks about his gratitude not only for her but for everything that had happened, trauma and all, to get him to the point of meeting her. He shares of his Trust in God's plan for our lives and perfect timing. Sounds like a happy ending right? Psych!!   A small lump on his arm, that wouldn't go away, caused him to question it and fortunately his wife, who works in the medical field, was smart enough to put the right amount of pressure on him to have it looked at. The Doctors decided to do a cat scan and when the called him to tell him the results, he was informed that he needed to get to an Oncology specialist immediately. Come to find out he had an Aneurysm that needed immediate attention! While he was getting ready to go under for surgery, he received a phone call from the same Doctor who preformed the cat scan who informed him that he had cancer... As Curtis shares his feelings during this experience, he talks about Miracles, and that he was grateful for Cancer because it was the motivation that took him to the Doctors who were alerted to the Aneurysm. He shares his witness of God's awareness of us all individually, of the importance of holding onto Hope, and the very real effect that occurs when we, in faith, Act and take steps forward to meet our overwhelming challenges head on.   What an amazing story, that has shaped an incredible human! Trials can and do lead to our greatest blessings in life and Curtis is a shinning example of that. Curtis, thank you for your courage to share, your passion and gratitude for life, and the faith that you live by. You are a light in this world my friend. What an incredible story!   If you would like to follow Curtis' story or reach out to him with any questions you can find him on Instagram, handle @curtislamb33 or on Facebook under his name Curtis Lamb.

Thurmon Thomas is an incredible man who heard the call from his Heavenly Father at the young age of 19, to serve God's children. The path of life for him has always brought him back to this key purpose of serving others, every time he has derailed from that purpose to pursue other "good" paths. Living his life on purpose and helping others to find themselves so that they can discover their own purpose has become Thurmon's call and he has been able to see many lives change for the better.   He also shares part of his life journey beginning with a tragic event when he was 4, losing his father in a motorcycle accident. His single mother gathered her 5 boys in Delta Utah and moved them down south to St. George, where Thurmon and his family currently reside. Like most young boys growing up Thrumon loved sports and hanging out with friends, but he defines this time of his life with the word "Alone". To support her 5 boys, his mother was very busy earning a living and Thurmon was on his own for the most part to grow up and find his way.   Upon graduating Highschool and moving back to Delta Utah to run one of the family businesses, he had a spiritual awakening as his Heavenly Father spoke to his spirit saying "Thurmon, I need you to serve my children". Thurmon responded to the call, and went to serve a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Indiana, Indianapolis mission, where I first met this incredible man and hero of mine. Thurmon, thank you for inspiring me and serving so many of us on this earth. Love you brother.   On his website, https://www.thurmonthomas.com/ and in his own words, Thurmon defines who he is and his purpose in serving people as a Marriage and Family Therapist.   "The work I do each day is centered around helping people improve their lives.  In order to do this in the most effective way possible, I take a systemic perspective - meaning I help them explore all aspects of their lives to find areas which may be out of balance.  This systemic perspective was a key aspect of my education as a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as my training as a certified WholeFIT coach.  I explore all aspects of wellness with my clients including: emotional health, cognitive health, physical health, nutrition, spirituality, and relational health.  When needed, I help coordinate care with other trained professionals to make sure my clients are receiving the best care possible.     Some of the treatment methods I use in mental health therapy include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, structural therapy, and narrative therapy.  I work with Couples, Families, Adult Individuals, Adolescents, and Children.  Fort hose who are not in need of mental health therapy or intense relationship work, I utilize wellness coaching techniques to help my clients reach their personal, professional, and relational goals.   ​ When not working I enjoy spending time with my Wife and six children.  We love time in the outdoors, as well as just kicking back and watching a good movie.  My wife, Maria and I, are avid marathon runners and are very busy with our amazing family!"   If you are interested in learning more about Thurmon or connecting with him visit his website, https://www.thurmonthomas.com/   ***Thurmon will be hosting a Virtual Event on 2/26/2021 from 10am-1pm MST***The focus of the event is to teach and inspire people how to Find Your Purpose. If you would like to attend, please reach out to me via email at cometowardsdelight@gmail.com or via Thurmon's website mentioning 'Come Towards Delight' to receive a 50% off discount to attend. The event will be high energy, so come ready. If you or anyone you know is hungry for more in their lives, please invite them to attend.   "People come to me with challenges or turmoil in their life, feeling broken looking for help and answers. The most fullfilling thing for me is looking back and seeing people's lives change, not because I did it... it doesn't work that way, but because I was there to guide them to help themselves find the tools and the strength within to climb out of those challenges. We All face them, if you are a human being on this earth, you're going to have times of deep dark despair where you don't know what to do, where to go, or how anything good is going to happen, to the point that you want to throw in the towel. Most of us are going to experience that in our lifetime, and THAT'S OK! One message I want to make loud and clear is that's normal. It's normal to feel that depression and anxiety, it's part of the plan of this earth life experience. Seeing people transition out of that is so amazing" -Thurmon Thomas        

Rob Sirstins, is an inspirational and motivational Coach who's is focused on and dedicated to helping people find their true identity and authentic selves. He believes that it is only when we find ourselves that we truly take ownership of our choices and mindset, and by so doing empowers us to reach our full potential.   From day 1, Rob has faced trials and challenges that overtime nearly defeated him as he sat in his truck with a gun to his head ready to pull the trigger. Ready to end his life and rest from the turmoil, shame, and feelings or worthlessness that left him in darkness, in that moment a thought came to Rob's mind that He couldn't let Suicide win. It was the spirit of competition within Rob that saved his life that day and started him on his journey to find the "Warrior Within".    Rob, who is African American was abandoned as a baby by his birth parents and eventually adopted to his family from Salt Lake City, Utah. As a young boy Rob faced bullying due to the color of his skin, which caused him to feel unwanted and that was different. The bullying continued throughout Rob's childhood and left some deep wounds. Fortunately for Rob, he found his "wings" playing Football where he excelled. After playing for a nationally ranked High school Team and helping lead them to yet another championship, he was given a scholarship to play for the University of Utah Football Team. Shortly before his Freshman season began Rob was in a serious accident that left him injured throughout his playing career. Bitterness came as Robs dream to play professional Football was crushed. Trying to find his way forward Rob attempted to work in the corporate world, but each time he began working a new corporate job, he felt as if he was losing himself.   At this same time as he was experiencing turmoil over what to do to provide for his wife and daughter, he and his wife divorced due to choices that she was making. Rob now felt the weight of trying to support his daughter at the same time as struggling to find himself in a corporate job.  Also, at the same time he lost his best friend to Suicide and another close friend within weeks of each other. Rob began to spiral into darkness, feeling completely disconnected from the man that he dreamed of becoming. As he sat in his truck overlooking the city with a gun to his head, ready to end his life, Rob had the thought come to mind... "You can't let Suicide beat you". The competitive nature that served Rob so well on the Football field, became the very thing that saved his life that day.    That moment of Darkness, began a ripple effect in Rob's life that has led him to become a man that is thriving and helping others to take ownership of their lives and become the "Warrior Within" that each of us have, if we only choose to give it space in our lives. Rob shares the decisions that he made in his life, in the days following his almost Suicide attempt, that allowed him to find value in his life, for himself, and for all others. He is now excelling as a personal coach and helping others who are trying to find their worth and way through their own darkness.   If you would like to learn more about Rob's work and how he can help you or someone you know, please visit his website at https://www.robsirstins.com    Rob will be releasing his book in the near future called "Eagle of the Warrior". In his book Rob will take you through a more detailed Journey of the experiences he has been through and how he has truly found his value and authentic self.    Rob, thank you my friend. You are one of my personal hero's and lifelong brother. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and for turning around to find those desperate to find light by guiding them into the light. Love you brother. 

His Mother was a addict who used daily. His Father was not married to his Mom and never around, but when he had to stay with him Dad would abuse Michael and his step brother. At 13 Michael's mom died of an overdose and he begged God to keep him from having to go live with his abusive father and after a long court battle his Grandparents won custody. Although things “seemed” to be a little better for Michael at his Grandparents, Michael struggled to feel self worth and started to drink and use drugs himself to cope with the pain. During time at a treatment center as a young 17 year old boy, his loving Aunt and Uncle visited him and a Miracle happened. His uncle sensed that nothing would change for Michael if he were to stay and made some phone calls which ended up with Michael being placed in a boarding school/treatment center in Utah. His uncle flew out with Michael and gave him the confidence needed to believe there was something more for his life. Michael struggled at first but then caught the vision of the program and excelled. He began staying with the Taylor family from Utah and felt like he had known them forever and was eventually adopted into the family.   This is an amazing young man, who shares his against all odds journey with us. Gods hand is clearly seen in Michael's life and as Michael prayed to God, God moved mountains for him. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and is preparing to serve a full time two year mission in Dallas. Dallas, get ready, you are getting one of the most amazing young men that I have ever met. This is a story of perseverance, of Gods love and awareness for His children, of loving family members that step into help before it's to late, and of a family that wasn't Michael's showing him love, value, and worth, bringing him into their family like he belonged and adopting him in without hesitation and giving him the opportunities in life Michael had never known.   This is a story you won't want to miss. Michael shares a powerful witness of God and of Gods love for us even when the the cards are stacked against us. The amount of gratitude Michael expresses while he shares was a “game changer” for me. How could a young man born into these circumstances with darkness surrounding him see the world with so much light and believe in so much goodness? Michael you light up the rooms you walk into my friend. Go find those people in Dallas who are in darkness themselves and help find the light you have come to know for yourself.   Michael, you are one of my hero's.

Joe Schmit is an author, award-winning broadcaster, community leader and popular keynote speaker. His book “Silent Impact” Influence Through Purpose, Persistence and Passion is now in its second edition.  His new book is titled “The Impact Blueprint,” A Step by Step Journey to a Life of Significance. Joe was recently honored by the National Speakers Association (NSA) with the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)designation.  Less than 15 percent of NSA members worldwide have achieved the CSP designation.   As a sports broadcaster he has covered every major sporting event in the past 4 decades and has interviewed many of the biggest names in sports.  He joined KSTP-TV in 1985 and has won 18 Emmys from the National Television Academy.  He was also honored with a National Headliner Award in 2001. Joe is a long time youth mentor committed to advocating for a number of community organizations with Big Brothers and Big Sisters is at the top of his list. He is a past president and board member of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Twin Cities.   He has raised over $3 million for the organization through the Joe Schmit Celebrity Golf Tournament which had a 16-year run. In 2000, he was the winner of the Jim Kelly Distinguished Service Award from Big Brothers and Big Sisters and in 2001, a winner of the Odyssey Award for commitment to youth mentorship. Joe was also honored as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) Community Leader of the Year in 2005. He was named the 2018 winner of the Mike Givens Award for his work with MG Charities which is working to find a cure for brain cancer. He is past president and board member of the Fairway Foundation and has contributed time to many other charitable organizations. Joe and his wife Laura chaired a four million dollar capital campaign for VEAP, the largest food shelf in Minnesota.    Joe is an amazing man, who has incredible experiences throughout his life. He is recognized by many throughout the world for his work on Silent Impact Leadership, teaching many that “we make our biggest impressions when we are not trying to be impressive.” Your success and happiness are not related to your title or how many awards you have won, but to the impact you have on others. If there was a going-away party tonight at your office, which person would bring the biggest crowd? The person you just identified is keenly aware of the impact he or she is making on others. Joe will teach you how to ramp up your influence so you make better connections, stronger relationships, and win more often. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, please visit his website joeschmit.com where you can learn more about his Leadership Message, The Books he has Authored, or how to book him as a Keynote Speaker.    Joe, you are an incredible person that I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to meet and connect with. Thank you for teaching me and for sharing your message with my audience. Wishing you, Laura, and your family all the happiness, comfort, and peace as you continue working for the good of people anywhere and everywhere. Thank you!  

Chelsea Watters, is an amazing woman. I have had the opportunity to work with her off and on over the past few years and have gotten to know her and seen how lives and treats others. Chelsea is a rising star in her young career with Marriott, and there is no doubt why she is... She genuinely loves people, cares about them with a passion, gets to know her co-workers individually, and carries a positive influence with her everywhere she goes.  
All of these wonderful characteristic's she has have not come easily, as she has passed through some dark times and difficult trials in her life. Chelsea grew up a Tom Boy and knew that she was different from other girls from the get go. She played basketball in her childhood and when she was on the High School team she knew that she had always felt feelings and attraction to other girls.   Chelsea shares her experiences navigating the challenges of being her true authentic self in a world that doesn't truly accept who she is. She shares the pain she experienced when she broke up with her first girlfriend, and when she started to date her second girlfriend the faced feeling like she wasn't truly loved or accepted because her girlfriend wouldn't tell her family or friends due to Shame.  
Feeling unaccepted by someone she thought she loved caused her a lot of pain, and hurt. She wanted to move forward but with her basketball career over, she didn't know where to channel her energy. She was working with an a Gentleman, David, who left to take on a Director of Finance Role in Salt Lake City, and 6 months later David called her to ask her to come to Utah. She talks about her initial fear of moving to Utah, in fact her first thought was "Hell No" because she had heard that the culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the predominate religion in Utah, would not accept her for who she is. David, an active member of the LDS church assured her that Utah is a safe place and much different than you think. He also said no matter what he had her back and helped her to feel comfortable to come to Utah. 
   After making the leap of faith and moving to Utah, Chelsea settled into her role at the Downtown City Creek Marriott, and met a group of friends that helped her feel accepted, loved, and gave her the chance to believe Utah was the right move for her life. She ended up dating and falling in love with a young woman who initially worked in the same hotel before Chelsea moved to Provo to advance her career.   She speaks of true love, what true love looks and feels like and how it has blessed her life.  
She also shares about her decision to "come out" to her parents, brother, and friends. Her parents did an amazing job of accepting her right away and she even mentions how her father knew before she said anything. She also talks about how difficult it was for her brother initially. At first he was ok and he, his wife, and two daughters moved forward as if no big deal, but when Chelsea announced that she was getting married and wanted them to come, he was very uncomfortable and explained that he couldn't do that to his two girls. After some time of reflection and thinking it over her brother decided that it was more important to Love first and foremost and attend the wedding with his family.      Chelsea is a joy to know, she uplifts those around her and is always looking for opportunities to say a kind word, express gratitude, and help those in her circles. My life has been blessed and I have learned so much more about God and the diversity of God's children due to my conversations and experiences with her. Chelsea, you are doing so many great things with your life and constantly helping others along your way. Thank you so much for sharing part of your journey with us. 

Taylor takes us on the Journey he and his family have been on, experiencing major trial after trial, through the complete year of 2020.  It all started in 2019 when their beloved dog Wilson was hit by a car in front of his oldest son, Bentley. Fortunately the big teddy bear Wilson survived, he is now thriving on 3 legs, but this was the start of a very long, difficult, and soul wrenching journey that the Napierski family had to endure in 2020 which included the Death of Taylor's Mother to Brain Cancer in a few short months.   Moving into their custom dream home, and only 31 days after moving in it started on fire with 2 of their children inside. PTSD and Trauma from the fire that left them exhausted from sleepless nights for months after the fire. Mental Health concerns as a result of PTSD. Moving from their dream home, to be near Taylor's mother, unexpectedly she died during a hospital visit one day before they were scheduled to move up to Utah to be near her. Coronavirus shaking up Taylor's company and concern over losing his job right in the middle of buying their new home. Last but not least, on the day after Christmas their son Bentley had a tragic accident riding his new bike, which left him hospitalized and on the verge of death due to a laceration to his liver.      Through it all, the Napierski's held onto each other, and as they did their best to manage all of these incredibly hard trials Taylor found himself lying awake Desperate for help. It was then that he decided to say a prayer, which was not something he does, and immediately after reaching out to God for help... Taylor looked up to see his wife Jana, who had not slept in weeks due to PTSD from the fire, sleeping peacefully. Taylor talks about the Gifts he received during these overwhelming trials as he talks about the gift of Gratitude. He shares his gratitude for his wonderful wife and her love that kept them all holding on together, and He shares his witness of God and how he has come to recognize that he is known by God, God listens to us, and that God cares about each one of us.   Although Taylor has struggled with his faith for years, his story is laced with the threads of faith that he knew in his most desperate and darkest hour he could reach out to the one who created us and he trusted that He would show up enough that in his most desperate moment he reached out. He shares a wonderful message about considering the Alternatives to any choices that we make. The Grass is not always greener to all choices and some of those choices look pretty wonderful in the initial thought.      Taylor, thank you for sharing your journey with us. I can't believe what your family has experienced this past year. Because of your resilience and faith to hang on and keep fighting, I am inspired to do the same with my struggles.  If you would like to reach out to Taylor or his wife Jana, please do, they are eager to help others who may be in the midst of their own battles. taylorandjana@gmail.com  

Most of us remember the story ESPN highlighted in 2006 about a young man Jason McElwain, with Autism entering his first and only High School game with 4 minutes remaining, where he caught fire and knocked down 6 3-pointers in a row. Have you ever wondered who his coach was? Let me introduce you to my friend and one of my personal hero's Coach Jim Johnson. You won't want to miss his message! In the words of Coach Johnson "On the night of February 15, 2006, the bleachers at Greece Athena High School near Rochester, New York, were packed with students who had just begun cheering wildly and jumping up and down. During that same moment, I collapsed into my seat as tears welled in my eyes. Never before had I made a coaching move with such impact. Never had I felt such emotion in my career. You'd think we had just won a championship. It wasn't a buzzer-beating basket; it wasn't a heave from half-court that made the place go nuts. In fact, it wasn't even a specific play. All I had done was turn toward the player with uniform number 52, point my index finger at him, and say “J-Mac.” Up bounced Jason McElwain. In giving him some playing time, I enabled him to realize a lifelong dream. It was the last home contest of his senior year, and Jason was seeing his first varsity action. Now this might seem like a fairly ordinary moment, but Jason wasn't your ordinary basketball player. He was small and skinny. He stood all of 5 feet, 7 inches and weighed only 120 pounds, and his blonde hair was partially covered by a head band. Jason—or J-Mac, a tag I had hung on him two years earlier when he first managed for us—was so excited to enter the game that he started right for the basketball court without first checking in and had to be redirected to the scorer's table. But very few people noticed that; they were just so happy to see him get in the game. Why were they so happy? They were happy because Jason is autistic and learning-disabled. Knowing his limitations, the crowd was moved while witnessing Jason entering the game. And so was I. Throughout the night J-Mac—and the increasingly impatient spectators—had wondered if I was ever going to play him. Finally, with 4:19 remaining in the game, a large lead and all my other substitutes having seen action, J-Mac ascended his stage with the fanfare of a rock-and-roll star. In fact, many fans had brought blow-up photos of Jason attached to wooden sticks, and they began eagerly waving the placards upon his grand entrance. My simple reason for playing Jason was because I loved the kid and wanted to give him the shot he deserved. I didn't do any of this for hype, but what a beautiful scene nonetheless, and enough reward right there for me. When play resumed Jason promptly launched an air ball, and I put my head in my hands. Prayer supposedly isn't allowed in public schools, but I started praying for all I was worth: “Please, God, let him make just one basket.” He then missed a layup. I started praying harder. Fortunately, God must be a basketball fan. And he apparently had a message to deliver to the rest of the world that night. In fact, I believe it was nothing short of a miracle. ...I've read and heard, many times over, the Gospel accounts of miracles performed by Jesus. These acts typically involved common, everyday folks. Some of them had disabilities. All had faith, and they became a positive example for others. From that same inspiration of faith I find the meaning behind the miracle of February 15, 2006. As it turned out, I'd say J-Mac and I were just the kind of people God might employ to send a message of hope to the rest of the world in the form of a timeless, feel-good story.   Author of: A Coach and A Miracle   Website: https://coachjimjohnson.com J-Mac ESPN Video: https://youtu.be/__JQcJ-wr0M   Coach, Thank you for inspiring me over the past few years. You are one of my personal hero's that I am grateful to call friend. 

Todd Sylvester shares his amazing journey from a Dark place lost in addiction to a soul on Fire now working full time to help others believe in themselves and gain the determination to believe in themselves and creating a great life. Todd currently works as an Addictive Voice Recognition Counselor at an addiction recovery treatment center for those struggling with with drug or alcohol addiction, where he provides one-on-one mentoring to both local and international clients. Described as having “a unique gift to develop trusting relationships quickly,"   Todd has guided hundreds to sobriety and other behavioral successes through the individualized support he offers to each client. His ability to “speak to a person's soul and help them find their true motive to change” has been the key for inspiring others to make permanent lifestyle changes. Todd's profound influence grew from his own personal experience — a journey from self-hatred and hopelessness to faith and recovery.   At a young age, Todd was exposed to drugs and alcohol and quickly became addicted. Years of rampant drug abuse lead to devastating failures and a conclusion that his young life had nowhere left to go. Change can come from the most unlikely of places. For Todd, that place was a neighborhood lemonade stand, when he made the spontaneous decision to become one little girl's most generous customer. This simple act – and the positive reaction that came with it – provided Todd with a sense of hope that he had never felt before. Todd's strengthening sense of purpose sparked a fervent determination to change his life and to prevent others from enduring the physical and emotional pain that had threatened his very existence. As he moved forward with newfound faith and a desire to serve others, Todd learned that the human soul – on fire – is more powerful than any addiction.   Today, Todd utilizes his firsthand fight against addiction to connect with fellow addicts on an authentic level and provide hope to thousands of teenagers, parents, and adults. His story was recently told through a popular YouTube clip titled “The Hope of God's Light,” that received over 3 million views and has been translated into 3 languages. Todd has been married to his sweetheart for 23 years. They have four children and live a happy, busy life together. Check out Todd's Podcast found on all major podcast channels called,   Beliefcast: https://toddsylvesterinspires.com/beliefcast/   His personal Website can be found at address: https://toddsylvesterinspires.com/   Todd, God bless you in your efforts to change lives. You are a great man!

Stacey Harkey, who some of you may know from his acting days on Studio C, shares his amazing story growing up a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving a Mission, attending school at the Church owned University BYU, and coming out as Gay.   The interview was particularly special due to Stacey's love and devotion to God throughout this entire experience.  He talks about being younger and realizing there were things that were "different" about him than other boys, and how he took a part of himself that is very real and tried to lock it away in order to deflect some of the shame which caused him to question who he is.    After serving a faithful 2 year mission for his Church, he returned home to start college at BYU. Stacey talks about his experiences dating women, and although he really liked some of the women he dated, he never felt an attraction to them so it felt like he was wasting their time. He had always been attracted to Men but this was against everything he believed was right and that he was supposed to do, so he kept it hidden with everyone but God.  He talks about taking his attraction to men to God and asking him to help and change it, but that never happened, and one day instead of asking God to change him, He asked God "Tell me what to do, and I will do whatever you want". He felt immediate peace and the sense that God loved him exactly how he is, and in fact created him to be just that... Himself. Stacey felt that God was saying to him "Why do you hate the way I made you?" and realized how arrogant he was being thinking that the perfect Creator (God), who doesn't make mistakes, somehow made a mistake on him."  Trusting this answer to his prayers he finally was able to embrace his authentic self and gain the courage needed to talk to his religious leaders, friends, and family.  He now feels more peace and freedom than he has ever felt.  Stacey loves God, and I could feel his deep love for God throughout our conversation.   His journey is amazing and so needed as young people growing up in families where coming out as LGBTQ is not safe, and some are even ending their lives to suicide feeling ashamed. Stacey is an example to show that it's ok to be yourself, to want true love in your life, and have the courage to talk about who you are.  Stacey is a hero to me, and has opened my eyes up quite a bit to the idea that loving the sinner and hating the sin, is a cheap valueless way of attempting to show acceptance to someone that is different than you. I learned from Stacey, in a much deeper way, that it is my actions surrounding my words that bring value  and if I love all as God commands, then I need to love all regardless of their "sins" or differences of opinion/beliefs.     Thank you for your courage Stacey! May God continue to bless you on your journey my friend! Keep making us laugh, always!  If you don't know Stacey's work on Studio C, I encourage you to check it out by searching on YouTube either using his name or Studio C. Studio C is family friendly clean humor that has had huge success. Keep your eye out for his upcoming projects under JK Studio's he and his friends recently started. 

Chad Rawlings is a Husband, Father, and Son of God with a lot of faith and courage. Chad definitely rolls up his sleeves and courageously share's his experience coming home early from a full time Mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints early not only once but twice.  Young Men and Women that grow up in The Church of Jesus Christ are taught from the time they can say their first words that they should serve a full time mission if at all possible.   For young men The Church teaches it is a commandment from God and for young women it is not a commandment but it is highly recommended if they feel prompted to go. At times there are young men and young women that choose not to go and as a result they feel ashamed of themselves, have feelings that they are not worthy, and face judgement by others that belong to the faith. This is not due to any doctrinal teaching from the Church itself, rather it stems as a result from Members of the Church being so close in association and proximity to each other. Each year some young men and women disengage from activity in the Church because of this, and they struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and self worth to the point that some want nothing to do with the Church ever again so they don't have to feel those feelings anymore. These are a few of the reasons that Chad's story and courage to share is so important.    Chad grew up talking about serving, wanting to serve, and eager for the day he turned 19. When it came he explains that he felt ready and excited, but as he entered the Missionary Training Center (MTC) as a 19 year old young man, he was engulfed with anxiety and fear. Unable to eat, sleep, focus in training classes he began to doubt himself and his ability as he saw the other young men and women surrounding him happy, engaged, and able to learn a new language with what seemed at the time ease. The first time he decided to return home early he made it about 2 days, he was no longer able to work through feeling overwhelmed and like he wasn't good enough so he called home to his Mom and Dad and begged them to come pick him up. His parents were frustrated but they loved him and although they didn't know how to process Chad's decision they wanted their son to feel love and value.  One or two weeks after Chad left his mission, he still felt like he really wanted to serve God on a mission. After meeting with his religious leader, the decision was made to try again but this time in hopes that Chad could serve somewhere in the United States and not a foreign land speaking another language. Chad was called to Florida, and was again ready to go feeling passionate again about the opportunity to serve God, but as soon as he stepped into the gates of the MTC and parted with his family, all of the feelings rushed back. He stayed as patient as he could but couldn't sleep, eat, or focus in class and was once again overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy. Chad, again packed up and left the MTC.    Chad shares some very insightful and helpful principles that can help us understand how to show up for people when they feel lost in failure. He talks about the ways God continued to show up for him to help him gain confidence in himself and belief that he could have a successful life full of love, faith, and service to God.   Chad lost no value to God because he didn't stay but he did grow in self confidence because he stayed engaged and faithful to God. Chad is a close acquaintance of mine and I have seen him show up over and over again for people who are lost and feeling worthless. Because of what he has faced in his life I have witnessed his ability to recognize people who need to feel loved and then he shows up for them.  Chad, your mission may not be the typical mission, but you have served your mission faithfully. I know that God is pleased with you and you are a hero of mine.   

Brady Bluhm, also known as the "Billy" the Blind boy from the movie "Dumb and Dumber" who was duped by Lloyd (Jim Carey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels), joins me to share his life and faith Journey. Brady, grew up in a family belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also known as Mormon's, and from a young age loved and believed in the teachings and Doctrines the church teaches. He served a full time mission for two years, a highlight of his life, and after returning home marrying his wife Abbie, and starting a family, he began to question his faith due to some of it's past history and teachings.   Brady, who no longer belongs to the church, shares his journey and faith struggle with us. He is very open about what he went through after personally discovering what he had believed and devoted himself to his whole life wasn't true. He talks about depression that came, how he felt lied to and betrayed, and how he questioned much more than just his faith due to the crumbling foundation of truths he once believed.   After going through many life changing events the past few years Brady speaks about the things he has connected with that have led him to feelings of light, peace, and goodness in his life again. He also talks about the amazing support he received from his wife Abbie.  Bitterness does not control Brady's life, and although there are still some painful feelings to overcome from all of this, he has risen above the hatred and bitterness that could hold him hostage and instead he puts his energy into seeking things that bring into his life and that of his family members, Light, Love, Peace and Security. He speaks about the blessings Yoga, the study of Yoga, and relationships he has created as a Yoga instructor have brought into his life.   He talks about the renewed desire and ability to learn from all people of different cultures, religions, races, backgrounds, etc... and that we can learn something from everyone even those we don't agree with.  I love Brady and his family, and as I have watched his journey over the past few years, I wanted to learn more because I wanted him to know that no matter what he believes, he and his family are loved by me and my family and they are safe with us, we support them 100% in their search for truth, even though I belong to and fully believe in the doctrines of the church he and his wife left.   Brady, shares so much that can help so many of us understand how to react, respond, and show up with love, when friends and/or family members walk away from something we believe in as absolute. He talks about the pain that comes when people who claimed to love him no longer accepted him due to leaving and how a very only a small number of friends and family members who belong to the church reached out to him after he left.    This is the story of a man's search for light and truth. Brady, could easily and justifiably so be living a life full of bitterness and anger fighting against the church he no longer believes in, but instead devotes his time to goodness, connection, learning and growth. He loves his family and is doing all that he can to help them see and feel connection that surrounds them in this world so that they can live a life of love and light as well.    Brady, you are a great man and a brother of mine always. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your journey with us.  I am grateful that Brady would share his story with us on my podcast. I invite you as you listen to Brady, to think about your life and the friends and family members in your circles that may feel unaccepted and ashamed because they believe, behave, or have made choices that are different from yours or the culture that surrounds them. If anyone comes to mind, I encourage you to reach out to them with love, respect, and a desire to learn more about their Journey. We can all do better Loving without boundaries as God Himself does. God is Love  -

Jon starts his journey by sharing the one single truth that has recognized and held onto throughout his entire life, “I am a child of God”. Through it all, good times and bad times, this single truth is what Jon has held onto and relied on to guide him in his decisions and efforts during his life on earth, and in dark times of depression and suicidal thinking. “I am a child of God”, is the message of Hope that has helped Jon not only overcome the odds to achieve the goals he set as a young boy to become an Endodontist professionally, but it is that very Hope that pulled Jon from the darkness of shame and worthlessness on the verge of Suicide, back into the Light.   Jon shares his inspiring story beginning as a young boy growing up in California, Mormon (LDS), in a family of 8. His family did not have much money and at times his Dad and Mom struggled to fill the pantry; however, what they did have... money could not buy, and that was the understanding that all people are Gods children and all people regardless of class, religious background, race, or politics are of infinite worth. Jon shares the way his parents lived and the example that they set of loving all without judgement and working hard doing good things shaped Jon into the man he is today.   At the age of 10, Jon's father sat his children down and talked to them about his life working late night shifts for a job that he didn't necessarily want, and that he wanted more for his children, believing a college education should be a goal for each of them. He let them know that he didn't have the means to pay for their education and inspired them to work towards a scholarship to help pay. Jon took this to heart and graduated high school with over a 4.0 GPA, and an opportunity on the track and field team at a community college in California.   As a high jumper in High school reaching a height of 6'7 he broke records at his school, but he knew that he needed to reach 7'0 to qualify for a scholarship and earn a full ride scholarship to BYU where he dreamed of going. So Jon went to work training hard which led to an opportunity to jump for a small community college, and after qualifying for the state finals he went on to reach a jumping height over 7'2 all while defeating his Nemesis, who he nicknamed “Sloppy Joe”. Jon shares and incredible experience he had with Prayer during His last two jumps which won him the championship and earned him a spot on the BYU Track and Field team with a full ride scholarship. After the match and his incredible experience during his last two jumps and prayer, Jon found a quite place near the stadium and in complete humility gave thanks to God.   During college he met his incredible wife Dorsey and they began a family of their own, things just seemed to be going right for Jon, but during his residency Jon was upended by sudden and unjustified feelings of “Doom”, PTSD from 9/11, and feelings of no personal value, causing Shame and Depression which lead to Suicidal Thinking. Jon talks about how at his “Rock Bottom” not even caring how ending his life would affect his family, that's when he knew that he needed help. Throughout Jon's story you will see clearly how God put people in place and like lighthouses leading a ship to shore these people showed up for Jon to say or do something that helped Jon feel love enough to hold onto HOPE. That vey HOPE carried Jon through the Dark and into the Light, and He shares some of the valuable Gifts he received from the experiences during this painful time.   A few years later Jon achieved his Professional goal of becoming an Endodontist, and is now doing all he can to be somebody else's “Lighthouse” by paying it forward and living in gratitude each day. Jon is the Partner of 3 Endodontist offices in Northern Colorado and Wyoming.   Jon, thank you for sharing your story. You are a hero of mine and have been a lighthouse to me and my family. Thank you for sharing your Light!    

Josh Edlow tells a wonderful story of his life rising against all odds and even above the voices that told him he wouldn't amount to much. He grew up in a loving home that gave him a good foundation but as he attempted to make plans for his life he found that even some of his close friends and family members doubted he could reach the dreams and expectations that he set for himself. After serving a valiant and successful 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Josh was determined to continue learning, growing, and making a difference for good in the world. He set out to be a Lawyer in Sacramento California, and as he began his journey he heard many voices telling him that he should quit and do something else, but after working tireless hours day and night Josh graduated and began working for a Law Firm.   He made it and was having big success, winning large cases with high dollar payouts and earning awards, but down the road as all of this was continuing to happen Josh realized that although he was doing everything right, he not happy and felt disconnected. One early morning on his way into the office he was rear ended by a car that hit him while going a high speed. The last thing Josh remembers before waking up on the side of the road surrounded by onlookers was his head striking the head rest and the window of his car. As a result of the accident Josh's future was filled with Doctors visits, Rehab appointments, and the stress of trying to keep his job and prove that he could still preform. He had a lot of help from partners in the law firm that stepped up to assist him with his cases but as time moved on and Josh was struggling with cloudiness, fatigue, and memory challenges, fear and anxiety were ever present at this time.   As the sole provider for his wife and kids Josh felt overwhelmed and in a way cheated as he felt that he had done everything right in his life so why was this happening to him. In anger Josh got on his knees and said a prayer to God to ask why this was happening to him and beg for help. The next morning Josh was preparing for the day and he felt a very clear impression from God to "Act". Not understanding what this meant but wanting to know, Josh thought of his current health of mind, body, and spirit, and recognizing that he was the heaviest weight he had ever been he decided that was one thing he could control by "Acting".   So his journey began, he worked hard on his body and after consistency and over time, his mind became clear again, his energy increased, and he started to feel joy again. Doors opened for him at work and he was able to begin taking on his cases again as well. In answer to his prayer in anger, God taught Josh the power of using his agency and that when one thing is not going right in life we still have the ability to act and choose in other areas of our life that we can control, and as we have the determination and faith to do that, God will help us in the uncontrollable parts of our lives to make things work our for our good... We have to ACT. Josh is doing great things with his life. He loves his family, loves serving others as a lawyer, and currently works on the board of a non-profit organization that focuses on helping kids that have come from homes where tragedy has occurred. He hits the gym consistently most mornings of the week and is doing all he can to help motivate others who feel the same way he did, checking all of the boxes but still empty inside. Enjoy Josh's story. He is an amazing man that has battled through some hard trials and come out on top, humbly giving all of the credit to a loving Father in Heaven who is ready, able, and so willing to help when we choose to let him. Thank you Josh, you are one of my hero's!   Josh Edlow and his good friend Tim Wilde also produce a fun YouTube channel called Saint's on Cinema. If you are looking for fun, clean movie reviews check them out. www.saintsandcinema.com    

Adrienne, shares her incredible journey with us. She was adopted into an incredible family, surrounded in love, and grew up in a wonderful place with all the opportunity you could hope for a child to have. Adrienne is a phenomenal singer and actor who was very engaged in both growing up, As she entered her teenage years she began to experience depression as a result of comparing herself with her peers and fell into the habit of Negative Self talk that stayed with her as she grew up, was married, and adopted two sons of her own.   Sorrow filled Adrienne's heart as she and her husband Kyle battled Infertility and after trying everything they could they were still unable to have kids so they decided to adopt and were blessed with two amazing boys.  During the battle of infertility Adrienne experienced depression and feelings of worthlessness to the point that she knew she needed extra help, so she began working with a therapist. While working through her personal sorrow and pain, she began to notice that her oldest son was facing some tough challenges himself, such as melt downs before school each day, listening, communicating, etc... Adrienne and Kyle sought help from the school, family and friends, but didn't realize that the problem required help from a professional until after Adrienne had already started to feel like a failure as a parent and mother. On the outside Adrienne looked happy and like she had it together, but on the inside Adrienne was silently suffering and feeling very alone. Suicidal thinking was a daily monster, causing her so much pain she told her husband, "I don't want to be here anymore".   Adrienne bravely shares her experiences with suicidal thinking, and also briefly talks about people close to her lost to suicide themselves and the pain it causes in the lives of people who love them.  In her Darkest moments, Adrienne recognized she needed to open up about the reality of the darkness she was facing, so she turned to her husband Kyle, and without shaming her, Kyle sprang into action to meet Adrienne where she was, and to ensure she received the help and attention that she needed. Talking about the darkness and pain she was suffering with, brought awareness to those who love her, and as they rallied around her to lift her up she began to feel worth again. Doctors diagnosed their son with autism and they were able to then come up with plans to adjust their parenting in ways to help him which also helped Adrienne feel so much better about her worth as a parent. She held fast to her faith in God and proactively came up with a list of positive self affirmations that she could say to herself each day to help retrain her brain from negative to positive self talk.  Working her way through the darkness has brought hope, passion, and joy back into her life. She is better balanced as a wife and mother, and is again able to devote some of her time into passions she loves, like singing and acting. From an outsiders perspective one would never have known Adrienne was living in so much pain and darkness, she was able to disguise the feelings and act like everything was ok, when she felt broken inside. Her story is a great reminder that there are many of us who on the outside look like they may have a "perfect" life but on the inside they are hurt, alone, and broken.   I am so grateful for Adrienne's willingness to share her experience. I grew up with Adrienne and from my perspective... she had it all. She was popular, talented, pretty, and just seemed to have everything figured out, but knowing what Adrienne has faced in her life is a great reminder to me that the illusion of the idea that "the grass is always greener" is not true and everyone faces their own battles and demon's. I hope her story will inspire you as it did me to look out for and show up for those we love in need. Thank you so much Adrienne, you are brave!   Adrienne shared a resource for those struggling with Suicidal thinking. Please check out www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org if you or anyone you know needs help.

Tiffany Turley Bowcut grew up in a wonderful home with parents that gave her all of the tools to excel in whatever she determined to do. When she moved to College at BYU she wanted to get married and have children as soon as possible and truly looked forward to finding a great man to marry and be a mother to kids.   At 19 Tiffany was married and a short time after that she learned of her husbands addiction to pornography which led to infidelity and shattered trust. After her divorce, Tiffany relied on family and close associates to help her hold onto hope and continue forward. Trust was ripped away from Tiffany and as she worked to rebuild it she had help along the way.  A short time later as she had rebuilt some of that trust, a colleague Sexually Assaulted (Raped) her and like most cases of Sexual Assault/Rape, it was by a man that Tiffany thought she knew and could trust. At this point her whole world turned upside down and her Trust in others was destroyed.   She began to have suicidal thoughts and feelings and thought that she had no value to anyone which led to some very dark times. Feeling alone, lost, and without hope, Tiffany was thinking through suicide and was impressed to think about what it would do to her family if she went through with it. She had the thought that she needed to visit her grandparents and although she didn't know why she should, she decided that she needed to act on that thought. During her visit to her grandparents home, her grandfather did something not typical for a grandparent who is talking to a grandchild who is having thoughts of Suicide. Rather than telling Tiffany all of the wonderful things about herself that family members say, Grandpa talked about the difficulties that her ancestors faced, and of the amazing faith, strength, and courage they held onto to make it through their own hopeless times. That gave Tiffany Hope and helped her reconnect with the strength that she had within.    In her Darkest moments Tiffany teaches us how she was able to hold on, and how she approached God. She shares a beautiful and tender moment she had when she was in a lot of pain, she envisioned herself with God before her life on earth having a conversation about coming down to this earth to live away from Him. She envisioned God telling her it will not be easy, and in fact it will be hard, but I know that you can do it. She then pictured herself responding that she would go to earth and although she knew it would be hard, she knew that because her Heavenly Father trusted her to go, she could trust in Him knowing that she could do it. This tender experience helped Tiffany rise up and move forward. She had renewed faith in herself and knew that she could have a beautiful life, if she could just trust God and move forward no matter how small the steps were.    The gift Tiffany received in her darkest hours was the gift of recognizing her infinite worth, and divine nature. She now understands how God feels about her and knows that God believes in her so she can trust in His belief in her and the work He is actively doing in Tiffany's life to help her along the way.  Now years later Tiffany is happily married to a wonderful man, and they have 3 young children. Tiffany's life is devoted to them and to giving back to women as she has worked in the Women's Center at Brigham Young University (BYU), and now oversees the Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Domestic Violence division.   Tiffany has so much knowledge and wisdom to share on these subjects, listening to her tell her story will help give parents ideas of how they can better prepare their children for when they leave the home.  If you or anyone you know is struggling as a result of Sexual Assault, Stalking, Domestic Violence, or if you are a parent and have questions about how to better prepare your children, feel free to reach out to Tiffany at tiffturley@gmail.com. Tiffany, you are amazing!

Mark Pepper spent 25+ years as an alcoholic and drug addict in the dark feeling that he had no place in the world to fit in. Mark is Jewish and growing up in Utah he didn't quite feel like he fit in, as about half of the population of Utah are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). Fitting in did not come easily for Mark growing up and as he entered his teens, he found his place with the "Stoners" which made it easy for him to access, use, and abuse, Drugs and Alcohol. Mark began drinking at 15, and it continued for 25 years. His second Divorce, due to his drinking left Mark in a place feeling very worthless, broken, and Suicidal. He literally chose his addictions over his first two marriages, but as his second wife was walking out the door with their 6 year old and baby boy in her belly, Mark had a vision of his future with no one in his life and alone, this vision gave Mark the desire to put in the work to become clean and sober, mend relationships with his Father and Family, and find Belonging.   Mark is very involved in working with youth and others who are deep in addiction, his life is focused on helping those who are suffering from the disease of addiction. He has so much knowledge, information, and experience that he shares with us that can truly help you if you are an addict, or help even parents think about how we are parenting so that we can prepare our children and equip them so that they are educated about the destruction these substances can bring to our lives, and the damage they can do to young minds.   Mark is an amazing man, who has been through so much. His Journey truly shows him suicidal in the dark, finding light, connecting with God, and coming to Delight. Mark was recently married and he and his wife look forward to a wonderful life together.   Mark you are a hero! God bless you in your sobriety since 10/10/2002, and in your efforts to help bring healing and strength to those who are lost in the chains of addiction.  

Richard Ostler is the host of Listen, Learn, and Love Podcast, which focuses on building bridges of inclusion and acceptance for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. He has devoted the past few years on reaching out to help those that feel oppressed to lift them up and make sure that they feel loved and embraced by all, especially in their religious communities. From the moment I met Richard I could feel of his love and concern for me and as we sat down together to talk I learned so much from this man about truly loving others no matter what and helping people that feel unseen and oppressed feel valuable and loved.   Richard is the host of the Listen, Learn and Love podcast (https://listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts) which provides a platform for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints to share their stories. The podcast also includes stories from those working through complicated issues (repentance, early-release missionaries, emotional illness, faith-crisis).   He is also the author of Listen Learn and Love: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints available on Amazon (www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773) and Seagull Book (www.seagullbook.com/Listen-Learn-and-Love-Richard-Ostler.html)   I invite you to Listen, Learn, and no doubt fall in love with Richard who selflessly serves to bless so many people in need. If you would like to contact him, he can be reached at richard@ostlergroup.com.   Richard, I love you my friend and am so grateful for the opportunity to meet you and Learn from you. Thank you for helping me see “a better way” to live.  

Jared Smith is an incredible guy that went through a traumatic accident without any warning while having a great time rafting the river as a Young Men's Leader.   He talks about the experience from not only his memory but the memory of others in his party that told him he was underwater for 10-12 minutes, without a pulse, and had to be brought back to life by CPR. The moment as you can imagine was complete chaos, so for the first few minutes his party did not even realize he was missing, then while collecting their gear someone noticed what they thought was a blue cooler, but to their utter surprise it was jared face down in the river. The group sprung to action, people who were not supposed to be there showed up to help, and Miracles happened.   Jared gives us the gift of believing in Miracles, remembering how much God loves every single one of us, and the realization that to God, each one of us had unlimited and eternal value. The near death experience also gave Jared a stronger witness that we can stop worrying about things that "don't matter", and we can start putting our thoughts and energy into things that are eternal and lasting.   He shares a tender experience about his last thoughts before nearly dying, being of his wife and 4 children and the sweet embrace he shared with his 2 year old little girl when he returned home from the hospital. Jared is one of the most Humble and Meek men that I have ever met, but don't let those words fool you... Jared is a Mighty Soul and anyone that is fortunate to cross paths with him is fortunate!  

Jake is one of those guys you meet and immediately you recognize that there is something special about him. His smile and energy are contagious and you feel like he is your best friend after a few short minutes with him.   From the beginning of Jake's life "all odds were against him". His birth Mother and Father never married and separated before he was born. His mom was an alcoholic and Jake had to grow up fast, remembering many nights that he had to put her to bed. At 8 years old Jake watched his mother be handcuffed and hauled of to jail which left him feeling all alone in a big scary world. He went to live with his recovering Alcoholic Dad and Step Mom, and at first it was a stable home which Jake flourished in and got a taste a Happy Life.   In his Teenage years Jake's Step Mother committed Suicide without warning, which wrecked Jake because they became very close. Jake talks about how the community rallied around him at this point. He had friends reach out to him in love who helped him learn about God and his value as God's Son.   Faith entered Jake's life and as it did Doors opened for him to serve a two year Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which changed him. When he came home he had some "demons of the past" that he had to face.   Through the Power of Prayer and with his amazing wife, right by his side, he faced those demons head on and experienced a lot of growth as a result.   Jake is brilliant, and his life is absolutely inspiring! No matter how many times life knocks you down... Get Back Up and Never Quit. Put your Faith in God, Pray and ask for guidance, and He will take you by the hand and lead you to light, love, and joy!  

Joseph Sorensen is one of my favorite human's on this planet. Joe and I served missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Indiana Indianapolis Mission. His soul is kind, compassionate, wise and as patient as they come and his views of Humanity come from a place based on first hand experience.  His story is multi-dimensional and has given him the ability to love and empathize for individuals that come from very different up brings than he had. Having been raised in a family with 3 birth siblings and 5 adopted black siblings whom Joe loves with all of his heart.   Joe began to recognize from an early age some of the challenges and difficulties his siblings faced growing up in Utah, because of their skin color, and the burdens that they had to bear from the day they were born that they had absolutely no control over. Joe speaks of the hurt he experienced when one of his adopted brothers was killed, the powerful lesson he learned about battling feelings of Anger and bitterness, and the importance of the Black Lives Matters Movement.   From his schooling at Harvard University to his experience in the Public Relations Department at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joe has had many unique opportunities to see through different “lenses” and walks of life and he shares an inspiring message about understanding and showing true love, empathy, and Compassion for others.  

My wife Alisha and I met Rachel and her husband Kevin during the beginning stages of COVID as my wife and I were walking near Utah Lake. We stopped to play at the play ground for a few minutes and not long after Rachel, Kevin, and their kids stopped to play as well. Being the Social person that I am and due to the lack of Human contact that COVID put us all through, I had to say hello and as we got to talking Alisha and I were so grateful that God had us cross paths. They are an amazing family and have so many unique qualities accompanied by warm hearts and souls. Kevin is a Lego fan, so right away we were excited to hear all about it since our family show has become Lego Masters, and Rachel was so easy to talk to. We learned that she started a podcast called 'The Toughtist' and has spent a great deal of time studying the brain and the affect negative emotions can have on us. So of course I had to invite her to join me on the show to share. She shares some really cool insights and wisdom. I especially appreciated all of her insights for parents in helping children navigate the emotions that they feel.   As a life coach who has passed through the tragedy of losing both of her parents at a young age, Rachel has passed through dark times and found effective ways to seek light in life. Rachel is a brilliant person, full of light, and she gives some tips for processing negative emotion and feelings that enter into our lives.   Rachel speaks of a skill she calls  C.O.P.E., which is an acronym she uses to define overcoming negative emotions, it stands for 1. Catch it, 2. Observe, 3. Pin Point, and 4. Experience. She talks about how to put C.O.P.E. into practice and how to let emotions "play out" or run their course and not just trying to force them out of our lives or feel ashamed we are feeling them.   Rachel is wonderful. Enjoy!