Everyday Mormon Girl

A message for my loyal listeners...

In this episode, I sit down with Madeline Anderson for an incredibly inspiring conversation about Mama Packs For Kenya, her non-profit organization which provides postpartum essentials for new mothers in Kenya. Together, we discuss: • The fact that we all have a personal ministry, although sometimes we may not realize what it is. • The importance of learning to forgive yourself. • How others can get involved with Mama Packs For Kenya and support this amazing cause. Links: https://mamapacksforkenya.org/ https://www.facebook.com/mamapacksforkenya https://www.instagram.com/mamapacksforkenya

In this episode, I sit down with the lovely Rosie Card who shares the incredible story of her modeling career and why she decided to quit. We discuss her ventures in starting her own business and her latest endeavor of authoring a book. We also talk about: • The importance of not being overly cautious when heading down a new path, and simply allowing the Savior to lead us. • Accepting our current situations as what God wants for us, regardless of whether or not it is what we had once hoped for ourselves. • Acknowledging that we can honor ourselves without being prideful. Links: Qnoor.com instagram.com/qnoor_templedress/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/qnoorsisterhood https://www.amazon.com/Model-Mormon-Fighting-Self-worth-Independent/dp/1462122086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524776362&sr=8-1&keywords=model+mormon https://twitter.com/rosemarycard

This week, I am joined by the incredibly fun and inspiring Maria Eckersley. We cover a multitude of topics including: her life as an avid blogger, standing by her husband in his journey through cancer, and some of her favorite “mom hacks”. We also discuss: • How she avoids getting lost in the repetitiveness of everyday motherhood. • The importance of trusting Heavenly Father’s plans and His timing for you. • Taking life one task at a time, and having faith that God will allow the rest to fall into place. Links: Maria’s site: MeckMom.com Instagram: @meckmomlife Facebook: facebook.com/meckmom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/mariaeckersley

This week, I am joined by the lovely Kimmie Frasure. Kimmie is a recent convert to the LDS Church and she shares her inspirational conversion story, her unique perspective on the gospel, and some of her struggles with mental health. We also discuss: • Acknowledging that oftentimes Heavenly Father is not going to simply get rid of our problems, but rather we should ask him to help us get through them. • How we can best support new converts in the church. • The importance of learning our roots and how doing so can help us build our testimony.

This week, I am joined by the lovely Allison Pineda. Allison is a labor and delivery nurse who has also experienced infertility. She shares her story and offers a message of hope for those who are currently struggling. Together, we also talk about: • How most women who suffer from infertility do so in silence. • The power of sharing our experiences and how it helps us to process them and eventually be grateful for them. • The importance of leaving our comfort zone.

In this episode, I sit down for an amazing conversation with Kristin Hess. She talks about the various challenges her family was faced with that forced her to transition from being a stay-at-home mom to being a full-time working mom. We also discuss: • How to cope when life doesn’t pan out as we hoped it would. • The difficulty in trusting in the bigger picture. • How important it is to follow God out of our love for Him rather than fear.

In this episode, I sit down with the lovely Shannon Steffler to talk about her compelling journey as a mother en route to becoming a midwife. We share our experiences and thoughts on childbirth and motherhood and we also discuss: • The dangers of feeling shame in your womanhood. • The very real challenges of finding “balance” in our lives. • How childbirth can be a refiners fire.

This week on the podcast, I sit down with Becky Squire to discuss the dangerous implications of placing church leaders on a pedestal. We share some of our personal experiences and insights, and we also talk about: • The important notion that God can do remarkable things with imperfect people. • The fact that there is a time and place for blind faith, but it is always wise to consult the Lord and ask for confirmation. • What it means to have “pillars” in your testimony and the importance of keeping them in the forefront of your mind. Links: Website: beckysquire.com Instagram: instagram.com/beckysquire Facebook: facebook.com/beckysquireblog Twitter: twitter.com/beckysquire

This week, I am joined by Deanna Young, an amazing mother and also an aspiring fiction writer. Deanna shares some valuable insight into her experiences raising a child with autism. She also discusses how she’s recently been able to pursue her lifelong dream of being an author. Together we also talk about: • How she has learned to cope with the uncertainty of her son’s future. • The importance of not judging people based on our first impressions, and realizing that there could be much more going on beneath the surface. • How having a creative outlet can help maintain your own personal identity in addition to being a mother.

This week, I am joined by the wonderful Rebecca Laughlin who shares her incredibly powerful and emotional story of sexual abuse, family trauma, loss of a loved one, and failed relationships. Rebecca’s journey has been full of tragedy and despair, but she has found hope in Heavenly Father. Together, we discuss: • How she has been able to maintain an eternal perspective despite all the tragedies she has endured. • The power of having a prayer journal, and how that has helped her connect with the Lord. • How her experiences are making her a powerful messenger for Jesus Christ.

This week, I am joined once again by the amazing Sherrill Moody. In our previous discussion, Sherrill told the emotional story of losing two of her children. In this interview, she shares what happened in the months that followed these tragic events and the many miracles she witnessed. We also discuss: • How she kept her faith in the Lord in the midst of tragedy, and how this allowed for some unique spiritual experiences. • The importance of allowing yourself to feel negative emotions in order to process them properly. • The importance of giving yourself personal grace in the grieving process. Contact information for Sherrill: sherrillannmoody@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/sherrillannmoody/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/EssentialHealing

In this episode of the podcast, I am joined by my dear friend Becky Edwards for a wonderful and uplifting interview. Becky shares a lot of valuable insight about letting the light into our lives and driving out the dark. Together we discuss: • The importance of paying close attention to the media we let into our homes, and being aware of what brings light or dark. • Some specific tips for how to seek out good media. • What “heaven journaling” is, and how you can apply this method to your personal prayer time.

In this episode, I am joined by the wonderful Cindy Stevenson. Cindy shares how she found the Book of Mormon, how it led to her conversion, and how it has changed her life. We also discuss: • The story of how she and her husband discovered the Book of Mormon at the exact same time, without each other knowing. • The many ways she’s seen the hand of the Lord at work in her life. • The importance of helping others without expecting anything in return.

This week, I am joined by the amazing Shaunna Thompson. Shaunna had a son who passed away due to an accidental overdose. She shares her compelling and emotional story of how the Lord helped her through this incredibly hard time in her life. We also discuss: • The dangerous trap (that many parents of an addicted child fall into) of forgetting to properly tend to their other children. • The process that her and her husband went through in surrendering their son to Heavenly Father. • The fact that, no matter how difficult the situation is, turning away from the Lord is never an option. • The importance of turning to the Lord, even on the most mundane days.

This week on the podcast, I interview Aubrey Grossen. She is an avid blogger and the creator of a community for moms called The Mamahood. She shares her story and how she balances her creative projects with her family life. We also discuss: • The fact that there is so much power in the small everyday things that we do; something doesn’t always need to be big and grandiose in order to be impactful. • That we have to go through hard times and sorrow in order to feel empathy for others. • The simple fact that we can choose happiness and choose to live the “good life,” despite how difficult life can be. Links: www.themamahoodblog.com

In this episode, I am joined by a dear friend named Jackie Culley. Jackie shares her journey of struggling, learning, and navigating life as a mother of a child with cancer. We also discuss: • The incredible comfort and strength the Lord has provided for her in the midst of adversity. • How this journey has shown her that her true identity is simply a daughter of God. • The importance of trusting the Savior to carry her son because some burdens are too big to carry on your own. Links: https://www.sheembracedadversity.com https://www.facebook.com/jackieculleydesign/

This week, I am joined by the amazing Kimi Fisher who runs an Etsy store where she sells various wood crafts and creations. She shares some insight into her creative process and what it’s like to run an online business. We also discuss: • The fact that we all have this God-given desire to create something new. • How creativity doesn’t always imply the typical artistic skills that people assume. • The fact that the creative process extends far beyond her craft and also includes important skills like marketing, social networking, and business management. • The importance of honoring our unique gifts and promptings. You can find Kimi's Etsy store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeckoDesigns

In this episode, I am joined by Becky Child Johnson who shares the stories of the many intense challenges and heartbreaks that she has faced. She has been through two emotional divorces and the tragic loss of her child. We also discuss: • How she was able to choose faith in the midst of these trials. • The incredible comfort she has received, and how Heavenly Father has enabled her to carry on, despite all she’s been through. • How her negative experiences have allowed her to know people that she wouldn’t have met otherwise.

This week, I am joined by Sherrill Moody who shares her incredibly emotional story of intense grief and, ultimately, hope. Sherrill lost two of her children within a couple months of each other, and both of their deaths were unexpected and absolutely heartbreaking. She also shares: • The many ways that God did not forsake her in the midst of tragedy. • How she has been able to move past the mortal implications and see the eternal truth that her children live on and they will be reunited again. • The simple truth that if we keep moving forward in faith, we will not fail. Contact information for Sherrill: sherrillannmoody@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/sherrillannmoody/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/EssentialHealing

This week I am joined by Camille Bullock, who talks about her journey after receiving cancer treatment and the unexpected thoughts, feelings, and struggles that came with being a survivor. She also shares: • How she came to realize that simply surviving is not enough, and there is a need for humans to progress and thrive. • What it means to look for the collateral beauty in our circumstances. • How overcoming this extremely difficult situation has truly empowered her in other facets of her life. • What it means to take advantage of the power of choice, and how to choose how we let certain experiences shape our lives. For more information about Camille and her mission to empower cancer survivors visit https://camillebullock.lpages.co/living-an-engaged-life/

In this episode, I have a conversation with an amazing woman named Jerlyn Murphy. She shares her experience of having a chronic, debilitating illness that is terminal and what she has learned as she has come to terms with the fact she is not going to be healed. She also discusses: • How she learned to pray for the Lord to calm her personally, rather than asking Him to calm the storm. • The fact that healing isn’t always God’s plan for us in this life. • How each of us must walk through our own individual Garden of Gethsemane. • How one of the greatest teachers in life is pain.

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Shelbi Bailey who shares the emotional story about the loss of her newborn baby boy. She also shares some insights about: • Recognizing the miracles and tender mercies in the midst of tragedy, and how the Gospel gives meaning to the things that we go through. • The many ways that her experiences have taught her to feel empathy for others. • How everyone experiences grief differently, and her advice for comforting mothers who are dealing with the loss of a child.

This week, I am joined by the wonderful Shelly Shumway. Shelly shares the fascinating story of her journey to becoming a life coach for other women. We also discuss some of her best insights and advice, including: • The law of the highway: that you are always behind someone that you are learning from, and you are always ahead of someone that you can help. • How she manages being a self-employed businesswoman and a mother at the same time. • What it means to have vision, and how to create a purposeful life with God’s help. Links: https://www.facebook.com/shelshum

For the first episode of the new year, I decided to sit down and record a solo podcast. It is a reflection on 2017 and everything I have learned, particularly about starting Everyday Mormon Girl. I also discuss what is going on in my life right now and what I envision 2018 holds for me and my family. I share some valuable lessons and insights that I have received this year, including: • The idea that God cannot steer a parked car. I needed to move forward in faith, so that the Lord can guide my steps. • The difference between productive and unproductive struggles. • The fact that things don’t need to be perfect to be valuable.

In this episode, I am joined by Erica Miller who shares her message about realizing our God-given gifts and what it means to let our light shine. We also discuss: • How holding the false belief that we don’t have any talent or gift to offer can prevent us from shining the light that God has given us. • How some of us have gifts that aren’t as blatantly obvious as others, but they are equally as important. • That the value of our gifts and talents must not be measured by worldly standards, and oftentimes the greatest impact is made in small ways.

This week, I am joined by my dear friend Megan Matthews. Megan shares the story of her suicide attempt, the events that led her to that point in her life, and the process of recovery that followed. We also discuss: • The misconception that we, as humans, are broken and need to be fixed, and the negative impact that carrying this belief has on our lives. • How the Savior is the ultimate answer, and even though certain self-help methods are useful, we need to rely on Him first. • How important it is to simply stop being so hard on ourselves, consider ourselves as amazing individuals, and try to see ourselves the way that Heavenly Father does.

This week, I am joined by Kayleen Strange. She shares her story of raising 11 children and some of the health complications her and her family have encountered along the way. She also discusses: • How important it is to be aware of what we eat and the things we put into our bodies. • Her interpretation of what the scriptures say about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. • How to navigate all the information and misinformation out there in regard to personal health and diet. • How amazing it is that the Lord knows each our individual needs, and He will provide us with individualized answers that are unique to our personal stories.

In honor of the 25th episode of my podcast, I sit down with my mother, Robin Olson. This was the hardest (and possibly the most therapeutic) interview that I have recorded so far. Robin shares the emotional story of her spiritual journey, which is heavily intertwined with my own story. We also discuss: • The beauty of repentance and how wonderful it is to have the atonement of Jesus Christ. • How important it is to know that the Lord doesn’t dwell on our past, and neither should we. • How vital the scriptures are to us throughout the journey of life and the struggles of motherhood.

This week, I am joined by Mollie Harmison who shares the emotional story of her and her husband’s journey from excommunication to repentance and their eventual re-baptism. We also discuss: • How they reached this low-point in their spiritual journey, the numbness she felt, and how they worked together to get out of it. • The feeling of gratitude she has about her excommunication and how she strives to change the stigma that surrounds it. • The importance of understanding the journey and looking for what you can learn from it and how can you use it to grow.

This week on the podcast, I am joined by my good friend Adaure Ezinne Dawson who shares: • The compelling story of how her family first came to the LDS church in Nigeria. • The struggles and challenges her family faced throughout the process of immigration. • How childbirth is one of the most powerful experiences a woman can have, and how her experiences have led her on a journey to become a midwife.

This week, I am joined by LDS blogger Kim Chase. In this fun and inspiring interview we discuss: • The joy and fulfillment she experiences working with the Young Women in her ward. • How she came to start her blog “Life’s Journey to Perfection,” and how she balances blogging and motherhood. • How her study of Nephi has had such a positive impact on her life. • The importance of having integrity, and how that one value encapsulates all of the other Young Women’s values. Links: www.lifesjourneytoperfection.net https://instagram.com/lifesjourneytoperfection/ https://www.facebook.com/lifesjourneytoperfection https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6WOwclKUR5e0gVr1J7oGEg

This week on the podcast, I am joined by my dear friend, Jill Bernhardt. She talks about her experience raising her youngest son, who is homosexual, and the personal growth that the process entailed. We also discuss: • The peace that she found in surrendering her son to the Savior and letting go of worry, control, and expectations. • What the journey has taught her about love and judgment towards others. • How our job, as parents, is to not necessarily understand our children but to simply love them.

This week, I am joined by Mary Bowen. She shares the emotional story of her experiences parenting children who have struggled with addiction. We discuss the importance of ARP (Addiction Recovery Programs) and also: • Recognizing that your children have their own agency and that “right” or “wrong” parenting does not necessarily dictate where their lives go. • The simple fact that contention and the spirit cannot coincide; problems can be addressed and boundaries can be established without anger. • How important it is to let go of a wayward child and let them face the consequences of their actions. The only real power we have is to simply love them unconditionally. • How important it is to maintain faith and trust that although we do not know the beginning from the end, Heavenly Father does.

This week, I am joined by Laura Martin who shares the emotional story of her experience with sexual assault and her spiritual journey to healing. Together, we also discuss: • How the Atonement doesn’t just cover sin, but pain, sorrow, and sadness as well. • How important it is to know that, in a case of sexual assault, it is never the victim’s fault. • That there is a need to change the general dialogue in the church in regards to sex, chastity, and purity. • That God’s love is unconditional and that, no matter the sin or circumstance, anyone can be made pure again. Resources: http://youniquefoundation.org/the-haven-retreat/

In this episode, I am joined by Lydia Taggart, a mother of six children (including quadruplets!). Lydia shares her experiences in parenthood and also: • How she has maintained faith in the Lord that her family will always be taken care of. • How she has come to understand that everyone is a completely unique individual who requires a certain “language” for effective communication. • The importance of trusting that the Lord knows you, loves you, and will always provide what you need.

In this episode, my guest Cortney Baker shares her story about an unplanned pregnancy she experienced soon after graduating from high school and the decisions that she and her then-boyfriend subsequently faced. We also discuss: • Seeing your past mistakes as a stepping stone in your progress, rather than a stumbling block. • The judgment she and her husband faced as they returned to church, but how one person can make all the difference. • Her message of hope for those dealing with similar issues, and how the Lord has used her experiences to make her more compassionate and loving.

In this week’s episode I talk with my new friend Meg Graff and together we discuss the struggles of navigating motherhood. She also shares: • The necessity of trials in our journey to become more like the Savior. • How each family is unique and different, and there is no “ideal family” that we should strive to be. • The importance of living an “outward" life rather than an “inward” life and simply showing kindness to others.

On this week’s episode, Amanda Arrington shares the story of her marriage that was affected by a pornography addiction. Together, we discuss: • How it is possible to recover a marriage from the damages of a pornography addiction. • How you can have forgiveness without trust, but you cannot trust again until you have forgiven. • How the first step is simply realizing who the real enemy is and having clear communication and teamwork with your partner to overcome it. Links: tippytoplife.weebly.com facebook.com/tippytoplife

In this week’s episode I am joined by my friend Joanne Andrus, who is a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Together we discuss: • How she came to fulfil her dream of joining the choir, and how the Lord’s timing and plan was quite different than her own. • How important it is to follow your dreams and pursue your purpose, but also to be prepared to reconsider and reshape your plan as the Lord guides you. • Looking and listening for the little promptings and “love notes” the Lord sends us to prepare and direct us for what is to come.

On this week’s episode, I am joined by my new friend, Kimberlee Adams, who shares the compelling and emotional story of her struggle with severe postpartum depression. She also shares: • How she came to understand that depression is a flaw in chemistry, not character. • How she learned to feel gratitude in the midst of pain. • What it was like to take a leap of faith to follow God’s will, even when it was scary and didn’t make sense.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with educator Heidi Draper and together we discuss: • Her method of likening the scriptures to her passion for running, and how it has not only helped her personally but also helped her teach others. • Her experiences as a single woman, and how the Lord has provided amazing opportunities for her that she wouldn’t have had otherwise. • The importance of funding schools in lower income neighborhoods, and how people in the church can give generously to serve children in their own neighborhood. • The simple importance of loving others and listening to their stories.

In the second part of my interview with my good friend, Tami Oliver, she shares: • A detailed account of her journey from rock-bottom to recovery and all that she learned from her experiences. • The impact of ARP (Addiction Recovery Programs) in her post-rehab path to recovery. • The important process of learning to follow God as an act of pure love, rather than that of fear. • What it means to embrace a journey of progression, instead of perfection.

In part 1 of this compelling interview, I sit down with my neighbor and friend, Tami Oliver, and we discuss: • The stigma and misconceptions that surround those who struggle with addiction in the church. • Some of the insightful science behind the “addicted brain” and how it functions differently than the “non-addicted brain”. • Her emotional story and struggle with perfectionism that eventually led her to substance abuse and addiction.

This week I am joined by my friend Jamie Szabo. In this episode we discuss: • What to do when it seems you’ve done everything right and life still falls apart. • How she coped with an unfortunate divorce early in her marriage. • Maintaining faith that God’s plan is always better than your plan. • What it means to “own your story” and how God can use our experiences to serve and help others.

In this episode I interview my neighbor and friend, Kerry Gray. Together we discuss the similarities in our stories and specifically: • The importance of our experiences at girl’s camp and finding good, influential friends who helped lead us down the right path. • Kerry also shares some of her favorite scriptures and inspirational quotes that have helped her gain so much perspective throughout her life. • How vital it is to simply trust the Lord through every circumstance. • Having an attitude of gratitude.

In this episode, I interview my dear friend Amy Alleman, whose story of loss is beautiful, touching, and incredibly inspiring. She shares: • How she coped with the devastating death of her husband Micheal who died in combat while serving in Iraq. • How the Lord began preparing her for this tragedy long beforehand and how He has brought her peace and healing in the years that followed. • Her advice for finding beauty in the life she has been given. • The importance of simply finding a way to laugh each day and not letting the insignificant problems bring you down.

Lindsay’s longtime friend, Carol Atwater, joins her on this episode and together they discuss: • Approaching challenges with the mindset that we are never alone. • Facing the difficulties of being single and how she has found assurance in the Lord. • How the key to happiness is embracing an eternal perspective. • How keeping a daily journal for nearly a decade has helped her truly see the hand of God in her life.

Lindsay’s neighbor and friend, Aimee Winder Newton, joins her on this week's episode and opens up about: • How the Lord has used the challenges in her life to shape her and teach her new things. • What it means to be a "Conservative Mormon Feminist” and the importance of having strong LDS women at the table in our communities and our governments. • How her faith in the Lord has carried her through the many trials she has faced in regards to her daughter’s health issues. • The importance of treating others the way God would want us to.

Lindsay meets with her neighbor, 95 year old Mildred Barlow, who shares the story of her wonderful life and offers her insight and wisdom on: • The importance of having perspective during the difficult times of motherhood. • Being patient and waiting on the Lord to reveal what He has in store. • How the Lord brought her peace and strength in the time of her husband’s passing. • The fact that it doesn’t matter where we came from in life, but rather who we are. • How the key to living a good life is simply looking for the positive in every situation.

Lindsay’s good friend, Suzy Benavidez-Chapman, joins her on this week’s episode and she opens up about: • The struggles and rewards of her conversion to the church. • Finding patience and peace in the Lord throughout the trying times of motherhood. • The importance of embracing self-worth and accepting human imperfection at a young age. • Her best advice for finding joy through life’s many trials.